Electronic device for recognizing stylus pen and method of operating the same

An electronic device is provided, which includes a panel configured to identify a position of a stylus pen, a communication module configured to transmit/receive a communication signal to/from the stylus pen, and at least one processor configured to, based on detection of the stylus pen by the panel, perform a first operation based on the position of the stylus pen identified by the panel, based on non-detection of the stylus pen by the panel, identify at least one of information about the position of the stylus pen or information indicating whether a button of the stylus pen is pressed, included in at least one communication signal received through the communication module from the stylus pen, and perform a second operation based on at least one of the information about the position of the stylus pen or the information indicating whether the button of the stylus pen is pressed.

PRIORITY

This application is a National Phase Entry of International Application No. PCT/KR2020/010324, which was filed on Aug. 5, 2020, and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0095799 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Aug. 6, 2019, the content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to an electronic device for recognizing a stylus pen and a method of operating the same.

BACKGROUND ART

Electronic devices may receive various inputs from users through specified input devices (e.g., pen input devices or stylus pens) connected with the electronic devices via wireless communication. An electronic device may identify a designated position on an electronic device with a stylus pen. The electronic device may perform a function corresponding thereto.

The electronic device may detect magnetic fields produced from the stylus pen using electro magnetic resonance (EMR). The electronic device may identify the position of the stylus pen based on an electromotive force generated by a magnetic field per channel.

The stylus pen may be connected with the electronic device via short-range communication (e.g., Bluetooth™ low energy (BLE)). The stylus pen may transmit information about a pressing state of a button on the housing of the stylus pen to the electronic device via short-range communication. The electronic device may perform a designated operation based on the received information.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

The electronic device may perform the designated operation depending on whether the stylus pen button is pressed. However, when a command is transmitted depending on an on/off state of the stylus pen button, only a few electronic device operations may be matched to the on/off state of the stylus pen button and be executed. Accordingly, an application supporting various operations based on a stylus pen may be difficult to effectively control.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device is provided, which includes a panel (e.g., a digitizer or a touch panel) capable of identifying the position of a stylus pen and a communication module. When the stylus pen is positioned within a recognition range of the panel, the position of the stylus pen is identified according to a result of panel processing. When the stylus pen is positioned outside the recognition range of the panel, the position of the stylus pen may be identified according to a communication signal received via the communication module. By being able to identify the position of the pen outside the panel's recognition range, a function corresponding to a gesture may be performed, and additional manipulations by the stylus pen, e.g., a mouse function of moving a cursor, are possible.

Various respective aspects and features of the invention are defined in the appended claims. Combinations of features from the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims as appropriate and not merely as explicitly set out in the claims.

Furthermore, one or more selected features of any one embodiment described in this disclosure may be combined with one or more selected features of any other embodiment described herein, provided that the alternative combination of features at least partially alleviates the one or more technical problem discussed in this disclosure or at least partially alleviates a technical problem discernable by the skilled person from this disclosure and further provided that the particular combination or permutation of embodiment features thus formed would not be understood by the skilled person to be incompatible.

Two or more physically distinct components in any described example implementation of this disclosure may alternatively be integrated into a single component where possible, provided that the same function is performed by the single component thus formed. Conversely, a single component of any embodiment described in this disclosure may alternatively be implemented as two or more distinct components to achieve the same function, where appropriate.

In accordance with an embodiment, an electronic device is provided, which includes a panel configured to identify a position of a stylus pen, a communication module configured to transmit and receive communication signals to and from the stylus pen, and at least one processor configured to based on detection of the stylus pen by the panel, perform a first operation based on the position of the stylus pen identified by the panel, based on non-detection of the stylus pen by the panel, identify, from at least one communication signal received through the communication module from the stylus pen, at least one of information about the position of the stylus pen or information indicating whether a button of the stylus pen is pressed, and perform a second operation based on the at least one of the information about the position of the stylus pen or the information indicating whether the button of the stylus pen is pressed.

In accordance with an embodiment, a stylus pen is provided, which includes a button, a resonance circuit including a coil and at least one capacitor, at least one sensor configured to sense at least one of a movement of the stylus pen, an orientation of the stylus pen, or a direction of the stylus pen, a communication module, and at least one control circuit configured to based on non-identification of a transmission signal from a panel of an electronic device, identify whether the button is pressed, identify information about a position of the stylus pen based on data sensed by the at least one sensor, based on a pressing of the button, and control the communication module to transmit at least one communication signal including at least one of information about the position of the stylus pen or information indicating whether the button is pressed, and wherein upon identifying the transmission signal from the panel of the electronic device, the at least one communication signal is not transmitted.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the invention to solve, mitigate or obviate, at least partly, at least one of the problems and/or disadvantages associated with the prior art. Certain embodiments aim to provide at least one of the advantages described below.

Advantageous Effects

In accordance with various embodiments, an electronic device includes a panel (e.g., a digitizer or touch panel) capable of identifying the position of a stylus pen and a communication module. When the stylus pen is positioned within a range in which the panel may recognize it, the electronic device and method of operating the same identify the position of the stylus pen according to the result of panel processing. When the stylus pen is positioned outside the range in which the panel may recognize it, the electronic device and method of operating the same identify the position of the stylus pen according to a communication signal received via the communication module. By being able to identify the position of the pen outside the recognizable range, a function corresponding to a gesture may be performed, and additional manipulation by the stylus pen of the mouse function of moving the cursor may be possible.

MODE FOR INVENTION

Various embodiments of the disclosure are described below with reference to the detailed description and accompanying drawings. Descriptions of well-known functions and/or configurations are omitted for the sake of clarity and conciseness.

The input device150may receive a command or data to be used by another component (e.g., the processor120) of the electronic device101, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device101. The input device150may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The power management module188may manage power supplied to the electronic device101. According to one embodiment, the power management module388may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

FIG.2illustrates an electronic device101including a stylus pen201according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.2, the electronic device101may have a structure in which the stylus pen201may be inserted. The electronic device101may include a housing210, and a hole211may be formed in a portion of the housing210, e.g., a portion of a side surface210a. The electronic device101may include a first inner space212, which is a storage space connected with the hole211and the stylus pen201may be inserted into the first inner space212. The stylus pen201may have a pressable first button201aat an end thereof to be easily pulled out of the first inner space212of the electronic device101. When the first button201ais pressed, a repulsive mechanism (e.g., at least one elastic member, e.g., a spring) configured in association with the first button201amay be operated to at least partially eject the stylus pen201from the first inner space212.

FIG.3Aillustrates a stylus pen according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.3A, the stylus pen201may include a processor220, a memory230, a resonance circuit287, a charging circuit288, a battery289, a communication circuit290, an antenna297, a trigger circuit298, and/or a sensor299. According to an embodiment, the processor220, at least part of the resonance circuit287, and/or at least part of the communication circuit290of the stylus pen201may be configured in the form of a chip or on a printed circuit board. The processor220, the resonance circuit287, and/or the communication circuit290may be electrically connected with the memory230, the charging circuit288, the battery289, the antenna297, the trigger circuit298, and/or the sensor299.

The processor220may include a customized hardware module or a generic processor configured to execute software (e.g., an application program). The processor220may include a hardware component (function) or software element (program) including at least one of a communication module or a module to manage the state or environment of the stylus pen201, an input/output interface, a data measuring module, and various sensors provided in the stylus pen201. The processor220may include a hardware module, a software module, a firmware module, or a combination of two or more thereof. The processor220may be configured to transmit, through the communication circuit290, to the electronic device101, information indicating a pressing state of a button, sensing information obtained by the sensor299, and/or information (e.g., information associated with the position of the stylus pen201) calculated based on the sensing information.

The resonance circuit287may resonate based on an electromagnetic field signal generated from a digitizer (e.g., the display device160) of the electronic device101and may radiate an electromagnetic resonance (EMR) input signal (or magnetic field) by the resonance. The electronic device101may identify the position of the stylus pen201over the electronic device101using the EMR input signal. For example, the electronic device101may identify the position of the stylus pen201based on the magnitude of the electromotive force (e.g., output current) generated by the EMR input signal at each of a plurality of channels (e.g., a plurality of loop coils) in the digitizer.

Although the electronic device101and the stylus pen201are described herein as being operated based on the EMR scheme, this is merely an example and the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device101may generate an electrical field-based signal based on an electrically coupled resonance (ECR) scheme. The resonance circuit of the stylus pen201may be resonated by the electric field. The electronic device101may identify the electric potential at the plurality of channels (e.g., electrodes) by the resonance of the stylus pen201and may identify the position of the stylus pen201based on the electric potential. The stylus pen201may also be implemented in an active electrostatic (AES) scheme, and it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosure is not limited to a specific kind of implementation. Further, the electronic device101may detect the stylus pen201based on a variation in capacitance (e.g., self capacitance or mutual capacitance) associated with at least one electrode of the touch panel. In this case, the stylus pen201may not include the resonance circuit. In the disclosure, the term “panel” or “sensing panel” may collectively refer to a digitizer and touch screen panel (TSP).

The memory230may store information related to the operation of the stylus pen201. For example, the information may include information for communicating with the electronic device101and frequency information related to the input operation of the stylus pen201, The memory230may store a program (or application, algorithm, or processing loop) for calculating information (e.g., coordinate information and/or displacement information) about the position of the stylus pen201from the sensing data obtained by the sensor299. The memory230may store the communication stack of the communication circuit290. The communication circuit290and/or processor220may include a dedicated memory.

The resonance circuit287may include a coil (or inductor) and/or capacitor. The resonance circuit287may be resonated based on an input electric field and/or magnetic field (e.g., an electric field and/or magnetic field generated from the digitizer of the electronic device101). When the stylus pen201transmits signals via the EMR scheme, the stylus pen201may generate a signal having a resonance frequency based on an electromagnetic field generated from the inductive panel of the electronic device101. When the stylus pen201transmits signals via the AES scheme, the stylus pen201may generate a signal using a capacitive coupling with the electronic device101. When the stylus pen201transmits signals via the ECR scheme, the stylus pen201may generate a signal having a resonance frequency based on an electric field generated from a capacitive device of the electronic device.

The resonance circuit287may be used to vary the frequency or strength of electromagnetic field according to the user's manipulation state. For example, the resonance circuit287may provide various frequencies to recognize a hovering input, a drawing input, a button input, or an erasing input. For example, the resonance circuit287may provide various resonance frequencies according to combinations of connections of a plurality of capacitors or based on a variable inductor and/or variable capacitor.

When connected with the resonance circuit287based on a switching circuit, the charging circuit288may rectify a resonance signal generated from the resonance circuit287into a direct current (DC) signal and provide the DC signal to the battery289. The stylus pen201may identify whether the stylus pen201is inserted into the electronic device101using a voltage level of a DC signal sensed by the charging circuit288. Alternatively, the stylus pen201may identify the pattern corresponding to the signal identified by the charging circuit288, thereby identifying whether the stylus pen201has been inserted.

The battery289may be configured to store power for operating the stylus pen201. The battery289may include a lithium-ion battery or a capacitor, and may be recharged or replaced. The battery289may be charged with power (e.g., DC signal (DC power)) received from the charging circuit288.

The communication circuit290may be configured to perform wireless communication between the stylus pen201and the communication module190of the electronic device101. The communication circuit290may transmit state information about the stylus pen201, input information, and/or position-related information to the electronic device101using a short-range communication scheme. For example, the communication circuit290may transmit direction information (e.g., motion sensor data) about the stylus pen201obtained through the trigger circuit298, voice information entered through the microphone, or remaining power information about the battery289to the electronic device101. The communication circuit290may transmit the sensing data obtained from the sensor299and/or information associated with the position of the stylus pen201, identified based on the sensing data, to the electronic device101. The communication circuit290may transmit information about the state of a button337of the stylus pen201to the electronic device101. The short-range communication scheme may include, but is not limited in kind to, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), near-field communication (NEC), or wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct.

The antenna297may be used to transmit signals or power to the outside (e.g., the electronic device101) or receive signals or power from the outside. The stylus pen201may include a plurality of antennas297and select at least one antenna297appropriate for the communication scheme from among the plurality of antennas. The communication circuit290may exchange signals or power with an external electronic device through the at least one selected antenna297.

The trigger circuit298may include at least one button or sensor circuit. The processor220may identify the input scheme (e.g., a touch or press) or kind of the button (e.g., EMR button or BLE button) of the stylus pen201. The trigger circuit298may transmit a trigger signal to the electronic device101using a signal through a sensor299or a button input signal.

The sensor299may include an accelerometer, a gyro sensor, and/or a geomagnetic sensor. The accelerometer may sense linear movement of the stylus pen201and/or information about the acceleration on the three axes of the stylus pen201. The gyro sensor may sense information related to the rotation of the stylus pen201. The geomagnetic sensor may sense information about the direction of the stylus pen201in an absolute coordinate system. The sensor299may include a sensor capable of generating an electric signal or data value corresponding to the internal operation status or external environment of the stylus pen201, such as a remaining battery capacity sensor, pressure sensor, optical sensor, temperature sensor, or biometric sensor, as well as the sensor for measuring the movement. The processor220may transmit the information obtained from the sensor299through the communication circuit290to the electronic device101. The processor220may transmit information (e.g., the coordinates of the stylus pen201and/or the displacement of the stylus pen201) associated with the position of the stylus pen201based on the information obtained from the sensor299through the communication circuit290to the electronic device101.

FIG.3Billustrates a stylus pen according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.3B, the stylus pen201may include a pen housing300forming the outer appearance of the stylus pen201and an inner assembly inside the pen housing300. The inner assembly may be inserted into the pen housing300, with several parts mounted inside the stylus pen201assembled together, by a single assembly operation.

The pen housing300may include an elongate second internal space301between a first end300aand a second end300b. The cross section of the pen housing300may be shaped as an ellipse with a longer axis and a shorter axis and may overall be shaped as an elliptical cylinder. As described above in connection withFIG.2, the first inner space212of the electronic device101may have an elliptical cross section corresponding to the shape of the pen housing300. The pen housing300may at least partially include a synthetic resin (e.g., plastic) and/or a metal (e.g., aluminum). The first end300aof the pen housing300may be formed of a synthetic resin. Other various embodiments may be applied to the material of the pen housing300.

The inner assembly may be elongated corresponding to the shape of the pen housing300. The inner assembly may largely be divided into three components along the lengthwise direction. The inner assembly may include a coil part310disposed in a position corresponding to the first end300aof the pen housing300, an ejection member320disposed in a position corresponding to the second end300bof the pen housing300, and a circuit board part330disposed in a position corresponding to the body of the pen housing300.

The coil part310may include a pen tip311, which is exposed to the outside of the first end300bwhen the inner assembly is fully inserted into the pen housing300, a packing ring312, a coil313wound multiple times, and/or a pen pressure sensor314to obtain variations in pressure when the pen tip311is pressurized. The packing ring312may include epoxy, rubber, urethane, or silicone. The packing ring312may be provided for waterproof or dustproof purposes and protect the coil part310and the circuit board part330from water or dust. The coil313may form a resonance frequency within a preset frequency band (e.g., 500 kHz) and may be combined with at least one device (e.g., a capacitor) to adjust the resonance frequency produced by the coil313within a predetermined range.

The ejection member320may include a configuration to pull the stylus pen.201out of the first inner space212of the electronic device101. The ejection member320may include a shaft321, an ejection body322disposed around the shaft321to form the overall outer appearance of the ejection member320, and a button part323(e.g., the first button201aofFIG.2). When the inner assembly is fully inserted into the pen housing300, the portion including the shaft321and the ejection body322may be surrounded by the second end300bof the pen housing300, and at least part of the button part323may be exposed to the outside of the second end300b. A plurality of parts, e.g., cam members or elastic members, may be disposed in the ejection body322to form a push-pull structure. The button part323may substantially be coupled with the shaft321to linearly move back and forth along the ejection body322. The button part323may include a button with a jaw to allow the user to pull out the stylus pen201with her fingernail. The stylus pen201may include a sensor to detect the linear motion of the shaft321to thereby provide another input scheme.

The circuit board part330includes a printed circuit board332, a base331surrounding at least one surface of the printed circuit board332, and an antenna. A board seating part333may be formed on top of the base331to allow the printed circuit board332to rest, and the printed circuit board332may be seated and fastened onto the board seating part333. The printed circuit board332may include a first surface and a second surface. A variable capacitor or a switch334, which is connected with the coil313, may be disposed on the first surface, and a charging circuit, a battery336, or a communication circuit may be disposed on the second surface. The first surface and the second surface of the printed circuit board332may denote different surfaces stacked one over another, and in other embodiments, the first surface and the second surface may refer to different portions of the printed circuit board which are disposed along the lengthwise direction of the printed circuit board332. The battery336may include an electric double layered capacitor (EDLC). The charging circuit may be positioned between the coil313and the battery and may include a voltage detector circuit and a rectifier. The battery336may not necessarily be disposed on the second surface of the printed circuit board332. Instead, the position of the battery336may be set differently depending on various mounting structures of the circuit board330and therefore, may differ from the position shown in the drawings.

The antenna may include an antenna structure339as illustrated inFIG.3Band/or an antenna embedded in the printed circuit board332. A switch334is provided on the printed circuit board332. A second button337provided to the stylus pen201may be used to press the switch334and may be exposed to the outside through a side opening302of the pen housing300. The second button337may be supported by the supporting member338and, if no external force is applied to the second button337, the supporting member338may provide an elastic restoration force to allow the second button337to remain or go back to a predetermined position. The second button337may be implemented as any one of a physical key, touch key, motion key, pressure key, or keyless, but not limited to a specific type of implementation.

The circuit board part330may include a packing ring, such as an O-ring. O-rings may be disposed at both ends of the base331, thereby forming a sealing structure between the base331and the pen housing300-1. The supporting member338may partially come in tight contact with the inner wall of the pen housing300around the side opening302, thereby forming a sealing structure. For example, at least part of the circuit board part330may also include a waterproof, dustproof structure similar to the packing ring312of the coil part310.

The stylus pen201may include a battery seating part333aon the top surface of the base331to allow the battery336to sit thereon. The battery336mountable on the battery seating part333amay include, e.g., a cylinder-type battery.

The stylus pen201may include a microphone and/or speaker. The microphone and/or speaker may be connected directly to the printed circuit board332or to a separate flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) connected with the printed circuit board332. The microphone and/or speaker may be disposed in a position parallel with the second button337along the longer direction of the stylus pen301.

FIG.4illustrates an electronic device and stylus pen according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.4, an electronic device101may include a pen controller410. The pen controller410may include at least one coil411and412and may provide charging power to a stylus pen201via at least one of the coils411and412. The coils411and412may be positioned adjacent to the coil421of the stylus pen201when the stylus pen201is in the receiving space of the electronic device101, but the position of the coils411and412is not limited thereto.

Insertion of the stylus pen201into the receiving space is merely an example. For example, the electronic device101may have an area (or space) where the stylus pen201may be mounted (or attached) in which case the stylus pen201may be attached to or detached from the area (or space). In this disclosure, it will be easily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the operations that are performed when the stylus pen201is positioned in the receiving space may also be performed when the stylus pen201is attached to a mounting area (or space). At least some functions of the pen controller410may be performed by the processor120, or the pen controller410and the processor120may be integrated together to perform at least some functions. When the pen controller410performs a specific operation, the specific operation may actually, be performed by the processor120or by a control circuit independent from the processor120. The pen controller410may include a control circuit (e.g., a control circuit independent from the processor120), an inverter, and/or an amplifier, as well as the at least one coil411and412. The pen controller410may include no control circuit, such that a signal for charging may be provided to the coils411and412under the control of the processor120.

The pen controller410may provide a signal with a pattern via the at least one coil411and412. The pattern may be previously shared with the stylus pen201for controlling the stylus pen201and may include a charging initiation indication pattern, a charging termination indication pattern, and/or a detection pattern. Although two coils411and412are illustrated inFIG.4, this is merely an example, and the number of coils is not limited thereto.

The resonance circuit420of the stylus pen201may include a coil421, at least one capacitor422and423, and/or a switch424. When the switch424is in an off state, the coil421and the capacitor422may form a resonance circuit and, when the switch424is in an on state, the coil421and the capacitors422and423may form a resonance circuit. Thus, the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit420may vary depending on the on/off state of the switch424. For example, the electronic device101may identify the on/off state of the switch424based on the frequency of a signal from the stylus pen201. When the button337of the stylus pen201is pressed/released, the switch424may be turned on/off, and the electronic device101may identify whether the button337of the stylus pen201is pressed based on the frequency of a reception signal identified via the digitizer.

A at least one rectifier431and435may rectify an alternating current (AC) waveform of signal (VPEN) output from the resonance circuit420and output the rectified signal. The charging switch controller (SWchgctrl)432may receive the rectified signal (VM) output from the rectifier431, Based on the rectified signal, the charging switch controller432may identify whether the signal generated from the resonance circuit is a signal for charging or a signal for detecting the position. For example, the charging switch controller432may identify whether the signal generated from the resonance circuit is a signal for charging or a signal for detecting the position based on the magnitude of the voltage of the rectified signal. The charging switch controller432may identify whether a signal with a charging initiation pattern is input based on the waveform of the rectified signal.

Upon identifying that that the signal is a signal for charging, the charging switch controller432may turn on the charging switch SWchg436. Upon detecting a signal with the charging initiation pattern, the charging switch controller432may turn on the charging switch SWchg436. The charging switch controller432may transfer a charging initiation signal (chg_on) to the charging switch436. In this case, the rectified signal (YIN) may be transferred through the charging switch436to a battery437. The battery437may be charged with the received rectified signal. An over-voltage protection circuit (OVP)433may identify the battery voltage (VBAT) and, when the battery voltage exceeds an over-voltage threshold, turn off the charging switch436.

A load switch controller (SWLctrl)434, upon identifying that the battery voltage exceeds an operation voltage threshold, may turn on a load switch (SWL)438. When the load switch438turns on, power from the battery437may be transferred to the BLE communication circuit and controller (BLE+controller)439. The BLE communication circuit and controller439may be operated using the received power. When the distance between the stylus pen201and the electronic device101is larger than a threshold distance, a button control circuit440may transfer information about an input of the button337to the BLE communication circuit and controller439. The BLE communication circuit and controller439may transmit the received button input information through the antenna441to the electronic device101.

A sensor450may include a gyro sensor451and/or an accelerometer452. Sensing data obtained by the gyro sensor451and/or the accelerometer452may be transferred to the BLE communication circuit and controller439. The BLE communication circuit and controller439may transmit a communication signal including the received sending data through the antenna441to the electronic device101. The BLE communication circuit and controller439may identify information associated with the position of the stylus pen201(e.g., the coordinates and/or displacement of the stylus pen201) identified based on the received sending data. The BLE communication circuit and controller439may transmit the identified information associated with the position of the stylus pen201through the antenna441to the electronic device101.

When the stylus pen201is removed from the electronic device101, the BLE communication circuit and controller439may activate the accelerometer452, When the button is pressed, the BLE communication circuit and controller439may activate the gyro sensor451. The time of activation is merely an example, and no limitation is posed on the time of activation per sensor. Further, the sensor450may further include a geomagnetic sensor. When only the accelerometer452is activated, the stylus pen201may provide acceleration information measured by the accelerometer452to the electronic device101, and the electronic device101may be operated based on both the acceleration information and the position of the stylus pen201identified based on the pen signal.

Additionally, whileFIG.4illustrates BLE communication circuit and controller439, the disclosure is not limited to BLE communication and may utilize any other suitable short-range communication scheme,

FIG.5illustrates an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.5, an electronic device101may include a sensing panel controller511, a processor512, a Bluetooth controller513, and/or an antenna514. The electronic device101may include a sensing panel503, a display assembly502disposed on the sensing panel503, and/or a window501disposed on the display assembly502. When the sensing panel503is implemented as a digitizer, a touch screen panel may further be disposed thereover or thereunder to sense the user's touch. The touch screen panel may be positioned on the display assembly502. The sensing panel503may be implemented as a digitizer and may include a plurality of loop coils. When implemented as a digitizer, the sensing panel503may include an element (e.g., an amplifier) for applying electrical signals (e.g., transmission signals) to the loop coils. The sensing panel503may include an element (e.g., an amplifier, capacitor, or analog-digital converter (ADC)) for processing signals (e.g., input signals) output from the loop coils. The sensing panel503may identify the position of the stylus pen201based on the magnitudes (e.g., digital values converted into per channel) of signals output from the loop coils and output the position to the processor120. The processor120may identify the position of the stylus pen201based on the magnitudes (e.g., digital values converted into per channel) output from the loop coils. The sensing panel503may apply a current to at least one of the loop coils, and the at least one coil may create a magnetic field. The stylus pen201may be resonated by the magnetic field created around it, and a magnetic field may be created by the resonance from the stylus pen201. By the magnetic field created from the stylus pen201, a current may be output from each of the loop coils. The electronic device101may identify the position of the stylus pen201based on the per-channel current magnitudes (e.g., digital values converted into) of the loop coils.

To determine the position of the stylus pen201, the loop coils may include coils extending in one axial (e.g., the x axis) direction and coils extending in another axial (e.g., the y axis) direction, but their array is not limited thereto.

The sensing panel controller511may apply transmission signals Tx to at least some of the plurality of loop coils of the sensing panel503, and the loop coils receiving the transmit signals Tx may create a magnetic field. The sensing panel controller511may receive reception signals Rx from at least some of the plurality of loop coils in a time-division manner. The sensing panel controller511may identify the position of the stylus pen201based on the reception signal Rx and transfer the position of the stylus pen201to the processor512. For example, the magnitude of the reception signal Rx may differ per loop coil (e.g., per channel), and the position of the stylus pen201may be identified based on the magnitudes of the received signals. The electronic device101may identify whether the button of the stylus pen201is pressed based on the frequency of the received signal. When the frequency of the reception signal is a first frequency, the electronic device101may identify that the button of the stylus pen201is pressed. However, when the frequency of the reception signal is a second frequency, the electronic device110may identify that the button of the stylus pen201is not pressed or is released. When the sensing panel is implemented as a touch screen panel (TSP), the sensing panel503may identify the position of the stylus pen201based on a signal output from an electrode. The touch screen panel may be positioned on the display assembly502. The touch screen panel may be implemented in an in-cell structure in which sensor electrodes are positioned inside the display assembly502or in an on-cell structure where sensor electrodes are positioned on the display assembly502. Alternatively, the electronic device101may detect the pen based on a variation in capacitance (mutual capacitance and/or self capacitance) at the touch panel electrode. A digitizer or hardware capable of sensing a pen signal from the stylus pen of the touch screen panel may be denoted as the sensing panel503. When the position of the stylus pen201is identified using the touch screen panel, the electronic device101may identify whether the button is pressed based on the received communication signal.

The sensing panel controller511may identify whether the stylus pen201is inserted (or coupled) into the electronic device101based on the received signal and transfer the same to the processor512. The sensing panel controller511may be integrated with the sensing panel503. The pen controller410ofFIG.4, along with the sensing panel controller510, may be implemented as a single integrated circuit (IC). The processor512may transmit a signal for wireless charging based on whether the stylus pen201is inserted. The processor512may control the Bluetooth controller513based on whether the stylus pen201is inserted and, when no wireless communication connection is formed, control the Bluetooth controller513to form a wireless communication connection to the stylus pen201, Further, when the stylus pen201is mounted, the stylus pen201may transmit charging capacity information to the electronic device101via wireless communication. When the stylus pen201is removed, the stylus pen201may transmit information about a button pressing and sensor data to the electronic device101, The processor512may perform control to transmit a charging signal and control signal to the sensing panel controller511based on the data received from the stylus pen201. The processor512may identify the gesture of the stylus pen201based on the data received from the stylus pen201and perform an operation corresponding to the gesture. The processor512may transfer a function mapped to the gesture to an application. The Bluetooth controller513may transmit/receive information to/from the stylus pen201via the antenna514. The display assembly502may include an element for displaying a screen. The window501may be formed of a transparent material to allow at least part of the display assembly502to be visually exposed.

FIG.6Aillustrates operations of a stylus pen and an electronic device when the stylus pen is inserted into the electronic device, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.6A, in operation601, the stylus pen201is inserted into the receiving space of the electronic device101. For example, the user may insert the stylus pen201into the receiving space of the electronic device101, and this operation is shown in dashed lines based on not being an active operation of the stylus pen201.

FIG.6Aillustrates an example in which the stylus pen201is inserted into the electronic device101when there is no communication connection formed between the stylus pen201and the electronic device101. As described herein, when the electronic device101or stylus pen201performs a specific operation, this may mean that the processor120included in the electronic device101or the processor220included in the stylus pen201performs the specific operation. When the electronic device101or stylus pen201performs a specific operation, this may mean that the processor120included in the electronic device101or the processor220included in the stylus pen201controls other hardware to perform the specific operation. When the electronic device101or stylus pen201performs a specific operation, this may mean that instructions stored in the memory are executed or stored to enable the processor120included in the electronic device101or the processor220included in the stylus pen201to perform the specific operation.

In operation603, the electronic device101may detect the insertion of the stylus pen201. For example, the electronic device101may detect an insertion of the stylus pen201based on a reception signal received from the stylus pen201in response to a transmission signal transmitted through receiving space coils. Detection of insertion is not limited to a specific scheme.

In operation605, the electronic device101may perform an initialization operation. For example, the electronic device101may transfer a reset command to the stylus pen201. The electronic device101may transfer the reset command upon identifying an insertion of the stylus pen201with no connection history, a stuck state, idle state, or a state in which no connection has been formed.

In operation607, the stylus pen201may perform a reset operation. For example, the stylus pen201may release the existing BLE connection and initialize the BLE communication module. In operation609, the stylus pen201may perform an advertising operation. For example, the stylus pen201may broadcast advertisement signals. In operation611, the electronic device101may identify the inserted stylus pen201. The electronic device101may identify the inserted stylus pen201based on the received advertisement signal.

In operation613, the electronic device101, may send a request for communication connection. For example, the electronic device101may transmit a connection request signal corresponding to the advertisement signal. In operation615, the stylus pen201may form a communication connection with the electronic device101.

FIG.6Billustrates operations when a stylus pen is inserted into an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.6B, in operation621, the stylus pen201may be inserted into a receiving space of the electronic device101.

Upon identifying the insertion in step623, the electronic device101may start charging in operation625, For example, the electronic device101may transfer a signal with a pattern indicating the charge start through the coils411and412of the receiving space or may transfer a communication signal indicating the charge start through the communication module to the stylus pen201.

In operation627, the stylus pen201may identify the information indicating the charge start and may start charging (chg_on). For example, the stylus pen201may control a charging switch436to connect the rectifier435to the battery437.

In operation629, the stylus pen201may detect being positioned in the receiving space. In operation631, the electronic device101transfers a command of reset start to the stylus pen201.

In operation633, the stylus pen201may perform a reset. For example, the stylus pen201may initialize the BLE module.

In operation635, the stylus pen201may perform an advertising procedure.

In operation637, the electronic device101may start scanning for the stylus pen and, in operation639, continue scanning. For example, the electronic device101may perform scanning during a time-out period (e.g., 40 seconds).

In operation641, the electronic device101may start searching for the inserted stylus pen. Alternatively, operation637, operation639, and operation641may be performed as one operation.

In operation643, the electronic device101and the stylus pen201may perform a search procedure. For example, after transmitting a charge start signal or without transmitting a charge start signal, the electronic device101may perform a search of whether there is a stylus pen201transmitting an advertising signal. The stylus pen201may be configured to transmit an advertising signal upon receiving the charge start signal. Thus, the electronic device101may identify the advertising signal received after transmitting the charge start signal and may thus identify the stylus pen201inserted into the electronic device101.

In operation645, the electronic device101detects the inserted stylus pen201.

In operation647, the electronic device101may transfer a connect request to the stylus pen201. In operation649, the stylus pen201may receive the connect request from the electronic device101. In operation651, the electronic device101and the stylus pen201may be connected together.

In operation653, the stylus pen201may set a descriptor and transfer information about the descriptor to the electronic device101. The electronic device101may identify the descriptor. The descriptor may be a setting for an activated function (e.g., device information including battery information or button event) and is not limited in type.

In operation655, the stylus pen201may transmit information about the descriptor to the electronic device101. Alternatively, the electronic device101may identify that there is no need for performing a reset/communication connection with the stylus pen201, in which case, operations631to651may be omitted,

FIG.6Cillustrates operations of an electronic device and a stylus pen when the stylus pen is inserted, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.6C, in operation661, the stylus pen201may be inserted into the receiving space of the electronic device101. For example, after its initial insertion, the stylus pen201may be removed from, or inserted back into, the receiving space. In operation663, the electronic device101may detect the insertion of the stylus pen201. In operation665, the electronic device101may command the stylus pen201to activate charging. The electronic device101may command to activate charging based on transmission of a signal with a pattern via a receiving space coil or a communication signal via the communication module.

In operation667, the electronic device101may start a charging mode. In operation669, the stylus pen201may detect an insertion of the stylus pen201, The stylus pen201may identify whether it is inserted based on information received from the electronic device101or the magnitude of voltage applied to the resonance circuit (or output terminal of the rectifier) of the stylus pen201. In operation671, the stylus pen201may deactivate the sensors. The stylus pen201may deactivate some sensors or be configured to skip sensor deactivation. In operation673, the electronic device101and the stylus pen201may perform charging. Alternatively, charging673may be performed immediately after the charging mode is initiated in operation667, as the time of performing charging is not limited to a specific time.

FIG.7illustrates operations of a stylus pen and an electronic device when the stylus pen is removed from the electronic device, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.7, in operation701, the stylus pen201may be removed from the receiving space of the electronic device101. For example, the user may pull the stylus pen201out of the receiving space of the electronic device101.

In operation703, the electronic device101may detect the removal of the stylus pen201. For example, the electronic device101may detect the removal of the stylus pen201based on failure to receive a signal responsive to the signal from the receiving space coils411and412, but not limited to a specific method for detecting the removal. The electronic device101may be configured to identify insertion/removal of the stylus pen201based on sensing data from a detection sensor, e.g., a hall sensor.

In operation705, the stylus pen201may detect the removal of the stylus pen201. For example, the stylus pen201may detect the removal of the stylus pen101based on failure to receive a signal from the electronic device101based on the voltage VM of the output end of the rectifier431, but not limited to a specific method for detecting the removal. Upon detecting the removal, the stylus pen201may exchange parameters (e.g., connection interval and/or slave latency) with the electronic device101.

In operation707, the stylus pen201may activate the accelerometer based on detection of the removal, and in step709, the stylus pen201may sense acceleration information about the stylus pen201via the activated accelerometer.

The stylus pen201may transmit the sensed acceleration information to the electronic device101. The electronic device101may perform an operation based on the received acceleration information. The stylus pen201may be configured to activate the accelerometer while keeping the gyro sensor, which consumes relatively high power, inactive.

In operation711, the stylus pen201may identify an input of the button. Upon identifying a button input, the stylus pen201may activate the gyro sensor in operation713.

In operation715, the stylus pen201may sense rotation information via the activated gyro sensor in operation715, and in operation717, the stylus pen201may transmit information based on the result of sensing. For example, the stylus pen201may transmit sensing information obtained via the accelerometer and/or gyro sensor to the electronic device101. The stylus pen201may identify the coordinates of the stylus pen201(e.g., two-dimensional coordinates or three-dimensional coordinates) based on the sensing information obtained via the accelerometer and gyro sensor and transmit the identified coordinates to the electronic device101. The stylus pen201may identify displacement information about the coordinates of the stylus pen201based on the sensing information obtained via the accelerometer and gyro sensor. The stylus pen201may transmit the identified displacement information to the electronic device101. The stylus pen201may estimate an initial orientation of the stylus pen201based on information measured by the accelerometer. The stylus pen201may correct the position information using the initial Orientation.

In operation719, the electronic device101may perform an operation based on the received information. Upon receiving the sensing information, the electronic device101may identify the position information about the stylus pen201based on the sensing information and identify a gesture corresponding to the position information. The electronic device101may perform an operation corresponding to the identified gesture. Upon receiving the position information about the stylus pen201, the electronic device101may identify the gesture corresponding to the position information and perform an operation corresponding to the gesture. For example, the stylus pen201may transmit information to the electronic device101until the pen button input is released. The electronic device101may identify the gesture based on the position information about the stylus pen201identified until the release of the button input is detected. Upon detecting the release of the button input, the stylus pen201may again deactivate the gyro sensor.

The stylus pen201may activate both the gyro sensor and the accelerometer at the time of detecting removal. In this case, the position information about the stylus pen201before the button input may be used to correct the direction of gesture, allowing for better accuracy for gesture recognition. For example, the electronic device101may identify initial orientation information about the stylus pen201and recognize the gesture using a displacement based on the initial orientation information,

FIG.8illustrates operations when a stylus pen is inserted into/removed from an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.8, when the stylus pen201is first received in the electronic device101in operation801), the stylus pen201and the electronic device101may perform initialization and communication connection of the communication module in operation803.

When the stylus pen201is pulled out from the receiving space of the electronic device101in operation811, the electronic device101and the stylus pen201may be operated in any one mode of a gesture mode813, an air mouse mode815, a BLE mode817, or a pen mode819. The gesture mode813, the air mouse mode815, the BLE mode817, or the pen mode819is a scheme for processing at least one of a communication signal from the stylus pen201or the position of the stylus pen201and may be referred to as a processing scheme. For example, when the stylus pen201is positioned inside a recognition area (in-range) of the sensing panel (e.g., a digitizer and/or touch screen panel), the electronic device101and the stylus pen201may be operated in the pen mode819. For example, when the stylus pen201is positioned outside the recognition area (out-range) of the sensing panel, the electronic device101and the stylus pen201may be operated in any one mode of the gesture mode813, the air mouse mode815, or the BLE mode. Entry conditions and operations for each mode are described below.

When the stylus pen201is removed from the electronic device101and is then reinserted in step821, the stylus pen201may deactivate the sensor and perform charging in step823. The stylus pen201may also perform sensor deactivation and charging upon first insertion.

FIG.9is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment,FIG.10illustrates positional relationships between a stylus pen and an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.9and10, the electronic device101identifies removal of the stylus pen201in step901.

In operation903, the electronic device101may identify whether the stylus pen201is detected based on a signal from the panel. For example, when the electronic device101uses an EMR scheme, the electronic device101may identify whether the stylus pen201is detected based on a reception signal output from the sensing panel503.

Referring toFIG.10, the stylus pen201may be positioned within a recognition range h from the panel of the electronic device101. The sensing panel503may output a transmission signal1001(e.g., a magnetic field) during a first period. By the transmission signal1001, a resonance may occur within the resonance circuit inside the stylus pen201, and a reception signal1002may be generated by the resonance. The sensing panel503may identify the position of the stylus pen201based on the reception signal1002during a second period. When the magnitude of the reception signal1002exceeds a threshold magnitude, the electronic device101may identify that the stylus pen201has been detected. When the stylus pen201is positioned outside the recognition range h from the panel of the electronic device101, no reception signal is generated from the stylus pen201or a reception signal from the stylus pen201may have a magnitude less than the threshold magnitude. In this case, the electronic device101may identify that it has failed to detect the stylus pen201. Alternatively, when a variation in capacitance at a touch panel is less than a threshold variation, the electronic device101using the touch panel may identify that it has failed to detect the stylus pen201. The stylus pen201may identify whether the stylus pen201is positioned within the recognition range, based on the magnitude of the transmission signal1001. As described above, the electronic device101may perform communication with the stylus pen201, based on a first communication scheme (e.g., a communication scheme using EMR). Upon using the first communication scheme, the electronic device101may use the sensing panel503, such as a digitizer, and the stylus pen201may use a resonance coil. The electronic device101may also perform communication with the stylus pen201based on a second communication scheme (e.g., a communication scheme using BLE).

Referring again toFIG.9, upon identifying that the stylus pen201has been detected in step903, the electronic device101may identify the position of the stylus pen201based on a signal from the panel in operation905.

In operation907, the electronic device101may perform a first operation corresponding to the position of the stylus pen201based on the result of identification. For example, the electronic device101may perform a function configured to an object corresponding to the position of the stylus pen201or display a drawing object depending on the position of the stylus pen201. Additionally, the electronic device101may identify whether the button of the stylus pen201is pressed. The electronic device101may perform operations further based on whether the button of the stylus pen201is pressed. The electronic device101may identify whether the button of the stylus pen201is pressed based on information received through the communication module or the frequency of a signal identified on the panel.

Referring again toFIG.10, upon identifying a gesture based on information included in a communication signal within the recognition range h, the electronic device101may perform different operations from when identifying a gesture based on information included in a communication signal outside the recognition range h. For example, upon identifying a swipe up gesture by a communication signal from the stylus pen201within the recognition range h, the electronic device101may perform an up-scroll. Upon identifying a swipe up gesture by a communication signal from the stylus pen201outside the recognition range h, the electronic device101may perform an enlarge operation. However, this is merely an example. The electronic device101may be configured to disregard the gesture by the communication signal from the stylus pen201within the recognition range h.

Referring again toFIG.9, upon identifying that the stylus pen201has not been detected in step903, the electronic device101may identify information about the position of the stylus pen201and/or information indicating whether the button of the stylus pen201is pressed, based on the communication signal in operation909.

Referring again toFIG.10, when the stylus pen201is outside the recognition range h, the stylus pen201may not receive the transmission signal1011from the panel and, thus, no reception signal may be generated by resonance, Thus, the stylus pen201may transmit/receive the communication signal1012to/from the electronic device101. The electronic device101may identify whether the button of the stylus pen201is pressed and/or the information about the position of the stylus pen201, based on the information included in the communication signal.

Referring again toFIG.9, in operation911, the electronic device101may perform a second operation corresponding to the result of identification. The electronic device101may identify a processing mode based on information included in at least one communication signal and may be operated according to the identified processing mode.

Referring again toFIG.10, when the stylus pen201is positioned within the recognition range h, the stylus pen201may detect a transmission signal1001from the sensing panel503of the electronic device101. When the transmission signal1001is detected, although a pressing of the button is identified, the stylus pen201may not transfer information indicating the identified button pressing to the Bluetooth controller513. Thus, even when the button is pressed, the stylus pen201may not transmit the communication signal indicating whether the button is pressed to the electronic device101.

When the stylus pen201is positioned outside the recognition range h, the stylus pen201may transmit/receive the communication signal1012to/from the electronic device101. Meanwhile, the stylus pen201may enter the recognition range h while transmitting/receiving the communication signal1012. In this case, the stylus pen201may detect a transmission signal1001from the sensing panel503of the electronic device101. When the transmission of the communication signal1012has started, although the transmission signal1001from the sensing panel503is detected, the stylus pen201may keep on transmitting the communication signal1012.

FIG.11is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.11, the electronic device101may identify removal of the stylus pen201in operation1101. In operation1103, the electronic device101may identify a failure to detect the stylus pen201based on a signal from the panel. The stylus pen201may be positioned outside the recognition range from the panel of the electronic device101.

In operation1105, the electronic device101may identify information about the position of the stylus pen201and information indicating whether the button of the stylus pen201is pressed, based on a communication signal.

In operation1107, the electronic device101may identify a processing mode based on the result of identification.

For example, upon identifying a manipulation (pressing-release) of the button337of the stylus pen201while detecting no movement of the stylus pen201based on information included in a communication signal in step1107, the electronic device101may set the processing mode to the BLE mode. That is, the electronic device101may perform an operation corresponding to whether the button is pressed in operation1109.

Upon identifying a long press of the button337of the stylus pen201based on information included in a communication signal in step1107, the processing mode may be set to the air mouse mode. That is, the electronic device101may perform an operation corresponding to the mouse mode in operation1111.

Upon detecting a movement of the stylus pen201in step1107, with the button337of the stylus pen201pressed, based on the information included in the communication signal, the electronic device101may set the processing mode to the gesture mode. That is, the electronic device101may perform an operation mapped to the gesture in operation1113.

The above-described processing mode setting condition is merely an example and the disclosure is not limited to a particular one.

FIG.12illustrates a method of operating an electronic device and a stylus pen according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.12, the stylus pen201may identify a pressing of the button in operation1201. In operation1203, the stylus pen201may transmit a communication signal including information indicating the button pressing state to the electronic device101.

The electronic device101may identify a pressing of the button based on a communication signal in operation1205.

In operation1207, operation1209, and operation1211, the stylus pen201may transmit a communication signal to the electronic device101. Before the button is released, the stylus pen201may transmit a communication signal including the information indicating that the button is in the state of being pressed. The stylus pen201may also transmit a communication signal that does not include the information about the button.

Alternatively, the stylus pen201may be configured to transmit no communication signal before a specific event occurs. In this case, operation1207, operation1209, and operation1211may be omitted.

The stylus pen201may identify a release of the button in operation1213. In operation1215, the stylus pen201may transmit a communication signal including information indicating the button released state to the electronic device101.

The electronic device101may identify whether a long press is identified in operation1217. For example, the electronic device101may identify whether a long press is identified based on whether the time between the time of button pressing and the time of button release exceeds a threshold time (e.g., three seconds). Further, upon identifying a stopped state of the stylus pen201with the button pressed or upon identifying no gesture corresponding to the movement of the stylus pen201, the electronic device101may identify a long press. The electronic device101may identify the stopped state or gesture, based on information about the position of the stylus pen201included in the communication signal received in operation1207, operation1209, and operation1211.

When a long press is identified in step1217, the electronic device101may identify the air mouse mode in operation1219. However, when a long press is not identified in step1217, the electronic device101may identify the BLE mode in operation1221. The stylus pen201may identify that the button maintains the pressed state for a predetermined time and is then released and, based thereupon, identify an occurrence of a long press. Upon identifying an occurrence of a long press, the stylus pen201may transmit a communication signal including information indicating the long press to the electronic device101. The electronic device101may identify that the information included in the communication signal is a long press and enter into the air mouse mode. However, identifying the long press is not limited to a specific scheme.

Further, detection of a long press is an example condition for entry into the air mouse condition, and conditions for entry into the air mouse mode are not limited thereto. The stylus pen201may transmit button pressing information including a long press, short press, or double press, to the electronic device101, and the button pressing information is not limited thereto.

FIG.13illustrates a method of operating a stylus pen and an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.13, the stylus pen201may identify the air mouse mode in operation1301, and the electronic device101may identify the air mouse mode in operation1303, As described above, the electronic device101may identify the air mouse mode based on detection of a long press. The stylus pen201may identify the air mouse mode based on detection of a long press or may identify the air mouse mode by receiving information about the processing mode from the electronic device101.

In operation1305, the stylus pen201may transmit information about the position of the stylus pen201.

In operation1307, the electronic device101may move the position of the pointer based on the information about the position. The electronic device101may steadily receive the information about the position of the stylus pen201and, thus, continuously move the position of the pointer being displayed.

In operation1309, the stylus pen201may transmit a communication signal including information indicating the pressing state of the button to the electronic device101. In operation1311, the stylus pen201may transmit a communication signal including information indicating the button released state of the pen to the electronic device101, In operation1313, the electronic device101may identify a pressing and release of the button and perform an operation corresponding to a click on the position of the pointer. The user may move the stylus pen201, with the button of the stylus pen201pressed. After receiving the information indicating the pressing state of the button, the electronic device101may perform a drag operation based on the information about the position of the stylus pen201.

In operation1315, the stylus pen201may identify whether the air mouse mode is released. For example, the electronic device101may terminate the air mouse mode based on a user input (e.g., a click on a release icon) through a user interface (UI) and notify the stylus pen201of this.

Upon identifying that the air mouse mode is released in step1315, the stylus pen201may terminate the air mouse mode in operation1317. The electronic device101may identify the termination of the air mouse. For example, the electronic device101may terminate the air mouse mode by receiving information indicating the termination of the air mouse from the stylus pen201or identifying an air mouse termination event set for the electronic device101.

FIGS.14A and14Billustrates operations of an electronic device in a mouse mode according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.14A, in the air mouse mode, the user may move from left to right, with the button337of the stylus pen201pressed. In the air mouse mode, the electronic device101may receive a communication signal including information indicating a pressing of the button337. Thereafter, the electronic device101may receive a plurality of communication signals including the information about the position of the stylus pen201. The electronic device101may move the pointer1401based on the received information about position. The electronic device101may display a drawing object1403corresponding to a drag gesture based on the movement of the pointer with the button pressed. The electronic device101may display an object (e.g., kind of gesture or gesture input trajectory) corresponding to the drag gesture also in the gesture mode and, thus, the user may identify the kind of the gesture, which the user inputs, by identifying the displayed object.

When the user moves the stylus pen201with the button337of the stylus pen201not being pressed, the electronic device101may move the pointer1401based on a plurality of communication signals including the position information.

Referring toFIG.14B, the electronic device101may be connected to a docking station1420and be connected to an external display device1410via the docking station1420. However, connection via the docking station1420is merely an example, and the electronic device101may be connected directly to the external display device1410without an intervening device. The electronic device101may transmit the displayed screen to the external display device1410. The electronic device101may transmit data for configuring the screen of processing result of the drag gesture to the external display device1410. Thus, the external display device1410may move the position of the pointer1411according to the drag gesture. The external display device1410may display the screen including the drawing object1413and the pointer1411moved according to the processing result.

Accordingly, in the air mouse mode, the electronic device101may treat the movement of the stylus pen201as the movement of the pointer and treat the pressing and release of the button of the stylus pen201as a pressing and release of a legacy mouse button, but not limited thereto.

FIGS.15A and15Billustrate processes for terminating an air mouse according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.15A, in operation1501, the stylus pen201may be inserted into the electronic device101. The electronic device101may identify the insertion of the stylus pen201in operation1503and may send a charge start command to the stylus pen201in operation1505.

The stylus pen201may identify the charge start and start charging in operation1507. In operation1509, the stylus pen201may identify that the stylus pen201is positioned inside the receiving space.

In operation1511, the electronic device101may command the stylus pen201to terminate the air mouse mode. The electronic device101may transmit a communication signal including information indicating the termination of the air mouse mode to the stylus pen201through the communication module. The electronic device101may also apply a signal with a pattern corresponding to the termination of the air mouse mode to the receiving space coil.

In operation1513, the stylus pen201may terminate the air mouse mode.

The stylus pen201may change a parameter (e.g., a connection interval and/or slave latency) and notify the electronic device101of this.

In operation1515, the stylus pen201and the electronic device101may update parameters. InFIG.15A, the electronic device101may command the stylus pen201to terminate the air mouse mode.

Referring toFIG.15B, steps operation1521, operation1523, operation.1525, operation1527, operation1529, operation1535, and operation1537are the same as operations1501,1503,1505,1507,1509,1513, and1515ofFIG.15Aand have been described above. Therefore, no further description of these operations is given below.

In step1531, the stylus pen201may terminate the air mouse mode based on identifying the position inside the receiving space. The stylus pen201may terminate the air mouse mode after waiting a predetermined period (e.g., five seconds) or, in another implementation example, the stylus pen201may terminate the air mouse mode without any waiting period.

The stylus pen201may notify the electronic device101of the termination of the air mouse mode, and the electronic device101may terminate the air mouse mode in step1533. InFIG.15B, the stylus pen201may command the electronic device101to terminate the air mouse mode, in which case unintentional termination of the air mouse mode as another stylus pen is inserted into the electronic device101may be prevented.

FIG.16illustrates a method of operating a stylus pen and an electronic device in a gesture mode according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.16, the stylus pen201may identify a pressing of the button in operation1601.

In operation1603, the stylus pen201may transmit a communication signal including information indicating the button pressing state to the electronic device101.

In step1605, the electronic device101may identify a pressing of the button based on a communication signal.

In operation1607, operation1609, and operation1611, the stylus pen201may transmit communication signals to the electronic device101. Each of the communication signals may include information about the position of the stylus pen201.

In operation1613, the electronic device101may identify the gesture based on the information indicating the position. For example, the electronic device101may identify the moving trajectory of the coordinates according to the information indicating the position and identify the gesture corresponding to the moving trajectory. AlthoughFIG.16illustrates that the electronic device101identifies the gesture before the button is released, this is merely an example and, upon identifying a button release, the electronic device101may perform the operation of identifying the gesture.

In operation1615, the electronic device101may perform an operation corresponding to the gesture. Upon identifying the gesture based on the received information indicating the position, the electronic device101may use the same as a trigger and perform the operation corresponding to the gesture. Upon detecting a gesture while monitoring, in real-time, whether a gesture is detected, the electronic device101may use the same as a trigger and perform an operation corresponding to the gesture, A release of the button may be implemented as a trigger, and the kind of the trigger is not limited thereto. For example, upon identifying that the stylus pen201stops, the electronic device101may perform the operation corresponding to the gesture identified based on the position information before it stops.

In operation1617, the stylus pen201may identify a release of the button. In operation1619, the stylus pen201may transmit a communication signal including information indicating the button released state to the electronic device101. In operation1621, the electronic device101may identify a release of the button based on the information included in the communication signal. For example, the electronic device101may be configured to terminate the mode based on identification of the button release. As described above, the electronic device101may set the button release as a trigger for performing the operation corresponding to the gesture.

FIG.17illustrates a gesture mode according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.17, the electronic device101may receive information about the position of a plurality of stylus pens201according to the movement of the stylus pen201, with the button337pressed. The electronic device101may identify a circle gesture and a swipe gesture as candidate gestures and may finally select the swipe gesture. The electronic device101may identify that a function mapped to the swipe gesture in a Gallery application is a Gallery image switch. Thus, the electronic device101may switch a first image1701, which is an execution screen of the Gallery application, into a screen including at least a portion of the first image and at least a portion of a second image1702, and display the same. The electronic device101may then display the whole second image1702and thus perform an image switch.

The electronic device101may map operations corresponding to gestures per application and store them. For example, Table 1 below shows per-application functions mapped to gestures,

Referring to Table 1, the electronic device101may map a different function to the gesture for the state (e.g., the state before or while capturing) of one application (e.g., a camera application). For a specific application (e.g., a music application), no function may be mapped to a specific gesture (e.g., swipe up/down gesture). The electronic device101may also set a function for a global gesture which is not limited to an application.

FIG.18illustrates operations of an electronic device in a. BLE mode according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.18, the electronic device101may identify the BLE mode. For example, the electronic device101may receive a communication signal including information indicating a pressing of a button337from the stylus pen201. The electronic device101may perform the operation corresponding to the pressing state of the button337. Upon identifying a pressing of the button337, the electronic device101may perform an operation (e.g., taking a selfie) mapped to the button pressing on an application running in the foreground. The electronic device101may store a preview image1810.

FIG.19is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a stylus pen according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.19, in operation1901, the stylus pen201may identify removal of the stylus pen201. For example, the stylus pen201may identify removal of the stylus pen201based on the pattern and/or magnitude of a signal output from the resonance circuit. The stylus pen201may identify removal of the stylus pen201based on the information included in the communication signal from the electronic device101.

In operation1903, the stylus pen201may activate some of a plurality of sensors. The rest except for some of the plurality of sensors may remain in the inactive state. In operation1905, the stylus pen201may transmit information based on data sensed by the activated sensor to the electronic device101. For example, the stylus pen201may activate the accelerometer and transmit information sensed by the accelerometer or information obtained from the sensed information to the electronic device101. The electronic device101may identify a two-dimensional gesture based on the acceleration sensing information and perform the operation corresponding to the gesture. The electronic device101may correct other information using the acceleration sensing information or may perform the operation identified using the other information and the acceleration sensing information together. Alternatively, the stylus pen201may be configured to use the information obtained using the accelerometer to identify the orientation of the stylus pen201and not to transmit it to the electronic device101.

In step1907, the stylus pen201may identify whether the button of the stylus pen201is pressed in operation1907. Upon identifying that the button of the stylus pen201is pressed in step1907, the stylus pen201may activate the inactive sensor in operation1909. For example, the stylus pen201may activate the remaining sensor (e.g., the gyro sensor) that is in the inactive state.

In operation1911, the stylus pen201may transmit information based on data sensed by a plurality of sensors to the electronic device101. For example, the stylus pen201may identify information about the displacement of the stylus pen201based on rotation information by the gyro sensor and linear acceleration information by the accelerometer and transmit the same to the electronic device101, The acceleration information obtained before the gyro sensor is activated may be used to identify the initial orientation of the stylus pen201, and the stylus pen201may identify the displacement information with respect to the initial orientation. The displacement information may be represented in two dimensions or three dimensions and, besides the displacement information, coordinates information may also be calculated.

In operation1913, the stylus pen201may identify whether the button of the stylus pen201is released. Upon identifying that the button is released in step1913, the stylus pen201may activate some of the plurality of sensors and deactivate the other sensors in operation1915.

Alternatively, the stylus pen201may be configured to activate all of the plurality of sensors upon identifying removal or upon identifying a pressing of the button, and the time of activation of each sensor is not limited thereto. As described above, as the sensors are activated differentially, power consumption may be reduced, and thus, the stylus pen201may be used for a longer time.

Upon detecting a long press of the button, the stylus pen201may enter the air mouse mode. Upon entering the air mouse mode, the stylus pen201may keep the plurality of sensors active despite detecting a release of the button. The stylus pen201may transmit information about the position using the plurality of activated sensors to the electronic device101. Thereafter, when the air mouse mode is terminated, the stylus pen201may deactivate some sensors. Upon entering the gesture mode, the stylus pen201may deactivate some sensors when a release of the button is detected.

The stylus pen201may not activate the gyro sensor in the pen mode. In this case, although a pressing of the button is identified, the gyro sensor may not be activated.

The stylus pen201may perform calibration on at least one sensor. The sensor included in the stylus pen201may be calibrated periodically or as necessary, to mitigate errors that may be caused due to an environmental variation (e.g., external impacts, temperature, or humidity). The stylus pen201may perform self-calibration or calibration based on a command from the electronic device101. The stylus pen201, after being inserted into the electronic device101, may perform calibration at designated periods (e.g., every four hours).

Alternatively, upon identifying that it is not under the user's use condition (e.g., when a variation in the sensor's sensing value is a threshold or less), the stylus pen201may perform calibration. The stylus pen201may store sensing data identified when it is under the use condition, such as an offset. The stylus pen201may perform calibration by correcting the sensing data sensed later with the offset. The stylus pen201may store the existing offset until a new offset is identified and use the stored offset for correction.

An Example 1 of the present disclosure may be an electronic device, which includes a panel configured to identify a position of a stylus pen, a communication module configured to transmit/receive a communication signal to/from the stylus pen, and at least one processor configured to, based on detection of the stylus pen by the panel, perform a first operation based on the position of the stylus pen identified by the panel, based on non-detection of the stylus pen by the panel, identify at least one of information about the position of the stylus pen included in at least one communication signal received through the communication module or information indicating whether a button of the stylus pen is pressed, from the stylus, and perform a second operation based on at least one of the information about the position of the stylus pen included in the received at least one communication signal or the information indicating whether the button of the stylus pen is pressed.

An Example 2 may be an electronic device in accordance with Example 1, or with any other example described herein, which includes a display, wherein the at least one processor may be configured to, based on non-detection of the stylus pen by the panel, identify a first processing scheme based on at least one first communication signal among the at least one communication signal and control the display to display a pointer, and change a position of the pointer, based on the information about the position of the stylus pen included in at least one second communication signal among the at least one communication signal, based on the first processing scheme.

An Example 3 may be an electronic device in accordance with Example 1, or Example 2, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the at least one processor may be configured to identify the first processing scheme, based on identification of a long press of the button of the stylus pen based on the at least one first communication signal.

An Example 4 may be an electronic device in accordance with Examples 1 to 3, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the at least one processor may be configured to perform an operation mapped to a mouse click function, based on at least one third communication signal among the at least one communication signal, based on the first processing scheme.

An Example 5 may be an electronic device in accordance with Examples 1 to 4, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the at least one processor may be configured to, upon identifying a termination event of the first processing scheme, terminate the first processing scheme and control the communication module to transmit a communication signal including information indicating the termination of the first processing scheme to the stylus pen or upon receiving, through the communication module, the communication signal including the information indicating the termination of the first processing scheme from the stylus pen, terminate the first processing scheme.

An Example 6 may be an electronic device in accordance with Examples 1 to 5, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the at least one processor may be configured to, based on non-detection of the stylus pen by the panel, identify a second processing scheme based on at least one fourth communication signal among the at least one communication signal, identify a gesture, based on the information about the position of the stylus pen included in at least one fifth communication signal among the at least one communication signal, based on the second processing scheme, and perform an operation mapped to the gesture.

An Example 7 may be an electronic device in accordance with Examples 1 to 6, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the at least one processor may be configured to identify an application to which the gesture is to be assigned, based on the second processing scheme and perform the operation mapped to the gesture on the identified application.

An Example 8 may be an electronic device in accordance with Examples 1 to 7, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the at least one processor may be configured to identify a pressing of the button of the stylus pen based on the at least one fourth communication signal, based on the second processing scheme, identify the gesture based on the information about the position of the stylus pen included in the at least one fifth communication signal, receive, through the communication module, at least one sixth communication signal among the at least one communication signal, after receiving the at least one fifth communication signal, and terminate the second processing scheme based on identification of a release of the button of the stylus pen based on the at least one sixth communication signal.

An Example 9 may be an electronic device in accordance with Examples 1 to 8, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the at least one processor may be configured to, based on non-detection of the stylus pen by the panel, perform an operation corresponding to manipulation information for the button of the stylus pen included in at least one seventh communication signal among the at least one communication signal.

An Example 10 may be an electronic device in accordance with Examples 1 to 9, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the at least one processor may be configured to, based on detection of the stylus pen by the panel, identify whether the button of the stylus pen is pressed, based on a frequency of a reception signal generated from the stylus pen identified on the panel, and perform the first operation based on whether the button of the stylus pen is pressed and the position of the stylus pen.

An Example 11 of the present disclosure may be a stylus pen, which includes a button, a resonance circuit including a coil and at least one capacitor, at least one sensor configured to sense at least one of a movement of the stylus pen, an orientation of the stylus pen, or a direction of the stylus pen, a communication module, and at least one control circuit configured to, based on non-identification of a transmission signal from a panel of an electronic device, identify whether the button is pressed, identify information about a position of the stylus pen based on data sensed by the at least one sensor, based on a pressing of the button, and control the communication module to transmit at least one communication signal including at least one of information about the position of the stylus pen or information indicating whether the button is pressed, and wherein upon identifying the transmission signal from the panel of the electronic device, the at least one communication signal may not be transmitted.

An Example 12 may be a stylus pen in accordance with Example 11, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the at least one control circuit may be configured to, based on the transmission signal from the panel of the electronic device being not identified and, after at least a portion of the at least one communication signal is transmitted, the transmission signal being identified, maintain transmission of another portion of the at least one communication signal.

An Example 13 may be a stylus pen in accordance with Example 11 or Example 12, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the at least one control circuit may be configured to refrain from transferring the information about whether the button is pressed to the communication module when the transmission signal from the panel of the electronic device is identified.

An Example 14 may be a stylus pen in accordance with Examples 11 to 13, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the at least one control circuit may be configured to identify a first processing scheme of the at least one communication signal and control the communication module to transmit information about at least one time-series position identified based on sensing data identified by the at least one sensor after the first processing scheme is identified, based on the first processing scheme.

An Example 15 may be a stylus pen in accordance with Examples 11 to 14, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the at least one control circuit may be configured to identify the first processing scheme based on identification of a long press of the button.

An Example 16 may be a stylus pen in accordance with Examples 11 to 15, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the at least one control circuit may be configured to control the communication module to transmit a communication signal including information indicating at least one of a pressing of the button or a release of the button after the first processing scheme is identified, based on the first processing scheme.

An Example 17 may be a stylus pen in accordance with Examples 11 to 16, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the at least one control circuit may be configured to, upon identifying a termination event of the first processing scheme, terminate the first processing scheme and control the communication module to transmit a communication signal including information indicating the termination of the first processing scheme to the electronic device or upon receiving, through the communication module, the communication signal including the information indicating the termination of the first processing scheme from the electronic device, terminate the first processing scheme.

An Example 18 may be a stylus pen in accordance with Examples 11 to 17, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the at least one control circuit may be configured to activate all of the at least one sensor while the first processing scheme is applied and before the first processing scheme is applied and after the first processing scheme has been terminated, deactivate some of the at least one sensor.

An Example 19 may be a stylus pen in accordance with Examples 11 to 18, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the at least one control circuit may be configured to identify a second processing scheme of a communication signal from the stylus pen and control the communication module to transmit information about at least one time-series position identified based on sensing data identified by the at least one sensor after the second processing scheme is identified, until a termination event of the second processing scheme is detected, based on the second processing scheme.

An Example 20 may be a stylus pen in accordance with Examples 11 to 19, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the at least one control circuit may be configured to identify the second processing scheme based on identification of a pressing of the button and detect the termination event of the second processing scheme based on identification of a release of the button.

An Example 21 of the present disclosure may be an electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises a sensing means (e.g., the sensing panel503) configured to identify a position of a stylus pen, a communication means (e.g., the communication module190) configured to transmit/receive a communication signal to/from the stylus pen, and processing means (e.g., the processor120) configured to, based on detection of the stylus pen by the sensing means (e.g., the sensing panel503), perform a first operation based on the position of the stylus pen identified by the sensing means (e.g., the sensing panel503), based on non-detection of the stylus pen by the sensing means (e.g., the sensing panel503), identify at least one of information about the position of the stylus pen included in at least one communication signal received through the communication means (e.g., the communication module190) or information indicating whether a button of the stylus pen is pressed, from the stylus pen, and perform a second operation based on at least one of the information about the position of the stylus pen included in the received at least one communication signal or the information indicating whether the button of the stylus pen is pressed.

An Example 22 may be an electronic device in accordance with example 21, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the electronic device may further comprise a display means (e.g., the display device160), wherein the processing means (e.g., the processor120) may be configured to, based on non-detection of the stylus pen by the sensing means (e.g., the sensing panel503), identify a first processing scheme based on at least one first communication signal among the at least one communication signal and control the display means (e.g., the display device160) to display a pointer, and change a position of the pointer, based on the information about the position of the stylus pen included in at least one second communication signal among the at least one communication signal, based on the first processing scheme.

An Example 23 may be an electronic device in accordance with example 21, or example 2, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the processing means (e.g., the processor120) may be configured to identify the first processing scheme, based on identification of a long press of the button of the stylus pen based on the at least one first communication signal.

An Example 24 may be an electronic device in accordance with example 21 to example 23, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the processing means (e.g., the processor120) may be configured to perform an operation mapped to a mouse click function, based on at least one third communication signal among the at least one communication signal, based on the first processing scheme.

An Example 25 may be an electronic device in accordance with example 21 to example 24, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the processing means (e.g., the processor120) may be configured to, upon identifying a termination event of the first processing scheme, terminate the first processing scheme and control the communication means (e.g., the communication module190) to transmit a communication signal including information indicating the termination of the first processing scheme to the stylus pen or upon receiving, through the communication means (e.g., the communication module190), the communication signal including the information indicating the termination of the first processing scheme from the stylus pen, terminate the first processing scheme.

An Example 26 may be an electronic device in accordance with example 21 to example 25, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the processing means (e.g., the processor120) may be configured to, based on non-detection of the stylus pen by the sensing means (e.g., the sensing panel503), identify a second processing scheme based on at least one fourth communication signal among the at least one communication signal, identify a gesture, based on the information about the position of the stylus pen included in at least one fifth communication signal among the at least one communication signal, based on the second processing scheme, and perform an operation mapped to the gesture.

An Example 27 may be an electronic device in accordance with example 21 to example 26, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the processing means (e.g., the processor120) may be configured to identify an application to which the gesture is to be assigned, based on the second processing scheme and perform the operation mapped to the gesture on the identified application.

An Example 28 may be an electronic device in accordance with example 21 to example 27, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the processing means (e.g., the processor120) may be configured to identify a pressing of the button of the stylus pen based on the at least one fourth communication signal, based on the second processing scheme, identify the gesture based on the information about the position of the stylus pen included in the at least one fifth communication signal, receive, through the communication means (e.g., the communication module190), at least one sixth communication signal among the at least one communication signal, after receiving the at least one fifth communication signal, and terminate the second processing scheme based on identification of a release of the button of the stylus pen based on the at least one sixth communication signal.

An Example 29 may be an electronic device in accordance with example 21 to example 28, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the processing means (e.g., the processor120) may be configured to, based on non-detection of the stylus pen by the sensing means (e.g., the sensing panel503), perform an operation corresponding to manipulation information for the button of the stylus pen included in at least one seventh communication signal among the at least one communication signal.

An Example 30 may be an electronic device in accordance with example 21 to example 29, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the processing means (e.g., the processor120) may be configured to, based on detection of the stylus pen by the sensing means (e.g., the sensing panel503), identify whether the button of the stylus pen is pressed, based on a frequency of a reception signal generated from the stylus pen identified on the sensing means (e.g., the sensing panel503), and perform the first operation based on whether the button of the stylus pen is pressed and the position of the stylus pen.

An Example 31 of the present disclosure may be a stylus pen, wherein, a stylus pen comprises a button, a resonance means (e.g., the resonance circuit287) including a coil and at least one capacitor, at least one sensing means (e.g., the sensor299) configured to sense at least one of a movement of the stylus pen, an Orientation of the stylus pen, or a direction of the stylus pen, a communication means (e.g., the communication circuit290), and at least one processing means (e.g., the processor220) configured to, based on non-identification of a transmission signal from a sensing means (e.g., the sensing panel503) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101), identify whether the button is pressed, identify information about a position of the stylus pen based on data sensed by the at least one sensing means (e.g., the sensor299), based on a pressing of the button, and control the communication module (e.g., the communication circuit290) to transmit at least one communication signal including at least one of information about the position of the stylus pen or information indicating whether the button is pressed, and wherein upon identifying the transmission signal from the sensing means of the electronic device, the at least one communication signal may not be transmitted.

An Example 32 may be a stylus pen in accordance with example 31, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the at least one ### processing means (e.g., the processor220) may be configured to, based on the transmission signal from the sensing means of the electronic device being not identified and, after at least a portion of the at least one communication signal is transmitted, the transmission signal being identified, maintain transmission of another portion of the at least one communication signal.

An Example 33 may be a stylus pen in accordance with example 31, example 32, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the at least one processing means (e.g., the processor220) may be configured to refrain from transferring the information about whether the button is pressed to the communication means (e.g., the communication circuit290) when the transmission signal from the sensing means (e.g., the sensing panel503) of the electronic device is identified.

An Example 34 may be a stylus pen in accordance with example 31 to example 33, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the at least one processing means (e.g., the processor220) may be configured to identify a first processing scheme of the at least one communication signal and control the communication means (e.g., the communication circuit290) to transmit information about at least one time-series position identified based on sensing data identified by the at least one sensing means (e.g., the sensor299) after the first processing scheme is identified, based on the first processing scheme.

An Example 35 may be a stylus pen in accordance with example 31 to example 34, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the at least one processing means (e.g., the processor220) may be configured to identify the first processing scheme based on identification of a long press of the button (e.g., the button337).

An Example 36 may be a stylus pen in accordance with example 31 to example 35, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the at least one processing means (e.g., the processor220) may be configured to control the communication means (e.g., the communication circuit290) to transmit a communication signal including information indicating at least one of a pressing of the button or a release of the button after the first processing scheme is identified, based on the first processing scheme.

An Example 37 may be a stylus pen in accordance with example 31 to example 36, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the at least one processing means (e.g., the processor220) may be configured to, upon identifying a termination event of the first processing scheme, terminate the first processing scheme and control the communication means (e.g., the communication circuit290) to transmit a communication signal including information indicating the termination of the first processing scheme to the electronic device or upon receiving, through the communication means (e.g., the communication circuit290), the communication signal including the information indicating the termination of the first processing scheme from the electronic device, terminate the first processing scheme.

An Example 38 may be a stylus pen in accordance with example 31 to example 37, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the at least one processing means (e.g., the processor220) may be configured to activate all of the at least one sensing means (e.g., the sensor299) while the first processing scheme is applied and before the first processing scheme is applied and after the first processing scheme has been terminated, deactivate some of the at least one sensing means (e.g., the sensor299).

An Example 39 may be a stylus pen in accordance with example 31 to example 38, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the at least one processing means (e.g., the processor220) may be configured to identify a second processing scheme of a communication signal from the stylus pen and control the communication means (e.g., the communication circuit290) to transmit information about at least one time-series position identified based on sensing data identified by the at least one sensing means (e.g., the sensor299) after the second processing scheme is identified, until a termination event of the second processing scheme is detected, based on the second processing scheme.

An Example 40 may be a stylus pen in accordance with example 31 to example 39, or with any other example described herein, wherein, the at least one processing means (e.g., the processor220) may be configured to identify the second processing scheme based on identification of a pressing of the button and detect the termination event of the second processing scheme based on identification of a release of the button.

As used herein, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, “logic,” “logic block,” “part,” or “circuitry”. A module may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions.

For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

The scope of protection is defined by the appended independent claims. Further features are specified by the appended dependent claims. Example implementations can be realized comprising one or more features of any claim taken jointly and severally in any and all permutations.

The examples described in this disclosure include non-limiting example implementations of components corresponding to one or more features specified by the appended independent claims and these features (or their corresponding components) either individually or in combination may contribute to ameliorating one or more technical problems deducible by the skilled person from this disclosure.

Furthermore, one or more selected component of any one example described in this disclosure may be combined with one or more selected component of any other one or more example described in this disclosure, or alternatively may be combined with features of an appended independent claim to form a further alternative example.

Further example implementations can be realized comprising one or more components of any herein described implementation taken jointly and severally in any and all permutations. Yet further example implementations may also be realized by combining features of one or more of the appended claims with one or more selected components of any example implementation described herein.

In forming such further example implementations, some components of any example implementation described in this disclosure may be omitted. The one or more components that may be omitted are those components that the skilled person would directly and unambiguously recognize as being not, as such, indispensable for the function of the present technique in the light of a technical problem discernible from this disclosure. The skilled person would recognize that replacement or removal of such an omitted components does not require modification of other components or features of the further alternative example to compensate for the change. Thus further example implementations may be included, according to the present technique, even if the selected combination of features and/or components is not specifically recited in this disclosure.

Two or more physically distinct components in any described example implementation of this disclosure may alternatively be integrated into a single component where possible, provided that the same function is performed by the single component thus formed. Conversely, a single component of any example implementation described in this disclosure may alternatively be implemented as two or more distinct components to achieve the same function, where appropriate.