Circuit for detecting crack in display and electronic device including same

An electronic device disclosed herein includes a cover glass, a display panel exposed through the cover glass, a flexible substrate extending from a periphery of the display panel and bent and positioned on a rear surface of the display panel, a display driver integrated circuit (DDI) disposed on the flexible substrate, a sensing circuit disposed on the flexible substrate and electrically connected with the display driver integrated circuit, signal lines that transmit a signal to sub-pixels arranged on the display panel, and a sensing line passing through a peripheral portion of the display panel and the flexible substrate and electrically connected with at least some of the signal lines through the sensing circuit.

PRIORITY

This application is a National Phase Entry of PCT International Application No. PCT/KR2018/003595 which was filed on Mar. 27, 2018, and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0039065, which was filed on Mar. 28, 2017, the content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed herein relate to a technology for sensing cracks in a display panel.

BACKGROUND ART

Electronic devices equipped with a display, such as smartphones, wearable devices, and the like, have been widely used with the development of mobile communication technologies. These electronic devices may execute various functions, such as taking a photo or a moving picture, reproducing a music file or a video file, a game, the Internet, and the like, through the display.

To execute the aforementioned functions, very sophisticated technologies are applied to the display. For example, a sensor for sensing a user input, a circuit for outputting an image, and the like may be mounted in the display.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

Defects (e.g., cracks) in a display may cause malfunction of or fatal damage to an electronic device. The display may include a circuit disposed in a bezel area and capable of sensing the defects. For example, when the bezel area has cracks, the circuit may output, through a display panel, an indication (e.g., a vertical line) that shows that the bezel area cracked.

However, since the bezel area is very narrow, it may not be easy to implement the circuit in the bezel area. Especially, since corners of the bezel area are narrower, it may be even more difficult to implement the circuit in the corners of the bezel area.

Meanwhile, a user cannot find out the position of cracks even though the circuit outputs the indication through the display panel. For example, the user cannot find out whether the bezel area or a flexible substrate has cracks.

Aspects of the present disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic device for solving the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages.

Technical Solution

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes a cover glass, a display panel exposed through the cover glass, a flexible substrate extending from a periphery of the display panel and bent and positioned on a rear surface of the display panel, a display driver integrated circuit (DDI) disposed on the flexible substrate, a sensing circuit disposed on the flexible substrate and electrically connected with the display driver integrated circuit, signal lines that transmit a signal to sub-pixels arranged on the display panel, and a sensing line passing through a peripheral portion of the display panel and the flexible substrate and electrically connected with at least some of the signal lines through the sensing circuit. The display driver integrated circuit is configured to display an electrical signal received through the sensing line on the display panel through some of the signal lines to allow identification of a defect in a display.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a display module includes a display panel including an active area in which one or more pixels are arranged and an inactive area in which a sensing line connected with at least some of the pixels is arranged, a flexible substrate connected with the display panel and on which at least a portion of the sensing line is formed, and a sensing circuit disposed on at least a partial area of the flexible substrate and sensing cracks in the display panel by using at least a portion of the sensing line. At least a partial area of the flexible substrate is bent to face a rear surface of the display panel.

Advantageous Effects

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the width of a bezel. Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to find the position of cracks.

In addition, the present disclosure may provide various effects that are directly or indirectly recognized.

MODE FOR INVENTION

FIG. 1Aillustrates a top view of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 1A, an electronic device100may output an image through a display panel120. For example, the electronic device100may output a photo, a video, or the like through the display panel120in response to a user input (e.g., a touch on a cover glass110ofFIG. 1B).

According to an embodiment, in a sensing mode, the electronic device100may output whether the display panel120has a defect (e.g., cracks). For example, the electronic device100may output a vertical line10on the display panel120when a bezel area120bhas cracks. In contrast, the electronic device100may not output the vertical line10when the display panel120has no crack.

In this disclosure, the sensing mode may refer to a state in which the electronic device100performs a function of sensing whether the display panel120is defective or not.

FIG. 1Billustrates a sectional view of the electronic device100according to an embodiment. The sectional view illustrated inFIG. 1Bis taken along line A-A′ ofFIG. 1A.

Referring toFIG. 1B, the electronic device100may include the cover glass110, the display panel120, a flexible substrate130, a protective film (PF)140, a sensing circuit150, a display driver IC160, and a flexible printed circuit board170. Although not illustrated, the electronic device100may include a touch panel, a fingerprint sensor, a pressure sensor, a digitizer for obtaining a pen input, or the like.

The cover glass110may pass light generated by the display panel120. Also, a user may touch the cover glass110with a part (e.g., a finger) of his/her body.

The display panel120may include, for example, gate lines, data lines, and light-emitting diodes (e.g., OLEDs) that emit light based on signals supplied from the gate lines and the data lines. Furthermore, the display panel120may include a substrate (e.g., a low-temperature poly silicon (LTPS) substrate) on which the light-emitting diodes are mounted and a thin film encapsulation (TFE) film for protecting the light-emitting diodes. In this disclosure, the data lines may be referred to as the signal lines or the control lines.

The flexible substrate130may include a polyimide (PI) film131and a bending protection layer (BPL)132. The PI film131may be disposed below the display panel120and may include interconnection wiring for supplying electric power and/or signals to the display panel120. According to an embodiment, the PI film131may be formed of a flexible material. The BPL132may be attached to a bent area of the PI film131to prevent the PI film131from being cracked (or broken).

According to an embodiment, one end of the flexible substrate130may be connected with the display panel120. An opposite end of the flexible substrate130may be positioned on the opposite side to the cover glass110with respect to the display panel120. As illustrated inFIG. 1B, the flexible substrate130may be mounted in a bent form in the electronic device100.

According to an embodiment, the flexible substrate130may not be bent. For example, the flexible substrate130may extend from the display panel120such that the flexible substrate130is coplanar with the display panel120. In this disclosure, the flexible substrate130may be referred to as the bending part.

The protective film140may be disposed below the PI film131and may support the PI film131. Although not illustrated, the protective film140may be included in the flexible substrate130.

The sensing circuit150may be disposed on a partial area of the flexible substrate130or the protective film140. For example, the sensing circuit150may be disposed between the BPL132and the display driver IC160. Although not illustrated, the sensing circuit150may be disposed on the BPL132or the protective film140and may be disposed between the display driver IC160and the flexible printed circuit board170. The sensing circuit150may be a circuit for sensing a defect (e.g., cracks) in the display panel120.

The display driver IC160may be electrically connected with the sensing circuit150. The display driver IC160may sense, through the sensing circuit150, whether the display panel120has a defect (e.g., cracks). For example, in the case where the display panel120has cracks, a different voltage may be applied to some sub-pixels, and thus the vertical line10may be displayed.

The display driver IC160may control the display panel120. For example, the display driver IC160may output an image to the display panel120.

The flexible printed circuit board170may be electrically connected with a partial area of the PI film131. For example, the flexible printed circuit board170may be electrically connected with a conductive pattern (or interconnection wiring) formed on the PI film131.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may not include some of the elements illustrated inFIG. 1B, or may additionally include other non-illustrated elements. Furthermore, the elements included in the electronic device100may be stacked in a different sequence from that illustrated inFIG. 1.

According to an embodiment, a connection between the display panel120and the display driver IC160may be implemented by a chip on plastic (COP) method or a chip on film (COF) method.

FIG. 2illustrates a display according to an embodiment. A display200illustrated inFIG. 2may be in a state in which the flexible substrate130illustrated inFIG. 1Bis not bent. In this disclosure, the descriptions forFIGS. 1B and 2may be identically applied to elements having the same reference numerals as the elements of the electronic device100illustrated inFIG. 1Band the elements of the display200illustrated inFIG. 2.

Referring toFIG. 2, the display200may include the display panel120, the flexible substrate130, the sensing circuit150, the display driver IC160, and a sensing line220.

The display panel120may include an active area120aand the inactive area120b. The active area120amay refer to an area in which sub-pixels are arranged on the display panel120. The inactive area120bmay refer to the remaining area other than the active area120aof the display panel120. For example, the active area120amay be positioned in the middle of the display panel120, and the inactive area120bmay surround the active area120a. In this disclosure, the inactive area120bmay be referred to as the bezel area or the black matrix (BM) area.

According to an embodiment, a partial area (e.g., a corner) of the inactive area120bmay have a curved shape. Since the partial area has a curved shape, the partial area may be narrower than the rest of the inactive area120b. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, cracks in the partial area may be sensed since a sensing line is disposed in the partial area as well.

According to an embodiment, a plurality of data lines231,232, and233may be arranged in the active area120a. The data lines231,232, and233may be electrically connected with sub-pixels211,212, and213arranged in the active area120a. Furthermore, each of the data lines231,232, and233may extend to the display driver IC160via the sensing circuit150.

The display driver IC160may transmit a data signal to the sub-pixels211,212, and213through the data lines231,232, and233. The sub-pixels211,212, and213may emit light, based on the received data signal. However, the display driver IC160may not transmit a data signal through the data lines231,232, and233when the electronic device100enters a sensing mode.

The sensing circuit150may be positioned between the display panel120and the display driver IC160. For example, the sensing circuit150and the display driver IC160may be disposed on the flexible substrate130, and the flexible substrate130may be connected with the display panel120.

According to an embodiment, the flexible substrate130may be narrower than the display panel120. For example, the flexible substrate130may have a small width in an area (e.g., a bending area) connected with the display panel120.

The sensing circuit150may be connected with a power line240and may transmit DC voltage transmitted from the power line240to the sub-pixels211,212, and213through the data lines231,232, and233. In this disclosure, the power line240may refer to a line for supplying DC voltage to the display driver IC160.

The sensing line220may be connected with the power line240. Also, the sensing line220may be connected with any one of the data lines231,232, and233through the inactive area120b. For example, the sensing line220may be connected with the data line232that is connected with the green sub-pixels212. In this case, DC voltage applied through the power line240may be applied to the green sub-pixels212. In another example, the sensing line220may be connected with the data line231that is connected with the red sub-pixels211or the data line233that is connected with the blue sub-pixels213.

According to an embodiment, the sub-pixels212connected with the sensing line220may emit light with different brightness than the other sub-pixels211and213when the inactive area120bhas cracks. For example, the resistance of the sensing line220may increase when the inactive area120bhas cracks. Since the resistance of the sensing line220increases, DC voltage applied to the sub-pixels212connected to the corresponding data line232may be lower than that applied to the sub-pixels211and213connected to the other data lines231and233. Accordingly, the sub-pixels212connected to the corresponding data line232may emit brighter (or darker) light than the sub-pixels211and213connected to the other data lines231and233. Since the sub-pixels212connected with the sensing line220emit brighter (or darker) light than the other sub-pixels211and213, a user may determine that the inactive area120bhas cracks.

FIG. 3illustrates a display according to another embodiment.FIG. 3illustrates a detailed circuit diagram of the display200illustrated inFIG. 2.

Referring toFIG. 3, the sensing circuit150may include first to third lines311to313and a plurality of transistors321to323for supplying DC voltage to the sub-pixels211to214. The first to third lines311to313may be connected with the power line240. DC voltage applied through the power line240may be, for example, about 7 V.

Source terminals of the transistors321to323may be connected with any one of the first to third lines311to313. Drain terminals of the transistors321to323may be connected with any one of the data lines231to233. Accordingly, the transistors321to323may transmit DC voltage from the first to third lines311to313to the data lines231to233. For example, the transistor321may transmit DC voltage applied to the first line311to the data line231.

Gate terminals of the transistors321to323may be connected with the display driver IC160. Since the gate terminals of the transistors321to323and the display driver IC160are connected together, the display driver IC160may turn on or off the transistors321to323. For example, the display driver IC160may apply a square wave to the gate terminals of the transistors321to323. The transistors321to323may be turned off when a high signal of the square wave is applied to the gate terminals, and may be turned on when a low signal of the square wave is applied to the gate terminals. In this disclosure, the high signal may refer to a high-voltage signal of the square wave, and the low signal may refer to a low-voltage signal of the square wave.

When the transistors321to323are turned on, DC voltage may be transmitted to the sub-pixels211to213since the first to third lines311to313and the data lines231to233are interconnected. In this case, the sub-pixels211to213may be implemented in black. In this disclosure, the transistors321to323may be referred to as p-type MOSFET.

The sensing line220may extend from the second line312to the transistor322via the inactive area120b. Since the second line312and the transistor322are connected through the sensing line220, DC voltage applied to the second line312may be transmitted to the pixels212through the sensing line220, the transistor322, and the data line232. According to another embodiment, the sensing line220may extend from the first line311to the transistor321via the inactive area120b, or may extend from the third line313to the transistor323via the inactive area120b.

The display driver IC160may transmit a data signal through the data lines231,232, and233. The sub-pixels211,212, and213having received the data signal may emit light, based on the magnitude of the data signal. However, the display driver IC160may not transmit a data signal through the data lines231,232, and233when the electronic device100enters a sensing mode.

Gate drivers161aand161bmay turn on the sub-pixels211to213. When a data signal or DC voltage is applied to the sub-pixels211to213in a turned-on state, the sub-pixels211to213may emit light with brightness corresponding to the data signal or the DC voltage. For example, when DC voltage is applied to the sub-pixels211to213in a turned-on state, the sub-pixels211to213may be implemented in black.

When the electronic device100enters a sensing mode, the display driver IC160may sense whether the inactive area120bhas cracks. For example, the display driver IC160may not transmit a data signal through the data lines231,232, and233when the electronic device100enters the sensing mode. The display driver IC160may repeatedly perform an operation of turning on or off the transistors321to323in the state in which a data signal is not transmitted. The sub-pixels211to213may be implemented in black when the transistors321to323are turned on.

At this time, the resistance of the sensing line220may increase if the inactive area120bhas cracks. Since the resistance of the sensing line220increases, DC voltage applied to the sub-pixels212connected to the corresponding data line232may be lower than that applied to the sub-pixels211and213connected to the other data lines231and233. Accordingly, the sub-pixels212connected to the corresponding data line232may emit brighter (or darker) light than the sub-pixels211and213connected to the other data lines231and233. Since the sub-pixels212are connected with the sensing line220, the sub-pixels212may emit green light while the other sub-pixels211and213are implemented in black.

According to an embodiment, the description of the sensing line220may also be applied to a sensing line330. For example, the resistance of the sensing line330may increase when the inactive area120bin which the sensing line330is disposed has cracks. Accordingly, the sub-pixels214connected with the sensing line330may emit brighter (or darker) light than the other sub-pixels211to213.

FIG. 4illustrates display operation timing according to an embodiment.FIG. 4illustrates operation timings of elements included in the display200illustrated inFIG. 3.

Referring toFIG. 4, a graph410depicts a data signal output from the display driver IC160, a graph420depicts a signal input to the gate terminals of the transistors321to323, a graph430depicts a signal input to the source terminals of the transistors321to323, a graph440depicts a gate signal applied to the data line232, a graph451depicts voltage applied to the sub-pixels212when the inactive area120bhas no crack, and a graph452depicts voltage applied to the sub-pixels212when the inactive area120bhas cracks.

Referring to the graph410, the display driver IC160may not output a data signal when the electronic device100enters a sensing mode. The graph410may mean a state in which the display driver IC160does not output a data signal.

Referring to the graph420, a square wave may be input to the gate terminals of the transistors321to323in the state in which the display driver IC160does not output a data signal. Accordingly, the transistors321to323may be repeatedly turned on and off.

When the transistors321to323are turned off, DC voltage may not be transmitted to the sub-pixels212. Accordingly, voltage applied to the sub-pixels212may gradually decrease, as illustrated in the graphs451and452. In contrast, when the transistors321to323are turned on, DC voltage may be transmitted to the sub-pixels212. Accordingly, voltage applied to the sub-pixels212may gradually increase, as illustrated in the graphs451and452.

The graph451and the graph452show that the resistance of the sensing line220increases when the inactive area120bhas cracks. In this case, as compared with when the inactive area120bhas no crack, an increment in voltage may decrease even though DC voltage is applied. Since a lower voltage is applied when the inactive area120bhas cracks than when the inactive area120bhas no crack, the sub-pixels212connected with the sensing line220may emit brighter (or darker) light than the other sub-pixels211and213.

FIG. 5illustrates a top view of a display according to another embodiment.FIG. 6illustrates a display on which a plurality of vertical lines are displayed, according to an embodiment.FIG. 6illustrates a simplified view of a display500illustrated inFIG. 5.

Referring toFIG. 5, the display500may include a first sensing line510and a second sensing line520.

The first sensing line510may extend from the power line240to the flexible substrate130. Also, the first sensing line510may be connected with a data line511through the sensing circuit150. Since at least a portion of the first sensing line510is disposed on the flexible substrate130, the resistance of the first sensing line510may increase when the flexible substrate130has cracks. Accordingly, sub-pixels connected to the corresponding data line511may emit brighter (or darker) light than other sub-pixels.

The second sensing line520may extend from the power line240to the inactive area120b. Also, the second sensing line520may be connected with a data line521through the sensing circuit150. Since at least a portion of the second sensing line520is disposed in the inactive area120b, the resistance of the second sensing line520may increase when the inactive area120bhas cracks. Accordingly, sub-pixels connected to the corresponding data line521may emit brighter (or darker) light than other sub-pixels.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a user may determine the location of cracks since the sensing lines510and520are disposed on the flexible substrate130and the inactive area120b, as described above. For example, referring toFIG. 6, when a vertical line511is displayed, a user may determine that the flexible substrate130has cracks. When a vertical line521is displayed, the user may determine that the inactive area120has cracks. Alternatively, when the vertical lines511and512are all displayed, the user may determine that both the flexible substrate130and the inactive area120bhave cracks.

According to an embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 5, the second sensing line520may be arranged in a specified shape in the inactive area120b. Compared with the sensing line220illustrated inFIG. 2, the second sensing line520may occupy much space in the inactive area120b. Accordingly, the display500may easily sense cracks, compared with the display200.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cover glass, a display panel exposed through the cover glass, a flexible substrate extending from a periphery of the display panel and bent and positioned on a rear surface of the display panel, a display driver integrated circuit (DDI) disposed on the flexible substrate, a sensing circuit disposed on the flexible substrate and electrically connected with the display driver integrated circuit, signal lines that transmit a signal to sub-pixels arranged on the display panel, and a sensing line passing through a peripheral portion of the display panel and the flexible substrate and electrically connected with at least some of the signal lines through the sensing circuit. The display driver integrated circuit may be configured to display an electrical signal received through the sensing line on the display panel through some of the signal lines to allow identification of a defect in a display.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display panel may include an active area in which the signal lines and the sub-pixels are arranged and an inactive area that surrounds a periphery of the active area.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display driver integrated circuit may transmit a sensing signal to the sensing circuit in response to a user input for sensing the defect.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, among the sub-pixels, at least one sub-pixel connected with the sensing line may emit light S with different brightness than the other sub-pixels not being connected with the sensing line when the inactive area has cracks.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the sensing line may be disposed in the inactive area.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensing circuit may include one or more switches electrically connected with the display driver integrated circuit, and the display driver integrated circuit may control voltage supplied to the sub-pixels by controlling on/off of the switches.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may further include another sensing line for detecting cracks in the flexible substrate, and the another sensing line may be connected with at least one signal line other than the signal lines connected with the sensing line.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, among the sub-pixels, at least one sub-pixel connected with the another sensing line may emit light with different brightness than the other sub-pixels not being connected with the another sensing line when the flexible substrate has cracks.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible substrate may extend from the periphery of the display panel to one point on a plane located on the opposite side to the cover glass with respect to the display panel.

A display module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel including an active area in which one or more pixels are arranged and an inactive area in which a sensing line connected with at least some of the pixels is arranged, a flexible substrate connected with the display panel and on which at least a portion of the sensing line is formed, and a sensing circuit disposed on at least a partial area of the flexible substrate and sensing cracks in the display panel by using at least a portion of the sensing line. At least a partial area of the flexible substrate may be bent to face a rear surface of the display panel.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display module may further include control lines for controlling the one or more pixels, and the sensing line may be electrically connected with at least one of the control lines.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display module may further include another sensing line, and the another sensing line may be electrically connected with at least one control line other than the control line electrically connected with the sensing line.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the another sensing line may be disposed on at least a partial area of the flexible substrate.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the inactive area may be formed to surround at least a portion of the active area.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein among the pixels, at least one pixel connected with the sensing line emits light with different brightness than the other pixels not being connected with the sensing line when an electrical characteristic of the sensing line changes.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensing line may include a first sensing line and a second sensing line. The first sensing line may be disposed in a first section of the inactive area that is formed in a first direction from the active area, and the second sensing line may be disposed in a second section of the inactive area that is formed in a second direction from the active area.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display module may further include a display driver integrated circuit (DDI), and the sensing line may have one end connected with at least some of the one or more pixels through at least one switch and an opposite end connected with the display driver integrated circuit.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible substrate may extend from the inactive area to one point on a plane that faces the rear surface of the display panel.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensing circuit may sense cracks in a section of the inactive area where a signal line is disposed.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one other partial area of the flexible substrate may be bent such that the at least a partial area on which the sensing circuit is disposed faces the rear surface of the display panel.

FIG. 7illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device701(e.g., the electronic device100inFIG. 1A) in a network environment700, according to various embodiments. An electronic device according to various embodiments of this disclosure may include various forms of devices. For example, the electronic device may include at least one of, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices (e.g., personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet personal computers (PCs), laptop PCs, desktop PCs, workstations, or servers), portable multimedia devices (e.g., electronic book readers or Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG-1 or MPEG-2) Audio Layer 3 (MP3) players), portable medical devices (e.g., heartbeat measuring devices, blood glucose monitoring devices, blood pressure measuring devices, and body temperature measuring devices), cameras, or wearable devices. The wearable device may include at least one of an accessory type (e.g., watches, rings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, glasses, contact lens, or head-mounted-devices (HMDs)), a fabric or garment-integrated type (e.g., an electronic apparel), a body-attached type (e.g., a skin pad or tattoos), or a bio-implantable type (e.g., an implantable circuit). According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include at least one of, for example, televisions (TVs), digital versatile disk (DVD) players, audios, audio accessory devices (e.g., speakers, headphones, or headsets), refrigerators, air conditioners, cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, washing machines, air cleaners, set-top boxes, home automation control panels, security control panels, game consoles, electronic dictionaries, electronic keys, camcorders, or electronic picture frames.

In another embodiment, the electronic device may include at least one of navigation devices, satellite navigation system (e.g., Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)), event data recorders (EDRs) (e.g., black box for a car, a ship, or a plane), vehicle infotainment devices (e.g., head-up display for vehicle), industrial or home robots, drones, automatic teller's machines (ATMs), points of sales (POSs), measuring instruments (e.g., water meters, electricity meters, or gas meters), or internet of things (e.g., light bulbs, sprinkler devices, fire alarms, thermostats, or street lamps). The electronic device according to an embodiment of this disclosure may not be limited to the above-described devices, and may provide functions of a plurality of devices like smartphones which has measurement function of personal biometric information (e.g., heart rate or blood glucose). In this disclosure, the term “user” may refer to a person who uses an electronic device or may refer to a device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device) that uses the electronic device.

Referring toFIG. 7, under the network environment700, the electronic device701(e.g., the electronic device100) may communicate with an electronic device702through local wireless communication798or may communication with an electronic device704or a server708through a network799. According to an embodiment, the electronic device701may communicate with the electronic device704through the server708.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device701may include a bus710, a processor720, a memory730, an input device750(e.g., a micro-phone or a mouse), a display device760, an audio module770, a sensor module776, an interface777, a haptic module779, a camera module780, a power management module788, a battery789, a communication module790, and a subscriber identification module796. According to an embodiment, the electronic device701may not include at least one (e.g., the display device760or the camera module780) of the above-described elements or may further include other element(s).

The bus710may interconnect the above-described elements720to790and may include a circuit for conveying signals (e.g., a control message or data) between the above-described elements.

The processor720may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), a graphic processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP) of a camera or a communication processor (CP). According to an embodiment, the processor720may be implemented with a system on chip (SoC) or a system in package (SiP). For example, the processor720may drive an operating system (OS) or an application to control at least one of another element (e.g., hardware or software element) connected to the processor720and may process and compute various data. The processor720may load a command or data, which is received from at least one of other elements (e.g., the communication module790), into a volatile memory732to process the command or data and may store the result data into a nonvolatile memory734.

The memory730may include, for example, the volatile memory732or the nonvolatile memory734. The volatile memory732may include, for example, a random access memory (RAM) (e.g., a dynamic RAM (DRAM), a static RAM (SRAM), or a synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)). The nonvolatile memory734may include, for example, a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a one time PROM (OTPROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically EPROM (EEPROM), a mask ROM, a flash ROM, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid-state drive (SSD). In addition, the nonvolatile memory734may be configured in the form of an internal memory736or the form of an external memory738which is available through connection only if necessary, according to the connection with the electronic device701. The external memory738may further include a flash drive such as compact flash (CF), secure digital (SD), micro secure digital (Micro-SD), mini secure digital (Mini-SD), extreme digital (xD), a multimedia card (MMC), or a memory stick. The external memory738may be operatively or physically connected with the electronic device701in a wired manner (e.g., a cable or a universal serial bus (USB)) or a wireless (e.g., Bluetooth) manner.

For example, the memory730may store, for example, at least one different software element, such as a command or data associated with the program740, of the electronic device701. The program740may include, for example, a kernel741, a library743, an application framework745or an application program (interchangeably, “application”)747.

The input device750may include a microphone, a mouse, or a keyboard. According to an embodiment, the keyboard may include a keyboard physically connected or a virtual keyboard displayed through the display760.

The display760may include a display, a hologram device or a projector, and a control circuit to control a relevant device. The display may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) display, or an electronic paper display. According to an embodiment, the display may be flexibly, transparently, or wearably implemented. The display may include a touch circuitry, which is able to detect a user's input such as a gesture input, a proximity input, or a hovering input or a pressure sensor (interchangeably, a force sensor) which is able to measure the intensity of the pressure by the touch. The touch circuit or the pressure sensor may be implemented integrally with the display or may be implemented with at least one sensor separately from the display. The hologram device may show a stereoscopic image in a space using interference of light. The projector may project light onto a screen to display an image. The screen may be located inside or outside the electronic device701.

The audio module770may convert, for example, from a sound into an electrical signal or from an electrical signal into the sound. According to an embodiment, the audio module770may acquire sound through the input device750(e.g., a microphone) or may output sound through an output device (not illustrated) (e.g., a speaker or a receiver) included in the electronic device701, an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device702(e.g., a wireless speaker or a wireless headphone)) or an electronic device706(e.g., a wired speaker or a wired headphone) connected with the electronic device701.

The sensor module776may measure or detect, for example, an internal operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device701or an external environment state (e.g., an altitude, a humidity, or brightness) to generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to the information of the measured state or the detected state. The sensor module776may include, for example, at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor (e.g., a red, green, blue (RGB) sensor), an infrared sensor, a biometric sensor (e.g., an iris sensor, a fingerprint senor, a heartbeat rate monitoring (HRM) sensor, an e-nose sensor, an electromyography (EMG) sensor, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor), a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illuminance sensor, or an UV sensor. The sensor module776may further include a control circuit for controlling at least one or more sensors included therein. According to an embodiment, the sensor module776may be controlled by using the processor720or a processor (e.g., a sensor hub) separate from the processor720. In the case that the separate processor (e.g., a sensor hub) is used, while the processor720is in a sleep state, the separate processor may operate without awakening the processor720to control at least a portion of the operation or the state of the sensor module776.

According to an embodiment, the interface777may include a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB), an optical interface, a recommended standard 232 (RS-232), a D-subminiature (D-sub), a mobile high-definition link (MHL) interface, a SD card/MMC(multi-media card) interface, or an audio interface. A connector778may physically connect the electronic device701and the electronic device706. According to an embodiment, the connector778may include, for example, an USB connector, an SD card/MMC connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module779may convert an electrical signal into mechanical stimulation (e.g., vibration or motion) or into electrical stimulation. For example, the haptic module779may apply tactile or kinesthetic stimulation to a user. The haptic module779may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

The camera module780may capture, for example, a still image and a moving picture. According to an embodiment, the camera module780may include at least one lens (e.g., a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens, or a front lens and a rear lens), an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash (e.g., a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp).

The power management module788, which is to manage the power of the electronic device701, may constitute at least a portion of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery789may include a primary cell, a secondary cell, or a fuel cell and may be recharged by an external power source to supply power at least one element of the electronic device701.

The communication module790may establish a communication channel between the electronic device701and an external device (e.g., the first external electronic device702, the second external electronic device704, or the server708). The communication module790may support wired communication or wireless communication through the established communication channel. According to an embodiment, the communication module790may include a wireless communication module792or a wired communication module794. The communication module790may communicate with the external device through a first network798(e.g. a wireless local area network such as Bluetooth or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network799(e.g., a wireless wide area network such as a cellular network) through a relevant module among the wireless communication module792or the wired communication module794.

The wireless communication module792may support, for example, cellular communication, local wireless communication, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication. The cellular communication may include, for example, long-term evolution (LTE), LTE Advance (LTE-A), code division multiple access (CMA), wideband CDMA (WCDMA), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), wireless broadband (WiBro), or global system for mobile communications (GSM). The local wireless communication may include wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), WiFi Direct, light fidelity (Li-Fi), Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), Zigbee, near field communication (NFC), magnetic secure transmission (MST), radio frequency (RF), or a body area network (BAN). The GNSS may include at least one of a global positioning system (GPS), a global navigation satellite system (Glonass), Beidou Navigation Satellite System (Beidou), the European global satellite-based navigation system (Galileo), or the like. In the present disclosure, “GPS” and “GNSS” may be interchangeably used.

According to an embodiment, when the wireless communication module792supports cellar communication, the wireless communication module792may, for example, identify or authenticate the electronic device701within a communication network using the subscriber identification module (e.g., a SIM card)796. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module792may include a communication processor (CP) separate from the processor720(e.g., an application processor (AP)). In this case, the communication processor may perform at least a portion of functions associated with at least one of elements710to796of the electronic device701in substitute for the processor720when the processor720is in an inactive (sleep) state, and together with the processor720when the processor720is in an active state. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module792may include a plurality of communication modules, each supporting only a relevant communication scheme among cellular communication, local wireless communication, or a GNSS communication.

The wired communication module794may include, for example, include a local area network (LAN) service, a power line communication, or a plain old telephone service (POTS).

For example, the first network798may employ, for example, Wi-Fi direct or Bluetooth for transmitting or receiving commands or data through wireless direct connection between the electronic device701and the first external electronic device702. The second network799may include a telecommunication network (e.g., a computer network such as a LAN or a WAN, the Internet or a telephone network) for transmitting or receiving commands or data between the electronic device701and the second electronic device704.

According to various embodiments, the commands or the data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device701and the second external electronic device704through the server708connected with the second network799. Each of the first and second external electronic devices702and704may be a device of which the type is different from or the same as that of the electronic device701. According to various embodiments, all or a part of operations that the electronic device701will perform may be executed by another or a plurality of electronic devices (e.g., the electronic devices702and704or the server708). According to an embodiment, in the case that the electronic device701executes any function or service automatically or in response to a request, the electronic device701may not perform the function or the service internally, but may alternatively or additionally transmit requests for at least a part of a function associated with the electronic device701to any other device (e.g., the electronic device702or704or the server708). The other electronic device (e.g., the electronic device702or704or the server708) may execute the requested function or additional function and may transmit the execution result to the electronic device701. The electronic device701may provide the requested function or service using the received result or may additionally process the received result to provide the requested function or service. To this end, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing may be used.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure and terms used herein are not intended to limit the technologies described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the embodiments and the terms include modification, equivalent, and/or alternative on the corresponding embodiments described herein. With regard to description of drawings, similar elements may be marked by similar reference numerals. The terms of a singular form may include plural forms unless otherwise specified. In the disclosure disclosed herein, the expressions “A or B”, “at least one of A and/or B”, “at least one of A and/or B”, “A, B, or C”, or “at least one of A, B, and/or C”, and the like used herein may include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as “first,” or “second,” and the like, may express their elements regardless of their priority or importance and may be used to distinguish one element from another element but is not limited to these components. When an (e.g., first) element is referred to as being “(operatively or communicatively) coupled with/to” or “connected to” another (e.g., second) element, it may be directly coupled with/to or connected to the other element or an intervening element (e.g., a third element) may be present.

The term “module” used herein may include a unit, which is implemented with hardware, software, or firmware, and may be interchangeably used with the terms “logic”, “logical block”, “component”, “circuit”, or the like. The “module” may be a minimum unit of an integrated component or a part thereof or may be a minimum unit for performing one or more functions or a part thereof. The “module” may be implemented mechanically or electronically and may include, for example, an application-specific IC (ASIC) chip, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and a programmable-logic device for performing some operations, which are known or will be developed.

According to various embodiments, at least a part of an apparatus (e.g., modules or functions thereof) or a method (e.g., operations) may be, for example, implemented by instructions stored in a computer-readable storage media (e.g., the memory730) in the form of a program module. The instruction, when executed by a processor (e.g., a processor720), may cause the processor to perform a function corresponding to the instruction. The computer-readable recording medium may include a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic media (e.g., a magnetic tape), an optical media (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM) and a digital versatile disc (DVD), a magneto-optical media (e.g., a floptical disk)), an embedded memory, and the like. The one or more instructions may contain a code made by a compiler or a code executable by an interpreter.

Each element (e.g., a module or a program module) according to various embodiments may be composed of single entity or a plurality of entities, a part of the above-described sub-elements may be omitted or may further include other sub-elements. Alternatively or additionally, after being integrated in one entity, some elements (e.g., a module or a program module) may identically or similarly perform the function executed by each corresponding element before integration. According to various embodiments, operations executed by modules, program modules, or other elements may be executed by a successive method, a parallel method, a repeated method, or a heuristic method, or at least one part of operations may be executed in different sequences or omitted. Alternatively, other operations may be added.