Sensor device and electronic device obtaining information from the sensor device

A sensor device is provided. The sensor device includes an energy harvester configured to generate electric energy, a monitoring circuit, a sensor, a communication circuit, and at least one processor configured to obtain information indicating a magnitude of the generated electric energy via the monitoring circuit, obtain a sensing value via the sensor, and transmit the sensing value and the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy via the communication circuit to the other electronic device.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to a sensor device and an electronic device obtaining information from the sensor device. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a sensor device detecting a sensing value related to the operation of an electronic device and an electronic device obtaining the sensing value related to the operation of the electronic device from the sensor device.

2. Description of Related Art

Sensor devices may obtain sensing values related to the operation of an electronic device. For example, a washer may include a door sensor for identifying that the door stays closed before the washer starts to operate and a water level sensor for detecting the water level to maintain a water level appropriate for washing. A dryer equipped with a humidity sensor may identify whether the laundry has been sufficiently dried based on the humidity value obtained from the humidity sensor. A refrigerator with a temperature sensor may identify whether the inside of the refrigerator remains in an adequate temperature range based on the temperature obtained from the temperature sensor.

The sensor device of the related art for obtaining sensing values related to the operation of an electronic device may be part of the electronic device which may be integrally embedded in the electronic device. The conventional sensor device may not obtain sensing values from away from the surface of the electronic device. For example, dryers typically have an electrode sensor embedded in the inner surface thereof. Thus, although the electrode sensor is placed close to the laundry, the electrode sensor may not obtain a sensing value from the laundry which is away from the inner surface of the dryer. Thus, in the case of the conventional sensor device, the sensing value detected by the sensor device may differ from the sensing value actually required.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the 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 disclosure is to provide a sensor device and an electronic device obtaining information from the sensor device.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide a sensor device may be a separate device from the electronic device, rather than embedded in the electronic device.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide a sensor device may receive power via an energy harvester and transmit the sensing value and information for the magnitude of the harvested electric energy to the electronic device.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide an electronic device may perform operations based on the sensing value and the information indicating the magnitude of the harvested electric energy received from the sensor device.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a sensor device is provided. The sensor device includes an energy harvester configured to generate electric energy, a monitoring circuit, a sensor, a communication circuit, and at least one processor configured to control the communication circuit to communicate a signal to establish a communication connection to another electronic device, obtain information indicating a magnitude of the generated electric energy via the monitoring circuit, obtain a sensing value via the sensor, and control the communication circuit to transmit the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy and the sensing value to the other electronic device.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a communication circuit, an actuator, and at least one processor configured to control the communication circuit to communicate a signal to establish a communication connection with a sensor device configured to generate electric energy, receive information indicating a magnitude of the generated electric energy from the sensor device via the communication circuit, identify an operation routine of the actuator for processing laundry based on the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy, control the actuator to operate according to the operation routine, receive a sensing value from the sensor device via the communication circuit while the actuator operates according to the operation routine, and change the operation routine of the actuator for processing laundry based on the sensing value.

In accordance another aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a communication circuit, an actuator, and at least one processor configured to control the communication circuit to communicate a signal to establish communication connection with a sensor device configured to generate electric energy, receive a sensing value and information indicating a magnitude of the generated electric energy from the sensor device via the communication circuit, and control an operation of the actuator based on at least one of the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy or the sensing value.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS.1A and1Bare views illustrating a context in which an electronic device and a sensor device are used according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.1A, a diagram100aillustrates that an electronic device110amay be a washer or a dryer. As illustrated inFIG.1A, laundry120aand a sensor device130amay be placed into the electronic device110a. The sensor device130amay be positioned in the laundry120a. As described below, according to an embodiment, after the electronic device110astarts to operate, the sensor device130amay obtain a sensing value from inside of the laundry120a. According to an embodiment, the sensor device130amay generate electric energy by converting energy generated as the electronic device110aoperates into electric energy, and the sensor device130amay obtain information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy. For example, as the actuator of the electronic device110ais driven, the sensor device130amay move inside the electronic device110a. In this case, the magnet inside the electronic device110amay move, and the movement of the magnet may produce an electromotive force and generate an electric current. When the electronic device110ais a dryer, the electronic device110amay produce heat and light. The sensor device130amay generate electric energy using the heat and light generated by the electronic device110a. The sensor device130amay convert various kinds of energy (kinetic energy, thermal energy, or light energy) originating from the electronic device110aor external environment into electric energy. According to an embodiment, the sensor device130amay transmit the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy and a sensing value obtained from inside of the laundry120ato the electronic device110a. The sensor device130amay transmit the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy and the sensing value to the electronic device110avia a single communication signal. Alternatively, the sensor device130amay transmit the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy and the sensing value to the electronic device110avia different communication signals.

Referring toFIG.1B, a diagram100billustrates that an electronic device110bmay be a refrigerator. The electronic device110bmay store food containers120band a sensor device130b. The sensor device130bmay be positioned between the food containers120b. As described below, according to an embodiment, after the electronic device110bstarts to operate, the sensor device130bmay obtain a sensing value at a location between the food containers120b. According to an embodiment, the sensor device130bmay generate electric energy by converting energy generated as the electronic device110boperates into electric energy, and the sensor device130bmay obtain information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy. According to an embodiment, the sensor device130bmay transmit the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy and a sensing value obtained at the location between the food containers120bto the electronic device110b.

FIGS.2A,2B, and2Care block diagrams illustrating sensor devices according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.2A, a sensor device200amay include an energy harvester210a. The energy harvester210amay convert energy other than electric energy into electric energy. For example, the energy harvester210amay include at least one of an induction mechanism harvester, a piezoelectric harvester, a thermoelectric harvester, a triboelectric harvester, a photoelectric harvester, a radio frequency (RF) harvester, or a vibration energy harvester. The structure of the induction mechanism harvester is described below with reference toFIGS.4A,4B,5A,5B, and6A to6E. The piezoelectric harvester may include a piezoelectric element that may generate electric energy when an external mechanical force is applied to the piezoelectric element. The thermoelectric harvester may include a thermoelectric element that may convert thermal energy into electric energy. The triboelectric harvester may include an electrode for absorbing electricity generated by friction. The photoelectric harvester may include a photoelectric element that may convert light energy into electric energy. According to an embodiment, the photoelectric element may be disposed on the outer surface of the sensor device200a. The RF harvester may include an electric line (i.e., an antenna) to collect electric or electromagnetic waves. The vibration energy harvester may convert mechanical energy generated by vibrations and/or rotations into electric energy. The induction mechanism harvester, piezoelectric harvester, thermoelectric harvester, triboelectric harvester, RF harvester, and vibration energy harvester may produce alternating current (AC) electric energy, and the photoelectric harvester may produce direct current (DC) electric energy.

According to an embodiment, the energy harvester210amay include at least one of the induction mechanism harvester, piezoelectric harvester, thermoelectric harvester, triboelectric harvester, or RF harvester to produce electric energy as the dryer operates. According to an embodiment, the energy harvester may include at least one of the induction mechanism harvester, piezoelectric harvester, triboelectric harvester, or RF harvester to produce electric energy as the washer operates. According to an embodiment, the energy harvester may include at least one of the induction mechanism harvester, piezoelectric harvester, triboelectric harvester, or RF harvester or may, or may not, include the thermoelectric harvester to produce electric energy as the dryer or washer operates. According to an embodiment, the energy harvester210amay include at least one of the photoelectric harvester, RF harvester, or vibration energy harvester to produce electric energy as the refrigerator operates.

According to an embodiment, the sensor device200amay include a first power conversion circuit220a. The first power conversion circuit220amay convert the output from the energy harvester210ainto a DC form. According to an embodiment, when the energy harvester210aincludes only a harvester for producing DC electric energy, the first power conversion circuit220amay be omitted. According to an implementation, the first power conversion circuit220amay adjust the voltage and/or current of rectified electric energy and output the adjusted electric energy.

According to an embodiment, the sensor device200amay include an energy storage device230a. The energy storage device230amay be connected to an output terminal of the first power conversion circuit220ato store DC electric energy. According to an embodiment, the energy storage device230amay include at least one of a battery, a capacitor, or a supercapacitor. According to an embodiment, when the energy storage device230aincludes a battery, the energy storage device230amay further include a capacitor for rectifying the current input to the battery. According to an embodiment, when the energy storage device230aincludes a battery, the energy storage device230amay further include an integrated circuit (IC) or a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) for charging the battery. According to an embodiment, when the energy storage device230aincludes no lithium ion battery, the sensor device200amay stably operate in high-temperature contexts. AlthoughFIG.2Aillustrates that the energy storage device230ais connected with a processor270a, this is merely for illustration purposes. The energy storage device230amay be connected directly or indirectly to a monitoring circuit260a, a sensor280a, or a communication module290a, that is, a communication circuit, to thereby provide stored charges. A converter for changing voltage may be connected between the energy storage device230aand the processor270a, monitoring circuit260a, sensor280a, or communication module290a.

According to an embodiment, the sensor device200amay include a protection circuit250a. According to an embodiment, the protection circuit250amay be connected to the output terminal of the first power conversion circuit220a. According to an embodiment, the protection circuit250amay have a structure as described below in connection withFIGS.2D to2F.

According to an embodiment, the sensor device200amay include a monitoring circuit260a. The monitoring circuit260amay detect at least one of the current, voltage, or power at a specific point. The monitoring circuit260amay include a voltage meter and/or a current meter. The monitoring circuit260amay include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) circuit. The monitoring circuit260amay be connected to the processor270ato transfer the detected value to the processor270a. AlthoughFIG.2Aillustrates that the monitoring circuit260adetects at least one of the current, voltage, or power at the output terminal of the first power conversion circuit220a, this is merely an example, and it will readily be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the point where the monitoring circuit260aperforms monitoring is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the sensor device200amay include a processor270a. According to an embodiment, the processor270amay be a single processor or multiple processors. The processor270amay execute, for example, software to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the sensor device200aand may perform various data processing or computation. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor270amay load a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor280aor communication module290aonto a volatile memory, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory, and store resulting data in a non-volatile memory. According to an embodiment, the processor270amay include a main processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), and an auxiliary processor (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor, or to be specific to a specified function.

According to an embodiment, the sensor device200amay include a sensor280a. The sensor280amay detect the state of the external environment of the sensor device200aand generate an electric signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor280amay include at least one of, e.g., a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a detergent quantity sensor, or a turbidity sensor. For example, the detergent quantity sensor may include a pair of electrodes for measuring the electric conductivity of the wash water and may detect the amount of detergent based on the electric conductivity of the wash water which varies depending on the amount of detergent dissolved. For example, the turbidity sensor may detect the turbidity by measuring the light transmittance and scattering rate which vary depending on the amount of particles dissolved in water.

For example, the sensor280amay include at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an acceleration meter, or a gyro sensor for generating a sensing value related to the operation of a dryer. According to an embodiment, the sensor280amay include at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a detergent quantity sensor, a pH sensor, an odor sensor, a contamination level sensor, or a turbidity sensor for generating a sensing value related to the operation of a washer. According to an embodiment, the sensor280amay include at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a gyro sensor for generating a sensing value related to the operation of a dryer and a washer and may, or may not, include a detergent quantity sensor, a pH sensor, a contamination level sensor, or a turbidity sensor. According to an embodiment, the sensor280amay include at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an odor sensor for generating a sensing value related to the operation of a refrigerator.

According to an embodiment, the sensor device200amay include a communication module290a. The communication module290amay be used to transmit at least one of the voltage or current of the energy storage device230aobtained via the monitoring circuit260aand the sensing value obtained via the sensor280ato the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the communication module290amay perform Bluetooth low energy (BLE), Bluetooth, Zigbee, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi), or infrared (IR) communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module290amay be implemented in the same chip as the processor270a.

The communication module290amay establish a wireless communication channel between the sensor device200aand an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device110a) and support communication via the established communication channel. The communication module290amay include one or more communication processors that are operated independently from the processor270a(e.g., an application processor) and support wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module290amay include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multiple chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module may identify and authenticate the sensor device200ain a communication network, such as the first network or the second network, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module.

Referring toFIG.2B, the sensor device200bmay include an energy harvester210b, a first power conversion circuit220b, an energy storage device230b, a monitoring circuit260b, a processor270b, a sensor280b, and a communication module290b. The details of the energy harvester210b, the first power conversion circuit220b, the energy storage device230b, the monitoring circuit260b, the processor270b, the sensor280b, and the communication module290bhave been described above in connection withFIG.2A, and no repetitive description is given below.

According to an embodiment, the sensor device200bmay include a switch240b. According to an embodiment, the switch240bmay be hysteresis switch which is described below with reference toFIGS.3A to3C. According to an embodiment, the switch240bmay be a normal switch that has a single reference voltage and outputs no voltage when the input voltage is less than the reference voltage and outputs a voltage when the input voltage is the reference voltage or more. The switch240bmay transfer, or cut off transfer of, the energy stored in the energy storage device230bto the processor270b. According to an embodiment, when an abnormality occurs or electric energy insufficient to operate the processor270bor sensor280bis generated, the switch240bmay cut off supply of power to the processor270b.

According to an embodiment, the sensor device200bmay include a protection circuit250b. According to an embodiment, the protection circuit250bmay be connected to the input terminal251bor output terminal252bof the switch240b. According to an embodiment, the protection circuit250bmay have a structure as described below in connection withFIGS.2D to2F.

According to an embodiment, the sensor device200bmay include a memory295b. The memory295bmay store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor270bor the sensor280b) of the sensor device200b. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memory295bmay include a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. According to an embodiment, the memory295bmay be implemented in the same chip as the processor270bor the communication module290b.

According to an embodiment, the monitoring circuit260bincluded in the sensor device200bmay detect the current, voltage, or power at the input terminal or output terminal of the switch240b.

Referring toFIG.2C, a sensor device200cmay include an energy harvester210c, a first power conversion circuit220c, an energy storage device230c, a switch240c, a protection circuit250c, a monitoring circuit260c, a processor270c, a sensor280c, a communication module290c, and a memory295c. The details of the energy harvester210c, the first power conversion circuit220c, the energy storage device230c, the switch240c, the protection circuit250c, the monitoring circuit260c, the processor270c, the sensor280c, the communication module290c, and the memory295chave been described above in connection withFIG.2A or2B, and no repetitive description is given below.

According to an embodiment, the sensor device200cmay include a second power conversion circuit225c. The second power conversion circuit225cmay be connected to the output terminal252cof the switch240cand the input terminal of the processor270c. The second power conversion circuit225cmay adjust (or regulate) the voltage input to the processor270cto be maintained as a constant voltage and may protect the processor270cfrom a high voltage.

According to an embodiment, the protection circuit250cincluded in the sensor device200cmay be connected to the input terminal or output terminal of the second power conversion circuit225c. According to an embodiment, the monitoring circuit260cincluded in the sensor device200cmay detect the current, voltage, or power at the input terminal or output terminal of the second power conversion circuit225cor the current, voltage, or power at the input terminal251cor output terminal252cof the switch240c.

Although not shown inFIGS.2A to2C, the sensor device may further include a light emitter, e.g., a light emitting diode (LED), or display according to an embodiment. According to an embodiment, when electric energy is produced from an energy harvester via the monitoring circuit, the processor may visually display production of electric energy via the light emitter or display.

FIGS.2D,2E, and2Fare circuit diagrams illustrating protection circuits according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.2D, a protection circuit200dmay include a diode210dand a Zener diode220dconnected in series with each other. The Zener diode220dis connected to the ground. Referring toFIG.2E, a protection circuit200emay include a Zener diode220econnected to the ground. Referring toFIG.2F, a protection circuit200fmay include a diode210fand a Zener diode220fconnected in series with each other. The Zener diode220fis connected to the ground. The protection circuit200ffurther includes a Zener diode230fconnected in parallel with the diode210fand the Zener diode220fFor example, when an over voltage (or over current) is applied to the output terminal of the first power conversion circuit220b, the switch or other elements may be operated to allow current to be provided to the ground of the protection circuit.

FIG.3Ais a circuit diagram illustrating a hysteresis switch according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.3A, a hysteresis switch300amay include a plurality of resistors, two p-channel field effect transistors (FETs)310a, and one n-channel FET320a. The resistances shown inFIG.3Aare example values. According to an embodiment, the resistances of the resistors included in the hysteresis switch300aare not limited to those shown inFIG.3A. According to an embodiment, the source of a first p-channel FET of the two p-channel FETs310a, as the input terminal of the hysteresis switch300a, may be connected between R11and R13, the drain of the first p-channel FET may be the output terminal of the hysteresis switch300a, and the gate of the first p-channel FET may be connected between R13and R12. The source of the second p-channel FET of the two p-channel FETs310amay be connected between R10and R11, the drain of the second p-channel FET may be connected to the gate of the n-channel FET320aand between R10and R14, and the gate of the second p-channel FET may be connected to the drain of the n-channel FET320a. The source of the n-channel FET320amay be connected to the ground.

FIGS.3B and3Care graphs illustrating operation of a hysteresis switch according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.3B, when the input voltage is lower than a low voltage threshold (VL), the output voltage is 0. When the input voltage was lower than VL and then increases to be higher than VL but lower than a high voltage threshold (VH), the output voltage is still 0. When the input voltage is higher than VH, the output voltage is equal to the input voltage. When the input voltage was higher than VH and then decreases to be higher than VL but lower than VH, the output voltage is identical to the input voltage.

FIG.3Cillustrates the operation state of the hysteresis switch when the input voltage fluctuates over time starting with OV. In the interval when the input voltage increases starting from 0, the hysteresis switch is turned on at the point when the input voltage is VH. Thereafter, the input voltage goes higher than VH and then reduces. In the interval when the input voltage is higher than VH and then reduces, the hysteresis switch is turned off at the point when the input voltage is VL. Thereafter, the input voltage goes lower than VL and then increases. In the interval when the input voltage is lower than VL and then increases, the hysteresis switch is turned on at the point when the input voltage is VH.

According to an embodiment, VL may be set as a minimum voltage at which the processor may be driven. It may be identified that the above-described hysteresis switch delays the time when the switch is turned off in the context where the input voltage is reducing, with the hysteresis switch on and delays the time when the switch is turned on in the context where the input voltage is increasing, with the hysteresis switch off. Thus, the hysteresis switch may delay the time when no power is supplied to the processor in the context where the output power of the energy harvester reduces and delay the time when power is supplied to the processor until more power is accumulated in the energy storage device in the context where the output power of the energy harvester increases, thereby enabling power to be supplied to the processor for a longer time. Further, as the harvested energy is varied, the processor and the communication module may be prevented from frequently turning on/off, ensuring a stable communication connection between the sensor device and the electronic device.

FIG.4Ais a view illustrating a structure of an induction mechanism harvester according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.4A, according to an embodiment, an induction mechanism harvester400aof the energy harvester210a,210bor210cmay include a guide410a, a coil420awound around the guide, and a magnet430adisposed to be movable in the guide. The magnet430amay be moved in the guide410aas the induction mechanism harvester400amoves. When the magnet430apasses a portion of the guide410awhere the coil420ais disposed, an induced electromotive force is generated from the coil420aby a variation in the magnetic flux in the section of the coil420a.

In the example shown inFIG.4A, the guide410amay be a cylinder with a diameter of 8 mm and a height of 50 mm. In the example shown inFIG.4A, a side surface of the cylindrical guide410awhere the coil420ais disposed may be 10 mm wide. In the example shown inFIG.4A, the magnet430amay be a cylinder with a diameter of 7 mm and a height of 15 mm. The sizes related to the guide410a, coil420a, and magnet430ashown inFIG.4Aare merely examples. According to an embodiment, the induction mechanism harvester400amay include a plurality of coils420a. According to an embodiment, the magnet430amay be elliptical in shape. According to an embodiment, the magnet430amay be shaped and sized not to be overturned inside the guide410a.

FIG.4Bis a view illustrating a structure of a housing in which an induction mechanism harvester is placed according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.4B, in the sensor device400b, an induction mechanism harvester401bincludes a guide410b, coil420b, and magnet430bthat may be disposed in the housing440bof the sensor device400b. According to an embodiment, the housing440bof the sensor device400bmay be spherical in shape. According to an embodiment, the housing440bof the sensor device400bmay have various stereoscopic shapes, such as a hexahedron, tetrahedron, elliptical sphere, or prolate spheroid. The details of the induction mechanism harvester shown inFIG.4Bare the same as those described above in connection withFIG.4A, and no further description thereof is given below. In particular, when the sensor device is configured to sense temperature, humidity, or harvesting output in a dryer, the exterior size may be a minimum of 50 mm or more vertically and horizontally to produce sufficient power required for driving the sensor.

FIGS.5A and5Bare views illustrating a structure of a sensor device with a plurality of induction mechanism harvesters according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Specifically,FIG.5Aillustrates an example cross section of the sensor device500a.

Referring toFIG.5A, a first portion501aand second portion502aof the housing integrally constitute the tetrahedral housing. The first portion511aof the first guide and the second portion512aof the first guide integrally constitute the guide of the first induction mechanism harvester501a-1. The first portion521aof the second guide and the second portion522aof the second guide integrally constitute the guide of the second induction mechanism harvester501a-2. The first induction mechanism harvester and the second induction mechanism harvester501a-2may be part of the induction mechanism harvester described above in connection withFIG.4A.

AlthoughFIG.5Aillustrates that the first induction mechanism harvester501a-1and the second induction mechanism harvester501a-2are integrally formed with each other, the sensor device500amay be designed so that the first induction mechanism harvester501a-1and the second induction mechanism harvester501a-2are separated from each other according to an embodiment.

The sensor device500aofFIG.5Aincludes two induction mechanism harvesters which are perpendicular to each other. Given that the induction mechanism harvester produces electric energy as the sensor device500amoves and that electronic devices, such as dryers and washers, typically and mainly perform circular rotating motions or falling motions, if the sensor device500aincludes only one cylindrical induction mechanism harvester, when the sensor device500ais disposed so that the height direction of the cylinder corresponding to the guide of the induction mechanism harvester is parallel to a normal of the plane formed by the direction of motion of the electronic device, the magnet included in the induction mechanism harvester does not move and, thus, no electric energy is produced. Thus, as the sensor device500aincludes two cylindrical induction mechanism harvesters perpendicular to each other, failure to produce electric energy may be prevented.

The example ofFIG.5Awhere two cylindrical induction mechanism harvesters are perpendicular to each other is merely an example. For example, the angle between the two cylindrical induction mechanism harvesters may be varied. Although the angle between the two cylindrical induction mechanism harvesters is not a right angle, failure to produce electric energy may be prevented as long as the two cylindrical induction mechanism harvesters are not perfectly parallel with each other.

According to an embodiment, the sensor device500amay include three or more induction mechanism harvesters.

According to an embodiment, the two induction mechanism harvesters included in the sensor device500amay be disposed spaced apart from each other in the housing501aand502aso that interference between the magnets included in the induction mechanism harvesters may be minimized. According to an embodiment, the first induction mechanism harvester501a-1and the second induction mechanism harvester501a-2may be disposed so that the attraction between the magnets included in the induction mechanism harvesters is smaller than the gravity. According to an embodiment, the distance between the center of the guide511aand512aof the first induction mechanism harvester501a-1and the center of the guide521aand522aof the second induction mechanism harvester501a-2may be 40 mm or more.

FIG.5Bis a view illustrating the structure of a sensor device including a plurality of arc-shaped induction mechanism harvesters according to an embodiment. The sensor device500bmay include a first guide510bincluded in a first induction mechanism harvester501a-1and a second guide520bincluded in a second induction mechanism harvester501a-2.

Referring toFIG.5B, according to an embodiment, the first guide510band the second guide520bmay be shaped to have openings in both ends in which case the magnet included in the first induction mechanism harvester501a-1may be shaped and sized not to escape from the first guide510b, and the magnet included in the second induction mechanism harvester501a-2may be shaped and sized not to escape from the second guide520b. According to an embodiment, the first guide510band the second guide520bmay be shaped to have both the ends closed at least partially.

Referring toFIG.5B, the first guide510band the second guide520bbeing perpendicular to each other is merely an example, and the angle between the first guide510band the second guide520bmay be varied. Referring toFIG.5B, the distance between the center of the first guide510band the center of the second guide520bmay be 40 mm or more. The details of the cylindrical induction mechanism harvester described above in connection withFIG.4Amay apply likewise to the arc-shaped induction mechanism harvester except that the guide is arc-shaped, and the arc-shaped induction mechanism harvester is not further described below.

FIGS.6A,6B,6C,6D, and6Eare views illustrating a structure of an induction mechanism harvester with a ring-shaped induction mechanism harvester according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Specifically,FIG.6Aillustrates an example cross section of the sensor device600a.

Referring toFIG.6A, a first portion601aand second portion602aof the housing integrally constitute the spherical housing. The first portion611aof the ring-shaped guide and the second portion612aof the ring-shaped guide integrally constitute the ring-shaped guide of the ring-shaped induction mechanism harvester603a. The first portion601aof the housing includes a space621afor receiving the first coil of the ring-shaped induction mechanism harvester603aand a space631afor receiving the second coil of the ring-shaped induction mechanism harvester603a. The second portion602aof the housing includes a space622afor receiving the first coil of the ring-shaped induction mechanism harvester603aand a space621afor receiving the second coil of the ring-shaped induction mechanism harvester603a. The sensor device600ashown inFIG.6Aincludes one ring-shaped induction mechanism harvester, and the ring-shaped induction mechanism harvester may include two coils. According to an embodiment, the sensor device600amay include one coil or three or more coils. The details of the cylindrical induction mechanism harvester described above in connection withFIG.4Amay apply likewise to the ring-shaped induction mechanism harvester except that the guide is ring-shaped, and the arc-shaped induction mechanism harvester is not further described below.

FIG.6Billustrates a cut half of an example sensor device600b.

Referring toFIG.6B, the cut half601bof the housing includes a cut half610bof the ring-shaped guide of the ring-shaped induction mechanism harvester603band includes four spaces621b,622b,623b, and624bfor receiving the coils wound around the ring-shaped guide. According to an embodiment, the cut half601bof the housing includes a space630bfor receiving the cylindrical induction mechanism harvester604b.

The sensor device600bshown inFIG.6Bincludes one ring-shaped induction mechanism harvester and one cylindrical induction mechanism harvester, and the ring-shaped induction mechanism harvester may include four coils. According to an embodiment, the number of coils included in the ring-shaped induction mechanism harvester603band the cylindrical induction mechanism harvester604bmay be varied.

FIG.6Cillustrates a structure of an example ring-shaped induction mechanism harvester.

Referring toFIG.6C, specifically, the ring-shaped induction mechanism harvester600cincludes a ring-shaped guide610c, four coils621c,622c,623c, and624cand four magnets631c,632c,633c, and634c, and the range of movement of the four magnets631c,632c,633c, and634cis limited by blocking plates611c,612c,613c, and614c. According to an embodiment, the four magnets631c,632c,633c, and634cmay be arranged so that the identical polarities face each other when each comes close to its neighboring one. When the range of movement of the four magnets631c,632c,633c, and634cis limited by the blocking plates611c,612c,613c, and614cor the four magnets631c,632c,633c, and634care arranged so that identical polarities face each other when each comes close to its neighboring one, the four magnets631c,632c,633c, and634cmay not contact each other. AlthoughFIG.6Cillustrates an example in which there are four magnets and four blocking plates, the number of magnets and the number of blocking plates may be any even number according to an embodiment.

FIG.6Dillustrates a cut half of an example sensor device600d.

Referring toFIG.6D, the cut half601dof the housing includes a cut half611dof the first guide603d-1of the induction mechanism harvester603dand a cut half612dof the second guide603d-2of the induction mechanism harvester603dand includes spaces621d,622d,623d, and624dfor receiving the coils of the induction mechanism harvester603d.

Two contacts are provided between the first guide and second guide of the induction mechanism harvester603din the sensor device600dofFIG.6D, and one of the two contacts is shown inFIG.6D. The induction mechanism harvester603dofFIG.6Dincludes one magnet, and the magnet may move from the first guide to the second guide or from the second guide to the first guide through the contacts between the first guide and the second guide. According to an embodiment, the number of coils included in the induction mechanism harvester603dofFIG.6Dmay be varied.

According to an embodiment, the induction mechanism harvester600eofFIG.6Eincludes a first induction mechanism harvester611eand a second induction mechanism harvester612e.

Referring toFIG.6E, according to an embodiment, the guides of the first induction mechanism harvester611eand the second induction mechanism harvester612eare C-shaped tunnels each having both ends closed, and the guides of the first induction mechanism harvester611eand the second induction mechanism harvester612emay be disposed perpendicular to each other. According to an embodiment, the first induction mechanism harvester611emay include two coils621eand622e, and the second induction mechanism harvester612emay include two coils623eand625e. According to an embodiment, the number of coils included in the induction mechanism harvester ofFIG.6Dmay be varied.

FIG.7Ais a view illustrating a structure of a hybrid energy harvester with an induction mechanism harvester701aand a triboelectric harvester702aaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.7A, according to an embodiment, a sensor device700amay include triboelectric electrodes741aand742adisposed on the outer surface of the housing750a. The triboelectric electrodes741aand742amay be included in the triboelectric harvester702athat harvests electric energy generated by friction between things positioned adjacent to the sensor device700a. According to an embodiment, the sensor device700amay include, in the housing750a, a guide710a, a coil720awound around the guide710a, and a magnet730adisposed to be moveable in the guide. As described above, the guide710a, the coil720a, and the magnet730amay be included in the induction mechanism harvester701a.

FIG.7Bis a view illustrating a structure of a hybrid energy harvester with an induction mechanism harvester701band a piezoelectric harvester703baccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.7B, according to an embodiment, the sensor device700bmay include, in the housing750b, a guide710b, a coil720bwound around the guide710b, and a magnet730bdisposed to be moveable in the guide710b. As described above, the guide710b, the coil720b, and the magnet730bmay be included in the induction mechanism harvester701b. According to an embodiment, piezoelectric elements741band742bmay be disposed on both ends of the guide710bincluded in the sensor device700b. The piezoelectric elements741band742bmay be included in the piezoelectric harvester703b. According to an embodiment, if the magnet730bmoves and touches the piezoelectric element741band742bas the housing750bof the sensor device700bmoves, the piezoelectric element741band742bmay produce electric energy using the mechanical force.

FIG.7Cis a view illustrating a structure of a hybrid energy harvester with a triboelectric harvester702cand a piezoelectric harvester703caccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.7C, according to an embodiment, the sensor device700cmay include triboelectric electrodes721cand722cdisposed on the inner surface of the housing750cand a plurality of triboelectric materials731c,732c, and733c. A plurality of piezoelectric elements741c,742c, and743cmay be disposed on the inner surface of the triboelectric electrodes721cand722c. As the housing750cof the sensor device700cmoves, the plurality of triboelectric materials731c,732c, and733cpositioned inside the housing750care moved, and the triboelectric electrodes721cand722cmay harvest electric energy generated by friction between the plurality of triboelectric materials731c,732c, and733c. The plurality of piezoelectric elements741c,742c, and743cmay produce electric energy using the mechanical force that allows the plurality of triboelectric materials731c,732c, and733cto contact the plurality of piezoelectric elements741c,742c, and743c.

FIGS.8A and8Bare views illustrating housing shapes of a sensor device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.8A, the exterior810aof the sensor device800amay include a plurality of circular protrusions.

Referring toFIG.8B, the exterior810bof the sensor device800bmay include a plurality of dot protrusions. According to an embodiment, the exteriors shown inFIGS.8A and8Bmay surround the outer surface of the housing of the sensor device. According to an embodiment, the sensor device may prevent laundry tangling by including the exterior with protrusions.

FIG.9is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.9, according to an embodiment, an electronic device900(e.g., the electronic device110aofFIG.1Aor the electronic device110bofFIG.1B) may include a processor910. According to an embodiment, the processor910may receive, via the communication module920, a sensing value and information indicating the magnitude of energy generated by a sensor device from the sensor device generating electric energy. According to an embodiment, the processor910may control the operation of the actuator or other hardware based on the sensing value and the information indicating the magnitude of energy generated by the sensor device. For example, when the electronic device900is a dryer and receives a temperature and/or humidity as the sensing value from the sensor device, if the temperature and/or humidity is higher than a reference value, the hardware of the electronic device900may be controlled. When the electronic device900is a washer, and a detergent quantity, as the sensing value, is received from the sensor device, if the detergent quantity is more than an adequate amount, the hardware of the electronic device900may be controlled so that more water may be supplied.

In another example, when the electronic device900is a refrigerator and receives the information indicating the magnitude of energy generated by the sensor device from the sensor device including a photoelectric harvester, if the magnitude of energy generated by the sensor device is less than a predetermined value, the processor910of the electronic device900may increase the output of light inside the refrigerator.

According to an embodiment, the processor910may be a single processor or multiple processors. The processor910may execute, for example, software to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device900and may perform various data processing or computation. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor910may load a command or data received from another component (e.g., communication module920) onto a volatile memory, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory, and store resulting data in a non-volatile memory. According to an embodiment, the processor910may include a main processor (e.g., a CPU or an AP), and an auxiliary processor (e.g., a GPU, an ISP, a sensor hub processor, or a CP) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor, or to be specific to a specified function.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device900may include a communication module920. The communication module920may be used to receive a sensing value and information indicating the magnitude of energy generated by the sensor device from the sensor device. According to an embodiment, the communication module920may perform BLE, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, or IR communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module920may be implemented in the same chip as the processor910.

The communication module920may establish a wireless communication channel between the electronic device900and an external electronic device (e.g., the sensor device200c) and support communication via the established communication channel. The communication module920may include one or more communication processors that are operated independently from the processor910(e.g., an application processor) and supports wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module920may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS communication module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi direct, or IrDA) or the second network (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module may identify and authenticate the electronic device900in a communication network, such as the first network or the second network, using subscriber information (e.g., IMSI) stored in the subscriber identification module.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device900may include a power supply circuit930. According to an embodiment, the power supply circuit930may include at least one of a battery, a capacitor, or a supercapacitor. According to an embodiment, the power supply circuit930may be electrically connected to an external power source to transfer external power to the processor910.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device900may include an actuator940. The actuator940may cause a mechanical movement, emit light, or vary the ambient temperature using an electrical signal received from the processor910. According to an embodiment, the actuator940may be a dryer or washer and may include a motor embedded in the electronic device900. According to an embodiment, the electronic device900may be a refrigerator, and the actuator940may include at least one of a light or cooler inside the refrigerator.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device900may include a display950. The display950may provide visual information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device900. The display950may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment, the display950may include touch circuitry adapted to detect a touch, or sensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch.

According to an embodiment, the processor910of the electronic device900may display a message to allow the sensor device to be positioned in the electronic device900on the display950in response to establishing a connection with the sensor device (e.g., the sensor device200c) via the communication module920. According to an embodiment, the processor910of the electronic device900may output a message to allow the sensor device to be positioned in the electronic device900in the form of a sound in response to establishing a connection with the sensor device200cvia the communication module920. In this case, the sensor device200cmay establish a connection with the communication module920of the electronic device900based on the electric energy generated as the user shakes the sensor device200c.

According to an embodiment, the processor910of the electronic device900may display, on the display950, information which is based on at least part of the information indicating the magnitude of energy generated by the sensor device and the sensing value received from the sensor device (e.g., the sensor device200c) via the communication module920. For example, when the electronic device900is a dryer, the processor910may display at least one of the temperature or humidity in the dryer, the charging voltage of the sensor device, or estimated time to complete drying on the display950. For example, when the electronic device900is a washer, the processor910may display at least one of the amount of laundry, temperature, charging voltage of the sensor device, or wash time expected on the display950. According to an embodiment, the processor910of the electronic device900may store a history for the sensing value and the information indicating the magnitude of energy generated by the sensor device in a memory (not shown) and may display information which is based on the history for the sensing value and information indicating the magnitude of energy generated by the sensor device stored in the memory on the display950. For example, when the electronic device900is a washer, the processor910may display a monthly history for laundry quantity on the display950.

FIG.10is a view illustrating operations performed by a sensor device and an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.10, a flow diagram1000illustrates operations of the sensor device and the electronic device. In operation1010, the electronic device1002(e.g., the processor910) may control the actuator940to perform a first operation. According to an embodiment, the first operation may be identified based on a sensing value received from the sensor device1001(e.g., the processor270c).

In operation1020, the sensor device1001(e.g., the processor270c) may obtain information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy via the monitoring circuit (e.g., the monitoring circuit260c). According to an embodiment, the electric energy may be generated as the actuator940performs the first operation. According to an embodiment, the obtained information may be at least one of the current, voltage, or power supplied to the processor270c. In operation1030, the sensor device1001(e.g., the processor270c) may transmit the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy to the electronic device1002via the communication module (e.g., the communication module290c).

In operation1040, the electronic device1002(e.g., the processor910) may identify whether the magnitude of the generated electric energy is larger than a preset value based on the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy, which is received from the sensor device1001. If the magnitude of the generated electric energy is larger than the preset value, the electronic device1002(e.g., the processor910) may terminate the operations without changing the operations performed by the actuator940. In this case, the actuator940may continue to perform the first operation. If the magnitude of the generated electric energy is not larger than the preset value, the electronic device1002(e.g., the processor910) may control the actuator940to perform a second operation different from the first operation in operation1050.

According to an embodiment, the second operation may be the same in kind as the first operation but may have a higher strength than the first operation. For example, the second operation may be a motor's rotation at a higher rotation per minute (RPM) than the first operation. If the magnitude of the generated electric energy is not larger than the preset value, the electronic device1002(e.g., the processor910) may control the actuator940to perform a stronger operation than the first operation, allowing the sensor device1001positioned in the electronic device1002to harvest more energy. According to an embodiment, at least part of the second operation may at least partially differ in kind from the first operation.

FIG.11Aillustrates operations performed by a sensor device and an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.11Billustrates a relationship between an amount of laundry in a dryer and a cumulative voltage according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.11A, a flow diagram1100aillustrates operations of the electronic device and the sensor device. In operation1110a, the electronic device1102a(e.g., the processor910) may control the communication module920to communicate signals for establishing a communication connection with a sensor device1101a(e.g., the processor270c), thereby establishing a communication connection with the sensor device1101a. According to an embodiment, the electronic device1102amay be, e.g., a dryer. According to an embodiment, the communication connection between the electronic device1102aand the sensor device1101amay be a BLE connection.

In operation1120a, the electronic device1102a(e.g., the processor910) may receive information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy from the sensor device1101avia the communication module920. According to an embodiment, the information received from the sensor device1101amay indicate the magnitude of electric energy generated by the sensor device1101apositioned inside the electronic device1102aas the actuator (e.g., the actuator940) of the electronic device1102aoperates. According to an embodiment, the obtained information may be at least one of the current, voltage, or power supplied to the processor270c(or output from a power conversion circuit).

In operation1130a, the electronic device1102a(e.g., the processor910) may identify an operation routine for the actuator (e.g., the actuator940) of the electronic device1102ato process laundry based on the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy received from the sensor device1101a. According to an embodiment, the operation routine may be identified based on the amount of laundry in the electronic device1102awhich is indicated by the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy. For example, the electronic device1102a(e.g., the processor910) may previously store the relationship between the amount of laundry and the increasing speed of the cumulative voltage over time, i.e., the slope of the cumulative voltage over time.

For example, referring toFIG.111B, as the amount of laundry reduces, the slope of the cumulative voltage over time increases and, as the amount of laundry increases, the slope of the cumulative voltage over time reduces. The electronic device1102a(e.g., the processor910) may identify the amount of laundry in the electronic device1102abased on the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy, received from the sensor device1101a, and the pre-stored relationship between the amount of laundry and the increasing speed of the cumulative voltage over time.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device1102ais a dryer, the operation routine may indicate one or more operations for drying. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device1102ais a dryer, the operation routine may include at least one of the total operation time, the rotation speed of motor over time during the total operation time, direction of rotation of motor over time, or temperature. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device1102ais a washer, the operation routine may indicate one or more operations for washing laundry. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device1102ais a washer, the operation routine may include at least one of the total operation time, or the rotation speed or direction of motor over time during the total operation time.

In operation1140a, the sensor device1101a(e.g., the processor270c) may control the actuator940to operate according to the identified operation routine.

In operation1150a, the sensor device1101a(e.g., the processor270c) may receive a sensing value from the sensor (e.g., the sensor280c) via the communication module (e.g., the communication module290c) while the actuator940is operated according to the identified operation routine.

In operation1160a, the sensor device1101a(e.g., the processor270c) may vary the operation routine of the actuator940for processing laundry based on the sensing value received from the sensor (e.g., the sensor280c) and control the actuator940to operate according to the varied operation routine.

In the operations shown inFIG.11A, since the amount of laundry in the electronic device identified based on the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy, as well as the sensing value received in real-time from the sensor280c, is considered during the course of identifying the operation routine performed by the actuator940, the electronic device1102a(e.g., the processor910) may control the actuator940to perform more efficient and adequate operations.

FIG.11Cillustrates operations performed by a sensor device and an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.11C, a flow diagram1100cillustrates performed by an electronic device and a sensor device. In operation1110c, the electronic device1102c(e.g., the processor910) may control the communication module920to communicate signals for establishing a communication connection with a sensor device1101c(e.g., the processor270c), thereby establishing a communication connection with the sensor device1101c. Since the details described above in connection with operation1110aofFIG.11Amay apply likewise to operation1110c, no repetitive description is given below.

In operation1120c, the electronic device1102a(e.g., the processor910) may receive a sensing value and information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy from the sensor device1101cvia the communication module920.

In operation1130c, the electronic device1102c(e.g., the processor910) may control the operation of the actuator (e.g., the actuator940) based on at least one of the sensing value or information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy from the sensor device1101cvia the communication module920. For example, when the electronic device1102cis a refrigerator, and the sensor device1101cincludes a photoelectric harvester, if the magnitude of electric energy generated by the sensor device1101cis lower than a predetermined value, the electronic device1102c(e.g., the processor910) may increase the output of the internal light of the electronic device1102c. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device1102cis a refrigerator and receives a temperature, as the sensing value, from the sensor device1101c, if the received temperature departs from a predetermined range, the electronic device1102c(e.g., the processor910) may control the operation of the cooler until the temperature indicates a value within the predetermined range.

FIG.12is a flowchart illustrating operations of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.12, a flowchart1200illustrates operations of an electronic device. In operation1210, a processor (e.g., the processor910) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device900) may control the actuator940to perform a first operation. While the actuator940performs the first operation, the processor910of the electronic device900may identify whether a sensing value and information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy is received from a sensor device (e.g., the sensor device200c) in operation1220. If the sensing value or information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy is received, the sensor device200coperates properly and thus the method is terminated. When the sensing value and information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy are not received, the processor910may identify whether a predetermined time elapses in operation1230. When the predetermined time does not elapse, the processor910may perform operation1220again. When the predetermined time elapses, the processor910may control the actuator940to perform a second operation different from the first operation which the actuator940used to perform in operation1240.

According to an embodiment, the second operation may be a stronger operation than the first operation. For example, the second operation may rotate a motor at a higher RPM than the first operation. In the operations ofFIG.12, when the sensing value and information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy are not received from the sensor device200cduring the predetermined time while the actuator940of the electronic device900operates, the processor910may control the actuator940to perform a stronger operation than the first operation, thereby allowing the sensor device200cpositioned in the electronic device900to harvest more energy.

Referring toFIG.13, an electronic device1301in a network environment1300may communicate with an electronic device1302via a first network1398(e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic device1304or a server1308via a second network1399(e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device1301may communicate with the electronic device1304via the server1308. According to an embodiment, the electronic device1301may include a processor1320, memory1330, an input device1350, a sound output device1355, a display device1360, an audio module1370, a sensor module1376, an interface1377, a haptic module1379, a camera module1380, a power management module1388, a battery1389, a communication module1390, a subscriber identification module (SIM)1396, or an antenna module1397. In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., the display device1360or the camera module1380) of the components may be omitted from the electronic device1301, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device101. In some embodiments, some of the components may be implemented as single integrated circuitry. For example, the sensor module1376(e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) may be implemented as embedded in the display device1360(e.g., a display).

The processor1320may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program1340) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device1301coupled with the processor1320, and may perform various data processing or computation. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor1320may load a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module1376or the communication module1390) in volatile memory1332, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory1332, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory1334. According to an embodiment, the processor1320may include a main processor1321(e.g., a CPU or an AP), and an auxiliary processor1323(e.g., a GPU, an ISP, a sensor hub processor, or a CP) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor1321. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor1323may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor1321, or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor1323may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor1321.

The auxiliary processor1323may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display device1360, the sensor module1376, or the communication module1390) among the components of the electronic device1301, instead of the main processor1321while the main processor1321is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor1321while the main processor1321is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor1323(e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module1380or the communication module1390) functionally related to the auxiliary processor1323.

The memory1330may store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor1320or the sensor module1376) of the electronic device1301. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program1340) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memory1330may include the volatile memory1332or the non-volatile memory1334.

The program1340may be stored in the memory1330as software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS)1342, middleware1344, or an application1346.

The input device1350may receive a command or data to be used by another component (e.g., the processor1320) of the electronic device1301, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device1301. The input device1350may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The sound output device1355may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device1301. The sound output device1355may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or recording, and the receiver may be used for an incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

The display device1360may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device1301. The display device1360may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment, the display device1360may include touch circuitry adapted to detect a touch, or sensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch.

The audio module1370may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module1370may obtain the sound via the input device1350, or output the sound via the sound output device1355or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device1302) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device1301.

The interface1377may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device1301to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device1302) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment, the interface1377may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

A connection terminal1378may include a connector via which the electronic device1301may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device1302). According to an embodiment, the connection terminal1378may include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module1379may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or motion) or electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via the user's tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an embodiment, the haptic module1379may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

The camera module1380may capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module1380may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module1388may manage power supplied to the electronic device1301. According to one embodiment, the power management module1388may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a PMIC.

The battery1389may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device1301. According to an embodiment, the battery1389may include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

The communication module1390may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device1301and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device1302, the electronic device1304, or the server1308) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module1390may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor1320(e.g., the AP) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module1390may include a wireless communication module1392(e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS communication module) or a wired communication module1394(e.g., a LAN communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network1398(e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi direct, or IrDA) or the second network1399(e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multiple chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module1392may identify and authenticate the electronic device1301in a communication network, such as the first network1398or the second network1399, using subscriber information (e.g., IMSI) stored in the SIM1396.

The antenna module1397may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device). According to an embodiment, the antenna module may include one antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna module1397may include a plurality of antennas. In this case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in a communication network, such as the first network1398or the second network1399, may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, e.g., the communication module1390. The signal or the power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module1390and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, other parts (e.g., RF integrated circuit (RFIC)) than the radiator may be further formed as part of the antenna module1397.

According to an embodiment, instructions or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device1301and the external electronic device1304via the server1308coupled with the second network1399. Each of the electronic devices1302and1304may be a device of a same type as, or a different type, from the electronic device1301. According to an embodiment, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device1301may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices1302,1304, or1308. For example, if the electronic device1301should perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device1301, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device1301. The electronic device1301may provide the outcome, with or without further processing of the outcome, as at least part of a reply to the request. To that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology may be used, for example.

According to an embodiment, a processor (e.g., the processor910) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device900) may transmit at least one of information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy or a sensing value received from a sensor device (e.g., the sensor device200c) via a communication module to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device1301). Referring toFIG.13, the electronic device900may be an electronic device1302communicating with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device1301) via a first network1398or an electronic device1304communicating with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device1301) via a second network1399. In this case, the external electronic device1301may output information associated with the operation of the electronic device900based on at least one of the received sensing value or information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device1301may display the information associated with the operation of the electronic device900on a display. Example screens displayed on the display of the external electronic device1301are shown inFIGS.14A and14B.

FIGS.14A and14Bare views illustrating screens displayed on an external electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.14A, a current time1420a, an estimated time to complete drying1430a, and a remaining time1440amay be displayed on the screen1411adisplayed on the display1410a(e.g., the display device1360) of the external electronic device1400a(e.g., the electronic device1301). According to an embodiment, the external electronic device1400a(e.g., the electronic device1301) may receive information indicating the current time1420a, the estimated time to complete drying1430a, and remaining time1440afrom the electronic device900(e.g., the electronic device1302or the electronic device1304). According to an embodiment, the external electronic device1400a(e.g., the electronic device1301) may receive, from the electronic device900(e.g., the electronic device1302or the electronic device1304), information indicating at least one of the current operation routine of the actuator940of the electronic device900, sensing value obtained via the sensor device (e.g., the sensor device200c), information indicating the magnitude of electric energy generated by the sensor device (e.g., the sensor device200c), or the relationship between the amount of laundry and the cumulative voltage and may identify information indicating the current time1420a, the estimated time to complete drying1430a, and remaining time1440abased on the received information.

AlthoughFIG.14Aillustrates the current time1420a, the estimated time to complete drying1430a, and remaining time1440aas example information displayed on the display1410a(e.g., the display device1360) of the external electronic device1400a(e.g., the electronic device1301), various pieces of information related to the operation of the electronic device900(e.g., the electronic device1302or the electronic device1304) may be displayed according to an embodiment. For example, the current humidity, temperature, charged voltage, signal strength, and amount of laundry dried may be displayed on the display1410a(e.g., the display device1360) of the external electronic device1400a(e.g., the electronic device1301). The sensing value received from the electronic device900may be the current humidity and temperature. The current charged voltage may be the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy received from the electronic device900. The amount of laundry dried may be identified based on previously stored information and the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy as described above in connection withFIGS.11A and111B. According to an embodiment, the processor910of the electronic device900may identify the amount of laundry dried based on the relationship between the cumulative voltage and the amount of laundry dried, previously stored, and the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy, and the processor910may transmit the information indicating the amount of dried laundry to the external electronic device1301. Alternatively, the relationship between the cumulative voltage and the amount of dried laundry may be stored in the memory1330of the external electronic device1301. The processor1320of the external electronic device1301may receive the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy from the electronic device900via the communication module1390, and the processor1320may identify the amount of dried laundry by referring to the relationship between the cumulative voltage and the amount of laundry previously stored in the memory1330.

Referring toFIG.14B, a message1420bindicating that drying has been finished may be displayed on the screen1411bof the display1410b(e.g., the display device1360) of the external electronic device1400b(e.g., the electronic device1301). According to an embodiment, the external electronic device1400b(e.g., the electronic device1301) may display a message1420bindicating that drying has been finished on the screen1411bof the display1410b(e.g., the display device1360) based on receiving the information indicating that drying has been finished from the electronic device900(e.g., the electronic device1302or the electronic device1304).

According to an embodiment, a sensor device200ccomprises an energy harvester210cconfigured to generate electric energy, a monitoring circuit260c, a sensor280c, a communication module290c, and at least one processor270cconfigured to control the communication module290cto communicate a signal to establish a communication connection to another electronic device, obtain, via the monitoring circuit260c, information indicating a magnitude of the generated electric energy, obtain a sensing value via the sensor280c, and control the communication module290cto transmit, to the other electronic device, the sensing value and the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy.

According to an embodiment, the energy harvester210cmay include a magnetic induction harvester. The magnetic induction harvester may include a guide410bdisposed in a housing440bof the electronic device, a magnet430bdisposed to be movable in the guide410bas the housing440bmoves, and a coil420bwound around the guide410b. The coil420bmay include one portion wound on the guide410bor two or more portions spaced apart on the guide410b.

According to an embodiment, the length of the magnet430bmay be equal to or larger than the length of the coil420bwound around the guide410b.

According to an embodiment, the sensor device200cmay include a plurality of magnets430b. The plurality of magnets430bmay be arranged not to contact each other, and the coil420bmay be provided for each of the plurality of magnets430b.

According to an embodiment, the sensor device200cmay further comprise a plurality of magnetic induction harvesters. Axial directions of guides410bof the plurality of magnetic induction harvesters may be perpendicular to each other. The guides410bof the plurality of magnetic induction harvesters may be shaped as a cylinder, a polygonal prism, or an arc-shaped cylinder.

According to an embodiment, the energy harvester210cmay include at least one of a piezoelectric harvester, a thermoelectric harvester, a triboelectric harvester, a photoelectric harvester, a RF harvester, a vibration energy harvester, a rotation energy harvester, or a kinetic energy harvester.

According to an embodiment, the sensor280cmay include at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a detergent quantity sensor, a pH sensor, a contamination level sensor, a turbidity sensor, or an odor sensor.

According to an embodiment, the sensor device200cmay further comprise a first power conversion circuit220cconfigured to convert power output from the energy harvester210cinto DC power, an energy storage device230cconfigured to store the DC power converted into by the first power conversion circuit220c, and a protection circuit250cconnected to an output terminal of the first power conversion circuit220c. The at least one processor270cmay be configured to obtain the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy by obtaining a magnitude of at least one of a voltage or current of the energy storage device230cvia the monitoring circuit260c.

According to an embodiment, the sensor device200cmay further comprise a memory, a switch240cconnecting the output terminal of the first power conversion circuit220cand the processor, and a second power conversion circuit225cconnecting the output terminal of the switch240cand the processor.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device900comprises a communication module920, an actuator940, and at least one processor910configured to control the communication module920to communicate a signal to establish a communication connection with a sensor device200cconfigured to generate electric energy, receive information indicating a magnitude of the generated electric energy from the sensor device200cvia the communication module920, identify an operation routine of the actuator940for processing laundry based on the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy, control the actuator940to operate according to the identified operation routine, receive a sensing value from the sensor device200cvia the communication module920while the actuator940operates according to the identified operation routine, and change the operation routine of the actuator940for processing the laundry based on the sensing value.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device900comprises a communication module920, an actuator940, and at least one processor910configured to control the communication module920to communicate a signal to establish communication connection with a sensor device200cconfigured to generate electric energy, receive a sensing value and information indicating a magnitude of the generated electric energy from the sensor device200cvia the communication module920, and control an operation of the actuator940based on at least one of the sensing value or the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy.

According to an embodiment, the at least one processor910may be configured to increase an operation level of the actuator940in response to failure to obtain the sensing value and the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy for a predetermined time or more while the actuator940operates.

According to an embodiment, the at least one processor910may be configured to increase an operation level of the actuator940in response to the magnitude of the generated electric energy being a preset value or less.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device900may further comprise a display. The at least one processor910may be configured to display on the display or output in a sound form, in response to establishing the communication connection with the sensor device200c, a message that indicates positioning the sensor device200cin the electronic device900.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device900may further comprise a display. The at least one processor910may be configured to display information associated with an operation of the electronic device900on the display based on at least one of the sensing value or the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy.

According to an embodiment, the at least one processor910may be configured to transmit at least one of the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy or the sensing value to an external electronic device900via the communication module920. The external electronic device900may be configured to output information associated with an operation of the electronic device900based on at least one of the sensing value or the information indicating the magnitude of the generated electric energy.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device900may be a dryer. The sensing value may indicate at least one of a momentum of the sensor device200c, a temperature, or a humidity.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device900may be a washer. The sensing value may indicate at least one of a temperature, a humidity, or a turbidity.

According to an embodiment, the at least one processor910may be configured to identify an amount of laundry in the electronic device900based on the magnitude of the generated electric energy and control the operation of the actuator940based on the identified amount of laundry.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device900may be a refrigerator. The sensing value may indicate at least one of a temperature or a humidity.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the techniques set forth herein to particular embodiments and that various changes, equivalents, and/or replacements therefor also fall within the scope of the disclosure. The same or similar reference denotations may be used to refer to the same or similar elements throughout the specification and the drawings. It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the term “A or B,” “at least one of A and/or B,” “A, B, or C,” or “at least one of A, B, and/or C” may include all possible combinations of the enumerated items. As used herein, the terms “first” and “second” may modify various components regardless of importance and/or order and are used to distinguish a component from another without limiting the components. It will be understood that when an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being (operatively or communicatively) “coupled with/to,” or “connected with/to” another element (e.g., a second element), it can be coupled or connected with/to the other element directly or via a third element.

As used herein, the term “module” includes a unit configured in hardware, software, or firmware and may interchangeably be used with other terms, e.g., “logic,” “logic block,” “part,” or “circuit.” A module may be a single integral part or a minimum unit or part for performing one or more functions. For example, the module may be configured in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program1340) containing commands that are stored in a machine (e.g., computer)-readable storage medium (e.g., an internal memory1336) or an external memory1338. The machine may be a device that may invoke a command stored in the storage medium and may be operated as per the invoked command. The machine may include an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101) according to embodiments disclosed herein. When the command is executed by a processor (e.g., the processor1320), the processor may perform a function corresponding to the command on its own or using other components under the control of the processor. The command may contain a code that is generated or executed by a compiler or an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium does not include a signal and is tangible, but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

According to an embodiment, a method according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program products may be traded as commodities between sellers and buyers. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or online through an application store (e.g., Playstore™). When distributed online, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in a storage medium, such as the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store, or a relay server.

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or program) may be configured of a single or multiple entities, and the various embodiments may exclude some of the above-described sub components or add other sub components. Alternatively or additionally, some components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single entity that may then perform the respective (pre-integration) functions of the components in the same or similar manner. According to various embodiments, operations performed by modules, programs, or other components may be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or at least some operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or other operations may be added.

As is apparent from the foregoing description, according to various embodiments, there are provided a sensor device and an electronic device obtaining information from the sensor device. The sensor device may be a separate device from the electronic device, rather than embedded in the electronic device. The sensor device may receive power via an energy harvester and transmit the sensing value and information for the magnitude of the harvested electric energy to the electronic device. Since the sensor device is a separate device from the electronic device, the sensor device may detect sensing values in positions where sensing is actually required, rather than the surface of the electronic device. Thus, the electronic device may obtain more accurate sensing values than those obtained from the surface of the electronic device.

According to various embodiments, since the electronic device receives information for the magnitude of harvested electric energy from the sensor device, the sensor device may consider the received information for the magnitude of the harvested electric energy when the operation of the actuator is controlled. Thus, the electronic device may assist the sensor device in seamlessly receiving energy or may properly control the operation of the actuator.