Electronic device and method for making payment by using audio module

According to various embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device comprises: an audio module including a speaker and a receiver; a codec circuit for transmitting and receiving an audio signal; a magnetic secure transmission (MST) circuit; a switch unit; a memory; and a processor electrically connected with the audio module, the codec circuit, the MST circuit, the switch unit, and the memory, wherein, if a function for requesting a payment is executed when the codec circuit and the audio module are connected with each other, the processor can be configured to: control the switch unit so as to connect the MST circuit with the speaker and/or the receiver, which are included in the audio module; and transmit the MST signal for the payment by using the speaker and/or the receiver, which are connected with the MST circuit. In addition to various embodiments disclosed in the present invention, other various embodiments are possible.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to an electronic device and a method for making a payment by using an audio module.

BACKGROUND ART

Widespread use of various electronic devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, laptop PCs (personal computers), and wearable devices has been followed by an increasing interest in technologies for making simple payments by using various electronic devices. Various kinds of simple payment technologies have been developed as a result of an increasing interest in simple payments.

Among various simple payment technologies, a magnetic secure transmission (MST) payment scheme refers to a technology for transmitting information regarding a card to be used for a payment by bringing an electronic device including a flexible PCB (FPCB) (for example, coil) and a loop antenna implemented as a magnetic sheet having a permeability close to a payment terminal (for example, points of sales (POS)). For example, an electronic device may deliver card information to a payment terminal by using a loop antenna to produce the same magnetic field as that produced when a payment card (for example, credit card, debit card, or check card), which is a conventional payment means, is swiped through the payment terminal. The payment terminal may recognize the magnetic field that has been output, thereby making a simple payment. The magnetic sheet may play the role of increasing the card information transmission efficiency by improving the antenna characteristics (for example, magnetic field beam forming).

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

However, use of the magnetic sheet may increase the material cost and thicken the electronic device. In addition, if the electronic device has a metal rear structure, magnetic field signals produced through the loop antenna can be radiated only through a nonmetal segmented portion provided on the electronic device, and this may increase the degree of difficulty of the antenna design.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may enable MST communication, if a function that requests a payment is executed, by using at least one of a speaker and a receiver included in an audio module thereof.

Solution to Problem

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device may include: an audio module including a speaker and a receiver; a codec circuit configured to transmit/receive an audio signal; a magnetic secure transmission (MST) circuit; a switch unit; a memory; and a processor electrically connected to the audio module, the codec circuit, the MST circuit, the switch unit, and the memory. The processor may: control the switch unit such that the MST circuit is connected to at least one of the speaker and the receiver included in the audio module if a function that requests a payment is executed in a state in which the codec circuit and the audio module are connected; and emit an MST signal for a payment by using at least one of the speaker and the receiver, which is connected to the MST circuit.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device may include: an audio module including at least one coil; a codec circuit configured to transmit/receive an audio signal; a magnetic secure transmission (MST) circuit; a switch unit; and a processor electrically connected to the audio module, the codec circuit, the MST circuit, and the switch unit. The processor may: control the switch unit such that the MST circuit and the at least one coil are connected if a function that requests a payment is executed in a state in which the codec circuit and the audio module are connected; and emit an MST signal for a payment by using the at least one coil connected to the MST circuit.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a method for making a payment by using an audio module may include the operations of: executing a function that requests a payment in a state in which a codec circuit and the audio module are connected; connecting an MST circuit and at least one of a speaker and a receiver included in the audio module, if the function that requests a payment is executed; and emitting an MST signal for a payment by using at least one of the speaker and the receiver, which is connected to the MST circuit.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may perform MST communication by using at least one of a speaker and a receiver included in an audio module, without including a separate MST antenna. This may not only reduce the material cost and thickness of the electronic device, but also decrease design-related restrictions.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

FIG.1is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment, according to various embodiments.

FIG.2is a diagram200schematically illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.2, the electronic device (for example, electronic device101inFIG.1) may include a receiver210, a speaker220, a battery230(for example, battery189inFIG.1), a camera240(for example, camera module180inFIG.1), and a magnetic secure transmission (MST) circuit250therein.

In an embodiment, the receiver210and the speaker220may include metal portions211and221and coils213and223, respectively. For example, the metal portions211and221may include copper, silver, aluminum, or the like.

In an embodiment, the receiver210and the speaker220may output an audio signal. For example, the receiver210may be used to output an audio signal received through a telephone speech. The speaker220may output an audio signal transmitted/received during a telephone speech (for example, outgoing sound or incoming sound), an audio signal included in a received message, an audio signal resulting from playback of an audio file stored in a memory, or the like.

In an embodiment, if a function that requests a payment is executed, at least one of the receiver210and the speaker220may be connected to the MST circuit250and may operate as a module for making a payment, instead of functioning as a module for performing an audio output function. For example, if a function that requests a payment is executed, the coils213and223that constitute the receiver210and the speaker220, respectively, may operate as antennas that form magnetic field signals (for example, MST signals) for a magnetic payment. In addition, if a function that requests a payment is executed, the metal portions211and221that constitute the receiver210and the speaker220, respectively, may radiate the formed magnetic field signals (for example, MST signals) as antenna radiators.

In an embodiment, the material of the area in which the coils213and223are disposed may have different characteristics from the material of the area in which the coils213and223are not disposed. For example, the area in which the coils213and223are disposed may include a nonconductive material (for example, plastic), and the area in which the coils213and223are not disposed may include a conductive material (for example, metal portions211and221). Radiation of magnetic signals formed by the coils (for example, MST signals) through the conductive material may increase the radiation efficiency of the MST signals.

In an embodiment, the electronic device may include at least one segmented portion. For example, if the exterior of the electronic device is made of a conductive member (for example, metal), the at least one included segmented portion may prevent degradation of the quality of the MST signals caused by interference occurring when the MST signals are transmitted.

Segmented portions according to various embodiments will be described later with reference toFIG.8AandFIG.8B.

In an embodiment, the receiver210and the speaker220may be disposed to at least partially overlap at least one segmented portion provided on the electronic device.

In an embodiment, if the speaker220among the receiver210and the speaker220is connected to the MST circuit250in response to execution of a function that requests a payment, MST signals may be radiated through the segmented portion disposed to overlap the speaker220, thereby preventing degradation of the quality of the MST signals.

In an embodiment, if the exterior of the electronic device is made of a nonconductive (for example, nonmetal) material or is injection-molded, the receiver210and the speaker220may be disposed in at least a partial area of the exterior which is made of the nonconductive material, or which is injection-molded.

In an embodiment, if the exterior of the electronic device includes a conductive (for example, metal) part and a nonconductive part, the receiver210and the speaker220may be disposed in at least a partial area of the nonconductive part.

FIG.3is a block diagram300illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the wireless communication circuit310may connect communication between the electronic device301and an external electronic device (for example, electronic device102, electronic device104, or server108inFIG.1).

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the memory320may include a program memory configured to store operation programs of the electronic device301and a data memory configured to store data such as log information, contents, and objects, which occur during program execution.

In an embodiment, the memory320may store a user interface associated with a payment function. The memory320may store information regarding at least one card, which is necessary for payments.

In an embodiment, the memory320may store a switch control program for controlling a switch unit361. The memory320may store a predefined condition for switching the connection between a codec circuit and the MST circuit350and the audio module340by controlling the switch unit361.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the touch screen display330may be configured integrally so as to include a display portion331and a touch panel333.

In an embodiment, the touch screen display330may display a payment-related user interface under the control of the processor360. The payment-related user interface may include a user interface related to card registration, payments, or transactions. For example, the touch screen display330may display a user interface related to card registration through a reader (for example, optical character reader/recognition (OCR)) or external input (for example, user input) under the control of the processor360. In addition, the touch screen display330may display a user interface related to user authentication through identification and verification (ID&V) under the control of the processor360. In addition, the touch screen display330may display a user interface related to payment completion under the control of the processor360.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the audio module240may include a speaker341(for example, speaker220inFIG.2) and a receiver343(for example, receiver210inFIG.2). Although not illustrated, the audio module340may further include an earphone and a microphone. The audio module340may process audio signals that are input or output through the speaker341, the receiver343, the earphone, or the microphone.

In an embodiment, each of the speaker341and the receiver343may be made of a coil (for example, coils213and223inFIG.2) and a metal portion (for example, metal portions211and221inFIG.2).

In an embodiment, if a function that requests payment is executed, the coil of at least one of the speaker341and the receiver343may operate as an antenna that forms a magnetic signal (for example, MST signal) for a magnetic payment, under the control of the processor360. For example, the coil may produce a pulse according to transmission data by using an electromagnetic signal, and the pulse may generate a magnetic field signal.

In an embodiment, if a function that requests payment is executed, the metal portion of at least one of the speaker341and the receiver343may operate as an antenna radiator that emits the magnetic signal (for example, MST signal) formed by the coil, under the control of the processor360.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the MST circuit350may receive, from the processor360, a signal that instructs the same to output data including payment information and an MST signal including the data through at least one of the speaker341and the receiver343, and may control at least one of the speaker341and the receiver343based on the received command signal.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the processor360may control operations of overall operations of the electronic device301and the flow of signals between internal components of the electronic device301, may perform data processing, and may control supply of power from the battery (for example, battery230inFIG.2) to the components.

According to an embodiment, the processor360may include a switch unit361.

In an embodiment, if a function that requests a payment is executed in a state in which the codec circuit (not illustrated) and the audio module340are connected, the processor360may control the switch unit361so as to connect the MST circuit350and at least one of the speaker341and the receiver343included in the audio module340.

In an embodiment, if a function that requests a payment is executed, the processor360may further perform an operation of determining whether or not an audio signal is currently output through the audio module340. For example, whether or not the audio signal is currently output may include whether or not a telephone speech function is performed through the receiver343, whether or not an audio signal is output through the audio module341, and the like.

In an embodiment, the processor360may control, based on whether or not an audio signal is output, the switch unit361so as to connect the MST circuit350and at least one of the speaker341and the receiver343included in the audio module340according to a predefined condition. For example, the predefined condition may include at least one of: whether or not the audio module340, for example, the speaker341is currently used; and/or whether or not the receiver343is currently used; and a predetermined priority.

In an embodiment, the processor360may emit an MST signal by using at least one of the speaker341and the receiver343, which is connected to the MST circuit350, and may perform a payment function. For example, each of the speaker341and the receiver343may include a coil and a metal portion, and may emit (for example, radiate) a magnetic field signal (for example, MST signal) formed through the coil through the metal portion.

In an embodiment, after the MST signal is emitted, if a payment completion message is received, or if a signal that stops production of the MST signal is received, the processor360may control the switch unit361such that at least one of the speaker341and the receiver343, which is connected to the MST circuit350, is connected to the codec circuit. For example, the signal that stops production of the MST signal may include at least one of a signal that senses that a predetermined time passes after the MST signal is emitted, a signal that senses that the electronic device is on the move, and a user input for ending the payment function.

In an embodiment, the electronic device301may include an audio module340including a speaker341and a receiver343; a codec circuit configured to transmit/receive audio signals; a magnetic secure transmission (MST) circuit350; a switch unit361; a memory320; and a processor360electrically connected to the audio module340, the codec circuit, the MST circuit350, the switch unit361, and the memory320. If a function that requests a payment is received in a state in which the codec circuit and the audio module340are connected, the processor360may control the switch unit361so as to connect the MST circuit350and at least one of the speaker341and the receiver343included in the audio module340, and may emit an MST signal for a payment by using at least one of the speaker341and the receiver343, which is connected to the MST circuit350.

In an embodiment, each of the speaker341and the receiver343may include a coil and a metal portion.

In an embodiment, the processor360may produce the MST signal through the coil of at least one of the speaker341and the receiver343, which is connected to the MST circuit350, and may emit the produced MST signal through the metal portion.

In an embodiment, if a function that requests a payment is executed, the processor360may determine whether or not an audio signal is currently output through at least one of the speaker341and the receiver343, and may control the switch unit361such that the MST circuit350is connected to at least one of the speaker341and the receiver343included in the audio module340according to a predefined condition, based on whether or not the audio signal is output.

In an embodiment, the predefined condition may include at least one of: whether or not at least one of the speaker341and the receiver343is used; and a predefined priority.

In an embodiment, if a payment completion message is received after an MST signal for a payment is emitted, the processor360may control the switch unit361such that at least one of the speaker341and the receiver343, which is connected to the MST circuit350, is connected to the codec circuit.

In an embodiment, after an MST signal for a payment is emitted, if a signal that stops production of the MST signal is received, the processor360may control the switch unit361such that at least one of the speaker341and the receiver343, which is connected to the MST circuit350, is connected to the codec circuit.

In an embodiment, the signal that stops production of the MST signal may include at least one of a signal that senses that a predetermined time passes after the MST signal for a payment is emitted, a signal that senses that the electronic device301is on the move, and a user input for ending the payment function.

In an embodiment, the exterior of the electronic device301may be made of a conductive member (for example, metal), and the exterior of the electronic device301, made of the conductive member, may include at least one segmented portion.

In an embodiment, the speaker341and the receiver343may be disposed to at least partially overlap the at least one segmented portion.

In an embodiment, if the exterior of the electronic device301is injection-molded or is made of a nonconductive (for example, nonmetal) member, the speaker341and the receiver343may be disposed in at least a part of the area which is injection-molded or made of the nonconductive member. If the exterior of the electronic device301includes a conductive part and a nonconductive part, the speaker341and the receiver343may be disposed in at least a part of the nonconductive part.

In an embodiment, the electronic device301may include an audio module340(for example, speaker341or receiver343) including at least one coil; a codec circuit configured to transmit/receive audio signals; a magnetic secure transmission (MST) circuit350; a switch unit361; and a processor360electrically connected to the audio module340, the codec circuit, the MST circuit350, and the switch unit361. If a function that requests a payment is received in a state in which the codec circuit and the audio module340are connected, the processor360may control the switch unit361so as to connect the MST circuit350and the at least one coil, and may emit an MST signal for a payment by using the at least one coil connected to the MST circuit350.

In an embodiment, the exterior of the electronic device301may be made of a conductive member, the exterior of the electronic device301, made of the conductive member, may include at least one segmented portion, and the at least one coil may be disposed to at least partially overlap the at least one segmented portion.

In an embodiment, if the exterior of the electronic device301is made of a nonconductive member, the at least one coil may be disposed in at least a part of an area made of the nonconductive member.

In an embodiment, if the exterior of the electronic device301includes a conductive part and a nonconductive part, the at least one coil may be disposed on at least a part of the nonconductive part.

FIG.4is a block diagram400for describing a method for switching the connection between a codec circuit and/or an MST circuit and an audio module, according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.4, a codec circuit410and an audio module440(for example, audio module340inFIG.3) may be connected. A processor (for example, processor360inFIG.3) may transmit an audio signal to the audio module440via the codec circuit410.

In an embodiment, except for an operation of performing a payment-related function, the codec circuit410and the audio module440may remain connected.

In an embodiment, if a function that requests a payment is received in a state in which the codec circuit410and the audio module440are connected, the processor may control a switch unit430(for example, switch unit361inFIG.3) so as to connect an MST circuit420(for example, MST circuit350inFIG.3) and at least one of a speaker441(for example, speaker341inFIG.3) and a receiver443(for example, receiver343inFIG.3) included in the audio module440.

In an embodiment, if a function that requests a payment is executed, the processor may determine whether or not an audio signal is currently output through the audio module440. For example, whether or not the audio signal is currently output may include whether or not a telephone speech function is performed through the receiver443, whether or not an audio signal is output through the speaker441, and the like.

In an embodiment, based on whether or not an audio signal is output, the processor may control the switch unit430such that the MST circuit420and at least one of the speaker441and the receiver443, included in the audio module440, are connected according to a predefined condition.

In an embodiment, the predefined condition may include at least one of: whether or not the audio module440, for example, the speaker441is currently used; and/or whether or not the receiver443is currently used; and a predetermined priority.

In an embodiment, if it is determined that no audio signal is output through the receiver443and the speaker441, the processor may control the switch unit430so as to connect the MST circuit420and at least one of the receiver443and the speaker441.

In an embodiment, if it is determined that no audio signal is output through the receiver443and the speaker441, the processor may control the switch unit430so as to connect the MST circuit420and a module having a predefined priority, for example, a module configured to have a high priority among the receiver443and the speaker441.

In an embodiment, if a function that requests a payment is received while a telephone speech function is performed through the speaker441, the processor may control the switch unit430so as to connect the codec circuit410and the receiver443, and may control the switch unit430so as to connect the MST circuit420and the speaker441. As a result, the receiver443may operate for the telephone speech function, and the speaker441may operate for the payment function.

In an embodiment, if a function that requests a payment is received while an audio signal of music or image is output through the speaker441, the processor may control the switch unit430so as to connect the MST circuit420and the receiver443. As a result, the speaker441may operate for the speaker function, and the receiver443may operate for the payment function.

In an embodiment, if a function that requests a payment is received while an audio signal of music or image is output through the speaker441, the processor may control the switch unit430so as to disconnect the codec circuit410and the speaker441from each other and to connect the MST circuit420and the speaker441. As a result, the speaker441may operate as a module for performing the payment function, instead of outputting audio signals.

In an embodiment, the processor may emit an MST signal for performing a payment function by using at least one of the speaker441and the receiver443, which is connected to the MST circuit420.

In an embodiment, each of the speaker441and the receiver443may include a coil (for example, coils213and223inFIG.2) and a metal portion (for example, metal portions211and221inFIG.2).

In an embodiment, the processor may form a magnetic field signal (for example, MST signal) for a payment through the coil at least one of the speaker441and the receiver443, which is connected to the MST circuit420, and may emit the magnetic field signal through the metal portion.

In an embodiment, if a telephone call is received while an MST signal is emitted through the audio module440(for example, speaker441) in a state in which a bell sound mode is configured, the processor may control the switch unit430such that the MST module420and the audio module440remain connected to each other. For example, the processor may switch the bell sound mode to a vibration mode and may output vibrations instead of outputting bell sounds to indicate the incoming call, or may display a popup window through a display (for example, display331inFIG.3). As a result, the operation of performing the payment function through the speaker441may be performed seamlessly.

In an embodiment, after the MST signal is emitted, if a payment completion message is received, or if a signal that stops production of the MST signal is received, the processor may control the switch unit430such that at least one of the speaker441and the receiver443, which is connected to the MST circuit420, is connected to the codec circuit410. For example, the signal that stops production of the MST signal may include at least one of a signal that senses that a predetermined time passes after the MST signal is emitted, a signal that senses that the electronic device is on the move, and a user input for ending the payment function.

In an embodiment, if a function that requests a payment is received in a state in which the codec circuit410and the audio module440are connected, the processor may control the switch unit430so as to connect the MST circuit420and at least one coil included in the audio module440, and may emit an MST signal for a payment by using the at least one coil.

FIG.5is a flowchart500for describing a method for making a payment by an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.5, a processor (for example, processor360inFIG.2) may perform a function that requests a payment in a state in which a codec circuit (for example, codec circuit410inFIG.4) and an audio module (for example, audio module440inFIG.4) are connected, in operation510.

For example, if a user input that requests a payment is received, or if an NFC signal is sensed when an electronic device (for example, electronic device301inFIG.3) approaches an external device (for example, POS) after security authentication for a payment is completed, the processor may determine that the function that requests a payment has been executed. However, this is not limiting in any manner.

In an embodiment, if a function that requests a payment is executed, the processor may control a switch unit (for example, switch unit430inFIG.3) so as to connect an MST circuit (for example, MST circuit420inFIG.4) and at least one of a speaker (for example, speaker441inFIG.4) and a receiver (for example, receiver443inFIG.4) included in the audio module, in operation520.

In an embodiment, the processor may emit an MST signal by using at least one of the speaker and the receiver, which is connected to the MST circuit, in operation530, and may perform a payment function in operation540.

In an embodiment, each of the speaker and the receiver may include a coil (for example, coils213and223inFIG.2) and a metal portion (for example, metal portions211and221inFIG.2). The coil may operate as an antenna for a magnetic payment, and may form a magnetic field signal (for example, MST signal). The metal portion may operate as an antenna radiator, and may radiate (for example, emit) the formed magnetic field signal.

In an embodiment, the processor may receive an input that requests execution of a payment application before the function that requests a payment is executed. The processor may execute the payment application in response to an input that requests execution of the payment application. If the payment application is executed, the processor may display an image corresponding to at least one piece of card information to be used when making a payment. The at least one piece of card information may be pre-registered in a memory (for example, memory320inFIG.3) through card registration. The processor may emit an MST signal corresponding to card information selected from the displayed image.

In an embodiment, if a payment completion message is received after the MST signal is emitted, the processor may control the switch unit such that at least one of the speaker and the receiver, which is connected to the MST circuit, is connected to the codec circuit.

In an embodiment, if a signal that stops production of the MST signal is received, the processor may stop emission of the MST signal. For example, the signal that stops production of the MST signal may include at least one of a signal that senses that a predetermined time passes after the MST signal is emitted, a signal that senses that the electronic device is on the move, and a user input for ending the payment function.

In an embodiment, if a signal that stops production of the MST signal is received, the processor may control the switch unit such that at least one of the speaker and the receiver, which is connected to the MST circuit, is connected to the codec circuit.

In an embodiment, an operation of registering card information to be used for the payment function, a method for authenticating security for a payment, and a method for performing a payment function based on card information selected from the registered card information are widely known technologies and would be obvious to a person skilled in the technical field of the disclosure, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted herein.

FIG.6is a flowchart600for describing a method for making a payment by an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.6, a processor (for example, processor360inFIG.2) may perform a function that requests a payment in a state in which a codec circuit (for example, codec circuit410inFIG.4) and an audio module (for example, audio module440inFIG.4) are connected, in operation610.

In an embodiment, if a function that requests a payment is received, the processor may determine whether or not an audio signal is currently output through at least one of a speaker and a receiver included in the audio module, in operation620.

For example, whether or not the audio signal is currently output may include whether or not a telephone speech function is currently performed through a receiver (for example, receiver443inFIG.4), whether or not an audio signal is currently output through a speaker (for example, speaker441inFIG.4), and the like.

In an embodiment, based on whether or not an audio signal is output, the processor may control a switch unit (for example, switch unit430inFIG.4) such that an MST circuit (for example, MST circuit420inFIG.4) is connected to at least one of the speaker and the receiver included in the audio module according to a predefined condition, in operation630.

In an embodiment, the predefined condition may include at least one of: whether or not the audio module, for example, the speaker is currently used; and/or whether or not the receiver is currently used; and a predetermined priority.

In an embodiment, the processor may emit an MST signal by using at least one of the speaker and the receiver, which is connected to the MST circuit, in operation640, and may perform a payment function in operation650.

In an embodiment, after the MST signal is transmitted, if a payment completion message is received, or if a signal that stops production of the MST signal is received, the processor may control the switch unit such that at least one of the speaker and the receiver, which is connected to the MST circuit, is connected to the codec circuit.

Above operation610, operation640, and operation650inFIG.6are identical to above-described operation510, operation530, and operation540inFIG.5, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted herein.

In an embodiment, a method for making a payment by using an audio module of an electronic device may include the operations of: executing a function that requests a payment in a state in which a codec circuit and the audio module are connected; connecting an MST circuit and at least one of a speaker and a receiver included in the audio module, if the function that requests a payment is executed; and emitting an MST signal for a payment by using at least one of the speaker and the receiver, which is connected to the MST circuit.

In an embodiment, each of the speaker and the receiver may be configured to include a coil and a metal portion.

In an embodiment, the method for making a payment by using an audio module of an electronic device may include the operations of: producing the MST signal through the coil of at least one of the speaker and the receiver, which is connected to the MST circuit; and emitting the produced MST signal through the metal portion of at least one of the speaker and the receiver, which is connected to the MST circuit.

In an embodiment, the method for making a payment by using an audio module of an electronic device may include an operation of determining whether or not an audio signal is currently output through at least one of the speaker and the receiver if the function that requests a payment is executed. The operation of connecting at least one of the speaker and the receiver may include an operation of connecting the MST circuit to at least one of the speaker and the receiver included in the audio module according to a predefined condition, based on whether or not the audio signal is output.

In an embodiment, the method for making a payment by using an audio module of an electronic device may include an operation of connecting at least one of the speaker and the receiver, which is connected to the MST circuit, to the codec circuit if a payment completion message is received, or if a signal that stops production of the MST signal for a payment is received, after the MST signal for a payment is emitted.

FIG.7is a flowchart700for describing a method for making a payment by an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.7, a processor (for example, processor360inFIG.2) may perform a function that requests a payment in a state in which a codec circuit (for example, codec circuit410inFIG.4) and an audio module (for example, audio module440inFIG.4) are connected, in operation710.

In an embodiment, if a function that requests a payment is received, the processor may control a switch unit (for example, switch unit430inFIG.4) so as to connect an MST circuit (for example, MST circuit420inFIG.4) and at least one coil included in the audio module, in operation720.

In an embodiment, the audio module may include a speaker and a receiver, and each of the speaker and the receiver may include a coil (for example, coils213and223inFIG.2). If a function that requests a payment is executed, the processor may control the switch unit so as to connect the MST circuit and the coil of at least one of the speaker and the receiver.

In an embodiment, the processor may emit an MST signal by using at least one coil connected to the MST circuit in operation730, and may perform a payment function in operation740.

Above operation710and operation740inFIG.7are identical to above-described operation510and operation540inFIG.5, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted herein.

FIG.8AandFIG.8Bare diagrams800illustrating at least one segmented portion and a speaker, disposed on the exterior of an electronic device, according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.8AandFIG.8B, at least one segmented portion may be disposed on a side surface of the electronic device (for example, electronic device301inFIG.3) as illustrated at <820>, <830>, and <840>, or disposed on the rear surface of the electronic device as illustrated at <810> and <850>.

In an embodiment, the electronic device may include at least one segmented portion. For example, if the exterior of the electronic device is made of a conductive member (for example, metal), the at least one segmented portion included may prevent degradation of the quality of an MST signal caused by interference occurring when the MST signal is transmitted.

In an embodiment, a speaker (for example, speaker441inFIG.4) may be disposed to at least partially overlap the at least one segmented portion of the electronic device. For example, if the speaker is connected to an MST circuit (for example, MST circuit420inFIG.4), among a receiver (for example, receiver443inFIG.4) and the speaker, in response to execution of a function that requests a payment, an MST signal may be radiated through the segmented portion disposed to overlap the speaker, thereby preventing degradation of the quality of the MST signal.

In an embodiment, one or more segmented portions811and813may be disposed in the shape of two curved lines having upward/downward symmetry as illustrated at <810>, and at least a part of the speaker815may be disposed to at least partially overlap one (for example, segmented portion811) of the one or more segmented portions811and813.

In an embodiment, one or more segmented portions821,823,825, and827may be disposed to have upward/downward symmetry as illustrated at <820>, and at least a part of the speaker829may be disposed to overlap one (for example, segmented portion821) of the one or more segmented portions821,823,825, and827.

In an embodiment, one or more segmented portions831,833,835, and837may be disposed to have leftward/rightward symmetry as illustrated at <830>, and at least a part of the speaker839may be disposed to overlap one (for example, segmented portion831) of the one or more segmented portions831,833,835, and837.

In an embodiment, one or more segmented portions841,843,845, and847may be disposed to have leftward/rightward asymmetry as illustrated at <840>, and at least a part of the speaker849may be disposed to overlap one (for example, segmented portion841) of the one or more segmented portions841,843,845, and847.

In an embodiment, one or more segmented portions851and853may be disposed in the shape of two straight lines having upward/downward symmetry as illustrated at <850>, and at least a part of the speaker859may be disposed to at least partially overlap one (for example, segmented portion851) of the one or more segmented portions851and853.

In an embodiment, the number and/or position of segmented portions disposed on the electronic device may not be configured to the above-described configurations, and may be configured in various types.

FIG.9is a diagram900illustrating the exterior of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.9, the exterior of the electronic device (for example, electronic device301inFIG.3) may be made of a nonconductive member911(for example, nonmetal) as illustrated at <910>.

In an embodiment, if the exterior of the electronic device is made of a nonconductive member911, a receiver (for example, receiver443inFIG.4) and a speaker (for example, speaker441inFIG.4) may be disposed in at least a partial area of the exterior made of the nonconductive member911.

For example, the exterior of the electronic device may be injection-molded (for plastic injection-molded) so as not to disturb or interfere with radiation of magnetic field signals, and the receiver and the speaker may be disposed in at least a partial area of the injection-molded exterior of the electronic device.

In an embodiment, the exterior of the electronic device may include a conductive part925and nonconductive parts921and923as illustrated at <920>.

In an embodiment, if the exterior of the electronic device includes a conductive part925and nonconductive parts921and923, the receiver and the speaker may be disposed in at least a partial area of the nonconductive parts921and923.

In an embodiment, the receiver and the speaker, disposed in at least a partial area of the nonconductive parts911,921, and923of the electronic device, may prevent degradation of an MST signal caused by interference occurring when the MST signal is transmitted through the receiver and the speaker.