Patent Description:
Smartphones, tablet PCs, or other portable electronic devices are increasingly in widespread use, and vigorous efforts are underway to advance the sophistication of pen input devices applicable to portable electronic devices. A portable electronic device, e.g., a smartphone, typically comes with a touchscreen, and the user may designate particular coordinates on the touchscreen by his or her finger and/or a pen input device. The portable electronic device may generate a specific signal based on the designated coordinates on the touchscreen, and the generated signal may be used to control components of the smartphone. Such a device is disclosed in <CIT>. <CIT> relates to a portable communication device capable of avoiding malfunction due to unintentional screen contact when the device is not used.

The touchscreen may be operated based on an electrical, infrared, or ultrasonic scheme. Touchscreens adopting the electrical scheme include, e.g., resistive touchscreens (also known as R-type touchscreens) or capacitive touchscreens (also known as C-type touchscreens). Among them, C-type touchscreens are capable of detecting a difference in capacitance at the transparent electrode, caused when touched by an object, and may receive input via a pen input device.

According to certain embodiments, an electronic device may perform connection with an external electronic device via a short-range communication scheme (e.g., Bluetooth low energy (BLE)) and, when the connection with the external electronic device is performed, the security mode (e.g., screen lock) of the electronic device may be released automatically. Such configuration may be made under the assumption that the external electronic device connected with the electronic device is in a reliable place or may be attached to the user's body so that it is expected to be carried by the user. Another factor that makes such configuration probable or possible is that the short-range wireless communication used for connection may be established only within a limited range.

For example, the electronic device may include a pen input device with a power source (e.g., a battery) and a communication device (e.g., a BLE) and may perform connection with the pen input device via a short-range wireless communication scheme. The electronic device may release the security mode set on the electronic device based on at least one signal received from the connected pen input device.

If the electronic device with the pen input device is lost, and someone else gets it, a need arises for preventing the security mode of the electronic device from being released by that person. To that end, according to certain embodiments, the electronic device may be configured to release its security mode via the pen input device specifically when a preset condition is met.

According to an aspect of the invention, an electronic device according to claim <NUM> is provided.

According to an aspect of the invention, a method for controlling an electronic device according to claim <NUM> is provided.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are presented in the dependent claims. Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses example embodiments of the disclosure.

According to an embodiment, although the security mode of the electronic device is activated while the user of the electronic device performs handwriting input, the user may easily release the security mode of the electronic device via the pen input device.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may be configured to release its security mode via the pen input device specifically when the preset condition is met, thus allowing the electronic device enhanced security.

While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to certain example embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant aspects thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a block diagram <NUM> illustrating an electronic device in a network environment according to an embodiment.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device <NUM> in a network environment <NUM> according to certain embodiments. According to an embodiment of the invention, the electronic device <NUM> includes a processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, optionally an input device <NUM>, optionally a sound output device <NUM>, a display device <NUM>, optionally an audio module <NUM>, optionally a sensor module <NUM>, optionally an interface <NUM>, optionally a haptic module <NUM>, optionally a camera module <NUM>, optionally a power management module <NUM>, optionally a battery <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, optionally a subscriber identification module (SIM) <NUM>, or optionally an antenna module <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., the display device <NUM> or the camera module <NUM>) of the optional components may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM>, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may execute, e.g., software (e.g., a program <NUM>) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device <NUM> connected with the processor <NUM> and may process or compute various data.

The auxiliary processor <NUM> may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one (e.g., the display device <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, or the communication module <NUM>) of the components of the electronic device <NUM>, instead of the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state or along with the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is an active state (e.g., executing an application).

The memory <NUM> stores various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor <NUM> or the sensor module <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>.

The input device <NUM> may include a pen input device in which case the pen input device may be attached to or detached from the electronic device <NUM>.

The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing recordings, and the receiver may be used for an incoming calls.

According to an embodiment, the audio module <NUM> may obtain a sound through the input device <NUM> or output a sound through the sound output device <NUM> or an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., a speaker or a headphone) directly or wirelessly connected with the electronic device <NUM>.

The haptic module <NUM> may 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 his or her tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation.

The communication module <NUM> may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or wireless communication channel between the electronic device <NUM> and an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM>, or the server <NUM>) and performing communication through the established communication channel.

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)). In this case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in a communication network, such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM>, may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, e.g., the communication module <NUM>. According to an embodiment, other parts (e.g., radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) than the radiator may be further formed as part of the antenna module <NUM>.

The first and second external electronic devices <NUM> and <NUM> each may be a device of the same or a different type from the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view <NUM> illustrating an example electronic device with a digital pen according to an embodiment of the invention.

Referring to <FIG>, according to an embodiment of the invention, the electronic device <NUM> includes the components shown in <FIG> and may have a structure for inserting the digital pen <NUM> (e.g., a stylus pen). The electronic device <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> and may have a hole <NUM> in a portion, e.g., a side portion, of the housing. The electronic device <NUM> may include a receiving space <NUM> connected with the hole <NUM>, and the digital pen <NUM> may be inserted into the receiving space <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the digital pen <NUM> may have a pressable button 201a at an end to be easily pulled out of the receiving space <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. When the button 201a is pressed, a repulsive mechanism (e.g., at least one spring) configured in association with the button 201a may be operated to allow the digital pen <NUM> to be removed from the receiving space <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram <NUM> illustrating a digital pen according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, according to an embodiment, the digital pen <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a resonance circuit <NUM>, a charging circuit <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a communication circuit <NUM>, an antenna <NUM>, and/or a trigger circuit <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM>, at least part of the resonance circuit <NUM>, and/or at least part of the communication circuit <NUM> of the digital pen <NUM> may be configured in the form of a chip or on a printed circuit board. The processor <NUM>, the resonance circuit <NUM>, and/or the communication circuit <NUM> may be electrically connected with the memory <NUM>, the charging circuit <NUM>, the battery <NUM>, the antenna <NUM>, or the trigger circuit <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the digital pen <NUM> may be configured only of a resonance circuit and a button.

The processor <NUM> may include a customized hardware module or a generic processor configured to execute software (e.g., an application program). The processor may include a hardware component (function) or software element (program) including at least one of a communication module or a module to manage the state or environment of the digital pen <NUM>, an input/output interface, a data measuring module, and various sensors provided in the digital pen <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may include one of, e.g., hardware, software, or firmware, or a combination of two or more thereof. According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may receive a proximate signal corresponding to an electromagnetic signal generated from a digitizer of the electronic device <NUM> through the resonance circuit <NUM>. When the proximate signal is identified, the processor <NUM> may control the resonance circuit <NUM> to transmit an electromagnetic resonance (EMR) input signal to the electronic device <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> may store information related to the operation of the digital pen <NUM>. For example, the information may include information for communicating with the electronic device <NUM> and frequency information related to the input operation of the digital pen <NUM>.

The resonance circuit <NUM> may include at least one of a coil, an inductor, or a capacitor. The resonance circuit <NUM> may be used for the digital pen <NUM> to generate a signal having a resonance frequency. For example, to generate the signal, the digital pen <NUM> may use at least one of an electro-magnetic resonance (EMR) scheme, an active electrostatic (AES) scheme, or an electrically coupled resonance (ECR) scheme. When the digital pen <NUM> transmits signals via the EMR scheme, the digital pen <NUM> may generate a signal having a resonance frequency based on an electromagnetic field generated from the inductive panel of the electronic device <NUM>. When the digital pen <NUM> transmits signals via the AES scheme, the digital pen <NUM> may generate a signal using a capacitive coupling with the electronic device <NUM>. When the digital pen <NUM> transmits signals via the ECR scheme, the digital pen <NUM> may generate a signal having a resonance frequency based on an electric field generated from a capacitive device of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the resonance circuit <NUM> may be used to vary the frequency or strength of electromagnetic field according to the user's manipulation state. For example, the resonance circuit <NUM> may provide a frequency to recognize a hovering input, drawing input, button input, or erasing input.

When connected with the resonance circuit <NUM> based on a switching circuit, the charging circuit <NUM> may rectify a resonance signal generated from the resonance circuit <NUM> into a direct current (DC) signal and provide the DC signal to the battery <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the digital pen <NUM> may identify whether the digital pen <NUM> is inserted into the electronic device <NUM> using a voltage level of a DC signal sensed by the charging circuit <NUM>.

The battery <NUM> may be configured to store power utilized to operate the digital pen <NUM>. The battery may include, e.g., a lithium-ion battery or a capacitor and may be recharged or replaced. According to an embodiment, the battery <NUM> may be charged with power (e.g., DC signal (DC power)) received from the charging circuit <NUM>.

The communication circuit <NUM> may be configured to perform wireless communication between the digital pen <NUM> and the communication module <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the communication circuit <NUM> may transmit input information and state information about the digital pen <NUM> to the electronic device <NUM> using a short-range communication scheme. For example, the communication circuit <NUM> may transmit direction information (e.g., motion sensor data) about the digital pen <NUM> obtained through the trigger circuit <NUM>, voice information entered through the microphone, or remaining power information about the battery <NUM> to the electronic device <NUM>. As an example, the short-range communication scheme may include at least one of Bluetooth low energy (BLE) or wireless local area network (WLAN).

The antenna <NUM> may be used to transmit signals or power to the outside (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) or receive signals or power from the outside. According to an embodiment, the digital pen <NUM> may include a plurality of antennas <NUM> and select at least one antenna <NUM> appropriate for the communication scheme from among the plurality of antennas. The communication circuit <NUM> may exchange signals or power with an external electronic device through the at least one selected antenna <NUM>.

The trigger circuit <NUM> may include at least one button or sensor circuit. According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may identify the input scheme (e.g., touch or press) or kind (e.g., EMR button or BLE button) of the button of the digital pen <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sensor circuit may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state or external environmental state of the digital pen <NUM>. For example, the sensor circuit may include at least one of a motion sensor, a remaining battery sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, or a biometric sensor. According to an embodiment, the trigger circuit <NUM> may transmit a trigger signal to the electronic device <NUM> using a signal through a sensor or a button input signal.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view <NUM> illustrating a digital pen <NUM> according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the digital pen <NUM> may include a pen housing <NUM> forming the outer appearance (e.g., casing) of the digital pen <NUM>, and an inner assembly disposed inside the pen housing <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the inner assembly may include several parts mounted inside the pen and may be inserted into the pen housing <NUM> by a single assembly operation.

The pen housing <NUM> may include an elongated receiving space <NUM> between a first end 300a and a second end 300b. The cross section of the pen housing <NUM> may be shaped as an ellipse with a longer axis and a shorter axis, and may overall be shaped as an elliptical cylinder. As the interior of the pen corresponds to the shape of the pen housing <NUM>-<NUM>, the receiving space <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may also include an elliptical cross section. The pen housing <NUM> may be formed using a synthetic resin (e.g., plastic) and/or a metal (e.g., aluminum). According to an embodiment, the second end 300b of the pen housing <NUM> may be formed of a synthetic resin.

The inner assembly may be elongate, corresponding to the shape of the pen housing <NUM>. The inner assembly may be divided into three main components along the lengthwise direction. For example, the inner assembly may include an ejection member <NUM> disposed in the position corresponding to the first end 300a of the pen housing <NUM>, a coil part <NUM> disposed in the position corresponding to the second end 300b of the pen housing <NUM>, and a circuit board part <NUM> disposed in the position corresponding to the body of the housing.

The ejection member <NUM> may include a mechanical structure (or configuration) enabling a user to pull the digital pen <NUM> out of the receiving space <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the ejection member <NUM> may include a shaft <NUM>, an ejection body <NUM> disposed around the shaft <NUM> to form the overall outer appearance of the ejection member <NUM>, and a button part <NUM>. When the inner assembly is fully inserted into the pen housing <NUM>, the portion including the shaft <NUM> and the ejection body <NUM> are surrounded by the first end 300a of the pen housing <NUM>, and the button part <NUM> (e.g., 201a of <FIG>) may be exposed to an exterior of the first end 300a. A plurality of parts (not shown), including for example cam members and/or elastic members, may be disposed in the ejection body <NUM> to form a push-pull structure. According to an embodiment, the button part <NUM> may be substantially coupled with the shaft <NUM> enabling linear movement forward and back along the ejection body <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the button part <NUM> may include a button with a jaw (e.g., a lip) which allows the user to pull out the digital pen <NUM> with his or her fingernail. According to an embodiment, the digital pen <NUM> may include a sensor capable of detecting the linear motion of the shaft <NUM> to thereby provide another input scheme.

The coil part <NUM> may include a pen tip <NUM>, which is exposed to an exterior of the second end 300b when the inner assembly is fully inserted into the pen housing <NUM>, a packing ring <NUM>, a coil <NUM> wound multiple times, and/or a pen pressure sensor <NUM> configured to obtain variations in pressure when the pen tip <NUM> is applied to a surface with force (e.g., pressurized). The packing ring <NUM> may include epoxy, rubber, urethane, or silicone. The packing ring <NUM> may be provided for waterproof or dustproof purposes and protect the coil part <NUM> and the circuit board part <NUM> from water or dust. According to an embodiment, the coil <NUM> may form a resonance frequency within a preset frequency band (e.g., <NUM>) and may be combined with at least one device (e.g., a capacitor) to adjust the resonance frequency produced by the coil <NUM> within a predetermined range.

The circuit board part <NUM> may include a printed circuit board <NUM>, a base <NUM> surrounding at least one surface of the printed circuit board <NUM> (PCB), and an antenna (either as a separate structure <NUM>, or included in the PCB <NUM>). According to an embodiment, a board seating part <NUM> may be formed on top of the base <NUM> to allow the printed circuit board <NUM> to be disposed thereon, and the printed circuit board <NUM> may be seated and fastened onto the board seating part <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the printed circuit board <NUM> may include a top surface and a bottom surface. A variable capacitor or a switch <NUM> may be disposed on the top surface of the printed circuit board <NUM>, and a charging circuit, a battery, or a communication circuit may be disposed on the bottom surface of the printed circuit board <NUM>. The battery may include an electric double layered capacitor (EDLC). The charging circuit may be positioned between the coil <NUM> and the battery and may include a voltage detector circuit and a rectifier.

The antenna may include an antenna structure <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and/or an antenna embedded in the printed circuit board <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a switch <NUM> may be provided on the printed circuit board <NUM>. A side button <NUM> provided to the digital pen <NUM> may be used to press the switch <NUM> and may be exposed to the outside through a side opening <NUM> of the pen housing <NUM>. The side button <NUM> may be supported by the supporting member <NUM> and, if no external force is applied to the side button <NUM>, the supporting member <NUM> may provide an elastic restoration force to allow the side button <NUM> to remain or go back to a predetermined position.

The circuit board part <NUM> may include another packing ring such as an O-ring. For example, O-rings may be disposed at both ends of the base <NUM>, thereby forming a sealing structure between the base <NUM> and the pen housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the supporting member <NUM> may at least partially come in tight contact with the inner wall of the pen housing <NUM> around the side opening <NUM>, thereby forming a sealing structure. For example, the circuit board part <NUM> may also form a waterproof and/or dustproof seals and structures similar to the packing ring <NUM> of the coil part <NUM>.

The digital pen <NUM> may include a battery seating part <NUM> formed on the top surface of the base <NUM> to allow the battery <NUM> to sit thereon. The battery <NUM> mountable on the battery seating part <NUM> may include, e.g., a cylinder-type battery.

The digital pen <NUM> may include a microphone (not shown). The microphone may be connected directly to the printed circuit board <NUM> or to a separate flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (not shown) connected with the printed circuit board <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the microphone may be disposed in a position parallel with the side button <NUM> along the longer direction of the digital pen.

According to the invention, an electronic device includes a housing, a display exposed through a portion of the housing, a wireless communication circuit disposed in the housing, a processor disposed in the housing and operatively connected with the display and the wireless communication circuit, and a memory operatively connected with the processor, in which the memory stores instructions executed to enable the processor to detect an approach of a stylus pen within a predetermined distance from a surface of the display in a lock state and change the electronic device from the lock state to an unlock state based on at least part of receiving a wireless signal generated from the stylus pen by the approach of the stylus pen from the stylus pen through the wireless communication circuit.

According to an embodiment, the display may be configured to detect the stylus pen by generating an electromagnetic signal.

According to an embodiment, the housing may further include a recess extending long and the stylus pen removably inserted into the recess.

According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit may be configured to support a Bluetooth standard.

According to the invention, the instructions are configured to enable the processor to change the electronic device from the lock state to the unlock state at a first time in response to a user's input, change the electronic device from the unlock state to the lock state at a second time after changing to the unlock state, detect the approach of the stylus pen within the predetermined distance from the surface of the display in the lock state after the second time, receive the wireless signal generated from the stylus pen by the approach of the stylus pen from the stylus pen through the wireless communication circuit at a third time, and change the electronic device from the lock state to the unlock state if the third time is within a predetermined time of the first time.

According to an embodiment, the instructions may be configured to enable the processor to, in a first operation, change the electronic device from the unlock state to the lock state at the second time while using a first application program relevant to use of the stylus pen before the second time and change the electronic device from the lock state to the unlock state at the third time based on the approach of the stylus pen at the third time and, in a second operation, change the electronic device from the unlock state to the lock state at the second time while using a second application program irrelevant to use of the stylus pen before the second time and stop changing the electronic device from the lock state to the unlock state at the third time despite the approach of the stylus pen at the third time.

According to an embodiment, the instructions may be configured to enable the processor to, in a first operation, when an input finally identified before changing the electronic device from the unlock state to the lock state at the second time is relevant to the stylus pen, change the electronic device from the lock state to the unlock state at the third time based on the approach of the stylus pen at the third time and, in a second operation, when the input finally identified before changing the electronic device from the unlock state to the lock state at the second time is irrelevant to the stylus pen, stop changing the electronic device from the lock state to the unlock state at the third time despite the approach of the stylus pen at the third time.

According to the invention, the instructions are configured to enable the processor to detect the approach of the stylus pen within the predetermined distance from the surface of the display in the lock state at a first time, receive a wireless signal generated from the stylus pen by the approach of the stylus pen from the stylus pen through the wireless communication circuit at a second time, and change the electronic device from the lock state to the unlock state if the second time is within a predetermined time of the first time.

According to an embodiment, the instructions may be configured to enable the processor to, when at least one predetermined operation is identified at a first time, stop changing the electronic device from the lock state to the unlock state during a predetermined time after the first time despite reception of a wireless signal generated from the stylus pen through the wireless communication circuit. The at least one predetermined operation may include a first operation of detecting a movement of the electronic device, a second operation of detecting the stylus pen inserted in a recess formed in the housing, a third operation of determining that a distance between the stylus pen and the electronic device is a threshold or more based on the wireless signal generated from the stylus pen, and a fourth operation of detecting a touch input by an object other than the stylus pen.

According to an embodiment, the wireless signal generated from the stylus pen may include at least one of information for a location of the stylus pen with respect to the electronic device, information for a time when at least one signal generated from the stylus pen is transmitted to the electronic device, information for a battery of the stylus pen, and on/off information for at least one switch included in the stylus pen.

<FIG> is a view <NUM> illustrating the relationship between an electronic device and a pen input device according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one opening (e.g., the hole <NUM> of <FIG>), and the pen input device <NUM> may be inserted into an internal space connected with the hole or opening <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> includes a processor <NUM> (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>), optionally a digitizer controller <NUM>, optionally a detection coil <NUM>, optionally an antenna <NUM>, and optionally a master Bluetooth controller <NUM>. The pen input device <NUM> may include a pen tip <NUM>, a coil <NUM>, and a circuit board <NUM>. The display device <NUM> includes optionally a window <NUM>, the display <NUM>, and optionally an electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> (e.g., a digitizer). According to an embodiment, the display device <NUM> is included in the electronic device <NUM> and is exposed through at least a portion of the housing <NUM> to the outside. According to an embodiment, the display device <NUM> may be a stand-alone device provided separately from the electronic device <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may control the components included in the electronic device <NUM> or monitor the state of the components. For example, the processor <NUM> may control the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> (e.g., a digitizer) via the digitizer controller <NUM> or may obtain signals received from the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> (e.g., a digitizer). The processor <NUM> may transmit electric or magnetic signals (e.g., the electromagnetic signal <NUM>) to an external electronic device (e.g., the pen input device <NUM>) via the detection coil <NUM> or receive electric or magnetic signals from the external electronic device (e.g., the pen input device <NUM>) via the detection coil <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may determine the location information or state information for the pen input device <NUM> based on the signal received from the pen input device <NUM> via the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> (e.g., a digitizer) or the detection coil <NUM>. One or more detection coils <NUM> may be disposed in at least a portion of the internal space of the electronic device <NUM> provided to allow the pen input device <NUM> to be inserted.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may determine whether the pen input device <NUM> has been fully inserted in the internal space provided in the electronic device <NUM> based on data communicated between the detection coil <NUM> and the coil <NUM> or may identify the state of the battery (not shown) provided in the pen input device <NUM> and then control at least one component so that the battery may be recharged. For example, the processor <NUM> may determine the location of the pen input device <NUM> based on data communicated between the detection coil <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> and the coil <NUM> of the pen input device <NUM> and, upon determining that the determined location of the pen input device <NUM> is within a range in which charging is possible, transfer power signals (e.g., the electromagnetic signal <NUM>) to the pen input device <NUM> via the detection coil <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the display device <NUM> may be replaced with a touchscreen panel which lacks the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> (e.g., a digitizer). In this case, the processor <NUM> may identify the location and input of the pen input device <NUM> using a sensor included in the touchscreen panel.

<FIG> is a view <NUM> illustrating a structure of a pen input device <NUM> according to an embodiment, providing a more detailed view of the circuit board <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the pen input device <NUM> may include a pen tip <NUM>, a coil <NUM>, and a circuit board <NUM>. At least one of a controller <NUM> (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>), a booting switch <NUM>, an OR gate <NUM>, a battery <NUM> (e.g., the battery <NUM> of <FIG>), voltage comparators <NUM> and <NUM>, a charging switch <NUM>, a rectifier <NUM>, a trimmer capacitor <NUM>, an antenna <NUM>, and a button switch <NUM> may be disposed on the circuit board <NUM>.

The coil <NUM> may detect an electromagnetic signal <NUM> applied from the outside or may radiate a particular frequency of signal. The coil <NUM>, along with the capacitor and inductor included in the pen input device <NUM>, may implement a resonance circuit.

The controller <NUM> may control the components included in the pen input device <NUM> and/or monitor the state of the components. For example, the controller <NUM> may change the state of at least one of the switches <NUM> and <NUM> included in the pen input device <NUM> based on the electromagnetic signal <NUM> received via the coil <NUM> or the wireless signal received via the antenna <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may include a communication module (e.g., BLE circuitry) capable of performing wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module may be provided in the controller <NUM> or provided independently from the controller <NUM>.

The battery <NUM> may supply power for actively operating one or more components in the pen input device <NUM>.

The first voltage comparator <NUM> may measure the voltage of direct current (DC) power output from the rectifier <NUM> and transfer the result of measurement to the controller <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when a first voltage (e.g., <NUM> volt) is measured as a result of comparison by the first voltage comparator <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may determine that the electromagnetic signal <NUM> received via the coil <NUM> is the signal for detection applied from the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> (e.g., a digitizer) of the electronic device <NUM>. In this case, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> (e.g., a digitizer) and the pen tip <NUM> approach each other based on the properties (e.g., magnitude or frequency) of the electromagnetic signal <NUM>. When a second voltage (e.g., <NUM> volts) is measured as a result of comparison by the first voltage comparator <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may determine that the electromagnetic signal <NUM> received via the coil <NUM> is a signal for charging received for charging the battery <NUM> of the pen input device <NUM>. In this case, the controller <NUM> may control the state of the charging switch <NUM> so that DC power output from the rectifier <NUM> may be transferred to the battery <NUM>.

The OR gate <NUM> may be used to control the function according to an input of the button switch <NUM> based on the voltage measured by the first voltage comparator <NUM>. For example, when the first voltage (e.g., <NUM> volt) is measured as a result of comparison by the first voltage comparator <NUM>, and an input for the button switch <NUM> is received, the controller <NUM> may control the OR gate <NUM> to execute a first function (e.g., output an EMR signal via the coil <NUM>). When a third voltage (e.g., <NUM> volts) is measured as a result of comparison by the first voltage comparator <NUM>, and an input for the button switch <NUM> is received, the controller <NUM> may control the OR gate <NUM> to execute a second function (e.g., output a wireless signal via the antenna <NUM>).

The second voltage comparator <NUM> may measure the voltage output from the battery <NUM> and transfer the result of measurement to the controller <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the voltage measured by the second voltage comparator <NUM> is a threshold (e.g., <NUM> volts) or more, the controller <NUM> may control the booting switch <NUM> to activate the communication module.

The rectifier <NUM> may rectify alternating current (AC) power received from the outside through the coil <NUM> into DC power. The DC power rectified into by the rectifier <NUM> may be transferred to the first voltage comparator <NUM> and the charging switch <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the rectifier <NUM> may include at least one diode.

The trimmer capacitor <NUM> may be a circuit whose capacitance may be varied under the control of the controller <NUM>, and the trimmer capacitor <NUM> may include one or more capacitors, one or more transistors, one or more input/output ports, and a logic gate. According to an embodiment, the logic gate may change the state of one or more transistors under the control of the controller <NUM> and may thus adjust the capacitance of the trimmer capacitor <NUM>.

The button switch <NUM> may be used to vary the capacitance or inductance of the LC circuit based on an input for at least one switch (e.g., the switch <NUM>) provided in the pen input device <NUM>. As capacitance or inductance is varied, the resonance frequency of the signal generated by the resonance circuit may be varied, and the varied resonance frequency may be used as a signal corresponding to the input of the button <NUM>.

The antenna <NUM> may transmit a wireless signal generated by the communication module to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) or receive a wireless signal generated by the external electronic device. For example, the controller <NUM> may generate a wireless signal containing command information according to the input of the button <NUM> provided in the pen input device <NUM> or state information about the pen input device <NUM> via the communication module and may transmit the generated wireless signal to the external electronic device via the antenna <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the pen input device <NUM> is fully inserted in the internal space provided in the electronic device <NUM> based on the electromagnetic signal <NUM> received via the coil <NUM>. Subsequently, the controller <NUM> may identify the state of the battery <NUM> of the pen input device <NUM> and then control the components to charge the battery <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may receive power received from the outside via the coil <NUM> and control the components to allow the received power to be transferred through the rectifier <NUM>, the first voltage comparator <NUM>, and the charging switch <NUM> to the battery <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram <NUM> illustrating a structure of a pen input device according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, at least one of a controller <NUM>, one or more switches <NUM> and <NUM>, an OR gate <NUM>, an electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) <NUM>, a first voltage comparator <NUM>, a second voltage comparator <NUM>, a resonance circuit <NUM>, one or more diodes <NUM> and <NUM>, and an overvoltage protector (OVP) <NUM> may be disposed on the circuit board <NUM> of the pen input device <NUM>.

The resonance circuit <NUM> may include the coil <NUM>, one or more capacitors, and one or more inductors and may generate a predetermined resonance frequency of signal.

The first diode <NUM> may rectify AC power transferred from the resonance circuit <NUM> into DC power and transfer the DC power to the first voltage comparator <NUM>. The second diode <NUM> may rectify AC power transferred from the resonance circuit <NUM> into DC power and transfer the DC power to the charging switch <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the controller <NUM> may measure the voltage of the DC power output from the first diode <NUM> via the first voltage comparator <NUM>. Upon determining that the measured voltage corresponds to a preset first voltage, the controller <NUM> may control the OR gate <NUM> to output the EMR signal via the coil <NUM>. Upon determining that the measured voltage corresponds to a preset second voltage, the controller <NUM> may control the OR gate <NUM> to output the wireless signal via the antenna <NUM>.

The EDLC <NUM> may correspond to the battery <NUM> of <FIG>. The EDLC <NUM> may supply power to at least one of the components of the pen input device <NUM>.

The OVP <NUM> may be used to control the charging switch <NUM> based on the charging state of the EDLC <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the controller <NUM> may monitor the voltage of the EDLC <NUM> via the OVP <NUM> while charging the EDLC <NUM>. When the voltage of the EDLC <NUM> as measured is determined to be a preset value or more, the controller <NUM> may determine that charging is complete. The controller <NUM> may prevent the power received from an external power supply from being excessively transferred to the EDLC <NUM>, by changing the state of the charging switch <NUM> via the OVP <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view <NUM> illustrating data transmitted or received between an electronic device and a pen input device according to an example embodiment.

The electronic device <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, optionally a window <NUM>, a display <NUM>, optionally an electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> (e.g., a digitizer), a processor <NUM>, optionally a digitizer controller <NUM>, optionally an antenna <NUM>, and optionally a master Bluetooth controller <NUM>. A pen input device <NUM> may include a pen tip <NUM>, a coil <NUM>, and a circuit board <NUM>. A controller <NUM>, a slave BLE controller <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a voltage comparator <NUM>, a charging switch <NUM>, a rectifier <NUM>, and an antenna <NUM> may be disposed on the circuit board <NUM>. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the electronic device <NUM> may include all or less than all of the listed components of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, and the pen input device <NUM> may include all or less than all of the listed components of the pen input device <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may control the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> (e.g., a digitizer) via the digitizer controller <NUM>, thereby periodically outputting electromagnetic signals <NUM>. The electromagnetic signal <NUM> output from the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> (e.g., a digitizer) may be applied to the coil <NUM> of the pen input device <NUM>. In response to application of the electromagnetic signal <NUM> to the coil <NUM>, the pen input device <NUM> may output an EMR signal corresponding to the electromagnetic signal <NUM>. The electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> (e.g., a digitizer) of the electronic device <NUM> may receive the EMR signal output from the pen input device <NUM>. The digitizer controller <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may identify the location and degree of approach of the pen input device <NUM> to the display <NUM> based on, e.g., the input position and strength of the EMR signal received via the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> (e.g., a digitizer). According to an embodiment, the degree of approach of the pen input device <NUM> to the display <NUM> may also be identified by various sensors (not shown) (e.g., a hovering sensor, a touch sensor, or an illuminance sensor) provided in the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, when the strength of the EMR signal is a threshold or more, and the frequency of the EMR signal is a designated resonance frequency, the processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may determine that input generated by the pen tip <NUM> of the pen input device <NUM> has been initiated. The processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may store information <NUM> related to the input generated by the pen tip <NUM> of the pen input device <NUM>, such as a first time in which the input generated by the pen tip <NUM> of the pen input device <NUM> is determined to have been initiated. The information <NUM> may be stored in a memory (e.g., the memory <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the controller <NUM> of the pen input device <NUM> may rectify the electromagnetic signal <NUM> received from the outside into DC power by the rectifier <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may measure the voltage of the DC power via the voltage comparator <NUM>. When the measured voltage is a preset first voltage <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may generate an EMR signal corresponding to the electromagnetic signal <NUM> via a resonance circuit (e.g., the resonance circuit <NUM> of <FIG>) and output the generated EMR signal through the coil <NUM>. When the measured voltage is the preset first voltage <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may connect the slave BLE controller <NUM> with the battery <NUM> and supply power to the slave BLE controller <NUM>, thereby activating the slave BLE controller <NUM>. The activated slave BLE controller <NUM> may perform connection with the master Bluetooth controller <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> and generate a wireless signal <NUM> to be transferred to the master Bluetooth controller <NUM>. The wireless signal <NUM> generated by the slave BLE controller <NUM> may be output through the antenna <NUM> of the pen input device <NUM>. Although the slave BLE controller <NUM> may be operated based on the BLE communication standards, the communication scheme used herein is merely an example. According to an embodiment, the pen input device <NUM> may perform communication in communication schemes following various Bluetooth standards, as well as BLE communication. According to an embodiment, the pen input device <NUM> may perform communication based on other short-range communication schemes than the Bluetooth standards, such as NFC communication, Zigbee communication, visible light communication, or infrared communication schemes, and it will readily be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosure is not limited to a particular communication scheme.

According to an embodiment, the slave BLE controller <NUM> of the pen input device <NUM> may include various pieces of information related to the pen input device <NUM> in the wireless signal <NUM>. For example, the wireless signal <NUM> may include, e.g., state information for the battery <NUM>, such as the remaining power and time of the battery <NUM>, information for the time when the electromagnetic signal <NUM> is applied to the pen input device <NUM>, slave latency information for the slave BLE controller <NUM>, information for a delay caused by slave latency, and information for a pressing of at least one button <NUM> provided in the pen input device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the antenna <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may receive the wireless signal <NUM> output from the antenna <NUM> of the pen input device <NUM>. The processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may store information related to the input by the slave BLE controller <NUM> of the pen input device <NUM>, such as a second time when the wireless signal <NUM> is received, in the memory (e.g., the memory <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may change the electronic device <NUM> from the lock state to the unlock state at a first time in response to a user input. Thereafter, the electronic device <NUM> may change the electronic device <NUM> from the unlock state to the lock state at a second time. At a third time, the electronic device <NUM> may receive a wireless signal generated from the pen input device <NUM> as the pen input device <NUM> approaches. When the difference between the third time when the wireless signal generated from the pen input device <NUM> is received and the first time when the electronic device <NUM> changes from the lock state to the unlock state is within a predetermined time, the electronic device <NUM> may change its state from the lock state to the unlock state.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may determine whether the time interval between the time when the EMR signal by the pen tip <NUM> of the pen input device <NUM> is received and the time when the wireless signal <NUM> is received is a threshold or less. When the time interval is the threshold or less, the processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may determine that the pen input device <NUM> is a reliable device.

The processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may obtain information about the pen input device <NUM> including the slave BLE controller <NUM> from the slave BLE controller <NUM> connected with the master Bluetooth controller <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may identify that the EMR signal received through the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> (e.g., a digitizer) is one received from the pen input device <NUM> based on the obtained information. The processor <NUM> may identify that the EMR signal is one received from the reliable pen input device <NUM> through the wireless signal <NUM>.

If at least one signal is received from the reliable pen input device <NUM>, the processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may release the security mode set on the electronic device <NUM> even without separate password entry. For example, if the time interval between signal receptions is the threshold or less while the security mode of the electronic device <NUM> is active (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> is in the lock state), the processor <NUM> may determine that there is input by a reliable device. In this case, the processor <NUM> may change the electronic device <NUM> from the lock state to the unlock state even with no separate password entry for releasing the security mode set on the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, if the state in which no additional input is received lasts a preset time, the processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may power off the display <NUM> and activate the security mode of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, in a case where no more EMR signal is received after the last one has been received at a particular time, if a preset time elapses after the particular time, the processor <NUM> may power off the display <NUM> and activate the security mode of the electronic device <NUM>. In this case, the processor <NUM> may store, in the memory of the electronic device <NUM>, information about the particular time, which is the time when the last EMR signal was received before the security mode of the electronic device <NUM> is activated. Powering off the display <NUM> may include maintaining the always-on-display (AOD) function active.

At a time after the security mode of the electronic device <NUM> has been activated, an EMR signal generated by the coil <NUM> of the pen input device <NUM> may be received via the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> (e.g., a digitizer) of the electronic device <NUM>. Subsequently, the wireless signal <NUM> generated by the slave BLE controller <NUM> of the pen input device <NUM> may be received through the master Bluetooth controller <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. In this case, the processor <NUM> may determine whether the time interval between the time when the EMR signal is received and the time when the wireless signal <NUM> is received is a threshold or less. If the time interval between the time of reception of the EMR signal and the time of reception of the wireless signal <NUM> is the threshold or less, the processor <NUM> may additionally determine whether the time interval between the particular time and the time when the EMR signal is received is a threshold or less. Upon determining that the time interval between the particular time and the time of reception of the EMR signal is the threshold or less, subsequent to the time interval between the time of reception of the EMR signal and the time of reception of the wireless signal <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may automatically release the security mode for processing the received EMR signal.

If the time interval between the particular time and the time of reception of the EMR signal is the threshold or less, the processor <NUM> may determine that there is continuity between the EMR signal received before the particular time and the EMR signal received after the particular time. Upon determining that there is continuity between the EMR signals received at and after the particular time, the processor <NUM> may automatically release the security mode set on the electronic device <NUM> based on, at least, the EMR signal received after the particular time even with no separate release operation (e.g., password entry or biometric information entry). The security mode of the electronic device <NUM> may be set when the user of the electronic device <NUM> pauses handwriting with the pen input device <NUM>. As in such a case, if a separate release operation (e.g., password input or biometric input) is utilized to release the security mode with the pen input device <NUM> in the user's hand, the user may feel uncomfortable. Thus, when the time interval between the particular time and the time of reception of the EMR signal is the threshold or less, the processor <NUM> may determine that there is continuity between the EMR signals received at and after the particular time and, even with no release operation according to a predetermined procedure, the processor <NUM> may release the security mode set on the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may store, in the memory, information for the application which used to be in execution before the security mode of the electronic device <NUM> is activated or stored, in the memory, information for the application which has processed the last input received before the security mode is activated. After the security mode of the electronic device <NUM> has been activated, an EMR signal generated by the coil <NUM> of the pen input device <NUM> may be received via the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> (e.g., a digitizer) of the electronic device <NUM>. Subsequently, the wireless signal <NUM> generated by the slave BLE controller <NUM> of the pen input device <NUM> may be received through the master Bluetooth controller <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. In this case, the processor <NUM> may determine whether the time interval between the time when the EMR signal is received and the time when the wireless signal <NUM> is received is a threshold or less. If the time interval between the time of reception of the EMR signal and the time of reception of the wireless signal <NUM> is the threshold or less, the processor <NUM> may identify the information for the application stored in the memory before the security mode is activated. Upon identifying that the application used to be in execution immediately before the security mode is activated is relevant to the pen input device <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may determine that there is continuity between the state of the electronic device <NUM> before the security mode is activated and the state of the electronic device <NUM> at the time of reception of the EMR signal. If the last input received before the security mode is activated is the EMR signal or wireless signal by the pen input device <NUM>, and information for the application which has processed the EMR signal or wireless signal is identified from the memory, the processor <NUM> may determine that there is continuity between the state of the electronic device <NUM> before the security mode is activated and the state of the electronic device <NUM> at the time of reception of the EMR signal.

For example, when the time interval between the time of reception of the EMR signal and the time of reception of the wireless signal <NUM> is a threshold or less, the processor <NUM> may identify whether the application with the highest Z-order except for the instruction utilized for releasing the security mode is associated with the pen input device <NUM>. If the identified application is associated with the pen input device <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may release the security mode set on the electronic device <NUM> based on at least one of the received EMR signal and the received wireless signal.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may determine whether the last input received before the security mode of the electronic device <NUM> is activated is one received from the pen input device <NUM>. Upon determining that the last input received before the security mode is activated is one received from the pen input device <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may release the security mode set on the electronic device <NUM> based on at least one of the wireless signal and EMR signal received from the pen input device <NUM> at any time after the security mode is activated.

According to an embodiment, although the EMR signal or wireless signal is received from the pen input device <NUM> which is reliable, if a relocating or movement of the electronic device <NUM> is detected by a sensor (e.g.,. a gyro sensor, acceleration sensor, or motion sensor) of the electronic device <NUM>, the processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may refrain from automatically releasing the security mode set on the electronic device <NUM>. Although the EMR signal or wireless signal is received from the reliable pen input device <NUM>, if the pen input device <NUM> is determined to be inserted into the housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>, the processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may refrain from automatically releasing the security mode set on the electronic device <NUM>. Although the EMR signal or wireless signal is received from the reliable pen input device <NUM>, if the distance between the pen input device <NUM> and the electronic device <NUM> is determined to exceed a threshold, the processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may refrain from automatically releasing the security mode set on the electronic device <NUM>. If an input is received from other input means than the reliable pen input device <NUM>, the processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may refrain from automatically releasing the security mode set on the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view <NUM> illustrating a method of releasing a security mode of an electronic device via a pen input device according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device may include a window <NUM>, a display <NUM>, an electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> (e.g., a digitizer), a processor <NUM>, a digitizer controller <NUM>, an antenna <NUM>, and a master Bluetooth controller <NUM>. The processor <NUM> of the electronic device may detect an object entering a first area <NUM> using the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> (e.g., a digitizer) or various sensors (e.g., a hovering sensor, illuminance sensor, or touch sensor) provided in the electronic device. For example, when the pen input device <NUM> in the user's hand <NUM> enters the first area <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may identify the approach of the pen input device <NUM> and the degree (e.g., angle) of approach using the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> (e.g., a digitizer).

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may control the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> (e.g., a digitizer) via the digitizer controller <NUM>, thereby periodically outputting signals of a preset resonance frequency. The signals output periodically may be set to have a detection range according to the first area <NUM>. When the pen input device <NUM> enters the first area <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may perform connection with the pen input device <NUM> via the master Bluetooth controller <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may receive the EMR signal output from the pen input device <NUM> through the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> (e.g., a digitizer) and the wireless signal output from the pen input device <NUM> through the antenna <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the pen input device <NUM> may receive an electromagnetic signal transferred from the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> (e.g., a digitizer) after entering the first area <NUM> and, accordingly, generate and output the EMR signal. The pen input device <NUM> may activate the slave BLE controller (e.g., the slave BLE controller <NUM> of <FIG>) included in the pen input device <NUM> based on the received electromagnetic signal and perform connection with the master Bluetooth controller <NUM>. The pen input device <NUM> may generate the wireless signal <NUM> via the slave BLE controller <NUM> based on the received electromagnetic signal, and output the generated wireless signal <NUM> through the antenna (e.g., the antenna <NUM> of <FIG>) included in the pen input device <NUM>.

As set forth above, the electronic device <NUM> detects an approach of the pen input device <NUM> within a predetermined distance, i.e., within the first area <NUM>, in the lock state. Specifically, the electronic device <NUM> may detect the EMR signal generated by the pen input device <NUM>, thereby detecting the approach of the pen input device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may receive the EMR signal generated from the pen input device <NUM> as the pen input device <NUM> approaches. The electronic device <NUM> changes the electronic device <NUM> from the lock state to the unlock state based on at least part of reception of the EMR signal.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may change its state from the lock state to the unlock state at a first time and change its state from the unlock state to the lock state at a second time. Thereafter, the electronic device <NUM> may detect the EMR signal in the lock state, thereby detecting approach of the pen input device <NUM> within the first area <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may receive the wireless signal <NUM> through, e.g., the antenna <NUM>, at a third time as the pen input device <NUM> approaches. If the third time is within a predetermined time of the first time, the electronic device <NUM> may change its state from the lock state to the unlock state.

<FIG> is a view <NUM> illustrating a method of releasing a security mode of an electronic device via a pen input device and performing continuous handwriting input according to an embodiment.

A first portion <NUM> of the view of <FIG> illustrates an electronic device <NUM> running a memo application <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may receive a handwriting input generated via the pen input device <NUM>, and display, in real-time, the received handwriting input on the memo application <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, if no handwriting input by the pen input device <NUM> is received during a preset time, the electronic device <NUM> may activate a security mode. If the security mode is activated, the electronic device <NUM> may power off the display <NUM> or run the always-on-display (AOD) function as seen in element <NUM>.

A second example view <NUM> of <FIG> illustrates the electronic device <NUM> performing the always-on-display (AOD) function as the security mode is activated. Upon receiving an input by the pen input device <NUM> while the security mode is active, the electronic device <NUM> may identify the application which was being executed before the security mode was activated. If the application is relevant to the pen input device <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may release the security mode without an additional or separate security process (e.g., without requiring password entry or biometric information entry).

A third example view <NUM> of <FIG> illustrates the electronic device <NUM> in which the security mode has been released with no separate process for releasing the security mode. The electronic device <NUM> may release the security mode without any separate process for releasing the security mode based on the input by the pen input device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may execute the application which was in execution before the security mode is activated while releasing the security mode. Thus, continuity may remain between the inputs before and after the security mode is activated.

<FIG> is a view <NUM> illustrating an example method of setting a condition for releasing a security mode of an electronic device via a pen input device according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may provide various settings for a method of releasing the security mode set on the electronic device <NUM> without any separate release process based on detection of a reliable device.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may provide a user interface <NUM> for establishing a short-range wireless communication (e.g., BLE) connection between the electronic device <NUM> and the pen input device <NUM> (e.g., Samsung S-PEN). According to an embodiment, the user interface <NUM> may display information <NUM> for an external electronic device communicatively connected with the electronic device <NUM> via short-range wireless communication. For example, the external electronic device currently in communicative connection with the electronic device <NUM> via short-range wireless communication may be an "S-PEN" Samsung(TM) Stylus.

The user interface <NUM> may provide an additional security setting tab <NUM> used to set the security mode of the electronic device <NUM>. When an input is received on the additional security setting tab <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may provide a menu for changing the settings for the security mode. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may provide a menu including at least one of an "add BLE connection time" tab <NUM>, an "add pen connection distance" tab <NUM>, and an "add device movement condition" tab <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, in a case where the "add BLE connection time" tab <NUM> is selected, the electronic device <NUM> may automatically release the security mode set on the electronic device <NUM> if the time interval between the time when the EMR signal output through the coil <NUM> of the pen input device <NUM> is received by the digitizer <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> and the time when the wireless signal output through the slave BLE controller <NUM> of the pen input device <NUM> is received by the master Bluetooth controller <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> is a threshold or less. When the "add pen connection" distance tab <NUM> is selected, the electronic device <NUM> may use a threshold distance between the electronic device <NUM> and the pen input device <NUM> as a determination condition for releasing the security mode set on the electronic device <NUM>.

When the "add device movement" condition tab <NUM> is selected, the electronic device <NUM> may be configured to refrain from automatically releasing the security mode of the electronic device <NUM> upon detecting a relocation or movement of the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart <NUM> illustrating an example method of changing settings of an electronic device to allow a security mode of the electronic device to be released via a pen input device according to an embodiment. According to an embodiment, an entity of performing the method may be a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>).

In operation <NUM>, the processor may determine the state of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the processor may identify whether the security mode of the electronic device is active. If the security mode of the electronic device <NUM> is in the inactive state, i.e., the unlock state, the processor may perform operation <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the processor may determine whether an input of a stylus pen (e.g., the pen input device <NUM> of <FIG>) is received. The input of the stylus pen may include an EMR signal by the coil included in the stylus pen or a wireless signal by the slave BLE controller of the stylus pen or, according to an embodiment, the input may also include a signal by the detection coil of the electronic device. The processor may receive at least one input of the stylus pen via the digitizer controller or master Bluetooth controller of the electronic device and, thus, identify the location of the stylus pen.

In operation <NUM>, upon determining that the input of the stylus pen is received, the processor may activate a first mode. Here, the first mode may indicate a mode in which the security mode of the electronic device may be automatically released with no separate release process (e.g., a security authentication challenge) based on the input of the stylus pen. When the first mode is activated as the input of the stylus pen is received, the electronic device may register the stylus pen as a "reliable" device. If no input is received by the electronic device <NUM> within a preset time after the first mode is activated, the processor may activate the security mode of the electronic device.

It is understood that in the disclosed method, some or all of the operations disclosed in <FIG> may be omitted or repeated multiple times. Each operation of <FIG> should be interpreted as an embodiment, and any single operation should not be interpreted as dependent upon another operation.

<FIG> is a flowchart <NUM> illustrating a method of releasing a security mode of an electronic device based on at least one signal received from a pen input device according to an embodiment. According to an embodiment an entity of performing the method may be a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>).

In operation <NUM>, when no input is received by the electronic device within a preset time, the processor may activate the security mode of the electronic device, while the first mode remains active. For example, the electronic device may enter the lock state. When the electronic device enters the lock state, the processor may power off the display of the electronic device.

In operation <NUM>, the processor may detect the EMR signal of the stylus pen (e.g., the pen input device <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the processor may detect the EMR signal of the pen input device <NUM> received through the digitizer (e.g., the digitizer <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device while the security mode of the electronic device is in the active state.

In operation <NUM>, the processor may determine whether the BLE signal of the stylus pen <NUM> is detected within a threshold time after the EMR signal is detected. Here, the BLE signal may indicate a wireless signal (e.g., the wireless signal <NUM>) which is generated by the slave BLE controller (e.g., the slave BLE controller <NUM> of <FIG>) provided in the stylus pen and transferred to the master Bluetooth controller (e.g., the master Bluetooth controller <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device.

When the BLE signal of the stylus pen <NUM> is detected within the threshold time, the processor may release the lock state of the electronic device and process the EMR signal received from the stylus pen <NUM> in operation <NUM>.

When no BLE signal of the stylus pen <NUM> is detected within the threshold time, the processor may process the EMR signal received from the stylus pen <NUM> with the electronic device staying in the lock state in operation <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart <NUM> illustrating an example method of controlling at least one of an electronic device and a pen input device according to an embodiment of the invention. According to an embodiment an entity of performing the method may be a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>).

In operation <NUM>, when the electronic device is in the lock state, the processor detects an approach of the stylus pen (e.g., the pen input device <NUM> of <FIG>) within a predetermined distance from the surface of the display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, the processor may periodically output a signal for detecting the stylus pen <NUM> via the digitizer (e.g., the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device when the electronic device is in the lock state. According to an embodiment, the processor may determine the location and degree of approach of the stylus pen <NUM> based on the EMR signal output from the stylus pen <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the processor may receive the wireless signal generated from the stylus pen <NUM> through the wireless communication circuit of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, upon determining that the stylus pen <NUM> is disposed within a preset distance from the surface of the display <NUM>, the processor may activate the wireless communication circuit (e.g., BLE circuitry), and thereby establish a connection with the wireless communication circuit of the stylus pen <NUM>. For example, the electronic device may perform connection with the stylus pen <NUM> via Bluetooth communication. The processor may receive the wireless signal generated from the stylus pen <NUM> via the established wireless communication connection.

In operation <NUM>, the processor changes the electronic device from the lock state to an unlock state based on at least part of the received wireless signal. For example, when the wireless signal is received from the stylus pen <NUM> within a threshold time after the EMR signal is received from the stylus pen <NUM>, the processor may identify the stylus pen <NUM> as a "reliable" electronic device and release the security mode set on the electronic device.

It is understood that in the disclosed method, some or all of the optional operations disclosed in <FIG> may be omitted or some or all of the operations disclosed in <FIG> may be repeated multiple times. Each operation of <FIG> should be interpreted as an embodiment, and any single operation should not be interpreted as dependent upon another operation.

According to an embodiment, the method for controlling an electronic device, which includes a housing, a display exposed through a portion of the housing, a wireless communication circuit disposed in the housing, a processor disposed in the housing and operatively connected with the display and the wireless communication circuit, and a memory operatively connected with the processor, includes detecting an approach of a stylus pen within a predetermined distance from a surface of the display when the electronic device is in a lock state and changing the electronic device from the lock state to an unlock state based on at least part of receiving a wireless signal generated from the stylus pen by the approach of the stylus pen from the stylus pen through the wireless communication circuit.

According to an embodiment, the method may further include changing the electronic device from the lock state to the unlock state at a first time in response to a user's input, changing the electronic device from the unlock state to the lock state at a second time after changing to the unlock state, detecting the approach of the stylus pen within the predetermined distance from the surface of the display in the lock state after the second time, receiving the wireless signal generated from the stylus pen by the approach of the stylus pen from the stylus pen through the wireless communication circuit at a third time, and changing the electronic device from the lock state to the unlock state if the third time is within a predetermined time of the first time.

According to an embodiment, the method may further include a first operation, the first operating including: changing the electronic device from the unlock state to the lock state at the second time while using a first application program relevant to use of the stylus pen before the second time; and changing the electronic device from the lock state to the unlock state at the third time based on the approach of the stylus pen at the third time, and a second operation, the second operation including: changing the electronic device from the unlock state to the lock state at the second time while using a second application program irrelevant to use of the stylus pen before the second time; and stopping changing the electronic device from the lock state to the unlock state at the third time despite the approach of the stylus pen at the third time.

According to an embodiment, the method may further include a first operation including, when an input finally identified before changing the electronic device from the unlock state to the lock state at the second time is relevant to the stylus pen, changing the electronic device from the lock state to the unlock state at the third time based on the approach of the stylus pen at the third time and a second operation including, when the input finally identified before changing the electronic device from the unlock state to the lock state at the second time in the second operation is irrelevant to the stylus pen, stopping changing the electronic device from the lock state to the unlock state at the third time despite the approach of the stylus pen at the third time.

According to an embodiment, the method may further include detecting the approach of the stylus pen within the predetermined distance from the surface of the display in the lock state at a first time, receiving a wireless signal generated from the stylus pen by the approach of the stylus pen from the stylus pen through the wireless communication circuit at a second time, and changing the electronic device from the lock state to the unlock state if the second time is within a predetermined time of the first time.

According to an embodiment, the method may further include, when at least one predetermined operation is identified at a first time, stopping changing the electronic device from the lock state to the unlock state during a predetermined time after the first time despite reception of a wireless signal generated from the stylus pen through the wireless communication circuit. The at least one predetermined operation may include a first operation of detecting a movement of the electronic device, a second operation of detecting the stylus pen inserted in a recess formed in the housing, a third operation of determining that a distance between the stylus pen and the electronic device is a threshold or more based on the wireless signal generated from the stylus pen, and a fourth operation of detecting a touch input by an object other than the stylus pen.

The electronic device according to certain embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to the above-listed embodiments.

Certain embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program <NUM>) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory <NUM> or external memory <NUM>) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>). The term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

According to an embodiment, a method according to certain embodiments of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>), comprising:
a housing (<NUM>);
a display (<NUM>) exposed through a portion of the housing (<NUM>);
a wireless communication circuit disposed in the housing (<NUM>);
a processor (<NUM>) disposed in the housing (<NUM>) and operatively connected with the display (<NUM>) and the wireless communication circuit; and
a memory (<NUM>) operatively connected with the processor (<NUM>), wherein the memory (<NUM>) stores instructions executable by the processor (<NUM>),
wherein the instructions are executable by the processor (<NUM>) to cause the electronic device (<NUM>) to:
at a first time point, change the electronic device (<NUM>) from a lock state to a unlock state in response to a user's input,
at a second time point after the first time point, change the electronic device (<NUM>) from the unlock state to the lock state,
after the second time point, detect an approach of a stylus pen (<NUM>), within a predetermined distance from a surface of the display (<NUM>) in the lock state,
at a third time point after the second time point, receive a wireless signal generated by the stylus pen (<NUM>) based on the approach of the stylus pen (<NUM>), through the wireless communication circuit, and
characterised in that the instructions are further executable by the processor (<NUM>) to change the electronic device (<NUM>) from the lock state to the unlock state if the third time point is within a first predetermined time from the first time point.