Patent Description:
As various portable electronic devices such as a smartphone are distributed, methods for detecting biometric information using a portable electronic device are being studied. A health care service for a user may be provided by sensing the biometric information using the portable electronic device. For example, an electronic device may include a biometric sensor capable of performing optical measurements. The biometric information such as a heart rate may be measured using a biometric sensor. For example, the electronic device may be a wearable device. Relevant prior art is disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>.

An electronic device may support wireless charging. For example, when the electronic device is located within a specific distance from a power transmitting device such as a wireless charging pad, the electronic device may charge the battery of the electronic device, using an electromagnetic induction or resonance phenomenon between a transmission coil of a power transmitting device and a reception coil of the electronic device.

The electronic device or power transmission device (e.g., a wireless charger) may control wireless charging using in-band communication. Because the reception coil for power reception is used in the in-band communication, the type and the amount of information of a power signal capable of being identified and/or received by the electronic device may be restricted. Also, the power signal may be susceptible to noise from surrounding environments.

According to various embodiments disclosed in the specification, the electronic device may provide wireless communication with the power transmission device using a biometric sensor.

According to an embodiment disclosed in this specification, an electronic device may include a biometric sensor including at least one light emitting diode (LED) and at least one light receiving unit and obtaining biometric information using the at least one LED and the at least one light receiving unit, a power receiving circuit receiving a wireless power signal from an external electronic device, and a processor operatively coupled to the biometric sensor and the power receiving circuit. The processor may be configured to receive a specified wireless power signal from the external electronic device, using the power receiving circuit and to perform optical communication with the external electronic device, using the biometric sensor when receiving the specified wireless power signal.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment disclosed in this specification, an electronic device may include a light emitting unit outputting light, at least one light receiving unit, a power receiving circuit, and a processor. The processor may be configured to receive a request for obtaining a biometric signal corresponding to a living body, when receiving the request, to obtain at least part of light reflected by the living body among the light output through the light emitting unit, using the light receiving unit and then detect the biometric signal based at least partly on the obtained light, and when being coupled to an external electronic device using the power receiving circuit, to communicate with the external electronic device, using the light receiving unit and the light emitting unit.

Moreover, according to an embodiment disclosed in this specification, an optical communication method of an electronic device may include receiving a specified wireless power signal from the external electronic device, using a power receiving circuit of the electronic device, and performing optical communication with the external electronic device, using a biometric sensor of the electronic device when the specified wireless power signal is received. The biometric sensor may include at least one LED and at least one light receiving unit.

According to various embodiments disclosed in the specification, an electronic device may perform more robust communication by performing wireless communication using a biometric sensor.

According to various embodiments disclosed in the specification, an electronic device may perform faster and more reliable communication than communication with a power signal-based wireless charger.

According to various embodiments disclosed in the specification, various pieces of information may be provided to users through the communication between the electronic device and the wireless charger.

Besides, a variety of effects directly or indirectly understood through the disclosure may be provided.

With regard to description of drawings, the same or similar components will be marked by the same or similar reference signs.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of this specification may be described with reference to accompanying drawings. Embodiments and terms used herein are not intended to limit the technologies described in the disclosure to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the embodiments and the terms include modification, equivalent, and/or alternative on the corresponding embodiments described herein.

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include the processor <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, the power management module <NUM>, the battery <NUM>, and a power receiving circuit <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may further include other components not illustrated in <FIG>. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a memory (e.g., the memory <NUM> in <FIG>), a device for receiving and outputting voice (e.g., the audio module <NUM> in <FIG>), and/or a display (e.g., the display device <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, the processor <NUM> may be electrically or operatively connected to other components of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the sensor module <NUM>, the power management module <NUM>, the battery <NUM>, and/or the power receiving circuit <NUM>) and may be configured to control other components of the electronic device <NUM>. In the following embodiments, the operation of the electronic device <NUM> may be referred to as the operation of the processor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may perform the operations described later based on instructions stored in the memory <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one sensor configured to sense biometric information. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may detect biometric information (e.g., heart rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and/or blood glucose) associated with an external object (e.g., a user or the like), using at least one biometric sensor <NUM> included in the sensor module <NUM>. For example, the biometric sensor <NUM> may include a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor for detecting heart rate information.

According to various embodiments, the biometric sensor <NUM> may include a light emitting unit <NUM>, a light receiving unit <NUM>, and a control circuit <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the control circuit <NUM> may be implemented outside the biometric sensor <NUM>. For example, the control circuit <NUM> may be omitted. According to an embodiment, the biometric sensor <NUM> may irradiate light of a specified wavelength, using the light emitting unit <NUM> and may obtain biometric information by sensing light reflected by an external object, using the light receiving unit <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the biometric sensor <NUM> may obtain various pieces of biometric information (heart rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and/or blood glucose) by irradiating light of various wavelengths.

According to various embodiments, when a request to obtain biometric information is received, the processor <NUM> may obtain the biometric information, using the biometric sensor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may output light using the light emitting unit <NUM>, and may receive at least part of light obtained as the output light is reflected by an external object (e.g., a body), using the light receiving unit <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may be configured to obtain the biometric information based on at least part of the received light. According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may adjust the wavelength and/or strength of the light output using the light emitting unit <NUM>, based at least on the magnitude of the light received using the light receiving unit <NUM>. For example, for calibration according to external environments (e.g., skin colors), the processor <NUM> may control the light emitting unit <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the light emitting unit <NUM> may include at least one light emitting element (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED)) for emitting light of a wavelength of a specified range. According to an embodiment, the light emitting unit <NUM> may include at least one light emitting element for emitting light having a wavelength (e.g., about <NUM> ~ about <NUM> µm) of a specified range. According to an embodiment, the light emitting unit <NUM> may include a plurality of light emitting elements for emitting light corresponding to a plurality of wavelengths. For example, the light emitting unit <NUM> may include a plurality of LEDs corresponding to red (about <NUM> ~ <NUM>), green (about <NUM> ~ <NUM>), blue (about <NUM> ~ <NUM>), and infrared (about <NUM> ~ <NUM> µm), respectively.

According to various embodiments, the light receiving unit <NUM> may include at least one light receiving unit (e.g., a photodiode) for detecting light. According to an embodiment, the light receiving unit <NUM> may be configured to detect light obtained as the light emitted by the light emitting unit <NUM> is reflected by an external object (e.g., a user). According to an embodiment, the light receiving unit <NUM> may detect light in a specified range and may output a current having a magnitude corresponding to the detected strength of light. According to an embodiment, the light receiving unit <NUM> may include at least one photo diode for detecting light having a wavelength (e.g., about <NUM> ~ about <NUM> µm) of a specified range. For example, the light receiving unit <NUM> may include a plurality of filters for separating light of multiple wavelengths. According to an embodiment, the light receiving unit <NUM> may include a plurality of light receiving units for detecting light corresponding to a plurality of wavelengths. For example, the light receiving unit <NUM> may include a plurality of photodiodes capable of receiving light corresponding to red, green, blue, and infrared, respectively.

According to various embodiments, the control circuit <NUM> may control the light emitting unit <NUM> and the light receiving unit <NUM>. For example, the control circuit <NUM> may control the light emitting unit <NUM> and/or the light receiving unit <NUM>, under the control of the processor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the control circuit <NUM> may drive at least one LED of the light emitting unit <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the control circuit <NUM> may process a signal detected by the light receiving unit <NUM>. For example, the control circuit <NUM> may convert the current signal detected by the light receiving unit <NUM> to a voltage signal, may process (e.g., amplify and/or filter) the voltage signal, and may convert the processed voltage signal to a digital signal. According to an embodiment, the control circuit <NUM> may include a memory for storing biometric information detected by the light receiving unit <NUM> and/or instructions for controlling the light receiving unit <NUM> and the light emitting unit <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may perform post-processing (e.g., filtering and/or noise cancelling) on the biometric information detected by the biometric sensor <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may be configured to charge the battery <NUM> based on a wireless power signal from an external electronic device. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may receive a wireless power signal from an external electronic device (e.g., a wireless charger), using the power receiving circuit <NUM>. For example, the power receiving circuit <NUM> may include a coil for receiving a wireless power signal. According to an embodiment, the power management module <NUM> may charge the battery <NUM> with the power received using the power receiving circuit <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the power management module <NUM> may supply power to other configurations of the electronic device <NUM> with the power received using the power receiving circuit <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the power management module <NUM> may manage the power supply under the control of the processor <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may detect the coupling with an external electronic device (e.g., a wireless charger), using the power receiving circuit <NUM>. For example, when a specified wireless power signal (e.g., a wireless power signal having a specified magnitude and/or a specified time length) is received from an external electronic device, the electronic device <NUM> may identify the coupling with the external electronic device.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may communicate with an external electronic device (e.g., a wireless charger), using the power receiving circuit <NUM>. In the following embodiments, a signal in the same band as a signal used for wireless charging based on electromagnetic induction and/or resonance may be referred to as a wireless power signal. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may communicate with an external electronic device by receiving a signal of a specified radio frequency from the external electronic device, using the power receiving circuit <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may communicate with an external electronic device by receiving a signal of a specified radio frequency, using a coil connected to the power receiving circuit <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>. In the following embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may perform optical communication using the biometric sensor <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram of the electronic device <NUM> and a wireless charger <NUM> in a communication environment <NUM> according to various embodiments.

A block diagram of the electronic device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is a diagram for describing a connection relationship between configurations of the electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments. The configuration of the electronic device <NUM> is not limited thereto. The descriptions about a configuration having the same reference numeral may be referenced by the description associated with <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the sensor module <NUM> may include a sensor hub <NUM> and the biometric sensor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sensor hub <NUM> may be coupled to the biometric sensor <NUM> through an inter-integrated chip (I2C) bus. According to an embodiment, the sensor hub <NUM> may operate between the processor <NUM> and at least one sensor including the biometric sensor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sensor hub <NUM> may be included in the processor <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the wireless charger <NUM> may include a power transmitting circuit <NUM>, a processor <NUM>, an optical signal transceiver <NUM>, and a display <NUM>. The configuration of the wireless charger <NUM> shown in <FIG> is exemplary, and the configuration of the wireless charger <NUM> is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the wireless charger <NUM> may further include a configuration not illustrated in <FIG>. For example, the wireless charger <NUM> may further include a connector (not illustrated) for receiving power from an external power source. According to an embodiment, the wireless charger <NUM> may not include at least one of components illustrated in <FIG>. For example, the wireless charger <NUM> may not include the display <NUM>. In the following embodiments, the wireless charger <NUM> may be referred to as an external electronic device.

According to various embodiments, the processor <NUM> may be electrically or operatively connected to other components of the wireless charger <NUM> (e.g., the power transmitting circuit <NUM>, the optical signal transceiver <NUM>, and/or the display <NUM>) and may be configured to control other components of wireless charger <NUM>. In the following embodiments, the operation of the wireless charger <NUM> may be referred to as the operation of the processor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may perform the operations described later based on instructions stored in the memory (not illustrated).

According to various embodiments, the power transmitting circuit <NUM> may be configured to transmit a wireless power signal. According to an embodiment, the power transmitting circuit <NUM> may generate a wireless power signal through the power transmitting circuit <NUM> under the control of the processor <NUM>. For example, the power transmitting circuit <NUM> may include a coil for transmitting a wireless power signal based on electromagnetic induction and/or electromagnetic resonance. According to an embodiment, the power transmitting circuit <NUM> may be configured to transmit a signal of a specified radio frequency. For example, the power transmitting circuit <NUM> may transmit a signal of a specified radio frequency, using a coil for transmitting a wireless power signal.

According to various embodiments, the optical signal transceiver <NUM> may be configured to perform optical communication with the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the optical signal transceiver <NUM> may include a light emitting unit <NUM>, a light receiving unit <NUM>, and a control circuit <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the control circuit <NUM> may be implemented to be placed outside of the optical signal transceiver <NUM>. For example, the control circuit <NUM> may be omitted. According to an embodiment, the optical signal transceiver <NUM> may not include the light emitting unit <NUM>. For example, the optical signal transceiver <NUM> may include only a light receiving unit for receiving light from the electronic device <NUM>. In this case, the optical signal transceiver <NUM> may be referred to as an optical signal receiver.

According to various embodiments, the light emitting unit <NUM> may include at least one light emitting element (e.g., LED) for emitting light of a wavelength of a specified range. According to an embodiment, the light emitting unit <NUM> may include at least one light emitting element for emitting light having a wavelength (e.g., about <NUM> ~ about <NUM> µm) of a specified range. According to an embodiment, the light emitting unit <NUM> may include a plurality of light emitting elements for emitting light corresponding to a plurality of wavelengths. For example, the light emitting unit <NUM> may include a plurality of LEDs corresponding to a red band (about <NUM> ~ <NUM>), a green band (about <NUM> ~ <NUM>), a blue band (about <NUM> ~ <NUM>), and an infrared band (about <NUM> ~ <NUM> µm), respectively.

According to various embodiments, the light receiving unit <NUM> may include at least one light receiving unit (e.g., a photodiode) for detecting light. According to an embodiment, the light receiving unit <NUM> may be configured to detect the light emitted by the biometric sensor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the light receiving unit <NUM> may detect light in a specified range and may output a current having a magnitude corresponding to the strength of the detected light. According to an embodiment, the light receiving unit <NUM> may include at least one photo diode for detecting light having a wavelength (e.g., about <NUM> ~ about <NUM> µm) of a specified range. For example, the light receiving unit <NUM> may include a plurality of filters for separating light of multiple wavelengths. According to an embodiment, the light receiving unit <NUM> may include a plurality of light receiving units for detecting light corresponding to a plurality of wavelengths. For example, the light receiving unit <NUM> may include a plurality of photodiodes capable of receiving light corresponding to red, green, blue, and infrared, respectively.

According to various embodiments, the control circuit <NUM> may control the light emitting unit <NUM> and the light receiving unit <NUM>. For example, the control circuit <NUM> may control the light emitting unit <NUM> and/or the light receiving unit <NUM>, under the control of the processor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the control circuit <NUM> may drive at least one LED of the light emitting unit <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the control circuit <NUM> may process a signal detected by the light receiving unit <NUM>. For example, the control circuit <NUM> may convert the current signal detected by the light receiving unit <NUM> to a voltage signal, may process (e.g., amplify and/or filter) the voltage signal, and may convert the processed voltage signal to a digital signal.

According to various embodiments, the display <NUM> may be configured to display various pieces of information under the control of the processor <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> may include at least one LED. For example, the display <NUM> may include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic LED (OLED) display, and an LED display. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may be configured to display information received through the optical signal transceiver <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> may be configured to display information (e.g., at least one of identification information (e.g., model name) of the electronic device <NUM>, a status of fast charging, a level of a status of charging level, or notifications of the electronic device <NUM>) associated with the state of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may control the operating mode of the biometric sensor <NUM> based on the communication with the wireless charger <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may control the operating mode of the biometric sensor <NUM> to be changed to a first operating mode or a second operating mode based on communication with the wireless charger <NUM>. The first operating mode and the second operating mode are exemplary, and the biometric sensor <NUM> may operate in another operating mode (e.g., an idle mode) in addition to the first operating mode and the second operating mode.

According to an embodiment, as described above with respect to <FIG>, in the first operating mode, the biometric sensor <NUM> may be configured to obtain biometric information of an external object (e.g., a user). According to an embodiment, in the second operating mode, the biometric sensor <NUM> may be configured to perform optical communication with the wireless charger <NUM> using a light emitting unit (e.g., the light emitting unit <NUM> in <FIG>) and the light receiving unit <NUM>. For example, the biometric sensor <NUM> may include at least one LED for sensing biometric information and at least one LED for optical communication. For example, the LED for optical communication may not be used to detect biometric information.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may control the operating mode of the biometric sensor <NUM> based on a request for biometric information. According to an embodiment, when a user input to request for obtaining biometric information is received, the electronic device <NUM> may control the biometric sensor <NUM> to be in a first operating mode.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may control the operating mode of the biometric sensor <NUM> based on a wireless power signal from the wireless charger <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when a specified wireless power signal (a wireless power signal having the specified band, specified strength, specified period, and/or specified length) is received using the power receiving circuit <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may control the biometric sensor <NUM> to be in a second operating mode. For example, when the electronic device <NUM> and the wireless electronic device <NUM> are located within a specified distance, a wireless power signal having a specified strength may be received. The strength of the wireless power signal may be described based on the distance between the electronic device <NUM> and the wireless charger <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, when the specified wireless power signal is received, the power receiving circuit <NUM> may transmit a control signal to the processor <NUM>. When a control signal is received, the processor <NUM> may control the biometric sensor <NUM> to be in the second operating mode. According to an embodiment, when the specified wireless power signal is received, the power receiving circuit <NUM> may control the biometric sensor <NUM> to be in the second operating mode by transmitting a control signal (e.g., an interrupt signal) to the biometric sensor <NUM> through the interface <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may control the operating mode of the biometric sensor <NUM> based on wireless charging. According to an embodiment, when the wireless charging is started (e.g., enters a wireless charging mode), the electronic device <NUM> may control the biometric sensor <NUM> to be in the second operating mode. For example, when the wireless charging is started, the processor <NUM> may control the biometric sensor <NUM> to be in the second operating mode. According to an embodiment, when the wireless charging is started, the power receiving circuit <NUM> may change the operating mode of the biometric sensor <NUM> to a second operating mode by transmitting a control signal to the biometric sensor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when a specified wireless power signal is received using the power receiving circuit <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may determine to enter the wireless charging mode.

According to various embodiments, when the wireless charging is terminated, the electronic device <NUM> may switch the operating mode of the biometric sensor <NUM> from the second operating mode to the first operating mode. According to an embodiment, when a wireless power signal with a specified magnitude or more is not received during a specified time or longer, the processor <NUM> or the power receiving circuit <NUM> may determine that the wireless charging is ended. For example, when it is determined that the wireless charging is ended, the processor <NUM> may control the biometric sensor <NUM> in the first operating mode by transmitting a control signal to the biometric sensor <NUM> through the interface <NUM>. For example, when an interrupt signal or reset signal is received through the interface <NUM> in the second operating mode, the biometric sensor <NUM> may operate in the first operating mode.

According to various embodiments, the voltage supplied to the biometric sensor <NUM> may be different depending on the operating mode. According to an embodiment, in the first operating mode, the power management module <NUM> may supply the first voltage to the biometric sensor <NUM>. In the second operating mode, the power management module <NUM> may supply a second voltage different from the first voltage to the biometric sensor <NUM>. For example, the second voltage may be a voltage not greater than the first voltage. According to an embodiment, the first voltage and/or second voltage may be generated from the output voltage of the battery <NUM>, using a converter (e.g., a DC converter). According to an embodiment, the first voltage and/or second voltage may be a voltage obtained by boosting the output voltage of the battery <NUM> by a booster. According to an embodiment, the second voltage may be a voltage substantially identical to the output voltage of the battery <NUM>. For example, during the wireless charging (e.g., in the second operating mode), a wireless management module <NUM> may supply the output voltage of the battery <NUM> to the biometric sensor <NUM> by bypassing the booster or converter using a switching circuit (not illustrate).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> and the wireless charger <NUM> may perform optical communication based on the wavelength of light. According to an embodiment, multiple wavelengths of light may indicate different bit values. For example, light of first, second, third, and fourth wavelengths corresponding to wavelengths of different bands may be used for optical communication. The light of the first wavelength may indicate a first value (e.g., <NUM>); the light of the second wavelength may indicate a second value (e.g., <NUM>); the light of the third wavelength may indicate a third value (e.g., <NUM>); and the light of the fourth wavelength may indicate a fourth value (e.g., <NUM>). According to an embodiment, a bit value may be indicated based on the combination of a plurality of light sources of wavelengths. For example, the light of a first wavelength may indicate the first value; the light of a second wavelength may indicate the second value; the light of a third wavelength may indicate the third value; the light of a fourth wavelength may indicate the fourth value; the light of the first and second wavelengths may indicate a fifth value; the light of the first and third wavelengths may indicate a sixth value. For convenience of description, only some combinations of a plurality of wavelengths have been illustrated. However, the optical communication based on the wavelength of light in various embodiments of the specification is not limited thereto. According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> and the wireless charger <NUM> may perform optical communication based on the wavelength of light and the strength of light. According to an embodiment, the bit position may be specified based on the wavelength of light. For example, light of first, second, third, and fourth wavelengths corresponding to wavelengths of different bands may be used for optical communication. For example, the light of the first wavelength may indicate the value of the first digit; the light of the second wavelength may indicate the value of the second digit; the light of the third wavelength may indicate the value of the third digit; and the light of the fourth wavelength may indicate the value of the fourth digit. According to an embodiment, the value of each position may be indicated based on the strength of the light. For example, the light with the first strength or higher may indicate a value of "<NUM>"; the light with strength less than the first strength may indicate a value of "<NUM>". For example, a plurality of strength sections are set depending on the strength of the light, and strength sections may correspond to different values, respectively. According to an embodiment, light with a wavelength corresponding to an ultraviolet ray may indicate the first bit (least significant bit); light with a wavelength corresponding to green may indicate the second bit; light with a wavelength corresponding to blue may indicate the third bit; and light with a wavelength corresponding to red may indicate the fourth bit (e.g., the most significant bit). For example, the light with the first strength or higher may indicate "<NUM>"; the light with strength less than the second strength may indicate "<NUM>". For example, when only the green LED of the light emitting unit <NUM> is turned on, the wireless charger <NUM> may recognize the value of "<NUM>" using the light receiving unit <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the light of one wavelength may express a plurality of values based on strength. For example, the light of one wavelength may indicate a plurality of bits based on strength. For example, a value of <NUM> bits may be indicated based on the strength of light of one wavelength. For example, when the strength of light with one wavelength is less than the first strength, it may mean '<NUM>'; when the strength of light is greater than the first strength and less than the second strength, it may mean '<NUM>'; when the strength of light is greater than the second strength and less than the third strength, it may mean '<NUM>'; and when the strength of light with one wavelength is greater than the third strength, it may mean '<NUM>'. For example, when each light indicates <NUM> bits, a value between "<NUM>" and "<NUM>" may be simultaneously transmitted through optical communication, using the light (e.g., red, blue, green, and infrared) of four wavelengths.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> and the wireless charger <NUM> may perform optical communication in an asynchronous scheme. According to an embodiment, when wireless charging is started (e.g., when the biometric sensor <NUM> is set to the second operating mode), the electronic device <NUM> may receive an optical signal having a value corresponding to the start of optical communication, using the light receiving unit <NUM> of the biometric sensor <NUM>. For example, after starting wireless charging, the electronic device <NUM> may monitor the light signal using the light receiving unit <NUM>. When wireless charging starts, the wireless charger <NUM> may transmit a light signal having a value (e.g., a start bit) corresponding to the start of optical communication, using the light emitting unit <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the wireless charging is started, the electronic device <NUM> may transmit a light signal having a value corresponding to the start of optical communication, using the light emitting unit <NUM> of the biometric sensor. For example, after starting wireless charging, the wireless charger <NUM> may monitor the light signal using the light receiving unit <NUM>. When wireless charging starts, the wireless charger <NUM> may receive a light signal having a value (e.g., a start bit) corresponding to the start of optical communication, using the light receiving unit <NUM>. For example, after transmission or reception of the start bit, the electronic device <NUM> and the wireless charger <NUM> may perform data communication using optical communication. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> or the wireless charger <NUM> may indicate the end of data communication or the end of a data block by transmitting a value (e.g., an end bit) indicating the end of optical communication.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> and the wireless charger <NUM> may perform asynchronous optical communication based on a specified sampling rate. For example, in the first operating mode, the biometric sensor <NUM> may operate at a first sampling rate; in the second operating mode, the biometric sensor <NUM> may operate at a second sampling rate different from the first sampling rate. For example, similarly to universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) communication, the biometric sensor <NUM> in the second operating mode may perform sampling with a clock <NUM> or <NUM> times higher than the biometric sensor <NUM> in the first operating mode.

According to various embodiments, the transmission from the electronic device <NUM> to the wireless charger <NUM> may be performed based on optical communication using the biometric sensor <NUM>; the transmission from the wireless charger <NUM> to the electronic device <NUM> may be performed based on a wireless power signal using the power transmitting circuit <NUM>. For example, the optical signal transceiver <NUM> may not include the light emitting unit <NUM>. For example, a logical high and low may be indicated based on the magnitude and/or time of the wireless power signal. For example, when the wireless power signal of the specified magnitude or more is continued during a specified time or longer, the electronic device <NUM> may recognize the wireless power signal as a logical high.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic diagram <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may be a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch). According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include the display device <NUM> positioned on the front side of housing <NUM>. For example, the display device <NUM> may include a display capable of receiving a touch input. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include the biometric sensor <NUM> positioned on the rear side of the housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a reception coil <NUM> positioned around the biometric sensor <NUM>. For example, the reception coil <NUM> may be a part of the power receiving circuit <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, the reception coil <NUM> may be positioned to surround the biometric sensor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the reception coil <NUM> may have the specified number of windings and may be configured to receive a signal from an external electronic device (e.g., the wireless charger <NUM> in <FIG>).

<FIG> illustrates a schematic diagram <NUM> of the biometric sensor <NUM> according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the biometric sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the rear side of the housing <NUM>, and thus the biometric sensor <NUM> may face a user's skin at point in time when the electronic device <NUM> is worn by the user. According to an embodiment, the biometric sensor <NUM> may include a first light emitting unit <NUM>, a second light emitting unit <NUM>, and the light receiving unit <NUM>. For example, the first light emitting unit <NUM> and the second light emitting unit <NUM> may correspond to at least one of a plurality of LEDs included in the light emitting unit <NUM> of <FIG>. The first light emitting unit <NUM> and the second light emitting unit <NUM> may provide light having different wavelengths from each other. For example, the first light emitting unit <NUM> may provide light corresponding to a plurality of wavelengths. For example, the second light emitting unit <NUM> may provide light corresponding to a plurality of wavelengths. For example, the light receiving unit <NUM> may include at least one photodiode.

<FIG> illustrates schematic diagrams of the wireless charger <NUM> according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the wireless charger <NUM> may include the optical signal transceiver <NUM> positioned on at least one side of the wireless charger <NUM>. For example, the optical signal transceiver <NUM> may be positioned on a side adjacent to the rear side of the electronic device <NUM> when the electronic device <NUM> is positioned.

Referring to reference number <NUM>, according to various embodiments, the optical signal transceiver <NUM> may include a first light receiving unit <NUM>-<NUM>, a second light receiving unit <NUM>-<NUM>, and the light emitting unit <NUM>. For example, the light emitting unit <NUM> may include at least one LED. A plurality of LEDs of the light emitting unit <NUM> may be configured to emit light having different wavelengths from each other. For example, each of the first light receiving unit <NUM>-<NUM> and the second light receiving unit <NUM>-<NUM> may include at least one photodetector (e.g., a photodiode). Referring to reference number <NUM>, according to various embodiments, the optical signal transceiver <NUM> may include the first light receiving unit <NUM>-<NUM>, the second light receiving unit <NUM>-<NUM>, a third light receiving unit <NUM>-<NUM>, a fourth light receiving unit <NUM>-<NUM>, and the light emitting unit <NUM>. For example, the light emitting unit <NUM> may include at least one LED. A plurality of LEDs of the light emitting unit <NUM> may be configured to emit light having different wavelengths from each other. For example, the light receiving units <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> may include at least one photodetector (e.g., a photodiode).

The placement of the display <NUM> and the optical signal transceiver <NUM> illustrated in reference numerals <NUM> and <NUM> is exemplary. The shape of the wireless charger <NUM> of the disclosure is not limited thereto.

<FIG> illustrates a charging situation <NUM> according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may be mounted on the wireless charger <NUM>. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may be positioned within a distance capable of performing wireless charging based on a wireless power signal from the wireless charger <NUM>. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may perform wireless charging by being mounted at a specified location of the wireless charger <NUM>. When the electronic device <NUM> is mounted incorrectly, the electronic device <NUM> may fail to perform wireless charging. For example, when the electronic device <NUM> is tilted, the electronic device <NUM> may fail to perform fast charging. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may control wireless charging based on communication with the wireless charger <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a wireless charging control method <NUM> according to an embodiment.

According to various embodiments, in operation <NUM>, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may receive a wireless power signal from an external electronic device (e.g., the wireless charger <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, the electronic device <NUM> may receive a wireless power signal using the power receiving circuit <NUM>. For example, the wireless power signal may be a wireless power signal having a specified time and/or a specified time interval. According to an embodiment, the wireless power signal may be a signal indicating the start of wireless charging. For example, as described above, when the wireless power signal is received, the electronic device <NUM> may control an operating mode of the biometric sensor <NUM> as a second operating mode.

According to various embodiments, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may authenticate the external electronic device based on an optical signal. According to an embodiment, when the specified optical signal (the light signal with a specified wavelength and/or specified amount of light) is received by the biometric sensor <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may determine that the external electronic device is authenticated. For example, when the specified optical signal is received within the specified time, the electronic device <NUM> may determine that the external electronic device is authenticated.

According to various embodiments, when the external electronic device is authenticated, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may perform wireless charging with the first power. For example, when the external electronic device is authenticated, the electronic device <NUM> may charge the battery <NUM> with the first power, using the wireless power signal from the external electronic device.

According to various embodiments, when the external electronic device is not authenticated, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may perform wireless charging with the second power. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may charge the battery <NUM> with the second power, using the wireless power signal from the external electronic device.

According to an embodiment, the first power may be power corresponding to fast charging; the second power may be power corresponding to normal charging. For example, when the wireless charging is performed with the first power, the electronic device <NUM> may display information indicating fast charging on a display (e.g., the display device <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, in operation <NUM>, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may receive a wireless power signal from an external electronic device (e.g., the wireless charger <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, the electronic device <NUM> may receive a wireless power signal using the power receiving circuit <NUM>. For example, the wireless power signal may be a wireless power signal having a specified time and/or a specified time interval. According to an embodiment, the wireless power signal may be a signal indicating the start of wireless charging. According to an embodiment, when receiving a wireless charging power signal, configuration information of an external electronic device (e.g., the wireless charger <NUM> of <FIG>) may be received, and the wireless power may be received from the external electronic device based on the configuration information. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may perform wireless charging with the first or second power based on the configuration information. In this case, operation <NUM>, operation <NUM>, and operation <NUM> may be omitted.

For example, the wireless charging control method <NUM> of <FIG> may be performed after operation <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may output a first message. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may output information indicating that the external electronic device (e.g., a wireless charger) is not a dedicated charger, as the first message. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may output a message indicating adjusting locations of the electronic device <NUM> and the external electronic device, as the first message. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may visually and/or audibly output the first message.

According to various embodiments, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may authenticate an external electronic device (e.g., the wireless charger <NUM> of <FIG>) based on an optical signal. According to an embodiment, when the specified optical signal (the light signal with a specified wavelength and/or specified amount of light) is received by the biometric sensor <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may determine that the external electronic device is authenticated. For example, when the specified optical signal is received within the specified time, the electronic device <NUM> may determine that the external electronic device is authenticated.

According to various embodiments, when the external electronic device (e.g., the wireless charger <NUM> in <FIG>) is authenticated, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may output the first message. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may output the first message, using the display <NUM> of the wireless charger <NUM>. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may transmit the first message or data including the first message to the wireless charger <NUM> based on optical communication using the biometric sensor <NUM>. For example, when the first message is received, the wireless charger <NUM> may display the first message on the display <NUM>. For example, the wireless charger <NUM> may output the first message using an audio output device (not illustrated). For example, the first message may include information (e.g., a notification associated with the electronic device <NUM>, information about status of charging, message arrival, mail arrival, and/or receiving a call) associated with the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first message may include information about the theme (e.g., a background, icon theme, and/or accessory (e.g., housing or strap)) of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the wireless charger <NUM> may display an image corresponding to information included in the first message on the display <NUM>. For example, a thematic unification may be provided by outputting an image corresponding to the background set in the electronic device <NUM> to the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first message may include an image or information associated with the theme of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the wireless charger <NUM> may output an image or information included in the first message.

According to an embodiment, when the authentication of the external electronic device fails, the electronic device <NUM> may output a second message. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may output the second message, using the display device <NUM> and/or the sound output device <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the second message may include information about unstable coupling between the electronic device <NUM> and an external electronic device (e.g., the wireless charger <NUM>). The second message may include information indicating that the electronic device <NUM> is tilted or is not properly coupled with the external electronic device. For example, the second message may include information for guiding changing the mounting state of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the second message may include information indicating that optical communication between the electronic device <NUM> and the external electronic device is impossible.

According to various embodiments, after operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may attempt to authenticate the external electronic device again. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may attempt to authenticate the external electronic device at a specified cycle. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may attempt to authenticate the external electronic device within the specified number or during a specified period. When the authentication of the external electronic device fails within the specified number or during the specified period, the electronic device <NUM> may not authenticate the external electronic device anymore. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may change the operating mode of the biometric sensor <NUM> to a first operating mode again.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a method <NUM> for displaying information according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, in operation <NUM>, a wireless charger (e.g., the wireless charger <NUM> of <FIG>) may transmit an information request message to the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the wireless charger <NUM> may transmit the information request message to the electronic device <NUM>, using the optical signal transceiver <NUM>. For example, the wireless charger <NUM> may transmit the information request message to the electronic device <NUM>, using the power transmitting circuit <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, in operation <NUM>, the wireless charger <NUM> may receive a response message from the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the wireless charger <NUM> may receive the response message, using the optical signal transceiver <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, in operation <NUM>, the wireless charger <NUM> may display information included in the response message, using the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the information may include the status of charging of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the information may include the model name of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the information may be a notification (e.g., an incoming message, incoming call, and/or recipient information) associated with the electronic device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, operation <NUM> may be omitted. For example, the wireless charger <NUM> may be configured to receive a message from the electronic device <NUM> and to display information included in the message on the display <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a method <NUM> for controlling the electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, in operation <NUM>, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may determine whether a wireless power signal is received from an external electronic device (e.g., the wireless charger <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, the electronic device <NUM> may receive a wireless power signal using the power receiving circuit <NUM>. For example, the wireless power signal may be a wireless power signal having a specified time and/or a specified time interval. According to an embodiment, the wireless power signal may be a signal indicating the start of wireless charging.

According to various embodiments, when the wireless power signal is received, in operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may set the biometric sensor <NUM> to a second operating mode. According to an embodiment, in the second operating mode, the electronic device <NUM> may perform optical communication with the external electronic device (e.g., the wireless charger <NUM> of <FIG>), using the biometric sensor <NUM>. For example, the biometric sensor may include at least one LED (e.g., the light emitting unit <NUM> of <FIG>) and at least one light receiving unit (e.g., the light receiving unit <NUM> of <FIG>). The at least one LED includes a first LED and a second LED; and the first LED and the second LED may be configured to output light having different wavelengths from each other.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may output light using the at least one LED, may detect light from the external electronic device using the at least one light receiving unit, and may perform optical communication with the external electronic device based on the detected light.

According to an embodiment, after the specified wireless power signal is received, when a specified optical signal is received from the external electronic device using the biometric sensor <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may charge the battery <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> with the first power, using the wireless power signal received from the external electronic device. After the specified wireless power signal is received, when the specified optical signal is not received from the external electronic device using the biometric sensor <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may charge the battery <NUM> with the second power, using the wireless power signal received from the external electronic device. For example, the first power may have a higher value than the second power.

According to an embodiment, in the second operating mode, the electronic device <NUM> may transmit information associated with the electronic device <NUM> to the external electronic device, using the biometric sensor <NUM>. For example, the information associated with the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of the status of charging of the electronic device <NUM>, the notification of the electronic device <NUM>, or the model name of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, in operation <NUM>, when the wireless power signal is not received, the electronic device <NUM> may set the biometric sensor <NUM> to a first operating mode. According to an embodiment, in the first operating mode, the electronic device <NUM> may obtain biometric information, using the biometric sensor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the first operating mode, when a request is received to obtain the biometric information, the electronic device <NUM> may irradiate light having at least one of a specified wavelength or a specified strength, using at least one LED, may obtain the light obtained as the irradiated light is reflected by the external object, using the at least one light receiving unit, and may obtain the biometric information based on the obtained light.

Returning to <FIG>, according to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include the biometric sensor <NUM> including at least one light emitting diode (LED) (e.g., the light emitting unit <NUM>) and at least one light receiving unit (e.g., the light receiving unit <NUM>) and obtaining biometric information using the at least one LED and the at least one light receiving unit, the power receiving circuit <NUM> receiving a wireless power signal from an external electronic device (e.g., the wireless charger <NUM> of <FIG>), and the processor <NUM> operatively coupled to the biometric sensor <NUM> and the power receiving circuit <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may be configured to receive a specified wireless power signal from the external electronic device <NUM>, using the power receiving circuit <NUM>, and to perform optical communication with the external electronic device <NUM>, using the biometric sensor <NUM> when receiving the specified wireless power signal.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may be configured to output light using the at least one LED <NUM>, to detect light from the external electronic device <NUM>, using the at least one light receiving unit <NUM>, and to perform the optical communication with the external electronic device <NUM> based at least on the detected light from the external electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may be configured to output light of a specified wavelength or specified strength, using the at least one LED <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the at least one LED <NUM> may include a first LED and a second LED. The first LED and the second LED may be configured to output light of different wavelengths from each other.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may further include the battery <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may be configured to charge the battery with a first power, using the wireless power signal received from the external electronic device <NUM> after the specified wireless power signal is received, when receiving a specified optical signal from the external electronic device <NUM> by using the biometric sensor <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may be configured to charge the battery with a second power, using the wireless power signal received from the external electronic device <NUM> after the specified wireless power signal is received, when not receiving a specified optical signal from the external electronic device <NUM> by using the biometric sensor <NUM>. For example, the first power may be higher than the second power.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may be configured to control the biometric sensor <NUM> to be in a first operating mode when not receiving the specified wireless power signal, and to control the biometric sensor <NUM> to be in a second operating mode when receiving the specified wireless power signal. The biometric sensor <NUM> may be configured to obtain biometric information in the first operating mode. The biometric sensor <NUM> may be configured to perform the optical communication with the external electronic device in the second operating mode.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may transmit information associated with the electronic device <NUM> to the external electronic device <NUM>, using the biometric sensor <NUM> in the second operating mode. For example, the information associated with the electronic device may include at least one of a status of charging of the electronic device, a notification of the electronic device, or a model name of the electronic device.

According to an embodiment, in the second operating mode, the processor <NUM> may be configured to irradiate light of a specified wavelength or specified strength, using the at least one LED <NUM>, to obtain light obtained as the irradiated light is reflected by an external object, using the at least one light receiving unit <NUM>, and to obtain the biometric information based at least on the obtained reflected light.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a light emitting unit <NUM> outputting light, at least one light receiving unit <NUM>, a power receiving circuit <NUM>, and a processor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> the processor <NUM> may be configured to receive a request for obtaining a biometric signal corresponding to a living body, and to obtain at least part of light reflected by the living body among the light output through the light emitting unit <NUM>, using the light receiving unit <NUM> and then detect the biometric signal based at least partly on the obtained light when receiving the request. According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may be configured to communicate with the external electronic device <NUM>, using the light receiving unit <NUM> and the light emitting unit <NUM> when being coupled to an external electronic device <NUM> using the power receiving circuit <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the light emitting unit <NUM> may include at least one first LED for outputting first light having a first wavelength, and at least one second LED for outputting second light having a second wavelength.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may be configured to adjust at least one of a wavelength or strength of light output using the LED <NUM> and to control data to be transmitted to the external electronic device <NUM> based at least on light obtained as the wavelength or the strength of the light is adjusted.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may further include the battery <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may charge the battery <NUM> to be in a first state or a second state based on the communication with the external electronic device <NUM> using the light receiving unit <NUM> and the light emitting unit <NUM>. For example, a first charging power in the first state may be higher than a second charging power in the second state.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a display (e.g., the display device <NUM>). The processor may be configured to display information associated with charging in the second state, using the display while charging the battery <NUM> to be in the second state.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a biometric sensor (<NUM>), including a light emitting unit (<NUM>) comprising at least one light emitting diode (LED) configured to output light and at least one light receiving unit (<NUM>), configured to obtain biometric information using the at least one LED and the at least one light receiving unit;
a battery (<NUM>);
a power receiving circuit (<NUM>) configured to receive a wireless power signal from a wireless charging device; and
a processor (<NUM>) operatively coupled to the biometric sensor and the power receiving circuit,
wherein the processor (<NUM>) is configured to:
receive (<NUM>) a specified wireless power signal from the wireless charging device, using the power receiving circuit (<NUM>); characterized in that the processor (<NUM>) is further configured to:
after receiving the specified wireless power signal, determine whether the wireless charging device is authenticated (<NUM>) based on an optical signal from optical communication with the wireless charging device, using the light receiving unit (<NUM>) and the light emitting unit (<NUM>) of the biometric sensor (<NUM>);
when the external charging device is authenticated, perform (<NUM>) wireless charging of the battery (<NUM>) with a first power; and
when the external charging device not authenticated, perform wireless charging of the battery (<NUM>) with a second power,
wherein the second power corresponds to a normal charging, and
wherein the first power corresponds to a charging faster than the normal charging.