Patent ID: 12210698

In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device101in a network environment100according to various embodiments. Referring toFIG.1, the electronic device101in the network environment100may communicate with an electronic device102via a first network198(e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or at least one of an electronic device104or a server108via a second network199(e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may communicate with the electronic device104via the server108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a processor120, memory130, an input module150, a sound output module155, a display module160, an audio module170, a sensor module176, an interface177, a connecting terminal178, a haptic module179, a camera module180, a power management module188, a battery189, a communication module190, a subscriber identification module (SIM)196, or an antenna module197. In some embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., the connecting terminal178) may be omitted from the electronic device101, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device101. In some embodiments, some of the components (e.g., the sensor module176, the camera module180, or the antenna module197) may be implemented as a single component (e.g., the display module160).

The processor120may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device101coupled with the processor120, and may perform various data processing or computation. According to an embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor120may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module176or the communication module190) in volatile memory132, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory132, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory134. According to an embodiment, the processor120may include a main processor121(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), or an auxiliary processor123(e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor121. For example, when the electronic device101includes the main processor121and the auxiliary processor123, the auxiliary processor123may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor121, or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor123may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor121.

The auxiliary processor123may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display module160, the sensor module176, or the communication module190) among the components of the electronic device101, instead of the main processor121while the main processor121is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor121while the main processor121is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor123(e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module180or the communication module190) functionally related to the auxiliary processor123. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor123(e.g., the neural processing unit) may include a hardware structure specified for artificial intelligence model processing. An artificial intelligence model may be generated by machine learning. Such learning may be performed, e.g., by the electronic device101where the artificial intelligence model is performed or via a separate server (e.g., the server108). Learning algorithms may include, but are not limited to, e.g., supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), deep Q-network or a combination of two or more thereof but is not limited thereto. The artificial intelligence model may, additionally or alternatively, include a software structure other than the hardware structure.

The memory130may store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor120or the sensor module176) of the electronic device101. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program140) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memory130may include the volatile memory132or the non-volatile memory134.

The program140may be stored in the memory130as software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS)142, middleware144, or an application146.

The input module150may receive a command or data to be used by another component (e.g., the processor120) of the electronic device101, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device101. The input module150may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The sound output module155may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device101. The sound output module155may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record. The receiver may be used for receiving incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

The display module160may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device101. The display module160may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment, the display module160may include a touch sensor adapted to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch.

The audio module170may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module170may obtain the sound via the input module150, or output the sound via the sound output module155or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device101.

The sensor module176may detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device101or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device101, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module176may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface177may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device101to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment, the interface177may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

A connecting terminal178may include a connector via which the electronic device101may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102). According to an embodiment, the connecting terminal178may include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module179may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via his tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an embodiment, the haptic module179may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

The camera module180may capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module180may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module188may manage power supplied to the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the power management module188may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery189may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the battery189may include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

The communication module190may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device101and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102, the electronic device104, or the server108) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module190may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor120(e.g., the application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module190may include a wireless communication module192(e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module194(e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device104via the first network198(e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network199(e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module192may identify and authenticate the electronic device101in a communication network, such as the first network198or the second network199, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module196.

The wireless communication module192may support a 5G network, after a 4G network, and next-generation communication technology, e.g., new radio (NR) access technology. The NR access technology may support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communications (mMTC), or ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC). The wireless communication module192may support a high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band) to achieve, e.g., a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module192may support various technologies for securing performance on a high-frequency band, such as, e.g., beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (massive MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module192may support various requirements specified in the electronic device101, an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device104), or a network system (e.g., the second network199). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module192may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for implementing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or a round trip of 1 ms or less) for implementing URLLC.

The antenna module197may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the antenna module197may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna module197may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas). In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first network198or the second network199, may be selected, for example, by the communication module190(e.g., the wireless communication module192) from the plurality of antennas. The signal or the power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module190and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module197.

According to various embodiments, the antenna module197may form a mmWave antenna module. According to an embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, a RFIC disposed on a first surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the first surface and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on a second surface (e.g., the top or a side surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the second surface and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the designated high-frequency band.

At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutually and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device101and the external electronic device104via the server108coupled with the second network199. Each of the electronic devices102or104may be a device of a same type as, or a different type, from the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device101may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices102,104, or108. For example, if the electronic device101should perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device101, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device101. The electronic device101may provide the outcome, with or without further processing of the outcome, as at least part of a reply to the request. To that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device101may provide ultra low-latency services using, e.g., distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device104may include an internet-of-things (IoT) device. The server108may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or a neural network. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device104or the server108may be included in the second network199. The electronic device101may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technology.

FIG.2is a perspective view showing an electronic device including a digital pen according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.2, an electronic device101according to an embodiment may include the configuration shown inFIG.1, and may include a structure into which a digital pen201(e.g., a stylus pen) can be inserted. The electronic device101may include a housing110, and include a hole111in a portion of the housing, for example, a portion of a side surface110C. The electronic device101may include a storage space112connected to the hole111, and the digital pen201may be inserted into the storage space112. According to the illustrated embodiment, the digital pen201may include a depressible button201aat one end to make it easy to retrieve the digital pen201from the storage space112of the electronic device101. When the button201ais pressed, rebound mechanisms (e.g., at least one spring) that is configured in connection with the button201amay operate, allowing the digital pen201to be detached from the storage space112.

AlthoughFIG.2shows a structure in which the digital pen201(e.g., a stylus pen) can be inserted into the electronic device101, according to an embodiment, the digital pen201may be attached to or detached from the surface of the electronic device101. In this case, the housing of the electronic device101may include an area to which the stylus pen201can be attached.

FIG.3is an exploded perspective view showing a digital pen according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.3, the digital pen201may include a pen housing300constituting an external shape of the digital pen201and an inner assembly provided inside the pen housing300. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner assembly, including all of various components mounted inside the pen, may be inserted into the pen housing300with a single assembly operation.

The pen housing300may have a shape that is elongated between a first end300aand a second end300b, and may include a storage space301therein. The pen housing300may have an elliptical cross-section having a long axis and a short axis, and may be formed overall in the shape of an elliptical cylinder. The storage space301of the electronic device101may also have an elliptical cross-section corresponding to the shape of the pen housing300. The pen housing300may include a synthetic resin (e.g., plastic) and/or a metallic material (e.g., aluminum). According to an embodiment, the second end300bof the pen housing300may be made of a synthetic resin material.

The inner assembly may have an elongated shape corresponding to the shape of the pen housing300. The inner assembly may be largely divided into three components along the longitudinal direction. For example, the inner assembly may include an ejection member310arranged at a position corresponding to the first end300aof the pen housing300, a coil unit320arranged at a position corresponding to the second end300b, and a circuit board unit330arranged at a position corresponding to the body of the housing.

The ejection member310may include a component for extracting the digital pen201from the storage space112of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the ejection member310may include a shaft311, an ejection body312arranged around the shaft311and constituting the overall outer appearance of the ejection member310, and a button unit313. When the inner assembly is completely inserted into the pen housing300, a portion including the shaft311and the ejection body312may be surrounded by the first end300aof the pen housing300, and the button unit313(e.g.,201ainFIG.2) may be exposed to the outside of the first end300a. Inside the ejection body312, a plurality of components which are not shown, for example, cam members or elastic members may be arranged to form a push-pull structure. In an embodiment, the button unit313may be substantially coupled, directly or indirectly, to the shaft311to perform a linear reciprocating motion with respect to the ejection body312. According to various embodiments, the button unit313may include a button having a hooking structure that allows the user to remove the digital pen201using a fingernail. According to an embodiment, the digital pen201may provide another input method by including a sensor for detecting a linear reciprocating motion of the shaft311.

The coil unit320may include a pen tip321exposed to the outside of the second end300bwhen the inner assembly is fully inserted into the pen housing300, a packing ring322, a multi-wound coil323, and/or a pressure sensing unit324for acquiring a change in pressure due to the pressure of the pen tip321. The packing ring322may include epoxy, rubber, urethane, or silicon. The packing ring322may be equipped for waterproofing and dustproofing purposes to protect the coil unit320and the circuit board unit330from water immersion or dust. In an embodiment, the coil323may form a resonant frequency at a predetermined frequency band (e.g. 500 kHz) and may be combined with at least one component (e.g. a capacitor) to adjust the resonant frequency formed by the coil323within a certain range.

The circuit board unit330may include a printed circuit board332, a base331surrounding at least one surface of the printed circuit board332, and an antenna. According to an embodiment, on an upper surface of the base331, a substrate seated portion333on which the printed circuit board332is arranged may be provided, and the printed circuit board332may be fixed in a state of being seated on the substrate seated portion333. According to an embodiment, the printed circuit board332may include an upper surface and a lower surface, a variable capacitance capacitor or switch334connected, directly or indirectly, to the coil323may be arranged on the upper surface, and a charging circuit (e.g., a charging circuit288ofFIG.3), a battery (e.g., a battery289ofFIG.3), or a communication circuit (e.g., communication circuit290ofFIG.3) may be arranged on the lower surface. The battery may include an electric double layered capacitor (EDLC). The charging circuit may be located between the coil323and the battery and may include voltage detector circuitry and a rectifier.

The antenna may include an antenna structure339and/or an antenna embedded in the printed circuit board332, as illustrated in the example shown inFIG.3. Various embodiments, the switch334may be provided on the printed circuit board332. A side button337provided on the digital pen201may be used to press the switch334and may be exposed to the outside through a side opening302of the pen housing300. The side button337may be supported by a support member338, and when there is no external force acting on the side button337, the support member338may provide an elastic restoring force to restore or maintain the side button337while the side button337is disposed in a predetermined position.

The circuit board unit330may include other packing rings such as O-rings. For example, O-rings made of an elastic material may be arranged at both ends of the base331to form a sealing structure between the base331and the pen housing300. In some embodiments, the support member338may be partially brought into contact with the inner wall of the pen housing300around the side opening302to form a sealing structure. For example, the circuit board unit330may also form a waterproof and dustproof structure similar to that of the packing ring322of the coil unit320.

The digital pen201may include a battery seated portion335in which a battery336is disposed on an upper surface of the base331. The battery336that is mounted on the battery seated portion335may include, for example, a cylinder type battery.

The digital pen201may include a microphone (not shown). The microphone may be directly connected to the printed circuit board332or may be connected to a separate flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (not shown) connected to the printed circuit board332. In various embodiments, the microphone may be arranged parallel to the side button337in the longitudinal direction of the digital pen201.

According to various embodiments, when the digital pen201can be attached to or detached from the surface of the electronic device101, the digital pen201does not include the ejection member310and may include at least one magnetic material to be attached to the surface of the electronic device101. The digital pen201may be attached to various positions of the housing of the electronic device101through the at least one magnetic material. In addition, according to various embodiments, the digital pen201may not include the side button337and the support member338, and in this case, there may be no opening302on the side surface of the pen housing300.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the input device401excluding the electronic device101will be described in detail. Although the input device401is included in the scope of the electronic device, it should be noted that it is commonly referred to as an input device for convenience of description.

FIG.4is a block diagram illustrating an input device according to various embodiments. According to an embodiment, the digital pen201coupled, directly or indirectly, to a pen housing400amay be referred to as an electronic device (hereinafter, referred to as an input device)401. In addition, the pen housing400adetachable from or coupled, directly or indirectly, to the digital pen201may be referred to as an accessory device.

Referring toFIG.4, the input device401according to an embodiment may largely include the digital pen201and the pen housing400a. According to various embodiments, to allow the digital pen201that is subordinate to a specific type of electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) to be used in other electronic devices (e.g., the external electronic device104ofFIG.1), the pen housing400athat can be coupled, directly or indirectly, to the digital pen201may be provided. According to various embodiments, the digital pen201may be paired with other electronic devices other than the subordinate electronic device based on the coupled state of the digital pen201with the pen housing400aattachable to or detachable from the digital pen201. Here, the electronic device101to which the digital pen201is subordinate may be referred to as a main device, and another electronic device104that is temporarily paired may be referred to as a sub-device.

The pen housing400aaccording to an embodiment may have a structure capable of being coupled, directly or indirectly, to the digital pen201and may include a second communication circuit490a.

The digital pen201according to an embodiment may include a processor420, a memory430, a resonant circuit487, a charging circuit488, a battery489, a first communication circuit490, an antenna497, and/or a trigger circuit498. In some embodiments, the processor420of the digital pen201, at least a portion of the resonant circuit487, and/or at least a portion of the first communication circuit490may be configured on a printed circuit board or in chip form. The processor420, the resonant circuit487, and/or the first communication circuit490may be electrically connected, directly or indirectly, to the memory430, the charging circuit488, the battery489, the antenna497, or the trigger circuit498. The digital pen201according to an embodiment may include only the resonant circuit487and a button.

The processor420, comprising processing circuitry, may include a generic processor configured to execute a customized hardware module or software (e.g., an application program). According to an embodiment, the processor420may be referred to as a control circuit. The processor420may include hardware components (functions) including at least one of various sensors provided in the digital pen201, a data measurement module, an input/output interface, a module for managing a state or environment of the digital pen201, or a communication module, or software components (programs). The processor420may include, for example, one of hardware, software, or firmware, or a combination of two or more thereof. According to an embodiment, the processor420may receive a proximity signal corresponding to an electromagnetic field signal generated from a digitizer (not shown) of the electronic device101through the resonant circuit487. When the proximity signal is confirmed, the resonant circuit487may be controlled to transmit an electromagnetic resonance (EMR) input signal to the electronic device101.

The memory430may store information related to the operation of the digital pen201. For example, the information may include information for communication with the electronic device101and frequency information related to an input operation of the digital pen201.

The resonant circuit487may include at least one of a coil, an inductor, or a capacitor. The resonant circuit487may be used for the digital pen201to generate a signal including a resonant frequency. For example, to generate the signal, the digital pen201may 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 pen201transmits a signal by the EMR scheme, the digital pen201may generate a signal including a resonant frequency based on an electromagnetic field generated from an inductive panel of the electronic device101. When the digital pen201transmits a signal using the AES scheme, the digital pen201may generate a signal using capacitive coupling with the electronic device101. In this case, the electronic device101may confirm a touch position of the digital pen201based on a position where the signal generated by the digital pen201is detected. When the digital pen201transmits a signal using the ECR scheme, the digital pen201may generate a signal including a resonant frequency based on an electric field generated from a capacitive device of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the resonant circuit487may be used to change the strength or frequency of the electromagnetic field according to a user's manipulation state. For example, the resonant circuit487may provide a frequency for recognizing a hovering input, a drawing input, a button input, or an erasing input.

When the charging circuit488is connected, directly or indirectly, to the resonant circuit487based on a switching circuit, a resonance signal generated in the resonant circuit487may be rectified into a DC signal to be provided to the battery489. According to an embodiment, the digital pen201may confirm whether the digital pen201is inserted into the electronic device101using a voltage level of the DC signal detected by the charging circuit488.

The battery489may be configured to store power required for the operation of the digital pen201. The battery may include, for example, a lithium-ion battery or a capacitor, and may be rechargeable or replaceable. According to an embodiment, the battery489may be charged using power (e.g., DC signal {DC power}) provided from the charging circuit488.

The first communication circuit490may be configured to perform a wireless communication function between the digital pen201and the communication module190, comprising communication circuitry, of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the first communication circuit490may transmit state information and input information of the digital pen201to the electronic device101using a short-range communication scheme. For example, the first communication circuit490may transmit, to the electronic device101, direction information (e.g., motion sensor data) of the digital pen201acquired through the trigger circuit498, voice information input through the microphone, or remaining amount information of the battery489. For example, the first communication circuit490may transmit a signal representing the pen pressure obtained through a pen pressure detector (not shown) to the electronic device101. For example, the short-range communication scheme may include at least one of Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), and wireless LAN.

The antenna497may be used to transmit or receive signals or power to or from the outside (e.g., the electronic device101). According to an embodiment, the digital pen201may include a plurality of antennas497, and among them, at least one antenna497suitable for a communication scheme may be selected. Through the selected at least one antenna497, the first communication circuit490may exchange signals or power with an external electronic device.

The trigger circuit498may include at least one button or sensor circuit. According to an embodiment, the processor420may confirm an input method (e.g., touched or pressed) or type (e.g., EMR button or BLE button) of the button of the digital pen201.

According to an embodiment, the digital pen201may further include a sensor circuit (not shown). The sensor circuit may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the digital pen201or an external environmental state. For example, the sensor circuit may include at least one of a motion sensor, a battery level detection sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, and a biosensor. According to an embodiment, the trigger circuit498may transmit a trigger signal to the electronic device101using an input signal of the button or a signal through the sensor.

According to an embodiment, the digital pen201as a device that supports Bluetooth communication may be a device that is subordinate to the electronic device101, and may be temporarily used in another electronic device104when coupled to the pen housing400a. For example, the digital pen201coupled, directly or indirectly, to the pen housing400amay be referred to the input device401, and the pen housing400amay be configured to allow at least a portion of the digital pen201to be disposed therein. According to an embodiment, the pen housing400amay be coupled to the digital pen201through a coupling member.

According to an embodiment, the processor420may detect the coupling of the digital pen201with the pen housing400awhen the at least a portion of the digital pen201is disposed inside the pen housing400a. For example, the processor420may detect the coupling of the digital pen201with the pen housing400ausing a switch. According to an embodiment, when a depressible button (e.g., the button201aofFIGS.2and3) provided at one end (e.g., a first end300aofFIG.3) of the digital pen201is pressed by the coupling of the digital pen201with the pen housing400a, the switch may output a signal obtained by detecting whether the digital pen201is coupled to the pen housing400aby pressing the button to the processor420. According to an embodiment, the processor420may be electrically connected, directly or indirectly, to a second communication circuit490awithin the pen housing400awhen the digital pen201is coupled to the pen housing400a.

According to an embodiment, in response to the detection of the coupling of the digital pen201with the pen housing400a, the processor420may control to inactivate the first communication circuit490and activate the second communication circuit490ainside the pen housing400a. For example, the processor420may search for another electronic device104in response to the detection of the coupling of the digital pen201with the pen housing400a. According to an embodiment, the processor420may search for another electronic device104in response to reception of a search request for the other electronic device104from a user. For example, when an icon configured to search for the other connectable electronic device104is selected by a user on a setting screen related to a Bluetooth communication connection of the electronic device101, the processor420may search for the other electronic device104.

According to an embodiment, when the processor420is paired with the electronic device101through the first communication circuit490, the processor420may cancel the pairing with the electronic device101, and may search for the other electronic device104in a short-range wireless communication scheme through the second communication circuit490a. For example, the operation of searching for the other electronic device104based on a BLE protocol may include an operation of broadcasting a message including identification information related to the pen housing400a. Here, the identification information related to the pen housing400amay be unique information of an accessary device (or an additional module {e.g., outer piece}) coupled to the digital pen201. According to an embodiment, the identification information related to the pen housing400amay be provided to the processor420using a radio frequency identification (RFID) scheme, but the method of providing the identification information is not limited thereto.

For example, the pen housing400amay include an RFID tag499aon which predetermined identification information is recorded, and the digital pen201may further include an RFID reader499that reads the identification information recorded on the RFID tag499a.

According to an embodiment, the processor420may acquire identification information of the RFID tag499aby operating the RFID reader499in response to detection of the coupling of the digital pen201with the pen housing400a. The processor420may determine whether the acquired (or read) identification information of the RFID tag499amatches identification information stored in the memory430. When they match each other, the processor420may be switched to a mode in which a pen operation using the pen housing400ais possible.

For example, when the identification information of the RFID tag499amatches the identification information stored in the memory430, the processor420may authenticate that the pen housing400ais an accessory device that can be coupled, directly or indirectly, to the digital pen201. Accordingly, when the authentication is successful, the processor420may inactivate the first communication circuit490and activate the second communication circuit490ain the pen housing400ato initiate the operation of searching for the other electronic device104. Meanwhile, when the identification information of the RFID tag499adoes not match the identification information stored in the memory430, even if the pen housing400ais coupled to the digital pen201, the operation may be terminated by considering that the corresponding pen housing is not an authorized pen housing400a. For example, when the corresponding pen housing is not the authorized pen housing400a, the processor420may maintain pairing with the electronic device101through the first communication circuit490.

According to an embodiment, the processor420may operate in a first scheme while pairing with the electronic device101through the first communication circuit490is maintained. For example, the processor420may transmit a signal to the electronic device101by the first scheme. In addition, according to an embodiment, when the first communication circuit490is inactivated, the processor420may communicate with the other electronic device104through the second communication circuit490ato control the other electronic device104to operate in the first scheme or the second scheme. The first scheme or the second scheme may be at least one of an electro-magnetic resonance (EMR) scheme, an active electrostatic (AES) scheme, or an electrically coupled resonance (ECR) scheme.

For example, the processor420may transmit a signal to the electronic device101in the first scheme before coupling of the digital pen201with the pen housing400a, and may transmit a signal to the other electronic device104in the same scheme as the searched other electronic device104after coupling of the digital pen201with the pen housing400a, that is, in the first scheme, but the processor420may transmit a signal to the other electronic device104in the second scheme different from the first scheme. For example, while the digital pen201operates with the electronic device101by the EMR scheme, the input device401in a state in which the pen housing400ais coupled to the digital pen201may interoperate with the other electronic device104through the EMR scheme, and in this scheme, the input device401may interoperate with another third electronic device, thereby enhancing compatibility. In addition, while the digital pen201operates with the electronic device101by the EMR scheme, the input device401in a state in which the pen housing400ais coupled to the digital pen201may interoperate with the other electronic device104in the AES scheme, and may interoperate with another third electronic device through the AES scheme. In addition, while the digital pen201operates with the electronic device101by the AES scheme, the input device401in a state in which the pen housing400ais coupled to the digital pen201may interoperate with the other electronic device104in the AES scheme, and may interoperate with another third electronic device through the AES scheme. According to various embodiments, the digital pen201may be coupled to the pen housing400awithout being subordinate to a specific type of electronic device to interoperate with another electronic device, so that the digital pen201may be easily used in various types of electronic devices.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the input device401) may include a stylus pen (e.g., the digital pen201) including a first communication module (e.g., the first communication module490, comprising communication circuitry) and a control circuit (e.g., the processor420) configured to activate or inactivate the first communication module; and a pen housing (e.g., the pen housing400a) comprising a second communication module (e.g., the second communication module490a, comprising communication circuitry) and configured for at least a portion of the stylus pen to be arranged therein, wherein the control circuit may be configured to, in response to the at least a portion of the stylus pen being arranged inside the pen housing, inactivate the first communication module and activate the second communication module.

According to various embodiments, the control circuit may be configured to operate in a first scheme by communicating with a first electronic device via the first communication module, and may operate in the first scheme or a second scheme by communicating with a second electronic device via the second communication module when the first communication module is inactivated.

According to various embodiments, the first communication module and the second communication module are configured to operate based on Bluetooth low energy (BLE).

According to various embodiments, the first scheme or the second scheme may be at least one of an EMR scheme, an AES scheme, or an ECR scheme.

According to various embodiments, the pen housing may include a structure that is attached to or detachable from the stylus pen.

According to various embodiments, the pen housing may include a first pen housing into which a first portion of the stylus pen is inserted, and a second pen housing into which a second portion of the stylus pen is inserted and which is coupled to the first pen housing.

According to various embodiments, the second pen housing may be coupled, directly or indirectly, to the first pen housing including a storage space in which the second communication module is arranged and the first portion of the stylus pen is accommodated therein, through a coupling member.

According to various embodiments, the pen housing may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag on which predetermined identification information is recorded, and the stylus pen may include an RFID reader configured to read the identification information recorded on the RFID tag.

According to various embodiments, the control circuit may be configured to authenticate the pen housing based on the identification information read by the RFID reader in response to the at least a portion of the stylus pen being arranged inside the pen housing.

According to various embodiments, the stylus pen may include a switch configured to detect, when a depressible button provided at one end of the stylus pen is pressed by coupling of the stylus pen with the pen housing, whether the stylus pen is coupled to the pen housing by the depressible button being pressed.

According to various embodiments, in a case in which the at least a portion of the stylus pen is arranged inside the pen housing, the control circuit may be configured to inactivate the first communication module and activate the second communication module when the coupling of the stylus pen with the pen housing is detected using the switch.

FIG.5Ais an exemplary diagram illustrating an input device according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.5A, an input device401according to an embodiment may have a structure in which the pen housing400ais coupled, directly or indirectly, to the digital pen201(e.g., a stylus pen). The digital pen201according to an embodiment may include the components of the digital pen201ofFIG.3and may be the digital pen201described above with reference toFIG.4.

As shown inFIG.5A, the pen housing400amay be coupled, directly or indirectly, to one end (e.g., the first end300aofFIG.3) of the digital pen201. According to an embodiment, the pen housing400amay include a coupling member coupled to one end of the digital pen201. For example, the coupling member may be provided to surround one end of the digital pen201. In addition, the input device401according to an embodiment may include a screw-open and locking structure so that the pen housing400amay be coupled to the digital pen201. In addition, the input device401according to an embodiment may configure a direction in which the pen housing400ais coupled to the digital pen201by including an alignment key structure. In this way, the structure in which the digital pen201and the pen housing400aare coupled, directly or indirectly, to each other may be designed in various shapes and positions.

FIG.5Bis another exemplary diagram illustrating an input device according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.5B, the input device401may include a housing400constituting an external shape of the input device401and an inner assembly surrounded by the housing400. According to an embodiment, the inner assembly may be inserted into the housing400, and the digital pen201may be accommodated in the housing400. In this way, the housing400constituting the external shape of the input device401may include a first pen housing400band a second pen housing400a. Here, the second pen housing400amay include the same configuration as the pen housing400aofFIGS.4and5Aand may be the pen housing400adescribed above with reference toFIG.4.

As shown inFIG.5B, the first portion of the digital pen201may be inserted into the first pen housing400b, the second portion of the digital pen201may be inserted into the second pen housing400a, and the second pen housing400amay be coupled, directly or indirectly, to the first pen housing400b. According to an embodiment, most of the digital pen201may be accommodated in the first pen housing400b, and only a portion of the digital pen201may be accommodated in the second pen housing400a. According to another embodiment, the first pen housing400bmay include an internal space in which the entire digital pen201may be accommodated.

According to an embodiment, in the second pen housing400a, various types of electronic components and circuit components including a second communication module (e.g., the second communication circuit490aofFIG.4) for pairing with another electronic device104other than the subordinate electronic device101may be provided. On the other hand, the first pen housing400bmay have a hollow structure.

As shown inFIG.5B, the housing400constituting the external shape of the input device401may have a shape that is elongated and thin as a whole while accommodating the digital pen201. For example, the housing400may include an internal space in which the digital pen201can be accommodated in the first pen housing400b.

Referring toFIG.5B, as the digital pen201is inserted into the housing400of the input device401, the input device401may disconnect communication with the electronic device101and initiate communication with another electronic device104. For example, by inserting the digital pen201into the housing400of the input device401, the user may use the input device as is in the electronic device104other than the electronic device101being used.

FIG.5Cis a still another exemplary diagram illustrating an input device according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.5C, the input device401may include the housing400constituting an external shape of the input device401and an inner assembly surrounded by the housing400. As shown inFIG.5B, the housing400constituting the external shape of the input device401may include a first pen housing400cand a second pen housing400d. Here, the second pen housing400dmay include the same components as the pen housing400aofFIGS.4and5Aand may be the pen housing400adescribed above with reference toFIG.4.

Referring toFIG.5C, as the digital pen201is inserted into the housing400of the input device401, the input device401may disconnect communication with the electronic device101and may initiate communication with a third electronic device. According to an embodiment, when the housing400of the input device401may include the first pen housing400band the second pen housing400aas shown in FIG. the input device401may communicate with another electronic device104, and when the housing400includes the first pen housing400cand the second pen housing400das shown inFIG.5C, the input device401may communicate with a third electronic device.

According to the various embodiments shown inFIGS.5B and5C, the housing400of the input device401into which the digital pen201is inserted may be provided in various ways, thereby providing a user of the input device with the same grip feeling as the pen used in the type of the corresponding electronic device. In this way, when the housing400of the input device401is provided to surround the entire digital pen201, the grip feeling of the user can be improved.

FIG.6is an exemplary diagram illustrating a case in which an input device is used based on a coupling state with a pen housing between a first electronic device and a second electronic device according to various embodiments. Hereinafter, the electronic device101may be referred to as a first electronic device, and another electronic device104may be referred to as a second electronic device.

Referring toFIG.6, the digital pen201may be a device that is subordinate to the first electronic device101through short-range communication. Here, the digital pen201may be inserted into the first electronic device101or attached to or detached from the surface of the first electronic device101, and is referred to as a device subordinate to the first electronic device101. For example, when the digital pen201is paired with the first electronic device101in600, the user can use the digital pen201on the first electronic device101.

Thereafter, the user may couple the pen housing400ato the digital pen201in order to use the digital pen201in the second electronic device104as well. Although the pen housing400ais shown as the pen housing400aofFIG.5AinFIG.6, it should be noted that the pen housing400amay refer to the housing400of the input device401inFIGS.5B and5C.

As shown inFIG.6, when the pen housing400ais coupled to the digital pen201, the input device401may cancel paring with the first electronic device101in610in response to the coupling with the pen housing400a, and may be paired with the second electronic device104in620. When the pairing is completed, the user may use the pen functionality that can be supported by the second electronic device104using the input device401.

FIG.7is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of an input device according to various embodiments.

InFIG.7, as shown inFIGS.5B and5C, structures before and after the digital pen201is inserted into the housing of the input device401including the first pen housing400band the second pen housing400aare illustrated.

As shown inFIG.7, when at least a portion of the digital pen201is inserted into the first pen housing400bbut the first pen housing400bis separated from the second pen housing400a, the input device401may be in a pairing state with the first electronic device101. On the other hand, when the first pen housing400bis coupled to (or engaged with), directly or indirectly, the second pen housing400a, the input device401may search for the second electronic device104other than the first electronic device101to be paired with the second electronic device104. Accordingly, the stylus pen subordinate to a specific type of electronic device may be easily used in another type of electronic device.

According to various embodiments, the digital pen201may include a switch434that is pressed by a button201a(e.g., the button201aofFIG.3). The switch434may be configured to change the pressure by the button201ainto an electrical signal. The switch434may be located in an inner space within one end of the digital pen201(e.g., the first end300aofFIG.3). When the button201ais pressed by the coupling of the digital pen201with the second pen housing400a, the switch434may output a signal obtained by detecting whether the digital pen201is coupled to the second pen housing400aby the button201abeing pressed, to a processor (e.g., the processor420ofFIG.4).

According to various embodiments, an RFID reader499a(e.g., the RFID reader499aofFIG.4) may be arranged on a circuit board unit (e.g., the circuit board unit330ofFIG.3) of the digital pen201. In addition to this, a first communication circuit (e.g., the first communication circuit490ofFIG.4) may also be arranged on the circuit board within the digital pen201.

According to various embodiments, in the inner assembly of the second pen housing400a, the RFID tag499a(e.g., the RFID tag499ainFIG.4) having predetermined identification information recorded thereon and a second communication circuit (e.g., the second communication circuit490ainFIG.4) may be arranged.

As shown inFIG.7, when the first pen housing400bis separated from the second pen housing400a, the first communication circuit of the input device401may be in an active state, but the second communication circuit may be in an inactive state (or off). That is, during pairing with the first electronic device101, only the first communication circuit may be in the active state.

On the other hand, in response to the first pen housing400bbeing coupled to, directly or indirectly, the second pen housing400a, a signal obtained by detecting whether the first pen housing400bis coupled to the second pen housing400adue to the button201abeing pressed may be output through the switch434.

According to an embodiment, the input device401may acquire identification information of the RFID tag499aby operating the RFID reader499in response to the detection of the coupling. The input device401may determine whether the acquired (or read) identification information of the RFID tag499amatches previously stored identification information. When they match, the input device401may start to search for the second electronic device104, may be paired with the second electronic device104, and may be switched to a mode in which a pen operation in the second electronic device104is possible. As shown inFIG.7, when the first pen housing400bis in the coupled state with the second pen housing400a, the first communication circuit of the input device401may be inactivated and the second communication circuit may be activated. That is, during pairing with the second electronic device101, only the second communication circuit may be in the active state.

FIG.8is a flowchart800illustrating an operation of an input device operating based on a coupling state with a pen housing according to various embodiments. Here, an electronic device (e.g., the input device401) may include a stylus pen (e.g., the digital pen201), and a pen housing (e.g., the pen housing400aor the pen housing400) may be coupled to the stylus pen. According to an embodiment, the stylus pen may be referred to as the input device401regardless of whether the stylus pen is coupled to the pen housing, or the stylus pen coupled to the pen housing may be referred to as the input device401. Each step/operation of an operation method may be performed by at least one of input devices (e.g., the input device401ofFIG.4and the processor420of the input device401ofFIG.4).

Referring toFIG.8, in operation805, the input device401may operate in a first scheme while communicating with a first electronic device through a first communication module (e.g., the first communication circuit490) of the stylus pen.

In operation810, the input device401may detect whether at least a portion of the stylus pen is arranged inside a pen housing including a second communication module (e.g., the second communication circuit490a).

According to an embodiment, the input device401may detect that the stylus pen is coupled to the pen housing when the at least a portion of the stylus pen is arranged inside the pen housing. According to an embodiment, the input device401may include a switch configured to detect that the pen housing is coupled to the stylus pen. The input device401may include a sensor (e.g., a hall sensor) configured to detect the coupling in addition to a physical switch and may detect that the pen housing is coupled to the stylus pen based on a sensing result of the sensor. According to an embodiment, when detecting that the stylus pen is coupled to the pen housing, the input device401may authenticate whether the pen housing is an accessory device that can be coupled with the stylus pen. For example, the input device401may read the identification information recorded on the RFID tag in the pen housing, and may identify whether the identification information recorded on the RFID tag matches the previously stored identification information. When the identification information recorded in the RFID tag matches the stored identification information, the input device401may authenticate that the pen housing is the accessory device that can be coupled to the stylus pen.

In response to the at least a portion of the stylus pen being arranged inside the pen housing, in operation815, the input device401may inactivate the first communication module and may activate the second communication module. According to an embodiment, in response to the at least a portion of the stylus pen being arranged inside the pen housing, when the authentication is successful, the input device401may activate the second communication module to initiate to search for the second electronic device, and may be paired with the second electronic device.

According to various embodiments, the method may include communicating with a second electronic device through the second communication module when the first communication module is inactivated, and operating in the first scheme or a second scheme while communicating with the second electronic device through the second communication module.

According to various embodiments, the first communication module and the second communication module are configured to operate based on Bluetooth low energy (BLE).

According to various embodiments, the first scheme or the second scheme may be at least one of an electro-magnetic resonance (EMR) scheme, an active electrostatic (AES) scheme, or an electrically coupled resonance (ECR) scheme.

According to various embodiments, the pen housing may include a first pen housing into which a first portion of the stylus pen is inserted, and a second pen housing into which a second portion of the stylus pen is inserted and which is coupled, directly or indirectly, to the first pen housing.

According to various embodiments, the second pen housing may be coupled to, directly or indirectly, the first pen housing including a storage space in which the second communication module is arranged and the first portion of the stylus pen is accommodated therein, through a coupling member.

According to various embodiments, the pen housing may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag on which predetermined identification information is recorded, and the stylus pen may include an RFID reader configured to reads the identification information recorded on the RFID tag.

According to various embodiments, the method may further include authenticating the pen housing based on the identification information read by the RFID reader in response to the at least a portion of the stylus pen being arranged inside the pen housing.

According to various embodiments, the inactivating of the first communication module and the activating of the second communication module may include detecting coupling with the pen housing when the at least a portion of the stylus pen is arranged inside the pen housing, using a switch configured to detect whether the stylus pen is coupled to the pen housing by a depressible button being pressed when the depressible pen provided at one end of the stylus pen is pressed by the coupling with the pen housing, disconnecting communication with the first electronic device through the first communication module when the coupling with the pen housing is detected using the switch, and communicating with the second electronic device through the second communication module after disconnecting communication with the first electronic device.

FIG.9is a flowchart900illustrating a detailed operation of an input device operating based on a coupling state with a pen housing according to various embodiments. The operation method may include operations905to920. In an embodiment, at least one of operations905to920may be omitted, the order of some operations may be changed, or another operation may be added.

Referring toFIG.9, in operation905, the input device401may perform a Bluetooth connection using a stylus pen (e.g., the digital pen201). According to an embodiment, the stylus pen may communicate with a first electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101) through Bluetooth-based communication through the first communication circuit490of the stylus pen.

In operation910, the input device401may identify whether coupling with a pen housing (e.g., the pen housing400aofFIG.5Aor the pen housing400ofFIGS.5B and5C) is detected. According to an embodiment, the input device401may identify whether at least a portion of the stylus pen is accommodated in the pen housing. Alternatively, the input device401may identify whether the pen housing is coupled to one end of the stylus pen through a coupling member.

In operation915, in response to the detection of coupling with the pen housing, the input device401may cancel the existing Bluetooth connection. According to an embodiment, the input device401may cancel the Bluetooth connection with the first electronic device through the first communication circuit490in the stylus pen. For example, the input device401may cancel pairing with the first electronic device.

In operation920, the input device401may re-configure the Bluetooth connection. According to an embodiment, the input device401may attempt a Bluetooth connection with the second electronic device (e.g., the electronic device104) through the second communication circuit490ain the pen housing. According to an embodiment, the input device401may cancel the Bluetooth connection with the first electronic device after searching for the second electronic device and the Bluetooth connection with the second electronic device is completed, whereby the first communication circuitry490may be inactivated.

FIG.10is a diagram illustrating embodiments in which an input device according to various embodiments is used. According to an embodiment, the input device401may be a device supporting Bluetooth communication and may be a device subordinate to the first electronic device101.

Referring toFIG.10, the stylus pen201may be paired with the first electronic device101when the pen housing is not coupled. In a state of being paired with the first electronic device101, the user can use the stylus pen201.

According to an embodiment, when the pen housing is coupled to the stylus pen201, the input device401may be paired with the second electronic device104or paired with another third electronic device104a. For example, in a case in which the type of the second electronic device104is a tablet and the second electronic device104is equipped with a professional drawing function, during pairing with the input device401, the user may use the input device401to perform drawing in1010on the second electronic device104. For example, in a case in which the type of the third electronic device104ais a rugged phone and a rugged mode for work is equipped, during pairing with the input device401, the user may use the input device401to use a function through interworking with software specialized for a work site in the third electronic device104a.

FIG.11is an exemplary diagram illustrating a screen of an electronic device when pairing with an input device according to various embodiments is canceled.

FIG.11Aillustrates a screen corresponding to cancellation of pairing between the input device401(e.g., a stylus pen) and the first electronic device101, andFIG.11Billustrates a screen corresponding to completion of pairing with the second electronic device104instead of the first electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the input device401inFIG.11Bmay be in a state in which a pen housing (e.g., the pen housing400aofFIG.5aor the pen housing400ofFIGS.5B and5C) is coupled to the stylus pen201.

As shown inFIG.11A, when the pairing between the input device401(e.g., stylus pen) and the first electronic device101is cancelled, the first electronic device101may display a message1110notifying the cancellation of the paring. Alternatively, the first electronic device101may display a message1110notifying the cancellation of the pairing based on completion of pairing between the input device401and the second electronic device104.

In addition, as shown inFIG.11B, as the input device401(e.g., a stylus pen to which the pen housing is coupled) is paired with the second electronic device104, the first electronic device101may display a message1120notifying the completion of the paring. As described above, by notifying the first electronic device to which the input device401is subordinate that the pairing is cancelled and then the input device401is connected to the second electronic device104, the user may recognize that a stylus pen subordinate to a specific type of first electronic device (e.g., a smartphone) can be used in a different type of second electronic device (e.g., a tablet, a rugged phone, or a laptop computer). For example, when a user loses a stylus pen for a laptop in the laptop equipped with the stylus pen, the user can couple the pen housing to the stylus pen used in a smartphone and use the stylus pen as is in the laptop, thereby improving convenience in use.

FIG.12is an exemplary diagram illustrating a screen of a first electronic device in which pairing with an input device according to various embodiments is canceled and a screen of a second electronic device paired with the input device.

FIG.12Aillustrates a screen corresponding to cancellation of pairing between the input device401(e.g., stylus pen) and the first electronic device101, andFIG.12Billustrates a screen when the input device401is paired with the second electronic device104instead of the first electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the input device401inFIG.12B may be in a state in which a pen housing (e.g., the pen housing400aofFIG.5a, the pen housing400ofFIGS.5band5c) is coupled to the stylus pen201.

According to various embodiments, the input device401in a state in which the pen housing is coupled to the stylus pen may request disconnection of communication for pairing with the second electronic device104. The request for disconnection of communication may include at least one of information related to coupling of the pen housing or information notifying that the corresponding request is a request for pairing with another electronic device.

As shown inFIG.12A, the first electronic device101may receive the request for disconnection of communication from the input device401, and in response to the request for disconnection, the first electronic device101may display a message1210asking whether to approve the usage in another electronic device. According to an embodiment, a screen related to pairing may be displayed only on the paired second electronic device104without displaying the message asking whether to approve the usage on the first electronic device101.

As shown inFIG.12B, the second electronic device104may display a list of devices connectable via Bluetooth, and in response to reception of a user selection1220for the input device401in the device list, pairing between the input device401and the second electronic device104may be completed. When the pairing is completed, the user can use the pen functionality that can be supported by the second electronic device104using the input device401. For example, when the second electronic device104supports a drawing function, the user can draw a picture using the input device401. In this manner, according to various embodiments, by coupling the detachable pen housing to a stylus pen usable only in a specific type of electronic device, the stylus pen in the coupled state can be easily used in other electronic devices, thereby significantly improving the accessibility of the input device and providing a more improved smart user experience.

The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic devices may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic devices are not limited to those described above.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It is to be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of such phrases as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C,” may include any one of, or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, such terms as “1st” and “2nd,” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance or order). It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or “communicatively”, as “coupled with,” “coupled to,” “connected with,” or “connected to” another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via at least a third element(s).

As used in connection with various embodiments of the disclosure, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, “logic,” “logic block,” “part,” or “circuitry”. A module may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Thus, each “module” herein may comprise circuitry.

Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program140) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory136or external memory138) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device101). For example, a processor (e.g., the processor120) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device101) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with or without using one or more other components under the control of the processor. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The one or more instructions may include a code generated by a compiler or a code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Wherein, 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. “Based on” as used herein covers based at least on.

According to an embodiment, a method according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (e.g., PlayStore™), or between two user devices (e.g., smart phones) directly. If distributed online, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in the machine-readable storage medium, such as memory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store, or a relay server.

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, the program, or another component may be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood that the various embodiments are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. It will further be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and full scope of the disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.