KR20250015364A - Wearable electronic device for performing heating control, operating method thereof, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a wearable electronic device for performing heating control with improved portability and user accessibility because it is directly worn on the body, an operating method thereof, and a storage medium. A wearable electronic device (101) comprises: a housing (210); a plurality of temperature sensors (676) disposed at different positions in the housing (210), respectively; and at least one processor (120, 620). The at least one processor identifies a first heating temperature and a second heating temperature by using a first temperature sensor (576a) and a second temperature sensor (576b) among the plurality of temperature sensors, identifies information related to network quality when the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature satisfy a preset first condition, and enters a heating control mode for adjusting a back-off value of transmission power when the information related to the network quality satisfies a preset second condition.

Description

Wearable electronic device for performing heating control, operating method thereof, and storage medium {WEARABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR PERFORMING HEATING CONTROL, OPERATING METHOD THEREOF, AND STORAGE MEDIUM}

One embodiment disclosed in this document relates to a wearable electronic device for performing fever control, a method of operating the same, and a storage medium.

As communication technology develops, wearable electronic devices are becoming smaller and lighter enough to be worn on the user's body without much discomfort. For example, wearable electronic devices such as HMD (head mounting display device), smart watch (or band), contact lens-type device, ring-type device, glove-type device, shoe-type device, or clothing-type device are being commercialized. Since wearable electronic devices are directly worn on the body, portability and user accessibility can be improved.

Recently, in line with the consumer trend of placing importance on design, in the development of wearable electronic devices, the usability of the wearable electronic device is also being given important consideration along with the external design of the wearable electronic device.

The above information may be provided as related art for the purpose of assisting in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

According to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (101) may include a housing (210), a plurality of temperature sensors (676) each positioned at different locations within the housing, and at least one processor (120, 620).

According to one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to identify a first heating temperature and a second heating temperature using a first temperature sensor (576a) and a second temperature sensor (576b) among the plurality of temperature sensors.

According to one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to identify information related to network quality when the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature satisfy a set first condition.

According to one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to enter a heat control mode for adjusting a back off value of a transmission power when the information related to the network quality satisfies a set second condition.

According to one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to terminate the heat generation control mode if, after entering the heat generation control mode, the third heat generation temperature measured by the first temperature sensor or the fourth heat generation temperature measured by the second temperature sensor satisfies a set third condition.

According to one embodiment, a method for performing heat control in a wearable electronic device (101) may include an operation of identifying a first heat generation temperature and a second heat generation temperature using a first temperature sensor (576a) and a second temperature sensor (576b) among a plurality of temperature sensors (676) each of which is positioned at different locations within a housing (210) of the wearable electronic device.

According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of identifying information related to network quality when the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature satisfy a preset first condition.

According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of entering a heat control mode for adjusting a back off value of transmission power when the information related to the network quality satisfies a set second condition.

According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of terminating the heat generation control mode when, after entering the heat generation control mode, the third heat generation temperature measured by the first temperature sensor or the fourth heat generation temperature measured by the second temperature sensor satisfies a set third condition.

According to one embodiment, a non-volatile storage medium storing commands is configured to cause the wearable electronic device (101) to perform at least one operation when the commands are executed by at least one processor (120, 620), wherein the at least one operation may include an operation of identifying a first heating temperature and a second heating temperature by using a first temperature sensor (576a) and a second temperature sensor (576b) among a plurality of temperature sensors (676) respectively disposed at different locations within a housing (210) of the wearable electronic device.

In one embodiment, the at least one operation may include an operation of identifying information related to network quality when the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature satisfy a set first condition.

In one embodiment, the at least one operation may include entering a heat control mode for adjusting a back off value of transmission power when the information related to the network quality satisfies a set second condition.

According to one embodiment, the at least one operation may include an operation of terminating the heat generation control mode if, after entering the heat generation control mode, the third heat generation temperature measured by the first temperature sensor or the fourth heat generation temperature measured by the second temperature sensor satisfies a set third condition.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view illustrating a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view illustrating the wearable electronic device of FIG. 2, according to one embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.
FIG. 5A is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a wearable electronic device viewed in a first direction according to one embodiment.
FIG. 5b is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a wearable electronic device viewed in a second direction according to one embodiment.
Figure 6 is an internal block diagram of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of operations of a wearable electronic device for performing heat generation control according to one embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a detailed operation flow diagram of a wearable electronic device for performing heat generation control according to one embodiment.
Figure 9 is a graph for explaining temperature changes according to step-by-step heating control according to one embodiment.
Figure 10 is a graph showing temperature changes according to back-off conditions according to one embodiment.
In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) in a network environment (100) according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or may communicate with at least one of the electronic device (104) or the server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

The processor (120) may control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of an electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing, for example, software (e.g., a program (140)), and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculations, the processor (120) may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the command or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a nonvolatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and an auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one of the components of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the display module (160), the sensor module (176), or the communication module (190)), for example, while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing device) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, in the electronic device (101) itself on which the artificial intelligence model is executed, or may be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be one of 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-networks, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may additionally or alternatively include a software structure.

The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or nonvolatile memory (134).

The program (140) may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can 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 audio output module (155) can output an audio signal to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive an incoming call. According to one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as a part thereof.

The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) can include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) can include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can obtain sound through an input module (150), or output sound through an audio output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (102)) (e.g., a speaker or a headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

The sensor module (176) can detect an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or an external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electric signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that a user can perceive through a tactile or kinesthetic sense. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The camera module (180) can capture still images and moving images. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) can include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery (189) can power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) can include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

The communication module (190) may support establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102), the electronic device (104), or the server (108)), and performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., the application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, a corresponding communication module may communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (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., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) may use subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196) to identify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199).

The wireless communication module (192) can support a 5G network and next-generation communication technology after a 4G network, for example, NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), terminal power minimization and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) may support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) may support various requirements specified in an electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., a second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each, or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from the outside (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) can include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) can include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), can be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power can be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and the external electronic device through the at least one selected antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) can be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC positioned on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) positioned on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

At least some of the above components may be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, a general purpose input and output (GPIO), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), or a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

In one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102, or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of executing the function or service itself or in addition, request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a part of the function or service. One or more external electronic devices that have received the request may execute at least a part of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as it is or additionally and provide it as at least a part of a response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an IoT (Internet of Things) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199). The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

In the following detailed description, reference numerals in the drawings may be given to or omitted for configurations that can be easily understood through the preceding embodiments, and their detailed descriptions may also be omitted. The electronic device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may be implemented by selectively combining configurations of different embodiments, and the configuration of one embodiment may be replaced by the configuration of another embodiment. For example, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to a specific drawing or embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view illustrating a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view illustrating the wearable electronic device of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a smart watch as an example of a wearable electronic device (101).

The embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 3 may be combined with the embodiments of FIG. 1 or the embodiments of FIGS. 4 to 10.

In the detailed description below, the 'X-axis direction' in the orthogonal coordinate system of FIGS. 2 and 3 may be understood as the width direction of the electronic device (101) or the housing (210), the 'Y-axis direction' may be understood as the length direction of the electronic device (101) or the housing (210), and the 'Z-axis direction' may be understood as the thickness direction of the electronic device (101) or the housing (210). In one embodiment, the direction toward which the front side of the electronic device (101) or the housing (210) (e.g., the first side (210A) of FIG. 2) faces may be defined as the '+Z direction', and the direction toward which the rear side of the electronic device (200) or the housing (210) (e.g., the second side (210B) of FIG. 3) faces may be defined as the '-Z direction'.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a wearable electronic device (101) may include a housing (210) or a wearing member (250, 260). The housing (210) may include a first side (or front side) (210A), a second side (or back side) (210B), or a side surface (210C). The side surface (210C) may surround a space between the first side (210A) and the second side (210B).

In one embodiment, the wearing member (250, 260) may be connected to at least a portion of the housing (210) and configured to removably attach the wearable electronic device (101) to a portion of the user's body (e.g., a wrist, an ankle, etc.). For example, the wearable electronic device (101) may be in the form of a wristwatch. In one embodiment, the housing (210) may also refer to a structure forming a portion of the first side (210A) of FIG. 2 , the second side (210B) of FIG. 3 , and the side surface (210C). In one embodiment, the first side (210A) may be formed by a front plate (201) (e.g., a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate) that is at least partially transparent. The second side (210B) may be formed by a substantially opaque back plate (207). In one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) includes a sensor module (211) disposed on the second surface (210B), the back plate (207) may include at least a partially transparent region. The back plate (207) may be formed of, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the foregoing materials. The side surface (210C) may be formed by a side bezel structure (or “side member”) (206) that is coupled with the front plate (201) and the back plate (207) and includes a metal and/or polymer. In one embodiment, the back plate (207) and the side bezel structure (206) may be formed integrally and include the same material (e.g., a metal material such as aluminum). The wearing members (250, 260) may be formed of various materials and shapes. For example, the wearing member (250, 260) may be formed of a single unit or multiple unit links that are mutually movable by a combination of at least two of the materials, such as woven fabric, leather, rubber, urethane, metal, ceramic, or at least two of the materials.

According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (101) may include at least one of a display (270) (e.g., the display (660) of FIG. 6), an audio module (205, 208) (e.g., the audio module (170) of FIG. 1), a sensor module (211) (e.g., the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1), a key input device (202, 203, 204) (e.g., the input module (150) of FIG. 1), or a connector hole (209) (e.g., the connection terminal (178) of FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (101) may omit at least one of the components (e.g., the key input device (202, 203, 204), the connector hole (209), or the sensor module (211)) or may additionally include other components.

In one embodiment, the display (270) (e.g., the display (660) of FIG. 6) may be exposed through, for example, a significant portion of the front plate (201). The shape of the display may correspond to the shape of the front plate (201), and may have various shapes such as circular, oval, or polygonal. The display may be coupled with or disposed adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and/or a fingerprint sensor.

The audio module (205, 208) may include a microphone hole (205) and a speaker hole (208). A microphone may be placed inside the microphone hole (205) to acquire external sound, and in one embodiment, multiple microphones may be placed to detect the direction of the sound. The speaker hole (208) may be used as an external speaker and a receiver for calls. In one embodiment, a speaker may be included without a speaker hole (e.g., a piezo speaker).

The sensor module (211) can generate an electric signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the wearable electronic device (101) or an external environmental state. The sensor module (211) can include, for example, a biometric sensor module (211) (e.g., an HRM sensor) disposed on the second surface (210B) of the housing (210). The wearable electronic device (101) can further include at least one of a sensor module not shown, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

In one embodiment, the key input devices (202, 203, 204) may include a wheel key (202) disposed on a first side (210A) of the housing (210) and rotatable in at least one direction, and/or a side key button (203, 204) disposed on a side surface (210C) of the housing (210). For example, the wheel key (202) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the front plate (201). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (101) may not include some or all of the above-mentioned key input devices (202, 203, 204), and the key input devices (202, 203, 204) that are not included may be implemented in another form, such as a soft key on the display. The connector hole (209) may accommodate a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data with an external electronic device, and may include another connector hole (not shown) for receiving a connector for transmitting and receiving audio signals with an external electronic device. The wearable electronic device (101) may further include, for example, a connector cover (not shown) that covers at least a portion of the connector hole (209) and blocks the inflow of external foreign substances into the connector hole.

In one embodiment, the wearing member (250, 260) can be removably fastened to at least a portion of the housing (210) using a locking member (251, 261). For example, the locking member (251, 261) can include a fastening component, such as a pogo pin, and can be replaced with a protrusion(s) or recess(es) formed in the wearing member (250, 260) according to an embodiment. For example, the wearing member (250, 260) can be coupled in a manner that it engages with the recess(es) or protrusion(s) formed in the housing (210). The wearing member (250, 260) can include one or more of a fixing member (252), a fixing member fastening hole (253), a band guide member (254), and a band fastening ring (255).

In one embodiment, the fixing member (252) may be configured to fix the housing (210) and the wearing member (250, 260) to a part of the user's body (e.g., a wrist, an ankle, etc.). The fixing member fastening hole (253) may correspond to the fixing member (252) to fix the housing (210) and the wearing member (250, 260) to a part of the user's body. The band guide member (254) may be configured to limit the range of movement of the fixing member (252) when the fixing member (252) is fastened to the fixing member fastening hole (253), thereby allowing the wearing member (250, 260) to be closely fastened to a part of the user's body. The band fixing ring (255) may limit the range of movement of the wearing member (250, 260) when the fixing member (252) and the fixing member fastening hole (253) are fastened.

Meanwhile, users use wearable electronic devices while wearing them on a part of their bodies, and if the part that comes into contact with the skin overheats, it may cause discomfort to the user using the wearable electronic device and may even cause low-temperature burns due to skin contact.

In wearable electronic devices, if heat control is performed only by a temperature determined by the manufacturer or unilaterally in order to prevent excessive temperature situations from occurring while considering the risk of low-temperature burns during heat control, the overall performance of the wearable electronic device may deteriorate, and heat control optimized for the user may be difficult.

For example, when connecting to a network, the temperature of the rear side of the wearable electronic device, which is in contact with the skin, is lowered when the temperature reaches a critical temperature, so if heat generation can be controlled while considering performance related to network connection, network quality can be guaranteed.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a wearable electronic device, a method of operating the same, and a storage medium for performing heat control to maximize network quality while increasing network connection maintenance time by considering performance related to network connection when entering a heat control mode.

According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (101) may utilize at least one temperature sensor to identify whether heat control is in effect during a network connection. The at least one temperature sensor may be positioned within the housing of the wearable electronic device (101), which will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 5b.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment, FIG. 5a is a partial exploded perspective view of the wearable electronic device as viewed in a first direction according to one embodiment, and FIG. 5b is a partial exploded perspective view of the wearable electronic device as viewed in a second direction according to one embodiment.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a first printed circuit board (480), a rear plate (493), or a second printed circuit board (455), which are part of an exploded perspective view of the wearable electronic device (101) of FIG. 4, are commonly illustrated. Here, FIG. 5A illustrates a case where the front side of the first printed circuit board (480), the front side of the rear plate (493), or the front side of the second printed circuit board (455) are illustrated in that order when the wearable electronic device (101) of FIG. 4 is viewed in a first direction. On the other hand, FIG. 5B illustrates a case where the rear side of the second printed circuit board (455), the rear side of the rear plate (493), or the rear side of the first printed circuit board (480) are illustrated in that order when the wearable electronic device (101) of FIG. 4 is viewed in a second direction.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 5B, a wearable electronic device (101) (e.g., the wearable electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 and 3) may include a side bezel structure (460) (e.g., the side bezel structure (206) of FIG. 2), a support member (470) (e.g., a bracket), a first printed circuit board (480), a second printed circuit board (455), a rear plate (493) (e.g., the rear plate (207) of FIG. 3), an antenna (450), and/or a rear cover (494). For example, the support member (470) may be disposed inside the wearable electronic device (101) and connected to the side bezel structure (460), or may be formed integrally with the side bezel structure (460). The support member (470) may be formed of, for example, a metal material and/or a non-metal (e.g., a polymer) material. For example, the support member (470) may have a display (e.g., the display (270) of FIG. 2) disposed on one side and a first printed circuit board (480) disposed on the other side. In one embodiment, the display may be disposed in combination with the side bezel structure (460). The first printed circuit board (480) may be equipped with a processor, a memory, and/or an interface. The processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphic processing unit (GPU), an application processor sensor processor, or a communication processor (CP).

The memory may include, for example, volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The interface may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect the wearable electronic device (101) to an external electronic device, for example, and may include a USB connector, an SD card/MMC connector, or an audio connector.

A battery (not shown) is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the wearable electronic device (101), and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery (not shown) may be disposed, for example, substantially on the same plane as the first printed circuit board (480) or within the support member (470). The battery (not shown) may be disposed integrally within the wearable electronic device (101), or may be disposed detachably from the wearable electronic device (101).

In one embodiment, the antenna (450) can be disposed between the back plate (493) and the back cover (494). In one embodiment, the antenna (450) can be disposed between the support member (470) and the back plate (493). The antenna (450) can include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a coil antenna for wireless charging, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna (450) can, for example, perform short-range communication with an external device, wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging, and transmit a magnetic-based signal including a short-range communication signal or payment data. In one embodiment, the antenna (450) forms an internal hole space so that a second printed circuit board (455) can be disposed in the hole space.

In one embodiment, the second printed circuit board (455) may be disposed between the back plate (493) and the back cover (494). For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 5B, the second printed circuit board (455) may be formed integrally with the antenna (450) that surrounds the second printed circuit board (455). In one embodiment, the second printed circuit board (455) may be disposed between the support member (470) and the back plate (493). In one embodiment, the side bezel structure (460), the support member (470), the back plate (493), and/or the back cover (494) may be interpreted as a housing (e.g., the housing (210) of FIG. 2). For example, the housing may be formed by a structure including the side bezel structure (460) that surrounds a space between the support member (470) and the back cover (494) of FIG. 4. In one embodiment, the rear plate (493) and the rear cover (494) may be formed integrally.

In one embodiment, when the wearable electronic device (101) includes at least one temperature sensor for measuring temperature related to heat generation when connected to a network, the at least one temperature sensor may be placed within the housing.

According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be at least one thermistor circuit disposed inside the housing of the wearable electronic device (101) and may output a temperature value by a resistance value that changes depending on the temperature.

According to one embodiment, the first temperature sensor (576a) may be disposed on the first printed circuit board (480), as illustrated in the exploded perspective view of the wearable electronic device (101) of FIG. 5A. According to one embodiment, the first temperature sensor (576a) may be disposed adjacent to a main heat source associated with a network connection, as illustrated in FIG. 5A. For example, a component associated with the network connection may include a communication processor (CP), and the communication processor may receive data transmitted from a network and transmit data received from a processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1 or the processor (620) of FIG. 6) to the network. According to one embodiment, the first temperature sensor (576a) may be disposed adjacent to or inside the communication processor. The wearable electronic device (101) may measure a temperature using the first temperature sensor (576a) connected to the communication processor.

Meanwhile, as shown in the exploded perspective view of the wearable electronic device (101) of FIG. 5b, the second temperature sensor (576b) may be placed between the first printed circuit board (480) and the rear cover (494), for example, between the rear plate (493) and the rear cover (494).

According to one embodiment, the second temperature sensor (576b) may be positioned adjacent to various components, such as a second printed circuit board (455) positioned below the first printed circuit board (480), as illustrated in FIG. 5b. According to one embodiment, the second temperature sensor (576b) may be positioned separately from a sensor circuit or a biosensor (e.g., a heart rate measurement (HRM) sensor or an electrode pad) positioned on the second printed circuit board (455), as illustrated in FIG. 5b. For example, when the biosensor is positioned at the center of the second printed circuit board (455), the second temperature sensor (576b) may be positioned around the center thereof. The biosensor may be exposed to the outside of the housing so as to contact the surface of the user's skin when worn, and acquire or detect a biosignal. For example, a second temperature sensor (576b) may be placed in an area adjacent to the skin contact portion, for example, on the second printed circuit board (455), so as to determine the surface heating temperature.

In addition, although the above description has been given as an example a case where the wearable electronic device (101) includes two temperature sensors (e.g., 576a, 576b), the present invention is not limited thereto and may include a plurality of temperature sensors, for example, the temperature sensors may be arranged adjacent to the processor, or the temperature sensors may be arranged adjacent to or within components related to charging, such as a charging circuit.

Figure 6 is an internal block diagram of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, a wearable electronic device (101) (e.g., the wearable electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 and 3) may include at least one processor (620) and a plurality of temperature sensors (676) (e.g., the first temperature sensor (576a) and the second temperature sensor (576b) of FIG. 5a or 5b). According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (101) may further include a memory (630), a display (660), and a communication module (690). According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (101) may omit at least one of the components or may additionally include another component.

According to one embodiment, the processor (620) may be the processor (120) described above with reference to FIG. 1. The processor (620) may control the overall operation of the wearable electronic device (101), and when connected to a network, may generate various messages required for wireless power reception and communicate with a base station through a communication module (690).

According to one embodiment, the processor (620) may measure the temperature using a plurality of temperature sensors (676). The subject measuring the temperature may be the processor (620), for example, an application processor (AP) or a communication processor (CP). For example, the processor (620) may measure the temperature using a first temperature sensor (576a) disposed adjacent to or inside the communication processor (CP) to measure the temperature during a network connection, and a second temperature sensor (576b) disposed on a surface close to the skin surface, for example, on the second printed circuit board (455), to measure the temperature according to skin contact. The processor (620) may measure the temperature related to the heat generated in the communication processor (CP) according to the network connection operation using the first temperature sensor (576a). For example, the processor (620) may measure the temperature related to the surface heating in contact with the skin using the second temperature sensor (576b).

For example, a temperature sensor placed in an area adjacent to each component, such as a battery, may operate under the control of an application processor (AP) or a communication processor (CP), even when not in network communication.

According to one embodiment, the memory (630) can store instructions for performing network connection based on heat control and can be the memory (130) described above with reference to FIG. 1.

According to one embodiment, the memory (630) may store instructions set to identify a first heating temperature and a second heating temperature using a first temperature sensor (576a) and a second temperature sensor (576b) among a plurality of temperature sensors (676), identify information related to network quality when the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature satisfy a set first condition, enter a heating control mode for adjusting a back off value of transmission power when the information related to network quality satisfies the set second condition, and, after entering the heating control mode, terminate the heating control mode when a third heating temperature measured by the first temperature sensor or a fourth heating temperature measured by the second temperature sensor satisfies the set third condition.

According to one embodiment, the display (660) may output a screen when a network connection is made. For example, the display (660) may output a notification content indicating what kind of heat control operation is performed when heat control is started during a network connection. For example, various notification contents may be output through the display (660), such as content informing that the network connection status is a weak electric field status while informing that the wearable electronic device (101) can be continuously used from the user's perspective, and content informing that the network quality may deteriorate due to heat control in progress. For example, the display (660) may output a graphic object related to a network connection operation.

According to one embodiment, the plurality of temperature sensors (676) may be respectively positioned at various locations on the wearable electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the first temperature sensor (576a) may be positioned in an area adjacent to a communication processor (CP) included in a first printed circuit board within the housing to measure temperature during a network connection. The second temperature sensor (576b) may be positioned in an area adjacent to a surface of the wearable electronic device (101) (e.g., the second circuit board (455)).

According to one embodiment, the processor (620) may monitor whether heat is generated by measuring the temperature of components related to network communication periodically or according to specified conditions using a plurality of temperature sensors (676) when a network connection operation is initiated. The plurality of temperature sensors (676) may be connected to the processor (620), and the measured temperature may be transmitted to the processor (620).

For example, the processor (620) may periodically measure the temperature of components of the wearable electronic device (101) using a plurality of temperature sensors (676), wherein the measurement cycle may be adjustable.

For example, the processor (620) may detect a temperature rise by at least one of a first temperature sensor (576a) disposed in an area adjacent to a communication processor (CP) included in a first printed circuit board within the housing to measure a temperature during a network connection, and a second temperature sensor (576b) disposed in an area adjacent to a surface of the wearable electronic device (101) (e.g., a second circuit board (455)). According to one embodiment, the processor (620) may monitor whether heat is generated by using both of the two temperature sensors (576a, 576b), but may also initiate a control operation to lower the heat generation temperature due to the network connection operation even if heat generation exceeding a threshold temperature is detected by either of the temperature sensors.

For example, the temperature detected by the temperature sensors (576a, 576b) disposed in an area adjacent to the communication processor (CP) and an area adjacent to the surface of the wearable electronic device (101) (e.g., the second circuit board (455)), respectively, may be considered to be proportional to the surface heat generation, although the amount of heat transferred to the surface may vary depending on the mounting structure or heat dissipation structure of the communication processor (CP). For example, in a case where it is desired to prevent surface overheating in advance to reduce the risk of low-temperature burns due to contact with body skin, priority may be given to detection of heat generation higher than a critical temperature by one temperature sensor, for example, a temperature sensor disposed in an area adjacent to the surface of the wearable electronic device (101) (e.g., the second circuit board (455)).

According to one embodiment, when a heat situation occurs during an operation of connecting to a network in a weak electric field situation, the processor (620) may start a heat control to lower the temperature. Here, the processor (620) may lower the temperature by lowering the current consumption (e.g., peak-to-peak current) by adjusting the backoff of the transmission power (or the maximum transmission power (max tx power)) for the heat control. For example, the processor (620) may lower the temperature itself or the degree of the temperature increase by adjusting the backoff of the transmission power. In this way, when the temperature or the degree of the temperature increase is lowered by adjusting the transmission power by adjusting the backoff of the transmission power during the network connection, the network quality can be maintained as much as possible, and also the network connection maintenance time can be increased by delaying the heat-controlled entry time.

According to one embodiment, in a weak electric field situation during network connection, the transmission power is set to operate within a specified power range (e.g., approximately 23 dB). However, since the transmission power is operated within the specified power range to be maximized, the current consumption may be high and a lot of heat may be generated. If the transmission power is lowered slightly in a weak electric field situation, the current consumption may be lowered and relatively less heat may be generated. However, if the transmission power is lowered too much, the network quality may deteriorate. While attempting to connect to a network or while the network connection is maintained, a certain amount of current consumption (e.g., peak-to-peak current) may be a major factor in rapidly increasing the heat generation temperature of a small-volume wearable electronic device (101). Therefore, if the current consumption can be lowered by controlling the backoff of the transmission power, the heat generation temperature of the wearable electronic device (101) can also be efficiently controlled.

According to one embodiment, when the temperature of the rear surface of the wearable electronic device (101) corresponding to the part in contact with the skin reaches a critical temperature during network connection, heat control is performed to lower the temperature, so that network quality can be guaranteed by controlling heat generation while considering performance related to network connection.

In one embodiment, the processor (620) may perform heat control to ensure network quality while increasing the network connection maintenance time by considering performance related to network connection when entering the heat control mode.

In one embodiment, when the processor (620) detects that a heating situation occurs based on the measured temperatures, the processor (620) may start a heating control to lower the temperature, for example, after entering the heating control mode, identify a block error rate (BLER) and perform a control to adjust the back-off of the transmission power based on the block error rate. For example, the processor (620) may check the block error rate and, if the block error rate is not higher than a first threshold error rate (e.g., about 50%) (or lower than the first threshold error rate), consider that the network quality is not degraded and adjust the back-off value of the transmission power. For example, the processor (620) may control the back-off value of the transmission power to increase if it is not higher than the first threshold error rate. As the back-off value of the transmission power increases in this way, the transmission power is transmitted at a power lower than a specified power range (e.g., about 23 dB), so that the heating temperature can also be lowered due to the lowered current consumption.

According to one embodiment, the processor (620) can identify whether the block error rate is higher than a second threshold error rate (e.g., about 70%) when the block error rate is higher than a first threshold error rate (e.g., about 50%) (or is equal to or greater than the first threshold error rate). When the block error rate is higher than the first threshold error rate (e.g., about 50%) but not higher than the second threshold error rate (e.g., about 70%), it is considered that the network quality is somewhat degraded but not degraded enough to stop the backoff control, and thus the backoff value of the transmission power can be controlled to be reduced. As the backoff value of the transmission power is reduced in this way, the transmission power is transmitted at a higher power than the previously reduced power, so that the network quality can be guaranteed.

According to one embodiment, the processor (620) may perform an operation of identifying information related to network quality, such that if the block error rate is higher than a second threshold error rate (e.g., about 70%), the processor may determine that the network quality has deteriorated significantly and that the backoff should be stopped. For example, the information related to network quality may include at least one of a radio link failure (RLF), a signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), or a random access channel (RACH).

According to one embodiment, if the processor (620) identifies at least one of the following cases as a result of checking the information related to network quality: detection of a wireless link failure, a signal-to-interference-noise ratio below a first threshold value, or a procedure attempt state of a random access channel, the processor (620) may consider that the network quality is degraded and stop the operation of adjusting the backoff of the transmission power. In this way, if a significant quality deterioration condition is recognized as a result of checking the information related to network quality in order to prevent network quality deterioration, the backoff value may be reset to the initial situation. Here, the quality deterioration condition may correspond to a state in which a wireless link failure occurs, a signal-to-interference-noise ratio is below a certain level, or an attempt of a random access channel is made in a network connection situation.

According to one embodiment, the processor (620) may perform an operation of increasing or decreasing a backoff value according to a block error rate, and when the adjusted backoff value reaches the maximum backoff value by setting a maximum backoff value, the operation of adjusting the backoff value may be stopped to prevent network quality degradation.

According to one embodiment, the processor (620) can identify whether a heat release situation is applicable based on the measured temperatures while performing heat control by adjusting the backoff value of the transmission power. If a designated temperature corresponding to heat release is reached, the processor (620) can reset the backoff value to the initial situation in order to prioritize network quality because it means that a temperature set to prevent burns of the user has been reached.

According to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (101) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the wearable electronic device (101) of FIG. 2 or FIG. 3) may include a housing (e.g., the housing (210) of FIG. 2), a plurality of temperature sensors (e.g., the temperature sensors (676) of FIG. 6) each disposed at different locations within the housing, and at least one processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1 or the processor (620) of FIG. 6). According to one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to identify a first heating temperature and a second heating temperature using a first temperature sensor (e.g., the first temperature sensor (576a) of FIG. 5a) and a second temperature sensor (e.g., the second temperature sensor (576b) of FIG. 5b) among the plurality of temperature sensors. According to one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to identify information related to network quality when the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature satisfy a set first condition. According to one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to enter a heating control mode for adjusting a back off value of transmission power when the information related to network quality satisfies a set second condition. According to one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to terminate the heating control mode when, after entering the heating control mode, a third heating temperature measured by the first temperature sensor or a fourth heating temperature measured by the second temperature sensor satisfies a set third condition.

According to one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to identify that the first preset condition is satisfied when the first heating temperature measured using the first temperature sensor disposed on the first printed circuit board (480) within the housing is equal to or greater than a first threshold temperature, and the second heating temperature measured using the second temperature sensor disposed on the second printed circuit board within the housing is equal to or greater than a second threshold temperature.

According to one embodiment, the information related to the network quality may include at least one of a radio link failure (RLF), a signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), or a random access channel (RACH).

In one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to identify that the preset second condition is satisfied based on identifying that at least one of a detection of a wireless link failure, a signal-to-interference-noise ratio below a first threshold value, or a procedure attempt state of a random access channel is not corresponding.

In one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to initialize a back-off value of the transmit power when corresponding to at least one of detection of a wireless link failure, a signal-to-interference-noise ratio below a first threshold, or a procedure attempt state of a random access channel.

In one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to identify a block error rate (BLER) after entering the thermal control mode, and adjust a back-off of the transmission power based on the block error rate.

In one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to identify whether the block error rate is higher than a first threshold error rate for a specified first time period, and to increase a backoff value of the transmission power if the block error rate is not higher than the first threshold error rate for the specified first time period.

In one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to identify whether the block error rate is higher than a first threshold error rate for a specified first time period and higher than a second threshold error rate for a specified second time period, and to reduce a backoff value of the transmission power if the block error rate is higher than the first threshold error rate for the specified first time period and not higher than the second threshold error rate for the specified second time period.

In one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to identify information related to the network quality when the block error rate is higher than the first threshold error rate for the first designated time period and higher than the second threshold error rate for the second designated time period.

According to one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to identify whether the third heating temperature measured by the first temperature sensor or the fourth heating temperature measured by the second temperature sensor satisfies the preset third condition if the adjusted backoff value is less than or equal to a second threshold value while adjusting the backoff value of the transmission power.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of operations of a wearable electronic device for performing heat control according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, the operation method may include operations 705 to 720. Each operation of the operation method of FIG. 7 may be performed by at least one of a wearable electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the wearable electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 to 3, and FIG. 6), and at least one processor of the wearable electronic device (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1 or the processor (620) of FIG. 6). In an embodiment, at least one of operations 705 to 720 may be omitted, the order of some operations may be changed, or another operation may be added.

In operation 705, the wearable electronic device (101) can identify a first heating temperature and a second heating temperature by using a first temperature sensor (e.g., 576a of FIG. 5A) and a second temperature sensor (e.g., 576b of FIG. 5B) among a plurality of temperature sensors (e.g., temperature sensors (676) of FIG. 6) each disposed at different locations within a housing of the wearable electronic device (101).

In operation 710, the wearable electronic device (101) can identify information related to network quality when the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature satisfy the set first condition.

According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (101) can identify that the set first condition is satisfied when the first heating temperature measured using the first temperature sensor disposed on the first printed circuit board within the housing is equal to or higher than the first threshold temperature, and the second heating temperature measured using the second temperature sensor disposed on the second printed circuit board within the housing is equal to or higher than the second threshold temperature.

According to one embodiment, the information related to the network quality may include at least one of a radio link failure (RLF), a signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), or a random access channel (RACH).

In operation 715, the wearable electronic device (101) may enter a heat control mode that adjusts a back off value of transmission power when the information related to the network quality satisfies the set second condition.

According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (101) may identify that the set second condition is satisfied based on identifying that at least one of a wireless link failure is detected, a signal-to-interference-noise ratio below a first threshold, or a procedure attempt state of a random access channel is not met.

According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (101) may perform an operation of initializing a back-off value of the transmission power when corresponding to at least one of detection of a wireless link failure, a signal-to-interference-noise ratio below a first threshold, or a procedure attempt state of a random access channel.

In operation 720, the wearable electronic device (101) may, after entering the heat generation control mode, terminate the heat generation control mode if the third heat generation temperature measured by the first temperature sensor or the fourth heat generation temperature measured by the second temperature sensor satisfies the set third condition.

According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (101) can identify a block error rate (BLER) after entering the heat control mode. The wearable electronic device (101) can adjust the back-off of the transmission power based on the block error rate.

According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (101) can identify whether the block error rate is higher than a first threshold error rate for a specified first time period. The wearable electronic device (101) can increase a backoff value of the transmission power if the block error rate is not higher than the first threshold error rate for the specified first time period.

According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (101) can identify whether the block error rate is higher than a first threshold error rate for a specified first time period and higher than a second threshold error rate for a specified second time period. The wearable electronic device (101) can reduce a backoff value of the transmission power if the block error rate is higher than the first threshold error rate for the specified first time period and not higher than the second threshold error rate for the specified second time period.

According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (101) may identify information related to the network quality when the block error rate is higher than the first threshold error rate for the first specified time period and higher than the second threshold error rate for the second specified time period.

FIG. 8 is a detailed operation flowchart of a wearable electronic device for performing heat control according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8, the operation method may include operations 805 to 855. Each operation of the operation method of FIG. 8 may be performed by a wearable electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the wearable electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 to 3 and FIG. 6), at least one processor of the wearable electronic device (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1 or the processor (620) of FIG. 6). In an embodiment, at least one of operations 805 to 855 may be omitted, the order of some operations may be changed, or another operation may be added.

In operation 805, the wearable electronic device (101) may perform a network connection operation. In operation 810, the wearable electronic device (101) may input an initial setting (or initial data) for heat control during the network connection operation. Here, the initial setting may be initial data used to adjust a backoff value of the transmission power. For example, information related to the initial setting may include information that at least one of the backoff [B], the transmission power (or the maximum transmission power) (max Tx power) [M], thermistor 1 [T], or thermistor 2 [T] is set. For example, the backoff [B] is set to 0 dB, the transmission power (or maximum transmission power) (max Tx power) [M] is set to a specified power range (e.g., about 23 dB), and thermistor 1 (e.g., the first temperature sensor (576a)) [T] and thermistor 2 (e.g., the second temperature sensor (576b)) [T] may be set. In one embodiment, specific values are illustrated for convenience of explanation, but these are merely examples, and may vary depending on various conditions such as the type of the wearable electronic device (101) and the network situation, and may not be limited thereto.

In operation 815, the wearable electronic device (101) can identify whether the first heating temperature measured by thermistor 1 (e.g., the first temperature sensor (576a)) [T] is equal to or higher than the first threshold temperature (e.g., about 48°), and whether the second heating temperature measured by thermistor 2 (e.g., the second temperature sensor (576b)) is equal to or higher than the second threshold temperature (e.g., about 36.5°).

If the first heating temperature measured by thermistor 1 (e.g., the first temperature sensor (576a)) [T] is equal to or higher than the first threshold temperature (e.g., approximately 48°) and the second heating temperature measured by thermistor 2 (e.g., the second temperature sensor (576b)) is equal to or higher than the second threshold temperature (e.g., approximately 36.5°), in operation 820, the wearable electronic device (101) may identify information related to network quality to identify whether to enter the heating control mode.

According to one embodiment, in operation 820, the wearable electronic device (101) may identify whether it corresponds to at least one of detection of a wireless link failure, a signal-to-interference-noise ratio below a first threshold (e.g., about 7 dB), or a procedure attempt state of a random access channel. For example, if the backoff of the transmission power is adjusted when the wireless link failure is detected, the network quality may be further degraded, and thus the wearable electronic device (101) may consider that it corresponds to a quality deterioration condition and may not perform a backoff adjustment operation. For example, if a signal-to-interference-noise ratio below the first threshold is detected, it is a state of severe interference, and if the backoff of the transmission power is adjusted, the network quality may be further degraded, and thus the wearable electronic device (101) may consider that it corresponds to a quality deterioration condition and may not perform a backoff adjustment operation. For example, in the case of a procedure attempt state of a random access channel, for example, when a link connection attempt is in progress, adjusting the backoff of the transmission power may lower the transmission power and cause the link connection attempt to fail, which may further deteriorate the network quality. Therefore, the wearable electronic device (101) may consider that it corresponds to a quality deterioration condition and may not perform a backoff adjustment operation.

In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (101) may identify, based on the detection of a wireless link failure, a signal-to-interference-noise ratio below a first threshold (e.g., about 7 dB), or a non-procedural attempt state of a random access channel, at operation 825, whether the block error rate is higher than a first threshold error rate (e.g., about 50%) for a first specified period of time (e.g., about 5 s). Here, since the block error rate may be higher than the first threshold error rate momentarily, it may be identified whether the block error rate is higher than the first threshold error rate for or longer than the first specified period of time (e.g., about 5 s). Although the first specified period of time is exemplified as about 5 s, this is merely an example, and the period of time (or numerical value) may be set differently.

In operation 830, the wearable electronic device (101) may control the backoff value of the transmission power to be increased if the block error rate is not higher than the first threshold error rate. For example, the wearable electronic device (101) may deduct the backoff value [B+1] by increasing the transmission power (or maximum transmission power) (max Tx power) [M] set to a specified power range (e.g., about 23 dB). For example, due to the increase in the backoff value, the transmission power may be set to 22 dB by backing off the backoff value 1 dB from 23 dB. As the backoff value of the transmission power increases in this way, the size of the transmission power becomes smaller, and as the current consumption also decreases, the heating temperature may also decrease.

Meanwhile, if the block error rate is higher than the first threshold error rate (e.g., about 50%), in operation 840, the wearable electronic device (101) can identify whether the block error rate is higher than the second threshold error rate (e.g., about 70%) for a specified second time period (e.g., about 2s). Here, the specified second time period is exemplified as about 2s, but this is merely an example, and the time period (or numerical value) may be set differently.

If the block error rate is higher than the first threshold error rate (e.g., about 50%) and not higher than the second threshold error rate (e.g., about 70%), in operation 845, the wearable electronic device (101) may control the backoff value of the transmission power to be reduced. For example, the wearable electronic device (101) may subtract the backoff value [B-1] by reducing the transmission power (or maximum transmission power) (max Tx power) [M] set to a specified power range (e.g., about 23 dB). For example, due to the reduction of the backoff value, the transmission power may be increased by the backoff value 1 dB from 23 dB. At this time, the transmission power may be set to 24 dB through the backoff value adjustment. In one embodiment, when the specified power range is set to a maximum of 23 dB, the transmission power may be set to a maximum of 23 dB through the backoff value adjustment so as not to exceed the initially set specified power range. In this way, when the block error rate becomes higher than the second threshold error rate, it indicates that the network quality is deteriorating, so the wearable electronic device (101) can increase the transmission power by adjusting the backoff value to improve the network quality again.

In one embodiment, if the block error rate is higher than the second threshold error rate (e.g., 70%), the wearable electronic device (101) may return to operation 820 and repeat the aforementioned operations.

In one embodiment, a maximum back-off value may be set to prevent network quality degradation. Accordingly, in operation 835, the wearable electronic device (101) may identify whether the adjusted back-off value is less than or equal to a second threshold value (or a maximum back-off value) (e.g., about 5 dB). The maximum back-off value may be set to prevent the size of the transmission power from becoming too small. For example, the maximum back-off value may be a value for preventing the transmission power from becoming less than a lower limit of the transmission power (e.g., about 18 dB). For example, when the back-off value becomes less than or equal to the second threshold value (e.g., about 5 dB), the transmission power is reduced from 23 dB to 18 dB, and the wearable electronic device (101) may use the maximum back-off value to control the transmission power so that it does not become less than the lower limit of the transmission power (e.g., about 18 dB). Here, the lower limit of the transmit power can be, for example, about 18 dB, but this is just an example and the value can be set differently.

In one embodiment, if the adjusted back-off value in operation 835 is not lower than a second threshold value (or a maximum back-off value) (e.g., about 5 dB), the wearable electronic device (101) may identify whether the block error rate is higher than the second threshold error rate (e.g., about 70%) for a specified second time (e.g., about 2 s) in operation 840. If the block error rate is not higher than the second threshold error rate (e.g., about 70%), the wearable electronic device (101) may perform an operation of subtracting the back-off value [B-1] from the transmission power in operation 845. For example, if the transmission power is reduced from 23 dB to 22 dB through the back-off value adjustment in operation 830, the transmission power may be increased again from 22 dB to 23 dB through the back-off value adjustment in operation 845.

As described above, the maximum value of the transmission power may be a specified power range (e.g., approximately 23 dB), and the backoff may mean subtracting a certain amount from the specified power range. At this time, in order to adjust the size of the transmission power, the backoff value may be subtracted or added to the current transmission power, and the backoff value may be adjusted so that the transmission power does not exceed the specified power range (e.g., 23 dB) or become smaller than the lower limit of the transmission power. For example, in operations 830 and 845 in FIG. 8, the case where the backoff value is increased or decreased by 1 is exemplified, but this is merely an example, and the backoff value adjustment range may not be limited thereto. For example, the backoff value may be set to increase or decrease by 2. In addition, although the case where the backoff value is adjusted in units of natural numbers has been described as an example in the above, the unit of increase or decrease of the backoff value (or the range of backoff value adjustment) may also be adjusted in decimal units between approximately 0.1 and 1 dB.

In one embodiment, the backoff value may be set to increase or decrease differently depending on the block error rate. For example, if the block error rate is less than a first threshold error rate (e.g., about 50%), the backoff value may be set to 3, and if the block error rate is greater than or equal to the first threshold error rate (e.g., about 50%) and less than a second threshold error rate (e.g., 70%), the backoff value may be set to 2.

In one embodiment, when the adjusted back-off value is lower than or equal to the second threshold value, in order to identify whether the heating control is released in operation 850, the wearable electronic device (101) may identify whether the third heating temperature measured by thermistor 1 (e.g., the first temperature sensor (576a)) [T] is higher than or equal to the third threshold temperature (e.g., about 37°) and whether the fourth heating temperature measured by thermistor 2 (e.g., the second temperature sensor (576b)) is lower than or equal to the fourth threshold temperature (e.g., about 36°). For example, the wearable electronic device (101) may identify whether the heating control is released by lowering the temperature by adjusting the back-off value of the transmission power.

In one embodiment, when the third heating temperature measured by thermistor 1 (e.g., the first temperature sensor (576a)) [T] is equal to or higher than the third threshold temperature (e.g., about 37°) and the fourth heating temperature measured by thermistor 2 (e.g., the second temperature sensor (576b)) is equal to or lower than the fourth threshold temperature (e.g., about 36°), the wearable electronic device (101) may reset by initializing the backoff value in operation 855. Accordingly, the wearable electronic device (101) may terminate the heating control mode.

In one embodiment, when the third heating temperature measured by thermistor 1 (e.g., the first temperature sensor (576a)) [T] is equal to or greater than the third threshold temperature (e.g., about 37°) and the fourth heating temperature measured by thermistor 2 (e.g., the second temperature sensor (576b)) is not equal to or less than the fourth threshold temperature (e.g., about 36°), the wearable electronic device (101) may return to operation 820 and repeat the aforementioned operations.

According to one embodiment, by adaptively adjusting the backoff value of the transmission power according to the block error rate, the average current during call maintenance can be maintained at a generally similar level, but the network connection time can be increased, as shown in Table 1 below.

Default Backoff 1.5 dB Backoff 3 dB Average current during lake maintenance 211 mA 216 mA 220 mA Lake maintenance time 4'13'' 5'10'' (about 20% ↑) 5'29'' (about 30% ↑) Cool down rear temperature 39.5 39.9 39.7

Here, the average current during call maintenance may have a measurement error of about 10 mA during measurement, so the average current during call maintenance in Table 1 above can be considered to be at a generally similar level. However, since the consumption current (e.g., peak-to-peak current) varies depending on adaptively adjusting the back-off value of the transmission power, it may be highly related to the network connection time. To explain the relationship between the consumption current and the back-off value, reference will be made to Fig. 9.

Figure 9 is a graph for explaining temperature changes according to step-by-step heating control according to one embodiment.

In Fig. 9, a graph is shown showing the current value output when the transmission power is backed off, and exemplifies the peak-to-peak current (or peak current) output differently depending on the backoff of 0 dB (default), backoff of -1.5 dB, and backoff of -3 dB. For example, it can be seen that the peak current is 590 mA when the backoff is 0 dB (default), 500 mA when the backoff is -1.5 dB, and 400 mA when the backoff is -3 dB. In this way, the peak current can be lowered by adjusting the backoff value, and thus the heating temperature can be lowered.

Figure 10 is a graph showing temperature changes according to back-off conditions according to one embodiment.

In Figure 10, the vertical axis represents temperature and the horizontal axis represents time, and temperature changes are exemplified for backoff 0 dB (default) (1010), backoff -1.5 dB (1020), and backoff -3 dB (1030), respectively.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, when the backoff is 0 dB (default) (1010), the network holding time until reaching the critical temperature is set to a first time (1015), when the backoff is -1.5 dB (1020), the network holding time until reaching the critical temperature is set to a second time (1025), and when the backoff is -3 dB (1030), the network holding time until reaching the critical temperature is set to a third time (1035). As illustrated in FIG. 10, according to one embodiment, it can be seen that there is an effect of increasing the network connection time through a gradual temperature increase compared to the backoff 0 dB (default) (1010) by adjusting the backoff. In this way, according to one embodiment, when connecting to a network in a weak electric field situation, the network connection holding time can be increased by delaying the heat generation control entry time of the wearable electronic device (101).

The electronic devices according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be devices of various forms. The electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliance devices. The electronic devices according to embodiments of this document are not limited to the above-described devices.

It should be understood that the various embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "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" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A module may be an integrally configured component or a minimum unit of the component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the called at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g. electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

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

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately arranged in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the above-described corresponding components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, the multiple components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into one component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component of the multiple components before the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by the module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

According to one embodiment, a non-volatile storage medium storing commands is configured to cause the wearable electronic device (101) to perform at least one operation when the commands are executed by at least one processor (120, 620), wherein the at least one operation may include an operation of identifying a first heating temperature and a second heating temperature by using a first temperature sensor (576a) and a second temperature sensor (576b) among a plurality of temperature sensors (676) respectively disposed at different locations within a housing (210) of the wearable electronic device.

In one embodiment, the at least one operation may include an operation of identifying information related to network quality when the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature satisfy a preset first condition.

In one embodiment, the at least one operation may include entering a heat control mode for adjusting a back off value of transmission power when the information related to the network quality satisfies a preset second condition.

According to one embodiment, the at least one operation may include an operation of terminating the heat generation control mode if, after entering the heat generation control mode, the third heat generation temperature measured by the first temperature sensor or the fourth heat generation temperature measured by the second temperature sensor satisfies a preset third condition.

Claims (20)

In a wearable electronic device (101),
Housing (210);
A plurality of temperature sensors (676) each positioned at different locations within the housing (210); and
Containing at least one processor (120, 620),
At least one processor of the above,
The first temperature sensor (576a) and the second temperature sensor (576b) among the above-mentioned multiple temperature sensors are used to identify the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature,
When the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature satisfy the preset first condition, information related to network quality is identified,
If the information related to the above network quality satisfies the preset second condition, the device enters a heat control mode that adjusts the back off value of the transmission power,
A wearable electronic device, wherein, after entering the above-described fever control mode, if the third fever temperature measured by the first temperature sensor or the fourth fever temperature measured by the second temperature sensor satisfies a preset third condition, the fever control mode is terminated.
In the first paragraph, at least one processor,
The first heating temperature measured using the first temperature sensor disposed on the first printed circuit board within the housing is equal to or higher than the first threshold temperature,
A wearable electronic device configured to identify that the first preset condition is satisfied when the second heating temperature measured using the second temperature sensor disposed on the second printed circuit board within the housing is equal to or higher than the second threshold temperature.
In claim 1 or 2, the information related to the network quality is:
A wearable electronic device comprising at least one of a radio link failure (RLF), a signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), or a random access channel (RACH).
In any one of claims 1 to 3, at least one processor,
A wearable electronic device configured to identify that the preset second condition is satisfied based on identifying that the wireless link failure does not correspond to at least one of a signal-to-interference-noise ratio below a first threshold or a procedure attempt state of a random access channel.
In any one of claims 1 to 4, said at least one processor,
A wearable electronic device configured to initialize a back-off value of the transmission power when at least one of a wireless link failure is detected, a signal-to-interference-noise ratio below a first threshold, or a procedure attempt state of a random access channel is detected.
In any one of claims 1 to 5, at least one processor,
After entering the above fever control mode, the block error rate (BLER) is identified,
A wearable electronic device configured to adjust the back-off of the transmission power based on the block error rate.
In any one of claims 1 to 6, said at least one processor,
Identify whether the above block error rate is higher than a first threshold error rate for a specified first time period,
A wearable electronic device configured to increase a backoff value of the transmission power if the block error rate is not higher than the first threshold error rate for the first specified time period.
In any one of claims 1 to 7, at least one processor,
Identify whether the above block error rate is higher than a first threshold error rate for a specified first time period and higher than a second threshold error rate for a specified second time period;
A wearable electronic device configured to reduce a backoff value of the transmission power when the block error rate is higher than the first threshold error rate for the first specified time period and not higher than the second threshold error rate for the second specified time period.
In any one of claims 1 to 8, at least one processor,
A wearable electronic device configured to identify information related to the network quality when the block error rate is higher than the first threshold error rate for the first specified time period and higher than the second threshold error rate for the second specified time period.
In any one of claims 1 to 9, said at least one processor,
A wearable electronic device configured to identify whether the third heating temperature measured by the first temperature sensor or the fourth heating temperature measured by the second temperature sensor satisfies the preset third condition when the adjusted back-off value of the transmission power is less than or equal to a second threshold value.
In a method for performing heat control in a wearable electronic device (101),
An operation of identifying a first heating temperature and a second heating temperature using a first temperature sensor (576a) and a second temperature sensor (576b) among a plurality of temperature sensors (676) each positioned at different locations within a housing (210) of the wearable electronic device;
An operation for identifying information related to network quality when the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature satisfy a preset first condition;
When the information related to the above network quality satisfies the preset second condition, an operation of entering a heat control mode for adjusting the back off value of the transmission power; and
A method for performing heat control, comprising an operation of terminating the heat control mode when, after entering the heat control mode, the third heat temperature measured by the first temperature sensor or the fourth heat temperature measured by the second temperature sensor satisfies a preset third condition.
In Article 11,
A method for performing heat control, comprising an operation of identifying that the first preset condition is satisfied when the first heat generation temperature measured using the first temperature sensor disposed on the first printed circuit board within the housing is equal to or higher than the first threshold temperature and the second heat generation temperature measured using the second temperature sensor disposed on the second printed circuit board within the housing is equal to or higher than the second threshold temperature.
In clause 11 or 12, the information related to the network quality is:
A method for performing heat control, comprising at least one of a radio link failure (RLF), a signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), or a random access channel (RACH).
In any one of Articles 11 to 13,
A method for performing heat control, comprising the action of identifying that the preset second condition is satisfied based on identifying that at least one of a signal-to-interference-noise ratio below a first threshold or a procedure attempt state of a random access channel is not corresponding to detection of a wireless link failure.
In any one of Articles 11 to 14,
A method for performing heat control, comprising the action of initializing a back-off value of the transmission power when corresponding to at least one of detection of a wireless link failure, a signal-to-interference-noise ratio below a first threshold value, or a procedure attempt state of a random access channel.
In any one of Articles 11 to 15,
An operation for identifying a block error rate (BLER) after entering the above-mentioned fever control mode; and
A method for performing heat control, comprising: performing an operation of adjusting back-off of the transmission power based on the block error rate.
In any one of claims 11 to 16, the operation of adjusting the back-off of the transmission power based on the block error rate comprises:
An operation for identifying whether the above block error rate is higher than a first threshold error rate for a specified first time period;
A method for performing heat generation control, comprising an operation of increasing a backoff value of the transmission power when the block error rate is not higher than the first threshold error rate for the first specified time period.
In any one of claims 11 to 17, the operation of adjusting the back-off of the transmission power based on the block error rate comprises:
An operation for identifying whether the block error rate is higher than a first threshold error rate for a specified first time period and higher than a second threshold error rate for a specified second time period; and
A method for performing heat generation control, comprising an operation of reducing a backoff value of the transmission power when the block error rate is higher than the first threshold error rate for the first specified time period and not higher than the second threshold error rate for the second specified time period.
In any one of claims 11 to 18, the operation of identifying information related to the network quality comprises:
A method for performing fever control, comprising an operation of identifying information related to the network quality when the block error rate is higher than the first threshold error rate for the first specified time period and higher than the second threshold error rate for the second specified time period.
In a nonvolatile storage medium storing commands, the commands are set to cause the wearable electronic device (101) to perform at least one operation when executed by at least one processor (120, 620), the at least one operation being:
An operation of identifying a first heating temperature and a second heating temperature using a first temperature sensor (576a) and a second temperature sensor (576b) among a plurality of temperature sensors (676) each positioned at different locations within a housing (210) of the wearable electronic device;
An operation for identifying information related to network quality when the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature satisfy a preset first condition;
When the information related to the above network quality satisfies the preset second condition, an operation of entering a heat control mode for adjusting the back off value of the transmission power; and
A storage medium including an operation of terminating the heat generation control mode when the third heat generation temperature measured by the first temperature sensor or the fourth heat generation temperature measured by the second temperature sensor satisfies a preset third condition after entering the heat generation control mode.

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