Device and method for measuring body temperature and device for estimating biological information

Abstract

A device and method for measuring body temperature and a device for estimating biological information are provided. The device for measuring body temperature includes a light source part configured to emit light onto an object, a thermochromic part configured to change a spectrum of light reflected or scattered from the object and passing through the thermochromic part according to a thermochromic characteristic of the thermochromic part, a light receiver configured to detect the light having passed through the thermochromic part, and a processor configured to determine a body temperature of the object by using the spectrum of the detected light.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0106958, filed on August 25, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0002] The disclosed example embodiments relate to apparatus and methods for measuring the body temperature of an object using an optical sensor, and to apparatus for estimating biological information using the body temperature measurement function. Background Technology

[0003] Body temperature is typically one of the four vital signs and has significant clinical implications. Body temperature sensors can be used in various applications, such as checking for infections in patients, detecting the thermal side effects of medications, and determining ovulation time in women. However, skin temperature varies with external temperatures, making it difficult to measure deep body temperature using portable devices such as wearable devices. Body temperature sensors can generally be classified as contact sensors and non-contact sensors. Examples of contact sensors include sensors that detect changes in resistance (such as resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), thermistors, etc.) and thermocouples that detect electromotive force. Examples of non-contact sensors include thermopile sensors that measure body temperature by detecting infrared radiation radiated from the body surface, and miniature calorimeters. General body temperature measurement techniques are greatly affected by changes in environmental factors that influence heat transfer (such as variations in ambient temperature, humidity, and airflow). Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of an example embodiment, a device for measuring body temperature is provided, the device comprising: a light source configured to emit light onto an object; a thermochromic unit configured to change the spectrum of light reflected or scattered from the object and passing through the thermochromic unit according to the thermochromic properties of the thermochromic unit; a light receiver configured to detect light that has passed through the thermochromic unit; and a processor configured to determine the body temperature of the object by using the spectrum of the detected light.

[0005] The thermochromic part may include a thermally conductive material, wherein the thermochromic material having thermochromic properties is coated on the thermally conductive material, or a thermochromic liquid crystal is formed on the thermally conductive material.

[0006] The processor can also be configured to determine the body temperature of an object by comparing a reference spectrum with a spectrum of detected light that has been altered according to the thermochromic properties of the thermochromic part.

[0007] The processor can also be configured to: obtain the similarity between the reference spectrum and the spectrum of the detected light change, and determine the body temperature of the object based on the obtained similarity.

[0008] Similarity may include at least one of the following: Euclidean distance, Pearson correlation coefficient, Spearman correlation coefficient, or cosine similarity.

[0009] The thermochromic part may include at least one first part that does not have thermochromic properties and at least one second part that has thermochromic properties.

[0010] The processor can also be configured to determine the spectrum of light that has passed through the at least one first portion of the thermochromic section as a reference spectrum.

[0011] The processor can also be configured to estimate the location of blood vessels based on the spectrum of the detected light.

[0012] The processor can also be configured to: estimate a first body temperature at the estimated location of the blood vessel, estimate a second body temperature at a location other than the location of the blood vessel, and determine the body temperature of the subject based on the estimated first body temperature and the estimated second body temperature.

[0013] The thermochromic part may include: a thermally conductive material, a first thermochromic layer coated on a first surface of the thermally conductive material, and a second thermochromic layer coated on a second surface of the thermally conductive material.

[0014] The processor can also be configured to: estimate a first body temperature based on the spectrum altered by the first thermochromic layer, estimate a second body temperature based on the spectrum altered by the second thermochromic layer, and estimate heat flux based on the estimated first body temperature, the estimated second body temperature, and the thermal conductivity of the thermally conductive material.

[0015] The processor can also be configured to determine the body temperature of an object based on an estimated first body temperature, an estimated second body temperature, and an estimated heat flux.

[0016] According to one aspect of an example embodiment, a method for measuring body temperature is provided, comprising: emitting light onto an object via a light source; altering the spectrum of light reflected or scattered from the object and passing through the thermochromic section by using a thermochromic section based on the thermochromic properties of the thermochromic section; detecting the light that has passed through the thermochromic section; and determining the body temperature of the object by using the spectrum of the detected light.

[0017] The determined steps may include: determining the body temperature of the object by comparing a reference spectrum with a spectrum that has been altered according to the thermochromic properties of the thermochromic part.

[0018] The determining steps may include: determining the spectrum of light that has passed through at least one portion of the thermochromic section that does not have thermochromic properties as a reference spectrum.

[0019] The defined steps may include estimating the location of blood vessels based on the spectrum of the detected light.

[0020] The steps may include: estimating a first body temperature at the estimated location of the blood vessel, estimating a second body temperature at a location other than the location of the blood vessel, and determining the subject's body temperature based on the estimated first body temperature and the estimated second body temperature.

[0021] The method may further include: estimating a first body temperature based on the spectrum changed by the first thermochromic layer of the thermochromic part; estimating a second body temperature based on the spectrum changed by the second thermochromic layer of the thermochromic part; and estimating heat flux based on the estimated first body temperature, the estimated second body temperature, and the thermal conductivity of the thermally conductive material of the thermochromic part.

[0022] The steps may include: determining the subject's body temperature based on an estimated first body temperature, an estimated second body temperature, and an estimated heat flux.

[0023] According to one aspect of an example embodiment, an apparatus for estimating bio-information is provided, the apparatus comprising: a first sensor including: a first light source configured to emit first light onto an object; a first thermochromic unit configured to change the spectrum of first light reflected or scattered from the object and passing through the first thermochromic unit according to the thermochromic characteristics of the first thermochromic unit; and a first light receiver configured to detect the first light that has passed through the first thermochromic unit; and a processor configured to: determine the body temperature of the object based on the spectrum of the first light detected by the first sensor, be configured to extract a pulse wave signal based on the intensity of the first light emitted by the first light source and detected for a predetermined time period, and be configured to estimate bio-information based on the extracted pulse wave signal.

[0024] The device may be implemented in at least one of the following: smartwatch, smart wristband, smart glasses, smart earphones, smart necklace, smart phone, or tablet PC.

[0025] The device may further include: a force / pressure sensor configured to obtain contact force and / or contact pressure between the first sensor and an object in contact with the first sensor, wherein the processor is further configured to: generate an oscillogram based on a pulse wave signal and contact force and / or contact pressure, and estimate bio-information based on the generated oscillogram.

[0026] The processor can also be configured to estimate the location of the blood vessel based on the spectrum of the detected light, and to extract the pulse wave signal based on the estimated location of the blood vessel.

[0027] The device may further include a second sensor, the second sensor comprising: a second light source configured to emit second light onto an object; a second thermochromic unit configured to change the spectrum of the second light reflected or scattered from the object and passing through the second thermochromic unit according to the thermochromic characteristics of the second thermochromic unit; and a second light receiver configured to detect the second light that has passed through the second thermochromic unit.

[0028] The processor can also be configured to estimate biological information based on a first pulse wave signal obtained when the first object comes into contact with the first sensor and a second pulse wave signal obtained when the second object comes into contact with the second sensor.

[0029] The processor can also be configured to: obtain pulse conduction time (PTT) based on the first pulse wave signal and the second pulse wave signal, and estimate biological information based on the obtained PTT.

[0030] The processor can also be configured to: obtain a third pulse wave signal based on the first pulse wave signal and the second pulse wave signal, and estimate biological information based on the obtained third pulse wave signal using an oscillometric method.

[0031] A first sensor may be disposed on a first surface of the body of the device that contacts an object, and a second sensor may be disposed on a second surface of the body, the second surface being exposed to the outside when the object contacts the first sensor.

[0032] The processor can also be configured to: determine the body temperature of an object based on the spectrum of a first light detected by a first light receiver, obtain an external temperature based on the spectrum of a second light detected by a second light receiver, and correct the determined body temperature of the object based on the obtained external temperature.

[0033] The second light source of the second sensor can be based on external light from the device.

[0034] The device may further include: a temperature sensor disposed on the surface of the main body of the device, the surface being exposed to the outside when an object comes into contact with the first sensor, wherein the processor is further configured to: determine the body temperature of the object based on the spectrum of a first light detected by a first light receiver, and correct the determined body temperature of the object based on the external temperature obtained by the temperature sensor.

[0035] Bioinformation may include at least one of the following: triglycerides, body fat percentage, body water, blood glucose, cholesterol, carotenoids, protein, uric acid, blood pressure, vascular age, arterial stiffness, aortic pressure waveform, vascular compliance, stress index, fatigue level, skin age, or skin elasticity.

[0036] According to one aspect of an example embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a program, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method for measuring body temperature as described above. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the disclosed specific embodiments will become clearer from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a device for measuring body temperature according to an example embodiment.

[0039] Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C , Figure 2D and Figure 2E It shows the basis Figure 1 An example illustration of a thermochromic section in an example embodiment.

[0040] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C This is a diagram illustrating an example of measuring body temperature according to an example embodiment.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating a device for measuring body temperature according to an example embodiment.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for measuring body temperature according to an example embodiment.

[0043] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for measuring body temperature according to an example embodiment.

[0044] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a block diagram illustrating a device for estimating biological information according to an example embodiment.

[0045] Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is a diagram illustrating an example of using the oscillometric method to estimate blood pressure.

[0046] Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating a device for estimating biological information according to an example embodiment.

[0047] Figure 11 , Figure 12A , Figure 12B , Figure 12C and Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating various structures of a device for estimating biological information according to an example embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Details of the exemplary embodiments are included in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of the disclosure, as well as the methods for implementing the disclosure, will become clearer from the following embodiments described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings and detailed description, the same reference numerals will be understood to denote the same elements, features, and structures, unless otherwise described.

[0049] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well. It will also be understood that, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, when an element is referred to as “comprising” another element, the element is not intended to exclude one or more other elements, but rather to include one or more other elements. In the following description, terms such as “unit” and “module” indicate units for performing at least one function or operation, and they may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a device for measuring body temperature according to an example embodiment. Figures 2A to 2E It shows the basis Figure 1 An example illustration of a thermochromic section in an example embodiment. Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C This is a diagram illustrating an example of measuring body temperature according to an example embodiment.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 The device 100 for measuring body temperature includes a sensor 110 and a processor 120.

[0052] Sensor 110 is configured to detect light signals emitted from an object. For example, sensor 110 may include a light source (or light source) 111 and a light receiver 113. The light source 111 is configured to emit light onto the object, and the light receiver 113 is configured to detect light scattered or reflected from the object (e.g., the surface of the object and / or body tissue (such as blood vessels) within the object) after the light has been emitted onto the object by the light source 111. Furthermore, sensor 110 may also include a thermochromic part (or thermochromic structure) 112, which has various thermochromic properties and is disposed in the light path from which the light emitted by the light source 111 is scattered or reflected from the object and then propagates toward the light receiver 113.

[0053] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of sensor 110 according to an example embodiment.

[0054] Reference Figure 2A The light source unit 111 may include one or more light sources 111a and 111b. The one or more light sources 111a and 111b may include, but are not limited to, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), laser diodes (LDs), phosphors, etc. The one or more light sources 111a and 111b may emit light of relatively long wavelengths to detect light signals deep within the object OBJ. The one or more light sources 111a and 111b may emit light of different wavelengths, such as infrared wavelengths, green wavelengths, blue wavelengths, red wavelengths, etc. However, the wavelengths are not limited to these. Although... Figure 2A Two light sources 111a and 111b are shown, but the light source unit 111 is not limited to this and may include one light source or three or more light sources.

[0055] The thermochromic portion 112 may include a thermally conductive material 112a through which light and heat can be transmitted. For example, the thermally conductive material 112a may include a transparent material. Furthermore, the thermally conductive material 112a may have a contact surface that contacts the object OBJ. The thermally conductive material 112a may include a thermochromic liquid crystal, which may include a thermochromic layer 112b having thermochromic properties. Optionally, a thermochromic layer 112b having thermochromic properties and coated with a thermochromic material (such as a thermochromic pigment) may be formed on the surface of the thermally conductive material 112a.

[0056] Reference Figure 2B and Figure 2C The thermochromic layer 112b of the thermochromic portion 112 can be formed in a predetermined pattern to possess various thermochromic properties. For example, such as Figure 2B As shown, the thermochromic layer 112b may have a portion 21 without thermochromic properties and a thermochromic portion 22 coated with a thermochromic material to react to a specific temperature. The non-thermochromic portion 21 and the thermochromic portion 22 may be arranged in a predetermined pattern. The shape of the pattern in which the non-thermochromic portion 21 and the thermochromic portion 22 are arranged is not limited to... Figure 2B The example shown is as follows. Furthermore, as... Figure 2C As shown, the thermochromic layer 112b may have a portion 21 without thermochromic properties, and a plurality of thermochromic portions 22, 23, 24 and 25 that react to different temperatures to change the spectrum, and portions 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 may be patterned.

[0057] Return to reference Figure 2AThe light receiver 113 can detect light signals scattered or reflected from the object OBJ and passing through the thermochromic section 112. Depending on the pattern of the thermochromic section 112, the light receiver 113 can detect the spectrum without thermochromic change, and the spectrum changed according to the thermochromic properties of at least a portion of the thermochromic section 112. The light receiver 113 may include, for example, a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. However, the light receiver 113 is not limited to this and may include a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor, a photodiode, a phototransistor, a photodiode array, etc.

[0058] In addition, sensor 110 may include a light collector 114 that collects light that has passed through thermochromic part 112 in the optical path between thermochromic part 112 and light receiver 113. Light collector 114 may include, but is not limited to, a condenser lens.

[0059] Figure 2D This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a sensor 110 according to another example embodiment.

[0060] Reference Figure 2D The thermochromic portion 112 may include, for example, a thermally conductive material 112a, and may include a first thermochromic layer 112b formed on a first surface of the thermally conductive material 112a and a second thermochromic layer 112c formed on a second surface of the thermally conductive material 112a. If the thermal conductivity of the thermally conductive material 112a is too high, it is difficult to calculate the temperature difference by comparing the spectra of the first thermochromic layer 112b and the second thermochromic layer 112c; while if the thermal conductivity of the thermally conductive material 112a is too low, the heat flux is difficult to reach thermal equilibrium, resulting in a delayed measurement response. Therefore, the sensor 110 can be configured in various ways so that the thermal conductivity of the thermally conductive material 112a can have an appropriate value. For example, the thickness of the thermally conductive material 112a can be adjusted, an air layer can be formed in the thermally conductive material 112a, or a porous transparent material can be used to form the thermally conductive material 112a.

[0061] The first thermochromic layer 112b and the second thermochromic layer 112c can be formed in different patterns. Figure 2E This is a diagram showing the first thermochromic layer 112b and the second thermochromic layer 112c stacked on top of each other. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 2EAs shown, when the first thermochromic layer 112b and the second thermochromic layer 112c are superimposed on each other, they may have a portion 21 having thermochromic properties at a first temperature, a portion 22 having thermochromic properties at a second temperature, and a non-thermochromic portion 23, and portions 21, 22, and 23 are patterned. That is, the non-thermochromic portion 23, the portion 21 having thermochromic properties at the first temperature, and the portion 22 having thermochromic properties at the second temperature can be patterned so that the spectra of these portions can be measured uniformly. The first temperature and the second temperature may be different from each other, but the first temperature and the second temperature are not limited to this, and may be the same temperature.

[0062] Return to reference Figure 1 The processor 120 can be electrically connected to the sensor 110 to control the sensor 110. The processor 120 can receive light signals from the sensor 110 and can measure the body temperature of the object based on the light signals.

[0063] For example, processor 120 can measure the body temperature of an object by comparing the spectrum altered by the thermochromic section 112 with a reference spectrum. The reference spectrum can be a spectrum altered based on the light absorption characteristics of the object's body tissue. For example, if a portion of the thermochromic section 112 does not possess thermochromic properties, the reference spectrum can be the spectrum of light that has passed through the portion without undergoing a thermochromic change. In another example, the reference spectrum can be a spectrum measured from the object beforehand at a calibration time.

[0064] Reference Figure 3A and Figure 3B ,For example, Figure 3A The diagram shows the light source L, the first part 31 of the thermochromic section 112 that does not have thermochromic properties, the second part 32 that reacts to a temperature of 34°C, and the third part 33 that reacts to a temperature of 35°C. Figure 3B The first spectrum of the first portion 31, the second spectrum of the second portion 32, and the third spectrum of the third portion 33 detected by the light receiver 113 are shown.

[0065] For example, the thermochromic section 112 may consist only of a first portion 31 and a second portion 32 arranged in a pattern, and the processor 120 may calculate the similarity between the first spectrum of light that has not undergone thermochromic change and the second spectrum of light that has undergone thermochromic change. Based on the similarity being greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the processor 120 may estimate that the body temperature of the object is greater than or equal to 34°C. Figure 3BAs shown, the first and second spectra have absorbance amplitudes of different magnitudes but the same peak wavelength, thus determining that the similarity between the first and second spectra is sufficiently high. Because the absorbance of the light emitted from the object is changed again according to the light absorption characteristics of the second portion 32, the processor 120 can calculate the similarity after normalizing the amplitude of the absorbance of the second portion 32 to correspond to the amplitude of the absorbance of the first spectrum.

[0066] In another example, such as Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the thermochromic unit 112 may include a first portion 31, a second portion 32, and a third portion 33 arranged in a pattern. The processor 120 can calculate a first similarity between a first spectrum that has not undergone thermochromic change and a second spectrum that has undergone thermochromic change due to the second portion 32, and a second similarity between the first spectrum that has not undergone thermochromic change and a third spectrum that has undergone thermochromic change due to the third portion 33. In one embodiment, as Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, both the first and second spectra have peak wavelengths 'a', and the third spectrum has a peak wavelength 'b', thus determining that the first similarity is higher than the second similarity. Based on the first similarity being greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, and the second similarity being less than the predetermined threshold, the processor 120 can determine a temperature value between 34°C and 35°C as the object's body temperature. In one example embodiment, the processor 120 can determine an average temperature value of 34.5°C as the object's body temperature. In another example embodiment, the processor 120 can apply different weights to the first and second similarities and determine the weighted average as the object's body temperature.

[0067] Similarity can include at least one of Euclidean distance, Pearson correlation coefficient, Spearman correlation coefficient, cosine similarity, etc.

[0068] In another example, processor 120 can input the spectrum of light that has passed through each portion of thermochromic section 112 into a pre-generated body temperature measurement model, and obtain the result of the body temperature measurement model as the body temperature of the object. For example, light receiver 113 can obtain pattern images of the various portions with different thermochromic properties, and processor 120 can obtain the body temperature of the object by comparing and analyzing the spectra of the various portions using the body temperature measurement model. The body temperature measurement model can be pre-generated based on machine learning (such as neural networks, deep neural networks, convolutional neural networks, etc.) or using artificial intelligence.

[0069] Typically, skin temperature is significantly more affected by external temperature than core body temperature. A constant correlation exists between body temperature and heart rate, and to compensate for the influence of external temperature, heart rate can be further considered in core body temperature measurements. Therefore, a body temperature measurement model can be pre-generated so that the subject's body temperature can be measured by further considering the user's heart rate and the spectrum altered by the thermochromic part 112.

[0070] In this configuration, processor 120 can extract a pulse wave signal based on a light signal detected by photoreceiver 113 over a predetermined time period, and can extract the heart rate based on the extracted pulse wave signal. For example, when a user places an object on sensor 110 and changes the contact pressure over a predetermined time period, the pulse wave amplitude changes, and processor 120 can extract the pulse wave signal based on the change in pulse wave amplitude. Furthermore, by applying a body temperature measurement model, processor 120 can obtain a deep body temperature value based on the heart rate and the spectrum altered by the thermochromic part 112.

[0071] Reference Figure 3C The processor 120 can estimate the presence and location of blood vessels (VEs) within the object based on the spectrum of light that has passed through the thermochromic section 112 and been detected by the light receiver 113. In one example embodiment, the light source section 111 may include a light source that emits light at infrared wavelengths. For example, blood flowing into blood vessels (VEs) in tissues has a heat flux, making it generally possible to estimate that the temperature in the vascular region is higher than the temperature in other regions. For example, as... Figure 3C As shown, the temperature in portions 36 and 37 where blood vessels are located is relatively higher than the temperature in portions 34 and 35 where there are no blood vessels.

[0072] As described above, the processor 120 can determine the body temperature of various parts of the object based on a patterned image of the thermochromic part 112, and can estimate the part with a relatively high body temperature as the part where blood vessels are located. Furthermore, the processor 120 can determine the final body temperature of the object by comparing the body temperature of the part where blood vessels are located with the body temperature of the part without blood vessels, or based on a pre-generated body temperature measurement model.

[0073] Furthermore, if the light source unit 111 includes a light source with uniform characteristics (e.g., a laser light source), imaging of the blood vessels can be provided, and the processor 120 can estimate the location of the blood vessels based on the blood vessel image in the manner described above. Additionally, the processor 120 can quantify blood perfusion based on the blood vessel image, and the measured body temperature value can be obtained by using a body temperature measurement model that further applies blood perfusion. For example, the processor 120 can calculate a contrast value from a laser speckle contrast image, and can quantify blood perfusion based on the calculated contrast value. Various known techniques can be used as techniques for quantifying blood perfusion, and a detailed description of these techniques will be omitted.

[0074] In one example embodiment, when the thermochromic part 112 has such Figure 2D When the thermally conductive material 112a, the first thermochromic layer 112b, and the second thermochromic layer 112c are shown, the processor 120 can estimate the first body temperature based on the spectrum changed by the first thermochromic layer 112b, and can estimate the second body temperature based on the spectrum changed by the second thermochromic layer 112c. Furthermore, the processor 120 can estimate the heat flux based on the first body temperature, the second body temperature, and the thermal conductivity of the thermally conductive material 112a.

[0075] Furthermore, the processor 120 can obtain the final body temperature of the object based on the obtained first body temperature, second body temperature, and heat flux. For example, the processor 120 can determine the final body temperature of the object by using a body temperature measurement model trained to measure body temperature using the first body temperature, second body temperature, and heat flux as input.

[0076] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating a device for measuring body temperature according to another example embodiment.

[0077] Reference Figure 4 The device 400 for measuring body temperature includes a sensor 110, a processor 120, an output interface 410, a storage device 420, and a communication interface 430. The sensor 110 includes a light source (or light source) 111, a thermochromic part (or thermochromic structure) 112, and a light receiver 113. The sensor 110 and the processor 120 have been described in detail above, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0078] Output interface 410 can provide the processing results of processor 120 to the user. For example, output interface 410 can display the body temperature value measured by processor 120 on a display. In this case, if the measured body temperature value falls outside the normal range, output interface 410 can provide a warning message to the user by changing one or more display attributes (such as color, line thickness, etc.) and / or displaying the abnormal value together with the normal range, making it easy for the user to identify the abnormal value. In addition, in conjunction with visual output or in the absence of visual output, output interface 410 can output information related to the user's measured body temperature value in a non-visual manner through voice, vibration, touch, etc., using, for example, a voice output module (such as a speaker), a haptic module, etc.

[0079] Storage device 420 can store information related to body temperature measurement. For example, storage device 420 can store the spectrum obtained by sensor 110 and the data generated by processor 120 during body temperature measurement. In addition, storage device 420 can store reference information (such as reference spectra related to body temperature measurement, body temperature measurement models, etc.). Storage device 420 may include at least one storage medium selected from, but is not limited to, flash memory, hard disk memory, multimedia card micro-memory, card-type memory (e.g., SD memory, XD memory, etc.), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk.

[0080] The communication interface 430 can communicate with external devices to send and receive various data related to body temperature measurement. External devices may include information processing devices (such as smartphones, tablet PCs, desktop computers, laptop computers, etc.). For example, the communication interface 430 can send body temperature measurement results to external devices (such as the user's smartphone), allowing the user to manage and monitor the measurement results using a relatively high-performance device.

[0081] The communication interface 430 can communicate with external devices using various wired and / or wireless communication technologies, such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Near Field Communication (NFC), WLAN, Zigbee, Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), Ultra Wideband (UWB), Ant+, Wi-Fi, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), 3G, 4G, 5G, etc. However, these are merely examples and not intended to be limiting.

[0082] Figure 5This is a flowchart illustrating a method for measuring body temperature according to an example embodiment.

[0083] Figure 5 The method can be based on Figure 1 and Figure 4 Examples of methods for measuring body temperature performed by either of the devices 100 and 400 for measuring body temperature in the example embodiments are described in detail above. Figure 1 and Figure 4 The devices 100 and 400 for measuring body temperature are examples of embodiments, and therefore will be briefly described below to avoid redundancy.

[0084] In 510, devices 100 and 400 for measuring body temperature can emit light onto an object via a light source unit. The light source unit can emit light of one or more wavelengths, such as infrared wavelength, green wavelength, blue wavelength, red wavelength, etc.

[0085] In step 520, light emitted from the light source onto the object is scattered or reflected from the object's surface or from the body tissue within the object, and passes through the thermochromic section of the sensor, causing the light spectrum to change according to the thermochromic properties of the thermochromic section. The thermochromic section may have one or more portions with different thermochromic properties patterned in the thermochromic section using thermochromic pigments, thermochromic liquid crystals, etc. In one example embodiment, the thermochromic section may have one or more portions with different thermochromic properties and portions without thermochromic properties.

[0086] Subsequently, at 530, the devices 100 and 400 for measuring body temperature can detect light scattered or reflected from the object and that has passed through the thermochromic section via a light receiver. The light receiver can detect one or more spectra that change according to the thermochromic properties of the thermochromic section. For example, the spectrum may include a spectrum that has passed through a portion without thermochromic properties without any thermochromic change, and a spectrum that has passed through a portion with different thermochromic properties and where a thermochromic change has occurred.

[0087] Next, at 540, the processors of devices 100 and 400 for measuring body temperature can obtain the measured body temperature value of the subject based on the spectrum detected by the light receiver. For example, devices 100 and 400 for measuring body temperature can determine the measured body temperature value by comparing the spectrum of the thermochromic portion of the thermochromic section where a thermochromic change has occurred with a reference spectrum where a thermochromic change has not occurred. In an example embodiment, the reference spectrum may be the spectrum of the portion of the thermochromic section that does not have thermochromic properties. In this case, devices 100 and 400 for measuring body temperature can obtain the measured body temperature value by comparing the similarity between one or more spectra where a thermochromic change has occurred and the reference spectrum, or by using a predefined body temperature measurement model. Furthermore, devices 100 and 400 for measuring body temperature can estimate the location of a blood vessel based on the spectrum, and can estimate the body temperature at that blood vessel location and the body temperature at other locations, and can determine the body temperature of the subject based on the estimated body temperature.

[0088] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for measuring body temperature according to another example embodiment.

[0089] Figure 6 The method can be based on Figure 1 and Figure 4 Examples of methods for measuring body temperature performed by either of the devices 100 and 400 for measuring body temperature in the example embodiments are described in detail above. Figure 1 and Figure 4 The devices 100 and 400 for measuring body temperature are examples of embodiments, and therefore will be briefly described below to avoid redundancy.

[0090] In 610, the devices 100 and 400 for measuring body temperature can emit light onto the object via a light source unit. The light source unit can emit light of one or more wavelengths, such as infrared wavelength, green wavelength, blue wavelength, red wavelength, etc.

[0091] In step 620, light emitted by a light source onto the object is scattered or reflected from the object's surface or from body tissue within the object, and passes through the thermochromic section, causing the light spectrum to change according to the thermochromic properties of the thermochromic section. In step 630, devices 100 and 400 for measuring body temperature can detect the light scattered or reflected from the object and that has passed through the thermochromic section via a light receiver. In this case, the thermochromic section may have a first thermochromic layer and a second thermochromic layer patterned on each of the two surfaces of the thermally conductive material.

[0092] Subsequently, in 640, the devices 100 and 400 for measuring body temperature can estimate a first body temperature based on the spectrum changed by the first thermochromic layer of the thermochromic section, and in 650, a second body temperature can be estimated based on the spectrum changed by the second thermochromic layer of the thermochromic section.

[0093] Next, in 660, the devices 100 and 400 for measuring body temperature can estimate the heat flux based on the first body temperature, the second body temperature, and the thermal conductivity of the thermochromic part.

[0094] Then, in 670, the devices 100 and 400 for measuring body temperature can obtain the measured body temperature value based on a first body temperature, a second body temperature, and heat flux using a predefined body temperature model.

[0095] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a block diagram illustrating a device for estimating biological information according to an example embodiment. Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is a diagram illustrating an example of using the oscillometric method to estimate blood pressure.

[0096] In the following text, for ease of description, the device used to estimate biometric information may also be referred to as a healthcare device. Various examples of healthcare devices described below may include electronic devices (such as at least one of smartwatches, smart wristbands, smart glasses, smart earphones, smart rings, smart necklaces, smartphones, tablet PCs, etc.) and may perform only the aforementioned function of measuring body temperature, or may perform both the function of estimating biometric information and the function of measuring body temperature. Biometric information that can be estimated by a healthcare device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: triglycerides, body fat percentage, body water, blood glucose, cholesterol, carotenoids, protein, uric acid, blood pressure, vascular age, arterial stiffness, aortic pressure waveform, vascular compliance, stress index, fatigue level, skin age, skin elasticity, etc. For ease of illustration, blood pressure will be used as an example in the following description.

[0097] Reference Figure 7A and Figure 7B The healthcare devices 700a and 700b according to the example embodiments may include a sensor 710, a processor 720, an output interface 730, a storage device 740, and a communication interface 750. Furthermore, Figure 7B The healthcare device 700b may also include a force / pressure sensor 760. The force / pressure sensor 760 may be a single force sensor, an array of force sensors, a combination of a force sensor and an area sensor, etc. The force sensor may include, but is not limited to, a strain gauge.

[0098] Sensor 710 may include a light source (or light source) 711, a thermochromic part (or thermochromic structure) 712, and a light receiver 713. Sensor 710 may be disposed on a surface that contacts the object when the healthcare devices 700a and 700b are worn on the object. As described above, sensor 710 can detect a light signal when the object in contact with sensor 710 changes its contact pressure within a predetermined time period to cause a change in pulse wave amplitude. Light source 711 may include a light source (such as an LED, LD, phosphor, etc.) that emits one or more wavelengths of light. The spectrum of light scattered or reflected from the object is altered by the thermochromic part 712, which has various thermochromic properties, and light receiver 713 can detect the spectrum corresponding to each portion of the thermochromic part 712.

[0099] As described above, the processor 720 can measure body temperature based on the spectrum altered by the thermochromic part 712 and detected by the sensor 710. The various embodiments described above, executed by the devices 100 and 400 for measuring body temperature, can also be executed by the processor 720 according to the example embodiment, and their detailed description will be omitted.

[0100] Furthermore, when estimating the blood vessel location based on the spectrum detected by sensor 710 as described above, processor 720 can guide the user to contact the object based on the estimated blood vessel location. For example, if no estimated blood vessel location exists or if the blood vessel location is not within a predefined range of the detection area of ​​light receiver 713, processor 720 can guide the user to contact the object again with sensor 710.

[0101] Furthermore, the processor 720 can extract the pulse wave signal based on the intensity of a light signal detected by the sensor 710 for a predetermined period of time (e.g., a light signal obtained by detecting light for a predetermined period of time). For example, the processor 720 can extract the pulse wave signal based on the light signal of a portion of the thermochromic section 712 that does not have thermochromic properties. Optionally, the processor 720 can extract the pulse wave signal based on the light signal corresponding to the estimated blood vessel location. However, the pulse wave signal is not limited to this.

[0102] Processor 720 can determine contact pressure based on the intensity of a light signal detected over a predetermined time period. For example, if the pressure applied to sensor 710 increases, the contact area typically increases, resulting in an increase in the amount of light detected by light receiver 713. Therefore, by using a contact pressure conversion model that defines the correlation between the amount of detected light and the contact pressure, processor 720 can convert the intensity of the light signal detected by light receiver 713 into contact pressure. In another example, such as Figure 7BAs shown, if the healthcare device 700b includes a force / pressure sensor 760, the force / pressure sensor 760 can obtain contact force and / or contact pressure when an object in contact with the sensor 710 changes its contact force. When a contact force is obtained, the force / pressure sensor 760 can obtain the contact pressure by using the area of ​​the sensor 710.

[0103] Once the pulse wave signal and contact pressure are obtained, the processor 720 can use oscillometric methods to estimate blood pressure.

[0104] For example, Figure 8A This shows the change in the amplitude of the pulse wave signal as the contact pressure between the object in contact with sensor 710 gradually increases. Figure 8B The oscilloscope OW shows the relationship between changes in contact pressure and the amplitude of the pulse wave signal.

[0105] The processor 720 can extract, for example, the peak-to-peak points of the pulse wave signal waveform by subtracting the negative (-) amplitude value in3 from the positive (+) amplitude value in2 of the waveform envelope in1 at each measurement time of the acquired pulse wave signal, and can obtain an oscillogram OW by plotting the peak-to-peak amplitude at each measurement time against the contact pressure value at the corresponding time and by performing, for example, polynomial curve fitting.

[0106] Processor 720 can estimate blood pressure using the generated oscillogram OW. For example, processor 720 can estimate mean arterial pressure (MAP) based on the contact pressure value MP at the point of maximum pulse wave MA in the oscillogram. For example, processor 720 can determine the contact pressure value MP at the point of maximum pulse wave MA as MAP itself. Alternatively, processor 720 can estimate MAP by applying the contact pressure value MP to a predefined MAP estimation equation. In this case, the MAP estimation equation can be expressed in the form of various linear or nonlinear combination functions (such as addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, logarithmic, regression equations, etc.) without specific restrictions.

[0107] Furthermore, the processor 720 can estimate diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) based on contact pressure values ​​DP and SP at points to the left and right of the amplitude value at the maximum point MA of the pulse wave and having a preset ratio (e.g., 0.5 to 0.7) to the amplitude value at the maximum point MA. Similarly, the processor 720 can also determine the contact pressure values ​​DP and SP as DBP and SBP, respectively. Furthermore, the processor 720 can estimate DBP and SBP using predefined DBP estimation equations and SBP estimation equations.

[0108] Furthermore, the processor 720 can operate in a first mode for measuring body temperature, a second mode for measuring blood pressure, and a third mode for measuring both body temperature and blood pressure. Any of the first, second, and third modes can be set as the default mode and can be changed by the user.

[0109] Output interface 730 can provide the processing results of processor 720. For example, output interface 730 can display the measured body temperature value and / or estimated blood pressure value of processor 720 on a display. In this case, output interface 730 can display a warning message to the user based on whether the measured body temperature value or estimated blood pressure value falls outside the normal range. Output interface 730 can use a voice output module (such as a speaker) or a haptic module to provide the warning message to the user in a non-visual manner through voice, vibration, touch, etc.

[0110] Storage device 740 can store various information related to measuring body temperature and / or estimating blood pressure. For example, storage device 740 can store light signals acquired by sensor 710, pulse wave signals extracted by processor 720, measured body temperature values, and / or estimated blood pressure values. In addition, storage device 740 can store reference spectra related to measuring body temperature, body temperature measurement models, and various information related to estimating blood pressure.

[0111] The communication interface 750 can communicate with external devices to send and receive various data related to measured body temperature and / or estimated blood pressure. In this case, the external device may include an information processing device (such as a smartphone, tablet PC, desktop computer, laptop computer, etc.). For example, the communication interface 750 can send measured body temperature values ​​and / or estimated blood pressure values ​​to an external device (such as the user's smartphone, etc.), allowing the user to manage and monitor these values ​​using a device with relatively high performance.

[0112] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating a healthcare device according to another example embodiment.

[0113] Reference Figure 9 The healthcare device 900 includes a sensor 710, a processor 720, an output interface 730, a storage device 740, a communication interface 750, and a temperature sensor 910. (See above for reference.) Figure 7A and Figure 7B The sensor 710, processor 720, output interface 730, storage device 740, and communication interface 750 are described, thus redundant descriptions will be omitted. Although in Figure 9 Not shown, but the healthcare device 900 may also include a force / pressure sensor 760.

[0114] When the healthcare device 900 is worn on an object, the temperature sensor 910 can be positioned on a surface exposed to the outside of the healthcare device 900 but not in contact with the object. The temperature sensor 910 can measure the external temperature when the sensor 710 detects a light signal from the object.

[0115] As described above, the processor 720 can measure body temperature based on the spectrum measured by the sensor 710, and can compensate (or correct) the object's body temperature based on the external temperature measured by the temperature sensor 910. To this end, a body temperature measurement model trained based on machine learning, artificial intelligence, etc., can be pre-generated, allowing the object's deep body temperature to be measured based on the measured body temperature and external temperature.

[0116] The output interface 730 can output the external temperature and body temperature obtained by the processor 720. The storage device 740 can store the processing results of the processor 720. In addition, the communication interface 750 can send the external temperature and body temperature measurement results to an external device.

[0117] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating a healthcare device according to another example embodiment.

[0118] Reference Figure 10 The healthcare device 1000 includes a first sensor 710, an output interface 730, a storage device 740, and a communication interface 750. The healthcare device 1000 may also include a second sensor 1010. The first sensor 710 may be the same as the sensor 710 according to the foregoing embodiments and may include a light source 711, a thermochromic part 712, and a light receiver 713. Furthermore, similar to the first sensor 710, the second sensor 1010 may include a light source, a thermochromic part, and a light receiver. The light source of the second sensor 1010 may use external light as a light source and does not have a separate light source.

[0119] The first sensor 710 may be disposed on a surface that comes into contact with the object when the healthcare device 1000 is worn on the object. In contrast, the second sensor 1010 may be disposed on another surface that comes into contact with the object when the healthcare device 1000 is worn on the object, or may be disposed on a surface that is exposed to the outside and does not come into contact with the object.

[0120] The processor 720 can measure the body temperature of the object based on the spectrum detected by the first sensor 710, and when the second sensor 1010 is placed on a surface exposed to the outside, the processor 720 can measure the external temperature based on the spectrum detected by the second sensor 1010. As described above, based on the measurement of the object's body temperature and the external temperature, the processor 720 can obtain a final body temperature corrected for the external temperature by using a body temperature measurement model.

[0121] Furthermore, when the healthcare device 1000 is worn on an object, and a first portion of the object is in contact with the first sensor 710 while a second portion of the object is in contact with the second sensor 1010, the processor 720 can measure a first body temperature of the first portion of the object and a second body temperature of the second portion of the object, and can determine the user's final body temperature based on at least one of the first and second body temperatures. For example, the processor 720 can determine the user's final body temperature by selecting either or combining the first and second body temperatures. Optionally, the processor 720 can obtain the user's body temperature using a body temperature measurement model in which the final body temperature is output using the first and second body temperatures as inputs.

[0122] Furthermore, the processor 720 can extract a first pulse wave signal from light detected by the first sensor 710 from a first portion of the object for a predetermined period of time, and based on the second portion of the object in contact with the second sensor 1010, the processor 720 can extract a second pulse wave signal based on the light signal detected from the second portion of the object. The processor 720 can estimate blood pressure by using the first and second pulse wave signals.

[0123] For example, the processor 720 can generate a first oscillogram and a second oscillogram based on the first pulse wave signal and the second pulse wave signal, respectively, and can obtain the final estimated blood pressure value by combining each estimated blood pressure value from the first oscillogram and the second oscillogram.

[0124] In another example, processor 720 may obtain a third pulse wave signal based on a first pulse wave signal and a second pulse wave signal, and may use oscillometric methods to estimate blood pressure based on the obtained third pulse wave signal. For example, processor 720 may obtain the third pulse wave signal by subtracting the second pulse wave signal from the first pulse wave signal, but the third pulse wave signal is not limited to this. Alternatively, processor 720 may generate a third oscillogram by combining the first and second oscillograms (e.g., subtracting the second oscillogram from the first oscillogram), and may estimate blood pressure by using the generated third oscillogram. However, blood pressure estimation is not limited to this.

[0125] In another example, processor 720 can extract characteristic points from the first and second pulse wave signals, calculate the pulse conduction time (PTT) by calculating the time delay between the extracted characteristic points, and estimate blood pressure by using the calculated PTT. In this case, the characteristic point can be the point of maximum pulse wave, but is not limited to this.

[0126] Figures 11 to 13These are diagrams illustrating various structures of a healthcare device according to an example embodiment. The aforementioned healthcare devices 700a, 700b, 900, and 1000 may be... Figures 11 to 13 Any of the electronic devices shown. Alternatively, some components of healthcare devices 700a, 700b, 900, and 1000 may be individually installed in two or more different electronic devices, allowing the two or more electronic devices to cooperate to provide healthcare functions. However, the examples of electronic devices are not limited to this.

[0127] For example, refer to Figure 11 The smartwatch-type wearable device 1100 includes a body 1110 and a strap 1130. The body 1110 can be formed in various shapes, and a battery can be embedded in the body 1110 and / or the strap 1130 to power various components of the wearable device 1100. The strap 1130 can be flexible to wrap around a user's wrist. The strap 1130 may include a first strap and a second strap that are separate from each other. A first end of the first strap and a first end of the second strap can be connected to both sides of the body 1110, and a second end of the first strap and a second end of the second strap can be connected to each other via a connecting component. The connecting component may be based on magnetic connection, Velcro connection, pin connection, etc., but is not limited to these. Furthermore, the strap 1130 is not limited to these and can be integrally formed as a non-removable strap.

[0128] The sensor 1120 may be disposed on the rear surface of the main body 1110 that contacts the wrist when the main body 1110 is worn on the wrist. The sensor 1120 may include a light source, a thermochromic part, and a light receiver.

[0129] In addition, such as Figure 7B As shown, a force / pressure sensor can be mounted in the body 1110 to measure contact force / pressure when the object in contact with the sensor 1120 changes its contact pressure. Furthermore, as... Figure 9 As shown, a temperature sensor for measuring external temperature can be disposed on a surface of the band 1130 or the body 1110 that is exposed to the outside when the body 1110 is worn on the wrist (e.g., the front or side surface of the body 1110). For example, the temperature sensor can be mounted on a manipulator 1140 disposed on a side surface of the body 1110.

[0130] In addition, such as Figure 10As shown, the second sensor may be disposed on the surface of the main body 1110 (e.g., the front or side surface of the main body 1110). For example, the second sensor may be disposed on a button of the manipulator 1140 disposed on the side surface of the main body 1110. In this case, the second sensor may include a light source, a thermochromic part, and a light receiver, wherein the light source may use external light as the light source. As described above, when the main body 1110 is worn on the user's wrist, the second sensor may measure the external temperature while the first sensor 1120 measures the light signal from the wrist, and the second sensor may obtain a light signal from the finger when the user places another finger on the second sensor.

[0131] The processor may be installed in the main body 1110 and may measure body temperature and / or estimate blood pressure based on the light signal detected by the sensor 1120, as described above. The processor may further improve the accuracy of measuring body temperature and / or estimating blood pressure by taking into account additional information measured by the force / pressure sensor, temperature sensor and / or second sensor as described above.

[0132] The output interface may have a display disposed on the front surface of the main body 1110. The display may have a touch screen to receive touch input. The output interface may be controlled by a processor to display various information. In addition, the output interface may also include an output module (such as a speaker, a haptic module using vibration, etc.) mounted in the main body 1110.

[0133] The storage device is installed in the main body 1110 and can store various information processed by the processor or information that will be used to measure body temperature and / or estimate blood pressure.

[0134] The communication interface is installed in the main body 1110 and can communicate with external devices to send and receive various information required for measuring body temperature and / or estimating blood pressure.

[0135] A manipulator 1140 may be formed on a side surface of the main body 1110. The manipulator 1140 may receive commands from the user and may send the received commands to a processor. In addition, the manipulator 1140 may have a power button to turn the wearable device 1100 on / off.

[0136] Reference Figures 12A to 12C Healthcare devices can be manufactured as such Figure 12A The smart headphones shown, such as Figure 12B The smart ring shown, such as Figure 12C The smart glasses shown are an example. Figures 12A to 12CAs shown, the first sensors 1211, 1221, and 1231 of the smart earphones, smart ring, and smart glasses can be disposed on the parts that come into contact with the user's skin when the main bodies 1210, 1220, and 1230 of the smart earphones, smart ring, and smart glasses are worn on the user's ears, fingers, and face, respectively. Furthermore, the second sensors 1212, 1222, and 1232 can be disposed on the parts that do not come into contact with the user's skin when the main bodies 1210, 1222, and 1230 of the smart earphones, smart ring, and smart glasses are worn on the user. In this case, the temperature sensor can be disposed at the location of the second sensors 1212, 1222, and 1232, or at a different location separate from the second sensors 1212, 1222, and 1232.

[0137] Furthermore, the processor and / or communication interface may be installed in the main bodies 1210, 1220, and 1230 of the smart earphones, smart rings, and smart glasses. Optionally, the processor can measure body temperature and / or estimate blood pressure, and can send the measurement results and / or estimation results to an external device via the communication interface. Optionally, considering the size and characteristics of the form factor, only the communication interface may be installed in the main bodies 1210, 1220, and 1230 of the smart earphones, smart rings, and smart glasses. The processor can send data measured by the first sensors 1211, 1221, and 1231 and / or the second sensors 1212, 1222, and 1232 and / or the temperature sensor to an external device via the communication interface, so that the processor of the external device can measure body temperature and / or estimate blood pressure, and provide the processing results to the user via the output interface of the external device.

[0138] For example, refer to Figure 13 This can be used in conjunction with smart headsets and smartphones to provide healthcare functions. However, this is just an example, and other electronic devices can collaborate in various ways to provide healthcare functions. For example, a processor for measuring body temperature and / or estimating blood pressure can be installed in the main body 1300 of the smartphone. Upon receiving a request to measure body temperature and / or estimate blood pressure, the smartphone's processor can communicate with the communication interface of the headset main body 1210 to obtain data (such as light signals, external temperature, etc.). Furthermore, upon receiving data including light signals, external temperature, etc. from the headset, the processor can measure body temperature and / or estimate blood pressure, and can perform functions such as... Figure 13 The output interface shown in the figure displays the processing results on the screen.

[0139] Furthermore, a sensor for measuring light signals from a user's finger may be disposed on the rear surface of the smartphone body 1300, and a second sensor, a temperature sensor, etc., may be disposed at the location of the fingerprint sensor on the front surface of the body 1300, at the location of the power button or volume button on the side surface of the body 1300, or at other locations on the surface of the body 1300 (e.g., the front and / or rear surfaces), making it possible to measure body temperature and / or estimate blood pressure using only the smartphone. The results of the body temperature measurement and / or blood pressure estimation can be displayed on the smartphone's display 1310.

[0140] The disclosed example embodiments can be implemented as computer-readable code written on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium can be any type of recording device that stores data in a computer-readable manner.

[0141] Examples of computer-readable recording media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage devices, and carrier waves (e.g., data transmission over the Internet). Computer-readable recording media can be distributed across multiple networked computer systems, allowing computer-readable code to be written to and executed from them in a distributed manner. Functional programs, code, and code segments for implementing the disclosed example embodiments are readily available to ordinary programmers in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0142] According to exemplary embodiments, at least one of the components, elements, modules, or units described herein can be implemented as various numbers of hardware, software, and / or firmware structures that perform their respective functions as described above. For example, at least one of these components, elements, or units can use a direct circuit structure (such as a memory, processor, logic circuit, lookup table, etc.) that can perform its respective function under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Furthermore, at least one of these components, elements, or units can be specifically implemented by a module, program, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for performing a specified logical function and executed by one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Additionally, at least one of these components, elements, or units may also include implementation by a processor (such as a central processing unit (CPU)), microprocessor, or the like performing its respective function. Two or more of these components, elements, or units can be combined to form a single component, element, or unit that performs all the operations or functions of the combined two or more components, elements, or units. Furthermore, at least a portion of the function of at least one of these components, elements, or units can be performed by another of these components, elements, or units. Furthermore, although a bus is not shown in the block diagram, communication between components, elements, or units can be performed via a bus. The functional aspects of the above embodiments can be implemented in algorithms executed on one or more processors. Moreover, the components, elements, or units represented by blocks or processing operations can employ any number of related techniques for electronic configuration, signal processing and / or control, data processing, etc.

[0143] Although the disclosure has been specifically shown and described with reference to the disclosed embodiments, it will be understood that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A device for measuring body temperature, the device comprising: The light source is configured to emit light onto the object; The thermochromic part is configured to change the spectrum of light reflected or scattered from the object and passing through the thermochromic part according to the thermochromic characteristics of the thermochromic part; A light receiver is configured to detect light that has passed through the thermochromic section; and The processor is configured to determine the body temperature of an object by using the spectrum of detected light. The processor is also configured to estimate the location of blood vessels based on the spectrum of the detected light. The processor is further configured to: estimate a first body temperature at the location of the estimated blood vessel, estimate a second body temperature at a location other than the location of the estimated blood vessel, and determine the body temperature of the object based on the estimated first body temperature and the estimated second body temperature.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The thermochromic part includes a thermally conductive material, wherein the thermochromic material with thermochromic properties is coated on the thermally conductive material, or a thermochromic liquid crystal is formed on the thermally conductive material.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is also configured to determine the body temperature of the object by comparing a reference spectrum with the spectrum of the detected light, which has been altered according to the thermochromic properties of the thermochromic part.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein, The processor is also configured to: obtain the similarity between the reference spectrum and the spectrum of the detected light change, and determine the body temperature of the object based on the obtained similarity.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein, Similarity includes at least one of the following: Euclidean distance, Pearson correlation coefficient, Spearman correlation coefficient, and cosine similarity.

6. The device according to claim 3, wherein, The thermochromic part includes: at least one first part that does not have thermochromic properties and at least one second part that has thermochromic properties.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein, The processor is also configured to determine the spectrum of light that has passed through at least one of the first portions of the thermochromic section as a reference spectrum.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The thermochromic part includes: a thermally conductive material, a first thermochromic layer coated on a first surface of the thermally conductive material, and a second thermochromic layer coated on a second surface of the thermally conductive material.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein, The processor is also configured to: estimate a first body temperature based on the spectrum altered by the first thermochromic layer, estimate a second body temperature based on the spectrum altered by the second thermochromic layer, and estimate heat flux based on the estimated first body temperature, the estimated second body temperature, and the thermal conductivity of the thermally conductive material.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein, The processor is also configured to determine the body temperature of the object based on an estimated first body temperature, an estimated second body temperature, and an estimated heat flux.

11. A method for measuring body temperature, the method comprising: Light is emitted onto the object through the light source. By using a thermochromic element, the spectrum of light reflected or scattered from an object and passing through the thermochromic element is changed according to the thermochromic properties of the thermochromic element; Detecting light that has passed through the thermochromic region; and Body temperature is determined by using the spectrum of light detected. The determined steps include: estimating the location of blood vessels based on the spectrum of the detected light. The steps include: estimating a first body temperature at the location of the estimated blood vessel, estimating a second body temperature at a location other than the location of the estimated blood vessel, and determining the subject's body temperature based on the estimated first body temperature and the estimated second body temperature.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The determined steps include: determining the body temperature of the subject by comparing a reference spectrum with a spectrum that has been altered according to the thermochromic properties of the thermochromic part.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The steps include: determining the spectrum of light that has passed through at least one portion of the thermochromic section that does not have thermochromic properties as a reference spectrum.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising: The first body temperature is estimated based on the spectrum altered by the first thermochromic layer of the thermochromic part; The second body temperature is estimated based on the spectrum altered by the second thermochromic layer of the thermochromic part; and The heat flux is estimated based on the estimated first body temperature, the estimated second body temperature, and the thermal conductivity of the thermally conductive material in the thermochromic part.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The defined steps include: determining the subject's body temperature based on an estimated first body temperature, an estimated second body temperature, and an estimated heat flux.

16. An apparatus for estimating biological information, the apparatus comprising: A first sensor includes: a first light source configured to emit first light onto an object; a first thermochromic unit configured to change the spectrum of the first light reflected or scattered from the object and passing through the first thermochromic unit according to the thermochromic characteristics of the first thermochromic unit; and a first light receiver configured to detect the first light that has passed through the first thermochromic unit; and The processor is configured to determine the body temperature of an object based on the spectrum of a first light detected by a first sensor, to extract a pulse wave signal based on the intensity of a first light emitted by a first light source and detected for a predetermined time period, and to estimate bio-information based on the extracted pulse wave signal. The processor is also configured to estimate the location of blood vessels based on the spectrum of the detected light. The processor is further configured to: estimate a first body temperature at the location of the estimated blood vessel, estimate a second body temperature at a location other than the location of the estimated blood vessel, and determine the body temperature of the object based on the estimated first body temperature and the estimated second body temperature.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein, The device is implemented in at least one of the following: smartwatch, smart wristband, smart glasses, smart earphone, smart ring, smart necklace, smart phone, and tablet PC.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: A force / pressure sensor is configured to obtain the contact force and / or contact pressure between a first sensor and an object in contact with the first sensor. The processor is also configured to generate an oscillogram based on the pulse wave signal and contact force and / or contact pressure, and to estimate biological information based on the generated oscillogram.

19. The device of claim 17, further comprising a second sensor, the second sensor comprising: The second light source is configured to emit second light onto the object; the second thermochromic unit is configured to change the spectrum of the second light reflected or scattered from the object and passing through the second thermochromic unit according to the thermochromic characteristics of the second thermochromic unit. The second light receiver is configured to detect the second light that has passed through the second thermochromic section.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein, The processor is also configured to estimate biological information based on a first pulse wave signal obtained when the first object comes into contact with the first sensor and a second pulse wave signal obtained when the second object comes into contact with the second sensor.

21. The device according to claim 20, wherein, The processor is also configured to: obtain pulse conduction time based on the first pulse wave signal and the second pulse wave signal, and estimate biological information based on the obtained pulse conduction time.

22. The device according to claim 20, wherein, The processor is also configured to: obtain a third pulse wave signal based on the first pulse wave signal and the second pulse wave signal, and estimate biological information based on the obtained third pulse wave signal using an oscillometric method.

23. The device according to claim 19, wherein, The first sensor is disposed on the first surface of the main body of the device that contacts the object, and The second sensor is disposed on the second surface of the main body, and the second surface is exposed to the outside when the object comes into contact with the first sensor.

24. The device according to claim 23, wherein, The processor is also configured to: determine the body temperature of the object based on the spectrum of the first light detected by the first light receiver, obtain the external temperature based on the spectrum of the second light detected by the second light receiver, and correct the determined body temperature of the object based on the obtained external temperature.

25. The device according to claim 19, wherein, The second light source of the second sensor is based on external light from the device.

26. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: A temperature sensor is disposed on the surface of the main body of the device, the surface being exposed to the outside when an object comes into contact with the first sensor. The processor is also configured to: determine the body temperature of the object based on the spectrum of the first light detected by the first light receiver, and correct the determined body temperature of the object based on the external temperature obtained by the temperature sensor.

27. The device according to claim 17, wherein, Bioinformation includes at least one of the following: triglycerides, body fat percentage, body water, blood glucose, cholesterol, carotenoids, protein, uric acid, blood pressure, vascular age, arterial stiffness, aortic pressure waveform, vascular compliance, stress index, fatigue level, skin age, and skin elasticity.

28. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method for measuring body temperature as described in claims 11 to 15.

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