Portable electronic devices with integrated biosensors

Abstract

The present invention is entitled "Portable Electronic Device with Integrated Biosensor." The present invention discloses an electronic device comprising a translucent layer forming a portion of an exterior of the electronic device, an opaque material positioned on the translucent layer and defining microperforations, and a processing unit operable to determine information about a user through the translucent layer. The processing unit is operable to determine the information by transmitting optical energy into a body part of the user through a first set of microperforations, receiving a reflected portion of the optical energy from the body part of the user through a second set of microperforations, and analyzing the reflected portion of the optical energy.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of invention patent application 201811006624.9, filed on August 31, 2018, entitled “Portable electronic device with integrated biosensor”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application is a non-provisional patent application of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 554,140, ​​filed on September 5, 2017, and entitled “Portable Electronic Device Having an Integrated Bio-Sensor,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004]

[0014] Embodiments described herein relate generally to electronic devices, and more particularly to determining health metrics or physiological conditions using biosensors integrated with electronic devices. Background Art

[0005] Portable electronic devices, including laptops, tablets, and mobile phones, have become common and useful devices. Many conventional portable electronic devices are configured to receive input using a keyboard or similar input device. However, few, if any, conventional laptops include sophisticated sensors or sensing technologies to monitor the user.

[0006] The present disclosure relates to systems and techniques for integrating biosensors into the surface of portable electronic devices. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure relates to body sensing using a translucent layer having an opaque layer. The electronic device includes an opaque layer positioned on the translucent layer and defining microperforations. A light source transmits light or other optical energy into a user's body part through the microperforations. A light receiver receives light reflected from the user's body part through the microperforations. Information about the user's body is determined from the reflected light.

[0008] In some embodiments, a portable electronic device includes an upper housing; a display positioned within the upper housing; a lower housing pivotally coupled to the upper housing and including a translucent layer defining an outer surface and an opaque layer coupled to the translucent layer and defining an array of microperforations; a keyboard positioned within the lower housing; a biosensor positioned within the lower housing below the array of microperforations and including a light source and a light receiver operable to transmit light through the array of microperforations into a body part of a user, the light receiver operable to receive light reflected from the body part of the user; and a processing unit communicatively coupled to the light receiver and operable to determine a health metric based on the reflected light.

[0009] In various examples, the biosensor is positioned along a side of the keyboard, and the body part is a palm of the user. In several examples, the light source is a green LED, the biosensor is configured to detect blood perfusion in the user's body part, and the health metric is at least one of: heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen level, blood volume estimate, or blood pressure. In some examples, the light source is an infrared LED, and the biosensor is configured to detect water content of the user's body part.

[0010] In various examples, the array of microperforations is configured to obscure the light source and light receiver when the biosensor is not operating. In some examples, each microperforation of the array of microperforations has a diameter of approximately 30 microns to 70 microns and is spaced approximately 80 microns to 500 microns from adjacent microperforations.

[0011] In various examples, the translucent layer is at least one of glass or plastic, and the opaque layer includes an ink layer deposited on an inner surface of the translucent layer opposite the outer surface.

[0012] In various embodiments, an electronic device includes a translucent layer forming a portion of an exterior surface of the electronic device, an opaque material positioned along an interior surface of the translucent layer and defining an array of microperforations, a light source positioned below the translucent layer and configured to transmit light through the array of microperforations, and a light receiver positioned below the translucent layer and proximate to the light source and configured to detect light reflected from a body part, and a processing unit operable to determine biological information based on the reflected light detected by the light receiver.

[0013] In some examples, a light source transmits light through a first set of microperforations in an array of microperforations, and a light receiver receives reflected light through a second set of microperforations in the array of microperforations, wherein the first set of microperforations extends at a first angle relative to an exterior surface, and the second set of microperforations extends at a second angle relative to the exterior surface that is different from the first angle. In such examples, the first set of microperforations may be arranged at an angle toward the second set of microperforations.

[0014] In several examples, a light source transmits light through a first set of microperforations of the array of microperforations, a light receiver receives reflected light through a second set of microperforations of the array of microperforations, and the first set of microperforations is configured to direct light along a non-perpendicular angle relative to the external surface. In various examples, a light source transmits light through a first set of microperforations of the array of microperforations, a light receiver receives reflected light through a second set of microperforations of the array of microperforations, and the second set of microperforations is configured to receive light substantially aligned with the non-perpendicular angle relative to the external surface and block light that is not substantially aligned with the non-perpendicular angle.

[0015] In some examples, the body part absorbs a portion of the light. The portion of light absorbed by the body part can depend on the tissue density of the body part.

[0016] In multiple embodiments, a method of sensing a physiological condition includes: when operating a biosensor in a first mode, detecting the proximity of a user's body part relative to an external surface of a translucent layer by generating a first light emission through the translucent layer; operating the biosensor in a second mode by generating a second light emission through the translucent layer when the body part is adjacent to the external surface of the translucent layer; and determining the physiological condition by analyzing a portion of the second light emission reflected from the body part.

[0017] In some examples, the first light emission in the first mode includes non-visible light emission, and the second light emission in the second mode includes visible light emission. In various examples, the opaque layer is positioned along the translucent layer and defines an array of microperforations, the first light emission and the second light emission are transmitted through the array of microperforations, and the opaque layer obscures the biosensor when the biosensor operates in the first mode. In multiple examples, the biosensor uses power at a first rate when operating in the first mode; the biosensor uses power at a second rate when operating in the second mode; and the second rate is greater than the first rate.

[0018] In various examples, determining the physiological condition includes determining at least one of: heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen level, blood volume estimate, or blood pressure. In some examples, determining the physiological condition includes determining a photoplethysmogram of the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The present disclosure will be more readily understood through the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like structural elements.

[0020] Figure 1A An exemplary electronic device with an integrated biosensor is depicted.

[0021] Figure 1B Draws a picture of the user using the keyboard Figure 2 An exemplary electronic device of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 A detailed view of the sensing area of ​​the electronic device is depicted.

[0023] Figure 3 Draws Figure 2 An alternative embodiment wherein the opaque layer defines a microperforated transmission area and a microperforated receiving area.

[0024] Figure 4 Draw along Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the sensing area taken at section AA.

[0025] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a sensing region taken along section AA is depicted, the cross-section including microperforations intersecting the sensing surface at an angle.

[0026] Figure 6 An optical schematic of a biosensor integrated with electronic devices is depicted.

[0027] Figure 7A An exemplary electronic device operable to transition from a low-power state to an operational state upon detecting a user is depicted.

[0028] Figure 7B Depicts the process of detecting a user and transitioning from a low power state to an operational state. Figure 7A An exemplary electronic device of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 8 An exemplary electronic device operable to illuminate a keyboard and a trackpad upon detecting a user is depicted.

[0030] Figure 9 An exemplary electronic device operable to detect and display health information about a user is depicted.

[0031] Figure 10 A flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for sensing a physiological condition or health metric is depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Reference will now be made in detail to the representative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

[0033] The following description includes sample systems, apparatus, methods, and computer program products that embody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the described disclosure may be embodied in a variety of forms other than those described herein.

[0034] The following disclosure relates to biosensors integrated with electronic devices. Specifically, a biosensor can be integrated into the housing of a laptop computer, allowing the biosensor to measure the user's condition while the device is in use. For example, the biosensor can be positioned adjacent to the keyboard along an area corresponding to the location of the portion of the housing where the user's hand contacts (e.g., the user's palm). As described herein, the housing can include a translucent layer or sheet that forms at least a portion of the exterior of the device. An opaque layer can be formed along an interior surface of the transparent layer and can define an array of microperforations that can transmit light from the sensor, but can also obscure the biosensor from the user when not in operation.

[0035] In some embodiments, the biosensor is configured to generate light emissions that are transmitted through microperforations defined in the opaque layer. In an exemplary operating mode, the biosensor can be used to determine a health metric or physiological condition by detecting light reflected from a body part of a user (e.g., the palm of the user). In another exemplary operating mode, the biosensor can be used to detect the proximity of a user's hand relative to the device. In response to detecting the proximity of the user's hand to the biosensor, the device can be configured to change the operation of the biosensor, change the operating state of the device, or perform some other function.

[0036] The biosensor can include a variety of different light sources that transmit light and / or a variety of different light receivers that receive light. For example, the light can be transmitted by a light emitting diode (LED), a micro-LED, an organic light emitting diode (OLED), or other types of light sources. The light source can be configured to emit visible light (e.g., green or red) or invisible light (e.g., infrared or ultraviolet). The light can be received by a photodiode, a light sensor, or other light receiver.

[0037] In some cases, a portion of the exterior of the device housing is defined by a translucent layer or substrate. For example, the upper surface of a notebook housing may be defined by a translucent layer, which may include one or more sheets of translucent material. The translucent layer may be formed by any translucent layer or translucent material, including (for example) glass, sapphire, plastic, etc. An opaque layer may be formed or positioned along the interior surface of the translucent layer to mask or visually obscure the internal components of the device. The opaque layer may be any opaque layer or opaque material, such as paint, ink, etc. The opaque layer may reduce or prevent the visibility of the biosensor components from the exterior of the housing while allowing light to pass through microperforations to perform sensing operations. The opaque layer may also help guide light in a specific direction to assist in sensing and / or optical noise reduction.

[0038] The microperforations can be formed in a variety of sizes. The diameter or size of each perforation can be small enough so that the opaque layer blocks or obscures visibility of internal components and may also be indistinguishable from a portion of the opaque layer without microperforations. At the same time, the diameter or size of each perforation can be large enough to allow sensor light to pass through to enable the biosensor to operate. The spacing or arrangement of the microperforations can also be adapted to achieve this functionality. For example, the microperforations can be approximately 30 microns to 70 microns and can be spaced at least approximately 80 microns to 500 microns apart. In some embodiments, the microperforations can intersect at an angle relative to the translucent layer. The angle of the microperforations can determine the direction of transmission or reception of light passing through the translucent layer.

[0039] The aforementioned transmission and reception of light through microperforations defined in an opaque layer overlying a translucent layer can be used to implement a variety of different sensors in an electronic device. Examples of such sensors include, but are not limited to, biosensors (e.g., health sensors, photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors), ambient light sensors, proximity sensors, infrared distance sensors, and the like. In some implementations, the electronic device may include a single sensor for performing different sensing functions. For example, the device may be configured to operate a sensor in a first mode to detect a user's proximity relative to the device, and to operate the same sensor in another mode to sense a physiological condition or determine a health metric associated with the user. In one example, when the sensor detects that the user has moved to a position for use of the electronic device, the sensor may be configured to adjust the power level of the electronic device (e.g., switching input and / or output components from a low-power state to an active state). The sensor may also be configured to illuminate an input device when the sensor detects that the user has moved to a position for use of an input component. The same sensor may be operated in different biosensing modes to detect health information about the user (e.g., determining the user's heart rate, the user's photoplethysmography, etc.). A variety of different configurations and uses are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0040] As described herein, a translucent (e.g., light-transmitting) layer can be formed from one or more translucent materials, including, for example, glass, ceramic, plastic, or a combination thereof. As used herein, the term translucent or translucent layer can be used to refer to a material or layer that allows light to pass through and does not require the material or layer to be transparent or to lack characteristics that scatter or absorb a certain amount of light. As used herein, the term translucent can generally refer to a material or layer that is optically transparent, partially transparent, or otherwise capable of transmitting light.

[0041] Refer to Figure 1 below. Figure 10However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these drawings is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0042] Figure 1A An exemplary electronic device 100 including a biosensor is depicted. Specifically, electronic device 100 includes a biosensor or other type of sensor operable to sense a user through a translucent layer 102. Translucent layer 102 may define an exterior surface of the device, and an area 101 along the exterior surface may correspond to a location of the biosensor positioned within lower housing 108. The biosensor may be configured to transmit light or other optical energy through microperforations defined in an opaque layer over translucent layer 102, and receive a portion of the light reflected back from a body part of the user through the microperforations.

[0043] Figure 1B A body part of user 110 (e.g., a user's hand) is shown in a position associated with using device 100. Specifically, the body part of user 110 is positioned so that at least a portion (e.g., the user's palm) contacts lower housing 108 along region 101. Figure 6 In more detail, the biosensor can be configured to measure a characteristic or condition of a body part of user 110, which can be used to determine a physiological condition or health metric. According to some embodiments, the biosensor can also be operated in a proximity sensor mode to detect the presence or absence of a body part of user 110.

[0044] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the electronic device 100 includes an upper housing 109, a display 107 positioned within the upper housing 109, and a lower housing 108 pivotally coupled to the upper housing via a hinge 106. The lower housing 108 may include a translucent layer 102 defining an exterior surface of the device 100. An opaque layer may be positioned along an interior surface of the translucent layer 102 and define an array of microperforations (hereinafter referred to as microperforations). Figure 2 Detailed description). The biosensor can be positioned within the lower housing 108. The microperforations can obscure and / or otherwise hide the biosensor from view.

[0045] The biosensor may include an optical energy source, such as a light source, operable to transmit light through the microperforations into the body part of the user 110. The biosensor may also include an optical energy receiver, such as a light receiver, operable to receive light reflected from the body part of the user 110. The electronic device may also include a processing unit communicatively coupled to the light receiver and operable to determine a physiological condition (i.e., information about the body part of the user 110) based on the reflected light.

[0046] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the keyboard 104 and the trackpad 103 can be positioned within the lower housing 108. The keyboard 104 can include an electromechanical keyboard, a virtual keyboard, or other type of keyboard component / device configured to receive keystrokes from a user. The trackpad 103 can be an electromechanical trackpad, an electronic trackpad, a virtual trackpad, or other touch-sensitive device configured to receive touch and / or force input from a user. The biosensor can be positioned below (e.g., adjacent to) the keyboard 104 and along a side of the trackpad 103. As previously described, the location of the biosensor can correspond to the predicted position of the user's palm during a normal or predicted typing position.

[0047] In various implementations, the transmission and reception of light through the microperforations can be used to implement a variety of different sensors or sensing modes for the electronic device 100. In various examples, these sensors or sensing modes include, but are not limited to, health sensors, ambient light sensors, proximity sensors, infrared distance sensors, PPG sensors, etc. The electronic device 100 can use one or more of these sensors or sensing modes in a variety of different ways.

[0048] In one example, the electronic device 100 can transmit and receive light through microperforations to implement a proximity sensor. When a portion of the transmitted light is reflected and received, the proximity sensor can detect that a body part of the user 110 is near the area 101. Conversely, if the body part of the user 110 is not close enough to the area 101, the body part of the user 110 may not receive and / or reflect any portion of the transmitted light. If a portion of the transmitted light is not reflected and received, the electronic device can determine that the body part of the user 110 is not near the area 101. In some specific implementations, the distance between the area 101 and the body part of the user 110 can be determined based on the amount of time between the transmission and reception of light, which indicates the amount of time it takes for light to travel from the area 101 to the body part of the user 110 and back again.

[0049] like Figure 1AAs shown, the area 101 of the translucent layer 102 corresponding to the sensor can be positioned adjacent to an input device, such as a trackpad 103 and / or a keyboard 104. This allows the biometric sensor, when operating as a proximity sensor or in proximity sensing mode, to detect the proximity of a body part of the user 110 when the user 110 is positioned to use the input device. In some implementations, the electronic device 100 can be configured to use such a proximity sensor to determine whether to adjust the power level of the electronic device 100. For example, the electronic device 100 can switch components, such as the trackpad 103, keyboard 104, and / or display 107, to a low-power state (such as a powered-off state) to conserve power or battery life when the electronic device 100 is not in use. If the proximity detector does not detect a body part of the user 110 for a period of time, such as five minutes, the electronic device 100 can determine that the electronic device 100 is not in use. When the electronic device 100 is operating in a low-power state, the electronic device can switch from the low-power state to an active state when the proximity sensor detects a body part of the user 110. For example, the electronic device 100 may activate components such as the trackpad 103, the keyboard 104, and / or the display 107. In another exemplary implementation, the electronic device 100 may be configured with a light source operable to illuminate an input device such as the trackpad 103 and / or the keyboard 104. To conserve power or battery life, or to be less obtrusive, the electronic device 100 may illuminate the input device when the proximity sensor detects that a part of the user's body is in a position to use the input device.

[0050] As another example, the biosensor can transmit and receive light through the microperforations to measure characteristics or conditions of the user 110 and use this to determine a physiological condition or health metric. When light is transmitted into a body part of the user 110, the body part of the user 110 may absorb a portion of the light. The portion of light not absorbed by the body part of the user 110 may be reflected back. The portion of light absorbed or reflected by the body part of the user 110 may depend on the tissue density (or other density) of each portion of the body part of the user 110. This can be used to measure the water content, perfusion, blood flow, and / or other health-related characteristics of the user 110. The electronic device 100 can use the biosensor to determine the user 110's heart rate, the user's 110 blood pressure, the user's 110 blood perfusion, the user's 110 water content, the user's blood oxygen level, an estimate of the user's 110 blood volume, the user's 110 respiratory rate, a photoplethysmogram of the user 110, and the like.

[0051] like Figure 1A and Figure 1BAs shown, the area 101 of the translucent layer 102 corresponding to the sensor can be positioned adjacent to an input device such as a touchpad 103 and / or a keyboard 104. In this way, when the user 110 is positioned to use the input device, the body part of the user 110 can be positioned to be detected by the biosensor. The electronic device 100 can therefore use the biosensor to discreetly monitor health information about the user 110 while the user is operating the electronic device 100 without forcing the user to specifically move to a position for monitoring. The electronic device 100 can monitor health information continuously, periodically and / or otherwise. The electronic device 100 can also communicate with one or more other electronic devices (such as associated cellular phones, wearable devices, etc.) to monitor, process, store such health information and / or take various actions based on such health information.

[0052] In some implementations, the biosensor can determine health information about the user 110 by transmitting and receiving multiple wavelengths of light. For example, the biosensor can transmit and receive green light and red light. Different substances and / or coloring materials can absorb light in different ways. For example, green light, red light, and / or infrared light can be absorbed differently by darker hair, tattoos, etc. By comparing multiple wavelengths of light transmitted and reflected back by a body part of the user 110 to determine health information, the electronic device 100 can determine more accurate health information than using a single wavelength of light.

[0053] In another example, the electronic device may utilize different sensors and / or different sensing modes with different wavelengths of light in different combinations. For example, a biosensor operating as a proximity sensor or in proximity sensing mode may use infrared light or another invisible light source. When the biosensor operates as a health sensor or in health sensing mode, the biosensor may use light in the visible spectrum. To prevent light in the visible spectrum from being noticed by the user 110, the electronic device 100 may first operate the biosensor in proximity sensing mode to detect a body part of the user 110, because infrared light may not be visually discernible to the user. Once the electronic device 100 determines that a body part of the user 110 is covering the biosensor, the electronic device 100 may then cause the biosensor to operate in health sensing mode using visible light.

[0054] Furthermore, in various examples, the electronic device may operate the biosensor in proximity sensing mode to guide the user 110 to an optimal position for operating the biosensor in health sensing mode. For example, health information such as heart rate or blood pressure may be most accurately detected optically from the palm of the hand. In this way, the electronic device 100 may determine where the user's hand is relative to the health sensor and may provide an output to the user 110 to guide the user 110 to move their hand until it is in the optimal position for operating the biosensor in health sensing mode.

[0055] In other examples, the electronic device 100 may operate the biosensor as an ambient light sensor or in an ambient light sensing mode. When operating in the ambient light sensing mode, the biosensor may be configured to detect the environment (e.g., sunlight or visible light) to determine the ambient light level of the environment in which the electronic device 100 is located. The electronic device 100 may also use the ambient light sensing mode to determine the proximity of a user because the ambient light sensor will not receive ambient light if it is blocked by a body part of the user 110.

[0056] Although a single sensor corresponding to region 101 of the semi-transparent layer 102 is described above, it should be understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the electronic device 100 may include any number of sensors corresponding to any number of different regions of the semi-transparent layer 102. A variety of configurations are possible and can be envisioned. For example, region 101 is illustrated as being positioned at Figure 1A In some implementations, the second sensor can correspond to an additional area of ​​the semi-transparent layer 102 that is positioned to the left of the touch panel to mirror the area 101.

[0057] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the electronic device 100 may be a laptop or notebook computing device. However, it should be understood that this is an example, and in other implementations, the electronic device 100 may be any electronic device, such as a desktop computing device, a tablet computing device, a wearable device, a smart phone, a digital media player, a display, a printer, a kitchen appliance, a cellular phone, a mobile computing device, etc.

[0058] The electronic device 100 may include various components, whether shown or not. For example, the electronic device 100 may include a variety of different components, such as one or more communication components, one or more non-transitory storage media (which may take the form of, but is not limited to, magnetic storage media; optical storage media; magneto-optical storage media; read-only memory; random access memory; erasable programmable memory; flash memory; etc.), etc., without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. A wide variety of configurations are possible and are contemplated.

[0059] Figure 2 A detailed view of the translucent layer 102 corresponding to the sensor region 101 is depicted. The translucent layer 102 can be formed of any type of translucent layer or material, such as glass, plastic, etc. An opaque layer 211 can be formed on the translucent layer 102. The opaque layer 211 (which can be any opaque layer or material, such as a light-reflective, absorptive, or opaque coating, ink, etc.) can define an array or collection of microperforations 212.

[0060] The opaque layer 211 is visible through the translucent layer and can visually obscure or block the view of the interior components through the translucent layer 102. The opaque layer 211 can also prevent light that has not passed through the microperforations 212 from being visible through the translucent layer. The opaque layer 211 can be positioned on an exterior portion of the translucent layer 102, on an interior portion of the translucent layer 102, within the translucent layer 102, etc. In embodiments where the opaque layer 211 is positioned along an interior surface of the translucent layer 102 and / or within the translucent layer 102, the opaque layer 211 can be visible through the translucent layer 102.

[0061] The micro-perforations 212 can be configured in a variety of different arrangements and have a variety of different sizes. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The size and spacing of the illustrated microperforations 212, 312 may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may not be representative or drawn to scale. The size may be sufficiently small so that the opaque layer 211 blocks internal components and / or light that does not pass through the microperforations 212 from being visible through the translucent layer 102, while still allowing light to pass through the microperforations 212. In one exemplary configuration, the microperforations 212 may have a size or diameter of approximately 30 to 70 microns. While the microperforations 212 are depicted as circular, the shape may vary depending on the specific implementation and may include other shapes, including straight lines, curved shapes, slits, and the like. The microperforations 212 may be spaced approximately 80 to 500 microns apart. In other words, each microperforation may be approximately 80 to 500 microns away from an adjacent microperforation.

[0062] Figure 2 A uniform arrangement of microperforations 212 is shown. In some examples, the electronic device 100 can use the same microperforations 212 for both transmitting and receiving light. In other implementations, the electronic device 100 can use a first set of microperforations 212 for transmitting light and a second set of microperforations 212 for receiving light. In other implementations, the transmitting and receiving areas of the microperforations 212 can be separate.

[0063] For example, Figure 3 The corresponding Figure 2 3. An alternative embodiment of the translucent layer 302 of the sensor is shown in FIG. 3 , wherein the opaque layer 311 defines a microperforated transmission region 320 and a microperforated receiving region 321. In this embodiment, a first set of microperforations 312 defined in the microperforated transmission region 320 can be used to transmit light, and a second set of microperforations 312 defined in the microperforated receiving region 321 can be used to receive light. Furthermore, the opaque layer 311 can further include a separate region 322 between the microperforated transmission region 320 and the microperforated receiving region 321 that does not define microperforations 312.

[0064] Figure 4Draw along Figure 1A 2. A cross-sectional view of a region 101 of the translucent layer 102 of the sensor, taken along line AA, is shown. In this embodiment, the biosensor may include an optical energy source, such as a light source 414 (such as an LED, OLED, incandescent light source, and / or other light source), configured to transmit light or other optical energy through the translucent layer 102 via one or more of the microperforations 212. Similarly, the biosensor may include an optical energy receiver, such as a light receiver 415 (such as a photodiode and / or other image or light sensor), configured to receive light through the translucent layer 102 via one or more of the microperforations 212. The light source 414 may transmit light through the translucent layer 102 via one or more of the microperforations 212 into a body part of the user. Similarly, the light receiver 415 may receive light through the translucent layer 102 via one or more of the microperforations 212, such as a portion of the light transmitted by the light source 414 after it is reflected by the body part of the user.

[0065] The light source 414 and the light receiver 415 may be connected to a processing unit 416 and / or other processor or controller via one or more electrical connections, such as a substrate 417, which may be a printed circuit board or similar component that provides structural support for the light source 414 and the light receiver 415. The processing unit 416 may control the transmission of light by the light source 414, the reception of light by the light receiver 415, the determination of information about a part of the user based on the light received by the light receiver 415, and the like.

[0066] Thus, as shown, the electronic device 100 may include a translucent layer 102 defining an outer surface, an opaque layer 211 coupled to the translucent layer 102 and defining an array of microperforations 212, and a biosensor positioned below the array of microperforations 212. The biosensor may include a light source 414 operable to transmit light through the array of microperforations 212 into a body part of a user, and a light receiver 415 operable to receive light reflected from the body part of the user. Furthermore, the electronic device 100 may include a processing unit 416 communicatively coupled to the light receiver 415 and operable to determine a health metric based on the reflected light.

[0067] As further shown, the electronic device 100 may include a translucent layer 102 forming a portion of an exterior surface of the electronic device 100, an opaque material 211 positioned along an interior surface of the translucent layer 102 and defining an array of microperforations 212, a light source 415 positioned below the translucent layer 102 and configured to transmit light through the array of microperforations 212, and a light receiver 415 positioned below the translucent layer 102 proximate to the light source 414 and configured to detect light reflected from a body part. The electronic device 100 may also include a processing unit 416 operable to determine biometric information based on the reflected light detected by the light receiver 415.

[0068] Figure 4 The microperforations 212 are shown at an angle normal or perpendicular to the translucent layer 102. In various implementations, the microperforations 212 can be arranged along non-perpendicular angles to direct the transmission and / or reception of light.

[0069] For example, Figure 5 Draws Figure 4 An alternative embodiment in which the microperforations 512 are arranged along a non-perpendicular angle relative to the exterior surface of the translucent layer 502. The angle of the microperforations 512 can determine the direction of transmission and / or reception of light or other optical energy through the translucent layer 502.

[0070] like Figure 5 As shown, the microperforations 512A associated with the light source 514 and the microperforations 512B associated with the light receiver 515 are arranged at different angles. Specifically, the microperforations 512A extend at a first angle relative to the external surface, which is a mirror image of the microperforations 512B extending at a second angle relative to the external surface. In other words, the microperforations 512A associated with the light source 514 intersect the translucent layer 502 (and / or substrate 517) at an angle and face the microperforations 512B associated with the light receiver 515, and vice versa. Thus, the microperforations 512A associated with the light source 514 can direct light or emit light at the non-perpendicular angle shown. Similarly, the microperforations 512B associated with the light receiver 515 can be configured to receive light that is substantially aligned at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the external surface and block light that is not substantially aligned at a non-perpendicular angle. This can improve the reception and reflection of light by a user's body part and / or the reception of light reflected by a user's body part.

[0071] Thus, as shown, the electronic device may include a translucent layer 502 defining an outer surface, an opaque layer 511 coupled to the translucent layer 502 and defining an array of microperforations 512A, 512B, and a biosensor positioned below the array of microperforations 512A, 512B. The biosensor may include a light source 514 operable to transmit light through the array of microperforations 512A into a body part of a user, and a light receiver 515 operable to receive light reflected from the body part of the user. In addition, the electronic device 100 may include a processing unit 516 communicatively coupled to the light receiver 515 and operable to determine a health metric based on the reflected light.

[0072] As further shown, the electronic device may include a translucent layer 502 forming a portion of an exterior surface of the electronic device, an opaque material 511 positioned along an interior surface of the translucent layer 502 and defining an array of microperforations 512A, 512B, a light source 515 positioned below the translucent layer 502 and configured to transmit light through the array of microperforations 512A, and a light receiver 515 positioned below the translucent layer 502 and proximate to the light source 514 and configured to detect light reflected from a body part. The electronic device may also include a processing unit 516 operable to determine biometric information based on the reflected light detected by the light receiver 515.

[0073] Figure 6 A simplified process for detecting information about a body 610 using optical energy 618, 619 (such as light) is shown. An optical energy source, such as light source 614, can transmit optical energy 618 through translucent layer 602 into body 610. Body 610 can absorb a portion of optical energy 618. The portion of optical energy 618 not absorbed by body 610 can be reflected 619 through translucent layer 602 back to an optical energy receiver, such as light receiver 615. The portion of optical energy 618 absorbed or reflected 619 by body 610 can depend on the tissue density (or other density) of the portion of body 610 and can be used to measure blood flow and / or other health-related characteristics of body 610.

[0074] In various implementations, biosensors can utilize the process of detecting physiological information (i.e., health-related information, physiological conditions, or other information about the body 610) to calculate health metrics or other health-related information. For example, physiological information may include, but is not limited to, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen level, blood volume estimation, blood pressure, and other physiological conditions. Such sensors can be used in Figure 1A-1B is implemented in the electronic device 100.

[0075] As an example, an electronic device may include an array of light sources 614 and detectors or other light receivers 615 configured to act as optical sensors or transducers. In one example, the optical sensor or transducer may be implemented as a pair of one or more light sources 614 and light receivers 615. In one exemplary implementation, the light receivers 615 may be configured to collect light and convert the collected light into an electrical sensor signal corresponding to the amount of light incident on the surface of the light receivers 615. In one embodiment, the light receivers 615 may be photodetectors, such as photodiodes. In other embodiments, the light receivers 615 may include phototubes, light sensors, or other light-sensitive devices.

[0076] In some cases, one or more biosensors may function as a PPG sensor or sensors. In some cases, a PPG sensor is configured to measure light and generate a sensor signal that can be used to estimate volume changes in a portion of a user's body. Generally, as light from one or more light sources 614 passes through the user's skin and into underlying tissue, some light is reflected, some is scattered, and some is absorbed, depending on the conditions encountered. The light received by light receiver 615 can be used to generate a sensor signal that can be used to estimate or calculate a health metric or other physiological phenomenon.

[0077] Light sources 614 may operate within the same wavelength range of light, or light sources 614 may operate within different wavelength ranges of light. In one example, two light sources may be used instead of the single light source 614 shown. The first of the two light sources may transmit light within the visible wavelength range, while the second of the two light sources may transmit light within the infrared wavelength range. In some cases, a modulation pattern or sequence may be used to turn the light sources on and off and sample or sense the reflected light. In another example, three light sources may be used instead of the single light source 614 shown. The first of the three light sources in this example may include, for example, a green LED, which may be suitable for detecting blood perfusion in the wearer's body. The second of the three light sources in this example may include, for example, an infrared LED, which may be suitable for detecting changes in water content or other characteristics of the body. Depending on the sensing configuration, the third of the three light sources in this example may be a similar or different type of LED element.

[0078] Biosensors (e.g., PPG) can be used to calculate various health metrics or physiological conditions, including but not limited to heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen level, blood volume estimation, blood pressure, or combinations thereof. In some cases, blood can absorb more light than surrounding tissue, so when more blood is present, the PPG sensor's light receiver 615 will sense less reflected light. The user's blood volume increases and decreases with each heartbeat. Therefore, in some cases, the PPG sensor can be configured to detect changes in blood volume based on reflected light, and one or more physiological conditions or parameters of the user can be determined by analyzing the reflected light. Example physiological conditions include but are not limited to heart rate, respiratory rate, blood hydration, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, perfusion, etc.

[0079] Although an example number of light sources 614 and / or light receivers 615 has been described, the number of light sources 614 and / or light receivers 615 may vary in different embodiments. For example, another embodiment may use more than one light receiver 615. Another embodiment may also use fewer or more light sources 614. Specifically, in one example, a light receiver 615 may be shared between multiple light sources 614. In an alternative embodiment, two light receivers 615 may be paired with two corresponding light sources 614 to form two biosensors. The two biosensors (light source 614 / light receiver 615 pairs) can operate in sequence and be used to improve the reliability of the sensing operation. For example, the output of the two light receivers 615 can be used to detect a pulse wave of a fluid (e.g., blood) when it passes under the corresponding light receiver 615. Collecting two biosensor readings at different positions along the pulse wave allows the device to compensate for noise caused by, for example, the user's movement, stray light, and other effects.

[0080] In some implementations, one or more of the light source 614 and the light receiver 615 can also be used for optical data transmission with a base station or other device. For example, the light receiver 615 can be configured to detect light generated by an external paired device, which can be interpreted or converted into a digital signal. Similarly, one or more of the light sources 614 can be configured to transmit light that can be interpreted or converted into a digital signal by the external device.

[0081] Figure 7A-7B An exemplary electronic device 700 is depicted that is operable to transition from a low power state to an operational state upon detecting a user 710. Figure 7A As shown in , the low power state may be a state in which the display 707 is turned off. If the user 710 is not using the electronic device 700, turning off the display 707 may save power that would otherwise be wasted.

[0082] When the electronic device 700 is in a low power state, the electronic device 700 may detect a body part of the user 710 within the region 701 of the translucent layer 702 using a biosensor operating as a proximity detector or in a proximity sensing mode. In response, the electronic device 700 may transition from the low power state to an operational state. Thus, the electronic device 700 may turn on the display 707, as shown in FIG. Figure 7B shown.

[0083] When the electronic device 700 has been in an inactive state for a period of time, the electronic device 700 may operate in a low power state. The inactive period may be configurable and may include a time ranging from less than one minute to 30 minutes or more. When the sensor does not detect a body part of the user 710, the electronic device 700 may determine that the electronic device 700 is not in use. When the electronic device 700 is in an operating state and determines that the electronic device 700 is not in use, the electronic device 700 may turn off the display 707, such as Figure 7A shown.

[0084] Figure 8 An exemplary electronic device 800 is depicted that is operable to illuminate a keyboard 804 upon detecting a user 810. This may allow the user 810 to better see the keyboard 804, use the electronic device, etc., in poorly or unlit conditions. In this example, the electronic device 800 is operable to detect a body part of the user 810 using a biometric sensor that functions as a proximity and / or ambient light sensor or operates in a proximity or ambient light sensing mode. The biometric sensor may be configured to detect the user's proximity or ambient light conditions above an area of ​​the translucent layer 802 covered by the body part of the user 810. Upon such detection, the electronic device 800 may illuminate the keyboard 804 and the trackpad 803. Because illumination 823 may not be necessary when not in use and may be disturbing, such as by illuminating a dark room where the user 810 may be trying to sleep, this configuration may prevent the keyboard 804 from being illuminated 823 when the user 810 does not wish for the keyboard 804 to be illuminated.

[0085] Figure 9 An exemplary electronic device 900 is depicted that is operable to detect and display health information about a user 910. In this example, the electronic device 900 is operable to determine the heart rate of the user 910 using a health or other biometric sensor corresponding to an area of ​​the translucent layer 902 covered by a body part of the user 910. The electronic device 900 can then display the determined heart rate of the user 910 on a display 907. In some implementations, the biometric sensor can be used to determine a health metric or physiological condition of the user 910 while the user 910 is typing or otherwise operating the device 900.

[0086] Furthermore, the electronic device 900 may be capable of recording the heart rate of the user 910. In this manner, heart rate can be monitored over time. The user's heart rate over time can be compared with the heart rates of other users and / or various other statistical information. For example, the user's heart rate over time can be compared with heart rate data indicative of health issues, such as high blood pressure. The electronic device 900 may display such information graphically or otherwise to indicate changes in the user's health, steps the user 910 can take to improve the user's health, comparisons with others of similar age and / or other backgrounds to indicate the user's relative health, and so on.

[0087] In other specific implementations, the electronic device 900 may monitor the user's heart rate over time to determine satisfaction or frustration. For example, when the user 910 is frustrated, the user's heart rate may increase. When the electronic device 900 detects an increase in the user's heart rate, the electronic device 900 may determine that the user 910 is frustrated with the application currently being executed by the user 910 on the electronic device 900 and provide a help prompt. Various configurations are possible and can be envisioned.

[0088] Figure 10 A flow chart is shown that illustrates an exemplary method 1000 process for sensing a physiological condition. The exemplary method 1000 may be performed by a process similar to Figure 1A-1B and Figures 7A-9 The exemplary electronic devices 100, 700, 800, and 900 are used for execution.

[0089] At 1010, the device's biosensor operates in a first mode. This first mode can be a proximity sensing mode. As part of operating in the first mode, at 1020, the biosensor generates a first light emission or other optical energy into a body part of a user through microperforations defined in an opaque layer overlying a translucent layer. At 1030, the biosensor determines whether reflected first light from the body part of the user is received through the microperforations in the opaque layer overlying the translucent layer. If the biosensor determines that reflected first light from the body part of the user is received, this indicates proximity of the body part. In this case, the process proceeds to 1040. Otherwise, the process returns to 1010, and the biosensor continues operating in the first mode.

[0090] At 1040, after the biosensor can be used to determine proximity of a body part, the biosensor can switch to a second mode. The second mode can be a PPG sensing mode. As part of operating in the second mode, at 1050, the biosensor can generate a second light emission or other optical energy into the body part through the microperforations. At 1060, the biosensor receives the second light reflected from the body part through the microperforations.

[0091] At 1070 , the biosensor is used to determine a health metric, physiological condition, biological information, or other information using the reflected second light. The flow then returns to 1010 after the biosensor is switched back to the first mode at 1080 .

[0092] The biosensor can switch between the first mode and the second mode for a variety of reasons. For example, the first and second types of light can be different types of light. In some implementations, the first light can be infrared light, and the second light can be visible light (such as red light, green light, a combination thereof, etc.). Thus, the biosensor can operate in the first mode using infrared light until a body part is detected, as the infrared light may not be visible to the user. Once the biosensor is covered by the body part, such that the second light is no longer visible, the biosensor can switch to the second mode.

[0093] As another example, the second mode can consume power at a second rate greater than the first rate / first mode. In various implementations, the transmission of the second light can consume more power than the transmission of the first light. Thus, the biosensor can conserve power by operating in the first mode until a body part is detected, so that power is not unnecessarily wasted by operating in the second mode when no body part is available to determine the user's physiological condition.

[0094] Although exemplary method 1000 is illustrated and described as including specific operations performed in a specific order, it should be understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the same, similar, and / or different operations may be performed in various orders without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0095] For example, exemplary method 1000 describes transmitting a first light in a first mode, transmitting a second light in a second mode, and switching from the first mode to the second mode upon receiving the first light reflected from a body part. However, in some implementations, the biosensor may transmit light in the second mode instead of the first mode. In such implementations, the biosensor may use other information to determine when a body part is approaching. For example, the biosensor may monitor a capacitive sensor in the first mode. When a body part is approaching, the capacitive sensor may provide an indication of a changed capacitance. When the biosensor receives such a signal, the biosensor may switch to the second mode and transmit light to determine a physiological condition. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0096] As described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure relates to body sensing via a translucent layer with an opaque layer. An electronic device can optically detect information about a user's body by transmitting light or other optical energy through microperforations defined in an opaque layer on the translucent layer and determining which portion of the light is reflected back from the user's body through the microperforations. This can allow a variety of different information about the user's body to be detected without visible sensors or sensor components. This sensing capability can be incorporated into the housing of an electronic device, such as the area around the keyboard and / or touchpad of a laptop computing device. Examples of sensors that can be implemented in this manner include, but are not limited to, proximity sensors, infrared distance sensors, ambient light sensors, health sensors, and the like.

[0097] In this disclosure, the methods disclosed herein may be implemented as a device-readable instruction set or software. Furthermore, it should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein is an example of a sample method. In other embodiments, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods may be rearranged while remaining within the subject matter disclosed herein. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order and are not necessarily intended to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0098] The present disclosure as described may be provided as a computer program product or software that may include a non-transitory machine-readable medium having instructions stored thereon, which non-transitory machine-readable medium can be used to program a computer system (or other electronic device) to perform a process according to the present disclosure. Non-transitory machine-readable media include any mechanism for storing information in a form (e.g., software, processing application) readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). Non-transitory machine-readable media may take the form of, but is not limited to, magnetic storage media (e.g., floppy disks, video cassettes, etc.); optical storage media (e.g., CD-ROMs); magneto-optical storage media; read-only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM); flash memory; and the like.

[0099] In the above description, for the purpose of explanation, the specific nomenclature used provides a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to practice the embodiments. Therefore, for the purpose of illustration and description, the foregoing description of the specific embodiments described herein is presented. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations are possible based on the above teachings.

[0100] For example, features that implement a function may also be physically located at various locations, including being distributed so that portions of the function are implemented at different physical locations. Furthermore, as used herein, including in the claims, "or" used in a series of items prefixed with "at least one" indicates a disjunctive list, so that, for example, a series of "at least one of A, B, or C" means A or B or C, or AB or AC or BC, or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, the term "exemplary" does not mean that the example is preferred or better than other examples.

Claims

1. A method for sensing a physiological condition using a sensor located within a housing of a portable electronic device, the method comprising: Operating a biosensor in a first mode to detect a user's hand in a typing position relative to a keyboard coupled to the housing of the portable electronic device, the detecting comprising: generating a first light emission using a light emitting portion of the biosensor, the first light emission being transmitted through a first portion of the housing to the hand of the user; and detecting a first light reflection from the hand using a light detecting portion of the biosensor, the first light reflection being received through the second portion of the housing; and Based on determining that the hand is in the typing position relative to the keyboard, operating the biosensor in a second mode to sense the physiological condition of the user, the sensing comprising: generating a second light emission using the light emitting portion of the biosensor, the second light emission being transmitted through the first portion of the housing to the hand of the user; and detecting a second light reflection from the hand using the light detecting portion of the biosensor, the second light reflection being received through the second portion of the housing; and The second light reflection is analyzed to determine the physiological condition.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The portable electronic device is a laptop computing device; The housing is a lower housing of the laptop computing device; The lower housing is pivotally coupled to the upper housing; and The upper housing includes a display.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The lower housing has a translucent layer defining an outer surface of the housing; the first light emission and the second light emission are transmitted through the translucent layer; and The first light reflection and the second light reflection are received through the semi-transparent layer.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The biosensor is positioned along a bottom side of the keyboard.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The housing comprises: a translucent layer defining an exterior surface of the housing; and an opaque layer coupled to the translucent layer and defining an array of microperforations; The first light emission is transmitted through a first set of microperforations in the array of microperforations; The first light reflection is received through a second set of microperforations in the array of microperforations; The second light emission is transmitted through a third set of microperforations in the array of microperforations; and The second light reflection is received through a fourth set of microperforations in the array of microperforations.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first light emission is invisible light emission; and The second light emission is a visible light emission.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first light emission is an infrared light emission; and The second light emission includes at least one of red light or green light.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: operating the biosensor in a lower power state when the biosensor operates in the first mode; upon determining that the hand is proximate to the outer surface of the housing, switching the biosensor to a higher power state; and When the biosensor operates in the second mode, the biosensor is operated in the higher power state.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein Analyzing the second light reflection includes: detecting blood perfusion of the hand of the user; and The physiological condition is determined based on the blood perfusion.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: When operating the biosensor in the second mode, generating a third light emission using the light emitting portion of the biosensor, the third light emission being transmitted through the first portion of the housing to the hand of the user; and detecting a third light reflection from the hand using the light detecting portion of the biosensor, the third light reflection being received through the second portion of the housing; as well as The third light reflection is analyzed to determine at least one of the physiological condition or a second physiological condition.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein The light emitting portion includes: Infrared light emitting diodes (LEDs); and At least one of a red LED or a green LED.

12. An electronic device comprising: A housing, the housing comprising: a first layer formed of a light-transmitting material and defining an outer surface of the electronic device; and a second layer coupled to the light-transmissive material of the first layer, the second layer being formed of an opaque material and defining a set of microperforations; a keyboard coupled to the housing; a biosensor located within the housing and operable to: detecting, in a first mode, a user's hand in a typing position relative to the keyboard by emitting and receiving first light through the first layer and through the set of microperforations of the second layer; switching from the first mode to a second mode in response to detecting that the hand of the user is in the typing position relative to the keyboard; in the second mode, emitting and receiving a second light through the first layer and through the set of microperforations in the second layer; and The physiological condition of the user is determined by analyzing a portion of the second light reflected from the hand.

13. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein: The biosensor comprises: Invisible light sources; and Visible light source; The first light comprises invisible light emissions emitted by the invisible light source; and The second light includes visible light emissions emitted by the visible light source.

14. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein: When operating in the first mode, the biosensor operates in a low power state; Prior to operating in the second mode, the biosensor switches to a higher power state.

15. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein: The electronic device is a laptop computing device; The housing is a lower housing of the laptop computing device; the lower housing being pivotally coupled to the upper housing; The upper housing includes a display; The biosensor is configured to operate in the first mode during at least a first time when the display is active; and The biosensor is configured to operate in the second mode during at least a second time when the display is active.

16. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein Determining the physiological condition includes determining at least one of: heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen level, blood volume estimate, or blood pressure.

17. A portable electronic device comprising: upper shell; a display, located in the upper housing; a lower housing pivotally coupled to the upper housing and including a translucent layer defining an outer surface; a keyboard, located in the lower housing; A biosensor positioned along the bottom side of the keyboard and comprising: a light source operable to emit light through the translucent layer into a user's hand; and a light receiver operable to receive reflected light from the hand of the user; and a processing unit communicatively coupled to the optical receiver and operable to: in a first mode, operating the light source and the light receiver to detect that the hand of the user is in a typing position relative to the keyboard; and In a second mode, the light source and the light receiver are operated to determine a physiological condition of the user.

18. The portable electronic device of claim 17, wherein: The lower housing further includes an opaque layer coupled to the translucent layer and defining an array of microperforations; The light source emits light through the array of microperforations; and The light receiver receives light through the array of microperforations.

19. The portable electronic device of claim 17, wherein: The light source comprises: at least one source of visible light; and At least one invisible light source.

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