Electronic device and wearable device

Abstract

The invention provides electronic equipment and wearable equipment. The electronic equipment comprises a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, a first power supply module, an analog front-end chip and a controller. The PPG sensor comprises a light source and a photoelectric detector, and the light source is used for emitting light signals. The light source is connected with the first power module, the photoelectric detector is connected with the analog front-end chip, and the analog front-end chip is further connected with the first power module. The analog front-end chip is used for outputting a control signal to the photoelectric detector, and the control signal is used for controlling the photoelectric detector to detect a pulse wave signal reflected by the optical signal in each preset working period and outputting a synchronizing signal to the first power supply module according to the control signal; the synchronizing signal is used for enabling the first power module in each preset working period. According to the electronic equipment, the power consumption of the first power supply module can be reduced under the conditions that the normal work of the PPG sensor is not influenced and components are not additionally arranged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of terminal technology, and in particular to an electronic device and a wearable device. Background Art

[0002] Photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors are often used in wearable devices. The PPG sensor can be used to measure the attenuated light after being reflected by human blood and tissues, and record the corresponding pulse wave signal. Wearable devices can calculate the user's physiological characteristics such as heart rate, blood oxygen saturation and / or respiratory rate based on the pulse wave signal.

[0003] In actual applications, the power module in the wearable device will power the PPG sensor, allowing the PPG sensor to work intermittently. In order to ensure that the instantaneous load current required by the PPG sensor can be reached, the power module usually works uninterruptedly. This means that when the PPG sensor is not working, the power electronics in the power module are still working and consuming power, resulting in an increase in the power consumption of the entire device. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of this, the present application provides an electronic device and a wearable device that can reduce power consumption without affecting the normal operation of the PPG sensor and without adding components.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides an electronic device, comprising: a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, a first power module, and an analog front-end chip, wherein the PPG sensor comprises a light source and a photodetector, and the light source is used to emit a light signal. The light source is connected to the first power module, the photodetector is connected to the analog front-end chip, and the analog front-end chip is also connected to the first power module. The analog front-end chip is used to: output a control signal to the photodetector, the control signal is used to control the photodetector to detect the pulse wave signal reflected by the light signal in each preset working period; output a synchronization signal to the first power module according to the control signal, and the synchronization signal is used to enable the first power module in each preset working period.

[0006] It can be seen that the electronic device of the present application enables the first power module in each preset working period of the photodetector through a synchronization signal, so that the first power module works synchronously when the photodetector works. In other words, the power electronic device in the first power module consumes electrical energy when the photodetector works, rather than consuming energy in real time, and therefore, the power consumption of the first power module can be reduced. Furthermore, the overall power consumption of the electronic device can be reduced, and the battery life of the electronic device can also be extended. Moreover, while reducing the power consumption of the first power module, the electronic device of the present application will not affect the operation of the PPG sensor, and there is no need to add any components or increase costs.

[0007] In a possible design, there is an interval period between every two preset working periods, and the control signal is also used to control the photodetector not to work during the interval period. The synchronization signal is used to disable the first power module during the preset interval period, wherein the preset interval period is within the interval period. It can be seen that when the photodetector stops sampling, the first power module can also stop working synchronously, so that the working time of the first power module can be shortened without affecting the normal operation of the PPG sensor, thereby reducing the power consumed by the first power module.

[0008] In one possible design, a preset intermittent period is separated from a preset working period that is located after and adjacent to the interval period by a preset time. That is, the preset intermittent period is smaller than the interval period, so after the preset intermittent period, the photodetector is still in the interval period (i.e., stops working), and at this time, the synchronization signal first enables the first power module, so that the first power module works for a preset time before the photodetector enters the preset working period from the interval period. In this way, the output voltage of the first power module can reach the voltage required by the light source and remain stable when the photodetector starts working, so that the light source can emit light signals normally and stably, which is conducive to the photodetector receiving the pulse wave signal reflected by the light signal. Moreover, it can be ensured that the first power module is in a stopped working state for a part of the time except for the preset time during the interval period, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0009] In a possible design, during a preset working period and a preset time, the synchronization signal is at a first level, which can be used to enable the first power module. During a preset intermittent period, the synchronization signal is at a second level, which can be used to disable the first power module. The second level is different from the first level.

[0010] In one possible design, the SYNC terminal of the analog front-end chip is connected to the enable terminal of the first power module, and the analog front-end chip outputs a synchronization signal through the SYNC terminal. It can be understood that the SYNC terminal can sense the working condition of the analog front-end chip and output accordingly. Therefore, the synchronization signal output by the SYNC terminal of the analog front-end chip can reflect when the analog front-end chip controls the photodetector to work / not work. Moreover, since it is the enable terminal of the first power module that receives the synchronization signal, the synchronization signal output by the analog front-end chip can be equivalent to the enable / disable signal of the first power module, and can be used to enable / disable the first power module.

[0011] In one possible design, the electronic device also includes a controller, which is connected to the analog front-end chip. The controller is used to output control instructions to the analog front-end chip, and the analog front-end chip is used to generate a control signal according to the control instructions.

[0012] In one possible design, the photodetector is also used to output a pulse wave signal to the analog front-end chip, the analog front-end chip is also used to process the pulse wave into a corresponding electrical signal and then output it to the controller, and the controller is also used to obtain physiological characteristic information based on the electrical signal. Therefore, the electronic device of the present application can realize the physiological detection function.

[0013] In a possible design, the photodetector is used to detect the pulse wave signal at a preset sampling frequency in each preset working period. Compared with the photodetector detecting continuously, such a design can save power.

[0014] In a possible design, the electronic device further includes a battery and a second power module, wherein the first power module is connected to the battery and the light source, and the first power module is used to convert the electric energy of the battery into power and supply the power to the light source. The second power module is connected to the battery and the photodetector, and the second power module is used to convert the electric energy of the battery into power and supply the power to the photodetector.

[0015] In the second aspect, the present application provides a wearable device, including: a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, a first power module, an analog front-end chip, and a controller. The PPG sensor includes a light source and a photodetector, and the light source is used to emit a light signal. The light source is connected to the first power module, and the photodetector is connected to the analog front-end chip, and the analog front-end chip is also connected to the controller and the first power module. The analog front-end chip is used to: output a control signal to the photodetector, and the control signal is used to control the photodetector to detect the pulse wave signal reflected by the light signal in each preset working period; output an electrical signal corresponding to the pulse wave signal to the controller; output a synchronization signal to the first power module according to the control signal, and the synchronization signal is used to enable the first power module in each preset working period. The controller is used to obtain physiological characteristic information based on the electrical signal. Therefore, when the user wears the wearable device, the wearable device can provide the user with physiological detection functions for a long time.

[0016] In addition, the technical effects brought about by any possible implementation method in the second aspect can refer to the technical effects brought about by different implementation methods in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for describing the embodiments are briefly introduced below.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a common PPG sensor connection diagram.

[0019] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0020] Figure 3yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device shown.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A connection diagram of a PPG sensor in the electronic device shown.

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the waveforms of the control signal and synchronization signal output by the AFE chip.

[0023] The following specific implementation methods will further illustrate the present application in conjunction with the above-mentioned drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0025] It is understandable that the connection relationship described in this application refers to direct or indirect connection. For example, the connection between A and B can be either a direct connection between A and B or an indirect connection between A and B through one or more other electrical components. For example, A can be directly connected to C, and C can be directly connected to B, so that A and B are connected through C. It is also understandable that the "A connects B" described in this application can be a direct connection between A and B, or an indirect connection between A and B through one or more other electrical components.

[0026] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, " / " means "or", for example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this article is only a way to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone.

[0027] In the description of this application, words such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish different objects, and do not limit the quantity and execution order, and words such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily limit differences. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0028] The pulse wave is the waveform of the volume change of blood vessels generated when the heart sends blood. Photoplethysmograph (PPG) is a method of recording the corresponding pulse wave signal by measuring the attenuated light reflected by human blood and tissues (such as muscles, bones, veins, etc.).

[0029] Specifically, when light is irradiated to a part of the human body such as a wrist or a finger, various tissue components will absorb the light, causing the light intensity after irradiation to weaken. Among them, the skin, muscles, bones, and veins are tissue components without pulsation, and the absorption of light is basically unchanged, for example, the optical path remains unchanged; while the artery is pulsating, and its blood volume changes periodically with the pulsation of the heart. When the heart contracts, the heart ejects blood, and the blood volume increases; and when the heart relaxes, the heart returns blood, and the blood volume decreases. Therefore, due to the change in blood volume, the absorption of light by the pulsating part of the artery will change, and the light intensity will be different, for example, there is an optical path deviation. It is precisely because the absorption of light by the artery changes while the absorption of light by other tissues remains basically unchanged, therefore, when the light beam is irradiated to a part of the human body such as a wrist or a finger, the reflected light changes periodically in intensity following the pulsation of the artery. It can be seen that the reflected light can reflect the pulse wave. Therefore, the reflected light or the signal after the photoelectric conversion of the reflected light can be called a pulse wave signal.

[0030] Therefore, based on the pulse wave signal, physiological characteristics of the human body, such as heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and / or respiratory rate, can be detected. The circuit / unit / module that uses the PPG method to detect the volume change of blood vessels generated when the heart sends blood is called a PPG sensor. The signal detected by the PPG sensor is the pulse wave signal.

[0031] At present, PPG sensors are often used in wearable devices (such as smart watches, etc.). In actual applications, the power module in the wearable device will power the PPG sensor, so that the PPG sensor can work intermittently. For example, Figure 1 As shown, the PPG sensor includes a light-emitting diode (LED) and a photodiode (PD). The microcontroller unit (MCU) in the wearable device can enable (EN) the power module, and then the power module can convert the power of the battery to power the LED, so that the LED can emit a light signal. The PD detects the pulse wave signal and outputs the pulse wave signal to the AFE chip, which processes the pulse wave signal into a stable digital electrical signal and then transmits it to the MCU. The MCU can calculate the physiological characteristics of the user wearing the wearable device based on the digital electrical signal.

[0032] In order to ensure that the instantaneous load current required by the PPG sensor can be reached, the power module usually works uninterruptedly. This means that when the PPG sensor is not working, the power electronic devices in the power module are still working and consuming power, resulting in increased power consumption of the entire device.

[0033] Therefore, an embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device that can reduce power consumption without affecting the normal operation of the PPG sensor and without adding components.

[0034] The technical solution of the present application is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0035] See also Figure 2 , showing a schematic diagram of an electronic device 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Figure 2 In the embodiment, the electronic device 100 is a smart watch. The electronic device 100 includes a watch body 1 and a watch strap 2 connected to the watch body 1. The watch body 1 may be provided with a PPG sensor and other electronic circuits ( Figure 2 After the user wears the smart watch, the PPG sensor can be close to the user's skin, so that the pulse wave signal can be detected. Furthermore, the electronic device 100 can obtain the user's physiological characteristic information based on the pulse wave signal, thereby realizing the physiological detection function.

[0037] Among them, "close" can be slightly separated or directly in contact. The physiological characteristic information may include at least one of heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate. Of course, the physiological characteristic information may also include other information that can be obtained through the pulse wave signal, such as blood sugar, blood pressure, etc.

[0038] It should be understood that the electronic device 100 may also be other wearable devices with physiological detection functions, such as smart bracelets, smart headphones, smart necklaces, smart rings, smart gloves, smart armbands, smart chest straps, smart belts, smart helmets, etc. Of course, the electronic device 100 can also be a device dedicated to physiological detection, such as a heart rate meter, a pulse meter, etc. The electronic device 100 can also be a terminal device with physiological detection functions, such as a mobile phone, a tablet, etc. There is no specific limitation here, and it can be selected according to the actual situation, all within the scope of protection of this application.

[0039] For better understanding, the structure of the electronic device 100 provided in the embodiment of the present application is introduced below. For example, Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0040] like Figure 3As shown, the electronic device 100 may include a processor 101, a universal serial bus (USB) interface 102, a charging management module 103, a power management module 104, a battery 105, an audio module 106, a speaker 106A, a receiver 106B, a microphone 106C, an antenna 1, an antenna 2, a mobile communication module 107, a wireless communication module 108, an external memory interface 109, an internal memory 110, a sensor module 111, a camera 112, a display screen 113, a button 114, and an indicator 115, etc. The sensor module 111 may include a pressure sensor 111A, a gyroscope sensor 111B, an air pressure sensor 111C, a magnetic sensor 111D, an acceleration sensor 111E, a temperature sensor 111F, a touch sensor 111G, an ambient light sensor 111H, a bone conduction sensor 111I, a PPG sensor 111J, etc.

[0041] Understandably, Figure 3 The illustrated structure does not constitute a specific limitation on the electronic device 100 of the embodiment of the present application. The electronic device 100 may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine some components, or split some components, or arrange the components differently. The components shown in the figure may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0042] The processor 101 is the control center of the electronic device 100. The processor 101 may include one or more processing units ( Figure 3 ). For example, the processor 101 may include an application processor (application processor, AP), a modem processor, a graphics processor (graphics processing unit, GPU), an image signal processor (image signal processor, ISP), an analog front end (analog front end, AFE) chip, a controller, a video codec, a digital signal processor (digital signal processor, DSP), a baseband processor, and / or a neural-network processing unit (neural-network processing unit, NPU), etc. Among them, different processing units can communicate with each other. The controller can generate corresponding control signals according to the instruction opcode and the timing signal to complete the control of fetching and executing instructions.

[0043] The processor 101 may also be provided with a memory ( Figure 3101) is used to store instructions and data. In some embodiments, the memory in the processor 101 is a cache memory. The memory can store instructions or data that the processor 101 has just used or cyclically used. If the processor 101 needs to use the instruction or data again, it can be directly called from the memory, avoiding repeated access, reducing the waiting time of the processor 101, and thus improving efficiency.

[0044] The processor 101 may also include multiple interfaces. For example, the interface may include an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) interface, an inter-integrated circuit sound (I2S) interface, a pulse code modulation (PCM) interface, a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART) interface, a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI), a general-purpose input / output (GPIO) interface, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card interface, a USB interface 102, and / or a serial peripheral interface (SPI), etc. ( Figure 3 Only some interfaces are shown).

[0045] The USB interface 102 is an interface that complies with the USB standard specification, and specifically can be a Mini USB interface, a MicroUSB interface, a USB Type C interface, etc. The USB interface 102 can be used to connect a charger to charge the electronic device 100, and can also be used to connect headphones to play audio through the headphones. The interface can also be used to connect other electronic devices 100, such as computers, and perform data transmission with other electronic devices 100.

[0046] SPI is a synchronous serial peripheral interface. This interface can be used to connect other devices or equipment and communicate with other devices or equipment in a serial manner to exchange information.

[0047] In the embodiments of the present application, different processing units, memories, and interfaces may be at least partially integrated into one, or may be separately provided, which is not limited here. For example, in one embodiment, the controller, memory, and some interfaces (such as SPI) may be integrated into a microcontroller unit (MCU). The AFE chip may be integrated with some interfaces, and the AFE chip may use one of the interfaces as a SYNC interface (or SYNC terminal) that can output a synchronization signal.

[0048] In the embodiment of the present application, the charging management module 103 , the power management module 104 and the battery 105 can provide power for other parts of the electronic device 100 .

[0049] The charging management module 103 is used to receive charging input from a charger. The charger may be a wireless charger or a wired charger. In some wired charging embodiments, the charging management module 103 may receive charging input from a wired charger through the USB interface 102. In some wireless charging embodiments, the charging management module 103 may receive wireless charging input through a wireless charging coil of the electronic device 100. While the charging management module 103 is charging the battery 105, it may also power other parts of the electronic device 100 through the power management module 104.

[0050] The power management module 104 is used to connect the battery 105, the charging management module 103 and the processor 101. The power management module 104 receives input from the battery 105 and / or the charging management module 103, and supplies power to the processor 101, the sensor module 111 and other parts of the electronic device 100. The power management module 104 can also be used to monitor parameters such as the capacity of the battery 105, the number of cycles of the battery 105, and the health status (leakage, impedance) of the battery 105. In some other embodiments, the power management module 104 can also be set in the processor 101. In other embodiments, the power management module 104 and the charging management module 103 can also be set in the same device.

[0051] In the embodiment of the present application, the power management module 104 may be provided with a plurality of power modules (for example, a first power module 1041, a second power module 1042, etc., see Figure 4 , Figure 3100). Each power module includes a plurality of power converters that can realize the power conversion function. Therefore, each power module can supply power to the corresponding part in the electronic device 100. Among them, the type of power converter can be set according to the actual circuit needs, which is not limited here. Moreover, for the convenience of control, any power module can also be provided with a corresponding enable terminal. When the enable terminal of the power module receives the corresponding enable signal (or disable signal), the power module is enabled (or disabled).

[0052] In the embodiment of the present application, the electronic device 100 can implement audio functions such as music playing and recording through the audio module 106, the speaker 106A, the receiver 106B, the microphone 106C, and the application processor.

[0053] The audio module 106 is used to convert digital audio information into analog audio signals, and is also used to convert analog audio into digital audio signals. The audio module 106 can also be used to encode and decode audio signals. In some embodiments, the audio module 106 can be arranged in the processor 101, or some functional modules of the audio module 106 can be arranged in the processor 101.

[0054] The speaker 106A, also called a "speaker", is used to convert an audio electrical signal into a sound signal. The electronic device 100 can achieve an external audio playback function through the speaker.

[0055] The receiver 106B, also called a "earpiece", is used to convert audio electrical signals into sound signals. When the electronic device 100 receives a call or voice message, the voice can be received by placing the receiver 106B close to the human ear.

[0056] Microphone 106C, also called "microphone" or "microphone", is used to convert sound signals into electrical signals. When making a call or sending a voice message, the user can speak by approaching the microphone 106C with his mouth to input the sound signal into the microphone 106C. The electronic device 100 can be provided with at least one microphone 106C.

[0057] In other embodiments, the electronic device 100 may be provided with two microphones 106C, which can not only collect sound signals but also realize noise reduction function. In other embodiments, the electronic device 100 may be provided with three, four or more microphones 106C, which can collect sound signals, realize noise reduction, identify sound sources, realize directional recording function, etc.

[0058] In the embodiment of the present application, the electronic device 100 can implement wireless communication functions through the mobile communication module 107, the wireless communication module 108, the antenna 1, the antenna 2, the modem processor and the baseband processor.

[0059] The mobile communication module 107 can provide solutions for wireless communications including 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G, etc., applied to the electronic device 100. The mobile communication module 107 may include at least one filter, a switch, a power amplifier, a low noise amplifier (LNA), etc. The mobile communication module 107 can receive electromagnetic waves from the antenna 1, and filter, amplify, etc. the received electromagnetic waves, and transmit them to the modulation and demodulation processor for demodulation. The mobile communication module 107 can also amplify the signal modulated by the modulation and demodulation processor, and convert it into electromagnetic waves for radiation through the antenna 1.

[0060] The modulation and demodulation processor may include a modulator and a demodulator. The modulator is used to modulate the low-frequency baseband signal to be sent into a medium-high frequency signal. The demodulator is used to demodulate the received electromagnetic wave signal into a low-frequency baseband signal. The demodulator then transmits the demodulated low-frequency baseband signal to the baseband processor for processing. After the low-frequency baseband signal is processed by the baseband processor, it is passed to the application processor. The application processor outputs the sound signal through an audio device (not limited to the speaker 106A, the receiver 106B, etc.).

[0061] The wireless communication module 108 can provide wireless communication solutions including wireless local area networks (WLAN) (such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks), bluetooth (BT), global navigation satellite system (GNSS), frequency modulation (FM), near field communication (NFC), infrared (IR), etc., which are applied to the electronic device 100. The wireless communication module 108 receives electromagnetic waves via the antenna 2, modulates the frequency of the electromagnetic wave signal and performs filtering, and sends the processed signal to the processor 101. The wireless communication module 108 can also receive the signal to be sent from the processor 101, modulate the frequency of the signal, amplify it, and convert it into electromagnetic waves for radiation through the antenna 2.

[0062] In some embodiments, the antenna 1 of the electronic device 100 is coupled to the mobile communication module 107, and the antenna 2 is coupled to the wireless communication module 108, so that the processor 101 in the electronic device 100 can communicate with the network and other devices (such as wireless headphones, wireless speakers, etc.) through wireless communication technology. The wireless communication technology may include global system for mobile communications (GSM), general packet radio service (GPRS), code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), time-division code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA), long term evolution (LTE), BT, GNSS, WLAN, NFC, FM, and / or IR technology, etc. GNSS may include the global positioning system (GPS), the global navigation satellite system (GLONASS), the Beidou navigation satellite system (BDS), the quasi-zenith satellite system (QZSS) and / or the satellite based augmentation system (SBAS).

[0063] The external memory interface 109 can be used to connect an external memory card, such as a Micro SD card, to expand the storage capacity of the electronic device 100. The external memory card communicates with the processor 101 through the external memory interface 109 to implement a data storage function.

[0064] The internal memory 110 can be used to store computer executable program codes, which include instructions. The processor 101 executes various functional applications and data processing of the electronic device 100 by running the instructions stored in the internal memory 110. The internal memory 110 can include a program storage area and a data storage area.

[0065] The pressure sensor 111A is used to sense the pressure signal and can convert the pressure signal into an electrical signal. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 111A can be set on the display screen 113. The gyroscope sensor 111B can be used to determine the motion posture of the electronic device 100. The air pressure sensor 111C is used to measure the air pressure. The magnetic sensor 111D includes a Hall sensor. The acceleration sensor 111E can detect the magnitude of the acceleration of the electronic device 100 in various directions (generally three axes). The temperature sensor 111F is used to detect the temperature. The touch sensor 111G, also known as a "touch device". The touch sensor 111G can be set on the display screen 113, and the touch sensor 111G and the display screen 113 form a touch screen, also known as a "touch screen". The ambient light sensor 111H is used to sense the ambient light brightness. The bone conduction sensor 111I can obtain a vibration signal.

[0066] The PPG sensor 111J includes a light source and a photodetector (see Figure 4 , Figure 3 (not shown in the figure). The light source is used to emit a light signal, and the photodetector is used to detect the pulse wave signal reflected by the human blood and tissues (such as muscles, bones, veins, etc.). It can be understood that the pulse wave signal reflected by the human blood and tissues is essentially a reflected light signal. After receiving the reflected light signal, the photodetector will perform photoelectric conversion on the reflected light signal (that is, it can convert the reflected light signal into an analog electrical signal). Therefore, the photodetector finally outputs the pulse wave signal after photoelectric conversion.

[0067] The light source may be a light-emitting diode (LED), and the photodetector may be a photodiode (PD).

[0068] In an embodiment of the present application, the electronic device 100 can implement a shooting function through an ISP, a camera 112, a video codec, a GPU, a display screen 113, and an application processor. Among them, the camera 112 is used to capture static images or videos. In some embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include 1 or N cameras 112, where N is a positive integer greater than 1. The display screen 113 is used to display images, videos, etc. The display screen 113 includes a display panel. In some embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include 1 or N display screens 113, where N is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0069] The key 114 includes a power key, a volume key, etc. The key 114 can be a mechanical key or a touch key. The electronic device 100 can receive input from the key 114 and generate key signal input related to user settings and function control of the electronic device 100.

[0070] The indicator 115 may be an indicator light, which may be used to indicate the charging status, power change, messages, missed calls, notifications, etc.

[0071] Next, see Figure 4 , is a connection diagram of the PPG sensor 111J in the electronic device 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 1 shows a battery 105, a first power module 1041, a second power module 1042, a PPG sensor 111J, an AFE chip 1011, and a controller 1012 in the electronic device 100. The PPG sensor 111J includes a light source 1111 and a photodetector 1112.

[0072] Specifically, Figure 4 As shown, one end of the first power module 1041 is connected to the battery 105, the other end of the first power module 1041 is connected to the positive electrode of the light source 1111, and the negative electrode of the light source 1111 is connected to the AFE chip 1011 (for example, it can be connected to the ground terminal GND or other connection terminals of the AFE chip 1011).

[0073] Therefore, when the first power module 1041 is working, the first power module 1041 can be used to convert the power of the battery 105 into the power supply voltage required by the light source 1111 and output it to the light source 1111, so that the positive and negative electrodes of the light source 1111 can reach the set light-emitting voltage value, and then the light source 1111 can emit a light signal. On the contrary, when the first power module 1041 is not working, the positive and negative electrodes of the light source 1111 cannot reach the set light-emitting voltage value, and then the light source 1111 cannot emit a light signal.

[0074] It is understandable that the present application does not limit the circuit structure in the first power module 1041, as long as the first power module 1041 can provide power for the light source 1111. For example, in one embodiment, the first power module 1041 can use a boost circuit.

[0075] Similarly, one end of the second power module 1042 is connected to the battery 105, and the other end of the second power module 1042 is connected to the photodetector 1112. Therefore, the second power module 1042 can be used to convert the electrical energy of the battery 105 into the power supply voltage required by the photodetector 1112, and output it to the photodetector 1112, so that the photodetector 1112 can be powered on and started, and then detect the pulse wave signal reflected by the optical signal.

[0076] The AFE chip 1011 and the controller 1012 can be connected to other power modules ( Figure 4 ), and is powered by other power modules.

[0077] In the embodiment of the present application, the type and quantity of the light source 1111 and the photodetector 1112 of the PPG sensor 111J can be set according to the actual situation. For example, when the physiological characteristic information of the user needs to be detected, such as heart rate and blood oxygen saturation, the PPG sensor 111J can be provided with at least one three-color LED and multiple PDs. It can be understood that the transmission between a light signal emitted by an LED and a photodetector 1112 can constitute a corresponding optical path channel and correspond to a pulse wave signal.

[0078] Among them, the three-color LED can be used to emit green light, red light, and infrared light. Green light is mainly used to detect heart rate. This is because the pulse wave signal corresponding to green light has a high signal-to-noise ratio, and the requirements for detection and signal conditioning are relatively low. Even if there is some interference, it is relatively easy to eliminate. Red light and infrared light are mainly used to detect blood oxygen saturation. This is because the absorption rates of hemoglobin and oxygenated hemoglobin in the blood to red light and infrared light are different. Oxygenated hemoglobin absorbs more near-infrared light (about 900nm), while hemoglobin absorbs more red light (about 650nm), and the corresponding pulse wave signals of oxygenated hemoglobin and hemoglobin are different. Therefore, the pulse wave signal corresponding to red light and infrared light can be used to measure the value of blood oxygen saturation (that is, the ratio between oxygenated hemoglobin and hemoglobin).

[0079] The AFE chip 1011 is connected to the controller 1012 and the photodetector 1112. Therefore, the controller 1012 can output a control instruction to the AFE chip 1011. Furthermore, the AFE chip 1011 can output a control signal to the photodetector 1112 according to the control signal to control the photodetector 1112 to work intermittently. Specifically, the control signal is used to control the photodetector 1112 to work in each preset working period W and not to work in each interval period G. The preset working period W and the interval period G are alternately set, that is, every two preset working periods W are separated by an interval period G.

[0080] Moreover, the control signal can also be used to control the photodetector 1112 to detect / sample the pulse wave signal at a preset sampling frequency f in each preset working period W. The preset sampling frequency f=1 / W can be set accordingly according to actual conditions, for example, it can be set to 5Hz, 25Hz or 100Hz, etc., which is not limited here. Compared with the photodetector 1112 continuously detecting, such a design can effectively reduce the working time of the photodetector 1112, thereby effectively reducing the power consumption of the photodetector 1112.

[0081] See also Figure 5 , which shows a waveform diagram of the control signal. Figure 5For the convenience of description, only a partial preset working period W, a complete interval period G, a complete preset working period W, and a partial interval period G are shown. The preset working period W and the interval period G are alternated, wherein the interval period G is represented as a low level. The preset working period W is represented as an alternating high level and a low level, and the number of high and low level changes in the preset working period W is only for illustration and is not a limitation of the embodiments of the present application.

[0082] It can be understood that the high level in the preset working period W represents the control signal for controlling the photodetector 1112 to detect / sample, and the low level in the preset working period W and the low level in the interval period G represent the control signal for controlling the photodetector 1112 not to detect / sample. Of course, in other embodiments, the opposite may be true, that is, the high level represents the control signal for controlling the photodetector 1112 not to work, and the low level represents the control signal for controlling the photodetector 1112 to work, which is not limited here.

[0083] Since the control signal is used to control the detection process of the photodetector 1112, Figure 5 The waveform of the control signal in can also be understood as an example of the waveform of the working process of the photodetector 1112.

[0084] After the photodetector 1112 detects the pulse wave signal, the AFE chip 1011 can also receive the pulse wave signal, and amplify, filter, and perform analog-to-digital conversion on the pulse wave signal, thereby outputting a corresponding electrical signal to the controller 1012. It can be understood that the electrical signal is a digital electrical signal. Furthermore, the controller 1012 can derive the user's physiological characteristic information based on the electrical signal.

[0085] In some embodiments, the AFE chip 1011 can be connected to the SPI interface of the controller 1012. The SPI interface can support full-duplex communication, and the communication is simple and the data transmission rate is fast, which is conducive to the communication between the controller 1012 and the AFE chip 1011, so that the controller 1012 can quickly obtain the user's physiological characteristics information.

[0086] In the embodiment of the present application, the AFE chip 1011 is also connected to the first power module 1041. Furthermore, the AFE chip 1011 can output a synchronization signal to the first power module 1041 according to the control signal to control the first power module 1041 to work intermittently.

[0087] In the embodiment of the present application, the SYNC terminal of the AFE chip 1011 may be connected to the enable (EN) terminal of the first power module 1041. In this way, the AFE chip 1011 may output a synchronization signal to the enable terminal of the first power module 1041 through the SYNC terminal.

[0088] It is understandable that the SYNC terminal can sense the working condition of the AFE chip 1011 under the control of the control instruction and output accordingly. Therefore, the synchronization signal output by the AFE chip 1011 through the SYNC terminal can reflect to a certain extent when the AFE chip 1011 controls the photodetector 1112 to work / not work (that is, it can reflect the control signal to a certain extent).

[0089] Since the first power module 1041 receives the synchronization signal through the enable terminal, the synchronization signal output by the AFE chip 1011 may be equivalent to the enable / disable signal of the first power module 1041 , and can be used to enable / disable the first power module 1041 .

[0090] Specifically, the synchronization signal has a first level and a second level. Figure 5 As shown, in each preset working period W of the PPG sensor 111J, the synchronization signal is at the first level. In this way, the synchronization signal can be equivalent to an enable signal, which can be used to enable the first power module 1041 in each preset working period W of the PPG sensor 111J. Therefore, the first power module 1041 works synchronously when the photodetector 1112 works.

[0091] In the preset intermittent period D in each interval period G, the synchronization signal is at a second level. The second level is different from the first level. In this way, the synchronization signal can be equivalent to a disable signal, which can be used to disable the first power module 1041 in each preset intermittent period. Therefore, the first power module 1041 stops working synchronously in the preset intermittent period D when the photodetector 1112 is not working.

[0092] It can be seen that the power electronic devices in the first power module 1041 consume electrical energy when the photodetector 1112 is working, and do not consume electrical energy during the preset intermittent period D. Therefore, the first power module 1041 in the embodiment of the present application is not consuming energy in real time, and therefore, the power consumption of the first power module 1041 can be reduced.

[0093] Moreover, if Figure 5As shown, there is a preset time T between the preset intermittent period D and the preset working period W located after and adjacent to the interval period G. That is to say, the preset intermittent period D is less than the interval period G. Therefore, after the preset intermittent period D, the photodetector is still in the interval period G (that is, it stops working). At this time, the synchronization signal first enables the first power module, so that the first power module works for the preset time T first, and then the photodetector enters the preset working period W from the interval period G. In this way, the output voltage of the first power module 1041 can reach the voltage required by the light source 1111 and remain stable when the photodetector 1112 starts working, so that the light source 1111 can emit light signals normally and stably, and the photodetector 1112 can detect the pulse wave signal. Moreover, it can be ensured that the first power module 1041 can be in a stopped working state for a part of the time except the preset time T in the interval period G.

[0094] It should be understood that the size of the preset working period W, the interval period G, the preset intermittent period D, and the preset time T can be set accordingly according to the actual situation, and the present application does not limit this. For example, in some embodiments, the preset working period W can be set to 200ms, 40ms, 10ms or other durations. The interval period G can be set to 10ms or other durations. The preset time T can be set to 1.5ms or other durations, as long as the preset time T does not exceed the interval period G and is sufficient to make the output voltage of the first power module 1041 reach the power supply voltage required by the light source 1111 and remain stable.

[0095] In the embodiment of the present application, the enable terminal of the first power module 1041 can be high level enable and low level disable. Figure 5 As shown, in the preset working period W and the preset time T, the first level is a high level. In the preset intermittent period D, the second level is a low level. Of course, in other embodiments, the enable end of the first power supply module 1041 can also be a low level enable and a high level disable. In this way, in the preset working period W and the preset time T, the first level can also be a low level. In the preset intermittent period D, the second level can also be a high level.

[0096] Combine the following Figure 5 The working process of the electronic device / wearable device according to the embodiment of the present application is introduced in detail.

[0097] Please refer again Figure 5Under the control of the controller, during the interval period G, the AFE chip 1011 outputs a low-level control signal, so the AFE chip 1011 can control the photodetector 1112 not to work, and during the preset interval period D of the interval period G, the AFE chip 1011 also outputs a second-level synchronization signal to the first power module 1041. Therefore, the synchronization signal can prohibit the first power module 1041 from working during the preset interval period D, so that the first power module 1041 cannot supply power to the light source 1111. Therefore, at this time, the light source 1111 also does not emit light signals synchronously, and the AFE chip 1011 cannot receive the pulse wave signal from the photodetector 1112, and then the controller 1012 cannot receive the electrical signal of the AFE chip 1011, so the physiological characteristic information cannot be obtained.

[0098] Considering that after the first power module 1041 switches from the stop working state to the working state, the first power module 1041 needs a certain amount of time to make the output voltage reach the power supply voltage required by the light source 1111 and remain stable. Therefore, in the interval period G and within the preset time T after the preset intermittent period D, the synchronization signal output by the AFE chip 1011 can be switched from the second level to the first level. In this way, the synchronization signal can enable the first power module 1041. In other words, the synchronization signal can make the first power module 1041 start working first within the preset time T before the AFE chip 1011 works, so that the output voltage of the first power module 1041 can rise to the power supply voltage required by the light source 1111 and remain stable.

[0099] Subsequently, when entering the preset working period W, the control signal output by the AFE chip 1011 changes from a low level to a high level, so the AFE chip 1011 can control the photodetector 1112 to start working, and continue to output the synchronization signal at the first level to the first power module 1041, so the first power module 1041 can still continue to work to maintain power supply to the light source 1111. Since the first power module 1041 at this time has reached the power supply voltage required by the light source 1111, it can stably supply power to the light source 1111, so the light source 1111 can emit a stable light signal with sufficient brightness, the photodetector 1112 can detect and output the pulse wave signal to the AFE chip 1011, and the AFE chip 1011 can further output the corresponding electrical signal to the controller 1012, and the controller 1012 can further obtain the physiological characteristic information according to the electrical signal.

[0100] It can be understood that within the preset working period W, the control signal output by the AFE chip 1011 will have multiple high and low level alternations, which can enable the photodetector 1112 to detect the pulse wave optical signal at a preset sampling frequency.

[0101] When the preset working period W ends and enters the interval period G, the control signal output by the AFE chip 1011 changes from a high level to a low level, so the AFE chip 1011 can control the photodetector 1112 to stop working, and also send a synchronization signal at a second level to the first power module 1041. In this way, the first power module 1041 is disabled and cannot supply power to the light source 1111. Therefore, the light source 1111 also stops emitting light signals synchronously. Since the AFE chip 1011 cannot receive the pulse wave signal from the photodetector 1112, the controller 1012 cannot receive the electrical signal of the AFE chip 1011, so the physiological characteristic information cannot be obtained.

[0102] The synchronization signal may drop to the second level after the control signal jumps to the low level, or may jump at the same time as the control signal, which is not specifically limited here.

[0103] Afterwards, after the interval period G, the next preset working period W is entered. After the next preset working period W ends, the interval period G is entered again by referring to the above process, which will not be repeated here.

[0104] In summary, the electronic device and the wearable device of the embodiment of the present application can finely control the operation of the first power module 1041 through the synchronization signal output by the AFE chip 1011. When the AFE chip 1011 outputs a control signal to control the operation of the photodetector 1112, the synchronization signal output by the AFE chip 1011 also controls the operation of the first power module 1041 to supply power to the light source 1111. When the AFE chip 1011 outputs a control signal to control the photodetector 1112 not to work, the synchronization signal output by the AFE chip 1011 also controls the first power module 1041 to stop working to stop supplying power to the light source 1111. It can be seen that the working process of the photodetector 1112 and the working process of the first power module 1041 can be synchronized. In this way, the loss of electric energy caused by the first power module 1041 still working when the photodetector 1112 is not working can be avoided. Therefore, the power consumption of the first power module 1041 can be effectively reduced. Furthermore, the overall power consumption of the electronic device and the wearable device is reduced, and the battery life of the electronic device and the wearable device is also extended.

[0105] Moreover, the synchronization signal can enable the first power module 1041 within a preset time T before the AFE chip 1011 works, so that the first power module 1041 can be started and worked before the photodetector 1112 works, so that the output voltage of the first power module 1041 can rise to the power supply voltage required by the light source 1111 and remain stable. Furthermore, when the photodetector 1112 works, the first power module 1041 can stably supply power to the light source 1111, so the light source 1111 can emit a stable light signal, which is conducive to the photodetector 1112 detecting the pulse wave signal, and the AFE chip 1011 can then receive the pulse wave signal and output the corresponding electrical signal to the controller 1012, so that the controller 1012 obtains more accurate physiological characteristic information. Therefore, the embodiment of the present application reduces the power consumption of the first power module 1041 while not affecting the first power module 1041 supplying power to the PPG sensor 111J, and will not affect the normal operation of the PPG sensor 111J. Moreover, there is no need to change the sampling frequency of the PPG sensor 111J, so the control complexity will not be increased. In addition, the electronic device and the wearable device do not need to add any components, and the cost does not need to be increased.

[0106] In addition, the power supply of the first power module 1041 will affect the light emission of the light source 1111, and the light emission of the light source 1111 will affect the detection of the photodetector 1112. Therefore, the embodiment of the present application controls the first power module 1041 through the synchronization signal output by the AFE chip 1011, and can indirectly control the light emission of the light source 1111 and the detection of the photodetector 1112, so that the PPG sensor 111J can be more controllable.

[0107] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art who is familiar with the present technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device comprises: a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, a first power module, and an analog front-end chip, wherein the PPG sensor comprises a light source and a photodetector, and the light source is used to emit a light signal; The light source is connected to the first power module, the photodetector is connected to the analog front-end chip, and the analog front-end chip is also connected to the first power module; The analog front-end chip is used for: Outputting a control signal to the photodetector, wherein the control signal is used to control the photodetector to detect the pulse wave signal reflected by the light signal in each preset working period; A synchronization signal is output to the first power module according to the control signal, wherein the synchronization signal is used to enable the first power module in each of the preset working periods.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: There is an interval period between every two of the preset working periods, and the control signal is also used to control the photoelectric detector not to work during the interval period; The synchronization signal is used to disable the first power module within a preset intermittent period, wherein the preset intermittent period is within the interval period.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The preset intermittent period is separated from the preset working period which is located after and adjacent to the interval period by a preset time.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, characterized in that: During the preset working period and the preset time, the synchronization signal is at a first level; During the preset intermittent period, the synchronization signal is at a second level, wherein the second level is different from the first level.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The SYNC terminal of the analog front-end chip is connected to the enable terminal of the first power module, and the analog front-end chip outputs the synchronization signal through the SYNC terminal.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic device also includes a controller, which is connected to the analog front-end chip. The controller is used to output a control instruction to the analog front-end chip, and the analog front-end chip is used to generate the control signal according to the control instruction.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The photodetector is also used to output the pulse wave signal to the analog front-end chip, and the analog front-end chip is also used to process the pulse wave signal into a corresponding electrical signal and output it to the controller, and the controller is also used to obtain physiological characteristic information based on the electrical signal.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The photoelectric detector is used to detect the pulse wave signal at a preset sampling frequency within each preset working period.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic device further includes a battery and a second power module, wherein: The first power module is connected to the battery and the light source, and is used to convert the electric energy of the battery into power and then supply power to the light source; The second power module is connected to the battery and the photodetector, and is used for converting the electric energy of the battery into power and then supplying power to the photodetector.

10. A wearable device, characterized in that: The wearable device comprises: a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, a first power module, an analog front-end chip, and a controller, wherein the PPG sensor comprises a light source and a photodetector, and the light source is used to emit a light signal; The light source is connected to the first power module, the photodetector is connected to the analog front-end chip, and the analog front-end chip is also connected to the controller and the first power module; The analog front-end chip is used for: Outputting a control signal to the photodetector, wherein the control signal is used to control the photodetector to detect the pulse wave signal reflected by the light signal in each preset working period; Outputting an electrical signal corresponding to the pulse wave signal to the controller; Outputting a synchronization signal to the first power module according to the control signal, wherein the synchronization signal is used to enable the first power module in each of the preset working periods; The controller is used to obtain physiological characteristic information according to the electrical signal.

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