Detection device

Abstract

A detection device comprises a human body communication module, a first coupler, a first analog-to-digital converter, an electrode element, a second coupler, a second analog-to-digital converter, a signal processor and an adjustable matching circuit. The human body communication module can generate a human body communication signal. The first coupler can generate a first branch signal according to the human body communication signal. The first analog-to-digital converter converts the first branch signal into a first digital signal. The electrode element may receive a physiological signal from the body portion. The second coupler may generate a second branch signal according to the physiological signal. The second analog-to-digital converter converts the second branch signal into a second digital signal. The signal processor can generate a control signal according to the first digital signal and the second digital signal so as to adjust the impedance value of the adjustable matching circuit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a detection device, and more particularly to a detection device that can be used to detect a part of the human body. Background Art

[0002] In the field of biological detection, since the conductivity of the human body may be affected by many factors (such as skin condition, humidity, temperature, etc.), the overall detection accuracy will be severely reduced. In view of this, it is necessary to propose a new solution to overcome the difficulties faced by the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a detection device for detecting a part of the human body, comprising: a human body communication module for generating a human body communication signal; a first coupler for generating a first branch signal according to the human body communication signal; a first analog-to-digital converter for converting the first branch signal into a first digital signal; an electrode element for receiving a physiological signal from the part of the human body; a second coupler for generating a second branch signal according to the physiological signal; a second analog-to-digital converter for converting the second branch signal into a second digital signal; a signal processor for generating a control signal according to the first digital signal and the second digital signal; and an adjustable matching circuit coupled between the first coupler and the second coupler, wherein an impedance value of the adjustable matching circuit can be selectively adjusted according to the control signal.

[0004] In some embodiments, the part of the human body is the human skin.

[0005] In some embodiments, the electrode element is in direct contact with the part of the human body.

[0006] In some embodiments, each of the first coupler and the second coupler is a directional coupler or a power divider.

[0007] In some embodiments, if a strength ratio of the second digital signal to the first digital signal is less than or equal to a critical value, the impedance value of the adjustable matching circuit will remain unchanged.

[0008] In some embodiments, if the strength ratio of the second digital signal to the first digital signal is greater than the critical value, the impedance value of the adjustable matching circuit will be changed according to the control signal.

[0009] In some embodiments, the critical value is about 5% or 10%.

[0010] In some embodiments, the detection device further comprises: a sensor for detecting a physiological information of the part of the human body to generate a detection signal.

[0011] In some embodiments, the physiological information includes a temperature data and / or a humidity data.

[0012] In some embodiments, the signal processor further generates the control signal with reference to the detection signal.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a detection device for detecting a human body part, including: a human body communication module for generating a human body communication signal; a transmitter for transmitting a reference carrier signal to the human body part according to the human body communication signal; a receiver for receiving a reflected carrier signal from the human body part; a signal processor for generating a control signal according to the reference carrier signal and the reflected carrier signal; and an adjustable matching circuit coupled between the transmitter and the receiver, wherein an impedance value of the adjustable matching circuit can be selectively adjusted according to the control signal.

[0014] In some embodiments, the reference carrier signal and the reflected carrier signal are each a wireless signal.

[0015] In some embodiments, an operating frequency of each of the reference carrier signal and the reflected carrier signal is between 1 MHz and 200 MHz.

[0016] In some embodiments, the signal processor further compares the reflected carrier signal with the reference carrier signal to obtain a differential data.

[0017] In some embodiments, the differential data includes an amplitude difference between the reflected carrier signal and the reference carrier signal.

[0018] In some embodiments, the differential data further includes a phase difference between the reflected carrier signal and the reference carrier signal.

[0019] In some embodiments, the differential data includes a received signal strength indication difference between the reflected carrier signal and the reference carrier signal.

[0020] In some embodiments, the differential data further includes a packet transmission rate difference between the reflected carrier signal and the reference carrier signal.

[0021] In some embodiments, if the reflected carrier signal is substantially different from the reference carrier signal, the impedance value of the adjustable matching circuit will remain unchanged.

[0022] In some embodiments, if the reflected carrier signal is substantially equivalent to the reference carrier signal, the impedance value of the adjustable matching circuit will be changed according to the control signal. Description of the Drawings

[0023] Figure 1 Schematic diagram showing the detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing the detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing the detection device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Symbol description:

[0027] 100, 200, 300: Detection device

[0028] 110, 310: Human body communication module

[0029] 120: First coupler

[0030] 130: First analog-to-digital converter

[0031] 140: Electrode element

[0032] 150: Second coupler

[0033] 160: Second analog-to-digital converter

[0034] 170, 370: Signal processor

[0035] 180, 380: Adjustable matching circuit

[0036] 199: Human body part

[0037] 290: Sensor

[0038] 320: Transmitter

[0039] 330: Receiver

[0040] DE: Differential data

[0041] IE: Physiological information

[0042] RT: Intensity ratio

[0043] SB1: First branch signal

[0044] SB2: Second branch signal

[0045] SC: Control signal

[0046] SD1: First digital signal

[0047] SD2: Second digital signal

[0048] SE: Physiological signal

[0049] SH: Human communication signal

[0050] SR: Reflected carrier signal

[0051] ST: Detection signal

[0052] SW: Reference carrier signal

[0053] TH: Threshold value

[0054] Z: Impedance value Detailed implementation manners

[0055] To make the objectives, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention are hereinafter given, and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the detailed description is as follows.

[0056] In the description and claims, certain terms are used to refer to specific components. Those skilled in the art should understand that hardware manufacturers may use different terms to refer to the same component. The description and claims of this specification do not use the difference in names as a way to distinguish components, but use the difference in functions of components as the criterion for distinction. The terms "comprising" and "including" mentioned throughout the description and claims are open-ended terms, so they should be interpreted as "including but not limited to". The term "substantially" means within an acceptable error range, and those skilled in the art can solve the technical problems within a certain error range and achieve the basic technical effects. In addition, the term "coupled" in this specification includes any direct and indirect electrical connection means. Therefore, if it is described in the text that a first device is coupled to a second device, it means that the first device can be directly electrically connected to the second device, or indirectly electrically connected to the second device through other devices or connection means.

[0057] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different features of the present case. The following disclosure describes specific examples of the arrangement of each component to simplify the description. Of course, these specific examples are not used for limitation. For example, if the present disclosure describes that a first feature is formed on or above a second feature, it means that it may include an embodiment in which the above-mentioned first feature and the above-mentioned second feature are in direct contact, and it may also include an embodiment in which additional features are formed between the above-mentioned first feature and the above-mentioned second feature, so that the above-mentioned first feature and the second feature may not be in direct contact. In addition, the following disclosure may reuse the same reference symbols or (and) marks in different examples. These repetitions are for the purpose of simplification and clarity, and are not used to limit a specific relationship between the different embodiments or (and) structures discussed.

[0058] In addition, the terms related to space, such as "below", "beneath", "lower", "above", "higher", and similar terms, are used to facilitate the description of the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature in the drawings. These space-related terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation shown in the drawings. The device may be turned to different orientations (rotated 90 degrees or other orientations), and the space-related terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0059] Figure 1 FIG. showing a schematic diagram of the detection device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The detection device 100 can be applied to a mobile device or a wearable device, such as: a smart phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a smart watch, or an augmented reality (AR) glasses. In Figure 1 the embodiment, the detection device 100 includes: a human body communication (HBC) module 110, a first coupler 120, a first analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 130, an electrode element 140, a second coupler 150, a second analog-to-digital converter 160, a signal processor 170, and a tunable matching circuit 180. It must be understood that although not shown in Figure 1 it, the detection device 100 may further include other elements, such as: a housing, a speaker, or (and) a power supply module.

[0060] In some embodiments, the detection device 100 can be used to detect a human body portion 199. The human body portion 199 can be any body part of a user, such as: human skin, but is not limited thereto.

[0061] The human body communication module 110 can generate a human body communication signal SH. For example, an operational frequency of the human body communication signal SH can be between 1 MHz and 200 MHz. Generally speaking, this human body communication signal SH can be mainly transmitted to the electrode element 140 via the first coupler 120, the tunable matching circuit 180, and the second coupler 150. The electrode element 140 can be in direct contact with the human body part 199. In response, the electrode element 140 can receive a physiological signal SE from the human body part 199. In some embodiments, the physiological signal SE can be regarded as a reflection signal of the human body part 199 with respect to the human body communication signal SH.

[0062] The first coupler 120 can be a directional coupler or a power splitter. Specifically, the first coupler 120 has a first end, a second end, and a third end, wherein the first end of the first coupler 120 is coupled to the human body communication module 110, the second end of the first coupler 120 is coupled to the first analog-to-digital converter 130, and the third end of the first coupler 120 is coupled to the tunable matching circuit 180. The first coupler 120 can generate a first branch signal SB1 according to the human body communication signal SH, where the first branch signal SB1 can only occupy a small proportion of the energy of the human body communication signal SH, for example: 1%, 5%, or 10%. Then, the first analog-to-digital converter 130 can convert the first branch signal SB1 into a first digital signal SD1.

[0063] The second coupler 150 can be another directional coupler or another power splitter. Specifically, the second coupler 150 has a first end, a second end, and a third end, wherein the first end of the second coupler 150 is coupled to the electrode element 140, the second end of the second coupler 150 is coupled to the second analog-to-digital converter 160, and the third end of the second coupler 150 is coupled to the tunable matching circuit 180. The second coupler 150 can generate a second branch signal SB2 according to the physiological signal SE, where the second branch signal SB2 can only occupy a small proportion of the energy of the physiological signal SE, for example: 1%, 5%, or 10%. Then, the second analog-to-digital converter 160 can convert the second branch signal SB2 into a second digital signal SD2.

[0064] The signal processor 170 is coupled between the first analog-to-digital converter 130 and the second analog-to-digital converter 160. The signal processor 170 can generate a control signal SC according to the first digital signal SD1 and the second digital signal SD2. The adjustable matching circuit 180 is coupled between the first coupler 120 and the second coupler 150, where an impedance value Z of the adjustable matching circuit 180 can be selectively adjusted according to the control signal SC.

[0065] In some embodiments, the signal processor 170 can first calculate a strength ratio RT of the second digital signal SD2 relative to the first digital signal SD1, and then compare this strength ratio RT with a threshold value TH, where the aforementioned threshold value TH can be approximately 5% or 10%, but is not limited thereto. For example, the aforementioned strength ratio RT can be calculated according to the following equation (1):

[0066]

[0067] where "RT" represents the strength ratio RT, "SD1" represents the signal strength of the first digital signal SD1, and "SD2" represents the signal strength of the second digital signal SD2.

[0068] For example, if the strength ratio RT of the second digital signal SD2 relative to the first digital signal SD1 is less than or equal to the threshold value TH, it implies an ideal case, indicating that the physiological signal SE from the human body part 199 is relatively weak. At this time, the conductivity of the human body part 199 may be relatively high, and the impedance value Z of the adjustable matching circuit 180 can remain unchanged.

[0069] Conversely, if the strength ratio RT of the second digital signal SD2 relative to the first digital signal SD1 is greater than the threshold value TH, it implies a non-ideal case, indicating that the physiological signal SE from the human body part 199 is relatively strong. At this time, the conductivity of the human body part 199 may be relatively low, and the impedance value Z of the adjustable matching circuit 180 can be changed according to the control signal SC.

[0070] Under the design of the present invention, the proposed detection device 100 can be in contact with the human body part 199, and can appropriately fine-tune its impedance matching according to different states of the human body part 199, thereby greatly improving its overall detection accuracy.

[0071] The following embodiments will introduce various different configurations and detailed structural features of the detection device 100. It must be understood that these drawings and descriptions are only for illustration and not for limiting the present invention.

[0072] Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing the detection device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 and Figure 1 similar. In Figure 2 embodiment, the detection device 200 further includes a sensor 290 coupled to the signal processor 170. The sensor 290 can detect a physiological information IE of the human body part 199 to generate a detection signal ST. For example, the physiological information IE may include a temperature data and / or a humidity data of the human body part 199, but is not limited thereto. The physiological information IE can be used as an auxiliary judgment condition, so that the signal processor 170 can further generate the foregoing control signal SC with reference to the detection signal ST. Figure 2 The remaining features of the detection device 200 of Figure 1 are similar to those of the detection device 100 of

[0073] Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing the detection device 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The detection device 300 can be applied to a mobile device or a wearable device. In Figure 3 embodiment, the detection device 300 includes: a human body communication module 310, a transmitter (TX) 320, a receiver (RX) 330, a signal processor 370, and an adjustable matching circuit 380. It must be understood that although not shown in Figure 3 , the detection device 300 can further include other components.

[0074] In some embodiments, the detection device 300 can be used to detect a human body part 399. The human body part 399 can be any body part of a user, such as: a human skin, but is not limited thereto.

[0075] The human body communication module 310 can generate a human body communication signal SH. For example, an operating frequency of the human body communication signal SH can be between 1 MHz and 200 MHz. The transmitter 320 is coupled to the human body communication module 310. The transmitter 320 can transmit a reference carrier-wave signal SW to the human body part 399 according to the human body communication signal SH. In response, the receiver 330 can receive a reflection carrier-wave signal SR from the human body part 399. In some embodiments, the reference carrier-wave signal SW and the reflection carrier-wave signal SR can each be a wireless signal. For example, an operating frequency of each of the reference carrier-wave signal SW and the reflection carrier-wave signal SR can be between 1 MHz and 200 MHz.

[0076] The signal processor 170 is coupled between the transmitter 320 and the receiver 330. The signal processor 370 can generate a control signal SC according to the reference carrier-wave signal SW and the reflection carrier-wave signal SR. The tunable matching circuit 380 is also coupled between the transmitter 320 and the receiver 330, wherein an impedance value Z of the tunable matching circuit 380 can be selectively adjusted according to the control signal SC.

[0077] In some embodiments, the signal processor 370 can further compare the reflection carrier-wave signal SR with the reference carrier-wave signal SW to obtain a differential data DE. Specifically, this differential data DE can be classified as analog data or digital data.

[0078] In some embodiments, if the differential data DE is classified as analog data, the differential data DE can include an amplitude difference or (and) a phase difference between the reflection carrier-wave signal SR and the reference carrier-wave signal SW. In other embodiments, if the differential data DE is classified as digital data, the differential data DE can include a received signal strength indication difference (RSSI difference) or (and) a packet delivery rate difference (PDR difference) between the reflection carrier-wave signal SR and the reference carrier-wave signal SW.

[0079] For example, if the signal processor 370 determines that the reflected carrier signal SR is substantially different from the reference carrier signal SW (i.e., the aforementioned differential data DE is significant), it implies an ideal situation, indicating that the human body part 399 absorbs most of the reference carrier signal SW. At this time, the conductivity of the human body part 399 may be relatively high, and the impedance value Z of the adjustable matching circuit 380 can remain unchanged.

[0080] Conversely, if the signal processor 370 determines that the reflected carrier signal SR is substantially equal to the reference carrier signal SW (i.e., the aforementioned differential data DE is meaningless), it implies a non-ideal situation, indicating that the human body part 399 reflects most of the reference carrier signal SW. At this time, the conductivity of the human body part 399 may be relatively low, and the impedance value Z of the adjustable matching circuit 380 can be changed according to the control signal SC.

[0081] Under the design of the present invention, the proposed detection device 300 does not need to have any contact with the human body part 399, and can appropriately fine-tune its impedance matching according to different states of the human body part 399, thereby greatly improving its overall detection accuracy.

[0082] The present invention proposes a novel detection device. Compared with traditional designs, the present invention has at least the advantages of improving the overall detection accuracy and reducing the overall manufacturing cost, so it is very suitable for application in various devices.

[0083] It should be noted that the above-mentioned component parameters are not limiting conditions of the present invention. Designers can adjust these setting values according to different needs. The detection device of the present invention is not limited to Figures 1 - 3 the state shown. The present invention may only include Figures 1 - 3 any one or more features of any one or more of the embodiments. In other words, not all of the shown features must be implemented simultaneously in the detection device of the present invention.

[0084] In the present specification and the claims, ordinal numbers such as "first", "second", "third", etc. do not have a sequential relationship with each other, and are only used to label and distinguish two different components with the same name.

[0085] Although the present invention is disclosed above with preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A detection device for detecting a human body part, comprising: a human body communication module that generates a human body communication signal; a first coupler that generates a first branch signal according to the human body communication signal; a first analog-to-digital converter that converts the first branch signal into a first digital signal; an electrode element that receives a physiological signal from the human body part; a second coupler that generates a second branch signal according to the physiological signal; a second analog-to-digital converter that converts the second branch signal into a second digital signal; a signal processor that generates a control signal according to the first digital signal and the second digital signal; and an adjustable matching circuit coupled between the first coupler and the second coupler, wherein an impedance value of the adjustable matching circuit can be selectively adjusted according to the control signal.

2. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the human body part is a human skin.

3. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the electrode element is in direct contact with the human body part.

4. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the first coupler and the second coupler are each a directional coupler or a power divider.

5. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein if an intensity ratio of the second digital signal to the first digital signal is less than or equal to a critical value, the impedance value of the adjustable matching circuit will remain unchanged.

6. The detection device according to claim 5, wherein if the intensity ratio of the second digital signal to the first digital signal is greater than the critical value, the impedance value of the adjustable matching circuit will be changed according to the control signal.

7. The detection device according to claim 5, wherein the critical value is about 5% or 10%.

8. The detection device according to claim 1, further comprising: a sensor that detects a physiological information of the human body part to generate a detection signal.

9. The detection device according to claim 8, wherein the physiological information includes a temperature data or (and) a humidity data.

10. The detection device according to claim 8, wherein the signal processor further generates the control signal with reference to the detection signal.

11. A detection device for detecting a human body part, comprising: a human body communication module that generates a human body communication signal; a transmitter that transmits a reference carrier signal to the human body part according to the human body communication signal; a receiver that receives a reflected carrier signal from the human body part; a signal processor that generates a control signal according to the reference carrier signal and the reflected carrier signal; and an adjustable matching circuit coupled between the transmitter and the receiver, wherein an impedance value of the adjustable matching circuit can be selectively adjusted according to the control signal.

12. The detection device according to claim 11, wherein the reference carrier signal and the reflected carrier signal are each a wireless signal.

13. The detection device according to claim 11, wherein an operating frequency of each of the reference carrier signal and the reflected carrier signal is between 1 MHz and 200 MHz.

14. The detection device according to claim 11, wherein the signal processor further compares the reflected carrier signal with the reference carrier signal to obtain a differential data.

15. The detection device according to claim 14, wherein the differential data includes an amplitude difference between the reflected carrier signal and the reference carrier signal.

16. The detection device according to claim 15, wherein the differential data further includes a phase difference between the reflected carrier signal and the reference carrier signal.

17. The detection device according to claim 14, wherein the differential data includes a received signal strength indication difference between the reflected carrier signal and the reference carrier signal.

18. The detection device according to claim 17, wherein the differential data further includes a packet transmission rate difference between the reflected carrier signal and the reference carrier signal.

19. The detection device according to claim 11, wherein if the reflected carrier signal is substantially different from the reference carrier signal, the impedance value of the adjustable matching circuit will remain unchanged.

20. The detection device according to claim 11, wherein if the reflected carrier signal is substantially equivalent to the reference carrier signal, the impedance value of the adjustable matching circuit will be changed according to the control signal.

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