Detection device and detection method

Abstract

A detection device includes a signal generator, a frequency selective surface, an electro-optic crystal element, a light source, an optical waveguide, a light sensor, and a processor. The signal generator can generate a millimeter wave signal. The electro-optic crystal element is adjacent to the frequency selective surface. The millimeter wave signal can be transmitted through the frequency selective surface and the electro-optic crystal element to a human body part, such that the human body part transmits a reflected signal back to the electro-optic crystal element. The light source can generate a light communication signal. The optical waveguide is adjacent to the electro-optic crystal element. The optical waveguide can transmit the light communication signal, wherein the light communication signal can be modulated according to the reflected signal. The light sensor can receive the light communication signal from the optical waveguide. The processor is coupled to the light sensor. The processor can analyze the light communication signal to obtain a physiological information of the human body part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a detection device, and more particularly to a detection device and its detection method. Background Technology

[0002] Physiological signal detection devices are common detection components. However, when applied to the fields of Virtual Reality (VR) or Augmented Reality (AR), the accuracy of traditional physiological signal detection devices is often insufficient. Therefore, it is necessary to propose a completely new solution to overcome the limitations of previous technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a detection device for detecting a human body part, comprising: a signal generator for generating a millimeter-wave signal; a frequency selective surface (FSS); an electro-optic (EO) crystal element adjacent to the frequency selective surface, wherein the millimeter-wave signal is transmitted to the human body part through the frequency selective surface and the electro-optic crystal element, such that the human body part transmits a reflected signal back to the electro-optic crystal element; a light source for generating an optical communication signal; an optical waveguide adjacent to the electro-optic crystal element and transmitting the optical communication signal, wherein the optical communication signal is modulated according to the reflected signal; a photosensor for receiving the optical communication signal at the optical waveguide; and a processor coupled to the photosensor, wherein the processor analyzes the optical communication signal to obtain physiological information of the human body part.

[0004] In some embodiments, the detection device is a wearable device.

[0005] In some embodiments, the human body portion is a user's wrist, and the physiological information includes a pulse rate.

[0006] In some embodiments, the operating frequency of the millimeter-wave signal is between 30 GHz and 300 GHz.

[0007] In some embodiments, the frequency selectivity surface includes a plurality of metal units periodically arranged on the electro-optic crystal element.

[0008] In some embodiments, the length or width of each of the plurality of metal units is between 0.1 and 0.25 times the wavelength of the operating frequency.

[0009] In some embodiments, the spacing between any two adjacent metal units is less than or equal to 0.1 times the wavelength of the operating frequency.

[0010] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of metal units is a square.

[0011] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of metal units includes: an annular metal portion; a T-shaped metal portion coupled to the annular metal portion; and an inverted T-shaped metal portion coupled to the annular metal portion, wherein the T-shaped metal portion and the inverted T-shaped metal portion are disposed opposite to each other.

[0012] In some embodiments, both the T-shaped metal portion and the inverted T-shaped metal portion are surrounded by the annular metal portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, the total number of the plurality of metal units is greater than or equal to 40.

[0014] In some embodiments, the shape of the electro-optic crystal element varies according to the reflected signal.

[0015] In some embodiments, the electro-optic crystal element is made of lithium niobate or lithium tantalate.

[0016] In some embodiments, the light source is implemented by a light-emitting diode or a laser diode.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention proposes a detection method comprising the following steps: providing a frequency selective surface, an electro-optic crystal element, and an optical waveguide, wherein the frequency selective surface and the optical waveguide are both adjacent to the electro-optic crystal element; transmitting a millimeter-wave signal to a human body part through the frequency selective surface and the electro-optic crystal element, such that the human body part transmits a reflected signal back to the electro-optic crystal element; transmitting an optical communication signal through the optical waveguide, wherein the optical communication signal is modulated according to the reflected signal; and analyzing the optical communication signal to obtain physiological information of the human body part. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0019] Figure 2 A perspective view of a detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0020] Figure 3 A top view of a metal unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0021] Figure 4A perspective view of a detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0022] Figure 5 A flowchart of a detection method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0023] Symbol explanation:

[0024] 100, 200, 400: Detection devices

[0025] 110: Signal Generator

[0026] 120, 220: Frequency Selectivity

[0027] 130, 230: Electro-optic crystal elements

[0028] 140: Light source

[0029] 150: Optical waveguide

[0030] 160: Light sensor

[0031] 170: Processor

[0032] 300-1, 300-2, 300-N: Metallic unit

[0033] 310: Annular metal part

[0034] 311: The first inner edge of the annular metal part

[0035] 312: The second inner edge of the annular metal part

[0036] 320: T-shaped metal part

[0037] 321: The first end of the T-shaped metal part

[0038] 322: The second end of the T-shaped metal part

[0039] 323: The third end of the T-shaped metal part

[0040] 330: Inverted T-shaped metal part

[0041] 331: The first end of the inverted T-shaped metal part

[0042] 332: The second end of the inverted T-shaped metal part

[0043] 333: The third end of the inverted T-shaped metal part

[0044] CP1: First connection point

[0045] CP2: Second connection point

[0046] D1, D2: Spacing

[0047] E1: Surface of electro-optic crystal element

[0048] GC1: Coupling gap

[0049] HB: Human body part

[0050] IA: Physiological Information

[0051] L1: Length

[0052] S510, S520, S530, S540: Steps

[0053] SW: Millimeter wave signal

[0054] SR: Reflected signal

[0055] ST: Optical Communication Signal

[0056] W1: Width Detailed Implementation

[0057] To make the objectives, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0058] Certain terms are used in the specification and claims to refer to specific elements. Those skilled in the art will understand that hardware manufacturers may use different names to refer to the same element. This specification and claims do not distinguish elements by differences in name, but rather by differences in function. The terms "comprising" and "including" used throughout the specification and claims are open-ended and should be interpreted as "comprising but not limited to." The term "generally" means that within an acceptable margin of error, those skilled in the art can solve the technical problem and achieve the basic technical effect within a certain margin of error. Furthermore, the term "coupled" in this specification includes any direct and indirect electrical connection means. Therefore, if a first device is described as 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 via other devices or connection means.

[0059] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples to implement the various features of this application. The following disclosure describes specific examples of the various components and their arrangements for simplification. Of course, these specific examples are not intended to be limiting. For example, if this disclosure describes a first feature formed on or above a second feature, it indicates that it may include embodiments where the first and second features are in direct contact, or embodiments where an additional feature is formed between the first and second features, so that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. Furthermore, the same reference numerals and / or designations may be repeated in the different examples disclosed below. These repetitions are for simplification and clarity and are not intended to limit any specific relationship between the different embodiments or / and structures discussed.

[0060] Furthermore, spatially related terms, such as "below," "lower," "above," "higher," and similar terms, are used to facilitate the description of the relationship between one element or feature and another element(s) in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientations shown in the drawings, these spatially related terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation. The device may be rotated to different orientations (90 degrees or other orientations), and the spatially related terms used herein may be interpreted in the same way.

[0061] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates a detection device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The detection device 100 may be a wearable device, such as a smartwatch or a head-mounted display (HMD), which can be applied in the fields of virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR). Figure 1 As shown, the detection device 100 includes: a signal generator 110, a frequency selective surface (FSS) 120, an electro-optical (EO) crystal element 130, a light source 140, an optical waveguide 150, a light sensor (or photodetector) 160, and a processor 170. It must be understood that, although not shown in the diagram... Figure 1However, the detection device 100 may also include other components, such as a display device, a speaker, a power supply module, or a housing.

[0062] In some embodiments, the detection device 100 may be used to detect a human body portion (HB). For example, the human body portion (HB) may be a user's hand or a leg, but is not limited to these.

[0063] Signal generator 110 can generate a millimeter wave (mmWave) signal SW. For example, signal generator 110 can be implemented using a millimeter wave transceiver. In some embodiments, an operating frequency of the millimeter wave signal SW can be between 30 GHz and 300 GHz, but is not limited thereto. It must be understood that the millimeter wave signal SW has the characteristics of short wavelength and high resolution, which will provide better detection accuracy.

[0064] For example, the frequency selectivity surface 120 may be a periodic metal structure. The electro-optic crystal element 130 is adjacent to the frequency selectivity surface 120. The millimeter-wave signal SW can be transmitted to the human body part HB through the frequency selectivity surface 120 and the electro-optic crystal element 130. It should be noted that the terms "adjacent" or "adjacent" in this specification can refer to a distance between two corresponding elements that is less than a predetermined distance (e.g., 10 mm or less), or it can include a situation where the two corresponding elements are in direct contact with each other (i.e., the aforementioned distance is reduced to 0). According to actual measurement results, if the frequency selectivity surface 120 and the electro-optic crystal element 130 are integrated, they can provide an equivalent negative refractive index, allowing the millimeter-wave signal SW to be transmitted to the human body part HB more accurately and with lower loss. In other embodiments, the detection device 100 may also include multiple frequency selectivity surfaces 120, which may be respectively disposed on different surfaces of the electro-optic crystal element 130.

[0065] In response to the millimeter-wave signal SW, the human body part HB can transmit a reflected signal SR back to the electro-optic crystal element 130, wherein the reflected signal SR can record various information of the human body part HB. For example, the electro-optic crystal element 130 can be made of lithium niobate (LiNbO3) or lithium tantalate (LiTaO3). In some embodiments, due to the presence of a converse piezoelectric effect, the shape of the electro-optic crystal element 130 can also change according to the reflected signal SR.

[0066] Light source 140 can be used to generate an optical communication signal ST. For example, light source 140 can be a light-emitting diode (LED) or a laser diode. Optical waveguide 150 can be used to transmit the optical communication signal ST. In some embodiments, optical waveguide 150 is directly attached to electro-optic crystal element 130, but it is not limited to this. Because optical waveguide 150 is adjacent to electro-optic crystal element 130, the optical communication signal ST can also be modulated according to the reflected signal SR. Then, photosensor 160 can receive the optical communication signal ST from optical waveguide 150. Processor 170 is coupled to photosensor 160. Then, processor 170 can further analyze optical communication signal ST to obtain physiological information IA of the human body part HB.

[0067] It must be understood that, although in Figure 1 In this embodiment, both the frequency selective surface 120 and the optical waveguide 150 are in close contact with the electro-optic crystal element 130; however, the invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the positions of the frequency selective surface 120 and the optical waveguide 150 can be interchanged. In other embodiments, a small gap may still exist between the electro-optic crystal element 130 and each of the frequency selective surface 120 and the optical waveguide 150, thereby increasing the design flexibility of the detection device 100.

[0068] In general, the reflected signal SR can be converted into optical disturbance by the electro-optic crystal element 130, and the optical waveguide 150 is also affected by the deformation of the electro-optic crystal element 130 itself. Therefore, the optical communication signal ST in the optical waveguide 150 can be modulated according to the reflected signal SR, and it can correspond to various information of the human body part HB. Finally, the processor 170 can accurately estimate the physiological information IA of the human body part HB by analyzing the optical communication signal ST. For example, the aforementioned physiological information IA may include a heart rate or a blood flow velocity, but is not limited to these. Under the design of this invention, the proposed detection device 100 can easily perform a non-invasive detection procedure on the human body part HB, while improving the overall detection accuracy.

[0069] The following embodiments will describe various configurations and detailed structural features of the detection device 100. It must be understood that these figures and descriptions are merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0070] Figure 2 A perspective view of a detection device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 and Figure 1 Similar. Figure 2 In this embodiment, the detection device 200 includes at least a frequency selection surface 220 and an electro-optic crystal element 230, wherein the frequency selection surface 220 may be disposed on a surface E1 of the electro-optic crystal element 230. It must be understood that, for the sake of simplicity, the remaining components of the detection device 200 are not shown. Figure 2 Specifically, the frequency selectability surface 220 includes a plurality of metal units 300-1, 300-2, ..., 300-N periodically arranged on the electro-optic crystal element 230, where "N" can be any positive integer greater than or equal to 4. For example, the plurality of metal units 300-1, 300-2, ..., 300-N can be separated from each other, and each of the plurality of metal units 300-1, 300-2, ..., 300-N can each generally form a square, but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the total number of the plurality of metal units 300-1, 300-2, ..., 300-N can be greater than or equal to 40 to improve the selectability of the frequency selectability surface 220. Figure 2 The remaining features of the detection device 200 are all the same as Figure 1 The detection device 100 is similar to that of the other two embodiments, so both embodiments can achieve similar operational effects.

[0071] Figure 3A top view of a metal unit 300-N according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 In the embodiments, the metal unit 300-N includes a ring metal element 310, a T-shaped metal element 320, and an inverted T-shaped metal element 330. Specifically, the T-shaped metal element 320 has a first end 321, a second end 322, and a third end 323, wherein the first end 321 of the T-shaped metal element 320 is coupled to a first connection point CP1 on the ring metal element 310, and the second end 322 and the third end 323 of the T-shaped metal element 320 are two open ends extending in opposite directions. Similarly, the inverted T-shaped metal portion 330 also has a first end 331, a second end 332, and a third end 333, wherein the first end 331 of the inverted T-shaped metal portion 330 is coupled to a second connection point CP2 on the annular metal portion 310, and the second end 332 and the third end 333 of the inverted T-shaped metal portion 330 are two open ends extending in opposite directions. In some embodiments, the T-shaped metal portion 320 and the inverted T-shaped metal portion 330 are disposed opposite to each other, wherein a coupling gap GC1 may also be formed between the T-shaped metal portion 320 and the inverted T-shaped metal portion 330. In addition, both the T-shaped metal portion 320 and the inverted T-shaped metal portion 330 may be completely surrounded by the annular metal portion 310. The annular metal portion 310 has a first inner edge 311 and a second inner edge 312 opposite to each other, wherein the first connection point CP1 and the second connection point CP2 are located on the first inner edge 311 and the second inner edge 312 of the annular metal portion 310, respectively. It must be understood that any other metal unit of the frequency selectivity surface 220 can have the same structure as metal unit 300-N, and therefore will not be described further here. However, the invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, each metal unit of the frequency selectivity surface 220 may also have a different shape, such as a circle, a triangle, or a cross (not shown).

[0072] Please refer to this as well. Figure 2 , 3In some embodiments, the component dimensions of the detection device 200 may be as described below. The length L1 of each of the plurality of metal units 300-1, 300-2, ..., 300-N may be between 0.1 and 0.25 times the wavelength of the operating frequency of the millimeter-wave signal of the detection device 200 (λ / 10 to λ / 4). The width W1 of each of the plurality of metal units 300-1, 300-2, ..., 300-N may be between 0.1 and 0.25 times the wavelength of the operating frequency of the millimeter-wave signal of the detection device 200 (λ / 10 to λ / 4). The spacing D1 (or D2) between any two adjacent metal units 300-1, 300-2, ..., 300-N may be less than or equal to 0.1 times the wavelength of the operating frequency of the millimeter-wave signal of the detection device 200 (λ / 10). The width of the coupling gap GC1 may be less than or equal to 2 mm. The above size range was determined based on the results of multiple experiments, which helps to optimize the detection sensitivity and detection accuracy of the detection device 200.

[0073] Figure 4 A perspective view of a detection device 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 4 In this embodiment, the detection device 400 is a smart detection bracelet that can be worn on a part of the human body (HB). For example, this part of the human body (HB) can be a user's wrist. In addition, the physiological information obtained by the detection device 400 may include, but is not limited to, a user's pulse rate or blood oxygen concentration. Figure 4 The remaining features of the detection device 400 are all the same Figure 1 The detection device 100 is similar to that of the other two embodiments, so both embodiments can achieve similar operational effects.

[0074] Figure 5 A flowchart of a detection method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. First, in step S510, a frequency selective surface, an electro-optic crystal element, and an optical waveguide are provided, wherein the frequency selective surface and the optical waveguide are both adjacent to the electro-optic crystal element. In step S520, a millimeter-wave signal is transmitted to a human body part through the frequency selective surface and the electro-optic crystal element, causing the human body part to transmit a reflected signal back to the electro-optic crystal element. In step S530, an optical communication signal is transmitted through the optical waveguide, wherein the optical communication signal is modulated according to the reflected signal. Finally, in step S540, the optical communication signal is analyzed to obtain physiological information about the human body part. It must be understood that the above steps do not need to be performed sequentially, but... Figure 1-4 Each feature of the embodiments can be applied to Figure 5 Among the detection methods.

[0075] This invention proposes a novel detection device and detection method. Compared with conventional designs, this invention has advantages such as using a non-invasive detection procedure and improving overall detection accuracy, making it well-suited for application in a wide variety of devices.

[0076] It is worth noting that the component parameters described above are not limiting factors of the present invention. Designers can adjust these settings according to different needs. The detection device and communication method of the present invention are not limited to... Figure 1-5 The state shown. This invention may include only... Figure 1-5 Any one or more features of any one or more embodiments. In other words, not all of the features shown need to be implemented simultaneously in the detection device and detection method of the present invention.

[0077] The method, or a specific form or part thereof, of the present invention may exist in the form of program code. The program code may be contained in a physical medium, such as a floppy disk, optical disk, hard disk, or any other machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) storage medium, or may be a computer program product, not limited to an external form, wherein when the program code is loaded and executed by a machine, such as a computer, that machine becomes an apparatus for participating in the present invention. The program code may also be transmitted via some transmission medium, such as wires or cables, optical fibers, or any transmission method, wherein when the program code is received, loaded, and executed by a machine, such as a computer, that machine becomes an apparatus for participating in the present invention. When executed in a general-purpose processing unit, the program code, in conjunction with the processing unit, provides a unique apparatus operating similarly to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0078] The ordinal numbers in this specification and claims, such as "first," "second," "third," etc., are not sequential in any particular order; they are only used to distinguish between two different elements with the same name.

[0079] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Any person skilled in the art may make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A detection device for detecting a part of a human body, comprising: A signal generator produces a millimeter-wave signal; One frequency selection surface; An electro-optic crystal element is located adjacent to the frequency selection surface, wherein the millimeter wave signal is transmitted to the human body part through the frequency selection surface and the electro-optic crystal element, such that the human body part transmits a reflected signal back to the electro-optic crystal element. One light source generates one optical communication signal; An optical waveguide is located adjacent to the electro-optic crystal element and transmits the optical communication signal, wherein the optical communication signal is modulated according to the reflected signal; A photosensitive sensor receives the optical communication signal at the optical waveguide; as well as A processor, coupled to the photosensor, wherein the processor analyzes the optical communication signal to obtain physiological information about the human body part.

2. The detection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detection device is a wearable device.

3. The detection device of claim 1, wherein the human body part is a user's wrist, and the physiological information includes a pulse rate.

4. The detection device of claim 1, wherein an operating frequency of the millimeter wave signal is between 30 GHz and 300 GHz.

5. The detection device of claim 4, wherein the frequency selectivity surface comprises: Multiple metal units are periodically arranged on the electro-optic crystal element.

6. The detection device of claim 5, wherein the length or width of each of the plurality of metal units is between 0.1 times and 0.25 times the wavelength of the operating frequency.

7. The detection device of claim 5, wherein the spacing between any two adjacent of the plurality of metal units is less than or equal to 0.1 times the wavelength of the operating frequency.

8. The detection device of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of metal units is a square.

9. The detection device of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of metal units comprises: A ring-shaped metal part; A T-shaped metal portion is coupled to the annular metal portion; as well as An inverted T-shaped metal portion is coupled to the annular metal portion, wherein the T-shaped metal portion and the inverted T-shaped metal portion are disposed opposite to each other.

10. The detection device of claim 9, wherein both the T-shaped metal portion and the inverted T-shaped metal portion are surrounded by the annular metal portion.

11. The detection device of claim 5, wherein the total number of the plurality of metal units is greater than or equal to 40.

12. The detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shape of the electro-optic crystal element changes according to the reflected signal.

13. The detection device of claim 1, wherein the electro-optic crystal element is made of lithium niobate or lithium tantalate.

14. The detection device of claim 1, wherein the light source is implemented by a light-emitting diode or a laser diode.

15. A detection method for detecting a part of a human body, comprising the following steps: A frequency selective surface, an electro-optic crystal element, and an optical waveguide are provided, wherein the frequency selective surface and the optical waveguide are both adjacent to the electro-optic crystal element; A millimeter-wave signal is transmitted to the human body part through the frequency selective surface and the electro-optic crystal element, so that the human body part sends back a reflected signal to the electro-optic crystal element. An optical communication signal is transmitted through the optical waveguide, wherein the optical communication signal is modulated according to the reflected signal; as well as The optical communication signal is analyzed to obtain physiological information about the human body part.

16. The detection method of claim 15, wherein the human body part is a user's wrist, and the physiological information includes a pulse rate.

17. The detection method of claim 15, wherein an operating frequency of the millimeter wave signal is between 30 GHz and 300 GHz.

18. The detection method of claim 15, wherein the frequency selectivity surface comprises a plurality of metal units periodically arranged on the electro-optic crystal element.

19. The detection method of claim 15, wherein the shape of the electro-optic crystal element changes according to the reflected signal.

20. The detection method of claim 15, wherein the electro-optic crystal element is made of lithium niobate or lithium tantalate.

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