Wearable electronic device

Abstract

A wearable electronic device is disclosed comprising a housing including a front plate and a rear plate, three or more rear electrodes positioned on the rear plate, a biometric signal processing circuit positioned within the housing, and a processor positioned within the housing and operatively connected to the biometric signal processing circuit, wherein the processor performs a rear electrode combination based on first information, selecting at least one rear electrode among the rear electrodes as a first electrode set and selecting at least one rear electrode among the rear electrodes excluding the first electrode set as a second electrode set, determines whether to recombine the rear electrodes based on second information, and is configured to acquire biometric information using the first electrode set and the second electrode set. In addition to this, various embodiments identified through the specification are possible.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this document relate to wearable electronic devices. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, as wearable electronic devices have become widely available, there is an increasing demand for wearable electronic devices with more diverse functions.

[0003] In particular, since wearable electronic devices can be easily and conveniently carried and used by users, methods for detecting biometric information using wearable electronic devices are being researched. By detecting biometric information using wearable electronic devices, healthcare services can be provided to users. In order to provide more accurate healthcare services, methods for detecting accurate biometric information are being researched. Recently, as wearable electronic devices have become widely available, there is an increasing demand for wearable electronic devices with more diverse functions.

[0004] In particular, since wearable electronic devices can be easily and conveniently carried and used by users, methods for detecting biometric information using wearable electronic devices are being researched. By detecting biometric information using wearable electronic devices, healthcare services for users can be provided. In order to provide more accurate healthcare services, accurate biometric information detection methods are being researched. Prior art literature

[65535] International Publication WO2017 / 182677(2017.10.26.) The problem to be solved

[0005] When detecting biometric information using a wearable electronic device, the accuracy of the biometric information may be reduced depending on the structure of the user's wearing area, the condition of the skin in contact with the wearable electronic device, and the wearing position.

[0006] The embodiments are intended to provide a wearable electronic device that can minimize the influence on biometric information based on the user's wearing status and accurately measure biometric information by reflecting the user's wearing status when measuring biometric information. means of solving the problem

[0007] A wearable electronic device according to one embodiment comprises a housing including a front plate and a rear plate, three or more rear electrodes located on the rear plate, a biometric signal processing circuit located within the housing, and a processor located within the housing and operatively connected to the biometric signal processing circuit, wherein the processor performs a rear electrode combination based on first information, selecting at least one rear electrode among the rear electrodes as a first electrode set and selecting at least one rear electrode among the rear electrodes excluding the first electrode set as a second electrode set, determines whether to recombine the rear electrodes based on second information, and is configured to acquire biometric information using the first electrode set and the second electrode set.

[0008] A wearable electronic device according to one embodiment comprises a housing including a front plate and a rear plate, three or more rear electrodes located on the rear plate, a biometric signal processing circuit located within the housing, a non-rear electrode located on one side of the housing and electrically connected to the biometric signal processing circuit, and a processor located within the housing. The processor may be configured to acquire a DC offset detected using at least one of the rear electrodes and the non-rear electrode, select at least two of the rear electrodes based on the DC offset, control the selected at least two rear electrodes to be connected to the biometric signal processing circuit, and acquire biometric information using the at least two rear electrodes and the non-rear electrode connected to the biometric signal processing circuit. Effects of the invention

[0009] According to the embodiments, the wearable electronic device can measure accurate biometric information by minimizing the influence on the biometric information results based on the user's wearing status. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an electronic device in a network according to various embodiments. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is an operation flowchart of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a graph showing the amount of light over time detected by an optical sensor of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a graph showing a DC offset over time detected in a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment. In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0011] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) in a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with an electronic device (104) or a server (108) through a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) through a server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), memory (130), input device (150), sound output device (155), display device (160), audio module (170), sensor module (176), interface (177), haptic module (179), camera module (180), power management module (188), battery (189), communication module (190), subscriber identification module (196), or antenna module (197). In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., display device (160) or camera module (180)) may be omitted from the electronic device (101), or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components may be implemented as a single integrated circuit. For example, a sensor module (176) (e.g., fingerprint sensor, iris sensor, or light sensor) can be implemented embedded in a display device (160) (e.g., display).

[0013] The processor (120) can control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing software (e.g., a program (140)), for example, and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) can load commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) into volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) and an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can be operated independently or together with it. Additionally or generally, the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as part thereof.

[0014] The auxiliary processor (123) can control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., display device (160), sensor module (176), or communication module (190)) on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module (180) or communication module (190)).

[0015] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)). The data may include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for related commands. The memory (130) may include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0016] The program (140) may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0017] The input device (150) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) from outside the electronic device (101) (e.g., user). The input device (150) may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0018] The sound output device (155) can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device (101). The sound output device (155) may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes such as multimedia playback or recording playback, and the receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part thereof.

[0019] The display device (160) can visually provide information to an external (e.g., user) of the electronic device (101). The display device (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling said device. According to one embodiment, the display device (160) may include a touch circuitry configured to detect a touch, or a sensor circuitry configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by said touch (e.g., a pressure sensor).

[0020] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through an input device (150) or output sound through an audio output device (155) or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphones) that is directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0021] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0022] The interface (177) may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the electronic device (101) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0023] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0024] The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0025] The camera module (180) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0026] The power management module (188) can manage the power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0027] The battery (189) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0028] The communication module (190) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device (104) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi Direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a cellular network, the Internet, or a long-range communication network such as a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can identify and authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0029] An antenna module (197) can transmit a signal or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a single antenna comprising a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas. In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as a first network (198) or a second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by a communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., an RFIC) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module (197).

[0030] At least some of the above components can be connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

[0031] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) through a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102, 104) may be the same or different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed on the electronic device (101) may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, if the electronic device (101) needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of performing the function or service itself or additionally. One or more external electronic devices that receive the above request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may provide the result as is or additionally processed as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology may be used.

[0032] Hereinafter, a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram (200) of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 2, the wearable electronic device (210) may include a processor (120), an optical sensor (211), a biosensor (213), a communication module (190), and an output device (215).

[0034] The processor (120) is electrically or operatively coupled to other components of the wearable electronic device (210) (e.g., at least one of an optical sensor (211), a biosensor (213), a communication module (190), or an output device (215)) and may be configured to control other components of the wearable electronic device (210). In the following embodiments, the operation of the wearable electronic device (210) may be referred to as the operation of the processor (120).

[0035] The output device (215) may include a display. According to one embodiment, the display may be configured to provide visual information to the user and receive user input (e.g., touch input). According to one embodiment, the output device (215) may include an indicator (e.g., at least one light-emitting diode). The indicator may be configured to emit light having at least one wavelength through the front side (e.g., the side on which the display of the wearable electronic device (210) is located) and / or the side of the housing of the wearable electronic device (210). For example, the electronic device (210) may provide a notification to the user using the output device (e.g., the display and / or indicator). As another example, the electronic device (210) may provide a sound notification to the user using a speaker.

[0036] The communication module (190) may be configured to communicate with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108) of FIG. 1) through various networks (e.g., the second network (199) and / or the first network (198) of FIG. 1). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may use the communication module (190) to transmit information associated with the electronic device (101) to an external electronic device or to receive information from an external electronic device. For example, the electronic device (101) may use the communication module (190) to transmit data detected by the biosensor (213) or associated data obtained based on the detected data to an external electronic device.

[0037] The optical sensor (211) may include a light detector (320, see FIG. 3), a light source (310, see FIG. 3), and an optical signal processing circuit (not shown). The processor (120) can obtain light quantity information based on the amount of light detected by the light detector (320) using the optical sensor (211).

[0038] The biosensor (213) may include a plurality of rear electrodes (330, see FIG. 3), non-rear electrodes (350, see FIG. 3), and a biosignal processing circuit (not shown). A processor (120) may obtain bio-information using the biosensor (213). For example, the bio-information may be heart rate information or atrial fibrillation information obtained by an electrocardiogram (ECG). As another example, the bio-information may be body composition information, body fat information, or body water information obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). As another example, the bio-information may be skin moisture information obtained by galvanic skin response (GSR).

[0039] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, the configuration of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment (e.g., the wearable electronic device (210) of FIG. 2) will be described. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram (300) of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0040] A wearable electronic device according to one embodiment may include a light source (310), a light detector (320), a plurality of rear electrodes (330), opposite electrodes (350), a sensor driving circuit (360), and a processor (120).

[0041] The light source (310) may include a first light source (311), a second light source (312), a third light source (313), and a fourth light source (314). Although FIG. 3 is illustrated as including four light sources, the number of light sources is not limited thereto. The light source (310) may include at least one light-emitting element (e.g., a light-emitting diode, LED) for emitting light of a specified range of wavelengths. For example, each light source may be set to emit light of different wavelengths. As another example, at least some of the light sources (310) may be set to emit light of the same wavelength.

[0042] The light detector (320) can detect light and sense the intensity of the detected light. For example, the light detector (320) can output a current signal of a magnitude corresponding to the amount of light detected. The light detector (320) may include a first light detector (321), a second light detector (322), a third light detector (323), and a fourth light detector (324). The first light detector (321), the second light detector (322), the third light detector (323), and the fourth light detector (324) may be connected to a processor (120) through a multiplexer (MUX) (362). Although FIG. 3 is illustrated as including four light detectors, the number of light detectors is not limited thereto.

[0043] A plurality of rear electrodes (330) and opposite electrodes (350) can be used to contact a living organism to acquire biological information. A plurality of rear electrodes (330) can be connected to a sensor driving circuit (360) through a multiplexer (MUX) (340). A plurality of rear electrodes (330) may include a first rear electrode (331), a second rear electrode (332), a third rear electrode (333), a fourth rear electrode (334), a fifth rear electrode (335), a sixth rear electrode (336), a seventh rear electrode (337), and an eighth rear electrode (338). Although FIG. 3 is illustrated as including eight rear electrodes, the number of rear electrodes is not limited thereto. A plurality of rear electrodes (330) may include three or more rear electrodes. A plurality of rear electrodes (330) may be located on one side of the housing (410, see FIG. 4), and a non-rear electrode (350) may be located on the other side of the housing (410). For example, a plurality of rear electrodes (330) may be located on the rear side of the housing (410), and a non-rear electrode (350) may be located on the side or front side of the housing (410).

[0044] At least one of the plurality of rear electrodes (330) may be included in the first electrode set, and at least one of the plurality of rear electrodes (330), excluding the first electrode set, may be included in the second electrode set. The first electrode set (330) and the other electrode (350) each serve to collect biosignals at different locations, and the second electrode set (330) may be used for reducing motion-component noise and bio-bias. For example, when worn by a user, the first electrode set (330) and the second electrode set (330) may come into contact with the skin of the wrist, and the other electrode (350) may come into contact with the fingers of the other hand.

[0045] The sensor driving circuit (360) may include a light source driving unit (361), a MUX (362), and an ADC (analog to digital converter) (363). The sensor driving circuit (360) may further include other components not shown in FIG. 3 (e.g., amplifier, filter, and / or memory, etc.). The sensor driving circuit (360) is electrically connected to the processor (120) and may operate as an interface and / or hub between various sensors and the processor (120).

[0046] The light source driver (361) can control the light source (310) to a specified state. The processor (120) can control the light source (310) using the light source driver (361). For example, the light source driver (361) can control the light source (310) so that the light source (310) emits light having a specified wavelength. The light source driver (361) can control the light source (310) so that the light source (310) emits light for a specified time. The light source driver (361) can control the light source (310) so that the light source (310) emits light a specified number of times.

[0047] The ADC (363) can convert an analog signal detected by the photodetector (320), a plurality of back electrodes (330), and other side electrodes (350) into a digital signal. The signal converted by the ADC (363) can be transmitted to the processor (120).

[0048] The processor (120) may be configured to detect whether the first electrode set (330), the second electrode set (330), and the other electrode (350) are in contact with the body through the first electrode set (330), the second electrode set (330), and the other electrode (350). For example, the processor (120) may determine whether the first electrode set (330) and the second electrode set (330) are in contact based on the output value of a contact detection module (e.g., a comparator) according to the input of a voltage applied through the body or a voltage applied from a voltage source.

[0049] The processor (120) can be configured to obtain light quantity information based on the amount of light detected by the light detector (320) using an optical sensor to determine whether the rear electrodes (330) are lifted. For example, if there is a lift of the rear electrodes (330), light may be detected through the light detector (320). For example, if there is a lift of the rear electrodes (330), light emitted from the light source (310) and / or external light may be detected through the light detector (320). Accordingly, the processor (120) can determine that there is a lift of the rear electrodes (330) if a amount of light exceeding the maximum amount of light (A, see FIG. 6) is detected.

[0050] The processor (120) may be configured to select some of the electrodes for acquiring bio-information among a plurality of rear electrodes (330) connected to a single MUX (340). The processor (120) may perform rear electrode combination based on first information. At this time, the first information may include light intensity information. That is, the processor (120) may select at least one rear electrode among the plurality of rear electrodes (330) as the first electrode set (330) based on the light intensity information, and select at least one rear electrode among the plurality of rear electrodes (330) excluding the first electrode set (330) as the second electrode set (330). The first electrode set (330) and the second electrode set (330) may be electrically connected to a bio-signal processing circuit. For example, the processor (120) can generate an instruction to electrically connect the remaining rear electrodes (330), excluding the rear electrode located in an area adjacent to the photodetector (320) where a light intensity exceeding the maximum light intensity (A, see FIG. 6) is detected, to a biosignal processing circuit. The processor (120) can select the rear electrodes (330), excluding the rear electrode (330) located within a first distance from the photodetector (320) where a light intensity exceeding the maximum light intensity (A, see FIG. 6) is detected, to be included in the first electrode set and the second electrode set.

[0051] The processor (120) may be configured to detect whether the bio-information detected by the first electrode set (330), the second electrode set (330), and the other side electrode (350) is valid. The validity of the bio-information may be determined by measuring a DC offset value, which is the difference in DC voltage applied to the first electrode set (330) and the other side electrode (350).

[0052] If the DC offset does not have a value sufficiently close to zero, the amplified biosignal may go out of the operating range (e.g., the operating range of the biosensor). Therefore, for accurate detection of biosignal information, the DC offset needs to have a value close to zero. For example, the DC offset needs to have a value within a first range between a first voltage value (C, see FIG. 7) and a second voltage value (D, see FIG. 7).

[0053] The processor (120) may determine whether to reassemble the rear electrodes based on the second information. The second information may include DC offset information. If the DC offset is not a value within a first range between a first voltage value (C, see FIG. 7) and a second voltage value (D, see FIG. 7), the processor (120) may perform rear electrode reassembly by reselecting the first electrode set and the second electrode set. The processor (120) may be configured to determine, based on the DC offset, the number of rear electrodes included in the first electrode set (330) connected to the biosignal processing circuit, the number of rear electrodes included in the second electrode set (330), or the arrangement of the first electrode set (330) and the second electrode set (330). For example, if the contact impedance on the side of the first electrode set (330) is relatively low, the DC voltage applied to the first electrode set (330) increases, so the DC offset, which is the difference between the DC voltage applied to the first electrode set (330) and the other side electrode (350), may be high. Also, if the contact impedance on the side of the first electrode set (330) is relatively high, the DC voltage applied to the first electrode set (330) decreases, so the DC offset, which is the difference between the DC voltage applied to the first electrode set (330) and the other side electrode (350), may be low. Accordingly, if the DC offset of the wearable electronic device according to one embodiment is higher than the first voltage value (C, see FIG. 7), the number of back electrodes included in the first electrode set (330) connected to the biosignal processing circuit can be reduced. In this case, the contact impedance of the first electrode set (330) can be increased to lower the DC offset, and the DC offset can be made to have a value close to zero. Conversely, if the DC offset is lower than the second voltage value (D, see FIG. 7), the wearable electronic device according to one embodiment can increase the number of rear electrodes included in the first electrode set (330) connected to the biosignal processing circuit.In this case, the contact impedance of the first electrode set (330) can be lowered to increase the DC offset, and the DC offset can be made to have a value close to 0.

[0054] The processor (120) can be configured to acquire bio-information through the first electrode set (330), the second electrode set (330), and the other side electrode (350) when the DC offset is a value within a first range between the first voltage value (C, see FIG. 7) and the second voltage value (D, see FIG. 7).

[0055] A wearable electronic device according to one embodiment can detect biometric information by selectively using a rear electrode (330) according to the measured amount of light information and DC offset, so that the effect on biometric information according to the user's wearing state can be minimized and accurate biometric information can be obtained.

[0056] Hereinafter, a planar structure of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a plan view (400) showing a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0057] A wearable electronic device according to one embodiment (e.g., the wearable electronic device (210) of FIG. 2) may include a housing (410), a light source (310), a light detector (320), a plurality of rear electrodes (330) and other electrodes (350).

[0058] The housing (410) may include a facing front plate (not shown) and a rear plate (411). The housing (410) may surround and protect components included in a wearable electronic device, or secure some components.

[0059] The light source (310) is positioned on the rear plate (411) of the housing (410) and can emit light in the rear direction of the housing (410). Although the light source (310) is shown in FIG. 4 as being located at the center of the rear plate (411) of the housing (410), the position of the light source (310) is not limited thereto and can be located at any part of the rear plate (411).

[0060] The light detector (320) may be located on the rear plate (411) of the housing (410). The light detector (320) may include a first light detector (321), a second light detector (322), a third light detector (323), and a fourth light detector (324). The first light detector (321), the second light detector (322), the third light detector (323), and the fourth light detector (324) may be located surrounding the light source (310). The light detector (320) may be adjacent to a plurality of rear electrodes (330). In other words, the light detector (320) may be located closer than a first distance to at least one of the plurality of rear electrodes (330).

[0061] A plurality of rear electrodes (330) may be located on the rear plate (411) of the housing (410). The plurality of rear electrodes (330) may include a first rear electrode (331), a second rear electrode (332), a third rear electrode (333), a fourth rear electrode (334), a fifth rear electrode (335), a sixth rear electrode (336), a seventh rear electrode (337), and an eighth rear electrode (338). The first rear electrode (331), the second rear electrode (332), the third rear electrode (333), the fourth rear electrode (334), the fifth rear electrode (335), the sixth rear electrode (336), the seventh rear electrode (337), and the eighth rear electrode (338) may be located surrounding the photodetector (320). However, the location of the plurality of rear electrodes (330) is not limited thereto and may be located in other areas on the rear plate (411) of the housing (410). The first rear electrode (331), the second rear electrode (332), the third rear electrode (333), the fourth rear electrode (334), the fifth rear electrode (335), the sixth rear electrode (336), the seventh rear electrode (337), and the eighth rear electrode (338) may each be spaced apart. At least one of the first rear electrode (331), the second rear electrode (332), the third rear electrode (333), the fourth rear electrode (334), the fifth rear electrode (335), the sixth rear electrode (336), the seventh rear electrode (337), and the eighth rear electrode (338) may be selected by a processor (120, see FIG. 3) and included in a first electrode set connected to a biosignal processing circuit. At least one of the first rear electrode (331), second rear electrode (332), third rear electrode (333), fourth rear electrode (334), fifth rear electrode (335), sixth rear electrode (336), seventh rear electrode (337) and eighth rear electrode (338), excluding the first electrode set, may be selected by a processor (120, see FIG. 3) and included in a second electrode set connected to a biosignal processing circuit.

[0062] The distal electrode (350) may be located on one side of the housing (410). For example, the distal electrode (350) may be located on the side of the housing (410). As another example, the distal electrode (350) may be located on the front of the housing (410). The distal electrode (350) may be connected to a biosignal processing circuit and serve to detect biosignal information together with the first electrode set and the second electrode set.

[0063] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, the operation of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart (500) of the operation of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 5, in operation 501, a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment can determine whether the first electrode set, the second electrode set, and the opposite electrode are all in contact with the body. Specifically, the wearable electronic device according to one embodiment can determine whether the first number of back electrodes in the first electrode set, the second number of back electrodes in the second electrode set, and the opposite electrode are all in contact with the body. For example, the detection of body contact of the first electrode set (330, see FIG. 3), the second electrode set (330, see FIG. 3), and the opposite electrode (350) can use the value output by using a comparison circuit built into the AFE to the DC voltage applied to the electrode.

[0065] In operation 502, if it is determined that at least one of the first electrode set (or, a first number of rear electrodes in the first electrode set), the second electrode set (or, a second number of rear electrodes in the second electrode set) and the other side electrode is not in contact with the body, the wearable electronic device according to one embodiment may output a re-wearing request message. Additionally, if it is determined that the other side electrode is not in contact with the body, the wearable electronic device according to one embodiment may output a re-contact request message.

[0066] In operation 503, if it is determined that the first electrode, the second electrode, and the other electrode are all in contact with the body, the optical sensor may be operated. Specifically, light may be emitted from a light source (310, see FIG. 3), and light quantity information may be obtained through a light detector (320, see FIG. 3). Depending on the embodiment, operation 503 may be omitted.

[0067] In operation 504, a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment can determine whether there is lifting of the rear electrode based on light intensity information. Specifically, a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment can determine whether the amount of light detected by a light detector (320, see FIG. 3) exceeds the maximum amount of light (A, see FIG. 6). A wearable electronic device according to one embodiment can determine that there is lifting of the rear electrode located within a first distance from the light detector where the amount of light exceeding the maximum amount of light (A) is detected.

[0068] In operation 505, if it is determined that there is no lifting of the rear electrode, the wearable electronic device according to one embodiment can perform a first combination of rear electrodes. That is, at least one of the plurality of rear electrodes can be selected as a first electrode set, and the remaining rear electrodes among the plurality of rear electrodes, excluding the first electrode set, can be selected as a second electrode set. The selected first electrode set and the second electrode set can be connected to a biosignal processing circuit. At this time, the sum of the number of rear electrodes included in the first electrode set and the number of rear electrodes included in the second electrode set may be equal to the number of rear electrodes. In other words, in the first combination of rear electrodes, all of the plurality of rear electrodes can be connected to a biosignal processing circuit.

[0069] In operation 506, if it is determined that there is lifting of the rear electrode, the wearable electronic device according to one embodiment may perform a second combination of rear electrodes. For example, the wearable electronic device according to one embodiment may connect the remaining rear electrodes, excluding the rear electrode adjacent to the light detector where a light intensity exceeding the maximum light intensity (A, see FIG. 6) is detected, to a biosignal processing circuit by forming the first electrode set and the second electrode set. At this time, the sum of the number of rear electrodes included in the first electrode set and the number of rear electrodes included in the second electrode set may be smaller than the number of multiple rear electrodes. In other words, in the second combination of rear electrodes, at least one of the multiple rear electrodes may not be connected to the biosignal processing circuit.

[0070] In operation 507, a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment can determine whether a DC offset range is valid. For example, a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment can determine whether the DC offset is a value within a first range (e.g., between a first voltage value (C, see FIG. 7) and a second voltage value (D, see FIG. 7).

[0071] If it is determined that the DC offset range is invalid, the wearable electronic device according to one embodiment may perform a second combination of the rear electrodes of operation 506 again. If the DC offset is higher than the first voltage value (C, see FIG. 7), the number of rear electrodes included in the first electrode set connected to the biosignal processing circuit may be reduced. Conversely, if the DC offset is lower than the second voltage value (D, see FIG. 7), the number of rear electrodes included in the first electrode set connected to the biosignal processing circuit may be increased. That is, the wearable electronic device according to one embodiment may select at least two rear electrodes among the rear electrodes based on the DC offset, and allow the two selected rear electrodes to be connected to the biosignal processing circuit.

[0072] Depending on the embodiment, the wearable electronic device may reduce or increase the number of rear electrodes included in the second electrode set as the number of rear electrodes included in the first electrode set changes. Although it has been described that the number of rear electrodes included in the first electrode set or the second electrode set is reduced or increased when the DC offset range is determined to be invalid, depending on the embodiment, it is also possible to change the arrangement of the first electrode set and the second electrode set. In this case, the combination may be performed with rear electrodes excluding the rear electrodes determined to be lifted. For example, if it is determined that two of the eight rear electrodes are lifted, the second combination may be performed with six electrodes excluding the two rear electrodes determined to be lifted.

[0073] In operation 508, if it is determined that the DC offset range is valid, the wearable electronic device according to one embodiment can measure bio-information using the first electrode set, the second electrode set, and the other side electrode.

[0074] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 6, a method for determining whether the rear electrode is lifted using light amount information will be described. FIG. 6 is a graph (600) showing the amount of light over time detected by an optical sensor of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 6, a1 represents the amount of light detected by the first light detector (321), a2 represents the amount of light detected by the second light detector (322), a3 represents the amount of light detected by the third light detector (323), and a4 represents the amount of light detected by the fourth light detector (324).

[0076] The amount of light a1 detected by the first light detector (321) may exceed the maximum amount of light (A), and the amount of light a2 detected by the second light detector (322), the amount of light a3 detected by the third light detector (323), and the amount of light a4 detected by the fourth light detector (324) may be less than or equal to the maximum amount of light (A). In this case, the wearable electronic device according to one embodiment may determine that there is a lift in the area adjacent to the first light detector (321). In other words, it may determine that there is a lift in the first rear electrode (331) and the second rear electrode (332) located within a first distance from the first light detector (321). If it is determined that there is an excitation in the area adjacent to the first photodetector (321), the wearable electronic device may not connect the first rear electrode (331) and the second rear electrode (332) adjacent to the first photodetector (321) to the biosignal processing circuit. That is, the wearable electronic device may select the first electrode set and the second electrode set from the remaining third rear electrode (333), fourth rear electrode (334), fifth rear electrode (335), sixth rear electrode (336), seventh rear electrode (337) and eighth rear electrode (338), excluding the first rear electrode (331) and the second rear electrode (332).

[0077] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, a method for determining whether a DC offset range is valid will be described. FIG. 7 is a graph (700) showing a DC offset over time detected in a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment. b1 indicates a case where the DC offset is higher than a first voltage value (C), and b2 indicates a case where the DC offset is lower than a second voltage value (D).

[0078] When a DC offset value of b1 is detected, the wearable electronic device according to one embodiment can reduce the number of rear electrodes included in a first electrode set connected to a biosignal processing circuit. That is, the connection between at least one of the rear electrodes included in the first electrode set and the biosignal processing circuit can be severed. When the number of rear electrodes of the first electrode set connected to the biosignal processing circuit is reduced, the contact area of ​​the first electrode set with the body is reduced, thereby increasing the contact impedance and lowering the DC offset.

[0079] When a DC offset value of b2 is detected, the wearable electronic device according to one embodiment can increase the number of rear electrodes included in the first electrode set connected to the biosignal processing circuit. That is, at least one rear electrode among the rear electrodes excluding the first electrode set and the second electrode set already connected to the biosignal processing circuit can be additionally connected to the biosignal processing circuit. If the number of rear electrodes of the first electrode set connected to the biosignal processing circuit increases, the surface area of ​​the first electrode set in contact with the body increases, thereby lowering the contact impedance and increasing the DC offset.

[0080] Hereinafter, a first combination of rear electrodes will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a plan view (800) showing a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 8, the first rear electrode (331), the third rear electrode (333), the fifth rear electrode (335), and the seventh rear electrode (337) can be connected to a biosignal processing circuit as a first electrode set, and the second rear electrode (332), the fourth rear electrode (334), the sixth rear electrode (336), and the eighth rear electrode (338) can be connected to a biosignal processing circuit as a second electrode set.

[0082] In the first combination of rear electrodes, the sum of the number of rear electrodes (331, 333, 335, 337) of the first electrode set and the number of rear electrodes (332, 334, 336, 338) of the second electrode set may be equal to the number of multiple rear electrodes (330). The rear electrodes (331, 333, 335, 337) of the first electrode set and the rear electrodes (332, 334, 336, 338) of the second electrode set may be positioned alternately. The combination of rear electrodes in FIG. 8 is exemplary, and the arrangement of the first electrode set and the second electrode set is not limited thereto.

[0083] A wearable electronic device according to one embodiment can determine the arrangement of a first electrode set and a second electrode set connected to a biosensor based on light intensity information and / or DC offset information described in FIGS. 3 to 5. That is, a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment can determine a first region where the first electrode set (e.g., 331, 333, 335, 337) is located and a second region where the second electrode set (e.g., 332, 334, 336, 338) is located based on light intensity information and / or DC offset information.

[0084] Hereinafter, a second combination of rear electrodes will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a plan view (900) showing a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 9, the first rear electrode (331) and the second rear electrode (332) can be connected to a biosignal processing circuit as a first electrode set, and the fifth rear electrode (335) and the sixth rear electrode (336) can be connected to a biosignal processing circuit as a second electrode set. The third rear electrode (333), the fourth rear electrode (334), the seventh rear electrode (337), and the eighth rear electrode (338) may not be connected to a biosignal processing circuit.

[0086] In the second combination of rear electrodes, the sum of the number of rear electrodes (331, 332) of the first electrode set and the number of rear electrodes (335, 336) of the second electrode set may be less than the number of multiple rear electrodes (330). The combination of rear electrodes in FIG. 9 is exemplary, and the arrangement of the first electrode set and the second electrode set is not limited thereto.

[0087] A wearable electronic device according to one embodiment can determine the arrangement of a first electrode set and a second electrode set connected to a biosensor based on light intensity information and / or DC offset information. That is, a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment can determine a first region where a first electrode set (e.g., 331, 332) is located and a second region where a second electrode set (e.g., 335, 336) is located based on light intensity information and / or DC offset information.

[0089] The electronic device according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be of various forms. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a consumer electronics device. The electronic device according to the embodiments of this document is not limited to the devices described above.

[0090] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B or C,” “at least one of A, B and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or any possible combination thereof. Terms such as “first,” “second,” or “first” or “second” may be used simply to distinguish said components from other said components and do not limit said components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationly,” it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0091] As used herein, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0092] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., program (140)) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (136) or external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., electronic device (101)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transient storage medium' simply means a tangible device that does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily. For example, a 'non-transient storage medium' may include a buffer where data is stored temporarily.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0094] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities. According to various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the components of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, program, or other components may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

Claim 1 A wearable electronic device comprising: a housing including a front plate and a rear plate; a plurality of rear electrodes located on the rear plate; a light source located on the rear plate and emitting light; a plurality of photodetectors located on the rear plate and detecting the light; and a biometric signal processing circuit located within the housing. A wearable electronic device configured to include a processor located within the housing and operatively connected to the biosignal processing circuit, wherein the processor: acquires light quantity information indicating the amount of light based on light detected through the plurality of light detectors; determines, based on the light quantity information, whether all of the plurality of rear electrodes are in contact with the user's body or whether some of the plurality of rear electrodes are lifted from the user's body; if all of the plurality of rear electrodes are in contact with the user's body: selects some of the plurality of rear electrodes as a first electrode set and selects other parts of the plurality of rear electrodes as a second electrode set, and acquires biosignal information using the first electrode set and the second electrode set; if some of the plurality of rear electrodes are lifted from the user's body: identifies the remaining rear electrodes excluding at least one rear electrode that is lifted among the plurality of rear electrodes, selects some of the identified remaining rear electrodes as a third electrode set and selects other parts of the remaining rear electrodes as a fourth electrode set, and acquires biosignal information using the third electrode set and the fourth electrode set. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A wearable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the plurality of photodetectors and at least one rear electrode among the plurality of rear electrodes is smaller than a first distance, and the processor identifies the rear electrode located within the first distance from the photodetector in which a light amount exceeding the maximum light amount among the plurality of photodetectors is detected as the at least one rear electrode with an excitation, and sets the remaining rear electrodes among the plurality of rear electrodes, excluding the at least one rear electrode with an excitation, as the third electrode set and the fourth electrode set. Claim 5 A wearable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the sum of the number of rear electrodes of the first electrode set and the number of rear electrodes of the second electrode set is equal to the number of the plurality of rear electrodes, and the sum of the number of rear electrodes of the third electrode set and the number of rear electrodes of the fourth electrode set is equal to the number of the plurality of rear electrodes. Claim 6 A wearable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the sum of the number of rear electrodes of the first electrode set and the number of rear electrodes of the second electrode set is smaller than the number of the plurality of rear electrodes, and the sum of the number of rear electrodes of the third electrode set and the number of rear electrodes of the fourth electrode set is smaller than the number of the plurality of rear electrodes. Claim 7 A wearable electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a distal electrode located on the side or front of the housing and electrically connected to the biosignal processing circuit, wherein the processor is configured to acquire biosignal information through the first electrode set, the second electrode set, and the distal electrode based on the selection of the first electrode set and the second electrode set, and to acquire biosignal information through the third electrode set, the fourth electrode set, and the distal electrode based on the selection of the third electrode set and the fourth electrode set. Claim 8 A wearable electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the processor is configured to obtain a first DC offset using the first electrode set, the second electrode set, and the other side electrode based on the selection of the first electrode set and the second electrode set, and to obtain a second DC offset using the third electrode set, the fourth electrode set, and the other side electrode based on the selection of the third electrode set and the fourth electrode set. Claim 9 A wearable electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the processor is configured to determine the number of rear electrodes of the first electrode set and the number of rear electrodes of the second electrode set based on the first DC offset, and to determine the number of rear electrodes of the third electrode set and the number of rear electrodes of the fourth electrode set based on the second DC offset. Claim 10 A wearable electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to reduce the number of rear electrodes of the first electrode set if the first DC offset is greater than the first voltage value, increase the number of rear electrodes of the first electrode set if the first DC offset is less than the second voltage value, reduce the number of rear electrodes of the third electrode set if the second DC offset is greater than the first voltage value, and increase the number of rear electrodes of the third electrode set if the second DC offset is less than the second voltage value. Claim 11 A wearable electronic device comprising: a housing including a front plate and a rear plate; three or more rear electrodes located on the rear plate; a biometric signal processing circuit located within the housing; a non-rear electrode located on one side of the housing and electrically connected to the biometric signal processing circuit; and a processor located within the housing, wherein the processor: acquires a DC offset detected using at least one of the rear electrodes and the non-rear electrode, selects at least two of the rear electrodes based on the DC offset, controls the selected at least two rear electrodes to be connected to the biometric signal processing circuit, and is configured to acquire biometric information using the at least two rear electrodes and the non-rear electrode connected to the biometric signal processing circuit. Claim 12 A wearable electronic device according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the at least two rear electrodes connected to the biosignal processing circuit is included in a first electrode set and the remainder is included in a second electrode set. Claim 13 A wearable electronic device according to claim 12, further comprising: a light source located on the rear plate and emitting light; and a plurality of light detectors for detecting the light, wherein the processor is configured to acquire light quantity information based on the amount of light detected by the plurality of light detectors. Claim 14 A wearable electronic device according to claim 13, wherein the processor is configured to use the light amount information to select at least one rear electrode among the rear electrodes as the first electrode set and to select at least one rear electrode among the rear electrodes excluding the first electrode set as the second electrode set. Claim 15 In claim 14, the processor is a wearable electronic device in which at least one rear electrode adjacent to a photodetector in which a light intensity exceeding the maximum light intensity among the plurality of photodetectors is detected is configured not to be connected to a biosignal processing circuit. Claim 16 A wearable electronic device according to claim 12, wherein the processor is configured to select at least one rear electrode among the rear electrodes as the first electrode set based on the DC offset, and select at least one rear electrode among the rear electrodes excluding the first electrode set as the second electrode set. Claim 17 In claim 12, the wearable electronic device is configured such that the processor adjusts the number of rear electrodes of the first electrode set based on the DC offset. Claim 18 A wearable electronic device according to claim 17, configured to reduce the number of rear electrodes of the first electrode set when the DC offset exceeds the first voltage value. Claim 19 A wearable electronic device according to claim 17, configured to increase the number of rear electrodes of the first electrode set when the DC offset is less than the second voltage value. Claim 20 In claim 12, the processor is configured to acquire bio-information using the first electrode set, the second electrode set, and the other electrode when the DC offset is a value within a first range.

Images