Wearable electronic device for measuring biometric information and operating method thereof
The wearable electronic device addresses the issue of delayed notifications for abnormal heart rates by using a processor and sensors to continuously monitor heart rate and movement, ensuring timely alerts for heart health changes.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/KR2024/009685
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-10-18
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-08
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing wearable electronic devices do not continuously monitor heart rate outside specified times, leading to delayed notifications for abnormal heart rate conditions.
A wearable electronic device with a processor, first sensor for continuous heart rate measurement, and second sensor for movement detection, which sets up a notification system to alert users when the heart rate exceeds specified ranges during designated times.
Enables timely notifications for abnormal heart rates by continuously monitoring heart rate and user movement, improving user awareness and response to heart health changes.
Smart Images

Figure KR2024009685_30012025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Wearable electronic device for measuring biometric information and method for operating the same
[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a wearable electronic device for measuring biometric information and a method of operating the same.
[0002] Recent technological advancements have led to advancements in biosignal acquisition techniques. Specifically, technologies are being developed to acquire users' biosignals through wearable electronic devices equipped with sensors capable of capturing biosignals, and to measure biometric information based on these signals.
[0003] For example, a wearable electronic device may include a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor. The PPG sensor may include a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. The PPG sensor can output light to the user's body using the light-emitting element and detect light reflected by the user's body through the light-receiving element. The PPG sensor can obtain a PPG signal based on the light detected through the light-receiving element.
[0004] Wearable electronic devices can measure biometric information, such as a user's heart rate, pulse, saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2), or blood pressure, by analyzing PPG signals acquired using a PPG sensor. Furthermore, the wearable electronic devices can provide the measured biometric information of the user.
[0005] According to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device may include a first sensor, a second sensor, at least one processor, and a memory storing instructions. According to one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the wearable electronic device to measure a first heart rate of the user using the first sensor for a first period of time in a first state of the wearable electronic device, wherein the wearable electronic device is set to measure a heart rate of the user at designated intervals. According to one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the wearable electronic device to measure the second heart rates of the user using the first sensor for a second period of time after the first period of time, based on determining that the first heart rate is outside a designated range. In one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the wearable electronic device to output a notification indicating an abnormality in the user's heart rate if it is determined that a ratio of the second heart rates measured during the second time period that is outside a specified range exceeds a specified ratio.
[0006] According to one embodiment, a method of operating a wearable electronic device may include an operation of measuring a first heart rate of a user using a first sensor included in the wearable electronic device for a first period of time in a first state of the wearable electronic device set to measure a heart rate of the user at specified intervals. According to one embodiment, the method of operating a wearable electronic device may include an operation of measuring the second heart rates of the user using the first sensor for a second period of time after the first period of time based on determining that the first heart rate is outside a specified range. According to one embodiment, the method of operating a wearable electronic device may include an operation of outputting a notification indicating an abnormality in the heart rate of the user when it is determined that a ratio of heart rates outside the specified range among the second heart rates measured during the second period of time exceeds a specified ratio.
[0007] In one embodiment, a non-transitory recording medium may store instructions for causing a wearable electronic device, in a first state of a wearable electronic device set to measure a heart rate of a user at specified intervals, to measure a first heart rate of the user using a first sensor included in the wearable electronic device for a first period of time, to measure second heart rates of the user using the first sensor for a second period of time after the first period of time based on determining that the first heart rate is outside a specified range, and to output a notification indicating an abnormality in the heart rate of the user when determining that a ratio of heart rates outside the specified range among the second heart rates measured during the second period of time exceeds a specified ratio.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a wearable electronic device worn by a user at rest according to one embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 2b is a schematic block diagram of a configuration of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a first sensor according to one embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method by which a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment initiates measurement of a second heart rate.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment to output a notification based on a second heart rate.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a wearable electronic device outputting a notification according to one embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention to stop measuring a second heart rate when an execution command for another function is confirmed.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a notification provided by a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing information about a user's heart rate provided by a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a notification provided by an external electronic device in communication with a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing information about a user's heart rate provided by an external electronic device that is connected to a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.
[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of the electronic device (104) or the server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).
[0023] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a 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) or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.
[0024] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, 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. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, in the electronic device (101) itself where artificial intelligence is performed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.
[0025] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).
[0026] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).
[0027] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).
[0028] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.
[0029] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.
[0030] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).
[0031] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.
[0032] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In 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.
[0033] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may 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).
[0034] The haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.
[0035] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.
[0036] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).
[0037] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.
[0038] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the 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 operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that 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., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can 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 verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).
[0039] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.
[0040] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).
[0041] In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may generate a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band.
[0042] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).
[0043] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an 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 process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.
[0044] FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a wearable electronic device worn by a user at rest according to one embodiment.
[0045] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (201) may be implemented as various types of electronic devices that can be worn by a user, such as a smart watch, a smart band, a smart ring, wireless earphones, or smart glasses. According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (201) may be a device that can be worn on the user's wrist or a device that can be worn on another part of the human body (e.g., an upper arm, a head, a thigh, etc.). According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (201) may also be implemented as various types of electronic devices (e.g., a smartphone) that can perform a communication function rather than a type that can be worn by a user. According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (201) may be implemented in a manner identical to or similar to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1.
[0046] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (201) can measure biometric information of a user. For example, the wearable electronic device (201) can obtain a biometric signal (e.g., a PPG signal) for measuring biometric information of a user (203) by outputting light from a sensor (e.g., a PPG sensor) included in the wearable electronic device (201). For example, the biometric signal may refer to a signal corresponding to light that is reflected by the skin of the user (203) from a light emitting unit of the sensor included in the electronic device (201) and at least partially received or obtained by a light receiving unit of the sensor. For example, the biometric signal may include a photoplethysmography (PPG) signal or a PPG measurement signal. The wearable electronic device (201) can analyze the PPG signal to measure various biometric information of the user (e.g., heart rate, pulse, saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2), or blood pressure).
[0047] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (201) can determine whether the user is in a resting state. For example, if the user is determined to be in a resting state, the user may exhibit little or no movement. According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (201) can determine the user's movement using a sensor (e.g., a motion sensor or an acceleration sensor) included in the wearable electronic device (201) and determine whether the user is in a resting state based on the determined movement. For example, if the user is determined to be in a resting state, the wearable electronic device (201) may not continuously measure the user's biometric information. For example, the wearable electronic device (201) may measure the user's biometric information at designated intervals. Through this, the wearable electronic device (201) can reduce power consumption due to the measurement of biometric information.
[0048] However, if a wearable electronic device is configured to measure a user's biometric information at specified intervals, existing wearable electronic devices may not be able to measure the user's biometric information outside of those times. Consequently, existing wearable electronic devices may not be able to immediately notify the user if an abnormality in the user's heart rate occurs.
[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a wearable electronic device (201) may continuously measure a user's heart rate for a specific period of time when an abnormal heart rate is detected in a state or mode of the wearable electronic device set to measure the user's heart rate at specified time intervals. Through this, the wearable electronic device (201) according to one embodiment may effectively provide a notification to the user indicating an abnormal heart rate.
[0050] FIG. 2b is a schematic block diagram of a configuration of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.
[0051] According to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (201) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or the wearable electronic device (201) of FIG. 2A) may include a processor (220), a memory (230), a display (260), a first sensor (270), a second sensor (280), and a communication circuit (290).
[0052] According to one embodiment, the processor (220) can control the overall operation of the wearable electronic device (201). For example, the processor (220) can be implemented in the same or similar manner as the processor (120) of FIG. 1.
[0053] According to one embodiment, the processor (220) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1) may obtain a biosignal for measuring the user's bioinformation through the first sensor (270).
[0054] According to one embodiment, the first sensor (270) may include a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor. According to one embodiment, the processor (220) may output a first light to a body part (e.g., skin) of the user using the first sensor (270). According to one embodiment, the processor (220) may obtain a signal (hereinafter, referred to as a biosignal) corresponding to light reflected by the body part of the user using the first sensor (270). For example, the processor (220) may obtain a PPG signal using the first sensor (270). According to one embodiment, the processor (220) may obtain or measure bioinformation including the user's heart rate, oxygen saturation, stress, arrhythmia, and / or blood pressure based on the obtained biosignal (e.g., PPG signal).
[0055] Depending on the implementation, the first sensor (270) may include a plurality of electrodes. The plurality of electrodes may be used to detect or sense a voltage corresponding to electrical resistance or a voltage corresponding to electrical conductivity by directly contacting the user's skin. According to one embodiment, the processor (220) may obtain an electrodermal activity (EDA) including a galvanic skin reflex (GSR), a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) signal, and / or an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal using the first sensor (270). According to one embodiment, the processor (220) may measure bio-information including an electrocardiogram and / or body fat based on the bio-signal. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first sensor (270) may include various types of sensors that may obtain or measure the user's bio-information.
[0056] According to one embodiment, the processor (220) can acquire biosignals at preset time intervals or continuously for a specific period of time using the first sensor (270).
[0057] According to one embodiment, the processor (220) may measure the user's first heart rate using the first sensor (270) for a first period of time (e.g., 30 seconds) in a first state of the wearable electronic device (201) (e.g., a state in which the wearable electronic device (201) is operating in a rest mode) that is set to measure the user's heart rate at a specified time interval (e.g., every 10 minutes). For example, the processor (220) may measure the user's heart rate every 10 minutes in the rest mode. The first heart rate may represent the user's heart rate measured in the first state (e.g., a state in which the wearable electronic device (201) is operating in a rest mode).
[0058] According to one embodiment, the processor (220) may determine whether the first heart rate is outside a designated range. For example, the designated range may be set to a range indicating a normal heart rate. For example, the designated range may indicate a heart rate range that is lower than a first reference value indicating a high heart rate and higher than a second reference value (e.g., a value lower than the first reference value) indicating a low heart rate. For example, the first reference value and the second reference value may be values preset by the user or by the processor (220). Additionally, the first reference value and the second reference value may be determined based on the user's personal information (e.g., height, weight, gender, and / or body fat).
[0059] According to one embodiment, the processor (220) may measure the second heart rate of the user using the first sensor (270) for a second period of time after the first period of time based on determining that the first heart rate is outside a specified range. In this case, the processor (220) may continuously measure the user's heart rate for a specified second period of time (e.g., 10 minutes). For example, the second heart rate may represent the user's heart rate continuously measured during the second period of time. Additionally, the second heart rate may include a plurality of heart rate values continuously measured during the second period of time.
[0060] In one embodiment, the processor (220) may determine whether the percentage of heart rates measured during the second time period that fall outside a specified range exceeds a specified percentage. For example, the specified percentage may represent a percentage (e.g., 80%) for determining an abnormality in the user's heart rate. The specified percentage may be set by the user or automatically by the processor (220).
[0061] According to one embodiment, if it is determined that the ratio of the second heart rate measured during the second time period that falls outside a specified range exceeds the specified ratio, the processor (220) may output a notification indicating an abnormality in the user's heart rate. For example, the processor (220) may display a notification indicating an abnormality in the heart rate through the display (260). The processor (220) may display information about the measured heart rate through the display (260). Depending on the implementation, the processor (220) may output a notification indicating an abnormality in the heart rate through a speaker (not shown).
[0062] According to one embodiment, the processor (220) may store a history of notifications indicating abnormalities in heart rate in the memory (230). In addition, the processor (220) may store information about measured heart rate in the memory (230).
[0063] According to one embodiment, the processor (220) may transmit information about the measured heart rate to an external electronic device (e.g., a terminal in communication with the wearable electronic device (201)) through the communication circuit (290). In addition, the processor (220) may transmit a control signal to the external electronic device through the communication circuit (290) so as to cause the external electronic device to output a notification indicating an abnormality in the heart rate.
[0064] According to one embodiment, the second sensor (280) can obtain a sensing value corresponding to the movement of a user wearing the wearable electronic device (201). The second sensor (280) can be implemented in the same or similar manner as the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1. For example, the second sensor (280) can include at least one of an acceleration sensor, an inertial sensor, a motion sensor, an IR (infrared ray) sensor, a temperature (body temperature) sensor, a gyro sensor, a gravity sensor (or a geomagnetic sensor), a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a TOF sensor, or a barometer sensor. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second sensor (272) can include various types of sensors that can detect the movement of the user.
[0065] According to one embodiment, the processor (220) may use the second sensor (280) to determine whether the user is resting. In addition, the processor (220) may also use the second sensor (280) to determine whether the user is exercising. For example, the processor (220) may compare a sensing value indicating a movement of a user wearing the wearable electronic device (201) with specified values, and determine whether the user is resting or exercising based on the comparison result. For example, if the sensing value indicating the movement of the user is greater than a first specified value, the processor (200) may determine that the user is exercising. Alternatively, the processor (220) may determine that the user is resting if the sensing value indicating the movement of the user is less than a second specified value (e.g., a value less than the first specified value).
[0066] According to one embodiment, the processor (220) may display the user's biometric information (e.g., heart rate) measured using the first sensor (270) on the display (260) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1). In addition, the processor (220) may display a notification indicating an abnormal heart rate on the display (260) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1). For example, the notification may include at least one of a heart rate value corresponding to the abnormal heart rate, information explaining the abnormal heart rate, and information regarding emergency measures.
[0067] According to one embodiment, the processor (220) may transmit the user's biometric information measured using the first sensor (270) to an external electronic device (not shown) via a communication circuit (290) (e.g., the communication module (190) of FIG. 1).
[0068] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a first sensor according to one embodiment.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 3, according to one embodiment, a first sensor (e.g., the first sensor (270) of FIG. 2b) may be placed on the rear side of the wearable electronic device (201) (e.g., the part that comes into contact with the user's wrist). For example, the first sensor (270) may be implemented as a PPG sensor.
[0070] According to one embodiment, the first sensor (270) may include a plurality of light-emitting elements (271, 272) and a plurality of light-receiving elements (276, 277, 278). For example, the plurality of light-emitting elements (271, 272) may include light emitting diodes (LEDs). For example, the plurality of light-receiving elements (276, 277, 278) may include at least one of an avalanche photodiode (APD), a single photon avalanche diode (SPAD), a photodiode, a photomultiplier tube (PMT), a charge-coupled device (CCD), a CMOS array, and a spectrometer. Although, for convenience of explanation, the number, shape, size, type, and position of light-emitting elements and light-receiving elements are illustrated in FIG. 3, the number, shape, size, type, and position of light-emitting elements and light-receiving elements are not limited thereto and may be implemented in various forms.
[0071] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of light-emitting elements (271, 272) can output light to a body part of a user wearing the wearable electronic device (201) (e.g., the user's skin in contact with the wearable electronic device (201). For example, the light can include at least one of red light, green light, blue light, or infrared light. For example, the electronic device (201) can use light in a green wavelength band to measure a heart rate. Since light in a green wavelength band relatively shallowly penetrates the user's skin, the electronic device (201) can obtain a biosignal with less noise. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (201) can use light in a red wavelength band to measure a heart rate. Since light in the red wavelength band penetrates relatively deeply into the user's skin, the electronic device (201) can measure a more accurate heart rate. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (201) can measure a heart rate and oxygen saturation (SpO2) using light in the infrared ray wavelength band. The electronic device (201) can measure a relatively more diverse range of bio-information using light in the infrared ray wavelength band than when light in other wavelength bands is used. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (201) can measure a user's skin tone using light in the infrared ray wavelength band, red wavelength band, and green wavelength band. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (201) can also measure a user's blood sugar level using light in the blue wavelength band. The electronic device (201) can measure bio-information using light in an appropriate wavelength band.
[0072] According to one embodiment, the plurality of light-receiving elements (276, 277, 278) can receive at least a portion of the light output from the plurality of light-emitting elements (271, 272) that is reflected or transmitted by the user's body tissue (e.g., skin, skin tissue, fat layer, veins, arteries, and / or capillaries, etc.).
[0073] In one embodiment, although not shown, the wearable electronic device (201) may include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (201) may convert signals output from a plurality of light-receiving elements (276, 277, 278) from analog signals to digital signals through the ADC. In one embodiment, the ADC may be separately provided between the light-receiving unit (320) and the processor (220).
[0074] According to one embodiment, the processor (220) may acquire a digital signal converted by the ADC as a user's biosignal. The processor (220) may analyze the biosignal to measure or acquire the user's bioinformation (e.g., the user's heart rate).
[0075] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (201) may further include a plurality of electrodes (251, 252, and 253). For example, the first electrode (251) and the second electrode (252) may be positioned on the rear surface of the wearable electronic device (201) (e.g., a portion that comes into contact with the user's wrist). The third electrode (253) may be positioned on the side surface of the wearable electronic device (201) (e.g., above a button located on the side surface). A wearable electronic device (201) can obtain a bio-signal (e.g., an electrodermal activity (EDA) including a galvanic skin reflex (GSR), a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) signal, and / or an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal) for measuring a user's bio-information (e.g., an electrocardiogram, a skin conductance, or a body composition) using a plurality of electrodes (251, 252, and 253). A processor (220) can analyze the bio-signal to measure or obtain the user's bio-information (e.g., an electrocardiogram, a skin conductance, or a body composition).
[0076] The operations of the wearable electronic device (201) described below may be performed or controlled by the processor (220). However, for convenience of explanation, the operations performed or controlled by the processor (220) will be described as being performed by the wearable electronic device (201).
[0077] Meanwhile, the operations of the wearable electronic device (201) will be described below with a focus on the operation of measuring the user's heart rate. However, the technical concept of the present invention can be applied not only to the operation of measuring the user's heart rate, but also to the operation of measuring various biometric information of the user.
[0078] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 4, according to one embodiment, in operation 401, a wearable electronic device (e.g., the wearable electronic device (201) of FIG. 2A) may measure a first heart rate of the user using a first sensor (e.g., the first sensor (270) of FIG. 2B) for a first period of time (e.g., 30 seconds) in a first state (e.g., a state operating in a resting mode) set to measure a heart rate of the user at a specified time interval. For example, when the specified time arrives, the wearable electronic device (201) may measure the first heart rate of the user using the first sensor (270) for the first period of time.
[0080] According to one embodiment, in operation 403, the wearable electronic device (201) may measure the second heart rate of the user using the first sensor (270) for a second period of time (e.g., 10 minutes) after the first period of time based on determining that the first heart rate is outside the designated range. For example, the wearable electronic device (201) may continuously measure the second heart rate of the user for a longer period of time if it determines that the first heart rate is outside the designated range. For example, the designated range may represent a range of a normal heart rate.
[0081] According to one embodiment, in operation 405, if it is determined that the ratio of heart rates out of a specified range among the second heart rates measured during the second time period exceeds a specified ratio (e.g., 80%), the wearable electronic device (201) may output a notification indicating an abnormality in the user's heart rate. For example, the specified ratio may be set as a ratio for determining an abnormality in the heart rate. For example, the wearable electronic device (201) may output a notification indicating an abnormality in the user's heart rate through auditory, visual, or tactile (e.g., vibration) means.
[0082] According to one embodiment, in operation 407, the wearable electronic device (201) may store information about the measured heart rate and notification details in a memory (e.g., memory (230) of FIG. 2B). In addition, the wearable electronic device (201) may transmit information about the measured heart rate and notification details to an external electronic device that is in communication with the wearable electronic device (e.g., a connection based on Bluetooth communication).
[0083] According to the method described above, the wearable electronic device (201) can continuously measure the user's heart rate for a specific period of time when an abnormal heart rate is detected in a state or mode of the wearable electronic device set to measure the user's heart rate at a specified time interval. Thus, the wearable electronic device (201) according to one embodiment can effectively provide the user with a notification indicating an abnormal heart rate.
[0084] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method by which a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment initiates measurement of a second heart rate.
[0085] Referring to FIG. 5, according to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (e.g., wearable electronic device (201) of FIG. 2A) may determine whether a user is resting in a first state set to measure the user's heart rate at specified intervals. According to one embodiment, in operation 501, the wearable electronic device (e.g., wearable electronic device (201) of FIG. 2A) may determine the user's movement using a second sensor (e.g., second sensor (280) of FIG. 2B).
[0086] According to one embodiment, in operation 503, the wearable electronic device (201) may determine whether the user is resting based on the identified movement of the user. For example, if the sensing value indicating the movement of the user sensed by the second sensor (280) is determined to be less than a specified value, the wearable electronic device (201) may determine that the user is resting. Alternatively, the wearable electronic device (201) may determine that the user is resting if it is determined that the wearable electronic device (201) is operating in a rest mode.
[0087] In one embodiment, if it is determined that the user is not resting (NO of operation 503), the wearable electronic device (201) may re-determine whether the user is resting.
[0088] In one embodiment, if it is determined that the user is resting (e.g., in operation 503), in operation 505, the wearable electronic device (201) may determine whether a designated time (e.g., 0 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 40 minutes, and 50 minutes of every hour) set to measure the user's heart rate has arrived. The wearable electronic device (201) may determine whether a designated time set to measure the user's heart rate has arrived using a preset timer.
[0089] In one embodiment, if it is determined that the designated time has not arrived (NO of operation 505), the wearable electronic device (201) may re-check whether the user is resting.
[0090] According to one embodiment, when it is determined that a designated time has arrived (e.g., operation 505), in operation 507, the wearable electronic device (201) may acquire a first biosignal using the first sensor (270) for a designated first time period (e.g., 30 seconds) to measure a first heart rate. For example, the first biosignal may include a PPG signal acquired during the first time period.
[0091] According to an embodiment, in operation 509, the wearable electronic device (201) may check the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the first biosignal. In addition, the wearable electronic device (201) may check whether the SNR of the first biosignal is greater than a specified value. For example, if the SNR of the first biosignal is determined to be greater than the specified value, the wearable electronic device (201) may determine that the first biosignal is a signal of sufficient quality to measure the user's heart rate. For example, the specified value may represent a reference value for determining whether the first biosignal is a signal of sufficient quality to measure the user's heart rate. For example, when the heart rate is measured as 60 bpm, the wearable electronic device (201) may determine an area corresponding to 60 bpm+5 bpm to 60 bpm-5 bpm as a signal area, and the remaining area as a noise area. For example, the value of signal area / (signal area + noise area) of the first biosignal may be SNR, and the specified value may be set to 0.2.
[0092] Depending on the implementation, the wearable electronic device (201) may determine that the first biosignal is a signal of sufficient quality to measure the user's heart rate if it is determined that the peak of the waveform of the first biosignal is identical to or similar to a peak of a specified shape.
[0093] According to one embodiment, if the SNR of the first biosignal is determined to be greater than the specified value (NO of operation 509), the wearable electronic device (201) may re-determine whether the user is resting.
[0094] According to one embodiment, if it is determined that the SNR of the first biosignal is not greater than a specified value (example of operation 509), in operation 511, the wearable electronic device (201) may determine whether the measured first heart rate is outside a specified range. For example, the specified range may be a range indicating a normal heart rate.
[0095] In one embodiment, if it is determined that the first heart rate is not outside the specified range (NO of operation 511), the wearable electronic device (201) may re-determine whether the user is resting.
[0096] According to one embodiment, if the first heart rate is determined to be outside the specified range (e.g., in operation 511), the wearable electronic device (201) may initiate an operation of measuring a second heart rate in operation 513. For example, if the wearable electronic device (201) is determined to be outside the specified range, the wearable electronic device (201) may initiate an operation of continuously checking or examining the user's heart rate for a longer period of time. The operation of the wearable electronic device (201) measuring the second heart rate will be described in more detail in FIG. 6 below.
[0097] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment to output a notification based on a second heart rate.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 6, according to one embodiment, at operation 601, a wearable electronic device (e.g., the wearable electronic device (201) of FIG. 2A) may initiate an operation of continuously measuring a second heart rate of a user for a second period of time (e.g., 10 minutes) using a first sensor (e.g., the first sensor (270) of FIG. 2B).
[0099] According to one embodiment, in operation 603, the wearable electronic device (201) may determine whether the measurement of the second heart rate is for checking a low heart rate. For example, if the wearable electronic device (201) determines that the first heart rate is lower than a second reference value (e.g., 50 bpm) indicating a low heart rate, the wearable electronic device (201) may perform an operation to check or re-check a low heart rate. Alternatively, if the wearable electronic device (201) determines that the first heart rate is higher than a first reference value (e.g., 120 bpm) indicating a high heart rate, the wearable electronic device (201) may perform an operation to check or re-check a high heart rate.
[0100] According to one embodiment, if it is determined that the measurement of the second heart rate is not for checking a low heart rate (NO in operation 603), in operation 605, the wearable electronic device (201) may use the second sensor (e.g., the second sensor (280) of FIG. 2B) to check the user's movement. For example, if it is determined that the measurement of the second heart rate is not for checking a low heart rate, the wearable electronic device (201) may determine that the measurement of the second heart rate is for checking a high heart rate. Since the user's heart rate may temporarily increase when the user moves a lot, the wearable electronic device (201) may check the degree of the user's movement.
[0101] According to one embodiment, in operation 607, the wearable electronic device (201) may determine whether a sensing value indicating the user's movement is greater than a specified value. In this case, the specified value may include a value indicating a state in which the user is exercising. For example, the wearable electronic device (201) may determine whether a sensing value indicating the user's movement is greater than a specified value during a certain period of time (e.g., a time interval from a time before a certain time to a time after a certain time based on the current time or a time interval from the current time to a certain time).
[0102] According to one embodiment, if the sensing value indicating the user's movement is determined to be greater than a specified value (e.g., in operation 607), in operation 617, the wearable electronic device (201) may stop the operation of measuring the second heart rate. In this case, the wearable electronic device (201) may determine that there is no need to continue checking the second heart rate. In addition, the wearable electronic device (201) may not output a notification indicating an abnormality in the user's heart rate.
[0103] According to one embodiment, if it is determined that the sensing value indicating the user's movement is not greater than a specified value (NO in operation 607), in operation 609, the wearable electronic device (201) may check the wearing state of the wearable electronic device (201). According to one embodiment, if it is determined that the measurement of the second heart rate is for checking a low heart rate (YES in operation 603), in operation 609, the wearable electronic device (201) may check the wearing state of the wearable electronic device (201). For example, the wearable electronic device (201) may use the first sensor (270) to check whether the wearable electronic device (201) is worn by the user.
[0104] According to one embodiment, in operation 611, the wearable electronic device (201) may determine whether the wearing state of the wearable electronic device (201) satisfies a specified condition. For example, the specified condition may be a condition indicating whether the wearing state is maintained sufficiently to measure the user's heart rate for a second period of time. For example, the wearable electronic device (201) may determine whether the wearable electronic device (201) is maintained in a state worn by the user for a second period of time to measure the second heart rate.
[0105] According to one embodiment, if it is determined that the wearing state of the wearable electronic device (201) does not satisfy the specified condition (NO in operation 611), in operation 617, the wearable electronic device (201) may stop the operation of measuring the second heart rate. In this case, the wearable electronic device (201) may determine that there is no need to continue checking the second heart rate. In addition, the wearable electronic device (201) may not output a notification indicating an abnormality in the user's heart rate.
[0106] According to one embodiment, if it is determined that the wearing state of the wearable electronic device (201) satisfies a specified condition (example of operation 611), in operation 613, the wearable electronic device (201) can determine whether a ratio of heart rates out of a specified range among second heart rates measured during a second time period exceeds a specified ratio.
[0107] According to one embodiment, if it is determined that the ratio of heart rates out of the specified range among the second heart rates measured during the second time period exceeds the specified ratio (example of operation 613), in operation 615, the wearable electronic device (201) may output a notification indicating an abnormality in the user's heart rate. After outputting the notification, the wearable electronic device (201) may continue to monitor the user's heart rate. For example, after outputting the notification, the wearable electronic device (201) may sequentially perform operations starting from operation 601 again. That is, after outputting the notification, the wearable electronic device (201) may continuously measure the user's heart rate for a specified time period (e.g., the second time period).
[0108] According to one embodiment, if it is determined that the ratio of heart rates out of the specified range among the second heart rates measured during the second time period does not exceed the specified ratio (NO in operation 613), in operation 617, the wearable electronic device (201) may stop the operation of measuring the second heart rate. In this case, the wearable electronic device (201) may determine that there is no need to continue checking the second heart rate. In addition, the wearable electronic device (201) may not output a notification indicating an abnormality in the user's heart rate. For example, after the wearable electronic device (201) determines not to output a notification, the wearable electronic device (201) may sequentially perform operations starting from operation 501 of FIG. 5 again. That is, after the wearable electronic device (201) determines not to output a notification, the wearable electronic device (201) may measure the user's heart rate again at specified intervals.
[0109] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a wearable electronic device outputting a notification according to one embodiment.
[0110] Referring to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, at operation 701, in one embodiment, at operation 601, a wearable electronic device (e.g., the wearable electronic device (201) of FIG. 2A) may measure a second heart rate of a user for a second period of time (e.g., 10 minutes) using a first sensor (e.g., the first sensor (270) of FIG. 2B).
[0111] According to one embodiment, in operation 703, the wearable electronic device (201) may determine whether the measurement of the second heart rate is for checking a low heart rate. For example, if the wearable electronic device (201) determines that the first heart rate is lower than a second reference value (e.g., 50 bpm) indicating a low heart rate, the wearable electronic device (201) may perform an operation to check or re-check a low heart rate. Alternatively, if the wearable electronic device (201) determines that the first heart rate is higher than a first reference value (e.g., 120 bpm) indicating a high heart rate, the wearable electronic device (201) may perform an operation to check or re-check a high heart rate.
[0112] According to one embodiment, if it is determined that the measurement of the second heart rate is not for checking a low heart rate (i.e., for checking a high heart rate) (NO in operation 703), in operation 705, the wearable electronic device (201) may provide information indicating a high heart rate of the user through a notification if the ratio of the heart rate higher than the first reference value among the second heart rates exceeds a specified ratio.
[0113] According to one embodiment, if the measurement of the second heart rate is determined to be for checking a low heart rate (example of operation 703), in operation 707, the wearable electronic device (201) may provide information indicating a low heart rate of the user through a notification if the ratio of the heart rate lower than the second reference value among the second heart rates exceeds a specified ratio.
[0114] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention to stop measuring a second heart rate when an execution command for another function is confirmed.
[0115] Referring to FIG. 8, according to one embodiment, in operation 801, a wearable electronic device (e.g., the wearable electronic device (201) of FIG. 2A) may measure a second heart rate for a second time using a first sensor (e.g., the first sensor (270) of FIG. 2B).
[0116] According to one embodiment, in operation 803, the wearable electronic device (201) may determine whether execution of another function of the wearable electronic device (201) is commanded while measuring the second heart rate. For example, the other function may include a function related to an exercise mode of the wearable electronic device (201). Alternatively, the other function may include a function of measuring heart rate and other biometric information using the first sensor (270) of the wearable electronic device (201).
[0117] In one embodiment, if it is determined that the execution of another function is not commanded (NO in operation 803), in operation 805, the wearable electronic device (201) may continue to measure the second heart rate for a second time period. In another embodiment, if it is determined that a command to execute a function of the wearable electronic device unrelated to measuring the second heart rate is commanded, the wearable electronic device (201) may continue to measure the second heart rate for a second time period.
[0118] According to one embodiment, if it is determined that execution of another function is commanded (example of operation 803), in operation 807, the wearable electronic device (201) may stop measuring the second heart rate. For example, the wearable electronic device (201) may output a notification (e.g., a notification via visual means, auditory means, and / or tactile means) indicating that measurement of the second heart rate has stopped. For example, when a user starts exercising, the wearable electronic device (201) may not be able to accurately measure the user's heart rate because the exercise increases the user's heart rate. In addition, when measuring other biometric information of the user using the first sensor (270), the wearable electronic device (201) may not be able to accurately measure the user's heart rate. Accordingly, when another function of the wearable electronic device (201) is executed, the wearable electronic device (201) may determine that there is no need to continue checking the second heart rate.
[0119] According to another embodiment, the wearable electronic device (201) may not start measuring the second heart rate if it is determined that another function of the wearable electronic device (201) is already running at the step of starting measuring the second heart rate.
[0120] In another embodiment, the wearable electronic device (201) may continue to measure the second heart rate for a second period of time while a function of the wearable electronic device unrelated to measuring the second heart rate is running.
[0121] According to the method described above, the wearable electronic device (201) can continuously measure the user's heart rate for a specific period of time when an abnormal heart rate is detected in a state or mode of the wearable electronic device set to measure the user's heart rate at a specified time interval. Thus, the wearable electronic device (201) according to one embodiment can effectively provide the user with a notification indicating an abnormal heart rate.
[0122] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a notification provided by a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.
[0123] Referring to FIG. 9, according to an embodiment, a wearable electronic device (e.g., the wearable electronic device (201) of FIG. 2A) may display a notification (910) indicating an abnormality in the user's heart rate on a display (e.g., the display (260) of FIG. 2B) based on a measurement result of a second heart rate. For example, the notification (910) may include information about a heart rate value (e.g., 125 bmp) corresponding to the heart rate abnormality and / or information about heart rate values measured during a second time period. For example, the wearable electronic device (201) may display the heart rate values measured during the second time period as graphical information using a graph and / or dots. Depending on the implementation, the notification (910) may further include a guide (e.g., health-related information) that is helpful for the heart rate abnormality.
[0124] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing information about a user's heart rate provided by a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.
[0125] Referring to FIG. 10, according to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (e.g., the wearable electronic device (201) of FIG. 2A) may store information indicating the measurement results of a second heart rate. In addition, the wearable electronic device (201) may store the history of notifications output.
[0126] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device may display information (1010) indicating a measurement result of a second heart rate on a display (e.g., display (260) of FIG. 2B). For example, the information (1010) indicating a measurement result of the second heart rate may include information on heart rate values measured during a second time period (e.g., numerical values for a measured heart rate range, heart rate values graphically represented using a graph). For example, the information (1010) indicating a measurement result of the second heart rate may indicate a trend of heart rate changes over time. Additionally, the information (1010) indicating a measurement result of the second heart rate may display a history of notifications indicating heart rate abnormalities through a separate object (e.g., a dot).
[0127] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a notification provided by an external electronic device in communication with a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.
[0128] Referring to FIG. 11, according to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (e.g., the wearable electronic device (201) of FIG. 2A) may transmit information about a notification indicating an abnormality in the user's heart rate to an external electronic device (1101).
[0129] According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (1101) may display a notification (1120) indicating a heart rate abnormality on the display (1110) of the external electronic device (1101). For example, the notification (1120) may include information about a heart rate value (e.g., 120 bmp) corresponding to the heart rate abnormality and / or information about heart rate values measured during a second time period. For example, the wearable electronic device (201) may display the heart rate values measured during the second time period as graphical information using a graph and / or dots. In addition, the notification (1120) may further include a guide (e.g., health-related information) that is helpful for the heart rate abnormality.
[0130] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing information about a user's heart rate provided by an external electronic device that is connected to a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.
[0131] Referring to FIG. 12, according to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (e.g., the wearable electronic device (201) of FIG. 2A) may transmit information about the measurement result of a user's heart rate to an external electronic device (1201).
[0132] According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (1201) may display information (1210) regarding heart rate values measured by time zone. For example, information (1220) regarding heart rate values (e.g., second heart rate values) measured continuously for a specified time period may also be displayed.
[0133] According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (1201) may, upon confirmation of a user input for a specific time, display detailed information (1230) regarding heart rate values measured continuously over a specific time period. For example, the detailed information (1230) may include a graph depicting the trend of heart rate values measured over a specific time period.
[0134] According to the method described above, the wearable electronic device (201) can continuously measure the user's heart rate for a specific period of time when an abnormal heart rate is detected in a state or mode of the wearable electronic device set to measure the user's heart rate at a specified time interval. Thus, the wearable electronic device (201) according to one embodiment can effectively provide the user with a notification indicating an abnormal heart rate.
[0135] According to an embodiment, a wearable electronic device (201) may include a first sensor (270), a second sensor (280), at least one processor (220), and a memory (230) storing instructions. According to an embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the wearable electronic device to measure a first heart rate of the user using the first sensor for a first period of time in a first state of the wearable electronic device, wherein the wearable electronic device is set to measure a heart rate of the user at specified intervals. According to an embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the wearable electronic device to measure a second heart rate of the user using the first sensor for a second period of time after the first period of time, based on determining that the first heart rate is outside a specified range. In one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the wearable electronic device to output a notification indicating an abnormality in the user's heart rate if it is determined that a ratio of the second heart rate measured during the second time period that is outside a specified range exceeds a specified ratio.
[0136] In one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the wearable electronic device to determine whether the user is resting based on movement of the user identified through the second sensor in the first state. In one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the wearable electronic device to measure the first heart rate based on determining that the user is resting.
[0137] In one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the wearable electronic device to determine whether a signal-to-noise (SNR) of a first biosignal obtained using the first sensor to measure the first heart rate is greater than a specified value. In one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the wearable electronic device to determine whether the first heart rate is outside a specified range based on determining that the SNR of the first biosignal is not greater than the specified value.
[0138] In one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the wearable electronic device to determine a wearing state of the wearable electronic device based on determining that the first heart rate is outside a specified range. In one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the wearable electronic device to stop measuring the second heart rate if it is determined that the wearing state does not satisfy a specified condition.
[0139] In one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the wearable electronic device to determine movement of the user through the second sensor based on determining that the first heart rate exceeds a first reference value associated with a high heart rate. In one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the wearable electronic device to stop measuring the second heart rate if the sensed value indicating the movement of the user is determined to be greater than a designated value.
[0140] In one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the wearable electronic device to provide information indicating a high heart rate of the user through the notification when it is determined that a ratio of a heart rate higher than a first reference value associated with a high heart rate among the second heart rates measured during the second time period exceeds the designated ratio.
[0141] In one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the wearable electronic device to provide information indicating a low heart rate of the user through the notification if it is determined that a ratio of a heart rate lower than a second reference value associated with a low heart rate among the second heart rates measured during the second time period exceeds the designated ratio.
[0142] In one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the wearable electronic device to stop measuring the second heart rate if a function associated with an exercise mode is executed while measuring the second heart rate.
[0143] In one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the wearable electronic device to stop measuring the second heart rate if a command to measure biometric information of the user different from the heart rate is identified through the first sensor while measuring the second heart rate.
[0144] In one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the wearable electronic device to continue to monitor the user's heart rate using the first sensor after outputting the notification.
[0145] According to an embodiment, a method of operating a wearable electronic device (201) may include an operation of measuring a first heart rate of a user using a first sensor (270) included in the wearable electronic device for a first period of time in a first state of the wearable electronic device set to measure a heart rate of a user at specified intervals. According to an embodiment, the method of operating a wearable electronic device may include an operation of measuring a second heart rate of the user using the first sensor for a second period of time after the first period of time based on determining that the first heart rate is outside a specified range. According to an embodiment, the method of operating a wearable electronic device may include an operation of outputting a notification indicating an abnormality in the heart rate of the user when it is determined that a ratio of heart rates outside the specified range among the second heart rates measured during the second period of time exceeds a specified ratio.
[0146] According to one embodiment, the operation of measuring the first heart rate may include an operation of determining whether the user is resting based on the movement of the user identified through the second sensor (280) included in the wearable electronic device in the first state. According to one embodiment, the operation of measuring the first heart rate may include an operation of measuring the first heart rate based on determining that the user is resting.
[0147] According to one embodiment, the operation of determining that the first heart rate is outside a specified range may include determining whether a signal to noise (SNR) of a first biosignal acquired using the first sensor to measure the first heart rate is greater than a specified value. According to one embodiment, the operation of determining that the first heart rate is outside a specified range may include determining whether the first heart rate is outside the specified range based on determining that the SNR of the first biosignal is not greater than the specified value.
[0148] According to one embodiment, the operating method of the wearable electronic device may further include an operation of checking a wearing state of the wearable electronic device based on determining that the first heart rate is outside a specified range. According to one embodiment, the operating method of the wearable electronic device may further include an operation of stopping measurement of the second heart rate if it is determined that the wearing state does not satisfy a specified condition.
[0149] According to one embodiment, the method of operating the wearable electronic device may further include an operation of confirming a movement of the user through the second sensor based on determining that the first heart rate exceeds a first reference value associated with a high heart rate. According to one embodiment, the method of operating the wearable electronic device may further include an operation of stopping measurement of the second heart rate if the sensing value indicating the movement of the user is determined to be greater than a designated value.
[0150] According to one embodiment, the operation of outputting the notification indicating an abnormality in the heart rate may include an operation of providing information indicating a high heart rate of the user through the notification when it is confirmed that a ratio of a heart rate higher than a first reference value related to a high heart rate among the second heart rates measured during the second time period exceeds the specified ratio.
[0151] According to one embodiment, the operation of outputting the notification indicating an abnormality in the heart rate may include an operation of providing information indicating a low heart rate of the user through the notification when it is confirmed that a ratio of a heart rate lower than a second reference value related to a low heart rate among the second heart rates measured during the second time period exceeds the specified ratio.
[0152] According to one embodiment, the method of operating the wearable electronic device may further include an operation of stopping the measurement of the second heart rate when a function related to an exercise mode is executed while measuring the second heart rate.
[0153] According to one embodiment, the method of operating the wearable electronic device may further include an operation of continuously monitoring the user's heart rate using the first sensor after outputting the notification.
[0154] According to one embodiment, a non-transitory recording medium (130, 230) may store instructions for executing, in a first state of a wearable electronic device (201) set to measure a user's heart rate at specified intervals, an operation in which the wearable electronic device measures a first heart rate of the user using a first sensor (270) included in the wearable electronic device for a first period of time, an operation in which the wearable electronic device measures a second heart rate of the user using the first sensor for a second period of time after the first period of time based on determining that the first heart rate is outside a specified range, and an operation in which the wearable electronic device outputs a notification indicating an abnormality in the user's heart rate when determining that a ratio of heart rates outside the specified range among the second heart rates measured during the second period of time exceeds a specified ratio.
[0155] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.
[0156] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the 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 the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "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" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.
[0157] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document 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 an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component 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).
[0158] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (1440)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (1436) or an external memory (1438)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (1401)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (1420)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (1401)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate 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 executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.
[0159] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.
[0160] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component 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
1. In a wearable electronic device (201), First sensor (270); Second sensor (280); at least one processor (220); and A wearable electronic device comprises a memory (230) storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, In a first state of the wearable electronic device set to measure a user's heart rate at specified intervals, a first heart rate of the user is measured using the first sensor for a first time period, Based on determining that the first heart rate is out of a specified range, the second heart rates of the user are measured using the first sensor for a second time period after the first time period; A wearable electronic device configured to output a notification indicating an abnormality in the user's heart rate when it is determined that the ratio of the heart rate out of the specified range among the second heart rates measured during the second time period exceeds the specified ratio.
2. In the first paragraph, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to: In the first state, it is determined whether the user is resting based on the user's movement confirmed through the second sensor, A wearable electronic device configured to measure said first heart rate based on determining that said user is at rest.
3. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 2, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to: To measure the first heart rate, it is checked whether the SNR (signal to noise) of the first biosignal obtained using the first sensor is greater than a specified value, A wearable electronic device configured to determine whether the first heart rate is outside the specified range based on determining that the SNR of the first biosignal is not greater than the specified value.
4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to: Based on determining that the first heart rate is outside the specified range, the wearing state of the wearable electronic device is verified, A wearable electronic device configured to stop measuring the second heart rates if the wearing state is determined to not satisfy a specified condition.
5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to: Based on the confirmation that the first heart rate exceeds the first reference value related to high heart rate, the movement of the user is confirmed through the second sensor, A wearable electronic device configured to stop measuring the second heart rates when the sensing value indicating the movement of the user is determined to be greater than a specified value.
6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to: A wearable electronic device configured to provide information indicating a high heart rate of the user through the notification when it is determined that a ratio of heart rates higher than a first reference value related to high heart rate among the second heart rates measured during the second time period exceeds the specified ratio.
7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to: A wearable electronic device configured to provide information indicating a low heart rate of the user through the notification when it is confirmed that the ratio of heart rates lower than the second reference value related to low heart rate among the second heart rates measured during the second time period exceeds the specified ratio.
8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to: A wearable electronic device configured to stop measuring the second heart rates when a function related to an exercise mode is executed while measuring the second heart rates.
9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to: A wearable electronic device configured to stop measuring the second heart rates when a command to measure the user's biometric information different from the heart rate is confirmed through the first sensor while measuring the second heart rates.
10. In any one of claims 1 to 9, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to: A wearable electronic device configured to continuously monitor the user's heart rate using the first sensor after outputting the above notification.
11. A method of operating a wearable electronic device (201), An action of measuring a first heart rate of a user using a first sensor (270) included in the wearable electronic device for a first period of time, in a first state of the wearable electronic device set to measure a heart rate of the user at specified intervals; An action of measuring the second heart rates of the user using the first sensor for a second time period after the first time period, based on determining that the first heart rate is out of a specified range; and A method of operating a wearable electronic device, comprising: an operation of outputting a notification indicating an abnormality in the user's heart rate when it is determined that a ratio of heart rates out of a specified range among the second heart rates measured during the second time period exceeds a specified ratio.
12. In the 11th paragraph, the operation of measuring the first heart rate is as follows: In the first state, an operation of determining whether the user is resting based on the user's movement identified through the second sensor (280) included in the wearable electronic device; and A method of operating a wearable electronic device, comprising: measuring a first heart rate based on determining that the user is at rest.
13. In any one of clauses 11 to 12, the operation of confirming that the first heart rate is outside the specified range comprises: An operation for checking whether the SNR (signal to noise) of the first biosignal obtained using the first sensor to measure the first heart rate is greater than a specified value; and A method of operating a wearable electronic device, comprising: determining whether the first heart rate is out of the specified range based on determining that the SNR of the first biosignal is not greater than the specified value.
14. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 13, An operation of checking the wearing status of the wearable electronic device based on determining that the first heart rate is outside a specified range; and A method of operating a wearable electronic device, further comprising an action of stopping measurement of the second heart rates if it is determined that the wearing state does not satisfy a specified condition.
15. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 14, An action of confirming the movement of the user through the second sensor based on confirming that the first heart rate exceeds the first reference value related to high heart rate; and A method of operating a wearable electronic device further comprising an action of stopping measurement of the second heart rates when the sensing value indicating the movement of the user is determined to be greater than a specified value.
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