Wearable healthcare device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a wearable healthcare device. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a wearable healthcare device can be provided, the device comprising: an outer housing; an inner housing coupled to the outer housing; and a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) disposed between the outer housing and the inner housing, wherein the PCBA includes at least one biosignal measurement sensor, at least one processor, and a communication module for communicating with one or more external devices, and does not have a step in a predetermined area on the inner side surface of the inner housing corresponding to an area in which the at least one biosignal measurement sensor is disposed.

Description

Wearable healthcare devices

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wearable healthcare device.

[0002] Wearable healthcare devices are electronic devices worn on the user's body that can continuously measure and analyze various biosignals and activity information. In particular, ring-type wearable devices worn on the finger are in close contact with the user's skin, allowing them to reliably collect biosignals.

[0003] Furthermore, wearable healthcare devices are expanding their applications into diverse medical and care settings, including managing the condition of chronically ill patients, monitoring the elderly, and detecting emergencies, by linking with external devices or servers. Consequently, the development of next-generation wearable technology capable of precisely recognizing user status and proactively responding to individual situations is becoming increasingly important.

[0004] The background technology described above is technical information that the inventor possessed for the purpose of deriving the present invention or acquired in the process of deriving the present invention, and cannot necessarily be considered as publicly known technology disclosed to the general public prior to the application for the present invention.

[0005] The technical challenge the present invention seeks to address is to provide a wearable healthcare device. The technical challenges addressed are not limited to the aforementioned technical challenges, and other technical challenges may also exist.

[0006] As a technical means for achieving the above-described technical task, the present disclosure can provide a wearable healthcare device including an outer housing; an inner housing coupled to the outer housing; and a PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) disposed between the outer housing and the inner housing, wherein the PCBA includes at least one bio-signal measuring sensor; at least one processor; and a communication module for performing communication with one or more external devices, and characterized in that a predetermined area on the inner surface of the inner housing corresponding to an area where the at least one bio-signal measuring sensor is disposed does not have a step.

[0007] In addition, other methods for implementing the present invention, other systems, and computer-readable recording media storing a computer program for executing the method may be further provided.

[0008] Other aspects, features and advantages other than those described above will become apparent from the following drawings, claims and detailed description of the invention.

[0009] According to the problem solving means of the present disclosure described above, various biosignal sensors are integrated at appropriate locations on a printed circuit board in a wearable healthcare device, so that the sensors can be efficiently placed even within a limited space.

[0010] In addition, according to the problem solving means of the present disclosure described above, a housing structure designed to allow the electrodes of the nicotine sensor and the ECG sensor to stably contact the user's skin is provided, thereby increasing the accuracy and consistency of biosignal measurement.

[0011] In addition, according to the problem solving means of the present disclosure described above, the healthcare device can intuitively guide the user on the status of biosignal measurement, system response status, whether to notify, etc. by having a visual feedback means such as an LED display module, so that the user experience (UX) can be improved.

[0012] In addition, according to the problem solving means of the present disclosure described above, the healthcare device receives a user's voice input through a microphone, and the operation of the healthcare device and / or an external device is controlled based on the voice signal, thereby increasing user-device interactivity and providing an intuitive control environment.

[0013] The effects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of this specification.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a system including a wearable healthcare device according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a wearable healthcare device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 3a is a block diagram illustrating components mounted on the outer surface of a PCBA according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 3b is a block diagram illustrating components mounted on the inner surface of a PCBA according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 4 is an exemplary drawing illustrating a healthcare device including an LED display module according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 5 is an exemplary drawing illustrating a healthcare device including a microphone according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 6 is an exemplary drawing illustrating a healthcare device including a first sensor module according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 7 is an exemplary drawing illustrating a healthcare device including a third or fourth sensor module according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation process of a processor included in a wearable healthcare device according to one embodiment.

[0023] A wearable healthcare device according to one aspect includes an outer housing; an inner housing coupled to the outer housing; and a PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) disposed between the outer housing and the inner housing, wherein the PCBA includes at least one bio-signal measuring sensor; at least one processor; and a communication module that performs communication with one or more external devices; and may be characterized in that a predetermined area on an inner surface of the inner housing corresponding to an area where the at least one bio-signal measuring sensor is disposed does not have a step.

[0024] The advantages and features of the invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented below, but can be implemented in various different forms, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. The embodiments presented below are provided to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the invention of the scope of the invention. In describing the present invention, if a detailed description of a related known technology is judged to obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0025] The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0026] In this specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, it should be understood that terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0027] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first" or "second," used herein may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0028] The phrases "in one embodiment," "according to one embodiment," "relating to one embodiment," or "according to an implementation of one embodiment" used in this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the term "embodiment" throughout this specification is an arbitrary distinction used to facilitate the description of the present disclosure, and each embodiment is not necessarily exclusive of the others. For example, the configurations mentioned for the description of one embodiment may be applied and / or implemented in other embodiments, and may be modified and applied and / or implemented without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0029] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may be represented by functional block configurations and various processing steps. Some or all of these functional blocks may be implemented by various hardware and / or software components that perform specific functions. For example, the functional blocks of the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more microprocessors or by circuit configurations for specific functions.

[0030] For example, the functional blocks of the present disclosure may be implemented in various programming or scripting languages. The functional blocks may be implemented as algorithms that run on one or more processors. Furthermore, the present disclosure may employ conventional techniques for electronic environment configuration, signal processing, and / or data processing. Terms such as "mechanism," "element," "means," and "configuration" may be used broadly and are not limited to mechanical and physical components. Furthermore, terms such as "-unit" and "-module" refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0031] The present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings below.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a system including a wearable healthcare device according to one embodiment.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, the system (1) may include a wearable healthcare device (1000), an external device (2000), and a server (3000).

[0034] In one embodiment, any one component included in the system (1) may communicate with any other component included in the system (1) via a network. For example, a wearable healthcare device (1000) may communicate with an external device (2000) and / or a server (3000) via a network.

[0035] Here, the network is a comprehensive data communication network that enables different entities to communicate smoothly with each other, and may include wired Internet, wireless Internet, and mobile radio communication networks. For example, the network may include a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Value Added Network (VAN), a mobile radio communication network, a satellite communication network, and a combination thereof. In this case, wired communication may include Ethernet and a Fiber Optic Network. In addition, wireless communication may include, but is not limited to, wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, ZigBee, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), ultra-wideband (UWB), infrared communication (IrDA, infrared Data Association), NFC (Near Field Communication), and the like.

[0036] A wearable healthcare device (1000) may refer to a wearable device that can be worn on a user's body to measure / record physiological or biometric information of the user or monitor and analyze the user's health status. The wearable healthcare device (1000) described in the present disclosure may be implemented as various devices such as a wearable ring, a wearable watch, a wearable band, wearable glasses, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0037] In one embodiment, the wearable healthcare device (1000) may include a control module (1100). Here, the control module (1100) may refer to a component for controlling the overall operation of the wearable healthcare device (1000).

[0038] The control module (1100) can control the sensor module (1200), the communication module (1300), and / or the interface module (1400) included in the wearable healthcare device (1000). For example, the control module (1100) can control the sensor module (1200) so that the sensor module (1200) collects the user's bio-signal sensing data, and can calculate the user's bio-value parameter based on the bio-signal sensing data acquired from the sensor module (1200). Here, the bio-signal sensing data may refer to sensing data collected by the sensor module (1200), and may include, but is not limited to, sensing data such as a light signal (PPG) signal, an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal, and temperature data as specific examples. In addition, the biometric value parameter may refer to the user's biometric value calculated by calculating biometric signal sensing data, and may include, but is not limited to, parameters such as the user's body temperature, pulse, respiration rate, heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), oxygen saturation, stress index, blood pressure, and blood sugar as specific examples.

[0039] For another example, the control module (1100) can perform data communication between the wearable healthcare device (1000) and an external device (2000) and / or a server (3000) by controlling the operation of the communication module (1300). For another example, the control module (1100) can receive user input or provide information to the user through the interface module (1400).

[0040] In one embodiment, a wearable healthcare device (1000) may include a sensor module (1200).

[0041] In one embodiment, the sensor module (1200) may include one or more sensors for collecting various sensing data regarding the user's biosignals. For example, the sensor module (1200) may include various sensors such as a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, an electrocardiography (ECG) sensor, a nicotine sensor, a temperature sensor, etc., but is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the sensor module (1200) may include one or more sensors for collecting various sensing data regarding the user's movements and posture changes. For example, the sensor module (1200) may include a motion sensor such as a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0042] In one embodiment, the wearable healthcare device (1000) may include a communication module (1300). Here, the communication module (1300) may refer to a component for transmitting and receiving data between the wearable healthcare device (1000) and an external device or server. For example, the communication module (1300) may include, but is not limited to, an RF (Radio Frequency)-based communication module, such as a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, an NFC (Near Field Communication) module, or a Wi-Fi communication module.

[0043] In one embodiment, the wearable healthcare device (1000) may include an interface module (1400). Here, the interface module (1400) may refer to a component for performing information input and output between a user and the wearable healthcare device (1000). For example, the interface module (1400) may include, but is not limited to, a touch sensor and a microphone for receiving user input (e.g., touch input, voice input). For another example, the interface module (1400) may include, but is not limited to, an LED and a vibration motor for providing a notification or operation status of the system to the user in various ways, such as vibration, lighting, and voice.

[0044] In one embodiment, the wearable healthcare device (1000) may include a power supply module (1500). Here, the power supply module (1500) may refer to a component for supplying power to components included in the wearable healthcare device (1000). For example, the power supply module (1500) may include a rechargeable secondary battery and a power circuit, and may supply operating power to the wearable healthcare device (1000).

[0045] In one embodiment, the system (1) may include an external device (2000).

[0046] In one embodiment, the external device (2000) may be a user's mobile communication terminal. In this case, the user of the external device (2000) and the wearable healthcare device (1000) may be the same. For example, the external device (2000) may include a mobile communication terminal of the same user as the user of the wearable healthcare device (1000). In this case, the external device (2000) may be implemented as a smartphone, tablet PC, personal digital assistant (PDA), laptop, media player, or other mobile electronic device.

[0047] Meanwhile, if the external device (2000) is a mobile communication terminal such as a smartphone of the user of the wearable healthcare device (1000), the external device (2000) and the wearable healthcare device (1000) may be interconnected with each other through a method such as Bluetooth pairing. In this case, at least some of the operations of the wearable healthcare device (1000) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 may be performed by the external device (2000). For example, biosignal sensing data collected through the sensor module (1200) may be transmitted to the external device (2000), and the external device (2000) may calculate biovalue parameters based on the received biosignal sensing data and provide the user with calculation result information.

[0048] In this case, in one embodiment, the wearable healthcare device (1000) can transmit user biometric information and / or movement information collected through the sensor module (1200) to an external device (2000), and the external device (2000) can analyze the user's health status based on the biometric data and provide the analysis result to the user. For example, when the external device (2000) is a smartphone, the external device (2000) can analyze the biometric signal data transmitted from the wearable healthcare device (1000) and provide the user with a visual display of the monitoring result of the biometric value parameter, or output a warning notification or action recommendation message to the user. As a more specific example, the external device (2000) can provide the user with various information, such as guideline information for improving the user's lifestyle habits, such as physical strength enhancement, diet therapy, and exercise prescription, music therapy, nutritional management, stress relief, abstinence from alcohol, smoking cessation, drug rehabilitation, concentration enhancement, stress relief, ADHD treatment, depression treatment, and sleep quality improvement, based on predetermined conditions regarding the user's current status (current biometric parameters).

[0049] In another embodiment, the external device (2000) may be an external device that performs functions such as payment, access control, or device control through communication with the wearable healthcare device (1000). For example, the external device (2000) may be an NFC-based payment terminal, an access control system reader, a transportation gate terminal, a digital door lock, a vending machine, an ATM, or other IoT-based device. In this case, the external device (2000) may perform operations such as authentication, payment, or control based on user authentication information, payment information, or control commands provided from the wearable healthcare device (1000). For example, when the external device (2000) is an NFC-based payment terminal or an access control system, the wearable healthcare device (1000) may transmit user authentication information or payment information to the external device (2000), and the external device (2000) may perform operations such as authentication confirmation, access permission, and payment approval based on the user authentication information or payment information.

[0050] In one embodiment, the system (1) may include a server (3000). Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, the server (3000) may be a computing device including a processor. If the server (3000) is a computing device, the processor may perform at least some of the operations of the wearable healthcare device (1000) and / or the external device (2000). For example, the server (3000) may be a cloud server, but is not limited thereto. For example, the server (3000) may receive and analyze bio-signals, behavioral information, etc. collected from the wearable healthcare device (1000), thereby evaluating the health status of the user or determining whether there are any abnormalities, and transmitting related information to the external device (2000) and / or the wearable healthcare device (1000). Additionally, the server (3000) may be a server that stores bio-signal sensing data or bio-value parameters for each user and includes an artificial intelligence-based learning model that detects abnormal patterns related thereto.

[0051] In one embodiment, the server (3000) may be a server that receives user-related data transmitted from the wearable healthcare device (1000) and / or the external device (2000), and stores, analyzes, or processes the same to provide various types of healthcare services. For example, the server (3000) may be a medical institution server, and the wearable healthcare device (1000) or the external device (2000) may detect an abnormality in the user's biometric parameters, or may transmit related information to the medical institution server at predetermined intervals regardless of whether there is an abnormality. In more detail, the wearable healthcare device (1000) and / or the external device (2000) may periodically transmit the user's biometric information to a designated server (e.g., a server of a designated hospital) based on the user's settings. Accordingly, the doctor in charge of the designated hospital can check the user's health status from time to time and transmit remote prescription information such as health management tips or information requiring a visit to the hospital to the wearable healthcare device (1000) and / or external device (2000).

[0052] Hereinafter, an example of the operation of a system (1) including a wearable healthcare device (1000), an external device (2000), and / or a server (3000) will be described.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the wearable healthcare device (1000) can collect the user's bio-signal sensing data in real time or at a predetermined cycle (e.g., 1 minute, 15 minutes, etc.) through the sensor module (1200). The collected bio-signal sensing data can be transmitted to the control module (1100), and the control module (1100) can calculate bio-value parameters in real time or at a predetermined cycle based on the bio-signal sensing data. The user's bio-signal sensing cycle or the user's bio-value parameter monitoring cycle can be set based on a user input. In more detail, the user can input a setting value regarding the bio-signal sensing cycle or the bio-value parameter monitoring cycle to an external device (2000), and the external device (2000) can transmit a control command based on the user's setting value to the wearable healthcare device (1000).

[0054] Meanwhile, when the collection of bio-signal sensing data or the calculation of bio-value parameters is performed according to a predetermined cycle, the wearable healthcare device (1000) can receive a request for monitoring bio-value parameters from the user separately from the aforementioned predetermined cycle, and when a user request is received, the control module (1100) can perform the collection of bio-signal sensing data or the calculation of bio-value parameters despite the aforementioned predetermined cycle. In more detail, the user can input a request for monitoring bio-value parameters to the external device (2000), and the external device (2000) can transmit a control command based on the user request to the wearable healthcare device (1000), and the control module (1100) can calculate the user's bio-value parameters based on the control command and transmit the calculated bio-value parameters to the external device (2000). The external device (2000) can output a monitoring result regarding the received bio-value parameters to the user.

[0055] Meanwhile, the control module (1100) may provide a notification to the user through the interface module (1400) when the biometric parameter satisfies a predetermined standard (e.g., when the biometric parameter exceeds a threshold value). For example, the control module (1100) may provide a notification to the user by sending a control command to the external device (2000) to turn on an LED provided in the wearable healthcare device (1000), operate a vibration motor, or output a voice guidance through a speaker provided in the external device (2000).

[0056] Meanwhile, an external device (2000) can transmit setting information (e.g., sensor measurement cycle, notification method, power management options, etc.) based on user input to a wearable healthcare device (1000), and a control module (1100) can transmit a control command based on this to the wearable healthcare device (1000).

[0057] Meanwhile, although FIG. 1 illustrates one wearable healthcare device (1000), an external device (2000), and one server (3000), the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other words, the wearable healthcare device (1000) can communicate with two or more external devices (2000) and / or two or more servers (3000) via a network.

[0058] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a wearable healthcare device according to one embodiment. The healthcare device (200) of Fig. 2 may correspond to the wearable healthcare device (1000) described above with reference to Fig. 1.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 2, the healthcare device (200) may include an outer housing (210), an inner housing (230), and a PCBA (220).

[0060] The outer housing (210) and the inner housing (230) may be combined to form a body of the healthcare device (200). In one embodiment, the outer housing (210) and the inner housing (230) may each have a circular cross-section. In one embodiment, the inner housing (230) may be manufactured in a molded manner (e.g., injection molded) so as to be combined with the outer housing (210).

[0061] As a specific example, the inner housing (230) may be manufactured using a thermosetting plastic material (e.g., epoxy resin). In this case, the healthcare device (200) may be manufactured by injecting a liquid thermosetting plastic material (e.g., epoxy resin) into a mold with the outer housing (230) and PCBA (220) placed therein and curing the same.

[0062] In one embodiment, the outer housing (210) may be coupled with a battery having a curved shape matching the curved surface of the outer housing (210). For example, the outer housing (210) and the battery may be coupled by mounting the battery in a predetermined space within the outer housing (210). In this case, the battery may have an arc-shaped cross-section. In another example, the battery may constitute a portion of the outer housing (210). In this case, the battery and the outer housing (210) may each have an arc-shaped cross-section, and the cross-section of the structure in which the battery and the outer housing (210) are coupled may have an overall circular cross-section. Meanwhile, the battery may be implemented as any secondary battery capable of multiple charge / discharge cycles, such as a lithium ion battery or a lithium polymer battery.

[0063] In one embodiment, the outer housing (210) may be manufactured from a material having higher durability and wear resistance than the inner housing (230). For example, the outer housing (210) may be manufactured from a material such as, but not limited to, titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, nickel, carbon fiber, or sapphire glass.

[0064] Meanwhile, a user's finger can be inserted into the inner side of the inner housing (230), and accordingly, the inner surface of the inner housing (230) can come into contact with the user's skin. In one embodiment, the inner housing (230) can be implemented transparently so as to transmit light emitted from an optical signal-based sensor (e.g., a PPG sensor) provided on the inner side of the PCBA (220).

[0065] At this time, in one embodiment, the inner surface of the inner housing (230) may have a shape that does not have an inward step. Here, the shape that does not have an inward step may mean a shape in which the inner surface of the inner housing (230) is manufactured as a continuous curved surface, so that there is no protrusion that protrudes inwardly on the inner surface.

[0066] As described below, at least one bio-signal measurement sensor may be mounted on the inner surface of the PCBA (220). In this case, in one embodiment, the inner housing (230) may have a shape without a step in a predetermined area on the inner surface of the inner housing corresponding to an area where at least one bio-signal measurement sensor is disposed. More specifically, the inner housing (230) may have a shape without a step in a specific area (second area) on the inner surface of the inner housing (230) corresponding to a specific area (first area) on the inner surface of the PCBA (220) where at least one bio-signal measurement sensor is disposed. Here, the correspondence between the first area and the second area may mean that the first area and the second area are aligned in a straight line based on the center point of a circular ring shape when the PCBA (220) and the inner housing (230) are coupled.

[0067] A healthcare device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a sensor such as a PPG or ECG sensor that needs to form a constant contact surface with the user's skin, as will be described later. However, if a protrusion is provided on a portion of the inner surface of the inner housing (230), the contact surface may not be formed constant between the sensors and the user's finger. That is, according to the embodiment described above, since the inner surface of the inner housing (230) of the healthcare device (200) does not have a step in the inward direction, a constant contact surface can be formed between the contact sensor and the user's skin, and the user's wearing comfort can also be improved.

[0068] The PCBA (220) may be interposed between the inner side of the outer housing (210) and the outer side of the inner housing (230). For this purpose, the printed circuit board (PCB) of the PCBA (220) may be a flexible substrate. In this case, the PCBA (220) may be interposed between the outer housing (210) and the inner housing (230) by being bent into a shape corresponding to the shape (ring shape) of the outer housing (210) and the inner housing (230).

[0069] Meanwhile, PCBA (220) refers to an assembly of a printed circuit board (PCB) and electronic devices coupled to the printed circuit board (PCB). Various electronic devices, including sensors, processors, memories, and communication modules, can be mounted on the printed circuit board (PCB). In addition, the various electronic devices described above can be mounted on the outer surface or inner surface of the printed circuit board (PCB). Here, the outer surface of the printed circuit board refers to a surface of the PCB that is closer to the outer housing (210), and the inner surface refers to a surface of the PCB that is closer to the inner housing (230).

[0070] At this time, whether the electronic device is mounted on the inner or outer surface of the printed circuit board can be determined depending on the type and operational purpose of the electronic device. For example, sensors for sensing biosignals, such as PPG sensors, ECG sensors, and temperature sensors, must be placed on the surface adjacent to the user's skin in order to obtain the user's physiological parameters, and thus can be mounted on the inner surface of the printed circuit board. Conversely, interface electronic devices, such as LED display modules and microphones, must be placed on the surface not adjacent to the user's fingers in order to provide visual or auditory information to the user or receive voice signals such as user input from the external environment, and thus can be mounted on the outer surface of the PCB. Similarly, sensors that measure sensing data regarding the external environment, such as nicotine sensors, can also be mounted on the outer surface of the printed circuit board.

[0071] Hereinafter, specific examples and arrangement structures of components mounted on a PCBA will be described with reference to FIGS. 3a and 3b.

[0072] FIG. 3A is a block diagram illustrating components mounted on the outer surface of a PCBA according to one embodiment. The PCBA illustrated in FIG. 3A may correspond to the PCBA (220) described above with reference to FIG. 2.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 3A, a first sensor module (311) may be mounted on the outer surface (301) of the PCBA. Here, the first sensor module (311) may be a term referring to a set of one or more sensors that need to be exposed to an external environment (e.g., air) in order to collect sensing data regarding the external environment. For example, the first sensor module (311) may include one or more sensors that need to be exposed to an external environment, such as a gas sensor-type nicotine sensor. In addition, the first sensor module (311) may be a part of the sensor module (1200) described above with reference to FIG. 1.

[0074] Referring to Fig. 3a, an LED display module (320) may be mounted on the outer surface (301) of the PCBA. Here, the LED display module (320) may refer to a module for providing a visual notification to the user through the light emission of the element, and may be a sub-component included in the interface module (1400) described above with reference to Fig. 1. For example, the LED display module (320) may display various information such as the user's biometric parameter monitoring information, remaining battery level, and connection status with an external device in a preset manner with respect to color and blinking cycle. In the case of healthcare devices, they are generally manufactured in a relatively small size compared to other wearable devices such as smart watches, smart bands, and smart glasses, and therefore, it is difficult to include a display module that conveys information to the user in the form of a graphical user interface (GUI). Therefore, specific information may be provided to the user through the LED display module.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 3A, a control module (330) may be mounted on the outer surface (301) of the PCBA. Here, the control module (330) may refer to a component for controlling the overall operation of the healthcare device and may correspond to the control module (1100) described above with reference to FIG. 1. For example, the control module (330) may control the overall operation of the healthcare device, process sensor data, control communication with external devices, and control user interface functions.

[0076] In one embodiment, the control module (330) may include a memory storing at least one program and at least one processor that operates by executing at least one program. In this case, the processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. The processor may be implemented using at least one of, for example, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), DSPDs (Digital Signal Processing Devices), PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions.

[0077] In addition, the memory is a hardware that stores various data processed within the healthcare device, and can temporarily store various sensor data collected, preserve analysis results and user status information, and store programs for various operations, processing, and control of the processor. The memory can be implemented using at least one of, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), CD-ROM, Blu-ray or other optical disk storage, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 3A, a first microphone (341) and a second microphone (342) for receiving a voice signal may be mounted on the outer surface (301) of the PCBA. The first microphone (341) and the second microphone (342) are components for detecting a user's voice input or other externally generated voice signals, and may be utilized for functions such as voice command recognition, calls, or noise analysis. The first microphone (341) and the second microphone (342) may be sub-components included in the interface module (1400) described above with reference to FIG. 1.

[0079] In one embodiment, the first microphone (341) and the second microphone (342) may be spaced apart from each other by a specific distance to enhance the accuracy of directional speech recognition, environmental noise cancellation, or noise suppression. For example, the first microphone (341) and the second microphone (342) may be positioned at a predetermined location that provides the furthest distance between them within the structural limitations feasible on the healthcare device, but is not limited thereto.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 3A, a communication module (350) may be mounted on the outer surface (301) of the PCBA. The communication module (350) refers to hardware components for transmitting and receiving data with an external device or server, and may correspond to the communication module (1300) described above with reference to FIG. 1. For example, the communication module (350) may include a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, an NFC (Near Field Communication) communication module, a Wi-Fi communication module, and an RF circuit and antenna corresponding to each.

[0081] Meanwhile, FIG. 3a is provided as an example, and the specific positions, numbers, and arrangement relationships of the first sensor module (311), the LED display module (320), the control module (330), the first microphone (341), the second microphone (342), and the communication module (350) are not limited to those shown in FIG. 3a.

[0082] FIG. 3b is a block diagram illustrating components mounted on the inner surface of a PCBA according to one embodiment. The PCBA illustrated in FIG. 3b may correspond to the PCBA (220) described above with reference to FIG. 2.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 3B, a second sensor module (312) may be mounted on the inner surface (302) of the PCBA. Here, the second sensor module (312) may be a term referring to one or more sensors for obtaining sensing information regarding the movement of the healthcare device or receiving user input. As a specific example, the second sensor module (312) may include at least one sensor among an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a position sensor, and a touch sensor. The second sensor module (312) may be utilized to analyze the user's activity status (e.g., exercise performance status, etc.).

[0084] Referring to FIG. 3B, a third sensor module (313) may be mounted on the inner surface (302) of the PCBA. Here, the third sensor module (313) may be a term referring to a set of one or more contact-type sensors that need to be in direct contact with the user's skin among the sensors for collecting biosignals. For example, the third sensor module (313) may include one or more sensors that require direct contact between the sensor and the user's skin, such as an ECG sensor.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 3B, a fourth sensor module (314) may be mounted on the inner surface (302) of the PCBA. Here, the fourth sensor module (314) may be a term referring to one or more non-contact sensors that do not need to come into direct contact with the user's skin among the sensors for collecting the user's bio-signals. For example, the fourth sensor module (314) may include one or more sensors that do not require direct contact between the sensor and the user's skin, such as a PPG (Photoplethysmography) sensor.

[0086] Meanwhile, FIG. 3b is provided as an example, and the specific locations and arrangement relationships in which the second sensor module (312), the third sensor module (313), and the fourth sensor module (314) are arranged, and the specific types and numbers of sensors included in each sensor module are not limited to those shown in FIG. 3b.

[0087] In addition, although specific examples have been described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B regarding whether each of the components included in the PCBA is provided on the inner surface or the outer surface of the PCBA, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other words, at least some of the components mounted on the outer surface of the PCBA described above with reference to FIG. 3A may also be mounted on the inner surface of the PCBA depending on the implementation environment of the present invention. Similarly, at least some of the components mounted on the inner surface of the PCBA described above with reference to FIG. 3B may also be mounted on the outer surface of the PCBA depending on the implementation environment of the present invention. For example, the control module (330) and / or the communication module (350) may also be mounted on the outer surface of the printed circuit board depending on the implementation environment of the present invention.

[0088] FIG. 4 is an exemplary drawing illustrating a healthcare device including an LED display module according to one embodiment. The outer housing (410) and PCBA (420) illustrated in FIG. 4 may correspond to the outer housing (210) and PCBA (220) illustrated in FIG. 2, respectively.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 4, an exploded perspective view of a PCBA and an outer housing (410) of a healthcare device including an LED display module (421) is shown.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 4, the PCBA (420) may include an LED display module (421), and the outer housing (410) may include an opening (411) for the LED display module (421). According to the above-described embodiment, light emitted from the LED display module (421) through the opening (411) may diffuse to the outside.

[0091] In one embodiment, the position of the opening (411) may correspond to the position of the LED display module (421) provided on the PCBA (420). Specifically, when the PCBA (420) and the outer housing (410) are coupled, the position of the opening (411) may be determined so that the position of the opening (411) formed on the outer housing (410) and the position of the LED display module (421) mounted on the printed circuit board of the PCBA (420) are aligned.

[0092] In one embodiment, the LED display module (421) may operate under the control of a processor (not shown) included in the PCBA (420). Hereinafter, a specific operation process in which the processor (not shown) included in the PCBA (420) controls the LED display module (421) will be described.

[0093] In one embodiment, the processor can control at least one of the color, intensity, lighting cycle, number of lighting cycles, or lighting duration of light emitted through the LED display module (421).

[0094] In one embodiment, the processor may control the LED display module (421) based on whether pairing between the healthcare device and the external device is established. Specifically, the processor may monitor whether pairing between the wearable healthcare device and the external device is established. Thereafter, the processor may transmit a preset control signal to the LED display module (421) in response to whether pairing between the wearable healthcare device and the external device is activated or deactivated.

[0095] For example, when pairing with an external device is activated, the processor can control the LED display module (421) to light up in a first color (e.g., white) for a certain period of time (e.g., 2 seconds), and when pairing is deactivated, the processor can control the LED display module (421) to light up and turn off in a second color (e.g., yellow) for a certain number of times (e.g., 5 times).

[0096] In one embodiment, the processor may control the LED display module (421) based on a control command transmitted by an external device. Specifically, the processor may generate a control signal to be transmitted to the LED display module (421) based on a control command received from an external device paired with the healthcare device, and transmit the generated control signal to the LED display module (421).

[0097] For example, the external device can transmit a control command to the healthcare device regarding the lighting of the LED display module (421) when a predetermined condition set by the user (e.g., a condition that the time for taking medication set by the user has arrived) is satisfied, and in this case, the processor can control the LED display module (421) based on the control command received from the external device.

[0098] At this time, the color of the light, the intensity of the light, the lighting cycle, the number of times the light is turned on, or the duration of the lighting displayed by the LED display module (421) can be set based on the user input, and in this case, the control command transmitted from the external device to the healthcare device can include information about the setting value based on the user input. For example, the user can input the setting value to the external device so that the light is turned on in a third color (e.g., purple) when the medication time arrives, and in a fourth color (e.g., blue) when the work schedule time arrives. Thereafter, the external device can transmit a control command including the user setting value to the healthcare device.

[0099] In one embodiment, the processor may control the LED display module (421) based on the results of monitoring the user's health status. Specifically, when a biometric parameter such as heart rate, oxygen saturation, body temperature, or stress index exceeds a preset threshold or exhibits an abnormal pattern, the processor may control the LED display module (421) to light up in a fifth color (e.g., red) or to repeat lighting and blinking at a regular cycle (e.g., 0.1 second), thereby providing a visual warning to the user.

[0100] In one embodiment, the processor may transmit a control command to an external device so that, when a user's biometric parameter satisfies a predetermined condition, voice guidance information corresponding to the biometric parameter is output through a speaker included in the external device. Alternatively, the processor may transmit text guidance information corresponding to the biometric parameter to the external device so that, when the user's biometric parameter satisfies a predetermined condition, text guidance information corresponding to the biometric parameter is output through a display of the external device. In this case, the external device may provide the aforementioned voice guidance information or text guidance information to the user based on the control command received from the healthcare device, and the provision of such voice guidance information or text guidance information may be performed on an application of the external device.

[0101] For example, if a user's heart rate exceeds a preset threshold, the healthcare device may transmit a control command to an external device to output voice guidance, such as "Take a deep breath," through the device's speaker. Alternatively, in the same situation, the processor may send a request to the external device to output text guidance, such as "Take a deep breath," through the device's display.

[0102] At this time, the processor can control the LED display module (421) according to a predetermined rule mapped to each guidance information provided based on the biometric parameter. For example, assuming that the guidance information “Take a deep breath” is output, the processor can control the LED display module (421) to gradually brighten to induce the user to inhale and then gradually darken to induce the user to exhale, according to the deep breathing induction pattern. In addition, the processor can control the LED display module (421) to light up in a sixth color (e.g., green) when the biometric parameter falls back within the normal range.

[0103] Meanwhile, as described above, the interface module of the healthcare device may include a vibration motor and an LED display module. Accordingly, the processor may control the vibration motor and the LED display module to provide a notification to the user in the form of vibration or LED light. Furthermore, as described above, the healthcare device may transmit a control command to an external device so that a notification in the form of voice is provided through a speaker included in the external device. In this case, the processor may control corresponding components so that the notification is provided by at least two methods among vibration, LED light, and voice, either simultaneously or sequentially.

[0104] That is, in one embodiment, the processor may control an LED display module and / or a vibration motor to simultaneously provide a notification to the user in two or more modes of vibration, LED light, and voice, or transmit a control command for voice notification output to an external device, thereby simultaneously providing visual, tactile, and / or auditory feedback to the user.

[0105] In one embodiment, the processor may provide a notification to the user in stages by controlling an LED display module and / or a vibration motor according to a predetermined algorithm so that a notification is sequentially provided to the user in at least two modes of vibration, LED light, and voice, or by transmitting a control command for outputting a voice notification to an external device. For example, the processor may provide a notification to the user according to a predetermined algorithm so that a vibration signal is output first for specific information, and if no user input is received from at least one of the healthcare device and / or the external device for a preset period of time, an LED display may be output.

[0106] At this time, the processor can determine the type and / or order of notifications provided to the user based on a preset urgency level for each type of event that causes the notification (e.g., detection of an abnormal pattern in a biometric parameter, activation of pairing between a healthcare device and an external device, etc.). For example, the processor can control low-urgency information to be notified to the user through vibration only, medium-urgency information to be notified to the user through vibration and LED light, and high-urgency information to be notified through vibration, LED light, and voice simultaneously.

[0107] FIG. 5 is an exemplary drawing for explaining a healthcare device including a microphone according to one embodiment. The outer housing (510) and the PCBA (520) illustrated in FIG. 5 may correspond to the outer housing (210) and the PCBA (220) illustrated in FIG. 2 , respectively. In addition, the first microphone (521) and the second microphone (522) may correspond to the first microphone (341) and the second microphone (342) illustrated in FIG. 3A , respectively.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 5, an exploded perspective view of a PCBA (520) and an outer housing (510) of a healthcare device including a first microphone (521) and a second microphone (522) is shown.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 5, the PCBA (520) may include a first microphone (521) and a second microphone (522), and the outer housing (510) may include a first opening (511) for the first microphone (521) and a second opening (512) for the second microphone (522), which are provided to improve the reception quality of a voice signal. A voice signal generated externally through the opening (511) can be received by the first microphone (521) without reflection or shielding, and similarly, a voice signal generated externally can be received by the second microphone (522) through the second opening (512) without reflection or shielding. That is, according to the embodiment described above, the first opening (511) and the second opening (512) are formed in a structure that penetrates the outer housing (510), so that an external voice signal can reach the first microphone (521) and the second microphone (522) without reflection or shielding.

[0110] In one embodiment, the positions of the first opening (511) and the second opening (512) may correspond to the positions of the first microphone (521) and the second microphone (522), respectively, mounted on the PCBA (520). Specifically, when the PCBA (520) and the outer housing (510) are coupled, the position of the first opening (511) may be determined so that the position of the first opening (511) formed on the outer housing (510) and the position of the first microphone (521) mounted on the printed circuit board of the PCBA (520) are aligned, and the position of the second opening (512) may be determined so that the position of the second opening (512) formed on the outer housing (510) and the position of the second microphone (522) mounted on the printed circuit board of the PCBA (520) are aligned.

[0111] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, voice signals received through the first microphone (521) and the second microphone (522) may be preprocessed by a processor included in the PCBA (520).

[0112] In one embodiment, the processor may estimate the direction of the user's voice using phase difference or time delay information between two voice signals, and perform spatial separation and noise removal of the voice signals. For example, the processor may perform preprocessing on the two received voice signals by applying a beamforming technique to emphasize voice components coming from a specific direction (e.g., the direction of the user's mouth) and attenuate signals coming from other directions (e.g., ambient noise, reflected sounds). In addition, the processor may perform noise suppression filtering to remove or attenuate background noise components included in the voice signals.

[0113] In one embodiment, a processor (not shown) included in the PCBA (520) may receive user input in the form of a voice signal through a first microphone (521) and a second microphone (522), analyze the user input, and perform an action corresponding to the user input. Below, an example of an operation in which the processor performs an action corresponding to the user input based on the received user input in the form of a voice signal will be described.

[0114] In one embodiment, the processor can control the operation of a healthcare device based on a received voice signal. For example, if a user utters a command such as "start heart rate measurement," the processor can recognize the user's command by analyzing the voice signal and control the sensor module according to a preset algorithm, thereby collecting sensing data from the PPG sensor and calculating the heart rate based on the data.

[0115] In one embodiment, the processor may transmit a task execution request to an external device based on a received voice signal. For example, if a user utters a command such as "Tell me today's weather" or "Play music A," the processor may recognize the user's command by analyzing the voice signal and transmit a task execution request to the external device. In this case, the external device may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet of the healthcare device user, and the external device may execute the aforementioned task using a voice assistant function (e.g., Siri, Google Assistant, etc.) provided in the mobile terminal. In this case, a response generated during the use of the voice assistant function may be output through a speaker provided in the external device, or transmitted to the healthcare device and output through a speaker provided in the healthcare device.

[0116] For another example, if a user utters a command such as "Turn on the TV" or "Turn off the lights," the processor can analyze the voice signal to recognize the user's command and transmit a control command to an external device. In this case, the external device could be a peripheral IoT device linked to a healthcare device.

[0117] Meanwhile, for convenience of explanation, the number of microphones is specifically limited in FIG. 5, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a healthcare device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may have one, three, or more microphones mounted on a printed circuit board, depending on the implementation environment.

[0118] FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a healthcare device including a first sensor module according to one embodiment. The outer housing (610) and PCBA (620) illustrated in FIG. 6 may correspond to the outer housing (210) and PCBA (220) illustrated in FIG. 2 , respectively. In addition, the first sensor module (621) illustrated in FIG. 6 may correspond to the first sensor module (311) illustrated in FIG. 3A .

[0119] Referring to FIG. 6, an exploded perspective view of a PCBA (620) and an outer housing (610) of a healthcare device including a first sensor module (621) is shown.

[0120] The first sensor module (621) illustrated in FIG. 6 may refer to one or more sensors that need to be exposed to an external environment (e.g., outside air) in order to collect sensing data regarding the external environment, as described above with reference to FIG. 3A.

[0121] That is, the first sensor module (621) needs to be exposed to the external environment (e.g., outside air) in order to obtain sensing data regarding the external environment, and for this purpose, the outer housing (610) may include an opening (611) corresponding to the first sensor module (621). By providing the opening (611), the first sensor module (621) can be exposed to the external environment.

[0122] In one embodiment, the position of the opening (611) may correspond to the position of the first sensor module (621) provided on the PCBA (620). Specifically, when the PCBA (620) and the outer housing (610) are coupled, the position of the opening (611) may be determined so that the position of the opening (611) formed on the outer housing (610) and the position of the first sensor module (621) mounted on the printed circuit board of the PCBA (620) are aligned.

[0123] Meanwhile, as described above with reference to FIG. 3a, the first sensor module (621) may include, as a specific example, a gas sensor type nicotine sensor.

[0124] A nicotine sensor according to one embodiment is a sensor for detecting nicotine contained in ambient air, and may be implemented as a gas sensor-type structure including a VO₂ (vanadium oxide)-based sensing layer. Here, the sensing layer has a physical characteristic in which electrical characteristics, for example, electrical resistance, change when nicotine molecules contained in the ambient air are adsorbed on the surface of the sensing layer, and a processor (not shown) included in the PCBA (620) can use this characteristic to detect the presence or concentration of nicotine.

[0125] Specifically, a nicotine sensor according to one embodiment may include a sensing layer and a first electrode and a second electrode in contact with the sensing layer, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged in contact with the sensing layer but spaced apart from each other at opposite ends of the sensing layer, thereby being electrically connected to a circuit for measuring an electrical signal. The sensing layer changes in electrical resistance depending on the presence of nicotine in the air, and accordingly, a current conducted between the first electrode and the second electrode may change.

[0126] In one embodiment, a processor (not shown) included in the PCBA (620) can calculate a nicotine concentration in the air based on a change in resistance received from the nicotine sensor or a change in current conducted between the first electrode and the second electrode. For example, the processor can calculate a nicotine concentration in the outside air by analyzing a change rate of electrical resistance of the nicotine sensing layer or a change curve of current conducted between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0127] Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 6, the opening (611) of the outer housing (610) may be sealed by a gas-permeable membrane or a cover member having a microporous structure to allow the inflow of air but block the inflow of foreign substances in order to protect the sensor and other components within the healthcare device from external contamination (e.g., dust, moisture).

[0128] FIG. 7 is an exemplary drawing illustrating a healthcare device including a third or fourth sensor module according to one embodiment.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 7, an exploded perspective view of a PCBA (710) and an inner housing (730) of a healthcare device including a sensor module (721) is illustrated. The PCBA (720) and the inner housing (730) illustrated in FIG. 7 may correspond to the PCBA (220) and the inner housing (230) illustrated in FIG. 2, respectively. In addition, the sensor module (721) illustrated in FIG. 7 may correspond to either the third sensor module (313) or the fourth sensor module (314) illustrated in FIG. 3b.

[0130] Here, the third sensor module may be a term referring to a set of one or more sensors that need to be in direct contact with the user's skin among the sensors for collecting biosignals, as described above with reference to FIG. 3B. In addition, the fourth sensor module may be a term referring to one or more sensors that do not need to be in direct contact with the user's skin among the sensors for collecting biosignals, as described above with reference to FIG. 3B.

[0131] The fourth sensor module may include, as a specific example, a PPG sensor. Here, the PPG sensor is a sensor for measuring a biosignal by detecting a change in optical characteristics on the skin surface according to a change in the user's blood flow, and may include a light source (e.g., an LED) and a light detector (e.g., a photodiode). In one embodiment, a processor (not shown) included in the PCBA (720) detects and analyzes a change in the amount of irradiated light passing through or reflecting back from a tissue, i.e., an optical signal, thereby obtaining pulse wave information and calculating biometric parameters such as heart rate, respiration rate, stress index, and oxygen saturation.

[0132] An inner housing (730) is provided between the PPG sensor and the user's skin. In order for the PPG sensor to operate, light emitted from a light source and light reflected from the user's finger and reaching the light detection unit must be able to pass through the inner housing (730). To this end, in one embodiment, the inner housing (730) may be implemented transparently so as to allow light emitted from an optical signal-based sensor (e.g., a PPG sensor) provided on the inside of the PCBA (720) to pass through.

[0133] Meanwhile, the third sensor module may include, as a specific example, an ECG sensor. Here, the ECG sensor is a sensor for detecting an electrical signal generated by a user's heartbeat and may include a first electrode and a second electrode. Meanwhile, a processor (not shown) included in the PCBA (720) may receive a bioelectrical signal between the first electrode and the second electrode, and may analyze the periodicity and / or amplitude fluctuation characteristics of the waveform to derive the user's heart rhythm (e.g., RR interval, etc.). The processor may derive biometric parameters such as heart rate, heart rate variability, and abnormal heartbeat from the electrocardiogram signal.

[0134] Meanwhile, for the third sensor module to acquire biosignals, a portion of the third sensor module must be in direct contact with the user's skin. For example, for an ECG sensor to detect electrical signals using the first and second electrodes, the first and second electrodes must be in direct contact with the user's skin.

[0135] To this end, although not illustrated in FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the inner housing (730) may be provided with an opening in a predetermined area corresponding to the placement position of the third sensor module. Specific details regarding the opening provided corresponding to the placement position of a specific sensor have been described above with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, etc., and those skilled in the art will be able to understand the above-described embodiment by analogy thereto, and therefore, a redundant description will be omitted.

[0136] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the inner housing (730) may have a shape without a step in a predetermined area corresponding to an area where the sensor module (721) of the inner housing (730) is arranged. More specifically, the inner housing (730) may have a shape without a step in a predetermined area on the inner surface of the inner housing (230) corresponding to a specific area on the inner surface of the PCBA (720) where the sensor module (721) is arranged. Through this, all areas on the inner housing (730) can be in contact with the user's finger. Accordingly, when a healthcare device has a plurality of sensor modules arranged on the inner surface of the PCBA (720) (e.g., a third sensor module and a fourth sensor module are arranged on the inner surface of the PCBA at the same time), a constant contact surface can be formed between all the sensor modules and the user's finger, and the user's wearing comfort can also be improved.

[0137] Figure 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation process of a processor of a healthcare device according to one embodiment.

[0138] The method described below with reference to FIG. 8 can be performed by a processor included in a healthcare device, and specifically, can be performed by a processor provided in a PCBA of the healthcare device.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 8, at step 810, the processor may obtain a predetermined signal.

[0140] In one embodiment, the predetermined signal may include a signal that serves as a control basis for an LED display module.

[0141] In one embodiment, the predetermined signal may be a signal for activating or deactivating pairing between the healthcare device and the external device. In this case, the processor may obtain a predetermined signal from a communication module included in the healthcare device and / or the external device, indicating whether pairing between the healthcare device and the external device is activated or deactivated.

[0142] In one embodiment, the predetermined signal may be sensing data regarding the user's biosignal. In this case, the processor may acquire the user's biosignal using a biosignal measurement sensor.

[0143] In one embodiment, the predetermined signal may be a voice signal. In this case, the processor may acquire the predetermined signal via a microphone provided in the healthcare device.

[0144] In one embodiment, the predetermined signal may be sensing data regarding a specific parameter of the external environment (e.g., nicotine). In this case, the processor may obtain the predetermined signal from a sensor that senses the specific parameter of the external environment.

[0145] In one embodiment, the predetermined signal may be a control command received from an external device. In this case, the processor may obtain the predetermined signal from the external device.

[0146] At step 820, the processor can control the operation of the healthcare device based on the acquired signal.

[0147] In one embodiment, the processor may control at least one component of a sensor module, a communication module, or an interface module of a healthcare device.

[0148] For example, the processor can control the LED display module by transmitting a preset control signal to the LED display module according to the predetermined signal described above. Specifically, the processor can control the LED display module based on the acquired signal. Specifically, the processor can control at least one of the color, intensity, lighting cycle, number of lighting cycles, or lighting duration of light emitted through the LED display module.

[0149] For example, the processor may control the communication module of the healthcare device so that the acquired signal is transmitted to an external device. In another example, the processor may control the communication module of the healthcare device so that any information is transmitted to the external device. In another example, the processor may control the communication module of the healthcare device so that a control command is transmitted to the external device.

[0150] Unless the steps constituting the method according to the present disclosure are explicitly described in a specific order or are otherwise described in a different order, the steps may be performed in any appropriate order. The present disclosure is not necessarily limited by the order in which the steps are described. The use of any examples or exemplary terms (e.g., “etc.”) in this disclosure is merely intended to illustrate the present disclosure in more detail, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the examples or exemplary terms, unless otherwise defined by the claims. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, combinations, and variations can be configured according to design conditions and factors within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

[0151] Therefore, the spirit of the present disclosure should not be limited to the embodiments described above, and all scopes equivalent to or equivalent to the scope of the patent claims described below, as well as the scope of the present disclosure, should be considered to fall within the scope of the spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. Outer housing; an inner housing coupled with the outer housing; and A PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) disposed between the outer housing and the inner housing; Including, The above PCBA, At least one biosignal measuring sensor; at least one processor; and A communication module that performs communication with one or more external devices; Includes, The above inner housing, A wearable healthcare device characterized in that a predetermined area on the inner surface of the inner housing corresponding to the area where the at least one biosignal measuring sensor is arranged does not have a step.

2. In paragraph 1, The above PCBA, At least one LED display module arranged on the outer surface of the PCBA; Including, The above outer housing, At least one opening provided at a position corresponding to the position of at least one LED display module; A wearable healthcare device comprising:

3. In paragraph 2, The above processor, A wearable healthcare device that monitors whether pairing is performed between the wearable healthcare device and the external device, and transmits a preset control signal to the at least one LED display module in response to the pairing being activated or deactivated.

4. In paragraph 2, The above processor, A wearable healthcare device that monitors biosignal sensing data acquired from at least one biosignal measuring sensor and transmits a preset control signal to at least one LED display module in response to the biosignal sensing data satisfying a preset condition.

5. In paragraph 2, The above processor, A wearable healthcare device that generates a control signal based on a control command received from an external device paired with the healthcare device, and transmits the generated control signal to at least one LED display module.

6. In paragraph 1, The above PCBA, At least one microphone for receiving a voice signal; Including, The above outer housing, At least one opening provided at a position corresponding to the position of at least one microphone; A wearable healthcare device comprising:

7. In paragraph 6, The above processor, A wearable healthcare device that receives a user's voice signal through at least one microphone and controls the operation of the healthcare device based on the received voice signal.

8. In paragraph 6, The above processor, A wearable healthcare device that receives a user's voice signal through at least one microphone, communicates with an external device paired with the healthcare device, and transmits the voice signal to the external device.

9. In paragraph 1, The above PCBA, A nicotine sensor that collects sensing data on the concentration of nicotine in the outdoor air; Including, The above outer housing, An opening provided at a position corresponding to the position of the nicotine sensor; A wearable healthcare device comprising:

10. In paragraph 9, The above nicotine sensor, A sensing layer whose electrical properties change when nicotine molecules are adsorbed on its surface; and A first electrode and a second electrode which are in contact with the sensing layer and are spaced apart from each other; Includes, The above processor, A wearable healthcare device that calculates the concentration of nicotine in the air based on the potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode.

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