Wearable electronic device and biometric information acquisition method using same

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device may comprise: a photonic integrated circuit; a photodetector; a sensor module for controlling the photonic integrated circuit and the photodetector; a memory for storing instructions; and at least one processor including a processing circuit. According to one embodiment, the photonic integrated circuit may comprise: a plurality of laser sources; a wavelength separation circuit which is disposed to correspond to each of the plurality of laser sources and which separates light of a plurality of wavelengths output through the plurality of laser sources; a wavelength selection circuit for selecting light of a specific wavelength from the light of the plurality of wavelengths separated through the wavelength separation circuit; a grating coupler for outputting the light of the specific wavelength selected through the wavelength selection circuit; and a light monitoring circuit for detecting the intensity and wavelength of the light output through the grating coupler. According to one embodiment, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the instructions can instruct the wearable electronic device to: detect, through the photodetector, the intensity of light, which is output through the plurality of laser sources and reflected by a light irradiation area, and the wavelength of the reflected light; and acquire at least one piece of biometric information on the basis of the intensity of light reflected by the light irradiation area and the wavelength of the reflected light that are detected through the photodetector. In addition to various embodiments disclosed in the present document, other various embodiments are possible.

Description

Wearable electronic device and method for acquiring biometric information using the same

[0001] The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a wearable electronic device and a method for obtaining biometric information using the same.

[0002] Recently, various sensors capable of measuring a user's biometric information are being incorporated into electronic devices. For example, among the various sensors, an optical sensor comprising at least one light-emitting element and a light-receiving element may be included. The optical sensor can measure a user's biometric information using light of a specific wavelength. Methods for acquiring a user's biometric information may include invasive methods and non-invasive methods. For example, an invasive method may be a method of collecting blood from the human body and measuring the content of components within the blood (e.g., blood glucose, protein, lactic acid, alcohol, glucose, hemoglobin, bilirubin, cholesterol, albumin, creatinine, and / or glycated hemoglobin). In the case of an invasive method, since blood is collected using a lancet, it may cause pain to the user and be inconvenient to carry and store the lancet. Since a non-invasive method does not require a blood collection process, a lancet is not used, allowing for the acquisition of biometric information relatively simply and quickly.

[0003] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] However, since non-invasive methods acquire biological information without using blood sampling, the biological information may not be accurate.

[0005] A wearable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a sensor module disposed on a substrate and comprising a photonic integrated circuit. The photonic integrated circuit of the wearable electronic device may include a wavelength selection circuit disposed to correspond to each of a plurality of laser sources and selecting light of a specific wavelength among light of a plurality of wavelengths output through the plurality of laser sources, and a grating coupler that outputs light of a specific wavelength selected through the wavelength selection circuit. The wearable electronic device may detect reflected light output through the grating coupler and reflected by a light irradiation area, and acquire at least one bio-information based on the light reflected by the light irradiation area.

[0006] A wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a Mach-Zehnder interferometer and can detect a change in temperature associated with a plurality of laser sources and a change in the wavelength of light output through the plurality of laser sources through the Mach-Zehnder interferometer. By detecting the intensity and wavelength of light through the Mach-Zehnder interferometer, the wearable electronic device can detect a decrease in the intensity of light due to a change in temperature associated with the plurality of laser sources and a change in the wavelength of light output through the plurality of laser sources, and if it detects that the intensity of light decreases due to a change in temperature associated with the plurality of laser sources, it can cause the intensity of light to be output at a specified intensity.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device may include at least one processor comprising a photonic integrated circuit, a photodetector, a sensor module controlling the photonic integrated circuit and the photodetector, a memory storing instructions, and a processing circuit. According to one embodiment, the photonic integrated circuit may include a plurality of laser sources, a wavelength separation circuit arranged to correspond to each of the plurality of laser sources and separating light of a plurality of wavelengths output through the plurality of laser sources, a wavelength selection circuit that selects light of a specific wavelength among the light of a plurality of wavelengths separated through the wavelength separation circuit, a grating coupler that outputs light of the specific wavelength selected through the wavelength selection circuit, and a light monitoring circuit that detects the intensity and wavelength of light output through the grating coupler. According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the wearable electronic device may detect the intensity of light reflected by a light irradiation area and the wavelength of the reflected light through the photodetector, which are output through the plurality of laser sources. According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the wearable electronic device may acquire at least one bio-information based on the intensity of light reflected by the light irradiation area and the wavelength of the reflected light detected through the photodetector.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for acquiring bio-information may include an operation of detecting the intensity of light output through the plurality of laser sources and the wavelength of the reflected light reflected by the light irradiation area and the wavelength of the reflected light through the photodetector. According to one embodiment, the method for acquiring bio-information may include an operation of acquiring at least one piece of bio-information based on the intensity of the light reflected by the light irradiation area and the wavelength of the reflected light detected through the photodetector.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a non-transient computer-readable storage medium (or computer program product) storing one or more programs may be described. One or more programs according to one embodiment may include instructions for detecting, through a photodetector, the intensity of light output through the plurality of laser sources and reflected by the light irradiation area and the wavelength of said reflected light when executed by at least one processor of a wearable electronic device. One or more programs according to one embodiment may include instructions for obtaining at least one bio-information based on the intensity of light reflected by the light irradiation area and the wavelength of said reflected light detected through the photodetector when executed by at least one processor of a wearable electronic device.

[0010] A wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a photonic integrated circuit, and by using the photonic integrated circuit to select a specific wavelength of light among a plurality of wavelengths of light output through a plurality of laser sources and outputting the selected specific wavelength of light, it is possible to accurately obtain at least one biological information in a non-invasive manner by minimizing the loss of the output light, as well as contribute to process simplification and cost reduction.

[0011] A wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can obtain at least one accurate bio-information regardless of changes in temperature and / or wavelength of light associated with a plurality of laser sources by detecting a decrease in light intensity due to a change in temperature associated with a plurality of laser sources through a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, thereby outputting the light intensity at a specified intensity.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2a is a front perspective view of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2b is a rear perspective view of the wearable electronic device of FIG. 2a according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a drawing for illustrating a photonic integrated circuit disposed on a second surface of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the photonic integrated circuit of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the photonic integrated circuit of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the optical transmission circuit of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIGS. 8a and 8b are drawings for illustrating the coupling between the laser source and the light transmission circuit of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the Mach-Zehnder interferometer of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the thermal stabilization of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining an optical monitoring circuit and a grating coupler according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a drawing for illustrating a photonic integrated circuit disposed in a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of the grating coupler of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for obtaining biological information according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a drawing for explaining a method of providing bio-information according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily practice them. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In relation to 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 brevity.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) in a network environment (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) through a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) through a server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), memory (130), input module (150), sound output module (155), display module (160), audio module (170), sensor module (176), interface (177), connection terminal (178), haptic module (179), camera module (180), power management module (188), battery (189), communication module (190), subscriber identification module (196), or antenna module (197). In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., connection terminal (178)) may be omitted from the electronic device (101), or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (176), camera module (180), or antenna module (197)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (160)).

[0031] The processor (120) can control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing software (e.g., a program (140)), and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and an 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 designated function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as part thereof.

[0032] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., display module (160), sensor module (176), or communication module (190)) on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module (180) or communication module (190)). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm may 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 may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers.An artificial neural network may be 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 the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure, either additionally or substantially.

[0033] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)). The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program (140)) and related commands. The memory (130) may include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0034] The program (140) may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0035] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) from outside the electronic device (101) (e.g., user). The input module (150) may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0036] The sound output module (155) can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device (101). The sound output module (155) may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part thereof.

[0037] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external (e.g., 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 said 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 the force generated by said touch.

[0038] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150) or output sound through the sound output module (155) or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphones) connected directly or wirelessly to the electronic device (101).

[0039] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0040] The interface (177) may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the electronic device (101) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0041] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0042] The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that can be perceived by the user through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0043] The camera module (180) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0044] 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, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0045] The battery (189) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0046] The communication module (190) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device (104) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (199) (e.g., 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 may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can identify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0047] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following 4G networks, for example, new radio access technology. NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The wireless communication module (192) can support a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate, for example. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in the high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), 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), external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (104)), or network system (e.g., second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) may support a Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or U-plane latency (e.g., downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) for URLLC realization.

[0048] An antenna module (197) can transmit a signal or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna comprising a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to 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 a first network (198) or a second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by a communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module (197).

[0049] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving a signal of the specified high frequency band.

[0050] At least some of the above components can be connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

[0051] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) through a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102, 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 performed on the electronic device (101) may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, if the electronic device (101) needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of performing the function or service itself or additionally. One or more external electronic devices that receive the above request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may provide the result as is or additionally processed as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device (101) may provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included within a 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.

[0052] FIG. 2a is a front perspective view of a wearable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2b is a rear perspective view of the wearable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] The wearable electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2a and 2b may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, or may include other embodiments of the electronic device.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 2a and 2b, a wearable electronic device (200) may include a housing (210) (e.g., a housing structure) comprising a first surface (210A) (or front), a second surface (210B) (or rear), and a side (210C) surrounding the space between the first surface (210A) and the second surface (210B), and a fastening member (250, 260) (e.g., a strap, a connecting member, or a coupling member) connected to at least a part of the housing (210) and configured to detachably fasten the wearable electronic device (200) to a part of a user's body (e.g., a wrist, or an ankle). In some embodiments, the housing (210) may refer to a structure forming part of the first surface (210A), the second surface (210B), and the side (210C) of FIG. 2a. In one embodiment, the first surface (210A) may be formed by a front plate (202) (e.g., front cover) (e.g., a glass plate containing various coating layers, or a polymer plate) in which at least a portion is substantially transparent. The second surface (210B) may be formed by a rear plate (207) (e.g., rear cover) in which it is substantially opaque and a sensor cover (208) combined with the rear plate (207). The rear plate (207) may be formed by, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the above materials. The side surface (210C) may be formed by a side member (e.g., a side bezel structure) (220) comprising metal and / or polymer, which is combined with the front plate (201) and the rear plate (207). In some embodiments, the rear plate (207) and the side member (220) may be integrally formed and may comprise the same material (e.g., a metallic material such as aluminum). The fastening members (250, 260) may be formed in various materials and shapes.A woven fabric, leather, rubber, urethane, metal, ceramic, or a combination of at least two of the above materials can be formed such that an integral and a plurality of unit links are movable with respect to each other.

[0055] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device (200) may include at least one of a display (201), an audio module (205), a sensor module (211), and a key input device (203). In some embodiments, the wearable electronic device (200) may omit at least one of the components (e.g., a key input device (203) or a sensor module (211)) or additionally include other components.

[0056] According to various embodiments, the display (201) may be visible through a significant portion of the front plate (202). The shape of the display (201) may correspond to the shape of the front plate (202) and may be various shapes such as circular, elliptical, or polygonal. The display (201) may be combined with or placed adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of the touch, and / or a fingerprint sensor.

[0057] According to various embodiments, the audio module (205) may include a microphone hole (205) and a speaker hole (not shown). A microphone for acquiring external sound may be placed inside the microphone hole (205), and in some embodiments, a plurality of microphones may be placed to detect the direction of sound. The speaker hole may be used as an external speaker and a receiver for calls. In some embodiments, the speaker hole and the microphone hole (205) may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker may be included without a speaker hole (e.g., a piezo speaker).

[0058] According to various embodiments, the sensor module (211) may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the wearable electronic device (200) or an external environmental state. The sensor module (211) may include, for example, a biosensor module (e.g., HRM sensor) disposed on a second surface (210B) of the housing (210). The wearable electronic device (200) may further include at least one of the sensor modules not illustrated, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0059] According to various embodiments, the key input device (203) may include a wheel key (not shown) disposed on a first surface (210A) of the housing (210) and rotatable in at least one direction, and / or a side key button (203) disposed on a side (210C) of the housing (210). The wheel key may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the front plate (202). In some embodiments, the wearable electronic device (200) may not include some or all of the aforementioned key input devices (203), and the key input device (203) not included may be implemented in other forms, such as soft keys, on the display (201). The connector hole (not shown) may include a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting and receiving power and / or data with an external electronic device and another connector hole (not shown) for transmitting and receiving audio signals with an external electronic device. The wearable electronic device (200) may further include, for example, a connector cover (not shown) that covers at least a portion of the connector hole and blocks the entry of external foreign matter into the connector hole.

[0060] According to various embodiments, the fastening member (250, 260) may be detachably fastened to at least a portion of the housing (210) using a locking member (251, 261). The fastening member (250, 260) may include one or more of a fixing member (252), a fixing member fastening hole (253), a band guide member (254), and a band fixing ring (255). The fixing member (252) may be configured to secure the housing (210) and the fastening member (250, 260) to a part of the user's body (e.g., wrist, ankle). The fixing member fastening hole (253) may secure the housing (210) and the fastening member (250, 260) to a part of the user's body in correspondence with the fixing member (252). The band guide member (254) is configured to limit the range of movement of the fixing member (252) when the fixing member (252) is connected to the fixing member fastening hole (253), thereby allowing the fastening member (250, 260) to be fastened in close contact with a part of the user's body. The band fixing member (255) can limit the range of movement of the fastening member (250, 260) when the fixing member (252) and the fixing member fastening hole (253) are connected.

[0061] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a conductive cover (230) (e.g., a decorative member or a deco cover) that is combined with a side member (220) at the front (210A) and covers the edges of the display (201) so that they are not visible from the outside. In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may include an auxiliary cover (235) that is placed on top of the conductive cover (230) and helps to form an aesthetic appearance. In one embodiment, the conductive cover (230) and the auxiliary cover (235) may be used as decorative members (e.g., deco) of the wearable electronic device (200).

[0062] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device (200) may include at least one antenna configured to transmit and / or receive a wireless signal in a specific frequency band through a conductive cover (230) electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) disposed in the internal space of the housing (210).

[0063] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a photonic integrated circuit (300) disposed on a second surface (210B) of a wearable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 3, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a housing (210) comprising a first surface (e.g., the first surface (210A) of FIG. 2a) (or front), a second surface (210B) (or rear), and a side (e.g., the side (210C) of FIG. 2a) surrounding the space between the first surface (210A) and the second surface (210B).

[0065] In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a substrate disposed in the internal space of the wearable electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the substrate (810) may be formed of a silicon material.

[0066] In one embodiment, a sensor module (211) may be disposed on one side of the substrate (e.g., the side facing the -z axis in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b). The sensor module (211) may include a photonic integrated circuit (300).

[0067] In FIG. 3 according to one embodiment, the sensor module (211) is shown to be disposed in the central area of ​​the second surface (210B) of the wearable electronic device (200), but is not limited thereto. For example, the sensor module (211) may be disposed in the internal space of the wearable electronic device (200) corresponding to the hole (310) formed in the second surface (210B) of the wearable electronic device (200).

[0068] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the wearable electronic device (200) is described as a wearable electronic device that can be worn on a part of a user's body, for example, the wrist, but is not limited thereto. For example, the wearable electronic device (200) may be a wearable electronic device that can be worn on a user's finger or ear. As another example, the wearable electronic device (200) may include any electronic device capable of measuring biometric information.

[0069] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a wearable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 4, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a communication circuit (410) (e.g., communication module (190) of FIG. 1), a memory (420) (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 1), a sensor module (440) (e.g., sensor module (176) of FIG. 1, sensor module (211) of FIG. 2b), a light detector (450) (e.g., light receiver), and / or a processor (460) (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1).

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication circuit (410) (e.g., communication module (190) of FIG. 1) can control a communication connection between a wearable electronic device (200) and at least one external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104) of FIG. 1) (and / or a server (e.g., server (108) of FIG. 1)) under the control of a processor (460).

[0072] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a memory (420) (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 1) performs the function of storing a program (e.g., program (140) of FIG. 1) for processing and controlling a processor (460) of a wearable electronic device (200), an operating system (OS) (e.g., operating system (142) of FIG. 1), various applications, and / or input / output data, and can store a program that controls the overall operation of the wearable electronic device (200). The memory (420) can store various configuration information required for processing functions related to various embodiments of the present disclosure in the wearable electronic device (200). The memory (420) can store executable instructions. For example, the memory (420) can store instructions that cause the wearable electronic device (200) to perform operations when executed by the processor (460). For example, instructions may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium. The recording medium may be tangible and non-transitory. The memory (420) and / or the recording medium may store one or more programs containing instructions.

[0073] In one embodiment, the memory (420) may store instructions for detecting light reflected by a light irradiation area, which is output through a plurality of laser sources, through a photodetector (450), under the control of the processor (460). The memory (420) may store instructions for obtaining at least one biological information based on the light reflected by the light irradiation area (e.g., intensity and wavelength of light) detected through the photodetector (450), under the control of the processor (460).

[0074] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a sensor module (440) (e.g., sensor module (176) of FIG. 1, sensor module (211) of FIG. 2b) may include a photonic integrated circuit (441) (e.g., photonic integrated circuit (300) of FIG. 3) and / or a biosensor (443).

[0075] In one embodiment, the photonic integrated circuit (441) may include an optical spectroscopic sensor that measures the spectrum of light. The photonic integrated circuit (441) may detect biomarkers in vivo. For example, the photonic integrated circuit (441) may detect specific biomarkers by generating light of a specific wavelength (e.g., laser light) and emitting it into a light irradiation area (e.g., a body). For example, biomarkers may include proteins, DNA, RNA, metabolites, bacteria, and viruses. In one embodiment, biomarkers may be detected differently depending on various body parts, such as skin and blood.

[0076] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the photonic integrated circuit (441) can extract in vivo components, blood glucose, protein, lactic acid, alcohol, glucose, hemoglobin, bilirubin, cholesterol, albumin, creatinine, and / or glycated hemoglobin.

[0077] The aforementioned photon integrated circuit (441) will be described in detail in FIG. 5 below.

[0078] In one embodiment, the biosensor (443) may include an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, an electromyography (EMG) sensor, an electrooculogram (EOG) sensor, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor, a blood glucose sensor, a saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2) sensor, a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, and / or a heart rate monitoring (HRM) sensor.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a light detector (450) can detect (or sense) light reflected by a light irradiation area (e.g., a part of the user's body (e.g., wrist)) which is output through a plurality of laser sources. The light detector (450) can acquire at least one piece of biometric information based on the light (e.g., intensity and wavelength of light) reflected by the light irradiation area (e.g., a part of the user's body (e.g., wrist).

[0080] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (460) may include, for example, a microcontroller unit (MCU) and may control a plurality of hardware components connected to the processor (460) by running an operating system (OS) or an embedded software program. The processor (460) may control a plurality of hardware components according to, for example, instructions stored in memory (420) (e.g., program (140) of FIG. 1).

[0081] In one embodiment, the processor (460) can detect light reflected by a light irradiation area, which is output through a plurality of laser sources, through a light detector (450). For example, the processor (460) can control the plurality of laser sources to output light sequentially. The plurality of laser sources can be implemented to output light of different wavelengths. Light of multiple wavelengths output through the plurality of laser sources can be transmitted to a wavelength selection circuit (e.g., wavelength selection circuit (520) of FIG. 5). Light of a specific wavelength among the light of multiple wavelengths output through the plurality of laser sources can be selected by the wavelength selection circuit (520) and transmitted to a grating coupler (e.g., grating coupler (540) of FIG. 5). For example, the light of a specific wavelength selected by the wavelength selection circuit (520) and transmitted to the grating coupler (540) may include light of one wavelength among the light of multiple wavelengths. As another example, light of a specific wavelength selected by the wavelength selection circuit (520) transmitted to the grating coupler (540) may include light mixed with at least two wavelengths among multiple wavelengths of light. As yet another example, light transmitted to the grating coupler (540) may include light of multiple wavelengths selected by the wavelength selection circuit (520) in a time-division manner and transmitted sequentially.

[0082] In one embodiment, the grating coupler can output light of a specific wavelength selected through the wavelength selection circuit (520) to a light irradiation area (e.g., a part of the user's body (e.g., wrist)). The light detector (450) can detect the intensity and wavelength of the light reflected by the light irradiation area and transmit this to the processor (460).

[0083] In one embodiment, the processor (460) can acquire at least one piece of bio-information based on light (e.g., intensity and wavelength of light) reflected by a light irradiation area detected through a light detector (450). For example, the processor (460) can measure light (e.g., filtered light) reflected by a light irradiation area and acquire (or measure) the user's bio-information based on changes in the spectrum of the measured light. For example, the bio-information may include blood glucose information, cholesterol information, triglyceride information, protein information, and / or uric acid information.

[0084] A wearable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a photonic integrated circuit (441), a photodetector (450), a sensor module (440) that controls the photonic integrated circuit (441) and the photodetector (450), a memory (420) that stores instructions, and at least one processor (460) that includes a processing circuit. The photonic integrated circuit (441) according to one embodiment may include a plurality of laser sources. The photonic integrated circuit (441) according to one embodiment may include a wavelength separation circuit (515) that is arranged to correspond to each of the plurality of laser sources and separates light of a plurality of wavelengths output through the plurality of laser sources. The photonic integrated circuit (441) according to one embodiment may include a wavelength selection circuit (520) that selects light of a specific wavelength among the light of a plurality of wavelengths separated through the wavelength separation circuit (515). A photon integrated circuit (441) according to one embodiment may include a grating coupler (540) that outputs light of a specific wavelength selected through a wavelength selection circuit (520). A photon integrated circuit (441) according to one embodiment may include a photodetector (450) that detects the intensity and wavelength of light output through the grating coupler (540). Instructions according to one embodiment, when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (460), may cause a wearable electronic device (200) to detect the intensity of light and the wavelength of the reflected light, which are output through a plurality of laser sources and reflected by a light irradiation area, through the photodetector (450). Instructions according to one embodiment, when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (460), can enable a wearable electronic device (200) to acquire at least one bio-information based on the intensity of light reflected by a light irradiation area detected through a light detector (450) and the wavelength of the reflected light.

[0085] A wearable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment may further include a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) disposed between a wavelength selection circuit (520) and a grating coupler (540). A wavelength selection circuit (520) according to one embodiment may transmit a first amount of light from the total amount of light of a specific wavelength to the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530). A wavelength selection circuit (520) according to one embodiment may transmit a second amount of light from the total amount of light of a specific wavelength to the grating coupler (540).

[0086] A Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) according to one embodiment can measure the intensity and wavelength of light based on a first amount of light.

[0087] A Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) according to one embodiment can transmit the measured light intensity and wavelength to at least one processor (460).

[0088] A Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) according to one embodiment can detect a change in temperature associated with a plurality of laser sources and a change in the wavelength of light output through the plurality of laser sources.

[0089] According to one embodiment, light of a plurality of wavelengths can be output through a grating coupler (540) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the light irradiation area (e.g., about 55 degrees).

[0090] A plurality of laser sources according to one embodiment may include a first laser source (505a) that outputs light of a first wavelength, a second laser source (505b) that outputs light of a second wavelength, a third laser source (505c) that outputs light of a third wavelength, and a fourth laser source (505d) that outputs light of a fourth wavelength.

[0091] The first wavelength, second wavelength, third wavelength, and fourth wavelength according to one embodiment may be different.

[0092] A wavelength selection circuit (520) according to one embodiment may include a plurality of wavelength selection circuits. A plurality of wavelength selection circuits according to one embodiment may include a first wavelength selection circuit (520a) disposed between a grating coupler (540) and a first laser source (505a) and selecting light of a first specific wavelength among light of a first wavelength. A plurality of wavelength selection circuits according to one embodiment may include a second wavelength selection circuit (520b) disposed between a grating coupler (540) and a second laser source (505b) and selecting light of a second specific wavelength among light of a second wavelength. A plurality of wavelength selection circuits according to one embodiment may include a third wavelength selection circuit (520c) disposed between a grating coupler (540) and a third laser source (505c) and selecting light of a third specific wavelength among light of a third wavelength. A plurality of light-gathering circuits according to one embodiment may include a fourth wavelength selection circuit (520d) disposed between a grating coupler (540) and a fourth laser source (505d) and selecting light of a fourth specific wavelength among light of a fourth wavelength.

[0093] A grating coupler (540) according to one embodiment may include a plurality of grating couplers. A plurality of grating couplers according to one embodiment may include a first grating coupler (540a) that outputs light of a first specific wavelength selected through a first wavelength selection circuit (520a). A plurality of grating couplers according to one embodiment may include a second grating coupler (540b) that outputs light of a second specific wavelength selected through a second wavelength selection circuit (520b). A plurality of grating couplers according to one embodiment may include a third grating coupler (540c) that outputs light of a third specific wavelength selected through a third wavelength selection circuit (520c). A plurality of grating couplers according to one embodiment may include a fourth grating coupler (540d) that outputs light of a fourth specific wavelength selected through a fourth wavelength selection circuit (520d).

[0094] Instructions according to one embodiment, when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (460), may cause a wearable electronic device (200) to detect light of a first specific wavelength that is output and reflected by a light irradiation area, light of a second specific wavelength that is output and reflected by a light irradiation area, light of a third specific wavelength that is output and reflected by a light irradiation area, and light of a fourth specific wavelength that is output and reflected by a light irradiation area through a light detector (450).

[0095] A photonic integrated circuit (441) according to one embodiment may be disposed on a substrate (810). The substrate (810) according to one embodiment may be formed of silicon material.

[0096] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the photonic integrated circuit (441) of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 5, the photonic integrated circuit (441) may include a laser source (505), an optical transmission circuit (510), a wavelength separation circuit (515), a wavelength selection circuit (520), a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530), a grating coupler (540), and / or an optical monitoring circuit (545).

[0098] In one embodiment, the laser source (505) may be composed of a plurality of laser sources (e.g., a plurality of laser light sources) that emit light of a plurality of different wavelengths. The laser source (505) may emit light of different wavelengths under the control of a processor (e.g., the processor (460) of FIG. 4).

[0099] In one embodiment, the light transmission circuit (510) can couple (e.g., focus) light emitted through the laser source (505) to a waveguide. The light transmission circuit (510) can be formed with a device having low light loss. For example, the light transmission circuit (510) can be formed using an inverted taper. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0100] In one embodiment, the wavelength separation circuit (515) may be positioned to correspond to the laser source (505). For example, the wavelength separation circuit (515) may include a plurality of wavelength separation circuits. The plurality of wavelength separation circuits may be positioned to correspond to a plurality of laser sources. The wavelength separation circuit (515) may separate (or distribute) light of a plurality of wavelengths output through the laser source (505). For example, the wavelength separation circuit (515) may separate (or distribute) light of a plurality of wavelengths output through the laser source (505).

[0101] In one embodiment, the wavelength selection circuit (520) can transmit light of a specific wavelength among a plurality of wavelengths of light separated through the wavelength separation circuit (515) to the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) and the photodetector (450). For example, the wavelength selection circuit (520) can select light of a specific wavelength among a plurality of separated wavelengths of light, make it the length of a phase shifter, and transmit it to the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) and the photodetector (450).

[0102] In one embodiment, the wavelength selection circuit (520) can distribute the total amount of light of a specific wavelength to the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) and the photodetector (450), respectively. For example, the wavelength selection circuit (520) can transmit a first amount of light of the total amount of light of a specific wavelength to the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) and a second amount of light of the total amount of light of a specific wavelength to the photodetector (450).

[0103] In one embodiment, the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) can detect a change in wavelength and a change in temperature associated with the laser source (505) based on a first amount of light received through the wavelength selection circuit (520). The Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) can transmit the detected change in wavelength and the change in temperature associated with the laser source (505) to the light monitoring circuit (545).

[0104] In one embodiment, the grating coupler (540) may output light of a specific wavelength received through the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) (e.g., to a light irradiation area (e.g., a part of the user's body (e.g., wrist)). In one embodiment, the grating coupler (540) may be positioned to correspond to a plurality of wavelengths (e.g., 2010 nm to 2400 nm) of light radiated through the laser source (505). However, it is not limited thereto. For example, the grating coupler (540) may include a plurality of grating couplers. In this case, each of the plurality of grating couplers may be positioned to correspond to each of a plurality of wavelengths (e.g., 2210 nm, 2220 nm, 2230 nm, …, 2290 nm) radiated through the laser source (505). Alternatively, each of the multiple grating couplers may be arranged to correspond to a specific range (full scale range, FSR) of multiple wavelengths (e.g., 2010 nm to 2400 nm).

[0105] In one embodiment, the grating coupler (540) may be positioned to have a certain angle (e.g., an angle with respect to the direction in which the light irradiation area is positioned) (e.g., about 90 degrees). As the grating coupler (540) is positioned to have a certain angle (e.g., an angle with respect to the direction in which the light irradiation area is positioned) (e.g., about 90 degrees), light of a wavelength received through the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) may be output to the light irradiation area in a vertical direction (e.g., about 90 degrees). The grating coupler (540) may be positioned to have light of a wavelength received through the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) focused and output to a specific area of ​​the light irradiation area. If the grating coupler (540) includes a plurality of grating couplers, the plurality of grating couplers may be positioned to have a certain spacing (or designated spacing) and a certain angle (e.g., an angle with respect to the direction in which the light irradiation area is positioned) (e.g., about 90 degrees). This is not limited to this, and the grating coupler (540) may be positioned to focus at least one laser source on a specific area of ​​the light irradiation area.

[0106] In one embodiment, the light monitoring circuit (545) can detect the intensity and wavelength of light output through the grating coupler (540). The light monitoring circuit (545) can transmit the detected intensity and wavelength of light to a processor (e.g., processor (460) of FIG. 4). In one embodiment, although not shown, the light monitoring circuit (545) may include a plurality of grating couplers (not shown). For example, the plurality of grating couplers (not shown) included in the light monitoring circuit (545) can check (e.g., monitor) changes in wavelength received from the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) and changes in temperature associated with the laser source (505). For example, the plurality of grating couplers (not shown) included in the light monitoring circuit (545) can check (e.g., monitor) whether the light has been generated in the desired wavelength range (or whether the wavelength range has been altered by temperature).

[0107] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the photonic integrated circuit (441) of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 6, the photonic integrated circuit (441) may include a laser source (e.g., laser source (505) of FIG. 5), a wavelength separation circuit (e.g., wavelength separation circuit (515) of FIG. 5), a wavelength selection circuit (e.g., wavelength selection circuit (520) of FIG. 5), a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (e.g., Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) of FIG. 5), a grating coupler (540), and / or an optical monitoring circuit (545).

[0109] In one embodiment, the laser source (505) may include a plurality of laser sources. For example, the plurality of laser sources may include a first laser source (505a), a second laser source (505b), a third laser source (505c), and a fourth laser source (505d). However, it is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the first laser source (505a) may output light of a first wavelength (e.g., 2010nm-2100nm). The second laser source (505b) may output light of a second wavelength (e.g., 2110nm-2200nm). The third laser source (505c) may output light of a third wavelength (e.g., 2210nm-2300nm). The fourth laser source (505d) may output light of a fourth wavelength (e.g., 2310nm-2400nm).

[0110] In one embodiment, the wavelength separation circuit (515) may include a plurality of wavelength separation circuits. For example, the plurality of wavelength separation circuits may include a first wavelength separation circuit (515a), a second wavelength separation circuit (515b), a third wavelength separation circuit (515c), and a fourth wavelength separation circuit (515d). However, it is not limited thereto. The plurality of wavelength separation circuits may be arranged to correspond to a plurality of laser sources. For example, the first wavelength separation circuit (515a) may be arranged to correspond to a first laser source (505a). The second wavelength separation circuit (515b) may be arranged to correspond to a second laser source (505b). The third wavelength separation circuit (515c) may be arranged to correspond to a third laser source (505c). The fourth wavelength separation circuit (515d) may be arranged to correspond to a fourth laser source (505d).

[0111] In one embodiment, the first wavelength separation circuit (515a) can separate (or distribute) light of a first wavelength output through the first laser source (505a) into a plurality of first wavelengths. The second wavelength separation circuit (515b) can separate (or distribute) light of a second wavelength output through the second laser source (505b) into a plurality of second wavelengths. The third wavelength separation circuit (515c) can separate (or distribute) light of a third wavelength output through the third laser source (505c) into a plurality of third wavelengths. The fourth wavelength separation circuit (515d) can separate (or distribute) light of a fourth wavelength output through the fourth laser source (505d) into a plurality of fourth wavelengths.

[0112] In one embodiment, the wavelength selection circuit (520) may include a plurality of wavelength selection circuits. The plurality of wavelength selection circuits may include a first wavelength selection circuit (520a), a second wavelength selection circuit (520b), a third wavelength selection circuit (520c), and a fourth wavelength selection circuit (520d). However, it is not limited thereto.

[0113] In one embodiment, the first wavelength selection circuit (520a) can select light of a specific wavelength from a plurality of first wavelength lights separated through the first wavelength separation circuit (515a) and transmit it to the grating coupler (540). For example, the selected specific wavelength light transmitted to the grating coupler (540) may include light of one wavelength among the plurality of first wavelength lights. As another example, the selected specific wavelength light transmitted to the grating coupler (540) may include light of at least two wavelengths mixed among the plurality of first wavelength lights. As yet another example, the first wavelength selection circuit (520a) may sequentially transmit a plurality of first wavelength lights separated through the first wavelength separation circuit (515a) to the grating coupler (540) using a time division method.

[0114] In one embodiment, the second wavelength selection circuit (520b) can select light of a specific wavelength from a plurality of second wavelength lights separated through the second wavelength separation circuit (515b) and transmit it to the grating coupler (540). For example, the selected specific wavelength light transmitted to the grating coupler (540) may include light of one wavelength among the plurality of second wavelength lights. As another example, the selected specific wavelength light transmitted to the grating coupler (540) may include light mixed with at least two wavelengths among the plurality of second wavelength lights. As yet another example, the second wavelength selection circuit (520b) may sequentially transmit a plurality of second wavelength lights separated through the second wavelength separation circuit (515b) to the grating coupler (540) using a time division method.

[0115] In one embodiment, the third wavelength selection circuit (520c) can select light of a specific wavelength from a plurality of third wavelength lights separated through the third wavelength separation circuit (515c) and transmit it to the grating coupler (540). For example, the selected specific wavelength light transmitted to the grating coupler (540) may include light of one wavelength among the plurality of third wavelength lights. As another example, the selected specific wavelength light transmitted to the grating coupler (540) may include light mixed with at least two wavelengths among the plurality of third wavelength lights. As yet another example, the third wavelength selection circuit (520c) may sequentially transmit a plurality of third wavelength lights separated through the third wavelength separation circuit (515c) to the grating coupler (540) using a time division method.

[0116] In one embodiment, the fourth wavelength selection circuit (520d) can select light of a specific wavelength from a plurality of fourth wavelength lights separated through the fourth wavelength separation circuit (515d) and transmit it to the grating coupler (540). For example, the selected specific wavelength light transmitted to the grating coupler (540) may include light of one wavelength among the plurality of fourth wavelength lights. As another example, the selected specific wavelength light transmitted to the grating coupler (540) may include light mixed with at least two wavelengths among the plurality of fourth wavelength lights. As yet another example, the fourth wavelength selection circuit (520d) may sequentially transmit a plurality of third wavelength lights separated through the fourth wavelength separation circuit (515d) to the grating coupler (540) using a time division method.

[0117] In one embodiment, a processor (e.g., processor (460) of FIG. 4) can control a plurality of laser sources so that light is emitted sequentially through time division. Each of the plurality of wavelength selection circuits can select to emit light of a specific wavelength (e.g., light of a desired band) among the light of multiple wavelengths emitted from each of the plurality of laser sources, thereby outputting light of a specific wavelength.

[0118] In one embodiment, the Mach-Zenther interferometer (530) may include a plurality of Mach-Zenther interferometers. The plurality of Mach-Zenther interferometers may include a first Mach-Zenther interferometer (530a), a second Mach-Zenther interferometer (530b), a third Mach-Zenther interferometer (530c), and a fourth Mach-Zenther interferometer (530d). However, it is not limited thereto.

[0119] In one embodiment, the first wavelength selection circuit (520a) can distribute the total amount of light selected among a plurality of first wavelengths at a specified ratio and deliver it to each of the first Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530a) and the grating coupler (540). The second wavelength selection circuit (520b) can distribute the total amount of light selected among a plurality of second wavelengths at a specified ratio and deliver it to each of the second Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530b) and the grating coupler (540). The third wavelength selection circuit (520c) can distribute the total amount of light selected among a plurality of third wavelengths at a specified ratio and deliver it to each of the third Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530c) and the grating coupler (540). The fourth wavelength selection circuit (520a) can distribute the total amount of light selected among a plurality of fourth wavelengths at a specified ratio and transmit it to each of the fourth Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530d) and grating coupler (540).

[0120] In one embodiment, the grating coupler (540) can output light (e.g., light of a specific wavelength) received through each wavelength selection circuit (e.g., first wavelength selection circuit (520a), second wavelength selection circuit (520b), third wavelength selection circuit (520c), and fourth wavelength selection circuit (520d)) to a light irradiation area (e.g., a part of the user's body (e.g., wrist)).

[0121] In one embodiment, each of the first Mach-Zenther interferometer (530a), the second Mach-Zenther interferometer (530b), the third Mach-Zenther interferometer (530c), and the fourth Mach-Zenther interferometer (530d) can transmit light (e.g., light of a specific wavelength) received through each wavelength selection circuit (e.g., first wavelength selection circuit (520a), second wavelength selection circuit (520b), third wavelength selection circuit (520c), and fourth wavelength selection circuit (520d)) to the light monitoring circuit (545).

[0122] In one embodiment, each of the first Mach-Zenther interferometer (530a), the second Mach-Zenther interferometer (530b), the third Mach-Zenther interferometer (530c), and the fourth Mach-Zenther interferometer (530d) can detect a change in wavelength based on light received through each wavelength selection circuit (e.g., the first wavelength selection circuit (520a), the second wavelength selection circuit (520b), the third wavelength selection circuit (520c), and the fourth wavelength selection circuit (520d)). Each of the first Mach-Zenther interferometer (530a), the second Mach-Zenther interferometer (530b), the third Mach-Zenther interferometer (530c), and the fourth Mach-Zenther interferometer (530d) can detect a change in temperature associated with a plurality of laser sources (e.g., the first laser source (505a), the second laser source (505b), the third laser source (505c), and the fourth laser source (505d)) that output light based on a change in wavelength.

[0123] In one embodiment, the light monitoring circuit (545) can measure the intensity and wavelength of light based on light received from each Mach-Zehnder interferometer (e.g., first Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530a), second Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530b), third Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530c), and fourth Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530d)). For example, based on the intensity and wavelength of light measured by the light monitoring circuit (545), it can be determined whether the light has been generated in a desired wavelength range or whether the wavelength range has been altered by temperature.

[0124] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the light transmission circuit (510) of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 7, the light transmission circuit (510) can couple (e.g., focus) light (720) radiated through a laser source (505) to a waveguide (5105). The light transmission circuit (510) can be formed using a device with low light loss, for example, an inverted taper. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0126] In one embodiment, the waveguide (5105) may be positioned at a certain distance (730) (e.g., about 1100 nm) from one end (5101) of the optical transmission circuit (510).

[0127] In one embodiment, the light transmission circuit (510) and the laser source (505) may be spaced apart by a specified distance (710) (e.g., about 500 nm). The space between the light transmission circuit (510) and the laser source (505) may be composed of air or epoxy.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the light transmission circuit (510) is formed using a device with low light loss, for example, an inverse taper, and is spaced apart from the laser source (505) by a specified distance (710), so that the coupling efficiency to the waveguide (5105) can be increased.

[0129] FIGS. 8a and 8b are drawings for illustrating the coupling between the laser source (505) of FIG. 5 and the light transmission circuit (510) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0130] Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, a photonic integrated circuit (e.g., the photonic integrated circuit of FIG. 4 (441)) can be placed on a substrate (810).

[0131] As seen in FIG. 7, the light transmission circuit (510) included in the photonic integrated circuit (441) can couple (820), for example, the light (720) radiated through the laser source (505) to the waveguide (5105).

[0132] In one embodiment, one side of the substrate (810) (e.g., the side facing the y-axis) may have a step. For example, at least a portion (810a) of one side of the substrate (810) may have a first height, and at least another portion (810b) of one side of the substrate (810) may have a second height lower than the first height. In one embodiment, a laser source (505) may be placed on at least a portion (810a) of one side of the substrate (810). In this case, the height between the path of the light (720) and at least a portion (810a) of one side of the substrate (810) and the height between the waveguide (5105) and at least a portion (810a) of one side of the substrate (810) may be the same. Accordingly, for example, when light (720) radiated through a laser source (505) is transmitted to a waveguide (5105), the efficiency of focusing the light (720) into the waveguide (5105) can be increased.

[0133] In one embodiment, the laser source (505) can output (distribute) light at a specific wavelength according to the depth (860) and width (870) of the trench within the laser source (505). The light output at a specific wavelength can be transmitted to a waveguide (5105).

[0134] In one embodiment, the waveguide (5105) of the light transmission circuit (510) may be spaced apart by a certain distance (840) from at least a portion (810a) of one surface (e.g., the surface facing the y-axis) of the substrate (810). As the waveguide (5105) of the light transmission circuit (510) is spaced apart by a certain distance (840) from at least a portion (810a) of one surface of the substrate (810), light focused into the waveguide (5105) may be prevented from being attenuated.

[0135] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the thermal stabilization of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 9, the thermal management circuit (530) can be placed between the wavelength selection circuit (520) and the grating coupler (540).

[0137] In the case of a laser source according to one embodiment (e.g., the laser source (505) of FIG. 5), the wavelength may be changed depending on the internal or external temperature of the laser source (505) and the amount of current supplied to the laser source (505). When the amount of current supplied to the laser source (505) is the same, the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) may apply temperature changes at multiple wavelengths (e.g., 2010 nm - 2400 nm).

[0138] For example, the first waveguide width (W1) (910), second waveguide width (W2) (920), first waveguide length (L1 (e.g., W1) / 2) (930), second waveguide length (L2 (e.g., W2) / 2) (940), and taper length (950) of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) can be determined so that the temperature is stabilized. For example, the first waveguide width (W1) (910) and the second waveguide width (W2) (920) may be different, and a taper may be applied to the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) to prevent insertion loss from occurring. In the process step, design conditions of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) having thermal insensitivity at multiple wavelengths (e.g., 2010nm-2400nm) (e.g., first waveguide width (W1) (910), second waveguide width (W2) (920), first waveguide length (L1 / 2) (930), second waveguide length (L2 / 2) (940), and taper length (950)) can be determined.

[0139] For example, referring to FIG. 10, the x-axis can represent wavelength (μm) (1210) and the y-axis can represent current intensity (1220).

[0140] As shown in graph 1030 according to one embodiment, the current intensity (1210) according to the wavelength (1210) at a temperature (e.g., 250K, 300K, 350K) may be the same. In other words, design conditions of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) (e.g., first waveguide width (W1) (910), second waveguide width (W2) (920), first waveguide length (L1 / 2) (930), second waveguide length (L2 / 2) (940), and taper length (950)) can be determined so as to have conditions (e.g., dλ / Dt=0) under which the current intensity according to a plurality of wavelengths (e.g., 2010nm-2400nm) is optimized at a temperature (e.g., 250K, 300K, 350K).

[0141] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining an optical monitoring circuit (545) and a grating coupler (540) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 11, the light monitoring circuit (545) can monitor the intensity of light output through a laser source (e.g., the laser source (505) of FIG. 5). When the light monitoring circuit (545) detects that the intensity of light through the laser source (505) decreases as the internal or external temperature of the laser source (505) exceeds a specified temperature, it can cause the intensity of light to be output at a specified intensity.

[0143] In one embodiment, the light monitoring circuit (545) may include a plurality of light monitoring circuits. The plurality of light monitoring circuits may include a first light monitoring circuit (545a), a second light monitoring circuit (545b), a third light monitoring circuit (545c), and a fourth light monitoring circuit (545d).

[0144] In one embodiment, the grating coupler (540) may include a plurality of grating couplers, for example, a first grating coupler (540a), a second grating coupler (540b), a third grating coupler (540c), and a fourth grating coupler (540d).

[0145] In one embodiment, a plurality of light monitoring circuits may be positioned to have a certain angle (e.g., 90 degrees) with respect to a plurality of grating couplers so that light output through a plurality of grating couplers is received. For example, a first light monitoring circuit (545a) may be positioned to have a certain angle (e.g., 90 degrees) with respect to a first grating coupler (540a) so that light output through a first grating coupler (540a) is incident. A second light monitoring circuit (545b) may be positioned to have a certain angle (e.g., 90 degrees) with respect to a second grating coupler (540b) so that light output through a second grating coupler (540b) is incident. A third light monitoring circuit (545c) may be positioned to have a certain angle (e.g., 90 degrees) with respect to a third grating coupler (540c) so that light output through a third grating coupler (540c) is incident. The fourth light monitoring circuit (545d) can be positioned at a certain angle (e.g., 90 degrees) with respect to the fourth grating coupler (540d) so that light output through the fourth grating coupler (540d) is incident.

[0146] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of light monitoring circuits receives light output through each grating coupler and measures the intensity of the received light so that the intensity of the light does not decrease.

[0147] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a photonic integrated circuit (441) disposed in a wearable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 12, a wearable electronic device (e.g., the wearable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b) may include a substrate (810) disposed in the internal space of the wearable electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the substrate (810) may be formed of a silicon material.

[0149] In one embodiment, a photonic integrated circuit (441) may be disposed on one side of the substrate (810) (e.g., the side facing the -z axis in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b).

[0150] In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a back plate (207) (e.g., a back cover). The back plate (207) may be formed of glass (e.g., silicon glass), but is not limited thereto. When the wearable electronic device (200) is worn (or secured) to a part of the user's body (e.g., a wrist), at least a portion of the back plate (207) may come into contact with the part of the user's body (e.g., a wrist).

[0151] As seen in FIG. 5 according to one embodiment, the photonic integrated circuit (441) may include a laser source (505), an optical transmission circuit (510), a wavelength separation circuit (515), a wavelength selection circuit (520), a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530), a grating coupler (540), and / or an optical monitoring circuit (545).

[0152] In one embodiment, light output through a laser source (505) can be transmitted to a grating coupler (540) through a light transmission circuit (510), a wavelength separation circuit (515), and a wavelength selection circuit (520). For example, the grating coupler (540) can be formed to have a specified height (1210) from the substrate (810). The grating coupler (540) can output (1230) the light received through the wavelength selection circuit (520) to a light irradiation area (1220). For example, the light output through the grating coupler (540) can reach the back plate (207) at a first angle (e.g., θ1), and the light reaching the back plate (207) can be focused to the light irradiation area (1220) at a second angle (e.g., θ1).

[0153] In one embodiment, the grating coupler (540) and the photodetector (450) may be spaced apart from the substrate (810) by a specified distance. A partition (1240) may be formed between the grating coupler (540) and the photodetector (450). By forming the partition (1240) between the grating coupler (540) and the photodetector (450), light output from the grating coupler (540) may be prevented from directly entering the photodetector (450).

[0154] In one embodiment, the light detector (450) can detect light output through the grating coupler (540) and reflected by the light irradiation area (1220). The light detector (450) can detect the intensity and wavelength of the light reflected by the light irradiation area. Based on the intensity and wavelength of the light reflected by the light irradiation area, the light detector (450) can obtain at least one piece of biological information.

[0155] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of the grating coupler (540) of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0156] Referring to FIG. 13, the grating coupler (540) may include a plurality of grating couplers. The plurality of grating couplers may include a first grating coupler (540a), a second grating coupler (540b), a third grating coupler (540c), and a fourth grating coupler (540d).

[0157] In one embodiment, a plurality of grating couplers, for example, a first grating coupler (540a), a second grating coupler (540b), a third grating coupler (540c), and a fourth grating coupler (540d), may be arranged to correspond to a specific range (full scale range, FSR) of a plurality of wavelengths (e.g., 2010nm to 2400nm) of light emitted through a laser source (505). For example, the first grating coupler (540a) may be positioned to correspond to a specific region of the first wavelength (e.g., 2010nm–2100nm) output through the first wavelength (1310) (e.g., the first laser source (e.g., the first laser source (505a) of FIG. 6). The second grating coupler (540b) may be positioned to correspond to a specific region of the second wavelength (e.g., 2110nm–2200nm) output through the second wavelength (1320) (e.g., the second laser source (e.g., the second laser source (505b) of FIG. 6). The third grating coupler (540c) may be positioned to correspond to a specific region of the third wavelength (e.g., 2210nm–2300nm) output through the third wavelength (1330) (e.g., the third laser source (e.g., the third laser source (505c) of FIG. 6). The fourth The grating coupler (540d) can be positioned to correspond to a specific region of the fourth wavelength (e.g., 2310nm-2400nm) output through the fourth wavelength (1340) (e.g., the fourth laser source (e.g., the fourth laser source (505d) of FIG. 6).

[0158] In FIG. 13 according to one embodiment, a plurality of grating couplers, for example, a first grating coupler (540a), a second grating coupler (540b), a third grating coupler (540c), and a fourth grating coupler (540d), are described as being arranged to correspond to specific regions of each of a plurality of wavelengths of light emitted through a laser source (505) (e.g., a first wavelength (1310), a second wavelength (1320), a third wavelength (1330), and a fourth wavelength (1340)), but are not limited thereto. For example, the first grating coupler (540a), the second grating coupler (540b), the third grating coupler (540c), and the fourth grating coupler (540d) may be arranged to correspond to each of a plurality of wavelengths (e.g., a first wavelength (1310), a second wavelength (1320), a third wavelength (1330), and a fourth wavelength (1340)). As another example, one grating coupler (540) may be positioned to correspond to multiple wavelengths (e.g., 2010 nm to 2400 nm). As yet another example, the grating coupler may be positioned to correspond to each of multiple wavelengths (e.g., 2010 nm, 2020 nm, …, 2400 nm).

[0159] In FIG. 13 according to one embodiment, the x-axis may represent wavelength (m) (1301) and the y-axis may represent light transmission (1303).

[0160] In one embodiment, the first grating coupler (540a), the second grating coupler (540b), the third grating coupler (540c), and the fourth grating coupler (540d) can output light of a specific wavelength selected through a wavelength selection circuit (e.g., the wavelength selection circuit (520) of FIG. 5) (e.g., a specific wavelength of the first wavelength (1310), a specific wavelength of the second wavelength (1320), a specific wavelength of the third wavelength (1330), a specific wavelength of the fourth wavelength (1340)) (e.g., output to a light irradiation area (e.g., a part of the user's body (e.g., wrist)). For example, the angle at which the first grating coupler (540a), the second grating coupler (540b), the third grating coupler (540c), and the fourth grating coupler (540d) output light to the light irradiation area can be set to approximately 55 degrees, which is substantially perpendicular. However, it is not limited to this.

[0161] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for obtaining biological information according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0162] In the following embodiments, each operation of FIG. 14 may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation of FIG. 14 may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the 1405 operation and 1410 operation of FIG. 14 can be understood as being performed in a processor (e.g., processor (460) of FIG. 4) of a wearable electronic device (e.g., wearable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b).

[0164] Referring to FIG. 14, the processor (460) can detect the intensity of light and the wavelength of the reflected light, which are output through a plurality of laser sources (e.g., the first laser source (505a), the second laser source (505b), the third laser source (505c), and the fourth laser source (505d) of FIG. 6) and reflected by a light irradiation area, through a photodetector (e.g., the photodetector (450) of FIG. 4) in operation 1405.

[0165] In one embodiment, the processor (460) can control a plurality of laser sources (e.g., the first laser source (505a), the second laser source (505b), the third laser source (505c), and the fourth laser source (505d) of FIG. 6) to sequentially output light. The plurality of laser sources may be implemented to output light of different wavelengths (e.g., a first wavelength, a second wavelength, a third wavelength, and a fourth wavelength). For example, the first laser source (505a) may be implemented to emit light of a first wavelength (e.g., 2010nm-2100nm). The second laser source (505b) may be implemented to emit light of a second wavelength (e.g., 2110nm-2200nm). The third laser source (505c) may be implemented to emit light of a third wavelength (e.g., 2210nm-2300nm). The fourth laser source (505d) may be implemented to emit light of a fourth wavelength (e.g., 2310 nm–2400 nm). In one embodiment, the first wavelength, second wavelength, third wavelength, and fourth wavelength may be different.

[0166] In one embodiment, light output through a plurality of laser sources (e.g., the first laser source (505a), the second laser source (505b), the third laser source (505c), and the fourth laser source (505d) of FIG. 6) may be separated into light of a plurality of wavelengths through a wavelength separation circuit (e.g., the wavelength separation circuit (515) of FIG. 5) and transmitted to a wavelength selection circuit (e.g., the wavelength selection circuit (520) of FIG. 5). The wavelength selection circuit (520) may select light of a specific wavelength from the light of a plurality of wavelengths separated through the wavelength separation circuit (515) and transmit it to a grating coupler (e.g., the grating coupler (540) of FIG. 5). For example, the light of a selected specific wavelength transmitted to the grating coupler (540) may include light of one wavelength among the light of a plurality of wavelengths. As another example, the light of a selected specific wavelength transmitted to the grating coupler (540) may include light mixed with at least two wavelengths of light among multiple wavelengths. As yet another example, the wavelength selection circuit (520) may sequentially transmit light of multiple wavelengths separated through the wavelength separation circuit (515) to the grating coupler (540) using a time division method.

[0167] In one embodiment, the grating coupler (540) can output light of a specific wavelength selected through the wavelength selection circuit (520) to a light irradiation area. For example, the light irradiation area may include a part of the user's body, for example, a wrist. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0168] In one embodiment, the light detector (450) can detect the intensity and wavelength of light reflected by the light irradiation area. The light detector (450) can transmit the detected intensity and wavelength of light reflected by the light irradiation area to the processor (460).

[0169] In one embodiment, light radiated to a light irradiation area, e.g., a user's wrist, may be reflected after reacting (e.g., being absorbed) with blood glucose within the skin of the wrist. A processor (460) may convert the light reflected from the light irradiation area into a photoelectric signal through a photodetector (450) and perform filtering to allow only signals of a specific frequency band to pass through. In other words, the light source and the photodetector (450) may be modulated to the same frequency to detect only signals of the same frequency band.

[0170] In one embodiment, the processor (460) can acquire at least one piece of bio-information based on the intensity of light reflected by a light irradiation area detected through a light detector (450) and the wavelength of the reflected light in operation 1410. For example, the processor (460) can measure the light reflected by the light irradiation area (e.g., filtered light) and acquire (or measure) the user's bio-information based on the spectral change of the measured light. For example, the bio-information may include blood glucose information, cholesterol information, triglyceride information, protein information, and / or uric acid information.

[0171] Although it has been described in FIG. 14 according to various embodiments that at least one bio-information is obtained based on light output through a plurality of laser sources, it is not limited thereto. For example, the processor (460) may obtain at least one bio-information by driving together a bio-sensor (e.g., bio-sensor (443) of FIG. 4) that includes at least one light-emitting element and a light-receiving element.

[0172] In one embodiment, although not illustrated, the wearable electronic device (200) may include an inertial sensor (e.g., accelerometer, gyroscope, and geomagnetic sensor) and a position sensor (e.g., GPS (global positioning system), NLP (network location provider)). The processor (460) may provide at least one biometric information by reflecting the posture information and / or movement information of the wearable electronic device (200) obtained through the inertial sensor and the position information of the wearable electronic device (200) obtained through the position sensor.

[0173] FIG. 15 is a drawing for explaining a method of providing bio-information according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0174] Referring to FIG. 15, a processor (e.g., processor (460) of FIG. 4) of a wearable electronic device (e.g., wearable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a and 2b) may provide at least one bio-information obtained based on the intensity and wavelength of light reflected by a light irradiation area, which is detected through a light detector (e.g., light detector (450) of FIG. 4). For example, the processor (460) may display at least one bio-information on a display (e.g., display (160) of FIG. 1).

[0175] In one embodiment, at least one biological information is described by assuming it to be blood glucose information. For example, the processor (460) of FIG. 15 <1510> As illustrated in [Figure 1], blood glucose information can be displayed on the display (160) as an hourly graph. As another example, the processor (460) of [Figure 15] <1550> As illustrated in [Image], continuous blood glucose information can be displayed on the display (160) as a graph over time.

[0176] As seen in FIGS. 3 to 15 according to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a photonic integrated circuit (e.g., the photonic integrated circuit (300) of FIG. 3, the photonic integrated circuit (441) of FIG. 4). The wearable electronic device (200) may use the photonic integrated circuit to select a specific wavelength of light among a plurality of wavelengths of light output through a plurality of laser sources and output it to a light irradiation area. Accordingly, light loss is minimized during the process of transmitting light output through a plurality of laser sources to the irradiation area, thereby enabling at least one piece of bio-information to be accurately obtained by a non-invasive method.

[0177] In various embodiments, the wearable electronic device (200) can detect changes in temperature associated with multiple laser sources and changes in the wavelength of light output through multiple laser sources via a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (e.g., the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) of FIG. 5). The wearable electronic device (200) can detect changes in temperature associated with multiple laser sources and changes in the wavelength of light output through multiple laser sources via the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) to determine whether the intensity of light output through multiple laser sources has decreased. If the wearable electronic device (200) confirms that the intensity of light output through multiple laser sources has decreased, it controls the light to be output at a specified intensity, thereby enabling accurate acquisition of at least one piece of bio-information regardless of changes in temperature associated with multiple laser sources and / or changes in the wavelength of light.

[0178] A wearable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a photonic integrated circuit (441), a photodetector (450), and a sensor module (440) that controls the photonic integrated circuit (441) and the photodetector (450). A photonic integrated circuit (441) according to one embodiment may include a plurality of laser sources. A photonic integrated circuit (441) according to one embodiment may include a wavelength separation circuit (515) that is arranged to correspond to each of the plurality of laser sources and separates light of a plurality of wavelengths output through the plurality of laser sources. A photonic integrated circuit (441) according to one embodiment may include a wavelength selection circuit (520) that selects light of a specific wavelength among the light of a plurality of wavelengths separated through the wavelength separation circuit (515). A photon integrated circuit (441) according to one embodiment may include a grating coupler (540) that outputs light of a specific wavelength selected through a wavelength selection circuit (520). A photon integrated circuit (441) according to one embodiment may include a light monitoring circuit (545) that detects the intensity and wavelength of light output through the grating coupler (540). A bio-information acquisition method according to one embodiment may include an operation of detecting the intensity of light and the wavelength of the reflected light, which are output through a plurality of laser sources and reflected by a light irradiation area, through a light detector (450). A bio-information acquisition method according to one embodiment may include an operation of acquiring at least one bio-information based on the intensity of light and the wavelength of the reflected light reflected by the light irradiation area detected through the light detector (450).

[0179] A bio-information acquisition method according to one embodiment may include an operation of transmitting a first amount of light among the total amount of light of a specific wavelength through a wavelength selection circuit (520) to a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) disposed between the wavelength selection circuit (520) and a grating coupler (540). A bio-information acquisition method according to one embodiment may include an operation of transmitting a second amount of light among the total amount of light of a specific wavelength through a wavelength selection circuit (520) to a grating coupler (540).

[0180] A bio-information acquisition method according to one embodiment may include the operation of measuring the intensity and wavelength of light based on a first amount of light through a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530).

[0181] A biometric information acquisition method according to one embodiment may include the operation of transmitting the measured light intensity and wavelength through a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) to at least one processor (460) of a wearable electronic device (200).

[0182] A bio-information acquisition method according to one embodiment may include the operation of detecting a change in temperature associated with a plurality of laser sources and a change in the wavelength of light output through a plurality of laser sources through a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530).

[0183] A plurality of laser sources according to one embodiment may include a first laser source (505a) that outputs light of a first wavelength, a second laser source (505b) that outputs light of a second wavelength, a third laser source (505c) that outputs light of a third wavelength, and a fourth laser source (505d) that outputs light of a fourth wavelength.

[0184] The first wavelength, second wavelength, third wavelength, and fourth wavelength according to one embodiment may be different.

[0185] The operation of detecting the intensity of light reflected by a light irradiation area and the wavelength of the reflected light through a light detector (450) according to one embodiment may include the operation of detecting, through the light detector (450), light of a first specific wavelength selected through a first wavelength selection circuit (520a) among light of a first wavelength that is output and reflected by the light irradiation area, light of a second specific wavelength selected through a second wavelength selection circuit (520b) among light of a second wavelength that is output and reflected by the light irradiation area, light of a third specific wavelength selected through a third wavelength selection circuit (520c) among light of a third wavelength that is output and reflected by the light irradiation area, and light of a fourth specific wavelength selected through a fourth wavelength selection circuit (520d) among light of a fourth wavelength that is output and reflected by the light irradiation area.

[0186] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that cause at least one processor (460) of a wearable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to perform operations can be configured to perform an operation of detecting the intensity of light and the wavelength of the reflected light through a light detector (450) that is output through a plurality of laser sources and reflected by a light irradiation area. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that cause at least one processor (460) of a wearable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment to perform operations can enable at least one bio-information to be acquired based on the intensity of light reflected by a light irradiation area detected through a light detector (450) and the wavelength of the reflected light.

[0187] The electronic device according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be of various forms. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a consumer electronics device. The electronic device according to the embodiments of this document is not limited to the devices described above.

[0188] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” each may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as “first,” “second,” or “first” or “second” may be used simply to distinguish a component from another corresponding component and do not limit the components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationly,” it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0189] The term “module” as used in the 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, for example. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. According to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0190] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., program (140)) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (136) or external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., electronic device (101)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0191] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM It can be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0192] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, program, or other components may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In a wearable electronic device (200), photonic integrated circuit (441); Photodetector (450); and A sensor module (440) that controls the above photon integrated circuit (441) and the above photodetector (450); Memory (420) for storing instructions; and It includes at least one processor (460) including a processing circuit, and The above photon integrated circuit (441) is, Multiple laser sources; A wavelength separation circuit (515) arranged to correspond to each of the plurality of laser sources and separating light of a plurality of wavelengths output through the plurality of laser sources; A wavelength selection circuit (520) for selecting a specific wavelength of light among a plurality of wavelengths of light separated through the wavelength separation circuit (515); A grating coupler (540) that outputs light of the specific wavelength selected through the wavelength selection circuit (520); and It includes a light monitoring circuit (545) that detects the intensity and wavelength of light output through the grating coupler (540), and When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (460), the wearable electronic device (200), The intensity of light reflected by the light irradiation area and the wavelength of the reflected light, which are output through the plurality of laser sources, are detected through the light detector (450), and A wearable electronic device for acquiring at least one piece of bio-information based on the intensity of light reflected by the light irradiation area detected through the light detector (450) and the wavelength of the reflected light.

2. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a Mach Zehnder interferometer (530) positioned between the wavelength selection circuit (520) and the grating coupler (540), and The above wavelength selection circuit (520) is, A first amount of light among the total amount of light of the above specific wavelength is transmitted to the Mach Zehnder interferometer (530), and A wearable electronic device that transmits a second amount of light out of the total amount of light of the above specific wavelength to the grating coupler (540).

3. In Paragraph 2, The above Mach Zender interferometer (530) is, Based on the above first amount of light, the intensity and wavelength of the light are measured, and The measured light intensity and wavelength are transmitted to at least one processor (460), and A wearable electronic device that detects a change in temperature associated with the plurality of laser sources and a change in the wavelength of light output through the plurality of laser sources.

4. In Paragraph 1, A wearable electronic device in which light of the plurality of wavelengths is output in a direction substantially perpendicular to the light irradiation area through the grating coupler (540).

5. In Paragraph 1, The above plurality of laser sources are, A first laser source (505a) that outputs light of a first wavelength; A second laser source (505b) that outputs light of a second wavelength; A third laser source (505c) that outputs light of a third wavelength; It includes a fourth laser source (505d) that outputs light of a fourth wavelength, and The first wavelength, the second wavelength, the third wavelength, and the fourth wavelength are different wearable electronic devices.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above wavelength selection circuit (520) includes a plurality of wavelength selection circuits, and The above plurality of wavelength selection circuits are, A first wavelength selection circuit (520a) disposed between the grating coupler (540) and the first laser source (505a) and selecting light of a first specific wavelength among light of the first wavelength; A second wavelength selection circuit (520b) disposed between the grating coupler (540) and the second laser source (505b) and selecting light of a second specific wavelength among the light of the second wavelength; A third wavelength selection circuit (520c) disposed between the grating coupler (540) and the third laser source (505c) and selecting light of a third specific wavelength among the light of the third wavelength; and A wearable electronic device comprising a fourth wavelength selection circuit (520d) disposed between the grating coupler (540) and the fourth laser source (505d) and selecting light of a fourth specific wavelength among light of the fourth wavelength.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above grating coupler (540) includes a plurality of grating couplers, and The above plurality of grating couplers are, A first grating coupler (540a) that outputs light of the first specific wavelength selected through the first wavelength selection circuit (520a); A second grating coupler (540b) that outputs light of the second specific wavelength selected through the second wavelength selection circuit (520b); A third grating coupler (540c) that outputs light of the third specific wavelength selected through the third wavelength selection circuit (520c); and A wearable electronic device comprising a fourth grating coupler (540d) that outputs light of the fourth specific wavelength selected through the fourth wavelength selection circuit (520d).

8. In Paragraph 7, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (460), the wearable electronic device (200), A wearable electronic device that detects light of the first specific wavelength output and reflected by the light irradiation area, light of the second specific wavelength output and reflected by the light irradiation area, light of the third specific wavelength output and reflected by the light irradiation area, and light of the fourth specific wavelength output and reflected by the light irradiation area through the light detector (450).

9. In Paragraph 1, The above photonic integrated circuit (441) is disposed on a substrate (810), and The above substrate (810) is a wearable electronic device formed of silicon material.

10. A method for obtaining biometric information of a wearable electronic device (200), The wearable electronic device (200) comprises a photonic integrated circuit (441), a photodetector (450), and a sensor module (440) that controls the photonic integrated circuit (441) and the photodetector (450). The above photon integrated circuit (441) is, Multiple laser sources; A wavelength separation circuit (515) arranged to correspond to each of the plurality of laser sources and separating light of a plurality of wavelengths output through the plurality of laser sources; A wavelength selection circuit (520) for selecting a specific wavelength of light among a plurality of wavelengths of light separated through the wavelength separation circuit (515); A grating coupler (540) that outputs light of the specific wavelength selected through the wavelength selection circuit (520); and It includes a light monitoring circuit (545) that detects the intensity and wavelength of light output through the grating coupler (540), and The above method for acquiring biometric information is, The operation of detecting the intensity of light and the wavelength of the reflected light, which are output through the plurality of laser sources and reflected by the light irradiation area, through the light detector (450); and A method comprising the operation of acquiring at least one biological information based on the intensity of light reflected by the light irradiation area detected through the light detector (450) and the wavelength of the reflected light.

11. In Paragraph 10, The operation of transmitting a first amount of light among the total amount of light of the specific wavelength through the wavelength selection circuit (520) to a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530) disposed between the wavelength selection circuit (520) and the grating coupler (540); and A method further comprising the operation of transmitting a second amount of light from the total amount of light of the specific wavelength to the grating coupler (540) through the wavelength selection circuit (520).

12. In Paragraph 11, The operation of measuring the intensity and wavelength of the light based on the first amount of light through the above Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530); The operation of transmitting the measured light intensity and wavelength to at least one processor (460) of the wearable electronic device (200) through the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530); and A method further comprising the operation of detecting a change in temperature associated with the plurality of laser sources and a change in the wavelength of light output through the plurality of laser sources through the above Mach-Zehnder interferometer (530).

13. In Paragraph 10, The above plurality of laser sources includes a first laser source (505a) that outputs light of a first wavelength, a second laser source (505b) that outputs light of a second wavelength, a third laser source (505c) that outputs light of a third wavelength, and a fourth laser source (505d) that outputs light of a fourth wavelength, and The first wavelength, the second wavelength, the third wavelength, and the fourth wavelength are different methods.

14. In Paragraph 13, The operation of detecting the intensity of light reflected by the light irradiation area and the wavelength of the reflected light through the light detector (450) is, A method comprising the operation of detecting, through the light detector (450), light of a first specific wavelength selected through a first wavelength selection circuit (520a) among the light of the first wavelength, light of a second specific wavelength selected through a second wavelength selection circuit (520b) among the light of the second wavelength, light of a second specific wavelength selected through a second wavelength selection circuit (520b) among the light of the second wavelength, light of a third specific wavelength selected through a third wavelength selection circuit (520c) among the light of the third wavelength, light of a fourth specific wavelength selected through a fourth wavelength selection circuit (520d) among the light of the fourth wavelength, light of a fourth specific wavelength selected through a fourth wavelength selection circuit (520d) among the light of the fourth wavelength, and light of a fourth specific wavelength selected through a fourth wavelength selection circuit (520d) among the light of the fourth wavelength, and light of a fourth specific wavelength selected through a fourth wavelength selection circuit (520d) among the light of the fourth wavelength, and light of a fourth specific wavelength selected through a fourth wavelength selection circuit, light of a fourth reflected by the light irradiation area.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that cause at least one processor (460) to perform operations when executed by at least one processor (460) of a wearable electronic device (200), The wearable electronic device (200) comprises a photonic integrated circuit (441), a photodetector (450), and a sensor module (440) that controls the photonic integrated circuit (441) and the photodetector (450). The above photon integrated circuit (441) is, Multiple laser sources; A wavelength separation circuit (515) arranged to correspond to each of the plurality of laser sources and separating light of a plurality of wavelengths output through the plurality of laser sources; A wavelength selection circuit (520) for selecting a specific wavelength of light among a plurality of wavelengths of light separated through the wavelength separation circuit (515); A grating coupler (540) that outputs light of the specific wavelength selected through the wavelength selection circuit (520); and It includes a light monitoring circuit (545) that detects the intensity and wavelength of light output through the grating coupler (540), and A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that cause the above-mentioned at least one processor (460) to perform operations, The operation of detecting the intensity of light and the wavelength of the reflected light, which are output through the plurality of laser sources and reflected by the light irradiation area, through the light detector (450); and A computer-readable recording medium that performs an operation to acquire at least one biological information based on the intensity of light reflected by the light irradiation area detected through the light detector (450) and the wavelength of the reflected light.

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