Electronic device and control method therefor

Abstract

Provided are an electronic device and a control method therefor. The electronic device comprises: a communication interface; a memory for storing instructions; and at least one processor. The instructions, when collectively or individually executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to: acquire, by using a signal received by means of the communication interface, information about a time when the electronic device is located indoors and information about a time when the electronic device is located outdoors; acquire information about indoor light acquired by a user using the electronic device during the time when the electronic device is located indoors; acquire information about outdoor light acquired by the user during the time when the electronic device is located outdoors; and acquire information about a circadian rhythm of the user on the basis of the information about the indoor light and the information about the outdoor light.

Description

Electronic device and control method thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a method for controlling the same, and more specifically, to an electronic device capable of estimating a circadian rhythm based on information about light acquired by a user and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] Recently, various services related to a user's health or lifestyle patterns are being provided using electronic devices such as wearable devices. For example, electronic devices can obtain information about a user's sleep, exercise, and health through various sensors.

[0003] Meanwhile, electronic devices can provide services related to a user's circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythm refers to the pattern in which human physiological processes repeat in a 24-hour cycle and are primarily associated with sleep, appetite, and hormone secretion. In particular, maintaining a circadian rhythm plays a very important role in overall physical and mental health.

[0004] Conventionally, optical sensors were required to determine circadian rhythms. However, optical sensors in electronic devices are often obscured by the user's posture or environment, which can lead to inaccurate sensing results. Additionally, while there are methods that measure light intensity based on user motion using motion sensors such as accelerometers, this also has the disadvantage of requiring additional sensors and being inaccurate.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to explore a method to estimate the circadian rhythm by estimating the amount of light acquired by the user without the need for a separate sensor.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device comprises: a communication interface; a memory for storing instructions; and at least one processor; wherein, when the instructions are executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor, the electronic device obtains information about the time when the electronic device is located indoors and information about the time when the electronic device is located outdoors using a signal received by the communication interface, obtains information about indoor light obtained by a user using the electronic device during the time when the electronic device is located indoors, obtains information about outdoor light obtained by the user during the time when the electronic device is located outdoors, and obtains information about the user's circadian rhythm based on the information about indoor light and the information about outdoor light.

[0007] The electronic device further includes a Global Positioning System (GPS) module, and the communication interface further includes a Wi-Fi interface. When the instructions are executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor, the electronic device may obtain information about the time when the electronic device is located indoors and information about the time when the electronic device is located outdoors by using a GPS signal received by the GPS module and a Wi-Fi signal received through the Wi-Fi interface.

[0008] When the above instructions are executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor, the electronic device may obtain information regarding the sleep time during the time the user is located in the room based on a sleep log, obtain information regarding the remaining time excluding the sleep time during the time the user is located in the room, and obtain information regarding the first indoor light obtained during the remaining time and information regarding the second indoor light obtained during the sleep time.

[0009] When the above instructions are executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor, the electronic device may acquire information regarding the amount of indoor light from an external device through the communication interface, and acquire information regarding the first indoor light during the remaining time based on the acquired information regarding the amount of light.

[0010] When the above instructions are executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor, the electronic device may acquire information about the second indoor light acquired by the user during the sleep time based on information about the acquired light amount and a sleep attenuation weight.

[0011] When the above instructions are executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor, the electronic device may receive information about the average light intensity of indoor light from an external server through the communication interface, receive information about the light intensity of a lighting device from a lighting device located indoors, or receive information about the indoor light intensity from an external device including a light sensor.

[0012] When the above instructions are executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor, the electronic device may acquire information about the region where the electronic device is located based on the GPS signal, and acquire information about the outdoor light acquired by the user while the user is located outdoors based on information about the sunrise / sunset times and average sunlight of the region where the electronic device is located.

[0013] When the above instructions are executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor, the electronic device may obtain information regarding a recommended sleep time and a recommended wake time for the user based on information regarding the circadian rhythm, and provide a UI including the obtained information regarding the recommended sleep time and the recommended wake time.

[0014] When the above instructions are executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor, the electronic device may obtain information regarding the user's sleep time and wake time, compare the recommended sleep time and the sleep time, and compare the recommended wake time and the wake time to provide information regarding the user's sleep state on the UI.

[0015] A control method for an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a step of obtaining information about the time when the electronic device is located indoors and information about the time when it is located outdoors using a signal received at a communication interface of the electronic device; a step of obtaining information about indoor light obtained by a user using the electronic device during the time when it is located indoors and obtaining information about outdoor light obtained by the user during the time when it is located outdoors; and a step of obtaining information about the user's circadian rhythm based on the information about indoor light and the information about outdoor light.

[0016] The electronic device further includes a Global Positioning System (GPS) module, and the communication interface further includes a Wi-Fi interface. The step of obtaining information about time can obtain information about the time when the electronic device is located indoors and information about the time when it is located outdoors by using a GPS signal received by the GPS module and a Wi-Fi signal received through the Wi-Fi interface.

[0017] The above control method further includes the step of obtaining information regarding sleep time during the time the user is located indoors based on a sleep log; wherein the step of obtaining information regarding time is to obtain information regarding the remaining time excluding the sleep time during the time the user is located indoors, and the step of obtaining information regarding indoor light and outdoor light is to obtain information regarding the first indoor light obtained during the remaining time and information regarding the second indoor light obtained during the sleep time.

[0018] The step of obtaining information regarding the first indoor light and the second indoor light may include: obtaining information regarding the amount of light of the indoor light from an external device through the communication interface; and obtaining information regarding the first indoor light during the remaining time based on the information regarding the amount of light obtained.

[0019] The step of obtaining information regarding the first indoor light and the second indoor light may involve obtaining information regarding the second indoor light obtained by the user during the sleep time based on the information regarding the obtained light amount and the sleep attenuation weight.

[0020] The step of obtaining information regarding the amount of light of the indoor light may involve receiving information regarding the average amount of light of the indoor light from an external server via the communication interface, receiving information regarding the amount of light of a lighting device from a lighting device located indoors, or receiving information regarding the amount of light of the indoor light from an external device including a light sensor.

[0021] The step of acquiring information regarding indoor light and outdoor light may include: a step of acquiring information regarding the region where the electronic device is located based on the GPS signal; and a step of acquiring information regarding outdoor light acquired by the user while the user is located outdoors based on information regarding the sunrise / sunset time and average sunlight amount of the region where the electronic device is located.

[0022] The above control method may include: a step of obtaining information regarding a recommended sleep time and a recommended wake time for the user based on information regarding the circadian rhythm; and a step of providing a UI including the obtained information regarding the recommended sleep time and the recommended wake time.

[0023] The step of providing the above UI may obtain information regarding the user's sleep time and wake time, compare the recommended sleep time and the sleep time, and compare the recommended wake time and the wake time to provide information regarding the user's sleep state on the UI.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0025] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration for estimating a circadian rhythm and providing recommended sleep information to a user according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining whether an electronic device is located indoors or outdoors, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a graph for explaining a method for estimating light intensity according to eyelid attenuation, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a graph for explaining light simulation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0029] FIG. 6 is a graph for comparing light simulations according to the prior art and one embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0030] FIG. 7 is a graph for illustrating an estimated circadian rhythm according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0031] FIGS. 8a to 8d are drawings for illustrating various UIs using recommended sleep information according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and,

[0032] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] The embodiments described herein are subject to various modifications and may have various forms; specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the scope of specific embodiments and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of the present disclosure. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components.

[0034] In describing the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known functions or configurations could unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present disclosure, such detailed description is omitted.

[0035] Additionally, the following embodiments may be modified in various other forms, and the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the present disclosure more faithful and complete and to fully convey the technical concept of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0036] The terms used in this disclosure are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the rights. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0037] In the present disclosure, expressions such as “have,” “may have,” “include,” or “may include” indicate the presence of such features (e.g., numerical values, functions, actions, or components such as parts) and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0038] In the present disclosure, expressions such as “A or B,” “at least one of A or / and B,” or “one or more of A or / and B” may include all possible combinations of items listed together. For example, “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” or “at least one of A or B” may refer to cases including (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) both at least one A and at least one B.

[0039] Expressions such as "first," "second," "first," or "second" used in this disclosure may modify various components regardless of order and / or importance, and are used only to distinguish one component from another and do not limit said components.

[0040] Where it is stated that a certain component (e.g., a first component) is "(operatively or communicatively) coupled with / to" or "connected to" another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that the said certain component may be directly connected to the said other component or connected through another component (e.g., a third component).

[0041] On the other hand, when it is stated that a certain component (e.g., a first component) is "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component (e.g., a second component), it may be understood that no other component (e.g., a third component) exists between said certain component and said other component.

[0042] As used in this disclosure, the expression “configured to” may be replaced, depending on the context, with, for example, “suitable for,” “having the capacity to,” “designed to,” “adapted to,” “made to,” or “capable of.” The term “configured to” may not necessarily mean only “specifically designed to” in hardware.

[0043] Instead, in some situations, the expression “device configured to do something” may mean that the device is “capable of doing something” together with other devices or components. For example, the phrase “processor configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C” may mean a dedicated processor for performing those operations (e.g., an embedded processor), or a generic-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or application processor) capable of performing those operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device.

[0044] In the embodiments, a 'module' or 'part' performs at least one function or operation and may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software. Additionally, a plurality of 'modules' or a plurality of 'parts' may be integrated into at least one module and implemented by at least one processor, except for the 'module' or 'part' that needs to be implemented in specific hardware.

[0045] Meanwhile, various elements and areas in the drawings are depicted schematically. Accordingly, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by the relative sizes or spacing depicted in the attached drawings.

[0046] The present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0047]

[0048] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device (100) may include a communication interface (110), a sensor (120), a display (130), a memory (140), and a processor (150). Meanwhile, the configuration of the electronic device (100) as shown in FIG. 1 is merely one embodiment, and it is obvious that some components may be deleted or some components may be added depending on the implementation example of the device (100).

[0049] In addition, the electronic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented as a wearable device such as a smart watch, but this is merely one embodiment and it is obvious that it may be implemented as a terminal device such as a smartphone, tablet PC, etc.

[0050] The communication interface (110) is a configuration that performs communication with various types of external devices according to various types of communication methods. The communication interface (110) may include at least one wireless communication module. Here, each communication module may be implemented in the form of at least one hardware chip. The wireless communication module may be a module that communicates with an external device wirelessly. For example, the wireless communication module may include at least one module among a Wi-Fi interface, a Bluetooth interface, an infrared communication interface, or other wireless communication interfaces. The other wireless communication interface may include at least one communication chip that performs communication according to various wireless communication standards such as Zigbee, 3G (3rd Generation), 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE Advanced), 4G (4th Generation), 5G (5th Generation), etc., in addition to the communication methods described above.

[0051] In particular, the communication interface (110) can receive a signal from an external device, and the processor (150) can identify whether the electronic device (100) is located indoors or outdoors based on the signal received by the communication interface (110). In one or more embodiments, the communication interface (110) can receive a Wi-Fi signal from an external access point and a Bluetooth signal from an external device, and the processor (150) can identify whether the electronic device (100) is located indoors or outdoors through the Wi-Fi signal or the Bluetooth signal.

[0052] Meanwhile, the electronic device (100) may further include a Global Positioning System (GPS) module. The GPS module is configured to receive GPS signals to determine the user's location. In particular, the GPS module can receive signals at regular intervals from GPS satellites orbiting the Earth in a circular orbit. Here, the GPS signal includes time and satellite position information. Furthermore, the GPS module can receive signals from at least four satellites, measure the distance to each satellite, and calculate the user's exact location by calculating the location from the distance to each satellite using a triangulation method. By doing so, the GPS module can obtain GPS information including information on latitude, longitude, altitude, and time.

[0053] The sensor (120) can acquire data about the surrounding environment of the electronic device (100) or a user using the electronic device (100). The sensor (120) may include an inertial sensor, a magnetic sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, and an electrode sensor.

[0054] An inertial sensor is a sensor that detects inertia, such as an accelerometer or a gyroscope. An inertial sensor may be equipped with only an accelerometer (3-axis) or a 6-axis sensor including an accelerometer and a gyroscope. An inertial sensor can acquire sensing values ​​regarding motion, gesture, impact, posture, and activity (sedentary, moving, sports) of an electronic device (100). A magnetic sensor is a sensor that can acquire sensing values ​​for measuring orientation by detecting external magnetic force and detecting the Earth's magnetic field. A barometric pressure sensor is a sensor for detecting air pressure, and altitude can be estimated using the barometric pressure sensor. A biosensor is a sensor that receives light absorbed, scattered, or reflected by irradiating light onto a living organism. The emitter of a biosensor emits light of various bands and may be composed of elements such as LEDs, lasers, and VCSELs (vertical cavity surface emitting lasers). The band of the light-emitting part can be composed of various wavelengths such as green, red, infrared (IR), blue, yellow, and ultraviolet (UV). The receiver of the biosensor can receive light reflected or transmitted by the light irradiated from the light-emitting part and store the converted value in memory (140) or sensor buffer through an ADC (analog to digital converter). The receiver of the biosensor can be composed of a photodiode (PD) or a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) (camera). The receiver of the biosensor may have a filter to accept light of a specific band or filter out light outside of a specific band. The control unit of the biosensor can be an IC or an AFE (analog front-end), and can control the light-emitting part and the receiver, process received data, and transmit it to a processor (150) or store it in memory (140). Additionally, the biosensor can detect a target by emitting sound waves instead of light to the body.Alternatively, biosensors can utilize various combinations of methods, such as emitting light and receiving absorbed, scattered, or reflected light, emitting sound waves and receiving reflected sound waves, or sensing images. Biosensors may include photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensors that detect pulse waves using light, and can measure heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), and blood pressure. Furthermore, biosensors may include biomarker sensors that detect specific substances or components within the body. Biomarkers serve as indicators of internal bodily changes, such as cells, blood vessels, proteins, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), RNA (ribonucleic acid), and metabolites; they can detect blood glucose, alcohol, advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), and antioxidants. Temperature sensors are sensors that measure the temperature of living organisms or components. Depending on the method, temperature sensors are classified into contact and non-contact types. The temperature value measured by the temperature sensor may be stored in memory (140) or transmitted to the processor (150) to be used for estimating the skin temperature sensor, or for situational awareness and estimating body temperature. In particular, the processor (150) may obtain user sleep information based on the sensing value obtained through the bio-sensor or temperature sensor.

[0055] The display (130) is a display device and can display a graphic user interface (GUI) for applications, functions, and services. The display (130) may have a touch panel superimposed or integrated on at least part or the whole, and may include a touch, pressure sensing, and electrode sensing element through a transparent electrode for bio-sensing. Additionally, the display (140) may include elements such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting display (OLED), and a micro LED.

[0056] Meanwhile, the display (130) may provide a clock UI and may provide recommended sleep information through the clock UI. In one or more embodiments, the display (130) may provide information on recommended sleep time and recommended wake-up time through the clock UI.

[0057] Memory (140) may store at least one instruction regarding the electronic device (100). Additionally, an operating system (O / S) for operating the electronic device (100) may be stored in memory (140). Furthermore, various software programs or applications for operating the electronic device (100) may be stored in memory (140) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, various software modules for operating the electronic device (100) may be stored in memory (140) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, and at least one processor (150) may control the operation of the electronic device (100) by executing the various software modules stored in memory (140). That is, memory (140) is accessed by at least one processor (150), and data reading / writing / modification / deletion / updating by at least one processor (150) may be performed.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, the memory (140) may store various data or programs for estimating a circadian rhythm.

[0059] The processor (150) can control the electronic device (100) according to at least one instruction stored in memory (120).

[0060] In particular, the processor (150) may include one or more processors. Specifically, one or more processors may include one or more of a CPU (central processing unit), GPU (graphics processing unit), APU (accelerated processing unit), MIC (many integrated core), DSP (digital signal processor), NPU (neural processing unit), hardware accelerator, or machine learning accelerator. One or more processors may control one or any combination of other components of an electronic device and may perform operations or data processing related to communication. One or more processors may execute one or more programs or instructions stored in memory. For example, one or more processors may perform a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure by executing one or more instructions stored in memory. For example, the processor (110) may correspond to a plurality of processors that collectively perform a plurality of operations by dividing them among the processors.

[0061] When a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by a single processor or by a plurality of processors. That is, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to one embodiment, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by a first processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by a first processor (e.g., a general-purpose processor) and the third operation may be performed by a second processor (e.g., an artificial intelligence dedicated processor). For example, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an operation of identifying a control target device using a neural network model may be performed by a processor that performs parallel operations, such as a GPU or an NPU, and an operation of calculating an angle may be performed by a general-purpose processor, such as a CPU.

[0062] One or more processors may be implemented as a single-core processor comprising one core, or as one or more multicore processors comprising multiple cores (e.g., homogeneous multicore or heterogeneous multicore). When one or more processors are implemented as multicore processors, each of the multiple cores included in the multicore processor may include internal processor memory such as cache memory or on-chip memory, and a common cache shared by multiple cores may be included in the multicore processor. Additionally, each of the multiple cores included in the multicore processor (or some of the multiple cores) may independently read and execute program instructions for implementing a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, or all (or some) of the multiple cores may be linked together to read and execute program instructions for implementing a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] When a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by one of the plurality of cores included in a multi-core processor, or may be performed by a plurality of cores. For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to one embodiment, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by a first core included in a multi-core processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by a first core included in a multi-core processor and the third operation may be performed by a second core included in a multi-core processor.

[0064] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor (150) may mean a system on chip (SoC) in which one or more processors and other electronic components are integrated, a single-core processor, a multi-core processor, or a core included in a single-core processor or a multi-core processor, wherein the core may be implemented as a CPU, GPU, APU, MIC, DSP, NPU, hardware accelerator, or machine learning accelerator, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0065] In particular, the processor (150) obtains information about the time when the electronic device is located indoors and information about the time when it is located outdoors by using a signal received from the communication interface (110) by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (140), obtains information about indoor light obtained by a user using the electronic device (100) during the time when it is located indoors, obtains information about outdoor light obtained by a user during the time when it is located outdoors, and obtains information about the user's circadian rhythm based on the information about indoor light and the information about outdoor light.

[0066] In one or more embodiments, the processor (150) can obtain information about the time when the electronic device is located indoors and information about the time when it is located outdoors by using a GPS signal received by a GPS module and a Wi-Fi signal received through a Wi-Fi interface.

[0067] In one or more embodiments, the processor (150) may obtain information about the time of sleep during the time the user is in the room based on a sleep log, obtain information about the remaining time excluding the time of sleep during the time the user is in the room, and obtain information about the first indoor light obtained during the remaining time and information about the second indoor light obtained during the time of sleep.

[0068] In one or more embodiments, the processor (150) may obtain information about the amount of light of indoor light from an external device through a communication interface (110), and may obtain information about the first indoor light for the remainder of the time based on the information about the amount of light obtained.

[0069] In one or more embodiments, the processor (150) may obtain information about the second indoor light obtained by the user during sleep time based on information about the obtained amount of light and a sleep attenuation weight.

[0070] In one or more embodiments, the processor (150) may receive information about the average amount of indoor light from an external server via a communication interface (110), receive information about the amount of light from a lighting device located indoors, or receive information about the amount of indoor light from an external device including a light sensor.

[0071] In one or more embodiments, the processor (150) may obtain information about the region where the electronic device (100) is located based on GPS signals, and may obtain information about the outdoor light obtained by the user while the user is located outdoors based on information about the sunrise / sunset time and average sunlight of the region where the electronic device (100) is located.

[0072] In one or more embodiments, the processor (150) may obtain information regarding a recommended sleep time and a recommended wake time for a user based on information regarding a circadian rhythm, and provide a UI including the obtained information regarding the recommended sleep time and the recommended wake time.

[0073] In one or more embodiments, the processor (150) may obtain information about the user's sleep time and wake time, compare the recommended sleep time and sleep time, and compare the recommended wake time and wake time to provide information about the user's sleep state on the UI.

[0074]

[0075] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration for estimating a circadian rhythm and providing recommended sleep information to a user, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, an electronic device (100) may include an indoor / outdoor determination module (210), a sleep information acquisition module (220), an indoor light estimation module (230), an outdoor light estimation module (240), a light simulation module (250), a circadian rhythm estimation module (260), a sleep recommendation module (270), and a UI provision module (280). Meanwhile, the configuration shown in FIG. 2 may be composed of software modules, but this is merely an embodiment and may be composed of a combination of software modules and hardware modules. Furthermore, the configuration disclosed in FIG. 2 is merely an embodiment and it is understood that some components may be added or deleted.

[0076] The indoor / outdoor determination module (210) is configured to determine whether the location where the electronic device (100) is located is indoor or outdoor. Here, indoor refers to a space inside a building or structure, and outdoor may refer to a space outside a building or structure.

[0077] In one or more embodiments, the indoor / outdoor determination module (210) can identify whether it is indoors or outdoors based on a signal received by a communication interface (110) included in the electronic device (100) or a GPS (Global Positioning System) signal. Here, the communication interface (110) may include various communication interfaces such as a Wi-Fi interface, a Bluetooth interface, a wireless communication interface (e.g., 3G (3rd Generation), 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE Advanced), 4G (4th Generation), 5G (5th Generation), etc.). Additionally, the GPS signal is a signal received through a GPS module and may include information about the location where the electronic device (100) is located on the Earth (e.g., information about latitude and longitude).

[0078] The method by which the indoor / outdoor determination module (210) determines whether it is indoors or outdoors based on a signal or GPS signal received by the communication interface (110) will be explained with reference to FIG. 3.

[0079] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining whether an electronic device is located indoors or outdoors, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] In the following embodiments, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0081] According to one or more embodiments, S310 to S380 may be understood to be performed in a processor (e.g., processor (150) of FIG. 1) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (100) of FIG. 1).

[0082] First, the indoor / outdoor determination module (210) can acquire GPS information (S310). Here, the GPS information is information acquired from a GPS signal and may include information regarding the latitude and longitude of the location where the electronic device (100) is currently located. In one or more embodiments, the indoor / outdoor determination module (210) can acquire GPS information at a preset interval (e.g., 30 minutes).

[0083] The indoor / outdoor determination module (210) can identify whether a building exists at the location where the electronic device (100) is located based on longitude / latitude (S320). Specifically, the indoor / outdoor determination module (210) can identify whether a building exists at the location where the electronic device (100) is located based on longitude / latitude included in GPS information obtained using a pre-stored map or a map received from the outside.

[0084] When it is identified that a building exists (S320-Y), the indoor / outdoor determination module (210) can identify whether there is a change in location (S330). That is, the indoor / outdoor determination module (210) can detect a change in location of the electronic device (100) using a sensor (120) (e.g., an accelerometer, etc.) and identify whether there is a change in location exceeding a threshold value for a preset time. By doing so, the indoor / outdoor determination module (210) can identify whether the user equipped with the electronic device (100) stays in one place for a long time, thereby identifying whether it is outdoors or indoors.

[0085] If it is identified that there is no change in the location of the electronic device (100) (S330-N), the indoor / outdoor determination module (210) can analyze the signal received through the communication interface (110) (S340). In one or more embodiments, the indoor / outdoor determination module (210) can identify whether the Wi-Fi interface is connected to an access point based on the signal received through the Wi-Fi interface. That is, the indoor / outdoor determination module (210) can estimate that the Wi-Fi interface is located indoors if it is connected to a registered access point located indoors. In one or more embodiments, the indoor / outdoor determination module (210) can identify whether the Bluetooth interface is connected to another registered external device (e.g., a TV) based on the signal received through the Bluetooth interface. That is, the indoor / outdoor determination module (210) can estimate that the Bluetooth interface is located indoors if it is connected to a registered external device located indoors. In one or more embodiments, the indoor / outdoor determination module (210) can obtain base station ID information connected to the electronic device (100) based on a signal received through a wireless communication interface, and can identify whether the connected base station is a base station covering a building through the base station ID information. That is, if the connected base station is identified as a base station covering a building, the indoor / outdoor determination module (210) can estimate that the location of the electronic device (100) is indoors.

[0086] If the electronic device (100) is identified as being located indoors based on a signal received through the communication interface (110) in the manner described above (S350-Y), the indoor / outdoor determination module (210) can determine the location of the electronic device (100) as being indoors (S360).

[0087] However, if there is no building based on longitude and latitude (S320-N), if there is a change in the user's location (S330-Y), or if the location of the electronic device (100) is identified as being outdoors based on a signal received through the communication interface (110) (S350-N), the indoor / outdoor determination module (210) can determine the location of the electronic device (100) as being outdoors (S370).

[0088] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 3, performing all of the S320 to S350 operations is merely one embodiment, and it is obvious that at least some of the S320 to S350 operations may be performed. For example, the indoor / outdoor determination module (210) can determine whether it is indoors or outdoors based on a signal received through the communication interface (110) without using GPS information. As another example, the indoor / outdoor determination module (210) can determine whether it is indoors or outdoors based on GPS information and a signal received through the communication interface (110) without determining a change in location.

[0089] Meanwhile, the indoor / outdoor determination module (210) can determine whether it is indoors or outdoors at a preset interval, but this is merely one embodiment, and it is obvious that it can determine whether it is indoors or outdoors when a change in state (e.g., a change in location via GPS information) is detected.

[0090] The sleep information acquisition module (220) can acquire the user's sleep information. That is, the sleep information acquisition module (220) can acquire the user's sleep information while the user is located indoors. Here, the user's sleep information may include information regarding the user's sleep time (e.g., time to fall asleep, time to wake up) and sleep quality (e.g., information about sleep stages, etc.).

[0091] In one or more embodiments, the sleep information acquisition module (220) can acquire sleep information of the user through at least one biosensor. In one or more embodiments, the sleep information acquisition module (220) can acquire sleep information of the user based on a sleep log entered by the user.

[0092] The indoor light estimation module (230) can estimate information regarding the amount of indoor light while the user is located indoors or sleeping. First, the indoor light estimation module (230) can obtain information regarding the remaining time excluding the sleeping time during the time the electronic device (100) is located indoors. Then, the indoor light estimation module (230) can obtain information regarding the first indoor light obtained during the remaining time and information regarding the second indoor light obtained during the sleeping time.

[0093] In one or more embodiments, the indoor light estimation module (230) can obtain information about the amount of light of the first indoor light from an external device through a communication interface (110). For example, the indoor light estimation module (230) can receive information about the average amount of light of the indoor light from an external server through a communication interface. For example, the indoor light estimation module (230) can obtain information about the average amount of light of the indoor light as shown in Table 1 below.

[0094] Indoor Location Light Intensity (lux) Office lighting 500 Office hallway 80 Typical living room 100 Studio 1000

[0095] As another example, the indoor light estimation module (230) can receive information about the amount of light from a lighting device located indoors. That is, if the lighting device located indoors is a smart lighting device, the indoor light estimation module (230) can receive information about the currently set amount of light from the smart lighting device. As yet another example, the indoor light estimation module (230) can receive information about the amount of indoor light from an external device including a light sensor. That is, the indoor light estimation module (230) can receive information about the currently measured amount of indoor light from an external device including a light sensor (e.g., a robot, a smartphone, etc.).

[0096] Additionally, the indoor light estimation module (230) can estimate the current indoor light by combining the methods described above. For example, the indoor light estimation module (230) can estimate the current first indoor light through the average amount of indoor light received from an external server and the average of the current amount of indoor light received from an external device.

[0097] In one or more embodiments, the indoor light estimation module (230) can obtain information about the second indoor light obtained by the user during sleep time based on information about the obtained amount of light and a sleep attenuation weight.

[0098] That is, since the user has their eyes closed while sleeping, the amount of light the user obtains decreases. Therefore, the indoor light estimation module (230) can obtain information about the second indoor light by multiplying the information about the obtained amount of light by a sleep attenuation weight (e.g., 0.03). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the indoor light estimation module (230) obtains a low amount of light by multiplying the sleep attenuation weight during the sleep time (dark area).

[0099] That is, the indoor light estimation module (230) can obtain information about the first indoor light and the second indoor light through the following mathematical formula 1.

[0100]

[0101] The outdoor light estimation module (240) can estimate information about the amount of outdoor light while the user is located outdoors.

[0102] In one or more embodiments, the outdoor light estimation module (240) can obtain information about the region where the electronic device (100) is located based on GPS signals. For example, the outdoor light estimation module (240) can identify that the region where the electronic device (100) is located is Seoul based on GPS signals.

[0103] Additionally, the outdoor light estimation module (240) can obtain information about the outdoor light acquired by the user while the user is located outdoors, based on information about the sunrise / sunset time and average sunlight amount of the region where the electronic device (100) is located. Here, the outdoor light estimation module (240) can obtain information about the sunrise / sunset time and average sunlight amount of the region where the electronic device (100) is located by season, and can obtain information about the sunrise / sunset time and average sunlight amount corresponding to the current season (or current date).

[0104] And, the outdoor light estimation module (240) can obtain information about outdoor light through the following formula 2 using information about sunrise / sunset times and average sunlight.

[0105]

[0106] Here, is information about the average amount of sunlight, is information about the average sunrise time, and It may be information about the average sunset time.

[0107] The light simulation module (250) can obtain information for light simulation based on information about the first and second indoor light obtained by the indoor light estimation module (230) and information about the outdoor light obtained by the outdoor light estimation module (240). Here, the light simulation may be information that simulates information about the amount of light obtained by the user over time.

[0108] For example, the light simulation module (250) can obtain information about the light simulation as illustrated in FIG. 5. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the light simulation module (250) can obtain information about the second indoor light corresponding to the sleeping time during the first time period (510) and the fifth time period, obtain information about the first indoor light corresponding to the time spent indoors during the second time period (520) and the fourth time period (540), and obtain information about the outdoor light corresponding to the time spent outdoors during the third time period (430).

[0109] FIG. 6 is a graph for comparing light simulations according to the prior art and one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] The first graph (610) of FIG. 6 is a conventional method of obtaining a light simulation by determining the on / off of light based only on sleep time and wake time using only sleep information.

[0111] The second graph (620) of FIG. 6 is a prior art example in which a light simulation is obtained using only sunrise / sunset times and average sunlight.

[0112] The third graph (630) of FIG. 6 is an example of obtaining a light simulation by estimating indoor light and outdoor light according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, instead of obtaining a light simulation using only water surface information or outdoor light as in the prior art, by estimating indoor light and outdoor light together, it is possible to obtain more accurate light simulation results.

[0114] The circadian rhythm estimation module (260) can estimate the circadian rhythm based on the light simulation results obtained by the light simulation module (250). Specifically, light can have a very significant effect on the circadian rhythm. In particular, blue light plays an important role in accurately aligning the biological clock and can regulate various physiological changes such as melatonin secretion regulation, sleep-wake cycles, changes in body temperature, and hormone secretion. Therefore, the circadian rhythm estimation module (260) can obtain information about the circadian rhythm by estimating biological changes through light simulation. For example, the circadian rhythm estimation module (260) can estimate the circadian rhythm as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0115] The sleep recommendation module (270) can obtain recommended sleep information for the user based on the estimated circadian rhythm. That is, the circadian rhythm is related to lifestyle patterns and is particularly closely related to sleep patterns. Therefore, the sleep recommendation module (270) can determine the recommended sleep onset time and recommended wake-up time for the user based on the estimated circadian rhythm. For example, the sleep recommendation module (270) can classify people into morning types, evening types, and intermediate types based on the estimated circadian rhythm, and can determine the recommended sleep onset time and recommended wake-up time according to the classified type.

[0116] The UI providing module (280) can provide a UI that includes recommended sleep information. Specifically, the UI providing module (i280) can provide information on recommended sleep time and recommended wake-up time on the clock UI. For example, as shown in FIG. 8a, the UI providing module (280) can display an area between 10 o'clock, the recommended sleep time, and 6 o'clock, the recommended wake-up time, on the clock UI, distinguishing it from other areas. That is, the UI providing module (280) can display an area corresponding to the recommended sleep time, distinguishing it from other areas.

[0117] Additionally, the UI providing module (280) may obtain information regarding the user's sleep time and wake time, and provide the obtained information regarding the user's sleep time and wake time on the UI. For example, the UI providing module (280) may obtain information regarding the sleep time and display the time corresponding to the actual sleep time of 9:45 as a dotted line on the clock UI, as shown in FIG. 8b. Additionally, the UI providing module (280) may obtain information regarding the wake time and display the time corresponding to the actual wake time of 5:00 as a dotted line on the clock UI, as shown in FIG. 8c. Furthermore, the UI providing module (280) may provide information regarding the time of waking up in the middle of the sleep period. For example, as shown in FIG. 8d, the UI providing module (280) may display the area corresponding to the time of waking up in the middle of the sleep period between 1:30 and 2:00 on the clock UI, distinguishing it from the area corresponding to the sleep time.

[0118] In addition, the UI providing module (280) can provide information about the user's sleep status on the UI by comparing the recommended sleep time and the recommended wake time and the wake time. For example, if the user's sleep time is shorter than the recommended sleep time as a result of comparing the recommended sleep time and the recommended wake time and the wake time, the UI providing module (280) can indicate the sleep time using a first color (e.g., red), and if the user's sleep time is longer than the recommended sleep time, the UI providing module (280) can indicate an area corresponding to the sleep time using a second color (e.g., blue). By doing so, the user can obtain information about their sleep status more intuitively.

[0119] As described above, by estimating indoor and outdoor light to obtain information on circadian rhythms and providing information on recommended sleep based on circadian rhythms, it becomes possible to provide recommended sleep information to the user without the need for a separate sensor.

[0120]

[0121] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] In the following embodiments, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0123] According to one or more embodiments, S910 to S960 may be understood to be performed in a processor (e.g., processor (150) of FIG. 1) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (100) of FIG. 1).

[0124] First, the electronic device (100) can obtain information about the time when the electronic device (100) is located indoors and information about the time when the electronic device (100) is located outdoors by using a signal received by a communication interface (110) (S910). In one or more embodiments, the electronic device (100) can obtain information about the time when the electronic device (100) is located indoors and information about the time when the electronic device (100) is located outdoors by using a GPS signal received by a GPS module and a Wi-Fi signal received through a Wi-Fi interface.

[0125] The electronic device (100) can obtain information regarding indoor light acquired by a user using the electronic device (100) during the time the user is located indoors (S920). In one or more embodiments, the electronic device (100) can obtain information regarding sleep time during the time the user is located indoors based on a sleep log, and can obtain information regarding the remaining time excluding sleep time during the time the user is located indoors. Additionally, the electronic device (100) can obtain information regarding the first indoor light acquired during the remaining time and information regarding the second indoor light acquired during sleep time. Specifically, the electronic device (100) can obtain information regarding the amount of indoor light from an external device through a communication interface (110), and can obtain information regarding the first indoor light during the remaining time based on the information regarding the acquired amount of light. Here, the electronic device (100) may receive information regarding the average light intensity of indoor light from an external server via a communication interface (110), receive information regarding the light intensity of a lighting device from a lighting device located indoors, or receive information regarding the indoor light intensity from an external device including a light sensor. Additionally, the electronic device (100) may obtain information regarding a second indoor light acquired by the user during sleep time based on the acquired information regarding the light intensity and a sleep attenuation weighting factor.

[0126] The electronic device (100) can obtain information about the outdoor light acquired by the user during the time the user is located outdoors (S930). In one or more embodiments, the electronic device (100) can obtain information about the region where the electronic device (100) is located based on GPS signals, and can obtain information about the outdoor light acquired by the user during the time the user is located outdoors based on information about the sunrise / sunset times and average sunlight of the region where the electronic device (100) is located.

[0127] The electronic device (100) can obtain a light simulation based on information about indoor light and information about outdoor light (S940).

[0128] The electronic device (100) can obtain information about the user's circadian rhythm (S950). Here, the electronic device (100) can estimate the user's circadian rhythm through light simulation.

[0129] The electronic device (100) can provide recommended sleep information (S960). In one or more embodiments, the electronic device (100) can obtain information regarding a recommended sleep time and a recommended wake-up time for the user based on information regarding a circadian rhythm. The electronic device (100) can also provide a UI that includes the obtained information regarding the recommended sleep time and the recommended wake-up time. Additionally, the electronic device (100) can obtain information regarding the user's sleep time and wake-up time, compare the recommended sleep time and the sleep time, and compare the recommended wake-up time and the wake-up time to provide information regarding the user's sleep state on the UI.

[0130]

[0131] Meanwhile, the method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0132] A method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software comprising instructions stored on a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a computer). The machine may include an electronic device (e.g., a TV) according to the disclosed embodiments, which is a device capable of calling instructions stored from the storage medium and operating according to the called instructions.

[0133] Meanwhile, a device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory storage medium' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily. For example, a 'non-transitory storage medium' may include a buffer in which data is stored temporarily.

[0134] When the above instruction is executed by a processor, the processor may perform the function corresponding to the instruction directly or by using other components under the control of the processor. The instruction may include code generated or executed by a compiler or an interpreter.

[0135] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. It is understood that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In an electronic device, Communication interface; Memory for storing instructions; and It includes at least one processor; and When the above instructions are executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor, the electronic device, Using a signal received through the above communication interface, information regarding the time when the electronic device is located indoors and information regarding the time when it is located outdoors are obtained, and Information regarding indoor light acquired by a user using the electronic device during the time spent in the aforementioned indoor space is obtained, and information regarding outdoor light acquired by the user during the time spent in the aforementioned outdoor space is obtained. An electronic device that obtains information about the user's circadian rhythm based on information about the indoor light and information about the outdoor light.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above electronic device is, It further includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) module, The above communication interface is, It also includes a Wi-Fi interface, When the above instructions are executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor, the electronic device, An electronic device that obtains information about the time when the electronic device is located indoors and information about the time when it is located outdoors by using a GPS signal received by the above GPS module and a Wi-Fi signal received through the above Wi-Fi interface.

3. In Paragraph 2, When the above instructions are executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor, the electronic device, Based on a sleep log, information regarding sleep time during the time the user is located indoors is obtained, and Obtain information regarding the remaining time excluding the sleep time during the time spent in the above indoor space, and An electronic device for obtaining information about the first indoor light obtained during the remaining time and information about the second indoor light obtained during the sleep time.

4. In Paragraph 3, When the above instructions are executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor, the electronic device, Information regarding the amount of indoor light is obtained from an external device through the above communication interface, and An electronic device that acquires information about the first indoor light during the remaining time based on information about the acquired amount of light.

5. In Paragraph 4, When the above instructions are executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor, the electronic device, An electronic device that obtains information about a second indoor light obtained by the user during the sleep time based on information about the amount of light obtained above and a sleep attenuation weight.

6. In Paragraph 4, When the above instructions are executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor, the electronic device, An electronic device that receives information about the average light intensity of indoor light from an external server through the above communication interface, receives information about the light intensity of a lighting device from a lighting device located indoors, or receives information about the indoor light intensity from an external device including a light sensor.

7. In Paragraph 2, When the above instructions are executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor, the electronic device, Based on the above GPS signal, information about the region where the electronic device is located is obtained, and An electronic device that obtains information about outdoor light acquired by the user while the user is located outdoors, based on information about sunrise / sunset times and average sunlight levels of the region where the electronic device is located.

8. In Paragraph 1, When the above instructions are executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor, the electronic device, Based on the information regarding the above circadian rhythm, information regarding the recommended sleep time and recommended wake-up time for the user is obtained, and An electronic device that provides a UI including information on the above-mentioned recommended sleep time and the above-mentioned recommended wake time.

9. In Paragraph 8, When the above instructions are executed collectively or individually by the at least one processor, the electronic device, Obtain information on the user's sleep time and wake-up time, and An electronic device that compares the recommended sleep time and the sleep time and the recommended wake time and the wake time to provide information about the user's sleep state on the UI.

10. In a method for controlling an electronic device, A step of obtaining information regarding the time when the electronic device is located indoors and information regarding the time when it is located outdoors using a signal received through the communication interface of the electronic device; A step of obtaining information about indoor light acquired by a user using the electronic device during the time spent in the indoor space and obtaining information about outdoor light acquired by the user during the time spent in the outdoor space; and A control method comprising the step of obtaining information about the user's circadian rhythm based on information about the indoor light and information about the outdoor light.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above electronic device is, It further includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) module, The above communication interface is, It also includes a Wi-Fi interface, The step of obtaining information regarding the above time is, A control method for obtaining information about the time when the electronic device is located indoors and information about the time when it is located outdoors by using a GPS signal received by the above GPS module and a Wi-Fi signal received through the above Wi-Fi interface.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above control method is, The method further includes the step of obtaining information regarding sleep time during the time the user is located indoors based on a sleep log, and The step of obtaining information regarding the above time is, Obtain information regarding the remaining time excluding the sleep time during the time spent in the above indoor space, and The step of obtaining information regarding the indoor light and outdoor light above is, A control method for obtaining information about a first indoor light obtained during the remaining time and information about a second indoor light obtained during the sleep time.

13. In Paragraph 12, The step of obtaining information regarding the first indoor light and the second indoor light is, A step of obtaining information regarding the amount of indoor light from an external device through the above communication interface; and A control method comprising the step of acquiring information about the first indoor light during the remaining time based on the information about the acquired amount of light.

14. In Paragraph 13, The step of obtaining information regarding the first indoor light and the second indoor light is, A control method for obtaining information about a second indoor light obtained by the user during the sleep time based on information about the light amount obtained above and a sleep attenuation weight.

15. In Paragraph 13, The step of obtaining information regarding the amount of light of the indoor light is, A control method for receiving information about the average light intensity of indoor light from an external server through the above communication interface, receiving information about the light intensity of a lighting device from a lighting device located indoors, or receiving information about the indoor light intensity from an external device including a light sensor.

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