Wearable electronic device and operation method therefor

Abstract

A wearable electronic device and an operation method therefor are disclosed. The wearable electronic device may comprise: a housing; a plurality of first electrodes disposed on a first surface in contact with the skin of a user while being worn; and a second electrode disposed on a second surface. The wearable electronic device can: detect an alarm event; obtain first information indicating the electrical characteristics between the first electrodes; obtain second information indicating the electrical characteristics between one of the first electrodes and the second electrode; determine whether to provide an alarm on the basis of the first information and / or the second information; and output, through at least some of the first electrodes, an electrical alarm signal corresponding to an alarm event.

Description

Wearable electronic device and method of operation thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wearable electronic device and a method of operating the same, and more specifically, to a wearable electronic device and a method of providing an alarm the same.

[0002] With the recent advancement of mobile communication technology, the use of portable or mobile electronic devices (e.g., smartphones, wearable electronic devices, mobile terminals, or tablet PCs) has become widespread, and the services that can be provided through these electronic devices are becoming increasingly diverse. Since these electronic devices are implemented in a form that users can carry or wear and are closely integrated into their daily lives, they can be effectively utilized for various services.

[0003] A wearable electronic device can provide healthcare services that continuously monitor a user's biometric data, or data related to exercise, sleep, and / or diet, and manage health. For example, a wearable electronic device can acquire a user's biometric data or motion data through one or more sensors, analyze the acquired data, and store the analysis results in conjunction with an application (e.g., health application, exercise application), or provide alarms or coaching based on the analysis results.

[0004] Wearable electronic devices can be implemented in various form factors (e.g., ring type, watch type, glass type, clothing type). For example, ring-type electronic devices can enhance user convenience with a design that is smaller and lighter compared to other types of wearable devices. Additionally, due to the nature of being worn on the finger, ring-type electronic devices can respond relatively more sensitively to interactions with the user compared to other types of devices.

[0005] The information described above may be provided as related art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. None of the foregoing is to be claimed as prior art related to the present disclosure, nor is it to be used to determine prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0006] A wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing, a plurality of first electrodes disposed on a first surface of the housing that contacts the skin of a user while the wearable electronic device is worn, a second electrode disposed on a second surface of the housing distinct from the first surface, at least one processor including a communication circuit or at least one sensor and a processing circuitry, and a memory for storing instructions. The above instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, so that the wearable electronic device detects an alarm event through the communication circuit or the at least one sensor, obtains first information indicating electrical characteristics between at least two of the plurality of first electrodes, obtains second information indicating electrical characteristics between one of the first electrodes and the second electrode, determines whether to provide an alarm based on at least one of the first information and the second information, and outputs an electrical alarm signal corresponding to the alarm event through at least some of the plurality of first electrodes based on the determination.

[0007] A method of operation of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: detecting an alarm event; obtaining first information indicating electrical characteristics between at least two first electrodes among a plurality of first electrodes disposed on a first surface of the wearable electronic device; obtaining second information indicating electrical characteristics between one first electrode among the plurality of first electrodes and a second electrode disposed on a second surface of the wearable electronic device; determining whether to provide an alarm based on at least one of the first information and the second information; and outputting an electrical alarm signal corresponding to the alarm event through at least some of the plurality of first electrodes based on the determination.

[0008] A computer-readable non-transient recording medium according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may store one or more programs including computer-executable instructions. When the instructions are executed by a wearable electronic device, the wearable electronic device may detect an alarm event, obtain first information indicating electrical characteristics between at least two of a plurality of first electrodes disposed on a first surface of the wearable electronic device, obtain second information indicating electrical characteristics between one of the first electrodes and a second electrode disposed on a second surface of the wearable electronic device, determine whether to provide an alarm based on at least one of the first information and the second information, and output an electrical alarm signal corresponding to the alarm event through at least some of the plurality of first electrodes based on the determination.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 3a is a perspective view of a ring-type electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view of a ring-type electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4a is a perspective view of a ring-type electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4b is a perspective view of a ring-type electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5a is a flowchart illustrating a method of operation of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 5b is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a wearable electronic device provides an alarm according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 6a is a flowchart illustrating a method in which a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment provides a first alarm.

[0018] FIG. 6b is an example of a first alarm signal according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 6c is an example of a second alarm signal according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 7a is a flowchart illustrating a method in which a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment provides a second alarm.

[0021] FIG. 7b is an example of a second alarm signal according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 8a is a flowchart illustrating a method in which a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment provides a third alarm.

[0023] FIG. 8b is an example of a second alarm signal according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method in which a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment provides a fourth alarm.

[0025] FIG. 10 is an example of a first user interface associated with an electrical alarm provided according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 11 is an example of a second user interface associated with an electrical alarm provided according to one embodiment.

[0027] 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.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) in a network environment (100) according to various embodiments.

[0029] 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 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)).

[0030] The processor (120) can control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing software (e.g., program (140)), for example, and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., sensor module (176) or 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., central processing unit or application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., graphics processing unit, neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor, sensor hub processor, or 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 lower 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.

[0031] 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 is performed, 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.

[0032] 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).

[0033] 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).

[0034] 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).

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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).

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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).

[0041] The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The power management module (188) can manage the power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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).

[0046] 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) can support a Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for realizing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for realizing mMTC, 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 realizing URLLC.

[0047] 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 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).

[0048] 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.

[0049] At least some of the above components can be connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral area 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wearable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may be an electronic device that can be worn on a specific part of the body. For example, the wearable electronic device (200) may be at least one of an electronic device that can be worn on a finger (e.g., a smart ring), an electronic device that can be worn on a wrist (e.g., a smart watch), or an electronic device that can be worn on an ear (e.g., wireless earphones).

[0053] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may correspond to the electronic device (101) illustrated in FIG. 1. The wearable electronic device (200) may include at least some of the components of the electronic device (101) illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may omit at least one of the components shown in FIG. 2 or additionally have other components.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 2, a wearable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a processor (210) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1), a memory (220) (e.g., the memory (130) of FIG. 1) and a haptic module (230) (e.g., the haptic module (179) of FIG. 1).

[0056] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may further include an output interface. For example, the wearable electronic device (200) may further include a display (241) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1) and / or an indicator (242).

[0057] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may further include a communication circuit (250) (e.g., the communication module (190) of FIG. 1), and / or at least one sensor (not shown, e.g., the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1, a motion sensor, a biosensor, a battery level detection sensor).

[0058] According to one embodiment, the memory (220) may store instructions. As the instructions stored in the memory (220) are executed, the operation of the processor (210) may be performed. The processor (210) may perform operations or control components of the wearable electronic device (200) by executing the instructions stored in the memory (220) individually or collectively. In the present disclosure, the operation of the wearable electronic device (200) may be understood as being performed when the processor (210) executes the instructions.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) may include at least one processor comprising processing circuitry. The processor (210) can execute and / or control various functions supported by the wearable electronic device (200). The processor (210) can control at least some of the memory (220), haptic module (230), display (241), and indicator (242). The processor (210) can execute an application and control various hardware by executing instructions stored in the memory (220) of the wearable electronic device (200) and / or code written in a programming language.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the haptic module (230) of the wearable electronic device (200) may be for providing an alarm to the user using touch or for receiving user feedback (or user response).

[0061] According to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., a smart ring) may include a first electrode portion (231) comprising at least one first electrode (e.g., a finger-side electrode, an internal electrode, an electrode for outputting a haptic signal), a second electrode portion (232) comprising at least one second electrode (e.g., an external electrode, an electrode for receiving user feedback), a signal generator (233), and a sensor (234).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the haptic module (230) is an electrode-based haptic module that can artificially induce tactile sensation by stimulating nerves through an electric current flowing over the surface of the skin. The haptic module (230) can provide an alarm corresponding to an electrical stimulus (or electromagnetic stimulus) through an electrode (e.g., a first electrode within the first electrode part (231)). When providing an alarm using an electrode-based haptic module, skin contact with the electrode is required, and there may be differences in sensation among users. An electrode-based haptic module may be advantageous for miniaturization compared to a motor-based haptic module that generates physical vibrations using the rotation or vibration of a motor.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the haptic module (230) may include a first electrode portion (231) and a second electrode portion (232). In one embodiment, the first electrode portion (231) may include a plurality of first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes). The second electrode portion (232) may include at least one second electrode (e.g., external electrode). In one embodiment, the first electrode portion (231) and the second electrode portion (232) may be disposed on different sides of the wearable electronic device (200).

[0064] According to one embodiment, a plurality of first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) within the first electrode portion (231) may be disposed on a first surface (e.g., the inner side of the wearable electronic device (200)) among several surfaces of the wearable electronic device (200). The first surface may correspond to a surface that comes into contact with the user's skin when the wearable electronic device (200) is worn by the user. At least one second electrode (e.g., external electrode) within the second electrode portion (232) may be disposed on a second surface (e.g., the outer side of the wearable electronic device (200)) among several surfaces of the wearable electronic device (200). The second surface may correspond to a surface that does not come into contact with the user's skin when the wearable electronic device (200) is worn by the user. The second surface may correspond to a surface (e.g., the opposite side of the inner surface) that is exposed to the outside of the wearable electronic device (200) while the wearable electronic device (200) is worn by a user.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the haptic module (230) may include a signal generator (233) and a sensor (234). The signal generator (233) may control a first electrode (231), a second electrode (232), and a sensor (234). The signal generator (233) may be coupled with a processor (210). In one embodiment, the signal generator (233) and the sensor (234) may be implemented separately or as a single chip (e.g., a sensor integrated circuit). In one embodiment, the signal generator (233) and the sensor (234) may be implemented separately from the processor (210) or integrated into the processor (210).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the signal generator (233) may be electrically connected to a plurality of first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) included in the first electrode portion (231). The signal generator (233) may provide an alarm corresponding to an electrical stimulus to a user wearing the wearable electronic device (200) by outputting an electrical alarm signal (or haptic signal) through at least some of the plurality of first electrodes.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the signal generator (233) can generate and / or adjust an electrical alarm signal corresponding to an alarm event under the control of the processor (210). The electrical alarm signal may be a signal having specified electrical characteristics (e.g., frequency, voltage, current characteristics).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the sensor (234) may be electrically connected to a first electrode portion (231) and a second electrode portion (232). For example, the sensor (234) may be electrically connected to a plurality of first electrodes included in the first electrode portion (231) and / or at least one second electrode included in the second electrode portion (232). In one embodiment, the sensor (234) may obtain first information related to the skin condition of a user in contact with a first surface (e.g., inner surface) of the wearable electronic device (200) through at least two of the plurality of first electrodes in the first electrode portion (231). The sensor (234) may obtain second information related to the surrounding environment of the wearable electronic device (200) through at least one second electrode (e.g., one external electrode) in the second electrode portion (232) (e.g., measurement, detection, sensing, reception). For example, the first information may include information indicating electrical characteristics (e.g., resistance, impedance, current, or electrodermal activity (EDA) between internal electrode 1 and internal electrode 2) among a plurality of first electrodes disposed on a first surface (e.g., inner surface) of the wearable electronic device (200). The second information may include information indicating electrical characteristics (e.g., resistance, impedance, or current between an internal electrode and an external electrode) between one of a plurality of first electrodes disposed on a first surface (e.g., inner surface) of the wearable electronic device (200) and a second electrode disposed on a second surface (e.g., outer surface).

[0069] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) and / or signal generator (233) can obtain first information indicating electrical characteristics between at least two first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) and second information indicating electrical characteristics between the first electrode (e.g., internal electrode) and the second electrode (e.g., external electrode) through the sensor (234).

[0070] According to one embodiment, an indicator (242) (e.g., an LED (light emitting diode)) may provide visual feedback (e.g., LED color change, LED blinking) so that a user can easily check the status of the wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., alarm occurrence, low battery, pairing status, status related to at least one of gesture feedback).

[0071] According to one embodiment, the communication circuit (250) may support a short-range wireless communication connection of the wearable electronic device (200). For example, the communication circuit (250) may support a short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), NFC, Wi-Fi direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) connection between the wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., a smart ring worn by a user) and an external electronic device (e.g., a user's smart watch, smartphone). According to one embodiment, the communication circuit (250) may support a long-range communication connection of the wearable electronic device (200). For example, the communication circuit (250) may support a long-range communication (e.g., cellular communication, or the Internet) connection between an external server (e.g., the server (108) of FIG. 1) and the wearable electronic device (200).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) can transmit and receive information related to an alarm event through a communication circuit (250). For example, the processor (210) can receive an alarm notifying the occurrence of an alarm event from the external electronic device or the external server. For example, the processor (210) can transmit response information regarding the alarm event (e.g., alarm event history, user feedback) to the external electronic device or the external server. For example, the processor (210) can store information related to the alarm event by linking it to a specific application (e.g., health application, exercise application, message application, schedule application) or execute an alarm linkage operation related to the alarm event using the specific application. The specific application may be installed on the external electronic device or managed by the external server. The storage of information related to the alarm event and / or the execution of the alarm linkage operation may be stored and / or executed by linking it to a user account of the specific application.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) can detect an alarm event through a communication circuit (250) or at least one sensor (not shown, e.g., motion sensor, bio-sensor, battery level detection sensor).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) may obtain first information (e.g., at least one of resistance, impedance, current, or EDA) indicating electrical characteristics between at least two of a plurality of first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) within the first electrode section (231). The processor (210) may obtain second information (e.g., at least one of resistance, impedance, or current) indicating electrical characteristics between one of the first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) and a second electrode (e.g., external electrode) within the second electrode section (232). The processor (210) may determine whether to provide an alarm based on at least one of the first information and the second information. Based on the determination, the processor (210) may output an electrical alarm signal corresponding to the alarm event through at least some of the plurality of first electrodes. As the above electrical alarm signal is output, an electrical alarm (or electrical stimulation) may be provided to the user through the user's skin (e.g., a finger of one hand).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the first electrode portion (231) of the haptic module (230) may include a plurality of first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes). The plurality of first electrodes may be used as sensing electrodes for obtaining first information (e.g., information related to the user's skin condition) and / or output electrodes for outputting an electrical alarm signal.

[0076] According to one embodiment, among the plurality of first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) included in the first electrode portion (231), the electrodes used for acquiring first information (e.g., information related to the user's skin condition) (e.g., sensing electrodes) and the electrodes used for outputting an electrical alarm signal (e.g., output electrodes) may be identical to each other. However, the scope of the embodiments is not limited thereto. For example, among the plurality of first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes), at least some of the electrodes used for acquiring the first information (e.g., sensing electrodes) and the electrodes used for outputting the electrical alarm signal (e.g., output electrodes) may be different from each other.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the first electrode portion (231) may include two first electrodes. In this case, the two first electrodes may be used as a sensing electrode and an output electrode (common electrode).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the first electrode portion (231) may include three or more first electrodes. For example, the first electrode portion (231) may include three first electrodes. In this case, one of the three electrodes may be used as a common electrode. Another of the three electrodes may be used as a sensing electrode. Yet another of the three electrodes may be used as an output electrode. For example, the first electrode portion (231) may include four first electrodes. In this case, some of the four first electrodes (two first electrodes) may be used as sensing electrodes (sensing electrode 1, sensing electrode 2), and other parts (the remaining two first electrodes) may be used as separate output electrodes (output electrode 1, output electrode 2).

[0079] According to one embodiment, the first information obtained through at least two of the plurality of first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) may be information related to the condition of a user's skin in contact with a first surface (e.g., inner surface) of the wearable electronic device (200) (or information indicating the electrical characteristics of the skin). For example, the first information may be information related to at least one of a wearing state (e.g., a normal wearing state in which the skin is in normal contact, or an abnormal wearing state in which there is a gap from the skin), a skin dry state (e.g., a moist state, an optimal humidity state, or a dry state), or whether the skin, water, or foreign substance is in contact with the first surface.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the second information obtained through one of the plurality of first electrodes, a first electrode (e.g., internal electrode) and a second electrode (e.g., external electrode), may be information related to the surrounding environment of the wearable electronic device (200) and / or changes in the surrounding environment. For example, the second information may be information related to at least one of the following: the condition of a second surface (e.g., external surface) of the wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., any one of a high humidity state, a moderate humidity state, or a low humidity state), changes in external humidity, weather, whether the wearable electronic device (200) is in contact with water, or whether skin, water, or foreign substances are in contact with the second electrode (e.g., external electrode) on the second surface.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) may output an electrical alarm signal when an alarm output condition specified in relation to at least one of the first information and the second information is satisfied. The processor (210) may not output the electrical alarm signal when the alarm output condition is not satisfied. For example, the processor (210) may omit (e.g., skip, block, stop) the output of the electrical alarm signal when the alarm output condition is not satisfied.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the alarm output condition may be related to the connection state between electrodes (e.g., between an internal electrode and an external electrode, between internal electrodes).

[0083] According to one embodiment, the connection state between the first electrode (e.g., internal electrode) in the first electrode portion (231) and the second electrode (e.g., external electrode) in the second electrode portion (232) may be either a lead-on state or a lead-off state. For example, the lead-on state may correspond to at least one of a state in which the first electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected, or a short-circuit state between the first electrode and the second electrode. The lead-off state may correspond to at least one of a state in which the electrical connection between the first electrode and the second electrode is disconnected, or an open state between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the alarm output condition may include a first condition indicating that the connection state between the first electrode (e.g., internal electrode) and the second electrode (e.g., external electrode) is the lead-off state among the lead-on state and the lead-off state. For example, the first condition may include a condition in which the resistance between the first electrode (e.g., internal electrode) and the second electrode (e.g., external electrode) exceeds a specified first threshold value.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the connection state between at least two first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) within the first electrode portion (231) may be either a lead-on state or a lead-off state. For example, the lead-on state may correspond to at least one of a state in which the at least two first electrodes are electrically connected through the skin, a state in which the at least two first electrodes are stably in contact with the skin, or a normal wearing state. For example, the lead-off state may correspond to at least one of a state in which the electrical connection between the at least two first electrodes is disconnected, an open state between the at least two first electrodes, a state in which at least one of the at least two first electrodes is not in contact with the skin or is separated from the skin, or an abnormal wearing state.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the alarm output condition may further include a second condition indicating that the connection state between the at least two first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) is the lead-on state among the lead-on state and the lead-off state. For example, the second condition may include a condition in which the resistance between the at least two first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) is less than a specified second threshold value.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the alarm output condition may further include a third condition indicating that a conductor (e.g., the user's other hand) is not in contact with the second electrode (e.g., external electrode). For example, the third condition may correspond to a first condition indicating that the connection state between the first electrode (e.g., internal electrode) and the second electrode (e.g., external electrode) is in a read-off state. The third condition may include a condition in which the resistance between the first electrode (e.g., internal electrode) and the second electrode (e.g., external electrode) exceeds a specified first threshold value.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) may not output an electrical alarm signal when an alarm non-output condition specified in relation to at least one of the first information and the second information is satisfied. For example, the processor (210) may omit (e.g., skip, block, stop) the output of the electrical alarm signal when the alarm non-output condition is satisfied. The processor (210) may output the electrical alarm signal when the alarm non-output condition is not satisfied.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the alarm non-output condition may be related to the connection state between electrodes (e.g., between an internal electrode and an external electrode, between internal electrodes). The alarm non-output condition may include a first condition indicating that the connection state between a first electrode (e.g., internal electrode) in a first electrode section (231) and a second electrode (e.g., external electrode) in a second electrode section (232) is the lead-on state among the lead-on state and the lead-off state. For example, the first condition may include a condition in which the resistance between the first electrode (e.g., internal electrode) and the second electrode (e.g., external electrode) is below a specified first threshold value.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the alarm non-output condition may further include at least one of a second condition indicating that the connection state between at least two first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) within the first electrode portion (231) is the lead-off state among the lead-on state and the lead-off state, and a third condition indicating that a conductor (e.g., the user's other hand) is in contact with the second electrode. For example, the second condition may include a condition in which the resistance between the at least two first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) exceeds a specified second threshold value.

[0091] According to one embodiment, when the processor (210) outputs an electrical alarm signal, it may adjust the electrical characteristics (e.g., signal strength, frequency, magnitude, voltage, current, interval, pattern, period, or polarity) of the electrical alarm signal to be output in response to an alarm event based on at least one of first information (e.g., information related to the user's skin condition) and second information (e.g., information related to the surrounding environment) obtained through the sensor (234). The processor (210) may output the adjusted electrical alarm signal using at least some of a plurality of first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) disposed on a first surface (e.g., inner surface).

[0092] According to one embodiment, a processor (210) can obtain first information related to the user's skin condition by using a plurality of first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) disposed on a first surface (e.g., internal surface). The processor (210) can obtain second information related to the surrounding environment of a wearable electronic device (200) by using together a plurality of first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) disposed on the first surface (e.g., internal surface) and at least one second electrode (e.g., external electrode) disposed on a second surface (e.g., external surface). Based on the first information and the second information, the processor (210) may or may not output an electrical alarm signal corresponding to an alarm event. When the processor (210) outputs an electrical alarm signal, it may adjust the signal strength of the electrical alarm signal (e.g., haptic signal) to be output based on the first information and the second information, thereby causing an electrical alarm signal having the adjusted signal strength to be output through the plurality of first electrodes.

[0093] According to one embodiment, while outputting (or playing) an electrical alarm signal, the processor (210) may repeatedly or periodically acquire, through a sensor (234), first information indicating electrical characteristics between at least two first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) and second information indicating electrical characteristics between the first electrode (e.g., internal electrode) and the second electrode (e.g., external electrode). The processor (210) may update the first information and the second information. For example, the updated first information may indicate a change in the user's skin condition. The updated second information may indicate a change in the surrounding environment of the wearable electronic device (200). The processor (210) may determine whether a specified alarm output condition is satisfied in relation to at least one of the updated first information and the updated second information. If the alarm output condition is satisfied, the processor (210) may maintain the output of the electrical alarm signal. For example, if the electrical alarm signal corresponding to the alarm event is a signal with a relatively short playback time (e.g., reference numeral 631 in FIG. 6b), the processor (210) may repeat the playback of the signal (e.g., reference numeral 641 in FIG. 6c). For example, if the electrical alarm signal corresponding to the alarm event is a signal with a relatively long playback time (e.g., reference numeral 632 in FIG. 6b), the processor (210) may play a portion of the next playback section that is continuous with the portion of the previous playback section among the signals (e.g., reference numeral 642 in FIG. 6c). If the alarm output condition is not satisfied, the processor (210) may not output the electrical alarm signal. For example, the processor (210) may omit (e.g., skip, block, stop) the output of the electrical alarm signal.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) may output the adjusted alarm signal after performing adjustment (or calibration) of the alarm signal. For example, the processor (210) may identify a first alarm signal corresponding to a detected alarm event. The processor (210) may generate a second alarm signal that adjusts the electrical characteristics of the first alarm signal based on at least one of the first information (e.g., information indicating skin characteristics obtained through an internal electrode) and designated reference information (e.g., initial setting value, user setting value). The processor (210) may output the second alarm signal through at least some of the plurality of first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) within the first electrode section (231).

[0095] According to one embodiment, while the second alarm signal is output (or while the electrical alarm is provided), the processor (210) may perform a signal playback operation and an electrical characteristic measurement operation alternately or simultaneously. For example, the processor (210) may output the second alarm signal during a first interval. The processor (210) may acquire (e.g., re-measure) information indicating a change in electrical characteristic information between a plurality of electrodes using the first electrode part (231) and the second electrode part (232), for example, first information related to the user's skin condition and / or second information related to the external state (or situation) of the wearable electronic device (200). The processor (210) may adjust (or compensate) the second alarm signal based on the information indicating a change in electrical characteristic information between the plurality of electrodes. The processor (210) may output (or play) the adjusted second alarm signal during a second interval after the first interval.

[0096] FIG. 3a is a perspective view of a ring-type electronic device (311) according to one embodiment. FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view of a ring-type electronic device (311) according to one embodiment.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2 may be a ring-type electronic device (311) (e.g., a smart ring) shown in FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b. The ring-type electronic device (311) may be configured to be wearable on a finger.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b, a ring-type electronic device (311) may include a housing (312, 313), at least two first electrodes (314) disposed on a first surface (313) (e.g., inner surface) of the housing (312, 313) (e.g., inner electrodes, electrode 1 (314-1), electrode 2 (314-2)), and at least one second electrode (e.g., outer electrode, electrode 3 (315)) disposed on a second surface (312) (e.g., outer surface) of the housing (312, 313).

[0099] In one embodiment, the first surface (313) may correspond to a surface that comes into contact with the user's skin (e.g., fingers (318) of one hand) while the ring-type electronic device (311) is worn by the user. The first surface (313) may correspond to an inner side that is not exposed to the outside of the ring-type electronic device (311) while the ring-type electronic device (311) is worn by the user. The second surface (312) may be a surface distinct from the first surface (313). The second surface (312) may correspond to a surface that does not come into contact with the skin (e.g., fingers (318) of one hand) or is exposed to the outside of the ring-type electronic device (311) while the ring-type electronic device (311) is worn by the user. For example, the second surface (312) may be the opposite side of the first surface (313).

[0100] In FIG. 3a and 3b, an exemplary case is described in which two first electrodes (314) (e.g., internal electrodes, electrode 1 (314-1), electrode 2 (314-2)) are disposed on a first surface (313) (e.g., inner surface) of a housing (312, 313), and one second electrode (e.g., external electrode, electrode 3 (315)) is disposed on a second surface (312) (e.g., outer surface) of a housing (312, 313). However, the number, arrangement, and / or structure of the plurality of electrodes are not limited thereto. For example, three or more first electrodes may be disposed on the first surface (313). For example, two or more second electrodes may be disposed on the second surface (312).

[0101] According to one embodiment, the ring-type electronic device (311) may include the sensor (322) of FIG. 3b (e.g., the sensor (234) of FIG. 2) and the signal generator (321) of FIG. 3 (e.g., the signal generator (233) of FIG. 2).

[0102] According to one embodiment, the ring-type electronic device (311) may further include at least one sensor. For example, the at least one sensor may include at least one of a biosensor (317), a motion sensor (not shown), or a battery level detection sensor (not shown). For example, the biosensor (317) may be for obtaining bio-information (e.g., information related to at least one of heart rate, heart rate variability, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, blood glucose, blood volume, oxygen saturation, or other cardiovascular characteristics). For example, the biosensor (317) may include at least one of a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor (optical sensor), an electrocardiography (ECG) sensor, a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) sensor, a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) sensor, a galvanic skin response (GSR) sensor, or a biomarker sensor that detects specific substances or components within the body. For example, the motion sensor may include at least one of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a barometer (or altitude sensor), a gesture sensor, or a grip sensor. For example, a battery level detection sensor may estimate the remaining battery level by measuring at least one of the voltage, current, internal impedance, or temperature of the battery (e.g., battery (189) in FIG. 1).

[0103] Although not illustrated, the ring-type electronic device (311) may further include at least one of other components, for example, a processor (e.g., processor (210) of FIG. 2), memory (e.g., memory (220) of FIG. 2), a communication circuit for supporting communication with an external electronic device (e.g., communication module (190) of FIG. 1), a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) for power management (e.g., power management module (188) of FIG. 1), a battery for power supply (e.g., battery (189) of FIG. 1), an antenna for wireless communication with an external electronic device (e.g., antenna module (197) of FIG. 1), or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) for packaging various components or electrically connecting components.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the housing (312, 313) may have a shape that is in the form of a ring that can be worn on a finger and has a hole in the center. For example, the first surface (313) corresponding to the inner surface of the housing (312, 313) may be the part that comes into contact with the skin when worn on a finger. For example, the first surface (313) may be composed of the same material as the outer surface or may be composed of an additional material for sensing (e.g., metal, molding material, transparent plastic, glass). The second surface (312) corresponding to the outer surface of the housing (312, 313) may be composed of a material (e.g., metal, plastic, ceramic) that can provide durability against external impacts and scratches and an aesthetic feel.

[0105] According to one embodiment, two first electrodes (314) (e.g., internal electrodes, electrode 1 (314-1) and electrode 2 (314-2)) may be disposed on the first surface (313) of the housing (312, 313). The two first electrodes (314) (e.g., electrode 1 (314-1), electrode 2 (314-2)) may be disposed on the palm side, where there is a higher distribution of sweat glands compared to the back side when worn, but are not limited thereto. For example, the two first electrodes (314) may be disposed spaced apart by a certain distance to measure electrical characteristics between two points of contacted skin.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the gap between two first electrodes (314) (e.g., electrode 1 (314-1), electrode 2 (314-2)) can be implemented such that it is not conductive (or conduction) through the small amount of sweat (e.g., 8 mm or more) in a state where sweat does not flow and only a small amount of sweat is present. In a normal wearing state of the ring-type electronic device (311), the first electrodes (314) (e.g., electrode 1 (314-1), electrode 2 (314-2)) and the finger can be stably contacted without any clearance (or gap) between the first electrodes (314) and the finger.

[0107] According to one embodiment, at least two first electrodes (314) (e.g., electrode 1 (314-1), electrode 2 (314-2)) disposed on a first surface (313) (e.g., inner surface) of a housing (312, 313) may be composed of a conductive material (e.g., metal, conductive polymer).

[0108] According to one embodiment, if the entire or part of the second surface (312) (e.g., outer surface) of the housing (312, 313) is composed of a conductive material (e.g., metal), the part may be used as at least one second electrode (e.g., electrode 3 (315) which is an external electrode). For example, the metal itself constituting the second surface (312) (e.g., outer surface) may be used as the second electrode, but is not limited thereto. For example, one or more second electrodes may be separately configured on the second surface (312) (e.g., outer surface).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the sensor (322) may include a circuit for measuring electrical characteristics (e.g., resistance, impedance, current, or EDA) between a plurality of electrodes (e.g., electrode 1 (314-1), electrode 2 (314-2), electrode 3 (315)) disposed in a housing (312, 313). For example, the sensor (322) can measure the electrical characteristics between electrode 3 (315) placed on the outer surface of the housing (312, 313) and electrode 1 (314-1) placed on the inner surface of the housing (312, 313), the electrical characteristics between electrode 3 (315) placed on the outer surface of the housing (312, 313) and electrode 2 (314-2) placed on the inner surface of the housing (312, 313), or the electrical characteristics between two electrodes, electrode 1 (314-1) and electrode 2 (314-2), placed on the inner surface of the housing (312, 313).

[0110] According to one embodiment, electrode 1 (314-1) and electrode 2 (314-2) may be internal electrodes disposed on the inner surface of the housing (312, 313). Electrode 3 (315) may be an external electrode disposed on the outer surface of the housing (312, 313). For example, when electrode 1 (314-1) and electrode 2 (314-2) are internal electrodes and electrode 3 (315) is an external electrode, the sensor (322) can check the electrical characteristics between electrode 1 (314-1), electrode 2 (314-2), and electrode 3 (315) by using electrode 1 (314-1) as ground (GND) or negative electrode, electrode 2 (314-2) as positive electrode, and electrode 3 (315) as a second positive electrode. The sensor (322) can reconfirm the electrical characteristics between electrode 1 (314-1), electrode 2 (314-2), and electrode 3 (315) by maintaining electrode 1 (314-1) as ground (GND) or a negative electrode, changing electrode 2 (314-2) to another negative electrode, and electrode 3 (315) to a positive electrode.

[0111] According to one embodiment, at least two first electrodes (314) (e.g., electrode 1 (314-1) and electrode 2 (314-2)) disposed on a first surface (313) (e.g., inner surface) of a housing (312, 313) may be connected to a signal generator (321). For example, the internal electrodes, electrode 1 (314-1) and electrode 2 (314-2), may be electrically connected to the signal generator (321). The signal generator (321) may generate and / or adjust an electrical alarm signal corresponding to the alarm event upon the occurrence of the alarm event. The signal generator (321) may deliver an electrical stimulus corresponding to the alarm event to a user by outputting the generated and / or adjusted electrical alarm signal through the internal electrodes, electrode 1 (314-1) and electrode 2 (314-2).

[0112] According to one embodiment, a ring-type electronic device (311) may obtain first information and / or second information indicating electrical characteristics between a plurality of electrodes (e.g., electrode 1 (314-1), electrode 2 (314-2), electrode 3 (315)) through a sensor (322). For example, the first information may be information indicating electrical characteristics (e.g., resistance, impedance, current, or EDA) between electrode 1 (314-1) and electrode 2 (314-2) placed on a first surface (313) (e.g., inner surface). The second information may be information indicating electrical characteristics (e.g., resistance, impedance, or current) between one of electrode 1 (314-1) and electrode 2 (314-2) placed on a first surface (313) (e.g., inner surface) and electrode 3 (315) placed on a second surface (312) (e.g., outer surface). The ring-type electronic device (311) may provide an alarm or not provide an alarm based on the first information and / or the second information. When the ring-type electronic device (311) provides an alarm, it may output an electrical alarm signal through at least some of the signal generator (321) and the first electrodes (314) (e.g., electrode 1 (314-1), electrode 2 (314-2)) that are in contact with the user's skin.

[0113] According to one embodiment, a ring-type electronic device (311) can detect (or identify) the state between one electrode among a plurality of electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes, electrode 1 (314-1) and electrode 2 (314-2), external electrode, electrode 3 (315)) and another electrode among the plurality of electrodes as either a lead-on state or a lead-off state.

[0114] According to one embodiment, a ring-type electronic device (311) can detect a connection state between one of the internal electrodes, electrode 1 (314-1) and electrode 2 (314-2), and an external electrode, electrode 3 (315), as either a lead-on state or a lead-off state. For example, the lead-on state may correspond to at least one of a state where electrode 1 (314-1) and electrode 2 (314-2) are electrically connected, or a short-circuit state between electrode 1 (314-1) and electrode 2 (314-2). The lead-off state may correspond to a state where the electrical connection between electrode 1 (314-1) and electrode 2 (314-2) is disconnected, or an open state between electrode 1 (314-1) and electrode 2 (314-2).

[0115] According to one embodiment, a ring-type electronic device (311) can detect a connection state between internal electrodes, namely electrode 1 (314-1) and electrode 2 (314-2), as either a lead-on state or a lead-off state. For example, the lead-on state may correspond to at least one of a state where electrode 1 (314-1) and electrode 2 (314-2) are electrically connected through the skin, a state where electrode 1 (314-1) and electrode 2 (314-2) are stably in contact with the skin, or a normal wearing state. For example, the lead-off state may correspond to at least one of a state where the electrical connection between electrode 1 (314-1) and electrode 2 (314-2) is disconnected, an open state between electrode 1 (314-1) and electrode 2 (314-2), a state where at least one of electrode 1 (314-1) and electrode 2 (314-2) is not in contact with the skin or is separated from the skin, or an abnormal wearing state.

[0116] According to one embodiment, a ring-type electronic device (311) can detect a lead-on / off state between a plurality of electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes, electrode 1 (314-1) and electrode 2 (314-2), external electrode, electrode 3 (315)), and perform an operation to determine whether to provide an alarm based on the detected lead-on / off state and / or an operation to adjust the electrical characteristics of an alarm signal (e.g., degree of electrical stimulation).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the ring-type electronic device (311) may provide an electrical alarm when a lead-off state is detected between a first electrode (e.g., electrode 1 (314-1)) on a first surface (313) (e.g., inner surface) and a second electrode (e.g., electrode 3 (315)) on a second surface (312) (e.g., outer surface). The ring-type electronic device (311) may not provide an electrical alarm when a lead-on state is detected between a first electrode (e.g., electrode 1 (314-1)) on a first surface (313) (e.g., inner surface) and a second electrode (e.g., electrode 3 (315)) on a second surface (312) (e.g., outer surface).

[0118] According to one embodiment, the ring-type electronic device (311) may determine whether to provide an electric alarm based on biometric information obtained through a biometric sensor (317) or personal health information of the user stored in memory (220). For example, the ring-type electronic device (311) may determine whether to provide an alarm based on biometric information (e.g., heart rate, heart rate variability, blood pressure). For example, if the user's biometric information falls within an abnormal range, or if the user uses an artificial organ or has a weak heart, the electric alarm may not be provided in consideration of the risk of component damage or cardiac arrest.

[0119] According to one embodiment, in a ring-type electronic device (311), a second electrode (e.g., electrode 3 (315)) disposed on a second surface (312) (e.g., outer surface) of a housing (312, 313) can be used as an alarm end button.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the ring-type electronic device (311) may further include an additional button (not shown, e.g., physical button, touch button) disposed on a second surface (312) (e.g., outer surface) of the housing (312, 313). The additional button may be used as an alarm end button.

[0121] According to one embodiment, while an alarm for a specific alarm event is provided (or an electrical alarm signal is output), a user's hand (e.g., a finger of the other hand) may come into contact with the second electrode (e.g., electrode 3 (315)). Accordingly, the electrical characteristics between the first electrode (e.g., electrode 1 (314-1), electrode 2 (314-2)) and the second electrode (e.g., electrode 3 (315)) may change (or change from a read-off state to a read-on state). In this case, the ring-type electronic device (311) may terminate (or stop) the alarm according to the change in electrical characteristics (or change in the read-on / read-off state) between the first electrode (e.g., electrode 1 (314-1), electrode 2 (314-2)) and the second electrode (e.g., electrode 3 (315)).

[0122] According to one embodiment, the ring-type electronic device (311) can adjust the playback time of the alarm signal according to the type of alarm event. For example, in the case of a continuous alarm with a relatively long playback time, such as a medication alarm, a schedule alarm, a morning call, or a designated time alarm, the ring-type electronic device (311) can terminate the alarm or perform the alarm again after a certain period of time. In the case of a temporary alarm with a relatively short playback time (e.g., a message alarm, a low battery alarm, an alarm from a specific app), the ring-type electronic device (311) can provide a longer alarm compared to an external electronic device (e.g., a smartwatch, a smartphone) to provide time for the user to receive feedback.

[0123] According to one embodiment, a ring-type electronic device (311) can perform an alarm linkage operation specified according to the type of alarm event. For example, the ring-type electronic device (311) can receive or reject a call via an external electronic device (e.g., smartwatch, smartphone) after the alarm for a phone event is provided through the ring-type electronic device (311) and the alarm is terminated. For example, the ring-type electronic device (311) can perform an alarm linkage operation (or subsequent operation) related to the alarm event (e.g., quick response, entering battery saver mode, turning off the alarm, executing a related application) according to user feedback when the alarm is terminated.

[0124] FIG. 4a is a perspective view of a ring-type electronic device (411) according to one embodiment.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 4a, a ring-type electronic device (411) may include a housing (412), a plurality (e.g., two) first electrodes (414) disposed on a first surface (413) (e.g., inner surface) of the housing (412), and at least one (e.g., one) second electrode (415) disposed on a second surface (417) (e.g., outer surface) of the housing (412). For example, the plurality (e.g., two) first electrodes (414) may include electrode 1 (414-1) and electrode 2 (414-2) disposed at a certain interval on the inner surface. The second electrode (415) disposed on the outer surface may correspond to electrode 3.

[0126] The ring-type electronic device (411) of FIG. 4a is an example in which only a portion of the second surface (417) (e.g., outer surface) of the housing (412) is used as the second electrode (415) (e.g., external electrode). The portion of the second surface (417) (e.g., outer surface) of the housing (412) excluding the second electrode (415) (e.g., external electrode) may be a conductive material such as metal or carbon fiber, or a non-conductive material such as plastic. If the portion excluding the second electrode (415) is a conductive material, an insulator (416) for insulation from the second electrode (415) may be formed.

[0127] FIG. 4b is a perspective view of a ring-type electronic device (421) according to one embodiment.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 4b, a ring-type electronic device (421) may include a housing (422), a plurality (e.g., two) first electrodes (424) disposed on a first surface (423) (e.g., inner surface) of the housing (422), and at least one (e.g., one) second electrode (425) disposed on a second surface (427) (e.g., outer surface) of the housing (422). An insulator (426) may be formed around the second electrode (425). For example, the plurality (e.g., two) first electrodes (424) may include electrode 1 (424-1) and electrode 2 (424-2) disposed at a certain interval on the inner surface. The second electrode (425) disposed on the outer surface may correspond to electrode 3.

[0129] The ring-type electronic device (421) of FIG. 4a is an example of a case including a display (428) and an indicator (429).

[0130] According to one embodiment, the display (428) may display a visual user interface related to the status of the ring-type electronic device (421) and / or electrical alarms. For example, the display (428) may display information regarding the type of alarm event and / or the reason for the failure to provide an alarm (e.g., a message such as 'Incoming call', 'Please remove moisture or contamination from the smart ring!'). For example, the display (428) may display guide information for alarm linkage operations based on user response (or user feedback) when an alarm event occurs.

[0131] According to one embodiment, an indicator (429) (e.g., LED) may provide visual feedback (e.g., LED color change, LED blinking) so that a user can easily check the status of the ring-type electronic device (421) (e.g., alarm occurrence, low battery, pairing status, status related to at least one of gesture feedback).

[0132] FIG. 5a is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of a wearable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the operations illustrated in FIG. 5a may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. In some embodiments, some of the illustrated operations may be omitted, some operations may be integrated, some operations may be changed, or other operations may be added.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 5a, the operation method of the wearable electronic device (200) may include operation 511, operation 512, operation 513, operation 514, operation 515, and operation 516.

[0135] In operation 511, the wearable electronic device (200) can detect an alarm or notification event through at least one sensor (e.g., sensor module (176) of FIG. 1) or communication circuit (250). For example, the wearable electronic device (200) may be worn by a user (e.g., worn on one hand of the user).

[0136] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) can detect an alarm event on its own through at least one sensor (e.g., the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1). For example, the wearable electronic device (200) may determine that an alarm event has occurred if a specified movement (or gesture) is detected through a motion sensor, if biometric information obtained through a biometric sensor falls within an abnormal range, or if a low level of battery (e.g., the battery (189) of FIG. 1) is detected through a battery level detection sensor.

[0137] According to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., a smart ring worn by a user) may receive an alarm (e.g., a phone call, text message, morning call, or at least one of a user-specified time, an application alarm, a schedule alarm) notifying the occurrence of an alarm event through a communication circuit (250) (e.g., a communication module (190) of FIG. 1) from an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (102, 104) of FIG. 1, a user's smart watch, a smartphone) connected via wireless communication (e.g., short-range wireless communication). When the wearable electronic device (200) receives the alarm, it may determine that an alarm event has occurred.

[0138] In operation 512, the wearable electronic device (200) can obtain first information (e.g., at least one of resistance, impedance, current, or EDA) indicating electrical characteristics between at least two first electrodes among a plurality of first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) within the first electrode portion (231). For example, the first information may correspond to electrical characteristic information between two internal electrodes.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the first information may be information related to the condition of a user's skin (or information indicating the electrical characteristics of the skin) in contact with a first surface (e.g., an inner surface) of the wearable electronic device (200). The at least two first electrodes may be disposed on the first surface of the wearable electronic device (200). The first surface may correspond to the inner surface of the wearable electronic device (200) that comes into contact with the user's skin while the wearable electronic device (200) is worn by the user (e.g., the inner surface of the housing (312, 313) shown in FIG. 3a). The inner surface may not be exposed to the outside of the wearable electronic device (200) while the wearable electronic device (200) is worn.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the first information may represent electrical characteristics between at least two first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) disposed on a first surface (e.g., inner surface) of a wearable electronic device (200). For example, the wearable electronic device (200) may measure a value (e.g., at least one of resistance, impedance, current, or EDA (electrodermal activity)) representing electrical characteristics between two first electrodes disposed on the inner surface (e.g., electrode 1 (314-1) and electrode 2 (314-2) of FIG. 3a). The wearable electronic device (200) may use the measured value as the first information.

[0141] In operation 513, the wearable electronic device (200) can obtain second information (e.g., resistance, impedance, or current) representing electrical characteristics between one of the plurality of first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) within the second electrode portion (232) and the second electrode (e.g., external electrode) within the second electrode portion (232). For example, the second information may correspond to electrical characteristic information between the external electrode and the internal electrode.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the second information may be information related to the surrounding environment of the wearable electronic device (200) and / or changes in the surrounding environment. For example, the second information may be information related to at least one of the condition of the second surface (e.g., outer surface) of the wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., any one of high humidity, medium humidity, or low humidity), changes in external humidity, weather, whether the wearable electronic device (200) is submerged in water, or whether skin, water, or foreign matter is in contact with the second electrode (e.g., outer electrode) on the second surface. The second electrode (e.g., outer electrode) may be placed on the second surface of the wearable electronic device (200). The second surface may correspond to an outer surface (e.g., an outer surface of the housing (312, 313) shown in FIG. 3a) that is exposed to the outside of the wearable electronic device (200) while the wearable electronic device (200) is worn by a user. The second surface may correspond to an outer surface that does not come into contact with the user's skin while the wearable electronic device (200) is worn by a user. The outer surface may be exposed to the outside of the wearable electronic device (200) while the wearable electronic device (200) is worn.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the second information may represent electrical characteristics between one of at least two first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) disposed on a first surface (e.g., inner surface) and a second electrode (e.g., external electrode) disposed on a second surface (e.g., outer surface). For example, the wearable electronic device (200) may measure a value (e.g., resistance, impedance, or current) representing electrical characteristics between either of two first electrodes disposed on an inner surface (e.g., electrode 1 (314-1) and electrode 2 (314-2)) of FIG. 3a) and a second electrode disposed on an outer surface (e.g., electrode 3 (315) of FIG. 3a). The wearable electronic device (200) may use the measured value as the second information. According to one embodiment, operation 513 may be performed after operation 512. According to one embodiment, operation 513 may be executed prior to operation 512. According to one embodiment, operation 512 and operation 513 may be executed simultaneously.

[0144] In operation 514, the wearable electronic device (200) may determine whether to provide an alarm based on at least one of the first information obtained through operation 512 and the second information obtained through operation 513. The wearable electronic device (200) may determine whether to provide an alarm based on whether at least one of the first information and the second information satisfies a specified condition.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the specified condition may correspond to an alarm output condition specified in relation to at least one of the first information and the second information.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the alarm output condition may be related to the connection state between the first electrode (e.g., internal electrode) and the second electrode (e.g., external electrode) and / or the connection state between the first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes).

[0147] According to one embodiment, the alarm output condition may include a first condition indicating that the connection state between one of at least two first electrodes, a first electrode (e.g., internal electrode) and a second electrode (e.g., external electrode), is the lead-off state among the lead-on state and the lead-off state. For example, the lead-on state may correspond to at least one of a state in which the first electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected, or a short-circuit state between the first electrode and the second electrode. The lead-off state may correspond to at least one of a state in which the electrical connection between the first electrode and the second electrode is disconnected, or an open state between the first electrode and the second electrode. For example, the first condition may include a condition in which the resistance between the first electrode and the second electrode exceeds a specified first threshold value.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the alarm output condition may further include a second condition indicating that the connection state between the at least two first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) is the lead-on state among the lead-on state and the lead-off state. For example, the lead-on state may correspond to at least one of a state in which the at least two first electrodes are electrically connected through the skin, a state in which the at least two first electrodes are stably in contact with the skin, or a normal wearing state. For example, the lead-off state may correspond to at least one of a state in which the electrical connection between the at least two first electrodes is disconnected, an open state between the at least two first electrodes, a state in which at least one of the at least two first electrodes is not in contact with the skin or is separated from the skin, or an abnormal wearing state. For example, the second condition may include a condition in which the resistance between the at least two first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) is less than a specified second threshold value.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the alarm output condition may further include a third condition indicating that a conductor (e.g., the user's other hand) is not in contact with the second electrode (e.g., external electrode). For example, the third condition may correspond to a first condition indicating that the connection state between the first electrode (e.g., internal electrode) and the second electrode (e.g., external electrode) is in a read-off state. The third condition may include a condition in which the resistance between the first electrode (e.g., internal electrode) and the second electrode (e.g., external electrode) exceeds a specified first threshold value.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may or may not provide an alarm depending on the determination of operation 514 (or whether a specified condition is satisfied).

[0151] If, as a result of the determination of operation 514, at least one of the first information indicating electrical characteristics between at least two of the plurality of first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) and the second information indicating electrical characteristics between one of the plurality of first electrodes (e.g., internal electrode) and the second electrode (e.g., external electrode) satisfies a specified condition (e.g., alarm output condition), operation 515 may be performed.

[0152] In operation 515, the wearable electronic device (200) may provide an alarm corresponding to the alarm event detected in operation 511 using at least some of the plurality of first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes). The wearable electronic device (200) may output (or play) an electrical alarm signal corresponding to the alarm event through at least some of the plurality of first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes).

[0153] According to one embodiment, among the plurality of first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes), the electrodes used for acquiring first information (e.g., information related to the user's skin condition) (e.g., sensing electrodes) and the electrodes used for outputting an electrical alarm signal (e.g., output electrodes) (e.g., output electrodes) may be identical to each other. However, the scope of the embodiments is not limited thereto. For example, among the plurality of first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes), at least some of the electrodes used for acquiring the first information (e.g., sensing electrodes) and the electrodes used for outputting the electrical alarm signal (e.g., output electrodes) (e.g., output electrodes) may be different from each other.

[0154] According to one embodiment, information regarding an event-specific alarm signal list may be stored in the memory (220) of a wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., a smart ring) or in an external electronic device (e.g., a smart watch, a smartphone) connected to the wearable electronic device (200) via short-range wireless communication. For example, the information may be information regarding an alarm signal (e.g., an electrical signal, a haptic signal, an audio signal, an LED flashing signal) corresponding to (or matched to) each of a plurality of alarm events. The wearable electronic device (200) may identify (or search for) an alarm signal corresponding to said alarm event from the information regarding the event-specific alarm signal list stored in the memory (220) according to the type of alarm event detected through operation 511. The wearable electronic device (200) may output said alarm signal.

[0155] As a result of the determination of operation 514, if at least one of the first information and the second information does not satisfy a specified condition (e.g., alarm output condition), the wearable electronic device (200) may proceed to operation 516 and not provide an alarm. For example, if the specified condition (e.g., alarm output condition) is not satisfied, the wearable electronic device (200) may not output an electrical alarm signal. The wearable electronic device (200) may omit (e.g., skip, block, stop) the output of the electrical alarm signal.

[0156] According to one embodiment, when a wearable electronic device (200) outputs an electrical alarm signal corresponding to an alarm event in operation 515, it may adjust the electrical characteristics (e.g., signal strength, frequency, magnitude, voltage, current, interval, pattern, period, or polarity) of the electrical alarm signal to be output in response to the alarm event based on at least one of first information obtained through operation 512 (e.g., information related to the user's skin condition) and second information obtained through operation 513 (e.g., information related to the surrounding environment). The wearable electronic device (200) may output the adjusted electrical alarm signal.

[0157] According to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (200) can obtain first information related to the user's skin condition by using a plurality of first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) disposed on a first surface (e.g., internal surface). The wearable electronic device (200) can obtain second information related to the surrounding environment of the wearable electronic device (200) by using together the plurality of first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) disposed on the first surface (e.g., internal surface) and at least one second electrode (e.g., external electrode) disposed on a second surface (e.g., external surface). Based on the first information and the second information, the wearable electronic device (200) may or may not output an electrical alarm signal corresponding to an alarm event. When the wearable electronic device (200) outputs an electrical alarm signal, it can adjust the signal strength of the electrical alarm signal (e.g., haptic signal) to be output based on the first information and the second information, thereby allowing the electrical alarm signal having the adjusted signal strength to be output through the plurality of first electrodes.

[0158] According to one embodiment, while outputting (or playing) an electrical alarm signal, the wearable electronic device (200) may repeatedly or periodically acquire first information indicating electrical characteristics between at least two first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) and second information indicating electrical characteristics between the first electrode (e.g., internal electrode) and the second electrode (e.g., external electrode). The wearable electronic device (200) may update the first information and the second information. The wearable electronic device (200) may determine whether a specified alarm output condition is satisfied in relation to at least one of the updated first information and the updated second information. If the alarm output condition is satisfied, the wearable electronic device (200) may maintain the output of the electrical alarm signal. For example, if the electrical alarm signal corresponding to the alarm event is a signal with a relatively short playback time (e.g., reference numeral 631 in FIG. 6b), the wearable electronic device (200) may repeat the signal (e.g., reference numeral 641 in FIG. 6c). For example, if the electrical alarm signal corresponding to the alarm event is a signal with a relatively long playback time (e.g., reference numeral 632 in FIG. 6b), the wearable electronic device (200) may play a portion of the next playback section that is continuous with the portion of the previous playback section among the signals (e.g., reference numeral 642 in FIG. 6c). If the alarm output condition is not satisfied, the wearable electronic device (200) may not output the electrical alarm signal. For example, the wearable electronic device (200) may omit (e.g., skip, block, stop) the output of the electrical alarm signal.

[0159] FIG. 5a illustrates an example in which a specified condition of operation 514 for determining whether to provide an alarm corresponds to an alarm output condition, but the scope of the examples is not limited thereto. For example, a specified condition for determining whether to provide an alarm may correspond to an alarm non-output condition specified in relation to at least one of the first information and the second information. In such a case, the wearable electronic device (200) may provide an alarm when the alarm non-output condition is not satisfied, and may not provide an alarm when the alarm non-output condition is satisfied.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the alarm non-output condition may include a first condition indicating that the distance between at least two first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) and a second electrode (e.g., external electrode) is in a lead-on state. For example, when the wearable electronic device (200) is in an abnormal wearing state (e.g., when the user's hand is submerged in water), the distance between the internal electrode and the external electrode is in a lead-on state, and a first condition (alarm non-output condition) in which the measurement resistance between the internal electrode and the external electrode is below a specified first threshold value may be satisfied.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the alarm non-output condition may further include at least one of a second condition indicating that the space between at least two first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) is in a lead-off state, and a third condition indicating that a conductor (e.g., the user's other hand) is in contact with the second electrode (e.g., external electrode). For example, when the wearable electronic device (200) is in an abnormal wearing state (e.g., when the user's hand is submerged in water), the internal electrodes may be electrically connected through foreign substances (e.g., moisture, sweat, hand cream, etc.) rather than skin. In this case, the space between the internal electrodes is in a lead-on state, and the second condition (alarm non-output condition) may be satisfied in which the measured resistance between the internal electrodes is below a specified second threshold value (e.g., a small threshold value close to zero). For example, when the wearable electronic device (200) is not worn, the internal electrodes are in a lead-off state, and a second condition (no alarm output condition) can be satisfied in which the measurement resistance between the internal electrodes is greater than a specified third threshold (e.g., a large threshold close to infinity).

[0162] According to one embodiment, if the wearable electronic device (200) does not provide an alarm, it may output a user interface indicating that an alarm was not provided. For example, the wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., a smart ring) may output a visual, auditory, or tactile user interface through an output interface (e.g., the acoustic output module (155), audio module (170), haptic module (179) of FIG. 1, the display (241), indicator (242) of FIG. 2) or an external electronic device connected via wireless communication (e.g., a user's smart watch, smartphone). For example, the user interface may include information regarding the type of detected alarm event and / or the cause of the alarm not being provided (e.g., a message such as 'Electric alarm for morning call skipped due to contamination of the smart ring' or 'Electric alarm for text message reception skipped because the smart ring is presumed to be submerged in water').

[0163] According to one embodiment, an alarm signal of a different type from an electrical alarm signal may be provided as an alternative to or in addition to the operation (516) of not outputting an alarm. For example, a wearable electronic device (200) may convert an electrical signal corresponding to a detected alarm event into an optical signal and then output it through a sensor module (e.g., the light-emitting part of a PPG sensor within the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1, the indicator (242) of FIG. 2). For example, the wearable electronic device (200) may convert the electrical signal into a visual user interface and then output it through a display (241). According to one embodiment, a delayed alarm signal may be provided as an alternative to or in addition to the operation (516) of not outputting an alarm. For example, after the operation (516) of not outputting an alarm when the condition for not outputting an alarm is satisfied, an alarm signal may be provided (or output) when the condition for not outputting an alarm is released. According to one embodiment, an alarm signal may be provided from another electronic device (101 or a device connected to 101 that is not indicated) in addition to or as an alternative to the operation (516) of not outputting an alarm. For example, after the operation (516) of not outputting an alarm is performed when the condition of not outputting an alarm is satisfied, the electronic device (101) may instead provide or output an alarm signal as vibration or sound.

[0164] According to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (200) can obtain first information related to the user's skin condition by using a plurality of first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) disposed on a first surface (e.g., internal surface). The wearable electronic device (200) can obtain second information related to the surrounding environment of the wearable electronic device (200) by using together the plurality of first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) disposed on the first surface (e.g., internal surface) and at least one second electrode (e.g., external electrode) disposed on a second surface (e.g., external surface). Based on the first information and the second information, the wearable electronic device (200) may or may not output an electrical alarm signal corresponding to an alarm event. When the wearable electronic device (200) outputs an electrical alarm signal, it can adjust the signal strength of the electrical alarm signal (e.g., haptic signal) to be output based on the first information and the second information, thereby allowing the electrical alarm signal having the adjusted signal strength to be output through the plurality of first electrodes.

[0165] FIG. 5b is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a wearable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment provides an alarm (e.g., operation 515 of FIG. 5a).

[0166] Referring to FIG. 5b, in operation 521, when the occurrence of an alarm event is detected, the wearable electronic device (200) can identify a first alarm signal corresponding to the alarm event.

[0167] According to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (200) can identify (e.g., search) a first alarm signal corresponding to the alarm event from information on an event-specific alarm signal list stored in a memory (220) according to the type of the alarm event.

[0168] In operation 522, the wearable electronic device (200) can adjust the electrical characteristics of the first alarm signal identified through operation 521. The wearable electronic device (200) can generate a second alarm signal that adjusts (or compensates) the electrical characteristics of the first alarm signal.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may provide an alarm when a specified condition (e.g., a specified condition of operation 514 shown in FIG. 5a, an alarm output condition) is satisfied. The wearable electronic device (200) may adjust the electrical characteristics of the first alarm signal to provide the alarm. For example, the wearable electronic device (200) may adjust (or convert) the electrical characteristics of the first alarm signal (e.g., signal strength, frequency, magnitude, voltage, current, interval, pattern, period, polarity) based on at least one of first information representing the electrical characteristics between internal electrodes and specified reference information (e.g., initial setting value, user setting value). For example, the wearable electronic device (200) may compare the current measurement value with the initial setting value (or user setting value pre-set or calibrated by an individual user) for the resistance, impedance, or current between internal electrodes. The wearable electronic device (200) can generate a second alarm signal by adjusting the intensity (e.g., frequency, magnitude, voltage, current, interval) of the first alarm signal according to the difference between the initial setting value (or user setting value) and the current measurement value.

[0170] In operation 523, the wearable electronic device (200) may provide an alarm adjusted through operation 522. According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may output a second alarm signal through at least two first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) within the first electrode portion (231).

[0171] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may repeat the compensation of an alarm signal and the output of the compensated alarm signal until user feedback regarding the alarm is detected, the external state of the wearable electronic device (200) changes, or the alarm is terminated. By outputting the real-time compensated alarm signal, the wearable electronic device (200) may help the user of the wearable electronic device (200) feel an electrical stimulus of an appropriate intensity without pain.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) can detect user feedback regarding the alarm when user contact occurs with at least one first electrode (e.g., an external electrode) within the second electrode portion (232) while the alarm is being provided. The wearable electronic device (200) can detect a change in external state when water or foreign matter comes into contact with the first electrode portion (231) and / or the second electrode portion (232). The wearable electronic device (200) can detect a change in external state through a change in electrical characteristics between at least two first electrodes within the first electrode portion (231) when the user removes the wearable electronic device (200).

[0173] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may terminate the alarm based on user feedback and / or changes in external state. The wearable electronic device (200) may perform an appropriate alarm-linked action (or subsequent action) based on the type of alarm event and / or user feedback. For example, if user feedback is detected in contact with at least one second electrode within the second electrode portion (232) while the alarm is being provided, the wearable electronic device (200) may terminate the alarm or provide the alarm again after a certain period of time. For example, if the alarm event is a phone event generated by an external electronic device, the wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., a smart ring) may accept or reject the call based on user response (or user feedback) to the external electronic device (e.g., a smart watch, a smartphone) after the alarm has been terminated. For example, if the alarm event is a text message reception event generated by an external electronic device, the wearable electronic device (200) can display the received text message through the display (241) or transmit a quick response to the text message reception event through a communication circuit (e.g., the communication module (190) of FIG. 1).

[0174] FIG. 6a is a flowchart illustrating a method in which a wearable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment provides a first alarm. FIG. 6b is an example of a first alarm signal according to one embodiment. FIG. 6c is an example of a second alarm signal according to one embodiment.

[0175] Referring to FIG. 6a, the method of the wearable electronic device (200) providing the first alarm may include operation 611, operation 612, operation 613, operation 614, operation 615, operation 616, operation 617, operation 618, operation 619, and operation 620.

[0176] According to one embodiment, at least some of the operations of FIG. 6a may correspond to operations of FIG. 5a or FIG. 5b. For example, operation 611 may correspond to operation 511 of FIG. 5a. Operation 613 may correspond to operations 512 and 513 of FIG. 5a. Operation 614 may correspond to operation 514 of FIG. 5a. Operations 612, 615, and 616 may correspond to operations 521, 522, and 523 of FIG. 5b, respectively.

[0177] In operation 611, the wearable electronic device (200) can detect an alarm event.

[0178] According to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., a smart ring) can detect an alarm event through an external electronic device (e.g., a smartphone, a smart watch) connected via short-range wireless communication. The alarm event may have originated from the external electronic device. For example, the alarm event may be an alarm event for any one of a phone call, receiving a text message, starting an automatic exercise, a wake-up call, or a schedule (including medication). The wearable electronic device (200) may receive an alarm trigger signal from the external electronic device indicating the occurrence of the alarm event. For example, the alarm trigger signal may include information (e.g., alarm event information, signal identification information, electrical characteristic information) regarding a first alarm signal to be played in response to the alarm event.

[0179] In operation 612, the wearable electronic device (200) can identify a first alarm signal corresponding to an alarm event detected through operation 611.

[0180] According to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., a smart ring) can retrieve a first alarm signal corresponding to an alarm event from information about an event-specific alarm signal list stored in a memory (220).

[0181] According to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., a smart ring) may receive information (e.g., alarm event information, signal identification information, electrical characteristic information) regarding a first alarm signal to be played in response to an alarm event from an external electronic device (e.g., a smartphone, a smart watch). For example, after receiving information regarding the first alarm signal from the external electronic device, the wearable electronic device (200) may generate a first alarm signal to be played in response to an alarm event through a signal generator (233) based on the information.

[0182] Referring to FIG. 6b, the wearable electronic device (200) can identify (e.g., search, receive, select) one first alarm signal to be played (or output) in response to the alarm event of operation 611 among alarm signal 1 (631), alarm signal 2 (632), alarm signal 3 (633) and alarm signal 4 (634), which are first alarm signals corresponding to a plurality of alarm events.

[0183] In operation 613, the wearable electronic device (200) can obtain electrical characteristic information indicating the electrical characteristics between a plurality of electrodes (Case 1, Case 2).

[0184] According to one embodiment, the electrical characteristic information is first information (e.g., R) measured using at least two first electrodes disposed on a first surface (e.g., inner surface) of a wearable electronic device (200). Case1 It may include ). For example, the first information (R Case1 ) may correspond to information (e.g., resistance, impedance, current, or EDA) representing electrical characteristics between the at least two first electrodes (Case 1). According to one embodiment, the electrical characteristic information may be second information (e.g., R) measured using a second electrode disposed on a second surface (e.g., outer surface) of the wearable electronic device (200). Case2It may include ). For example, the second information may correspond to information (e.g., resistance, impedance, or current) representing electrical characteristics between any one of the at least two first electrodes and the second electrode (Case 2).

[0185] In operation 614, the wearable electronic device (200) can determine whether to provide an alarm based on whether the electrical characteristic information between a plurality of electrodes (Case 1, Case 2) obtained through operation 613 satisfies a specified condition (e.g., alarm output condition).

[0186] According to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (200) can determine whether electrical characteristic information (e.g., resistance) between a plurality of electrodes (Case 1, Case 2) satisfies a specified alarm output condition.

[0187] According to one embodiment, the alarm output condition may be for determining whether the wearable electronic device (200) is in a normal wearing state (e.g., the wearable electronic device (200) is not submerged in water and the first electrodes on the inner surface are in stable contact with one finger of the user).

[0188] According to one embodiment, the alarm output condition may include a first condition indicating that the space between at least two first electrodes disposed on a first surface (e.g., inner surface) is in a lead-on state (Case 1 = Lead On), and a second condition indicating that the space between one of the at least two electrodes and a second electrode disposed on a second surface (e.g., outer surface) is in a lead-off state (Case 2 = Lead Off).

[0189] For example, the above alarm output condition is the resistance (R) between electrode 1 and electrode 2 (Case 1) placed on the inner surface. Case1 ) is the first threshold (R THD1 Less than ) and the reference value (R Short or R Water The first condition (R) greater than ) THD1> R Case1 , R Case1 > R Short ), and the resistance (R) between the electrode 1 disposed on the inner surface and the electrode 3 disposed on the outer surface (Case 2). Case2 ) is the second threshold (R THD2 The second condition (R) greater than ) THD2 < R Case2 It may include ).

[0190] For example, a wearable electronic device (200) has a resistance (R) between two electrodes, electrode 1 and electrode 2, which are placed on the inner surface. Case1 ) is the first threshold (R THD1 Less than ) and the reference value (R Short or R Water In cases satisfying the condition greater than ) (R THD1 > R Case1 , R Case1 > R Short ), the connection state between the electrode 1 and the electrode 2 (Case 1) can be determined to be in a lead-on state. The reference value is the resistance in the short-circuit state (R Short or R Water It may correspond to ). The above lead-on state may be a state in which the electrode 1 and electrode 2 (Case 1) are electrically connected through the skin, rather than water or foreign substances. The above lead-on state may be a state in which the electrode 1 and electrode 2 are in stable contact with the skin. For example, if an electrical alarm is provided when the skin and the electrode are not in stable contact (e.g., there is a space between the skin and the electrode, or the skin and the electrode are touching and then separating), pain or discomfort may be induced in the user. According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) can improve the user experience by not providing an alarm when the skin and the electrode are not in stable contact.

[0191] For example, a wearable electronic device (200) has a resistance (R) between electrode 1 placed on an inner surface and electrode 3 placed on an outer surface. Case2) is the second threshold (R THD2 In cases satisfying the condition greater than ) (R THD2 < R Case2 ), the connection state between the electrode 1 and the electrode 3 (Case 2) can be determined to be a lead-off state. The lead-off state may be a state where the electrode 1 and the electrode 3 are electrically disconnected (e.g., open state). The lead-off state may be a state where the wearable electronic device (200) is not submerged in water. The lead-off state may be a state where a conductor (e.g., the user's other finger) does not touch the electrode 3. For example, if the wearable electronic device (200) is submerged in water, or if the electrode on the inner side and the electrode on the outer side are electrically connected through water or foreign substances, providing an electrical alarm may result in damage to the components of the wearable electronic device (200), user discomfort, or a risk of electric shock. According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) can prevent or reduce unnecessary resource consumption or risks and improve the user experience by not providing an electrical alarm in a non-wearing state or an abnormal wearing state.

[0192] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) can determine the current state as a normal wearing state if the electrical characteristic information between a plurality of electrodes satisfies a specified condition (e.g., alarm output condition) of operation 614. If the electrical characteristic information between a plurality of electrodes satisfies a specified condition (e.g., alarm output condition) in operation 614, or if an alarm is provided, the process can proceed to operation 615.

[0193] In operation 615, the wearable electronic device (200) may generate a second alarm signal using the first alarm signal identified through operation 612. In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) has electrical characteristic information between a plurality of electrodes (e.g., R Case1 , R Case2A second alarm signal can be generated by adjusting (or converting) the electrical characteristics (e.g., signal strength, frequency, magnitude, voltage, current, interval, pattern, period, polarity) of the first alarm signal based on ).

[0194] According to one embodiment, the second alarm signal may compensate for the intensity of the first alarm signal. In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may adjust the intensity of the first alarm signal based on specified reference information (e.g., initial setting value, user setting value). For example, if a user sets the electrical stimulation intensity of the alarm to a relatively low level (e.g., level 4) among a plurality of levels (e.g., level 1 to level 10) using a user interface of an external electronic device (e.g., smart watch, smartphone), the wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., smart ring) may generate a second alarm signal having a signal intensity according to the set level. In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may adjust the intensity of the first alarm signal based on first information representing the electrical characteristics between at least two first electrodes disposed on a first surface (e.g., inner surface). For example, the resistance between electrode 1 and electrode 2 placed on the inner surface may vary depending on the skin condition (e.g., humidity, dryness). The wearable electronic device (200) may generate a second alarm signal having a signal strength according to a resistance value indicating the skin condition. For example, the second alarm signal may be a signal having a signal strength in a range that does not cause pain or discomfort to the user (e.g., a microcurrent signal with a frequency of 20 Hz, a voltage of ±0.2 V (AC), and a current strength of about 10 uA).

[0195] In operation 616, the wearable electronic device (200) can provide electric stimulation to the user by outputting (or playing) a second alarm signal generated through operation 615.

[0196] FIG. 6c is an example of second alarm signals generated (or adjusted) from the first alarm signals of FIG. 6b. For example, alarm signal 1 (641) of FIG. 6c may be generated using alarm signal 1 (631) of FIG. 6b. Alarm signal 2 (642) of FIG. 6c may be generated using alarm signal 2 (632) of FIG. 6b.

[0197] Referring to reference numeral 641 in FIG. 6c, alarm signal 1 (641) may be a signal with a relatively short playback time. The wearable electronic device (200) may repeatedly play alarm signal 1 (641) at regular intervals. The wearable electronic device (200) may provide electrical stimulation by playing alarm signal 1 (641) for every playback interval (651, TB), and may measure the electrical properties of the skin during the measurement interval (655, TA) between the playback intervals.

[0198] Referring to reference numeral 642 in FIG. 6c, alarm signal 2 (642) may be a signal with a relatively long playback time. The wearable electronic device (200) may subdivide the frame of alarm signal 2 (642) into unit segments (652a, 652b, 652c, 652d, 656). The wearable electronic device (200) may use some of the unit segments (playback segments) (652, TB) to play the electrical alarm signal (or provide electrical stimulation), and other parts of the unit segments (measurement segments) (656, TA) to measure the electrical properties of the skin. In this way, the wearable electronic device (200) may repeat the playback and interruption (measurement) of alarm signal 2 (642).

[0199] In operation 617, the wearable electronic device (200) can identify whether the playback time of the second alarm signal has ended.

[0200] If the playback time of the second alarm signal ends in operation 617, the wearable electronic device (200) can proceed to operation 618 to terminate the alarm.

[0201] If the playback time of the second alarm signal in operation 617 has not ended, the wearable electronic device (200) can proceed to operation 613 to re-acquire (e.g., measure, detect, sense, receive) electrical characteristic information between a plurality of electrodes.

[0202] According to one embodiment, if the electrical characteristic information between a plurality of electrodes does not satisfy the specified condition (e.g., alarm output condition) of operation 614, the wearable electronic device (200) may determine the current state as an unworn state or an abnormally worn state (e.g., a state in contact with water or foreign matter). If the electrical characteristic information between a plurality of electrodes in operation 614 does not satisfy the specified condition (e.g., alarm output condition), the process may proceed to operation 619.

[0203] Operation 619 may be for determining whether user feedback regarding the electrical alarm signal is detected during the playback of the electrical alarm signal (or the provision of the electrical stimulus).

[0204] In operation 619, the wearable electronic device (200) can determine whether the electrical characteristic information between a plurality of electrodes obtained in operation 613 satisfies a specified condition (e.g., user feedback condition).

[0205] According to one embodiment, the user feedback condition is an alarm output condition of operation 614 (e.g., Case1 = Lead On; R Short < R Case1 < R THD1 , Case2 = Lead Off; R THD2 < R Case2 It may include at least some of ). The above user feedback condition is a condition for checking whether user feedback has been provided (e.g., R Short < RCase2 ) may further include. For example, the user feedback condition may include first information (R) representing the electrical characteristics between at least two first electrodes disposed on a first surface (e.g., inner surface). Case1 ) is the reference value (R Short or R Water Greater than ) and the first threshold (R THD1 The first condition (R) smaller than ) Short < R Case1 < R THD1 ), and second information (e.g., R) indicating the electrical characteristics between one of the at least two electrodes and a second electrode disposed on a second surface (e.g., an outer surface). Case2 ) is the reference value (R Short or R Water Greater than ) and the second threshold (R THD2 The second condition (R) smaller than ) Short < R Case2 < R THD2 It may include ).

[0206] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may optionally perform an operation to stop an electrical alarm (operation 618) or an operation to provide a user interface associated with the electrical alarm (operation 620) depending on whether a specified condition of operation 619 (e.g., a user feedback condition) is satisfied.

[0207] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may determine that user feedback regarding the alarm (or the second alarm signal being played) has occurred when a specified condition of operation 619 (e.g., user feedback condition) is satisfied (e.g., user response intending to stop the alarm, finger contact with the second electrode on the outer surface). In this case, the wearable electronic device (200) may proceed to operation 618 to terminate the alarm (or the playback of the second alarm signal).

[0208] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may determine that no user feedback (e.g., a user feedback condition) for the alarm (or a second alarm signal being played) has occurred when the specified condition of operation 619 (e.g., a user feedback condition) is not satisfied (e.g., no user feedback for the alarm occurs). In this case, the wearable electronic device (200) may proceed to operation 620.

[0209] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) in operation 619 has electrical characteristic information (e.g., R) between a plurality of electrodes Case1 , R Case2 Based on ), the state of the wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., normal wearing state, non-wearing state, abnormal wearing state, lead on / off state between internal electrodes, lead on / off state between external electrode and internal electrode) can be identified.

[0210] In operation 620, the wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., a smart ring) may transmit an alarm trigger signal to an external electronic device (e.g., a parent terminal such as a smart watch or a smartphone) connected via a near-field communication connection. In one embodiment, the alarm trigger signal may include information regarding at least one of the type of alarm event detected via operation 611 or the state of the wearable electronic device (200) identified via operation 619. The external electronic device may provide a user interface related to the electrical alarm in response to the alarm trigger signal. For example, the user interface may include information regarding at least one of the type of alarm event or the state of the wearable electronic device (200).

[0211] According to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., a smart ring) may be linked with an external electronic device (e.g., a parent terminal such as a smart watch or a smartphone) to output a user interface related to an electrical alarm of the wearable electronic device (200) through the external electronic device. For example, if the space between at least two first electrodes placed on a first surface (e.g., an inner surface) is in a lead-off state (Case 1 = Lead Off), a user interface indicating that the device is not being worn (e.g., a message stating "The smart ring is not being worn") may be displayed. If the space between at least two first electrodes is in a short-circuit state (Case 1 = Short), a user interface indicating that there is a possibility of foreign matter being present between the at least two first electrodes (e.g., a message stating "There is contamination on the inner side of the smart ring") may be displayed. When the space between one of the at least two first electrodes and the second electrode placed on the second surface (e.g., outer surface) is in a Lead On state (Case 2 = Lead On), a user interface requesting the user to remove their hand or remove foreign matter from the wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., a message saying “If you wish to continue using the ring alarm, please remove your hand from the outer side of the ring or wipe the inner side of the ring”) may be displayed.

[0212] FIG. 7a is a flowchart illustrating a method in which a wearable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment provides a second alarm. FIG. 7b is an example of a second alarm signal according to one embodiment.

[0213] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) can adjust (or compensate) an alarm signal when the movement of the wearable electronic device (200) is above a certain level.

[0214] Referring to FIG. 7a, the method of the wearable electronic device (200) providing a second alarm may include operation 711, operation 712, operation 713, operation 714, operation 715, operation 716, operation 717, operation 718, operation 719, operation 720, and operation 721.

[0215] Since operations 711, 712, 713, 714, 715, 716, 717, 718, 719, and 720 illustrated in FIG. 7a correspond to operations 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617, 618, 619, and 620 illustrated in FIG. 6a, a detailed description of the operations is omitted.

[0216] In operation 715, the wearable electronic device (200) may generate a second alarm signal using a first alarm signal (a first alarm signal corresponding to an alarm event) identified through operation 712. In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) has electrical characteristic information between a plurality of electrodes (e.g., R Case1 , R Case2 A second alarm signal can be generated by adjusting (or converting) the electrical characteristics (e.g., signal strength, frequency, magnitude, voltage, current, interval, pattern, period, polarity) of the first alarm signal based on ).

[0217] In operation 716, the wearable electronic device (200) can provide electrical stimulation to the user by outputting the second alarm signal (signal of the second interval) through at least two first electrodes (e.g., inner electrodes in contact with the user's skin) disposed on the first surface (e.g., inner surface).

[0218] In operation 721, the wearable electronic device (200) can identify whether the movement of the wearable electronic device (200) is below a specified threshold (THD).

[0219] If, as a result of identifying operation 721, the movement of the wearable electronic device (200) is less than the threshold value (THD), the process may proceed to operation 715. In operation 715, the wearable electronic device (200) may generate a second alarm signal (signal of the second interval) using the first alarm signal.

[0220] In operation 716, the wearable electronic device (200) can provide electrical stimulation to the user by outputting the second alarm signal (signal of the second interval) through at least two first electrodes (e.g., inner electrodes in contact with the user's skin) disposed on the first surface (e.g., inner surface).

[0221] If, as a result of the identification of operation 721, the movement of the wearable electronic device (200) is greater than or equal to the threshold value (THD), the process may proceed to operation 713. In operation 713, the wearable electronic device (200) [is] electrical characteristics (e.g., R between a plurality of electrodes (Case 1, Case 2). Case1 , R Case2 ) can be reacquired (e.g., re-measured).

[0222] According to one embodiment, if the wearable electronic device (200) provides an electric stimulus and the movement of the wearable electronic device (200) is below the threshold (THD), the wearable electronic device (200) may perceive that the user is not aware of the electric stimulus, is not ready to provide feedback on the electric stimulus, or has no intention to provide feedback on the electric stimulus. In this case, the wearable electronic device (200) may continue to provide the electric stimulus (operation 715, operation 716) by maintaining the output of a second alarm signal.

[0223] According to one embodiment, if the movement of the wearable electronic device (200) is below the threshold value (THD) after providing electrical stimulation, it can be assumed that there will be no significant change in the electrical characteristics of the skin measured through the first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) and / or the electrical characteristics between one of the first electrodes (e.g., internal electrode) and the second electrode (e.g., external electrode). In this case, the wearable electronic device (200) may not measure the electrical characteristics of the skin measured through the first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) and / or the electrical characteristics between one of the first electrodes (e.g., internal electrode) and the second electrode (e.g., external electrode).

[0224] FIG. 7b is an example of second alarm signals generated (or adjusted) from the first alarm signals of FIG. 6b. For example, alarm signal 1 (741) of FIG. 7b may be generated using alarm signal 1 (631) of FIG. 6b. Alarm signal 2 (742) of FIG. 7b may be generated using alarm signal 2 (632) of FIG. 6b.

[0225] Referring to reference numeral 741 in FIG. 7b, the wearable electronic device (200) can repeatedly play an alarm signal 1 (741) at regular intervals while an alarm is provided. The wearable electronic device (200) can provide electrical stimulation by playing the alarm signal 1 (741) during each playback interval (731, TB) and can measure the electrical properties of the skin during the measurement interval (735, TA) between the playback intervals. The measurement interval (735, TA) may be a blank interval in which the alarm signal 1 (741) is not played.

[0226] Referring to reference numeral 742 in FIG. 7b, the wearable electronic device (200) may subdivide the frame of alarm signal 2 (742) into unit segments (732a, 732b, 732c, 732d, 732e) while the alarm is provided. The wearable electronic device (200) may use some of the unit segments (playback segments) (732, TB) to play the electrical alarm signal (or provide electrical stimulation), and other parts of the unit segments (measurement segments) (737, TA) to measure the electrical properties of the skin. The measurement segments (737, TA) may be blank segments where the playback of alarm signal 3 (742) is interrupted.

[0227] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may perform adjustment (or compensation) to the alarm signal based on whether the wearable electronic device (200) is moving and / or the degree of movement. For example, the wearable electronic device (200) may perform adjustment (or compensation) to the alarm signal only during the movement detection interval (736, 738, TC) while the alarm is being provided. The movement detection interval (736, 738, TC) may be a interval in which movement of the wearable electronic device (200) above a certain level is detected. The wearable electronic device (200) may measure the electrical characteristics of the skin and / or user feedback during the movement detection interval (736, 738) and perform adjustment (or compensation) to the alarm signal based on the measurement results. According to this, the measurement interval (or number of measurements) (e.g., 735, 737, TA) of the change in electrical characteristics between multiple electrodes and / or user feedback required for adjusting the alarm signal may be reduced. This may shorten the frame of the alarm signal (e.g., the time length from 732a to 732e) or reduce frame loss.

[0228] FIG. 8a is a flowchart illustrating a method in which a wearable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment provides a third alarm. FIG. 8b is an example of a second alarm signal according to one embodiment.

[0229] Referring to FIG. 8a, the method of the wearable electronic device (200) providing a third alarm may include operation 811, operation 812, operation 813, operation 814, operation 815, operation 816, operation 817, operation 818, operation 819, operation 820, operation 821, and operation 822.

[0230] At least some of the operations illustrated in FIG. 8a may correspond to the operations of FIG. 6a. For example, operation 811 may correspond to operation 612 of FIG. 6a. Operation 812 may correspond to operation 613 of FIG. 6a. Operations 813 and 818 may correspond to operation 614 of FIG. 6a. Operation 820 may correspond to operation 619 of FIG. 6a. Operation 814 may correspond to operations 615 and 616 of FIG. 6a. Operation 817 may correspond to operation 617.

[0231] According to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., a smart ring) can provide an alarm on its own needs rather than at the request of an external electronic device (e.g., a smart watch, a smartphone).

[0232] In operation 811, the wearable electronic device (200) can detect an alarm event. For example, the wearable electronic device (200) can detect an alarm event that occurs on its own. For example, the alarm event may be an alarm event for any one of a low battery, switching to sleep mode, starting an automatic exercise, pressing a button, or disconnection from an external electronic device (e.g., a main terminal).

[0233] In operation 812, the wearable electronic device (200) provides information (e.g., R) indicating electrical characteristics between a plurality of electrodes (Case 1, Case 2). Case1 , R Case2 Can acquire (e.g., measure) ).

[0234] In one embodiment, the information may include first information measured through at least two first electrodes located on the inner surface of the wearable electronic device (200). For example, the first information may be information (R) representing the electrical characteristics of the user's skin. case1 It may include )). The first information may include information related to the skin condition of a user wearing the wearable electronic device (200) or information indicating user skin characteristics (R skin It may include ).

[0235] In one embodiment, the information may include second information measured through one of the at least two first electrodes and a second electrode located on the outer surface of the wearable electronic device (200). For example, the second information may be information related to the surrounding environment of the wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., R humidity It may include ).

[0236] In operation 813, the wearable electronic device (200) has electrical characteristic information (e.g., R) between the plurality of electrodes Case1 , R Case2 It can determine whether ) satisfies the specified first condition. For example, the specified first condition is an alarm output condition (e.g., Case1 = Lead On; R Case1 < R THD1 , & R Short < R Case1 , Case2 = Lead Off; R THD2 < R Case2 It may correspond to ).

[0237] If the first condition specified in operation 813 (e.g., alarm output condition) is not satisfied, the process may proceed to operation 814.

[0238] If the first condition specified in operation 813 (e.g., alarm output condition) is not satisfied, the wearable electronic device (200) provides electrical characteristic information between a plurality of electrodes (e.g., R Case1 , R Case2 Information regarding the state of the wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., normal wearing state, non-wearing state, abnormal wearing state, lead on / off state between internal electrodes, lead on / off state between external electrode and internal electrode) and / or the cause of the alarm not being provided can be identified based on ).

[0239] In operation 814, the wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., the ring-type electronic device (421) of FIG. 4b) may not provide an electrical alarm. The wearable electronic device (200) may output a first user interface related to the electrical alarm through an output interface (e.g., the display (428), indicator (429) of FIG. 4b). For example, the first user interface may include information regarding the status of the wearable electronic device (200) and / or the cause of the failure to provide an alarm. For example, the ring-type electronic device (421) may display information regarding the status of the wearable electronic device (200) and / or the cause of the failure to provide an alarm through the display (428). For example, the ring-type electronic device (421) can output a user interface (e.g., displaying a guidance message, turning on an LED or changing the color, controlling an LED blinking pattern) through a display (428) and / or an indicator (429) indicating that the wearable electronic device (200) is not being worn when the space between at least two first electrodes placed on the inner surface is in a lead-off state (Case 1 = Lead Off). For example, the ring-type electronic device (421) can output a user interface through a display (428) and / or an indicator (429) indicating that there is a possibility that foreign matter exists between the at least two first electrodes when the space between the at least two first electrodes is short-circuited (Case 1 = Short). For example, when the ring-type electronic device (421) is in a lead-on state (Case 2 = Lead On) between one of the at least two first electrodes and a second electrode placed on a second surface (e.g., an outer surface), it may output a user interface requesting to remove a hand from the ring-type electronic device (421) or remove foreign matter through a display (428) and / or an indicator (429).

[0240] If the first condition specified in operation 813 (e.g., alarm output condition) is satisfied, the process may proceed to operation 815 to provide an electrical alarm.

[0241] In operation 815, the wearable electronic device (200) may generate a second alarm signal adjusted (or compensated) based on the first alarm signal of operation 811. The wearable electronic device (200) may provide an electrical stimulus for an alarm to the user by reproducing (or outputting) the second alarm signal (e.g., the signal of the first interval) through at least two first electrodes disposed on the inner surface.

[0242] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) can adjust the intensity of the second alarm signal (or electrical stimulation) to be played (or transmitted) based on first information or specified reference information (e.g., initial setting value, user setting value) representing the electrical characteristics of the user's skin before providing the alarm (or before starting to play the second alarm signal).

[0243] In operation 816, the wearable electronic device (200) provides information indicating a change in electrical characteristics (e.g., ΔR) through the at least two first electrodes and at least one second electrode while a second alarm signal is output (or while an alarm is provided) through the at least two first electrodes. skin , ΔR humidity ) can be obtained (e.g., calculated, estimated). For example, the above information is the user's previous skin characteristics (R skin Information indicating changes in skin characteristics relative to ) (e.g., ΔR skin It may include ). For example, the information may include information indicating a change in the surrounding environment (e.g., external humidity) (e.g., ΔR humidity It may include ).

[0244] FIG. 8b is an example of second alarm signals generated (or adjusted) from the first alarm signals of FIG. 6b. For example, alarm signal 1 (841) of FIG. 8b may be generated using alarm signal 1 (631) of FIG. 6b. The alarm signal 1 (841) may be a signal with a relatively short signal playback time. Alarm signal 2 (842) of FIG. 8c may be generated using alarm signal 2 (632) of FIG. 6b. The alarm signal 2 (632) may be a signal with a relatively long signal playback time.

[0245] Referring to reference numeral 841 in FIG. 8b, the wearable electronic device (200) can simultaneously perform the playback of an alarm signal 1 (841) using at least some of a plurality of electrodes and the measurement of electrical characteristic information between the plurality of electrodes during the same interval (or frame). The measurement interval (851, TA) and the playback interval (855, TB) may be identical to each other. The alarm signal 1 (841) may be a signal in the form of an alarm signal 1 (631) of FIG. 6b that is repeatedly played back.

[0246] Referring to reference numeral 842 in FIG. 8b, the wearable electronic device (200) can simultaneously perform the playback of an alarm signal 2 (842) using at least some of a plurality of electrodes and the measurement of electrical characteristic information between the plurality of electrodes during the same interval (or frame). The measurement interval (852, TA) and the playback interval (856, TB) may be identical to each other. The alarm signal 2 (842) may be a signal of the same form as the alarm signal 1 (631) in FIG. 6b.

[0247] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) can adjust (or compensate) the intensity of the alarm in real time based on the difference between the transmission (e.g., playback of a second alarm signal) and reception (e.g., a signal fed back in response to the playback of the second alarm signal) of the alarm (or electrical stimulation) while providing the alarm. In this case, the electrical stimulation can be output, compensated, and / or measured in real time during the playback period without the need to add a separate measurement period for providing the alarm. In this case, signal playback and electrical characteristic measurement can be performed simultaneously during the same period (or frame), as exemplified by reference numerals 841 and 842 in FIG. 8a. Accordingly, frame loss of the alarm signal due to the addition of a measurement period can be reduced.

[0248] In operation 817, the wearable electronic device (200) can identify whether the playback time of the second alarm signal has ended.

[0249] If the playback time of the second alarm signal is terminated as a result of identification in operation 817, the process may proceed to operation 819. In operation 819, the wearable electronic device (200) may terminate the alarm (or the playback of the second alarm signal). The wearable electronic device (200) may perform a first alarm-linked operation (e.g., running battery protection mode, running automatic exercise mode) suitable for an alarm event corresponding to the alarm (e.g., low battery level, or an alarm event indicating turning on automatic exercise mode). For example, the first alarm-linked operation may be an operation performed in response to the normal termination of the alarm.

[0250] If the playback time of the second alarm signal has not ended as a result of the identification of operation 817, the process may proceed to operation 818.

[0251] In operation 818, electrical characteristic information between multiple electrodes (e.g., R Case1 , R Case2) is obtained again, and electrical characteristic information between the plurality of electrodes (e.g., R Case1 , R Case2 It can determine whether ) satisfies a specified first condition (e.g., alarm output condition). For example, the first condition of operation 818 and the first condition of operation 813 are both alarm output conditions and may be identical to each other.

[0252] Electrical characteristic information between the plurality of electrodes as a result of the determination of operation 818 (e.g., R Case1 , R Case2 If ) satisfies a specified first condition (e.g., alarm output condition), the wearable electronic device (200) may return to operation 815 and continue playing (or outputting) the second alarm signal. For example, the wearable electronic device (200) may repeat playing the signal of the previous first section or play the signal of the second section that is continuous with the first section.

[0253] The electrical characteristic information between the plurality of electrodes as a result of the determination of operation 818 (e.g., R Case1 , R Case2 If ) does not satisfy the specified first condition (e.g., alarm output condition), the process may proceed to operation 820.

[0254] Operation 820 may be for checking whether user feedback regarding the electrical alarm signal is detected during the playback of the electrical alarm signal (or provision of electrical stimulation).

[0255] In operation 820, the wearable electronic device (200) has electrical characteristic information between a plurality of electrodes obtained through operation 818 (e.g., R Case1 , R Case2 ) specified second condition (e.g., R Short < R Case1 < R THD1 , R Short < R Case2 < R THD2It is possible to determine whether the condition is satisfied. For example, the second condition may correspond to a user feedback condition. The user feedback condition may be for determining whether there is user feedback regarding the alarm (or the second alarm signal being played) (e.g., a user response intending to stop the alarm, finger contact with the second electrode on the outer surface).

[0256] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may optionally perform an operation to stop an electrical alarm (operation 821) or an operation to provide a second user interface associated with the electrical alarm (operation 822) depending on whether a specified second condition of operation 820 (e.g., user feedback condition) is satisfied.

[0257] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may determine that user feedback regarding an alarm (or a second alarm signal being played) has occurred (e.g., a user response intending to stop the alarm, finger contact with a second electrode on the outer surface) when a specified second condition of operation 820 (e.g., a user feedback condition) is satisfied. In this case, the wearable electronic device (200) may proceed to operation 821.

[0258] In operation 821, the wearable electronic device (200) may stop the alarm (or output of a second alarm signal that is being played). The wearable electronic device (200) may perform a second alarm-linked operation (e.g., not entering battery protection mode, or turning off automatic exercise mode) suitable for an alarm event corresponding to the alarm (e.g., low battery level, or an alarm event indicating turning on automatic exercise mode). For example, the second alarm-linked operation may be an operation performed in response to the stoppage of the alarm.

[0259] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may determine that no user feedback (e.g., a user feedback condition) for the alarm (or the second alarm signal being played) has occurred when the specified second condition of operation 820 (e.g., a user feedback condition) is not satisfied (e.g., no user feedback for the alarm is detected). In this case, the wearable electronic device (200) may proceed to operation 822. In operation 822, the wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., the ring-type electronic device (421) of FIG. 4b) may output a second user interface related to the electrical alarm of the wearable electronic device (200) through an output interface (e.g., the display (428), indicator (429) of FIG. 4b). For example, the second user interface may include information regarding the type of alarm event and / or changes in the state of the wearable electronic device (200). For example, the ring-type electronic device (421) may output a user interface (e.g., displaying a guidance message, turning on an LED or changing the color, controlling an LED blinking pattern) through a display (428) and / or an indicator (429) to indicate that the device has been removed from the wearable state when the space between at least two first electrodes placed on the inner surface is in a lead-off state (Case 1 = Lead Off). For example, the ring-type electronic device (421) may display information regarding the cause of the alarm and / or a menu for resetting the electrical stimulation intensity through the display (428). For example, when the ring-type electronic device (421) is short-circuited between the at least two first electrodes (Case 1 = Short), it can output a user interface (e.g., displaying a guidance message, turning on an LED or changing the color, controlling an LED blinking pattern) through a display (428) and / or an indicator (429) indicating that it is submerged in water.

[0260] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method in which a wearable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment provides a fourth alarm.

[0261] According to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (200) can adjust (or compensate) the intensity of an alarm signal (or electrical stimulation) based on changes in the electrical characteristics of the user's skin and / or changes in the wearing state detected through first electrodes (e.g., internal electrodes) disposed on a first surface (e.g., inner surface). In the embodiment of FIG. 9, a process of compensating the intensity of an alarm signal based on changes in the electrical characteristics of the user's skin and / or changes in the wearing state detected through internal electrodes (e.g., electrode 1 (314-1), electrode 2 (314-2) of FIG. 3a) is mainly described.

[0262] Referring to FIG. 9, the method by which the wearable electronic device (200) provides a fourth alarm may include operation 911, operation 912, operation 913, operation 914, and operation 916.

[0263] At least some of the operations illustrated in FIG. 9 may correspond to the operations of FIG. 5a or FIG. 5b. For example, operation 911 may correspond to operation 521 of FIG. 5b. Operation 912 may correspond to operation 512 of FIG. 5a. Operation 913 may correspond to operation 514 of FIG. 5a. Operation 914 may correspond to operation 522 of FIG. 5b. Operation 916 may correspond to operation 515 of FIG. 5a and operation 523 of FIG. 5b.

[0264] In operation 911, the wearable electronic device (200) can identify a first alarm signal (910) corresponding to an alarm event.

[0265] According to one embodiment, the first alarm signal (910) may be a signal corresponding to the alarm signal 2 (632) of FIG. 6b. For example, the first alarm signal (910) may include five valid signal intervals (910a to 910e) and an empty signal interval (910f). The empty signal interval (910f) may be for determining whether the alarm signal is terminated (or interrupted).

[0266] According to one embodiment, the first alarm signal (910) may have a characteristic in which the signal strength increases from 0% to 22% in the first section (910a, section between t0 and t1). The first alarm signal (910) may have a characteristic in which the signal strength is between 0% and 100% in the second section (910b, section between t1 and t2), the third section (910c, section between t2 and t3), the fourth section (910d, section between t3 and t4), and the fifth section (910e, section between t4 and t5).

[0267] In operation 912, the wearable electronic device (200) can measure first information (e.g., resistance) indicating electrical characteristics between internal electrodes. In operation 913, the wearable electronic device (200) can determine whether to provide an alarm based on the first information (e.g., resistance) indicating electrical characteristics between internal electrodes.

[0268] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) can perform a compensation operation of the first alarm signal (910) and / or a measurement operation of the electrical characteristics (e.g., resistance per section) between the internal electrodes in each section.

[0269] According to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (200) has first information (e.g., resistance per section (R)) measured through operation 912. case1 )) specified condition (e.g., alarm non-output condition, R case1 THD flow , R case1 < THDLeadOff If the condition (which falls within the threshold range corresponding to) is not satisfied, it can be determined to be in a normal wearing state. In this case, the process can proceed to operation 914. In operation 914, the wearable electronic device (200) can generate a second alarm signal (915) by performing signal compensation based on the first information (e.g., compensating for the signal strength of the first alarm signal (910) in intervals).

[0270] In operation 916, the wearable electronic device (200) can provide an electrical alarm (or electrical stimulation) to the user by outputting a second alarm signal (915) generated through operation 914 through the internal electrodes.

[0271] According to one embodiment, the resistance (e.g., 10 MOhm) measured through internal electrodes in contact with the skin in the first section (910a), which is the initial section of the first alarm signal (910), may be used as the standard resistance. The measured resistance of the first section (910a) (e.g., 10 MOhm), the measured resistance of the second section (910b) (e.g., 15 MOhm), and the measured resistance of the third section (910c) (e.g., 8 MOhm) may be values ​​outside the threshold range (values ​​indicating a normal wearing state). The measured resistance of the fourth section (910d) (e.g., 50 MOhm) and the measured resistance of the fifth section (910e) (e.g., 10 KOhm) may be values ​​within the threshold range (values ​​indicating a non-wearing state or an abnormal wearing state).

[0272] According to one embodiment, in operation 914, the wearable electronic device (200) can compensate for signal strength in a first section (910a), a second section (910b), and a third section (910c). For example, the wearable electronic device (200) can, after reproducing the signal of the first section (910a), which is the initial section, calculate the signal strength (voltage range (V_Range)) to be reproduced in the second section (910b) and the third section (910c) according to the measured resistance (R) of each of the second section (910b) and the third section (910c) using an adjustment gain (Gain_User) and a specific function (f(R)). The function may be a mathematical formula of one or more dimensions or a learning model using artificial intelligence. For example, the voltage range compensated for in response to a measurement resistance of 10 MOhm in the first section (910a) of the first alarm signal (910) may be 0.2V. In this case, the signal voltage V_t0 = 0V at 0% corresponding to the start time t0 of the first section (910a), and the signal voltage V_t1 = 0.044V at 22% corresponding to the end time t1 of the first section (910a). If the measurement resistance of the second section (910b) is 15 MOhm, the voltage range compensated for in response to 15 MOhm may be 0.3V. In this case, the voltage of the signal having 22% strength at the start time t1 of the second section (910b) may be V_t1 = 0.066V, and the voltage of the signal having 44% strength at the end time t2 of the second section (910b) may be V_t2 = 0.132V (1004-b2).

[0273] The measured resistance of the second section (910b) of the first alarm signal (910) may be 15 Mohm, which is higher than the standard resistance of 10 Mohm. In this case, the wearable electronic device (200) may compensate in operation 914 so that the signal strength of the second section becomes higher (compensating the signal of 910b to the signal of 915b). The measured resistance of the third section (910c) of the first alarm signal (910) may be 8 Mohm, which is lower than the standard resistance of 10 Mohm. In this case, the wearable electronic device (200) may compensate in operation 914 so that the signal strength of the second section becomes lower (compensating the signal of 910c to the signal of 915c). By compensating for signal strength in each section in this manner, signals of the first section (915a), second section (915b), and third section (915c) of the second alarm signal (915) can be generated.

[0274] The measured resistance of the fourth section (910d) of the first alarm signal (910) is 50 Mohm, which is too high a level, and the lead-off threshold (THD LeadOff ) may exceed. In this case, the wearable electronic device (200) may determine in operation 913 that it is not being worn and proceed to operation 917 to terminate the alarm. As the alarm is terminated, no signal may be output in the fourth section (915d) of the second alarm signal (915).

[0275] The measured resistance of the fifth section (910e) of the first alarm signal (910) is 10Kohm, which is too low a level, and the conductivity threshold (THD flow ) may be less than. In such cases, the wearable electronic device (200) may determine in operation 913 that there is an abnormal wearing condition (e.g., a condition with a risk of short circuit between internal electrodes, a condition that may cause electric shock or health hazards) and proceed to operation 917 to terminate the alarm. As the alarm is terminated (or stopped), no signal may be output in the fifth section (915e) of the second alarm signal (915).

[0276] FIG. 10 is an example of a first user interface associated with an electrical alarm provided according to one embodiment.

[0277] According to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., a ring-type electronic device (311)) may provide a first user interface related to an electrical alarm by interacting with an external electronic device (1000) (e.g., a smartphone). For example, the wearable electronic device (200) may provide a user interface related to the status of the wearable electronic device (200) and / or an electrical alarm through an external electronic device (1000) connected via short-range wireless communication. For example, the user interface may include at least one of the status of the wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., normal wearing state, non-wearing state, abnormal wearing state, read-on state between internal electrodes, read-on state between external electrode and internal electrode), the type of alarm event, information indicating that an alarm is not provided, or information regarding the cause of the alarm not provided.

[0278] According to one embodiment, when the wearable electronic device (200) detects a lead-on state between internal electrodes (e.g., abnormal wearing state), it can guide the user that foreign matter or moisture needs to be removed by outputting a first user interface element (1021) (e.g., a message, pop-up window, taskbar, or icon saying "You can receive a notification from the ring if you remove foreign matter or moisture from the ring") through the first screen (1010) of the external electronic device (1000).

[0279] According to one embodiment, when the wearable electronic device (200) detects a lead-on state between an internal electrode and an external electrode (e.g., skin contact with the external electrode), it may induce the user to remove the hand or finger touching the external electrode by outputting a second user interface element (1022) (e.g., a message, pop-up window, taskbar, or icon saying "You can receive an alarm on the ring if you remove the hand or finger touching the ring exterior") through the first screen (1010) of the external electronic device (1000).

[0280] FIG. 11 is an example of a second user interface associated with an electrical alarm provided according to one embodiment.

[0281] According to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., a ring-type electronic device (311)) may provide a second user interface related to an electrical alarm by linking with an external electronic device (1100) (e.g., a smart watch). The external electronic device (1100) may be a wearable electronic device (e.g., a smart watch) of a different type from the wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., a smart ring).

[0282] According to one embodiment, an external electronic device (1100) (e.g., a smart watch) may transmit a first trigger signal to a wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., a smart ring) to notify the occurrence of an alarm event (e.g., a message reception event). The wearable electronic device (200) may provide an electrical alarm through internal electrodes in response to the first trigger signal. When user feedback regarding the alarm (e.g., skin contact with an external electrode) is detected (e.g., when the user touches the external electrode with a hand or finger to terminate the alarm), the wearable electronic device (200) may terminate the alarm and then transmit a second trigger signal to the external electronic device (1100). For example, the second trigger signal may be intended to perform an alarm-linked operation (or subsequent operation) related to the alarm event (e.g., a message reception event). For example, the external electronic device (1100) may perform at least one action for a quick response (e.g., user reply) to a received character in response to the second trigger signal. For example, the external electronic device (1100) may display a user interface element (1121) for a quick response (e.g., pop-up window, microphone icon) on the first screen (1110) being displayed. For example, the external electronic device (1100) may perform an action of running a message application for the quick response and / or an action of activating an audio interface (e.g., audio module, microphone).

[0283] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) can perform a function as a biosensor (e.g., bio-information measurement function) using a plurality of electrodes within the haptic module (230). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) can determine (e.g., select) the mode of the haptic module (230) as one of an electrical alarm mode and a biosensor mode. For example, if no alarm event occurs, the biosensor mode may be activated. For example, the biosensor mode may be activated while a specific application (e.g., health application) is running on an external electronic device (e.g., smart watch, smartphone, augmented reality device) connected to the wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., smart ring) via short-range wireless communication. For example, the wearable electronic device (200) can measure bio-information (e.g., heart rate, heart rate variability, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, blood glucose, blood volume, oxygen saturation) using a plurality of electrodes within the haptic module (230) in the bio-sensor mode. In the bio-sensor mode, bio-information can be measured using an electrical signal with a high signal strength (e.g., a level used in ECG sensors or BIA sensors) compared to an electrical alarm mode that uses a relatively low microcurrent.

[0284] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) can turn on / off an electrical alarm function in conjunction with other biosensors (e.g., PPG sensor, ECG sensor, BIA sensor). For example, the wearable electronic device (200) can turn off the electrical alarm function or block the electrical alarm function if a health abnormality (e.g., heart abnormality) is detected based on bio information measured through the other biosignals.

[0285] A wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, wearable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2) comprises: a housing (e.g., housing (312, 313) of FIG. 3a, housing (412) of FIG. 4a, housing (422) of FIG. 4b), a plurality of first electrodes disposed on a first surface of the housing that contacts the user's skin while the wearable electronic device is worn (e.g., first electrodes (314) of FIG. 3a, first electrodes (414) of FIG. 4a, first electrodes (424) of FIG. 4b), a second electrode disposed on a second surface of the housing distinct from the first surface (e.g., second electrode (315) of FIG. 3a, second electrode (415) of FIG. 4a, second electrode (425) of FIG. 4b), a communication circuit (e.g., communication module (190) of FIG. 1), FIG. It may include a communication circuit (250) of 2 or at least one sensor (e.g., sensor module (176) of FIG. 1), at least one processor including a processing circuitry (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1, processor (210) of FIG. 2), and a memory for storing instructions (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 1, memory (220) of FIG. 2).The above instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, so that the wearable electronic device detects an alarm event through the communication circuit or the at least one sensor, obtains first information indicating electrical characteristics between at least two of the plurality of first electrodes, obtains second information indicating electrical characteristics between one of the first electrodes and the second electrode, determines whether to provide an alarm based on at least one of the first information and the second information, and outputs an electrical alarm signal corresponding to the alarm event through at least some of the plurality of first electrodes based on the determination.

[0286] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first information may be related to the skin condition of the user. The second information may be related to the surrounding environment of the wearable electronic device.

[0287] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first surface of the housing may correspond to an inner side that is not exposed to the outside of the wearable electronic device when the wearable electronic device is worn. The second surface of the housing may correspond to an outer side that is exposed to the outside of the wearable electronic device when the wearable electronic device is worn.

[0288] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor so that the wearable electronic device outputs the electrical alarm signal when an alarm output condition specified in relation to at least one of the first information and the second information is satisfied, and omits the output of the electrical alarm signal when the alarm output condition is not satisfied.

[0289] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the alarm output condition may include a first condition indicating that the connection state between the first electrode and the second electrode is the lead-off state among the lead-on state and the lead-off state.

[0290] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the alarm output condition may further include at least one of a second condition indicating that the connection state between the at least two first electrodes is the lead-on state among the lead-on state and the lead-off state, and a third condition indicating that the conductor is not in contact with the second electrode.

[0291] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor so that the wearable electronic device may omit the output of the electrical alarm signal when an alarm non-output condition specified in relation to at least one of the first information and the second information is satisfied, and output the electrical alarm signal when the alarm non-output condition is not satisfied.

[0292] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the alarm non-output condition may include a first condition indicating that the connection state between the first electrode and the second electrode is the lead-on state among the lead-on state and the lead-off state.

[0293] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the alarm non-output condition may further include at least one of a second condition indicating that the connection state between the at least two first electrodes is the lead-off state among the lead-on state and the lead-off state, and a third condition indicating that a conductor is in contact with the second electrode.

[0294] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor so that the wearable electronic device identifies a first alarm signal corresponding to the alarm event, generates a second alarm signal that adjusts the electrical characteristics of the first alarm signal based on at least one of the first information and the second information, and outputs the second alarm signal through at least some of the plurality of first electrodes.

[0295] A method of operation of a wearable electronic device (e.g., the wearable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: detecting an alarm event; obtaining first information indicating electrical characteristics between at least two first electrodes among a plurality of first electrodes disposed on a first surface of the wearable electronic device; obtaining second information indicating electrical characteristics between one first electrode among the plurality of first electrodes and a second electrode disposed on a second surface of the wearable electronic device; determining whether to provide an alarm based on at least one of the first information and the second information; and outputting an electrical alarm signal corresponding to the alarm event through at least some of the plurality of first electrodes based on the determination.

[0296] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first information may be related to the skin condition of a user wearing the wearable electronic device. The second information may be related to the surrounding environment of the wearable electronic device.

[0297] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first surface may correspond to an inner side that is not exposed to the outside of the wearable electronic device when the wearable electronic device is worn. The second surface may correspond to an outer side that is exposed to the outside of the wearable electronic device when the wearable electronic device is worn.

[0298] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the operation of outputting the electrical alarm signal corresponding to the alarm event may include the operation of outputting the electrical alarm signal when an alarm output condition specified in relation to at least one of the first information and the second information is satisfied, and the operation of omitting the output of the electrical alarm signal when the alarm output condition is not satisfied.

[0299] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the alarm output condition may include a first condition indicating that the connection state between the first electrode and the second electrode is the lead-off state among the lead-on state and the lead-off state.

[0300] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the alarm output condition may further include at least one of a second condition indicating that the space between the at least two first electrodes is in the lead-on state among the lead-on state and the lead-off state, and a third condition indicating that the conductor is not in contact with the second electrode.

[0301] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the operation of outputting the electrical alarm signal corresponding to the alarm event may include the operation of omitting the output of the electrical alarm signal when an alarm non-output condition specified in relation to at least one of the first information and the second information is satisfied, and the operation of outputting the electrical alarm signal when the alarm non-output condition is not satisfied.

[0302] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the alarm non-output condition may include a first condition indicating that the connection state between the first electrode and the second electrode is the lead-on state among the lead-on state and the lead-off state.

[0303] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the alarm non-output condition may further include at least one of a second condition indicating that the connection state between the at least two first electrodes is the lead-off state among the lead-on state and the lead-off state, and a third condition indicating that a conductor is in contact with the second electrode.

[0304] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the operation of outputting the electrical alarm signal corresponding to the alarm event may include the operation of identifying a first alarm signal corresponding to the alarm event, the operation of generating a second alarm signal that adjusts the electrical characteristics of the first alarm signal based on at least one of the first information and the second information, and the operation of outputting the second alarm signal through at least some of the plurality of first electrodes.

[0305] A computer-readable non-transient recording medium according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may store one or more programs including computer-executable instructions. When the instructions are executed by a wearable electronic device (e.g., a wearable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2), the wearable electronic device may detect an alarm event, obtain first information indicating electrical characteristics between at least two of a plurality of first electrodes disposed on a first surface of the wearable electronic device, obtain second information indicating electrical characteristics between one of the first electrodes and a second electrode disposed on a second surface of the wearable electronic device, determine whether to provide an alarm based on at least one of the first information and the second information, and output an electrical alarm signal corresponding to the alarm event through at least some of the plurality of first electrodes based on the determination.

[0306] A wearable electronic device and its method of operation according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can support the appropriate provision of an electric stimulation type alarm depending on the situation, which contributes to miniaturization and reduction of current consumption.

[0307] A wearable electronic device and its method of operation according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent or reduce unnecessary resource consumption or risks and improve safety by adaptively providing an electric stimulation type alarm according to the situation in an everyday environment where contact with various objects, liquids, or unwanted body parts may occur frequently.

[0308] A wearable electronic device and a method of operation thereof according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the user experience by providing an alarm of an electrical stimulation type that is appropriately compensated according to the user's state or situation.

[0309] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description of the present disclosure.

[0310] 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.

[0311] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" may each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish said components from other said components and do not limit said components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationly,” it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0312] 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. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0313] 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.

[0314] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product 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.

[0315] 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, Housing; A plurality of first electrodes disposed on a first surface of the housing that comes into contact with the user's skin while the above-mentioned wearable electronic device is worn; A second electrode disposed on a second surface of the housing that is distinct from the first surface; communication circuit or at least one sensor; At least one processor including processing circuitry; and It includes memory for storing instructions, The above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, so that the wearable electronic device: Detecting an alarm event through the communication circuit or the at least one sensor, and Acquiring first information indicating electrical characteristics between at least two of the plurality of first electrodes, and Obtaining second information representing the electrical characteristics between one of the plurality of first electrodes and the second electrode, and Determining whether to provide an alarm based on at least one of the first information and the second information, and A wearable electronic device that outputs an electrical alarm signal corresponding to the alarm event through at least some of the plurality of first electrodes based on the above decision.

2. In Claim 1, The above first information is related to the skin condition of the user, and The above second information relates to the surrounding environment of the wearable electronic device, the wearable electronic device.

3. In Claim 1, The first surface of the housing corresponds to an inner side that is not exposed to the outside of the wearable electronic device when the wearable electronic device is worn, and A wearable electronic device in which the second surface of the housing corresponds to an outer side exposed to the outside of the wearable electronic device when the wearable electronic device is worn.

4. In Claim 1, The above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, so that the wearable electronic device: When an alarm output condition specified in relation to at least one of the first information and the second information is satisfied, the electrical alarm signal is output, and A wearable electronic device that omits the output of the electrical alarm signal when the above alarm output condition is not satisfied.

5. In Claim 4, The above alarm output conditions are, A wearable electronic device comprising a first condition indicating that the connection state between the first electrode and the second electrode is the lead-off state among the lead-on state and the lead-off state.

6. In Claim 5, The above alarm output conditions are, A second condition indicating that the connection state between the at least two first electrodes is the lead-on state among the lead-on state and the lead-off state; and A wearable electronic device further comprising at least one of a third condition indicating that the conductor is not in contact with the second electrode.

7. In Claim 1, The above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, so that the wearable electronic device: If a specified alarm non-output condition related to at least one of the first information and the second information is satisfied, the output of the electrical alarm signal is omitted, and A wearable electronic device that outputs the electrical alarm signal when the above alarm non-output condition is not satisfied.

8. In Claim 7, The above alarm non-output condition is, A wearable electronic device comprising a first condition indicating that the connection state between the first electrode and the second electrode is the lead-on state among the lead-on state and the lead-off state.

9. In Claim 8, The above alarm non-output condition is, A second condition indicating that the connection state between the at least two first electrodes is the lead-off state among the lead-on state and the lead-off state; and A wearable electronic device further comprising at least one of a third condition indicating that a conductor is in contact with the second electrode.

10. In Claim 1, The above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, so that the wearable electronic device: Identifying a first alarm signal corresponding to the above alarm event, and A second alarm signal is generated by adjusting the electrical characteristics of the first alarm signal based on at least one of the first information and the second information, and A wearable electronic device configured to output the second alarm signal through at least some of the plurality of first electrodes.

11. In a method of operating a wearable electronic device, Action to detect alarm events; An operation of acquiring first information indicating electrical characteristics between at least two first electrodes among a plurality of first electrodes disposed on a first surface of the wearable electronic device; An operation of acquiring second information representing electrical characteristics between one of the plurality of first electrodes and a second electrode disposed on a second surface of the wearable electronic device; An operation to determine whether to provide an alarm based on at least one of the first information and the second information; and A method comprising the operation of outputting an electrical alarm signal corresponding to the alarm event through at least some of the plurality of first electrodes based on the above decision.

12. In Claim 11, The first information above relates to the skin condition of a user wearing the wearable electronic device, and The above second information relates to the surrounding environment of the wearable electronic device, a method.

13. In Claim 11, The first surface corresponds to an inner side that is not exposed to the outside of the wearable electronic device when the wearable electronic device is worn, and A method in which the second surface corresponds to an outer side exposed to the outside of the wearable electronic device while the wearable electronic device is worn.

14. In Claim 11, The operation of outputting the electrical alarm signal corresponding to the above alarm event is, An operation of outputting the electrical alarm signal when a specified alarm output condition is satisfied in relation to at least one of the first information and the second information; and A method comprising the operation of omitting the output of the electrical alarm signal when the above alarm output condition is not satisfied.

15. In Claim 14, The above alarm output conditions are, A method comprising a first condition indicating that the connection state between the first electrode and the second electrode is the lead-off state among the lead-on state and the lead-off state.

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