Earphone Impedance Sensing for Hands-Free Biometric Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices require users to perform special actions or make body contact with the device to collect biometric information, which can be burdensome, and are affected by environmental factors, making accurate data collection difficult.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device incorporating an earphone with a first impedance component, a signal generator, and a processor that outputs a detection signal for biometric information, such as heart rate and body temperature, using an ultrasonic AC signal, allowing for non-invasive collection without special user action.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If users perform special actions or make body contact to collect biometric information, then biometric data can be obtained, but user convenience deteriorates and operational burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiometric information accuracyVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The earphone automatically detects biometric information (heart rate, body temperature) through its impedance component without requiring any special user actions. The system performs self-service measurement by continuously monitoring electrical impedance changes that occur naturally during audio playback, eliminating the need for users to perform additional operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The earphone's impedance component serves dual functions: it acts as both an audio circuit element and a biometric sensor. The same electrical component used for audio signal processing also detects physiological changes in the user's ear canal, allowing one component to perform multiple functions and eliminating the need for separate sensing devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If traditional biometric collection methods are used, then biometric data can be obtained, but environmental factors interfere with measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiometric information accuracyVSAvoidenvironmental interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The earphone's impedance component acts as an intermediary sensor placed directly in the ear canal, isolating the measurement from external environmental factors. By measuring electrical impedance through the earphone's existing circuitry rather than using external contact sensors, the system eliminates interference from skin contact requirements and environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate biometric sensing devices are added to electronic devices, then biometric information can be collected, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiometric sensing capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The earphone's impedance component performs both its traditional audio function and serves as a biometric sensor. By reusing the existing electrical component for dual purposes, the patent adds biometric sensing capability without adding separate sensing hardware, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the audio signal processing function and biometric sensing function into a single integrated system. The impedance component that is inherently part of the audio circuit is combined with signal processing algorithms to extract biometric information, eliminating the need for separate sensing devices and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables efficient and accurate biometric data collection without user effort, while maintaining audio functionality and reducing environmental interference.

Implementation Method 1

an earphone including a first impedance component, a signal generator configured to output a first alternating current (AC) signal, a first circuit including at least one first analog device having an impedance component electrically coupled to the first impedance component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpedance variation: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Implementation Method 2

The first AC signal may include a frequency in an ultrasonic range. The first AC signal may include a frequency of 20 kilohertz (kHz) to 40 kHz

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS11344206B2Electronic device including earphone, and method of controlling the electronic device

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes an earphone including a first impedance component, a signal generator configured to output a first alternating current (AC) signal, a first circuit including at least one first analog device having an impedance component electrically coupled to the first impedance component, and configured to receive the first AC signal and output a first detection signal including a voltage component corresponding to the first impedance component, and at least one processor configured to generate at least one piece of biometric information, based on the first detection signal, and output the at least one piece of biometric information.