Electronic Device Electrode Switching for Biometric Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices cannot simultaneously or continuously measure multiple biometric information types, such as PPG, GSR, and ECG, due to the need for users to manually switch between measurement states, making it inconvenient for users to obtain comprehensive biometric data.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a processor that selectively connects electrodes to touch sensors and biometric sensors based on user input, allowing for sequential or simultaneous measurement of multiple biometric information types through a predetermined sequence, enabling continuous data collection without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic device uses a single electrode connection for both touch sensing and biometric measurement, then the device structure is simplified, but the device cannot simultaneously or continuously measure multiple biometric information types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to measure multiple biometric information typesVSAvoidelectrode connection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching of electrode connections between touch sensor and biometric sensors based on measurement needs. The processor controls the connection state of electrodes to different sensors according to the type of measurement required, enabling the system to adapt between different measurement modes without requiring separate fixed connections for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The electrodes are designed to serve multiple functions by being selectively connectable to both the touch sensor and biometric sensors. This universal connection design allows the same physical electrodes to perform different measurement tasks (touch detection, PPG, GSR, ECG) by changing their connection target, thereby achieving multi-functionality without increasing physical component count.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the electronic device requires manual switching between measurement states, then the measurement accuracy for each biometric type can be maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenient user interaction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of biometric measurementVSAvoidtime for switching measurement states
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines the appropriate measurement mode and switches electrode connections without requiring manual user input. The processor monitors user actions (such as touching the display) and autonomously decides whether to perform touch sensing or biometric measurement, eliminating the need for users to manually switch between measurement states and reducing operational time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from user interactions (touch events, contact detection) to automatically trigger the appropriate measurement mode. By monitoring user actions and responding accordingly, the system seamlessly transitions between touch sensing and biometric measurement based on real-time conditions, improving ease of operation without sacrificing measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the electronic device continuously measures multiple biometric information types, then the productivity of data collection is improved, but the use of energy increases due to continuous operation of multiple sensors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverate of biometric data collectionVSAvoidenergy consumption of sensors
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs biometric measurements in periodic intervals rather than continuously, switching between different measurement types based on predetermined sequences and user actions. This periodic measurement approach allows the device to collect comprehensive biometric data over time while reducing energy consumption by keeping sensors inactive during non-measurement periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system measures biometric information in a predetermined sequence (e.g., PPG first, then GSR, then ECG) rather than simultaneously activating all sensors. This preliminary action approach ensures that measurements are completed in an organized manner, allowing the device to maximize data collection productivity while managing energy consumption by activating only the required sensors at each stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11160504B2Electronic device for measuring biometric information
Publication Date: 2021.11.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US11160504B2 patent drawing
  • US11160504B2 patent drawing
  • US11160504B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic device including a plurality of electrodes selectively connectable to a touch sensor or one or more biometric sensors; and a processor configured to receive a user input through the plurality of electrodes in a state in which the touch sensor and the plurality of electrodes are connected; perform an operation relating to the touch sensor when where the user input satisfies a first condition; connect the plurality of electrodes to the one or more biometric sensors when where the user input satisfies a second condition; and obtain a plurality of pieces of biometric information according to a pre-determined sequence through the plurality of electrodes connected with the one or more biometric sensors.