Wearable Electrode Segmentation for Continuous Biometric Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable electronic devices face limitations in maintaining continuous health information collection and accuracy due to the need for detachment during charging, which disrupts biometric data acquisition and reduces the reliability of long-term health monitoring.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with at least two front electrodes that allows for continuous health information acquisition and charging without detachment, using a wired or wireless charging cradle, and a processor that adjusts data acquisition methods based on charging status to ensure uninterrupted biometric data collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the electronic device is detached from the user's body for charging, then charging can be performed, but health information cannot be measured during charging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging capabilityVSAvoidhealth information continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electrode system into multiple independent electrodes (first electrode and second electrode) positioned at different locations on the device. This segmentation allows different electrodes to serve different functions simultaneously - some electrodes can be used for charging while others maintain contact with the user's body for health monitoring, resolving the contradiction between charging and continuous health information collection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of information

If the electronic device is worn on the user's body for health monitoring, then biometric information can be collected, but charging cannot be performed without detachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehealth information continuityVSAvoidcharging capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the electrodes universal by enabling them to serve multiple functions. The same electrodes that are used for health monitoring can also be used for charging, or different electrodes can be allocated for different functions. This multi-functionality allows the device to maintain health monitoring capability while simultaneously performing charging operations without requiring detachment.

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

3Duration of action of moving object

If the measurement period is extended to maximize usage time, then battery lifespan is improved, but accuracy of health information deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusage timeVSAvoidhealth information accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent ensures continuous health information collection by maintaining electrode contact with the user's body throughout the entire usage period, including during charging. The segmented electrode system allows one electrode to be used for charging while another continues health monitoring, eliminating gaps in measurement and ensuring both long usage time and continuous accurate data collection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3533212B1Electronic device and operating method thereof
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3533212B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3533212B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3533212B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device that can be worn on a user's body and an operating method thereof is disclosed. An electrode for charging and measuring is included in a front side of the electronic device. The electronic device includes a battery, a charging circuit for charging the battery, a bio-sensor, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine whether the battery is being charged through the charging circuit. If the battery is not being charged, the processor is configured to acquire biometric information by using a first method through the bio-sensor, and if the battery is being charged, the processor is configured to acquire the biometric information by using a second method through the bio-sensor.