This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0015635, filed on Feb. 8, 2018, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to an electronic device. For example, certain embodiments relate to a biological signal measurement device including a measurement module detachably provided on an attachment pad.
Biological signals such as heart rate, heart rhythm, electrocardiogram (ECG), photoplethysmography (PPG), blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, blood glucose, and body heat may be used as various indexes for predicting information about the health status of a user (or a patient). Such information based on biological signals can be variously utilized not only for a patient's medical treatment purposes, but also for healthcare purposes. An electronic device attached to a user's body can be utilized to detect biological signals such as heart rate, heart rhythm, electrocardiogram (ECG), and photoplethysmogram (PPG).
In an embodiment, such a measurement device or electronic device may have a structure in which a circuit device and measurement electrodes (e.g., electrodes that are in contact with the user's body) are integrated in the form of a single module so as to be attached to the user's body. However, a measurement device in which a circuit device and measurement electrodes are integrated in the form of a single module may be limited in its ability to ensure a sufficient interval between the electrodes. For example, taking into consideration the bending of the user's body, as the measurement electrodes are disposed closer to each other, the measurement device can be more easily attached to the user's body. However, since measurement sites are closer to each other as the measurement electrodes are disposed closer to each other, the accuracy of the detected biological signal may be reduced. For example, a measurement device in which a circuit device and measurement electrodes are integrated into one module may be limited in ensuring measurement accuracy while miniaturizing the measurement device.
In another embodiment, the biological signal measurement device may have a structure in which a plurality of measurement electrodes attached to the user's body are disposed on the respective ones of a plurality of pads attached to the user's body and a circuit device is embedded in a snap structure that connects the plurality of pads. This structure may be advantageous in that it is easy to attach the structure to the user's body and in that it is possible to secure a certain interval between measurement electrodes. However, since the snap structure is disposed at a considerable height from the user's body, the measurement device may be uncomfortable for the user in the attached state.
In another embodiment, the biological signal measurement device may have a plurality of pads, each of which is provided with the measuring electrode(s), and each of the pads may be connected to the circuit device via conducting wire(s). In the measurement device having this structure, each pad can be easily attached to the user's body, and the number, the attachment positions, and the like of the measurement electrodes may be determined somewhat freely, which may allow the measurement device to have a high degree of accuracy in measurement. However, the structure of connecting a measurement electrode of the pad to the circuit device through conducting wire(s) is cumbersome to carry and is capable of being utilized in limited environments, such as a medical institution or a fitness center.
In some embodiments, the measurement device may include an attachment pad so that it can be attached to the user's body. Such an attachment pad should be generally discarded and replaced after being used once in consideration of hygiene and the like, but the measurement electrode or the like may be damaged in the process of replacing the attachment pad.
Certain embodiments are capable of providing an electronic device such as a biological signal measurement device, in which it is easy to replace an attachment pad and in which it is possible to prevent the measurement electrode(s) from being damaged in the replacement process.
Certain embodiments are capable of providing an electronic device such as a biological signal measurement device capable of improving the accuracy of biological signal measurement by ensuring sufficient space between the measurement electrodes while being miniaturized.
Certain embodiments are capable of providing an electronic device such as a biological signal measurement device, which is easy to carry so as to be capable of measuring a biological signal in various environments.
According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device is disclosed including a housing, a plurality of electrodes disposed on one face of the housing, at least one processor, and memory storing programming instructions executable by the at least one processor to cause the electronic device to: in response to receiving a request for an electrocardiogram measurement, detect a first signal using a first electrode and a fourth electrode from among the plurality of electrodes, detect a second signal using a second electrode and the fourth electrode, detect a third signal using a third electrode and the fourth electrode, and storing in the memory the first signal and the second signal as a first biological signal, the second signal and the third signal as a second biological signal and the third signal and the first signal as a third biological signal in association with the requested electrocardiogram measurement.
According to certain embodiments, an attachment pad for a biological signal measurement device is disclosed, the attachment pad including a pad body including a coupling portion for coupling to a module housing or a measurement module, and extension portions each extending away from the coupling portion, a coupling member provided in the coupling portion and disposed on a first face of the pad body, a plurality of terminals disposed in the coupling member and a plurality of measurement electrodes, each measurement electrode disposed on each of the extension portions respectively, each of the extension portions disposed on a second face of the pad body oriented away from the first face of the pad body, wherein each of the measurement electrodes is electrically connected to one of the plurality of terminals. According to certain embodiments, an electronic device or a biological signal measurement device is configured to detachably attach a measurement module and an attachment pad using magnetic force. Thus, the attachment pad can be easily replaced while stably maintaining the coupled state. According to certain embodiments, the attachment pad can be fabricated or deformed into various shapes while securing a sufficient interval between the measurement electrodes. Thus, the attachment pad can be easily attached to the user's body. For example, it is possible to increase the accuracy of biological signal measurement by securing a sufficient interval between the measurement electrodes while miniaturizing the measurement module. According to certain embodiments, since the measurement module is miniaturized, carrying the measurement module is convenient. Further, it is possible to measure a biological signal by selecting an attachment pad having an appropriate shape according to the user's need.
The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
As the present disclosure allows for various changes and numerous embodiments, some example embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments, but the present disclosure includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the present disclosure.
Although ordinal terms such as “first” and “second” may be used to describe various elements, these elements are not limited by the terms. The terms are used merely for the purpose to distinguish an element from the other elements. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element could be also termed a first element without departing from the present disclosure. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more associated items.
Further, the relative terms “a front surface”, “a rear surface”, “a top surface”, “a bottom surface”, and the like which are described with respect to the orientation in the drawings may be replaced by ordinal numbers such as first and second. In the ordinal numbers such as first and second, their order are determined in the mentioned order or arbitrarily and may not be arbitrarily changed if necessary.
In the present disclosure, the terms are used to describe specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the description, it should be understood that the terms “include” or “have” indicate existence of a feature, a number, a step, an operation, a structural element, parts, or a combination thereof, and do not previously exclude the existences or probability of addition of one or more another features, numeral, steps, operations, structural elements, parts, or combinations thereof.
Unless defined differently, all terms used herein, which include technical terminologies or scientific terminologies, have the same meaning as that understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Such terms as those defined in a generally used dictionary are to be interpreted to have the meanings equal to the contextual meanings in the relevant field of art, and are not to be interpreted to have ideal or excessively formal meanings unless clearly defined in the present specification.
In the present disclosure, an electronic device may be a random device, and the electronic device may be called a terminal, a portable terminal, a mobile terminal, a communication terminal, a portable communication terminal, a portable mobile terminal, a touch screen or the like.
For example, the electronic device may be a smartphone, a portable phone, a game player, a TV, a display unit, a heads-up display unit for a vehicle, a notebook computer, a laptop computer, a tablet Personal Computer (PC), a Personal Media Player (PMP), a Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), and the like. The electronic device may be implemented as a portable communication terminal which has a wireless communication function and a pocket size. Further, the electronic device may be a flexible device or a flexible display device.
The electronic device may communicate with an external electronic device, such as a server or the like, or perform an operation through an interworking with the external electronic device. For example, the electronic device may transmit an image photographed by a camera and/or position information detected by a sensor unit to the server through a network. The network may be a mobile or cellular communication network, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), an Internet, a Small Area Network (SAN) or the like, but is not limited thereto.
The processor 120 may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device 101 coupled with the processor 120, and may perform various data processing or computation. According to an embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor 120 may load a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module 176 or the communication module 190) in volatile memory 132, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory 132, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory 134. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), and an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor 121. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor 121.
The auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display device 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) among the components of the electronic device 101, instead 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 state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module 180 or the communication module 190) functionally related to the auxiliary processor 123.
The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor 120 or the sensor module 176) of the electronic device 101. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program 140) and input data or output data for a command related thererto. The memory 130 may include the volatile memory 132 or the non-volatile memory 134. The non-volatile memory may include internal memory 136 and external memory 138.
The program 140 may be stored in the memory 130 as software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142, middleware 144, or an application 146.
The input device 150 may receive a command or data to be used by other component (e.g., the processor 120) of the electronic device 101, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101. The input device 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).
The sound output device 155 may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output device 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record, and the receiver may be used for an incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.
The display device 160 may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101. The display device 160 may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment, the display device 160 may include touch circuitry adapted to detect a touch, or sensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch.
The audio module 170 may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 may obtain the sound via the input device 150, or output the sound via the sound output device 155 or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device 101.
The sensor module 176 may detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device 101, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.
The interface 177 may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device 101 to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment, the interface 177 may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.
A connecting terminal 178 may include a connector via which the electronic device 101 may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102). According to an embodiment, the connecting terminal 178 may include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).
The haptic module 179 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via his tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.
The camera module 180 may capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.
The power management module 188 may manage power supplied to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).
The battery 189 may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the battery 189 may include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.
The communication module 190 may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102, the electronic device 104, or the server 108) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor 120 (e.g., the application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module 190 may include a wireless communication module 192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module 192 may identify and authenticate the electronic device 101 in a communication network, such as the first network 198 or the second network 199, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 196.
The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include an antenna including a radiating element implemented by a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., PCB). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas. In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first network 198 or the second network 199, may be selected, for example, by the communication module 190 (e.g., the wireless communication module 192) from the plurality of antennas. The signal or the power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module 197.
At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutually and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).
According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 via the server 108 coupled with the second network 199. Each of the electronic devices 102 and 104 may be a device of a same type as, or a different type, from the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device 101 may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices 102, 104, or 108. For example, if the electronic device 101 should perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may provide the outcome, with or without further processing of the outcome, as at least part of a reply to the request. To that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology may be used, for example.
The biological signal measurement device 200 may include some or all of the components including, for example, the electronic device 101 of
According to certain embodiments, the control unit 201 may include a Main Control Unit (MCU) 211, a battery monitor 213, and an Analog Front End (AFE) 215. The control unit 211 may include, for example, the processor 120 of
According to certain embodiments, the power supply unit 202 may include a battery 221 and at least one regulator 223 (e.g., regulator 1 and regulator 2), and in some embodiments, may include the power management module 188 and the battery 189 of
According to certain embodiments, the control unit 211 and the power supply unit 202 may be embedded in substantially one housing (e.g., the module housing 301 illustrated in
According to certain embodiments, the mounting unit 231a may provide an implement for attaching the biological signal measurement device 200 to the body of a user or a patient, and may be in direct contact with the user's body so as to transmit a current or voltage signal to the control unit 211 (e.g., the AFE 215). For example, the mounting unit 231a may include an electrode(s) 231b in contact with the user's body, and the electrode 231b (e.g., a measurement electrode or a third wiring electrode 831c in
According to certain embodiments, the control unit 211 may generate information on the electrocardiogram, the heartbeat, and the like of the user to whom the biological signal measurement device 200 is attached on the basis of the digital signal received through the AFE 215. In some embodiments, information (e.g., first measurement information) generated by the control unit 211 may be stored in the storage unit 233a. For example, the storage unit 233a may store information generated by the control unit 211 by including a memory 233b (e.g., the memory 130 in
According to certain embodiments, the information generated by the control unit 211 or the information stored in the storage unit 233a may be transmitted to another electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102 in
According to certain embodiments, the display unit 237a may output information on the state of the biological signal measurement device 200 under the control of the control unit 211, for example. According to an embodiment, the display unit 237a is capable of visually displaying the remaining charge of the battery, the state of attachment to the user's body (e.g., whether or not a biological signal is detectable), whether or not communication with another electronic device or the like is possible, and the like by including a light source (e.g., a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) 237b). For example, the LED 237b may provide various kinds of information to the user through the color, the blinking period, and the like of the output light. Although not illustrated, the display unit 237a may output various kinds of information through a speaker (e.g., the sound output device 155 in
According to certain embodiments, the measurement unit 239a is capable of measuring a motion (e.g., an amount of motion) of a user who wears or attaches an electronic device (e.g., the biological signal measurement device 200). For example, the measurement unit 239a may include at least an accelerometer 239b, and in some embodiments, the measurement unit 239a may include a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or a humidity sensor (e.g., the sensor module 176 in
Referring to
According to certain embodiments, the bottom face of the module housing 301 (e.g., the face facing the attachment pad 302) may be formed generally flat, and the upper face may be formed in a domed shape. For example, the module housing 301 is capable of accommodating the above-described control unit, power supply unit, and the like therein by forming a dome-shaped internal space. According to an embodiment, the module housing 301 may include an operation unit 311a configured to operate a switch device (or the like) of a power supply unit (e.g., the power supply unit 202 in
According to certain embodiments, the attachment pad 302 may include a pad body 321 made of a flexible sheet or the like, and a coupling member 323 provided on one face of the pad body 321. The coupling member 323 may enclose at least a part of the module housing 301, such as, for example, the bottom face of the module housing 301. For example, the coupling member 323 may include a substantially circular fence shape protruding from the one face of the pad body 321, so that the module housing 301 can provide a degree of fixing force while guiding coupling.
According to certain embodiments, the biological signal measurement device 300 may include an alignment key structure to set a direction in which the module housing 301 couples to the attachment pad 302. For example when the module housing 301 is aligned in a predetermined direction relative to the attachment pad 302, the module housing may be stably coupled to the attachment pad 302 (e.g., the coupling member 323). In some embodiments, the alignment key structure may be configured to include a combination of a first alignment key (e.g., a first alignment key 633 of
According to certain embodiments, an adhesive may be applied to the other face of the pad body 321 (e.g., the face opposite the face on which the coupling member 323 is disposed). For example, the other face of the pad body 321 (e.g., the bottom face of the pad body 321, which is not visible in
According to certain embodiments, the module housing 301, or at least the bottom face of the module housing 301, may have a regular polygonal or circular shape in plan view. The shape of the module housing is capable of providing an environment in which a larger number of electrodes (e.g., electrodes for biological signal detection or electric signal transmission) is capable of being disposed in a limited area (e.g., the area of the bottom face of the module housing 301). In biological signal detection, as the number of electrodes is increased, the accuracy of measurement can be increased. For example, when at least a pair of electrodes among the plurality of electrodes is in contact with the user's body, it is possible to detect biological signals through the corresponding electrodes. In some embodiments, when a plurality of respective electrodes are in contact with the user's body, two arbitrarily selected electrodes may be set as leads. For example, when three electrodes are used for biological signal measurement, three pairs of electrode combinations (e.g., leads) are possible, and the accuracy of the detected information is capable of being diversified or improved by detecting biological signals through each electrode combination.
According to certain embodiments, the electrodes disposed in the module housing 301 are capable of providing a path for transmitting a voltage or current signal or the like substantially corresponding to a detected biological signal, and a measurement electrode(s) that come in contact with the user's body may be provided on the attachment pad (e.g., on the other face of the pad body 321). For example, the measurement electrodes may be electrically connected to the module housing 301 through wires provided inside the pad body 321 or the coupling member 323. Since the pad body 321 is capable of being flexibly deformed corresponding to the bending of the body, it is possible to provide an environment in which a sufficient interval can be secured between the measurement electrodes. The arrangement of the measurement electrodes, the electrical connection structure to the module housing 301, and the like will be described in more detail with reference to
Referring to
According to certain embodiments, the outer face of the first case member 401a may form the bottom face of the measurement module 400, and the first case member 401a may include a plurality of first openings 413a in order to expose the first to fourth electrodes 431a to 431d disposed therein. A stepped face 413b may be formed around the first openings 413a, and may be disposed on the inner face I of the first case member 401a. Further, the edges of the first to fourth electrodes 431a to 431d may be fixed to the stepped faces 413b. For example, the first to fourth electrodes 431a to 431d may be mounted on or fixed to the inner face I of the first case member 401a, and may be exposed to the outside of the measurement module 400 through the first openings 413a. In some embodiments, the first to fourth electrodes 431a to 431d may be positioned at least in part to be substantially coplanar with the outer face of the first case member 401a. In other embodiments, the first to fourth electrodes 431a to 431d may actually protrude from the outer face of the first case member 401a by a predetermined height.
According to certain embodiments, the second case member 401b may include an operation unit 411a (e.g., the operation unit 311a in
According to certain embodiments, the measurement module 400 may include a support member 421, and a circuit board 423 disposed inside the second case member 401b. In an embodiment, the circuit board 423 is fixed on or above the inner face of the second case member 401b via the support member 421. The circuit device (s) of the measurement module 400 may be mounted or disposed on the circuit board 423. According to an embodiment, the support member 421 may include a support structure on which the circuit board 423 is supported or fixed, and although not illustrated in the drawings, a battery (e.g., the battery 189 or 221 in
According to certain embodiments, the biological signal measurement device (e.g., the biological signal measurement device 300 in
According to certain embodiments, the switch member 425a may include a dome switch, a tact switch, or a touch sensor, and may be disposed to correspond to the operation unit 411a. For example, when the user operates the operation unit 411a, the switch member 425a may generate an on/off signal of the measurement module 400. According to the settings of the control unit or the memory (e.g., the control unit 201 or the storage unit 233a in
According to certain embodiments, the light-emitting element or device 425b is an example of an output device that substantially forms the display unit 237a in
According to certain embodiments, the second case member 401b may be coupled to face the first case member 401a in the state in which the support member 421 or the circuit board 423 is accommodated therein. For example, the space in which the circuit board 423 is accommodated may be substantially sealed by the first case member 401a and the second case member 401b. According to an embodiment, when coupling the first case member 401a and the second case member 401b, a fastening member such as a screw is fastened from the first case member 401a to sequentially penetrate the circuit board 423 and the support member 421 so as to be bound to the inner face of the second case member 401b. According to another embodiment, in the state in which the first case member 401a and the second case member 401b are coupled to each other, the first to fourth electrodes 431a to 431d may be positioned to face at least a part of the circuit board 423. Although not illustrated, the first to fourth electrodes 431a to 431d may be electrically connected to a circuit device (e.g., the AFE 215 in
According to certain embodiments, the measurement module 400 is capable of blocking the introduction of foreign matter, moisture, or the like into the inner space (e.g., the inner space of the module housing 301 in
According to an embodiment, the measurement module 400 may include a permanent magnet (e.g., a permanent magnet 535 in
Referring to
According to certain embodiments, the first electrode plate 533 may be formed of a magnetic substance (e.g., stainless steel), and the permanent magnet 535 may be affixed or otherwise secured in the accommodation recess 533a, even if no separate fixing or attachment implemented is provided. For example, the permanent magnet 535 may be attached or fixed to the first electrode plate 533 or the accommodation recess 533a by magnetic force. In another embodiment, the electrode 503 may more stably fix the permanent magnet 535 in the accommodation recess 533a by further including a second electrode plate 537 coupled to the inner face of the first electrode plate 533. The second electrode plate 537 may be made of a magnetic substance as to be coupled to the first electrode plate 533 through the permanent magnet 535. In some embodiments, the second electrode plate 537 may be directly coupled to the inner face of the first electrode plate 533 as to close the accommodation recess 533a and fix the permanent magnet 535.
According to certain embodiments, the electrode(s) 503 may be mounted on the inner face I of the case member 501 (e.g., the first case member 401a in
According to certain embodiments, a biological signal measurement device (e.g., the biological signal measurement device 300 in
According to certain embodiments, since the permanent magnets 535 are disposed in the electrodes 503, the structure of the measurement module (e.g., the module housing 301 in
In a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, a structure using magnetic force (e.g., the permanent magnet 535) as an implement for coupling the measurement module to the attachment pad is disclosed, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The measurement module may be combined with the attachment pad through, for example, a snap-fit structure using a combination of a hook (or an elastic body) and a recess, a structure in which a lock-releasing button is combined with the snap-fit structure, and a rotational coupling structure (e.g., screw-coupling). As described above, the coupling structure between a measurement module and an attachment pad (e.g., the module housing 301 and the attachment pad 302 in
Referring to
According to certain embodiments, a polygon may be formed by combining straight lines drawn to connect two adjacent electrodes among the first to fourth electrodes 631a to 631d. For example, each of the first to fourth electrodes 631a to 631d illustrated in
As mentioned above, the number and arrangement of the first to fourth electrodes 631a to 631d may vary. However, considering that the measurement module 600 has a rigid structure and is attached to the user's body, the area of the measurement module 600 (e.g., the area of the face on which the first to fourth electrodes 631a to 631d are disposed) may be limited. Therefore, the number of electrodes, and the arrangement of the first to fourth electrodes 631a to 631d may be appropriately selected in consideration of the area of the portion of the measurement module 600 (or the biological signal measurement device including the measurement module 600) that can be stably attached to the user's body.
According to certain embodiments, four electrodes (e.g., the first to fourth electrodes 631a to 631d) are disposed, and a pair of arbitrarily selected electrodes among the first to fourth electrodes 631a to 631d may be combined to detect a biological signal. For example, the first to fourth electrodes 631a to 631d are defined as an RL (Right Leg) electrode (e.g., the fourth electrode 631d), an LA (Left Arm) electrode (e.g., the first electrode 631a), an RA (Right Arm) electrode (e.g., the second electrode 631b), and an LL (Left Leg) electrode (e.g., the third angle 631c), the RL electrode may be utilized as a reference electrode, and each of an LL-RA electrode pair, an RA-LA electrode pair, and an LA-LL electrode pair may form a lead that detects a biological signal. In some embodiments, at least one of the electrode pairs listed above may detect a biological signal.
According to certain embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., a processor (e.g., processor 120 of
According to certain embodiments, some of the electrode pairs listed above may detect a biological signal, and the remaining electrode pairs may output a current signal or the like that stimulates the body. The “current signal that stimulates the body” may be provided for a treatment purpose. In another embodiment, when the “current signal that stimulates the body” may interfere with biological signal detection, current signals for biological signal detection and body stimulation may be alternatively or periodically alternately output.
In the embodiment, although it is described that “the first to fourth electrodes of the measurement module detect a biological signal”, it is noted that the first to fourth electrodes 631a to 631d are substantially a part of a path for transmitting a voltage or current signal corresponding to a detected biological signal. For example, a measurement electrode(s) (e.g., a third wiring electrode 831c in
According to certain embodiments, the first alignment key 633 may establish a direction for coupling the measurement module 600 to an attachment pad (e.g., the attachment pad 302 in
According to certain embodiments, the first alignment key 633 and the corresponding second alignment key may be provided in various shapes and positions. For example, the first alignment key 633 of the measurement module 600 may be formed in a recess shape, and the second alignment key formed on the coupling member may be formed in a protrusion shape. In another embodiment, the first alignment key 633 or the second alignment key may have a right-triangular shape. In another embodiment, when the first face of the measurement module 600 is a regular polygonal or circular shape, the first alignment key 633 may be positioned at any location other than the center (e.g., a position indicated by “P1”, “P2”, or “P3” on the first face of the measurement module 600). In another embodiment, when each of the first to fourth electrodes 631a to 631d is connected to any of the third wiring electrodes 831c of
As described with reference to
According to certain embodiments, the coupling member 701 may further include first to fourth terminals 731a to 731d, which correspond to the respective ones of the first to fourth electrodes (e.g., the first to fourth electrodes 431a to 431d in
According to certain embodiments, the seating plate 711 may be formed in a shape corresponding to at least a portion (e.g., the bottom face) of the measurement module (e.g., the measurement module 400 in
According to certain embodiments, second openings 713 may be formed through the seating plate 711 in the space in which the measurement module is accommodated. The second openings 713 may be formed substantially at positions corresponding to the first to fourth electrodes (e.g., the first to fourth electrodes 431a to 431d in
According to certain embodiments, the first to fourth terminals 731a-731d may be disposed in one of the second openings 713, respectively. For example, a plurality of the first to fourth terminals 731a to 731d may be mounted on the bottom face of the seating plate 711 to be exposed to the space in which the measurement module is accommodated through the second openings 713. In an embodiment, the first to fourth terminals 731a to 731d may be mounted on the seating plate 711 via other adhesive members to close the second openings 713. For example, the first to fourth terminals 731a to 731d may be mounted on the seating plate 711 via other adhesive members to form waterproofing structures on the second openings 713. In another embodiment, when the measurement module (e.g., the measurement module 400 in
According to certain embodiments, the first to fourth terminals 731a to 731d may include a conductive material or a magnetic substance. As described above, each of the first to fourth terminals 731a to 731d may be made of a conductive material, and may be in electrical contact with one of the electrodes of the measurement module (e.g., the first to fourth electrodes 431a to 431d in
According to certain embodiments, the second adhesive member 721 may be formed of a piece of double-sided tape or the adhesive applied to the bottom face of the seating plate 711. The second adhesive member 721 may attach the seating plate 711 to a pad body (e.g., the pad body 321 in
Referring to
According to certain embodiments, the base sheet 801a is a flexible sheet that substantially forms the outer shape of the pad body 801, and conceals the measurement electrode(s) or the wiring structure so as to prevent the electrodes from being exposed to an external environment. In some embodiments, a second adhesive member 821 (e.g., the second adhesive member 721 in
According to certain embodiments, the plurality of adhesive layers may include a first adhesive layer 801b and a second adhesive layer 801c. In an embodiment, the first adhesive layer 801b may include a piece of double-sided tape directly attached to the bottom face of the base sheet 801a. The above-mentioned wiring structure (e.g., a second wiring electrode 831b to be described later) and the like may be at least partially fixed between the base sheet 801a and the first adhesive layer 801b. In another embodiment, the second adhesive layer 801c may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive applied to the first adhesive layer 801b, and may directly attach the pad body 801 or a biological signal measurement device (e.g., the biological signal measurement device 300) to the user's body. For example, the second adhesive layer 801c may be an adhesive layer so as to be in direct contact with the user's body.
According to certain embodiments, the pad body 801 may further include a low-adhesion protective film 822. The low-adhesion protective film 822 is a film attached to the second adhesive layer 801c and is capable of preventing the second adhesive layer 801c from becoming polluted during the course of manufacturing, circulating, or storing the pad body 801 or the attachment pad 800. For example, when the attachment pad 800 is actually used, the low-adhesion protective film 822 may be removed from the pad body.
According to certain embodiments, in a plan view, the pad body 801 may include a coupling portion 811a and extension portions 811b. According to an embodiment, the coupling portion 811a means the region in which a coupling member (e.g., the coupling member 701 in
According to certain embodiments, the wiring structure may include first wiring electrodes 831a and second wiring electrodes 831b, and is capable of electrically connecting the measurement electrode(s) (e.g., a third wiring electrode 831c to be described later) to a measurement module (e.g., the measurement module 400 in
According to certain embodiments, when the measurement module (e.g., the measurement module 400 in
According to certain embodiments, the measurement electrode(s) provided in the pad body 801 may include the third wiring electrodes 831c, which are respectively provided at the ends of the second wiring electrodes 831b. The third wiring electrodes 831c may be exposed to the outside on a second face directed away from the first face F1 of the pad body 801 (e.g., on the second adhesive layer 801c). For example, the third wiring electrodes 831c may be exposed to the outside of the attachment pad 800 or the pad body 801 in a direction different from that of the first terminal 731a, the second terminal 731b, the third terminal 731c, or the fourth terminal 731d (e.g., the opposite direction) in
According to certain embodiments, when the second adhesive layer 801c is attached to the user's body (skin), the third wiring electrode(s) 831c may be in direct contact with the user's body. The third wiring electrode(s) 831c may be made of a conductive hydrogel and may stably maintain contact with the user's body. In an embodiment, a biological signal may be detected by the third wiring electrode(s) 831c and may be transmitted to a measurement module (e.g., the first to fourth electrodes 431a to 431d in
According to certain embodiments, since the third wiring electrodes 831c are disposed on the respective ones of the extension portions 811b, the third wiring electrodes 831c may be arranged with a interval therebetween that is larger than the first wiring electrodes 831a located in the coupling portion 811a or the first to fourth electrodes 631a to 631d of
Referring to
According to certain embodiments, the attachment pad(s) may include at least one slit 911 so as to be stably attached to a bending portion of a body. For example, the slit(s) 911 may improve the flexibility of the attachment pad(s) 900. In some embodiments, the area of the attachment pad 900 (e.g., the pad body 801 in
As described above, according to certain embodiments, in the biological signal measurement device (e.g., the biological signal measurement device 300 in
Hereinafter, a biological signal measurement method using an electronic device according to certain embodiments (e.g., the biological signal measurement device 300 in
Referring to
According to certain embodiments, receiving an input or request for a measurement (1501) includes an operation in which a processor (e.g., the processor 120 in
According to certain embodiments, a signal (1502) may be sensed as generated from the body of a user or a patient on the basis of at least a request for measurement, using the first to fourth electrodes (e.g., the first to fourth electrodes 631a to 631d in
According to certain embodiments, a biological signal may be determined through a combination of sensed signals (1503), including determining sensed first to third signals as a biological signal associated with the electrocardiogram. Further referring to
According to certain embodiments, the fourth electrode 631d is provided as a reference electrode for the first electrode 631a, the second electrode 631b, or the third electrode 631c, and the first biological signal may be determined by mutual comparison or by the combination of the signals sensed substantially through the first electrode 631a and the second electrode 631b (with reference to the potential of the fourth electrode 631d). For example, the first biological signal may be determined on the basis of the signal(s) sensed through the electrode pair or the lead including of the first electrode 631a and the second electrode 631b. In some embodiments, the second biological signal may be determined on the basis of the signal(s) sensed through the electrode pair or the lead including of the second electrode 631b and the third electrode 631c. In another embodiment, the third biological signal may be determined on the basis of the signal(s) sensed through the electrode pair or the lead including of the third electrode 631c and the first electrode 631a.
According to certain embodiments, the operation of storing a biological signal (1504) is the operation of storing a biological signal in a memory (e.g., the memory 130 in
According to certain embodiments, a biological signal measurement device or an electronic device (e.g., the biological signal measurement device 300 in
According to certain embodiments, the electronic device may further include an attachment pad (the attachment pad 302 in
According to certain embodiments, the attachment pad may include an elastic material.
According to certain embodiments, the attachment pad may further include a coupling member (e.g., the coupling member 323 in
According to certain embodiments, the attachment pad may further include a coupling member coupled to one face of the housing by magnetic force, and the first terminal, the second terminal, the third terminal, or the fourth terminal may be arranged in the coupling member.
According to certain embodiments, the attachment pad may further include: first wiring electrodes (e.g., the first wiring electrodes 831a in
On the attachment pad, the third wiring electrodes may be exposed in a direction different from a direction of the first terminal, the second terminal, the third terminal, or the fourth terminal.
According to certain embodiments, an arrangement interval of the third electrodes may be larger than an arrangement interval of the first terminal, the second terminal, the third terminal, and the fourth terminal.
According to certain embodiments, the third wiring electrodes may be formed of a conductive hydrogel.
According to certain embodiments, the attachment pad may further include an adhesive layer (the second adhesive layer 801c in
According to certain embodiments, the attachment pad may further include a coupling member coupled to the housing by magnetic force, a coupling portion in which the coupling member (e.g., the coupling portion 811a in
According to certain embodiments, a first face of the housing may have a circular shape, and the first electrodes may be arranged at equal angular intervals in a circumferential direction on the first face of the housing.
According to certain embodiments, the electronic device may further include at least one first alignment key (e.g., the first alignment key 633 in
According to certain embodiments, at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode may include: a first electrode plate (e.g., the first electrode plate 533 in
In the outer face of the first electrode plate, a region corresponding to the accommodation recess is exposed to a first face of the housing (e.g., the housing 601 in
According to certain embodiments, the flange may be attached or fixed to the inner face of the housing.
According to certain embodiments, the permanent magnet may be fixed in the accommodation recess by magnetic force.
According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, an attachment pad (e.g., the attachment pad 800 in
Each of the measurement electrodes may be electrically connected to one of the terminals.
According to certain embodiments, the coupling member may include at least one alignment key protruding from or recessed into a face on which the terminals are arranged.
According to certain embodiments, the pad body may further include at least one slit disposed at an edge of at least one of the extension portions.
According to certain embodiments, the terminals may generate an attractive force of magnetic force when the terminals are positioned adjacent to the permanent magnet.
According to certain embodiments, the measurement electrodes may be formed of a conductive hydrogel, and the interval between the measurement electrodes may be larger than the interval between the terminals.
In the foregoing detailed description, specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. However, it will be evident to a person ordinarily skilled in the art that various modifications may be made without departing from the present disclosure. For example, although a specific embodiment discloses a biological signal measurement device, the attachment pad for a biological signal measurement device may also be utilized for a treatment purpose such as low-frequency treatment.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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10-2018-0015635 | Feb 2018 | KR | national |