Electronic device and controlling method thereof

Disclosed are an electronic device and operating method thereof. The present invention includes recognizing an electrode initially in contact with the user's body part among a plurality of electrodes as a first pair, recognizing the rest of the electrodes contacted with the user's body as a second pair, measuring a current flowing between the recognized first and second pairs, determining a biometric information of the user based on the measured current and load, and outputting the determined biometric information.

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Application No. 10-2016-0096675, filed on Jul. 29, 2016, the contents of which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an electronic device, and more particularly, to an electronic device and controlling method thereof. Although the present invention is suitable for a wide scope of applications, it is particularly suitable for measuring various biometric information.

Discussion of the Related Art

A healthcare device is a device capable of measuring various biometric informations related to health at a place (e.g., home, gym, office, etc.) that can be easily accessed by users. Such a healthcare device is devised to provide biometric information helpful to health management variously and accurately. And, wide-ranging products including a device for simply providing numerical values, a device for providing details based on the measured numerical values and the like have been released.

Recently, a healthcare device is combined with IoT (Internet of Things), thereby providing biometric information measured by the healthcare device to other devices of a user. Hence, the healthcare device or a terminal connected to the healthcare device can record user's biometric information and may further provide additional health information. Particularly, healthcare appcessories capable of providing a user with special experiences and services by being connected to applications of a terminal are leading the recent appcessory craze.

However, usability of the healthcare device is enhanced so far, whereas utilization or accessibility of the healthcare device is increasingly enhanced. For instance, it is still inconvenient for a user of the healthcare device to use the healthcare device in a manner of standing in position determined by the healthcare device or working on a determined posture. If the user fails to use the healthcare device in the determined position or the determined posture, it may cause a problem that biometric information cannot be measured.

Moreover, as the healthcare device tends to be equipped with a physical key for the design matter or the simple configuration, when a user uses the healthcare device, it is inconvenient for the user to use a separate connected terminal or other manipulating means in order to manipulate the healthcare device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention are directed to an electronic device and controlling method thereof that substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

One object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device and controlling method thereof, by which user's various biometric informations and be measured and outputted.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device and controlling method thereof, by which user's use directivity is not required for measuring biometric information.

Further object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device and controlling method thereof, by which a user is facilitated to check a measured biometric information in a manner of displaying the measured biometric information in a direction for facilitating the measured biometric information to be checked by the user.

Another further object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device and controlling method thereof, by which various functions can be performed in response to user's weight center shift for the electronic device without an input key or device so as to provide the user with an intuitive input means.

Technical tasks obtainable from the present invention are non-limited by the above-mentioned technical tasks. And, other unmentioned technical tasks can be clearly understood from the following description by those having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in the disclosure herein as well as the accompanying drawings. Such aspects may also be appreciated by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure herein.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a display, a sensor module configured to measure a load corresponding to a user, an electrode module configured to be contacted with a body of the user to enable a current to flow, and a controller configured to recognize an electrode initially contacted with the user's body among a plurality of electrodes included in the electrode module as a first pair, recognize the rest of the electrodes contacted with the user's body as a second pair, measure a current flowing between the recognized first and second pairs, determine a biometric information of the user based on the measured current and load, and output the determined biometric information to the display.

In another aspect of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a method of operating an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include recognizing an electrode initially contacted with the user's body among a plurality of electrodes as a first pair, recognizing the rest of the electrodes contacted with the user's body as a second pair, measuring a current flowing between the recognized first and second pairs, determining a biometric information of the user based on the measured current and load, and outputting the determined biometric information.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide various effects and/or features.

First of all, an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention can measure user's various biometric informations and the output the measured biometric informations.

Secondly, the present invention can provide an electronic device without user's use directivity for biometric information, thereby enhancing user's use convenience.

Thirdly, the present invention can display measured biometric information in a direction for facilitating the measured biometric information to be checked by the user, thereby enabling the user to check the measured biometric information easily and conveniently.

Finally, the present invention can recognize user's weight center shift and then perform a function according to the recognized weight center shift, thereby providing the user with an intuitive input means. Thus, the present invention can provide the electronic device that can be conveniently used by a user with a simple design.

Additional scope of applicability of the present invention will become clear from the detailed description of the invention in the following. Yet, since it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is to be understood that the following detailed description of the present invention and a specific embodiment such as a preferred embodiment of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An electronic device disclosed in the present specification may include a terminal such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcast terminal, a PDA (personal digital assistants), PMP (portable multimedia player), a navigation, a slate PC, a tablet PC, a ultrabook, a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch, a smart glass, a head mounted display) (HMD), etc.).

Moreover, a healthcare device may be included in an electronic device described in the present specification. The healthcare device may include a biometric information measuring device configured to measure user's biometric information. For instance, the biometric information measuring device may measure various kinds of biometric informations such as weight, blood pressure, body fat, muscle mass, fat mass, body fluid, bone mass, BMI (body mass index), metabolic age, body balance, basal metabolic rate, and the like. The healthcare device may have a general holder type or a wearable device type wearable on user's body. The healthcare device may include a smart healthcare device capable of communicating with other device or an IoT combined device.

And, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that configuration according to an embodiment disclosed in the present specification may be applicable to a fixed electronic device such as a digital TV, a desktop computer, a digital signage or the like except a case applicable to an electronic device only.

FIG. 1is a block diagram to describe an electronic device in association with the present invention.

An electronic device100may include a wireless communication unit110, an input unit120, a sensing unit140, an output unit150, an interface unit160, a memory170, a controller180, a power supply unit190and the like. As the components shown inFIG. 1are not mandatory for implementation of the electronic device, the electronic device mentioned in the present specification may have components more or less than the above-listed components.

Particularly, the wireless communication unit100among the components may include at least one module capable of enabling a wireless communication between the electronic device100and a wireless communication system, between the electronic device100and another electronic device, or between the electronic device100and an external server. And, the wireless communication unit110may include at least one module configured to connect the electronic device100to at least one network.

The wireless communication unit110may include at least one of a broadcast receiving module111, a mobile communication module112, a wireless internet module113, a short range communication module114, a location information module115and the like.

The sensing unit140is typically implemented using one or more sensors configured to sense internal information of the electronic device, the surrounding environment of the electronic device, user information, and the like. For example, inFIG. 1A, the sensing unit140is shown having a proximity sensor141and an illumination sensor142.

The display unit151may have an inter-layered structure or an integrated structure with a touch sensor in order to facilitate a touch screen. The touch screen may provide an output interface between the electronic device100and a user, as well as function as the user input unit123which provides an input interface between the electronic device100and the user.

The memory170is typically implemented to store data to support various functions or features of the electronic device100. For instance, the memory170may be configured to store application programs executed in the electronic device100, data or instructions for operations of the electronic device100, and the like. Some of these application programs may be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication. Other application programs may be installed within the electronic device100at time of manufacturing or shipping, which is typically the case for basic functions of the electronic device100(for example, receiving a call, placing a call, receiving a message, sending a message, and the like). It is common for application programs to be stored in the memory170, installed in the electronic device100, and executed by the controller180to perform an operation (or function) for the electronic device100.

At least one portion of the above-mentioned components can cooperatively operate to implement operations, controls or controlling methods of the electronic device according to various embodiments mentioned in the following description. And, the operations, controls or controlling methods of the electronic device can be implemented on the mobile terminal by running at least one or more application programs saved in the memory170.

A system which generates and transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information, or a server which receives a pre-generated broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information, and sends such items to the electronic device. The broadcast signal may be implemented using any of a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, a data broadcast signal, and combinations thereof, among others. The broadcast signal in some cases may further include a data broadcast signal combined with a TV or radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast signal may be encoded according to any of a variety of technical standards or broadcasting methods (for example, International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Digital Video Broadcast (DVB), Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC), and the like) for transmission and reception of digital broadcast signals. The broadcast receiving module111can receive the digital broadcast signals using a method appropriate for the transmission method utilized.

Examples of broadcast associated information may include information associated with a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, a broadcast event, a broadcast service provider, or the like. The broadcast associated information may also be provided via a mobile communication network, and in this case, received by the mobile communication module112.

The broadcast associated information may be implemented in various formats. For instance, broadcast associated information may include an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) of Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB), an Electronic Service Guide (ESG) of Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H), and the like. Broadcast signals and/or broadcast associated information received via the broadcast receiving module111may be stored in a suitable device, such as a memory170.

The wireless Internet module113is configured to facilitate wireless Internet access. This module may be internally or externally coupled to the electronic device100. The wireless Internet module113may transmit and/or receive wireless signals via communication networks according to wireless Internet technologies.

In some embodiments, another electronic device (which may be configured similarly to electronic device100) may be a wearable device, for example, a smart watch, a smart glass or a head mounted display (HMD), which is able to exchange data with the electronic device100(or otherwise cooperate with the electronic device100). The short-range communication module114may sense or recognize the wearable device, and permit communication between the wearable device and the electronic device100. In addition, when the sensed wearable device is a device which is authenticated to communicate with the electronic device100, the controller180, for example, may cause transmission of data processed in the electronic device100to the wearable device via the short-range communication module114. Hence, a user of the wearable device may use the data processed in the electronic device100on the wearable device. For example, when a call is received in the electronic device100, the user may answer the call using the wearable device. Also, when a message is received in the electronic device100, the user can check the received message using the wearable device.

The location information module115is generally configured to detect, calculate, derive or otherwise identify a position of the electronic device. As an example, the location information module115includes a Global Position System (GPS) module, a Wi-Fi module, or both. If desired, the location information module115may alternatively or additionally function with any of the other modules of the wireless communication unit110to obtain data related to the position of the electronic device.

As one example, when the electronic device uses a GPS module, a position of the electronic device may be acquired using a signal sent from a GPS satellite. As another example, when the electronic device uses the Wi-Fi module, a position of the electronic device can be acquired based on information related to a wireless access point (AP) which transmits or receives a wireless signal to or from the Wi-Fi module.

The sensing unit140is generally configured to sense one or more of internal information of the electronic device, surrounding environment information of the electronic device, user information, or the like. The controller180generally cooperates with the sending unit140to control operation of the electronic device100or execute data processing, a function or an operation associated with an application program installed in the electronic device based on the sensing provided by the sensing unit140. The sensing unit140may be implemented using any of a variety of sensors, some of which will now be described in more detail.

The display unit151is generally configured to output information processed in the electronic device100. For example, the display unit151may display execution screen information of an application program executing at the electronic device100or user interface (UI) and graphic user interface (GUI) information in response to the execution screen information.

In general, a 3D stereoscopic image may include a left image (e.g., a left eye image) and a right image (e.g., a right eye image). According to how left and right images are combined into a 3D stereoscopic image, a 3D stereoscopic imaging method can be divided into a top-down method in which left and right images are located up and down in a frame, an L-to-R (left-to-right or side by side) method in which left and right images are located left and right in a frame, a checker board method in which fragments of left and right images are located in a tile form, an interlaced method in which left and right images are alternately located by columns or rows, and a time sequential (or frame by frame) method in which left and right images are alternately displayed on a time basis.

Also, as for a 3D thumbnail image, a left image thumbnail and a right image thumbnail can be generated from a left image and a right image of an original image frame, respectively, and then combined to generate a single 3D thumbnail image. In general, the term “ thumbnail ” may be used to refer to a reduced image or a reduced still image. A generated left image thumbnail and right image thumbnail may be displayed with a horizontal distance difference there between by a depth corresponding to the disparity between the left image and the right image on the screen, thereby providing a stereoscopic space sense.

A left image and a right image required for implementing a 3D stereoscopic image may be displayed on the stereoscopic display unit using a stereoscopic processing unit. The stereoscopic processing unit can receive the 3D image and extract the left image and the right image, or can receive the 2D image and change it into a left image and a right image.

A signal output by the optical output module154may be implemented in such a manner that the electronic device emits monochromatic light or light with a plurality of colors. The signal output may be terminated as the electronic device senses that a user has checked the generated event, for example.

The controller180may typically control the general operations of the electronic device100. For example, the controller180may set or release a lock state for restricting a user from inputting a control command with respect to applications when a status of the electronic device meets a preset condition.

The power supply unit190receives external power or provide internal power and supply the appropriate power required for operating respective elements and components included in the electronic device100. The power supply unit190may include a battery, which is typically rechargeable or be detachably coupled to the terminal body for charging.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention may include a healthcare device capable of measuring user's biometric information. Such an electronic device may include the aforementioned electronic device100or some components thereof only. A configuration of an electronic device is described with reference toFIG. 2as follows.

FIG. 2is a block diagram to illustrate a configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 2, an electronic device200may include a communication module210, an electrode module230, a sensor module240, a display250, a memory270and a controller280. And, the electronic device200may have components more or less than the above-listed components.

The communication module210may include at least one module capable of enabling a wireless communication between the electronic device200and a wireless communication system, between the electronic device200and another electronic device100/200, or between the electronic device200and an external server. And, the communication module210may include at least one module configured to connect the electronic device200to at least one network. And, the communication module210may correspond to the aforementioned wireless communication unit110.

The electrode module230may enable a current to flow through a body of a contacted user and measure the flowing current. For instance, the electrode module230may enable a micro current to flow from one of a plurality of electrodes to another electrode or from one electrode pair to another electrode pair through the user's body. And, the electrode module230may measure the micro current flowing through the user's body.

The sensor module240may sense various informations related to a user's body. For instance, the sensor module240may include at least one load cell and then measure user's weight.

The sensor module240may include at least one sensor configured to sense at least one of internal information of the electronic device200, ambient environment information surrounding the electronic device200, and user information. For example, the sensor module240may include at least one of a proximity sensor, an illumination sensor142, a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, a G-sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a motion sensor, an RGB sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a finger scan sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor (e.g., a camera), a microphone, a battery gauge, an environment sensor (e.g., a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation detection sensor, a thermal sensor, and a gas sensor, etc.), and a chemical sensor (e.g., an electronic nose, a healthcare sensor, a biometric sensor, etc.). The electronic device disclosed in the present specification may be configured to combine to utilize informations sensed by at least two of the above sensors. And, the electrode module230and the sensor module240may correspond to the aforementioned sensing unit140.

The display250is typically configured to display (output) information processed by the electronic device200. For example, the display250may display the measured biometric information. And, the display unit250may display a running screen information of an application program running on the electronic device200or a user interface/graphic user interface (UI/GUI) information according to the running screen information.

Since the display200may include a plurality of displays, a plurality of the displays may be provided to the electronic device200. For instance, a plurality of the displays250may be disposed in a plurality of directions of the electronic device200, respectively. As at least one of a plurality of the devices respectively disposed in a plurality of the directions is turned, information may be displayed on the turned-on at least one display. If the display250is turned off, it may look identical to a case of the electronic device200. Hence, the electronic device200may be provided with the display250of a type difficult to be recognized by a user if the display unit250is turned off. Hence, in case that a plurality of the displays250are provided, a user may have difficult in recognizing the rest of the displays other than the turned-on display.

The memory170is typically implemented to store data to support various functions or features of the electronic device200. For instance, the memory270may be configured to store a multitude of application programs runnable in the electronic device200, data or instructions for operations of the electronic device100, and the like. Some of these application programs may be downloaded from an external server by wireless communication. At least one portion of the application programs for basic functions (e.g., biometric information measurement function, weight center measurement function, information display function, etc.) may be already installed on the electronic device200at time of manufacturing or shipping. It is common for application programs to be stored in the memory170, installed on the electronic device200, and launched by the controller180to perform an operation (or function) for the electronic device200. And, the memory270may correspond to the aforementioned memory170.

The controller180typically functions to control overall operation of the electronic device200, in addition to the operations associated with the application programs. The controller180may provide or process information or functions appropriate for a user by processing signals, data, information and the like, which are inputted or outputted by the various components mentioned in the foregoing description, or activating application programs stored in the memory170. Detailed operations of the controller280shall be described later.

FIG. 3is a diagram for an example of a configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 3, an electronic device200may include a case201configuring an exterior thereof. The case201may include a plurality of cases and may further include a configuration for the assembly of a plurality of the cases. A configuration for supporting a user may be further included in the case201of the electronic device200. Hence, a user can step on the case201of the electronic device200in one direction, and the electronic device200can measure user's various biometric informations of the stepping-on user.

The electronic device200may include a plurality of electrodes231to234, each of which coming into contact with a user's body enables a current to flow therein. Two of a plurality of the electrodes231to234and the rest of the electrodes are divided into different pairs, respectively. An, a micro current may flow from one pair to the other. And, a plurality of the electrodes231to234may be included in the aforementioned electrode module230.

The electronic device200may include a plurality of load cells241to244, and each of a plurality of the load cells241to244can measure a load. Each of a plurality of the load cells241to244can generate an electrical signal corresponding to an external force (e.g., a load). And, a plurality of the load cells241to244may be included in the aforementioned sensor module240.

The electronic device200may include a plurality of displays251to254. And, a plurality of the displays251to254may be disposed in four different directions, respectively. Moreover, a plurality of the displays251to254can output various informations. As at least one of a plurality of the displays251to254is turned, it may be able to output information. As mentioned in the foregoing description, when a plurality of the displays251to254are turned off, they can be disposed so as not to be distinguished from the case201.

FIG. 4is a flowchart for a method of operating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 4, the electronic device200may recognize a plurality of electrodes initially contacted with a user's body as a first pair [S410]. And, the electronic device200may recognize the rest of electrodes contacted with the user's body as a second pair [S420].

If the electronic device200is configured to enable a user to step thereon, a plurality of the electrodes231to234can be provided to a plane on which the user steps. The controller280of the display device200may recognize a plurality of the electrodes initially contacted with the user's body among a plurality of the electrodes231to234as the first pair and also recognize a plurality of the electrodes subsequently contacted with the user's body as the second pair. For instance, when both foots of the user are contacted with a plurality of the electrodes231to234of the electronic device200, a plurality of the electrodes initially contacted with the foot first stepping on the electronic device200may be recognized as the first pair and a plurality of the electrodes contacted with the other foot stepping on the electric device200later may be recognized as the second pair. This is described in detail with reference toFIGS. 5 to 8.

FIGS. 5 to 8are diagrams for examples of pair recognition according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 5, the electronic device200may include a plurality of the electrodes231to234, and a plurality of the electrodes231to234may correspond to a plane on which a user steps. When a user steps on the electronic device200for biometric information measurement, if a user's left foot steps on the electronic device200first, the first and third electrodes231and233corresponding to the user's left foot among a plurality of the electrodes231to234can be contacted with the left foot. As the first and third electrodes231and233are contacted with the left foot, the controller280may recognize the first and third electrodes231and233as one pair, e.g., a first pair51. Subsequently, if the other foot of the user, i.e., the right foot steps on the electronic device200, the second and fourth electrodes232and234corresponding to the user's right foot among a plurality of the electrodes can be contacted with the right foot. As the second and fourth electrodes232and234are contacted with the right foot, the controller280may recognize the second and fourth electrodes232and234as another pair, e.g., a second pair52. Hence, a current can flow between the first pair51and the second pair52. And, each of a plurality of the load cells241to244can measure a weight of the user stepping on the electronic device200.

Referring toFIG. 6, the electronic device200may include a plurality of the electrodes231to234, and a plurality of the electrodes231to234may correspond to a plane on which a user steps. When a user steps on the electronic device200for biometric information measurement, if a user's left foot steps on the electronic device200first, the first and second electrodes231and232corresponding to the user's left foot among a plurality of the electrodes231to234can be contacted with the left foot. As the first and second electrodes231and232are contacted with the left foot, the controller280may recognize the first and second electrodes231and232as one pair, e.g., a first pair61. Subsequently, if the other foot of the user, i.e., the right foot steps on the electronic device200, the third and fourth electrodes233and234corresponding to the user's right foot among a plurality of the electrodes can be contacted with the right foot. As the third and fourth electrodes233and234are contacted with the right foot, the controller280may recognize the third and fourth electrodes233and234as another pair, e.g., a second pair62. Hence, a current can flow between the first pair61and the second pair62. And, each of a plurality of the load cells241to244can measure a weight of the user stepping on the electronic device200.

Referring toFIG. 7, the electronic device200may include a plurality of the electrodes231to234, and a plurality of the electrodes231to234may correspond to a plane on which a user steps. When a user steps on the electronic device200for biometric information measurement, if a user's left foot steps on the electronic device200first, the third and fourth electrodes233and234corresponding to the user's left foot among a plurality of the electrodes231to234can be contacted with the left foot. As the third and fourth electrodes233and234are contacted with the left foot, the controller280may recognize the third and fourth electrodes233and234as one pair, e.g., a first pair71. Subsequently, if the other foot of the user, i.e., the right foot steps on the electronic device200, the first and second electrodes231and232corresponding to the user's right foot among a plurality of the electrodes can be contacted with the right foot. As the first and second electrodes231and232are contacted with the right foot, the controller280may recognize the first and second electrodes231and232as another pair, e.g., a second pair72. Hence, a current can flow between the first pair71and the second pair72. And, each of a plurality of the load cells241to244can measure a weight of the user stepping on the electronic device200.

Referring toFIG. 8, the electronic device200may include a plurality of the electrodes231to234, and a plurality of the electrodes231to234may correspond to a plane on which a user steps. When a user steps on the electronic device200for biometric information measurement, if a user's left foot steps on the electronic device200first, the second and fourth electrodes232and234corresponding to the user's left foot among a plurality of the electrodes231to234can be contacted with the left foot. As the second and fourth electrodes232and234are contacted with the left foot, the controller280may recognize the second and fourth electrodes232and234as one pair, e.g., a first pair81. Subsequently, if the other foot of the user, i.e., the right foot steps on the electronic device200, the first and third electrodes231and233corresponding to the user's right foot among a plurality of the electrodes can be contacted with the right foot. As the first and third electrodes231and233are contacted with the right foot, the controller280may recognize the first and third electrodes231and233as another pair, e.g., a second pair82. Hence, a current can flow between the first pair51and the second pair52. And, each of a plurality of the load cells241to244can measure a weight of the user stepping on the electronic device200.

Meanwhile, the above description of the pair recognition is exemplary, by which the present invention is non-limited. According to the above description, the user's left foot steps on the electronic device200first. Yet, the user's right foot may step on the electronic device200first. If the right foot steps on the electronic device200first, the electrodes contacted with the right foot may become a first pair and other electrodes contacted with the left foot may become a second pair. In configuring a plurality of pairs to enable a current to flow therebetween, apparently, there is no difference no matter when a user's right or left foot steps on the electronic device200first.

As mentioned in the foregoing description, depending on being contacted with a user's body stepping on the electronic device200, the electronic device200may recognize a plurality of the electrodes231to234as a first pair and a second pair and enable a micro current to flow between the recognized first and second pairs. According to a related art healthcare device having electrodes, a user should step in a determined direction or on a determined electrode. Yet, the electronic device200according to the present invention is non-directional, i.e., a direction in which a user should step or an electrode on which a user should step is not determined. Hence, when a user steps on the electronic device200in any direction, the electronic device200can measure biometric information.

The electronic device200may measure the current flowing between the recognized first and second pairs [S430].

The controller280of the electronic device200may control a micro current to flow between the electrode of the recognized first pair and the electrode of the recognized second pair and then measure the flowing current. Hence, the micro current can flow from the electrode of the first pair to the electrode of the second pair or from the electrode of the second pair to the electrode of the first pair, via the user body. Based on the measured micro current, the controller280may measure resistance of the user body, e.g., bioelectrical impedance. This is described in detail with reference toFIG. 9.

FIG. 9is a diagram for an example of current flowing between the recognized pairs according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 9, in response to contact with a user body, e.g., a contact with foots, the controller280of the electronic device200may recognize the first and third electrodes231and233and the second and fourth electrodes232and234among a plurality of the electrodes231to234as a first pair91and a second pair92, respectively. A micro current may flow in a direction from the first and third electrodes231and233of the first pair91to the second and fourth electrodes232and234of the second pair92. In doing so, the flowing micro current may flow via a user body. Herein, the micro current may include a current on a level unharmful to a user's body. The electronic device200may enable the micro current to flow in a direction from the first and third electrodes231and233of the first pair91to the second and fourth electrodes232and234of the second pair92. Alternatively, the electronic device200may enable the micro current to flow in a direction from the second and fourth electrodes232and234of the second pair92to the first and third electrodes231and233of the first pair91. And, the electronic device200(e.g., controller280, electrode module230) may measure the flowing micro current. Based on the measured micro current, the controller280may measure resistance of the user body, e.g., bioelectrical impedance.

The electronic device200may measure a user's weight [S440].

Based on the load measured through each of a plurality of the load cells241to244, the electronic device200may measure the user's weight.

Based on the measured current and weight, the electronic device200may determine user's biometric information.

For instance, based on the measured micro current and weight, the electronic device200can determine user's various biometric informations. For one example, based on the measured micro current, the electronic device200may measure bioelectrical impedance and is then able to determine user's biometric information based on the measured bioelectrical impedance and weight. And, the electronic device200may determine user's biometric information by further considering previously inputted user information such as age, sex, height, caloric intake, food intake menu, etc. Hence, based on the previously inputted user information, the measured micro current, the measured bioelectrical impedance and the measured weight, the controller280of the electronic device200may determine user's biometric information. Herein, the user's biometric information may include at least one of weight, blood pressure, body fat, muscle mass, fat mass, body fluid, bone mass, BMI (body mass index), body balance, basal metabolic rate and metabolic age of the user.

In order to determine the user's biometric information, the controller280may use a database stored in the memory270or various saved formulas.

The electronic device200may determine user's weight center [S460].

The controller280of the electronic device200may determine a weight center of a user stepping on the electronic device200. For instance, the controller280may determine the user's weight center based on the loads respectively measured by a plurality of the load cells241to244. For one example, based on a relative size of the load measured by each of a plurality of the load cells241to244, the controller280can determine the user's weight center. Herein, the relative size of the load measured by the load cell may include a relative size of an electrical signal, a voltage or a resistance at each load cell.

This is described in detail with reference toFIG. 10andFIG. 11.

FIG. 10is a diagram for an example of a load for each of a plurality of load cells according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11is a diagram for an example of coordinates of a weight center according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 10, each of a plurality of the load cells241to244included in the electronic device200may sense a load in response to an occurrence that a user body steps on the electronic device200. When a user inclines a user's head in a direction of a first display251of the electronic device200, the load sensed by the first and second load cells241and242may be greater than the load sensed by the third and fourth load cells243and244. Hence, a size of the load sensed by the first and second load cells241and242may be greater than that of the load sensed by the third and fourth load cells243and244. The controller180may display relative sizes of the loads respectively sensed by a plurality of the load cells241to244in an x-y plane of 2-dimensional coordinate system and then calculate coordinates of a weight center in the x-y plane. Referring toFIG. 11, in the x-y plane corresponding to directions of a plurality of the load cells241to244, the controller280may calculate coordinates of a weight center1110according to relative sizes of the loads respectively sensed by a plurality of the load cells241to244. Moreover, in order for the coordinates of the weight center1110to match the electronic device200, the controller280may rotate the x-y plane or the coordinates of the weight center1110. Based on the calculated coordinates of the weight center, the controller280can determine a user's weight center.

Meanwhile, using a formula, the controller280may calculate coordinates of a weight center. Such a formula may include a formula using loads respectively sensed by a plurality of the load cells241to244.

The electronic device200may output the determined biometric information on a display of the determined weight center direction [S470].

The controller280of the electronic device200may output the determined biometric information to the display of the determined weight center direction among a plurality of the displays250. As mentioned in the foregoing description, since a direction of inclining a user's head is a weight center direction, the electronic device200may output biometric information on a display of the weight center direction that is a direction in which a user can view the biometric information.

This is described with reference toFIG. 12andFIG. 13.

FIG. 12andFIG. 13are diagrams for examples of a biometric information output according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 12, the electronic device200may include a plurality of the displays251to254. And, a plurality of the displays251to254may be located in different directions, e.g., four directions with reference to a center of the electronic device200, respectively. Based on the loads respectively sensed by a plurality of the load cells241to244, the electronic device200may determine a user's weight center. For instance, as shown inFIG. 12, the controller280may determine that the user's weight center1210is located in a direction of the first display251. Hence, the controller280may output the user's measured biometric information to the first display251. For instance, the controller280can output the measured weight to the first display251. In doing so, the electronic device200may turn on the first display251only but turn off the rest of the displays252to254.

Referring toFIG. 13, the electronic device200may include a plurality of the displays251to254. And, a plurality of the displays251to254may be located in different directions, e.g., four directions with reference to a center of the electronic device200, respectively. Based on the loads respectively sensed by a plurality of the load cells241to244, the electronic device200may determine a user's weight center. For instance, as shown inFIG. 13, the controller280may determine that the user's weight center1210is located in a direction of the second display252. Hence, the controller280may output the user's measured biometric information to the second display252. For instance, the controller280can output the measured weight to the second display252. In doing so, the electronic device200may turn on the second display252only but turn off the rest of the displays251,253and254.

Thus, the electronic device200may output the measured biometric information to the display250of the user's weight center direction. Herein, the user's weight center may include a user's weight center initially determined by the electronic device200after the user has stepped on the electronic device200. In the following description, the user's weight center initially determined after the user's stepping-on shall be named an initial weight center.

Meanwhile, the controller280may control a plurality of determined biometric informations to be displayed on the display250in sequence. For instance, the controller280can display a plurality of the determined biometric informations (e.g., weight, BMI, body fat, muscle mass, fat mass, body fluid, bone mass, etc.) on the display250of the weight center direction in sequence. Therefore, the electronic device200according to various embodiments of the present invention can output various biometric informations through the display250even if a screen size of the display250is limited.

The electronic device200may determine a user's shifted weight center [S480] and then perform an operation corresponding to the shifted weight center [S490].

The controller280of the electronic device200may determine a shifted weight center according to a shift of a user's weight center based on a load sensed by the sensor module240, e.g., each of a plurality of the load cells241to244. Herein, the weight center shift may mean that an initial weight center is shifted to another weight center. And, the weight center shift may mean that a user applies a force in a specific direction as well as that a user's weight center is shifted.

The controller280of the electronic device200may perform various operations corresponding to a shifted weight center.

For one example, as an operation corresponding to a shifted weight center, the electronic device200may output an information different from a previously displayed information on a display of an initial weight center direction. This is described with reference toFIG. 14andFIG. 15.

FIG. 14andFIG. 15are diagrams for examples of a biometric information output in response to a weight center shift according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 14, the electronic device200may determine a first weight center1410that is an initial weight center, and then output a first biometric information, e.g., a weight, on the first display251in a direction of the first weight center1410. According to a user's weight center shift, the electronic device200may determine a second weight center1411that is a shifted weight center. As the weight center is shifted from the first weight center1410to the second weight center1411, if the weight center is shifted in a left direction, the controller280may display a second biometric information, e.g., BMI on the first display251. Herein, the second biometric information may include a biometric information having an order previous to that of the first biometric information among a plurality of biometric informations having sequential orders. Thus, in response to a user's weight center shift, the electronic device200may change a biometric information outputted to the display250into another biometric information and then output the changed biometric information.

Referring toFIG. 15, the electronic device200may determine a first weight center1510that is an initial weight center, and then output a first biometric information, e.g., a weight, on the first display251in a direction of the first weight center1510. According to a user's weight center shift, the electronic device200may determine a third weight center1512that is a shifted weight center. As the weight center is shifted from the first weight center1510to the third weight center1512, if the weight center is shifted in a right direction, the controller280may display a third biometric information, e.g., body fat on the first display251. Herein, the third biometric information may include a biometric information having an order next to that of the first biometric information among a plurality of biometric informations having sequential orders. Thus, in response to a user's weight center shift, the electronic device200may change a biometric information outputted to the display250into another biometric information and then output the changed biometric information.

Meanwhile, in response to an extent of a user's weight center shift, the electronic device200may change a displayed biometric information into another biometric information and then output the changed biometric information. For instance, if a weight center shift of a prescribed direction occurs, the electronic device200can change a displayed biometric information into another biometric information in response to a shifted distance and then output the changed biometric information. For one example, when a weight center is shifted in a left direction, if the weight center is shifted by a first distance, the electronic device200can output a second biometric information. Or, if the weight center is shifted by a second distance, the electronic device200can output a fourth biometric information. Herein, the second biometric information and the fourth biometric information may be different from each other.

For another example, as an operation corresponding to a shifted weight center, the electronic device200may apply an input such as Confirm or Cancel, Basic Screen Display or Previous Screen Display, or the like. This is described with reference toFIG. 16andFIG. 17.

FIG. 16andFIG. 17are diagrams for examples of a confirm or cancel input in response to a weight center shift according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 16, the electronic device200may output a message for requesting user's confirmation to the first display251in a direction of a first weight center1610that is an initial weight center. In response to a shift of a user's weight center, the electronic device200may determine a second weight center1611that is a shifted weight center. As the weight center is shifted from the first weight center1610to the second weight center1611, if the weight center is shifted in a left direction, the controller280may apply a confirmation input (YES). Hence, the confirmation input (YES) for the requested message can be applied to the first display251.

Referring toFIG. 17, the electronic device200may output a message for requesting user's confirmation to the first display251in a direction of a first weight center1710that is an initial weight center. In response to a shift of a user's weight center, the electronic device200may determine a third weight center1712that is a shifted weight center. As the weight center is shifted from the first weight center1710to the third weight center1712, if the weight center is shifted in a right direction, the controller280may apply a cancellation input (NO). Hence, the cancellation input (NO) for the requested message can be applied to the first display251.

Thus, although a separate physical key is provided to the electronic device200or a different device (e.g., terminal (not shown)) is not connected to the electronic device, the electronic device200can recognize a user's weight center shift as one of various inputs such as an input for outputting another biometric information, a confirmation input, a cancellation information and the like. Therefore, the electronic device200according to various embodiments of the present invention can perform functions according to user's various manipulations by maintaining a simple design.

In response to a user's weight center shift, the electronic device200according to various embodiments of the present invention can output past or expected future information of a biometric information displayed on the display250.

For instance, if the user's weight center is shifted in a left direction, the electronic device200can output a past information of a displayed biometric information in response to a shifted distance. And, if the user's weight center is shifted in a right direction, the electronic device200can output an expected future information of the displayed biometric information in response to a shifted distance.

In response to a distance or angle of a shifted weight center, the electronic device200may output a past biometric information or an expected future biometric information. For instance, if the distance of the shifted weight center becomes longer, the electronic device200may output a biometric information of the older past or a biometric information of a farther future. For example, if a distance of a shifted weight center is a first distance, the electronic device200may output a weight of 1 month ago. And, if a distance of a shifted weight center is a third distance, the electronic device200may output a weight of 3 months ago. For another example, if a distance of a shifted weight center is a first distance, the electronic device200may output a weight of 1 month later. And, if a distance of a shifted weight center is a third distance, the electronic device200may output a weight of 3 months later. Herein, the third distance may be greater than the first distance.

This is described with reference toFIGS. 18 to 20.

FIGS. 18 to 20are diagrams for examples of a biometric information display corresponding to a weight center shift according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 18, the electronic device200may output a current weight to the first display251that is a display in a direction of a first weight center1810that is an initial weight center. In response to a user's weight center shift, the electronic device200may determine a third weight center1813that is a shifted weight center. As the weight center is shifted from the first weight center1810to the third weight center1813, if the weight center is shifted in a left direction, the controller280may output a past weight. For instance, based on data stored in the memory270or data transmitted from a server (not shown), the controller280may output a past weight to the first display251. In response to a distance or angle of the shifted weight center, the electronic device200may output a past biometric information. For instance, if a distance of the shifted weight center gets longer, the electronic device200may output a biometric information of an older past. For one example, in response to a distance of the shifted weight center, e.g., a distance between the first weight center1810and the third weight center1813, the electronic device200may output a user's weight of 2 weeks ago.

Referring toFIG. 19, the electronic device200may output a current weight to the first display251that is a display in a direction of a first weight center1910that is an initial weight center. In response to a user's weight center shift, the electronic device200may determine a fourth weight center1914that is a shifted weight center. As the weight center is shifted from the first weight center1910to the fourth weight center1914, if the weight center is shifted in a left direction, the controller280may output a past weight. For instance, based on data stored in the memory270or data transmitted from a server (not shown), the controller280may output a past weight to the first display251. In response to a distance or angle of the shifted weight center, the electronic device200may output a past biometric information. For instance, if a distance of the shifted weight center gets longer, the electronic device200may output a biometric information of an older past. For one example, in response to a distance of the shifted weight center, e.g., a distance between the first weight center1910and the fourth weight center1914, the electronic device200may output a user's weight of 3 months ago.

Referring toFIG. 20, the electronic device200may output a current weight to the first display251that is a display in a direction of a first weight center2010that is an initial weight center. In response to a user's weight center shift, the electronic device200may determine a fifth weight center2015that is a shifted weight center. As the weight center is shifted from the first weight center2010to the fifth weight center2015, if the weight center is shifted in a right direction, the controller280may output an expected future weight. For instance, based on data stored in the memory270or data transmitted from an server (not shown), the controller280may calculate an expected future weight using user's past and current weights and then output the expected future weight to the first display251.

Thus, the electronic device200according to various embodiments of the present invention can output past or expected future information of biometric information displayed on the display250in response to a user's weight center shift.

Based on a user's weight center shift, the electronic device200according to various embodiments of the present invention may measure a user's body balance. This is described with reference toFIG. 21.

FIG. 21is a flowchart for a body balance determination operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 21, according to a user stepping on the electronic device200, the electronic device200may sense loads respectively inputted to a plurality of the load cells241to244[S2110]. Based on the sensed loads, the electronic device200may determine a weight center [S2130] and also determine a shift distance of the weight center shifted for a predetermined time [S2150]. For instance, the electronic device200may determine a weight center of the user stepping on the electronic device200every 1 second and also determine a total shift distance of the weight center having been shifted for 10 seconds. Based on the determined shift distance, the electronic device200may determine a user's body balance [S2170] and then output information on the determined body balance [S2190]. For instance, if the determined shift distance gets longer, the electronic device200may determine that the user's body balance becomes poorer. If the determined shift distance gets shorter, the electronic device200may determine that the user's body balance becomes better. And, the electronic device200may output the determined body balance with various references to numerical values, grades and the like. Moreover, the electronic device200may output the user's determined body balance through the display unit250and also send it to another device.

The electronic device200according to various embodiments of the present invention may be embodied into various shapes. Therefore, like the drawings of the above description, the electronic device200may have a rectangular shape or one of other shapes. For instance, the electronic device200may have a circular shape.

FIG. 22is a diagram for an example of a circular electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 22, the electronic device200may have a circular shape including a case201in circular shape. The electronic device200may include a plurality of the electrodes231to234and a plurality of the load cells241to244. The electronic device200may include a plurality of displays respectively provided in different directions or a single display250. For example, the electronic device200may include the single display250and be located at a center of the electronic device200. In this case, when a user steps down from the electronic device200, the controller280may output a measured biometric information to the display250located at the center.

The electronic device200according to various embodiments of the present invention can send a measured biometric information to another communication-connected device or may enable the measured biometric information to be outputted to a display of another device.

This is described with reference toFIGS. 23 to 25.

FIGS. 23 to 25are diagrams for examples of an output screen for biometric information according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 23, various biometric informations may be outputted to a screen. For instance, user's weight, heart rate, body balance and blood pressure, which are measured by the electronic device200, can be outputted to the screen. Herein, the screen for outputting various biometric informations may include the display250provided to the electronic device200or another display unit151of another electronic device100communication-connected to the electronic device200. For example, the screen may include a display of a terminal communication-connected to the electronic device200or a video display device connected to the electronic device200. Meanwhile, if a prescribed biometric information is selected from various biometric informations displayed on the screen, details of the selected biometric information may be outputted to the screen.

Referring toFIG. 24, if the body balance is selected, details of the user's body balance may be outputted to the screen. For instance, user's body balances and fluctuations for a predetermined period and an average body balance for the predetermined period may be outputted to the screen.

Referring toFIG. 25, if the blood pressure is selected, details of the user's blood pressure may be outputted to the screen. For instance, user's blood pressures and fluctuations for a predetermined period and an average blood pressure for the predetermined period may be outputted to the screen.

Thus, the electronic device200can output the measured biometric information through various devices as well as through the display250of the electronic device.

The foregoing embodiments are merely exemplary and are not to be considered as limiting the present disclosure. The present teachings can be readily applied to other types of methods and apparatuses. This description is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The features, structures, methods, and other characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined in various ways to obtain additional and/or alternative exemplary embodiments.