Method for detecting sleep apnea and electronic device for supporting the same

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device may comprise: at least one sensor, and at least one processor functionally connected with the at least one sensor. The at least one processor may be configured to: detect, through the at least one sensor, that a user of the electronic device is in a sleep state; based on detecting that the user is in the sleep state, obtain first biometric information through the at least one sensor; identify whether a first value indicated by the obtained first biometric information is decreased so that a difference between the first value and a second value determined based on first biometric information obtained in a designated state is greater than or equal to a designated value; based on identifying that the first value is decreased so that the difference between the first value and the second value is greater than or equal to the designated value, obtain second biometric information through the at least one sensor; and provide information related to sleep apnea based on the obtained second biometric information and second biometric information obtained in the designated state.

BACKGROUND

Field

The disclosure relates to a method for detecting sleep apnea and an electronic device supporting the same.

Description of Related Art

Portable electronic devices, such as smart phones, tablet personal computers (PCs), and wearable devices are recently in wide use, and the growth of technology is leading to advanced techniques for measuring biometric signals.

An electronic device may include various sensors capable of measuring the user's biosignals while being worn by the user and may provide various biometric information using the measured biosignals. For example, a wearable device may measure photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals using an optical method. The wearable device may provide biometric information about at least one of the pulse, oxygen saturation (also referred to as ‘blood oxygen saturation’) (saturation of peripheral oxygen (or peripheral oxygen saturation), SpO2), or blood pressure using the PPG signals.

Sleep apnea (e.g., obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)) may be a sleep disorder in which breathing is repeatedly stopped during sleep.

If apnea occurs in which breathing is stopped during sleep, the user's pulse may be bradycardia (e.g., a pulse with a pulse rate of about 30 to about 50 beats per minute) and, if breathing is resumed in the apnea state, the user's pulse may change from bradycardia to tachycardia (e.g., a pulse with a pulse rate of about 90 to about 120 beats). Further, as the user's pulse changes from bradycardia to tachycardia, oxygen saturation may change. The blood pressure measured during sleep apnea may also be different from the blood pressure measured in a stable state (e.g., in a state without sleep apnea).

Sleep apnea may be detected through a multi-parametric test using a specialized piece of equipment for detecting sleep apnea or, if a wearable device is used, sleep apnea may be detected by continuously measuring oxygen saturation while in a sleep state.

In the case of detecting sleep apnea through a multi-parametric test, there may be inconvenience in that the user has to use a specialized piece of equipment for detecting sleep apnea. Further, if the oxygen saturation is continuously measured while in the sleep state, a lot of power may be consumed in the wearable device, and it may be difficult to accurately measure the oxygen saturation due to the movement of the user wearing the wearable device.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method for detecting sleep apnea by measuring at least one of oxygen saturation or blood pressure if the pulse (e.g., pulse rate) measured through a sensor while the user is in a sleep state meets a designated condition and an electronic device supporting the same.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device may comprise: at least one sensor, and at least one processor functionally connected with the at least one sensor. The at least one processor may be configured to: detect, through the at least one sensor, that a user of the electronic device is in a sleep state; based on detecting that the user is in the sleep state, obtain first biometric information through the at least one sensor; identify whether a first value indicated by the obtained first biometric information is decreased so that a difference between the first value and a second value determined based on first biometric information obtained in a designated state is greater than or equal to a designated value; based on identifying that the first value is decreased so that the difference between the first value and the second value is greater than or equal to the designated value, obtain second biometric information through the at least one sensor; and provide information related to sleep apnea based on the obtained second biometric information and second biometric information obtained in the designated state.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, a method for detecting sleep apnea by an electronic device may comprise: detecting that a user of the electronic device is in a sleep state; based on detecting that the user is in the sleep state, obtaining first biometric information; identifying whether a first value indicated by the obtained first biometric information is decreased so that a difference between the first value and a second value determined based on first biometric information obtained in a designated state is greater than or equal to a designated value; based on identifying that the first value is decreased so that the difference between the first value and the second value is greater than or equal to the designated value, obtaining second biometric information; and providing information related to sleep apnea based on the obtained second biometric information and second biometric information obtained in the designated state.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, a method for performing functions using biosignals and an electronic device for supporting the same may provide information related to the user's sleep apnea by measuring at least one of the oxygen saturation or blood pressure when the pulse measured through a sensor while the user is in the sleep state meets a designated condition. Thus, the electronic device (e.g., a wearable device) may reduce power consumed to detect sleep apnea and may effectively provide the user with information related to sleep apnea.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating an example electronic device101in a network environment100according to various embodiments.

The processor120may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device101coupled with the processor120, and may perform various data processing or computation.

FIG.2Ais a front perspective view200aillustrating an example electronic device101according to various embodiments, andFIG.2Bis a rear perspective view100billustrating the electronic device101ofFIG.2Aaccording to various embodiments.

Referring toFIGS.2A and2B, an electronic device101according to an embodiment may include a housing210aincluding a first surface (or a front surface)210A, a second surface (or a rear surface)210B, and a side surface210C surrounding a space between the first surface210A and the second surface210B and wearing members (e.g., a strap or band)250aand260aconnected to at least portions of the housing210aand configured to be detachably worn on the user's body part (e.g., a wrist or ankle). According to an embodiment (not shown), the housing may denote a structure forming part of the first surface210A, the second surface210B, and the side surfaces210C ofFIGS.2A and2B. According to an embodiment, at least part of the first surface210A may have a substantially transparent front plate212a(e.g., a glass plate or polymer plate including various coat layers). The second surface210B may be formed of a substantially opaque rear plate207a. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101includes a sensor module265disposed on the second surface210B, the rear plate207amay at least partially include a transparent area.

The rear plate207amay be formed of, e.g., laminated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two thereof. The side surface210C may be formed by a side bezel structure (or a “side member”)206athat couples to the front plate212aand the rear plate207aand includes a metal and/or polymer. According to an embodiment, the rear plate207aand the side bezel structure206amay be integrally formed together and include the same material (e.g., a metal, such as aluminum). The coupling members250aand260amay be formed of various materials in various shapes. A uni-body structure or multiple unit links which is flexible may be formed of fabric, leather, rubber, urethane, metal, ceramic, or a combination of at least two thereof.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include at least one or more of a display220a(refer toFIG.2C), audio modules205aand208a, a sensor module265, key input devices202a,203a, and204a, and a connector hole209a. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may exclude at least one (e.g., the key input devices202a,203a, and204a, connector hole209a, or sensor module265) of the components or may add other components.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a plurality of electrodes for measuring a biometric signal. At least one of the plurality of electrodes may be placed in at least one of the position of the key input device202a,203a, or204a, the position of the bezel206a, or the position of the display220aor the housing210a. Among the key input devices, the wheel key202amay include a rotary bezel.

The display220amay be viewable through a substantial portion of, e.g., the front plate212a. The display220amay have a shape corresponding to the shape of the front plate212a, e.g., a circle, ellipse, or polygon. The display220amay be coupled with, or disposed adjacent, a touch detection circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the strength (pressure) of touches, and/or fingerprint sensor.

According to an embodiment, the display220amay include at least one transparent electrode for measuring biometric signals among the plurality of electrodes for measuring biometric signals.

The audio modules205aand208amay include a microphone hole205aand a speaker hole208a. The microphone hole205amay have a microphone inside to obtain external sounds. According to an embodiment, there may be a plurality of microphones to be able to detect the direction of a sound. The speaker hole208amay be used for an external speaker or a receiver for phone talks. According to an embodiment, a speaker may be included without the speaker hole (e.g., a piezo speaker).

The sensor module265may produce an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the internal operation state or external environment state of the electronic device101. The sensor module265, e.g., a biometric sensor module265(e.g., an HRM sensor) placed on the second surface210B of the housing210a, may include an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor265aincluding at least two electrodes a1and a2for ECG measurement and a photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor265bfor heartrate measurement. The electronic device101may include a sensor module not shown, e.g., at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The key input devices202a,203a, and204amay include a wheel key202adisposed on the first surface210A of the housing210ato be rotatable in at least one direction and/or side key buttons203aand204adisposed on the side surface210C of the housing210a. The wheel key202amay have a shape corresponding to the shape of the front plate212a. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may exclude all or some of the above-mentioned key input devices202a,203a, and204aand the excluded key input devices202a,203a, and204amay be implemented in other forms, e.g., as soft keys on the display220a. The connector hole209amay receive a connector (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) connector) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data to/from an external electronic device. Another connector hole (not shown) may be included for receiving a connector for transmitting and receiving audio signals to/from the external electronic device. The electronic device101may further include a connector cover (not shown) to cover at least part of, e.g., the connector hole209aand preventing and/or reducing undesirable materials from entering the connector hole.

The coupling members250aand260amay detachably be fastened to at least portions of the housing210avia locking members251aand261a. The locking members251aand261amay include components or parts for coupling, such as pogo pins, and, according to an embodiment, may be replaced with protrusions or recesses formed on/in the coupling members250aand260a. For example, the coupling members250aand260amay be coupled in such a manner as to be fitted into or over the recesses or protrusions formed on the housing210. The coupling members250aand260amay include one or more of a fastening member252a, fastening member coupling holes253a, a band guide member254a, and a band fastening ring255a.

The fastening member252amay be configured to allow the housing110aand the coupling members250aand260ato be fastened to the user's body portion (e.g., wrist or ankle). The fastening member coupling holes253amay fasten the housing210aand the coupling members250aand260ato the user's body portion, corresponding to the fastening member152a. The band guide member254amay be configured to restrict movement of the fastening member252ato a certain range when the fastening member252afits into one of the fastening member coupling holes253a, thereby allowing the coupling members250aand260ato be tightly fastened onto the user's body portion. The band fastening ring255amay limit the range of movement of the coupling members250aand260a, with the fastening member252afitted into one of the fastening member coupling holes253a.

FIG.2Cis an exploded perspective view200cillustrating the electronic device101ofFIG.2Aaccording to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.2C, the electronic device101may include a side bezel structure272, a wheel key271, a front plate212a, a display220a, a first antenna273, a second circuit board281, a supporting member274(e.g., a bracket), a battery277, a printed circuit board278, a sealing member279, a rear plate283, and wearing members276and275. At least one of the components of the electronic device101may be the same or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device101ofFIG.2A or2Band duplicate description thereof may not be repeated here. The supporting member274may be disposed inside the electronic device101to be connected with the side bezel structure272or integrated with the side bezel structure272. The supporting member274may be formed of, e.g., a metal and/or non-metallic material (e.g., polymer). The display220amay be joined onto one surface of the supporting member274, and the printed circuit board278may be joined onto the opposite surface of the supporting member274. A processor, memory, and/or interface may be mounted on the printed circuit board278. The processor may include one or more of, e.g., a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphic processing unit (GPU), a sensor processor, or a communication processor.

The battery277may be a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device101. The battery277may include, e.g., a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery277may be disposed on substantially the same plane as the printed circuit board278. The battery277may be integrally or detachably disposed inside the electronic device101.

The first antenna273may be disposed between the display220aand the supporting member274. The first antenna273may include, e.g., a near-field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The first antenna273may perform short-range communication with an external device, wirelessly transmit/receive power necessary for charging, or transmit magnetic-based signals including payment data or short-range communication signals. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an antenna structure may be formed by a portion or combination of the side bezel structure272and/or the supporting member274.

The second circuit board281may be disposed between the circuit board278and the rear plate283. The second circuit board281may include, e.g., a near-field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. For example, the second circuit board281may perform short-range communication with an external device, wirelessly transmit/receive power necessary for charging, or transmit magnetic-based signals including payment data or short-range communication signals. According to an embodiment, an antenna structure may be formed of a portion or combination of the side bezel structure272and/or the rear plate283. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101includes a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module265ofFIG.2A), a sensor element (e.g., a photoelectric conversion element or electrode pad) separate from the second circuit board281or the sensor circuit disposed on the second circuit board281may be disposed. For example, an electronic component provided as the sensor module165may be disposed between the circuit board278and the rear plate283.

The sealing member (e.g., seal)279may be positioned between the side bezel structure272and the rear plate283. The sealing member279may be configured to block moisture or foreign bodies that may enter the space surrounded by the side bezel structure272and the rear plate283, from the outside.

According to various embodiments described below, examples of measurable biometric signals may include electrical signals, such as electrocardiogram (ECG), electroencephalography (EEG), and electromyography (EMG), physical signals, such as blood pressure, body temperature, and PPG, and composition-related signals, such as blood glucose level, oxygen saturation, and body composition. However, the measurable biometric signals are not limited thereto. Further, although the description focuses primarily on an example of correcting external light for a PPG signal for optical heartbeat measurement, this is merely for convenience of description, and embodiments are not limited thereto.

FIG.3is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an electronic device101according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.3, in an embodiment, an electronic device101may include a communication module (e.g., including communication circuitry)310, a display320, a sensor330, a memory340, and a processor (e.g., including processing circuitry)350.

In an embodiment, the communication module310may be at least partially the same as or similar to the communication module180ofFIG.1. For example, the communication module310may transmit information related to various biometric information, obtained by the electronic device101in the user's sleep state (hereinafter, referred to as a ‘sleep state’), to another electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102, the electronic device104, or the server108). However, the information transmitted by the electronic device101to another electronic device through the communication module310is not limited to the above-described examples.

In an embodiment, the display320may be the same as or similar to the display module160ofFIG.1or the display220aofFIG.2. In an embodiment, the display320may display information related to various biometric information obtained in the user's sleep state. For example, the display320may display at least one of information about the sleep time (e.g., from the time when the user started sleep (sleep onset time) to the time when the user ended sleep), information about the oxygen saturation obtained (e.g., measured) in the sleep state, information about the blood pressure obtained in the sleep state, or information related to sleep apnea occurring in the sleep state (e.g., information indicating that a phenomenon suspected of sleep apnea occurs in the sleep state). However, the information displayed through the display320is not limited to the above-described example.

In an embodiment, the sensor330may be the same as or similar to at least one of the sensor module176ofFIG.1or the sensor module265ofFIG.2.

According to an embodiment, the sensor330may include a first sensor331and a second sensor333.

In an embodiment, the first sensor331may detect the movement of the electronic device101. For example, the first sensor331may detect the movement of the electronic device101(e.g., the magnitude of the movement of the electronic device101or a change in the movement of the electronic device101) during a designated time, with the electronic device101worn on the user. In an embodiment, the first sensor331may include at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor. However, the first sensor331is not limited to the above-described example, and any sensors330capable of detecting the movement of the electronic device101(or the user's movement) may be included. In an embodiment, the first sensor331may transfer information about the detected movement of the electronic device101to the processor350.

In an embodiment, the second sensor333may be a biometric sensor for measuring biosignals from the user. In an embodiment, the second sensor333may be a photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor.

In an embodiment, the PPG sensor may include a biosignal detector (not shown) and a biosignal processor (not shown).

In an embodiment, the biosignal detector for detecting PPG signals may include a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The light emitting unit may output light to the user's skin. The light emitting unit may output at least one of an infrared ray, red, green, and/or blue light sequentially or simultaneously. The light emitting unit may include at least one of a spectrometer, a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), a light emitting diode (LED), a white LED, and a white laser. The light receiving unit may receive the light (or an optical signal) input from the outside. For example, the light receiving unit may include at least a portion of the light (or an optical signal) reflected by the user's body tissue (e.g., skin, skin tissue, fat layer, vein, artery, and/or capillary) among the light output from the light emitting unit. Further, the light receiving unit may output a signal corresponding to the received light. For example, the light receiving unit310may include at least one of an avalanche photodiode (APD), a single photon avalanche diode (SPAD), a photodiode, a photomultiplier tube (PMT), a charge-coupled device (CCD), a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) array, or a spectrometer. In an embodiment, the structure of at least one light receiving unit may be a reflective-type or a transmissive-type. However, the components included in the biosignal detector for detecting PPG signals are not limited to the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit.

In an embodiment, the biosignal processor may process the biosignal detected by the biosignal detector. In an embodiment, the biosignal processor (e.g., an analog front end) may include an amplifier for amplifying biosignals and an analog to digital converter (ADC) for converting analog biosignals into digital biosignals. However, the components included in the biosignal processor are not limited to the above-described amplifier and ADC. In an embodiment, although it is described that the biosignal processor is included in the sensor330, embodiments are not limited thereto. The biosignal processor may be included in the processor350.

In an embodiment, the second sensor333(e.g., a PPG sensor) may operate differently depending on the biometric information to be obtained. For example, if the biometric information to be obtained is the pulse in the sleep state, the PPG sensor may output infrared light through the light emitting unit and may operate at a sampling frequency of 25 Hz. As another example, if the biometric information to be obtained is the pulse in a non-sleep state (e.g., a stable state (the stable state is described below in detail)), the PPG sensor may output green light through the light emitting unit and may operate at a sampling frequency of 25 Hz. As another example, if the biometric information to be obtained is oxygen saturation, the PPG sensor may output red light (or red light and infrared light) through the light emitting unit and may operate at a sampling frequency of 100 Hz. As another example, if the biometric information to be obtained is blood pressure, the PPG sensor may output green light through the light emitting unit and may operate at a sampling frequency of 100 Hz. However, examples in which the PPG sensor operates differently depending on the biometric information to be obtained are not limited to the above-described examples. In an embodiment, the PPG sensor may operate to obtain a plurality of biometric information, e.g., at least two or more pieces of biometric information among, e.g., pulse, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure. For example, the PPG sensor may operate to simultaneously obtain pulse rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure.

In the above-described examples, although it is illustrated by way of non-limiting example that one PPG sensor obtains at least two or more pieces of biometric information among a plurality of biometric information (e.g., pulse, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure), embodiments are not limited thereto.

In an embodiment, the second sensor333may include a laser diode (LD) and an image sensor.

In an embodiment, the second sensor333may include a plurality of sensors330for obtaining each of a plurality of biometric information. For example, the second sensor333may include independent (or separate) sensors for obtaining each of a plurality of biometric information, such as a sensor for obtaining the pulse, a sensor for obtaining oxygen saturation, and a sensor for obtaining blood pressure.

InFIG.3, the second sensor333is included in the electronic device101as an example, but embodiments are not limited thereto. In an embodiment, at least some of the plurality of biometric information may be obtained through another electronic device (e.g., a ring-shaped wearable electronic device that may be worn on the user). For example, a sensor for obtaining the pulse may be included in the electronic device101, a sensor330for obtaining the oxygen saturation may be included in a first wearable device, and a sensor for obtaining the blood pressure may be included in a second wearable device different from the first wearable device. In this case, the electronic device101, the first wearable device, and the second wearable device may simultaneously obtain biometric information. The biometric information obtained by each of the first wearable device and the second wearable device may be transmitted to the electronic device101(or the server108).

According to an embodiment, the memory340may be included in the memory130ofFIG.1.

In an embodiment, the memory340may store the obtained biometric information. The biometric information stored in the memory340is described in greater detail below.

According to an embodiment, the processor350may be included in the processor120ofFIG.1. In an embodiment, the processor350may include one or more processors.

In an embodiment, the processor350may include various processing circuitry and control the overall operation of performing the method for detecting sleep apnea.

Hereinafter, operations performed by the processor350are described in greater detail below with reference toFIGS.4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11, and12.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device may comprise at least one sensor, and at least one processor functionally connected with the at least one sensor. The at least one processor may be configured to detect, through the at least one sensor, that a user of the electronic device is in a sleep state; based on detecting that the user is in the sleep state, obtain first biometric information through the at least one sensor, identify whether a first value indicated by the obtained first biometric information is decreased so that a difference between the first value and a second value determined based on first biometric information obtained in a designated state is a designated value or more, based on the first value being decreased so that the difference between the first value and the second value is the designated value or more, obtain second biometric information through the at least one sensor, and provide information related to sleep apnea based on the obtained second biometric information and second biometric information obtained in the designated state.

According to various example embodiments, the first biometric information may include a pulse, and the second biometric information may include at least one of an oxygen saturation or a blood pressure.

According to various example embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to determine the second value of the first biometric information based on the first biometric information obtained in the stable state during non-sleep as the designated state.

According to various example embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to obtain a plurality of first biometric information over a plurality of times in the stable state during non-sleep, through the at least one sensor and determine a smallest value among a plurality of values indicated by each of the plurality of first biometric information, as a second value of the first biometric information.

According to various example embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to obtain a plurality of first biometric information, through the at least one sensor, while the user is in the sleep state as the designated state and determine an average of values, except for values not less than a designated first value and not more than a designated second value, among values indicated by the plurality of first biometric information, as a second value of the first biometric information.

According to various example embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to identify a time when the first value is reduced so that the difference between the first value and the second value is the designated value or more and obtain the second biometric information, through the at least one sensor, during a designated time from the time.

According to various example embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to identify a third value indicated by the obtained second biometric information, identify a fourth value of the second biometric information determined based on the second biometric information obtained in the stable state during non-sleep as the designated state, and provide information related to the sleep apnea, based on the third value and the fourth value.

According to various example embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to identify whether a pattern indicated by the first biometric information corresponds to a designated pattern, identify whether the pattern corresponding to the designated pattern is detected a designated number of times during a designated time, and based on the pattern corresponding to the designated pattern being detected the designated number of times during the designated time, identify whether the first value is reduced so that the difference between the first value and the second value is the designated value or more.

According to various example embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to identify whether a pattern indicated by the first biometric information corresponds to a designated pattern, identify a cycle of the pattern based on the pattern corresponding to the designated pattern, and obtain the second biometric information, through the at least one sensor, based on the cycle of the pattern.

According to various example embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to control the at least one sensor to operate at a first sampling frequency to obtain the first biometric information and control the at least one sensor to operate at a second sampling frequency higher than the first sampling frequency to obtain the second biometric information.

FIG.4is a flowchart400illustrating an example method for detecting sleep apnea, according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.4, in operation401, in an embodiment, the processor350may detect, through the sensor330, that the user of the electronic device101is in a sleep state.

In an embodiment, the processor350may obtain, through the first sensor331(e.g., an acceleration sensor), information about the movement of the electronic device101(e.g., the magnitude of the movement of the electronic device101or a change in the movement of the electronic device101). The processor350may identify whether the magnitude of the movement of the electronic device101is equal to or less than a threshold magnitude for a designated time, based on the information about the movement of the electronic device101. If it is identified that the magnitude of the movement of the electronic device101is equal to or less than the threshold magnitude for the designated time, the processor350may determine that the user has started sleep. However, the method by which the processor350detects that the user is in the sleep state is not limited to the above-described example.

In operation403, in an embodiment, if it is detected that the user is in the sleep state, the processor350may obtain the user's first biometric information through the sensor330.

In an embodiment, the processor350may obtain a biosignal (e.g., a PPG signal) through the second sensor333(e.g., a PPG sensor). The processor350may obtain biometric information (e.g., a pulse) (hereinafter, referred to as ‘first biometric information’) based on the biosignal.

In an embodiment, the processor350may obtain the first biometric information while the user is in the sleep state. For example, the processor350may obtain the pulse from the time when the user starts sleep to the time when the user ends the sleep (e.g., until it is detected that the sleep state ends).

In an embodiment, the processor350may control the second sensor333to obtain the first biometric information. For example, the processor350may control the PPG sensor so that the light emitting unit of the PPG sensor outputs infrared light and operates at a sampling frequency of 25 Hz so as to obtain a pulse (e.g., pulse rate) in the sleep state. However, the light of the light emitting unit of the PPG sensor used to obtain the pulse in the sleep state is not limited to infrared light, and the light of the light emitting unit of the PPG sensor used to obtain the pulse in the sleep state may be green light.

In an embodiment, the processor350may identify a change in the first biometric information while the first biometric information is obtained. For example, the processor350may identify a change in the first biometric information based on data related to the biometric information obtained during the designated time using a sliding window scheme. Examples of the operation of identifying the change in the first biometric information using the sliding window scheme are described below in detail with reference toFIG.6.

In operation405, in an embodiment, the processor350may identify whether a first value indicated by the obtained first biometric information (hereinafter, referred to as a ‘first value’) decreases (or is decreasing) so that the difference between the first value and a second value determined based on the first biometric information obtained in a designated state (hereinafter, referred to as a ‘second value’) is a designated value or more.

In an embodiment, the processor350may determine the second value to be compared with the first value based on the first biometric information obtained in a stable state during non-sleep as the designated state.

In an embodiment, the stable state (also referred to as a resting state) may be a state in which the user's movement (e.g., a movement of the electronic device101when the electronic device101is worn by the user) is not detected. In an embodiment, the stable state may be a state in which the magnitude of the user's movement is less than or equal to a threshold magnitude (e.g., a state in which the magnitude of the movement of the electronic device101lasts as being equal to or less than the threshold magnitude during the designated time when the electronic device101is worn on the user). For example, the stable state may be a state in which the user's movement is not detected immediately after the sleep state is terminated.

In an embodiment, the processor350may detect, through the first sensor331, that the user is in the non-sleep state (e.g., in a state in which the user is not in the sleep state) and the stable state. When it is detected that the user is in the non-sleep state and the stable state (hereinafter, interchangeably used with ‘stable state during non-sleep’), the processor350may obtain the first biometric information (e.g., the pulse) through the second sensor333(e.g., the PPG sensor) during a designated time (or while in the non-sleep state and the stable state). In an embodiment, the processor350may obtain the first biometric information through the second sensor333whenever it is detected that the user is in the non-sleep state and the stable state. For example, if it is detected multiple times that the user is in the stable state during non-sleep, the processor350may obtain the first biometric information through the second sensor333in each of the plurality of stable states.

In an embodiment, if a plurality of first biometric information is obtained over a plurality of times in the stable state during non-sleep, the processor350may determine the second value of the first biometric information based on the plurality of first biometric information.

In an embodiment, if the plurality of first biometric information is obtained over a plurality of times in the stable state during non-sleep, the processor350may determine that the smallest (or lowest) value of the values indicated by each of the plurality of first biometric information is the second value of the first biometric information. For example, if a first pulse rate (e.g., 100 beats per minute (BPM)) is obtained in a first stable state during non-sleep, a second pulse rate (e.g., 90 BPM) is obtained in a second stable state during non-sleep, and a third pulse rate (e.g., 110 BPM) is obtained in a third stable state during non-sleep, the processor350may determine that the lowest one, i.e., the second pulse rate, among the first to third pulse rates is the second value of the first biometric information.

In an embodiment, if a plurality of first biometric information is obtained over a plurality of times in the stable state during non-sleep, the processor350may determine that the largest (or highest) value among the values indicated by each of the plurality of first biometric information is the second value of the first biometric information.

In an embodiment, if a plurality of first biometric information is obtained over a plurality of times in the stable state during non-sleep, the processor350may determine that the average of the values indicated by each of the plurality of first biometric information is the second value of the first biometric information. For example, if a first pulse rate (e.g., 100 beats per minute (BPM)) is obtained in a first stable state during non-sleep, a second pulse rate (e.g., 90 BPM) is obtained in a second stable state during non-sleep, and a third pulse rate (e.g., 110 BPM) is obtained in a third stable state during non-sleep, the processor350may determine that the average, e.g., 100 BPM, of the first to third pulse rates is the second value of the first biometric information.

In an embodiment, the processor350may obtain a plurality of first biometric information over a plurality of times in the stable state during non-sleep, daily (e.g., on a daily cycle) during a designated period (e.g., about one week). The processor350may determine (e.g., calculate) the average of the plurality of first biometric information over a plurality of times in the stable state during non-sleep, daily, during the designated period (e.g., the average of the values indicated by the plurality of first biometric information obtained in each stable state during non-sleep during each day in the designated period) (hereinafter, also referred to as a ‘daily resting average value’). The processor350may determine the lowest value among the average values of the plurality of first biometric information about each of the days included in the designated period as the second value of the first biometric information. For example, the processor350may obtain a plurality of pulse rates over a plurality of times in the stable state during non-sleep, every day for one week and may determine the average value (daily resting average value) of the plurality of obtained pulse rates. The processor350may determine the lowest value of the average values of seven pulse rates (daily resting average values calculated for seven days) determined on each of the seven days of the week, as the second value of the first biometric information. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. The processor350may determine that the highest value of the average values of the plurality of first biometric information about each of the days included in the designated period or the average of the average values of the plurality of first biometric information about each of the days included in the designated period is the second value of the first biometric information.

In an embodiment, the processor350may store the second value determined based on the first biometric information obtained in the stable state during non-sleep, as the designated state, in the memory340or may transmit the second value through the communication module310to another electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102, the electronic device104, or the server108).

In an embodiment, the processor350may update the second value as the first biometric information is obtained in the stable state during non-sleep. For example, the processor350may determine the second value based on a plurality of first biometric information obtained over a plurality of times in the stable state during non-sleep from the day (e.g., yesterday) before the current day (today) to a time before the designated period and, if the first biometric information is obtained in the stable state during non-sleep for the current day, redetermine (e.g., update) the second value based on a plurality of first biometric information obtained over a plurality of times in the stable state during non-sleep from the current day to the period before the designated period.

In an embodiment, the processor350may determine the second value based on the first biometric information obtained in the stable state during non-sleep and may reflect a weight to the second value to redetermine (e.g., update) the second value based on the first biometric information corresponding to the sleep state.

Hereinafter, a scheme for determining the second value to be compared with the first value based on the first biometric information obtained in the stable state during non-sleep as the designated state is referred to as a ‘first scheme’.

In an embodiment, the processor350may determine the second value to be compared with the first value (e.g., the value indicated by the currently obtained first biometric information), based on the first biometric information obtained during the sleep state, as the designated state, (e.g., obtained and stored in the memory340).

In an embodiment, the processor350may obtain a plurality of first biometric information through the second sensor333while the user is in the sleep state. The processor350may determine the second value based on the values indicated by the first biometric information in a designated range from among the values indicated by the plurality of first biometric information obtained while in the sleep state. For example, the processor350may determine, as the second value, the average of the remaining values except for the values not less than a designated value (e.g., not less than the minimum pulse rate (about 90 beats) of tachycardia (e.g., a pulse with a pulse rate of about 90 beats to about 120 beats)) and the values not more than the designated value (e.g., not more than the maximum pulse rate (about 50 beats) of bradycardia (e.g., a pulse with a pulse rate of about 30 beats to about 50 beats per minute)) among the values indicated by the first biometric information obtained while in the sleep state.

In an embodiment, the processor350may obtain the plurality of first biometric information obtained while the user is in the sleep state daily (every day) during a designated period (e.g., about one week). The processor350may determine the average value of the values indicated by the first biometric information in a designated range among the values indicated by the plurality of first biometric information obtained while in the sleep state, daily during the designated period (e.g., the average value in a range less than a designated value and more than a designated value among the values indicated by the plurality of first biometric information obtained in the sleep state, daily, during the designated period) (hereinafter, referred to as a ‘daily sleep average value’). The processor350may determine the average value of the plurality of average values determined during a designated period (e.g., the average of the daily sleep average values determined every day for one week) as the second value.

Hereinafter, a scheme for determining the second value to be compared with the first value based on the first biometric information obtained in the sleep state as the designated state is referred to as a ‘second scheme’.

In an embodiment, the processor350may determine the second value to be compared with the first value using the first scheme or the second scheme.

In an embodiment, the processor350may perform an operation for detecting sleep apnea based on the second value determined using the first scheme, and then, if the designated condition is met, the processor350may perform an operation for detecting sleep apnea based on the second value determined using the second scheme. For example, the processor350may perform an operation for detecting sleep apnea based on the second value determined using the first scheme during a predetermined period (e.g., during a predetermined period after the user purchases the electronic device101or during a predetermined period after first starting the operation of obtaining first biometric information). The processor350may obtain a plurality of first biometric information in the sleep state to determine the second value by the second scheme during the predetermined period. If the amount of the plurality of first biometric information obtained using the second scheme (e.g., in the sleep state) is not less than a designated amount, the processor350may determine the second value using the second scheme and perform an operation for detecting sleep apnea using the determined second value, instead of performing an operation for detecting sleep apnea based on the second value determined using the first scheme.

In an embodiment, the processor350may identify whether the first value indicated by the first biometric information obtained (or being currently obtained) is decreased so that the difference between the first value and the second value is decreased by a designated value or more.

The operation in which the processor350identifies whether the first value is decreased so that the difference between the first value and the second value is decreased by the designated value or more is described in greater detail below with reference toFIGS.5and6.

FIG.5is a graph500illustrating a change in pulse rate when apnea occurs in a sleep state, according to various embodiments.

FIG.6is a graph600illustrating an example method for detecting apnea in a sleep state, according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIGS.5and6, according to an embodiment, a pattern as shown by the line510ofFIG.5, which indicates the pulse rate obtained in the sleep state may occur in which the user's pulse is bradycardia (e.g., a pulse with a pulse rate of about 30 to about 50 beats per minute) and, if breathing is resumed in the apnea state, the user's pulse changes from bradycardia to tachycardia (e.g., a pulse with a pulse rate of about 90 to about 120 beats). For example, inFIG.5, if apnea occurs during sleep, the user's pulse rate may be reduced, such as a change in pulse rate from a first time t1to a second time t2and, if breathing is resumed, the user's pulse rate may be increased, such as a change in pulse rate from a third time t3to a fourth time t4.

In an embodiment, the processor350may identify a time (e.g., the second time t2) when the first value (e.g., the pulse rate being obtained) indicated by the first biometric information is in a reduced state (or the pulse rate being obtained is in a reducing state), and the difference between the first value and the second value (e.g., the pulse rate obtained in the designated state and stored in the memory340) is a designated value (e.g., about 20 BPM).

In an embodiment, the processor350may identify whether the first value indicated by the first biometric information is reduced using the sliding window scheme. For example, inFIG.6, the line610may represent the pulse rate obtained over time in the sleep state. The processor350may summate the values (e.g., pulse rates) indicated by the plurality of first biometric information obtained during a designated time period (e.g., a time m) from the current time (e.g., a sixth time t6) to a time (e.g., a fifth time t5) before the current time (the sixth time t6) during sleep. If the summated value from the current time (e.g., the sixth time t6) is smaller than the sum of the values (e.g., pulse rates) indicated by the plurality of first biometric information obtained during a designated time period (e.g., time m), at a time before the current time (e.g., the sixth time t6) (e.g., a preset time (e.g., 1 second) before the sixth time t6), the processor350may identify whether the first value (e.g., the pulse rate at the current time) indicated by the first biometric information at the current time (e.g., the sixth time t6) is reduced as compared with the value indicated by the first biometric information at the time before the current time. In an embodiment, the designated time period (e.g., the time m) may be referred to as a sliding window. In an embodiment, the processor250may move the sliding window over time and identify whether the first value indicated by the first biometric information has been reduced (or is being reduced) based on a change in the values of the first biometric information included in the sliding window (e.g., obtained during the sliding window) (e.g., the values of the first biometric information included in the sliding window (e.g., about 1 second) at the current time). In an embodiment, inFIG.6, the processor350may identify that the difference between the first value (e.g., n) indicated by the first biometric information obtained at the current time (e.g., a time t7) during sleep and the second value obtained in the designated state is the same as a designated value (e.g., about 20 BPM) (or not less than the designated value) and the first value indicated by the first biometric information has been reduced.

Referring back toFIG.4, in operation407, according to an embodiment, if the first value indicated by the first biometric information is reduced so that the difference between the first value and the second value becomes a designated value or more, the processor350may obtain second biometric information through the sensor330. For example, if the first value is reduced so that the difference between the first value and the second value becomes the designated value or more, the processor350may obtain the second biometric information (e.g., at least one of oxygen saturation or blood pressure) through the second sensor333(e.g., a PPG sensor).

According to an embodiment, at the time when the first value is reduced so that the difference between the first value and the second value becomes the designated value or more, the processor350may start the operation of obtaining the second biometric information (e.g., at least one of oxygen saturation or blood pressure) through the second sensor333(e.g., a PPG sensor). For example, at the time when the first value is reduced so that the difference between the first value and the second value becomes the designated value or more, the processor350may control the PPG sensor to output red light (or red light and infrared light) through the light emitting unit and to operate at a sampling frequency of 100 Hz to obtain the oxygen saturation (e.g., to sample the PPG signal at a sampling frequency of 100 Hz to obtain the oxygen saturation). As another example, at the time when the first value is reduced so that the difference between the first value and the second value becomes the designated value or more, the processor350may control the PPG sensor to output green light through the light emitting unit and to operate at a sampling frequency of 100 Hz to obtain the blood pressure (e.g., to sample the PPG signal at a sampling frequency of 100 Hz to obtain the blood pressure). As another example, at the time when the first value is reduced so that the difference between the first value and the second value becomes the designated value or more, the processor350may control the PPG sensor to output red light through the light emitting unit and to operate at a sampling frequency of 100 Hz to obtain the oxygen saturation while simultaneously outputting green light through the light emitting unit and operating at a sampling frequency of 100 Hz to obtain the blood pressure.

According to an embodiment, every time the first value is reduced so that the difference between the first value and the second value becomes the designated value or more, the processor350may obtain second biometric information through the sensor333during a designated time. For example, every time the first value is reduced so that the difference between the first value and the second value becomes the designated value or more, the processor350may obtain at least one of the oxygen saturation or the blood pressure during a designated time (e.g., 10 seconds or more) from the time of the reduction. In an embodiment, the processor350may determine (e.g., set) the designated time (e.g., about 10 seconds or more) for obtaining the second biometric information based on a time specified by a professional institution (e.g., a medical professional institution) as the time when sleep apnea (e.g., obstructive sleep apnea) occurs. In an embodiment, the processor350may determine the designated time for obtaining the second biometric information based on a time when a change in the second biometric information necessary for detecting an occurrence of sleep apnea may be obtained.

According to an embodiment, the processor350may perform the operation of obtaining the second biometric information (e.g., at least one of the oxygen saturation or the blood pressure) through the second sensor333(e.g., a PPG sensor) until the user's sleep state terminates. For example, if the operation of obtaining the second biometric information (e.g., at least one of the oxygen saturation or the blood pressure) through the second sensor333(e.g., a PPG sensor) begins, the processor350may obtain the second biometric information during the designated time through the second sensor333every time the first value is reduced so that the difference between the first value and the second value becomes the designated value or more, until the termination of the user's sleep state is detected.

FIG.7includes graphs700illustrating a relationship between pulse rate and oxygen saturation when apnea occurs in a sleep state, according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.7, in an embodiment, reference number710may indicate the pulse711obtained in the sleep state, and reference number720may indicate the oxygen saturation721obtained in the sleep state. In an embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.7, if apnea occurs during sleep, the value of oxygen saturation may decrease as the pulse rate reduces from an eighth time t8to a ninth time t9. If breathing is resumed from apnea, the pulse rate increases from a tenth time t10to an eleventh time t11so that the value of oxygen saturation may increase. In an embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.7, if apnea occurs during sleep, a change in oxygen saturation (or the pattern of oxygen saturation) may correspond to a change in pulse (or the pattern of pulse). Although not clearly shown inFIG.7, in an embodiment, a predetermined time after a change in pulse (e.g., pulse rate) occurs (e.g., after delayed for the predetermined time), a change in oxygen saturation (e.g., the numerical value of saturation) may occur.

In an embodiment, when apnea occurs during sleep, a change in oxygen saturation corresponds to a change in pulse rate. Thus, the processor350may reduce the power consumption in the electronic device101by obtaining the oxygen saturation through the sensor330during a designated time and detecting sleep apnea based on the oxygen saturation obtained during the designated time if the first value indicated by the first biometric information is reduced so that the difference between the first value and the second value becomes a designated value or more, without the need for obtaining the oxygen saturation over the entire time during which the user is in the sleep state.

FIG.8includes graphs800illustrating a change in blood pressure when apnea occurs in a sleep state, according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.8, in an embodiment, reference numeral810denotes the change in blood pressure over time for a user who did not have sleep apnea, and reference numeral820denotes the change in blood pressure over time for a user who has sleep apnea.

In an embodiment, as denoted by reference numeral810, the systolic blood pressure (e.g., highest pressure)811and diastolic blood pressure (e.g., lowest pressure)812of the heart of the user without sleep apnea (or sleep apnea symptoms)) may be obtained (e.g., measured) as low in the sleep state (e.g., a state for a time period from when the time t is 22 o'clock to when the time t is 06 o'clock) as compared with the non-sleep state (e.g., states for a time period from when the time t is 12 o'clock to when the time t is 22 o'clock and a time period from when the time t is 06 o'clock to when the time t is 12 o'clock) (e.g., each stable state during non-sleep).

In an embodiment, as denoted by reference numeral820, the systolic blood pressure (e.g., highest pressure)821and diastolic blood pressure (e.g., lowest pressure)822of the heart of the user with sleep apnea may be obtained (e.g., measured) as equal or high in the sleep state (e.g., a state for a time period from when the time t is 22 o'clock to when the time t is 06 o'clock) as compared with the non-sleep state (e.g., states for a time period from when the time t is 12 o'clock to when the time t is 22 o'clock and a time period from when the time t is 06 o'clock to when the time t is 12 o'clock) (e.g., each stable state during non-sleep).

In an embodiment, as described with reference toFIG.8, the blood pressure obtained in the sleep state of the user with sleep apnea may be equal to or larger than the blood pressure obtained in the non-sleep state (or the blood pressure obtained in the case where apnea does not occur during sleep).

In an embodiment, unlike inFIG.8, the blood pressure in the sleep state of the user without sleep apnea may be less than the blood pressure in the non-sleep state by about 15% or more whereas the blood pressure of the user with sleep apnea may be smaller than the blood pressure in the non-sleep state within a range of about 5% to about 15% of the blood pressure in the non-sleep state.

In an embodiment, the processor350may reduce the power consumption in the electronic device101by obtaining the blood pressure through the sensor330during a designated time and detecting sleep apnea based on the blood pressure obtained during the designated time if the first value indicated by the first biometric information is reduced so that the difference between the first value and the second value becomes a designated value or more.

Referring back toFIG.4, in operation409, in an embodiment, the processor350may provide information related to the user's apnea based on the obtained second biometric information and the second biometric information obtained in the designated state.

In an embodiment, the processor350may provide information related to the user's apnea based on the obtained second biometric information and the second biometric information obtained in the designated state after the user's sleep state ends. For example, the processor350may obtain, through the first sensor331(e.g., an acceleration sensor), information about the movement of the electronic device101(e.g., the magnitude of the movement of the electronic device101or a change in the movement of the electronic device101). The processor350may detect the termination of the user's sleep state (e.g., the user wakes up from sleep) based on the information about the movement of the electronic device101. When the termination of the user's sleep state is detected, the processor350may provide information related to the user's apnea based on the obtained second biometric information and the second biometric information obtained in the designated state.

In an embodiment, the processor350may compare the second biometric information (e.g., at least one of the oxygen saturation or the blood pressure obtained in operation407), which is obtained (has been obtained) in operation407, with the second biometric information obtained in the stable state during non-sleep, as the designated state.

In an embodiment, the processor350may detect, through the first sensor331, that the user is in the stable state during non-sleep. When it is detected that the user is in the stable state during non-sleep, the processor350may obtain the second biometric information (e.g., at least one of the oxygen saturation or the blood pressure) through the second sensor333(e.g., a PPG sensor) during the designated time (or while in the non-sleep state and stable state).

In an embodiment, the processor350may obtain the second biometric information through the second sensor333whenever it is detected that the user is in the non-sleep state and the stable state.

In an embodiment, if a plurality of second biometric information is obtained over a plurality of times in the stable state during non-sleep, the processor350may determine the value of the second biometric information (hereinafter, referred to as a ‘second value of second biometric information’) obtained through operation407, based on the plurality of second biometric information.

In an embodiment, if the plurality of second biometric information is obtained over a plurality of times in the stable state during non-sleep, the processor350may determine that the smallest (or lowest) value of the values indicated by each of the plurality of second biometric information is the second value of the second biometric information.

In an embodiment, if a plurality of second biometric information is obtained over a plurality of times in the stable state during non-sleep, the processor350may determine that the largest (or highest) value among the values indicated by each of the plurality of second biometric information is the second value of the second biometric information.

In an embodiment, if a plurality of second biometric information is obtained over a plurality of times in the stable state during non-sleep, the processor350may determine that the average of the values indicated by each of the plurality of second biometric information is the second value of the second biometric information.

In an embodiment, the processor350may obtain a plurality of second biometric information over a plurality of times in the stable state during non-sleep, daily (e.g., on a daily cycle) during a designated period (e.g., about one week). The processor350may determine (e.g., calculate) the average of the plurality of first biometric information over a plurality of times in the stable state during non-sleep, daily, during the designated period (e.g., the average of the values indicated by the plurality of second biometric information obtained in each stable state during non-sleep during each day in the designated period). The processor350may determine the lowest value among the average values of the plurality of second biometric information about each of the days included in the designated period as the second value of the second biometric information.

In an embodiment, the processor350may store the second value of the second biometric information determined based on the second biometric information obtained in the stable state during non-sleep, as the designated state, in the memory340or may transmit the second value through the communication module310to another electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102, the electronic device104, or the server108).

In an embodiment, the processor350may update the second value of the second biometric information as the second biometric information is obtained in the stable state during non-sleep.

In an embodiment, the processor350may detect the occurrence of sleep apnea (or a high chance of an occurrence of sleep apnea) by comparing the first value of the second biometric information and the second value of the second biometric information.

In an embodiment, if the oxygen saturation value (e.g., the numerical value of the oxygen saturation) obtained through operation407is smaller (or lower) than the oxygen saturation value obtained in the stable state during non-sleep by a designated value (e.g., about 15%) or more, the processor350may determine that sleep apnea has occurred.

In an embodiment, if the oxygen saturation value obtained through operation407is reduced to be smaller than the oxygen saturation value obtained in the stable state during non-sleep by a designated value (e.g., about 15%) or more, the processor350may determine that sleep apnea has occurred.

In an embodiment, if such a pattern is detected in which the oxygen saturation value obtained through operation407is reduced to be smaller than the oxygen saturation value obtained in the stable state during non-sleep by a designated value (e.g., about 15%) or more and is then increased, the processor350may determine that sleep apnea has occurred.

In an embodiment, if the blood pressure value (e.g., the numerical value of the blood pressure) obtained through operation407is equal to (or maintained) or larger than the blood pressure value obtained in the stable state during non-sleep, the processor350may determine that sleep apnea has occurred. However, without being limited thereto, according to an embodiment, even when the blood pressure value (e.g., the numerical value of the blood pressure) obtained through operation407is smaller than the blood pressure value obtained in the stable state during non-sleep by a designated value or less (e.g., not more than the blood pressure value corresponding to about 10% of the blood pressure obtained in the stable state during non-sleep), the processor350may determine that sleep apnea has occurred. In an embodiment, the blood pressure in the sleep state of the user without sleep apnea may be less than the blood pressure in the non-sleep state by about 15% or more whereas the blood pressure of the user with sleep apnea may be smaller than the blood pressure in the non-sleep state within a range of about 5% to about 15% of the blood pressure in the non-sleep state.

In an embodiment, when the occurrence of sleep apnea is detected, the processor350may provide information related to the user's sleep apnea.

A method for providing information related to the user's sleep apnea when the occurrence of sleep apnea is detected is described in greater detail below with reference toFIGS.9and10.

FIG.9is a diagram900illustrating an example method for providing information related to sleep apnea in an electronic device101, according to various embodiments.

FIG.10is a diagram1000illustrating an example method for providing information related to sleep apnea in an external electronic device, according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIGS.9and10, in an embodiment, the processor350may display information related to the user's sleep apnea through the display320as illustrated inFIG.9. For example, the processor350may display, through the display320, information911and913about the time when the user is in the sleep state, the average systolic blood pressure914of the heart, the average diastolic blood pressure915of the heart, the average916of the obtained oxygen saturation values, and information917indicating the number of times in which sleep apnea has been detected and the detection of sleep apnea (e.g., information indicating that the user is highly likely to be in obstructive sleep apnea). However, information displayed through the electronic device101is not limited to the examples ofFIG.9.

In an embodiment, the processor350may transmit information about the obtained second biometric information and sleep apnea-related information through the communication module310to an external electronic device (e.g., a smartphone interworking with the electronic device101) (e.g., the electronic device102or the electronic device104).

In an embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.10, the external electronic device may display the information about the second biometric information and sleep apnea-related information received from the electronic device101. For example, the external electronic device may display sleep start time information1041, sleep end time information1443, information1011indicating the numerical value of the systolic blood pressure obtained in the stable state, objects1011-1to1011-9indicating the numerical values of the systolic blood pressure when apnea is detected during sleep together with an object1010indicating the numerical value of the systolic blood pressure obtained in the stable state, information1021indicating the numerical value of the oxygen saturation obtained in the steady state, objects1021-1to1021-9indicating the numerical values of the oxygen saturation when apnea is detected during sleep together with an object1020indicating the numerical value of the oxygen saturation obtained in the stable state, information1031indicating the numerical value of the diastolic blood pressure obtained in the stable state, and objects1031-1to1031-9indicating the numerical values of the diastolic blood pressure when apnea is detected during sleep together with an object1030indicating the numerical value of the diastolic blood pressure obtained in the stable state. However, information displayed through the other electronic device is not limited to the examples ofFIG.10.

Although not described throughFIGS.4to10, in an embodiment, the electronic device101(or an external electronic device communicatively connected with the electronic device101) may transmit the information, obtained while performing the operations for detecting sleep apnea, to a server (e.g., the server108).

In an embodiment, the electronic device101may provide information related to sleep apnea through an external electronic device operatively connected with the electronic device101. For example, the electronic device101may provide information related to sleep apnea through an external electronic device connected through short-range communication (e.g., Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) in an Internet of things (IoT) environment. The electronic device101may provide information related to sleep apnea through an external electronic device connected with the same account through a server.

FIG.11is a flowchart1100illustrating an example method for detecting sleep apnea, according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.11, in operation1101, in an embodiment, the processor350may detect, through the sensor330, that the user of the electronic device101is in a sleep state.

In operation1103, in an embodiment, if it is detected that the user is in the sleep state, the processor350may obtain the user's first biometric information through the sensor330. The examples of operations1101and1103ofFIG.11are at least partially the same or similar to the examples of operations401and403ofFIG.4, no detailed description thereof is presented below.

In operation1105, in an embodiment, the processor350may identify whether a pattern (e.g., a change in the first biometric information being obtained) indicated by the first biometric information (e.g., the first biometric information obtained by performing operation1103) corresponds to a designated pattern.

In an embodiment, the designated pattern may be a pattern in which the user's pulse obtained during sleep becomes bradycardia and then changes to tachycardia. In an embodiment, the designated pattern may be a pattern in which the obtained pulse rate is reduced to be not more than a designated value as compared with the pulse rate obtained in a designated state (e.g., the designated state described through operation405ofFIG.4) and is then increased to be not less than the minimum pulse rate (e.g., about 90 beats) of tachycardia.

In an embodiment, the processor350may identify whether the pattern of the first biometric information corresponding to the designated pattern is detected a designated number of times or more during a designated time. For example, the processor350may identify whether the pattern of the first biometric information corresponding to the designated pattern is detected five times or more for about one hour after the sleep state starts. In an embodiment, if the user with sleep apnea (e.g., obstructive sleep apnea) has seven hours of sleep time, apnea which lasts about 10 seconds or more may occur 30 times or more (e.g., apnea which lasts about 10 seconds or more for one hour occurs five times or more).

In operation1105, if the processor350identifies that the pattern indicated by the first biometric information corresponds to the designated pattern (e.g., if the pattern of the first biometric information corresponding to the designated pattern is detected a designated number of times or more during a designated time), the processor350may identify whether the first value indicated by the obtained first biometric information is reduced so that the difference between the first value and the second value determined based on the first biometric information obtained in the designated state becomes a designated value or more, in operation1107.

Since the examples of operation1107are at least partially the same or similar to the examples of operation405ofFIG.4, a detailed description thereof may not be repeated here. In operation1109, according to an embodiment, if the first value indicated by the first biometric information is reduced so that the difference between the first value and the second value becomes a designated value or more, the processor350may obtain second biometric information through the sensor330.

In operation1111, in an embodiment, the processor350may provide information related to the user's apnea based on the obtained second biometric information and the second biometric information obtained in the designated state.

Since the examples of operations1109and1111are at least partially the same or similar to the examples of operations407and409ofFIG.4, a detailed description thereof may not be repeated here.

FIG.12is a flowchart1200illustrating an example method for detecting sleep apnea, according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.12, in operation1201, in an embodiment, the processor350may detect, through the sensor330, that the user of the electronic device101is in a sleep state.

In operation1203, in an embodiment, if it is detected that the user is in the sleep state, the processor350may obtain the user's first biometric information through the sensor330.

Since the examples of operations1201and1203ofFIG.12are at least partially the same or similar to the examples of operations1101and1103ofFIG.11, a detailed description thereof may not be repeated here.

In operation1205, in an embodiment, the processor350may identify whether a pattern (e.g., a change in the first biometric information being obtained) indicated by the first biometric information (e.g., the first biometric information obtained by performing operation1203) corresponds to a designated pattern.

Since the examples of operation1205are at least partially the same or similar to the examples of operation1105ofFIG.11, a detailed description thereof may not be repeated here. In operation1205, if the processor350identifies that the pattern indicated by the first biometric information corresponds to the designated pattern (e.g., if the pattern of the first biometric information corresponding to the designated pattern is detected a designated number of times or more during a designated time), the processor350may identify the cycle of the pattern indicated by the first biometric information in operation1207, according to an embodiment. For example, the processor350may identify the cycle, in which the pattern of the first biometric information occurs, if the pattern of the first biometric information corresponding to the designated pattern is detected the designated number of times during the designated time.

In an embodiment, the pattern of the first biometric information corresponding to the designated pattern, occurring to the user with sleep apnea, may occur periodically (e.g., at regular time intervals). According to an embodiment, it is possible to predict the times when the pattern of the first biometric information corresponding to the designated pattern is to occur after the current time, based on the cycle in which the pattern of the first biometric information corresponding to the designated pattern occurs and the time when the pattern of the first biometric information corresponding to the designated pattern occurred before the current time. In operation1209, according to an embodiment, the processor350may obtain the second biometric information through the sensor330(e.g., the second sensor333) based on the cycle of the pattern of the first biometric information corresponding to the designated pattern. For example, the processor350may obtain the second biometric information at each cycle of the pattern of the first biometric information corresponding to the designated pattern from the time when the pattern of the first biometric information corresponding to the designated pattern occurred before the current time.

In operation1211, in an embodiment, the processor350may provide information related to the user's apnea based on the obtained second biometric information and the second biometric information obtained in the designated state.

Since the examples of operation1211are at least partially the same or similar to the examples of operation1111ofFIG.11, a detailed description thereof may not be repeated here.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, a method for detecting sleep apnea by an electronic device may comprise: detecting that a user of the electronic device is in a sleep state, based on detecting that the user is in the sleep state, obtaining first biometric information, identifying whether a first value indicated by the obtained first biometric information is decreased so that a difference between the first value and a second value determined based on first biometric information obtained in a designated state is a designated value or more, based on the first value being decreased so that the difference between the first value and the second value is the designated value or more, obtaining second biometric information, and providing information related to sleep apnea based on the obtained second biometric information and second biometric information obtained in the designated state.

According to various example embodiments, the first biometric information may include a pulse, and the second biometric information may include at least one of an oxygen saturation or a blood pressure.

According to various example embodiments, the method may further comprise determining the second value of the first biometric information based on the first biometric information obtained in a stable state during non-sleep as the designated state.

According to various example embodiments, determining the second value of the first biometric information may include obtaining a plurality of first biometric information over a plurality of times in the stable state during non-sleep, through the at least one sensor and determining a smallest value among a plurality of values indicated by each of the plurality of first biometric information, as a second value of the first biometric information.

According to various example embodiments, the method may further comprise obtaining a plurality of first biometric information while the user is in the sleep state as the designated state and determining an average of values, except for values not less than a designated first value and not more than a designated second value, among values indicated by the plurality of first biometric information, as a second value of the first biometric information.

According to various example embodiments, obtaining the second biometric information may include identifying a time when the first value is reduced so that the difference between the first value and the second value is the designated value or more and obtaining the second biometric information during a designated time from the time.

According to various example embodiments, providing the information related to sleep apnea may include identifying a third value indicated by the obtained second biometric information, identifying a fourth value of the second biometric information determined based on the second biometric information obtained in the user's stable state during non-sleep as the designated state, and providing information related to the user's sleep apnea, based on the third value and the fourth value.

According to various example embodiments, identifying whether the first value is reduced so that the difference between the first value and the second value is the designated value or more may include identifying whether a pattern indicated by the first biometric information corresponds to a designated pattern, identifying whether the pattern corresponding to the designated pattern is detected a designated number of times during a designated time, and if the pattern corresponding to the designated pattern is detected the designated number of times during the designated time, identifying whether the first value is reduced so that the difference between the first value and the second value is the designated value or more.

According to various example embodiments, the method may further comprise identifying whether a pattern indicated by the first biometric information corresponds to a designated pattern, identifying a cycle of the pattern if the pattern corresponds to the designated pattern, and obtaining the second biometric information based on the cycle of the pattern. According to various example embodiments, obtaining the first biometric information may include controlling at least one sensor of the electronic device to operate at a first sampling frequency to obtain the first biometric information, and obtaining the second biometric information may include controlling the at least one sensor to operate at a second sampling frequency higher than the first sampling frequency to obtain the second biometric information. Further, the structure of the data used in embodiments of the disclosure may be recorded in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium via various means. The computer-readable recording medium includes a storage medium, such as a magnetic storage medium (e.g., a ROM, a floppy disc, or a hard disc) or an optical reading medium (e.g., a CD-ROM or a DVD).

Example embodiments of the disclosure have been described above. The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art various changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Hence, the methods disclosed herein should be interpreted not as limiting but as illustrative. The scope of the present disclosure should be understood by the disclosure, including the following claims, and all technical spirits within equivalents thereof should be interpreted to belong to the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be understood that any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.