WATCH-TYPE TERMINAL AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SAME

A watch-type terminal including a main body; a sensing unit disposed on the main body; a display unit; and a controller. Further, the sensing unit includes at least one green light-emitting element to output green light; a light-receiving sensor spaced apart from the at least one green light-emitting element to receive green light reflected from one part of the human body; a red light-emitting element spaced apart from the light-receiving sensor to output red light; and an infrared (IR) sensor spaced apart from the light-receiving sensor to output IR light. In addition the controller calculates an oxygen saturation of blood in a human body wearing the watch-type terminal based on an oxygen absorbance of hemoglobin in the human body through reflectance of the red light and the IR light.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a watch-type terminal in which a specific function is controlled by sensing a worn state of the terminal.

BACKGROUND

Terminals may be divided into glass-type terminals and stationary terminals according to mobility. Also, the glass-type terminals may be classified into handheld types and vehicle mount types according to whether or not a user can directly carry.

As it becomes multifunctional, a terminal can be allowed to capture still images or moving images, play music or video files, play games, receive broadcast and the like, so as to be implemented as an integrated multimedia player. Efforts are ongoing to support and increase the functionality of terminals. Such efforts include software improvements, as well as changes and improvements in the structural components.

As a wearable terminal mounted on a part of a human body is developed, various functions are implemented, and a security function is also improved by activating or restricting a specific function in a manner of sensing whether a user wears the wearable terminal. As the wearable terminal mounted on the part of the human body is developed, a sensing module for recognizing a breathing state using the wearable terminal is being studied. However, there is a disadvantage in that an accurate measurement is difficult due to a small size of the wearable terminal, a lot of movements in a worn state on the human body, and a condition or feature of a worn body portion.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is to provide a watch-type terminal having a sensing unit provided with a light-receiving sensor and a light-emitting element, which are spaced apart from each other to maintain a specific distance for accurate measurement of a biological signal.

To achieve this aspect and other advantages, a watch-type terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a main body, a sensing unit disposed on one surface of the main body to acquire a biological signal, and a controller (or a control unit). The sensing unit may include at least one green light-emitting element disposed on one surface of the main body to output green light, a light-receiving sensor disposed to be spaced apart from the green light-emitting element to receive green light reflected from one part of a human body, a red light-emitting element disposed to be spaced apart from the light-receiving sensor to output red light, and an IR sensor disposed to be spaced apart from the IR light-receiving sensor to output IR light. The controller may calculate oxygen saturation based on an oxygen absorbance of hemoglobin through reflectance of the red light and the IR light.

In one embodiment related to the present invention, the controller may transmit sleep state information based on the oxygen saturation to a preset external device to control a function of the external device. Therefore, it is possible to control the function of a linked external device of a user, or to provide guide information to a counterpart located adjacent to the user.

In one embodiment of the present invention, guide information may be output or an execution of a specific function may be controlled based on the sleep state information, prestored information and/or sensing information sensed by the sensing unit. This may result in predicting the user's state by a sleep state and performing a function based on the predicted result.

According to the present invention, since a light-emitting element and a light-receiving sensor are disposed separately, a red light-emitting element and an IR sensor can be disposed apart from the light-receiving sensor by a specific distance or more. Therefore, oxygen saturation according to reflectance of red light and IR light can be measured.

Also, since a mobile terminal is controlled based on breathing state information based on the oxygen saturation, the user can be guided to take a proper sleep, or his/her life and the use of the terminal can be facilitated in a state of insufficient sleep.

In addition, since breathing state information can be transmitted to an external device, another linked terminal of the user can be controlled according to the user's state even during use of the another terminal. Also, since the breathing state information can be transmitted to a terminal of another user, guide information which is helpful for the other user's life or the user's health can be managed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Description will now be given in detail according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components may be provided with the same or similar reference numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated. In general, a suffix such as “module” and “unit” may be used to refer to elements or components. Use of such a suffix herein is merely intended to facilitate description of the specification, and the suffix itself is not intended to give any special meaning or function. In describing the present disclosure, if a detailed explanation for a related known function or construction is considered to unnecessarily divert the gist of the present disclosure, such explanation has been omitted but would be understood by those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand the technical idea of the present disclosure and it should be understood that the idea of the present disclosure is not limited by the accompanying drawings. The idea of the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes besides the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1Ais a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The mobile terminal100may be shown having components such as a wireless communication unit110, an input unit120, a sensing unit140, an output unit150, an interface unit160, a memory170, a controller180, and a power supply unit190. It is understood that implementing all of the illustrated components is not a requirement, and that greater or fewer components may alternatively be implemented.

In more detail, the wireless communication unit110may typically include one or more modules which permit communications such as wireless communications between the mobile terminal100and a wireless communication system, communications between the mobile terminal100and another mobile terminal, or communications between the mobile terminal100and an external server. Further, the wireless communication unit110may typically include one or more modules which connect the mobile terminal100to one or more networks.

The wireless communication unit110may include one or more of a broadcast receiving module111, a mobile communication module112, a wireless Internet module113, a short-range communication module114, and a location information module115.

The input unit120may include a camera121or an image input unit for obtaining images or video, a microphone122, which is one type of audio input device for inputting an audio signal, and a user input unit123(for example, a touch key, a mechanical key, and the like) for allowing a user to input information. Data (for example, audio, video, image, and the like) may be obtained by the input unit120and may be analyzed and processed according to user commands.

The output unit150may typically be configured to output various types of information, such as audio, video, tactile output, and the like. The output unit150may be shown having at least one of a display unit151, an audio output module152, a haptic module153, and an optical output module154. The display unit151may have an inter-layered structure or an integrated structure with a touch sensor in order to implement a touch screen. The touch screen may function as the user input unit123which provides an input interface between the mobile terminal100and the user and simultaneously provide an output interface between the mobile terminal100and a user.

Also, the controller180may control at least some of the components illustrated inFIG. 1A, to execute an application program that have been stored in the memory170. In addition, the controller180may control at least two of those components included in the mobile terminal100to activate the application program.

At least part of the components may cooperatively operate to implement an operation, a control or a control method of a mobile terminal according to various embodiments disclosed herein. Also, the operation, the control or the control method of the mobile terminal may be implemented on the mobile terminal by an activation of at least one application program stored in the memory170.

Hereinafter, description will be given in more detail of the aforementioned components with reference toFIG. 1A, prior to describing various embodiments implemented through the mobile terminal100. First, regarding the wireless communication unit110, the broadcast receiving module111is typically configured to receive a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information from an external broadcast managing entity via a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel, a terrestrial channel, or both. In some embodiments, two or more broadcast receiving modules may be utilized to facilitate simultaneous reception of two or more broadcast channels, or to support switching among broadcast channels.

The wireless signal may include various types of data depending on a voice call signal, a video call signal, or a text/multimedia message transmission/reception. The wireless Internet module113refers to a module for wireless Internet access. This module may be internally or externally coupled to the mobile terminal100. The wireless Internet module113may transmit and/or receive wireless signals via communication networks according to wireless Internet technologies.

Examples of such wireless Internet access include Wireless LAN (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-advanced (LTE-A) and the like. The wireless Internet module113may transmit/receive data according to one or more of such wireless Internet technologies, and other Internet technologies as well.

Next, the input unit120is for inputting image information (or signal), audio information (or signal), data, or information input from a user. For inputting image information, the mobile terminal100may be provided with a plurality of cameras121. Such cameras121may process image frames of still pictures or video obtained by image sensors in a video or image capture mode. The processed image frames can be displayed on the display unit151or stored in memory170. Meanwhile, the cameras121may be arranged in a matrix configuration to permit a plurality of images having various angles or focal points to be input to the mobile terminal100. Also, the cameras121may be located in a stereoscopic arrangement to acquire left and right images for implementing a stereoscopic image.

The microphone122processes an external audio signal into electric audio (sound) data. The processed audio data can be processed in various manners according to a function being executed in the mobile terminal100. If desired, the microphone122may include assorted noise removing algorithms to remove unwanted noise generated in the course of receiving the external audio signal.

The sensing unit140is generally configured to sense one or more of internal information of the mobile terminal, surrounding environment information of the mobile terminal, user information, or the like, and generate a corresponding sensing signal. The controller180generally cooperates with the sending unit140to control operations of the mobile terminal100or execute data processing, a function or an operation associated with an application program installed in the mobile terminal based on the sensing signal. The sensing unit140may be implemented using any of a variety of sensors, some of which will now be described in more detail.

The proximity sensor141refers to a sensor to sense presence or absence of an object approaching a surface, or an object located near a surface, by using an electromagnetic field, infrared rays, or the like without a mechanical contact. The proximity sensor141may be arranged at an inner region of the mobile terminal covered by the touch screen, or near the touch screen.

A touch sensor senses a touch (or a touch input) applied to the touch screen (or the display unit151) using any of a variety of touch methods. Examples of such touch methods include a resistive type, a capacitive type, an infrared type, and a magnetic field type, among others.

The touch sensor and the proximity sensor may be implemented individually, or in combination, to sense various types of touches. Such touches include a short (or tap) touch, a long touch, a multi-touch, a drag touch, a flick touch, a pinch-in touch, a pinch-out touch, a swipe touch, a hovering touch, and the like.

The camera121, which has been depicted as a component of the input unit120, typically includes at least one a camera sensor (CCD, CMOS etc.), a photo sensor (or image sensors), and a laser sensor.

Implementing the camera121with a laser sensor may allow detection of a touch of a physical object with respect to a 3D stereoscopic image. The photo sensor may be laminated on, or overlapped with, the display device. The photo sensor may be configured to scan movement of the physical object in proximity to the touch screen. In more detail, the photo sensor may include photo diodes and transistors (TRs) at rows and columns to scan content received at the photo sensor using an electrical signal which changes according to the quantity of applied light. Namely, the photo sensor may calculate the coordinates of the physical object according to variation of light to thus obtain location information of the physical object.

The audio output module152may receive audio data from the wireless communication unit110or output audio data stored in the memory170during modes such as a signal reception mode, a call mode, a record mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. The audio output module152can provide audible output related to a particular function (e.g., a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed by the mobile terminal100. The audio output module152may also be implemented as a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, or the like.

The memory170may include one or more types of storage mediums including a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a solid state disk (SSD) type, a silicon disk drive (SDD) type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or DX memory, etc.), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a Programmable Read-Only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and the like. The mobile terminal100may also be operated in relation to a network storage device that performs the storage function of the memory170over a network, such as the Internet.

The power supply unit190receives external power or provides internal power and supply the appropriate power required for operating respective elements and components included in the wearable device100under the control of the controller180. The power supply unit190may include a battery, which is typically rechargeable or be detachably coupled to the terminal body for charging.

The power supply unit190may include a connection port. The connection port may be configured as one example of the interface unit160to which an external charger for supplying power to recharge the battery is electrically connected. As another example, the power supply unit190may be configured to recharge the battery in a wireless manner without use of the connection port.

In this example, the power supply unit190can receive power, transferred from an external wireless power transmitter, using at least one of an inductive coupling method which is based on magnetic induction or a magnetic resonance coupling method which is based on electromagnetic resonance. Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in a computer-readable medium, a machine-readable medium, or similar medium using, for example, software, hardware, or any combination thereof.

FIG. 1Bis a view of a watch-type terminal according to one embodiment, viewed from one direction. Referring toFIG. 1B, a watch-type terminal100includes a main body101having a display unit151, and a band102connected to the main body101and configured to be worn on a wrist.

The main body101includes a case which defines appearance. As illustrated, the case may include a first case101aand a second case101bcooperatively defining an inner space for accommodating various electronic components. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one case may be configured to define the inner space, thereby implementing a terminal100with a uni-body.

The watch-type terminal100can perform wireless communication, and an antenna for the wireless communication can be installed in the main body101. On the other hand, the antenna may extend its function using the case. For example, a case including a conductive material may be electrically connected to the antenna to extend a ground area or a radiation area.

The display unit151may be disposed on a front surface of the main body101to output information, and a touch sensor may be provided on the display unit151to implement a touch screen. As illustrated, a window151aof the display unit151may be mounted on a first case101ato form the front surface of the terminal body together with the first case101a.

The main body101may include an audio output unit152, a camera121, a microphone122, a user input unit123, and the like. When the display unit151is implemented as the touch screen, the display unit351may function as a user input unit123, so that the main body101may not have a separate key.

The band102may be worn on the wrist so as to surround the wrist, and may be formed of a flexible material for easy wearing. As an example, the band102may be formed of leather, rubber, silicone, synthetic resin, or the like. The band102may be detachably attached to the main body101, and may be configured to be replaceable with various types of bands according to the user's preference.

On the other hand, the band102may be used to extend the performance of the antenna. For example, the band may include a ground extending portion (not illustrated) that is electrically connected to the antenna and extends a ground region.

The band102may be provided with a fastener102a. The fastener102amay be embodied by a buckle type, a snap-fit hook structure, a Velcro® type, or the like, and include a flexible section or material. The drawing illustrates an example that the fastener102ais implemented using a buckle.

FIG. 1Cis a conceptual view of a watch-type terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from one direction. The watch-type terminal100according to the present invention includes a sensor module for measuring a biological signal. In the watch-type terminal100according to this embodiment, a rear cover101cis provided on a surface facing the display unit151. The rear cover101cforms an inner space together with the second case101b.

A receiving portion301for receiving a first sensor module310is formed on the rear cover101c. The receiving portion301is formed to protrude from an outer surface of the rear cover101cand provided with a window having a light-transmissive area in which light emitted from a first sensor unit310and reflected by a user's body is received. The receiving portion301may receive therein a user identity module (UIM), a subscriber identity module (SIM), a universal subscriber identity module (USIM), and the like.

The first sensing module310may be closely adhered to one area of the user's body by the receiving portion301protruded from the second case101b, which may result in minimizing a leakage of emitted light.

FIG. 2Ais a conceptual view illustrating a configuration and an arrangement structure of a sensing module. InFIG. 2A, a chip181aand the first sensor unit310are provided on a circuit board181b. The first sensor unit310includes a light-receiving sensor311, a first light-emitting element312a, and a second light-emitting element312b. The first and second light-emitting elements312aand312bare disposed on the circuit board181bwith the light-receiving sensor311interposed therebetween. The light-receiving sensor311and the first and second light-emitting elements312aand312bare independently fixed to the circuit board181band are spaced apart from each other by a preset distance. Also, an IR sensor313is disposed adjacent to the second light-emitting element312b. The light-emitting element may be an LED device that outputs green light.

The first and second light-emitting elements312aand312boutput green light. The green light output from the first and second light-emitting elements312aand312bis reflected by a skin and is received by the light-receiving sensor311.

Transmittance is decreased when light has a short wavelength and increased when light has a long wavelength. In order to measure a biological signal (a heartbeat change) as a PPG sensor, the output light should reach a skin depth where blood vessels are located, to measure a change in a blood flow. However, when light reaches beyond the skin depth where the blood vessels are located, it may be absorbed into tissues or bones. In general, depth from a wrist to a blood vessel is deeper than that from a finger to a blood vessel, and thus the transmittance of green light is suitable for reaching the blood vessel.

The sensing unit according to this embodiment includes a red light-emitting element and an IR element for measuring an oxygen saturation. The red light and the IR have high absorption rates of hemoglobin (Hb) and oxygen hemoglobin (HbO2), and the absorption rates are different from each other. Accordingly, the oxygen saturation is calculated through a ratio of the absorption rate of oxygen hemoglobin (HbO2) to the sum of the absorption rate of oxygen hemoglobin (HbO2) and the absorption rate of hemoglobin (Hb).

Since the oxygen hemoglobin (HbO2) and the hemoglobin (Hb) have different absorbances of red light and IR light, graphs of the ratios thereof are also formed differently.

FIG. 2Bis a graph illustrating a light absorption rate of hemoglobin (Hb) and oxygen hemoglobin (HbO2) according to a wavelength of light. (a) ofFIG. 2Bis a graph showing an amount of light absorbed when oxygen hemoglobin (HbO2) does not exist in blood (dead person). In this case, since there is no absorbed light of the oxygen hemoglobin (HbO2), the oxygen saturation is 0%.

Referring to (d) ofFIG. 2B, when all hemoglobin is bound to oxygen, a graph showing the oxygen saturation is formed substantially the same as a graph showing a light absorbance according to the wavelength of oxygen saturation (HbO2). This indicates a state in which all of the oxygen and the hemoglobin are bound together and thus the oxygen can be delivered to the full body. (b) ofFIG. 2Band (c) ofFIG. 2Bare graphs showing different oxygen saturations.

However, in order to calculate the oxygen saturation according to the ratio of the hemoglobin (Hb) and the oxygen hemoglobin (HbO2), the IR sensor and the red light-emitting element should be spaced apart from each other by about 6 mm to 8 mm. The light-emitting elements and the light-receiving sensor of the sensing unit310according to this embodiment are not formed as one module but arranged on the circuit board. Accordingly, the watch-type terminal100may be provided with a light-emitting element312and a light-receiving sensor311which are arranged to maintain a sufficient distance therebetween.

Hereinafter, the arrangement structure of the light-receiving sensor311and the light-emitting element312included in the sensing unit310will be described.

FIGS. 3A to 3Care conceptual views illustrating a sensor unit for outputting red light for measuring oxygen saturation. A sensor unit inFIG. 3Aincludes a first light-receiving sensor351, first to fourth green light-emitting elements352a,352b,352c, and352d, an IR sensor353, and a red light-emitting element354. The first to fourth green light-emitting elements352a,352b,352c, and352dmay be LED devices that output green light. The green light output from the first to fourth green light-emitting elements352a,352b,352c, and352dis reflected by a skin and is received by the first light-receiving sensor351.

Transmittance is decreased when light has a short wavelength and increased when light has a long wavelength. In order to measure a biological signal (heartbeat change) as a PPG sensor, the output light should reach a skin depth where blood vessels are located, to measure a change in a blood flow. However, when light reaches beyond the skin depth where the blood vessels are located, it may be absorbed into tissues or bones. In general, depth from a wrist to a blood vessel is deeper than that from a finger to the blood vessel, and thus the transmittance of green light is suitable for reaching the blood vessel.

The first to fourth green light-emitting elements352a,352b,352c, and352dare disposed to be spaced apart from one another by a first length11with respect to the first light-receiving sensor351. On the other hand, the IR sensor353is disposed in parallel (side by side) to the first green light-emitting element352aand is spaced apart from the first light-receiving sensor351by a second length12longer than the first length11.

The red light-emitting element354is disposed in parallel to the third green light-emitting element352cand is spaced apart from the first light-receiving sensor351by the second length12. According to this embodiment, the IR sensor353and the red light-emitting element354may be disposed at the farthest distance from each other. For example, the second length12may range from about 6 mm to about 8 mm.

Referring toFIG. 3B, the IR sensor353and the red light-emitting element354may be disposed adjacent to each other. According to this embodiment, the IR sensor353and the red light-emitting element354are disposed in series (side by side) to each other and are spaced apart from the first light-receiving sensor351by the second length12. The IR sensor383and the red light-emitting element354may be disposed adjacent to one of the plurality of green light-emitting elements.

Referring toFIG. 3C, the IR sensor353and the red light-emitting element354are spaced apart from the first light-receiving sensor351by the second length12, respectively. The IR sensor353may be adjacent to the second green light-emitting element352band the red light-emitting element354may be disposed adjacent to the third green light-emitting element352c.

According to these embodiments, output intensity of the green light of the green light-emitting element may be adjusted to fit the user's skin so as to measure a biological signal, and the oxygen saturation may be measured using the red light. Also, the IR sensor may be used to detect whether or not the watch-type terminal is worn.

FIGS. 4A to 4Dare conceptual views illustrating a sensor unit for outputting red light for measuring an oxygen saturation according to another embodiment. Referring toFIG. 4A, the sensor unit according to this embodiment includes the first and second green light-emitting elements352aand352b, the IR sensor353, and the red light-emitting element354. In other words, the sensor unit according to this embodiment has the same configuration as that illustrated inFIGS. 3A to 3C, except for including only two green light-emitting elements. Thus, the same reference numerals are used and a redundant description will be omitted.

The first and second green light-emitting elements352aand352bare disposed along a first direction d1with the light-receiving sensor351interposed therebetween. The first and second green light-emitting elements352aand52bare spaced apart from the light-receiving sensor351by a first length11, respectively.

The IR sensor353and the red light-emitting element354are disposed adjacent to each other and are spaced apart from the light-receiving sensor351by a second length12. The IR sensor353and the red light-emitting element354are arranged apart from the light-receiving sensor351along a second direction d2intersecting with the first direction d1.

Referring toFIG. 4B, the first and second green light-emitting elements352aand352b, the red light-emitting element354, the IR sensor353and the light-receiving sensor351are arranged in the first direction d1. The IR sensor353and the red light-emitting element354are spaced apart from the light-receiving sensor351by the second length12, respectively. The second green light-emitting element352bis disposed between the IR sensor353and the light-receiving sensor351and the first green light-emitting element352ais disposed between the light-receiving sensor351and the red light-emitting element354.

Referring toFIG. 4C, the red light-emitting element354and the IR sensor353are disposed adjacent to each other and spaced apart from the light-receiving sensor351by the second length12. The second green light-emitting element352bis disposed between the light-receiving sensor351and the red light-emitting element354and the IR sensor353. The first green light-emitting element352ais arranged to correspond to the first green light-emitting element352awith respect to the light-receiving sensor351.

Referring toFIG. 4D, the first and second green light-emitting elements352aand352b, the red light-emitting element354, and the IR sensor353are disposed in all directions, with respect to the light-receiving sensor351. Even in this case, the red light-emitting element354and the IR sensor353are spaced apart from the light-receiving sensor351by the second length12, respectively, and the first and second green light-emitting elements352aand352bare spaced apart from the light-receiving sensor351by the first length11, respectively.

FIGS. 5A to 5Gare conceptual views illustrating a sensing unit which includes two light-receiving sensors and is capable of measuring oxygen saturation. Referring toFIG. 5A, first and second light-receiving sensors431aand431bare arranged along a first direction with respect to a virtual center O. The first and second light-receiving sensors431aand431bare spaced apart from the center O by the first length11, respectively.

The IR sensor433and the red light-emitting element434are arranged along the first direction and spaced apart from the center O by the second length12, respectively. The first and second green light-emitting elements432aand432bare arranged along a second direction that intersects with the first direction, and spaced apart from the first and second light-emitting elements431aand431bby the first length11, respectively.

Referring toFIG. 5B, the first and second green light-emitting elements432aand432band the first and second light-receiving sensors431aand431bare arranged along the first direction. The first and second light-receiving sensors431aand431bare spaced apart from the virtual center O by the second length12, respectively. The first and second green light-emitting elements432aand432bare spaced apart from the first and second light-receiving sensors431aand431bby the first length11, and disposed outside the first and second light-receiving sensors431aand431b, respectively. The IR sensor433and the red light-emitting element434are arranged along the second direction intersecting with the first direction.

Referring toFIG. 5C, the first and second green light-emitting elements432aand432bare disposed adjacent to each other based on the virtual center O. The red light-emitting element434, the IR sensor433and the first and second light-receiving sensors431aand431bare arranged in all directions with respect to the virtual center O. The first and second green light-emitting elements432aand432b, the IR sensor433, and the red light-emitting element434are arranged in one direction. The first and second light-receiving sensors431aand431bare disposed closer to the first and second green light-emitting elements432aand432b, respectively.

Referring toFIG. 5D, the first and second green light-emitting elements432aand432band the first and second light-receiving sensors431aand431bare disposed in all directions with respect to the virtual center O. The IR sensor433and the red light-emitting element434are spaced apart from the virtual center O by the second length12, respectively, and arranged along a direction that the first and second green light-emitting elements432aand432bare arranged.

Referring toFIG. 5E, the first and second green light-emitting elements432aand432b, the IR sensor434, and the red light-emitting element433are arranged in one direction with respect to the center O. The first and second light-receiving sensors431aand431bare arranged in a direction intersecting with the one direction with respect to the center O. The first and second light-receiving sensors431aand431bare arranged to be close to the first and second green light-emitting elements432aand432band relatively far from the IR sensor434and the red light-emitting element433. The first and second light-receiving sensors431aand431band the IR sensor434are preferably spaced apart from each other by the second length12, respectively.

As illustrated inFIG. 5F, the positions of the IR sensor434and the red light-emitting element433may be changed. Referring toFIG. 5G, the first and second light-receiving sensors431aand431bare disposed adjacent to each other and the IR sensor434and the red light-emitting element433are disposed adjacent to the first and second light-receiving sensors431aand431b, respectively. The first and second green light-emitting elements432aand432bare arranged in a direction intersecting with a direction in which the IR sensor434, the red light-emitting element433and the first and second light-receiving sensors431aand431bare arranged.

According to the present invention, since the light-receiving sensors, the green light-emitting elements, the red light-emitting element, and the IR sensor can be disposed separately, not as one module, the distances between the red light-emitting element and the light-receiving sensors and between the IR sensor and the light-receiving sensors can be secured. Therefore, the oxygen saturation can be measured more accurately.

FIG. 6Ais a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a mobile terminal using oxygen saturation detected by a sensing unit of the present invention, andFIG. 6Bis a conceptual view illustrating the control method ofFIG. 6A. Referring toFIG. 6A, the controller measures oxygen saturation using the sensing unit for a specific time (S11). For example, when the sensing unit detects that the watch-type terminal100is worn on the user's wrist, the controller controls the sensing unit to measure the oxygen saturation at preset intervals. Alternatively, the controller may control the sensing unit to measure the oxygen saturation during a specific time of the day, for example, during a sleeping time, while an abnormal state of the body is sensed by another sensor, or while a motion is detected.

The controller analyzes presence or absence of an apnea state using the oxygen saturation (S12). Sleep apnea is a state that breathing is stopped during sleep, which may cause insufficient oxygen to be supplied to the brain, make an autonomic nervous system sensitive, and cause a lack of sleep. Oxygen saturation is reduced due to a lack of oxygen supply in the sleep apnea phase. Therefore, when the calculated oxygen saturation falls below a specific reference value, the controller determines that the user is in the apnea state.

For example, the controller may recognize the apnea state occurred during a sleep time and the number of occurrences of the apnea state, and store information related to the occurrence of the apnea state and the number of occurrences in the memory170. The controller switches the watch-type terminal100to a warning mode and displays a warning mode when the apnea state occurs (or when the apnea state is continued for a predetermined time (or/and has occurred a predetermined number of times) (S13).

Referring toFIG. 6B, the controller switches a mobile terminal to the warning mode when the display unit of the mobile terminal cooperating with the watch-type terminal100is activated. In addition, the display unit of the mobile terminal100outputs a warning window410. The warning window410may include notification information indicating that the apnea state has occurred in a plurality of sections and the mobile terminal is switched to the warning mode (S13).

When the switching to the warning mode is confirmed, the controller controls the mobile terminal or the watch-type terminal based on the warning mode. However, when the switching to the warning mode is rejected based on a touch input applied on the notification information410, the controller activates the watch-type terminal or the mobile terminal regardless of the apnea state.

When the user of the watch-type terminal is in the apnea state in multiple sections, a graphic object503corresponding to the warning mode may be output on an area (on a status bar) of the display unit of the watch-type terminal or a display unit of an external device cooperating with the watch-type terminal100. The controller may switch the warning mode to an inactive state based on a touch input applied to the display unit. When the warning mode is switched to the inactive state, the controller may control the mobile terminal and the watch-type terminal regardless of the user's apnea state.

The display unit includes at least one screen information including driving status information based on a drag touch input applied from the status bar, and the screen information includes an image bar420corresponding to the warning mode. Although not specifically illustrated, additional information regarding the apnea state may be included on the image bar420. For example, a time at which the apnea state has occurred, a delay time of the apnea state, pattern information, and the like may be included.

Accordingly, the user can recognize the occurrence of the apnea state during the sleep time (or for a specific time) by the graphic image503displayed on the status bar, so as to adjust a physical condition of the user himself/herself. In addition, the user can be provided with detailed information on the apnea state based on an additional touch input applied to the graphic image503, and recognize the physical condition since the watch-type terminal and the mobile terminal are controlled by the warning mode.

However, the control method according to this embodiment can also be implemented by the watch-type terminal100. Accordingly, when the apnea state occurs for a predetermined time, the watch-type terminal100may not transmit a wireless signal to an external device but be switched to the warning mode.

Hereinafter, a control method of a watch-type terminal100or/and a mobile terminal performing wireless communication with the watch-type terminal100when the apnea state occurs will be described.

FIGS. 7A and 7Bare conceptual views illustrating a method of controlling a watch-type terminal and/or a mobile terminal performing wireless communication with the watch-type terminal, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 7A, the controller180collects sleep state information using the sensing unit (S21). Here, the sleep state information may be generated based on occurrence, periodicity, frequency, time, etc. of the sleep apnea state calculated through the oxygen saturation sensed by the sensing unit.

The controller180collects data of a current date (S22). For example, data of the current date may include schedule information stored in the current date, weather information related to the current date, information which is related to the current date and received from a server or external device, and the like.

The controller180determines whether there is/are alarm information and/or schedule information set by the collected information (S23). When alarm information related to a wakeup time of the current date is collected, the controller180compares a calculated proper wakeup time calculated based on the sleep state information with a scheduled wakeup time based on the alarm information (S24), and adjusts an output time of the alarm (S25).

In the adjustment of the output time of the alarm, the controller180may analyze and determine history information collected during that time and the user's schedule information. On the other hand, if there is no alarm information or schedule information, the controller180calculates an appropriate wakeup time based on the collected sleep state information (S26). The controller180outputs the alarm after the appropriate sleep time (S27).

FIG. 7Billustrates a measured sleep level. The sleep level represents a depth of sleep. A lower level corresponds to deeper sleep. When the sleep level is 1 or higher, it corresponds to a REM sleep state in which an activity of the brain is maintained while a muscular activity is stopped. If an alarm output time scheduled by the user's setting is a first time t1, the alarm rings when the user is in a deep sleep state.

In this case, the controller180may adjust the alarm time based on a sleep pattern calculated by the oxygen saturation. For example, when the scheduled time for outputting the alarm set by the measured oxygen saturation corresponds to a deep sleep state, the controller180may control the alarm to be output at a second time t2at which the REM sleep state is reached.

When the controller180performs wireless communication with an external device, the controller180transmits sleep information according to the oxygen saturation to the external device. The external device may adjust the output time by comparing the sleep information with the alarm information. That is, the external device controls an output unit including the display unit to output the alarm information510at the second time t2which is the adjusted output time.

According to this embodiment, the sleep state information can be collected by the oxygen saturation and the output time of the alarm can be changed to a time at which the user is ready to wake up. Thus, it is possible to help the user wake up at an appropriate time based on the user's sleep state.

FIGS. 8A to 8Care conceptual views illustrating a control method for providing guide information based on stored information and sleep state information.FIGS. 8A to 8Cillustrate one example of an external device that performs wireless communication with the watch-type terminal100of the present invention. However, such a control method may be equally applied to the watch-type terminal100of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 8A, schedule information may be stored in the memory of the external device or the memory170of the watch-type terminal100based on the user's control command. (a) ofFIG. 8Ashows first screen information501including the schedule information. The controller180may calculate an appropriate sleep time of the user based on sleep state information stored in the memory170. The controller180may output first guide information520guiding the user's sleep based on a current time, and the sleep state information and the schedule information stored in the memory170.

The guide information520may be implemented by auditory data or vibration as well as visual data. For example, the guide information520may include information related to a time to start sleeping by comparing an appropriate sleep time with a current time, or may be implemented as text and/or image indicating information related to a time at which the user can sleep and information related to a prestored schedule.

Referring toFIG. 8B, the external device performs wireless communication with the watch-type terminal100having the sensing unit, and transmits the selected sleep state information to a preset specific external device or an external device located within a specific range. The external device which has received the sleep state information may correspond to an external device of another user who is different from the user of the watch-type terminal100.

If the sleep state information does not correspond to a normal sleep state range, the controller180of the watch-type terminal100transmits the sleep state information to an adjacent external device. For example, when the apnea state occurs due to snoring or the apnea state is frequently detected, specific information is transmitted to the user' mobile terminal adjacent to the watch-type terminal100.

The external device which has received the sleep state information through the wireless communication with the watch-type terminal100outputs second guide information530based on the sleep state information. The second guide information530may be visual data displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal, or may be realized as auditory data or vibration. A control image530′ for providing additional information may be included when the second guide information530corresponds to the visual data.

Additional guide information may be output based on a touch input applied to the control image530′. First additional guide information530aincludes information related to a sleep position of the user of the watch-type terminal100, and second additional guide information530bprovides an analysis result by extracting information stored in the watch-type terminal100. For example, the second additional guide information530bmay include guide information for restraining an intake of food while providing food intake information stored in the watch-type terminal100. Meanwhile, third additional guide information530cprovides an analysis result using sensing information sensed by a sensor unit mounted on the external device that outputs the guide information. For example, the third additional guide information530cmay include guide information for adjusting lighting through illuminance sensed through an illuminance sensor of the external device.

Referring toFIG. 8C, additional guide information according to another embodiment will be described. The external device is set to perform wireless communication with the watch-type terminal100. The external device may output guide information530including the control image530′ to the display unit when the sleep state information is received from the watch-type terminal100.

The watch-type terminal100may transmit the guide information together with the sleep state information to the external device. For example, the watch-type terminal100may transmit the sleep state information together with health state information of the user to the external device. Accordingly, the external device outputs fourth additional guide information530dincluding the sleep state information and the health state information. Accordingly, the user of the external device can take an appropriate action to the user through the fourth additional guide information530d.

On the other hand, the external device displays fifth additional guide information530erecommending a preset function based on the sleep state information. For example, the set function may correspond to a music playback function which is helpful for sleeping. The controller180of the watch-type terminal100may simultaneously transmit a control command for causing the specific function to be executed, when transmitting the sleep state information. Accordingly, a specific function that helps the sleeping state can be executed based on the control command before the user of the external device wakes up.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, guide information can be directly provided to the user wearing the watch-type terminal100and also provided through an adjacent external device which performs wireless communication with the watch-type terminal. This may help the user to sleep by providing information to another person without waking up the user of the watch-type terminal100who is sleeping.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a function which is helpful for the sleep state of another person as well as the user. However, the guide information and the additional guide information may be directly output by the watch-type terminal100.

FIGS. 9A to 9Care conceptual views illustrating a control method for providing guide information analyzed through collected sleep state information and additional information. The guide information according to this embodiment may be output directly by the watch-type terminal100or may be output by an external device which receives the sleep state information from the watch-type terminal100.

Referring toFIG. 9A, a sleep mode may be activated based on a control command of the user. For example, the control command of the user may be generated based on a touch input applied to a control image502displayed by the external device, or may be transmitted by the watch-type terminal100.

The external device may detect external brightness when the sleep mode is activated. Alternatively, the watch-type terminal100may control the sensor unit to detect the external brightness in the sleep mode, and transmit the result to the external device.

If it is detected that the user is not in a good sleep state based on the sleep state information, first control guide information541is output. The first control guide information541includes guide information for adjusting the external brightness. When there is a lighting which cooperates with the watch-type terminal100, the watch-type terminal may transmit a wireless signal to the lighting to lower brightness.

Based on the sleep state information, the external device and the watch-type terminal100may detect the external brightness and transmit a wireless signal to adjust brightness of the lighting such that the brightness is similar to the external brightness.

Referring toFIG. 9B, the watch-type terminal forms second control guide information542based on analysis results of the sleep state information and storage information related to a date on which the sleep state information was collected. The second control guide information542may include a graphic image for causing a specific function to be executed based on the storage information. For example, positive data is collected through recorded log information of the day when the user took a good sleep based on the sleep state information, and negative data is collected through recorded log information of the day when such a good sleep was not taken.

For example, when a schedule that the user met a specific person on the day when the user took a good sleep has been stored or when there is log information related to data transmission and reception with a specific external device, the second control guide information542may include a graphic image for performing a wireless communication function with the specific person or the external device.

Referring toFIG. 9C, the watch-type terminal100may store intake information related foods that the user ate together with the sleep state information. The controller180analyzes an association result based on the sleep state information and the food intake information. For example, if the good sleep was not taken based on the sleep state information, the foods included in the intake information of the day are collected as negative data.

Accordingly, third control guide information543may include visual data indicating the intake of the food should be avoided, while providing food information that the user ate on the day when the sleep apnea occurred.

The first to third control guide information541,542and543may be displayed on the display unit151of the watch-type terminal100or may be displayed on the external device performing the wireless communication with the watch-type terminal100.

That is, the user may analyze sleep state information, which includes information on whether or not the apnea has occurred during sleep, frequency of occurrence, an occurrence duration, an occurrence time of the sleep apnea, etc., together with log information of another user, thereby obtaining guide information for a better sleep state. Therefore, the user does not have to consciously analyze the sleep state and his/her behavior.

FIGS. 10A to 10Care conceptual views illustrating a control method in a state where a warning mode is activated. Referring toFIGS. 10A and 10B, when it is determined that a sleep state is not good by a preset reference based on the sleep state information, the watch-type terminal100activates a warning mode and/or transmits a wireless signal to an external device cooperating with the watch-type terminal100such that the warning mode is also activated in the external device. That is, although the drawings are given to explain a control method of a mobile terminal as an external device, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the watch-type terminal100may be driven or controlled in substantially the same manner.

Referring toFIG. 10A, when the warning mode is activated, the display unit of the external device outputs an icon503informing it. The sleep state information may be displayed in detail or the warning mode may be released based on a touch input applied to the icon503.

The display unit displays an execution screen500acorresponding to an executed specific function. When the specific function is executed by the execution screen500a, a first warning window544corresponding to the specific function is displayed. The first warning window544may include a message for confirming whether the specific function is executed, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first warning window544includes text for explaining why the execution is restricted, while restricting the execution of the specific function. Or, the first warning window544may include only warning text to stop the execution of the specific function while maintaining the execution of the specific function. After the output of the first warning window544, a control window of another function that can be executed together with the specific function may be displayed.

On the other hand, the watch-type terminal100and the external device may output a second warning window545based on the execution of the specific function in the warning mode. The second warning window545may include a guide message for executing a function that can be executed together with the specific function. For example, the second warning window545may include text to guide an execution of a music playback application.

When the same application is activated, the external device or the watch-type terminal100may selectively output the first warning window545or the second warning window545based on an executed function and a condition of the executed function.

Referring toFIG. 10B, when a specific change is detected by the external device or the watch-type terminal while the warning mode is being executed, a third warning window546is output. The third warning window546may be displayed on the watch-type terminal100or on the external device. The specific change may correspond to a sudden change in an acceleration state. The third warning window546may include a message indicating that it will be determined as an occurrence of a failure or accident when a signal is not applied based on the sudden change.

If a requested signal input is not applied after the third warning window546is output, a fourth warning window547may be displayed. The fourth warning window547includes a guide message indicating that information related to the specific change is transmitted to another external device. In this case, the information on the specific change may be transmitted to an external device which frequently performs wireless communication with the external terminal or the watch-type terminal or may be transmitted to a preset external device.

FIGS. 11A to 11Eare conceptual views illustrating a control method of a watch-type terminal and an external device cooperating with the watch-type terminal according to another embodiment. Although the mobile terminal is shown in the drawing, the control method may be applied to the watch-type terminal in the same manner, and thus a duplicate explanation will be omitted.

Referring toFIG. 11A, the watch-type terminal100recognizes oxygen saturation and a sleep apnea state through the sensor unit. When the sleep state information is generated, the watch-type terminal100may transmit the sleep state information to an external device. Alternatively, the watch-type terminal100may transmit the sleep state information to the external device when the sleep state of the user is unstable.

If schedule information is stored in the external device through a specific application504, an alarm548for the schedule information is output based on the sleep state information. The external device may output the alarm548at more frequent intervals when the sleep state information is received.

On the other hand, when sleep state information indicating an unstable sleep state is generated, the watch-type terminal100may output a notification informing the stored schedule information, or may output an alarm about the schedule information more frequently. According to this embodiment, the user who has a chance of a failure of memory due to an unstable sleep may be notified not to miss a prestored schedule.

Referring toFIG. 11B, if the sleep state information indicating the unstable sleep state is received by the external device, the external device may output a warning screen505when an application related to security is executed. For example, the security-related application may correspond to an application associated with financial operations, or the like. If the sleep state information indicating the unstable sleep state is generated, the watch-type terminal100may output a warning screen on the display unit151when the security-related application is executed in the watch-type mobile terminal100.

Referring toFIG. 11C, when the sleep state information indicating the unstable sleep state is received by the external device, the external device may output a warning message549based on recorded schedule information. The warning message549may include the user's sleep state. On the other hand, when the sleep state information indicating the unstable sleep state is generated, the watch-type terminal100may display a warning message corresponding to the schedule information stored in the memory170on the display unit151.

Referring toFIG. 11D, when the sleep state information indicating the unstable sleep state is received by the external device, the external device may output behavior guide information550of the user. For example, watching movies, reading, and exercising may be recommended for the user's diversion.

Meanwhile, when the sleep state information indicating the unstable sleep state is generated, the watch-type terminal100may output behavior guide information. As a result, it is possible to improve the mood of the user who feels uneasy and depressed due to an insufficient sleep.

Referring toFIG. 11E, the display unit151of the watch-type terminal100may display an image551arepresenting a stress index based on the sleep state information, and output first screen information551bfor recommending watching movies or second screen information551cfor recommending reading. Also, the display unit151of the watch-type terminal100may output first and second execution guide screens551b′ and551c′ for taking an action based on the first and second screen information551band551c. The controller180may guide a behavior or action required for the user to take by analyzing behavior log and approval information of the user stored in the memory170, and the sleep state information.

The present invention can be implemented as computer-readable codes in a program-recorded medium. The computer-readable medium may include all types of recording devices each storing data readable by a computer system. Examples of such computer-readable media may include hard disk drive (HDD), solid state disk (SSD), silicon disk drive (SDD), ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage element and the like. Also, the computer-readable medium may also be implemented as a format of carrier wave (e.g., transmission via an Internet). The computer may include the controller180of the terminal. Therefore, it should also be understood that the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within its scope as defined in the appended claims, Therefore, all changes and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalents of such metes and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.

The present invention provides a watch-type terminal for sensing a breathing state by disposing a red light-emitting element for outputting red light and an IR sensor to be spaced apart from a light-receiving sensor by a specific distance or more. Therefore, the present invention can be utilized in various related industrial fields.