Wearable biometric information measurement device

A biometric information measurement device is provided. The device includes a substrate unit including components required for operation of the biometric information measurement device, and electrodes for measuring biometric information. The components and the electrodes are disposed on a single side of the substrate unit. The device also includes a case having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is attached to an attachment pad for attaching the biometric information measurement device to a body, and the second surface faces the single side of the substrate unit. The electrodes are each exposed through respective openings in the first surface.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Korean Patent Application Serial No. 10-2014-0107298, which was filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Aug. 18, 2014, and Korean Patent Application Serial No. 10-2015-0101727, which was filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Jul. 17, 2015, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a wearable device, and more particularly, to a wearable biometric information measurement device that is attached to the user's body for measuring biometric information of the user.

2. Description of the Related Art

There is a growing need for measurement devices that can identify user biometric information, and can manage an individual's health based on the identified biometric information. These measurement devices have been provided in the form of bracelets, arm bands, chest bands, or the like, which can be worn on the user's body to constantly measure biometric information. Various heart rate monitoring products have been created as one type of measurement device. For example, the user's heart rate can be measured through a plurality of electrodes, lead wires, and an electrocardiogram (ECG) measurement device connected with the same. However, such a device can easily loosen or detatch from the user's body as a result of the user's movement, which may cause an error in the ECG measurement. In addition, it is inconvenient for the user to carry the ECG measurement device because the connection between the electrodes, the lead wires, and the ECG measurement device should be maintained all the time. Furthermore, whenever the ECG measurement is performed, the electrodes are required to be attached to the user's body.

In addition, the ECG measurement involves a belt that is worn on the user's chest. However, this belt may easily loosen, or may cause a feeling of tightness around the user's chest.

Moreover, ECG patches have been provided to assist in portability. However, the patches are too big or too thick to be attached to the user's body during user activities, and the attachment of the patches to the body may not be maintained when the user moves.

Conventional devices for measuring biometric information cannot monitor a change in biometric signals according to the user's condition. For example, even though user's heart rate increases and various physical changes occur during exercise, the typical measurement devices record only the biometric information, but cannot obtain accurate physical information on the user. In addition, some users need to measure their biometric information and the physical status 24 hours a day. For example, a user suffering from a heart disease cannot predict a heart attack, so the user needs to measure a change in the biometric information 24 hours a day to inform a third party of the user status information according to the biometric change. In addition, in the case of an irregular heartbeat, the heart rate and the blood pressure of a patient tend to increase while eating a meal. In this case, it needs to be determined if the changes in the heart rate and the blood pressure stem from the meal or from exercise.

SUMMARY

The present invention has been made to address at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides a wearable biometric information measurement device that is easy to carry and that is small and light to allow the user to move or work while wearing the device on his or her body.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a wearable biometric information measurement device by which the user can constantly measure his or her health status and biometric information, and if any problem is detected, the user can make an accurate diagnosis through the measured data to thereby take care of his or her health, or observe the prognosis later on.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a wearable biometric information measurement device that the user can easily carry, and that can measure the user biometric information while being in contact with the user's body, allowing the user to perform various physical activities.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a wearable biometric information measurement device that can record the user activities as well as biometric signals by detecting the biometric information according to the user's condition and the user's physical activities.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a wearable biometric information measurement device that analyzes the biometric signals, based on the user's physical activities to provide a healthcare service that is more accurate and suitable for the user.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a wearable biometric information measurement device that can easily measure an ECG, a degree of stress, a breathing rate per minute, sleep stages, sleep patterns, sleep postures, the number of steps, or detection of a fall to thereby allow the user to identify the measurement result.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a wearable biometric information measurement device that can be attached to several positions on the chest of the user, and that is not easily detached during the movement of the user to minimize user inconvenience and obtain accurate measurement data.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a wearable biometric information measurement device that can be attached to the user's body for a long time to thereby monitor the user biometric information 24 hours a day.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a wearable biometric information measurement device that enables information on a patient to be shared with a third party in the case of an emergency in relation to the patient.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a wearable biometric information measurement device that can accurately detect the user biometric information, and that allows the user to recognize errors in detection values of the biometric information measurement device due to, for example, incorrect attachment of the biometric information measurement device, low battery power, or the like.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a biometric information measurement device is provided. The device includes a substrate unit including components required for operation of the biometric information measurement device, and electrodes for measuring biometric information. The components and the electrodes are disposed on a single side of the substrate unit. The device also includes a case having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is attached to an attachment pad for attaching the biometric information measurement device to a body, and the second surface faces the single side of the substrate unit. The electrodes are each exposed through respective openings in the first surface.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a biometric information measurement device is provided. The device includes a measuring device including a substrate unit on which components, electrodes, and biometric information measurement components are mounted. The measuring device also includes a case that covers the modules, through which the electrodes are exposed, and to which a disposable gel pad is attached. The device also includes a disposable gel pad that is attached to the measuring device. The disposable gel pad includes a pad member having adhesive for attachment to the case and the user's body, and having first openings corresponding to the components and second openings corresponding to the electrodes. The disposable gel pad also includes conductive gel members that are filled in the second openings to make contact between the electrodes and the user's body. The disposable gel pad further includes a mesh member that is provided within the pad member.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided for detecting health status through a biometric information measurement device and an electronic device. Coupling of a disposable gel pad and a biometric information measurement component that includes a substrate unit provided with components and electrodes, is detected. Attachment of the disposable gel pad to a user's body is detected. User biometric information and user status information are detected. Biometric information and user status information are received by the electronic device.

As used herein, the expressions “include”, “may include” and other conjugates refer to the existence of a corresponding function, operation, or constituent element, and do not limit one or more additional functions, operations, or constituent elements. Further, as used herein, the terms “include”, “have”, and their conjugates are intended merely to denote a certain feature, numeral, step, operation, element, component, or a combination thereof, and should not be construed to exclude the existence of or a possibility of one or more other features, numerals, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

Further, as used herein, the expression “or” includes any or all combinations of words enumerated together. For example, the expression “A or B” may include A, B, or both A and B.

While expressions including ordinal numbers, such as, for example, “first” and “second”, as used herein, may modify various constituent elements, such constituent elements are not limited by the above expressions. For example, the above expressions do not limit the sequence and/or importance of the elements. The expressions may be used to distinguish a component element from another component element. For example, a first user device and a second user device indicate different user devices. A first constituent element may be referred to as a second constituent element, and likewise, a second constituent element may also be referred to as a first constituent element without departing from the scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

It should be noted that if it is described that one component element is “coupled” or “connected” to another component element, the first component element may be directly coupled or connected to the second component, or a third component element may be “coupled” or “connected” between the first and second component elements. When one component element is “directly coupled” or “directly connected” to another component element, a third component element does not exist between the first component element and the second component element.

The terms used herein are merely for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. As used herein, singular forms are intended to include plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical terms and scientific terms, have the same meanings as those commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments of the present invention pertain. Such terms as those defined in a generally used dictionary are to be interpreted to have the meanings that are the same as the contextual meanings in the relevant field of art, and are not to be interpreted to have ideal or excessively formal meanings, unless clearly defined in the embodiments of the present invention.

An electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present invention, may have a function that is provided through various colors emitted depending on the states of the electronic device, or a function of sensing a gesture or bio-signal. For example, the electronic device may be embodied as at least one of a smart phone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a netbook computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), an MP3 player, a mobile medical device, a camera, a wearable device (e.g., a head-mounted-device (HMD) such as, for example, electronic glasses, electronic clothes, an electronic bracelet, an electronic necklace, an electronic appcessory, an electronic tattoo, or a smart watch).

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device may be a smart home appliance having a function serviced by light that emits various colors depending on the states of the electronic device, or a function of sensing a gesture or bio-signal. The smart home appliance, as an example of the electronic device, may be embodied as at least one of, for example, a television, a digital versatile disc (DVD) player, an audio player, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a vacuum cleaner, an oven, a microwave oven, a washing machine, an air cleaner, a set-top box, a television (TV) box, a game console, an electronic dictionary, an electronic key, a camcorder, and an electronic picture frame.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device may be embodied as at least one of a medical appliance (e.g., magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and ultrasonic machines), navigation equipment, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, an event data recorder (EDR), a flight data recorder (FDR), an automotive infotainment device, electronic equipment for ships (e.g., ship navigation equipment and a gyrocompass), avionics, security equipment, a vehicle head unit, an industrial or home robot, an automatic teller machine (ATM) of a banking system, and a point of sales (POS) of a shop.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device may be embodied as at least one of a part of furniture or a building/structure, an electronic board, an electronic signature receiving device, a projector, and various kinds of measuring instruments (e.g., a water meter, an electric meter, a gas meter, and a radio wave meter), each of which has a function that is provided through various colors emitted depending on the states of the electronic device or a function of sensing a gesture or bio-signal. The electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a combination of one or more of the aforementioned various devices. Further, the electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present invention, may be a flexible device. Further, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the electronic device is not limited to the aforementioned devices.

The term “user”, as used herein, may indicate a person who uses an electronic device or a device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device) that uses an electronic device.

FIG. 1is a diagram illustrating a wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating an exploded perspective view of the wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, a wearable biometric information measurement device may be defined narrowly or broadly. The wearable biometric information measurement device defined narrowly may refer to devices necessary for only detecting the user biometric information. Namely, the wearable biometric information measurement device of a narrow meaning may refer to a measuring device100including a case110and a substrate unit120. Specifically, the biometric information measurement device of a narrow meaning may denote the measuring device100that is configured by eliminating a disposable gel pad200from the wearable biometric information measurement device of a broad meaning.

On the contrary, the wearable biometric information measurement device10defined broadly may refer to all devices capable of measuring the user biometric information. For example, the wearable biometric information measurement device in a broad sense may include the measuring device100mentioned above, and the disposable gel pad200which is temporarily combined with the measuring device100. Specifically, the wearable biometric information measurement device may be configured as a combined structure of the measuring device100and the disposable gel pad200. Thus, the user may wear the measuring device100combined with the disposable gel pad200on his or her body to thereby detect the user biometric information.

As described above, the wearable biometric information measuring device, according to an embodiment of the present invention, may include a measuring device100that includes the case110and the substrate unit120. In addition, the measuring device100may include an internal battery150that supplies power.

The case110may be equipped with the substrate unit120therein to be sealed. In addition, an attachment surface115is provided on one surface of the case110, to which the disposable gel pad200is attached. As will be described in detail below, according to an embodiment of the present invention, elements, such as modules M1and M2, electrodes131,132, and133, or connection ports140, are positioned on one surface of the substrate unit120(hereinafter, referred to as “the first surface S1”), and the attachment surface115is configured to cover the first surface S1. The attachment surface115is configured to cover the modules M1and M2, and to expose electrodes131,132, and133. However, gaps between the attachment surface115and the exposed electrodes131,132, and133or the connection ports140may be sealed to prevent the inflow of the impurities.

As described above, the electrodes131,132, and133or the connection ports140mounted on the first surface S1of the substrate unit120are hermetically exposed through the surface of the case110. The configuration of the case110and the electrodes131,132, and133, and the connection ports140, which are hermetically coupled to each other as one piece, may prevent the inflow of water or sweat to protect elements therein when the user carries the wearable biometric information measurement device or attaches the same to the user's body.

Exposure openings115aand protrusion surfaces115band115care formed on the attachment surface115.

The exposure openings115aare configured to allow the electrodes131,132, and133to be hermetically exposed through the surface115of the exposure openings115a. According to the embodiment of the present invention, three electrodes131,132, and133are illustrated as mounted on the substrate unit120, so three exposure openings115aare formed on the attachment surface115. The inner circumference surfaces of the exposure openings115aand the outer circumference surfaces of the electrodes may be sealed tightly. Accordingly, since the electrodes131,132, and133, which are exposed through the attachment surface115, and the exposure openings115aare coupled in a sealed manner, the inflow of impurities between the same may be prevented. For example, conductive gel members230of the disposable gel pad200may make contact with the surface of the electrodes131,132, and133. In this case, the inflow of the conductive gel members230to the inside of the case110through the gaps between the electrodes131,132, and133and the exposure openings115amay be prevented.

The protrusion surfaces115band115care positioned to correspond to the modules M1and M2. The modules M1and M2are arranged between the electrodes131,132, and133so that the protruding surfaces115band115care formed adjacent to the exposure openings115a. In addition, the modules M1and M2are mounted on the first surface S1of the substrate unit120to protrude from the same, so the protruding surfaces115band115care formed to protrude higher than the attachment surface115to form module spaces (MS) for the modules M1and M2. The embodiment ofFIGS. 1 and 2has two modules, i.e., the first module M1, and the second module M2, first protruding surface115bprotrudes from the attachment surface115to form a module space (MS) for the first module M1, and second protruding surface115cprotrudes from the attachment surface115to form a module space (MS) for the second module M2.

FIGS. 3A to 3Eare diagrams illustrating the case that is hermetically coupled, in a wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 3A, the case110, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is vacuum-formed as one piece to hermetically enclose the substrate unit120therein. That is, the case110is vacuum-formed to enclose the substrate unit120so that a body111and a bottom member112are configured as one piece without a connection seam between them. As will be described in greater detail below, the body111may be vacuum-formed on the substrate unit120to enclose the substrate unit120, and the bottom member112may be vacuum-formed separately. The body111and the bottom member112may then be fit together. Accordingly, the case110may be configured as if it is one piece.

Referring toFIGS. 3B and 3C, as described above, the case110includes the body111and the bottom member112, which are hermetically coupled to each other. The body111has an attachment surface115on one side, and an opposite surface of the attachment surface115is open. The body111is vacuum-formed on the substrate unit120so that the first surface S1of the substrate unit120and the attachment surface115, i.e., the exposure openings115aand the electrodes131,132, and133, are configured as sealed, and the modules M1and M2are received in the module spaces (seeFIG. 7) formed by the protruding surfaces115band115c. The bottom member112may be vacuum-formed separately from the body111, and may be hermetically coupled to the back surface of the body111. The body111and the bottom member112may be hermetically coupled to each other by a vacuum-formation.

More specifically, referring to a connection between the bottom member112and the body111, a coupling surface112b, to which the end of the body111is coupled, is provided on the edge of the bottom member112, and an inner stepped surface112a, which is higher than the coupling surface112b, is formed adjacent to the coupling surface112b. Therefore, when the bottom member112is coupled to the body111, the protruding inner stepped surface112aof the bottom member112makes tight contact with the inner surface of the body111to fit on the back of the body111. Thus, the body111and the bottom member112may be sealed due to a difference in height between them through a tight coupling. That is, the body111and the bottom member112may be coupled by the tight contact between the inner stepped surface112aand the inner surface of the body111, as well as by a connection of the coupling surface112b, to thereby prevent the inflow of impurities or water. As described above, the coupling surface112bmay be vacuum-formed on the body111to be sealed. In another embodiment, as shown inFIG. 3C, the bottom member112and the body111may be coupled by the coupling member113, such as double sided tape, which is interposed between the coupling surface112band the body111.

In addition, as shown inFIG. 3D, the configuration of the body111and the bottom member112, which has the coupling surface112band the inner stepped surface112a, further includes a fastening structure provided in the body111and the coupling surface112b. More specifically, the fastening structure includes a protrusion111aand a fitting groove112dfor hermetically coupling the body111and the coupling surface112bof the bottom member112. The protrusion111amay be formed at the edge of the back surface of the body111, and the fitting groove112dmay be formed on the coupling surface112bof the bottom member112to correspond to the protrusion111a, so that the protrusion111afits into the fitting groove112d. Therefore, when the body111that is vacuum-formed on the substrate unit120as one piece is coupled to the bottom member112that is separately vacuum-formed, the body111rests on the coupling surface112b, and the protrusion111afits into the fitting groove112d. That is, when the bottom member112is coupled to the back surface of the body111, the protrusion111aelastically fits into the fitting groove112d. Thus, the body111and the bottom member112are sealed by the coupling of the protrusion111aand the fitting groove112d, and the contact between the inner stepped surface112aand the inner surface of the body111, as well as the coupling surface112b. In addition, as shown inFIG. 3E, the coupling member113, such as a double-sided tape, may be interposed between the coupling surface112band the body111. The coupling member113may enhance the sealing reliability. In addition, although the protrusion111ais provided on the body111, and the fitting groove112dis provided on the bottom member112in the present embodiment, they may be configured in reverse. For example, the protrusion111amay be provided on the bottom member112, and the fitting groove112dmay be on the body111. Although various examples for coupling the case110are described above, a structure and a coupling method of the case110are not limited thereto, and the coupling structure or the shape of the case may be modified or altered as long as the case can enclose the substrate unit120and can provide a waterproof function. The bottom member112may have an accepting recess112X and a switch-accepting recess112Y, which are formed thereon. The accepting recess112X may accept the internal battery150provided on the back of the substrate unit120, and the switch-accepting recess112Y may accept a switching unit125provided on the back of the substrate unit120, as described in greater detail below.

The case110may be made of an elastic material, which provides a sealing function, such as, for example, a rubber-based material, an urethane-based material, or an elastomer-based material, which are elastic and enable the case110to be flexible according to the movement of the user while it is attached to the user's body. In addition, the case110may be made of a non-conductive material, or an insulating material, for example, an insulating resin. In addition, the case110, according to an embodiment of the present invention, may have various shapes, including a rectangle, according to the connection status of substrates121a,121b,121c,121d, and121eof the substrate unit120.

FIGS. 4A and 4Bare diagrams illustrating a marked point on the surface of the case in a wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 4A and 4B, a marked point160is provided on the surface of the case110to show an attachment reference point so that the user identifies a direction and a position of the measuring device100that is to be attached to the user's body. For example, the electrodes131,132, and133may be disposed, with the modules M1and M2interposed between them, on the substrate unit120, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The user biometric information, such as an ECG, may be detected through a potential difference between centered electrode131as a reference electrode, and the electrodes132and133on both sides thereof. In attaching the measuring device100to the user's body part close to the heart for measuring an ECG, if the measuring device100is attached in a reversed direction, an ECG data graph may be displayed in reverse, compared with a normal measurement graph. Although the user can recognize incorrect attachment of the measuring device through the reversed display of the biometric information, such as ECG data, the marked point160can inform the user of the attachment direction of the measuring device100in advance. Furthermore, repeated incorrect attachment of the measuring device100may lower the adhesive strength of an attachment member with respect to the user's body. As described in greater detail below, the attachment force of a pad member, which is to be attached to the user's body, may be different according to adhesive materials thereof when it is reused. Also, as described in greater detail below, a silicon-based adhesive or an urethane-based adhesive may be used as the material of the pad member, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the attachment force of the urethane-based adhesive may be considerably lowered when it is reused, whereas the attachment force of the silicon-based adhesive may remain even when it is reused, so it can be used repeatedly. However, there may be a difference in the price between the silicon-based adhesive and the urethane-based adhesive.

The marked point160, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is printed on the surface of the case110, as shown inFIG. 4A, or is provided in the form of a plurality of protrusions, as shown inFIG. 4Bto indicate its position, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any configuration, which can inform the user of the correct attachment status of the biometric information measurement device10, when it is attached to the user's body, may be applied to the present invention.

FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating a first surface of the substrate unit in the wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 6is a diagram illustrating a back surface of the substrate unit120in the wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 5 and 6, the substrate unit120is enclosed in the case110. The substrate unit120has the first surface S1on which biometric information measurement members A (referred to as “biometric information measurement modules A,” seeFIG. 9), such as the modules M1and M2, and the electrodes131,132, and133, or connection ports140are mounted, and the opposite surface of the first surface S1. The first surface S1faces the attachment surface115, and faces the user's body when the measuring device100is attached to the user's body.

The substrate unit120, according to an embodiment of the present invention, includes the substrates121a,121b,121c,121d, and121e, and flexible circuit boards122electrically connecting the substrates.

The substrates121a,121b,121c,121d, and121eare disposed adjacent to each other so that the modules M1and M2, and the electrodes131,132, and133are arranged to alternate with each other. In addition, the substrates121a,121b,121c,121d, and121eare electrically connected with each other through the flexible circuit boards122interposed between them. It is assumed that the first substrate121ais in the leftmost position, and the second to the fifth substrates121b,121c,121d, and121eare arranged from the first substrate121ato the right in sequence, inFIG. 5.

As described above, the biometric information measurement modules A, such as the modules M1and M2, and the electrodes131,132, and133, or elements, such as the connection ports140may be mounted on the first surface S1of the substrate unit120. Particularly, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the modules M1and M2, and the electrodes131,132, and133may be arranged to alternate with each other on the first surface S1of the substrate unit120The first to the third electrodes131,132, and133may be positioned at the center and at both ends of the substrate unit120, respectively, and the modules M1and M2may be positioned between the same. Accordingly, first electrode131is mounted on the first surface S1of the third substrate121cat the center of the substrate unit. Second electrode132is mounted on the first surface S1of the first substrate121a. Third electrode133is mounted on the first surface S1of the fifth substrate121e. That is, the second electrode132, the first electrode131, and the third electrode133are mounted on the first substrate121a, the third substrate121c, and the fifth substrate121e, respectively. In addition, first module M1is mounted between electrodes, i.e., on the second substrate121bbetween the first substrate121ahaving the second electrode132thereon and the third substrate121chaving the first electrode131thereon. The second module M2is mounted between electrodes, i.e., on the fourth substrate121dbetween the third substrate121chaving the first electrode131thereon and the fifth substrate121ehaving the third electrode133thereon.

Although this embodiment of the present invention describes three electrodes (hereinafter, referred to as “three channels”) that detect the biometric information signals, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, two electrodes (hereinafter, referred to as “two channels”) may detect the biometric information signals.

As described above, the modules M1and M2, and the electrodes131,132, and133are mounted on the first surface S1of the substrate unit120, and the connection ports140that are electrically connected with external ports are mounted on the same. As will be described in greater detail below, perception sensors190for detecting the attachment of the disposable gel pad200may also be provided (seeFIG. 16). The connection ports140may be exposed hermetically through the attachment surface115to be thereby electrically connected with an external device. Since the connection ports140are provided on the first substrate S1, they may not be contaminated except for when they are connected with the external device. More specifically, when the user attaches the measuring device100to his or her body, a disposable gel pad200may be attached to the attachment surface115. Accordingly, the attachment surface115is not exposed to the outside because the disposable gel pad200is attached onto the same, and the connection ports140are attached to one side of the disposable gel pad200not to be exposed to the outside. For example, even when the user takes a shower while the measuring device100is attached to the user's body, the connection ports140may be covered by the disposable gel pad200and are not exposed to the outside. The connection ports140, according to an embodiment of the present invention, may be configured as a charging connection ports140for charging the internal battery150, which will be described in greater detail below. However, the connection ports140are not limited to the charging connection ports140, and may be modified and altered. For example, the connection ports140may be connected with ports of the external device to perform data pairing of the measuring device100with the external device, or vice versa.

FIG. 7is a diagram illustrating a cross-section of a measuring device in a wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 8is a diagram illustrating a cross-section of a measuring device that has been bent, in a wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 7 and 8, the flexible circuit boards122are provided between the substrates121a,121b,121c,121d, and121e, more specifically, between the first substrate121aand the second substrate121b, between the second substrate121band the third substrate121c, between the third substrate121cand the fourth substrate121d, and between the fourth substrate121dand the fifth substrate121e. The flexible circuit boards122allow the substrates121a,121b,121c,121d, and121eto be bent or transformed with electrical connections between them. If the substrate unit120, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is configured as the hard body111, it is difficult to bend or transform the hard substrate unit according to the curvature of the body or the movement of the user while it is attached to the user's body. In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of hard substrates121a,121b,121c,121d, and121eare connected through the flexible circuit boards122so that the substrates121a,121b,121c,121d, and121ecan be easily bent or transformed. Therefore, the measuring device100may be attached to curved body parts, and may be transformed according to the movement of the user. Thus, the reliability of attachment of the wearable biometric information measurement device10can be enhanced, and user convenience in activities while wearing the wearable biometric information measurement device can be maximized. Although the measuring device100is shown to be convexly bent in the present embodiment, it is not limited thereto. For example, the measuring device100may be concavely bent, and it is obvious that the measuring device100may be bent in various forms according to the movement of the user while wearing the same.

Since the electrodes131,132, and133, and the modules M1and M2are mounted on the same side, i.e., the first surface S1of the substrate unit120, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the size and thickness of the wearable biometric information measurement device may be decreased. Particularly, the measuring device100(i.e., the case110) has a horizontal (X-axial) length of 50˜70 mm, a vertical (Y-axial) length of 18˜30 mm, and a (Z-axial) thickness of 2.5˜3.7 mm, and even though the disposable gel pad200is coupled to the measuring device100, there is no difference in the (Z-axial) thickness, which still remains in the range of 2.5˜3.7 mm. Therefore, the user can conveniently carry the measuring device, and if necessary, the user may attach the measuring device to his or her body to measure and record the user's health information (seeFIG. 1).

As described above, the electrodes131,132, and133mounted on the first surface S1of the substrate unit120may be exposed through the attachment surface115, and the modules M1and M2may be accepted in the module spaces (MS) inside the first and the second protruding surfaces115band115c.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, three or more electrodes131,132, and133may be adopted. For example, in order to measure an ECG, a reference electrode {a right-leg (RL) electrode}, a right-arm (RA) electrode, and a left-arm (LA) electrode may be provided. The first electrode131may be configured as the reference electrode, and the second electrode132and the third electrode133may be configured as detection electrodes, i.e., the RA electrode and the LA electrode, which are provided on both sides of the reference electrode to detect a potential difference. As set forth above, the electrodes131,132, and133, according to an embodiment of the present invention, may measure the biometric signal generated by a physiological potential difference of the body. In addition, the electrodes131,132, and133, according to an embodiment of the present invention, may measure an electromyogram (EMG), an electroencephalogram (EEG), a galvanic skin reflex (GSR), and an electrooculography (EOG), as well as an ECG.

The modules M1and M2mounted on the first surface S1of the substrate unit120may include a transmitting/receiving module, an analog front-end processing module, a controller170, one or more detecting modules (hereinafter, referred to as “detecting sensors”), and a memory module. In the this embodiment of the present invention, the first module M1on the first surface S1of the second substrate121bincludes the transmitting/receiving module, and the second module M2on the first surface S1of the fourth substrate121dincludes the analog front-end processing module, the controller170, the detecting sensors, or the memory module. However, the mounting position and the arrangement of the modules M1and M2may be modified or changed in various ways.

FIG. 9is a block diagram illustrating a wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9shows the configuration of the modules M1and M2among the biometric information measurement modules “A” including the electrodes131and132, or the modules M1and M2. First, the analog front-end processing module in the configuration of the modules M1and M2may be positioned on the first surface S1of the fourth substrate121d. The analog front-end processing module may process ECG signals from the user, which are measured through the electrodes131,132, and133. That is, when the analog biometric signals are detected through the electrode131,132, and133, the analog front-end processing module may convert the biometric signal into digital biometric signal data.

The analog front-end processing module may include an analog signal processing unit, an analog/digital (A/D) converter, a digital signal processing unit, or the like. The analog signal processing unit may include an amplifier that amplifies weak signals of the body, which are detected by the electrodes131,132, and133, and a filter that eliminates noise resulting from the biometric signal measurement. The A/D converter may convert analog biometric signals transmitted from the analog signal processing unit into digital biometric signal data. The digital signal processing unit may process the digital biometric signal data received from the A/D converter through a specific digital calculating operation (e.g., fast Fourier transform (FFF) calculation, differential calculation, or averaging calculation).

The detecting sensors, according to an embodiment of the present invention, may be mounted on the first surface S1of the fourth substrate121dto be adjacent to the analog signal processing unit. The detecting sensor may be configured to detect user activities or various user states. A single user environment may be detected by a single detecting sensor, and a plurality of user environments may be detected by a plurality of detecting sensors. The plurality of detecting sensors may detect different user status information values (e.g., a biometric signal detection value, an acceleration sensor detection value, or a temperature/humidity sensor detection value according to the movement of the user). The detection values may be combined to create user status information. For example, if the heart rate has been increased, and furthermore, if the acceleration sensor has detected a signal of fast walking (running) from the user, the increase in the heart rate may be determined to stem from the user exercise.

The detecting sensor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, may be at least one of an acceleration sensor, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, or a sound detecting sensor, or a combination thereof. For example, the acceleration sensor, i.e., a three-axis acceleration sensor, may detect X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis data of the user according to the user activities, and may measure a change in the user posture due to physical activities, such as, for example, walking, running, the number of steps, fainting, falling, tripping, or the like, through the measured values. The measured data may help in preventing diseases related to the user's lifestyle, for example, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, or the like.

The temperature sensor may detect the body temperature of the user or the temperature of an external environment, and may determine a change in the body temperature, and the environment of the user through the detected values.

The humidity sensor may detect the humidity of an environment, or the user status through sweat of the user, and may identify the user activities, such as, for example, exercising, hot-bathing, taking a shower, or the like, through the detected values.

In addition, the sound detecting sensor may detect sounds, for example, eating-sounds, from the user, or external sounds. For example, people with diabetes need to frequently check blood sugar that is different before and after eating. Thus, in the case of adopting the sound detecting sensor, it can be recognized whether a blood sugar value has been measured before or after eating in addition to the monitoring of the blood pressure. In addition, in the case of people having an irregular heartbeat, the heart rate and the blood pressure tend to increase during eating. Therefore, it can be checked whether data of the heart rate or the blood pressure has been measured before or after eating.

As described above, various detecting sensors or a plurality of detecting sensors may be adopted. The data values detected by the sensors may be combined together to measure the user status. For example, when adopting the acceleration sensor and the temperature/humidity sensor, the acceleration sensor may detect the user status related to the user's posture or movement, and the temperature/humidity sensor may detect a change in the body temperature of the user, a change in humidity, such as a sweat of the user, or the temperature and the humidity of the environment. According to the detected values of the acceleration sensor and temperature/humidity sensor, a change in the biometric signals may be detected. For example, when the user exercises, the acceleration sensor and the temperature/humidity sensor may detect a change in the user's body so that a change in the biometric signals may be detected as well. The user status, such as the biometric signal change during exercise, may be determined by a combination of the detected values, which provides more accurate detection data according to the movement of the user.

In addition, the user status or the health status may be detected by a combination of the detected values and the biometric signal values as well as by a combination of the detected values of the detecting sensors. For example, the heart rate and the blood pressure of people having an irregular heartbeat tend to increase during eating, as set forth above. When adopting the sound detecting sensor, a value detected by the sound detecting sensor, which detects the eating sound, and a signal value detected by the biometric information member are combined to thereby obtain the accurate data on the user status, which shows that the increase in the heart rate and the blood pressure of the irregular heartbeat patient has been caused by the eating.

The user status, such as physical activities of the user, may be converted into data through the biometric signal detecting values measured by the biometric information measurement module “A” and the detected values of the detecting sensors to thereby analyze the biometric signal change according to the physical activities of the user. In addition, the biometric signals may be analyzed based on the user status, such as the physical activities, through the detected values of the detecting sensors to thereby provide a healthcare service that is more accurate and suitable for the user.

Here, “user status” includes body information, such as the user's posture, physical activity information, external environment information, or the like. That is, the user status encompasses the user's lifestyle and life environment.

The memory module may store and manage the biometric signal data and the user status information data obtained through the electrodes131,132, and133, or the detecting module. The memory module may be a RAM and/or a flash memory.

The transmitting/receiving module may be configured to share the detected value data with a separate electronic device400. The transmitting/receiving module may include at least one of a Bluetooth module, a near field communication (NFC) module, or a WiFi module to thereby make a data pairing with the external electronic device400. In addition, the transmitting/receiving module may transmit data to the external electronic device400through a short-range communication devices, such as an radio frequency (RF) system, a wireless local area network (WLAN), or zigbee. That is, the measuring device100may share the health information monitoring result of the user (an ECG, a stress index, a breathing rate per minute, which are measured by the ECG sensor, or a sleep pattern and the number of steps, which are measured by the accelerated sensor) with the electronic device400, such as smart phones, through the transmitting/receiving module, so that the user can measure and check his or her health information anytime and anywhere.

A controller170may receive the biometric information signals detected by the electrodes131,132, and133, or the detected values of the detecting modules to store the biometric information data and the user status information data in the memory module, or may control the transmitting/receiving module to transmit and receive the data to and from the separate electronic device400(seeFIG. 31).

In addition, the controller170may create individual user ID profiles (hereinafter, referred to as “individual user profiles”), based on the received biometric information signals or the user status information, or to store and manage the data that has been measured and analyzed in the measuring device100using the created individual user profile.

FIG. 10is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which the internal battery is provided on the opposite surface of the substrate unit in the wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 11is a diagram illustrating the opposite surface of the substrate unit in the wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 10 and 11, the opposite surface of the first surface S1of the substrate unit120(hereinafter, referred to as a back surface of the substrate unit120) may be provided with the internal battery150for supplying power to the biometric information measurement modules “A”, a switching unit125for turning on/off the measuring device100, and a notification unit180for indicating the charging status of the internal battery150and the on/off state of the switching unit125, or informing of malfunction of the measuring device100.

The internal battery may be mounted on the back surface of the substrate unit120to be enclosed inside the case110together with the substrate unit120, and may be a rechargeable battery. In addition, the internal battery is electrically connected with the switching unit125, as described in greater detail below, so that the supply of power from the internal battery150to the biometric information measure modules may be controlled according to the manipulation of the switching unit125. As described above, the connection ports140may be provided in the first surface S1of the substrate unit120to be connected with a charging module300to charge the internal battery150. The connection port140makes a contact with a connection pin340of the charging module300to charge the internal battery150, as will be described in greater detail below.

The switching unit125turns the measuring device100on or off. The switching unit125, according to an embodiment of the present invention, may be configured as mechanical buttons.

The notification unit180may be provided on the back surface of the substrate unit120, and may indicate the charging status or the remaining power of the internal battery150when charging the internal battery150, or inform of a malfunction of the measuring device100. The notification unit180may inform the user of the information by at least one of a visual method, an acoustic method, or a tactile method. For example, the notification unit may be configured as an optical module, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), an acoustic module for emitting a sound through a speaker, or a vibrating module for generating vibration such as, for example, haptics. Although the notification unit180is configured as at least one of the optical module, the acoustic module, or the vibrating module in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the notification unit180may be modified and changed in various ways. For example, the optical module may be provided together with the acoustic module, or the optical module and the vibrating module may be provided together.

The notification unit180is provided in the wearable biometric information measurement device10to inform of the status thereof. However, the notification unit180may be provided as a notification module to allow the external electronic device400to display the status of the wearable biometric information measurement device10, e.g., the charging status or the remaining power of the internal battery, or a malfunction of the measuring device.

FIG. 12is a diagram illustrating a notification unit in a wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 12, the notification unit180, as described above, may be recognized by the user through the measuring device100, whereas the notification unit180, according to this embodiment, may be configured to inform of the status of the measuring device100through the separate electronic device400that interworks with the measuring device100. That is, the information signals for the driving of the measuring device100, the charging status of the internal battery150, or malfunction of the measuring device100may be applied to the notification module180according to the on/off-state of the switching unit125. The signal applied to the notification module180is transferred to the controller170, and the controller may control the transmitting/receiving module to transmit the information to the electronic device400. The electronic device400that has received the information may display the information on the screen, and may further drive the notification means, such as a vibration and a sound to thereby allow the user to recognize the same.

FIG. 13is a diagram illustrating a measuring device and disposable gel pad that is to be attached to the measuring device, in a wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 14is a diagram illustrating an exploded perspective view of the disposable gel pad, in a wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 13 and 14, a disposable gel pad200includes a pad member210and conductive gel members230. In addition, the disposable gel pad200may further include a mesh member220and film covers250.

Both surfaces of the pad member210are provided with an adhesive to be attached to the attachment surface115and the body, respectively. The pad member210has receiving openings213and through openings214.

The receiving openings213may receive the first and the second protruding surfaces115band115cwhen the disposable gel pad200is attached to the attachment surface115, and the receiving openings213have a similar size to the first and the second protruding surfaces115band115cto allow the first and the second protruding surfaces115band115cto be inserted into the receiving openings213. The receiving openings213, according to an embodiment of the present invention, may be shaped into rectangles to correspond to the shape of the first and the second protruding surfaces115band115c. However, the receiving openings213may be variously modified and changed in shape.

As will be described in greater detail below, the pad member210includes the first pad portion211and the second pad portion212, and the receiving openings213are provided in the first pad portion211. That is, the first pad portion211has the receiving openings213that are formed through the first pad portion211at the positions corresponding to the first protruding surface115band the second protruding surface115c, and the second pad portion212is configured to cover the receiving openings213. The through openings214may be formed as holes penetrating through the pad member210so that the through openings214can be connected with the electrodes131,132, and133when the disposable gel pad200is attached to the attachment surface115. In order to allow the electrodes131,132, and133, and the disposable gel pad200to make contact with the user's body, the through openings214may be formed in both the first pad portion211and the second pad portion212. That is, the first pad portion211and the second pad portion212may be combined into a single pad member210so that the through openings214penetrate both sides of the pad member210.

The first pad portion211may have a specific thickness. Adhesive members, such as an urethane-based adhesive or a silicon-based adhesive, are provided on both surfaces of the first pad portion211so that one surface of the first pad portion211may be attached to the attachment surface115, and the other surface thereof may be attached to the mesh member220. The adhesives on both surfaces of the first pad portion211may be the same material, or may be different materials. For example, one surface of the first pad portion211, which is to be attached to the attachment surface115may be provided with a silicon-based adhesive, and the other surface thereof, which is to be attached to the mesh member220, may be provided with an urethane-based adhesive. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first pad portion211may have a thickness of about 0.9˜1.5 mm.

The second pad portion212may have a specific thickness, and may have the through openings214corresponding to the electrodes131,132, and133set forth above. Adhesive members, such as an urethane-based adhesive or a silicon-based adhesive, may be provided on both surfaces of the second pad portion212so that one surface of the second pad portion212may be attached to the mesh member220, and the other surface thereof may be attached to the user's body. The adhesives at both surfaces of the second pad portion212may be the same material, or may be different materials. For example, one surface of the second pad portion212, which is to be attached to the mesh member220may be provided with an urethane-based adhesive, and the other surface thereof, which is to be attached to the user's body, may be provided with a silicon-based adhesive. The second pad portion212may have a smaller thickness than that of the first pad portion211. As described above, the second pad portion212may have only the through openings214to thereby cover the receiving openings213of the first pad portion211. The mesh member220having a conductive gel member230, as described later, is interposed between the first pad portion211and the second pad portion212.

The pad member210, according to an embodiment of the present invention, may be made of a flexible material to be transformed according to the transformation of the measuring device100while it is attached to the attachment surface115of the measuring device100. For example, the pad member210may be made of felt, silicon, or rubber.

The conductive gel member230fills the through openings214to make contact with the first to third electrodes131,132, and133, and the user skin. The gel member is conductive, so it may be used as a means for extending the range of the electrode. That is, the conductive gel member230makes contact with the body to detect the biometric information signal, so that the range of the biometric signal received by the electrodes from the user can be extended.

The mesh member220is positioned between the first pad portion211and the second pad portion212. The mesh member220may prevent the conductive gel member230from popping out of the through opening214in the pad member210when the wearable biometric information measurement device is attached to the user's body. More specifically, when detaching the pad member210that has been attached to the user's body, a part of or all of the conductive gel member230may adhere to the skin of the user. The mesh member220may prevent the conductive gel member230from leaving the through opening214.

The conductive gel members230set forth above may be filled into the through openings214in a state in which the first pad portion211, the mesh member220, and the second pad portion212are stacked. The conductive gel members230then may be dried.

Although the mesh member220is illustrated as interposed between the first pad portion211and the second pad portion212in the present embodiment, its position is not limited thereto. According to structure, the mesh member220may be positioned on the upper surface or the lower surface of the pad member210, or may be omitted. The configuration of the mesh member may be variously modified and changed.

The film covers250are attached to both surfaces of the pad member210to protect the adhesive members provided on both sides of the pad member210. The film covers250may be removed when the pad member210is attached to the measuring device100and the user's body. Accordingly, the disposable gel pad200may be carried with the film covers250attached to the both surfaces of the pad member210. In order to attach the disposable gel pad200to the measuring device100and the user's body, after the user removes the film covers250on both surfaces of the pad member210, the user may attach the disposable gel pad200to the measuring device100, and may attach the pad member210to the user's body (seeFIG. 17).

FIG. 15is a diagram illustrating a disposable gel pad in the wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 15, the disposable gel pad200differs from the disposable gel pad ofFIG. 14in the structure of the pad member210and the provision of the mesh member. More specifically, the disposable gel pad200, according to an embodiment of the present invention, includes the pad member210, and the conductive gel member230. The pad member210, according to an embodiment of the present invention, may be configured as a single member. More specifically, the pad member210has the receiving openings213in which the first and the second protruding surfaces115band115care accepted, and the through openings214filled with the conductive gel members230. Although the receiving openings213penetrate through the pad member210in the present embodiment of the disclosure, the receiving openings213may be formed as recesses that have an upper surface and an lower opening to receive the first and the second protruding surfaces115band115c.

Adhesive members, such as an urethane-based adhesive or a silicon-based adhesive, may be provided on both surfaces of the pad member210so that the pad member210can be attached to the attachment surface115and the user's body. The pad member210may have a specific thickness, and may be made of felt. As described above, since the adhesive members are provided on both surfaces of the pad member210, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the film covers250may be provided on both sides of the pad member210before it is attached to the measuring device100and the user's body. Therefore, the disposable gel pad200may be carried with the film covers250attached to both surfaces thereof. When the user wishes to attach the disposable gel pad200to the measuring device100and the user's body, the film covers250on both surfaces of the pad member210may be removed to be thereby attached to the attachment surface115and the user's body, respectively (seeFIG. 17).

FIG. 16is a diagram illustrating a substrate unit having perception sensors on one surface thereof in the wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 16, perception sensors190are provided on the first surface S1of the substrate unit120, which detect the attachment of the disposable gel pad200. Detected values of the perception sensors190may be applied to the controller170, and the controller170may turn on/off the switching unit125according to the detected values of the perception sensors190. The perception sensors190may be configured as at least one of a proximity sensor, a infrared sensor, or a pressure sensor.

The perception sensors190may be exposed through the attachment surface115, so that when the disposable gel pad200is attached to the attachment surface115, the perception sensors190may detect the attachment of the disposable gel pad200. A detected value of the perception sensors190may be applied to the controller170, and the controller170turns on/off the measuring device100according to the detected value. Therefore, the measuring device100may be controlled to be turned on/off according to the detected value even without manipulation of the switching unit125by the user.

FIG. 17is a diagram illustrating a measuring device, to which a disposable gel pad has been coupled, in a wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 18is a diagram illustrating a cross-section of the measuring device, to which the disposable gel pad has been attached, in the wearable biometric information measurement device, according to one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 19is a diagram illustrating a cross-section of the measuring device in a bent state, to which the disposable gel pad has been attached, in the wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 17 to 19, the user may attach the disposable gel pad200to the measuring device100in order to measure the user biometric information signal and the user status information.

More specifically, the film cover250on the surface facing the attachment surface115of the case110is removed, and the pad member210is attached to the attachment surface115of the case110so that the first and the second surfaces115band115care received by the receiving openings213of the pad member210. When the pad member210is attached to the attachment surface115of the case110, the first and the second protruding surfaces115band115cmay be inserted into the receiving openings213, and the conductive gel member230in the through opening214may make contact with the surfaces of the electrodes131,132, and133. The film cover250attached to the upper surface of the pad member210that has been attached to the attachment surface115of the case110may be removed, and the case110may be attached to the user's body, based on the marked point160of the case110. At this time, the conductive gel member230makes a contact with the user's body through the through opening214. When the case110with the pad member210is attached to the user's body, the switching unit125on the back surface of the case110may be directed towards the front of the user. The user may press the switching unit125to drive the measuring device100. In addition, in the case of adopting the perception sensors190, when the disposable gel pad200is attached to the attachment surface115, even without manipulation of the switching unit125by the user, the perception sensors190may detect the attachment of the disposable gel pad200, and may drive the measuring device100according to the detected values of the perception sensors190.

In addition, the case110is flexible, and a plurality of substrates121a,121b,121c,121d, and121eare connected by the flexible circuit boards122. Furthermore, the disposable gel pad200is made of a deformable material, such as felt. Therefore, the wearable biometric information measurement device10can be attached to a curved body part, and can be transformed according to the movement of the user wearing the wearable biometric information measurement device10, to thereby minimize the user inconvenience.

The measuring device100, according to an embodiment of the present invention, may adopt a separate charging module300for charging the internal battery150provided in the case110.FIGS. 20 to 23show a first embodiment of the charging module,FIG. 24shows a second embodiment of the charging module, andFIG. 25shows a third embodiment of the charging module.

FIG. 20is a diagram illustrating a charging module for charging the measuring device, in the wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 21is a diagram illustrating a lengthwise sectional view of the charging module that has accepted the measuring device therein, in the wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 22is a diagram illustrating a widthwise sectional view of the charging module that has accepted the measuring device therein, in the wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 23is a diagram illustrating a charging module in an open state, which has accepted the measuring device therein, in the wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 20 to 23, the measuring device100, according to an embodiment of the present invention, may adopt a separate charging module300for charging the internal battery150provided in the measuring device100.

The connection ports140, which electrically connect with external devices for transmission/reception of data, or the charging module300for charging the internal battery150, may be provided on the attachment surface115of the measuring device100. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the connection ports140may be configured as charging connection ports140that are electrically connected with the charging module300. The charging connection ports140, according to an embodiment of the present invention, are provided on the first surface S1of the substrate unit120to be exposed through the attachment surface115. More specifically, the charging connection ports140are positioned on the upper and lower portions of the first electrode131on the first surface S1in the third substrate121cso that the charging connection ports140are exposed through the attachment surface115between the first protruding surface115band the second protruding surface115c. The charging connection ports140are electrically connected with the internal battery150provided on the back of the substrate unit120to charge the internal battery150when the connection pins340of the charging module300make contact with the charging connection ports140.

The charging module300includes a body310, a lid320, a coupling member330, and a fastener350. The body310has an accepting space WS for accepting the case110of the measuring device100. Connection pins340are formed to protrude from the bottom surface of the accepting space WS, and may be configured as being elastically pressed. When the case110is accepted in the accepting space WS with the attachment surface115facing the bottom surface of the accepting space WS, the attachment surface115of the case110comes in contact with the bottom surface of the accepting space WS, and the charging connection ports140make contact with the connection pins340for the electrical connection. The connection pins340may be elastically pressed by the case110, so the reliability of contact between the connection pins340and the charging connection ports140can be enhanced. In addition, the body310may further include a cable connection unit360for a connection with external cables, e.g., a power cable, or a data cable, which is formed on the side of the body310. For example, when the power cable is connected to the cable connection unit360, the internal battery150in the case110may be charged, and when the data cable is connected to the cable connection unit360, the user biometric information or the user status information detected by the measuring device100can be transmitted to the external devices through the data cable.

The lid320is configured to be moved to open from or close over the accepting space WS. For example, the lid320may rotate or slide with respect to the body310to thereby open from or close over the accepting space WS. The charging module300may further include a pressing member321for pressing the measuring device100accepted in the accepting space WS. That is, after the case110is accepted in the accepting space WS, when the lid320covers the accepting space WS, the pressing member321may press the case110. Accordingly, the charging connection ports140press the connection pins340to thereby enhance the reliability of the contact between the connection pins340and the charging connection ports140. The pressing member321may be made of elastic materials, such as sponge, rubber, or silicon.

The coupling member330may couple the body310and the lid320so that the lid320can rotate or slide with respect to the body310.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 20-23, the lid320rotates with respect to the body310, and the coupling member330may be configured as a hinge unit to allow the lid320to rotate on the body310.

The hinge unit may include a side hinge arm provided on the body310, and a center hinge arm that is provided on the lid320to fit into the side hinge arm to rotate. In addition, elements, such as cams, shafts, or springs, may be further provided in order to configure an automatic opening/closing function by an external force.

The fastener350is configured to fix the lid320in a closed state, with respect to the body310. The fastener350may lock or unlock a locking groove325of the lid320. The fastener350may lock the locking groove325of the lid320so that the lid320may fix or press the case110accepted in the accepting space WS. In addition, in the case of automatically opening/closing the lid320, the accepting space WS may be opened or closed according to the locking or unlocking of the fastener. The fastener350, according to an embodiment of the present invention, may have a hooking member351, a pin352, and an elastic member353.

The hooking member351may be provided on the side of the body310to rotate about the pin352. The hooking member351may rotate so that the end of the hooking member351fits into the locking groove325of the lid320or is released from the same. The end of the hooking member351may be shaped into a hook that locks or unlocks the locking groove325of the lid320.

The pin352may be provided between the hooking member351and the body310. The pin352is a rotation axis about which the hooking member351rotates on the body310.

The elastic member353may be provided between the other end of the hooking member351and the body310to provide an elastic force to the hooking member351for its rotation about the pin352. The elastic member353, according to an embodiment of the present invention, may be a spring.

The locking groove325may be formed on the edge of the lid320to correspond to the end of the hooking member351. The locking groove325may be locked or unlocked by the hook of the hooking member351.

When pressing the other end of the hooking member351, the elastic member353between the other end of the hooking member351and the body310is pressed, so that the hooking member351may be rotated about the pin352. As the hooking member351rotates, the end of the hooking member351may escape from the locking groove325, so that the lid320can be rotated to open the accepting space WS of the body310. The hooking member351may be rotated by the elastic member to return to the original position.

After the lid320is opened, the measuring device100may be placed in the accepting space WS of the charging module300to charge the same. When the measuring device100is placed with the attachment surface115in contact with the bottom surface of the accepting space WS, the charging connection ports140may make contact with the connection pins340. In such a state, if the lid320that has been opened is rotated again to make the end of the hooking member351fit into the locking groove325, the lid320may be fixed to cover the body310, and the pressing member321provided on the inner surface of the lid320may press the case110. With the case110elastically pressed by the elastic member321, the charging connection ports140may press the connection pins340to thereby maintain the contact between them, so the reliability of contact between the charging connection port140and the connection pin340can be enhanced.

FIG. 24is a diagram illustrating a charging module in the wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 24, the charging module300, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is differs from that ofFIGS. 20-23in the operation and the connection of the lid320for opening and closing the accepting space WS.

The lid320is configured to slide on the body310to open or close the accepting space WS. The coupling unit330, is configured as a sliding module to slidably connect the lid320to the body310.

More specifically, the sliding module, according to an embodiment of the present invention, includes a rail portion331and a guide portion332. The rail portion331is formed on the side of the body310to guide the sliding of the guide portion332. The guide portion332is formed at both sides of the lid320to correspond to the rail portion331of the body310, and is accepted by the rail portion331to slide along the rail portion331.

The fastener350, according to an embodiment of the present invention, includes a locking hook355, and an insertion portion356. The locking hook355is formed to protrude from one side of the lid320, and is received by the insertion portion356according to the sliding of the lid320to be thereby locked or unlocked.

The insertion portion356may be configured so that the locking hook355is inserted into the insertion portion356to be fixed with the accepting space WS closed by the lid320.

Accordingly, when the user pushes the lid320on the body310in order to charge the measuring device100, the guide portion332slides along the rail portion331so that the lid320slides on the body310to thereby open the accepting space WS. When the case110is placed in the accepting space WS to allow the attachment surface115of the case110to make contact with the bottom surface of the accepting space WS, the charging connection ports140are connected with the connection pins340. When the lid320slides to the original position, the lid320slides to close the accepting space WS with the measuring device100placed therein.

FIG. 25is a diagram illustrating a charging module in the wearable biometric information measurement device, according to embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 25, the charging module300is provided in a battery charger of the other electronic device400. More specifically, the charging module300is provided in the battery charger of the external electronic device400that interworks with the wearable biometric information measurement device10. The body310may include the first accepting space WS where the measuring device100is placed to be charged, and the second accepting space BS where a battery of the electronic device400is placed to be charged.

The first accepting space WS is formed at a predetermined position in the second accepting space BS, and the first accepting space WS is formed to be recessed as much as the size of the measuring device100in the bottom surface of the second accepting space BS. The connection pins340make contact with the charging connection ports140to thereby charge the internal battery of the measuring device100.

Charging pins may be formed on the second accepting space BS, which make contact with the charging connection pins340to charge the battery.

With the first and the second accepting spaces WS and BS, the measuring device100and the battery may be simultaneously charged. On the contrary, only the measuring device100may be placed in the first accepting space WS to be charged, or only the battery may be placed in the second accepting space BS to be charged.

The lid320is movably provided on the body310to open or close the first accepting space WS and the second accepting space BS. The lid320is shown to be rotatably coupled to the body310, but the lid320may be slidably coupled to the body310to open and close the first accepting space WS and the second accepting space BS, as described above. The coupling unit330may be configured in the same manner as the embodiments set forth above.

In addition, when the measuring device100is placed in the first accepting space WS to be charged, a pressing member provided on the inner surface of the lid320may press the attachment surface115against the bottom surface of the first accepting space WS so that the charging connection ports140and the connection pins340can make a tight contact with each other.

FIG. 26is a diagram illustrating a user who is asleep wearing the wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 27is a diagram illustrating a user wearing the wearable biometric information measurement device while exercising, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 26 and 27, the user can wear the wearable biometric information measurement device10at all times. For example, as shown inFIG. 26, when the user sleeps with the wearable biometric information measurement device10attached to the chest of the user, the wearable biometric information measurement device10may detect the biometric information, such as sleep stages, a breathing rate per minute, sleep patterns, or sleep postures, and the user physical activity information.

In addition, as shown inFIG. 27, when the user exercises with the wearable biometric information measurement device10attached to the chest of the user, the wearable biometric information measurement device10may detect biometric information, such as the number of steps, an exercise speed, calorie information, a heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, or humidity, or the user status, such as the user physical activity information.

Hereinafter, the biometric signal information and the user status, such as the user physical environment information, which are detected according to the user circumstance, are described with reference toFIGS. 28 and 29.

FIG. 28is a diagram illustrating the providing of a healthcare service through the wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 28, the user may wear the wearable biometric information measurement device10twenty-four hours a day. Therefore, the user biometric information and the user status information according to the lifestyle may be detected in real time, 24 hours a day. That is, the wearable biometric information measurement device10may detect when the user is sleeping, exercising, walking, eating, in emergency situations, such as falling, fainting, or tripping, falling sick of flu or body aches, a change in the physiological status of the user who has a chronic disease, or the like, through the biometric information signals and user physical environment information signals. That is, the biometric information signals may be detected through the electrodes131,132, and133, and the user physical environment information signals may be detected through the detecting sensors, according to the condition.

The data signals, such as the biometric information signals and the user physical environment information signals, may be processed through the biometric information measurement modules “A”. In addition, the user status may be analyzed according to circumstances by analyzing the data. Furthermore, the analyzed data may be combined and accumulated to be compared with pre-stored data so that a data table can be obtained to show the accurate biometric information or the user status.

In addition, the user's health may be taken care of through the combined and accumulated data. That is, chronic diseases and the sleeping status may be managed, and the amount of exercising may be managed according to the accumulated data on the user biometric information or the user information in exercising. In addition, emergency situations related to the user activities can be dealt with to thereby provide an improved healthcare service.

FIG. 29is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting biometric signals and the user status in the wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 29, when the user attaches the wearable biometric information measurement device10to his or her body and turns on the measuring device100, the biometric information measurement modules “A”, such as the electrodes131,132, and133, or the detecting sensors, detect the user biometric signals, and the user status, such as the user physical activity information, in steps S11and S21.

That is, the biometric information signals, such as an ECG, are measured through the electrodes, in step S11.

The measured data is filtered, in step S12, is amplified, in step S13, and is A/D-converted, in step S14by the analog front-end processing module, so that the user biometric signal information is detected, in step (S15).

Separately, the user physical activity information is detected through the detecting sensors, in step S21. The detected values of the detecting sensors are transformed into data on the biometric information signals or the user status information, in step S22. The transformed data is used for obtaining and analyzing the user status information, in steps S23and S24, or is combined with the data value of the biometric information signal, in step S15to detect more accurate user's health information, compared with the analysis obtained using only the biometric information signal, in step S30.

For example, a biometric signal measurement value, which is measured while the user is sleeping, may be filtered, amplified, and transformed into data.

Furthermore, various values may be detected according to the user sleeping status through an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a sound detecting sensor, a temperature/humidity sensor, and the detected values may be transformed into data on the user status, such as sleeping status, sleep postures, sleep patterns, sleep stages, or sleep positions. Such data may be combined with the detected values of the biometric signal information to thereby provide the user status information. Separately, the detected values of the detecting sensors may be transformed into data on the user status to be stored, and the data may be compared with the accumulated data to thereby detect the user status information.

As described above, the detected values of the detecting sensors may be transformed into data to be stored and accumulated as the user environment information, and the stored data may be compared with data measured in real time to thereby analyze the user environment information more accurately. In addition, the data values detected by the detecting sensors may be combined with the biometric signal information to thereby detect more accurate user's health information than the analysis based on only the biometric information signals.

That is, the wearable biometric information measurement device10, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, may be attached to the user's body, and may detect the biometric signals all the time so that the user physical activities, such as sleeping, eating, exercising, or relaxing, can be measured. In addition, the measured biometric signals and the user physical activities may be simultaneously recorded and stored, so a change in the biometric signal may be analyzed according to the user physical activities. In addition, the biometric signals may be analyzed based on the user physical activities to thereby provide more accurate healthcare service suitable for the user.

FIG. 30is a diagram illustrating a wearable biometric information measurement device that interworks with an external electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 31is a diagram illustrating the displaying of ECG signal information detected through a wearable biometric information measurement device on an external electronic device400, according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 32is a diagram illustrating the displaying of a user stress index on an external electronic device400through the signal information detected by a wearable biometric information measurement device10, according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 33is a flowchart illustrating a stress analyzing method, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 30 to 33, when the user attaches the wearable biometric information measurement device10to the his or her chest or around the same, the wearable biometric information measurement device10may measure, analyze, or store the user biometric information, and the user environment information. Furthermore, the external electronic device400, such as a smart phone, may be provided, which interworks with the wearable biometric information measurement device10attached to the user's body in wired/wireless communication, and receives the detected data of the wearable biometric information measurement device to thereby analyze, combine, store, or display the same.

The electronic device400may analyze, display, or store the data on the user biometric information and physical activity information using a health mode, and may be provided with various health-related services according to the user setup (seeFIG. 9). The electronic device400may receive the biometric information and the user status information, which are transmitted and received by the wearable biometric information measurement device10to thereby provide various health-related services.

The health mode may be divided into a measurement driving mode (hereinafter, referred to as a “measurement mode”) and a management driving mode (hereinafter, referred to as a “management mode”) according to the attachment of the wearable biometric information measurement device to the user's body. More specifically, in a state in which the wearable biometric information measurement device10is attached to the body, the user may select the measurement mode or the management mode, and in a state in which the wearable biometric information measurement device10is not attached to the body, the device may be driven in the management mode.

In addition, the health mode may create individual user profiles, based on the data measured by the wearable biometric information measurement device10. For example, the individual user profiles may be created based on the ECG data measured by the biometric information measurement modules “A.” The individual healthcare can be made using the individual user profiles. An example is set forth below in which two users are using the biometric information measurement modules. For example, when the wearable biometric information measurement device10is attached to a user “A,” an individual user profile for the user “A” may be created through the biometric information measured from the user “A.” In addition, when the wearable biometric information measurement device10is attached to a user “B,” an individual user profile for the user “B” may be created through the biometric information measured from the user “B.” Afterwards, when the user “A” attaches the wearable biometric information measurement device10to the body, the biometric information that is measured in real time is compared with the stored individual user profile to identify that the biometric information belongs to the user “A” and to execute the health mode for the user “A.”

For example, when the health mode for the user “A” is executed, the user sleeping status, sleep periods, sleep stages, or sleep patterns may be determined based on the biometric information, such as an ECG, or the environment information, such as movement, on the user “A”, which are detected by the biometric information measurement modules “A” or the electrodes. In addition, the detecting sensor, such as the sound detecting sensor, may detect whether or not the user is eating, and may record and manage the eating time in the health mode, based on the detected values. Furthermore, the detecting sensor, such as the acceleration sensor, may measure the movement of the user, and may analyze the user exercise status and postures through the movement data in the health mode. In addition, through the ECG values detected by the electrodes, a stress index or a breathing rate of the user, as described later, as well as the ECG information may be measured. In addition, the user's health information, such as sleep apnea that is hardly recognized by the user, may be detected according to the measurement of the breathing rate while sleeping. In addition, the detecting sensor, such as the temperature/humidity sensor, may measure the temperature and the humidity of the environment of the user to thereby analyze the same and provide necessary information in the health mode. The health information on a heartbeat differential rate, a stress index, or sleep stages of the user may be analyzed in the health mode according to the data measured by the biometric information measurement modules “A,” or the user activity status or the user environment status may be detected to be displayed in the health mode.

As described above, the health mode may be divided into the measurement mode and the management mode.

In the measurement mode, the data on the user biometric information and the user status, which are detected in the wearable biometric information measurement device10, may be transmitted in real time to the electronic device, and may allow the electronic device to analyze, display, or store the same. For example, as shown inFIG. 31, the detected values measured in the wearable biometric information measurement device10may be transmitted to the electronic device in real time, and the heart rate of the user may be displayed in real time according to the execution of the measurement mode in the electronic device. The heart rate may be transformed into data to be stored with the date and time, and the data information may be analyzed to show the user's health status in real time.

For example, the ECG information detected by the wearable biometric information measurement device10may be displayed as an ECG graph in the health mode, i.e., a measurement mode as shown inFIG. 31. In addition, as will be described in greater detail below, the measured data values, such as the ECG data, may be stored and analyzed to be displayed in the management mode as shown inFIG. 32, so that various pieces of information, such as an analysis on the user's physical condition and a caring method thereof, may be provided according to the user's physical condition.

In the management mode, the user biometric information or the user environment information may be analyzed through the measured or stored data, and the user activity information or patterns thereof may be detected based on the analyzed data values to allow the user to recognize his or her health status or lifestyle and to take care of their physical condition and make a healthcare plan. For example, the user biometric information data and the user environment information data, which are measured by the wearable biometric information measurement device may be stored in real time according to the user, the date, or the like. The user can identify or recognize the user's health status or lifestyle according to the period and the health status.

The user may identify the user's health status and lifestyle through the stored data, and various health-related services necessary for the user may be provided based on the same.

For example, the measurement of a stress index through the measured ECG values of the user is shown inFIGS. 32 and 33. The user may execute the health mode in which the electronic device400is connected with the wearable biometric information measurement device. When the wearable biometric information measurement device is attached to the user's body, the user biometric information and the user environment status may be detected in real time so that the detected values are transmitted to the electronic device to be stored in addition to the pre-stored data. The user may select the management mode of the health management mode and may select information that he or she wishes to know. As shown in the example, if the user wishes to know the stress index, the user may select the detection of the stress index.

The selection of the stress index requires a reference to analyze the stress index. Thus, with respect toFIG. 33, the reference related to the stress index may be created through the detected pre-stored data or the real time data, in step S51. For example, the user may create a reference for the stress index as “very low”, based on the stored data measured in a state in which the user is relaxed. According to this, the references of a plurality of stress indexes may be created, for example, as “very low,” “low,” “normal,” “high,” and “very high.” The user may select the ECG values measured in real time or the necessary data to detect the stress index, in step S52. The controller provided in the electronic device400may receive and analyze the selected data, in step S53, and may display the analyzed data on the screen, in step S54.

In addition, the user may perform a preliminary check for measuring the stress index more accurately. For example, in measuring the stress index, the user may select a score for the user's feeling or the user's condition with respect to various questions related to the stress index to create variable data that is to be used for basic information data in determining the stress index. Thus, in the management mode executed by the user, the variable data and the ECG data may be combined, analyzed, and compared with the reference values so that user stress values or the degree of the stress may be analyzed. The analyzed stress index may be displayed through a display of the electronic device to allow the user to recognize the stress information. In addition, separate health information on stress-releasing methods or the user status depending on the stress may be provided based on the stress index.

FIG. 34is a flowchart illustrating detection of health information in an electronic device that has received values detected by a wearable biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 34, a health status measurement method, according to an embodiment of the present invention, may include a detecting step S5, and a receiving step S10.

In the detecting step S5, the disposable gel pad200may be attached to the first surface S1of the biometric information measurement modules “A” including the substrate unit120, on which the modules M1and M2, and the electrodes131,132, and133are mounted to face the user's body, and the first surface S1of the disposable gel pad200may be attached to the user's body to thereby detect the user biometric information and the user status information.

In the receiving step S10, the data on the biometric information and the user status information detected in the detecting step S5may be transmitted through the transmitting/receiving module of the wearable biometric information measurement device10and the transmitting/receiving module of the electronic device400.

An emergency signal may be detected in relation to the user's body. That is, if the emergency situation related to the user's body is detected from the biometric information or the user status, for example, when the user has a heart attack or a stroke, or when the user falls down, the wearable biometric information measurement device may detect the emergency information. The emergency information detected by the wearable biometric information measurement device10is transmitted to a predetermined third party, in step S11. Therefore, the necessary step for the emergency situation can be taken within a short time to allow the user to escape from the emergency situation. For example, the device may be configured to call “911” in the case of an emergency situation. In addition, the device may be configured to inform a family doctor or relatives in the case of the emergency situation. Thus, when the emergency situation occurs, the family doctor or the relatives may be informed of the same to help the user with the emergency situation.

On the contrary, the wearable biometric information measurement device may be configured to share the user biometric information or the user environment information with the third party so that the detected data may be displayed to the user through a separate electronic device, and the third party may recognize the user biometric information and the user environment information, in step S12. In addition, the family doctor may recognize the user biometric information and user environment information to thereby check the user's health status. In addition, in the case where the user uses the wearable biometric information measurement device, who suffers from chronic diseases, such as asthma, or the user has undergone heart surgery, his family doctor may recognize and check the health information or the health status according to the surgery or the user's condition in real time.

FIG. 35is a flowchart illustrating a method of measuring the health status through a wearable biometric information measurement device and an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The health mode may be executed based on the detected value that has been received by the electronic device400in a driving operation S100.

In the driving operation, the health mode is performed, in which the user's health information may be measured through the information received by the electronic device400in the receiving operation, or the user's health may be taken care of through the stored information.

The driving operation executing the health mode in step S100, updating the received information according to the executed health mode in step S200, and selecting one of the measurement mode in which the real time measured information data is displayed, and the management mode in which the information data selected from the stored information is displayed, in steps S300, S310, and S320.

If the measurement mode is selected, first biometric information data (including ECG values detected through the electrodes, values detected through the detecting sensors, and a combination thereof), which is detected in real time through the detecting operation S5and the receiving operation S10, or the second biometric information data (ECG detected values that have been measured and stored through the electrodes, values detected through the detecting sensors, and a combination thereof) as well as the first biometric information are selected, in step S311. The health information desired by the user, such as a stress index, a heart rate, a heartbeat differential rate, sleep stages, or the like, is analyzed based on the data selected in the measurement mode, in step S312. The analyzed data may be displayed on the screen of the electronic device400, and data signals of the first biometric information, which are continuously measured in real time, are analyzed, in step313.

The analyzed data may be stored as the new second biometric information data, and the new first biometric information data continues to be measured to replace the second biometric information in the re-measurement operation. The data of the measurement operation and the data that has been repeatedly measured and analyzed in the re-measurement operation may be displayed as a final result on the screen of the electronic device400, in step S314.

In addition, if the management mode is selected, some data may be selected from among the final data that has been updated in the second operation, the initial data previously stored, and the data stored between the same, in step S321, and the selected data may be analyzed in step S322. The analyzed data may be displayed as the user's health information, in step S323.

FIG. 36is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 37is a diagram illustrating an exploded perspective view of a biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 38is a diagram illustrating a second exploded perspective view of a biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 36 to 38, a biometric information measurement device500, includes a case501, a substrate unit507, the first cover member502, the second cover member503, an attachment pad505, and a battery509.

The case501includes a first case501athat accommodates a portion of the substrate unit507and the battery509, a second case501bthat forms one side of the first case501a, and a third case501cthat covers an inner space of the first case501a. In addition, the third case501cincludes a switch opening511a, and a switch button511cpasses through the switch opening511afor operation of a dome switch of the substrate unit507that turns the substrate unit507on or off. In addition, a first sealing member515is provided between the first case501aand the third case501c. The first sealing member515prevents liquid (e.g., water) from permeating between the first case501aand the third case501c. In addition, the third case501cmay tightly fit into the first case501a. Accordingly, the user can detach or couple the first case501afrom or to the third case501cin order to change the battery509in the case501. In addition, the first case501amay be coupled to the second case501busing bolts519.

The substrate unit507includes components571aand571b, which are necessary for the operation of the biometric information measurement device, and a plurality of electrodes581a,582a, and583a. For example, the components571aand571b, and the plurality of electrodes581a,582a, and583amay be arranged on one side of the substrate unit507.

The battery509is provided on a side of the substrate unit507opposite that of the components571aand571band the plurality of electrodes581a,582a, and583a. The battery509may be made to be rigid so that the capacity of the electric energy therein may be increased.

In addition, first electrode581aand the third electrode583aare provided at both ends of the substrate unit507, respectively. Both ends of the substrate unit507may be flexible to be bent with respect to the center of the substrate unit507. For example, since both ends of the substrate unit507are flexible, the first electrode581aand the third electrode583amay be attached to the user's body to correspond to the curvature or movement of the body. In the biometric information measurement device500, according to an embodiment of the present invention, both ends of the substrate unit507are flexible in order to attach the first electrode581aand the third electrode583ato the user's body, and the rigid battery507is provided in the central area of the substrate unit507.

The first cover member502encloses one end of the substrate unit507, andthe second cover member503encloses the other end of the substrate unit507. The first and the second cover members502and503may be made of rubber, or any other flexible material. The first and the second cover members502and503may protect the both ends of the substrate unit507, which are exposed to the outside of the case501.

The biometric information measurement device500, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, includes second sealing members581,582, and583. Each of the second sealing members581,582, and583wrap a portion of each of the electrodes581a,582a, and583a. Therefore, although the electrodes581a,582a, and583aare exposed to the outside of the case501, liquid (e.g., water) can be prevented from permeating through the electrode581a,582a, and583a.

The attachment pad505is attached to one side of the second case501bas well as to one side of each of the first and second cover members502and503. In addition, the second case501bis formed to protrude in order to receive the components571aand571b, and the attachment pad505includes receiving portions551and552corresponding to the protrusions of the second case501b. In addition, the attachment pad505includes through-holes553,554and555through which the electrodes581a,582a, and583apass.

As described above, in the biometric information measurement device500, according to an embodiment of the present invention, since both ends502and503of the substrate unit507can be bent, the electrodes581aand583amay be stably attached to the user's body to correspond to the curvature of the body. In addition, the rigid battery may be positioned in the central area of the substrate unit507in order to thereby increase the capacity of the battery, considering that the electrodes581aand583aare stably attached to the user's body.

FIG. 39is a diagram illustrating a front view of a substrate unit and a battery of a biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 40is a diagram illustrating a back view of a substrate unit and a battery of a biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 39 and 40, the substrate unit507includes a first substrate571, a second substrate572, a third substrate573, a fourth substrate574, and coupling members572a,573a, and574abetween the first, the second, the third, and the fourth substrates571,572,573, and574.

The coupling members572a,573a, and574arotatably couple the first, the second, the third, and the fourth substrates571,572,573, and574to each other. For example, the coupling members572a,573a, and574amay be bent so that the second, the third, and the fourth substrates572,573, and574can be coupled to the first substrate571to be rotatable with respect thereto.

The first substrate571includes the components571aand571bnecessary for the operation of the biometric information measurement device, the electrode582a, the battery509, and a socket575that receives a recording medium576thereon. For example, the components571aand571b, and the electrode582aare provided on one side of the first substrate571, and the battery509and the socket575are provided on the other side of the first substrate571. In addition, the recording medium576may be an SD card or any other storage device for storing the biometric signals. Accordingly, the user can detach the recording medium576from the socket and connect the recording medium576to another electronic device.

The second and the third substrates572and573include the electrodes581aand583a. Since the coupling members572aand573aare flexible, the second and the third substrates572and573are rotated so that the electrodes581aand583acan be attached to the user's body to correspond to the curvature of the body.

The fourth substrate574includes a dome switch, and the switch button511cmay be placed on the dome switch. The fourth substrate574may be rotated to be placed on the socket575.

FIG. 41is a diagram showing that biometric information is displayed in the other electronic device using a recording medium of a biometric information measurement device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 42is a diagram showing the irregular heartbeat ofFIG. 41in detail, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The biometric information measurement device (500ofFIG. 36) measures the biometric signals for a long time (e.g., approximately 72 hours) while it is attached to the user's body. The recording medium (576ofFIG. 39) stores the biometric signals, and is then connected to another electronic device. In addition, the biometric signals may be analyzed in another electronic device in order to check the user's health status. Another electronic device may be, for example, a computer or a mobile terminal, which can be connected with the recording medium to analyze the biometric signals.

Referring toFIGS. 41 and 42, another electronic device may include an analysis program610for analyzing the biometric signals to display the biometric information, and a display device to display the result of the analysis program.

The analysis program610may analyze the biometric signal to thereby display the biometric information. The biometric information may be an amount of activity, a stress index, a sleep index, or an irregular heartbeat index. The amount of activity may be analyzed based on the biometric signal measured by the acceleration sensor, as described in detail above. The amount of activity may be data to identify the calorie consumption and the life style according to the user's physical activity. The stress index may be analyzed based on the heart rate measured by a biometric information measurement modules A and the detecting sensor. For example, the stress index may represent the change in the interval of the heartbeat and may be data to identify the user's stress. The sleep index may be analyzed based on the amount of activity and the heart rate. For example, if the amount of activity measured by the acceleration sensor is zero or is close to zero, the sleep index may be configured as the first setup value to be used as data to show whether or not the user is asleep. In addition, if the heart rate remains constant, the sleep index may be configured as a value greater than the first setup value to be used as data to show whether or not the user is asleep. On the contrary, in the case of an irregular heartbeat, the sleep index may be configured as a value less than the first setup value to be used as data to show whether or not the user is asleep. Furthermore, the irregular heartbeat indexes H1, H2, and H3may denote a large ECG value, a small ECG value, or an irregular ECG value. When one of the irregular heartbeat indexes H1, H2, and H3displayed through the display device is selected, the analysis program may display an ECG value620per a second/minute of the selected irregular heartbeat index, as shown inFIG. 42. Accordingly, the user or a medical expert determining the user's health may accurately recognize the user's health condition through the biometric information.