ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR PROVIDING HEALTH INFORMATION AND OPERATION METHOD THEREOF

An electronic device and method are disclosed herein. The electronic device includes a sensor, and a processor. The processor may implement the method, including acquiring, by the sensor, first biometric information of a user, determining alcohol information for determining a presence of of alcohol in the user from the first biometric information, determining second biometric information of the user related to the alcohol information, and generating health information to be displayed the user or transmitted to another electronic device based on the second biometric information.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to Korean Application Serial No. 10-2015-0158286, which was filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Nov. 11, 2015, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a providing health information and, more particularly, to electronically providing health information to a user based on biometric information acquired through a sensor and an operation method thereof.

BACKGROUND

A recent mobile electronic device may include a sensor which can measure a biometric signal from a body. The sensor can measure biometric signals, such as a heart rate or a blood alcohol concentration. The mobile electronic device may provide information relating to a user's body via processing and analysis of the measured biometric signal. The user may be informed as to his/her own body status by the information generated by the mobile electronic device.

SUMMARY

A use frequency and use effect of a portable biometric information measurement device may vary significantly depending on a user operation. A measurement device that simply shows a value and acquires data may be limited in terms of providing customized health information or a health guide.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device for acquiring alcohol information through user's biometric information and providing health information to a user based on the alcohol information and a method of operating the same are provided.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes: a sensor and a processor. The processor is configured to acquire, by the sensor, first biometric information of a user, determine alcohol information for determining a presence of of alcohol in the user from the first biometric information, determine second biometric information of the user related to the alcohol information, and generate health information to be displayed the user or transmitted to another electronic device based on the second biometric information.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating an electronic device including a sensor is provided. The method includes: acquiring, by the sensor, first biometric information of a user, determining alcohol information for determining a presence of alcohol in the user from the first biometric information, determining second biometric information of the user related to the alcohol information, and generating health information to be displayed to the user or transmitted to another electronic device based on the second biometric information.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory storage medium storing instructions executable by at least one processor to perform at least one operation is disclosed. The at least one operation may include acquiring, by the sensor, first biometric information of a user through, determining alcohol information for determining a presence of alcohol in the user from the first biometric information, determining second biometric information of the user related to the alcohol information, and generating health information to be displayed to the user or transmitted to another electronic device based on the second biometric information.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can acquire alcohol information through user's biometric information and provide more accurate and various health information to a user based on the acquired alcohol information.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The expression “a first”, “a second”, “the first”, or “the second” used in various embodiments of the present disclosure may modify various components regardless of the order and/or the importance but does not limit the corresponding components. For example, a first element may be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element may be termed a first element without departing from the present disclosure. For example, a first element may be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element may be termed a first element without departing from the present disclosure.

It should be understood that when an element (e.g., first element) is referred to as being (operatively or communicatively) “connected,” or “coupled,” to another element (e.g., second element), it may be directly connected or coupled directly to the other element or any other element (e.g., third element) may be interposer between them. Conversely, when it is mentioned that one element (e.g., a first element) is “directly coupled” or “directly connected” to another element (e.g., a second element), it may be construed that yet another element does not exist between the one element and the another element.

Hereinafter, an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present disclosure, the term “user” may indicate a person using an electronic device or a device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device) using an electronic device.

An electronic device101in a network environment100according to various embodiments will be described with reference toFIG. 1. The electronic device101may include a bus110, a processor120, a memory130, an input/output interface150, a display160, and a communication interface170. In some embodiments, the electronic device101may omit at least one of the above elements or may further include other elements.

The bus110may include, for example, a circuit which interconnects the components110to170and delivers communication (for example, a control message and/or data) between the components110to170.

The processor120may include one or more of a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an Application Processor (AP), and a Communication Processor (CP). For example, the processor120may carry out operations or data processing related to control and/or communication of at least one other component of the electronic device101.

The memory130may include a volatile memory and/or a non-volatile memory. The memory130may store, for example, instructions or data relevant to at least one other element of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the memory130may store software and/or a program140. For example, the program140may include a kernel141, a middleware143, an Application Programming Interface (API)145, and/or application programs (or applications)147. At least some of the kernel141, the middleware143, and the API145may be referred to as an Operating System (OS).

The kernel141may control or manage, for example, system resources (for example, the bus110, the processor120, and the memory130) which are used to execute an operation or a function implemented in the other programs (for example, the middleware143, the API145, and the application programs147). Furthermore, the kernel141may provide an interface through which the middleware143, the API145, or the application programs147may access the individual elements of the electronic device101to control or manage the system resources.

The middleware143may function as, for example, an intermediary for allowing the API145or the application programs147to communicate with the kernel141to exchange data.

In addition, the middleware143may process one or more task requests received from the application programs147according to priorities thereof. For example, the middleware143may assign priorities for using the system resources (for example, the bus110, the processor120, the memory130, or the like) of the electronic device101, to at least one of the application programs147. For example, the middleware143may perform scheduling or load balancing on the one or more task requests by processing the one or more task requests according to the priorities assigned thereto.

The API145is an interface through which the application programs147control functions provided from the kernel141or the middleware143, and may include, for example, at least one interface or function (for example, instruction) for file control, window control, image processing, or text control.

The input/output interface150may function as, for example, an interface that may transfer instructions or data input from a user or another external device to the other element(s) of the electronic device101. Furthermore, the input/output interface150may output the instructions or data received from the other element(s) of the electronic device101to the user or another external device.

The display160may include, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display, an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display, a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) display, or an electronic paper display. The display160, for example, may display various types of contents (for example, text, images, videos, icons, or symbols) for the user. The display160may include a touch screen and receive, for example, a touch, gesture, proximity, or hovering input using an electronic pen or the user's body part.

The communication interface170, for example, may set communication between the electronic device101and an external device (for example, a first external electronic device102, a second external electronic device104, or a server106). For example, the communication interface170may be connected to a network162through wireless or wired communication to communicate with the external device (for example, the second external electronic device104or the server106).

The wireless communication may use at least one of, for example, Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advance (LTE-A), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), as a cellular communication protocol. In addition, the wireless communication may include, for example, short-range communication164. The short-range communication164may be performed by using at least one of, for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The GNSS may include at least one of, for example, a Global Positioning System (GPS), a Global Navigation Satellite System (Glonass), a Beidou Navigation Satellite System (hereinafter referred to as “Beidou”), and a European Global Satellite-based Navigation System (Galileo), according to a use area, a bandwidth, or the like. Hereinafter, in the present disclosure, the “GPS” may be interchangeably used with the “GNSS”. The wired communication may include, for example, at least one of a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232), and a Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS). The network162may include at least one of communication networks such as a computer network (for example, a LAN or a WAN), the Internet, and a telephone network.

Each of the first and second external electronic devices102and104may be of a type identical to or different from that of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the server106may include a group of one or more servers. According to various embodiments, all or some of the operations executed by the electronic device101may be executed by another electronic device, a plurality of electronic devices (for example, the electronic devices102and104), or the server106. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101has to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request, the electronic device101may request another device (for example, the electronic device102or104, or the server106) to perform at least some functions relating thereto, instead of autonomously or additionally performing the function or service. Another electronic device (for example, the electronic device102or104, or the server106) may execute the requested functions or the additional functions, and may deliver a result of the execution to the electronic device101. The electronic device101may provide the received result as it is or additionally process the received result and provide the requested functions or services. To achieve this, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology may be used.

FIG. 2is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device201according to various embodiments. The electronic device201may include, for example, the whole or part of the electronic device101illustrated inFIG. 1. The electronic device201may include at least one Application Processor (AP)210, a communication module (e.g., circuit)220, a Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card224, a memory230, a sensor module240, an input device250, a display260, an interface270, an audio module280, a camera module291, a power management module295, a battery296, an indicator297, and a motor298.

The processor210may control multiple hardware or software elements connected to the processor210by running, for example, an Operation System (OS) or an application program, and may perform processing of and arithmetic operations on various data. The processor210may be implemented by, for example, a System on Chip (SoC). According to an embodiment, the processor210may further include a Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) and/or an image signal processor. The processor210may also include at least some (for example, a cellular module221) of the elements illustrated inFIG. 2. The processor210may load, into a volatile memory, instructions or data received from at least one (for example, a non-volatile memory) of the other elements and may process the loaded instructions or data, and may store various data in a non-volatile memory.

The communication module220may have a configuration identical or similar to that of the communication interface170illustrated inFIG. 1. The communication circuit220may include, for example, a cellular module221, a Wi-Fi module223, a BT module225, a GNSS module227(for example, a GPS module, a Glonass module, a Beidou module, or a Galileo module), an NFC module228, and a Radio Frequency (RF) module229.

The cellular module221may provide a voice call, an image call, a text message service, or an Internet service through, for example, a communication network. According to an embodiment, the cellular module221may distinguish between and authenticate electronic devices201within a communication network using a subscriber identification module (for example, the SIM card224). According to an embodiment, the cellular module221may perform at least some of the functions that the AP210may provide. According to an embodiment, the cellular module221may include a Communication Processor (CP).

For example, each of the Wi-Fi module223, the BT module225, the GPS or GNSS module227, and the NFC module228may include a processor for processing data transmitted/received through the corresponding module. In some embodiments, at least some (two or more) of the cellular module221, the Wi-Fi module223, the Bluetooth module225, the GNSS module227, and the NFC module228may be included in a single Integrated Chip (IC) or IC package.

The RF module229may transmit/receive, for example, a communication signal (for example, an RF signal). The RF module229may include, for example, a transceiver, a Power Amp Module (PAM), a frequency filter, a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA), or an antenna. According to another embodiment, at least one of the cellular module221, the Wi-Fi module223, the Bluetooth module225, the GNSS module227, and the NFC module228may transmit/receive an RF signal through a separate RF module.

The subscriber identification module224may include, for example, a card including a subscriber identity module and/or an embedded SIM, and may contain unique identification information (for example, an Integrated Circuit Card Identifier (ICCID)) or subscriber information (for example, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

The memory230(for example, the memory130) may include, for example, an internal memory232or an external memory234. The internal memory232may include at least one of, for example, a volatile memory (for example, a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), a Static RAM (SRAM), a Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM), and the like) and a non-volatile memory (for example, a One Time Programmable Read Only Memory (OTPROM), a Programmable ROM (PROM), an Erasable and Programmable ROM (EPROM), an Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM (EEPROM), a flash memory (for example, a NAND flash memory or a NOR flash memory), a hard driver, or a Solid State Drive (SSD).

The external memory234may further include a flash drive, for example, a Compact Flash (CF), a Secure Digital (SD), a Micro Secure Digital (Micro-SD), a Mini Secure Digital (Mini-SD), an eXtreme Digital (xD), a Multi-Media Card (MMC), a memory stick, or the like. The external memory234may be functionally and/or physically connected to the electronic device201through various interfaces.

The sensor module240may measure a physical quantity or detect an operation state of the electronic device201, and may convert the measured or detected information into an electrical signal. The sensor module240may include, for example, at least one of a gesture sensor240A, a gyro sensor240B, an atmospheric pressure sensor240C, a magnetic sensor240D, an acceleration sensor240E, a grip sensor240F, a proximity sensor240G, a color sensor240H (for example, a red, green, blue (RGB) sensor), a biometric sensor240I, a temperature/humidity sensor240J, a light sensor240K, and a ultraviolet (UV) sensor240M. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor module240may include, for example, an E-nose sensor, an electromyography (EMG) sensor, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, an Infrared (IR) sensor, an iris sensor, and/or a fingerprint sensor. The sensor module240may further include a control circuit for controlling one or more sensors included therein. In some embodiments, an electronic device201may further include a processor configured to control the sensor module240as a part of or separately from the processor210, and may control the sensor module240while the processor210is in a sleep state.

The input device250may include, for example, a touch panel252, a (digital) pen sensor254, a key256, and an ultrasonic input device or unit258. The touch panel252may use at least one of, for example, a capacitive scheme, a resistive scheme, an infrared scheme, and an ultrasonic scheme. Further, the touch panel252may further include a control circuit. The touch panel252may further include a tactile layer and provide a tactile reaction to the user.

The (digital) pen sensor254may include, for example, a recognition sheet which is a part of the touch panel or is separated from the touch panel. The key256may include, for example, a physical button, an optical key or a keypad. The ultrasonic input device258may detect ultrasonic waves generated by an input tool through a microphone (for example, the microphone288) and identify data corresponding to the detected ultrasonic waves.

The display260(for example, the display160) may include a panel262, a hologram device264, or a projector266. The panel262may include a configuration identical or similar to that of the display160illustrated inFIG. 1. The panel262may be implemented to be, for example, flexible, transparent, or wearable. The panel262and the touch panel252may be implemented as one module. The hologram device264may show a three dimensional (3D) image in the air by using an interference of light. The projector266may display an image by projecting light onto a screen. The screen may be located, for example, in the interior of or on the exterior of the electronic device201. According to an embodiment, the display260may further include a control circuit for controlling the panel262, the hologram device264, or the projector266.

For example, the audio module280may bidirectionally convert between a sound and an electrical signal. At least some elements of the audio module280may be included in, for example, the input/output interface150illustrated inFIG. 1. The audio module280may process sound information which is input or output through, for example, a speaker282, a receiver284, earphones286, the microphone288or the like.

The camera module291is a device which may photograph a still image and a dynamic image. According to an embodiment, the camera module291may include one or more image sensors (for example, a front sensor or a back sensor), a lens, an Image Signal Processor (ISP) or a flash (for example, LED or xenon lamp).

The power management module295may manage, for example, power of the electronic device201. According to an embodiment, the power management module295may include a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC), a charger Integrated Circuit (IC), or a battery or fuel gauge. The PMIC may use a wired and/or wireless charging method. Examples of the wireless charging method may include, for example, a magnetic resonance method, a magnetic induction method, an electromagnetic method, and the like. Additional circuits (for example, a coil loop, a resonance circuit, a rectifier, etc.) for wireless charging may be further included. The battery gauge may measure, for example, a residual quantity of the battery296, and a voltage, a current, or a temperature during the charging. The battery296may include, for example, a rechargeable battery or a solar battery.

The indicator297may display a particular state, for example, a booting state, a message state, a charging state, or the like of the electronic device201or a part (for example, the processor210) of the electronic device201. The motor298may convert an electrical signal into mechanical vibration, and may generate vibration, a haptic effect, or the like. Although not illustrated, the electronic device201may include a processing unit (for example, a GPU) for supporting a mobile television (TV). The processing unit for supporting mobile TV may process, for example, media data according to a certain standard such as Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB), Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB), or mediaFLO™.

Each of the above-described component elements of hardware according to the present disclosure may be configured with one or more components, and the names of the corresponding component elements may vary based on the type of electronic device. The electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of the aforementioned elements. Some elements may be omitted or other additional elements may be further included in the electronic device. Also, some of the hardware components according to various embodiments may be combined into one entity, which may perform functions identical to those of the relevant components before the combination.FIG. 3is a block diagram illustrating a program module according to various embodiments. According to an embodiment, the program module310(for example, the program140) may include an Operating System (OS) for controlling resources related to the electronic device (for example, the electronic device101) and/or various applications (for example, the application programs147) executed in the operating system. The operating system may be, for example, Android, iOS, Windows, Symbian, Tizen, Bada, or the like.

The program module310may include a kernel320, middleware330, an Application Programming Interface (API)360, and/or applications370. At least some of the program module310may be preloaded on the electronic device, or may be downloaded from an external electronic device (for example, the electronic device102or104, or the server106).

The kernel320(for example, the kernel141) may include, for example, a system resource manager321and/or a device driver323. The system resource manager321may control, assign, or collect system resources. According to an embodiment, the system resource manager321may include a process management unit, a memory management unit, or a file system management unit. The device driver323may include, for example, a display driver, a camera driver, a Bluetooth driver, a shared memory driver, a USB driver, a keypad driver, a Wi-Fi driver, an audio driver, or an Inter-Process Communication (IPC) driver.

The middleware330may provide a function utilized by the applications370in common or provide various functions to the applications370through the API360so that the applications370can efficiently use limited system resources within the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the middleware330(for example, the middleware143) may include, for example, at least one of a runtime library335, an application manager341, a window manager342, a multimedia manager343, a resource manager344, a power manager345, a database manager346, a package manager347, a connectivity manager348, a notification manager349, a location manager350, a graphic manager351, and a security manager352.

The runtime library335may include, for example, a library module that a compiler uses in order to add new functions through a programming language while the applications370are executed. The runtime library335may perform input/output management, memory management, or a function for an arithmetic function.

The application manager341may manage, for example, a life cycle of at least one of the applications370. The window manager342may manage Graphical User Interface (GUI) resources used on a screen. The multimedia manager343may determine a format utilized to reproduce various media files, and may encode or decode a media file by using a coder/decoder (codec) appropriate for the corresponding format. The resource manager344may manage resources, such as a source code, a memory, a storage space, and the like of at least one of the applications370.

The power manager345may operate together with, for example, a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) to manage a battery or power and may provide power information utilized for the operation of the electronic device. The database manager346may generate, search for, and/or change a database to be used by at least one of the applications370. The package manager347may manage the installation or update of an application distributed in the form of a package file.

The connectivity manager348may manage a wireless connection such as, for example, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The notification manager349may display or notify of an event, such as an arrival message, an appointment, proximity notification, and the like, in such a manner of not disturbing a user. The location manager350may manage location information of the electronic device. The graphic manager351may manage a graphic effect to be provided to a user and a user interface relating to the graphic effect. The security manager352may provide all security functions utilized for system security or user authentication. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device (for example, the electronic device101) has a telephone call function, the middleware330may further include a telephony manager for managing a voice call function or a video call function of the electronic device.

The middleware330may include a middleware module that forms a combination of various functions of the above-described components. The middleware330may provide modules specialized according to types of operating systems in order to provide differentiated functions. Furthermore, the middleware330may dynamically remove some of the existing elements, or may add new elements.

The API360(for example, the API145), which is a set of API programming functions, may be provided in a different configuration for each operating system. For example, in the case of Android or iOS, one API set may be provided for each platform, and in the case of Tizen, two or more API sets may be provided for each platform.

The applications370(for example, the application programs147) may include, for example, one or more applications that can perform functions, such as home371, dialer372, SMS/MMS373, Instant Message (IM)374, browser375, camera376, alarm377, contacts378, voice dial379, e-mail380, calendar381, media player382, album383, clock384, health care (for example, measure exercise quantity or blood sugar), or environment information (for example, atmospheric pressure, humidity, temperature information or the like).

According to an embodiment, the applications370may include an application (hereinafter, referred to as “an information exchange application” for convenience of description) for supporting information exchange between the electronic device (for example, the electronic device101) and an external electronic device (for example, the electronic device102or104). The application associated with the exchange of information may include, for example, a notification relay application for transferring specific information to an external electronic device or a device management application for managing an external electronic device.

For example, the notification relay application may include a function of transferring, to the external electronic device (for example, the electronic device102or104), notification information generated from the other applications of the electronic device (for example, the SMS/MMS application, the e-mail application, the health management application, and the environmental information application). Further, the notification relay application may receive notification information from, for example, the external electronic device and provide the received notification information to the user.

The device management application may manage (for example, install, delete, or update), for example, a function for at least a part of the external electronic device (for example, the electronic device102or104) communicating with the electronic device (for example, turning on/off the external electronic device itself (or some elements thereof) or adjusting brightness (or resolution) of a display), applications executed in the external electronic device, or services provided from the external electronic device (for example, a telephone call service or a message service).

According to an embodiment, the applications370may include applications (for example, a health care application of a mobile medical appliance or the like) designated according to attributes of the external electronic device102,104or104. According to an embodiment, the applications370may include an application received from an external electronic device (for example, the server106or the electronic device102or104). According to an embodiment, the application370may include a preloaded application or a third party application which can be downloaded from the server. The names of the components of the program module310according to the illustrated embodiment may vary according to the type of operating system.

According to various embodiments, at least a part of the programming module310may be implemented in software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of two or more thereof. At least some of the program module310may be implemented (for example, executed) by, for example, the processor (for example, the processor210). At least some of the program module310may include, for example, a module, a program, a routine, a set of instructions, and/or a process for performing one or more functions.

According to various embodiments, at least some of the devices (for example, modules or functions thereof) or the method (for example, operations) according to the present disclosure may be implemented by a command stored in a computer-readable storage medium in a programming module form. The instruction, when executed by a processor (e.g., the processor120), may cause the one or more processors to execute the function corresponding to the instruction. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, the memory130.

The programming module according to the present disclosure may include one or more of the aforementioned components or may further include other additional components, or some of the aforementioned components may be omitted. Operations executed by a module, a programming module, or other component elements according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be executed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or in a heuristic manner. Further, some operations may be executed according to another order or may be omitted, or other operations may be added. Various embodiments disclosed herein are provided merely to easily describe technical details of the present disclosure and to help the understanding of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be construed that all modifications and changes or modified and changed forms based on the technical idea of the present disclosure fall within the present disclosure.

FIG. 4is a schematic block diagram illustrating an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the following description, first biometric information (BI1) may refer to user's biometric information initially acquired through a sensor module. For example, the first biometric information (BI1) may refer to information on liquid or gas generated from the user such as user's tear, sweat, and exhalation.

Second biometric information BI2may refer to user's biometric information corresponding to alcohol information (AI) of the first biometric information (BI1). For example, the second biometric information (BI2) may include user's biometric information related to alcohol in addition to user's alcohol consumption, calorie intake, nutrients, blood sugar, blood pressure, body fat percentage, body mass index, exercise quantity for calorie consumption, blood alcohol concentration, and/or heart rate.

Third biometric information (BI3or BI3′) may refer to user's biometric information generated through accumulation of the alcohol information (AI) and the second biometric information (BI2). For example, the third biometric information (BI3or BI3′) may include a value generated through accumulation of user's biometric information related to alcohol for a predetermined period in addition to user's alcohol consumption, calorie intake, nutrients, blood sugar, blood pressure, body fat percentage, body mass index, exercise quantity for calorie consumption, blood alcohol concentration, and/or heart rate.

Referring toFIG. 4, an electronic system400may include a first electronic device401and a second electronic device470.

According to various embodiments, the electronic system400may acquire the user's first biometric information (BI1), analyze alcohol components included in the first biometric information (BI1), and acquire alcohol information (AI).

According to various embodiments, the electronic system400may determine a correlation between the alcohol information (AI) and the user's second biometric information (BI2) and provide health information (HI) to the user according to a result of the determination.

For example, the electronic system400may refer to a system that provides health information related to alcohol to the user by using the first electronic device401.

The first electronic device401may acquire the alcohol information (AI) through the user's first biometric information (BI1) by using the sensor module410, measure the user's second biometric information (BI2) corresponding to the alcohol information (AI), and provide user's health information (HI) by using the measured second biometric information (BI2).

For example, the first electronic device401may be implemented as a smart phone, a tablet PC, a mobile phone, a laptop PC, a desktop PC, a mobile medical device, a camera, or a wearable device.

The first electronic device401may include the sensor module410, a processor420, a memory430, a communication module440, an output device450, and a display455. Further, the elements of the first electronic device401may be connected through a bus405.

The sensor module410may receive the user's first biometric information (BI1) and transmit sensing information (SI) to the processor420.

The sensing information (SI) may refer to data (for example, component analysis data) on alcohol included in the first biometric information (BI1) analyzed by the sensor module410. The alcohol may refer to an ethanol component.

The sensor module410may acquire the user's first biometric information (BI1). According to some embodiments, the sensor module410may acquire the first biometric information (BI1) from the user's skin or at least a part of the user's body.

According to some embodiments, the sensor module410may include an alcohol sensor (or an alcohol detection sensor). At this time, the alcohol sensor may be implemented as at least one of a semiconductor type sensor, an electrochemical type sensor, a catalyst type sensor, a calorie type sensor, a fluorescent type sensor, an infrared sensor, an optical sensor, a colorimetric sensor, and/or a conductive polymer-based sensor.

According to various embodiments, the processor420may detect the generation of an event related to alcohol through the sensor module410.

According to some embodiments, the processor420may detect the user or a surrounding environment of the user through the sensor module410and detect the generation of the event related to alcohol according to a result of the detection.

The sensor module410may include a camera sensor, a temperature sensor, a voice sensor, and a pressure sensor.

The event may refer to some contextual event related to or otherwise associated alcohol. For example, the event may refer to a situation related to drinking such as an event related to alcoholic consumption, an atmosphere related to alcoholic consumption, a change in the situation during alcoholic consumption, and/or an alcoholic consumption state.

For example, the processor420may detect a user's drinking status by using at least one of a camera sensor (e.g., recognizing the user consuming an alcoholic beverage, or some visual indicator of a venue for consuming alcoholic beverages) and a sound sensor (e.g., recognizing audio cues indicating that alcohol is being consumed or certain noises indicating a venue where alcohol is consumed) included in the sensor module410.

Meanwhile, the sensor module410may be implemented as substantially identical or similar to the sensor module240illustrated inFIG. 2.

The processor420may control the general operation of the first electronic device.

The processor420may receive sensing information (SI) from the sensor module410. The processor420may generate (or measure) alcohol information (AI) within the user's body based on the sensing information (SI).

The processor420may generate second biometric information (BI2) corresponding to the alcohol information (AI) by using the alcohol information (AI).

According to some embodiments, when the first biometric information (BI1) is acquired through the sensor module410, the processor420may analyze an alcohol component included in the first biometric information (BI1).

The processor420may measure the alcohol information (AI) by using the analyzed alcohol component.

The alcohol information (AI) may refer to information on an alcohol concentration within the user's body or a blood alcohol concentration of the user. For example, the alcohol information (AI) may include or be determined from alcohol type information, information on a user's gender, and information on a user's weight.

The alcohol type information may refer to information on the type of alcoholic beverage that was consumed by the user. For example, the alcohol type information may include information on various alcoholic beverages, including soju, beer, hard liquor, and/or grain wine, etc. The weight information may refer to information on a user's current or past weight. The gender information refers to information on a user's gender.

For example, the alcohol type information, the weight information, and/or the gender information may be preset to the first electronic device401by the user or a program.

According to various embodiments, the processor420may measure alcohol information (AI) based on the information on the type of alcohol which was consumed by the user, the user's gender information, and/or the user's weight information.

At this time, the processor420may measure an amount of alcohol which the user consumed through the measured alcohol information (AI) and equation (1).

In equation (1), c denotes a blood alcohol concentration, A denotes an amount of alcohol which the user drank, p denotes a user's weight, and r denotes a coefficient according to a gender (male: r=0.7 and female r=0.6).

For example, the processor420may acquire the alcohol information (AI) based on the first biometric information (BI1) and acquire the user's blood alcohol concentration based on the alcohol information (AI). Further, the processor420may acquire the amount of alcohol which the user drank based on the blood alcohol concentration (c), the gender (r), and weight (p) information, which in this example, were preconfigured by the user.

The processor420may acquire alcohol consumption of the user based on equation (2).

In equation (2), “A” denotes an amount of alcohol which the user consumed, e.g., indicating alcoholic consumption denoting a quantity of an alcohol beverage, and an “alcohol concentration” denotes an alcoholic concentration of an alcoholic beverage, which may be supplied or indicated according to alcohol type information.

According to some embodiments, the processor420may measure alcohol consumption based on equation (1) and equation (2). Further, the processor420may acquire second biometric information (BI2) based on the measured alcohol consumption.

The second biometric information (BI2) may refer to user's biometric information corresponding to the alcohol information (AI). For example, the second biometric information (BI2) may include a biometric change in the user caused by consumption of alcohol corresponding to the alcohol information (AI).

For example, when the second biometric information (BI2) corresponds to a user's blood pressure, a change in blood pressure (e.g., an increase or decrease) corresponding to the alcohol information (AI) may be included in the second biometric information (BI2).

The processor420may activate or deactivate the sensor module410. According to some embodiments, the processor420may control the sensor module410to be activated periodically or aperiodically.

The processor420may facilitate manual and/or automatically activation or deactivation of the sensor module410. For example, the processor420may control the sensor module410to periodically or aperiodically measure the user's first biometric information (BI1). For example, the processor420may control a measurement period of the user's first biometric information (BI1) through the sensor module410.

For example, when a particular application is executed, the processor420may control the sensor module410to measure the first biometric information (BI1). Further, when a particular event (e.g., for example, an event related to alcohol consumption) is detected, the processor420may control the sensor module410to measure the first biometric information. Meanwhile, the processor420may control the first electronic device to allow the sensor module410to measure the first biometric information at a particular time (or particular period) and/or in a particular place. At this time, the particular event, the particular time, and/or the particular place may be set by the user.

The processor420may facilitate operation of an application425. At this time, the application425may be executed by the processor420.

For example, the application425may be an application related to health information, or an application that derives information from the sensor module410.

The application425may control the first electronic device401to provide health information (HI) or an alarm signal (AR) to the user.

Hereinafter, for convenience of the description, an operation for controlling the first electronic device401by the application may be understood as an operation for controlling the first electronic device401by the processor420.

The processor420may acquire the second biometric information (BI2) by using the alcohol information (AI). Further, the processor420may provide the health information (HI) to the user by using the second biometric information (BI2). Meanwhile, the processor420may provide the alarm signal (AR) to the user by using the second biometric information (BI2).

Further, the processor420may acquire (or measure) the second biometric information (BI2) regardless of the alcohol information (AI).

For example, the processor420may measure the user's second biometric information (BI2) in real time or periodically regardless of the alcohol information (AI) and, when the alcohol information (AI) is received, store second biometric information (BI2) corresponding to the received alcohol information (AI) among the measured second biometric information (BI2). At this time, when the alcohol information (AI) is received, the processor420may provide the health information (HI) and/or the alarm signal (AR) to the user by using the second biometric information (BI2) corresponding to the received alcohol information (AI).

According to some embodiments, the processor420may generate the health information (HI) based on the alcohol information (AI) and/or the second biometric information (BI2) and provide the health information (HI) to the user through the display455. Further, the processor420may generate the alarm signal (AR) based on the alcohol information (AI) and/or the second biometric information (BI2) and provide an alarm to the user through the output device450.

The processor420may compare the second biometric information (BI2) with a first reference value preset by the user and output the health information (HI) and/or the alarm signal (AR) according to a result of the comparison.

The health information (HI) may include information on user's health such as a correlation between the alcohol information (AI) and the second biometric information (BI2), information on user's health due to the drinking, drinking habit management, drinking habit improvement, second biometric information (BI2) management, healthy eating habit information, and/or nutrition information.

The alarm signal (AR) may refer to a signal that informs the user of whether the alcohol information (AI) and the second biometric information (BI2) have a correlation therebetween and/or whether the second biometric information (BI2) is in a dangerous level due to alcohol through the output device450.

The first reference value refers to a reference value of the second biometric information (BI2) based on alcohol. For example, when the second biometric information (BI2) corresponds to alcohol consumption of the user, the user may set alcohol consumption (or alcohol intake) increased/decreased due to alcohol as the first reference value. For example, when a value of the alcohol consumption (or alcohol intake) due to alcohol exceeds the first reference value, the processor420may provide the health information (HI) and/or the alarm signal (AR) to the user.

Further, when the second biometric information (BI2) corresponds to a user's blood pressure, the user may set a value of the blood pressure increased due to alcohol as the first reference value. For example, when the value of the blood pressure increased/decreased due to alcohol exceeds the first reference value, the processor420may provide the health information (HI) and/or the alarm signal (AR) to the user.

The first reference value may be set by the user directly. Further, the first reference value may be automatically set by a program (or system) based on general health reference information.

The processor420may store the alcohol information (AI) and/or the second biometric information (BI2) in the memory430.

Further, the processor420may read user's third biometric information (BI3), which has been accumulated and stored in the memory430. For example, the user may set a period for which the third biometric information (BI3) is accumulated. For example, the user may set the third biometric information (BI3) to be accumulated in the unit of weeks, months, quarters, and years.

The processor420may determine a change in the third biometric information (BI3). For example, the processor420may determine third biometric information (BI3) corresponding to the alcohol information (AI) and determine a change in the third biometric information (BI3) corresponding to the alcohol information (AI).

According to various embodiments, the processor420may determine the third biometric information (BI3) due to alcohol which has been accumulated for a predetermined period, and the change in the third biometric information (BI3) due to alcohol.

Further, the processor420may generate the health information (HI) and/or the alarm signal (AR) based on the third biometric information (BI3) due to alcohol and the change in the third biometric information (BI3) due to alcohol.

According to some embodiments, the processor420may compare the third biometric information (BI3) with a second reference value preset by the user and output the health information (HI) and/or the alarm signal (AR) according to a result of the comparison. Further, the processor420may compare a change in the third biometric information (BI3) due to alcohol with the second reference value preset by the user and output the health information (HI) and/or the alarm signal (AR) according to a result of the comparison.

According to various embodiments, the processor420may receive third biometric information (BI3′) from the second electronic device470through the communication module440. Further, the processor420may transmit the alcohol information (AI), the second biometric information (BI2), and/or the third biometric information (BI3) to the second electronic device470through the communication module440.

The second reference value may refer to a reference value of the change in the third biometric information due to alcohol, which has been accumulated for a predetermined period.

According to some embodiments, when the third biometric information (BI3) corresponds to a blood pressure, the user may set a value of the blood pressure increased due to alcohol for the accumulation period as the second reference value. For example, when the value of the blood pressure increased/decreased due to alcohol for the accumulation period exceeds the second reference value, the processor420may provide the health information (HI) and/or the alarm signal (AR) to the user.

Further, when the third biometric information (BI3) corresponds to accumulated alcohol consumption, the user may set accumulated alcohol consumption (or accumulated alcohol intake) increased/decreased due to alcohol for the accumulation period as the second reference value. For example, when the value of the accumulated alcohol consumption (or accumulated alcohol intake) increased/decreased due to alcohol for the accumulation period exceeds the second reference value, the processor420may provide the health information (HI) and/or the alarm signal (AR) to the user.

The second reference value may be set by the user directly. Further, the second reference value may be automatically set by a program (or system) based on general health reference information.

The memory430may store the alcohol information (AI) and the second biometric information (BI2) generated by the processor420. Further, the memory430may accumulate the alcohol information (AI) and the second biometric information for a predetermined period and store the accumulated information. At this time, the alcohol information (AI) and the second biometric information (BI2), which have been accumulated for the predetermined period, may be stored as the third biometric information (BI3).

According to some embodiments, the memory430may be implemented as a non-volatile memory. The memory430may be implemented to be substantially identical or similar to the memory230described inFIG. 2.

The communication module440may transmit and receive data to and from the second electronic device470through a wireless communication technology. The wireless communication technology may be implemented to be substantially identical or similar to the wireless communication technology described inFIGS. 1 to 3.

According to some embodiments, the communication module440may receive the third biometric information (BI3′) from the second electronic device470. Further, the communication module440may transmit the alcohol information (AI), the second biometric information (BI2), and/or the third biometric information (BI3) to the second electronic device470.

The output device450may provide an alarm (or alarm signal (AR)) to the user according to a control of the processor420.

The output device450may include at least one of an optical output device, a speaker, a direction device, and a vibration device. For example, the output device450may provide the alarm (or alarm signal (AR)) to the user by using at least one of a light, a sound, a smell, and a vibration.

The display455may provide health information (HI) to the user according to a control of the processor420. Further, the display455may provide the alarm to the user (or alarm signal (AR) according to a control of the processor420.

According to various embodiments, the display455may include a touch screen457. At this time, the user may input information on the user into the first electronic device401through the touch screen457.

For example, the user may input biometric information on the user such as user's gender, user's weight, information on an alcohol type which the user drank, user's blood pressure, user's blood sugar, and/or user's heart rate through the touch screen457.

The second electronic device470may receive the second biometric information (BI2) from the first electronic device401and store the second biometric information (BI2) as the third biometric information (BI3′) for a predetermined period. Further, the second electronic device470may transmit the third biometric information (BI3′) to the first electronic device401. At this time, the second electronic device470may be implemented as the electronic device or server that stores the third biometric information (BI3′).

The second electronic device470may include a communication module475, a processor480, and a memory490. The elements475,480, and490of the second electronic device470may be connected through the bus471and transmit data through the bus471.

The communication module475may transmit the third biometric information (BI3′) to the first electronic device401. Further, the communication module475may receive the second biometric information (BI2) and the alcohol information (AI) from the first electronic device401.

The processor480may control the general operation of the second electronic device470.

The memory490may store the second biometric information (BI2) transmitted from the communication module475. Further, the memory490may store the second biometric information (BI2) as the third biometric information (BI3′) accumulated for a predetermined period.

The memory490may transmit the stored third biometric information (BI3′) to the communication module475according to a control of the processor480.

The third biometric information (BI3′) may refer to the substantially same information as the third biometric information (BI3) stored in the first electronic device401. However, unlike the third biometric information (BI3), the third biometric information (BI3′) may be stored in the second electronic device470, and thus the storage locations thereof may be different.

FIG. 5is a schematic block diagram illustrating an electronic system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 4 and 5, an electronic system400-1may be implemented to be substantially identical or similar to the electronic system400illustrated inFIG. 4except for a third electronic device460.

A first electronic device402may be implemented to be substantially identical or similar to the first electronic device401illustrated inFIG. 4except for the sensor module.

The first electronic device402may receive sensing information (SI) from the third electronic device460through a communication module415.

The processor420may measure (or acquire) alcohol information (AI) based on the sensing information (SI) received from the third electronic device460. Further, the processor420may acquire (or measure) second biometric information (BI2) corresponding to the alcohol information (AI).

The third electronic device460may receive user's first biometric information (BI1) and generate sensing information (SI) corresponding to the first biometric information (BI1). The first biometric information (BI1) and the sensing information (SI) may be substantially the same as that described inFIG. 4.

The third electronic device460may include a sensor module462, a processor464, and a communication module466. The elements462,464, and466of the third electronic device460may be connected through a bus461and transmit and receive data through the bus461.

For example, the third electronic device460may be implemented as a wearable device.

The sensor module462may receive the user's first biometric information (BI1). The sensor module462may analyze an alcohol component included in the first biometric information (BI1) and generate sensing information (SI). At this time, the sensing module462may be implemented to be substantially the same as the s module410described inFIG. 4.

The processor464may control the general operation of the third electronic device460. The processor464may control activation or deactivation of the sensor module462. For example, the processor464may activate the sensor module462in response to an event related to alcohol.

Further, the processor464may measure (or acquire) the first biometric information (BI1) periodically or aperiodically through the sensor module462.

For example, the processor464may be implemented as a low power processor.

The communication module466may transmit the sensing information (SI) to the first electronic device402according to a control of the processor464.

AlthoughFIG. 5illustrates that the first electronic device402does not include the sensor module and receives the sensing information (SI) corresponding to the first biometric information (BI1) from the third electronic device460for convenience of the description, the first electronic device402may be implemented to include the sensor module link the first electronic device401ofFIG. 4and to receive the sensing information (SI) from the third electronic device460.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a sensor, and a processor, wherein the processor may be configured to acquire first biometric information of a user through the sensor, to acquire alcohol information of the user based on the first biometric information, to acquire second biometric information of the user related to the alcohol information, and to provide health information to the user or another electronic device based on the second biometric information.

The processor may be configured to acquire the first biometric information based on at least one of preset functions related to alcohol.

The processor may be configured to acquire the first biometric information from a time point when at least one of the preset functions is executed to a time point when the function is terminated.

The processor may be configured to acquire at least one of tear, sweat, and exhalation of the user corresponding to the first biometric information.

The processor may be configured to provide the health information when the second biometric information is included in a predetermined range.

The processor may be configured to acquire at least one of a blood pressure, blood sugar, and heart rate corresponding to the second biometric information.

The electronic device may further include a communication module, such that the processor may be configured to acquire the second biometric information from an external device connected to the electronic device through the communication module.

The processor may be configured to determine a change in accumulated third biometric information of the user based on the second biometric information.

The processor may be configured to provide the health information based on a change in the third biometric information corresponding to the alcohol information among the change in the accumulated third biometric information.

The health information may include information on at least one of a blood pressure, blood sugar, alcohol level, alcohol consumption, a number of times the user drinks, calories, weight, and heart rate corresponding to the alcohol information.

FIG. 6is a data flow illustrating an operation method of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 4 to 6, the electronic system400or400-1may provide health information (HI) or the alarm signal (AR) to the user in response to the first biometric information (BI1).

In operation S601, the first electronic device401(for example, the processor420) may acquire the user's first biometric information (BI1) through the sensor module410or462(e.g., causing the biometric information to be ‘input,’ as depicted).

According to various embodiments, the first electronic device401may receive the first biometric information (BI1) via direct input to the sensor module410or462. Alternatively, the first electronic device401may receive the first biometric information (BI1) by the sensor module410or462without the user being aware of the acquisition.

In operation S603, the processor420may acquire sensing information (SI) corresponding to the user's first biometric information (BI1) using the sensor module410or462.

In operation S605, the processor420may measure (e.g., determine or acquire) alcohol information (AI) including a user's blood alcohol concentration (e.g., an alcohol concentration within the user's body) using the sensor information (SI).

In operation S607, the processor420may acquire user's second biometric information (BI2) corresponding to the alcohol information (AI). For example, the processor420may acquire blood pressure, blood sugar, heart rate, calories corresponding to the alcohol which was consumed, blood pressure changes (e.g., increase or decrease), weight, weight changes, and/or heart rate changes.

According to various embodiments, the processor420may compare the second biometric information with a first reference value, and provide health information (HI) or the alarm signal (AR) based on a result of the comparison.

For example, the processor420may measure blood pressure through the sensor module410and, when the measured blood pressure exceeds a predetermined reference value or a range, the processor420may provide certain health information (HI) or generate an alarm signal (AR).

In operation S609, the processor420may transmit the alcohol information (AI) and the second biometric information (BI2) to the memory430.

In operation S611, the memory430may store the alcohol information (AI) and the second biometric information (BI2). According to various embodiments, the memory430may further store the second biometric information (BI2) in addition to the existing stored third biometric information (BI3). Further, the memory430may display the additionally stored second biometric information (BI2) based on the alcohol information (AI).

In some embodiments of the invention, the memory430may store third biometric information (BI3), which may include information that has been accumulated over a predetermined period of time.

In operation S613, the processor420may retrieve the accumulated and stored third biometric information (BI3) from the memory430.

In operation S615, the processor420may determine a change in the third biometric information (BI3). For example, the third biometric information (BI3) may include information derived from or related to the second biometric information (BI2) due to the alcohol information (AI). For example, the processor420may determine biometric information corresponding to the alcohol information (AI) from the third biometric information (BI3).

In operation S617, the processor420may provide health information (HI) based on the third biometric information (BI3), and a change in the third biometric information (BI3). Further, the processor420may generate the alarm signal (AR) based on the third biometric information (BI3) and a change detected in the third biometric information (BI3).

According to various embodiments, the processor420may compare the third biometric information (BI3) with a second reference value and provide health information (HI) or the alarm signal (AR) according to a result of the comparison.

FIG. 7is a data flow illustrating an operation method of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 4 to 7, the electronic system400or400-1may provide health information (HI) or generate the alarm signal (AR) to notify the user in response to certain values of or within the first biometric information (BI1).

In operation S701, the first electronic device401(for example, the processor420) may acquire user's first biometric information (BI1) through the sensor module410or462.

According to various embodiments, the first electronic device401may directly receive the first biometric information (BI1) via the sensor module410or462. Alternatively, the first electronic device401may receive the first biometric information (BI1) via the sensor module410or462without the user being made aware of the acquisition.

In operation S703, the processor420may acquire sensing information (SI) corresponding to the user's first biometric information (BI1) by using the sensor module410or462.

In operation S705, the processor420may measure (or acquire) alcohol information (AI) including a user's blood alcohol concentration (or alcohol concentration within the body) using the sensor information (SI) corresponding to the first biometric information (BI1).

In operation S707, the processor420may acquire user's second biometric information corresponding to the alcohol information (AI). For example, the processor420may acquire a blood pressure, weight, heart rate, calories corresponding to alcohol which the user took, blood pressure change, weight change, and/or heart rate change.

According to various embodiments, the processor420may compare the second biometric information with a first reference value and provide health information (HI) or generated the alarm signal (AR) according to a result of the comparison. For example, the processor420may measure a blood pressure through the sensor module, and when the measured blood pressure exceeds a predetermined reference value or a predetermined range, the processor420may provide the health information (HI) or the alarm (AR).

In operation S709, the processor420may transmit the second biometric information (BI2) to the second electronic device470. Further, the processor420may also transmit alcohol information (AI) to the second electronic device470. In some embodiments, the second electronic device470may be implemented as a server.

In operation S711, the second electronic device470may store the second biometric information (BI2) in the memory490. For example, the second electronic device470may further store the second biometric information (BI2) in addition to the preexisting (e.g., prestored) third biometric information (BI3′). Further, the second electronic device470may indicate (e.g., display) that the additionally stored second biometric information (BI2) is based on the alcohol information (AI).

The second electronic device470may store the third biometric information (BI3′), which may include biometric information accumulated over a predetermined period of time.

In operation S713, the processor420may receive the accumulated and stored third biometric information (BI3′) from the second electronic device470.

In operation S715, the processor420may determine a change in the third biometric information (BI3′). For example, the third biometric information (BI3′) may include information derived from, indicated by, or informative on the second biometric information (BI2) based on the alcohol information (AI). The processor420may determine biometric information corresponding to the alcohol information (AI) among the third biometric information (BI3′).

In operation S717, the processor420may provide health information (HI) based on the third biometric information (BI3′) and the change in the third biometric information (BI3′). Further, the processor420may generate the alarm signal (AR) based on the third biometric information (BI3′) and the change in the third biometric information (BI3′).

According to various embodiments, the processor420may compare the change in the third biometric information (BI3) with a second reference value and provide health information (HI) or the alarm signal (AR) according to a result of the comparison.

FIG. 8illustrates an interface for health information provided by the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 4 to 8, the processor420may provide health information (HI) through the display455. According to some embodiments, the processor420may provide alarm information on user's drinking information through the display455.

The processor420may automatically generate a user's drinking history by using the alcohol information (AI), the second biometric information (BI2), and the third biometric information (BI3or BI3′).

According to some embodiments, the processor420may provide information on user's total alcohol consumption, as measured for a predetermined period of time using the sensor module410or462.

For example, the processor420may control display of a count (e.g., a number of times) the user consumes alcohol (e.g., drinks per week and/or per month). Further, the processor420may provide information on “one time” alcohol consumption (e.g., a present quantity consumed) and a blood alcohol concentration corresponding to “one time” alcohol consumption (e.g., a present blood alcohol level).

According to various embodiments, the processor420may provide an amount of alcohol consumed over a predetermined time. At this time, the predetermined period may be set by the user.

Further, the processor420may provide health information according to the count of the user's actual alcoholic drinks, and the user's alcohol consumption. For example, the processor420may determine a drinking pattern according to the number of times the user drinks alcoholic beverages and the user's alcohol consumption, and provide information that would modify this behavior, as relevant to a predetermined appropriate drinking habit, according to a result of the determination.

When the count of the user alcoholic drinks and/or the user's alcohol consumption exceeds a reference value set by the user, the processor420may generate the alarm signal (AR).

FIG. 9illustrates an interface for health information provided by the electronic device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 9, the processor420may provide health information (HI) through the display455. According to some embodiments, the processor420may provide a drinking diary for display of a user's drinking record in a diary (e.g., calendar-based) format through the display455.

The processor420may generate a user's consumption history using the alcohol information (AI), the second biometric information (BI2), and the third biometric information (BI3or BI3′).

According to some embodiments, the processor420may record and display information on alcoholic consumption corresponding to a date when the alcohol information (AI) is measured through the sensor module410or462.

For example, when the user drinks beer on the 5thof the present month (as depicted inFIG. 9), the processor420may display an icon indicating consumption of alcohol (e.g., a special icon indicating beer was consumed) on the calendar area corresponding to the 5th. Further, although not depicted inFIG. 9, the processor420may also display information on a time, a location, and/or a consumptive schedule in addition to the icon indicating alcoholic consumption (e.g., the beer icon).

In addition, when the user drinks soju on the 25th, the processor420may display another icon indicating consumption soju on the area of the calendar corresponding to the 25th. At this time, when an alcoholic intake of soju exceeds a first reference value (or second reference value), the processor420may additionally display a circle icon to indicate, for example, an excess of alcoholic consumption.

The information provided by the first electronic device illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9is only for convenience of the description and the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

FIG. 10is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 10, in operation S1001, the first electronic device401or402(for example, the processor420) may identify an event (or preset function) for measuring a user's alcohol information (AI).

The event (or preset function) may be an event relevant to alcoholic consumption. However, in some embodiments, the event may also be irrelevant to alcoholic consumption. For example, the event may refer to a state (for example, a call state) in which an alcohol measurement application is executed, or where first biometric information (BI1) can be measured. In operation S1003, when an event is generated in the first electronic device, the processor420may activate the sensor module410or462.

For example, when the event corresponds to execution of an alcohol concentration measurement application, the processor420may activate the sensor module410or462to measure an alcoholic concentration within the user's body.

According to various embodiments, when the event corresponds to execution of a phone call application, the processor420may activate the sensor module410or462to acquire user's exhalation (e.g., breath) information. Since the trigger is execution of the phone call application, this measurement is conducted in some embodiments without regard for a user's possible lack of alcoholic consumption. For example, the processor420may activate the sensor module410or462from the beginning of a phone call (e.g., execution of a phone call application) and terminate when the phone call terminates (e.g., termination of the phone call application). Further, the processor420may acquire a plurality of data for the exhalation information, ranging from a beginning of the executed phone call to the termination of the same.

Accordingly, when the sensor module410or462is activated, first biometric information (BI1) may be input into the sensor module410or462in operation S1005. For example, the first biometric information (BI1) may refer to user's breathing exhalation, or related biometric samples, such as liquids including saliva, sweat or tears.

For example, if the portable terminal is equipped with biometric sampling technology on the touch display, then when the display is touched, the processor420may acquire a user's biometric information according to the touch input (e.g., via sweat) through the sensor module410or462. Further, the processor420may acquire user's tear information by using a contact type external device, such as a contact lens having biometric information collection and transmission functionality.

In operation S1007, the processor420may analyze (or measure) an alcohol component included in the first biometric information (BI1) using the sensor module410or462and output sensing information (SI). The sensor module410or462may transmit the sensing information (SI) to the processor420of the first electronic device401or402.

According to various embodiments, the processor420may receive sensing information (SI) corresponding to the first biometric information (BI1) acquired through the sensor module410or462periodically or aperiodically.

FIG. 11is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 11, in operation S1101, the first electronic device401or402(for example, the processor420) may measure an alcohol component of the first biometric information (BI1) using the sensor module410or462and generate sensing information (SI) on the measured alcohol component.

The sensor module410or462may transmit the sensing information (SI) to the processor420.

In operation S1103, the processor420may measure alcohol information (AI) using the sensing information (SI), and store the alcohol information (AI) in the memory430, and/or transmit the alcohol information (AI) to the second electronic device470. For example, the first electronic device401or402may transmit the alcohol information (AI) to the server.

In operation S1105, the processor420may acquire (or measure) a user's alcoholic consumption using the alcohol information (AI). Further, the processor420may store the user's acquired alcoholic consumption in the memory430and/or transmit it to the second electronic device470.

According to various embodiments, the processor420may store user's alcoholic consumption as part of alcohol information accumulated over a predetermined period of time in the memory430. Further, the processor420may transmit the user's alcoholic consumption to the second electronic device470to store the user's alcohol consumption as measured over the predetermined period of the time in the second electronic device470(for example, a server).

According to various embodiments, the first electronic device401or402may acquire the user's alcoholic consumption through the second electronic device (for example, the server). For example, the first electronic device401or402may transmit user relevant information and alcoholic information (AI) to the server. The second electronic device470may transmit the user's alcoholic consumption (e.g., as aggregated/accumulated) based on the user information and the alcohol information (AI) to the first electronic device401or402.

According to various embodiments, the user may set a target (e.g., a limitation) on alcoholic consumption by using the input device of the first electronic device401or402. For example, the target alcohol consumption may refer to daily target alcohol consumption set by the user.

According to some embodiments, the user may set a first reference value of the target alcoholic consumption using a touch screen457of the first electronic device401or402.

For example, the first electronic device401or402may acquire the first reference value of the target alcoholic consumption from the third electronic device460through the communication module415.

According to various embodiments, the processor420may determine alcohol information (AI) resultant from the user's consumption, and measure user's alcoholic consumption corresponding to the alcohol information (AI).

In operation S1107, the processor420may determine whether the user's alcoholic consumption exceeds the first reference value indicating the target alcohol consumption.

When the user's alcohol consumption exceeds the first reference value of the target alcohol consumption in operation S1107, the processor420may provide the health information (HI) and/or generate the alarm signal (AR) to notify the user of excessive consumption in operation S1111.

Further, when the user's alcoholic consumption does not exceed the first reference value of the target alcoholic consumption, the processor420may determine whether alcoholic consumption accumulated for a predetermined period exceeds a second reference value in operation S1109.

When the alcoholic consumption accumulated for the predetermined period exceeds the second reference value in operation S1109, the processor420may provide the health information (HI) and/or generate the alarm signal (AR) to the user in operation S1111.

Further, when the alcoholic consumption accumulated for the predetermined period does not exceed the second reference value in operation S1109, the processor420may determine that the user's alcoholic consumption does not exceed the first reference value and the second reference value and does not provide the alarm signal (AR). For example, the processor420may periodically measure whether the user is consuming alcohol, and a quantity of the user's alcoholic consumption through the sensor module410.

According to various embodiments, even though it is determined that the user's alcoholic consumption does not exceed the first reference value and the second reference value in operation S1109, the processor420may still provide information on the user's current alcoholic consumption to the user.

FIG. 12is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 12, in operation S1201, the first electronic device401or402(for example, the processor420) may measure alcohol information (AI) of the user's body in response to detected input of the user's first biometric information (BI1) via the sensor module410or462. Further, the processor420may store the alcohol information (AI) in the memory430. The processor420may transmit the alcohol information (AI) to the second electronic device470.

In operation S1203, the processor420may measure (e.g., calculate) user's alcoholic consumption corresponding to the alcohol information (AI), and store the measured alcoholic consumption in the memory430. Further, the processor420may transmit the alcohol information (AI) to the second electronic device470.

In operation S1205, the processor420may acquire (or measure) second biometric information (BI2) corresponding to the alcohol information (AI). For example, the processor420may acquire user's biometric information such as change (e.g., an increase/decrease) in blood pressure, heart rate, caloric count or intake, and blood sugar resulting from the user's alcoholic consumption based on the alcohol information (AI). Further, the processor420may acquire information on the blood sugar, blood pressure, and heart rate related to the alcohol information (AI) through the sensor module410.

In operation S1207, the processor420may compare the second biometric information (BI2) with the first reference value and determine whether the second biometric information (BI2) exceeds the first reference value. For example, the first reference value may indicate a limit or threshold of one or more values of the user's biometric information, including change in blood pressure, heart rate, caloric count, and blood sugar.

According to some embodiments, the processor420may determine whether the acquired second biometric information (BI2) exceeds the predetermined first reference value of a predetermined range. For example, when the acquired blood pressure information is 150 and the predetermined first reference value if 140, the processor420may determine that the user's blood pressure, as indicated in the second biometric information (BI2) exceeds the predetermined value.

According to various embodiments, the first reference value may be directly set by the user, or automatically set by the processor420based on biological information describing the user, such as gender and/or weight.

When the second biometric information (BI2) exceeds the first reference value, the processor420may provide the health information (HI) or generate the alarm signal (AR) to alert the user in operation S1213.

When the second biometric information (BI2) does not exceed the first reference value (S1207), the processor420may determine whether accumulated user's third biometric information (BI3or BI3′) exceeds the second reference value in operation S1209.

When the accumulated third biometric information (BI3or BI3′) does not exceed the second reference value in operation S1209, the processor420may continuously measure the user's alcohol information (AI) without separate or additional requests/provisions of biometric information. Meanwhile, the processor420may provide current alcoholic consumption information and/or alcohol information (AI) to the user.

When the accumulated third biometric information (BI3or BI3′) exceeds the second reference value in S1209, the processor420may determine whether a count (e.g., the number of times) of the user's consumed alcoholic beverages for a designated period exceeds the reference count in operation S1211. For example, the reference count may be preset by the user or a program. Further, the reference count may be acquired through the second electronic device470(such as, for example, a server).

When the count of the user's consumed alcoholic beverages for the accumulation period exceeds the reference count, the processor420may provide the health information (HI) and/or generate the alarm signal (AR) to the user in operation S1213.

When the count of the user's consumed alcoholic beverages for the accumulation period does not exceed the reference count, the processor420may not provide information to the user. At this time, the processor420may continuously measure the alcohol information (AI) regarding the user's alcoholic consumption through the sensor module410.

According to various embodiments, even though the count of the user's consumed alcoholic beverages for the accumulation period does not exceed the reference count, the processor420may separately provide current alcohol consumption or alcohol information (AI) to the user.

Further, even though the count of the user's consumed alcoholic beverages for the accumulation period does not exceed the reference number of times, the processor420may provide the alarm signal (AR) to the user. At this time, operation S1211may be omitted.

FIG. 13is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 13, the first electronic device401or402(for example, the processor420) may measure alcohol information (AI) indicating alcohol within the user's body in response to detecting input of the user's first biometric information (BI1) through the sensor module410or462, and measure the second biometric information (BI2) corresponding to the alcohol information (AI).

The processor420may store the second biometric information (BI2) in the memory430or transmit the second biometric information (BI2) to the second electronic device470. According to some embodiments, the processor420may acquire third biometric information (BI3or BI3′) accumulated for a predetermined period based on the second biometric information (BI2).

In operation S1301, the processor420may determine a change in the third biometric information (BI3or BI3′).

In operation S1303, the processor420may compare the change in the third biometric information (BI3or BI3′) with a third reference value set by the user, and determine whether the change in the third biometric information (BI3) exceeds the third reference value.

The third reference value may refer to a reference value of the change in the accumulated user's third biometric information (BI3) set by the user, or automatically generated by the processor420. For example, the third reference value may be set based on the user information, such as the user's gender or the user's weight.

When the change in the third biometric information (BI3or BI3′) does not exceed the third reference value, the processor420does not provide information to the user and may continuously to monitor changes in the third biometric information (BI3or BI3′).

When the change in the third biometric information (BI3or BI3′) exceeds the third reference value, the processor420may determine biometric information related to the user's alcoholic consumption among the third biometric information (BI3or BI3′) in operation S1305.

In operation S1307, the processor420may determine whether the biometric information related to the user's alcoholic consumption among the third biometric information (BI3or BI3′) exceeds a fourth reference value (or reference range). The biometric information related to the user's alcoholic consumption may refer to biometric information corresponding to alcohol information (AI) for an accumulation period.

The fourth reference value may refer to a reference value of biometric information corresponding to the alcohol information (AI) among the accumulated user's third biometric information. At this time, the fourth reference value may be set by the user or automatically set by the processor420.

When the biometric information related to alcoholic consumption among the third biometric information (BI3or BI3′) does not exceed the reference value, the processor420does not provide information to the user and may continuously monitor the biometric information related to the user's alcoholic consumption among the third biometric information (BI3or BI3′).

When the biometric information related to the drinking among the third biometric information (BI3or BI3′) exceeds the reference value, the processor420may determine that the user's continued alcoholic consumption caused a change in the third biometric information (BI3or BI3′) in operation S1309. Further, the processor420may provide the health information (HI) and/or generate the alarm signal (AR) related to the change in the third biometric information (BI3or BI3′) to notify the user.

FIGS. 14A and 14Bare graphs illustrating health information provided by the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 14A and 14B, the processor420may provide health information (HI) to the user through the display455.

According to some embodiments, when the second biometric information (BI2) or the third biometric information (BI3or BI3′) corresponds to the user's weight, the processor420may measure second biometric information (BI2) (for example, weight) corresponding to user's alcohol information (AI) (e.g., for example, blood alcohol concentration). Further, the processor420may provide information on a correlation between the user's drinking and weight.

FIGS. 14A-14Bare graph illustrating the correlation between the user's drinking and the user's weight.

For example, inFIG. 14A, when the user's blood alcohol concentration increases due to drinking between the 0thand the 10thday, the processor420may provide a graph tracking the resulting gradual increase in the user's weight. Further, when the user's blood alcohol concentration increases due to drinking on the 20thday, the processor420may provide a graph tracking the resulting continuously increase in the user's weight.

For example, the processor420may measure user's alcohol information (AI) across 30 days through the sensor module410, and store second biometric information (BI2) (e.g., including weight) corresponding to the alcohol information (AI). Further, the processor420may thereby provide third biometric information (BI3or BI3′) (for example, weight) for the accumulated 30 days in the format of a graph based on the second biometric information (BI2) (for example, weight), showing the resulting gradual increase in weight caused by the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

FIG. 14Bis a graph illustrating the correlation between the user's drinking and the user's weight.

The processor420may store alcohol information (AI) tracking the user's drinking, and second biometric information (BI2) (indicating, for example, a user's weight) corresponding to the alcohol information (AI). Further, the processor420may provide the user's alcoholic consumption history for a particular monitoring period, along with resulting change in the user's weight in a graphical format.

For example, the processor420may provide a graph illustrating that the user's weight generally increases due to the user's drinking.

A method of operating an electronic device including a sensor may include an operation of acquiring first biometric information of a user through the sensor, an operation of acquiring alcohol information of the user based on the first biometric information, an operation of acquiring second biometric information of the user related to the alcohol information; and providing health information to the user or another electronic device based on the second biometric information.

The operation of acquiring the first biometric information may include an operation of acquiring the first biometric information based on at least one of preset functions related to alcohol.

The operation of providing the health information includes an operation of providing the health information when the second biometric information is included in a predetermined range.

The operation of acquiring the second biometric information may include an operation of acquiring the second biometric information from an external device connected to the electronic device through a wireless communication technology.

The method may further include an operation of determining a change in accumulated third biometric information of the user based on the second biometric information.

The operation of determining the change in the third biometric information may further include an operation of providing the health information based on a change in the third biometric information corresponding to the alcohol information among the change in the third biometric information.

The operation of providing the health information may include an operation of comparing the second biometric information with a preset first reference value and providing health information according to a result of the comparison.

The operation of providing the health information may include an operation of generating third biometric information accumulated for a preset period based on the second biometric information and comparing the third biometric information with a preset second reference value, and an operation of providing the health information according to a result of the comparison.

The operation of measuring the alcohol information may include an operation of detecting generation of an event related to alcohol through the sensor, and an operation of activating the sensor according to a result of the detection.

FIG. 15is a graph illustrating health information provided by the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 15, the processor420may provide health information (HI) to the user through the display455.

According to some embodiments, when second biometric information (BI2) or third biometric information (BI3or BI3′) corresponds to the user's blood sugar, the processor420may provide information illustrating a correlation between the user drinking and the blood sugar (or fasting blood sugar).

The processor420may measure second biometric information (BI2) (e.g., for example, fasting blood sugar) corresponding to user's alcohol information (AI) (for example, blood alcohol concentration). Further, the processor420may provide information on a correlation between the user's alcoholic consumption and the fasting blood sugar.

For example, the processor420may provide the information on the user's alcoholic consumption and the fasting blood sugar for the monitoring period in which data is accumulated in the form of a graph. For example, when the user's blood alcohol concentration increases, the processor420may provide a graph showing that the fasting blood sugar correspondingly increases (e.g., perhaps even instantaneously) to the user.

FIG. 16is a graph illustrating health information provided by the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 16, the processor420may provide health information (HI) to the user through the display455.

According to some embodiments, when second biometric information (BI2) or third biometric information (BI3or BI3′) corresponds to user's caloric intake, the processor420may provide information on a correlation between the user's alcoholic consumption and caloric intake.

The processor420may measure calories (e.g., E1to E5) corresponding to user's alcohol information (AI). Further, the processor420may provide user's caloric intake (T1to T30) and calories burnt (U1to U30) to the user. At this time, the processor420may separately display the caloric intake (E1to E5) corresponding to the alcohol information (AI) among the caloric intake (T1to T30).

For example, the processor420may provide information on the user's caloric intake (T1to T30) and calories burnt (U1to U30) as monitored across 30 days in the form of a graph. At this time, the processor420may separately display the caloric intake (E1to E5) due to the user's alcoholic consumption among the caloric intake (T1to T30) to provide them to the user.

For example, the processor420may provide information on the caloric intake (T1) and the calories burnt (U1) on a first day (e.g., “day 1”) when the measurement for user's calories starts in the form of a graph. At this time, the processor420may separately display the caloric intake (E1) due to the user's alcoholic consumption on the graph.

Further, the processor420may also separately display generation of an event of the user's alcoholic consumption along with the graph. For example, the processor420may also display generation of the event of the user's alcoholic consumption on the first day (day 1) when the measurement of the user's calorie consumption starts along with the graph.

Accordingly, the processor420may receive information on calories implicated by the alcoholic consumption among the user's caloric intake (T1to T30), so that there is a more dramatic indication of the correlation between the calories consumed and alcoholic consumption.

FIG. 17is a graph illustrating a method of measuring health information by the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 17, the processor420may measure alcohol information (AI) including a user's blood alcohol concentration in response to user's first biometric information (BI1) input through the sensor module410or462.

The graph ofFIG. 17is a graph illustrating a change in the user's blood alcohol concentration over time (t).

At this time, a time point when the processor420measures the alcohol information (AI) may be different from a time point when the user consumes an alcoholic beverage. Further, the processor420may generate the time point when the user consumes alcohol after measuring the alcohol information (AI).

According to some embodiments, the processor420may measure the user's alcohol information (AI) during a first period (A). At this time, the processor420may measure the alcohol information (AI) after a first time point in which the user consumes alcohol.

Further, the processor420may acquire information on the first time point from the user. For example, the processor420may issue or display a request for information on the first time point to the user at a time when the alcohol information (AI) is measured. For example, the processor420may display a popup window (or popup screen) inquiring the user regarding the first time point through the touch screen and/or display457. At this time, the processor420may determine the first time point based on information acquired from the user.

The processor420may measure the user's alcohol information (AI) to determine a decrease in (e.g., shown as a decreasing slope of) the user's blood alcohol concentration during the first period (A). For example, the processor420may measure the alcohol information (AI) including a user's maximum blood alcohol concentration, an alcoholytic time, and/or infer whether a “hangover” occurs based on the decrease in (or decreasing slope of) the user's blood alcohol concentration.

According to another embodiment, the processor420may measure the user's alcohol information (AI) during a second period (B). For example, the processor420may generate a user's second drinking time point after measuring the alcohol information (AI) when the user consumers a second alcoholic beverage.

The processor420may measure the user's alcohol information (AI) based on a decrease in (or a decreasing slope of) or an increase in (or an increasing slope of) the user's blood alcohol concentration during the second period (A). For example, the processor420may measure the alcohol information (AI) including a user's maximum blood alcohol concentration, an alcoholytic time, and/or infer whether a hangover occurs based on the decrease in (or the decreasing slope of) or the increase in (or the increasing slope of) the user's blood alcohol concentration.

Further, the processor420may measure the alcohol information (AI) based on at least one of a plurality of data of the user's first biometric information (BI1), which may be acquired during the first period (A) or the second period (B). For example, the processor420may acquire the biometric information such as a plurality of data received from the user's exhalation information, sweat, and tears, etc., and then measure the alcohol information (AI) from these samples using at least one of the data of acquired biometric information.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a storage medium storing instructions is provided. The instructions are configured to instruct at least one processor to perform at least one operation when being instructed by the at least one processor. The at least one operation by an electronic device including a sensor may include an operation of acquiring first biometric information of a user through the sensor; an operation of acquiring alcohol information of the user based on the first biometric information; an operation of acquiring second biometric information of the user related to the alcohol information; and an operation of providing health information to the user or another electronic device based on the second biometric information.

Each of the components of the electronic device according to the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more components and the name of the corresponding component may vary depending on a type of the electronic device. In various embodiments, the electronic device may include at least one of the above-described elements. Some of the above-described elements may be omitted from the electronic device, or the electronic device may further include additional elements. Further, some of the components of the electronic device according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined to form a single entity, and thus, may equivalently execute functions of the corresponding elements prior to the combination.

The control unit may include a microprocessor or any suitable type of processing circuitry, such as one or more general-purpose processors (e.g., ARM-based processors), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Graphical Processing Unit (GPU), a video card controller, etc.

In addition, it would be recognized that when a general purpose computer accesses code for implementing the processing shown herein, the execution of the code transforms the general purpose computer into a special purpose computer for executing the processing shown herein. Any of the functions and steps provided in the Figures may be implemented in hardware, software or a combination of both and may be performed in whole or in part within the programmed instructions of a computer. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for”. In addition, an artisan understands and appreciates that a “processor” or “microprocessor” may be hardware in the claimed disclosure. Under the broadest reasonable interpretation, the appended claims are statutory subject matter in compliance with 35 U.S.C. §101.