Patent Description:
As interest in health increases, electronic devices are being developed to provide functions capable of measuring user's biometric information. For example, wearable electronic devices are equipped with various sensors capable of measuring user's biometric information.

The user's biometric information may be measured by recognizing an electrical signal flowing through a user body or applying an electrical signal to a user body. In order to recognize or applying an electrical signal, the electronic device may include an electrode to contact a user body.

<CIT> describes user interfaces for initial setup of health monitoring using a first electronic device and a second electronic device. Exemplary user interfaces for recording biometric information for use in health monitoring is described. Exemplary user interfaces for using an input device while recording biometric information for health monitoring is described. Exemplary user interfaces for viewing and managing aspects of health monitoring is described. A method performed at a first electronic device with a display and one or more input devices, wherein the first electronic device is paired with a second electronic device, is described. The method comprises: displaying, on the display, a first portion of a tutorial for using a function of the second electronic device; detecting, via the one or more input devices, a request to proceed with the tutorial; in response to detecting the request to proceed with the tutorial, displaying, on the display, instructions to perform an operation on the second electronic device that involves the function of the second electronic device; receiving, from the second electronic device, an indication that the instructions have been carried out; and in response to receiving the indication that the instructions have been carried out, displaying, on the display, a second portion of the tutorial that is different from the first portion.

<CIT> discloses an electronic device, such as a watch, which has a housing to which a carrier is attached. The carrier has a first surface interior to the electronic device, and a second surface exterior to the electronic device. A set of electrodes is deposited on the exterior surface of the carrier. An additional electrode is operable to be contacted by a finger of a user of the electronic device while the first electrode is positioned against skin of the user. The additional electrode may be positioned on a user-rotatable crown of the electronic device, on a button of the electronic device, or on another surface of the housing of the electronic device. A processor of the electronic device is operable to determine a biological parameter of the user based on voltages at the electrodes. The biological parameter may be an electrocardiogram.

The electrode included in the electronic device may be directly exposed to an external environment. Therefore, the electrode should be able to withstand changes in the external environment (e.g., changes in temperature, changes in humidity, or changes in light).

In order to remove noise generated while measuring a bioelectrical signal, filters such as a high pass filter (HPF) and a low pass filter (LPF) are used, but there may be limitations in removing such noise. In order to improve the quality of the measured bio-signal, it is necessary to use an electrode having a constant surface potential distribution of resistance on its surface and having a low resistance.

In addition, the electrode included in the electronic device is highly likely to be damaged when exposed to the external environment. If the electrode is damaged, the measurement quality of the bio-signal may be degraded.

Accordingly, as aspect of the disclosure is to provide an electrode satisfying required surface resistance and durability, and an electronic device including the electrode.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing, a display viewable through at least a portion of a front surface of the housing, a rear cover disposed on a rear surface of the housing, a first electrode disposed on a lateral surface of the housing, and second and third electrodes disposed at different positions on the rear cover. The first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode may include a conductive material that is a compound containing titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), silicon (Si), carbon (C), and nitrogen (N).

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an electrode of an electronic device is provided. The electrode includes a first electrode disposed on a portion of a housing of the electronic device, and second and third electrodes disposed at different positions on a rear cover disposed on a rear surface of the housing. The first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode may include a conductive material that is a compound containing titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), silicon (Si), carbon (C), and nitrogen (N).

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electrode having excellent durability and low surface resistance resulting in high electrical conductivity can be provided. This electrode not only can maintain its characteristics for a long time even when exposed to the outside of the electronic device because of having excellent durability, but also can accurately measure a bio-signal because of a low resistance.

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding, but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> in the network environment <NUM> may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> via a first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or at least one of an electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> via a second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, an input module <NUM>, a sound output module <NUM>, a display module <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a connecting terminal <NUM>, a haptic module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a power management module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, a subscriber identification module(SIM) <NUM>, or an antenna module <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., the connecting terminal <NUM>) may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM>, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments, some of the components (e.g., the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, or the antenna module <NUM>) may be implemented as a single component (e.g., the display module <NUM>).

The non-volatile memory <NUM> may include internal memory <NUM> and external memory <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front perspective view illustrating a mobile electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a rear perspective view illustrating the electronic device of <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating the electronic device of <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may include a housing <NUM> having a first surface (or front surface) 210A, a second surface (or rear surface) 210B, and a lateral surface 210C enclosing a space between the first surface 210A and the second surface 210B. In addition, the electronic device <NUM> may include fastening members <NUM> and <NUM> connected to at least a portion of the housing <NUM> and configured to detachably attach the electronic device <NUM> to a user's body part (e.g., wrist, ankle, etc.) of a user's body. According to another embodiment of the disclosure (not shown), the housing may refer to a structure forming some of the first surface 210A, the second surface 210B, and the lateral surface 210C. The first surface 210A may be formed at least in part by a substantially transparent front plate <NUM> (e.g., a polymer plate or a glass plate including various coating layers). The second surface 210B may be formed by a substantially opaque rear cover <NUM>. The rear cover <NUM> may be formed by coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the above materials. The lateral surface 210C may be formed of a lateral bezel structure <NUM> (or "lateral member") combined with the front plate <NUM> and the rear cover <NUM> and having a metal and/or a polymer. The rear cover <NUM> and the lateral bezel structure <NUM> may be integrally formed with each other and have the same material (e.g., a metal material such as aluminum), although other arrangements are possible. The fastening members <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed of various materials and shapes. For example, the fastening members <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed integrally by woven fabric, leather, rubber, urethane, metal, ceramic, or any combination thereof, or be formed with a plurality of unit links that are flexible with each other.

The electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of a display <NUM> (see <FIG>), audio modules <NUM> and <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, key input devices <NUM> and <NUM>, and a connector hole <NUM>. At least one (e.g., the key input devices <NUM> and <NUM>, the connector hole <NUM>, or the sensor module <NUM>) of the above components may be omitted. The electronic device <NUM> may further include other components not shown.

The display <NUM> may be exposed through a portion of the front plate <NUM>. The display <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the front plate <NUM>, and may have various shapes such as a circle, an oval, or a polygon. The display <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to or combined with a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (or pressure) of a touch, and/or a fingerprint sensor.

The audio modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include a microphone hole <NUM> and a speaker hole <NUM>. The microphone hole <NUM> may contain a microphone for obtaining an external sound, and may contain a plurality of microphones to detect a direction of a sound. The speaker hole <NUM> may be used for an external speaker and a call receiver. The speaker hole <NUM> and the microphone hole <NUM> may be implemented as one hole, or a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) may be included without the speaker hole <NUM>.

The sensor module <NUM> may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state or external environmental state of the electronic device <NUM>. The sensor module <NUM> may include a biometric sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor) disposed on the second surface 210B of the housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include any other sensor module (not shown) such as a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and/or an illumination sensor.

The key input devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include a wheel key <NUM> disposed on the first surface 210A of the housing <NUM> and rotatable in at least one direction, and/or a side key button <NUM> disposed on the lateral surface 210C of the housing <NUM>. The wheel key may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the front plate <NUM>. One or both of the aforementioned key input devices <NUM> and <NUM> may be omitted; the key input device(s) that is/are omitted may be implemented in another form, such as a soft key on the display <NUM>. The connector hole <NUM> is capable of accommodating a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data to and from an external electronic device, and may include another connector hole (not shown) capable of accommodating a connector for transmitting and receiving an audio signal to and from an external electronic device. The electronic device <NUM> may further include a connector cover (not shown) that covers at least a portion of the connector hole <NUM> to block the inflow of external foreign substances into the connector hole.

The fastening members <NUM> and <NUM> may be attached to and detached from at least a portion of the housing <NUM> through locking members <NUM> and <NUM>. The fastening members <NUM> and <NUM> may have a band or strap shape, and may include one or more of a fixing member <NUM>, fixing member insertion holes <NUM>, a band guide member <NUM>, and a band support ring <NUM>.

The fixing member <NUM> may be inserted into one of the fixing member insertion holes <NUM> to fix the housing <NUM> and the fastening members <NUM> and <NUM> to a part (e.g., wrists, ankles, etc.) of the user's body. The band guide member <NUM> may limit the range of motion of the fixing member <NUM> inserted into the fixing member insertion hole <NUM> so that the fastening members <NUM> and <NUM> may be in close contact with a part of the user's body. The band support ring <NUM> may limit the range of motion of the fastening members <NUM> and <NUM> in a state where the fixing member <NUM> is inserted into the fixing member insertion hole <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a lateral bezel structure <NUM>, a wheel key <NUM>, the front plate <NUM>, the display <NUM>, a first antenna <NUM>, a support member <NUM> (e.g., a bracket), a battery <NUM>, a first printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM>, a sealing member <NUM>, a rear plate <NUM>, and fastening members <NUM> and <NUM>. Some components of the electronic device <NUM> may be the same as or similar to those of the electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, so that descriptions thereof are omitted below. The support member <NUM> is disposed inside the electronic device <NUM> and may be connected to, or integrated with, the lateral bezel structure <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may be formed of, for example, a metal material and/or a non-metal (e.g., polymer) material. The support member <NUM> may be combined with the display <NUM> at one side thereof and also combined with the first PCB <NUM> at the other side thereof. A processor, a memory, and/or an interface may be mounted on the first PCB <NUM>. The processor may include one or more of a CPU, an application processor (AP), a graphic processing unit (GPU), a sensor processor, or a communication processor (CP).

The memory may include a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. The interface may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect the electronic device <NUM> with an external electronic device and may include a USB connector, an SD card/multimedia card (MMC) connector, or an audio connector.

The battery <NUM> is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device <NUM>, and may include a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. At least a part of the battery <NUM> may be disposed on substantially the same plane as the first PCB <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be disposed integrally within, or detachably from, the electronic device <NUM>.

The first antenna <NUM> may be disposed between the display <NUM> and the support member <NUM>. The first antenna <NUM> may include a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. For example, the first antenna <NUM> may perform short-range communication with an external device, wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging, or transmit a short-range communication signal or a magnetic-based signal including payment data. In An antenna structure may also be formed by a part or combination of the lateral bezel structure <NUM> and/or the support member <NUM>.

The sealing member <NUM> may be positioned between the lateral bezel structure <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> may be configured to block moisture and foreign matter flowing into a space surrounded by the lateral bezel structure <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM> from the outside.

A second PCB <NUM> (e.g., a PCB, a flexible PCB (FPCB), or rigid-flexible PCB (RFPCB)) and a coil <NUM> for wireless charging may be disposed between the rear plate <NUM> and the rear cover <NUM>. The second PCB <NUM> may be electrically connected to the first PCB <NUM> through a hole formed in the rear plate <NUM>. The wireless charging coil <NUM> may be disposed to surround the outer periphery of the second PCB <NUM>.

The electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may include the housing <NUM>, the display <NUM> viewed through at least a portion of the first surface 210A (or front surface) of the housing <NUM>, and the rear cover <NUM> disposed on the second surface 210B (or rear surface) of the housing <NUM>.

The electronic device may include a plurality of electrodes exposed to the outside so as to be in contact with a user's body. For example, the electrode may include a first electrode <NUM>, a second electrode <NUM>, and a third electrode <NUM>. The number of electrodes included in the electronic device may be variously changed. Hereinafter, a total of three electrodes of the electronic device will be described, but the number of electrodes included in the electronic device may be one, two, four, or more.

At least one of the electrodes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may be disposed at least one of a position of the key input device <NUM> or <NUM>, a position of the lateral bezel structure <NUM>, a position of the display <NUM>, or a position of the housing <NUM>.

For example, the first electrode <NUM> may be disposed on the lateral surface 210C of the electronic device housing <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the first electrode <NUM> may be formed on at least one of the buttons <NUM> disposed on the lateral surface 210C of the housing <NUM>. The button <NUM> disposed on the lateral surface 210C of the housing <NUM> may be a physical button that is pressed by the user's body and moves forward and backward with respect to the housing <NUM>, or a touch button that recognizes contact with the user's body. The button <NUM> may be formed of a conductive substance, and the first electrode <NUM> may be formed on the button <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the second electrode <NUM> and the third electrode <NUM> may be disposed on the rear cover <NUM> forming the rear surface 210B of the electronic device housing <NUM>. The second electrode <NUM> and the third electrode <NUM> may be disposed at different positions on the rear cover <NUM>. The second electrode <NUM> and the third electrode <NUM> may be electrically isolated from each other on the rear cover <NUM>.

At least one of the first electrode <NUM>, the second electrode <NUM>, and the third electrode <NUM> may be an electrode that contacts the user's skin and is capable of measuring an electrical signal according to the user's physical activity. For example, at least one of the first electrode <NUM>, the second electrode <NUM>, and the third electrode <NUM> may contact the user's skin and measure an electrical signal according to the user's heartbeat.

<FIG> illustrates an electrocardiogram waveform, and <FIG> is a graph illustrating an electrocardiogram waveform measured by an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an electrode (e.g., the first electrode <NUM>, the second electrode <NUM>, or the third electrode <NUM> in <FIG>) may be in contact with a user's body and detect a user's bioelectrical signal. An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may obtain information about the user's body from the bioelectrical signal measured through the electrode. The body information measured through the electrode may be information related to a heartbeat. For example, the electrode may measure a user's electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. The heartbeat may be identified through an electrical signal. When the heart muscle contracts or relaxes, the action potential created by the heartbeat spreads from the heart to the whole body. When electrodes are attached to different body parts, it is possible to obtain a potential difference of electric currents caused by contraction or relaxation of the heart muscle. For example, the ECG measurement may be performed by detecting a microscopic bioelectrical signal from the skin when the heart muscle is depolarized at each heartbeat. The ECG signal may be plotted as a potential difference graph over time. As shown in <FIG>, the ECG signal may be represented as an ECG waveform. The ECG waveform may be composed of P, Q, R, S, and T waves. The P wave is a waveform indicating the start of atrial depolarization, the QRS waves are waveforms indicating the ventricular depolarization, and the T wave is a waveform indicating normal repolarization of the ventricle. <FIG> shows an ideal ECG waveform for a unit heartbeat, and <FIG> may be a plot of an actual potential difference over time measured for a continuous heartbeat.

Because the ECG signal is recorded by measuring the potential difference over time, the quality of the ECG signal may be determined depending on how well the potential difference of the electrical signal according to contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle is followed. The potential difference may be affected by a difference in a material forming the electrode that is in contact with the user's body. The material forming the electrode has a unique oxidation reduction potential (or equilibrium oxidation reduction potential) for each material. The oxidation-reduction potential refers to a potential value for maintaining an equilibrium state in which an oxidation-reduction reaction does not occur because of the same oxidation and reduction rates. If the electrodes disposed at different parts of the user's body for ECG measurement have different materials, a difference in the oxidation-reduction potential may be reflected in the ECG signal as it is. The potential difference due to the difference in the materials forming the electrodes may be mainly reflected in a low potential difference portion (e.g., <NUM> ~ <NUM> mV portion in <FIG>) in the ECG signal. In addition, when the potential difference is calculated through the electrodes disposed at different parts of the user's body, the user's body acts as a resistance, and the resistance value may be reflected in the ECG signal. Therefore, in order to reduce the resistance caused by the user's body, a signal transmission path of the electrode may be formed to be short. In addition, in order to accurately measure the potential difference according to the bioelectric signal, the electrode should be able to measure sensitive changes in the bioelectric signal, which may be related to the electrical conductivity of the electrode.

In order to measure the ECG signal of a specified quality through the electrode included in the electronic device, a plurality of electrodes contacting the user's body may be formed of the same material having high electric conductivity.

When the electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure is a wrist-worn electronic device, the rear cover <NUM> disposed on the rear surface 210B of the housing <NUM> may be in contact with the user's wrist in a state where the electronic device is worn. The second electrode <NUM> and the third electrode <NUM> may be disposed on the rear cover <NUM>, so that the second and third electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> may be in contact with the user's wrist while the user is wearing the electronic device. In this case, a finger of a hand without the electronic device may be brought into contact with the first electrode <NUM> disposed on the lateral surface 210C of the electronic device housing <NUM>. For example, when the electronic device is worn, the first electrode <NUM> may be in contact with the finger of one hand of the user, and the second and third electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> may be in contact with the wrist of the other hand of the user. It is therefore possible to measure the ECG signal through a potential difference between the electrodes disposed at different parts of the body.

The first electrode <NUM>, the second electrode <NUM>, and the third electrode <NUM> may include the same conductive material. As described above, when the same conductive material is used for the electrodes, the potential difference of the material itself is reduced and thus it is possible to measure the ECG signal of a specified quality. The conductive material included in the electrode may have high electrical conductivity so as to detect fine current changes in skin well. The electrode included in the electronic device should not change its characteristics even by external factors such as temperature, humidity, and light, and should be resistant to impact or corrosion because of being exposed to the outside of the electronic device. In addition, the electrode that is in contact with the user's body may be formed of a hypoallergenic material with little skin irritation. For example, the conductive material used for the electrode of the electronic device may have high electrical conductivity and high durability. For example, the electrode included in the electronic device may be an electrode having a Mohs hardness (MOHS) of <NUM> or more.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a composition of a conductive material included in an electrode according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the first electrode <NUM>, the second electrode <NUM>, and the third electrode <NUM> may include at least one material having high durability and high electric conductivity.

The first electrode <NUM>, the second electrode <NUM>, and the third electrode <NUM> may include at least one of an oxide-based material, a nitride-based material, and/or a carbide-based material. For example, oxide-based materials may include transparent materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO), tin oxide (SnO), zinc oxide (ZnO), and fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), and/or opaque materials such as titanium dioxide (TiO<NUM>). Nitride-based materials may include chromium nitride (CrN), chromium carbon-nitride (CrCN), chromium silicon carbon nitride (CrSiCN), titanium nitride (TiN), titanium carbon nitride (TiCN), chromium boron carbon nitride (CrBCN), chromium boron silicon carbon nitride (CrBSiCN), chromium titanium carbon nitride (CrTiCN), chromium titanium silicon carbon nitride (CrTiSiCN), chromium aluminum carbon nitride (CrAlCN), and chromium aluminum silicon carbon nitride (CrAlSiCN). Carbide-based materials may include tungsten carbide (WC) and titanium carbide (TiC).

The first electrode <NUM>, the second electrode <NUM>, and the third electrode <NUM> may use TiAlCrSiCN (hereinafter referred to as "conductive material"), which is a compound containing titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), silicon (Si), carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) as conductive materials. The conductive material may have high durability as well as high electric conductivity. A CrSiCN material containing chromium, silicon, carbon and nitrogen has high electrical conductivity and high durability, so it may be advantageous for surface coating. Adding titanium to the CrSiCN material can improve electrical properties (e.g., electric conductivity), and adding aluminum can improve heat resistance and thereby improve durability.

Referring to <FIG>, the composition of the conductive material includes titanium (Ti) of about <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, aluminum (Al) of about <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, chromium (Cr) of about <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, silicon (Si) of about <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, carbon (C) of about <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, and nitrogen (N) of about <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight. This composition may be a composition of a conductive material in consideration of high electrical conductivity (e.g., surface resistance within <NUM> ohm) and high durability (e.g., Mohs hardness of <NUM> or more). The composition shown in <FIG> and described above does not limit the composition of the conductive material of the disclosure, and may be variously changed within a range apparent to a person skilled in the art. Compositions of the electrodes (e.g., the first electrode <NUM>, the second electrode <NUM>, and the third electrode <NUM>) may be different.

The above-described composition may be adjusted depending on the positions where the electrodes are disposed. For example, an electrode disposed at a position that is in continuous contact with the user's body may be adjusted in composition to increase durability, and an electrode disposed at a position that is in intermittent contact with the user's body may be adjusted in composition to increase electrical conductivity. If the content of titanium increases, the electrical conductivity of the conductive material may increase, but the strength and hardness of the conductive material may decrease, and the frictional force of the surface may increase. The composition of titanium may be about <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight. If the content of aluminum increases, the color becomes dark and the heat resistance may be enhanced. However, if the aluminum composition exceeds a certain threshold, the conductive material may have a red color. The composition of aluminum may be about <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight. Chromium may improve the corrosion resistance of the conductive material, but may increase the reflectivity of the conductive material. The composition of chromium may be about <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight. Silicon may improve the hardness of the conductive material by smoothing the surface, but if the composition of silicon exceeds a certain threshold, the strength of the conductive material may decrease. The composition of silicon may be about <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight. Carbon may darken the color of the conductive material. The composition of carbon may be about <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight. The conductive material containing a certain ratio of nitrogen may have improved hardness. The composition of nitrogen may be about <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight.

The composition of the conductive material may be adjusted by regulating several parameters in deposition equipment. Sputter or e-beam may be used as the deposition equipment,. In general, since the number of targets in a deposition equipment chamber is limited, a target may be formed by using several materials alone or in combination, and a composition ratio may be adjusted by regulating several parameters in each chamber.

Titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), and silicon (Si) may be used alone or in combination to form a target. For example, when titanium and aluminum are mixed to form a target, the target composition ratio, that is, the ratio of titanium to aluminum may be a ratio of about <NUM>-<NUM>% to about <NUM>-<NUM>%. Chromium and silicon may be used alone or in combination to form a target. When chromium and silicon are mixed to form a target, the ratio of chromium to silicon may be a ratio of about <NUM>-<NUM>% to about <NUM>-<NUM>%. Carbon may be used alone to form a target. Gaseous carbon may also be used. In this case, carbon can be obtained from acetylene (C<NUM>H<NUM>). In case of nitrogen, gaseous nitrogen may be used.

The composition of the conductive material may be adjusted through the power of the target. The power of the target may be, for example, about <NUM> to <NUM> kW in case of titanium or aluminum, about <NUM> to <NUM> kW in case of chromium, and about <NUM> to <NUM> kW in case of silicon. In case of a target formed of a mixture of chromium and silicon, a power of about <NUM> to <NUM> kW may be used. In case of a target formed of carbon, a power of about <NUM> to <NUM> kW may be used. When a gaseous carbon is used, the gas flow may be about <NUM> to <NUM> sccm, and when a gaseous nitrogen is used, the gas flow may be <NUM> to <NUM> sccm. Here, sccm is a unit of gas flow, which is an abbreviation of standard cubic centimeter per minute and may mean the amount of gas contained in the volume of <NUM> cc per minute in the standard temperature and pressure (STP) state.

Table <NUM> shows a comparison of the surface resistance, resistance fluctuation, and surface hardness between TiAlCrSiCN containing titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), silicon (Si), carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) and CrSiCN containing chromium (Cr), silicon (Si), carbon (C) and nitrogen (N).

In Table <NUM>, the first material is a compound composed of chromium of about <NUM>%, silicon of about <NUM>%, carbon of about <NUM>%, and nitrogen of about <NUM>%. The second material is a compound composed of titanium of about <NUM>%, aluminum of about <NUM>%, chromium of about <NUM>%, silicon of about <NUM>%, carbon of about <NUM>%, and nitrogen of about <NUM>%. The third material is a compound composed of titanium of about <NUM>%, aluminum of about <NUM>%, chromium of about <NUM>%, silicon of about <NUM>%, carbon of about <NUM>%, and nitrogen of about <NUM>%. The second material and the third material may be understood as the conductive materials disclosed herein.

In measuring an electrical signal caused by a user's biological activity in contact with the user's skin, it is preferable to use an electrode having a low surface resistance and a low resistance fluctuation. Comparing the first material with the second material and the third material, it can be seen that the surface resistance and resistance fluctuation of the second and third materials are lower than those of the first material. Therefore, compared to the first material, the second and third materials may be advantageous in measuring a bio-signal. In addition, it can be seen that the surface hardness of the second and third materials is Mohs hardness of <NUM>, which is the same as that of the first material.

<FIG> is a graph illustrating electrical properties of a conductive material according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a graph (a) shows the electrical properties of a compound according to the related art, which is composed of chromium (Cr), silicon (Si), carbon (C), and nitrogen (N) (hereinafter referred to as "material according to the related art"). In <FIG>, a graph (b) shows the electrical properties of a conductive material composed of titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), silicon (Si), carbon (C), and nitrogen (N) described above. Such graphs show the resistance, reactance, and phase of each material according to frequency.

Referring to <FIG>, it can be seen that the resistance of the conductive material is lower than that of the material according to the related art in all frequency ranges. Since it is possible to receive a higher quality signal through a material having a lower resistance, the conductive material may be more advantageous in receiving a higher quality signal than the material according to the related art. In addition, it can be seen that the resistance of the material appears differently depending on the frequency, whereas the resistance of the conductive material is maintained at a constant level even with a frequency change. Therefore, the conductive material can perform a more stable measurement.

In case of the conductive material, it can be seen that a phase change of current and voltage at different frequencies is not large, and thus a change in reactance is not large. On the other hand, in case of the material, it can be seen that the phase change of current and voltage appears large at different frequencies, and the change in reactance is also relatively large according to the related art. The conductive material having a small phase change of current and voltage even in different frequency ranges can measure electrical signals more stably than the material having a large phase change according to the related art.

<FIG> are perspective views illustrating a button of an electronic device according to various embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, according to various embodiments, the first electrode <NUM> may be formed on a button <NUM> (e.g., the button <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed on a lateral surface (e.g., the lateral surface 210C in <FIG>) of an electronic device housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> in <FIG>). The button <NUM> may be formed to be inserted into a hole formed in the housing. The button <NUM> may include a conductive substance. In order to prevent the button <NUM> from detaching from the housing, the button <NUM> may have grooves <NUM> and <NUM> or recesses into which O-ring and E-ring are inserted. At least a portion of an outer surface <NUM> of the button <NUM> may include a non-conductive material. For example, a portion of the outer surface <NUM> of the button <NUM> may be formed of an organic material, a ceramic material, or a combination thereof. When a portion of the lateral surface 210C where the button <NUM> is positioned includes a conductive substance, at least a portion of the outer surface <NUM> of the button <NUM> being in contact with the conductive substance of the lateral surface 210C may include a non-conductive material. As shown in <FIG>, an upper surface <NUM> and a lower surface <NUM> of the button <NUM> may not include a non-conductive material.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the upper surface <NUM> of the button <NUM> may be a part to be in contact with the user's body (e.g., user's finger), and the lower surface <NUM> of the button <NUM> may be a part being in contact with a terminal installed on a PCB (e.g., the FPCB <NUM> in <FIG>). At least one of the upper and lower surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> of the button <NUM> may include the above-described conductive material (TiAlCrSiCN). For example, as shown in <FIG>, only the upper surface <NUM> of the button <NUM> may include the conductive material, or as shown in <FIG>, both the upper surface <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM> of the button <NUM> may include the conductive material. The upper surface <NUM> of the button <NUM> including the first electrode <NUM> may be exposed to the outside of the electronic device. If the upper surface <NUM> exposed to the outside includes a conductive material, it is possible to reduce a change in characteristics of the first electrode <NUM> due to external environmental factors because the conductive material has excellent durability and corrosion resistance. If the lower surface <NUM> of the button <NUM> being in continuous contact with the terminal of the PCB <NUM> includes a conductive material having excellent durability, it is possible to reduce fatigue deterioration due to repeated contact.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a printed circuit board, a coil for wireless charging, and a rear cover of an electronic device are combined according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, at least a portion of the rear cover <NUM> may be formed of a light-transmitting material. The rear cover <NUM> may have a first surface 207A that substantially faces the PCB <NUM>, and a second surface 207B that is opposite to the first surface 207A.

Referring to <FIG>, at least a portion of the second electrode <NUM> and the third electrode <NUM> may be substantially disposed on the second surface 207B of the rear cover <NUM>. The second surface 207B of the rear cover <NUM> may be a surface being in contact with the user's skin while the user is wearing the electronic device. The second electrode <NUM> and the third electrode <NUM> disposed on at least a portion of the second surface 207B of the rear cover <NUM> may contact the user's skin while the user is wearing the electronic device. At least a portion of the second electrode <NUM> and the third electrode <NUM> may be deposited on the second surface 207B of the rear cover <NUM> through various methods. For example, a method such as printing, sputtering deposition, or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) may be used for depositing at least a portion of the second and third electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> on the second surface 207B of the rear cover <NUM>. In an embodiment, the second electrode <NUM> and the third electrode <NUM> may include the above-described conductive material (TiAlCrSiCN).

A first connection electrode <NUM>-<NUM> and a second connection electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be substantially disposed on the first surface 207A of the rear cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first connection electrode <NUM>-<NUM> and the second connection electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may include the above-described conductive material (TiAlCrSiCN). According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, because the first surface 207A of the rear cover <NUM> is not exposed to the outside of the electronic device, the weight of considering durability may be low in selecting materials of the first and second connection electrodes <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> disposed on the first surface 207A. For example, the ratio of materials (e.g., aluminum, chromium) included in the conductive material in consideration of durability may be low. The first and second connection electrodes <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may include, for example, at least one of a conductive paste (e.g., a silver paste, a conductive carbon paste), a conductive film, and a conductive polymer. For example, the conductive paste has an advantage of high electrical conductivity and low process difficulty during surface mounting. The first connection electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be electrically connected to the second electrode <NUM>, and the second connection electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be electrically connected to the third electrode <NUM>. Such connection may be made in a region that is not exposed to an external environment after assembly. For example, referring to <FIG>, connection may be made on an outer circumferential surface of the rear cover <NUM>. In another example, each of the second and third electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> may be extended from the first surface 207A of the rear cover <NUM> to a portion of the second surface 207B of the rear cover <NUM> along the outer circumferential surface of the rear cover <NUM> and then electrically connected to each of the first and second connection electrodes <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> disposed on the second surface 207B of the rear cover <NUM>.

The first connection electrode <NUM>-<NUM> and the second connection electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be electrically connected to a first contact part <NUM>-<NUM> and a second contact part <NUM>-<NUM>, respectively, which are disposed on the PCB <NUM>. The first contact part <NUM>-<NUM> and the second contact part <NUM>-<NUM> may be, for example, a gasket, a c-clip, a pogo pin, or a connector. One end of the first contact part <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed on the PCB <NUM>, and the other end of the first contact part <NUM>-<NUM> may contact the first connection electrode <NUM>-<NUM>. Similarly, one end of the second contact part <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed on the PCB <NUM>, and the other end of the second contact part <NUM>-<NUM> may contact the second connection electrode <NUM>-<NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the first contact part <NUM>-<NUM> and the second contact part <NUM>-<NUM> may be formed to extend in a direction from the PCB <NUM> to the rear cover <NUM> (e.g., in the -Y direction in <FIG>). The second and third electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> are electrically connected to the first and second connection electrodes <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, respectively, and also the first and second connection electrodes <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> are electrically connected to the PCB <NUM> through the first and second contact parts <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, respectively. As a result, the second and third electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> may be electrically connected to the PCB <NUM>. A signal processor <NUM> disposed on the PCB <NUM> may receive a bioelectrical signal measured through the second and third electrodes <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> is a plan view illustrating a rear cover according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B in <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the thickness of the second and third electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> shown in <FIG> is exaggerated for clarity. The second and third electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> are very thin, so an operation difference due to the second and third electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> is not visible to the naked eye. For example, the thickness of the second and third electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> may be about <NUM> to <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, at least a portion of the first and second connection electrodes <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed in at least a partial region of the first surface 207A of the rear cover <NUM>. The first and second connection electrodes <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed on the rear cover <NUM> so as to be connected to the second and third electrodes <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. The shape of the first and second connection electrodes <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> shown in <FIG> is not considered as a limitation and may be variously changed. At least a portion <NUM> of the first surface 207A of the rear cover <NUM> may be formed of a material having low transmittance so as to block internal components of the electronic device from being visible through the rear cover <NUM> formed of a light-transmitting material. At least a portion of the first and second connection electrodes <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed at least in part on the portion <NUM>, formed of a material having low transmittance, of the first surface 207A of the rear cover <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the second electrode <NUM> substantially disposed on the second surface 207B of the rear cover <NUM> may include two layers <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, the first layer <NUM>-<NUM> of the second electrode <NUM> may include the above-described conductive material (TiAlCrSiCN), and the second layer <NUM>-<NUM> may include a conductive material different from the first layer <NUM>-<NUM>. The second layer <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed between the first layer <NUM>-<NUM> and the second surface 207B of the rear cover <NUM>. The second layer <NUM>-<NUM> that is not exposed to the outside may have a lower weight of considering durability or corrosion resistance than the first layer <NUM>-<NUM>. The second layer <NUM>-<NUM> may be formed of a metal or conductive paste having excellent electrical conductivity.

The second layer <NUM>-<NUM> of the second electrode <NUM> may be extended from the second surface 207B of the rear cover <NUM> to at least a portion of the first surface 207A of the rear cover <NUM> along the outer peripheral surface of the rear cover <NUM>. The second layer <NUM>-<NUM> of the second electrode <NUM> may then be electrically connected to the first connection electrode <NUM>-<NUM> disposed on the first surface 207A of the rear cover <NUM>.

The third electrode <NUM> may also include two layers <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. The first and second layers <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> of the third electrode <NUM> may have the same arrangement as that of the first and second layers <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> of the second electrode <NUM>.

The second layer <NUM>-<NUM> of the third electrode <NUM> may be extended from the second surface 207B of the rear cover <NUM> to at least a portion of the first surface 207A of the rear cover <NUM> along the outer peripheral surface of the rear cover <NUM>. The second layer <NUM>-<NUM> of the third electrode <NUM> may then be electrically connected to the second connection electrode <NUM>-<NUM> disposed on the first surface 207A of the rear cover <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include a housing, a display viewed through at least a portion of a front surface of the housing, a rear cover disposed on a rear surface of the housing, a first electrode disposed on a lateral surface of the housing, and second and third electrodes disposed at different positions on the rear cover. The first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode may include a conductive material that is a compound containing titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), silicon (Si), carbon (C), and nitrogen (N).

At least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode may be an electrode that is in contact with a user's skin and measures an electrical signal according to a user's biological activity.

The conductive material may include titanium (Ti) of about <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, aluminum (Al) of about <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, chromium (Cr) of about <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, silicon (Si) of about <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, carbon (C) of about <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, and nitrogen (N) of about <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight.

The first electrode may be formed on a button installed on the lateral surface of the housing and formed of a conductive substance.

The button may include at least a portion of a non-conductive material and at least another portion of the conductive material.

The rear cover may have a first surface facing a printed circuit board and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the second electrode and the third electrode may be disposed substantially on the second surface of the rear cover. Also, the electronic device may further include a first connection electrode disposed substantially on the first surface of the rear cover and electrically connecting the second electrode to the printed circuit board, and a second connection electrode disposed substantially on the first surface of the rear cover and electrically connecting the third electrode to the printed circuit board.

The second electrode and the first connection electrode may be electrically connected to each other on an outer circumferential surface of the rear cover, and the third electrode and the second connection electrode may be electrically connected to each other on the outer circumferential surface of the rear cover.

The first connection electrode and the second connection electrode may include a material or conductive paste formed of chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), gold (Au), silver (Ag), or a combination thereof.

The second electrode may include a plurality of layers having different conductive substances, and the third electrode may include a plurality of layers having different conductive substances.

Each of the second electrode and the third electrode may include a stack of a first layer having the conductive material and a second layer having a conductive substance different from the conductive material.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electrode of an electronic device may include a first electrode disposed on at least a portion of a housing of the electronic device, and second and third electrodes disposed at different positions on a rear cover disposed on a rear surface of the housing. The first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode may include a conductive material that is a compound containing titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), silicon (Si), carbon (C), and nitrogen (N).

In addition, the rear cover may have a first surface facing a printed circuit board of the electronic device and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the second electrode and the third electrode may be disposed substantially on the second surface of the rear cover. Also, the electrode may further include a first connection electrode disposed substantially on the first surface of the rear cover and electrically connecting the second electrode to the printed circuit board, and a second connection electrode disposed substantially on the first surface of the rear cover and electrically connecting the third electrode to the printed circuit board.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>);
a display (<NUM>) viewable through at least a portion of a front surface of the housing (<NUM>);
a rear cover (<NUM>) disposed on a rear surface of the housing (<NUM>);
a first electrode (<NUM>) disposed on a lateral surface of the housing; and
second and third electrodes (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed at different positions on the rear cover (<NUM>),
wherein the first electrode (<NUM>), the second electrode (<NUM>), and the third electrode (<NUM>) include a conductive material that is a compound containing titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), silicon (Si), carbon (C), and nitrogen (N), and
wherein the conductive material includes titanium (Ti) of about <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, aluminum (Al) of about <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, chromium (Cr) of about <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, silicon (Si) of about <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, carbon (C) of about <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, and nitrogen (N) of about <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight.