Patent Description:
An electronic device performs a particular function according to its equipped program. Some examples of such electronic devices include a home appliance, an electronic scheduler, a portable multimedia player, a mobile communication terminal, a tablet PC, a video/sound device, a desktop PC or laptop computer, a navigation device for an automobile, etc. As electronic devices are highly integrated and high-speed, high-volume wireless communication has become commonplace and mobile communication terminals have been equipped with an increasing variety of functions. For example, an electronic device comes with integrated functionalities, including entertainment functions such as playing video games, multimedia functions, replaying music/videos, communication and security functions for mobile banking, and scheduling or e-wallet functions. The <CIT> disclosing an optical blocking filter and an angular limiting filter to produce a subtracted signal to determine physiological measurement. The <CIT> discloses a wrist-born biological information detector that uses a first and second filter. The <CIT>, the <CIT> and the <CIT> disclose further sensors of the state of the art.

It may be desirable to add a function detecting the user's health in a manner that does not detract from the appearance of the electronic device.

With mobile terminals or other personal electronic devices in wide use, various types of services can be implemented online or offline. For example, electronic devices can have increased applications in medical service sectors by including various types of biometric sensors. Electronic devices may include a sensor(s) for detecting various information regarding the user's health condition such as blood pressure, blood sugar, blood flow, heartbeat information (e.g., heart rate monitor (HRM) or heart rate variability (HRV)), body temperature, or respiration rate thereby being able to produce, store, and transmit in real-time routine data necessary to manage the user's health condition.

Such a sensor typically has an electrode structure which directly contacts the user's body (e.g., skin) or an optical structure which directly contacts the user's body to detect biometric information.

The drawback of a sensor with an electrode structure is that it is at least partially exposed to the outside in order to come into direct contact with the user's body. Such exposure of sensor circuitry or part may detract from the aesthetic appearance of the electronic device.

The drawback of an optical sensor is that it is either visible (under the display) or reflects too much light causing a glare. An optical biometric sensor (photoplethysmogram (PPG)) may be able to detect biometric information based on a visible wavelength band or infrared (IR) wavelength band of light, but such a sensor may detract from the aesthetic appearance of the electronic device. For example, the light transmitter or light receiving part of the sensor, which may be externally visible, and have poor performance because the sensor receives light of unnecessary wavelengths. When a filter is disposed to prevent reception of an unnecessary wavelength band of light through the light receiving part, part of the light may be reflected by the filter. For example, the sensor may be partially visible to the outside or reflect external light, causing a glare. Each detract from the aesthetic appearance of the electronic device.

According to certain embodiments, a biometric sensor may be visually hidden in an electronic device, thereby improving the aesthetic appearance of the electronic device.

According to certain embodiments, a sensor adopting a filter structure may keep the sensor away from external exposure while maintaining measurement accuracy.

According to an aspect of the invention, an electronic device is provided according to claim <NUM>.

According to the invention, a sensor according to claim <NUM> is disclosed.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device, comprises a housing including a first surface, a second surface facing away from the first surface, and a side surface surrounding a space between the first surface and the second surface, and a sensor disposed inside the housing and configured to receive light through at least a portion of any one of the first surface, the second surface, or the side surface, wherein the sensor includes a light receiver, a first optical filter disposed on the light receiver to transmit light of a designated wavelength band to the light receiver, and a second optical filter disposed on the first optical filter to transmit, at least, light of the designated wavelength band, wherein the first optical filter is configured to reflect light of a second wavelength band other than the designated wavelength band, and wherein the second optical filter is configured to at least partially absorb the light reflected by the first optical filter.

Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

As is apparent from the following description, according to certain embodiments, a sensor or an electronic device including the sensor may include a first optical filter to transmit light of a designated wavelength band, thereby allowing for increased accuracy in measuring biometric information. According to certain embodiments, a sensor or an electronic device including the sensor may include a second optical filter to absorb light reflected by the first optical filter or light generated inside the sensor, e.g., other wavelength bands of light than a designated wavelength band. For example, according to an embodiment, a sensor or an electronic device including the sensor may include a second optical filter, thereby preventing part of the sensor (e.g., a photo diode for a light receiving part) from being exposed in the appearance and preventing aesthetic deterioration of the appearance of the electronic device due to light reflected by, at least, the first optical filter.

A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant aspects thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

Various changes may be made to the disclosure and the disclosure may come with a diversity of embodiments. Some embodiments of the disclosure are shown and described in connection with the drawings. However, it should be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments, and all changes and/or equivalents or replacements thereto also belong to the scope of the disclosure.

The terms coming with ordinal numbers such as 'first' and 'second' may be used to denote various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component may be denoted a second component, and vice versa without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The term "and/or" may denote a combination(s) of a plurality of related items as listed or any of the items.

The terms "front," "rear surface," "upper surface," and "lower surface" are relative ones that may be varied depending on directions in which the figures are viewed, and may be replaced with ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second. " The order denoted by the ordinal numbers, first and second, may be varied as necessary.

The terms as used herein are provided merely to describe some embodiments thereof, but not to limit the disclosure. It will be further understood that the terms "comprise" and/or "have," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms including technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments of the disclosure belong.

As used herein, the term "electronic device" may be any device with a touch panel, and the electronic device may also be referred to as a terminal, a portable terminal, a mobile terminal, a communication terminal, a portable communication terminal, a portable mobile terminal, or a display apparatus.

For example, the electronic device may be a smartphone, a mobile phone, a navigation device, a game device, a TV, a head unit for vehicles, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a personal media player (PMP), or a personal digital assistant (PDA). The electronic device may be implemented as a pocket-sized portable communication terminal with a radio communication function. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device may be a flexible device or a flexible display.

The electronic device may communicate with an external electronic device, e.g., a server, or may perform tasks by interworking with such an external electronic device. For example, the electronic device may transmit an image captured by a camera and/or location information detected by a sensor to a server through a network. The network may include, but is not limited to, a mobile or cellular communication network, a local area network (LAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, or a small area network (SAN).

According to certain an electronic device includes a housing, with a sensor therein.

<FIG> describe the housing of the electronic device and <FIG> describe the sensor assembly. <FIG> describe the properties of the filters.

<FIG> is a front perspective view illustrating an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a rear, perspective view illustrating an electronic device <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, according to an embodiment, an electronic device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>. The housing can have a first (or front) surface 110A, a second (or rear) surface 110B facing away from the first surface, and a side surface 110C. The side surface 110C surrounds a space between the first surface 110A and the second surface 110B.

According to another embodiment (not shown), the housing may denote a structure forming part of the first surface 110A, the second surface 110B, and the side surface 110C of <FIG>At least part of the first surface 110A may have a substantially transparent front plate <NUM> (e.g., a glass plate or polymer plate including various coat layers). The front plate <NUM> may be coupled with the housing <NUM> and, along with the housing <NUM>, may form an internal space. Here, the 'internal space' may mean a space between the front plate <NUM> and a first supporting member (e.g., the first supporting member <NUM> of <FIG>) described below. According to an embodiment, the 'internal space' may mean a space, as an internal space of the housing <NUM>, for receiving at least part of the display <NUM> of <FIG> or the display <NUM> described below. A sensor biometric sensor can be disposed entirely within the housing.

According to an embodiment, the second surface 110B may be formed of a substantially opaque rear plate <NUM>. The rear plate <NUM> may be formed of, e.g., laminated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two thereof. The side surface 110C may be formed by a side bezel structure (or a "side member") <NUM> that couples to the front plate <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM> and includes a metal and/or polymer. According to an embodiment, the rear plate <NUM> and the side bezel plate <NUM> may be integrally formed together and include the same material (e.g., a metal, such as aluminum).

In the embodiment illustrated, the front plate <NUM> may include two first regions 110D (e.g., the curved portions R of <FIG>), which seamlessly and bendingly extend from the first surface 110A to the rear plate <NUM>, on both the long edges of the front plate <NUM>. In the embodiment (refer to <FIG>) illustrated, the rear plate <NUM> may include second regions 110E, which seamlessly and bendingly extend from the second surface 110B to the front plate <NUM>, on both the long edges. According to an embodiment, the front plate <NUM> (or the rear plate <NUM>) may include only one of the first regions 110D (or the second regions 110E). Alternatively, the first regions 110D or the second regions 110E may partially be excluded. According to an embodiment, at the side view of the electronic device <NUM>, the side bezel structure <NUM> may have a first thickness (or width) for sides (e.g., the side where the connector hole <NUM> is formed) that do not have the first regions 110D or the second regions 110E and a second thickness, which is smaller than the first thickness, for sides (e.g., the side where the key input device <NUM> is disposed) that have the first regions 110D or the second regions 110E.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one or more of a display <NUM>, audio module <NUM>, and <NUM>, sensor modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, camera modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, key input devices <NUM>, a light emitting device <NUM>, and connector holes <NUM> and <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may exclude at least one (e.g., the key input device <NUM> or the light emitting device <NUM>) of the components or may add other components.

The display <NUM> may be exposed through the top of, e.g., the front plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the display <NUM> may be exposed through the front plate <NUM> forming the first surface 110A and the first regions 110D of the side surface 110C. According to an embodiment, the edge of the display <NUM> may be formed to be substantially the same in shape as an adjacent outer edge of the front plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment (not shown), the interval between the outer edge of the display <NUM> and the outer edge of the front plate <NUM> may remain substantially even to give a larger area of exposure the display <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the screen display region (e.g., the active region), or a region (e.g., the inactive region) off the screen display region, of the display <NUM> may have a recess or opening in a portion thereof, and at least one or more of the audio module <NUM>, sensor module <NUM>, camera module <NUM>, and light emitting device <NUM> may be aligned with the recess or opening. According to an embodiment (not shown), at least one or more of the audio module <NUM>, sensor module <NUM>, camera module <NUM>, fingerprint sensor <NUM>, and light emitting device <NUM> may be included on the rear surface of the screen display region of the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment (not shown), the display <NUM> may be disposed to be coupled with, or adjacent, a touch detecting circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the strength (pressure) of touches, and/or a digitizer for detecting a magnetic field-type stylus pen. According to an embodiment, at least part of the sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> and/or at least part of the key input device <NUM> may be disposed in the first regions 110D and/or the second regions 110E.

The audio modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a microphone hole <NUM> and speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>. The microphone hole <NUM> may have a microphone inside to obtain external sounds. According to an embodiment, there may be a plurality of microphones to be able to detect the direction of a sound. The speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include an external speaker hole <NUM> and a phone receiver hole <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> and the microphone hole <NUM> may be implemented as a single hole, or speakers may be placed without the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., piezo speakers).

The sensor modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <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 modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a first sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a proximity sensor) and/or a second sensor module (not shown) (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the first surface 110A of the housing <NUM> and/or a third sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a heart-rate monitor (HRM) sensor) and/or a fourth sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the second surface 110B of the housing <NUM>. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed on the second surface 110A as well as on the first surface 110B (e.g., the display <NUM>) of the housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include sensor modules not shown, e.g., at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric 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, or an illuminance sensor <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, sensor module <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> an optical sensor under transparent front plate <NUM>. The optical sensor can transmit light having a designated wavelength band through the front plate <NUM> (or the rear plate <NUM>) to be reflect off of an external object, such as a finger of the user. The reflected light can be filtered to include the portion that is in the wavelength band and received by the optical sensor. The optical sensor can provide various measurements from the received light, which then be used to detect a variety of things such as, for example, fingerprint, blood flow, blood oxygen levels, blood sugar levels, among other things.

To improve the appearance of the electronic device, the optical sensor is obscured by light. The optical filter uses light of a designated wavelength band. The filters permit transmission of light of the designated wavelength while absorbing light in wavelengths outside the designated wavelength band. The amount absorbed is sufficient to obscure the sensor, but not excessive to cause a glare.

The camera modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a first camera device <NUM> disposed on the first surface 110A of the electronic device <NUM>, and a second camera device <NUM> and/or a flash <NUM> disposed on the second surface 110B. The camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash <NUM> may include, e.g., a light emitting diode (LED) or a xenon lamp. According to an embodiment, two or more lenses (an infrared (IR) camera, a wide-angle lens, and a telescopic lens) and image sensors may be disposed on one surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

The key input device <NUM> may be disposed on the side surface 110C of the housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may exclude all or some of the above-mentioned key input devices <NUM> and the excluded key input devices <NUM> may be implemented in other forms, e.g., as soft keys, on the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the key input device may include the sensor module <NUM> disposed on the second surface 110B of the housing <NUM>.

The light emitting device <NUM> may be disposed on, e.g., the first surface 110A of the housing <NUM>. The light emitting device <NUM> may provide, e.g., information about the state of the electronic device <NUM> in the form of light. According to an embodiment, the light emitting device <NUM> may provide a light source that interacts with, e.g., the camera module <NUM>. The light emitting device <NUM> may include, e.g., a light emitting diode (LED), an infrared (IR) LED, or a xenon lamp.

The connector holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first connector hole <NUM> for receiving a connector (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) connector) for transmitting or receiving power and/or data to/from an external electronic device and/or a second connector hole <NUM> (e.g., an earphone jack) for receiving a connector for transmitting or receiving audio signals to/from the external electronic device.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronic device <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a side bezel structure <NUM>, a first supporting member <NUM> (e.g., a bracket), a front plate <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a printed circuit board <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a second supporting member <NUM> (e.g., a rear case), an antenna <NUM>, and a rear plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may exclude at least one (e.g., the first supporting member <NUM> or the second supporting member <NUM>) of the components or may add other components. At least one of the components of the electronic device <NUM> may be the same or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and no duplicate description is made below.

The first supporting member <NUM> may be disposed inside the electronic device <NUM> to be connected with the side bezel structure <NUM> or integrated with the side bezel structure <NUM>. The first supporting member <NUM> may be formed of, e.g., a metal and/or non-metallic material (e.g., polymer). The display <NUM> may be joined onto one surface of the first supporting member <NUM>, and the printed circuit board <NUM> may be joined onto the opposite surface of the first supporting member <NUM>. A processor, memory, and/or interface may be mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>. The processor may include one or more of, e.g., a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphic processing device, an image signal processing, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor.

Substantially the entire region of the display <NUM> may be attached on an inner surface of the front plate <NUM>, and an opaque layer may be formed around or along the periphery of the region where the display <NUM> is attached on the inner surface of the front plate <NUM>. In the region of the front plate <NUM> where the display <NUM> is not disposed, the opaque layer may prevent part of the internal structure (e.g., the first supporting member <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM> from being exposed to the outside.

The memory may include, e.g., a volatile or non-volatile memory.

The interface may include, e.g., 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, e.g., 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> may be a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may include, e.g., a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery <NUM> may be disposed on substantially the same plane as the printed circuit board <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be integrated or detachably disposed inside the electronic device <NUM>.

The antenna <NUM> may include, e.g., a near-field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna <NUM> may perform short-range communication with, e.g., an external device or may wirelessly transmit or receive power necessary for charging. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an antenna structure may be formed by a portion or combination of the side bezel structure <NUM> and/or the first supporting member <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, a sensor module <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> an optical sensor can be positioned under the front plate <NUM>. The optical sensor can transmit light having a designated wavelength band through the front plate <NUM> to be reflect off of an external object, such as a finger of the user. The reflected light can be filtered to include the portion that is in the wavelength band and received by the optical sensor. The optical sensor can provide various measurements from the received light, which then be used to detect a variety of things such as, for example, fingerprint, blood flow, blood oxygen levels, blood sugar levels, among other things.

<FIG> is a rear, perspective view illustrating an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM> and coupling members <NUM> and <NUM> connected to at least part of the housing <NUM> which may detachably fasten the user's body part (e.g., the user's wrist or ankle) to the electronic device <NUM>. According to another embodiment (not shown), the housing may denote a structure forming part of a first surface (e.g., a front surface), a second surface 410B (e.g., a rear surface), and side surfaces 410C, similar to the housing <NUM> of <FIG>. The housing <NUM> may be similar in configuration to the housing <NUM> of <FIG>, except for its shape, and no detailed description thereof is given. The coupling members <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed of various materials in various shapes. A uni-body structure or multiple unit links movably coupled to each other may be formed of fabric, leather, rubber, urethane, metal, ceramic, or a combination of at least two thereof.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one or more of a display (not shown), an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, a key input device (not shown), and a connector hole <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may exclude at least one (e.g., the key input device, connector hole <NUM>, or sensor module <NUM>) of the components or may add other components. The audio module <NUM> may include a microphone hole and a speaker hole, which may readily be appreciated from the above-described embodiments and is not described below in detail. The sensor module <NUM> may produce an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the internal operation state or external environment state of the electronic device <NUM>. The sensor module <NUM> may include, e.g., a biometric sensor module <NUM> (e.g., an HRM sensor) disposed on the second surface 410B of the housing <NUM>.

The coupling members <NUM> and <NUM> may detachably be fastened to at least portions of the housing <NUM> via locking members <NUM> and <NUM>. The coupling members <NUM> and <NUM> may include one or more of fastening members, fastening member coupling holes, band guide members, or band fastening rings. The coupling members <NUM> and <NUM> may be configured to be mutually coupled or fastened via such structures as fastening members or coupling holes and, when coupled, they together with the housing <NUM> may form a loop. For example, the coupling members <NUM> and <NUM> may be coupled together to surround the user's body portion, thereby fastening the housing <NUM> or electronic device <NUM> to the user's body. While the housing <NUM> or the electronic device <NUM> is worn or fastened on the user's body, the sensor module <NUM>, e.g., a transparent member <NUM> described below in connection with <FIG>, may face or contact the user's body (e.g., skin).

Certain embodiments of a sensor are described below with reference to <FIG>. In describing the configuration of the sensor, the electronic device according to the prior embodiments may be further referred to as necessary.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a sensor <NUM> of an electronic device according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example modification to the sensor <NUM> of the electronic device according to an embodiment.

The sensors <NUM> (e.g., the sensor module <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> of <FIG> or the sensor module <NUM> of <FIG>) shown in <FIG> are the same in configuration as each other except for a slight difference in the position of the filter member <NUM>, and the same reference denotations are thus used to refer to the same or substantially the same components.

Referring to <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> may include a biometric sensor. The biometric sensor <NUM> can be capable of gathering raw biometric data from a user. The raw biometric data can be used for measuring one or more of, e.g., the user's blood pressure, blood flow, heartbeat information (e.g., HRM or HRV), body temperature, respiration rate, oxygen saturation, blood sugar, body fat, calorie consumption, brain wave, skin resistance, electromyogram (EMG), electrocardiogram (ECG), sleep state, facial expression, mydriasis, or eye flickering.

According to an embodiment, the sensor <NUM> may include an optical sensor <NUM>, a filter member <NUM>, or a transparent member <NUM>. The electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> or <NUM> of <FIG> or <FIG>) may obtain first biometric information, such as mean heart rate or heart rate distribution, by analyzing biometric signals and obtain second biometric information, such as stress state or blood vessel aging degree, which is higher dimensional, by processing the biometric information.

According to an embodiment, the optical sensor <NUM> may include, e.g., a light emitting part and a light receiving part. The light emitting part may emit light of a designated wavelength band and can include a light transmitter, which can include, but is not limited to a Light Emitting Diode (LED). The emitted light may be reflected by an external object to the light receiving part. The light receiving part may obtain light reflected by the external object and produce an electrical signal regarding biometric information based on the reflected light. The light receiving part can include a light receiver, which can include, but is not limited to a charge-coupled device (CCD), photo-diode, light dependent resistor. The configuration of the optical sensor <NUM> may be described below in greater detail with reference to <FIG>.

The filter member <NUM> includes a first optical filter <NUM> and a second optical filter <NUM>. The first optical filter <NUM> permits light of a designated wavelength while reflecting light of wavelengths outside the designated wavelength. The second optical filter <NUM> is less permissive of light of the designated wavelength than the first filter <NUM>, and less permissive of light outside the designated wavelengths than light of the designated wavelengths. In the foregoing manner, the sensor <NUM> achieves good accuracy. At the same time, the amount of light outside the designated wavelengths that are absorbed by the second filter <NUM> are sufficient to obscure the sensor. The sensor <NUM> can be obscured by absorbing sufficient light to attain a brightness that is consistent with light emitted by a display proximate to the sensor.

According to an embodiment, the filter member <NUM> may include a first optical member (e.g., the first optical filter <NUM>) and a second optical member (e.g., the second optical filter <NUM>). The first optical filter <NUM> may have a first transmittance (e.g., a transmittance of about <NUM>% or more) for light of a designated wavelength band and may have the property of reflecting light of other wavelength bands than the designated wavelength band. For example, when sunlight is incident onto the sensor <NUM>, the first optical filter <NUM> may transmit light of a wavelength band from ~<NUM> - ~<NUM> (in certain embodiments, "about" or "~" can mean within <NUM>%), a wavelength band from -<NUM> - ~<NUM>, a wavelength band from -<NUM> - ~<NUM>, or a wavelength band from -<NUM> - ~<NUM> while reflecting light of the other wavelength bands.

Light reflected by the first optical filter <NUM> may cause glare in the user's eyes, deteriorating the aesthetics of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> or <NUM> of <FIG> or <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, the second optical filter <NUM> may transmit light of a wider wavelength band than the first optical filter <NUM> but, for light of the designated wavelength band of light, the second optical filter <NUM> may have a second transmittance smaller than the first transmittance. For light of a wavelength band other than the designated wavelength band, the second optical filter <NUM> may have a transmittance (e.g., about <NUM>% or less) than the second transmittance. According to an embodiment, the second optical filter <NUM> may absorb light reflected by the first optical filter <NUM>, thereby suppressing or preventing glare or aesthetic deterioration of the electronic device.

The optical properties are summarized in the table below:.

According to an embodiment, as the second optical filter <NUM> is disposed further outside than the first optical filter <NUM> and the first optical filter <NUM> is disposed between the optical sensor <NUM> and the second optical filter <NUM>, light reflected by the first optical filter <NUM> ('second light reflection R' described below in connection with <FIG>) may be at least partially absorbed by the second optical filter <NUM>. As the amount of second light reflection R absorbed by the second optical filter <NUM> increases, the sensor <NUM> may further be hidden in the appearance of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, as the second light reflection R is absorbed by the second optical filter <NUM>, the sensor <NUM> may be visually hidden although substantially exposed in the appearance of the electronic device. For example, the sensor <NUM> in the area exposed in the appearance of the electronic device may be implemented to have substantially the same color as the appearance of the electronic device.

According to an embodiment, as the sensor <NUM> is visually hidden in the appearance, the sensor <NUM> may be installed in various positions. For example, if the sensor <NUM> is visually exposed in the appearance, consistency with other components (e.g., the camera module <NUM> or fingerprint sensor <NUM> of <FIG>) may be taken into consideration for the installation position of the sensor <NUM>. However, since the sensor <NUM> may be visually hidden in the appearance of the electronic device, according to an embodiment, an increased freedom of design may be obtained in light of positions with the other components.

According to an embodiment, the filter member <NUM> may further include a base film <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first optical filter <NUM> or the second optical filter <NUM> may be formed of a synthetic resin film in which case the first optical filter <NUM> and the second optical filter <NUM> may be directly joined (e.g., laminated) together, thereby forming the filter member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first optical filter <NUM> or the second optical filter <NUM> may be formed by deposition or coating. For example, the first optical filter <NUM> may be formed on one surface of the base film <NUM>, and the second optical filter <NUM> may be formed on the opposite surface of the base film <NUM>. The base film <NUM> may have a substantially larger transmittance for at least sunlight than the first optical filter or second optical filter. According to an embodiment, the base film <NUM> may be disposed on the optical sensor <NUM>, with the first optical filter <NUM> facing the optical sensor <NUM>. For example, the second optical filter <NUM> may be disposed further outside than the first optical filter <NUM> to at least partially absorb light reflected by the first optical filter <NUM>, thereby suppressing or preventing light leakage to the outside.

According to an embodiment, the transparent member <NUM> may be formed of, e.g., a transparent synthetic resin, such as acrylic resin, or glass, and the transparent member <NUM> may substantially form the appearance of the sensor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the transparent member <NUM> may form part of the housing, e.g., the housing <NUM> or <NUM> of <FIG> or <FIG>. According to an embodiment, the transparent member <NUM> may form part of any one of the first surface 110A, the second surface 110B, or the side surface 110C of <FIG>. In the above-described embodiment, the sensor <NUM> (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> or <NUM> of <FIG> or <FIG>) or the transparent member <NUM> may form part of the second surface 110B or 410B of <FIG> or <FIG>. According to an embodiment, part of the sensor <NUM>, e.g., the transparent member <NUM>, may substantially form part of the appearance of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> or <NUM> of <FIG> or <FIG>). The optical sensor or the filter member may be substantially disposed inside the electronic device (e.g., inside the housing <NUM> or <NUM> of <FIG> or <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the transparent member <NUM> may be disposed on the second optical filter <NUM> and may substantially have a larger transmittance, for at least sunlight, than the first optical filter or second optical filter. For example, the second optical filter <NUM>, the first optical filter <NUM>, or the optical sensor <NUM> may be sequentially disposed inside the transparent member <NUM>, and at least the transparent member <NUM> may transmit light of any wavelength band.

Referring to <FIG>, the filter member <NUM> may be formed so that, e.g., the second optical filter <NUM> contacts one surface of the transparent member <NUM>. For example, the filter member <NUM> may be disposed, with the second optical filter <NUM> tightly contacting one surface (e.g., an inner surface) of the transparent member <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the filter member <NUM>, e.g., the first optical filter <NUM>, may be formed to contact the optical sensor <NUM>. For example, the filter member <NUM> may be disposed, with the first optical filter <NUM> tightly contacting the optical sensor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, light may be refracted or reflected while traveling across the interface between two materials with different refractive indexes. For example, light may be refracted or reflected when passing through the interface between the air layer and the first optical filter <NUM> of <FIG> or between the air layer and the transparent member <NUM> of <FIG>.

The refraction or reflection of incident light may lower the measurement accuracy of the sensor <NUM> or the light receiving efficiency of the light receiving part <NUM>. For example, it may be hard to obtain sufficient light power necessary to detect biometric information. According to an embodiment, the material layer between the transparent member <NUM> and the optical sensor <NUM> may be minimized by bringing the first optical filter <NUM> in tight contact with the optical sensor <NUM> or the second optical filter <NUM> in tight contact with one surface of the transparent member <NUM> in disposing the filter member <NUM>. For example, a lowering in the light receiving efficiency of the light receiving part <NUM> may be prevented by removing at least one air layer between the transparent member <NUM> and the optical sensor <NUM>. Although such an example configuration is shown that an air layer is disposed between the first optical filter <NUM> and the optical sensor <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and an air layer is disposed between the second optical filter <NUM> and the transparent member <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, the first optical filter <NUM> and the second optical filter <NUM> may be brought in tight contact with the optical sensor <NUM> and one surface of the transparent member <NUM>, respectively.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating an optical sensor <NUM> among sensors for an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the optical sensor <NUM> may include the whole or part of, e.g., the third sensor module <NUM> of <FIG> or the sensor module <NUM> of <FIG> and may include a light receiving part <NUM> and a light emitting part <NUM> implemented on a single substrate <NUM>. The light receiving part <NUM> may include a light receiving element <NUM>, e.g., a photo diode receiving light and converting the light into an electric signal, and the light emitting part <NUM> may include a light emitting element <NUM>, e.g., a photo diode receiving electric power or a control signal and emitting light.

According to an embodiment, the light emitting element <NUM> may emit infrared (IR). Generally, detection of biometric information, e.g., heart rate, based on an optical sensor may be performed based on light of any one of an IR, red, or green wavelength band. Percutaneous oxygen saturation may be detected by combining IR light and red light, and blood sugar and blood pressure may be detected using blue light and green light, respectively. A spectrometer might require more wavelength bands of light. For example, in detecting more various biometric information via one sensor, multiple wavelength bands of light corresponding thereto may be radiated to the external object or light reflected by the external object may be obtained.

According to an embodiment, the light receiving part <NUM> may obtain light which is emitted from the light emitting part <NUM> and reflected by the external object (e.g., 'incident light' of <FIG> or 'first light reflection I' of <FIG> described below) and convert the light into an electric signal. According to an embodiment, the light emitting element <NUM> may emit light of a designated wavelength band, i.e., an IR wavelength band. According to an embodiment, the light emitting element <NUM> emits light of an infrared wavelength band from <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, when the wavelength band of light emitted from one light emitting element <NUM> is limited, the optical sensor <NUM> may produce (or radiate) light of a wavelength band necessary to detect biometric information by including a plurality of light emitting elements. For example, when one light emitting element <NUM> emits light of at least some of the above-enumerated wavelength bands, light of the remaining wavelength bands may be emitted by further including an additional light emitting element(s). Although <FIG> illustrates an example structure in which a pair of light emitting elements <NUM> is arranged, the number of light emitting elements <NUM> may properly be selected depending on the specification required for the optical sensor <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the optical sensor <NUM> may further include barrier structure(s) <NUM>. The barrier structure <NUM> may at least partially isolate, e.g., the light receiving element <NUM> or light emitting element <NUM> from the external environment. For example, the light receiving element <NUM> or the light emitting element <NUM> may obtain light or radiate light to the outside through an area or path defined by the barrier structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a sealing member <NUM> may be disposed on the barrier structure <NUM> to seal the internal space of the barrier structure <NUM> from the external space. For example, the sealing member <NUM> may separate the space where each of the light receiving element <NUM> and the light emitting element <NUM> is received from other spaces while transmitting light emitted from the light emitting element <NUM> or incident onto the light receiving element <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a path along which light travels in a sensor <NUM> of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> may emit light using the optical sensor <NUM>, e.g., the light emitting element <NUM> of <FIG>. The emitted light (e.g., light reflection E) may be reflected by an external object (e.g., the user's body B). The light reflected by the user's body B (e.g., first light reflection I) may enter back to the optical sensor <NUM>, e.g., the light receiving element <NUM> of <FIG>, and the sensor <NUM> may obtain the first light reflection I through the light receiving element <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the first light reflection I contains light of a wavelength band other than the designated wavelength band, the first light reflection I may be partially absorbed (A1) by the second optical filter <NUM> or reflected by the first optical filter <NUM> (e.g., second light reflection R) and then absorbed (A2) by the second optical filter <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the sensor <NUM> may detect or generate biometric information regarding the user's blood flow, heartbeat information, or stress index based on, at least, the first light reflection I obtained through the light receiving element <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sensor <NUM>, e.g., the light receiving part <NUM>, may detect or generate biometric information by detecting light of the above-described designated wavelength band of light. The first optical filter <NUM> may transmit light of the designated wavelength band while reflecting light of a wavelength band other than the designated wavelength band. As set forth above, the second optical filter <NUM> may at least partially absorb the second light reflection R which is light reflected by the first optical filter <NUM>. For example, the second optical filter <NUM> may partially absorb light beams of the designated wavelength band among light beams incident from the outside. The light of a wavelength band other than the designated wavelength band, although partially transmitted, may be reflected by the first optical filter <NUM> and then absorbed again by the second optical filter. Thus, the light of the wavelength band other than the designated wavelength band may substantially fail to reach the optical sensor and, albeit reflected by the first optical filter <NUM>, may be attenuated by the second optical filter <NUM> and thus be prevented from leaking to the outside.

The characteristics of the first optical filter <NUM> or the second optical filter <NUM> are described below in greater detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> are views illustrating the characteristics of an optical filter in a sensor of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

<FIG> is a graph representing the transmittance of the first optical filter <NUM>. The first optical filter <NUM> has a transmittance of more than <NUM>% and may have a transmittance of up to <NUM>%, for light of the designated wavelength band, e.g., from <NUM> to <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first optical filter <NUM> may have a significantly reduced transmittance (e.g., a transmittance of about <NUM>% or less) for light of wavelength bands other than the designated wavelength band. According to the invention, the first optical filter <NUM> reflects light of wavelength bands other than the designated wavelength band.

According to an embodiment, the sensor (e.g., the sensor <NUM> of <FIG>) may substantially detect or generate a biometric signal based on light of the designated wavelength band. A light of other wavelength bands of light than the designated wavelength band may serve as noise signals in the sensor <NUM>. The first optical filter <NUM> with the above-described transmittance property has a transmittance of more than <NUM>% for light of the designated wavelength band and reflect light of the other wavelength bands of light, thereby blocking off noise signals coming into the sensor <NUM>. For example, the first optical filter <NUM> may have a sufficient transmittance for light of the designated wavelength band of light and block wavelength bands of light which may function as noise signals or light unnecessary to detect biometric information, thereby increasing the measurement accuracy of the sensor <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, it has been described above that the first optical filter <NUM> may enhance the measurement accuracy of the sensor <NUM> but deteriorate the aesthetics of the electronic device by reflecting light of other wavelength bands than the designated wavelength band. The second optical filter <NUM> may prevent the second light reflection R from leaking out, thereby causing a glare, by absorbing, at least, light reflected by the first optical filter <NUM> (e.g., the second light reflection R of <FIG>).

<FIG> is a graph representing the transmittance of the second optical filter <NUM>. The second optical filter <NUM> may have a transmittance of substantially <NUM>% or more for light of the designated wavelength band but slightly smaller than the transmittance of the first optical filter <NUM> and may have a transmittance of about <NUM>% or more for light of some wavelength bands wider than the designated wavelength band. For example, light of other wavelength bands than the designated wavelength band may be drastically attenuated while passing through the second optical filter <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, when the second optical filter <NUM> has a transmittance of about <NUM>% for light of a corresponding wavelength band of light, light which has a wavelength band other than the designated wavelength band and a light power of about 100cd may be attenuated to less than about <NUM>% while first passing through the second optical filter <NUM>. For example, <NUM>% of the light of the other wavelength band than the designated wavelength band may be absorbed by the second optical filter <NUM>. The first-attenuated light may be attenuated to less than about 36cd while being reflected by the first optical filter <NUM> and then transmitted, secondly, through the second optical filter <NUM>. For example, after the light reflected by the first optical filter <NUM> is transmitted through the second optical filter <NUM>, the light may be attenuated to a power of less than about <NUM>% as compared with the initial incident light. As such, as the second optical filter <NUM> absorbs light of the other wavelength bands than the designated wavelength band, the power of light reflected by the sensor <NUM> or the first optical filter <NUM> may be attenuated to less than about <NUM>% as compared with the initial incident light. For example, although the light reflected by the first optical filter <NUM> is partially radiated to the outside, this may be substantially similar in strength to the light reflected on the surface of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> or <NUM> of <FIG> or <FIG>), causing the sensor to be obscured by the absorbed light, wherein the light is absorbed at a degree that is similar to the reflectance of other light from the optical sensor <NUM>. Thus, while suppressing or mitigating external leakage of the second light reflection R, the sensor <NUM> may be visually hidden from the surface of the electronic device appearing inconspicuous with the remainder of the electronic device.

<FIG> is a view illustrating the characteristics of a hybrid filter combining a first optical filter and a second optical filter in a sensor of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a combination of the first optical filter <NUM> and the second optical filter <NUM> may allow the filter member <NUM> to have a substantially similar transmittance to the first optical filter <NUM> while mitigating or preventing light reflection. For example, the first optical filter <NUM> has a transmittance of more than <NUM>% and the second optical filter <NUM> may have a transmittance of about <NUM>% or more for light of the designated wavelength band, and the filter member <NUM> including the first optical filter <NUM> and the second optical filter <NUM> has a transmittance of <NUM>% or more for light of the designated wavelength band.

According to an embodiment, as the first optical filter <NUM> reflects light of other wavelength bands than the designated wavelength band and allows light of the designated wavelength band to enter the light receiving part <NUM> thereby giving the sensor <NUM> enhanced measurement accuracy. The second optical filter <NUM> may absorb the light reflected by the first optical filter <NUM>. For example, the second optical filter <NUM> may have a transmittance of less than about <NUM>% for light of the other wavelength bands than the designated wavelength band and may thus absorb light reflected by the first optical filter <NUM> to the outside and prevent light reflection from spoiling the appearance of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> or <NUM> of <FIG> or <FIG>). According to an embodiment, although the sensor <NUM> is exposed in the appearance of the electronic device, it may be visually hidden by the second optical filter <NUM> and, thus, the freedom of design may be enhanced, e.g., in choosing the installation position of the sensor <NUM>.

As set forth above, according to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> or <NUM> of <FIG> or <FIG>) comprises a transparent member (e.g., the transparent member <NUM> of <FIG>), an optical sensor disposed under the transparent member and including a light emitting part (e.g., the light emitting part <NUM> of <FIG>) configured to emit light of a designated wavelength band and a light receiving part (e.g., the light receiving part <NUM> of <FIG>) configured to obtain a reflection (e.g., the first light reflection R of <FIG>) of the designated wavelength band light (e.g., the light reflection E of <FIG>) emitted from the light emitting part and reflected by an external object adjacent to the transparent member, a first optical filter (e.g., the first optical filter <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed between the transparent member and the optical sensor, having a first transmittance for light of the designated wavelength band, and having a reflection property to reflect a light, and a second optical filter (e.g., the second optical filter <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed between the transparent member and the first optical filter, having a second transmittance smaller than the first transmittance for light of the designated wavelength band, and having an absorption property to absorb at least part of the light (e.g., the second light reflection R of <FIG>) reflected by the first optical filter.

According to the invention, the designated wavelength band is a wavelength band from <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further comprise a housing including a first surface, a second surface facing away from the first surface, and a side surface surrounding a space between the first surface and the second surface. The first optical filter, the second optical filter, and the optical sensor may be disposed inside the housing. The transparent member may form part of a surface, facing the light receiving part and the light emitting part, of the first surface, the second surface, or the side surface.

According to an embodiment, the second optical filter may be disposed in tight contact with one surface of the transparent member.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further comprise a base film (e.g., the base film <NUM> of <FIG>) having one surface where the first optical filter is formed and another surface where the second optical filter is formed. The base film may be disposed on the optical sensor, with the first optical filter facing the optical sensor.

According to an embodiment, a sensor (e.g., the sensor <NUM> of <FIG>) comprises a light receiving part, a first optical member disposed on the light receiving part to transmit light of a designated wavelength band to the light receiving part, and a second optical member disposed on the first optical member to transmit, at least, light of the designated wavelength band. The first optical member may be configured to reflect light of a wavelength band other than the designated wavelength band, and the second optical member may be configured to at least partially absorb the light reflected by the first optical member.

The designated wavelength band includes a wavelength band from <NUM> to <NUM>.

A combination of the first optical member and the second optical member has a transmittance of <NUM>% or more for light of the designated wavelength band.

According to an embodiment, the sensor may further comprise a base film having one surface where the first optical member is formed and another surface where the second optical member is formed. The base film may be disposed on the light receiving part, with the first optical member facing the light receiving part.

According to an embodiment, the sensor may further comprise at least one light emitting element disposed adjacent the light receiving part. The light receiving part may be configured to receive light emitted from the light emitting element and reflected by an external object.

According to an embodiment, the sensor may further comprise a transparent member disposed on the second optical member.

According to an embodiment, the second optical member may be disposed in contact with an inner surface of the transparent member.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device comprises a housing including a first surface, a second surface facing away from the first surface, and a side surface surrounding a space between the first surface and the second surface and a sensor disposed inside the housing and configured to receive light through at least part of any one of the first surface, the second surface, or the side surface. The sensor may include a light receiving part, a first optical filter disposed on the light receiving part to transmit light of a designated wavelength band to the light receiving part, and a second optical filter disposed on the first optical filter to transmit, at least, light of the designated wavelength band. The first optical filter may be configured to reflect light of a second wavelength band other than the designated wavelength band, and the second optical filter may be configured to at least partially absorb the light reflected by the first optical filter.

According to an embodiment, the sensor may further include a transparent member disposed on the second optical filter. The transparent member may form part of an outer surface of any one of the first surface, the second surface, or the side surface.

According to an embodiment, the second optical filter may be disposed in contact with an inner surface of the transparent member.

The designated wavelength band is a wavelength band <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the sensor may further include a base film. The first optical filter and the second optical filter, respectively, may be formed on one surface and another surface of the base film.

According to an embodiment, the sensor may further include a transparent member (e.g., a glass plate) disposed on the second optical filter. The second optical filter may be formed in contact with an inner surface of the transparent member.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further comprise a coupling member connected to at least part of the housing wearably fastening the housing to a user's body part.

Claim 1:
A sensor (<NUM>), comprising:
a light transmitter (<NUM>) configured to emit light of a designated wavelength band;
a light receiver (<NUM>) configured to obtain light of the designated wavelength band emitted from the light transmitter (<NUM>) and reflected by an external object (B);
a first optical filter (<NUM>) disposed on the light receiver (<NUM>); and
a second optical filter (<NUM>) disposed on the first optical filter (<NUM>),
characterized in that,
the first optical filter (<NUM>) has a first transmittance for light of the designated wavelength band of more than <NUM>%, and is configured to reflect light outside the designated wavelength band,
the second optical filter (<NUM>) has a second transmittance less than the first transmittance for light of the designated wavelength band, wherein a combination of the first optical filter (<NUM>) and the second optical filter (<NUM>) has a transmittance of <NUM>% or more for light of the designated wavelength band of light, and
the second optical filter (<NUM>) is configured to absorb at least a portion of the light outside the designated wavelength band reflected by the first optical filter (<NUM>), and
wherein the designated wavelength band includes a wavelength band from <NUM> to <NUM>.