WO2024143625A1

WO2024143625A1 - Electronic device

Info

Publication number: WO2024143625A1
Application number: PCT/KR2022/021651
Authority: WO
Inventors: 조자수; 권양태; 최정근
Original assignee: 엘지전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2022-12-29
Filing date: 2022-12-29
Publication date: 2024-07-04

Abstract

An electronic device is disclosed. This electronic device may comprise: a body; and a shell coupled to the body and having a substrate, wherein the body may comprise: a non-conductive core; a first electrode coupled to the non-conductive core; and a second electrode coupled to the non-conductive core and spaced apart from the first electrode, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode may be electrically connected to the substrate, and the non-conductive core may be flexible.

Description

electronic device

This disclosure relates to electronic devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a wearable device worn on the user's ear to detect the user's brain waves.

Recently, there has been an increasing number of users monitoring and analyzing their brain waves (especially sleep brain waves) using devices that detect biological signals such as brain waves. In other words, users can determine their sleep patterns using brain wave information detected through these devices. Typically, these devices have electrodes that contact the user's skin.

Conventional devices used wet electrodes that contact the user's skin through gel. However, such wet electrodes may cause discomfort to users, and cleaning, storage, and use of wet electrodes are inconvenient.

Other conventional devices have electrodes that contact the scalp, etc., making it difficult for users to use them while sleeping.

Recently, much research has been conducted on devices that detect the user's brain waves (particularly, sleep brain waves).

The present disclosure aims to solve the above-described problems and other problems.

Another purpose may be to provide a wearable device that can detect biological signals such as brain waves.

Another purpose may be to provide a wearable device that feels good when worn on the ear.

Another purpose may be to provide a wearable device that can communicate with a terminal that allows users to check their sleep status.

Another purpose may be to provide a case that can easily store and charge a wearable device.

Another purpose may be to provide a case that also functions as a lighting function.

Another purpose may be to provide an electronic device that can play sounds to induce sleep in response to the user's sleep state or turn off lights so as not to disturb the user's sleep.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above or other objects, an electronic device includes: a body; Additionally, it may include a shell coupled to the body and including a substrate, wherein the body includes: a core made of a non-conductive material; a first electrode coupled to the core; And, it may include a second electrode coupled to the core and spaced apart from the first electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode may be electrically connected to the substrate, and the core may be flexible. You can.

The effects of the electronic device according to the present disclosure will be described as follows.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a wearable device capable of detecting biological signals such as brain waves can be provided.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a wearable device that feels excellent when worn on the ear can be provided.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a wearable device capable of communicating with a terminal through which a user can check his or her sleep state can be provided.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a case that can easily store and charge a wearable device can be provided.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a case that also functions as a lighting function can be provided.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device can be provided that can play sounds to induce sleep in response to the user's sleep state or turn off lights so as not to disturb the user's sleep.

Additional scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description that follows. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, the detailed description and specific embodiments such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure should be understood as being given only as examples.

1 to 23 are diagrams showing examples of electronic devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, identical or similar components will be assigned the same reference numbers regardless of reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The suffixes “module” and “part” for components used in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the ease of preparing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

Additionally, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed descriptions will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings, and all changes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure are not limited. , should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes.

Terms containing ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

When a component is said to be "connected" or "connected" to another component, it is understood that it may be directly connected to or connected to the other component, but that other components may exist in between. It should be. On the other hand, when it is mentioned that a component is “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In this application, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but are not intended to indicate the presence of one or more other features. It should be understood that this does not exclude in advance the possibility of the existence or addition of elements, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Referring to FIG. 1, a user (a) can wear a wearable device (1) on his or her ears. The wearable device 1 may be referred to as an earbud (1) or an earphone (1). The wearable device 1 may be provided as one piece so that it can be worn on the right or left ear, or may be provided as two pieces so that it can be worn on both ears.

The first wearable device 1a can be worn on the right ear (eR) of the user (a), and the second wearable device (1b) can be worn on the left ear (eL) of the user (a). The first wearable device 1a and the second wearable device 1b may be left and right symmetrical. That is, the description of the first wearable device 1a can be symmetrically applied to the second wearable device 1b (and vice versa).

Referring to FIG. 2 , the wearable device 1 may include a body 10 and a shell 20 that are detachably coupled to each other. Pins 30, terminals 40, battery 50, speaker 60, board 70, and communication unit 73 may be installed inside the shell 20.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the body 10 may have an overall “number 6” shape. The body 10 may be referred to as an eartip 10. The body 10 may include a core 13 and

electrodes

11 and 12. The

electrodes

11 and 12 may be referred to as

bioelectrodes

11 and 12.

The core 13 may have an overall “English letter y” shape. The head 131 of the core 13 may be bent into a shape similar to the bifurcated head of the English letter y. The tail 132 of the core 13 may be connected to the head 131 and may be bent into a shape similar to the tail of the English letter y. The curvature of the tail 132 may be smaller than the curvature of the head 131. The head 131 and the tail 132 may be formed as one body. The core 13 may include a non-conductive material and may be flexible. The core 13 may have elasticity. For example, the core 13 may include silicon or urethane material.

The first hole 131a may be formed at one end of the head 131 and may communicate with the internal space of the core 13. The second hole 131b may be formed at the other end of the head 131 and may communicate with the internal space of the core 13. The third hole 132a may be formed at the end of the tail 132 and may communicate with the internal space of the core 13. The first to

third holes

131a, 132a, and 132a may face different directions.

The first electrode 11 may have an overall “English letter u” shape. For example, the first electrode 11 may share a center of curvature with the head 131. At this time, each of the first electrode 11 and the head 131 may extend in a semicircle (or semiellipse) with respect to the center of curvature. The first electrode 11 may be conductive. The first electrode 11 may include a metal material such as stainless steel (SUS) series. For example, a material that is harmless to the human body, such as silver (Ag), gold (Au), or trivalent chromium, may be plated on the first electrode 11. For example, the resistance value of the first electrode 11 may be 1 ohm or less.

The first protrusion 11a may protrude toward the first hole 131a from one end of the first electrode 11 facing the one end of the head 131. The first cap 111 may be located between the one end of the first electrode 11 and the one end of the head 131, and the first protrusion 11a is press-fitted into the first cap 111 ( can be press-fit). The first cap 111 may include resin or plastic material. For example, the first cap 111 may include polycarbonate (PC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material. The first cap 111 may penetrate the first hole 131a, and the first cap 111 and the core 13 may be coupled to each other by a profile injection (insert injection) method. That is, the first cap 111 may be attached to the inside of the core 13. Accordingly, the first electrode 11 may be coupled to the core 13 through the first cap 111.

The second protrusion 11b may protrude from the other end of the first electrode 11 facing the other end of the head 131 toward the second hole 131b. The second cap 112 may be located between the other end of the first electrode 11 and the other end of the head 131, and the second protrusion 11b is press-fitted into the second cap 112 ( can be press-fit). The second cap 112 may include a resin or plastic material. For example, the second cap 112 may include polycarbonate (PC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material. The second cap 112 may pass through the second hole 131b, and the second cap 112 and the core 13 may be coupled to each other by a profile injection (insert injection) method. That is, the second cap 112 may be attached to the inside of the core 13. Accordingly, the first electrode 11 may be coupled to the core 13 through the second cap 112. Meanwhile, the first and

second caps

111 and 112 may be collectively referred to as head caps 111 and 112.

The second electrode 12 may extend along the curvature direction of the tail 132. The second electrode 12 may be conductive. The second electrode 12 may include a metal material such as stainless steel (SUS) series. For example, a material harmless to the human body, such as silver (Ag), gold (Au), or trivalent chromium, may be plated on the second electrode 12. For example, the resistance value of the second electrode 12 may be 1 ohm or less.

The third protrusion 12a may protrude from one end of the second electrode 12 toward the end of the tail 132 toward the third hole 132a. The third cap 121 may be located between the one end of the second electrode 12 and the end of the tail 132, and the third protrusion 12a is press-fitted into the third cap 121 ( can be press-fit). The third cap 121 may include resin or plastic material. For example, the third cap 121 may include polycarbonate (PC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material. The third cap 121 may penetrate the third hole 132a, and the third cap 121 and the core 13 may be coupled to each other by a profile injection (insert injection) method. That is, the third cap 121 may be attached to the inside of the core 13. Accordingly, the second electrode 12 may be coupled to the core 13 through the third cap 121. Meanwhile, the third cap 121 may be referred to as a tail cap 121.

Referring to FIG. 4, the shell 20 may include

bottom housings

21 and 22. The

bottom housings

21 and 22 may have an overall inverted dome shape. The internal space 200 of the

bottom housings

21 and 22 may be formed when the upper surfaces 21 of the

bottom housings

21 and 22 are depressed downward, and the lower surfaces 22 of the

bottom housings

21 and 22 have a spherical surface. It may be provided as a (spherical surface).

The rim 23 may protrude upward from the upper surface 21 and may extend along the edge of the upper surface 21. A latch groove (23g) may be formed in the rim (23).

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, a plurality of walls (231, 232, 241, 242, 250, 260, walls) may protrude from the inner surface of the bottom housing (21, 22), and the walls of the bottom housing (21, 22) The internal space 200 may be divided into a plurality of spaces. The

walls

231, 232, 241, 242, 250, and 260 may be referred to as

ribs

231, 232, 241, 242, 250, and 260.

The first wall 231 and the second wall 232 may have a hollow cylinder shape and may be spaced apart from each other. The first hole 231h may be formed through the upper and lower surfaces of the first wall 231. The second hole 232h may be formed through the upper and lower surfaces of the second wall 232. The first pin 31 may be inserted into the first hole 231h, and a portion of the first pin 31 may be located outside the shell 20 (see FIG. 7), and the first pin ( Another part 312 of 31) may be caught on the inside of the first wall 231. The first pin 31 may be referred to as a first contact pin (31) or a first metal pin (31). The second pin 32 may be inserted into the second hole 232h, and a portion of the second pin 32 may be located outside the shell 20 (see FIG. 7), and the second pin 32 ) The other part 322 may be caught on the inside of the second wall 232. The second pin 32 may be referred to as a second contact pin (32) or a second metal pin (32). Meanwhile, the first and

second fins

31 and 32 may extend in a direction crossing the shell 20 and the body 10.

The third wall 241 and the fourth wall 242 may have a hollow cylinder shape and may be spaced apart from each other. The third hole 241h may be formed through the upper and lower surfaces of the third wall 241. The fourth hole 242h may be formed through the upper and lower surfaces of the fourth wall 242. The first terminal 41 may be inserted into the third hole 241h and exposed to the outside of the shell 20 through the third hole 241h (see FIG. 7). The second terminal 42 may be inserted into the fourth hole 242h and exposed to the outside of the shell 20 through the fourth hole 242h (see FIG. 7).

The fifth wall 250 may extend to form an arc and define the boundary of the accommodation space 250h that opens upward. The battery 50 may be installed in the accommodation space 250h.

The sixth wall 260 may define the boundary of the receiving space 260h communicating with the channel 61 (see FIG. 6) protruding downward from the lower surface 22 of the

bottom housings

21 and 22. The speaker 60 may be mounted in the receiving space 260h, and the diaphragm or speaker hole through which the sound of the speaker 60 is output may face the outside of the shell 20 through the channel 61.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the substrate 70 may cover the inner space 200 of the

bottom housing

21 and 22 and the components mounted in the inner space 200, and may be coupled to the

bottom housing

21 and 22. It can be. The substrate 70 may be a printed circuit board (PCB).

Pins

31 and 32,

terminals

41 and 42, battery 50, and speaker 60 may be electrically connected to the substrate 70. Additionally, a communication unit such as the Bluetooth unit 73 may be mounted on the board 70 (see FIG. 2).

Shell 20 may include a top housing 24. The top housing 24 may have an overall dome shape. The top housing 24 can cover the substrate 70, the elements mounted on the substrate 70, and the Bluetooth unit 73. A latch (not shown) may be formed on the inside of the top housing 24 and may be caught in the latch grooves 23g (see FIG. 4) of the

bottom housings

21 and 22. Accordingly, the top housing 24 can be detachably coupled to the

bottom housings

21 and 22. The shell 20 may have an overall shell or pebble shape.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the depression 220 may be formed by being depressed from the inner surface of the

bottom housing

21 and 22 toward the outside of the

bottom housing

21 and 22, forming a flat bottom 220S. It can be provided. The

pins

31 and 32 may penetrate the bottom 220S of the depression 220, and the channel 61 may protrude from the bottom 220S of the depression 220. The

fins

31 and 32 and the channel 61 may extend in the same direction.

A portion of the first pin 31 may be press-fitted into the first pin cap 311 from the outside of the shell 20. In other words, outside the shell 20, another part of the first fin 31 that is not inserted into the first fin cap 311 may have a shape that is undercut from the one part, and the first fin 31 It can be called the contact part of (31). The first pin 31 may include a conductive metal material, and the first pin cap 311 may include a resin or plastic material. For example, the first pin cap 311 may include polycarbonate (PC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material.

A portion of the second pin 32 may be press-fitted into the second pin cap 321 from the outside of the shell 20. In other words, outside the shell 20, the other part of the second fin 32 that is not inserted into the second fin cap 321 may have a shape that is undercut from the one part, and the second fin 32 It can be called the contact part of (32). The second pin 32 may include a conductive metal material, and the second pin cap 321 may include a resin or plastic material. For example, the second pin cap 321 may include polycarbonate (PC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material.

The protrusion 130 may protrude toward the depression 220 from the portion of the core 13 between the head 131 and the tail 132, and may have a top (130S, top) parallel to the bottom (220S). You can. The first pin hole 130Sa may be formed through the protrusion 130S, may communicate with the internal space of the core 13, and may be aligned with the first pin 31. The second pin hole 130Sb may be formed through the protrusion 130S, may communicate with the internal space of the core 13, and may be aligned with the second pin 32. Each of the first and second pin caps 311 and 321 may penetrate the first and second pin holes 130Sa and 130Sb, respectively, and the first and second pin caps 311 and 321 and the core 13 can be combined with each other using a profile injection (insert injection) method. That is, the first and second pin caps 311 and 321 may be attached to the inside of the core 13. At this time, the bottom (220S) can be seated on the top (130S), and the pins (31, 32) and pin caps (311, 321) located on the outside of the shell (20) are attached to the core (13). It can be located inside. Accordingly, the

pins

31 and 32 may be coupled to the core 13 through the pin caps 311 and 321.

The opening 130Sc may be formed through the protrusion 130S and may be adjacent to the pin holes 130Sa and 130Sb. The channel 61 and the speaker 60 inserted into the channel 61 may be inserted into the interior of the core 13 through the opening 130Sc.

Referring to FIG. 9, the first and second connecting

members

31w and 32w may be located inside the core 13. The first and second connecting

members

31w and 32w may be wires or FPCBs (Flexible Printed Circuit Boards). That is, the first and second connecting

members

31w and 32w can be positioned inside the core 13 in a free shape. In other words, in response to changes in the shape of the flexible core 13, the shapes of the first and second connecting

members

31w and 32w may change. In addition, the

fins

31 and 32, the speaker 60, and the channel 61 extend in a direction intersecting the shell 20 and the body 10 (see FIG. 2), so the

fins

31 and 32 and the speaker Restrictions on shape change of the core 13 due to (60) and the channel 61 can be minimized. In particular, from the viewpoint of minimizing the constraints on shape change of the core 13 described above, the speaker 60 and the channel 61 may be located near the connection point of the head 131 and the tail 132.

One side of the first connecting member 31w may penetrate the second cap 112 and be connected to the other end of the first electrode 11. The other side of the first connecting member 31w may be connected to the first pin 31 located inside the core 13. Accordingly, the first electrode 11 may be electrically connected to the first pin 31 through the first connection member 31w.

One side of the second connecting member 32w may penetrate the third cap 121 and be connected to the end of the second electrode 12. The other side of the second connecting member 32w may be connected to the second pin 32 located inside the core 13. Accordingly, the second electrode 12 may be electrically connected to the second pin 32 through the second connection member 32w.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the speaker hole 131h may be formed through a portion of the core 13 between the head 131 and the tail 132, and may be formed opposite the opening 130Sc (see FIG. 8). (opposite) can be done. The channel 61 and the speaker 60 inserted into the channel 61 may be aligned in the speaker hole 131h, and the sound of the speaker 60 is output to the outside of the core 13 through the speaker hole 131h. It can be.

Referring to FIG. 10 , as described above, both ends of the first electrode 11 may be connected to both ends of the head 131. That is, the first electrode 11 and the head 131 may overall form a ring. Accordingly, the shapes of the

rings

11 and 131 can be changed due to the flexible head 131, thereby improving the wearing comfort of the wearable device. In addition, the central hole 10H (see FIG. 8) of the

ring

11, 131 may face the ear canal e1, thereby reducing the phenomenon of deafness caused by wearing the wearable device.

Referring to FIG. 11, unlike the above, one end (or other end) of the first electrode 11' is separated from one end (or other end) of the head 131, but the other end (or other end) of the first electrode 11' is separated from the other end (or other end) of the head 131. Alternatively, one end) may be connected to the other end (or one end) of the head 131. That is, the first electrode 11' and the head 131 may have an overall open ring shape. Accordingly, the movement of the first electrode 11 with respect to the core 13 becomes freer, thereby improving the wearing comfort of the wearable device.

Referring to FIG. 12 together with FIG. 1, the user positions the first electrode 11 toward the ear canal (e1) and places the second electrode 12 into the inner groove of the ear pinna (e2). By seating it, the wearable device 1 can be worn on one or both ears (eR, eL).

Also, due to the core 13 that can be bent between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12, the wearable device 1 can have excellent wearing comfort. That is, the first and second electrodes 12 can be in good contact with the user's skin, and the user's biological signals, such as brain wave signals, can be well collected by the first and second electrodes 12. Additionally, the speaker hole 131h can be directed toward the ear hole e1, so that the sound of the speaker 60 can be well transmitted to the user.

In addition, the shell 20 can cover a part of the user's ear while being spaced apart from the portion other than the protrusion 130 of the core 13 by the sum of the heights of the depression 220 and the protrusion 130, so that the shell 20 This can prevent deterioration in wearing comfort that may be caused by this.

Referring to FIG. 13, the wearable device 1 includes a battery 50, a control unit 1D, a sensing unit 1S, a memory unit 1M, a signal processing unit 1P, a communication unit 1C, and an output unit 1U. ) may include. The components of the wearable device 1 may be electrically connected to each other. The terminal 100, such as a smartphone, may include a communication unit 100C, a data processing unit 100D, a sensing unit 100S, and a display unit 100U. The components of the terminal 100 may be electrically connected to each other.

The control unit 1D may control the wearable device 1 based on information received by the wearable device 1 and information transmitted from the wearable device 1. The control unit 1D may be provided on the substrate 70 (see FIG. 6). The battery 50 may be a power source that provides power to each component of the wearable device 1, including the control unit 1D. Battery 50 may be rechargeable.

The sensing unit 1S can detect various biological signals of a user wearing the wearable device 1. The brain wave sensor may be electrodes 11 and 12 (see FIG. 9). Biosignals (currents) detected by the

electrodes

11 and 12 may include information about the user's brain waves and can be used to determine the user's sleep state. The signals (information) collected on the

electrodes

11 and 12 in contact with the user's skin are transmitted to the substrate 70 through the

connection members

31w and 32w (see FIG. 9) and pins 31 and 32 (see FIG. 9). It may be provided to the control unit 1D mounted on the device (see FIG. 6). For example, an acceleration sensor may be built into the wearable device 1, and may detect the movement of a user wearing the wearable device 1 and provide the information to the control unit 1D. The user's movement detected by the acceleration sensor may include first information about the user's sleep state, and the first information may be used to determine the user's sleep state along with information about the user's brain waves. there is. For example, auxiliary sensors that detect body temperature, heart rate, oxygen saturation, etc. may be built into the wearable device 1, and may detect the body temperature, heart rate, oxygen saturation, etc. of a user equipped with the wearable device 1. . Information detected by the auxiliary sensors may include second information about the user's sleep state, and the second information may include information about the user's brain waves (or information about the user's brain waves and the first information) can be used to determine the user's sleep status.

The memory unit 1M can store the signal detected by the sensing unit 1S. The signal processing unit 1P may process the signal detected by the sensing unit 1S. For example, the signal processing unit 1P may process the signal by amplifying and filtering the difference between the signals detected by the first and

second electrodes

11 and 12, and generate brain waves (sleep brain waves) from the processed signal. You can obtain information about. The communication unit 1C may send the signal processed in the signal processing unit 1P to the communication unit 100C of the terminal 100. For example, the communication unit 1C may be comprised of a Bluetooth unit 73.

The data processing unit 100D may process signals received through the communication unit 100C, and the signals processed by the data processing unit 100D may include information about the user's brain waves and sleep state.

The signal processed in the data processing unit 100D may be provided to the display unit 100U of the terminal 100 (for example, the screen of a smartphone on which an application linked to a wearable device is running), and the display unit 100U may be An image can be output based on the signal.

The signal processed in the data processing unit 100D may be provided to the output unit 1U of the terminal 100 through the communication units 100C and 1C, and the output unit 1U may be operated based on the signal. . The output unit 1U may be composed of a speaker 60, and the speaker 60 may output a sound helpful for sleep in response to the user's sleeping state. In other words, the sound output from the speaker 60 may vary depending on the user's brain waves or sleep state. For example, the user's sleep state may be divided into a plurality of stages with different sleep depths based on the user's brain waves, and the speaker 60 may play different sounds for each stage. The first stage may be a non-sleep state, the second stage may be a REM sleep state, the third stage may be a core sleep state, and the fourth stage may be a deep sleep state. In the first step, the speaker 60 may reproduce the first sound source at a first volume to induce the user to sleep. In the second step, the speaker 60 may reproduce a second sound source at a second volume, and the second sound source may be a sound source that is the same as or more effective in inducing sleep than the first sound source, and the second sound source may be It may be equal to or smaller than the first volume. In the third step, the speaker 60 may reproduce a third sound source at a third volume, and the third sound source may be a sound source that is the same as or more effective in inducing sleep than the second sound source, and the third sound source is It may be equal to or smaller than the second volume. In the fourth step, the speaker 60 may not reproduce sound. Accordingly, the wearable device 1 can help the user get a good night's sleep.

For example, the sensing unit 100S may be built into the terminal 100 and may detect the user's snoring sound, breathing pattern, indoor illumination, etc. The information sensed by the sensing unit 100S can be processed in the data processing unit 100D together with the information transmitted from the communication unit 1C to the data processing unit 100D, and the information processed by the data processing unit 100D is displayed in the display unit (100D). 100U) and/or output unit (1U).

Accordingly, the user can check his/her brain waves (eg, brain waves before and after sleep) and sleep state through the terminal 100 linked to the wearable device 1. In addition, the wearable device 1 can improve the user's sleep quality through the sound of the speaker 60 played according to the user's sleep state.

Referring to FIG. 14, the brain waves of a user who falls asleep while wearing the wearable device 1 on the ear can be confirmed within the band of 1 to 50 Hz at each time. Accordingly, the state (stage) of sleep can be determined using the signal characteristics of each frequency band for each time zone. It can be seen that the longer the time spent in sleep, the greater the proportion of delta waves (brain waves representing a deep sleep state of 1 to 4 Hz) among the brain waves in the wearable device (1).

Referring to the upper graph of FIG. 15, unlike what was described above, the user's brainwave signal detected through electrodes in contact with the user's scalp (or the scalp and around the eyes) can be confirmed. Referring to the middle graph of FIG. 15, as described above, the user's brain wave signal detected through electrodes in contact with the user's ear or around the ear can be confirmed. Referring to the lower graph of FIG. 15, it can be seen that the similarity between the EEG signal shown in the upper graph of FIG. 15 and the EEG signal shown in the middle graph is about 89.1%. Accordingly, the wearable device 1 can detect brain wave signals with high accuracy.

Referring to FIG. 16, the case 80 may have an overall dome shape. Case 80 may be referred to as a cradle (80). Case 80 may include a base 81 and a cover 89.

The base 81 may have a flat cylinder shape. The cover 89 may be located above the base 81 and may have a hemispherical shape.

16 and 17, the bottom 810 of the base 81 may have a circular plate shape, and the lateral wall 811 of the base 81 is an edge of the bottom 810. It can be extended accordingly. The ring-shaped pad 88P may be coupled to the lower surface of the bottom 810 through an adhesive member 88AD such as double-sided tape. Accordingly, the pad 88P can prevent the case 80 from slipping.

The substrate 82 may be mounted on the base 81. The substrate 82 may have a circular plate shape. The substrate 82 may be a printed circuit board (PCB). A light source (not shown) may be mounted on the substrate 82. For example, a plurality of light sources may be spaced apart from each other along the edge of the substrate 82. For example, the light source may be an LED (Light Emitting Diode). Sheet(s) 84 may cover the light source(s) and may adjust the color of light from the light source(s). A light guiding member (not shown) may guide light from the light source(s) to a lighting ring 86, which will be described later.

Illumination ring 86 may be opposite base 81 with respect to substrate 82 and may be coupled to substrate 82 and/or base 81 . Light from the light source(s) may be illuminated to the outside of the case 80 through the lighting ring 86. For example, the lighting ring 86 may include a milky material, and light from the light source(s) may emit softly from the lighting ring 86.

Battery 87 may be mounted on substrate 82 and may provide power to components of case 80, such as the light source(s). The battery 87 can be charged through a power cable connected through a jack (not shown) provided on the partition wall 811.

18 and 19, the container 88 may be opposite the base 81 with respect to the lighting ring 86 and may be convex upward. The first receiving groove (880a) and the second receiving groove (880b) may be formed by recessing downward from the convex upper surface of the container 88. The first storage groove 880a and the second storage groove 880b may be symmetrical left and right with respect to the center line L of the container 88. That is, the description of the second storage groove 880b can be symmetrically applied to the first storage groove 880a (and vice versa).

The storage groove 880 may include a first groove 881 and a second groove 882. The first groove 881 may be formed by recessing downward from the convex upper surface of the container 88, and the second groove 882 may be formed by recessing downward from the first groove 881. That is, the second groove 882, the first groove 881, and the upper surface of the container 88 may form two stages. Additionally, the first groove 881 may have an overall delta shape, and the second groove 882 may have a “number 6” shape like the body 10.

Accordingly, the body 10 of the wearable device 1 may be seated on the second groove 882 (on). The first electrode 11 may be seated on the first portion 882a of the second groove 882 having a shape corresponding to the first electrode 11. The head 131 may be seated on the second portion 882b of the second groove 882 having a shape corresponding to the head 131. The tail 132 may be seated on the third portion 882c of the second groove 882 having a shape corresponding to the tail 132. The second electrode 12 may be seated on the fourth portion 882d of the second groove 882 having a shape corresponding to the second electrode 12.

Additionally, the shell 20 of the wearable device 1 may be seated on the first groove 881. The charging

terminals

883 and 884 may be connected to the substrate 82 (see FIG. 17) and may pass through the first groove 881. The charging

terminals

883 and 884 may contact the terminals 41 and 42 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) located on the shell 20, whereby the battery 50 (see FIG. 6) of the wearable device 1 is It can be charged. For example, the indicator 81D mounted on the substrate 82 (see FIG. 17) may be exposed to the outside of the case 80 through a hole in the partition wall 811, and the battery 50 The charging status can be displayed. For example, the indicator 81D may be an LED.

Meanwhile, the light source 885 may be connected to the substrate 82 (see FIG. 17) and may be mounted in a portion of the second groove 882 between the first portion 882a and the second portion 882b. Alternatively, the light source 885 may be mounted in the third groove formed by recessing downward from the second groove 882. The light source 885 can provide upward-directing light in the ultraviolet wavelength range and can sterilize the wearable device 1 stored in the storage groove 880.

For example, the light source 885 can be operated when the wearable device 1 is stored in the storage groove 880 and the cover 89 covers the container 88. For another example, the light source 885 may be operated when the case 80 covers the container 88 even if the wearable device 1 is not stored in the storage groove 880. In this case, the light source 885 can sterilize the inside of the case 80. Here, the control unit of the case 80 causes the wearable device 1 to enter the storage groove ( 880).

Referring to FIG. 20 together with FIG. 16, the cover 89 may include an inner cover (890) and an outer cover (891). The inner cover 890 may have a shape corresponding to the container 88 and may include a plurality of ribs. The outer cover 891 may have a shape corresponding to the inner cover 890 and may be coupled to the outer surface of the inner cover 890. The cover 89 may cover the container 88 and may be removably coupled to the container 88 and/or the base 81.

Referring to FIG. 21, the case 80 may include a power supply unit 80P, a control unit 80D, an acceleration sensor 80S, and a debug connector 80B. The components of case 80 may be electrically connected to each other. Case 80 may be capable of communicating with a wearable device (1, see FIG. 13) and/or a terminal (100, see FIG. 13). That is, the case 80 can be directly linked to the wearable device 1 or can be linked to the wearable device 1 through a terminal.

The control unit 80D can control the operation of the case 80. The control unit 80D may be provided on the substrate 82 (see FIG. 17). The power supply unit 80P may be a power source that provides power to each component of the case 80, including the control unit 80D. The power supply unit 80P may be a battery 87 (see FIG. 17).

The acceleration sensor 80S may be embedded in the case 80 (e.g., mounted on the substrate 82) and may detect when the user taps the case 80.

The light assembly 80L may include the light source(s) mounted on a substrate 82 (see FIG. 17). Additionally, the optical assembly 80L may include an indicator 81D (see FIG. 17).

Accordingly, the control unit 80D can control the operation of the light source(s) based on information obtained from the acceleration sensor 80S. The control unit 80D controls the battery 50 (see FIG. 6) of the wearable device 1 obtained through the terminals 841 and 42 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) and the charging terminals (883 and 884, see FIG. 19). The operation of the indicator 81D can be controlled based on the information.

22 and 23, if the light source(s) capable of providing light to the lighting ring 86 is not operated, the control unit 80D may determine that the lighting of the case 80 is OFF (S10 : Yes). When the light source(s) capable of providing light to the lighting ring 86 is operated, the control unit 80D may determine that the lighting of the case 80 is turned on (S10: No).

When the lighting of the case 80 is turned off (S10: Yes), the control unit 80D knocks the case 80 (see FIG. 16) n times based on the information obtained from the acceleration sensor (80S, see FIG. 21). ) can be determined whether it has been detected (S20, n is a natural number greater than 1). The tapping may be of a certain intensity or more, and two tappings of the garment may be performed within a certain time (a certain speed). Typically, a user may tap the top of case 80, and acceleration sensor 80S may detect the tap based on vertical axis (i.e., z-axis) data.

For example, with reference to FIG. 23, the control unit 80D may detect two taps. Specifically, the control unit 80D may count tapping with an intensity equal to or greater than a threshold. If the first tap with an intensity greater than the threshold applied to the case 80 is maintained for a first time t1, the control unit 80D applies a second tap with an intensity greater than the threshold value to the case 80 for a second time t2. You can sense if you are losing. If the second tapping with an intensity greater than the threshold applied to the case 80 within the second time t2 is maintained for the third time t3, the control unit 80D controls the force greater than the threshold value during the fourth and fifth times t4 and t5. It is possible to detect whether a third tap with intensity is applied to the case 80. If a third or more tap is not applied to the case 80 within the fourth and fifth times t4 and t5, the control unit 80D may determine that two taps have been detected (S20: Yes). The fourth and fifth times (t4, t5) are divided into a fourth time (t4) to detect whether the third or more tapping is applied, and a fifth time (t5) to wait for the case 80 to stabilize from the tapping. It can be.

If n times of tapping are detected (S20: Yes), the control unit 80D can turn on the lighting by operating the light source(s) capable of providing light to the lighting ring 86 (S30). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent lighting from turning on unexpectedly.

After S30, the control unit 80D may determine whether m knocks have been detected on the case 80 (see FIG. 16) based on the information obtained from the acceleration sensor 80S (see FIG. 21) (S20, m is a natural number greater than or equal to 1). The determination method of S40 may be the same as the determination method of S20 described above with reference to FIG. 23. For example, the control unit 80D can detect one tap.

If m tappings are detected (S40: Yes), the control unit 80D can turn off the lighting by stopping the operation of the light source(s) that can provide light to the lighting ring 86. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent lighting from turning off unexpectedly.

If no tapping is detected (S40: No), the control unit 80D may determine whether the user equipped with the wearable device 1 has entered the reference sleep state (S50). For example, based on information about the user's brain waves (or the first and second information about brain waves and sleep state, etc.) detected by the wearable device 1, the user is in REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement Sleep). Alternatively, if it is determined that the sleep state is deeper than REM sleep, the controller 80D may turn off the lighting by stopping the operation of the light source(s) capable of providing light to the lighting ring 86. For another example, based on information about the user's brain waves (or the first and second information about brain waves and sleep state, etc.) detected by the wearable device 1, the control unit 80D controls the lighting ring 86 ) By controlling the operation of the light source(s) that can provide light to the water, the illuminance of the lighting can be gradually lowered in proportion to the depth of the water (that is, as the water gets deeper, the illuminance of the lighting decreases until the lighting turns off. lowered). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent disturbance of the user's sleep due to lighting.

1 to 23, an electronic device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a body; Additionally, it may include a shell coupled to the body and including a substrate, wherein the body includes: a core made of a non-conductive material; a first electrode coupled to the core; And, it may include a second electrode coupled to the core and spaced apart from the first electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode may be electrically connected to the substrate, and the core may be flexible. You can.

The body includes: a head cap located between the core and the first electrode and coupled to the core and the first electrode; In addition, it may further include a tail cap located between the core and the second electrode and coupled to the core and the second electrode.

The first electrode: protrudes from the first electrode toward the head cap and may further include a protrusion inserted into the head cap, and the second electrode: protrudes from the second electrode toward the tail cap. It may further include a protrusion inserted into the tail cap, and each of the head cap and the tail cap may be attached to the inside of the core.

The first electrode and the second electrode may include a metal material, the core may include a silicone or urethane material, and the head cap and the tail cap may include a plastic material.

The electronic device includes: a first pin electrically connected to the first electrode and the substrate; And, it may further include a second pin electrically connected to the second electrode and the substrate, and the first pin and the second pin may extend in a direction intersecting the core, and may be connected to the core. can be inserted.

The electronic device includes: a first pin cap into which the end of the first pin is inserted; And, it may further include a second pin cap into which the end of the second pin is inserted, and each of the first pin cap and the second pin cap may be attached to the inside of the core.

The first pin and the second pin may include a metal material, the core may include a silicone or urethane material, and the first pin cap and the second pin cap may include a plastic material. can do.

The electronic device includes: a first connection member made of a conductive material located inside the core and connecting the first electrode and the first pin; And, it may further include a second connection member made of a conductive material located inside the core and connecting the second electrode and the second pin, and the first connection member and the second connection member may be flexible. You can.

The core includes: a bent head facing the first electrode and having both ends; And, it may include a tail facing the second electrode and connected to the head, and the first electrode may be connected to at least one of the both ends of the head, forming a ring or an open ring with the head. can do.

The tail may extend from the head in a bent shape and may have a smaller curvature than the head, and the second electrode may extend along the curvature direction of the tail and be connected to an end of the tail. there is.

The core may further include: a protrusion projecting toward the shell in a portion of the core between the head and the tail, and the shell may further include: a depression recessed from an inner surface of the shell toward the protrusion. The recessed portion may be seated on the protrusion.

The electronic device may further include a speaker electrically connected to the substrate, wherein the speaker may extend in a direction intersecting the core and may be inserted into the core between the head and the tail. .

The electronic device includes: a battery built into the shell; Additionally, it may further include terminals that provide power to the battery, and the terminals may be located within the shell and may be exposed to the outside of the shell in an area outside the body.

The first electrode and the second electrode may sense bio-signals by contacting the user's skin, and the bio-signals may include information about the user's brain waves.

The first electrode may contact a first part of the user's ear, and the second electrode may contact a second part of the ear that is spaced apart from the first part.

The electronic device may further include an acceleration sensor that is electrically connected to the substrate and detects information about the user's movement, and the information about the user's movement is combined with information about the user's brain waves. It can be used to determine the user's sleep state.

The electronic device may further include: a speaker electrically connected to the substrate and facing the outside of the body, wherein the speaker is configured according to the user's sleep state determined based on information about the user's brain waves. , the sound output from the speaker can be changed or no sound can be output.

The electronic device may further include a terminal capable of communicating with the substrate and having a display unit, wherein the terminal determines the sleep state of the user based on information about the user's brain waves, and determines the sleep state of the user. The sleep state can be displayed through the display unit.

An electronic device according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes: a base; A container mounted on the base; a cover covering the container; An optical assembly having a light source; In addition, it may include a control unit that controls the operation of the optical assembly, and the control unit may control the operation of the optical assembly based on knock information detected on the cover.

The control unit may control the operation of the optical assembly based on the user's brain wave information.

Any or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinct from each other. In certain embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above, each configuration or function may be used in combination or combined.

For example, this means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and/or drawing may be combined with configuration B described in other embodiments and/or drawings. In other words, even if the combination between components is not directly explained, it means that combination is possible, except in cases where it is explained that combination is impossible.

The above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in any respect and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

body; and,

It is coupled to the body and includes a shell including a substrate,

The body is:

Core made of non-conductive material;

a first electrode coupled to the core; and,

It is coupled to the core and includes a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode,

The first electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected to the substrate,

The core is a flexible electronic device.
According to claim 1,

The body is:

a head cap located between the core and the first electrode and coupled to the core and the first electrode; and,

The electronic device further includes a tail cap positioned between the core and the second electrode and coupled to the core and the second electrode.
According to clause 2,

The first electrode is:

Further comprising a protrusion that protrudes from the first electrode toward the head cap and is inserted into the head cap,

The second electrode is:

It protrudes from the second electrode toward the tail cap and further includes a protrusion inserted into the tail cap,

Each of the head cap and the tail cap,

An electronic device attached to the inside of the core.
According to clause 3,

The first electrode and the second electrode include a metal material,

The core includes silicone or urethane material,

The head cap and the tail cap are electronic devices comprising a plastic material.
According to claim 1,

a first pin electrically connected to the first electrode and the substrate; and,

Further comprising a second pin electrically connected to the second electrode and the substrate,

The first pin and the second pin are,

An electronic device extending in a direction intersecting the core and inserted into the core.
According to clause 5,

a first pin cap into which the end of the first pin is inserted; and,

Further comprising a second pin cap into which the end of the second pin is inserted,

Each of the first pin cap and the second pin cap,

An electronic device attached to the inside of the core.
According to clause 6,

The first pin and the second pin include a metal material,

The core includes silicone or urethane material,

The first pin cap and the second pin cap are electronic devices including a plastic material.
According to clause 5,

A first connection member made of a conductive material located inside the core and connecting the first electrode and the first pin; and,

It further includes a second connection member made of a conductive material located inside the core and connecting the second electrode and the second pin,

The first connecting member and the second connecting member are flexible electronic devices.
According to claim 1,

The core is:

a bent head facing the first electrode and having both ends; and,

Facing the second electrode and including a tail connected to the head,

The first electrode is,

An electronic device connected to at least one of both ends of the head and forming a ring or an open ring with the head.
According to clause 9,

The tail is,

Extending from the head in a curved shape and having a curvature smaller than that of the head,

The second electrode is,

An electronic device extending along the direction of curvature of the tail and connected to an end of the tail.
According to clause 9,

The core is:

further comprising a protrusion protruding toward the shell at a portion of the core between the head and the tail,

The shell is:

It further includes a depression that is depressed toward the protrusion on the inner surface of the shell,

The depression part is,

An electronic device mounted on the protrusion.
According to clause 9,

Further comprising a speaker electrically connected to the board,

The speaker is,

An electronic device extending in a direction intersecting the core and inserted into the core between the head and the tail.
According to claim 1,

a battery built into the shell; and,

Further comprising terminals that provide power to the battery,

The terminals are,

An electronic device located within the shell and exposed to the outside of the shell in an area outside the body.
According to claim 1,

The first electrode and the second electrode are,

Detects biosignals by contacting the user's skin,

The biosignal is,

An electronic device containing information about the user's brain waves.
According to claim 14,

The first electrode is,

Contacting a first portion of the user's ear,

The second electrode is,

An electronic device contacting a second portion of the ear spaced apart from the first portion.
According to claim 14,

Further comprising an acceleration sensor electrically connected to the substrate and detecting information about the user's movement,

Information about the user's movements,

An electronic device used to determine the user's sleep state along with information about the user's brain waves.
According to claim 14,

Further comprising a speaker electrically connected to the substrate and facing the outside of the body,

The speaker is,

An electronic device that changes the sound output from the speaker or does not output sound according to the user's sleep state determined based on information about the user's brain waves.
According to claim 14,

Further comprising a terminal capable of communicating with the substrate and having a display unit,

The terminal is,

An electronic device that determines the user's sleep state based on information about the user's brain waves and displays the sleep state through the display unit.
Base;

A container mounted on the base;

a cover covering the container;

An optical assembly having a light source; and,

It includes a control unit that controls the operation of the optical assembly,

The control unit,

An electronic device that controls the operation of the optical assembly based on knock information detected on the cover.
According to clause 19,

The control unit,

An electronic device that controls the operation of the optical assembly based on brain wave information obtained from the electronic device of claim 1.