KR20240059504A - Electronic device and method for estimating core body temperature using thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic device for estimating core body temperature according to an embodiment includes a first temperature sensor that measures the first temperature of the skin surface when a subject contacts the main body, a first heating element disposed at a predetermined distance from the first temperature sensor, A second temperature sensor is disposed at a predetermined distance from the first heating element and measures the second temperature inside the main body, and estimates the heat flux based on the first temperature and the second temperature, and estimates the perfusion rate by driving the first heating element. and may include a processor that estimates the user's core body temperature based on the first temperature, the estimated heat flux, and the estimated perfusion amount.

Description

Electronic device and method of estimating core body temperature using the electronic device {ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING CORE BODY TEMPERATURE USING THEREOF}

Related to a device and method for estimating a user's core body temperature.

In general, body temperature is one of the four vital signs and has very important clinical significance. Body temperature sensors can be applied to a variety of applications, such as checking a patient's infection, thermal side effects of drugs, and checking a woman's ovulation period.

Body temperature sensors can be divided into contact and non-contact types. Contact sensors include sensors that detect changes in electrical resistance, such as RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector) and thermistors, and thermocouples that detect electromotive force. Additionally, non-contact sensors include thermopiles and microbolometers, which measure body temperature by detecting infrared rays radiating from the body surface.

Core body temperature is the temperature of the body's major internal organs, and is a temperature at which homeostasis is maintained, unlike skin temperature, which is highly variable due to environmental factors such as temperature. In order to measure core body temperature using a wearable device, measurement values from multiple measurement sensors are required, but there are limitations in including multiple measurement sensors due to the structure of the wearable device, which must be compact.

An electronic device and method for estimating a user's core body temperature using a plurality of temperature sensors and a heating element are presented.

An electronic device according to an aspect includes a first temperature sensor that measures the first temperature of the skin surface when a subject contacts the main body, a first heating element disposed at a predetermined distance from the first temperature sensor, and a predetermined distance from the first heating element. a second temperature sensor disposed spaced apart and measuring the second temperature inside the main body, estimating the heat flux based on the first temperature and the second temperature, driving the first heating element to estimate the flow rate, the first temperature, It may include a processor that estimates the user's core body temperature based on the estimated heat flux and estimated perfusion amount.

The processor may estimate the heat flux based on the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature.

At this time, a heat-conducting material may be further included between the first heating element and the second temperature sensor, and the processor may estimate the heat flux based on the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature and the thickness and thermal conductivity of the heat-conducting material.

The processor may drive the first heating element to estimate the perfusion amount based on the phase difference between the temperature of the first heating element and the first temperature.

The processor may control the on/off of the first heating element so that the temperature phase of the first heating element has a sine cycle.

The processor may estimate the thermal contact resistance that occurs when the body contacts the skin surface and correct the estimated perfusion amount based on the estimation result.

The electronic device further includes a PPG sensor that measures a PPG (photoplethysmography) signal of the subject, and the processor estimates the amount of heat generated by metabolism based on the PPG signal acquired by the PPG sensor, determines the first temperature, and the estimated heat flux. , the user's core body temperature can be estimated based on the estimated perfusion amount, and the estimated heat generation amount.

The electronic device further includes a second heating element between the first heating element and the second temperature sensor, and the processor drives the second heating element to estimate the power of the second heating element at the point when the first temperature and the second temperature become the same as the heat flux. can do.

At this time, the first heating element and the second heating element may be formed in a multi-layer structure.

The processor may independently drive the first heating element and the second heating element.

At least one of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor may be a contact temperature sensor, for example, a thermistor.

The first temperature sensor may be located at the center of one end of the main body, and the second temperature sensor may be located at the center of the other end of the main body.

The electronic device may further include an output unit that provides the user's estimated core body temperature to the user in a visual or non-visual manner.

According to one embodiment, a method of estimating core body temperature by an electronic device includes measuring the first temperature of the skin surface using a first temperature sensor when a subject contacts the main body, and measuring the first temperature of the skin surface at a predetermined distance from the first temperature sensor. Measuring a second temperature inside the main body by a second temperature sensor disposed at a greater distance than the disposed first heating element, estimating a heat flux based on the first temperature and the second temperature, driving the first heating element It may include estimating the perfusion amount and estimating the user's core body temperature based on the first temperature, the estimated heat flux, and the estimated perfusion amount.

In the step of estimating the heat flux, the heat flux may be estimated based on the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature.

Additionally, in the step of estimating the heat flux, the heat flux may be estimated based on the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature and the thickness and thermal conductivity of the heat-conducting material.

In the step of estimating the volumetric flow rate, the volumetric flow rate may be estimated based on the phase difference between the temperature of the first heating element and the first temperature.

In the step of estimating the perfusion amount, the thermal contact resistance that occurs when the body contacts the skin surface can be estimated and the estimated perfusion amount can be corrected based on the estimation result.

In the step of estimating the user's core body temperature, the amount of heat generated by metabolism is estimated based on the PPG signal acquired by the PPG sensor, and the amount of heat generated by metabolism is estimated based on the first temperature, the estimated heat flux, the estimated perfusion amount, and the estimated heat generation amount. The user's core body temperature can be estimated.

The method for estimating core body temperature may further include providing the user's estimated core body temperature to the user in a visual or non-visual manner through an output unit.

A smart watch according to an embodiment includes a main body, a strap connected to both ends of the main body, a first temperature sensor that measures a first temperature when a subject contacts the main body, and a first heating element disposed at a predetermined distance from the first temperature sensor. , a second heating element disposed at a predetermined distance from the first heating element, a second temperature sensor disposed at a predetermined distance from the second heating element to measure the second temperature inside the main body, and a strap wraps around the wrist and the main body is worn on the wrist. In this state, a processor that drives the second heating element to estimate the heat flux, drives the first heating element to estimate the perfusion amount, and estimates the user's core body temperature based on the first temperature, the estimated heat flux, and the estimated perfusion amount. may include.

The smart watch further includes a PPG sensor that measures a PPG (photoplethysmography) signal of the subject, and the processor estimates the amount of heat generated by metabolism based on the PPG signal acquired by the PPG sensor, the first temperature, and the estimated heat flux. , the user's core body temperature can be estimated based on the estimated perfusion amount, and the estimated heat generation amount.

This relates to an electronic device and method for estimating a user's core body temperature by applying a human body thermal model to the values estimated using a temperature sensor and a heating element. Core body temperature can be accurately estimated within a wearable device.

1 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment.
Figure 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the structure of an electronic device.
Figure 3 is a diagram showing the structure of a heating element.
Figure 4 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to another embodiment.
Figure 5 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the structure of an electronic device.
Figure 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the frequency of the heating element and the heat penetration depth.
Figure 7 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to another embodiment.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams showing content related to core body temperature displayed on the display of an electronic device according to an embodiment.
Figure 9 is a flowchart of a method for estimating core body temperature according to an embodiment.
10 to 13 are diagrams illustrating structures of electronic devices for estimating core body temperature.

Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings. The advantages and features of the described technology and methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail below along with the drawings. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

Terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. Terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, when a part "includes" a certain component, this means that it may further include other components rather than excluding other components, unless specifically stated to the contrary. Additionally, terms such as “unit” and “module” used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software.

Electronic devices according to various embodiments described below include, for example, wearable devices, smartphones, tablet PCs, mobile phones, video phones, e-book readers, desktop PCs, laptop PCs, netbook computers, workstations, servers, PDAs, PMPs ( It may include at least one of a portable multimedia player, MP3 player, medical device, and camera. Wearable devices may be accessory (e.g., watches, rings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, glasses, contact lenses, or headmounted-devices (HMDs)), integrated into fabric or clothing (e.g., electronic garments), or attached to the body. However, it may include at least one of a type (e.g., skin pad or tattoo), or a bioimplantable circuit, but is not limited thereto and may include, for example, various portable medical measuring devices (antioxidant meter, blood sugar meter, heart rate meter, blood pressure meter, or It may include various medical devices such as temperature measuring devices (temperature measuring devices, etc.), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), imaging devices, or ultrasound machines, etc.). However, it is not limited to the above-described devices.

1 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the structure of an electronic device.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the electronic device 100 may include a sensor 120, a heating element 123, and a processor 130 within the main body 110. The sensor 120 includes a plurality of temperature sensors, and the processor 130 can estimate the user's core body temperature using data obtained through the sensor 120 and the heating element 123.

The sensor 120 is disposed at a predetermined distance (for example, within 5 mm) from the first temperature sensor 121 and the heating element 123, which measures the first temperature of the skin surface when the subject contacts the main body, and measures the first temperature of the skin surface inside the main body. It may include a second temperature sensor 122 that measures the second temperature. At this time, the subject may be a part of the human body where core body temperature can be easily measured. For example, the area on the surface of the wrist adjacent to the radial artery may be a peripheral part of the human body such as the upper wrist or toes where capillary or venous blood passes, and may also include the ears, forehead, upper arm, chest, etc.

The first temperature sensor 121 and the second temperature sensor 122 may be placed at different locations within the main body 110. For example, the first temperature sensor 121 may be located at the center of one end of the body 110 (e.g., at the bottom surface or within a predetermined distance from the bottom surface to the top), and the second temperature sensor 122 May be located at the center of the other end of the main body 110 (eg, the upper surface or within a predetermined distance from the upper surface to the lower part). At this time, the first temperature sensor 121 and the second temperature sensor 122 may be positioned to face each other. In addition, the first temperature sensor 121 and/or the second temperature sensor 122 may be a contact temperature sensor including a thermistor, and may also include temperature sensors such as a digital temperature sensor and a thermopile. can do. The type of temperature sensor is not limited to this.

The heating element 123 is a structure that radiates heat within the electronic device 100 and may be used as a heater, for example. Additionally, a heating structure (eg, a battery) included in the electronic device 100 may be used instead of a heater, and an LED capable of light-to-heat conversion may be used. The type of heating element 123 is not limited to this. In addition, the heating element 123 may be placed at a predetermined distance (e.g., within 3 mm) from the first temperature sensor 121 toward the top of the main body, and may be placed in contact with the top of the first temperature sensor 121. . The arrangement of the heating element 123 is not limited to this.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing the structure of the heating element 123.

Referring to FIG. 3, the heating element 123 may be formed in a multi-layer structure. For example, the heating element 123 may be arranged 310 in two layers to generate uniform heat and may be formed as a single connected structure. Additionally, the heating element 123 may be formed to have a size within 10 mm in width and 10 mm in height.

Referring again to FIG. 2 , the electronic device 100 may further include a heat-conducting material 210 between the heating element 123 and the second temperature sensor 122. For example, the first temperature sensor 121, the heating element 123, the heat-conducting material 210, and the second temperature sensor 122 may be arranged in a stacked structure from the bottom. For example, the heat-conducting material 210 may be an insulator with a size of 0.1 to 5 mm and may be a material (eg, polyurethane foam) with a thermal conductivity of less than 0.1 W/mK. The size or thermal conductivity of the heat-conducting material 210 is not limited to this. In addition, it is possible to use air with very low thermal conductivity to fill the space between the heating element 123 and the second temperature sensor 122 without using a separate material.

The main body 110 is, for example, a wearable type and can be worn on a part of the user's body (eg, wrist), and the user can also carry the main body 110 like a smart phone type.

The processor 130 may be electrically connected to the sensor 120 and the heating element 123, and may control the sensor 120 and the heating element 123 when estimating the user's core body temperature. The processor 130 may estimate the user's core body temperature based on data obtained from the sensor 120. For example, the processor 130 estimates the heat flux based on the first temperature and the second temperature, drives the heating element 123 to estimate the perfusion rate, and estimates the perfusion rate based on the first temperature, the estimated heat flux, and the estimated perfusion rate. The user's core body temperature can be estimated.

First, the processor 130 can estimate the heat flux based on the first temperature of the skin surface measured by the first temperature sensor 121 and the second temperature inside the body measured by the second temperature sensor 122. there is. At this time, the processor 130 can estimate the heat flux based on the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature and the thickness and thermal conductivity of the heat-conducting material, which can be expressed by Equation 1.

Here, q" refers to the heat flux, k refers to the thermal conductivity of the heat-conducting material, and l refers to the thickness of the heat-conducting material. At this time, the heat-conducting material may be air, and the thermal conductivity (k) of the air, the heating element 123, and the second temperature The distance between sensors 122 can be used as the l value.

Additionally, the processor 130 may estimate the heat flux by directly using the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature. For example, the processor 130 may determine the heat flux corresponding to the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature using a pre-stored model regarding the relationship between the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature and the heat flux.

In another embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include one more heating element in the main body, and the processor may estimate the heat flux using the included heating element.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to another embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the structure of an electronic device.

4 and 5, the electronic device 100 may further include a second heating element 125 between the heating element 123 and the second temperature sensor 122, for example, on the lower contact surface of the second temperature sensor 122. The processor 130 may drive the second heating element 125 to estimate the power (W/m ² ) of the second heating element 125 at the point when the first temperature and the second temperature become the same as the heat flux. . For example, when the processor 130 drives the second heating element 125 and the first temperature and the second temperature are the same, the heat flux from the core to the skin surface and the heat flux from the second heating element 125 to the skin surface are zero heat flux. A state of thermal balance is created, and the heat flux at that time can be estimated through the power of the second heating element 125. At this time, in order to accurately estimate the heat flux, the first temperature sensor 121, the second heating element 125, and the second temperature sensor 122 may be positioned in series on the same line.

Next, the processor 130 can drive the first heating element 123 to estimate the perfusion amount based on the phase difference between the temperature of the first heating element 123 and the first temperature, which can be expressed by Equation 2 there is. In general, perfusion refers to the amount of blood passing through blood vessels per minute.

here is the perfusion volume, is the density of subcutaneous tissue such as fat layer, is the density of blood, is the matching specific gravity of the subcutaneous tissue, is the matched specific heat of blood, is the predetermined frequency of the heater, means the phase difference between the temperature of the heating element 123 and the first temperature. , , and A predetermined value may be used for general purposes.

At this time, the processor 130 may control the on/off of the first heating element 123 so that the temperature phase of the first heating element 123 has a sine cycle. For example, when the processor 130 drives the first heating element 123 so that the temperature phase over time has a sine wave cycle, the first temperature, which is the skin surface temperature, also has a sine wave cycle, so that the first heating element 123 The phase follows, and as a result, a phase difference occurs between the temperature of the first heating element 123 and the first temperature. The phase difference that occurs at this time ( ) can be substituted into Equation 2 above to obtain the perfusion rate.

At this time, the processor 130 can adjust the frequency of the first heating element 123 according to the user's selection, and as a result, the part from which the perfusion amount is to be obtained can be selected among body parts (e.g., skin layer, fat layer, muscle layer).

Figure 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the frequency of the heating element and the heat penetration depth.

Referring to Figure 6, if you want to obtain the perfusion rate of a relatively deep area such as the fat layer or muscle layer, the driving frequency of the heating element must be lowered to, for example, 0.015 Hz or less, and if you want to obtain the perfusion amount of a relatively shallow area, the skin layer. In this case, it can be seen that the driving frequency of the heating element must be increased to, for example, 0.015 Hz or more.

Additionally, the processor 130 may estimate the thermal contact resistance that occurs when the main body 110 contacts the skin surface and correct the perfusion amount based on the estimation result.

In general, thermal contact resistance is a phenomenon in which when heat flows through the contact surface between two substances in physical contact, the thermal resistance is formed higher at the contact surface than at other points. It can be measured as the temperature difference between the two objects divided by the heat flux. For example, when the main body 110 of the electronic device 100 is in contact with the skin surface (eg, wrist), thermal contact resistance may occur, and the thermal contact resistance may affect the accuracy of the estimated perfusion volume. Accordingly, the processor 130 can correct the estimated perfusion amount by estimating the thermal contact resistance between the main body 110 and the skin surface. For example, the average or standard thermal contact resistance for a plurality of cycles is changed by changing the frequency of the heating element. The estimated perfusion volume can be corrected by calculating the deviation and using the calculated average or standard deviation as a correction value.

In one embodiment, the processor 130 may independently drive the first heating element 123 and the second heating element 125. This is to minimize interference between the heat generated by the first heating element 123 and the heat generated by the second heating element 125. For example, when trying to estimate the perfusion rate, the processor 130 may drive only the first heating element 123 and not the second heating element 125, and when trying to estimate the heat flux, only the second heating element 125 may be driven. and the first heating element 123 may not be driven. Driving the heating element of the processor 130 is not limited to this.

Next, the processor 130 may estimate the user's core body temperature based on the first temperature, the estimated heat flux, and the estimated perfusion rate. At this time, the electronic device 100 may further include a pulse wave sensor (eg, photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor) that measures the pulse wave signal of the subject. For example, the processor 130 further estimates the amount of heat generated by metabolism based on the PPG signal acquired by the PPG sensor, and the user's heat generation amount is based on the first temperature, the estimated heat flux, the estimated perfusion amount, and the estimated heat generation amount. Core body temperature can be estimated.

First, the processor 130 may estimate the amount of heat generated by metabolism in the user's body based on the user's heart rate, age, height, and weight.

For example, the processor 130 may estimate the amount of heat generated by the user's metabolism based on age, height, weight, and heart rate. At this time, the heart rate can be estimated by extracting the heart rate from the PPG signal input by the user, received from an external device, or measured by the PPG sensor 124.

The processor 130 uses a known relational formula using the equivalent metabolic rate, MWC (Maximum Work Capacity), metabolic rate in a resting state, the average value of heart rate (HR), and the user's gender, age, height, weight, etc. as variables. Through this, the amount of heat generated by the user's metabolism can be estimated.

As another example, the processor 130 may estimate the user's basal metabolic rate through a known relational equation that estimates the user's basal metabolic rate based on age, height, and weight. At this time, the processor 130 may estimate the amount of heat generated by the user's metabolism based on the estimated basal metabolic rate multiplied by a constant constant according to the user's activity level, such as the number of exercises, distance traveled, etc.

However, the processor 130 does not estimate the amount of heat generated by the user's metabolism, but receives the amount of heat generated by the user's metabolism estimated from an external device through a communication unit that communicates with the external device, or receives the amount of heat generated by the user's metabolism in advance. It may be possible.

Next, the processor 130 calculates the first temperature (T ₁ ), the estimated heat flux ( ), estimated perfusion volume ( ), and the estimated amount of heat generation can be applied to the human body heat model to estimate the user's core body temperature, which can be expressed by Equation 3 and Equation 4.

Here, T _core refers to the core body temperature, and k refers to the thermal conductivity of the user's wrist tissue, for example, and may be a universally predetermined value or may be defined differently depending on the characteristics of each user. At this time, the user's wrist tissue may include muscles, fat, bones, skin, etc. of the user's wrist. is the amount of heat generation, R is the user's wrist radius that can be input from the user, and I ₀ and I ₁ correspond to the Bessel function that constitutes the solution to the heat transfer differential equation.

In general, various measurement values are required to measure core body temperature, but due to the structure of a wearable device, there is a limit to inserting all sensors corresponding to the necessary measurement values into the body. According to the above embodiment, there is an advantage in that the device can be miniaturized by reducing the number of sensors, and the accuracy of estimation can be increased by estimating core body temperature using a human body thermal model.

7 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, the electronic device 700 includes a sensor 120 including a first temperature sensor 121, a second temperature sensor 122, and a PPG sensor 124 within the main body 110, and a first heating element ( 123), a second heating element 125, a processor 130, a storage unit 740, an output unit 750, and a communication unit 760. At this time, the configurations of the sensor 120, the first heating element 123, the second heating element 125, and the processor 130 are the same as those in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 4, so detailed descriptions are omitted.

The storage unit 740 may store information related to core body temperature estimation. For example, temperature data through the sensor 120, the thickness and thermal conductivity of the heat-conducting material, the selected frequency of the heating element, and the processing results of the processor 130, such as heat flux, volumetric flow rate, and heat generation amount, can be stored.

The storage unit 740 is a flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, or card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory, etc.). , Random Access Memory (RAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), magnetic memory, It includes, but is not limited to, storage media such as magnetic disks and optical disks.

The output unit 750 may provide the processing results of the processor 130 to the user. For example, the processor 130 may provide the user's estimated core body temperature to the user in a visual or non-visual manner.

Additionally, the output unit 750 may include a display. For example, the output unit 750 may display the estimated core body temperature value estimated by the processor 130 on the display. At this time, if the estimated core body temperature value is outside the normal range, the color or thickness of the line can be adjusted so that the user can easily recognize it, or the normal range can be displayed together to provide information such as a warning to the user.

In addition, the output unit 750 provides an estimate of core body temperature to the user in a non-visual manner such as voice, vibration, or touch using a voice output module such as a speaker or a haptic module, either alone or together with a visual indication on the display. can do.

The display may include a touch circuitry configured to detect a touch and/or a sensor circuit configured to measure the intensity of force generated by the touch (such as a pressure sensor). The audio module can convert sound into electrical signals or, conversely, convert electrical signals into sound. The audio module can output sound through speakers and/or headphones of another electronic device directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device. The haptic module can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimulation (vibration, movement, etc.) or electrical stimulation that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic senses. Haptic modules may include motors, piezoelectric elements, and/or electrical stimulation devices.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams showing content related to core body temperature displayed on the display of the electronic device 700 according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the display 840a is placed on the front of the wearable device and can display the estimated core body temperature value, and the display 840b is placed on the front of the smart device and can display the estimated core body temperature value, It can display daily fluctuations in core body temperature values, sleep quality related to core body temperature estimation, etc. At this time, the smart device links with an external additional electronic device, such as a wristwatch-type wearable device or an ear-type wearable device, estimates core body temperature based on data measured through the sensor unit of the external additional electronic device, and estimates the core body temperature. The body temperature value can be displayed on the display 840b. However, the output of the core body temperature estimate value to the displays 840a and 840b is not limited to this and may be freely modified.

Referring again to FIG. 7, the communication unit 760 can communicate with an external device to transmit and receive various data related to core body temperature estimation. External devices may include information processing devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, desktop PCs, and laptop PCs. For example, the communication unit 760 can transmit the core body temperature estimation result to an external device such as a smartphone, and the user can monitor the estimated core body temperature over time through the smartphone.

The communication unit 760 includes Bluetooth communication, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication, Near Field Communication (NFC), WLAN communication, Zigbee communication, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication, and WFD. Various wired and wireless communication technologies including (Wi-Fi Direct) communication, UWB (ultra-wideband) communication, Ant+ communication, WIFI communication, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) communication, 3G communication, 4G communication, 5G communication, and 6G communication. You can use it to communicate with external devices. However, it is not limited to this.

Figure 9 is a flowchart of a method for estimating core body temperature according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a method for estimating core body temperature performed by the electronic device 100 according to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 4 . Since it has been described in detail previously, it will be briefly explained to avoid redundant explanation.

Referring to FIG. 9, first, the electronic device can measure the first temperature of the skin surface by the first temperature sensor when the subject contacts the main body (910), and the electronic device is disposed at a predetermined distance from the first temperature sensor. The second temperature inside the main body can be measured by a second temperature sensor disposed at a greater distance than the first heating element (920).

Next, the electronic device may estimate the heat flux based on the first temperature and the second temperature (930). At this time, in the step of estimating the heat flux, the heat flux may be estimated based on the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature and the thickness and thermal conductivity of the heat-conducting material. In addition, the electronic device may estimate the heat flux by directly using the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature, and may also estimate the heat flux by using a heating element included in the electronic device by including an additional heating element.

Next, the electronic device can estimate the perfusion amount by driving the first heating element (940). At this time, the electronic device can estimate the perfusion amount based on the phase difference between the temperature of the first heating element and the first temperature, estimate the thermal contact resistance that occurs when the main body contacts the skin surface, and estimate the amount of perfusion based on the estimation result. Perfusion volume can be corrected.

Next, the electronic device may estimate the amount of heat generated by metabolism based on, for example, a PPG signal acquired by a pulse wave sensor (e.g., a PPG sensor) (950), the first temperature, the estimated heat flux, and the estimated perfusion rate. , and the user's core body temperature can be estimated based on the estimated amount of heat generation (960). At this time, the electronic device may estimate the user's core body temperature by applying the first temperature, the estimated heat flux, the estimated perfusion amount, and the estimated heat generation amount to the human body thermal model.

The electronic device may then provide the estimated core body temperature results to the user by a visual or non-visual method (970). For example, the electronic device may display the estimated core body temperature value on the display. At this time, if the estimated core body temperature value is outside the normal range, the color or thickness of the line can be adjusted so that the user can easily recognize it, or the normal range can be displayed together to provide information such as a warning to the user.

10 to 13 are diagrams illustrating structures of electronic devices for estimating core body temperature. Electronic devices include, but are not limited to, smart watches, smart phones, smart bands, smart glasses, smart necklaces, and ear-type wearable devices.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the electronic device may be implemented as a smart watch-type wearable device 1000 and may include a main body (MB) and a wrist strap (ST).

The main body MB may be formed to have various shapes. A battery that supplies power to various components may be built into the main body (MB) and/or strap (ST). The strap ST is connected to both ends of the main body, allows the main body to be worn on the user's wrist, and may be flexible so that it can be bent into a shape that surrounds the user's wrist. The strap ST may be composed of a first strap and a second strap that are separated from each other. One end of the first strap and the second strap are respectively connected to both sides of the main body MB, and may be fastened to each other using a fastening means formed on the other end of the first strap and the second strap. At this time, the fastening means may be formed by magnetic coupling, Velcro coupling, pin coupling, etc., but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the strap ST is not limited to this and may be formed as an integral piece, such as a band, that are not separated from each other.

The main body (MB) may include a sensor 1010, a processor, a heating element, an output unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit. However, depending on the size and shape of the form factor, some of the display unit, storage unit, and communication unit may be omitted.

The manipulation unit 1060 may be formed on the side of the main body MB as shown. The manipulation unit 1060 may receive a user's command and transmit it to the processor. Additionally, the manipulation unit 1060 may include a power button that turns the wearable device 1000 on/off.

The sensor 1010 may include temperature sensors disposed at a plurality of different locations and may be attached to a structure within the main body. For example, a smart watch may include a first temperature sensor that measures the first temperature of the skin surface when the subject contacts the body and a second temperature sensor that measures the second temperature inside the body. Additionally, a plurality of heating elements may be disposed within the main body between the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.

The processor mounted on the main body (MB) may be electrically connected to various components, including the sensor 1010. With the strap wrapped around the wrist and the body worn on the wrist, the processor drives a plurality of heating elements to estimate the heat flux and perfusion amount, and calculates the user's core body temperature based on the first temperature, the estimated heat flux, and the estimated perfusion amount. It can be estimated. At this time, the sensor 1010 may further include a PPG sensor that measures the PPG signal of the subject, and the processor estimates the amount of heat generated by metabolism based on the PPG signal acquired by the PPG sensor, determines the first temperature, The user's core body temperature can be estimated based on the estimated heat flux, estimated perfusion amount, and estimated heat generation amount.

Referring to FIG. 11, the electronic device may be implemented as a mobile device 1100 such as a smart phone.

Mobile device 1100 may include a housing and a display panel. The housing may form the exterior of mobile device 1100. A display panel and a cover glass may be sequentially arranged on the first side of the housing, and the display panel may be exposed to the outside through the cover glass. A sensor 1110, a heating element, a camera module, and/or an infrared sensor may be disposed on the second side of the housing.

In one embodiment, a plurality of sensors capable of acquiring data from the user may be placed on the rear of the main body of the mobile device 1100, such as a fingerprint sensor on the front of the main body, a power button on the side, a volume button, or separate locations on the front and back of the main body. Sensors are also placed to estimate the user's core body temperature.

In addition, when a user requests core body temperature measurement by executing an application mounted on the mobile device 1100, data is acquired using the sensor 1110 and a heating element, and core body temperature is obtained using the processor within the mobile device 1100. It can measure and provide health-related guidance information related to measured values and core body temperature to the user through the display.

Referring to FIG. 12, the electronic device may also be implemented as an ear wearable device 1200.

The ear wearable device 1200 may include a main body and an ear strap. Users can wear the ear straps by hanging them around their ears. The ear strap can be omitted depending on the shape of the ear wearable device 1200. The body can be inserted into the user's external auditory meatus. A sensor 1210 and a heating element may be mounted on the main body. Next, the wearable device 1200 can provide the core body temperature measurement results and core body temperature-related guidance information to the user through sound, or transmit them to an external device such as a mobile phone, tablet, PC, etc. through a communication module provided inside the main body.

Referring to FIG. 13, the electronic device 1300 may also be implemented as a patch type.

For example, the electronic device 1300 may be fixedly placed with a strap at a body measurement location (e.g., upper arm) to estimate the user's core body temperature. At this time, the electronic device 1300 provides the estimated body temperature to the user through sound or a display, or to an external device such as a mobile, tablet, PC, or other medical device through a communication module provided inside the electronic device 1300. Can be transmitted.

Meanwhile, these embodiments can be implemented as computer-readable codes on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include all types of recording devices that store data that can be read by a computer system.

Examples of computer-readable recording media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage devices, and can also be implemented in the form of a carrier wave (e.g., transmission via the Internet). Includes. Additionally, the computer-readable recording medium can be distributed across computer systems connected to a network, so that computer-readable code can be stored and executed in a distributed manner. And functional programs, codes, and code segments for implementing the present embodiments can be easily deduced by programmers in the technical field to which the present invention pertains.

A person skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will understand that it can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the disclosed technical idea or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

100, 700: Electronic devices
110: main body 120: sensor
121: first temperature sensor 122: second temperature sensor
123: first heating element 124: PPG sensor
125: second heating element 740: storage unit
750: output unit 760: communication unit

Claims (20)

a first temperature sensor that measures a first temperature of the skin surface when the subject contacts the main body;
a first heating element disposed at a predetermined distance from the first temperature sensor;
a second temperature sensor disposed at a predetermined distance from the first heating element to measure a second temperature inside the main body; and
The heat flux is estimated based on the first temperature and the second temperature, the perfusion rate is estimated by driving the first heating element, and the user's core body temperature is calculated based on the first temperature, the estimated heat flux, and the estimated perfusion rate. An electronic device that includes a processor. According to paragraph 1,
The processor is
An electronic device that estimates the heat flux based on the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature. According to paragraph 1,
The processor is
An electronic device that drives the first heating element to estimate the volumetric flow rate based on a phase difference between the temperature of the first heating element and the first temperature. According to paragraph 3,
The processor is
An electronic device that controls on/off of the first heating element so that the temperature phase of the first heating element has a sine cycle. According to paragraph 3,
The processor is
An electronic device that estimates thermal contact resistance that occurs when the main body contacts the skin surface and corrects the estimated perfusion amount based on the estimation result. According to paragraph 1,
Further comprising a PPG sensor that measures a PPG (photoplethysmography) signal of the subject,
The processor is
Estimating the amount of heat generated by metabolism based on the PPG signal acquired by the PPG sensor, and estimating the core body temperature of the user based on the first temperature, estimated heat flux, estimated perfusion, and estimated heat generation electronic device that does. According to paragraph 1,
Further comprising a second heating element between the first heating element and the second temperature sensor,
The processor is
An electronic device that drives the second heating element to estimate the power of the second heating element at the point when the first temperature and the second temperature become the same as the heat flux. According to paragraph 1,
The first heating element and the second heating element are formed in a multi-layer structure. According to clause 8,
The processor is
An electronic device that independently drives the first heating element and the second heating element. According to paragraph 1,
An electronic device wherein at least one of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor is a contact temperature sensor. According to paragraph 1,
The first temperature sensor is located at the center of one end of the main body, and the second temperature sensor is located at the center of the other end of the main body. According to paragraph 1,
The electronic device further includes an output unit that provides the estimated user's core body temperature to the user in a visual or non-visual manner. In a method for an electronic device to estimate core body temperature,
measuring a first temperature of the skin surface by a first temperature sensor when the subject contacts the body;
measuring a second temperature inside the main body by a second temperature sensor disposed at a greater distance than a first heating element disposed at a predetermined distance from the first temperature sensor;
estimating heat flux based on the first temperature and the second temperature;
Estimating the perfusion rate by driving the first heating element; and
A method for estimating core body temperature including the step of estimating the user's core body temperature based on the first temperature, the estimated heat flux, and the estimated perfusion rate. According to clause 13,
The step of estimating the heat flux is
A method of estimating core body temperature for estimating the heat flux based on the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature. According to clause 13,
The step of estimating the perfusion amount is
A method of estimating core body temperature for estimating the perfusion amount based on a phase difference between the temperature of the first heating element and the first temperature. According to clause 13,
The step of estimating the perfusion amount is
A method of estimating core body temperature for estimating thermal contact resistance that occurs when the body contacts the skin surface and correcting the estimated perfusion amount based on the estimation result. According to clause 13,
The step of estimating the user's core body temperature is
Estimating the amount of heat generated by metabolism based on the PPG signal acquired by the PPG sensor, and estimating the core body temperature of the user based on the first temperature, the estimated heat flux, the estimated perfusion amount, and the estimated heat generation amount. How to estimate core body temperature. According to clause 13,
A method of estimating core body temperature further comprising providing the user's estimated core body temperature to the user in a visual or non-visual manner through an output unit. main body;
Straps connected to both ends of the main body;
a first temperature sensor that measures a first temperature of the skin surface when the subject contacts the main body;
a second temperature sensor measuring a second temperature inside the main body;
a plurality of heating elements disposed between the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor;
In a state where the strap wraps around the wrist and the main body is worn on the wrist, the plurality of heating elements are driven to estimate heat flux and perfusion rate, and the user's core is measured based on the first temperature, estimated heat flux, and estimated perfusion rate. A smartwatch containing a processor that estimates body temperature. According to clause 19,
Further comprising a PPG sensor that measures a PPG (photoplethysmography) signal of the subject,
The processor is
Estimating the amount of heat generated by metabolism based on the PPG signal acquired by the PPG sensor, and estimating the core body temperature of the user based on the first temperature, estimated heat flux, estimated perfusion, and estimated heat generation A smart watch that does.