(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2008/0177162 A1
`Bae et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jul. 24, 2008
`
`IJS20080l77l62A1
`
`(54) BIOSIGNAL MEASUREMENT APPARATUS
`AND THE METHOD THEREOF
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors:
`
`Sang Gon Bae, Seongnam-si (KR);
`Kun S00 Shin, Seongnam-si (KR);
`Kun Kook Park, Suwon-si (KR);
`S00 Kwan Kim, Seongnarn-si
`(KR); Youn Ho Kim, Hwasung-si
`(KR)
`
`Jan. 24, 2007
`
`(KR) ...................... .. 10-2007-0007596
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`A61B 5/1455
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(52) U.S. Cl. ....................................... .. 600/323; 600/587
`
`Correspondence Address:
`STAAS & HALSEY LLP
`SUITE 700, 1201 NEW YORK AVENUE, N.W.
`WASHINGTON, DC 20005
`
`(73) Assignee:
`
`SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS
`CO., LTD., Suwon-si (KR)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`12/007,685
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jan. 14, 2008
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A biosignal measurement apparatus including: a headset; a
`member being detachable from the headset, and being
`attached onto an ear of a user; a PPG sensor being attached
`onto the member to detect a PPG signal from the ear of the
`user; and an acceleration sensor being attached onto the mem-
`ber to detect an acceleration signal due to a motion ofthe user
`from the ear of the user is provided.
`
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`PHOTO
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`
`001
`
`Apple Inc.
`APL1023
`
`U.S. Patent No.
`
`8,923,941
`
`Apple Inc.
`APL1023
`U.S. Patent No. 8,923,941
`
`001
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 24, 2008 Sheet 1 of 5
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 24, 2008 Sheet 4 of 5
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`Patent Application Publication
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`
`US 2008/0177162 A1
`
`Jul. 24, 2008
`
`BIOSIGNAL MEASUREMENT APPARATUS
`AND THE METHOD THEREOF
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`
`[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent
`Application No. 10-2007-0007596, filed on Jan. 24, 2007, in
`the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of
`which is incorporated herein by reference.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`1. Field
`[0002]
`[0003] Embodiments relate to a biosignal measurement
`sensor instrument and a headset instrument having the bio-
`signal measurement sensor instrument and a pendant instru-
`ment having the biosignal measurement sensor instrument,
`and more particularly, to a biosignal measurement sensor
`instrument which can provide a photoplethysmography
`(PPG) sensor and an acceleration sensor to a member, detach-
`able from a headset or a pendant, to be adjacent to each other,
`detect a PPG signal and an acceleration signal from an ear of
`a user, and eliminate noise in the PPG signal using the accel-
`eration signal when the member contacts with the ear of the
`user, and thereby can more accurately detect and eliminate
`dynamic noise included in the PPG signal due to a motion of
`the user and provide user convenience, and a headset instru-
`ment having the bio signal measurement sensor instrument
`and a pendant instrument having the biosignal measurement
`sensor instrument
`
`2. Description of the Related Art
`[0004]
`[0005] As used in the present specification, the term “Ubiq-
`uitous” means an information communication environment
`
`where a user can be free to access networks at any place
`without being conscious ofthe surrounding networks or com-
`puters. If ubiquitous is commercialized, anyone can readily
`use information technology not only at home or in a car, but
`also even on a mountaintop. Also, the commercialization of
`Ubiquitous may expand the information technology industry
`or the scope corresponding thereto by increasing the number
`ofcomputer users who are connected to networks. Because of
`its advantage that users can access networks without restric-
`tion to time and place, not to mention its portability and
`convenience, countries worldwide are expanding develop-
`ment and competing in Ubiquitous-related technology now.
`[0006] Ubiquitous-related technology may be applied to
`myriad field in human life. In particular, Ubiquitous-Health-
`Care (hereinafter, U-HealthCare) has recently been in the
`spotlight as a notable technology area due to the “well-being”
`boom. U-HealthCare means Ubiquitous technology which
`enables anyone to readily receive medical services at any time
`and at any place by installing medical service-related chips or
`sensors in places of the user’s living space. With U-Health-
`Care, various types of medical attention, such as physical
`examinations, disease management, emergency care, consul-
`tation with a doctor and the like, which currently are only
`performed in hospitals, may be naturally integrated into our
`daily lives, thus may be accomplished without going to a
`hospital.
`For example, a diabetic may wear a belt having a
`[0007]
`blood-sugar management system for blood-sugar manage-
`ment. A blood-sugar sensor attached to the belt may check the
`blood-sugar of the diabetic upon a specified occasion, and
`calculate the amount of required insulin corresponding
`
`thereto. When the blood-sugar of the diabetic becomes dras-
`tically low or high, the belt may provide the blood-sugar
`information to his/her attending physician using a wireless
`network, and the attending physician who has received the
`blood-sugar information may write out an optimal prescrip-
`tion or take the optimal action for the medical emergency.
`[0008] As an example of U-HealthCare, a portable biosig-
`nal measurement device to measure the user’s biosignal using
`an optical sensor is being widely utilized. The user may carry
`the portable biosignal measurement device at all times and
`measure various types of biosignals and thereby may prepare
`for an emergency situation. Accordingly, the portable biosig-
`nal measurement device may be regarded as a device capable
`of showing advantages of U-HealthCare.
`[0009] The portable biosignal measurement apparatus
`includes
`a photoplethysmography (PPG) measurement
`device. A PPG includes information about a level of periph-
`eral vasoconstriction, and increase and decrease in a cardiac
`output. Therefore, a physiological status associated with an
`arterial tube may be understood using the PPG measurement
`device. Also, the PPG measurement device may be generally
`utilized as an auxiliary diagnostic device for a particular
`disease.
`
`[0010] Generally, a PPG signal may be measured from a
`user’s finger, earlobe, and the like. Specifically, a detector
`may detect the user’s PPG signal by detecting light, passing
`through the finger, earlobe, and the like, from a light source.
`However, when a PPG signal is weak, for example, a PPG
`signal detected from the earlobe, and the like, a normal PPG
`signal may not be detected.
`[0011] When a measurement device measures a PPG signal
`from a body portion corresponding to a weak signal source,
`such as the earlobe, and the like, a level ofthe PPG signal may
`be less than noise ofthe measurement device. Specifically, the
`level of the PPG signal may be less than a system noise level.
`Therefore, although the weak PPG signal is amplified, the
`system noise is also amplified and thus a desired PPG signal
`may not be accurately detected.
`[0012] As described, when measuring a PPG signal from
`the earlobe, the most important issue is to eliminate dynamic
`noise which is caused by a motion of a system. When an
`apparatus to measure a PPG signal is configured to be por-
`table, the apparatus is generally included in a headset. Spe-
`cifically, a PPG sensor may be provided on a speaker area of
`the headset, contacting with the ear of a user, so that the user
`may readily measure the PPG signal while listening to music
`using the headset.
`the headset may not
`in this instance,
`[0013] However,
`closely adhere to the ear ofthe user at all times and thus a PPG
`signal may not be accurately measured. Also, significant
`noise may occur due to the motion of the headset.
`[0014] Accordingly, there is a need for a portable biosignal
`measurement device capable of accurately detecting and
`eliminating dynamic noise, caused by a motion of a user,
`when measuring a PPG signal from the ear of the user, and
`thereby providing user convenience.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`[0015] Additional aspects and/or advantages will be set
`forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will
`be apparent from the description, or may be learned by prac-
`tice of the invention.
`
`[0016] An aspect of the present invention provides a bio-
`signal measurement apparatus which can provide a photopl-
`
`O07
`
`007
`
`

`
`US 2008/0177162 A1
`
`Jul. 24, 2008
`
`ethysmography (PPG) sensor and an acceleration sensor to be
`adjacent to each other to detect an acceleration signal having
`greater relation with dynamic noise included in a PPG signal,
`and eliminate the dynamic noise in the PPG signal using the
`acceleration signal, and thereby can more accurately measure
`a PPG signal of a user. In this instance, the PPG sensor detects
`the PPG signal from (the ear of) the user. Also, the accelera-
`tion sensor detects the acceleration signal from (the ear of) the
`user.
`
`[0017] Another aspect of the present invention also pro-
`vides a biosignal measurement headset device which can
`provide a PPG sensor and an acceleration sensor to a member,
`detachable from a headset and attached onto the ear of a user,
`to be adjacent to each other, and detect an acceleration signal
`having greater relation with dynamic noise included in a PPG
`signal and eliminate the dynamic noise in the PPG signal, and
`thereby can more accurately measure the PPG signal. In this
`instance, the PPG sensor detects the PPG signal from the ear
`of the user. Also, the acceleration sensor detects the accelera-
`tion signal from the ear of the user.
`[0018] Another aspect of the present invention also pro-
`vides a biosignal measurement pendant device which can
`provide a PPG sensor and an acceleration sensor to a member,
`detachable from a pendant and attached onto the ear of a user,
`to be adjacent to each other, and detect an acceleration signal
`having greater relation with dynamic noise included in a PPG
`signal and eliminate the dynamic noise in the PPG signal, and
`thereby can more accurately measure the PPG signal. In this
`instance, the PPG sensor detects the PPG signal from the ear
`of the user. Also, the acceleration sensor detects the accelera-
`tion signal from the ear of the user.
`[0019] According to an aspect of the present invention,
`there is provided a biosignal measurement sensor device
`including: a member being attached onto an ear of a user; a
`PPG sensor being attached onto the member to detect a PPG
`signal from the ear of the user; and an acceleration sensor
`being attached onto the member to detect an acceleration
`signal due to a motion of the user from the ear of the user.
`[0020] According to another aspect of the present inven-
`tion,
`there is provided a biosignal measurement headset
`device including: a headset; a member being detachable from
`the headset, and being attached onto an ear of a user; a PPG
`sensor being attached onto the member to detect a PPG signal
`from the ear of the user; and an acceleration sensor being
`attached onto the member to detect an acceleration signal due
`to a motion of the user from the ear of the user.
`
`[0021] According to still another aspect of the present
`invention, there is provided a biosignal measurement pendant
`device including: a pendant; a member being detachable from
`the pendant, and being attached onto an ear of a user; a PPG
`sensor being attached onto the member to detect a PPG signal
`from the ear of the user; and an acceleration sensor being
`attached onto the member to detect an acceleration signal due
`to a motion of the user from the ear of the user.
`
`[0022] Additional aspects, features, and/or advantages of
`the invention will be set forth in part in the description which
`follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or
`may be learned by practice of the invention.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0023] These and/or other aspects, features, and advantages
`of the invention will become apparent and more readily
`
`appreciated from the following description of exemplary
`embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
`drawings of which:
`[0024]
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrates a configuration
`of a biosignal measurement pendant device according to an
`exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
`[0025]
`FIG. 2 illustrates a substantially configured form of
`a biosignal measurement pendant apparatus according to an
`exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
`[0026]
`FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration
`of a biosignal measurement headset device according to an
`exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
`[0027]
`FIG. 4 illustrates a substantially configured form of
`a biosignal measurement headset device according to an
`exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and
`[0028]
`FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration
`of a biosignal measurement sensor device according to an
`exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0029] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary
`embodiments ofthe present invention, examples ofwhich are
`illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like ref-
`erence numerals refer to the like elements throughout. Exem-
`plary embodiments are describedbelow to explain the present
`invention by referring to the figures.
`[0030]
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration
`of a biosignal measurement pendant device according to an
`exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
`[0031] The biosignal measurement pendant device accord-
`ing to the present exemplary embodiment includes a member
`110 and a pendant 120.
`[0032] The member 110 may be designed to be detachable
`from the pendant 120. The form of the member 110 and the
`pendant 120 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
`present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2.
`[0033]
`FIG. 2 illustrates a substantially configured form of
`a biosignal measurement pendant device according to an
`exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
`[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, a pendant 220 may be embodied
`in a form of a necklace. The pendant 220 may connect with a
`portable device, such as a Motion Picture Experts Group
`Audio Layer 3 (MP3) player, a mobile communication ter-
`minal, a compact disc (CD) player, a portable game device,
`and the like. Also, the pendant 220 may connect the portable
`device and an earphone 230. Specifically, when the portable
`device corresponds to an MP3 player, the pendant 220 may
`receive sound from the MP3 player and provide a user with
`the sound using the earphone 230.
`[0035]
`In this instance, a member 210 may be detachable
`from the pendant 220. Specifically, the member 210 may be
`integrally attached onto the pendant 220. Also, the member
`210 may be detached from the pendant 220 by a user and then
`attached onto an ear of the user. As shown in FIG. 2, the
`member 210 may be formed in a shape of tongs. Specifically,
`the user may detach the member 210 from the pendant 220
`and attach the member 21 0 onto the user’s ear so that the tongs
`may be clipped onto the user’s ear. The member 210 and the
`pendant 220 may connect with each other using a wired line
`or using a local communication network.
`
`008
`
`008
`
`

`
`US 2008/0177162 A1
`
`Jul. 24, 2008
`
`[0036] Referring again to FIG. 1, the member 110 where a
`photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor 111, an acceleration
`sensor 114, and a first communication interface 115 are
`accommodated in.
`
`[0037] The PPG sensor 111 includes a luminous element
`112 and a photo detector 113. As described above with refer-
`ence to FIG. 2, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
`present invention, the member 110 may be formed in a shape
`of tongs. In FIG. 1, when the member 110 is formed in the
`shape of tongs, the luminous element 112 and the photo
`detector 113 may be provided on inner surfaces of the tongs
`respectively. Specifically, when the member 110 formed in
`the shape of tongs is clipped onto the ear of the user, the
`luminous element 112 and the photo detector 113 may be
`attached onto both sides of the ear of the user, respectively,
`and thereby closely contact with the ear of the user.
`[0038] The luminous element 112 may include a light emit-
`ting diode (LED, not shown). Also, in addition to the LED, the
`luminous element 112 may include any type of material,
`which can emit light towards the skin of the user to measure
`a PPG signal.
`[0039] The photo detector 113 detects light from the ear of
`the user. Specifically, the photo detector 113 detects the light,
`which is emitted from the luminous element 112 towards the
`ear of the user, from the ear of the user.
`[0040] An acceleration sensor 114 is attached onto the
`member 110 to detect an acceleration signal due to a motion
`of the user from the ear of the user. The acceleration sensor
`
`114 may be provided to be adjacent to the PPG sensor 111.
`Specifically, when the member 110 in the shape of tongs is
`closely clipped onto the ear of the user, the acceleration
`sensor 114 is provided in parallel with the PPG sensor 111
`contacting with the ear of the user and thereby may measure
`the acceleration signal from the ear of the user.
`[0041] As described above, when the PPG sensor 111 and
`the acceleration sensor 114 are provided to be adjacent to
`each other, a dynamic noise signal due to the motion of the
`user may be more accurately detected using the acceleration
`sensor 114. Specifically, the dynamic noise signal occurs due
`to the motion of the user and is included in the PPG signal. In
`this instance, the dynamic noise signal may be more accu-
`rately eliminated by using the acceleration signal which is
`detected using the acceleration sensor 114.
`[0042] The dynamic noise signal included in the PPG sig-
`nal is physically different from the acceleration signal. How-
`ever, when the acceleration signal and the dynamic noise
`signal are significantly related, the dynamic noise signal may
`be accurately detected and eliminated in the PPG signal.
`Accordingly, to accurately detect the dynamic noise signal, a
`measurement location of the acceleration signal should be set
`to a location having a greater relation with a measurement
`location of the PPG signal.
`[0043]
`Specifically, in the biosignal measurement pendant
`device according to the present exemplary embodiment
`shown in FIG. 1, when the PPG sensor 111 and the accelera-
`tion sensor 114 are attached onto the member 110 to be
`
`adjacent to each other, it is possible to increase the relation
`between the acceleration signal and the dynamic noise signal.
`Specifically, it is possible to accurately detect and eliminate
`the dynamic noise signal included in the PPG signal by using
`the acceleration signal.
`[0044] Also, in FIG. 1, when the member 110 is provided
`separately from the pendant 120 and an earphone 140, and the
`member 110 is closely clipped onto the ear of the user to be
`
`motionless, it is possible to reduce a noise signal occurrence
`of a system, which may be caused by motion of the earphone
`140 or the pendant 120. Accordingly, it is possible to more
`accurately detect an acceleration signal having greater rela-
`tion with the dynamic noise signal included in the PPG signal.
`It is understood that a shape of the member is not limited to.
`[0045] The first communication interface 115 is located in
`the member 110. The first communication interface 115
`
`transmits the detected PPG signal and the acceleration signal
`to the pendant 120. In this instance, the first communication
`interface 115 may be configured as a predetermined input/
`output terminal to make a wired connection with the pendant
`120. Also, the first communication interface 115 may be
`configured as a predetermined local communication module
`to make a wireless connection with the pendant 120.
`[0046] A second communication interface 121, a signal
`processing module 122, and a control unit 123 are accommo-
`dated in the pendant 120.
`[0047] The second communication interface 121 receives
`the PPG signal and the acceleration signal from the member
`110. In this instance, the second communication interface 121
`may be configured as a predetermined input/output terminal
`to make a wired connection with the member 110. Also, the
`second communication interface 121 may be configured as a
`predetermined local communication module to make a wire-
`less connection with the member 110.
`
`[0048] The signal processing module 122 eliminates the
`dynamic noise signal included in the PPG signal by using the
`acceleration signal. As the dynamic noise signal is elimi-
`nated, the signal processing module 122 may more accurately
`measure a PPG signal of the user. Specifically, the signal
`processing module 122 may eliminate the dynamic noise
`signal, and also may create various types of biosignal infor-
`mation of the user from the PPG signal in which the dynamic
`noise signal is eliminated.
`[0049] The signal processing module 122 may transmit the
`PPG signal in which the dynamic noise signal is eliminated,
`to a portable device 130 using the second communication
`interface 121. In this instance, the second communication
`interface 121 may be configured as a predetermined input/
`output terminal to make a wired connection with the portable
`device 130. Also, the second communication interface 121
`may be configured as a predetermined local communication
`module to make a wireless connection with the portable
`device 130.
`
`[0050] Also, unless the signal processing module 122
`eliminates the dynamic noise signal in the PPG signal by
`using the acceleration signal, the control unit 123 may trans-
`mit the PPG signal and the acceleration signal to the portable
`device 130, which are received from the member 110, using
`the second communication interface 121. Specifically,
`instead of the pendant 120, the portable device 130 may
`eliminate the dynamic noise signal in the PPG signal. Also,
`the control unit 123 may receive a sound signal from the
`portable device 130, and output the sound signal using the
`earphone 140.
`[0051]
`FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration
`of a biosignal measurement headset device according to an
`exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
`[0052] The biosignal measurement headset device accord-
`ing to the present exemplary embodiment includes a member
`310 and a headset 320.
`
`[0053] The member 310 may be designed to be detachable
`from the headset 320. The form of the member 310 and the
`
`009
`
`009
`
`

`
`US 2008/0177162 A1
`
`Jul. 24, 2008
`
`headset 320 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
`present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 4.
`[0054]
`FIG. 4 illustrates a substantially configured form of
`a biosignal measurement headset device according to an
`exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
`[0055] A headset 420 may connect with a portable device,
`such as an MP3 player, a mobile communication terminal, a
`CD player, a portable game device, and the like. A member
`410 may be detachable from the headset 420. Specifically, the
`member 410 may be integrally attached onto the headset 420.
`Also, the member 410 may be detached from the headset 420
`by a user and then attached onto the ear of the user. In this
`instance, the member 410 may be formed in a shape of tongs
`as shown in FIG. 4. Specifically, the user may detach the
`member 41 0 from the headset 420 and then attach the member
`
`410 in the shape of tongs onto the user’s ear so that the tongs
`may be clipped on the user’s ear. The member 410 and the
`headset 420 may connect with each other using wireless
`interface, a wired line or a local communication network.
`[0056] Referring again to FIG. 3, the member 310 includes
`a PPG sensor 311, an acceleration sensor 314, and a first
`communication interface 315.
`
`[0057] The PPG sensor 311 includes a luminous element
`312 and a photo detector 313. As described above with refer-
`ence to FIG. 4, according to the present exemplary embodi-
`ment, the member 310 may be formed in a shape of tongs. In
`FIG. 3, when the member 310 is formed in the shape oftongs,
`the luminous element 312 and the photo detector 313 may be
`provided on inner surfaces of the tongs respectively. Specifi-
`cally, when the member 310 formed in the shape of tongs is
`clipped onto the ear ofthe user, the luminous element 312 and
`the photo detector 313 may be attached onto both sides of the
`ear of the user, respectively, and thereby closely contact with
`the ear of the user.
`
`[0058] The luminous element 312 may include an LED (not
`shown). Also, in addition to the LED, the luminous element
`312 may include any type of material, which is widely uti-
`lized in the art to emit light towards the skin of the user to
`measure the PPG signal.
`[0059] The photo detector 313 detects light from the ear of
`the user. Specifically, the photo detector 313 detects the light,
`which is emitted from the luminous element 312 towards the
`ear of the user, from the ear of the user.
`[0060] An acceleration sensor 314 is attached onto the
`member 310 to detect an acceleration signal due to a motion
`of the user from the ear of the user. The acceleration sensor
`
`314 may be provided to be adjacent to the PPG sensor 311.
`Specifically, when the member 310 in the shape of tongs is
`closely clipped onto the ear of the user, the acceleration
`sensor 314 is provided in parallel with the PPG sensor 311
`contacting with the ear of the user and thereby may measure
`the acceleration signal from the ear of the user.
`[0061] As described above, when the PPG sensor 311 and
`the acceleration sensor 314 are provided to be adjacent to
`each other, a dynamic noise signal due to the motion of the
`user may be more accurately detected using the acceleration
`sensor 314. Specifically, the dynamic noise signal occurs due
`to the motion of the user and is included in the PPG signal. In
`this instance, the dynamic noise signal may be more accu-
`rately eliminated by using the acceleration signal which is
`detected using the acceleration sensor 314.
`[0062] The dynamic noise signal included in the PPG sig-
`nal is physically different from the acceleration signal. How-
`ever, when the acceleration signal and the dynamic noise
`
`signal are significantly related, the dynamic noise signal may
`be accurately detected and eliminated in the PPG signal.
`Accordingly, to accurately detect the dynamic noise signal, a
`measurement location of the acceleration signal should be set
`to a location having a greater relation with a measurement
`location of the PPG signal.
`[0063]
`Specifically, in the biosignal measurement headset
`device according to the present exemplary embodiment
`shown in FIG. 1, when the PPG sensor 311 and the accelera-
`tion sensor 3 14 are attached onto the member 31 0 in the shape
`of tongs to be adjacent to each other, it is possible to increase
`the relation between the acceleration signal and the dynamic
`noise signal. Specifically, it is possible to accurately detect
`and eliminate the dynamic noise signal included in the PPG
`signal by using the acceleration signal.
`[0064] Also, in FIG. 3, when the member 310, where the
`PPG sensor 311 and the acceleration sensor 314 are accom-
`
`modated in, is provided separately from the headset 320, and
`the member 310 in the shape of tongs is closely clipped onto
`the ear of the user without to be motionless, it is possible to
`reduce a noise signal occurrence of a system, which may be
`caused by motion of the headset 320. Accordingly, it is pos-
`sible to more accurately detect an acceleration signal having
`greater relation with the dynamic noise signal included in the
`PPG signal.
`[0065] The first communication interface 315 is accommo-
`dated in the member 310. The first communication interface
`
`315 transmits the detected PPG signal and the acceleration
`signal to the headset 320. In this instance, the first communi-
`cation interface 315 may be configured as a predetermined
`input/output terminal to make a wired connection with the
`headset 320. Also, the first communication interface 315 may
`be configured as a predetermined local communication mod-
`ule to make a wireless connection with the headset 320.
`
`[0066] The headset 320 includes a second communication
`interface 321, a signal processing module 322, and a control
`unit 323.
`
`[0067] The second communication interface 321 receives
`the PPG signal and the acceleration signal from the member
`310. In this instance, the second communication interface 321
`may be configured as a predetermined input/output terminal
`to make a wired connection with the member 310. Also, the
`second communication interface 321 may be configured as a
`predetermined local communication module to make a wire-
`less connection with the member 310.
`
`[0068] The signal processing module 322 eliminates the
`dynamic noise signal included in the PPG signal by using the
`acceleration signal. As the dynamic noise signal is elimi-
`nated, the signal processing module 322 may more accurately
`measure a PPG signal of the user. Specifically, the signal
`processing module 322 may eliminate the dynamic noise
`signal, and also may create various types of biosignal infor-
`mation of the user from the PPG signal in which the dynamic
`noise signal is eliminated.
`[0069] The signal processing module 322 may transmit the
`PPG signal in which the dynamic noise signal is eliminated,
`to a portable device 330 using the second communication
`interface 321. In this instance, the second communication
`interface 321 may be configured as a predetermined input/
`output terminal to make a wired connection with the portable
`device 330. Also, the second communication interface 321
`may be configured as a predetermined local communication
`module to make a wireless connection with the portable
`device 330.
`
`010
`
`010
`
`

`
`US 2008/0177162 A1
`
`Jul. 24, 2008
`
`[0070] Also, unless the signal processing module 322
`eliminates the dynamic noise signal in the PPG signal by
`using the acceleration signal, the control unit 323 may trans-
`mit the PPG signal and the acceleration signal, which are
`received from the member 310, to the portable device 330
`using the second communication interface 321. Specifically,
`instead ofthe headset 320, the portable device 330 may elimi-
`nate the dynamic noise signal in the PPG signal. Also, the
`control unit 323 may receive a sound signal from the portable
`device 330, and output the sound signal using a speaker 324.
`[0071]
`FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration
`of a biosignal measurement sensor instrument 510 according
`to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
`[0072] The biosignal measurement sensor instrument 510
`according to the present exemplary embodiment may be
`embodied as an independent configuration from the above-
`described biosignal measurement headset instrument or pen-
`dant instrument. Specifically, the biosignal measurement sen-
`sor instrument 510 may be configured to measure a PPG
`signal and an acceleration signal, eliminate a dynamic noise
`signal in the PPG signal by using the acceleration signal, and
`transmit at least one ofthe PPG signal, the acceleration signal,
`and the PPG signal in which the dynamic noise signal is
`eliminated, to an external device.
`[0073] The biosignal measurement sensor device 510
`includes a PPG sensor 511, an acceleration sensor 514, a
`signal processing module, 515, and a local communication
`module 516.
`
`[0074] The PPG sensor 511 includes a luminous element
`512 and a photo detector 513. The biosignal measurement
`sensor device 510 may be formed in a shape of tongs. When
`the biosignal measurement sensor device 510 is formed in the
`shape of tongs, the luminous element 512 and the photo
`detector 513 may be provided on inner surfaces of the tongs
`respectively. Specifically, when the biosignal measurement
`sensor device 510 formed in the shape oftongs is clipped onto
`the ear of the user, the luminous element 512 and the photo
`detector 513 may be attached onto both sides of the ear of the
`user, respectively, and thereby closely contact with the ear of
`the user.
`
`[0075] The luminous element 512 ma