KR102819148B1 - Wearable electronic device and optical film for wearable electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

An optical film according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may include a base layer, an adhesive layer laminated on at least a portion of the base layer, and a pattern layer laminated on the base layer and having a plurality of patterns formed to protrude in different directions from a surface thereof. Various other embodiments may be possible.

Description

Wearable electronic device and optical film applied thereto {WEARABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND OPTICAL FILM FOR WEARABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE}

Various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to wearable electronic devices and optical films applied thereto.

Wearable electronic devices worn on the user's body are becoming increasingly diverse in their functions. In addition, the size of wearable electronic devices is gradually decreasing.

As interest in health increases, wearable electronic devices are equipped with functions that can measure the user's biometric information. Recently, various sensors, including heart rate sensors, are being installed in wristwatch-type wearable electronic devices.

Various electronic components that enable electronic devices to perform various functions can be mounted or connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) or flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

A sensor module included in a wearable electronic device may include a sensor including a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion. In order for such a sensor to accurately detect the user's body information, it is necessary to minimize the phenomenon in which light generated from the light emitting portion is transmitted to the light receiving portion without being reflected by the body.

The optical film included in the wearable electronic device may be a film for improving the optical characteristics of the sensor as described above. Conventional optical films were applied to wearable electronic devices by dividing them into an optical film applied to the light-emitting portion of the sensor and an optical film applied to the light-receiving portion of the sensor. Because of this, problems such as an increase in the manufacturing cost of the wearable electronic device, a decrease in the manufacturing yield, and a decrease in mass productivity may occur.

Various embodiments disclosed in this document are intended to improve the optical characteristics of a sensor having a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion so that the sensor can accurately measure a user's biometric information, and to provide an optical film composed of a single sheet covering both the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor, and an electronic device to which such an optical film is applied.

An optical film according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may include a base layer, an adhesive layer laminated on at least a portion of the base layer, and a pattern layer having a plurality of patterns laminated on the base layer and formed to protrude in different directions from a surface thereof.

An electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may include a display, a cover facing the display and including a light-transmitting area on at least a portion thereof, a printed circuit board disposed below the cover, a sensor module having a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion and mounted on the printed circuit board so as to face the cover, and an optical film disposed between the sensor module and the cover, wherein the optical film may include a base layer, an adhesive layer laminated on at least a portion of the base layer so as to adhere the optical film to the cover, and a pattern layer laminated on the base layer so as to face the sensor module and having at least one pattern that is formed to protrude in different directions.

According to various embodiments disclosed in this document, a sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit can measure a user's biometric information more accurately and precisely, and can lower the manufacturing cost of an electronic device using an optical film, improve the manufacturing yield, and enhance mass productivity.

In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components .
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front of a mobile electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the rear of the electronic device of Figure 2.
Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device of Figure 2.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an optical film according to various embodiments disclosed in this document.
FIG. 6a is a perspective view of a sensor module and its peripheral components combined according to various embodiments disclosed in this document.
FIG. 6b is an exploded perspective view of the sensor module and its peripheral components disclosed in FIG. 6a.
Figure 6c is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of Figure 6a.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are drawings for explaining a pattern of a pattern layer of an optical film according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) in a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (102) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with the electronic device (104) or a server (108) through a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) through the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input device (150), an audio output device (155), a display device (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the display device (160) or the camera module (180)), or may include one or more other components. In some embodiments, some of these components may be implemented as a single integrated circuit. For example, a sensor module (176) (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or a light sensor) may be implemented embedded in a display device (160) (e.g., a display).

The processor (120) may control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing, for example, software (e.g., a program (140)), and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculations, the processor (120) may load a command or data received from another component (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) into the volatile memory (132), process the command or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in the nonvolatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor), and a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a graphic processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that may operate independently or together therewith. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121), or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121), or as a part thereof.

The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one of the components of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the display device (160), the sensor module (176), or the communication module (190)), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)).

The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or nonvolatile memory (134).

The program (140) may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

The input device (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input device (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The audio output device (155) can output an audio signal to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output device (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as multimedia playback or recording playback, and the receiver can be used to receive an incoming call. According to one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as a part thereof.

The display device (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display device (160) can include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display device (160) can include touch circuitry configured to detect a touch, or a sensor circuitry configured to measure a strength of a force generated by the touch (e.g., a pressure sensor).

The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electric signal, or vice versa, convert an electric signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can obtain sound through an input device (150), or output sound through an audio output device (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (102)) (e.g., a speaker or a headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

The sensor module (176) can detect an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or an external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electric signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that a user can perceive through a tactile or kinesthetic sense. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The camera module (180) can capture still images and moving images. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) can include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (388) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

The communication module (190) may support establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102), the electronic device (104), or the server (108)), and performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., the application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). A corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can identify and authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module can include one antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) can include a plurality of antennas. In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), can be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power can be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and the external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., an RFIC) can be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

At least some of the above components may be connected to each other and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, a general purpose input and output (GPIO), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), or a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

In one embodiment, a command or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the electronic devices (102, 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of executing the function or service itself or in addition, request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a part of the function or service. One or more external electronic devices that have received the request may execute at least a part of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a part of a response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology may be used.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an electronic device (200) according to one embodiment may include a housing (210) including a first side (or front side) (210A), a second side (or back side) (210B), and a side surface (210C) surrounding a space between the first side (210A) and the second side (210B), and a fastening member (250, 260) connected to at least a portion of the housing (210) and configured to releasably fasten the electronic device (200) to a part of a user's body (e.g., a wrist, an ankle, etc.). In another embodiment (not shown), the housing may also refer to a structure forming a portion of the first side (210A), the second side (210B), and the side surface (210C) of FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the first side (210A) can be formed by a front plate (201) that is at least partially substantially transparent (e.g., a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate). The second side (210B) can be formed by a substantially opaque back plate (207). The back plate (207) can be formed by, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the foregoing materials. The side surface (210C) can be formed by a side bezel structure (or “side member”) (206) that is coupled to the front plate (201) and the back plate (207) and includes a metal and/or a polymer. In some embodiments, the back plate (207) and the side bezel structure (206) can be formed integrally and include the same material (e.g., a metal material such as aluminum). The above-mentioned fastening member (250, 260) can be formed of various materials and shapes. The integral and multiple unit links can be formed to be mutually movable by a combination of at least two of the above-mentioned materials, such as woven fabric, leather, rubber, urethane, metal, ceramic, or the like.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include at least one of a display (220, see FIG. 4), an audio module (205, 208), a sensor module (211), a key input device (202, 203, 204), and a connector hole (209). In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may omit at least one of the components (e.g., the key input device (202, 203, 204), the connector hole (209), or the sensor module (211)) or may additionally include other components.

The display (220) may be exposed, for example, through a significant portion of the front plate (201). The shape of the display (220) may correspond to the shape of the front plate (201), and may have various shapes such as a circle, an oval, or a polygon. The display (220) may be combined with or disposed adjacent to a touch detection circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and/or a fingerprint sensor.

The audio module (205, 208) may include a microphone hole (205) and a speaker hole (208). The microphone hole (205) may have a microphone placed inside for acquiring external sound, and in some embodiments, multiple microphones may be placed to detect the direction of the sound. The speaker hole (208) may be used as an external speaker and a receiver for calls.

The sensor module (211) can generate an electric signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (200) or an external environmental state. The sensor module (211) can include, for example, a biometric sensor module (211) (e.g., an HRM sensor) disposed on the second surface (210B) of the housing (210). The electronic device (200) can further include at least one of a sensor module not shown, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The key input devices (202, 203, 204) may include a wheel key (202) disposed on a first side (210A) of the housing (210) and rotatable in at least one direction, and/or a side key button (202, 203) disposed on a side surface (210C) of the housing (210). The wheel key may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the front plate (202). In other embodiments, the electronic device (200) may not include some or all of the above-mentioned key input devices (202, 203, 204), and the key input devices (202, 203, 204) that are not included may be implemented in another form, such as a soft key, on the display (220). The connector hole (209) may include another connector hole (not shown) that may accommodate a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data with an external electronic device, and may accommodate a connector for transmitting and receiving audio signals with the external electronic device. The electronic device (200) may further include, for example, a connector cover (not shown) that covers at least a portion of the connector hole (209) and blocks the inflow of external foreign substances into the connector hole.

The fastening member (250, 260) can be removably fastened to at least a portion of the housing (210) using the locking member (251, 261). The fastening member (250, 260) can include one or more of a fixing member (252), a fixing member fastening hole (253), a band guide member (254), and a band fastening ring (255).

The fixing member (252) can be configured to fix the housing (210) and the fastening members (250, 260) to a part of the user's body (e.g., wrist, ankle, etc.). The fastening member fastening hole (253) can fix the housing (210) and the fastening members (250, 260) to a part of the user's body in response to the fastening member (252). The band guide member (254) is configured to limit the range of movement of the fastening member (252) when the fastening member (252) is fastened to the fastening member fastening hole (253), thereby allowing the fastening members (250, 260) to be fastened in close contact with a part of the user's body. The band fixing ring (255) can limit the range of movement of the fastening members (250, 260) when the fastening member (252) and the fastening member fastening hole (253) are fastened.

Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic device (400) may include a side bezel structure (410), a wheel key (420), a front plate (201), a display (220), a first antenna (450), a second antenna (455), a support member (460) (e.g., a bracket), a battery (470), a printed circuit board (480), a sealing member (490), a rear plate (493), and fastening members (495, 497). At least one of the components of the electronic device (400) may be identical to or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, and a duplicate description will be omitted below. The support member (460) may be disposed inside the electronic device (400) and connected to the side bezel structure (410), or may be formed integrally with the side bezel structure (410). The support member (460) may be formed of, for example, a metallic material and/or a non-metallic (e.g., a polymer) material. The support member (460) may have a display (220) coupled to one surface and a printed circuit board (480) coupled to the other surface. A processor, a memory, and/or an interface may be mounted on the printed circuit board (480). The processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphic processing unit (GPU), an application processor signal processing unit, or a communication processor.

The memory may include, for example, volatile memory or nonvolatile memory. The interface may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect the electronic device (400) to an external electronic device, for example, and may include a USB connector, an SD card/MMC connector, or an audio connector.

The battery (470) is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device (400), and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery (470) may be disposed substantially on the same plane as, for example, the printed circuit board (480). The battery (470) may be disposed integrally within the electronic device (200), or may be disposed detachably from the electronic device (200).

The first antenna (450) may be positioned between the display (220) and the support member (460). The first antenna (450) may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The first antenna (450) may, for example, perform short-range communication with an external device, wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging, and transmit a magnetic-based signal including a short-range communication signal or payment data. In another embodiment, the antenna structure may be formed by a portion or a combination of the side bezel structure (410) and/or the support member (460).

The second antenna (455) may be disposed between the circuit board (480) and the back plate (493). The second antenna (455) may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The second antenna (455) may, for example, perform near-field communication with an external device, wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging, and transmit a magnetic-based signal including a near-field communication signal or payment data. In another embodiment, the antenna structure may be formed by a portion or a combination of the side bezel structure (410) and/or the back plate (493).

A sealing member (490) may be positioned between the side bezel structure (410) and the rear plate (493). The sealing member (490) may be configured to block moisture and foreign substances from entering the space surrounded by the side bezel structure (410) and the rear plate (493) from the outside.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an optical film (e.g., the optical film (540) of FIG. 4) according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document.

According to various embodiments, the optical film may include a base layer (541), an adhesive layer (543), and a pattern layer (542). For example, the optical film may be laminated in the order of pattern layer (542) - base layer (541) - adhesive layer (543), as illustrated in FIG. 5.

The base layer (541) may be made of a material such as, for example, PET (polyethylene terephthalate). In addition, the base layer (541) may be formed of various light-transmitting materials. The shape of the base layer (541) is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 5 and may be changed in various ways.

The adhesive layer (543) may be formed of a material having adhesive properties. For example, the adhesive layer (543) may be formed of a polymer chemical material having adhesive properties. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the adhesive layer (543) may be laminated on at least a portion of the base layer (541). According to various embodiments, the adhesive layer (543) may be formed of a material having low reflectivity. For example, the adhesive layer (543) may be formed of a material having a dark color so as to have low reflectivity. FIG. 5 is only one example of the adhesive layer (543) laminated on the base layer (541), and the shape of the adhesive layer (543) may be variously changed.

The pattern layer (542) may be laminated on the base layer (541). According to various embodiments, the pattern layer (542) may be formed of a UV (ultra violet) curable resin. In addition, the pattern layer (542) may be formed of various materials. The pattern layer (542) may include a pattern (542-1) formed to protrude from the surface of the pattern layer (542) in the form of concentric circles of different diameters. FIG. 5 is only one example of the pattern layer (542), and the overall shape of the pattern layer (542) may be variously changed. According to various embodiments, the pattern layer (542) may be a part of the base layer (541). For example, the surface of the base layer (541) may be processed by a process such as etching to form the pattern layer (542).

FIG. 6A is a diagram of a combined state of a sensor module (550) and its peripheral components. FIG. 6B is an exploded perspective view of the sensor module (550) and its peripheral components shown in FIG. 6A. FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of the sensor module (550) and its peripheral components shown in FIG. 6A taken along line A-A. The size ratios of the components shown in the drawings are arbitrarily drawn for convenience of explanation, and the size ratios of the components may be changed.

An electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, an electronic device (200) of FIG. 2, or an electronic device (400) of FIG. 4) according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may include a display (e.g., a display device (160) of FIG. 1 or a display (220) of FIG. 4), a processor (e.g., a processor (120) of FIG. 1), a cover (510) (e.g., a rear plate (493) of FIG. 4), a printed circuit board (520), a wireless charging coil (530) (e.g., a second antenna (455) of FIG. 4), and a sensor module (550). Here, the printed circuit board (520) may be a flexible printed circuit board formed of a flexible material.

A display can, for example, convey information processed in a wearable electronic device to a user. A display of an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document can be the display device of FIG. 1 or the display of FIG. 4. The description of the display will be replaced with the description of the display device of FIG. 1 and the display of FIG. 4 above.

The cover (510) may be installed in the electronic device at a position facing the display. If the direction in which the display displays information in the electronic device is referred to as the front of the electronic device, the cover (510) may be placed on the back of the electronic device. As illustrated in FIG. 6c, the cover (510) may have a convex shape. If the side facing the printed circuit board (520) is referred to as the inside of the cover (510) and the opposite side is referred to as the outside of the cover (510), the outside of the cover (510) may be formed convexly. If the electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document is an electronic device that is worn on a wrist, the outside of the cover (510) may come into contact with the user's wrist. As illustrated in FIG. 6b, the cover (510) may include at least a portion of a light-transmitting region (511). The light-transmitting region (511) may be formed of a material that can transmit light. According to various embodiments, the cover (510) may be formed of a material that transmits light, such as glass or a transparent synthetic resin.

The sensor module (550) may be mounted on a printed circuit board (520). The sensor module (550) may include a light emitting unit (551) and a light receiving unit (553). According to various embodiments, the sensor module (550) may be a PPG (photoplethysmography) sensor module (550) capable of detecting a biosignal related to a user's heartbeat. In addition, the sensor module (550) may include a sensor that detects various biosignals.

The light emitting unit (551) may be a device capable of emitting light, such as an LED (light emitting diode) or an OLED (organic light emitting diode). In addition, the light emitting unit (551) may be composed of various devices capable of emitting light.

As shown in Fig. 6b, a plurality of light-receiving units (553) may be provided and arranged in a circle around the light-emitting unit (551). The light-receiving unit (553) may be a light-receiving element that converts light energy into electrical energy. For example, the light-receiving unit (553) may include a photo diode.

According to various embodiments, the sensor module (550) can utilize the difference in optical response according to the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in the blood. The light provided from the light emitting unit (551) is transmitted to the user's body through the cover (510). The light receiving unit (553) receives the reflected light of the light transmitted to the body. The reflected light received by the light receiving unit (553) has periodicity due to the difference in optical response according to the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin described above. The sensor module (550) can detect a signal related to the user's heartbeat by utilizing this periodicity. In some cases, the user's movement can be indirectly measured through a sensor that detects the position of the electronic device (e.g., an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor), and the signal related to the heartbeat can be processed more precisely through this movement information. The biosignal detection of the sensor module (550) described above is a representative principle of detecting heartbeat-related information using a light-emitting unit (551) and a light-receiving unit (553), and the sensor module (550) according to various embodiments disclosed in this document can detect the user's heartbeat-related information as a biosignal in various other ways.

As described above, the sensor module (550) can utilize the phenomenon that light generated from the light emitting unit (551) is reflected by the user's body and received by the light receiving unit (553). In order to detect an accurate and precise biosignal, it may be desirable to suppress the phenomenon in which light generated from the light emitting unit (551) is not reflected by the body but transmitted to the light receiving unit (553). For example, it may be desirable to suppress the phenomenon in which light generated from the light emitting unit (551) propagates in the -X direction of FIG. 6C. It may be desirable to suppress the phenomenon in which light generated from the light emitting unit (551) is reflected while passing through the base layer (541) or cover (510) and transmitted to the light receiving unit (553).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include a light-shielding partition (581). The light-shielding partition (581) may partition an area where a light-emitting unit (551) of a sensor module (550) is mounted and an area where a light-receiving unit (553) is mounted. The light-shielding partition (581) may block a path through which light generated from the light-emitting unit (551) is directly transmitted to the light-receiving unit (553) without being reflected by an external object. Hereinafter, the area where the light-emitting unit (551) is mounted (e.g., A-1 of FIG. 6C) is defined as a light-emitting area, and the area where the light-receiving unit (553) is mounted (e.g., B-1 of FIG. 6C) is defined as a light-receiving area for the purpose of explanation.

Referring to FIG. 6b, an optical film (540) may be placed between a cover (510) of an electronic device and a sensor module (550).

According to various embodiments, the optical film (540) may be configured to cover both the light-emitting portion (551) and the light-receiving portion (553) of the sensor module (550). For example, the optical film (540) may not be divided into a portion covering the light-emitting portion (551) and a portion covering the light-receiving portion (553), but may be configured as a single sheet. In this way, by configuring the optical film (540) as a single sheet, the manufacturing cost of the electronic device can be lowered, the manufacturing yield can be increased, and mass productivity can be secured.

The optical film (540) may be attached to the cover (510) of the electronic device through the adhesive layer (543). As described above, the cover (510) may include a light-transmitting region (511). The adhesive layer (543) of the optical film (540) may be laminated on the base layer (541) of the optical film (540) at a portion facing a region of the cover (510) other than the light-transmitting region (511). Light generated from the light-emitting portion (551) of the sensor module (550) may be transmitted to the user's skin through the light-transmitting region (511) of the cover (510). Since the adhesive layer (543) is laminated at a portion facing a region other than the light-transmitting region (511), the transmission of light generated from the light-emitting portion (551) may not be hindered by the adhesive layer (543).

According to various embodiments, the adhesive layer (543) of the optical film (540) may be laminated on the base layer so as to face the boundary between the first region (A-2) and the second region (B-2) of the pattern layer (542), as illustrated in FIG. 6B. As described above, the adhesive layer (543) may be formed of a material with low reflectivity, and the adhesive layer (543) may be disposed at a portion facing the boundary between the first region (A-2) and the second region (B-2), thereby blocking a path in which light passing through the first region (A-2) of the pattern layer (542) is directly incident on the second region (B-2) of the pattern layer (542) without passing through the user's body.

According to various embodiments, the adhesive layer (543) of the optical film (540) may be laminated on a portion of the base layer (541). As a result, a gap (548) may be formed between the optical film (540) and the cover (510), as illustrated in FIG. 6C. The gap (548) formed in this manner may reduce the frequency at which light generated from the light-emitting portion (551) is directly transmitted to the light-receiving portion (553).

The pattern layer (542) of the optical film (540) may include at least one pattern (545, 547) protruding from the surface of the pattern layer (542) in the form of concentric circles of different diameters. The pattern layer (542) may include a first region (A-2) and a second region (B-2). The first region (A-2) may be a region facing the light-emitting portion (551) of the sensor module (550). According to various embodiments, the first region (A-2) may be a region facing the light-emitting portion (A-1). As described above, the light-emitting portion (A-1) may be a region where the light-emitting portion (551) is mounted and partitioned by the light-shielding partition (581). The second region (B-2) may be a region facing the light-receiving portion (B-1). As described above, the light-receiving area (B-1) may be an area in which a light-receiving unit (553) is mounted and partitioned by a light-shielding partition (581).

A first pattern (545) may be formed in the first region (A-2), and a second pattern (547) may be formed in the second region (B-2). The first pattern (545) and the second pattern (547) may be formed to protrude in different directions. The first pattern (545) may be formed so that light generated from the light emitting portion (551) travels in a first direction (e.g., the -Y direction in FIG. 6C) that is substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the pattern layer (542). The second pattern (547) may be formed so that light reflected from the user's skin and incident on the second pattern (547) travels in a second direction (e.g., the +Y direction in FIG. 6C) opposite to the first direction and is incident on the light receiving portion (553). The first pattern (545) and the second pattern (547) formed by protruding in different directions from the pattern layer (542) can reduce the phenomenon in which light generated from the light emitting unit (551) is directly incident on the light receiving unit (553) without passing through the user's body. For example, the pattern layer (542) of the optical film (540) according to various embodiments disclosed in this document can induce light generated from the light emitting unit (551) of the sensor module (550) to proceed to the user's body, and can induce light reflected on the user's body to be incident on the light receiving unit (553) of the sensor module (550).

Next, with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the patterns (545, 547) of the pattern layer (542) will be described in more detail. FIGS. 7A and 7B are drawings for explaining the patterns (545, 547) of the pattern layer (542) according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. The size ratios of the components illustrated in the drawings are arbitrarily illustrated for convenience of explanation, and the size ratios of the components may be changed.

Referring to FIG. 7a, the first pattern (545) may have a first surface (545-1) and a second surface (545-2), respectively. The first surface (545-1) of the first pattern (545) may be a surface positioned closer to the center (M) of the pattern layer (542) than the second surface (545-2) of the first pattern (545), and the second surface (545-2) of the first pattern (545) may be a surface positioned farther from the center (M) of the pattern layer (542) than the first surface (545-1) of the first pattern (545). The angle (θ1) formed between the first surface (545-1) of the first pattern (545) and the surface of the pattern layer (542) may be smaller than the angle (θ2) formed between the second surface (545-2) of the first pattern (545) and the surface of the pattern layer (542). The angle (θ2) formed between the second surface (545-2) of the first pattern (545) and the surface of the pattern layer (542) may be 80 degrees or more and 95 degrees or less. The ratio of the width (L) of the first pattern (545) to the height (H) of the first pattern (545) may be 0.4 or more and 1.0 or less. The first pattern (545) formed in this form can induce light generated from the light emitting portion (551) to proceed in the first direction (e.g., the -Y direction of FIG. 6b) while reducing the phenomenon in which light generated from the light emitting portion (551) proceeds in the direction in which the light receiving portion (553) is positioned.

Referring to FIG. 7A, the second pattern (547) may have a first surface (547-1) and a second surface (547-2), respectively. The first surface (547-1) of the second pattern may be a surface positioned closer to the center (M) of the pattern layer (542) than the second surface (547-2) of the second pattern (547), and the second surface (547-2) of the second pattern (547) may be a surface positioned farther from the center (M) of the pattern layer (542) than the first surface (547-1) of the second pattern (547). The angle (θ3) formed between the first surface (547-1) of the second pattern (547) and the surface of the pattern layer (542) may be greater than the angle (θ4) formed between the second surface (547-2) of the second pattern (547) and the surface of the pattern layer (542). The angle (θ3) formed between the first surface (547-1) of the second pattern (547) and the surface of the pattern layer (542) may be 80 degrees or more and 95 degrees or less. The ratio of the width (L) of the second pattern (547) to the height (H) of the second pattern (547) may be 0.4 or more and 00 or less. The second pattern (547) formed in this manner can induce light reflected from the user's skin to proceed in a second direction (e.g., the +Y direction of FIG. 6b) while reducing the phenomenon in which the reflected light is re-injected into the light-emitting portion (551).

According to various embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, a cross-section of a first surface (545-1) of a first pattern (545) may be a curve, and a cross-section of a second surface (547-2) of a second pattern (547) may be a curve. Referring to FIG. 7B, an angle (θ1) formed between a line segment connecting a point where the first surface (545-1) and the second surface (545-2) of the first pattern (545) meet and a point where the first surface (545-1) of the first pattern (545) and the surface of the pattern layer (542) meet and the surface of the pattern layer (542) may be smaller than an angle (θ2) formed between the second surface (545-2) of the first pattern (545) and the surface of the pattern layer (542). The angle (θ4) formed between the line segment connecting the point where the second surface (547-2) of the second pattern (547) and the first surface (547-1) of the second pattern (547) meet and the point where the second surface (547-2) of the second pattern (547) and the surface of the pattern layer (542) meet and the surface of the pattern layer (542) may be smaller than the angle (θ3) formed between the first surface (547-1) of the second pattern (547) and the surface of the pattern layer (542).

An optical film according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may include a base layer, an adhesive layer laminated on at least a portion of the base layer, and a pattern layer having at least one pattern laminated on the base layer and formed to protrude in different directions.

Additionally, the pattern of the pattern layer can be formed by protruding from the surface of the pattern layer in the form of concentric circles of different diameters.

In addition, the pattern layer includes a first region and a second region, and the first pattern formed in the first region and the second pattern formed in the second region can be formed to protrude in different directions with respect to the surface of the pattern layer.

Additionally, the first region of the pattern layer may be a region including a central region of the pattern layer.

In addition, the first pattern of the pattern layer may be formed so that light incident on the first pattern travels in a first direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the pattern layer, and the second pattern of the pattern layer may be formed so that light incident on the second pattern travels in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

In addition, the first pattern of the pattern layer may have a first surface and a second surface positioned further from the center of the pattern layer than the first surface of the first pattern, and an angle formed between the first surface of the first pattern and the surface of the pattern layer may be smaller than an angle formed between the second surface of the first pattern and the surface of the pattern layer, and the second pattern of the pattern layer may have a first surface and a second surface positioned further from the center of the pattern layer than the first surface of the second pattern, and an angle formed between the first surface of the second pattern and the surface of the pattern layer may be larger than an angle formed between the second surface of the second pattern and the surface of the pattern layer.

Additionally, the pattern layer may have a cross-section of a first surface of the first pattern that is curved, and a cross-section of a second surface of the second pattern that is curved.

In addition, the angle between the second surface of the first pattern and the surface of the pattern layer may be 80 degrees or more and 95 degrees or less, and the angle between the first surface of the second pattern layer and the surface of the pattern layer may be 80 degrees or more and 95 degrees or less.

Additionally, the pattern of the pattern layer may have a height ratio of the width of the pattern to the height of the pattern of 0.4 or more and 1.0 or less.

A wearable electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may include a display, a cover facing the display and including a light-transmitting area on at least a portion thereof, a printed circuit board disposed below the cover, a sensor module having a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion and mounted on the printed circuit board so as to face the cover, and an optical film disposed between the sensor module and the cover, wherein the optical film may include a base layer, an adhesive layer laminated on at least a portion of the base layer so as to adhere the optical film to the cover, and a pattern layer laminated on the base layer so as to face the sensor module and having at least one pattern that protrudes in different directions.

Additionally, the pattern of the pattern layer of the optical film can be formed to protrude from the surface of the pattern layer in the form of concentric circles of different diameters.

In addition, the pattern layer of the optical film may include a first region facing the light-emitting portion of the sensor module and a second region facing the light-receiving portion of the sensor module, and the first pattern formed in the first region and the second pattern formed in the second region may be formed to protrude in different directions with respect to the surface of the pattern layer.

In addition, the first pattern of the pattern layer of the optical film may be formed so that light incident on the first pattern from the light-emitting portion of the sensor module travels in a first direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the pattern layer, and the second pattern of the pattern layer of the optical film may be formed so that light incident on the second pattern travels in a second direction opposite to the first direction and is incident on the light-receiving portion of the sensor module.

In addition, the first pattern of the pattern layer of the optical film may have a first surface and a second surface positioned further from the center of the pattern layer than the first surface of the first pattern, and an angle formed between the first surface of the first pattern and the surface of the pattern layer may be smaller than an angle formed between the second surface of the first pattern and the surface of the pattern layer, and the second pattern of the pattern layer of the optical film may have a first surface and a second surface positioned further from the center of the pattern layer than the first surface of the second pattern, and an angle formed between the first surface of the second pattern and the surface of the pattern layer may be larger than an angle formed between the second surface of the second pattern and the surface of the pattern layer.

Additionally, the pattern layer of the optical film may have a cross-section of a first surface of the first pattern that is curved, and a cross-section of a second surface of the second pattern that is curved.

In addition, the printed circuit board may further include a light-shielding partition formed by extending from the printed circuit board to the optical film to divide an emission region, which is an region where the light-emitting unit of the sensor module is mounted on the printed circuit board, and a light-receiving region, which is an region where the light-receiving unit of the sensor module is mounted on the printed circuit board, wherein a first region of the pattern layer of the optical film may face the emission region, and a second region of the pattern layer of the optical film may face the light-receiving region.

Additionally, the adhesive layer of the optical film may be formed of a material having low reflectivity.

Additionally, the adhesive layer of the optical film may be laminated on the base layer of the optical film in an area facing an area other than the light-transmitting area of the cover.

Additionally, the adhesive layer of the optical film may be laminated on the base layer of the optical film so as to face the boundary between the first region and the second region of the pattern layer of the optical film.

Additionally, a gap may be formed between the base layer of the optical film and the cover, the area facing the first area and the second area of the pattern layer of the optical film.

And the embodiments disclosed in this document disclosed in this specification and drawings are only specific examples presented to easily explain the technical contents according to the embodiments disclosed in this document and to help understand the embodiments disclosed in this document, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments disclosed in this document. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments disclosed in this document should be interpreted as including all changes or modified forms derived based on the technical idea of the various embodiments disclosed in this document in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.

510: Cover 520: Printed Circuit Board
530: Coil for wireless charging 540: Optical film
550: Sensor Module

Claims (20)

In optical films,
base layer;
An adhesive layer laminated on at least a portion of the base layer; and
A pattern layer laminated on the base layer and having at least one pattern;
The above pattern layer is,
It includes a first region in which a first pattern is formed and a second region in which a second pattern is formed,
The first pattern of the pattern layer is formed so that light incident on the first pattern travels in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the pattern layer,
An optical film in which the second pattern of the pattern layer is formed so that light incident on the second pattern propagates in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In the first paragraph,
At least one pattern of the above pattern layer,
An optical film formed by protruding from the surface of the pattern layer in the form of concentric circles of different diameters In the first paragraph,
An optical film in which the first pattern formed in the first region and the second pattern formed in the second region are formed to protrude in different directions with respect to the surface of the pattern layer. In the first paragraph,
An optical film wherein the first region of the pattern layer is a region including a central region of the pattern layer. delete In the second paragraph,
The first pattern of the above pattern layer is,
Each of the first side and the second side is positioned further from the center of the pattern layer than the first side of the first pattern,
The angle formed by the first side of the first pattern and the surface of the pattern layer is smaller than the angle formed by the second side of the first pattern and the surface of the pattern layer,
The second pattern of the above pattern layer is,
Each of the first side and the second side is positioned further from the center of the pattern layer than the first side of the second pattern,
An optical film wherein the angle formed by the first surface of the second pattern and the surface of the pattern layer is greater than the angle formed by the second surface of the second pattern and the surface of the pattern layer. ◈Claim 7 was waived upon payment of the registration fee.◈ In Article 6,
The above pattern layer is,
The cross-section of the first surface of the above first pattern is curved,
An optical film having a curved cross-section of a second surface of the second pattern. In Article 6,
The above pattern layer is,
The angle formed by the second surface of the first pattern and the surface of the pattern layer is 80 degrees or more and 95 degrees or less,
An optical film in which the angle formed between the first surface of the second pattern and the surface of the pattern layer is 80 degrees or more and 95 degrees or less. ◈Claim 9 was abandoned upon payment of the registration fee.◈ In the first paragraph,
The pattern of the above pattern layer is,
An optical film having a height ratio of the width of the pattern to the height of the pattern of 0.4 or more and 1.0 or less. In electronic devices,
display;
A cover facing the display and including at least a portion of a light-transmitting area;
The above cover and the printed circuit board arranged below;
A sensor module having a light emitting part and a light receiving part and mounted on the printed circuit board so as to face the cover; and
An optical film disposed between the sensor module and the cover;
The above optical film,
Base layer,
An adhesive layer laminated on at least a portion of the base layer so that the optical film is adhered to the cover,
A pattern layer comprising at least one pattern formed by being laminated on the base layer so as to face the sensor module and protruding in different directions,
The pattern layer of the optical film is,
It includes a first region facing the light-emitting portion of the sensor module and having a first pattern formed thereon, and a second region facing the light-receiving portion of the sensor module and having a second pattern formed thereon.
An electronic device in which the first pattern and the second pattern are formed to protrude in different directions with respect to the surface of the pattern layer. ◈Claim 11 was abandoned upon payment of the registration fee.◈ In Article 10,
The pattern of the pattern layer of the above optical film is,
An electronic device formed by protruding from the surface of the pattern layer in the shape of concentric circles of different diameters. delete In Article 10,
The first pattern of the pattern layer of the optical film is,
The light incident on the light emitting portion of the sensor module in the first pattern is formed to travel in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the pattern layer,
The second pattern of the pattern layer of the optical film is,
An electronic device formed so that light incident in the second pattern travels in a second direction opposite to the first direction and is incident on the light-receiving portion of the sensor module. In Article 10,
The first pattern of the pattern layer of the above optical film is,
Each of the first side and the second side is positioned further from the center of the pattern layer than the first side of the first pattern,
The angle formed by the first side of the first pattern and the surface of the pattern layer is smaller than the angle formed by the second side of the first pattern and the surface of the pattern layer,
The second pattern of the pattern layer of the above optical film is,
Each of the first side and the second side is positioned further from the center of the pattern layer than the first side of the second pattern,
An electronic device wherein the angle formed by the first surface of the second pattern and the surface of the pattern layer is greater than the angle formed by the second surface of the second pattern and the surface of the pattern layer. ◈Claim 15 was abandoned upon payment of the registration fee.◈ In Article 14,
The pattern layer of the above optical film is,
The cross-section of the first surface of the above first pattern is curved,
An electronic device in which a cross-section of a second surface of the second pattern is curved. In Article 13,
It further includes a light-shielding partition formed by extending from the printed circuit board to the optical film to divide a light-emitting region, which is an area where the light-emitting portion of the sensor module is mounted on the printed circuit board, and a light-receiving region, which is an area where the light-receiving portion of the sensor module is mounted on the printed circuit board;
An electronic device wherein the first region of the pattern layer of the optical film faces the light-emitting region, and the second region of the pattern layer of the optical film faces the light-receiving region. ◈Claim 17 was abandoned upon payment of the registration fee.◈ In Article 10,
The adhesive layer of the above optical film is,
Electronic devices formed from materials with low reflectivity. ◈Claim 18 was abandoned upon payment of the registration fee.◈ In Article 10,
The adhesive layer of the above optical film is,
An electronic device laminated on the base layer of the optical film in an area facing an area other than the light-transmitting area of the cover. ◈Claim 19 was abandoned upon payment of the registration fee.◈ In Article 10,
The adhesive layer of the above optical film is,
An electronic device laminated on a base layer of the optical film so as to face the boundary between the first region and the second region of the pattern layer of the optical film. ◈Claim 20 was abandoned upon payment of the registration fee.◈ In Article 10,
The base layer of the above optical film is,
An electronic device in which a gap is formed between the first region and the second region of the pattern layer of the optical film and the cover.

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