US 202000379631 IM I co») United States cz) Patent Application Publication (1 Pub. No.: US 2020/0037963 AI PARK et al. (4) Pub. Date: Feb. 6, 2020 (54) APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR Publication Clasiication ESTIMATING BIO-INEORMATION ena Se ai 500 (2006.01) (7) Appcan: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO, ee {ooneon) (2) US.CL (72 nventors: Chang Soon PARK, Chonajusi KR) orc AGIB 8/7282 (201301), AGT Ui Kun KWON, Hvaseong-si (KR): (2013.01): A6IB 5/0208 (201 ing Keun YOON, Seoul (KR); Dae Gea JANG, Yonsei (KR) on ABSTRACT Assignce: SAMSUNG EL TRONICS CO., LID, Sissons i An apparatus for estimating bic-information is disclose. (21) Appl. No 160359,597 The bio-information estimating apparatus inludes: a sensor Be configured to measure a bio-signal ad a processor config 22) Filed: Mar. 20, 2019 tured to obtain one oF more eharacerstc points, related to G0) reign Application Priority Data bio-signal, bated on a difereatial signal of the bio-signal, tnd to estimate bio-information based on the obiained one oF Aug. 1, 2018 (KR) 10-2018-0089786 more characteristic points.Patent Application Publication Feb. 6, 2020 Sheet 1 of 17 US 2020/0037963 AI FIG. 1 SENSORFeb. 6, 2020 Sheet 2 of 17 US 2020/0037963 A1 Patent Application Publication AOIAA IVNMALX YOLVD “INGININOD ost: L_ ole ocr 4 c ‘OldPatent Application Publication —_ Feb. 6, 2020 Sheet 3 of 17 US 2020/0037963 AI FIG. 3 a I i BIO- SIGNAL POINT INFORMATION ESTIMATOR ——— | | | | [ora a T \ ut LuPatent Application Publication —_ Feb. 6, 2020 Sheet 4 of 17 US 2020/0037963 AI FIG. 4A AMPLITUDEFeb. 6, 2020 Sheet 5 of 17 US 2020/0037963 A1 Patent Application Publication IVNOIS-O18 10 LNIOd WAINININ 1V01 NOLLVINNONI dO NOLLVAMO:INI ACALITANY (r) TWILL (€) ae lL CLI U ea aL Ut } ed Fld aqnunanv db ‘Old IVNOIS ‘IVLLNAWAdIC AUVGNODAS (2) IVNOIS-O18 (1Patent Application Publication —_ Feb. 6, 2020 Sheet 6 of 17 US 2020/0037963 AI FIG. 4C 46a.Patent Application Publication —_ Feb. 6, 2020 Sheet 7 of 17 US 2020/0037963 AI FIG. 4DFeb. 6, 2020 Sheet $ of 17 US 2020/0037963 A1 Patent Application Publication .4E FIG.Patent Application Publication —_ Feb. 6, 2020 Sheet 9 of 17 US 2020/0037963 AI FIG. 4F 60.Patent Application Publication _ Feb. 6, 2020 Sheet 10 of 17 US 2020/0037963 AI FIG. 4GPatent Application Publication Feb. 6, 2020 Sheet 11 of 17 US 2020/0037963 AI FIG. 4HPatent Application Publication Feb. 6, 2020 Sheet 12 of 17 US 2020/0037963 AI FIG. 5 RECEIVE REQUEST FOR 510 ESTIMATING BIO-INFORMATION, : OBTAIN BIO-SIGNAL 520 ‘OBTAIN INTERNALLY DIVIDING POINT RELATED TO PULSE WAVEFORM. 530 COMPONENT, BASED ON DIFFERENTIAL [~ SIGNAL OF BIO-SIGNAL OBTAIN CHARACTERISTIC POINT BASED] _ 549 ON INTERNALLY DIVIDING POINT EXTRACT FEATURE BY USING 330 OBTAINED CHARACTERISTIC POINT : ESTIMATE BIO-INFORMATION BY 560 USING EXTRACTED FEATURE, ° 370Patent Application Publication —_ Feb. 6, 2020 Sheet 13 of 17 US 2020/0037963 AI FIG. 6A 620:Patent Application Publication Feb. 6, 2020 Sheet 14 of 17 US 2020/0037963 A1 FIG. 6B DISPLAY MEASURER 6lla LIGHT SOURCEPatent Application Publication Feb. 6, 2020 Sheet 15 of 17 US 2020/0037963 A1 FIG. 6C Q i) ' i m1 f Oo -2 == coiPatent Application Publication —_ Feb. 6, 2020 Sheet 16 of 17 US 2020/0037963 AI FIG. 6D 614 NK 6l4a Hh 614b,Patent Application Publication Feb. 6, 2020 Sheet 17 of 17 US 2020/0037963 A1 FIG. 6E 614 lv BLOOD PRESSURE INFORMATION ¥ 118/78 J MEASUREMENT DATE : 2018-05 HEALTH CONDITION : GOOD “Ke 6 14a 5 10:00 f~__ 6140 M otUS 2020/0037963 Al APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING BIO-INFORMATION (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 10001] This application claims priority from Korean Pat- ‘ent Application No. 10-2018-0089786, filed on Aug. I. 2018, in the Korean Intellectual Property Orcs, the entire disclosure of which ix incorporated herein by reference for all purposes BACKGROUND, 1. Fiekd 10002] Apparatuses and methods consistent with exem- Plary embodiments relate generally to an apparates and a rmethod for estimating bio-information such 3s blood pees- sure, and more particularly to technology for extracting pulse waveform components of a bi-signal to be used for ‘estimation of bio-information, 2. Description ofthe Related Art 10003) With an aging population, soaring medical costs, and a lack of medical personnel for specialized medical serves, research is being setvely conducted on informa- ton technology (7)-medical convergence technologies, in which IT technology and meal ecinology are combined. Particularly, monitoring ofthe heath conion ofthe human body i not Timited to places such a hospitals, but is ‘expanding lo mobile healthcare fields that may monitor User's heath codon anger and anytime in daily Lifeat home or off. Typical examples of biosianals, which indicate the heallh condition of individuals, incivde an cecteardiography (FCG) signal, a photopethysmogran {PG) signal, an electromyography (EMG) signal, and the like, and various bio-sgnal sensors are being developed to newsre these signs in daly life. Prius, the PPG Scasor may estimate blood pressure of a human body by analyzing polse waveform Which elects condition a the ‘ardovsscular system and the ke [0008] "Studies onthe PPG signal show that the entire PPC signal isa superposition of propagation waves staring from the heart toward the distal end potions ofthe ody and relection waves timing bck fo the distal end potions. Further it has hows known that information foe estimating blood presire may be obained hy exiting various fe tures flat to the propagation waves oF the welection SUMMARY [0005] One or more exemplary embodiments provide an apparatus and a method for accurately estimating bovinfor- nution by extracting a characteristic point having a high ‘correlation with blood pressure. [0006] According to an aspect of an exemplary embodt- ment, there is provided an apparatus for estimating bio- information, The apparaus includes a xensor configured to measure a bio-signal; and a processor configured t0 obtain ‘one of more characteristic poins, related to one or more pulse waveform components constituting the bio-signal, based on a differential signal of the bio-signa, and 10 ‘estimate bio-information based on the obiained one or more characteristic points Feb. 6, 2020 {0007} The processor may obtain an intemally dividing Point borweena fist point anda second point the is point Bnd the second point being selected om a Sst local ‘nim point rested toa specie pulse waveform com ponent and adjacent Tocal maxima points preceding oF following the fst local msinionm poitt in the diferent signa andobtana characteristic pont relate othe specie pilse waveform component based oa the abained intemal Uividing point. [0008] The processor may obtin a tine value of the internally dividing point asa time valu o the characteristic pont from the dffereatal signal, and obtain an amplitede Xelue,comesponing to the time valve of the infemally Sividing point, s an amplitede value ofthe characteristic poi rom the bio-sign [0009] The processor may obtain, as the inteally ivi {ng point, middle point between time value ofthe Best pool and Gime value of the second point {0010} The processor may apply a weighted vale o each Ofte valves ofthe fst point and the second point an vain the itemally dividing point based on a result of ‘npying the weahted value [W041] The processor may apply the weighted valve to cach of the time values asad om atleast one of eileen Signal strength of each ofthe first point andthe second point, anal an amplitude vale ofthe bi sianal which corresponds to cach of the time vale ofthe fist point and the second point {0012} The processor may selec the fist local minimam Point as the Hist point, and any one of the ajacent local "unin pints asthe second point and ube the itr nally dividing pont between the fist point andthe second point hased oa ciference in difereal signal strength etc the frst point and the second point, and ilfrence in diferetil signal seenath betwee second foal mini- ‘um point whieh is ilfeent fom the fist eal minimum Poin and adjacent othe scond pont, and the second point. [0013] "The processor may sclct the fist point andthe seeond point tased on a sequence of pulse waveform components constituting the Bio-sigal [W014] The procesor may. in obuising a charctersie Point related fo first pulse waveform component of the iowsana, soloct a thir eal minimum point ofthe dite cai sigil asthe ist pont and any one of adjacent local ‘asximum points proceing oF following the third lol ‘nim point asthe seond point the hid Foal minimum Point being local ini point ht sty appears nthe Siffre signal {0015}. The procesor may, obtaining a characterise point related to an tt (022, 0 Being an integer) pase waver Component ofthe bio-signal, spectively select a the fiat Poin and the second point, eal mxinum points resp tively preceding and follwing lea mist pt that fppsars nh nthe diferent signal [0016]. The processor may exact a Feature by combining ‘ne or more ofthe obtained one or more characteristic points relate to the one or more pulse waveform component and tstimate tho bio-information hase on the extracted fete {0017} Thesensormoy inchadea light souree configured to ent ight onto an objet and a detector configured to detest, Tight scattered from the objet {0013} The bio-nformation may include one of more of| Dood presi, vascule ape, arterial sts, aoetic pres sure waveform, stress inde, and degre of faigueUS 2020/0037963 Al [0019] ‘The apparatus may further include an output part ‘configured to output a processing result of the processor 0020] According to an aspect of an exemplary embodi- ment, there is provided a method of estimating bio-nfor- mation, The method ineludes measuring @ bio-signl: and ‘obtaining one oF more characteristic points, related to one or more pulse waveform components constituting the bio- signal, based on a differential signal of the bio-signal; and ‘estimating bio-information based on the obiained one or more chatacterstie points. [0021] The obtaining may inelude selecting a frst point and a second point from a fist local minimum point related toa speifie pulse waveform component and sxljacent local maximum points preceding or following the first local ‘minimum point i the differential signal; obtaining an inter- nally dividing point between the fist point and the second point; and obtaining a charecterstic point related t0 the specific pulse waveform component based on the obtained internally dividing point 0022] The obtining the intemally dividing point may inchide obtaining, asthe intemally dividing point, « middle point between atime value ofthe fst point and atime value DF the second point, [0023] The obtaining the intemally dividing point may include applying a weighted value to each of time values of the frst point and the second point, and obtaining the internally dividing point based on a result of the applying the ‘weighted value, 10024] The obtaining the internally dividing point based ‘on the esult ofthe applying the weighted value may include applying the weighted value to each of the time vas based ‘on at least one ofa differential signal strength ofeach of the fist point and dhe second point, and an amplitude value of the bio-signal which comesponds 0 each ofthe time values ‘of the fst point and the second point 10025] The selecting the fist point and the seeond point ‘ay include selecting the first local minimum point as the first point, and selecting any one of the adjacent local maximum’ points a§ the second point. The obtaining the internally dividing point may include obtaining the iner- rally dividing point between the first point andthe second point based on a difference in differential signal strength betwen the fist point and the second point, and adiflerence in diferemial signal strength between a second local mini- rm point whichis diferent from the frst local minim Point and adjacent to the second point, and the second point. 10026] The selecting the first point and the second point may include selecting the frst point and the second point based on a sequence of pulse waveform components con stituting the bi-signl 10027] The selecting the fist point and the second point nay include, in obtaining a characteristic point related to a first pulse waveform component of th bie-sgnal, selecting 4 third Jocal minimum point of the differential signal asthe first point, and any one of adjacent local maximum points preceding or following the third focal minimum point as the econd point, the thie local minimum point being a local ‘minimum point dat firstly appears in the differential signal 0028] The selecting the first point and the second point may include in obtaining a characteristic point related to an nth (n22, n being an inteper) pulse waveform component of the bio-signal, respectively selecting, asthe fist point and Feb. 6, 2020 the second point, Jocal maximum points respectively pre ceding and following a Tocal minim pet that pears sth i the dierent) [0029] The estimating may include: exrctng a feature by combining one or more of the oblained one or tore char ‘ces oints olatd t the one or more pulse waveform Components; and estinating the bioinfomation based on tho exited fstre {0030] The method may further include output an tstimaton result of the bio-information [0031] _Acconding to an aspect ofan exemplary ember ment thee is provide an apprats for eximatng bio- fnformation. The spparats may include 8 comxmsictor Configured to rwcive a bio-siga from an extemal doves, 4 processor configured o obtain one or more characteristic Points, related to one or more pulse wavelorm components Eonstiutng the biosigna, based on o dfeental sal of the roedived biosigsl, and to estimate bio-information bese onthe obtained one or more charsetetie point [0032] The exteraal device may include atleast one of a ‘o-signal measuring sensor a smartphone able! personal computer (PC), ands wearable device. 10033] The processor may obtain an itemally dividing Point between a fist point and a second point which are Select fom frst local minim point eat to a Specific pulse waveform component ad adjacent oe ‘uximum points precediag or following the fist Tocal ‘minimum point it the differential signal, and obtain a charteristic point related to the specific pulse waveform component based onthe obtained iatemaly diving pint [0034] The apparatus may furlier clude an ouput part configured Yo output atleast one of the estimated Boe {information and a change trend graph illustrating a change teend of the bio-information {0035} In respouset atleast one ofa user selection ofthe timated biosnformation and a wer solection of atime Point ofthe change tend graph, th output part may display 4 lesst oe of @ biosignal related 10 the selected bio- information, the diferent signal pulse waveform, and a characteristic point relate tothe puke wavelon. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0036] ‘The above and/or other aspects wil become appar fet and more readily appreciated by deserbing certain exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompany ing drawings, in whieh: [0037] FG. 1 is block diagram ilostrating a biosinfor- ‘mation estimating apparatns according. to an exemplary embodiment: [0038] FIG. 2 is block diagram illustrating a bio-info. ‘ation estimating apparates according to another embodi- ‘ment [0039] FIG. 3 is 9 block diagram illustrating a processor fgeording tothe embodiments of FIGS. Land 2 [0040] FIGS. 44 10 4H are diggrams explaining an ‘example of obtaining an internally dividing pont from a bio-signal. [041] FIG. § isa Dowchar illustrating a bio-information ‘estimating method according to an embodiment; and [0042] FIGS. 6A to 6E are diggrams explaining an ‘example of a wearable deviee according to an embodiment,US 2020/0037963 Al DPTAILED DESCRIPTION [0043] Exemplary embodiments are described in greater ‘tal below with reference to the sesompanying drawings [0044] In he following description, ike drawing relerence numerals are used for Tike elements, even in different ‘drawings. The matters defined in the description, such as ‘desailed construction andl elements, are provide 10 assist in 4 comprehensive understanding of the exemplary embod ments. However, itis apparent thatthe exemplary embot- ments ean be practiced Without those specifically defined matters Also, Well-known functions or constructions are not ‘described in detail since they would obscure the description with unnecessary detail. The relative size and depiction of these clements may be exoggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience [0045] It will be understood that, although the tems firs, second, ete, may be used hersin to deseribe various ele rents, these elements should not be limited by these terms “These terms are only used to distinguish one clemeot fom another. Any references to singular may include plural unless expressly stated otherwise, In addition, unless explie= ily described to the contrary, an expression such as “com prising” "incuing™ will be understood to imply the inela= ‘on of stated elements but not the exclusion of any’ other elements. Als, the terms, such as “punt” or ‘module’, et, ‘Should be understood as 2 unit that performs at east one fimetion oF operation and that may be embodied as Dard- ‘ware, software or a combination thereof. [0046] "Expressions such as "atleast one of,” when pre= ‘ceding list of elements, modify the entre list of ela tnd do not modify the individual elements ofthe ist. For ‘example, the expression, “at least one of, b, and." should be understood a including only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a. b, and e, or any Variations of the aforementioned examples. [0047] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of a bio-in- formation estimating apparatus and a bio-information es mating method will be deseribed in deal with reference 0 the accompanying drawings. [0048] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a bio-infor= Imation estimating apparatus according 10 an exemplary ‘embodiment, The bioinformation estimating apparates 100, may’ be embedded in a terminal, sveh as a smariphone, ‘ablet personal computer (PC). a desktop computer a laptop ‘compiter, and the like, or in a wearable device that may be ‘wom on an object OBJ. Examples of the wearable device may inelude a wristwatch-aype Wearable deviee, a braceet- type wearable device, a wrstband-type wearable device, a Fingtype wearable device, glasses-type wearable device, hairband-type wearable device, orth like, but the wearable device is not limited thereto. For example, the wearable ‘device may be embedded in a medical deviee manufactured for use in medical institutions to measure and analyze biovinformation [0049] Referring to FIG. 1 the bio-information estimating ‘apparatus 100 includes @ sensor 110 anc 2 processor 120, 10050] The seasor 110 may meesure a bio-signal from the ‘object OBJ. The bio-signal may be a pulse wave signal inchiding & photoplethysmogram (PPG) signal. However, ‘he bio-sgnal snot limited there, and may inelude various bio-signals, such as an clectrocardiography (FCG) signal a photoplethysmogram (PPG) signal, an electromyography (EMG) sensor, and the ike, which may be modeled by the sum ofa plurality of wavelonn components, Theobject OBI Feb. 6, 2020 may be a body part which comes into contact with or is adjacent to the sensor 110, and may be a body part where pulse waves may be easily measured. For example, the Sbjct OBI may Bean ares on the wrist that i ajacent to the radial artery of human skin azea through which veins oF copllaries pass, but the object isnot mite thereto, and may be peripheral body portions, such as fingers, toes, and the Tike, which have a high density of blood vessels [0051] The sensor 110 may include a fight source and a detector. The light source may emit ight onto the object (OBJ, and the detector may detect ight setter or reflected from the objeet OB. The light source may include light emitting diode (LED), a laser diode (LD), a fluorescent body, ad the like, and may include one array or two oF more ays. The detector may include one or more pixels, each of ‘which includes a photo diode, a photo transistor (PTR) and the Tike, whieh detoots Fight and converts the detcted light into a electric signal [0052] The processor 120 may be electrically connected to the sensor 110. The processor 120 may eontol the sensor 110 in response toa request for estimating biosinformation, td may receive a bio-signal measured by the sensor 110 ‘The request for estimating bio-information may be ipa by ‘user, or may be generated at predetermined intervals. Upon receiving a bio-sgnal from the sensor 110 the processor 120 may perform preprocessing such as fitering for reducing noise, amplification of the bio-signal, conversion of the bio-gnal to & digital signal, and the like, [0053] The processor 120 may estimate bio-infommation based on the bio-sgnal received fom the sensor 11 In this «axe, the bio-information may inchude blood pressure, vs cular age, arterial stiffness, sonic pressure waveform, stress index, degree of fatigue, and the like, but is aot limited thereto. [0054] For example, the processor 120 may obiain a sifereatial signal ofthe received bio-sigoa, and may obtain ‘a characteristic point, related to one or more pulse waveform components constituting the bio-signa, based on the obiained differential signal. The differential signal may be a secondary differential signal, but isnot limited thereto. [0055] For example, the processor 120 may detect a local ‘minimum point and a loeal maximum point from the se ondary dileretial signal and may obtain a characteristic point, related 10 individual pulse waveform components constituting the bio-signal, by using the detected local ‘inimam point and local maximum point. Fach local min ‘ium point detected fom the secondary differential sigal may be related to each pulse waveform component which ‘eases the bio-sgnal to have an upward convex waveform. [0056] The processor 120 may obtain, as a characteristic Point, a point ofa bio-signal waveform which corresponds {o each Jocal minimum point detected from the secondary iferetil signal, Allernatively, the processor 120 may obtain an intemally dividing point by using the detected Tocal minimum point and local maximum point, and may obtain a point of the bio-signal waveform, which core- sponds to the obtained internally dividing point, a a chae- ‘acteristic point. In this manner, even when the bio-signal ‘waveforms unstable die to a non-ideal envionment such as motion noise ight noise, seep, an the like, the processor 120 may accurately obiin a characteristic pia. [0057] Based on a sequence of pulse wavelonn compo- ents of the bio-signal andlor characteristics of the bio- signal waveform, the processor 120-may determine aUS 2020/0037963 Al method of selecting local minimum point, 2 local max rium point an internally dividing point, and the like, which are references for obtaining a characteristic point, and/or a method of selecting two points which are references for ‘obiining an internally dividing point. For example, accord ing tothe sequence of pulse waveform components to be ‘obiained, the processor 120-may select, as two points for ‘obtaining an intemally dividing point, local minimum Point and a local maximum point adjacent to the local ‘minimum point, either preceding or following the local ‘minimum point, or selec, a8 N¥0 points for obtaining an internally dividing point, a preceding local maximum point and a following local maximum point adjacent tothe local minimum point 0058] Upon obtaining a characteristic point for one or more pulse wavelons, the processor 120 may extract & feature by combining time and amplitede information of the characteristic point for each pulbe waveform, and may ‘estimate bio-information by using the extracted feature. In this ease the processor 120 may estimate bio-information by applying a pre-generated estimation model, The biovinfor- nation estimation model may be a linear or non-linear fiction [0059] FIG. 2 is a block diagram ilustrating a bio-nfor- ‘mation estimating apparatus according to another exemplary ‘embostment. [0060] Referring to FIG. 2 he bio-information estimating apparatus 200 includes a processor 120, 2 communicator 210, an output part 220, and a storage part 230 10061] The communicator 210 may communicate with an ‘extemal device 250 by connecting to a communication network wing a communication techni. The commun ‘calor 210 may receive a bio-signal from the external device 280, and may transmit the received bio-signal to the pro- ‘cessor 120. In an exemplary embodiment, no sensor for measuring bio-signal may be included, sveh that the biovnformation estimating apparatus 200 may be manofac- tured in 8 compact size, and may be mounted in various information processing devices, Examples of the exter dovice 250 may include a smartphone, a tablet PC, a laptop ‘compute, a desktop computer, and a wearable device, ut the extemal device 280 is not limited thereto, Further, the ‘extemal device 250 may be a bio-signal measuring sensor, in which ease the communicator 210 may communicate with the sensor directly by wire or wirelessly. 10062] Although a sensor for measuring bio-signal is not iusiated in FIG. 2, the bio-information estimating appa ratus 200 may include the sensor depending on an embedl- ‘ment. In this ease, under the contol ofthe processoe 120 oF at the request of the extemal device 250, the bio-information ‘estimating apparatus 200 may selective obtain a biosigna For example, the bio-information estimation apparats 200 may obtain a bio-sgnal by receiving bio-signal from the ‘extemal device 250 or by diecily driving the sensor 10063] In this case, the communicator 210 may perform ‘communication by using #eommunication technigue suchas Blvetooth communication, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) ‘communication, Near Fld Communication (NEC), WLAN ‘communication, Zigboe communication, laffared Data Associaton (IrDA) communication, WiFi Direct (WFD) ‘communication, Ult-Wideband (UWB) communication, ‘Ante communication, WiFi communication, mobile com: munications, and the like. However, this is merely exem- lary and is not intended to be limiting. Feb. 6, 2020 [0064] Upon receiving io-signal, the processor 120 may obiain a characteristic point by analyzing the received bio-signal, and may extract a feature, which sto be used for estimating bio-information, by using the obtained charac- ‘erste point la this ease, when a bio-signal wavefonm is ‘on-ideal and unstable, the processor 120 may obtain an internally dividing point by using local minimum points and Toca msximum points ofa secondary differential sigoal, and say obtain a characteristic point of Use bio-signal based on the intemally dividing point. Further, the processor 120 may estimate bio-information by using the extracted feature and fn estimation model. {0065} The output part 220 may output and provide a bio-ignal and/or an estimation result of bio-information to a user. For example, the outpat part 220 may output the estimated bio-information or a graph illustrating a change ‘wend of bio-information la this ease, in response to 9 User's seletion of any’ one bio-information item from the change ‘tend graph of biosnformation, the processor 120 may red ‘detailed information related tothe selected bio-infermation, eg, bio-signal, a differential signal, a pulse waveform, a ‘araeteristie point, and the Fike, Irom the storage part 230, sane may output the read information throug the output part 220. [0066] The output part 220 may ouput the information by various visual methods using a display module, or by ‘non-visual methods through voice, tactile sensation, vibri- ‘ion, and the like using a speaker, a haptie module, and the like: For example, based oa information whether estimted blood pressure ofa user is norm, the ouput pat 220 may Aisplay the blood pressure by adjusting a font eolor or a font style, and the like. Aleratively, the output part 220 may Aisplay the estimated blood pressure by a non-vsua metboet through voice, or by changing vibration, tactile sensation, tnd the like based on abnonmality of Blood pressure. In ‘adton, in the ease where the estimated blood presse is fot normal, the output part 220, may output the bloed pressure along with waming infomation, and depending on ‘an embodiment, may also output guide information, includ jing food information requiring attention, appropriate oF inappropriate ations before measuring blood presse, varie fous types of addtional information, andthe like [0067] ‘The storage part 230 may store reference inform. tion to be used for estimating bio-information, the obtained bio-signal, a differential signal, a local minimum point, a focal maximum point, an intemally dividing point, a char- acteristie point, a feature, an estimation result of bio-infor- ‘ation, aid the lke. In this eas, the reference information ‘sed for estimating bio-information may include wer infor mation, such as a user's age, gender, occupation, current health condition, and the Hike, estimation model information, and the like, but is not limited thereto. [0068] The storage part 230 may include st least one Storage medium of a flash memory type memory, a hard disk ype memory a multimedia eard micro type memory, a car ype memory (ea, a Secure Digital (SD) memory, an eXtreme Digital (XD) memory, ot.), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a. Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), 4 Read Only Memory (ROM), an Bleerieally [Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM), a mapnetic riemory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk, ad the like, but the storage medium is not limited theretoUS 2020/0037963 Al [0069] ‘The processor 120 may be connected to the eom- rnnicator 210, the ouput part 220, and the storage par 230 through an internal bus, and may contro dae comminicator 210, the output part 220, and the storage part 280. For ‘example, the processor 120 may contr the communicator 210 to transmit and receive various types of information With the extemal device 280. In addition, durough the ‘communicator 210, the processor 120 may store the received information in the stomge part 280 and may obtain infor- ration used for estimating bio-infoemation from the storage part 230. Further, the processor 120 may control the output part 220 10 ontpat a processing result, [0070] FIG. 3 isa block diagram illustrating « processor ‘acconting to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIGS. 44 to 4H are diagrams explaining an example of obtaining an internally dividing point from a bio-sign 10071] Genecally the pulse wave signals, obtained fom an ‘object, are a superposition of peopagation waves, starting fiom the heart toward the distal en portions ofthe body. and reflection waves returning back from the distal end portions. FIG. 44 illustrates an example of a pulse wave signal 40 form by superposition of ive pulse waveforms 41, 4, 43, 444, and 45. By obisining points, related tothe pulse wave forms 41, 42,43, 44, und 4S, s characteristic points fom the pulse wave signal 40, ae by properly combining time and ‘ample information of the abisined characteristic pots ‘and the like, features having a high correlation with blood pressure may be extracted. Generally, pulse waveforms from the first pulse waveform up to the tied pulse waveform are mainly used to estimate Blood pressure. Pulse wavelorms er the third pulse waveform may not be observed depend- ing oa individials ia some cases, and are dificult to fad due to noise, oF havea low comelation with estimation of blood pressure [0072] Referring to FIG. 3, the processor 300 includes an ‘ntermlly dividing point obtainer 310, characterise point ‘obianer 320, a feature extractor 330, anda bioinkomation ‘ostimator 340, [0073] The intemally dividing point obtainer 310. may ‘bain a differential signal (eg, secondary differential sigs nal) from a bio-signal, and may obtain a local minimum Point and a local maximum point by detecting the obtained ‘differential signal. Here, the local minimum point in an imerval ofa secondary differential signal relers to a specific Point at whieh the secondary differential signal is observed to be reduced and then is increased past te specie point, Incther words the local mininaum pint refers toa pont at Which the second differential signal forms @ dowawant ‘conver shape. By contrast, the local maximum point in an interval of the secondary differential signal refers to 2 point st whieh the secondary ferential signal forms an upward ‘conver shape. In this ease, an ith local minimum point of the differential signal may be related to an ith pulse wave- form ofthe bio-signal, in Which iel, andi is an integer {0074} Further, the intemally dividing point obtainer 310 may select two points from among the detected local mini- ‘um points and local meximam points, and may obtain an internally dividing point berween the selected 180 points For example, the internally dividing point obtainer 310 may ‘obtain, as an internally dividing point, a middle point on 3 time axis between the selected frst point and second point, 4 represented by the following Equation 1. That i, the imemally dividing point obtainer 310 may determine, a6 Feb. 6, 2020 time value of an intemally dividing point, a median value between a time value of the fist point and atime value of the second point [Bgation [0075] Herein, Ty, denotes the time value ofthe itemally dividing point related to an i-th pulse waveform component, ‘and, and T,, denote the time valves of the first pot an the second point selected for obtaining the intemal dvid- jing point related to the th pulse waveform component. [0076] In another example, the intemally dividing point obiainer 310 may apply a Weighted value to each ofthe time voles of the fst point and the second! point, and may obtain ‘an aternally dividing point based on each ofthe ime values ‘o which the weighted value is applied, as represented by the following Equation 2. Tush ty (Beton 2) [0077] Herein, denotes the time value ofthe intemally Aividing point related tothe -t pulse waveform component; ‘Ty and L, denote the time valtes ofthe first point and the second point selected for obtaining the internally dividing Point related tothe i-th pulse waveform component: and a fad b denote weighted values respectively applied tthe time values of each ofthe points. In this case, the weighted values a and b may be set based on the strength of each ferential signal of the fist point and the second point, oF based on at amplitude vane of a bio-signal corresponding {0 the time values ofthe fist point and the second point. [0078] The intermally dividing point obtainer 310 may select ewo points from among local minimum points and Tocal maxiaium points based on a sequence of plse wave- orm components, For example, in ofder to oblain a char acteristic point elated to first pulse waveform component tof a bio-signal, the intemlly dividing point obtainer 310 ‘ay sclet a frst local minim point of adilerntial signal as a fist poin, and may select any one of adjacent local ‘maximum points preceding or following the first local ‘minimum point on the time axis, for example, a following local maximum poiat, as a second point. Aeraatively, in onder to obiin a characteristic point related to an n-th (322, 1 being an integer) pulse waveform component of the bio-sgnal, the internally dividing point obtainer 310 may sect local maximum points, preceding or following an m-th Tocal minimum point, the frst point and the second point, but the characteristic point is not limited thereto. [0079] ‘The characteristic point obtainer 320 may obtain a ‘chireteristic point related to each pulse waveform compo= ‘en from the biossignal based on the detected local min ‘mum point andor the intemally dividing point. The chae acteristic point obtainer 320 may obtain, asthe characteristic Point related t pulse waveform components, each point of the bio-signal waveform which cotresponds tothe time of the local mininaum point ofthe obtained differeatial signal andor the time of the internally dividing point, and may biain time and amplitude information of each characteristic Point as information of each pulse waveform componentUS 2020/0037963 Al [0080] Referring to FIG. 4B, (1) once a bio-signal is ‘bined, (2) the internally dividing point 310 performs secondary dillerentiation of the obtained bio-signal to obtain 1 secondary dillerential signal, and (3) may detect local ‘minimum points from the obtained secondaey’ differential signal, to extract time values TH, T2, and 73 eomesponding toa fist a second, and a third local minimum points. Then, (4) the characteristic point obtainer 320 may obtain, as charecterstc points related to the fst, second, and third pulse waveform components, cach point of the bio-signal waveform corresponding to the time values TH, T2, and T3 ‘of the local minimum points extracted by the internally dividing point obtainer 310, and may obtain information on the time values TH, T2, and T¥ and amplitude valves PI, P2, and P3 of the characteristic points as information of each pulse waveform component [0081] FIG. 4C illustes an example of an ideal bio- signal 40a, in which individual waveform components 1a, 2a, and 48a may be easily identified even ina superposed ‘waveform of the biossignal 40a, Accordingly, in the case Where the ideal bio-signal 40 is obtained, the internally dlividing point 310 may exirt the time values T1, T2, and T3 ofthe frst, second, and thi local minimum point «secondary differential signal 46a, without separately per- forming operation to obainan internally dividing point. The characteristic point obiainer 320 may obtain points, eon sponding to each ofthe time values TH, 72, and T3 extracted by the internally dividing point obisiner 310, from the waveform of the bio-signal 40a 2s characteristi points of the first, second, and think pulse waveforms 41a, 42a, and 43x. In addition, the characteristic point obtainer 320 may ‘obiain information on the time valies TH, T2, and 3 and amplitude Values PY, P2, and P3 as infomation of each pulse ‘waveform component. [0082] FIGS. 4D and 45 illustrate an example where individual waveform components are not easily identified but distorted in a superposed waveform ofa bi-signal 40, Referring to FIG. 4D, relative imbalance of a superposed amount of amplitudes occurs in an area near a point ofthe bio-signal 400 which corresponds to the time T1 ofa fist local minimum point of 2 secondary difleretial signal 46 “That i, there is no anterior interference in the amplitude PL related to the fst waveform component et compared to ‘other waveform components, such tat asymmetry in the slretion of interference occurs, resulting in a smaller ampli- tude value PI than intended. Under those circumstances, hen bio-information is estimated using te time values T1, 72, and T3 and amplitude values PA, P2, and P3 obtained 3s itsteated in FIG. 4C, accuracy of estimating bie-infoema~ tion may be reduced [0083] Referring to FIG. 48, under the circumstances of FIG, 4D, the interally dividing point oblainer 310 may ‘obtain an intemally dividing point to obtain a charicterstic Point related 10 the first pulse waveform. As illustrated therein in order to obain a characteristic point related tothe first pulse waveform, the intemally dividing point obtainer 310 may select a frst local minimum point NI ofa secand- ‘ary diferential signal 460 asa frst point, and may select 3 Tocal maximum point X1, adjacent to the first local mini- ‘mum point NI on the right sie thereof, as a second point Farther, the intemally dividing point oblainer 310 may ‘obain an iterlly dividing point between te frst point NL ‘and the second point X1 as described above. The charac~ ‘erste point obtainer 320 may obtain atime value TT and Feb. 6, 2020 sn amplitude value PI related to the internally dividing point trom a bio-signal 408 98 a characteristic point ofthe fist pulse waveform component, It can be seen that compared to FIG. 4D, the ehamcterstic point ofthe frst pulse waveform component is moved tothe right, i. to position adjacent {0 a first upward convex point ofthe bio-signal [0084] FIGS. 4P and 4G illustrate an example where Waveform flexibility of & bio-signal 0c is. relatively reduced. Referring to FIG. 4, the flexibility is reduced at a point related to the second pulse waveform component in the bio-signal 40c, thereby increasing instability of the time value 12 in an area FT near the second local minimum point of a secondary differential signal 46, AS a resul, the amplitude value P2 related tthe second pulse waveform ‘may be obtained at an incorrect location. Under these circumstances, when characteristic points ae obtained as in the case of the ideal bio-signa illustrated in FIG. 4C, and bio-information is estimated using the time values TT, 12, and T3 and amplitude values Pl, P2, and P2 obtained as ‘usted in FIG. 4C, accuracy of estimating bio-informa tion may be reduced. [0085] Referring to FIG. 4G, under the circumstances of FIG. 48, the interally dividing point obtainer 310 may obtain an internally dividing point to accurately obtain a ccaraeteristie point related to the second pulse wavetorm of the bio-signal 40¢. As ilstrated in FIG. 46, in order to obtain # characteristic point related to the second pulse ‘waveform, the intemal dividing poiat obtainer 30 may selet preceding or following local maximum points X1 and 2X2, adjacent 10 @ second local minimum point N2 of the ‘secondary diferent) signal 46c, a the fist point and the second poiat respectively. Pure, the intemal dividing point obtainer 310 may obtain an interaly dividing point between the first point X1 and the second point X2 as described above. In this ease, the characteristic point ‘obtainer 320may obtain the time value T2 and the amplitude value P2 related to the internally dividing point from the bio-ignal 40 os a characteristic point ofthe second pulse ‘waveform component. I-ean be seen that compared 10 FIG. AF, the characteristic point of the second pulse waveform ‘component is moved to the righ, i, 10 position adjacent to the sevond pulse wavelorm component. Therefore, ‘aeording to an exemplary embodiment, accuracy of est ‘mating bio-nformation may be improved. [0086] FG. 4H is diagram explaining another example Of obisining an internally dividing point by the intemally Aividing point obtainer 310. In order to obiain a charactor: iste point related to the first pulse waveform from a bio- signal 40d. the internally diving point oblainer 310 may Selet the fist local minimum point NI of a differentia! signal 46d and the local maximum point X1, adjacent othe first loeal minimum point NI, af the fist point and the second point respectively and may intemally divide the time between the fist point N¥ and the second point XY at a predetermined mii, [0087] For example, the internally dividing point obtainer 310 may caleulate a liference al in dilleental signal Strength between the first point NY and the second point X4, ‘nd difference a2 in differential signal strength berwoen the Second point X1 and second local minimum point NZ following the second point NI, and may obtain an intemally Aividing point by using the calculated values af and as an internal division mio between the first point NI and the second point X1. The characteristic point obisiner 320 mayUS 2020/0037963 Al ‘bin, asa characteristic point ofthe first pulse waveform, the time TH ofthe obtained intomally dividing point and the ‘amplitade P1 ofthe biosignal corresponding tothe time. [0088] ltough FIG. 4 illustrates an example of obtain- ing an imernaly dividing point releed 0 the fist pulse waveform, the example may also be applied 10 the case of ‘obiining an intemlly dividing point related to the second and subsequent pulse waveforms following the first pulse ‘waveform. For example, in order to oblain an internally dividing point related to the second pulse waveform, lel ‘maximum points adjacent to the second Joeal minimum point may be selected asthe frst point and the second point, Sand diffrence inthe differential signal strength between the first point and the second local minimum point and difference in the diferetial signal strength between the second point and the second local minimam point may be ‘used asa internal division rata between the first point and the sevond point 10089] In FIG. 41, the difference in the differential signal strength between (wo points is used as an internal division ratio, but the intemal division rato isnot ited thereto, and 8 diffrence in the amplitude value between two points may als he us [0090] Referring back to FIG. 3, the characteristic point ‘obiainer 320 may obtain, as characteris point information, ‘various types of information in addition to the aforemen- tioned characteristic points related to the Joeal minimum point ofthe differential signal andor the internally dividing Point. For example, the characteristic point obisiner 320 hay obtain, as addtional characteristic point information, specific interval of « bio-signal time and an amplitude at f point where an amplitude has « maximum valve in a systolic blood pressure (SBP) interval, an entre area or 8 partial area of the bio-signal waveform, andthe like [0091] Once characteristic points are extrated trom the bio-sgnal, the feature extractor 330 may combine the cexircied characteristic points to extract feature for esti= mating bio-infomation, as represented by the following. [Equation 3. However, Fquation 3 is merely exemplary, and characteristic point information itself oF Various combina tions of two of more characteristic points may also be used Beton 1 [0092] Once the feature extractor 390 extracts a feature, the bioinformation estimator 340 may estimate bio-infor. mation by using the extracted feature. For example, the biovinformation estimator 440 may estimate blood pressure by applying the feature, for example, extracted by using the above Fquation 3, a blood pressure estimation equation as, represented by the following Equation 4 Beavis i 10003] Herein, BP denotes aa estimated blood pressure value, and A, w, and B denote any predefined coelicents 10094) FIG. Sis 2 lowchac illustrating a bio-information «estimating method according to an exemplary embodiment. The embodiment of FIG. 8 may be an example of a biovinformation estimating method performed by any one of the bio-information estimating apparatuses 100 and 200 of FIG. 1 o¢ 2. which is deseribod above in detail, such that description thereof will be briefly made. (Eton 4) Feb. 6, 2020 [0095] The bio-nformation estimating apparatus may receive a roquest for estimating bio-information in S10, The bio-information estimating apparatus may provide an inter face which performs various interactions with a user. The user may transmit a request for estimating bio-information through the interface provided by the bio-information est ‘mating apparatus. Alternatively, a request for estimating bio-information may be received from an extemal device ‘The request for estimating bio-information received form the extemal device may include a request for providing an estimation result of bic-iaformaton, Inthe ease where the external device bas an embedded algorithm for estimating bio-information, the request for estimating bio-information ‘may also include a request for providing. characteristic points or feature information, Examples of the external Gevice may include a smartphone, a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a weamble device and the like which may be carried by @ user [0096] Thea, the bio-information estimating apparatus ‘ay obtain a bio-signal for estimating bio-information in 520, For example, in the case where a sensor is mouted in the bio-information estimating apparatus, the bio-infoma ‘ion estimating apparatus may contol a sensor to obiin a pulse wave signal from an object. Alternatively, inthe ease ‘where no sensor for measuring a bio-signa is included, the bio-information estimating apparatus may receive a bio- signal from an external deviee [0097] Subsequently, the bio-information estimating appa ratus may obtain an iatermlly dividing point, related pulse ‘waveforin components constituting the bio-signsl, hosed on differential signal of the obtained bio-signal in $30. For fexample, the bio-information estimating. apparatas my Sete jocal minimum poiat and local maximum point of a secondary differential signal, and may obtain an intemally tdividing point by using the detected local minizaum point fnd local maximam point. As described above, in order obiaina characterise point elated toa first pulbe waveform component, the bio-information estimating apparatus may obtain an internally dividing point between the first local ‘inimam point and an adjacent local maximum point Additionally, in onder to obtain a characteristic point related to pulse waveform components of the second and subse- quent pulse waveforms following the first pulse waveform, the bic-information estimating apparatus. may obtain an internally dividing pont between Wo local msaxitnur points adjacent to a Jocal minimum point of the second and subsequent pulse waveforms. [0098] Next, the bio-information estimating apparatus ‘ay obtain a characteristic point from the bio-signal based fn the focal minimnm point obtained from the differential signal and/or the interally dividing point in $40. The bio-information estimating apparatis may obtain, as a chae- ‘acteristic point, a point corresponding toa time of the local ‘inimam point and/or a time of the internally divi point, from the bio-sgnal, and may obtain time ‘and amplitude information corresponding to the time infor ‘mation as charoleristic point information related to the pulse wavefoem components. Further, in order 19 supple= ‘ment an unstable bio-signal due to motion nose andthe like, the bio-information estimating spparatis may extract, as an adiconal characteristic point time and an amplitude at a point where an amplitude has a maximum value in an SBP Interval, or an entire or partial area of the bio-signalUS 2020/0037963 Al 0099} ‘Then, the biovinformation estimating. apparatus may extract a feature, to be used for estimating Bio-infor- mation, by using the obtained characteristic points in $80. In this eas, the feature to be use for estimating bio-informae tion may be extracted by combining to oF more charae- teristic points as represented by Equation 3 10100] Subsequently, the biosnformation estimating appa~ ratus may estimate bio-infommaton by using the extricted feature in $60, In this case, a bio-nformation estimation rode may be pre-eenerated asa Taneton, as represented by uation 4. [0101] Next, the bio-information estimating. apparatus may provide an estimation result of bio-nformation a user in 870. Inthiscase, the bo-information estimating apparatus may provide the estimated bio-information to-a usct by ‘aon visal methods using a display or non-visual meth- ‘ds through voive, tactile sensation, vibration and the Tike using a speaker, a haptic module, and the lke, to a wsee. Further, the bio-aformation estimating apparatus may deter mine’a user's health condition based on the estimated biosinformation, and may provide guide. information, inching @ warning or measbes, 10 @-user based on the ddscrination [0102] FIGS. 64 w 6E ore divgrams explaining an ‘example of a wearable device acconling to an exemplary ‘embosiment, Various embodiments ofthe above-described boinformation estimating apparatus may be embedded in a smart watch worn onthe wrist ora smart band-ype wearable Aevive as described in FIGS, 6A and 6B, However, this is merely exemplary for convenicnoe of explanation, and the ‘wearable device may be applied to an information process- ing terminal such a8 a smartphone, a tablet PC, a ptop computer, a desktop computer and the like [0103] Referring w FIGS, 6A to 6F; the wearable deviee 600 includes @ main body 610 and a Strap 620, 0104] ‘The main body 610 may be formed to have various shapes, and may have modules which are mounted on an inner or outer surface of the main body 610 to perform ‘arous funtion in ation othe aforementioned fonction ‘of estimating bio-information. A battery may be embeckled inthe min body 610 oF the stryp 620 to supply power to ‘various modiles ofthe wearable device 600. 10105] ‘The strap 620 may be connected to the main body 610, The strap 620 may be flexible, so a to be bent around ‘user's west, The stap 620 may be bent in such a manner thatthe stap 620 may be detached from the user's west or may be formed asa band that isnot detachable. Air may be injected into the strap 620 or an airhog may’ be inelded in the strap 620, 30 that the stp 620 may have casticity according to a change in presure applied to the wrist, and the change in pressure ofthe wrist may be transmit to the main body 610. 10106] 8 messurer 611, which measures a bio-sinal by ‘emiting light onto an object OB and by detecting light fcatere from the object OBI, may be mounted st one surfice of the main body 610, The measurer 611 may be mounted on a rear surfee of the main body 610, Le, Portion that comes into contact witha user's wrist, and may inelude one or more light sources 61a for emiting light ‘onto the skin of the wrist er one oF more detectors 611) for ‘detecting light scattered from the abject OBS, The measurer 61 may further include © contact pressure sensor for treasuring contact pressure of the object OBI Feb. 6, 2020 [0107] A processor 612 may be mounted inthe main body 610, The processor 612 may be connected to the measurer 611, a communicator 613, a display 614, and various other modules to contro! operations thereof. In addition, the processor 612 may estimate bio-information by using the bio-signal measured by the measurer 612, and may provide ‘an estimation result t6 a user through the display 614. As Ueseribed above. the processor 612 may obtain a character istic point, related (© cach pulse waveform component constituting the bio-signal, by using a differential signal of the bio-signal, and may estimate bio-information, sueh a blood pressure, by using the obtained characteristic point. [0108] In the case where the measurer 611 includes a contact pressure sensor, the processor 612 may monitor contaet state of an object based on the measured contact pressure signal, and may provide a user with a guide 10 a ontaet postion and/or & contact state through the display 61s, [0109] The processor 612 may manage the estimated bio-information,e, blood pressure history information, a bio-signal used’ for measuring blood pressure, and each constituent pulse decomposed from the bio-sgnal, in a storage device. Furthe, the processor 612 may generate additional information, including warning information, a health state change trend, and the lke, which is used for healtheare management of a user, based on the estimated bi-information, and may manaze the generated information in storage device [0110] I addition, « manipulator 618, which reoeives a control command of user and transmits the received «control command tothe processor 612, may be mounted in the main body 610. The manipulator 618 may inclode power button to input a command to tum on of the ‘Wearable deviee 600. [0111] The cisplay 614 may be mounted on a front surface of the main body 610 as ilstated therein, and may inelude 8 touch panel for touch input. The display 614 may be controled by the processor 612 to receive a touch inp from fuser and’ Wansmit the received toveh input to the processor 612, and may’ display a processing result of the processor 612, [0112] For example, the display 614 may display the estimated biovinformation, eg. blood pressure information, fs illusiated in FIG. 6C. Ia this ease, the display 614 my also display additional information such as a warning an the Tike, When a user requests detailed infomation by ‘operating the manipulator 615 oF by touching the display G14 for touch inp, the display 614 may display detailed information by various methods a iustrated in FIGS, 6 and OF. In this manner, a user may casily identity a blood pressure change trend, and may intuitively understand a bio-signal according to a blood pressure change trend and various types of information extracted from the bio-signal [0113] | Referring o FIGS. 6D and 6; the display 614 may be divided into a fist area 64a and a socond area 6148, in Which the frst area 614a may display detailed information, fand the second area 614 may display a blood pressure history graph. In this case, an identification mark M, ind cating curently selected blood pressure information i, may be displayed along with the blood pressure history graph, ‘The identification mark Mis shown as vertical linc, but is not Fimited there, and may have various shapes such as circular shape, a polygonal shape such a a square shape, an famow indicating » position, and the like. When a bloodUS 2020/0037963 Al pressure change trend is displayed in the second area 6140, user may view detailed information of specific blood pressure information by selecting the specific blood pressure Information. For example, the user may select the specific blood pressure information by touching the specie blood pressure information ofthe graph, or by moving the graph to a right side or a left side to place the specific blood pressure information to align withthe identification mark M. When a uscr selects desired blood pressure information in the second area 614%, the display 614 may outpotinforma~ tion, such a a bio-signal related to the blood pressure information selected in the fist area 614, individval pase waveform graphs, an estimated blood pressure value tthe time point, a measurement date, a health condition at the time point, a illustrated in FIGS. 6D and 6E. However, this is merely’ exemplary, and may display various types of tailed information not illusirsted in FIGS, 6D and 6E. [0114] Moreover, communicator 613, provided for com- rnication with an external device, such as a mobile ter= ‘minal of a user, may be mounted inthe main body 610. The communicator 613 may transmit an estimation result of bio-information 0 an extemal device, eg, 4 user's start- phone, to display’ the resto @ user However this merely ‘exemplary, and the communicator 613 may transmit and receive various relevant information, [0115] Te diselosure ean be implemented as a computer: Teadable code written on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-eadable recording medium may be ‘any type of recording device in which data is stored in a ‘computerreadable manner [0116] Examples of the computereadable recording medium incinde a ROM, a RAM, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy dise, an optical data storage, and a carrier ‘wave (eg, data transmission through the Tntemet). The ‘computerreadable recording medium can he distributed ‘over plurality of compute systems connected toa network. 0 that a computerreadable code is written thereto and ‘executed therefrom in a decentralized manner. Functional Programs, codes, and code seyments newded for realizing the disclosure can be easily dvluced by one of ordinary skill in the at. [0117] At east one of the components, elements, medules for units described herein may be embodied as various numbers of hardware, software and/or firmware structures that execute respective functions described above, according, to an exemplaey embodiment, For example, at least one of these components, elements or units may uses direct circuit structure, such as a memory, a processor, a Tog circuit, & Took-up table, ete. that may execute the respective functions through controls of one or more microprocessors or other ‘contol apparatuses. Aso, at lest one of these components, ‘elements or units may he specifically embodied by a module, 8 program, of # part of onde, which contains ane or more ‘executable instructions for performing specified loge fune~ tions, and exectted hy one or more microprocessors or other ‘contol apparatuses. Aso, atleast one of these components, ‘elements or units may further include or implemented by a Processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) that performs the respective functions, a microprocessor, oF the like, Two or more of these components, elements Or units may be combined into one single component, element or Unit which performs all operations oF funetions of the ‘combined two or more components, elements of units. Also, at Teast prt of functions of at least one of these components, Feb. 6, 2020 elements or units may be performed by another of these components, element oe units. Further, although a bus is not illustrated in some of block diagrams, communication between the components, clements or units may be per ormed through the bus. Funetional aspects of the above exemplary embodiments may be implemeated in algorithms that execute on one or more processors. Furthermore, the components, elements or units represented by a block oF processing eps may employ any number of related art techniques for eloeonies configuration, signal processing ‘andor contro, data processing and the like, [0118] "The foregoing exemplary embodiments are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting. The disclosure ean be readily applied to other types of appar tuses. Also, the description o the exemplary embodiments is intended to be illustative, and not 10 limit the scope of the claims, and many alternatives, modifications, and variations ‘will Be apparent to those skilled in the at. ‘What i claimed is 1. An apparatus for estimating bio-information, the appa satus comprising ‘8 sensor configured to measure a bio-ignal: and 1 processor configured t0 obtain one or more character istic points, related to one or more pulse waveform components constituing the bio-sigaal, based on a tliferential signal of the bio-signal, and to estimate bio-information based on the obtained one or more characteristic points 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured fo obtain an intemal dividing point between fist point and a second point, the fist point and the secon point being selected from frst local minimum point related fora specific palse wavelonn eomponent and adjacent local ‘maximum points preceding or following the first local ‘inimam point in the differential signal, and obtain a characteristic point related to the specific pulse waveform ‘component base on the obtained interaly dividing point 3. The apparatus of elaim 2, wherein the procestor is configured to obtain a time value ofthe internally dividing point as a Gime value of the eharseteristc point rom the ‘ferential signal, and obtain an amplitude value, corre sponding tothe time value of the intemally dividing pont, fs an amplitude value of the characteristic point from the bio-signal. 4. The apparatus of claim 2, whercin the processor is configured 1 obtain, as the internally dividing, point, ‘idle poiat between & time value of the fist point and a time value of the seoond point 5. The apparatus of claim 2, whercin the processor is configured to apply # weighted valve to cach of ie vals of the first point aad the second point, and obtain the internally dividing point hascd on a result of applying the ‘weighted value 6. The apparatus of elaim 5, wherein the processor is contigured 10 apply the weighted value o eae of the time values based om atleast one of differential signal strength of ‘each ofthe first point and the second point, and an amplitude Value of the bio-signal whieh corresponds Yo each o the time values ofthe first point andthe second point 7. The apparatus of elaim 2, wherein the processor is configured to select the first local minimum point asthe fst point, and any one ofthe adjacent local maximum points as the second point, and obtains the intemally dividing point between the fist point and the second point based on aUS 2020/0037963 Al 10 difference in differential signal strength between the first point and the second point, nd a difference in differential fignal strength between a second local minimum point ‘which i different fom the fist local minimam point and ‘adjacent to the second point, and the second point '8, The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the processor is ‘configured to selec the frst point andthe secon point based ‘on a soquence of pulse waveform components constituting the bio-sigal 9, The apparatus of claim 8 wherein, in obtaining « ‘characteristic point related to a fist pulse waveform com= ponent of the bio-signal, the processor is configured 0 select 2 third local minimum point of the differential signal asthe first point, and any one of adjacent local maximum points preceding or following the tied focal minimum point as the Second point, the thd local minimum point being a local ‘minimum point dat firstly appears in the differential signal 10. The apparatus of claim 8 whoroin, in obtaining harscterstie point related to an net pulse waveform com= ponent of the bio-signl, the processor is configured 10 Fespecively select, the fist point and the second point Tocal maximum points rexpectively preceding and following 4 local minimum point that appears n-th in the difereatial signal, whore n isan integer greater than oF equal to 2. "The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is ‘configured to extract a feature by combining one or mare of the oblainod one or more characteristic points related to the ‘one or more pulse waveform components, a estimate the biovinformation based on the extracted feature 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor com- prises a light source configured to emit light onto an abject; and 1 detector configured to detet Fight seattered from the ‘object. 13, The apparatus of elaim 1, wherein the bio-informnation ‘comprises atleast one of blood pressure, vascular age, anerial stfiess, aortic pressure waveform, sees index, and {degree of Tague. 14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an output part confipured to ourputa processing result of the processor. 15. A method of estimating bio-information, the method ‘comprising measuring bio-signal; snd obtaining one or more characteristic points, related to one ‘oF more pulse waveform components constituting the bio-signal, based on a differential signal of the bio signal: and «stmt bio-information based on the obtained one or ore characteristic points 16, The method of claim 18, wherein the obtaining ‘comprises: seleting frst point snd a second point fom a first local ‘minimum point related to a specific pulse waveform, ‘component and adjacent Ioeal maximum points preced jing or following the first local minimum point in the iereatil signal obtaining an interally dividing point between the first Point and the second point; and obiaining. @ characteristic point related to the specific pulse waveform component based on the obiained Intemally diving point, 17. The method of cluim 16, wherein the obtaining the internally dividing point comprises obtaining, as the iner- Feb. 6, 2020 nally dividing point, middle point between atime value of the frst point and 2 time value of the second point 18, The method of elsim 16, wherein the obtaining the inetnally dividing point comprises: applying a weighted value to each of time values of the frst point and the second point and ‘obtaining the internally dividing point based on a result of the applying the weighted value. 19, The method of claim 18, wherein the obtaining the ‘nernaly dividing point based on the result of the applying the Weighted value comprises applying the weighted value to cach of the time values based on at least one of a ferential signal strength of each ofthe first point and the second point, and an amplitude value of the bio-signal which corresponds to cach of the time values of the fist point and the second point, 120, The method of claim 16, wherein the selecting the frst point and the second point comprises selecting the fist local minimum point asthe Fist point; and selecting ay one ofthe adjacent local maxiaaum points as the second point, and ‘wherein the obtaining the intemaly dividing point com- prises obtaining the intemally dividing point between the first point and the second point based on a die. cece in diferential signal strength etween the first point and the second point, and a difference in difer- ‘atl signal strength between a second local minimum point, which is different from the first local minimum point and adjacent wo the second point, andthe second point 21. The method of elim 16, whecein the selecting the fest point and the second point comprises selecting the first point fd the second point based on a sequence of pulse waveform components constituting the bio-sgna. 22, The method of claim 21 wherein the selecting the frst point and the second poiat comprises, in obtaining. a chae- acteristie point related to first pulse Waveform component ofthe bio-signl, selecting a third local minimsim point of the differential signal as the first point, and au one of adjacent local maximum points preceding or following the third focal minimum point the second point, the thie local ‘minimam point being a local minimum point that firstly appears inthe differential signa 23, The method of claim 21, wherein the selecting the frst point and the second point cemprises, in obiining a chie ‘acteristic pint related to an n-th pulse waveform component ofthe bio-signa, respectively selecting the frst point and the second point, acal maximum points respectively pre- coding and following a local minimum point that appears ‘nah in the differential signal, where mis an integer greater than oF equal to 2. 24, The method of elsim 15, wherein the estimating comprises extracting @ feature by combining one or more of the ‘oblained one or more characteristic pois elated tothe ‘one oF more pulse waveform components: and estimating the bio-information based on the extracted 2S. The method of claim 18, futher comprising ouput ting an estimation result ofthe Bioinformation, 26. An apparatus for estimating bio-information, the appa satus comprisingUS 2020/0037963 Al 1 communicator configured to receive a bi-sighal from ‘an external device; and 1 processor configured to obtain one oF more character Fstic points, related to ne or more pulse waveform components constituting the bio-signal, based on a Aiferetial signal of the received bio-sipnal, and t0 estimate bio-information based on the obtained one or ‘more characteristic points 27, The apparats of claim 26, whercin the extemal device ‘comprises atleast one ofa bio-signal measuring sensor, 3 Smartphone, a tablet personal computer, and a wearable device 28. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the processor is ‘configured to obtain an internally dividing point between 2 first point and a second point which are selected from a ist local minimum point related to a spocifie pulse waveform ‘component and adjacent local maximum points roveding or "1 Feb. 6, 2020 following the fist local minimum point inthe diferent signal, and obtain a characteristic point related tothe specific pulse waveform component based on the obtained intemally tividing point. 29, The apparatus of elsim 26, further comprising. an ‘ouput part configured o output at least one ofthe estimated bio-information and change trend graph illetating change tend of the bio-information, 30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein in response to at least one ofa user selection of the estimated bio-information, tnd a user sclection of a time point of the change trend raph, the output partis configured t display at least one of 4 biowsignal relted 0 the selected bio-information, the ferential signal, a pulse waveform, and a characteristic point related tothe pulse waveform,