Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 could feature blood pressure monitoring, reveals a new patent

In recent years, the number of health functions of smartphones and smartwatches has significantly increased. Nowadays, peoples are using mobile phones and smart watches as a fitness training tutor and sleep tracker. For example, Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 and Watch Active 2 feature ECG and blood pressure monitoring through the Samsung Health app.

Now, it looks like the South Korean tech giant seems to bring these powerful health functions to its future foldable smartphones. According to LetsGoDigital, Samsung has been gained a patent, in which technology is designed for foldable smartphones with an inward folding display.

Back in April 2020, Samsung filed a new patent entitled ‘Foldable electronic device and method of estimating bio-information using the same’ at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). And the documentation was approved and published on March 25, 2021.

According to the images mentioned in the patent application, both tablet-like foldable and clamshell foldable phones can adopt this technology. Moreover, two image sensors are built-in under the flexible screen at the bottom side of the phone. By placing the index finger on one or two sensors, image data can be obtained.

Pixel intensity is converted to pulse wave amplitude for subsequent collection of information about your health through an amplitude conversion model. The pressure that the finger exerts on the screen is also calculated in order to get accurate data.

The obtained data will be displayed on the flexible screen by just placing only your finger on the first sensor. If you put your finger on the two sensors, the data will be displayed on the cover display. When necessary, the user is required to move the finger and/or increase pressure at the same time.

The bio-information can include information on various health aspects :

• Blood pressure: Oscillometric method to measure pressure changes in the artery.
• Vascular age: The condition of your carotid artery. Can also provide information about your cholesterol level.
• Aortic pressure waveform: Ratio of sitting to supine position. Sitting for long periods can also negatively affect vascular health.
• Arterial stiffness: Or arterial vessel wall stiffness. Stiffening of the arteries causes the heart to pump harder.
• Vascular compliance: The degree to which an organ yields when force is applied.
• Stress index: To what extent do you suffer from physical or mental stress.
• Fatigue level: How fit you feel. This value can be related to your stress index.

Aside from this, the blog pointed out that Samsung could also decide to place the sensors on the outside of the device. It can be measured by placing the palm of your hand against the device.

As always, it is still unclear whether Samsung this functionality will implement this tech with its smartphone. Meanwhile, the company is likely to introduce the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 2/3 around July this year. Besides, the next Galaxy Fold could the first foldable from Samsung to come with S Pen support.

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