AI TEMPERATURE-REGULATING WETSUIT

Abstract

An artificially intelligent temperature-regulating wetsuit may include a wetsuit body comprising a torso portion, a left arm, a right arm, a left leg, and a right leg. A plurality of heating pouches may be disposed on the wetsuit body. The heating pouches may be configured to heat the wetsuit body. A controller may include a processor configured to run an artificially intelligent application which, when executed, causes the controller to predict a change in temperature of at least a portion of an inner environment of the wetsuit body. The controller may activate at least one of the plurality of heating pouches to heat one or more of the torso portion, the left arm, the right arm, the left leg and the right leg of the wetsuit body based on the predicted change in temperature.

Description

BACKGROUND

Many people spend time in various environmental conditions for extended periods of time to recreate or to complete various tasks. For example, surfers enjoy spending extended periods of time in the ocean attempting to surf waves. Sometimes, the environmental conditions may be such that a person would become uncomfortable or may begin to suffer physiologically due to the environmental conditions, which can limit a person's time in an environment. For example, water and/or air temperatures may prevent a surfer from spending significant time in the ocean or may cause a surfer to experience hypothermia.

Wetsuits have been developed that allow people to maintain their body temperature for longer periods of time in cold conditions. Wetsuits work by temporarily trapping a layer of water between the wetsuit and the wearer allowing the wearer's body heat to heat the layer of water. During use the layer of water may be flushed out being replaced with colder outside water, which then needs to be reheated by the user's body heat. This may contribute to a user's fatigue in adverse conditions. Accordingly, wetsuits may come in various thicknesses for use based on the severity of the environment. For example, a thicker wetsuit may be appropriate for a colder environment as compared to a thinner wetsuit. While thicker wetsuits may provide more insulative capacity for a user, such wetsuits may be heavier and may have the disadvantage of limiting a person's mobility. Thus, wetsuits that provide sufficient insulation while also providing mobility are desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to one example of the present disclosure, a temperature-regulating wetsuit is provided. The temperature-regulating wetsuit may comprise a wetsuit body comprising a torso portion, a left arm, a right arm, a left leg, and a right leg. A plurality of heating pouches may be disposed on the wetsuit body. The heating pouches may be configured to heat one or more of the torso portion, the left arm, the right arm, the left leg and the right leg of the wetsuit body. A controller may be communicatively coupled to the plurality of heating pouches. The controller may be configured to individually activate at least one of the plurality of heating pouches to heat one or more of the torso portion, the left arm, the right arm, the left leg and the right leg of the wetsuit body. Each of the plurality of heating pouches may be individually controllable.

According to another example of the present disclosure, an artificially intelligent temperature-regulating wetsuit may include a wetsuit body comprising a torso portion, a left arm, a right arm, a left leg, and a right leg. A plurality of heating pouches may be disposed on the wetsuit body. The heating pouches may be configured to heat the wetsuit body. A controller may include a processor configured to run an artificially intelligent application which, when executed, causes the controller to predict a change in temperature of at least a portion of an inner environment of the wetsuit body. The controller may activate at least one of the plurality of heating pouches to heat one or more of the torso portion, the left arm, the right arm, the left leg and the right leg of the wetsuit body based on the predicted change in temperature.

According to another example of the present disclosure, a method for regulating temperature of an artificially intelligent temperature-regulating wetsuit is provided. The method may include setting a target temperature for an inner environment of an artificially intelligent temperature-regulating wetsuit, receiving data at a controller from a temperature sensor disposed on the artificially intelligent temperature-regulating wetsuit regarding a temperature of the inner environment, predicting, via the controller with a processor executing an artificially intelligent application, a change in temperature of at least a portion of the inner environment of the artificially intelligent temperature-regulating wetsuit, and activating, via the controller, at least one of a plurality of heating pouches disposed on the artificially intelligent temperature-regulating wetsuit to heat the inner environment of the artificially intelligent temperature-regulating wetsuit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1A shows a front view of an exemplary AI temperature-regulating wetsuit, and FIG. 1B shows a back view of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A shows a front schematic view of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit of FIG. 1A, and FIG. 2B shows a back view of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a heating pouch of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4 shows a cross section view of a transport tube of an AI temperature-regulating wetsuit.

FIG. 5 shows a view of a glove that is connectable to an AI temperature-regulating wetsuit.

FIG. 6 shows a view of a sock or wetsuit boot that is connectable to an AI temperature-regulating wetsuit.

FIG. 7A shows a rear view of a hood that is connectable to an AI temperature-regulating wetsuit, and FIG. 7B shows a front view of the hood of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary user interface panel of an AI temperature-regulating wetsuit.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary controller and case for an AI temperature-regulating wetsuit.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary method for regulating the temperature of the AI temperature regulated wetsuit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to one example of the present disclosure, an artificially intelligent (“AI”) temperature-regulating wetsuit is provided. The AI temperature-regulating wetsuit may regulate and equalize an internal temperature of a user wearing the wetsuit. The AI temperature-regulating wetsuit may be comprised of polychloroprene, nitrile, TPU 85, TPU 90A, and/or other materials. In some examples, the principles of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit may be used in all types of clothing and non-clothing material such as those used in competitive sports, the military, sporting gear, socks and shoes, military gear, camping gear, digital health accessories, automotive seating and accessories, furniture, housewares and the like. Examples of the disclosure may allow a user wearing apparel to reach and maintain a comfortable temperature state including in adverse conditions in water or elsewhere.

In one example of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit, a user may wear a 1 mm or thinner polychloroprene suit in cold water (e.g., 36-degree water or the like) where the user is surfing large waves. In cold water without the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit, to keep warm, this individual may be burning energy at a fast rate which, without temperature regulation, would cause the user's condition to deteriorate to the point of exhaustion. It is possible that the user would lose energy that cannot be conserved or recovered. The user's kinetic state in the ability to transverse these large waves can become dangerously low, increasing the chances of succumbing to the adverse conditions. Simultaneously, due to rapid body heat loss, muscle cramping and other physical failures can occur that can contribute to additional energy loss, diminishing the ability to produce enough kinetic movement to traverse the waves, increasing the risk of hypothermia and/or drowning.

If the same user were using the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit such as a polychloroprene suit as thin as 1 mm or thinner in the same conditions, the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit may facilitate regulation of the temperature differential between the user's core temperature and the temperatures of each of the user's extremities, which fluctuate from the core temperature, and may facilitate maintenance of the user's body temperature despite the external temperature of the environment to which the user is exposed.

In one example, the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit can be activated by the putting on of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit by the user. The activation may be based on motion, on readings from temperature sensors within the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit, or the like. Once activated, the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit may detect vitals of the user, such as heart rate, temperature, and the like. The AI temperature-regulating wetsuit may also detect external conditions such as from a publicly available data source with weather information, water or ocean conditions, surf information, or the like.

In one example, as the user enters the water in an AI temperature-regulating wetsuit (e.g., a 1 mm material type Polychloroprene, Nitrile, TPU 85, and TPU 90A wetsuit), the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit may detect and/or read the outer environment such as air temperature, water temperature, wavelengths, the time between sets of waves, power of currents, average heights of the waves and level of kinetic equalization such as whether the user is struggling with the outer environment. In one example, if the user is struggling, an auditory alert such as a loud sound and/or a visual signal such as lights in strategic areas of the wetsuit may light up to warn the user of the critical stage. The AI temperature-regulating wetsuit may further send an alert to authorities to facilitate rescue of the user.

In another example, the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit may detect, record, track, and mitigate the user's temperature or a temperature of an inner environment (i.e., an environment within the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit) to keep the user at an optimal temperature in the suit. As cold water enters the suit, (e.g., at a temperature of 36 degrees Fahrenheit) the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit may warm the entire inner environment to equalize the maintain the user at a comfortable level. For example, the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit may comprise one or more heating elements. The heating elements can be disposed throughout the wetsuit, which can then be operated by the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit to warm the wetsuit, such as to the wearer's pre-set desired temperature range.

In another example, only some appendages of the user may be submerged in the water, such as the user's legs or arms. As cold water enters only a portion of the wetsuit, the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit may warm only the cold regions to maintain the user at a comfortable level.

In another example, one or more heating elements can be connected to or can be thermally coupled to one or more fluid passageways that are disposed throughout the item of clothing such that fluid or gel warmed by the heating element can be distributed throughout the wetsuit.

In another example, depending upon external environmental conditions, such as ocean conditions while surfing wearing a wetsuit, a user may have several minutes of inactivity, for example, while waiting for a wave to ride. The AI temperature-regulating wetsuit can activate heating elements in portions of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit as the user sits on their board and the user's lower extremities are submerged in cold water (such as 36-degree water), while the upper part of the body may be experiencing cold air temperature and/or windy conditions (e.g., 40-degree outside environmental temperature, with a wind-chill factor of 32 degrees) on the head and the core.

The AI temperature-regulating wetsuit can also connect to accessories. For example, the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit can connect to a hood, gloves, socks, wetsuit boots, etc., so that when the user is wearing an accessory such as a hood to cover their head, the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit may provide heat at different levels to the accessories to maintain sustainable warmth while creating total internal body temperature equilibrium by regulating the user's various internal temperatures.

Examples of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit will now be explained with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1A shows a front view of an exemplary AI temperature-regulating wetsuit, and FIG. 1B shows a back view of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit shown in FIG. 1A. The AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 may comprise a wetsuit body 102. The wetsuit body 102 may be constructed similar to other known wetsuits. For example, the wetsuit body 102 may be comprised of Polychloroprene, Nitrile, TPU 85, TPU 90A, and/or other materials. The wetsuit body 102 may be constructed as a full body wetsuit having a front side 104 that is oriented on a front side of a user's body when worn by a user and a back side 106 that is oriented on a back side of the user's body when worn by a user.

The wetsuit body 102 may comprise a torso portion 108, a left leg 110 extending from a bottom left side of the torso portion 108, and a right leg 112 extending from a bottom right side of the torso portion 108. The left leg 110 may terminate at a left ankle portion 114, which may facilitate attachment of an accessory to the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100. The right leg 112 may similarly terminate at a right ankle portion 116, which may also facilitate attachment of an accessory to the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100. The wetsuit body 102 may further comprise a left arm 118 extending from a left side of the torso portion 108 and a right arm 120 extending from a right side of the torso portion 108. The left arm 118 may terminate at a left wrist portion 122, which may facilitate attachment of an accessory to the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100. The right arm 120 may similarly terminate at a right wrist portion 124, which may also facilitate attachment of an accessory to the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100.

The right arm 120 and the left arm 118 may comprise attachment points 126. The attachment points 126 may facilitate attachment of a user interface panel 170 operable to allow a user to control the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 and to provide feedback information to the user of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100. The user interface panel 170 will be described in more detail below. The attachment points 126 may comprise a fastener operable to allow the user to selective attach the user interface panel 170 to and detach the user interface panel 170 from the left arm 118 or the right arm 120. For example, the fastener may comprise one side of a hook-and-loop fastener with the corresponding side of the hook-and-loop fastener being disposed on a rear side of the user interface panel 170. In some examples, the hook-and-loop fastener may comprise a conductive material to form an electrical connection between the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 and the user interface panel. In some examples, the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 may provide power to and/or may send and receive signals to and from the user interface panel 170. Of course, other fasteners methods may also be used in addition to or in place of the hook-and-loop fasteners. The attachment points 126 may be disposed on left arm 118 and the right arm 120 at a position on the forearm near the left wrist portion 122 and the right wrist portion 124 to allow for easy viewing and access to the user.

The wetsuit body 102 may further comprise a neck portion 128 extending from the top of the torso portion 108. The neck portion 128 may facilitate attachment of an accessory to the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100. It is noted that while the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is a full body wetsuit with long sleeve left and right arms 118, 120 and ankle length left and right legs 110, 112, this is not intended to be limiting. The AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 may also comprise a “shorty” wetsuit where the right and left arms are short sleeve that terminate above the elbow of the user and the right and left legs are shorts that terminate above the knee of the user. Other versions may include a long-sleeved wetsuit or surf shirt, a short-sleeved wetsuit or surf shirt, and separate wetsuit or surf shorts or wetsuit or surf pants or wetsuit or surf leggings.

FIG. 2A shows a front schematic view of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit of FIG. 1A, and FIG. 2B shows a back view of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit of FIG. 1A. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 may further comprise a plurality of heating pouches (referred to generally as heating pouches 130). The heating pouches 130 may be strategically disposed on the wetsuit to heat different areas as desired.

In this example, the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 may comprise abdomen heating pouches 130a disposed on the front side 104 of the wetsuit body 102. The AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 may further comprise upper arm heating pouches 130b disposed on an upper arm of the left and right arms 118, 120 of the wetsuit body 102. Front upper leg heating pouches 130c may be disposed on the front side 104 of the wetsuit body 102 on each of the right leg 112 and the left leg 110 of the wetsuit body 102.

Several more heating pouches 130 may be disposed strategically on the back side 106 of the wetsuit body 102. Upper back heating pouches 130d may be disposed on the torso portion 108 of the wetsuit body 102 to cover an upper back of a user wearing the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100. Lower back heating pouches 130e may be disposed on the torso portion 108 of the wetsuit body 102 to cover a lower back of a user wearing the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100. Rear upper leg heating pouches 130f may be disposed on the back side 106 of the wetsuit body 102 on each of the right leg 112 and the left leg 110 of the wetsuit body 102. Lower leg heating pouches 130g may be disposed on the back side 106 of the wetsuit body 102 on each of the right leg 112 and the left leg 110 of the wetsuit body 102.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a heating pouch of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit shown in FIG. 1A. Each of the heating pouches 130 may comprise a heating element 132 that, when activated, warms a thermal storage medium 131 stored in the heating pouch 130. The thermal storage medium 131 may comprise a gel material that absorbs heat from the heating element 132 and aids to transfer heat to the user wearing the wetsuit, or to a layer of water between the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 and the user's body. The gel material may comprise a smart thermogalvanic hydrogel, a silica gel, or the like.

The heating pouch 130 may be controlled to activate and deactivate the heating element 132 as desired. In some examples, the heating pouch 130 may comprise a transceiver 134. The transceiver 134 may be operable to send and receive signals to and from an external device, such as an AI controller of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 as will be described in more detail below. The transceiver 134 may be a wired or a wireless transceiver. For example, the transceiver may comprise a wireless transceiver that may send and receive signals via any suitable wireless protocol such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc. The transceiver 134 may also be a wired transceiver that connects to an input/output unit 136 that sends and receives signals with the external device. In some examples, the heating pouch 130 may comprise a battery 138, which may provide power to the heating element 132 that warms the thermal storage medium 131. In some examples, the power may be provided from a power source external to the heating pouch 130, such as via the input/output unit 136.

Returning to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 may further comprise a plurality of temperature sensors (referred to generally as temperature sensors 140). The temperature sensors 140 may be strategically disposed on the wetsuit to sense a temperature of the user or a temperature of the water between an interior of the wetsuit and the user at desired locations.

The temperature sensors 140 may comprise chest temperature sensors 140a disposed on the front side 104 of the torso portion 108 of the wetsuit body 102. The chest temperature sensors 140a may be configured to sense a temperature corresponding to a core temperature of a user's body. The temperature sensors 140 may further comprise wrist temperature sensors 140b disposed on or adjacent to a left wrist portion 122 and a right wrist portion 124 of the wetsuit body 102. The wrist temperature sensors 140b may be configured to sense a temperature corresponding to a temperature of the arms and wrists of the user's body. The temperature sensors 140 may further comprise ankle temperature sensors 140c. The ankle temperature sensors 140c may be configured to sense a temperature corresponding to the legs and ankles of the user's body. Other temperature sensors may also be incorporated into the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 as desired and the above-described arrangement of temperature sensors 140 is not limiting in any way.

The AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 may further comprise transport tubes 144. The transport tubes 144 may be configured to connect various components of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100. For example, the transport tubes 144 may extend along seams of the wetsuit body 102 and may connect the heating pouches 130 to one another. The transport tubes 144 may further connect the heating pouches 130 to a controller 180. The transport tube 144 may also connect the temperature sensors 140 and the user interface panel 170 to the controller 180.

FIG. 4 shows a cross section view of a transport tube of an AI temperature-regulating wetsuit. The transport tubes 144 may comprise a waterproof adhesive seam 146 in which a hollow silicon tube 148 extends. In some examples, the hollow silicon tube 148 may facilitate one or more conductive elements extending therethrough that electrically connect the various components of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100. In some examples, the hollow silicon tube 148 may allow the thermal storage medium 131 (see FIG. 3) of the various heating pouches 130 to flow from one heating pouch 130 to another heating pouch 130, such as when pressure is applied to one of the heating pouches.

In some examples, in place of or in addition to the transport tubes, the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 may comprise conductive thread that is sewn into the wetsuit body 102. The conductive thread may be utilized to send and receive signals to and from the various components of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 and/or to otherwise electrically connect the various components of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100.

FIG. 5 shows a view of a glove that is connectable to an AI temperature-regulating wetsuit. In FIG. 5, an arm, such as the left arm 118 may be connected to a glove attachment 152. The glove attachment 152 is one example of an accessory that is attachable to the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100. The left wrist portion 122 of the left arm 118 may comprise a glove attachment 152 such as a strap with a hook-and-loop fastener that allows the glove to be selectively attached to and detached from the left arm 118. The glove 150 may comprise a corresponding hook-and-loop fastener 154 that fastens to the glove attachment 152. In this example, the hook-and-loop fasteners may comprise a conductive material to form an electrical connection between the left arm 118 and the glove 150. Other attachment mechanisms may of course be utilized. The glove 150 may comprise a hand heating pouch 130h. The hand heating pouch 130h may be similar to other heating pouches 130 discussed herein. While FIG. 5 shows only a glove 150 attached to the left arm 118, a similar glove and similar attachment may be made to the right arm 120 (see FIGS. 1A-2B).

FIG. 6 shows a view of a sock or wetsuit boot that is connectable to an AI temperature-regulating wetsuit. In FIG. 6, a leg, such as the left leg 110 may be connected to a sock or wetsuit boot 156. The sock or wetsuit boot 156 is one example of an accessory that is attachable to the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100. The left ankle portion 114 of the left leg 110 may comprise a sock or wetsuit boot attachment 158 such as a strap with a hook-and-loop fastener that allows the sock to be selectively attached to and detached from the left leg 110. The sock or wetsuit boot 156 may comprise a corresponding hook-and-loop fastener 160 that fastens to the sock or wetsuit boot attachment 158. In this example, the hook-and-loop fasteners may comprise a conductive material to form an electrical connection between the left leg 110 and the sock or wetsuit boot 156. Other attachment mechanisms may of course be utilized. The sock or wetsuit boot 156 may comprise a foot heating pouch 130i. The foot heating pouch 130i may be similar to other heating pouches 130 discussed herein. While FIG. 6 shows only a sock or wetsuit boot 156 attached to the left leg 110, a similar glove and similar attachment may be made to the right leg 112 (see FIGS. 1A-2B).

FIG. 7A shows a rear view of a hood that is connectable to an AI temperature-regulating wetsuit, and FIG. 7B shows a front view of the hood of FIG. 7A. In FIGS. 7A and 7B, a hood 162 is shown, which may be connected to a neck portion 128 of the wetsuit body 102 (see FIGS. 1A-2B). The hood 162 is one example of an accessory that is attachable to the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100. The neck portion 128 (see FIGS. 1A-2B) may comprise a hood attachment that may be similar to the glove attachment 152 and sock or wetsuit boot attachment 158. The hood 162 may comprise a hook-and-loop fastener 164 that fastens to the hood attachment. In this example, the hook-and-loop fastener may comprise a conductive material to form an electrical connection between the neck portion 128 and the hood 162. Other attachment mechanisms may, of course, be utilized. The hood 162 may comprise a head heating pouch 130j. The head heating pouch 130j may be similar to other heating pouches 130 discussed herein. The hood 162 may further comprise a face opening 166 allowing access for the user's face.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary user interface panel of an AI temperature-regulating wetsuit. In FIG. 8, the user interface panel 170 may be attached to an arm, such as left arm 118 or right arm 120, of the wetsuit body 102 via hook-and-loop fasteners, as explained above. The user interface panel 170 may comprise a display 172. The display 172 may be a curved or a flexible LED display or any other suitable display. In some examples, the display may comprise a touch screen that may receive input from the user. The display 172 may allow the user to interface with the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100.

The user interface panel 170 may be configured to display information to the user. In one example, the information may be displayed in different tiles on the display 172. In this example, the display 172 may display a first large tile 174a that is configured to provide local surf conditions to a user, such as tide information and wave size. The display 172 may further display a second large tile 174b that provides information such as swell direction and frequency. The display 172 may also display a third large tile 174c that provides information such as position feedback information to the user suggesting optimal locations for catching waves.

In some examples, the display 172 may also present information in several smaller tiles. For example, the display 172 may comprise a first small tile 176a that provides information about onshore wind. The display 172 may comprise a second small tile 176b that provides information about ambient air temperature. The display 172 may comprise a third small tile 176c that provides information about ambient water temperature. The display 172 may comprise a fourth small tile 176d that provides information about a user's body temperature. The display 172 may comprise a fifth small tile 176e that provides a current time and date to the user. The large tiles 174 and small tiles 176 may be configured to provide any desired information. In some examples, the large tiles 174 and small tiles 176 may be customized by the user.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary controller and case for an AI temperature-regulating wetsuit. The controller 180 may comprise a case 182 that houses a control board 186. The case 182 may be a waterproof case that protects the components of the control board. The case 182 may comprise a lid 184 that allows access to the interior of the case 182. The lid 184 may comprise a watertight seal that allows the case 182 to be waterproof when the lid 184 is closed.

The control board 186 may comprise a variety of components that control various aspects of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100. In some examples, the control board 186 may comprise a battery 188 that provides power to the control board 186 including its various components. In some examples, the battery 188 may be a rechargeable battery.

The control board 186 may further comprise a processor 190. The processor 190 may be any suitable processor and may be configured to run one or more firmware, software, or the like including AI software. The processor 190 may further comprise one or more memories 192. The memories 192 may comprise RAM and/or ROM. The control board 186 may further comprise one or more data storage devices 194 such as a hard drive, a solid-state drive, or the like. The memories 192 and data storage devices 194 may be operable to store information including firmware, software, data received from the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100, data received external from the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100, or the like.

The control board 186 may also comprise one or more transceivers 196 to send and receive information locally to other components of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 or externally, such as information available over a network or the internet. For example, the transceivers 196 may comprise a wired connection to the heating pouches 130, the temperature sensors 140, and the user interface panel 170 via the transport tubes 144 (FIGS. 1A-2B). In another example, the one or more of the transceivers 196 may comprise a Bluetooth and/or a Wi-Fi transceiver that may wirelessly communicate with the heating pouches 130, temperature sensors 140, and user interface panel 170.

In this manner, the control board 186 may send instructions to the heating pouches 130, temperature sensors 140, and user interface panel 170. Such instructions may cause the heating pouches 130 to activate a heating element or for the user interface panel 170 to display information to the user. The control board 186 may also receive information from the heating pouches 130, temperature sensors 140, and user interface panel 170. For example, the user interface panel 170 may receive an operating state of the heating pouch 130, a temperature reading from the temperature sensors 140, or input from a user via the user interface panel 170.

The transceiver 196 may further comprise one or wireless transceivers such as Bluetooth and/or a Wi-Fi transceiver to send and receive information from an external device. For example, the transceiver 196 may communicate with a user's smart device such as a smart phone or a smart watch. The transceiver 196 may allow the control board 186 to receive control instructions from an application running on the user's smart device to control the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 and/or to receive data from the user's smart device from a network, such as the internet. In one example, the transceiver 196 may receive information about external conditions such as ambient air temperature, water temperature, surf information, weather forecasting, tide information, and the like. The transceiver 196 may also receive information about a user wearing the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 such as heart rate, movement information, and the like, such as from a user's smart watch or smart phone. The transceiver 196 may also allow the control board to send information to an external device, such as information regarding a user's body temperature and/or other vitals information, a request to send a distress signal to emergency personnel, or the like.

The transceivers 196 may include additional transceivers such as a GPS transceiver operable to allow the control board 186 to calculate a position of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100. Other transceivers may comprise an NFC transceiver or any other desired transceiver.

As mentioned above, the controller 180 may be configured to control the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100. Such control may allow the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 to regulate a temperature of the wetsuit based on a setting by the user and based on information received at the controller 180. For example, a user may select a target temperature for the water within the wetsuit. The controller 180, based on feedback from the temperature sensors 140 may control one or more of the heating pouches 130 to heat portions of the wetsuit body 102 to achieve the desired temperature within the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100.

The controller 180 may also utilize AI to regulate a water temperature, and therefore a temperature of the user, within the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100. Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) as used herein refers to computer systems and software that enable computerized, automated problem-solving through advanced machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, visual perception via the use of robust datasets. The controller 180 may run AI software that may continually predict a temperature of the user or the inner environment of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 based on information received from the heating pouches 130, the temperature sensors 140, and information external to the user, and may control the heating pouches 130 to help the user maintain a comfortable temperature while wearing the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100.

For example, the controller 180 may utilize machine learning and deep learning protocols to anticipate changes in temperature within the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100. The controller may then formulate solutions to manage a state of an inner environment of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 for optimal total body temperature even in constantly fluxing conditions in an environment.

For example, the controller 180 may detect changes in temperature at different portions of the wetsuit body 102 via the temperature sensors resulting both from external conditions and from heat generated by a user (or lack thereof) due to changes in the user's activity level and energy. The controller 180 may further detect environmental data in real time. Such data may include air and water temperature, sun angle, surf information, wind speed, etc. The controller 180 running AI software may use machine learning, deep learning, and predictive analytics to anticipate and predict changes in the inner environment of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 any may develop solutions to proactively maintain the inner environment to a desired temperature of the user.

In some examples, the controller 180 may run an AI application locally. In some examples, the controller 180 may communicate with a remote device via a network and the AI application may be run remotely with solutions transmitted to the controller 180.

One example of control instructions for the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 may be as follows:

# Thermo regulator code
# Turn on thermo regulator
def thermo_regulator_on( ):
#set thermo regulator to turn on
thermo_regulator = True
#check if interior temperature is warmer than exterior temperature
if interior_temp > exterior_temp:
pass
else:
#if temperature is not warmer, adjust thermo regulator to make it
warmer
thermo_regulator = True
# Turn off thermo regulator
def thermo_regulator_off( ):
#set thermo regulator to turn off
thermo_regulator = False
#check if interior temperature is warmer than exterior temperature
if interior_temp > exterior_temp:
#if temperature is warmer, adjust thermo regulator to turn off
thermo_regulator = False
else:
pass

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary method for regulating the temperature of the AI temperature regulated wetsuit. In FIG. 10, a method 200 may include setting a target temperature for an inner environment of an artificially intelligent temperature-regulating wetsuit in step 202. For example, a user may enter a desired water temperature or range of water temperature for the inner environment of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 via the user interface panel 170, via a smart device connected to the controller 180, or the like (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

In step 204, the method includes receiving data at a controller from a temperature sensor disposed on the artificially intelligent temperature-regulating wetsuit regarding a temperature of the inner environment. For example, a temperature sensor 140 of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 may transmit a temperature reading to the controller 180 communicating a temperature of the inner environment in that portion of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 (see FIGS. 1A-2B).

The method may further include predicting, via the controller with a processor executing an artificially intelligent application, a change in temperature of at least a portion of the inner environment of the artificially intelligent temperature-regulating wetsuit in step 206. For example, the controller 180 may utilize artificial intelligence to find a solution for an expected temperature change within at least a portion of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100, such as the torso portion 108, the left or right leg 110, 112, or the left or right arm 118, 120 (See FIGS. 1A-2B). The controller 180 may further utilize information external to the wetsuit such as any number of ambient conditions including air temperature, water temperature, wind speed, tidal information, surf conditions, etc.

In step 208, the method may include activating, via the controller, at least one of a plurality of heating pouches disposed on the artificially intelligent temperature-regulating wetsuit to heat the inner environment of the artificially intelligent temperature-regulating wetsuit. For example, if the controller 180 predicts that the temperature of the inner environment of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 is going to drop within the left and right legs 110, 112 of the wetsuit body 102, the controller 180 may activate the heating elements 132 of the front upper leg heating pouches 130c, the rear upper leg heating pouches 130f, and the lower leg heating pouches 130g (see FIGS. 2A-3). If the controller 180 predicts a drop in temperature of the entire inner environment of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100, the controller 180 may activate the heating elements 132 of all heating pouches 130 of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100.

In some examples, the controller 180 may predict a different change in temperature in different portions of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100. In this example, the heating elements 132 may comprise an adjustable heat output, and the controller 180 may activate the heating elements 132 of some of the heating pouches 130 to a first level of heat output and the heating elements 132 of other heating pouches to a second level of heat output different from the first level. In this manner, the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 may provide different levels of heat to different parts of the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100.

It is noted that while the above description is focused on the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100, the disclosure is not limited to a wetsuit only. The AI temperature-regulating aspects may be implemented on other types of types of clothing, activity gear, sport gear, automotive seating and accessories, digital health accessories, furniture, housewares and the like.

The AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 may allow a user to maintain a comfortable body temperature in a wide variety of conditions. For example, the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 may comprise of thickness of as little as 1 mm while still helping a user to be comfortable even in colder water temperatures that would normally require a thicker wetsuit. Further, because the heating pouches 130 may be individually controlled the user can be kept comfortable even when different parts of the body are at different temperatures, such as when the user's legs are in water but the user's upper body is out of water. Further, the AI temperature-regulating wetsuit 100 may predict changes in the user's temperature based on information received and solutions generated so that the user remains comfortable even in changing conditions. Such changing conditions may include the activity level of the user, energy of the user, weather conditions, water conditions, and the like.

While the foregoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the disclosure. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. A temperature-regulating wetsuit, comprising: a wetsuit body comprising a torso portion, a left arm, a right arm, a left leg, and a right leg;a plurality of heating pouches disposed on the wetsuit body, the plurality of heating pouches being configured to heat one or more of the torso portion, the left arm, the right arm, the left leg and the right leg of the wetsuit body; anda controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of heating pouches, the controller being configured to individually activate at least one of the plurality of heating pouches to heat one or more of the torso portion, the left arm, the right arm, the left leg and the right leg of the wetsuit body, each of the plurality of heating pouches being individually controllable.

2. The temperature-regulating wetsuit of claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor disposed on the wetsuit body, the temperature sensor being communicatively coupled to the controller, and the controller activating the at least one of the plurality of heating pouches based at least in part on a reading from the temperature sensor.

3. The temperature-regulating wetsuit of claim 2, wherein the temperature sensor comprises a torso temperature sensor disposed on the torso portion of the wetsuit body, a wrist temperature sensor disposed on the left arm or the right arm of the wetsuit body, and an ankle temperature sensor disposed on the left leg or the right leg of the wetsuit body, and wherein the controller activates the at least one of the plurality of heating pouches based at least in part on a reading from the torso temperature sensor, the wrist temperature sensor, and the ankle temperature sensor.

4. The temperature-regulating wetsuit of claim 3, wherein the plurality of heating pouches comprises first heating pouches disposed on the torso portion of the wetsuit body, second heating pouches disposed on the left arm or the right arm of the wetsuit body, and third heating pouches disposed on the left leg or the right leg of the wetsuit body, and wherein the controller activates at least one of the first heating pouches, the second heating pouches, or the third heating pouches based on the reading from the torso temperature sensor, the wrist temperature sensor, and the ankle temperature sensor.

5. The temperature-regulating wetsuit of claim 4, wherein the first heating pouches, the second heating pouches, and the third heating pouches are connected together via transport tubes.

6. The temperature-regulating wetsuit of claim 5, wherein the first heating pouches, the second heating pouches, and the third heating pouches comprise a thermal storage medium, and where the thermal storage medium is moveable through the transport tubes.

7. The temperature-regulating wetsuit of claim 1, wherein the controller is communicatively coupled to the plurality of heating pouches via a wired connection.

8. The temperature-regulating wetsuit of claim 7, wherein the wired connection is facilitated via conductive thread.

9. The temperature-regulating wetsuit of claim 1, further comprising a user interface panel configured to selectively attach to and detach from the wetsuit body.

10. The temperature-regulating wetsuit of claim 9, wherein the user interface panel comprises a curved or flexible display that selectively attaches to and detaches from the left arm or the right arm of the wetsuit body.

11. The temperature-regulating wetsuit of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a processor configured to run an artificially intelligent application which, when executed, causes the controller to activate at least one of the plurality of heating pouches to heat one or more of the torso portion, the left arm, the right arm, the left leg and the right leg of the wetsuit body.

12. The temperature-regulating wetsuit of claim 11, further comprising a torso temperature sensor disposed on the torso portion of the wetsuit body, a wrist temperature sensor disposed on the left arm or the right arm of the wetsuit body, and an ankle temperature sensor disposed on the left leg or the right leg of the wetsuit body, the torso temperature sensor, the wrist temperature sensor, and the ankle temperature sensor being communicatively coupled to the controller, and the controller executing the artificially intelligent application predicting a change in temperature of a user wearing the temperature-regulating wetsuit based at least in part on a reading from the torso temperature sensor, the wrist temperature sensor, and the ankle temperature sensor, and the controller activating the at least one of the plurality of heating pouches based at least in part on the predicted change in temperature of the user.

13. The temperature-regulating wetsuit of claim 12, wherein the controller comprises a transceiver configured to communicate with one or more external devices, wherein the controller is configured to receive ambient condition information comprising one or more of ambient air temperature, ambient water temperature, and wind speed, and wherein the controller executing the artificially intelligent application predicts a change in temperature of the user wearing the temperature-regulating wetsuit based at least in part of the ambient condition information, and the controller activating the at least one of the plurality of heating pouches based at least in part on the predicted change in temperature of the user.

14. An artificially intelligent temperature-regulating wetsuit comprising: a wetsuit body comprising a torso portion, a left arm, a right arm, a left leg, and a right leg;a plurality of heating pouches disposed on the wetsuit body, the plurality of heating pouches being configured to heat one or more of the torso portion, the left arm, the right arm, the left leg and the right leg of the wetsuit body; anda controller comprising a processor configured to run an artificially intelligent application which, when executed, causes the controller to predict a change in temperature of at least a portion of an inner environment of the wetsuit body, and to activate at least one of the plurality of heating pouches to heat one or more of the torso portion, the left arm, the right arm, the left leg and the right leg of the wetsuit body based on the predicted change in temperature.

15. The artificially intelligent temperature-regulating wetsuit of claim 14, wherein the plurality of heating pouches are individually controllable.

16. The artificially intelligent temperature-regulating wetsuit of claim 14, further comprising a temperature sensor disposed on the wetsuit body, the temperature sensor being communicatively coupled to the controller, and the predicted change in temperature being based at least in part on a reading of the temperature sensor.

17. The artificially intelligent temperature-regulating wetsuit of claim 16, wherein the temperature sensor comprises a torso temperature sensor disposed on the torso portion of the wetsuit body, a wrist temperature sensor disposed on the left arm or the right arm of the wetsuit body, and an ankle temperature sensor disposed on the left leg or the right leg of the wetsuit body, and wherein the predicted change in temperature is based at least in part on a reading from the torso temperature sensor, the wrist temperature sensor, and the ankle temperature sensor.

18. The artificially intelligent temperature-regulating wetsuit of claim 17, wherein the plurality of heating pouches comprises first heating pouches disposed on the torso portion of the wetsuit body, second heating pouches disposed on the left arm or the right arm of the wetsuit body, and third heating pouches disposed on the left leg or the right leg of the wetsuit body, and wherein the controller activates at least one of the first heating pouches, the second heating pouches, or the third heating pouches based on the predicted change in temperature.

19. The artificially intelligent temperature-regulating wetsuit of claim 18, wherein the first heating pouches, the second heating pouches, and the third heating pouches are connected together via transport tubes.

20. A method for regulating temperature of an artificially intelligent temperature-regulating wetsuit, the method comprising: setting a target temperature for an inner environment of an artificially intelligent temperature-regulating wetsuit;receiving data at a controller from a temperature sensor disposed on the artificially intelligent temperature-regulating wetsuit regarding a temperature of the inner environment;predicting, via the controller with a processor executing an artificially intelligent application, a change in temperature of at least a portion of the inner environment of the artificially intelligent temperature-regulating wetsuit; andactivating, via the controller, at least one of a plurality of heating pouches disposed on the artificially intelligent temperature-regulating wetsuit to heat the inner environment of the artificially intelligent temperature-regulating wetsuit.