This document relates to biofeedback watches.
The use of wristwatches for telling time has been around for a long time. More recently, wristbands have been used for collecting certain health-related data.
In one aspect, a watch includes a deadfront window and a first OLED display disposed beneath the deadfront window. The first OLED display is disposed beneath the deadfront window such that the first OLED display can be observed through the deadfront window when the first OLED display is active. The watch also includes a movement for tracking time. The movement has a first portion that resides beneath the deadfront window and a second portion that protrudes through the deadfront window. The watch also includes time-indicating members disposed above the deadfront window. The time indicating members are secured to the second portion of the movement.
Implementations can include one or more of the following features.
In some implementations, the deadfront window is a semi-transparent window that allows light to pass through when a nearby light source is active. The deadfront window is substantially opaque in the absence of a nearby active light source.
In some implementations, the watch is a biofeedback watch.
In some implementations, the first OLED display is hidden beneath the deadfront window when the first OLED display is inactive.
In some implementations, the watch also includes a second OLED display. The first OLED display resides beneath a first portion of the deadfront window, and the second OLED display resides beneath a second portion of the deadfront window.
In some implementations, the portion of the movement that protrudes through the deadfront window includes an extender that is secured to a post of the movement.
In some implementations, the first OLED display has a resolution of 128×32 pixels.
In some implementations, the first OLED display is configured to emit colored light.
In some implementations, the first OLED display is a passive-matrix OLED display.
In some implementations, the watch also includes a processor that is electrically connected to the first OLED display. The processor is configured to generate data related to one or more biometric measurements. The processor is also configured to cause the first OLED display to display information related to one or more of the biometric measurements.
In some implementations, the biometric measurements include one or more of heart rate, pulse transit time, stroke volume, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and cardiac output.
In some implementations, the first OLED display does not display a time of day.
In some implementations, the watch also includes a case that contains the first OLED display and the movement.
In some implementations, the watch has a maximum thickness, as measured from a bottom surface of the case to a top surface of a bezel that is secured to the case, of less than 8.80 mm.
In some implementations, the case has a diameter of less than 38 mm.
In some implementations, the watch also includes an optical sensor and an LED that are each disposed within the case.
In some implementations, the watch also includes an insert disposed in an aperture formed by a bottom wall of the case. The insert has a first opening aligned with the optical sensor and a second opening aligned with the LED.
In some implementations, the case is a one-piece case.
In some implementations, the watch also includes a printed circuit board electrically connected to the first OLED display and the movement. The printed circuit board is configured to provide power to the first OLED display, the movement, and the processor.
In some implementations, the printed circuit board is configured to provide power to the movement via a contact spring.
In some implementations, the printed circuit board is electrically connected to a watch battery.
In some implementations, the watch has a single power source.
In some implementations, the single power source is not directly connected to the movement.
In another aspect, a watch includes a one-piece case. The one-piece case has a bottom wall and an outer wall extending from a circumferential region of the bottom wall. The bottom wall forms an aperture. The watch also includes a dial secured to the case. The watch also includes a movement for tracking time. The movement has a first portion that resides beneath the dial and a second portion that protrudes through the dial.
The watch also includes time-indicating members disposed above the dial. The time indicating members are secured to the second portion of the movement. The watch also includes an insert disposed in the aperture formed by the bottom wall of the one-piece case. The insert has a first opening aligned with an optical sensor disposed within the case. The insert also has a second opening aligned with an LED disposed within the case. The insert also has a wall that separates the first opening from the second opening.
Implementations can include one or more of the following features.
In some implementations, the watch is a biofeedback watch.
In some implementations, the watch also includes a window that resides in the first opening and a lens that resides in the second opening.
In some implementations, the insert is made of one contiguous piece of material. In some implementations, the insert has a third opening configured to align with a second LED disposed within the case. The wall separates the first opening from the third opening.
In some implementations, the wall is a first ring-shaped member.
In some implementations, the insert has a second ring-shaped member concentrically disposed around the first ring-shaped member.
In some implementations, the first ring-shaped member defines the first opening and the first and second ring-shaped members cooperate to define the second and third openings.
In some implementations, the insert has segments that extend between the first and second ring-shaped members and separate the second opening from the third opening.
In some implementations, the wall prevents light emitted from the LED from reaching the optical sensor until the emitted light passes through the second opening.
In some implementations, the watch also includes a display disposed beneath the dial. The watch also includes a processor that is electrically connected to the display. The processor is configured to generate data related to one or more biometric measurements. The processor is also configured to cause the display to display information related to one or more of the biometric measurements. The watch also includes a printed circuit board electrically connected to the display, the processor, and the movement. The printed circuit board is configured to provide power to the display, the processor, and the movement.
In some implementations, the biometric measurements include one or more of heart rate, pulse transit time, stroke volume, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and cardiac output.
In some implementations, the printed circuit board is configured to provide power to the movement via a contact spring.
In some implementations, the printed circuit board is electrically connected to a watch battery.
In some implementations, the watch has a single power source.
In some implementations, the single power source is not directly connected to the movement.
In another aspect, a watch includes a dial. The watch also includes a movement for tracking time. The movement has a first portion that resides beneath the dial and a second portion that protrudes through the dial. The watch also includes time-indicating members disposed above the dial. The time indicating members are secured to the second portion of the movement. The watch also includes a display disposed beneath the dial. The watch also includes a printed circuit board electrically connected to the display and the movement. The printed circuit board is configured to provide power to the display and the movement.
Implementations can include one or more of the following features.
In some implementations, the watch is a biofeedback watch.
In some implementations, the watch also includes a processor that is electrically connected to the printed circuit board and the display. The processor is configured to generate data related to one or more biometric measurements. The processor is also configured to cause the display to display information related to one or more of the biometric measurements.
In some implementations, the biometric measurements include heart rate, pulse transit time and stroke volume, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and cardiac output.
In some implementations, the printed circuit board is configured to provide power to the processor.
In some implementations, the printed circuit board is configured to provide power to the movement via a contact spring.
In some implementations, the printed circuit board is electrically connected to the watch battery.
In some implementations, the watch has a maximum thickness, as measured from a bottom surface of a case of the watch to a top surface of a bezel that is secured to the case, of 8.80 mm.
In some implementations, a case of the watch has a diameter of less than 38 mm.
In some implementations, the watch has a single power source.
In some implementations, the single power source is electrically connected to the printed circuit board via a first connection and the movement is connected to the printed circuit board via the contact spring.
In some implementations, the single power source is positioned adjacent to the movement.
In some implementations, the watch also includes an optical sensor and an LED. The single power source is configured to provide power to the printed circuit board, the processor, the display, the movement, the optical sensor, and the LED.
In some implementations, the display does not display a time of day.
Implementations can include one or more of the following advantages.
In some implementations, the OLED display resides beneath a deadfront window. This configuration is advantageous because it allows the biofeedback watch to take on different appearances depending on how the biofeedback watch is being used at the time. For example, if the biofeedback watch is being used to view biofeedback information, the OLED display is active and visible through the deadfront window, giving the biofeedback watch an active appearance. However, if the biofeedback watch is not being used to view biofeedback information at the time, and instead is being used simply to tell time, the deadfront window hides the internal components of the biofeedback watch (e.g., the OLED display), giving the biofeedback watch the appearance of a traditional analog watch. The high-resolution OLED display itself is advantageous because it is capable of displaying complex images.
In some implementations, the biofeedback watch has a one-piece (e.g., monoblock) case. A one-piece case is advantageous because it limits the positional variances of the components of the biofeedback watch. For instance, if a case is made up of multiple sections, the positions of the sections relative to one another can vary. The more sections there are, the greater the total variance is between the sections. For example, it is advantageous for the LEDs and the optical sensor to precisely line up with the sensor assembly insert so that the optical sensor can make accurate measurements. The one-piece case eliminates a number of positional variances that would otherwise be present in a traditional watch that has a separate bottom wall (e.g., a removable bottom plate). The one-piece case can, for example, be a monoblock component defining an aperture in its rear surface for receiving the sensor assembly insert. The sensor assembly insert has openings configured to align with the LEDs and the optical sensor. The sensor assembly insert is designed to fit securely within the aperture of the case to ensure the LEDs and optical sensor properly align with the openings in the sensor assembly insert. Due to the one-piece design of the case, it is not necessary to assemble other components that might cause the openings to become misaligned. The openings are formed by a one-piece sensor assembly insert, reducing or eliminating positional variance between the openings that may otherwise result if the openings were formed by separate components.
In some implementations, the sensor assembly has a first opening configured to align with the optical sensor and second openings configured to align with the LEDs. An inner wall and an outer wall form the openings and separate the LEDs from the optical sensor. The optical sensor can be configured to obtain photoplethysmographic (PPG) data. The LEDs can illuminate the skin of a user with light, and the optical sensor can measure the amount of light transmitted or reflected off of the skin. By providing walls that separate the LEDs from the optical sensor, light emitted from the LEDs is prevented from reaching the optical sensor before it is first illuminated on the skin of the user. This configuration can, therefore, increase the accuracy of PPG data collected and thus increase the accuracy with which certain vital signs of the wearer are determined.
In some implementations, the movement does not have its own independent battery, and instead, the movement is electrically connected to the printed circuit board, which is electrically connected to a primary watch battery. As such, the biofeedback watch can contain a single battery. This configuration is advantageous because it reduces the number of components in the biofeedback watch and allows the biofeedback watch to have a thinner overall profile, giving it the appearance of a traditional analog watch.
Other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
a-c are a series of screenshots of the biofeedback watch of
a-b show portions of another biofeedback watch body in which the external sensor is a ring disposed inside the case.
a-b show portions of another biofeedback watch body in which an ambient light sensor and ultraviolet sensor are electrically connected to the printed circuit board.
This document describes biofeedback watches that can collect motioncardiogram (MoCG) data (which is related to ballistocardiogram (BCG) data) and photoplethysmographic (PPG) data and, in some cases, perform various biometric measurements (e.g., blood pressure, respiration rate, blood oxygen level, stroke volume, cardiac output, and temperature) based on the MoCG data and the PPG data. MoCG is a pulsatile motion signal of the body measurable, for example, by a motion sensor such as an accelerometer. The pulsatile motion signal results from a mechanical motion of portions of the body that occurs in response to blood being pumped during a heartbeat. This motion is a mechanical reaction of the body to the internal flow of blood and is externally measurable. The MoCG signal therefore corresponds to, but is delayed from, the heartbeat.
PPG is data optically obtained via a plethysmogram, a volumetric measurement of the vasculature. PPG can be obtained using an optical device which illuminates the skin and measures changes in light absorption. With each cardiac cycle the heart pumps blood resulting in a pressure pulse wave within the vasculature. This causes time-varying changes in the volume of the vasculature. The changes can be detected, for example, by illuminating the skin with light from a light-emitting diode (LED) and then measuring the amount of light either transmitted or reflected to a detector such as a photodiode. Each cardiac cycle is therefore represented as a pattern of crests and troughs. The shape of the PPG waveform differs from subject to subject.
Described herein are watches (e.g., a biofeedback watches) that can collect MoCG and PPG data and perform biometric measurements based on the collected MoCG and PPG data. The biometric measurements can be used for monitoring health related parameters, as well as in diagnosing conditions and predicting an onset of such conditions. In some cases, the biofeedback watch has an analog movement with hands positioned above a deadfront window and a high-resolution OLED display positioned beneath the deadfront window. The OLED display, when activated, is visible through the deadfront window and can be used to display information related to biometric measurements. When the biofeedback watch is not displaying information related to the biofeedback functions described above, it has the appearance of a traditional analog watch because the deadfront window hides underlying components and allows the user to clearly see only the hands positioned above the deadfront window. In certain cases, the movement does not include a separate battery. Rather, the biofeedback watch can contain a single battery, reducing the total number of components in the biofeedback watch. This can allow the biofeedback watch to be thinner overall, further giving it the appearance of a traditional watch.
In some cases, the biofeedback watch has a one-piece case, a one-piece sensor assembly insert, and an LED and optical sensor that are positioned to along with openings in the sensor assembly insert. The sensor assembly insert is designed to fit securely within an aperture of the case. Due to the one-piece design of the case and the sensor assembly insert, it is not necessary to assemble other components that might cause the openings to become misaligned with the LED and the optical sensor.
A dial 104 resides in the case 102 beneath time-indicating members (e.g., a minute hand 108 and an hour hand 110). The hands 108, 110 are attached to a movement 112. The movement 112 controls the timekeeping functions of the watch. The movement 112 has a first portion 902 (shown in
The dial 104 is a deadfront window. A deadfront window is a semi-transparent window. When a nearby light source is active, the deadfront window allows light to pass through. However, in the absence of a nearby, active light source, the deadfront window is substantially opaque. The deadfront window is typically made of a material having deadfront characteristics. The deadfront window, as described below, allows the biofeedback watch to take on different appearances depending on how the biofeedback watch is being used at the time.
The dial 104 includes a transparent substrate and two layers of ink pigments that give the transparent substrate deadfront characteristics. The transparent substrate can be formed of any of a number of materials, such as glass, acrylic, polycarbonate, mineral glass, Gorilla Glass™, synthetic sapphire, or any other suitable material. The first ink pigment layer is substantially opaque and is deposited over the top surface of the dial 104 except for the regions of the dial 104 that align with the OLED displays 306a, 306b (shown in
Referring to
As shown in
Referring again to
In
The OLED displays 306a, 306b are positioned in the 12 o'clock (e.g., upper) and 6 o'clock (e.g., lower) hemispheres of the case 102 and are positioned beneath the dial 104 (shown in
The OLED displays 306a, 306b are high-resolution, pixelated displays that include numerous LEDs that are capable of emitting light having various colors. Because of their high resolutions, the OLED displays 306a, 306b are able to display relatively complex images. For example, unlike an LCD display, which can typically only display coarse black segments, the OLED displays 306a, 306b are able to display high-resolution pictures and symbols in color. As such, the OLED displays 306a, 306b can display information related to the biofeedback functions of the biofeedback watch.
The OLED displays 306a, 306b do not require a backlight. As such, the OLED displays 306a, 306b can display deep black levels, which can help some portions of the display remain hidden beneath the deadfront window when those portions are not active. The lack of a backlight also allows the OLED displays to be thinner and lighter than LCD displays.
Any of various different OLED displays can be used. In some implementations, the OLED displays 306a, 306b are Pioneer™ MXS4097-A OLED display units that have high pixel density and high color depth. In some implementations, each of the OLED displays 306a, 306b uses a passive-matrix addressing scheme, has a resolution of 128×32 pixels, has a thickness of 1.0 mm, has a visible area of 21.52×6.058 mm, has an active area of 20.322×5.058 mm, has a dot pitch of 0.159×0.159 mm, has a subdot pitch of 0.053×0.159 mm, has a Serial (SPI) interface, and includes an LD7138/LDT OLED driver IC.
When active, the OLED displays 306a, 306b require a relatively high amount of power to operate compared to the rest of the electrical components of the biofeedback watch. For this reason, the OLED displays 306a, 306b typically are not used for timekeeping functions of the biofeedback watch, as timekeeping functions would require the OLED displays 306a, 306b to be active for extended periods of time. Rather, the biofeedback watch keeps analog time using the movement 112 (shown in
Each of the OLED displays 306a, 306b has foam affixed to its bottom surface. The foam resides between the OLED displays 306a, 306b and the components of the biofeedback watch that reside toward the bottom portion of the case 102 (e.g., the movement 112 and the sub-chassis 304). Each piece of foam has an hourglass shape that covers most of the bottom surface of its corresponding OLED display 306a, 306b. The portions of the bottom surfaces of OLED displays 306a, 306b that are not covered with foam allow for the gears of the movement 112 to remain unobstructed. The foam is formed of a soft, compressible material that can be pressed between components of the biofeedback watch without damaging them. The foam fills voids in the case 102 to securely fix the components of the biofeedback watch in place. For example, if there is any positional variance between components of the biofeedback watch that would otherwise cause the components to shift around, the foam presses down on these components to hold them in place.
Still referring to
Still referring to
The movement 112 also includes a rod 404 that connects the first portion 902 of the movement 112 to the crown 116. Specifically, the rod 404 can connect the gears to the crown 116. The crown 116 can be rotated, causing the gears to rotate accordingly, and thus causing the second portion 904 (shown in
The buttons 118a, 118b can communicate with the processor 608 (shown in
The vibration motor 504 is electrically connected to the PCB 604 and controlled by the processor 608 (shown in
A display connector 602 is electrically connected to the PCB 604. The display connector 602 accepts the FPCs 310a, 310b (shown in
Still referring to
An external sensor 808 for making contact with a user's skin is disposed in one of the holes of the USB contacts housing 704. The external sensor 808 is electrically connected to the contact pin 706a. The external sensor 808 is a capacitive sensor configured to detect whether the biofeedback watch is being worn by a user. The external sensor 808 can have a bottom surface area of approximately 20 mm2. When the biofeedback watch is not being worn, as detected by the external sensor 808, one or more components of the biofeedback watch can be powered off and one or more functions of the biofeedback watch can be suspended.
Referring now to
Referring to
Lenses 918a, 918b that separate the LEDs 908a, 908b from the exterior of the case 102 reside in the second openings 1006a, 1006b. The lenses 918a, 918b protect the biofeedback watch from water, dirt, dust, and other debris. The lenses 918a, 918b can be formed of any of a number of materials, such as acrylic, glass, plastic, polycarbonate, or any other suitable material.
The LEDs 908a, 908b are configured to emit light through the lenses 918a, 918b and illuminate the skin with the light, and the optical sensor 910 is configured to measure the amount of light transmitted or reflected from the skin in order to measure PPG data in combination with the MoCG data. The PPG data is provided to the processor 608 (shown in
The inner wall 916 (e.g., the raised regions 1008 of the inner wall 916) of the sensor assembly insert 801 separates the LEDs 908a, 908b from the optical sensor 910. This arrangement helps to prevent light emitted from the LEDs 908a, 908b from entering the first opening 1004 (shown in
The sensor assembly insert 801 is precisely aligned in relation to the LEDs 908a, 908b and the optical sensor 910. For example, the LEDs 908a, 908b and the optical sensor 910 may be calibrated for a particular alignment with the window 914 and the lenses 918a, 918b. As such, any variance between the actual alignment and the calibrated alignment can result in inaccurate measurements by the optical sensor 910. The sensor assembly insert 801 is configured to tightly fit in the aperture formed by the bottom wall 802 of the case 102. As described above, the case 102 is formed from a single contiguous piece of material such that the bottom wall 802 of the case 102 is formed integrally with and is not removable from the rest of the case 102. The LEDs 908a, 908b and the optical sensor 910 are electrically connected to the PCB 604 (which is affixed to the sub-chassis 304 in the case 102), but the sensor assembly insert 801 resides in the bottom wall 802 of the case 102. If the bottom wall 802 of the case 102 and the rest of the case 102 were two separate pieces, as is the case in many traditional watches, an additional possible positional variance of the sensor assembly insert 801 in relation to the LEDs 908a, 908b and the optical sensor 910 would be introduced. The “monoblock” structure of the case 102 reduces the positional variance of the sensor assembly insert 801, the window 914, and the lenses 918a, 918b in relation to the LEDs 908a, 908b and the optical sensor 910. Also, because the sensor assembly insert 801 is a single component that defines the openings (which contain the window 914 and the lenses 918a, 918b), any positional variance between the openings that may otherwise result if the openings were formed by separate components is eliminated.
As described above, each of the OLED displays 306a, 306b (shown in
When the biofeedback watch is placed on the top surface 1104 of the dock 1100, the electrical contacts 1106 of the dock make an electrical connection with the contacts USB 806b-e of the biofeedback watch, allowing the biofeedback watch to receive an electrical charge via the power cord 1110. The top surface 1104 of the dock 1100 is magnetic and configured to attract the body 100 of the biofeedback watch. The magnetic attraction helps the biofeedback watch sit securely in the appropriate position on the top surface 1104 so that the contacts USB 806b-e and the electrical contacts 1106 are properly aligned. The LED ring 1108 can indicate the charging condition of the biofeedback watch. When the watch is charging, the LED ring 1108 is red. When the watch is fully charged, the LED ring 1108 is green. As such, a user can determine the charge status of the biofeedback watch without interacting with the biofeedback watch itself.
The MoCG data and the PPG data are provided to the processor 608. The processor 608 causes the MoCG data and the PPG data to be analyzed to determine biometric measurements (e.g., heart rate, pulse transit time, stroke volume, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and cardiac output) of the user. Examples of methods of using MoCG data and PPG data to determine such biometric measurements are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/894,884, entitled “Consumer Biometric Devices,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/002,531, entitled “Consumer Biometric Devices,” each of which is incorporated by reference herein.
a-c show a series of screenshots of the biofeedback watch 1200 during an example use of the biofeedback watch 1200.
The biofeedback watch 1200 can determine when the user is sleeping based on MoCG data and PPG data measured by the motion sensor 610 and the optical sensor 910, respectively. For example, the measured data may indicate that the user has been in a substantially stationary position for a prolonged period of time while exhibiting vital signs typically seen in someone who is asleep. While the user is sleeping, the biofeedback watch 1200 is in a partial sleep state in which less than all of the functions of the biofeedback watch 1200 operate. For example, the OLED displays 306a, 306b of the biofeedback watch 1200 are powered off while the user is sleeping. The biofeedback watch 1200 can determine the user's sleep characteristics while the user is sleeping by measuring and analyzing the MoCG data and PPG data.
Upon waking, the user presses one of the buttons 118a, 118b (shown in
The biofeedback watch can perform both passive and active functions. The biofeedback watch 1200 can perform a number of functions that require initiation by the user. For example, before exercising, the user can use the buttons 118a, 118b to select an exercise type (e.g., going for a run). The user can then use the buttons 118a, 118b to indicate a beginning of the run. During exercise, the biofeedback watch 1200 displays the user's heart rate, the run pace, and the current distance ran, as shown in
At any point as the biofeedback watch 1200 analyzes the MoCG data and the PPG data to determine biometric measurements of the user, the biofeedback watch 1200 may automatically notify the user of particular biometric measurements without requiring user interaction via the buttons 118a, 118b. If the biofeedback watch 1200 determines a potentially dangerous biometric measurement, the OLED displays 306a, 306b may present a notification to the user that contains information related to the biometric measurement. For example, the biofeedback watch 1200 may determine that the user has a dangerously high heart rate. In response, the OLED displays 306a, 306b may present a notification that includes the user's current heart rate. The biofeedback watch 1200 can also invoke other components to help make the notification noticeable to the user. For example, the vibration motor 504 (shown in
While certain implementations have been described above, various other implementations are possible.
While the biofeedback watch has been described as including a case 102 that has a monoblock structure, in other implementations, the case of the biofeedback watch is formed of multiple pieces.
While we described the substantially opaque first ink pigment layer being deposited over the top surface of the dial 104 and the substantially transmissive second ink pigment layer being deposited on top of the first ink pigment layer, in some implementations, the first pigment layer is substantially transmissive and is deposited over the entire top surface of the dial, and the second pigment layer is substantially opaque and is deposited over the top surface of the dial on top of the first pigment layer except for the regions of the dial that align with the OLED displays.
While we described the crown 116 as being used to set the time on the biofeedback watch, in an alternative implementation, the crown can perform other functions. The crown can be in communication with other internal components of the biofeedback watch in addition to the movement, and can be used to perform functions associated with the internal components of the biofeedback watch. For example, the crown may operate as a button that can be pressed in to perform functions similar to those performed by the buttons of the biofeedback watch.
While the biofeedback watch body has been described as including OLED displays 306a, 306b, other types of displays can be used. For example, the biofeedback watch can include one or more LCD displays. The biofeedback watch can include one or more emissive or transmissive displays. The displays can use an active display technology. The displays can be positioned in the same locations as the OLED displays described above. Alternatively, a single display can reside beneath the dial.
While the biofeedback watch body has been described as including two OLED displays 306a, 306b, the biofeedback watch can include four OLED displays. Each OLED display can reside beneath each quadrant of the dial. Alternatively, a single OLED display can reside beneath the dial. In such a case, the movement can protrude through a hole at or near the center of the display.
While the biofeedback watch has been described as displaying analog time using the movement 112, in some implementations, the biofeedback watch displays the time digitally. For example, the biofeedback watch may not include a movement and hands, but rather, a display (e.g., an LCD display) can be used to display the time. In such a case, the dial of the biofeedback watch may be unnecessary because the display can replace the dial.
While the biofeedback watch has been described as including a motion sensor 610 that includes only an accelerometer, in some implementations, the motion sensor also includes one or more gyroscopes for measuring tilt, rotation, and yaw. The gyroscope can be configured to measure data that is used to refine the MoCG measurements. The gyroscope can also be configured to detect particular movements or positions of the watch. For example, the gyroscope can be configured to determine when the biofeedback watch is positioned at a particular angle. The processor may cause the displays to be turned on or off when the biofeedback watch is in a particular position. The gyroscope can also be configured to determine the number of steps a user takes while wearing the biofeedback watch.
While the biofeedback watch has been described as having four USB contacts 806b-e, the biofeedback watch can have any number of USB contacts. For example, the biofeedback watch can have a full ring of USB contacts that surround the sensor assembly insert. Alternatively, the USB contacts can be arranged in a straight line. The electrical contacts of the dock can be positioned to match the arrangement used on the biofeedback watch. In some implementations, the USB contacts of the biofeedback watch can be located at a different position on the watch. For example, the contacts can be positioned on the outside edge of the case opposite the buttons and the crown. Alternatively, the biofeedback watch can include a port for accepting a plug that is used to form an electrical connection with an external device in the same way that the USB contacts are used.
While the external sensor 808 has been described as having a bottom surface area of approximately 20 mm2, the bottom surface of the external sensor may have any area. For example, the bottom surface of the external sensor may have an area of approximately 17 mm2 or an area greater than 20 mm2. In some implementations, the external sensor may be disposed inside the case of the biofeedback watch near the bottom surface of the case.
While one of the USB contacts 806b has been described as corresponding to the USB Ground pin, in some implementations, the USB contact that corresponds to the USB Ground pin is also a temperature sensor configured to measure the skin temperature of a user. The temperature sensor can be controlled by the processor.
While the second portion 904 of the movement 112 has been described as including a cannon 906 that acts as an extender, in some implementations, the second portion of the movement has a length that extends a sufficient distance above the dial to permit the hands to be connected to the second portion of the movement, eliminating the need for an extender.
While we described some functions of the biofeedback watch that require initiation by the user, in some implementations, these functions are passive functions. That is, the biofeedback watch can analyze the MoCG data and the PPG data to determine when a user is in a particular state or is performing a particular activity, and in turn automatically initiate these functions.
While we described the biofeedback watch as including particular types of sensors, in some implementations, the biofeedback watch includes additional sensors. For example, the biofeedback watch can include one or more electric impedance sensors (including Galvanic skin resistance sensors), hydration level sensors, skin reflection index sensors, and strain sensors that can be used in performing one or more of the measurements described above.
In some implementations, one of the additional sensors included in the biofeedback watch is an ambient noise microphone. The ambient noise microphone can be electrically connected to the PCB and controlled by the processor. The ambient noise microphone can be used to receive audio input (e.g., from the user). The ambient noise microphone can also be used to detect other ambient noise. The ambient noise measurements can be correlated with the user's vital signs. For example, the biofeedback watch can determine that particular ambient noise levels lead to particular reactions (e.g., stress levels) from the user.
While the movement 112 has been described as being electrically connected to a movement battery 502, the movement can alternatively be connected to a different power source.
The movement 1402 is especially designed so that it can be powered by the primary watch battery 1408. While many traditional movements are driven by coils, the movement 1402 is configured to be driven electrically. Also, the movement 1402 is controlled by the processor which is electrically connected to the PCB 1404. As such, the movement 112 does not require its own dedicated control board. Eliminating the coils and the control board allows the movement 1402 to have a thinner profile and an overall smaller size, which in turn displaces fewer of the other components of the biofeedback watch. As a result, the biofeedback watch can have a maximum thickness, as measured from the bottom surface of the case to the top surface of the bezel of less than 8.80 mm and a diameter of less than 38.0 mm.
While an L-ring has been described as creating a seal between the crystal 106 and the bezel 122, other types of seals can be used.
Still referring to
While the body 100 of the biofeedback watch body 102 has been described as including a certain number of OLED displays, LEDs, optical sensors, and motions sensors, the biofeedback watch can have any number of OLED displays, LEDs, optical sensors, and motion sensors. In some implementations, the biofeedback watch can have a single optical sensor and a single LED. Referring to
While we described the sensor assembly insert 801 as having a circular first opening 1004 and arc-shaped second openings 1006a, 1006b, the openings in the sensor assembly insert can have any of various different shapes that permit light to pass therethrough. For example, still referring to
Referring to
Referring to
The ALS and UV sensor 1800 is controlled by the processor and is electrically connected to the PCB 604 which resides beneath a sub-chassis 1802 and the dial. The sub-chassis 1802 defines a void 1804 that aligns with the ALS and UV sensor 1800. Ambient and UV light passes through the deadfront window, through the void 1804, and reaches the ALS and UV sensor 1800. Referring to
The ALS components of the ALS and UV sensor 1800 measure levels of ambient light. The ambient light measurements are used to determine an appropriate brightness for the OLED displays. For example, if the user is outside on a sunny day, the ALS and UV sensor 1800 measures a high amount of ambient light. In response, the processor causes the brightness of the OLED displays to be increased for easy viewing in the environment. In contrast, if the user is in a dark room, the ALS and UV sensor 1800 measures a low amount of ambient light, and the processor causes the brightness of the OLED displays to be decreased, thereby saving battery power.
The UV components of the ALS and UV sensor 1800 measures levels UV light. The UV light measurements are used to determine the amount and intensity of UV light that the user is exposed to and the amount of time that the user spends outside. In some implementations, the ALS and the UV sensor 1800 are separate sensors.
Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/033,935, filed on Aug. 6, 2014, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
62033935 | Aug 2014 | US |