Patent Application
20150297145
Embodiments relate generally to electrical and electronic hardware, computer software, wired and wireless network communications, and computing devices, and, in particular, to a wearable device implementing a touch-sensitive interface in a metal pod cover and/or bioimpedance sensing to determine physiological characteristics, such as heart rate.
Wearable devices have leveraged increased sensor and computing capabilities that can be provided in reduced personal and/or portable form factors, and an increasing number of applications (i.e., computer and Internet software or programs) for different uses, consumers (i.e., users) have given rise to large amounts of personal data that can be analyzed on an individual basis or an aggregated basis (e.g., anonymized groupings of samples describing user activity, state, and condition).
Presently, development and design of many wearable devices, such as so-called “smart watches,” are including glass-based touchscreens to enable users to interact with glass (or transparent plastic) to provide user input or receive visual information. An example of a glass-based touch screen includes CORNING® GORILLA® GLASS, or those formed using OLED or other like technology. Developers of wearable devices using such touchscreens continue to face challenges, not only technically but in user experience design. For example, relatively large glass-based touchscreens may be perceived to be to “bulky” or “unwieldy” for some consumers, whereas miniaturized glass-based screens may fail to provide sufficient information to a user. Moreover, some conventional touchscreens are susceptible to the environments in which users typically expect reliable operation.
Further, some conventional smart watches implement short range communication systems (e.g., transceivers and antennas) adjacent glass portions and/or plastic portions of a housing to interference from metal structures. While conventional wearable devices typically are functional, such devices have sub-optimal properties that consumers view less favorably.
Thus, what is needed is a solution for facilitating the use and manufacture of wearable devices without the limitations of conventional devices or techniques.
Various embodiments or examples (“examples”) of the invention are disclosed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings:
Various embodiments or examples may be implemented in numerous ways, including as a system, a process, an apparatus, a user interface, or a series of program instructions on a computer readable medium such as a computer readable storage medium or a computer network where the program instructions are sent over optical, electronic, or wireless communication links. In general, operations of disclosed processes may be performed in an arbitrary order, unless otherwise provided in the claims.
A detailed description of one or more examples is provided below along with accompanying figures. The detailed description is provided in connection with such examples, but is not limited to any particular example. The scope is limited only by the claims and numerous alternatives, modifications, and equivalents are encompassed. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding. These details are provided for the purpose of example and the described techniques may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the examples has not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description.
A display portion 104 is disposed at the predominately opaque portion of talk pod cover 102, and is configured to emit light of various shapes (e.g., any type of symbol) and colors to convey information to a user. In one example, display portion 104, or portions thereof, is selectably opaque in that some portions selectable do not emit light while and other arrangements of light to transmit through the surface. As such, display portion 104 may be configured to provide or output information to a user, the information describing aspects of the activity in which users engaged, progress toward a goal of completing the activity, physiological information, such as heart rate, among other things. Further, wearable pod 101 includes any number of sensors and related circuitry, such as bioimpedance circuitry and sensors, galvanic skin response circuitry and sensors, temperature-related circuitry and sensors, and the like.
Strap band 120 includes any number of groups of electrodes. As shown, a group 130 of electrodes is disposed at an approximate distance 152 from wearable pod 101, whereby a first electrode is separated by an approximate distance 154 from the second electrode in group 130. Group 132 of electrodes is shown to be disposed at an approximate distance 156 from group 130, with a first electrode in group 132 being separated at an approximate distance 158 from a second electrode. The approximate distances are configured to dispose one of either group 130 of electrodes or group 132 of electrodes adjacent to a first blood vessel (e.g., an ulnar artery) and to dispose the other group of either group 130 of electrodes or group 132 of electrodes adjacent to a second blood vessel (e.g., a radial artery). Logic in a wearable pod 101 can be coupled to electrodes in groups 130 and 132 to employ bioimpedance sensing for extracting heart-related information, as well as other physiological information, including but not limited to respiration rates. According to some examples, distances 154 and 158 may be about 4.0 mm+/−50%, and distance 156 may range from about 31.5 mm to about 36.0 mm+/−30%, depending on technologies used to pick-up and monitor bioimpedance signals. Distance 152 may be about 32.0 mm+/−30%.
According to some embodiments, one or more electrodes of groups 130 and 132 of electrodes may be configured for multi-mode use. For example, an electrode may be implemented to effect bioimpedance sensing in one mode, and electrode may be used to implement galvanic skin conductance sensing in another mode. In some instances, electrode from group 130 may operate cooperatively with an electrode in group 132. Note that while strap 120 may be described as a “strap band” and strap 122 may be described as a “band,” the terms strap and band may be used, at least in some examples, interchangeably.
In the example shown, the wearable device includes a latch 142, a loop 144, and a latched buckle 140 are configured to engage so as to secure the wearable device around an appendage, such as a wrist. For example, a user may place wearable pod 101 on a top of a wrist, and insert latch 142 through loop 144 adjacent the bottom of the user's wrist, whereby latch 142 engages latched buckle 140. Note while the wearable device is described as being configured to encircle a wrist, and various other embodiments facilitate attachment to any other appendage of the user, including an ankle, neck, ear, etc.
According to some embodiments, the interface materials that form the anchor portions can include, but are not limited to, polycarbonate materials, or other like materials. Polycarbonate may provide an interface to couple metal cradle 607 to an elastomer material used to form inner portions 620a and 622a. Thus, an interface materials, such as polycarbonate, bridges the difficulties of bonding metal and elastomers together in some cases. Anchor portions can be formed using polycarbonate molding techniques. According to some embodiments, an elastomer material may be a thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”). In one embodiment, elastomer includes a thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”) material. In some examples, the elastomer has a hardness in a range of 58 to 72 Shore A. In one case, the lesser has a hardness in a range of 60 to 70 Shore A. An example of an elastomer is a GLS Thermoplasic Elastomer Versaflex™ CE Series CE 3620 by PolyOne of OH, USA.
A manufacturing process, according to some embodiments, includes placing an anchored cradle of
According to some embodiments, pod cover 1102, logic 1111, and pod cover 1106 can be assembled to form a wearable pod that can be integrated into a band 1150 of one or more attachment members (e.g., one or more straps, etc.) to form a wearable device. A wearable pod and/or wearable device may be implemented as data-mining and/or analytic device that may be worn as a strap or band around or attached to an arm, leg, ear, ankle, or other bodily appendage or feature. In other examples, a wearable pod and/or wearable device may be carried, or attached directly or indirectly to other items, organic or inorganic, animate, or static. Note, too, that wearable pod enough be integrated into band 1150 and can be shaped other than as shown in
According some embodiments, logic 1111 includes a number of components formed in either hardware or software, or a combination thereof, to provide structure and/or functionality for elemental blocks shown. In particular, logic 1111 includes a touch-sensitive input/output (“I/O”) controller 1112 to detect contact with portions of pod cover 1102, a display controller 1114 to facilitate emission of light, an activity determinator 1116 configured to determine an activity based on, for example, sensor data from one or more sensors 1130 (e.g., disposed in an interior region between pod covers 1102 and 1106, or disposed externally). A bioimpedance (“BI”) circuit 1117 may facilitate the use of bioimpedance signals to determine a physiological signal (e.g., heart rate), and a galvanic skin response (“GSR”) circuit 1119 may facilitate the use of signals representing skin conductance. A physiological (“PHY”) signal determinator 1118 may be configured to determine physiological characteristic, such as heart rate, among others, and a temperature circuit 1120 may be configured to receive temperature sensor data to facilitate determination of heat flux or temperature. A physiological (“PHY”) condition determinator 1121 may be configured to implement heat flux or temperature, or other sensor data, to derive values representative of a condition (e.g., a biological condition, such as caloric energy expended or other calorimetry-related determinations). Logic 1111 can include a variety of other sensors, some which are described herein, and others that can be adapted for use in the structures described herein.
Touch-sensitive portions 1103 are configured to detect contact by an item or entity as an input to logic 1111. According to some embodiments, touch-sensitive portions 1103 are coupled to touch-sensitive input/output (“I/O”) controller 1112, which is configured to detect a capacitance value at one or more touch-sensitive portions 1103. Further, touch-sensitive I/O controller 1112 can be configured to detect a change from one value of capacitance relative to a touch-sensitive portion 1103 to another value of capacitance. If the value of capacitance is within a range of capacitive values that define a contact as a valid “touch,” touch-sensitive I/O controller 1112 can generate a signal including data describing touch-related characteristics of the contact. Examples of a range of capacitance values include approximate values of 0.75 pF to 2.4 pF, or other equivalent values. Further, examples of items or entities for which a “touch” is detected can include tissue (e.g., a finger), a capacitive stylus (or the like), etc. Touch-related characteristics, for example, can include a number of touches per unit time, a time interval during which a touch is detected, a pattern of different durations per unit time (e.g., such as Morse code or other simplified schemes).
While touch-related characteristics may be a function of time, various implementations need not so limited. For example, consider an implementation of pod cover 1102 with multiple touch-sensitive portions 1103. Touch-related characteristics in this case may also include an order of touching touch-sensitive portions 1103 to simulate, for instance, a swiping gesture from left-to-right or right-to-left. Other types-related characteristics are possible.
Display controller 1114 is configured to receive signals indicative of, for example, a mode of operation of a wearable pod, a value associated with a physiological signal (e.g., a heart rate), a value associated with an activity (e.g., a number of steps, a percentage of completion for a goal, etc.), and other similar information. Further, display controller 1114 is configured to cause selective emission of light via display portion 1104, the emission of light having certain characteristics, such as symbol shapes and colors, to convey specific information.
Bioimpedance circuit 1117 includes logic in hardware and/or software to apply and receive electrical signals include bioimpedance-related information, which physiological signal determinator 1118 can receive and determine one or more physiological characteristics. For example, physiological signal determinator 1118 can extract a heart rate and/or a respiration rate from one or more bioimpedance signals. One or more examples implementing bioimpedance signals to derive physiological signal values are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/831,260 filed on Mar. 14, 2013, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/802,305 filed on Mar. 13, 2013, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/802,319 filed on Mar. 13, 2013, all of which are incorporated by reference herein. A galvanic skin response circuit 1119 includes logic in hardware and/or software to apply and receive electrical signals that includes skin conductance-related information. According to some embodiments, logic 1111 is configured to use electrodes in a first mode to determine bioimpedance signals, and to use at least one for the electrodes in a second mode to determine galvanic skin conductance. Therefore, one or more electrodes may have multiple functions or purposes. Temperature circuit 1120 includes logic in hardware and/or software to apply and receive electrical signals that includes thermal energy-related information, which, for example, physiological condition determinator 1121 can use to derive values representative of a condition of a user, such as a caloric burn rate, among other things.
Examples of other sensors 1130 include accelerometer(s), an altimeter/barometer, a light/infrared (“IR”) sensor, an audio sensor (e.g., microphone, transducer, or others), a pedometer, a velocimeter, a GPS receiver, a location-based service sensor (e.g., sensor for determining location within a cellular or micro-cellular network, which may or may not use GPS or other satellite constellations for fixing a position), a motion detection sensor, an environmental sensor, a chemical sensor, an electrical sensor, a mechanical sensor, a light sensor, and others.
Signal decoder 1222 is configured to receive one or more signals to decode or otherwise determine a command based on one or more detected capacitance values, according to some examples. As an example, signal decoder 1222 may decode an enable command to enable decoding of one or more detected capacitance signals, thereby enabling a wearable pod to acquire user input via touch. Or, signal decoder 1222 may decode a disable command to disable decoding of one or more signals detected capacitive signals, thereby preventing inadvertent contact (e.g., during sleep, etc.) from being interpreted as being a valid touch. Further, signal decoder 1222 is further configured to decode a number of detected capacitive values to identify patterns of the detected capacitance values, whereby signal decoder 1222 can decode a pattern of detected capacitance values as a specific command. Signal decoder 1222 can determine a pattern of detected capacitance values based on, for example, a quantity of detected capacitance values per unit time, a time interval during which a detected capacitance value is detected, a pattern of varied durations per unit time and/or different detected capacitance values, etc. Thus, signal decoder 1222 can decode detected capacitance values to determine a command as a function of time.
Further to the above-described examples, signal decoder 1222 can identify a first pattern of detected capacitance values associated with a first command to, for example, disable implementation of a subset of subsequent detected capacitance values, thereby disabling implementation by a wearable pod of subsequent detected capacitance values (e.g., turning “off” a ‘cap touch’ input feature to exclude inadvertent touches). Signal decoder 1222 can identify a second pattern of detected capacitance values associated with a second command (e.g., a mode command) to, for example, transition the wearable pod to a mode of operation as a function of a capacitance pattern. Also, signal decoder 1222 can transmit a signal indicating a mode command to action control signal generator 1224, which can directly or indirectly effectuate a change in mode of operation. Or, in some other examples, a mode controller of
Context detector 1226, which is optional, may be configured to receive sensor data 1210 and/or data indicating a state of activity (e.g., whether an activity is running, sleeping, or the like). Based on sensor data 1210 and/or activity state data, context detector 1226 can detect context of the wearable pod (e.g., a type of activity in which as user is engaged). Context detector 1226 can transmit context data to signal decoder 1222, which, in turn, can be configured to implement a first set of commands based on one pattern of capacitance values based on a first context (e.g., a person is sleeping), and is further configured to implement a second set of commands based on the identical pattern of detected capacitance value based on a second context (e.g., a person is moving). Thus, context detector 1226 can enable a wearable pod to generate different commands using the same pattern of detected capacitance values based on different contexts.
According to one example, a predominately opaque material as a portion of a surface can be composed of about 93% opaque material and 7% transparent material per unit area. In another example, a predominately opaque material as a portion of a surface can be composed of about 85% to 98% opaque material per unit area (e.g., approximately 16 to 44 microns), whereas in other examples a predominately opaque material can be composed of about 67% to 99% unit area. In at least one example, a predominately opaque material can be composed of 51% opaque material per unit area. Accordingly, the diameters of micro-perforations 1391 can vary so long as the area consumed by micro-perforations 1391 do not, for example, consume more than 49% of an opaque material. Note while micro-perforations 1391 are depicted as being circular, the size and shape of micro-perforations 1391 are not so limited.
Alert display controller 1542 is configured to implement symbols 1522, 1524, and 1526 to provide alerts to a user. Upon detecting a notification to check an application residing, for example, on a mobile computing device, alert display controller 1542 may be configured to cause symbol 1522 to emit light. Note that according to some embodiments, an illuminated symbol 1522 can alert a user to the availability of an insight. The term “insight” can refer to, for example, data correlated among a state of user (e.g., number of steps taken, number of our slapped, etc.) and other sets of data representing trends, patterns, and correlations to goals of a user (e.g., a target value of a number of steps per day) and/or supersets of generalized (e.g., average values) of anonymized data for a population at-large. With insight data, the user can understand how an activity (e.g., running, etc.) can affect other aspects of health (e.g., amount of sleep as a parameter). In some embodiments, insight data can include feedback information. For example, insights can include data derived by the structures and/or functions set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 8,446,275, which is herein incorporated by reference to illustrate at least some examples.
Should a reminder or notification arise that requires a user to hydrate or consume water, alert display controller 1542 is configured to cause symbol 1526 to illuminate. Alert display controller 1542 is configured to maintain calendared events and times, and is further configured to receive reminders from another computing device, such as a mobile phone. When emitting light, symbol 1524 may alert a user as a reminder to undertake one of variety of actions based on time or a calendar event. Further, symbol 524 may illuminate with different colors and/or with other symbols in display portion 1521 to indicate one or more of a sleep reminder, a workout reminder, a meal reminder, a custom reminder, and the like.
Message display controller 1543 is configured to convey a message via display portion 1521. While symbols 1528 and 1530 can have multiple functionalities, the following descriptions are in the context of conveying messages. For example, message display controller 1543 can cause symbol 1528 to emit light responsive to detecting that the wearable pod and/or a mobile computing device has received, or is receiving, a message of encouragement (electronic “dopamine”) from a friend or family regarding a user's state or activity. Message display controller 1543 is configured to detect that a friend or family member has communicated a “love tap” (e.g., a gesture, like a squeeze or tap of a wearable pod in the other's possession). To convey the love tap, message display controller 1543 is configured to cause symbol 1530 and symbols 1528 to emit light.
Heart rate display controller 1544 is configured to receive physiological signal information based on one or more sensors. For example, the physiological signal information can specify a heart rate related to, for example, a particular mode of operation (e.g., at rest, asleep, moving, running, walking, etc.). Upon receiving data representing a heart rate, heart rate display controller 1544 can select symbols 1530, 1532, 1535 in one or more of symbols 1533 to convey heart rate information. In some cases, symbol 1534 indicates a minimum heart rate and symbol 1532 indicates a maximum heart rate. In this context, symbol 1530 may indicate a heart rate measurement is being performed or has been performed.
Activity display controller 1545 is configured to receive motion or movement-related signal information based on one or more sensors. For example, the motion data can specify a number of motion units (e.g., steps) relative to a goal of total motion units, or the motion data can specify percentage of completion of a user's activity goal (e.g., a number of steps per day). As such, activity display controller 1545 is configured to select a number of symbols 1533 to specify an amount of progress is being made to a goal. Also, activity display controller 1544 can select either symbol 1536 to specify progress toward a sleep goal or symbol 1538 to specify progress to a movement goal.
Notification display controller 1546 is configured to receive data representing a power level of a battery supplying power to a wearable pod. Based on an amount of charge stored in the battery, the notification display controller 1546 can cause symbol 1539 to emit light to indicate a charge level. Notification display controller 1546 is also configured to receive data representing an indication that a user's action either regarding a wearable pod or a mobile computing device (e.g., an application) has been implemented. To confirm implementation, the notification display controller 1546 is configured to emit light via symbol 1537.
In some cases, computing platform can be disposed in wearable device or implement, a mobile computing device, or any other device.
Computing platform 1700 includes a bus 1702 or other communication mechanism for communicating information, which interconnects subsystems and devices, such as processor 1704, system memory 1706 (e.g., RAM, etc.), storage device 17012 (e.g., ROM, etc.), a communication interface 1713 (e.g., an Ethernet or wireless controller, a Bluetooth controller and radio/transceiver, or other logic to communicate via a variety of protocols, such as IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n (WiFi), WiMax, ANT™, ZigBee®, Bluetooth®, Near Field Communications (“NFC”), etc.) to facilitate communications via a port on communication link 1721 to communicate, for example, with a computing device, including mobile computing and/or communication devices with processors.
One or more antennas may be implemented as a portion of communication interface 1713 to facilitate wireless communication. Also, one or more antennas may be formed external to a wearable pod (e.g., external to a cradle and/or one or more pod covers).
Processor 1704 can be implemented with one or more central processing units (“CPUs”), such as those manufactured by Intel® Corporation, or one or more virtual processors, as well as any combination of CPUs and virtual processors. Computing platform 1700 exchanges data representing inputs and outputs via input-and-output devices 1701, including, but not limited to, keyboards, mice, audio inputs (e.g., speech-to-text devices), user interfaces, displays, monitors, cursors, touch-sensitive displays, LCD or LED displays, and other I/O-related devices.
According to some examples, computing platform 1700 performs specific operations by processor 1704 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions stored in system memory 1706, and computing platform 1700 can be implemented in a client-server arrangement, peer-to-peer arrangement, or as any mobile computing device, including smart phones and the like. Such instructions or data may be read into system memory 1706 from another computer readable medium, such as storage device 1708. In some examples, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions for implementation. Instructions may be embedded in software or firmware. The term “computer readable medium” refers to any tangible medium that participates in providing instructions to processor 1704 for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks and the like. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as system memory 1706.
Common forms of computer readable media includes, for example, floppy disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, CD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, RAM, PROM, EPROM, FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer can read. Instructions may further be transmitted or received using a transmission medium. The term “transmission medium” may include any tangible or intangible medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying instructions for execution by the machine, and includes digital or analog communications signals or other intangible medium to facilitate communication of such instructions. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics, including wires that constitute bus 1702 for transmitting a computer data signal.
In some examples, execution of the sequences of instructions may be performed by computing platform 1700. According to some examples, computing platform 1700 can be coupled by communication link 1721 (e.g., a wired network, such as LAN, PSTN, or any wireless communication link or network, such a Bluetooth LE or NFC) to any other processor to perform the sequence of instructions in coordination with (or asynchronous to) one another. Computing platform 1700 may transmit and receive messages, data, and instructions, including program code (e.g., application code) through communication link 1721 and communication interface 1713. Received program code may be executed by processor 1704 as it is received, and/or stored in memory 1706 or other non-volatile storage for later execution.
In the example shown, system memory 1706 can include various modules that include executable instructions to implement functionalities described herein. In the example shown, system memory 1706 includes a touch sensitive I/O control module 1770, a display controller module 1772, an activity determinator module 1774, and a physiological signal determinator module 1776, one or more of which can be configured to provide or consume outputs to implement one or more functions described herein.
In at least some examples, the structures and/or functions of any of the above-described features can be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, circuitry, or a combination thereof. Note that the structures and constituent elements above, as well as their functionality, may be aggregated with one or more other structures or elements. Alternatively, the elements and their functionality may be subdivided into constituent sub-elements, if any. As software, the above-described techniques may be implemented using various types of programming or formatting languages, frameworks, syntax, applications, protocols, objects, or techniques. As hardware and/or firmware, the above-described techniques may be implemented using various types of programming or integrated circuit design languages, including hardware description languages, such as any register transfer language (“RTL”) configured to design field-programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”), application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”), or any other type of integrated circuit. According to some embodiments, the term “module” can refer, for example, to an algorithm or a portion thereof, and/or logic implemented in either hardware circuitry or software, or a combination thereof. These can be varied and are not limited to the examples or descriptions provided.
In some embodiments, a wearable pod or one or more of its components (e.g., a touch-sensitive I/O controller or a display controller), or any process or device described herein, can be in communication (e.g., wired or wirelessly) with a mobile device, such as a mobile phone or computing device, or can be disposed therein.
In some cases, a mobile device, or any networked computing device (not shown) in communication with a wearable pod (or a touch-sensitive I/O controller or a display controller) or one or more of its components (or any process or device described herein), can provide at least some of the structures and/or functions of any of the features described herein. As depicted in
For example, a wearable pod or one or more of its components (e.g., a touch-sensitive I/O controller or a display controller), any of its one or more components, or any process or device described herein, can be implemented in one or more computing devices (i.e., any mobile computing device, such as a wearable device, an audio device (such as headphones or a headset) or mobile phone, whether worn or carried) that include one or more processors configured to execute one or more algorithms in memory. Thus, at least some of the elements in
As hardware and/or firmware, the above-described structures and techniques can be implemented using various types of programming or integrated circuit design languages, including hardware description languages, such as any register transfer language (“RTL”) configured to design field-programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”), application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”), multi-chip modules, or any other type of integrated circuit.
For example, a wearable pod or one or more of its components (e.g., a touch-sensitive I/O controller or a display controller), including one or more components, or any process or device described herein, can be implemented in one or more computing devices that include one or more circuits. Thus, at least one of the elements in
According to some embodiments, the term “circuit” can refer, for example, to any system including a number of components through which current flows to perform one or more functions, the components including discrete and complex components. Examples of discrete components include transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, and the like, and examples of complex components include memory, processors, analog circuits, digital circuits, and the like, including field-programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”), application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”). Therefore, a circuit can include a system of electronic components and logic components (e.g., logic configured to execute instructions, such that a group of executable instructions of an algorithm, for example, and, thus, is a component of a circuit). According to some embodiments, the term “module” can refer, for example, to an algorithm or a portion thereof, and/or logic implemented in either hardware circuitry or software, or a combination thereof (i.e., a module can be implemented as a circuit). In some embodiments, algorithms and/or the memory in which the algorithms are stored are “components” of a circuit. Thus, the term “circuit” can also refer, for example, to a system of components, including algorithms. These can be varied and are not limited to the examples or descriptions provided.
Further to
Further to diagram 2500, a stacked portion 2406 of planar metal disposed at a first distance to a portion of attachment portion 2577a of metal cradle 2507, whereas a portion of extended portion 2408 may be disposed at a second distance (from the portion of attachment portion 2577a), which is greater than the first distance. In some non-limiting examples, a portion of stacked portion 2406 may parallel or substantially parallel (e.g., non-intersecting in a region) to a portion of attachment portion 2577a. In some cases, a portion of stacked portion 2406 may be shaped to have one or more radii of curvature as a portion of attachment portion 2577a.
In some examples, antenna 2402 can include a stacked portion 2406 that traverses a first region from a radial plane 2513 to a radial plane 2515, the first region including attachment portion 2577a. Extended portion 2408 is shown to traverse a second region at an angular distance, d2, which is greater than an angular distance between radial plane 2513 and radial plane 2515. Note that the second region excludes attachment portion 2577a, wherein radial plane 2513 and radial plane 2515 extend radially from a line 2512 parallel to a bottom plane 2588 coextensive with a portion of a bottom of cradle 2507. Radial plane 2517 extends from line 2512 without passing through attachment portion 2577a.
According to other examples, attachment portion 2577a and a short-range communication antenna 2402 may include bottom surface portions that are coextensive with a curved surface 2511 having one or more radii centered at a point (e.g., on line 2512) in a region below the bottom pod cover. In various implementations, curved surface 2511 may be configured to facilitate attachment to a strap configured to encircle a portion of a wrist (or other circularly-shaped appendages).
Attachment portion 2577b is configured to extend at a greater distance from a side of a cradle 2507 than attachment portion 2577a to, for example, accommodate different structures and/or functions. As shown, attachment portion 2577b has a surface coextensive with a curved surface 2599 extending from a radial plane 2505 to a radial plane 2598. Radial planes 2505 and 2598 can extend radially from line 2510. According to some embodiments, attachment portion 2577b can be configured to support circuitry, such as conductors, electrodes, a collection of electrodes, electrode bus, and circuitry, such as near-field communications devices (e.g., NFC semiconductor chip).
Further, an antenna can be disposed at 2708 upon the surface of the under-anchor portion. For example, the holes in the antenna may be aligned with the posts, and the antenna can be placed on the surface of the under-anchor portion. For example, the antenna may be disposed on a surface of the under-anchor portion at a distance from a surface area associated with the attachment portion. In at least one example, the posts can be deformed to lock the antenna in position. At 2710, an over-anchor portion may be formed over the antenna and the under-anchor portion to form an anchor portion configured to attach to, for example, a strap composed of the elastomer. Further, the under-anchor and/or over-anchor portions may be composed of an interface material configured to bind to the cradle and to an elastomer. An example of an interface material is polycarbonate, and an example of an elastomer is a thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”). In one embodiment, an elastomer includes a thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”) material.
In one embodiment, selecting the antenna can include selecting a short-range antenna including terminals coupled to a Bluetooth circuit in a cradle of a wearable pod. The antenna includes a stacked portion of planar metal configured to be disposed at a first distance from the attachment portion of metal cradle, and an extended portion of the planar metal configured to be disposed at a second distance, which is greater than the first distance. Also, selecting the antenna can include selecting a Bluetooth antenna to transmit and receive radio signals implementing a Bluetooth protocol. In addition, selecting the antenna can include selecting an antenna having a first metal portion electrically isolated from a second metal portion by a gap extending diagonally or substantially diagonal (i.e., more diagonal than not, or +/−30% from a line passing through two corners) from adjacent one corner of the antenna to an opposite corner of the antenna.
In diagram 2800, antenna 2882 may include a subset of terminals (not shown) disposed at a first end of the antenna in channel 2819, the subset of terminals being coupled to near-field communication device 2880 mounted on the first end of antenna 2882. According to some embodiments, near-field communication device 2880 may include an active near-field communication device that may be configured to receive power from adjacent the near-field communication antenna upon which radio frequency radiation is received. This amount of power may be sufficient to cause near field communication device 2880 to transmit data including, for example, a communication device ID. Antenna 2882 includes a metal-based pattern configured to receive near-field communications signals and may include polyamide. According to some embodiments, a region between antenna 2882 and plane 2884 may include one or more other layers, one of which may include an electrode bus as described herein. As such, an electrode bus can provide support for antenna 2882 as well as near field communication device 2880.
Further to diagram 2800, a communications device identifier extractor 2890 is configured to program an identifier into a memory (not shown) in cradle 2807. The identifier uniquely identifies near field communications device 2880. As shown, communication device identifier extractor 2890 may be configured to transmit radiation 2898 to cause near field communications device 2880 to transmit an identifier as data 2896. Then, a communication device identifier extractor can program identifier as data 2894 into memory. In some cases, communication device identifier extractor 2890 may be used during assembly, final test and/or packaging stages of manufacture. A memory in cradle 2807 can store data representing the identifier of near-field communication device 2880, memory being disposed in a wearable pod. The identifier is accessible to facilitate activation of the near-field communication device. For example, consumer can couple the memory in Internet network to activate, for example, a credit card account.
According to some embodiments, near-field communication antenna is configured to facilitate radio reception and/or transmission of signals in accordance with near field communication interface and protocols, such as those set forth and/or maintain by International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) of Geneva, Swtizerland.
At 3106, an inner portion of a wearable strap is formed coupled to an anchor portion including the channel. At 3108, a portion of the antenna may be disposed in the channel and/or a part of an inner portion of a wearable strap located adjacent a wearable pod. According to some embodiments, a portion of the antenna disposed in the channel may also include and/or be coupled to a near field communications device (e.g., a near-field communication semiconductor device). In particular, terminals of antenna can be coupled to circuitry of a near-field communication semiconductor device disposed on the antenna or substrate that includes an antenna.
At 3110, a determination is made whether near field communication logic is external. In particular, a determination is made whether the near field communication device is located external or internal to a cradle. If the near field communication device disposed within a cradle, flow 3100 moves to 3112 at which antenna conductors or terminals are attached coupled to internal logic, including a near-field communication device. Otherwise, flow 3100 moves to 3114 at which a near field communication device mounted on the antenna is encapsulated as an outer portion of the strap is formed at 3116. At 3118, identifier associated with logic in the near field communication device is identified. For example, an electromagnetic field can be applied adjacent to the antenna, and the identifier can be read. The identifier may be stored in memory at 3120. For example, identifier can be programmed in a memory residing in the cradle for subsequent activation by a user.
Wire 3212 may be connected with a portion of pad 3203 using soldering, crimping, wrapping, or welding for example. As one example, wire 3212 may be laser welded to a portion of pad 3203. Pad 3203, the electrode 3202 or both may be made from an electrically conductive material including but not limited to a metal, a metal alloy, copper, gold, silver, platinum, aluminum, stainless steel, and alloys of those metals. As one example, pad 3203 may be a copper (Cu) washer. Wire 3212 may include insulation 3213 that may be stripped to expose a conductor 3214 that may be connected with the pad 3203. Wire 3212 may be routed along a path in the wire bus 3200 and may exit the wire bus 3200 at a distal end 3209. A portion of the wire 3212 positioned at the distal end 3209 may be stripped to expose conductor 3214 and the conductor 3214 may be tinned (e.g., with solder) in preparation for connecting the conductor 3214 with another structure, such as an electrical node, printed circuit board (PCB) trace, or circuitry, for example. A portion of the wire 3212 positioned at the distal end 3209 may be dressed for subsequent connection with other structures. There may be more electrodes 3202, pads 3203, skirts 3204 and wires 3212 than depicted as denoted by 3221 and 3223.
Bus substrate 3201 may include alignment structures (e.g., see 3407 in
In example 3240, electrode 3202 and skirt 3204 may be positioned relative to an aperture 3241 of an inner strap of a strap band (not shown). A material 3243, such as a material used to form an outer strap of the strap band (e.g., via injection molding). Wire bus 3200, skirt 3204, or structures in a mold may include channels, ports, or other structures configured to provide a path for material 3243 to enter into aperture 3241. From left to right in example 3240, material 3243 (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer) enters into aperture 3241, fills the aperture 3241 and connects with skirt 3204 along an interface 3245. Skirt 3204 may be made from a material that interfaces with material 3243 to establish a seal between the skirt 3204 and the aperture 3241. A temperature of material 3243 may be operative to heat skirt 3204 and the heat may be operative to form a seal between the electrode 3202 and skirt 3204, skirt 3204 and aperture 3241 or both. Material 3243 may not interface with the electrode 3202 (e.g., a metal material for electrode 3202) and skirt 3204 may be operative as a material that interfaces with electrode 3202 and with material 3243. In some embodiments, skirt 3204 may be made from in interface material configured to integrate electrodes 3203 with a material used to form a strap band, a band, or the like. According to some examples, skirt 3204 may be composed of a polycarbonate material or like material. In some examples, skirt 3204 may expand in dimension when contacted by material 3243 or heat in material 3243 as denoted by 3204e.
In example 3250, electrode 3202 may include a pin 3206 and skirt 3204 may include an aperture 3204a through which the pin 3206 may be inserted. A mold in which the wire bus 3200 is molded or a jig may include a support structure 3230 having a post 3231 upon which the pad 3203 is mounted. Wire 3212 (e.g., stripped to expose conductor 3214) may be connected with the pad 3203 by soldering, crimping, wire wrapping, welding, or by application of an electrically conductive adhesive or epoxy, for example. A material for the bus substrate 3201 may be formed over the pad 3203 and wire 3212. Post 3231 may prevent the material from entering into the aperture 3205 of the pad 3203 so that in a subsequent processing step, pin 3206 of electrode 3202 and skirt 3204 may be connected with the pad 3203. As described above, a pressure or friction fit may be used to connect the pad 3203 with the pin 3206 of the electrode 3202.
Examples 3212a-3212d depict various configurations for wire 3212. In example 3212a, wire 3212 may include a conductor 3214 surrounded by an insulator 3213. In example 3212b, wire 3212 may include a conductor 3214 surrounded by an insulator 3213 and the conductor 3214 surrounding a core 3215 (e.g., a concentrically positioned core). Core 3215 may be made from a high strength material such as a composite, Kevlar, fibers, carbon fiber, or the like, for example. Core 3215 may be electrically conducting or electrically non-conducting. Core 3215 may be used to structurally strengthen wire 3212 against forces that may be caused by stretching wire bus 3200 or a strap band that includes the wire bus 3200. In example 3212c, wire 3212, sans insulation 3213, may include the conductor 3214 surrounding the core 3215. In example 3212d, wire 3212 may include a conductor 3214 (e.g., sans insulation 3213 and core 3215).
FIG. depicts examples of a top, side, and bottom plan views of an electrode or wire bus, according to some examples. In a top view 3300, electrodes 3202 may be positioned on bus substrate in alignment with an axis 3301. There may be more or fewer electrodes 3202 disposed on bus substrate 3201 than depicted and those electrodes 3202 may be positioned in alignment with each other or some or all of the electrodes 3202 may not be aligned with one another. Bus substrate 3201 may have a different shape than depicted. For example, bus substrate 3201 may have a taper 3302 in its width. Wires 3212 may be routed along a path in the bus substrate 3201. The path may be determined by one or more wire guides 3325 (depicted in dashed line) positioned in a mold or jig (not shown) that may be used to form the wire bus 3200. Wire guide 3325 may include a slot or channel 3325c in which a portion of the wire 3212 may be positioned. Side portions of electrodes 3202 may be coupled with the skirt 3204.
In a side view 3320, a portion of the pins 3206 of electrodes 3202 may extend outward of lower surface 3201b of bus substrate 3201. In other examples the pins may not extend outward of lower surface 3201b or may be cut, trimmed, grounded down or otherwise machined to be flush with or inset from lower surface 3201b. Wire bus 3200 may be formed from a material and may include components (e.g., core-reinforced wires) configured to allow flexing, pulling, stretching, twisting of the wire bus 3200 as denoted by 3303. The material for bus substrate 3201 and its associated components may be selected to withstand a range of torsional loads that may be applied to the wire bus 3200 and/or strap bands the wire bus 3200 is positioned in.
In a bottom view 3340, wires 3212 may be coupled 3207 with their respective pads 3203 and the pads 3203 may include a connection portion configured to receive the wire 3212. Pads 3203 may also include a flat (as will be described below) that allows one of the wires 3212 to be routed past the pad 3203 to another pad 3203.
Electrode height 3202h may be selected to provide sufficient contact pressure between the electrode 3202 and a skin surface the electrode 3202 is brought into contact with when the strap band or other device that carriers the wire bus 3200 is mounted to a body portion, such as an arm or wrist for example. As will be described below, an upper surface of electrode 3202 may include a surface area (e.g., X*Y) operative to minimize contact resistance between the electrode 3202 and a skin surface it is placed into contact with and/or to improve a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of signals generated by the electrode 3202. The upper surface of the electrode 3202 may have an arcuate shape configured to provide comfort when the electrode 3202 is engaged with the body portion and/or to increase surface area of the electrode 3202.
A surface area 4002a of electrode 3202 may be in a range from about 8.0 mm2 to about 20 mm2. For example, surface 4002a may have a dimension of about 4.0 mm in a X-dimension and about 4.00 mm in a Y-dimension for an area of about 16 mm2. Area for surface 4002a may be selected to provide a desired signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) in circuitry coupled with electrode 3202 (e.g., via wire 3212).
In
A system may include one or more strap bands, with one of the strap bands being configured as strap band 4300 and another of the strap bands not including the wire bus 3200. The system may include two strap bands 4300 with each strap band 4300 having its own encapsulated wire bus 3200 and associated wires 3212, pads 3203, electrodes 3202, and skirts 3204, for example. The number and placement of electrodes 3202 in the two strap bands 4300 may be the same or different (e.g., one strap band 4300 may have four electrodes 3202 and the other strap band 4300 may have two electrodes 3202). Each strap band in the system may include fastening hardware (e.g., a buckle, a clasp, a latch, etc.) configured to couple the two strap bands with each other and/or to mount the two strap bands to a structure, such as a portion of a human body, such as the arm, the wrist, the leg, the torso, the neck, etc., for example. A system may include two strap bands with each strap band coupled with a device. For example, distal ends of each strap band in the system may couple with a main module that may include structures (e.g., circuitry, PCB traces, etc.) that couple with wires 3212 positioned at the distal end or one or both of the strap bands.
Referring now to
In views 4810-4850, the buckle 4510 is depicted attached to strap band 4300; however, the strap band 4300 need not include the buckle 4510 and the types of fastening hardware that may be coupled with strap band 4300 are not limited to examples depicted herein. Although actual dimensions for strap band 4300 may be application dependent, strap band 4300 may have a width 4821 (see view 4820) in a range from about 8 mm to about 15 mm, for example. In some examples, a width of the strap band 4300 may vary along a length of the strap band 4300. For example, strap band 4300 may be wider at the buckle 4510. Width 4821 may be the smallest width of strap band 4300, for example. A thickness of strap band 4300 may vary along a length of the strap band 4300 (e.g., strap band 4300 may be thicker at distal end 3209); however, notwithstanding the height 4300h of the electrodes 3202 above surface 4300i, strap band 4300 may include a thickness 4831 (see view 4830) in a range from about 0.9 mm to about 3.2 mm, for example. Strap band 4300 may include thickness 4831 along portions of the strap band 4300 that are positioned into contact with a body portion of a user when a device that includes strap band 4300 is worn by the user, such as a portion of an arm adjacent to a wrist of the user. Thickness 4831 may be selected to be the thinnest portion of strap band 4300.
Reference is now made to
In example 4940, electrodes 4902 of strap band 4900 may be configured to sense signals, such as biometric signals, from structures of body portion 4990 positioned in a target region 4991. As one non-limiting example, the structure of interest may include the radial artery 4992 and the ulnar artery 4994. The radial artery 4992 is the largest artery that traverses the front of the wrist and is positioned closest to thumb 4995. Ulnar artery 4994 runs along the ulnar nerve (not shown) and is positioned closest to the pinky finger 4993. The radial 4992 and ulnar arteries arch together in the palm of the hand and supply the fingers 4993, thumb 4995 and front of the hand with blood. A heart pulse rate may be detected by blood flow through the radial 4992 and ulnar arteries, and particularly from the radial artery 4992. Accordingly, strap band 4900 and electrodes 4902 may be positioned within the target region 4991 to detect biometric signals associated with the body, such as heart rate, respiration rate, activity in the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) or other biometric data, for example.
Target region 4991 is depicted as being wider than the wrist 4990 and spanning a depth along the wrist 4990 to illustrate that variations in body anatomy among a population of users will result in differences in wrist sizes and some user's may position the strap band 4900 closer to the hand; whereas, other user's may position the strap band 4900 further back from the hand. Now the view in example 4940 is a ventral view of the hand 4990; however, the wrist 4990 has a circumference C that may vary ΔC among users. Arrows 4994 indicate a width of the wrist 4990 for the example 4940; however, in a population of users, circumference (see 4971 of example 4960) of a wrist may vary from a minimum Min (e.g., a very small wrist) to a maximum Max (e.g., a very large wrist). To accommodate variations in wrist circumference ΔC from Min to Max, dimensions of strap band 4900, dimensions of electrodes 4902 and positions of the electrodes 4902 relative to each other and relative to other structures the strap band 4900 may be coupled with, may be selected to position the electrodes 4902 within the target region 4990 for wrist sizes spanning a minimum wrist size of about 135 mm in circumference to a maximum wrist size of about 180 mm in circumference, for example. In other examples, the dimensions and positions may be selected to position the electrodes 4902 within the target region 4990 for wrist sizes spanning a minimum wrist size of about 130 mm in circumference to a maximum wrist size of about 200 mm in circumference. For example, within the target region 4990, electrodes of strap band 4900 may be positioned to sense signals from the radial 4992 and ulnar 4994 arteries for wrist circumferences within the aforementioned 130 mm to 200 mm range, even when the strap band 4900 overlays a flat or curved surface of the wrist 4990 or is displaced to the left, the right, up, or down as denoted by arrow for S on wrist 4990 due to variations in where user's like to place their strap bands on their wrist 4990. Therefore, the strap band 4900 may not require an exact centered location on writs 4990 in order for electrodes 4902 to sense signals from structure in the target region 4991 (e.g., 4992 and 4994).
Some of the electrodes 4902 may have signals applied to them (e.g., are driven) and are denoted as D; whereas, other electrodes 4902 may pick up signals (e.g., receive signals) and are denoted as P. Positioning and sizing of the electrodes 4902 that are adjacent to each other (e.g., a driven D electrode next to a pick-up P electrode) may be selected to prevent those electrodes from contacting each other when the strap band 4900 is bent or otherwise curved when donned by the user. For example, if electrodes 4902 lie on an approximately flat portion of wrist 4990, then adjacent electrodes 4902 (e.g., a D and P) may not be significantly urged inward toward each other because they are lying on an approximately planar surface. On the other hand, if electrodes 4902 lie on a curved portion of wrist 4990, then adjacent electrodes 4902 (e.g., a D and P) may be urged inward toward each other, and if the adjacent electrodes are spaced to close to each other, then their inward deflection might bring them into contact with each other (e.g., they become electrically coupled) and the signal being received by the pick-up P electrode will be the signal being driven on the drive D electrode and not the signal from structure in target region 4991.
Example 4960 depicts a cross-sectional view of wrist 4990 along a dashed line AA-AA. A circumference of the wrist 4990 is denoted as 4971 and will vary based on wrist size. As depicted, strap band 4900 is positioned on a ventral portion of wrist 4990 in a region 4975 that is relatively flat; however, in the target region 4991, moving left or right away from 4975 towards the boundary of the target region 4991, the surface of wrist 4990 becomes curved. Moreover, wrist 4990 has curvature in a region 4973 of a dorsal portion of the wrist 4990. Although many users will likely wear a device that includes the strap band 4900 in a prescribed manner in which the electrodes 4902 of the strap band 4900 are placed against the bottom of the wrist 4990 (e.g., the ventral portion), some users may prefer to place the strap band 4900 and its electrodes 4902 on the dorsal portion 4973 where the surface of wrist 4990 includes curvature. In either case, strap band dimensions and electrode dimensions and placement may be selected to establish sufficient contact of the electrodes 4902 with skin of the wrist 4990 within the target region 4991 so that signals driven onto drive D electrodes are coupled with wrist 4990 and signals from wrist 4990 are received by pick-up electrodes P.
Moving now to
Band 4920 may be a mechanical band, that is, a band configured to couple with strap band 4900 for donning system 5000 on a body portion of a user, such as the wrist 4990 of
Strap band 4900 may include a plurality of electrode 4902 positioned on and extending outward of an inner surface 4900i. Electrodes 4902 and a portion of inner surface 4900i may be positioned in contact with skin in target region 4991 (e.g., skin on wrist 4990) when the system 5000 is donned by a user. In addition to electrodes 4902, strap band 4900 may house other components, such as wires for coupling electrodes 4902 with circuitry, antenna, a power source, circuitry, integrated circuits (IC's), passive electronic components, active electronic components, etc., for example.
Strap band 4900 and band 4920 may couple with device 4950 at attachment points denoted as 4915 and 4925 respectively. For purposes of explanation, attachment points 4915 and 4925 may be used as non-limiting examples of reference points for dimensions described herein. Further, dashed line 4914 on strap band 4900 and dashed line 4924 on band 4920 may be used as non-limiting examples of reference points for dimensions described herein.
Turning now to
Dimensions A-E are presented in side view in view 5120. In side view 5120, strap band 4900 may include an arcuate portion as denoted by arrows for 5103. Strap band 4900 may be flexible along its length (e.g., from 4915 to 4914). Although some dimensions other than D′ are measured from edge-to-edge (e.g., dimension E between edges of adjacent electrodes 4902), center-to-center dimensions may also be used and the present application is not limited to edge-to-edge or center-to-center dimensions for measurements described herein. Side view 5120 depicts electrodes 4902 extending outward of inner surface 4900i of strap band 4900.
Moving to view 5250 where the aforementioned dimensions A-E are depicted along with dimensions for other components of system 5000, namely, dimension G for wearable pod device 4950 and dimension H for band 4920. Dimensions A-E, X, Y, W and G-H may be selected to form a system 5000 that when donned by a user having a body portion circumference (e.g., a circumference of a wrist) in a range from about 130 mm to about 200 mm, will position the electrodes 4902 within the target region 4991 with sufficient contact force with skin in the target region to obtain a high signal-to-noise-ratio for circuitry that receives signals from pick-up electrodes P (e.g., the two innermost electrodes 4902) in response from signals driven onto drive electrodes 4902 (e.g., the two outermost electrodes 4902). Although a range from about 135 mm to about 180 mm may be a typical range of wrist sizes found in a population of users, the larger range of from about 130 mm to about 200 mm may represent outlier ranges that are not typical but nevertheless may occasionally be encountered in a population of users. For example, a very skinny wrist of about 130 mm or a very large wrist of about 200 mm may be corner case exceptions to the more typical range beginning at about 135 mm and ending at about 180 mm of circumference.
Reference is now made to
Next, consider that a strap band may be configured to dispose a first subsets of electrodes 4902 at about 61 mm along the strap from center of wearable pod 4950 (e.g., (45 mm/2)+32 mm+4.5 mm (width of 1st electrode)+2.0 mm (half-way between first two electrodes)=61 mm). Also consider, that the second subset of electrodes are located a total of 105.5 mm from the center of wearable pod 4950. In this example, the first subset is disposed about 58% along a curvilinear line (e.g., following the strap) between the center of the wearable pod to the second subset of electrodes. In some embodiments, the first subset of electrodes may be disposed at ratio of 0.45 to 0.70 relative to the distance at which the second subset of electrodes are disposed (e.g., 45% to 70% of the distance).
In view 5320, example dimensions for electrodes 4902 may include a X dimension of 4.5 mm and a Y dimension of 4.5 mm. Electrodes 4902 may have a height Z above inner surface 4900i of strap band 4900 of 1.5 mm. Dimensional tolerances for dimensions X, Y, and Z may be +/−0.2 mm or less (e.g., +/−0.1 mm). In view 5320 dimension W of buckle 4910 may be selected to be greater than dimension Y of electrode 4902 to provide clearance between opposing edges of electrode 4902 and buckle 4910 so that as buckle 4910 slides 4910s along strap band 4900, the buckle 4910 does not make contact with electrodes 4902 (e.g., the opposing edges). Dimension W may be selected to be about 0.3 mm to about 0.6 mm greater than dimension Y of electrodes 4902. For example, if dimension Y is 4.5 mm, then dimension W may be 5.0 mm. Buckle 4910 may include guides 4910g configured to engage with features 4910p on inner surface 4900i of strap band 4900 (see view 5340). For example, prior to attaching loop 4913 to strap band 4900, strap band 4900 may be inserted through an opening 4910o of buckle 4910 and guides 4910g may engage features 4910p to allow indexing (e.g., a mechanical stop) of the buckle 4910 as it slides 4910s along the strap band 4900. The indexing may allow a user of the system 5000 to adjust the fit of the system 5000 to their individual wrist size (e.g., by sliding 4910s the buckle 4910 along strap band 4900), while also providing tactile feedback caused by guides 4910g engaging features 4910p as the buckle slides 4910s along the strap band 4900. Guides 4910g may also be operative to fix the position of the buckle 4910 on the strap band 4900 after the user adjustment has been made so that the buckle 4910 does not move (e.g., buckle 4900 remains stationary unless moved by the user).
Dimensions X, Y, and Z of electrodes 4902 may be selected to determine a surface area of the electrodes 4902 (e.g., for surfaces of electrodes 4902 that are urged into contact with skin in target region 4991). For example, surface area for electrodes 4902 may be in a range from about 10 mm2 to about 20 mm2. In some examples, structure connected with the electrodes 4902 may cover some portion of the surface of the electrodes 4902 and/or sidewall surfaces of the electrodes 4902 and reduce their actual surface area (e.g., skirts 4904 that surround the electrodes 4902, material of strap band 4900). For example, with dimensions X and Y being 4.5 mm such that electrodes 4902 have an actual surface area of 20.25 mm2, an effective surface area of the electrodes 4902 that may be exposed above inner surface 4900i for contact with skin may be 18 mm2.
In view 5340, structure on inner surface 4900i of strap band 4900 is depicted in greater detail than in view 5300. For example, proximate 4915 a portion of dimension B may be arcuate and dimension B may include dimensions B1 and B2, where dimension B1 may be the curved portion of B. The Y dimension for only one of the electrodes 4902 is depicted; however, for purposes of explanation it may be assumed that the Y dimensions of the other electrodes 4902 are identical. In view 5340, strap band 4900 may have a width S of 10.0 mm and a thickness T of 2.0 mm measured between inner 4900i and outer 4900o surfaces. Thickness T may be the thinnest section of strap band 4900 and strap band 4900 may be thicker along portions of dimension B1. Thickness T may be in a range from about 0.9 mm to about 3.2 mm, for example. The following are another example of dimensions in millimeters (mm) for strap band 4900 with example dimensional tolerances of +/−0.2 mm or less (e.g., +/−0.1 mm): dimension B1 may be 16.91 mm; dimension B2 may be 15.02 mm; dimension X for electrodes 4902 may be 4.46 mm; dimension Y for electrodes 4902 may be 4.46 mm; dimension E between adjacent electrodes 4902 may be 3.54 mm; may be 3.54 mm; dimension D (edge-to-edge) may be 32.54 mm or D′ (center-to-center) may be 37.0 mm; and distance C may be 5.96 mm.
Attention is now directed to
Electrodes 4902 may include pins 4906 used in mounting the electrodes 4902 to wire bus 4901w. A distance (e.g., a pitch) between centers of pins 4906 may determine the spacing between electrodes 4902 on strap band 4900. For example, spacing 4906 may determine an edge-to-edge distance 4902s between adjacent electrodes 4902 and the distance 4902s may determine distance E on strap band 4900. As another example, an edge-to-edge distance 4902i or a center-to-center distance 4902j between the innermost electrodes 4902′ may determine distances D and D′ respectively on strap band 4900. A height 4902h from a surface 4901a of wire bus 4901w to a top of electrodes 4902 may determine height Z (see view 5320 of
In example 5520, different shaped for electrode 4902 are depicted. Electrode 4902 may have a shape including but not limited to a rectangular shape, a rectangle with rounded corners, a square shape, a square with rounded corners, a pentagon shape, a hexagon shape, a circular shape, and an oval shape, for example.
In example 5530, surfaces of electrode 4902 may have surface profiles including but not limited to a planar surface 5531, a planar surface 5531 with rounded edges 5533, a sloped surface 5535, an arcuate surface 5537 (e.g., convex), and an arcuate surface 5539 (e.g., concave). Arcuate surface 5539 may include rounded edges 5538. Surface profiles of electrodes 4902 may be configured to maximize surface area of the electrodes 4902 that contact skin, to provide a comfortable interface between the electrode and the user's skin (e.g., for prolong periods of use, such as 24/7 use), to maximize electrical conductivity for improved signal to noise ratio (S/N), for example.
In example 5540, electrode 4902 with a planar surface profile 5541 and electrode 4902 having an arcuate surface profile 5543 are depicted engaged with skin of body portion 4990 (e.g., a wrist). After the electrodes 4902 are disengaged with the skin, each electrode 4902 may leave an impression in the skin denoted as 5541d and 5543d. After a period of time has elapsed after the disengaging, the impression 5543d from the electrode 4902 having the arcuate surface profile 5543 may be less pronounced and may fade away faster than the more pronounce impression 5541d left by the electrode 4902 with the planar surface profile 5541. Accordingly, some surface profiles for electrodes 4902 may be more desirable for esthetic purposes (e.g., minimal impression after removal) and for comfort purposes (e.g., sharp edges may be uncomfortable).
Suitable materials for electrodes 4902 include but are not limited to metal, metal alloys, stainless steel, titanium, silver, gold, platinum, and electrically conductive composite materials, for example. Electrodes 4902 may be coated 5401s with a material operative to improve signal capture, such as silver or silver chloride, for example. Electrodes 4902 may be coated 5401s with a material operative to prevent corrosion or other chemical reactions that may reduce electrical conductivity of the electrodes 4902 are damage the material of the electrodes 4902. Examples of substances that may cause corrosion or other chemical reactions include but are not limited to body fluids such as sweat or tears, salt water, chlorine (e.g., from swimming pools), water, household cleaning fluids, etc.
Reference is now made to
In example 5640, strap band 4900 may include a plurality of electrodes 4902 coupled with a switch 5651 that is controlled by a control unit 5650. Control unit 5650 may command switch 5651 to couple one or more of the electrodes 4902 with driver circuitry 5652 such that electrodes 4902 so coupled become driven electrodes D. Control unit 5650 may command switch 5651 to couple one or more of other electrodes 4902 with pickup circuitry 5654 such that electrodes 4902 so coupled become pick-up electrodes P. There may be more or fewer of the electrodes 4902 as denoted by 5423. Processing of signals and/or data may be handled by control unit 5650 and/or by external resource 5680 and/or cloud resource 5699 using communications link 5611 as described above. Algorithms and/or data used in the processing may be embodied in a non-transitory computer readable medium (e.g., non-volatile memory, disk drive, solid state drive, DRAM, ROM, SRAM, Flash memory, etc.) configured to execute on one or more processors, compute engines or other compute resources in control unit 5610, 5650, external resource 5680 and cloud resource 5699. Electrodes 4902 in example 5640 may be used to cover additional surface area on body portion 4990 as may be needed to accommodate differences in size of body portion 4990 among a user population. External resource 5680 may be a wireless client device, such as a smartphone, tablet, pad, PC or laptop and may execute an algorithm or application (APP) operative to determine which electrodes 4902 to activate via switch 5651 as driver D or pick-up P electrodes. A user may enter information about their wrist size or other body portion size as data used by the APP to make electrode 4902 selections. Control unit 5610 and/or 5650 may be included in device 4950 of
System 5720 may include a faux leather exterior surface material 5721 which may have a variety of finishes such as matte, flat, glossy, etc. The finishing layer can be added prior to molding. An example of synthetic leather is known as “leatherette,” among others. The fastening hardware of system 5720 may be coated with a surface finish as described above.
System 5730 includes band 4920 and strap band 4900 that may be from a material 5731, such as a thermoplastic elastomer such as TPE, TPU, TPSV, or others, for example. Inner surface 4900i of strap band 4900 includes features operative to index buckle 4910 as was described above in reference to
Signal driver 5830 may include a drive signal adjuster 5832, according to some examples. Drive signal adjuster 5832 may be configured to determine a drive signal magnitude (e.g., a drive current magnitude) for a bioimpedance signal to capture a sensor signal that includes data representing a physiological-related component (e.g., pre-processed signal data including data representing physiological characteristics, such heart rate, a galvanic skin response value (“GSR”), a respiration rate, an amount of calories expended, a rate at which energy is expended, etc. Drive signal adjuster 5832 also may be configured to select the drive current signal magnitude as a function of an impedance of a sample of a tissue (e.g., skin, vascular structures, interstitial cellular structures, etc.) such as that of a user. Signal driver 5830 is configured to drive the bioimpedance signal to one or more drive electrodes, such as electrode 5802, that are configured to convey the bioimpedance signal to a sample of tissue (e.g., at a wrist or any other portion of an organism).
In view of the foregoing, drive signal adjuster 5832 may include hardware and/or software configured to apply adjustable current signal magnitude to tissue, for example, responsive to an impedance value associated with an impedance value associated with an interface at which electrodes 5802 contact (or nearly contact) tissue. In some instances, an inherent impedance value associated with the interface between the electrode and tissue may arise due to an electrochemical interaction (e.g., between electrons from a current signal and ions associated with biological tissue). As this biologically-induced impedance may vary from person to person (e.g., to different levels of hydration, different minerals and/or nutrients consumed, etc.), drive signal adjuster 5832 is configured to adjust a drive current magnitude to accommodate various values of impedance at the electrode-tissue interface. As an example, drive signal adjuster 5832 may be configured to adjust a drive current responsive to changes in impedance caused by a buildup of sweat, a movement to other adjacent tissue, etc. Further, drive signal adjuster 5832 may be configured to determine a dynamic range of operation based on the impedance of the sample of tissue, and to select a drive current magnitude for the dynamic range of operation.
Sensor selector 5820 includes an electrode contact state evaluator 5822, which is configured to determine a state of contact for one or more drive electrodes 5802 and one or more sink electrodes 5804 (or pick-up electrodes 5804). In some examples, electrode contact state evaluator 5822 is configured to determine whether an electrode is contacting (or is sufficiently contacting) tissue. To illustrate, consider a case in which there are four electrodes composed of two pairs of drive and pick up electrodes (e.g., a tetrapolar electrode system), whereby one drive electrode 5802 is floating or otherwise not in contact with tissue. Electrode contact state evaluator 5822 can detect the now “tripolar” electrode system, and can generate data indicating such state. Other components of physiological information generator 5810 may use this information, such as drive signal adjuster 5832 to determine or select a modified current profile or magnitude with which to apply to the drive electrode in contact with tissue.
View of the foregoing, electrode contact data evaluator 5822 facilitates physiological characteristics determination in cases in which less than all electrodes are in contact with tissue. Further, electrode contact state evaluator 5822 can determine a state in which a negligible amount (e.g., none) of the electrodes are in contact with tissue, and then can generate data indicating that a wearable device including electrodes 5802 and 5804 are “off body.” Thus, bioimpedance drive signals may cease or otherwise be reduced and frequency so as to save or otherwise conserve power.
Signal receiver 5840 includes one or more channel processors configured to process (e.g., amplify and/or filter) and one or more signal channels, and is configured to receive sensor data signals from one or more sink electrodes 5804, the sensor data signals including received bioimpedance signals that include a physiological signal components. In the example shown, signal receiver 5840 includes one or more first gain amplifiers, such as an instrumentation amplifier (“INA”) channel processor 5841, and one or more second gain amplifiers, such as a physiological channel processor 5842. According to some examples, one or more physiological channel processors 5842 can adjust and apply gain configured for a specific physiological characteristic, such as heart rate (e.g., heart rate channel), respiration rate (e.g., respiration rate channel), and/or galvanic skin response (“GSR”) (galvanic skin response channel), etc.
In view of the foregoing, one or more gain amplifiers of a signal receiver 5840 may be configured to adjust gain based on an impedance of the tissue and/or body of an organism, according to some embodiments. A gain for instrumentation amplifier (“INA”) channel processor 5841 can be adjusted based on, for example, a received bioimpedance signal or sensors data signal, which, in turn, may be derived from an adjusted drive current. With adjustable drive currents and adjustable gains for each channel, signal receiver 5840 may facilitate an optimized or otherwise enhanced signal-to-ratio (“SNR”).
Physiological signal component correlator 5850 is configured to extract one or more physiological characteristics from a portion of a physiological-related signal component. According to some embodiments, physiological signal component correlator 5850 and/or one or more of its components (e.g., some or all components) may be configured to operate in a time domain rather than in a frequency domain. As shown, physiological signal component correlator 5850 may include a peak detector 5852 and an adaptive signal-to-noise characterizer 5854. Peak detector 5852 is configured to detect a portion of the physiological-related signal component for determining whether the portion includes data representative of a physiological characteristic, such as data indicative of a heart rate or pulse wave. Peak detector 5852 is thus configured to identify a magnitude of a sample, for example, in a window of time that may include biometric data. Adaptive signal-to-noise characterizer 5854 may be configured to determine data representing a value of a signal-to-noise ratio for a portion of a received bioimpedance signal (e.g., a second signal, such as an amplified signal from signal receiver 5840) including data representing the one or more physiological characteristics. Also, adaptive signal-to-noise characterizer 5854 may be configured to adapt the value of a signal-to-noise ratio over time and/or for other samples. Note that adaptive signal-to-noise characterizer 5854 may be configured to adapt the value of a signal-to-noise ratio as a function of an impedance of tissue. Note, in accordance with some embodiments, physiological signal component correlator 5850 may include one or more components bid to operate in the frequency domain. Physiological characteristic determinator 5860 may be configured to derive (e.g., from data generated by physiological signal component correlator 5850) physiological signals representative of one or more physiological characteristics.
According to some embodiments, one or more components depicted in
In the example shown, electrode contact state evaluator 5950 can detect that drive electrode 5913 is floating or otherwise is not contacting tissue. In some cases, a bioimpedance signal may still be applied to tissue to determine physiological characteristics. For example, drive electrode 5914 can be configured to transmit a bioimpedance signal via tissue (not shown) to sink electrodes 5912. As such, electrode contact state evaluator 5950 can detect the states of each of the electrodes and retrieve control data from state data 5954, whereby the state data can be transmitted as data 5960 for other components to operate responsive to the state described above. Thus, a driver current signal magnitude may be selected on a drive current profile associated with the state of contact of for electrodes shown in diagram 5900.
In another example, electrode contact state evaluator 5950 can determine that a predominant amount of electrodes are in a state indicative of other than contacting tissue (e.g., adjacent a medium or any other material other than tissue). In this example, electrode contact state evaluator 5950 can generate “off body” state data 5962 indicating the wearable computing device is likely not worn. Further, electrodes 5912, 5913, and 5914 may be coupled such that if not coupled to tissue, electrodes may be associated with a particular state, voltage, or current (e.g., pulled up to a potential). In some examples, a DC offset may be applied to a drive electrode to facilitate ion-electron exchange
Signal receiver 6102 is shown to include an instrumentation amplifier (“INA”) channel processor 6110, which, in turn, includes a received signal characterizer 6112 and a gain adjuster 6114. In one example, instrumentation amplifier (“INA”) channel processor 6110 is configured to receive a received bioimpedance signal that is composed of a carrier wave (e.g., 32 kHz square or sinusoidal waveform) and physiological-related signal components. In this example, a wearable device is configured to drive (or clock) one or more processing units (e.g., CPUs or micro controllers) at a clock rate of 32 kHz and a signal driver, according to some examples, can generate a bioimpedance signal of the same (or similar frequency) so as to minimize or otherwise reduce noise. Received signal characterizer 6112 is configured to detect a peak value over a unit of time, whereby the peak value is used to characterize an aspect of the bioimpedance signal. For example, in the 3 V powered system, a gain is selected such that an amplified signal is between 1.4 V and 1.6 V. The peak value is associated with 1.3 V or 1.7 V, INA gain adjuster 6114 is configured to adjust the gain accordingly.
Signal receiver 6102 is also shown to include a physiological channel processor 6120 that further includes a received physiological signal characterizer 6122 and a secondary gain adjuster 6124. Physiological channel processor 6120 is configured to amplify the signal associated with a physiological characteristic, such as heart rate or respiration rate. For example, consider that received physiological signal characterizer 6122 is configured to determine (e.g., digitized) a peak value, a median (or average) value, and a low value. Secondary gain adjuster 6124 is configured to use one or more thresholds for adjusting a gain of physiological channel processor 6120 so as to ensure optimal amplification for further processing.
To illustrate operation of peak detector 6210, consider the following. Peak detector 6210 includes a data model comparator 6212 is configured to compare a data model 6250 to a sample 6252 of amplified signal 6201 over window of time 6270. We detecting heart rate, a window 6270 may be up to, for example, 1.5 times a period between heart beats. As shown, data model 6250 is a representation of a computed or determined physiological characteristic (e.g., a pulse wave 6260 having a magnitude 6254 at time t1) based on physiological-related signal components. As shown, sample 6262 may include any number of noise components. Peak identifier 6214 may be configured to identify a magnitude 6256 (at time t2) of portion 6252 of the physiological-related signal component. Further, data model comparator 6212 may be configured to detect a match between magnitudes 6254 and 6256 (e.g., one or more peak or maximum values) to establish a matched value of a physiological characteristic, whereby the magnitudes may or may not occur substantially at the same time during a window of time, such as window of time 6270. The matched value or other representations of the detected physiological characteristic can be generated as data 6272, which may be sent directly or indirectly to a physiological characteristic determinator.
According to some examples, data model comparator 6212 is configured to perform correlation operation 6280, such as an autocorrelation operation, on the data representing data model 6270 and data representing portion 6252 of the physiological-related signal component embodied in amplified signal 6201. In other examples, data model comparator 6212 is configured to use any known techniques to determine a correlation (e.g., “sliding correlation”) between the 6250 and sample 6252. In one case, data model comparator 6212 may perform a Pearson correlation operation or the like. By correlating magnitudes and/or peak values between the data model 6250 and sample 6252, peak detector 6210 may operate insensitive or nearly insensitive to a number of maximum values or magnitudes in a signal pattern.
According to some embodiments, data model 6250 is updated periodically or a periodically to reflect a trend in changes in physiological characteristics (e.g., an increase or decrease in heart rate, respiration rate, or GSR values). Therefore, a magnitude 6256 and other characteristics of sample 6252 may be applied to adjust data model 6250. In other examples, data model 6250 may be developed and maintained as an empirically-generated signal model that includes one or more characteristics (e.g., in terms of magnitude, time, etc.) based on success of or any subsequent sample so that data model 6250 in accordance with trends in a physiological characteristic. In other examples, data model 6250 may be formed by accumulation (e.g., accumulating a signal in a window).
Data 6220 may be generated as a result of a correlation between data model 6250 and sample 6252 for subsequent processing. Data 6220 may include the value representing a peak period, a window size, a magnitude of the peak value (e.g., a time t2), and the like. Parameter updater 6216 is configured to use this or other data to update the parameters for performing peak detection. For example, data 6220 may include updated magnitudes and signal shapes for modifying the data representing data model 6250. According to some examples, physiological signal component correlator 6202 may include one or more input filters tuned for respiration rate bandwidth, heart rate bandwidth, GSR bandwidth, and the like. Note further that side peaks may correlate at least by factor 0.3 for respiration rates and 0.5 for heart rate signal components, according to some examples.
Peak variability validator 6302 may be configured to determining a time interval between a first magnitude (e.g., a first peak value) and another magnitude (e.g., a second peak value), and to calculate a rate indicative of the value of the physiological characteristic (e.g., a heart rate). Further, confidence indicator generator 6340 may be configured to determine a confidence indicator value based on validating that the rate is within a range of valid rates associated with the physiological characteristic. For example, confidence indicator generator 6340 may be configured to determine a validate a rate over a time interval is within a range of valid heart rates are associated with a heart rate as the physiological characteristic. In some examples, peak variability validator 6302 is configured to define or otherwise maintain time range during which a next magnitude of the physiological characteristic is expected. For example, at a heart rate of 60 bpm a next heartbeat is expected to fall at about 1 second from a previous heart beat. As such, peak variability validator 6302 detects whether a subsequent magnitude or peak value of the physiological characteristic falls outside expected changes in values of heart rates, respiration rates, GSR values, etc. In some examples, peak variability validator 6302 generates data representing either an enable signal or disable signal for generating confidence factor data 6344 by confidence indicator generator 6340.
Adapted signal-to-noise characterizer 6310 may be configured to adapt a value of a signal-to-noise ratio to form an adapted value of the signal-to-noise ratio based on a bioimpedance signal (e.g., signal based on an impedance value of tissue). Further, adapted signal-to-noise characterizer 6310 may be configured to characterize an adapted value of the signal-to-noise ratio to form a characterized value of the signal-to-noise ratio. Some cases, confidence indicator 6340 is configured to validate the characterized value of the signal-to-noise ratio for determine confidence factor data 6344. According to some embodiments, adapted signal-to-noise characterizer 6310 is configured to characterize the signal-to-noise ratio relative to the amount of noise in sample 6316 over data model 6312. Also, adapted signal-to-noise characterizer 6310 is configured to determine a signal-to-noise value that, for example may be adapted over time or may be adapted responsive to signals derived by different values of impedance (including different drive magnitudes), or both. As shown, and operation 6314 may yield a difference signal 6324 for result 6320, which indicates an amount of noise (e.g., the difference signal 6324) relative to a magnitude 6322. In some examples, the characterization value can be assigned or otherwise indicate relative value of a signal to noise ratio whereby relatively high signal-to-noise ratios may have relatively high characterization values. As such, relatively high characterization values indicate a favorable degree of quality of a signal embodying physiological characteristic. In some cases, confidence indicator generator 6340 can use any combination of the characterization value from adapted signal-to-noise characterizer 6310 and data from peak variability validator 6302 to generate confidence factor data 6344. According to some examples, the signal-to-noise ratio can be adapted or otherwise updated subsequently.
In some embodiments, physiological characteristic determinator 6350 receives confidence factor data 6344 and physiological signal data 6342 and generates the physiological signal such as a heart rate, respiration rate, and the like. Note that physiological characteristic determinator 6350 can use the confidence factor data 6344 and a variety of ways. For example, when calculating heart rate physiological characteristic determinator 6350 may receive 8 peak values and 8 corresponding confidence indicator values. Should all the confidence indicator values indicate valid data (e.g., a relatively high likelihood that the detected 8 signals and peak values are accurate), then a heart rate will be validate. But if less than 8 confidence indicator values are indicative of a relatively high likelihood of a detected heart rate, then physiological characteristic determinator 6350 may invalidate the 8 peak values or require further additional information to ensure accurate processing. Physiological characteristic determinator 6350 can determine physiological characteristic, such as heart rate, a respiration rate, a galvanic skin resistance value, data representing an affective state or mode, an amount of energy expenditure, an amount of calories expended, and the like
According to some embodiments, parameter updater 6402 may use a relationship defined by an exponential moving average (“EMA”) 6404 to estimate confidence factor (e.g., a window confidence) by applying EMA 6404 on a detected peak value. “EMAn−1” is a previous EMA value, “alpha” is a value based on a SNR value (e.g., a factor, a multiple/inverse multiple of SNR, or a speed parameter), and “x” is a new value for EMA. Also, parameter updater 6402 may update or estimate a new window size and/or a window shift at 6406 based on a new peak period, where “N” is a window size, “Fw” is a window factor (e.g., a constant value), “Nmax” is a maximum window length, “Fs” is a sample rate, “T” is a peak period, and “Shmax” represents a maximum window shift. Parameter updater 6402 may update a window error at 6408 between the latest window and a window accumulator (e.g., including a data model signal) for determining an adaptive signal-to-noise ratio.
A peak variability validator 6420 a variance at 6410 is determine to indicate whether a signal magnitude is within limits (e.g., are valid), according to some examples. In the example shown, a variance is calculated to determine whether it's below a variance limit, where T is a detected period, “TEMA” is an exponential averaging for T, and a variance_limit may be defined as a limit value (e.g., 0.2 for heart rate, or 0.4 for breathing).
Adapted signal-to noise characterizer 6440 may generate a signal to noise ratio or were a value indicative thereof. At 6442, signal-to-noise ratio is determined, where Psig represents signal power equal 1, whereby noise power is normalized to 1. Pnoise represents normalized noise power. In some examples, a value of alpha may be calculated as one tenth of a value of SNR for determining a new value of alpha that is indicative of the quality of the SNR value.
In some cases, computing platform can be disposed in wearable device 6590c or implement, a mobile computing device 6590b, or any other device, such as a computing device 6590a.
Computing platform 6500 includes a bus 6502 or other communication mechanism for communicating information, which interconnects subsystems and devices, such as processor 6504, system memory 6506 (e.g., RAM, etc.), storage device 6508 (e.g., ROM, etc.), a communication interface 6513 (e.g., an Ethernet or wireless controller, a Bluetooth controller, etc.) to facilitate communications via a port on communication link 6521 to communicate, for example, with a computing device, including mobile computing and/or communication devices with processors. Processor 6504 can be implemented with one or more central processing units (“CPUs”), such as those manufactured by Intel® Corporation, or one or more virtual processors, as well as any combination of CPUs and virtual processors. Computing platform 6500 exchanges data representing inputs and outputs via input-and-output devices 6501, including, but not limited to, keyboards, mice, audio inputs (e.g., speech-to-text devices), user interfaces, displays, monitors, cursors, touch-sensitive displays, LCD or LED displays, and other I/O-related devices.
According to some examples, computing platform 6500 performs specific operations by processor 6504 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions stored in system memory 6506, and computing platform 6500 can be implemented in a client-server arrangement, peer-to-peer arrangement, or as any mobile computing device, including smart phones and the like. Such instructions or data may be read into system memory 6506 from another computer readable medium, such as storage device 6508. In some examples, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions for implementation. Instructions may be embedded in software or firmware. The term “computer readable medium” refers to any tangible medium that participates in providing instructions to processor 6504 for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks and the like. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as system memory 6506.
Common forms of computer readable media includes, for example, floppy disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, CD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, RAM, PROM, EPROM, FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer can read. Instructions may further be transmitted or received using a transmission medium. The term “transmission medium” may include any tangible or intangible medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying instructions for execution by the machine, and includes digital or analog communications signals or other intangible medium to facilitate communication of such instructions. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics, including wires that comprise bus 6502 for transmitting a computer data signal.
In some examples, execution of the sequences of instructions may be performed by computing platform 6500. According to some examples, computing platform 6500 can be coupled by communication link 6521 (e.g., a wired network, such as LAN, PSTN, or any wireless network, including WiFi of various standards and protocols, Blue Tooth®, Zig-Bee, etc.) to any other processor to perform the sequence of instructions in coordination with (or asynchronous to) one another. Computing platform 6500 may transmit and receive messages, data, and instructions, including program code (e.g., application code) through communication link 6521 and communication interface 6513. Received program code may be executed by processor 6504 as it is received, and/or stored in memory 6506 or other non-volatile storage for later execution.
In the example shown, system memory 6506 can include various modules that include executable instructions to implement functionalities described herein. System memory 6506 may include an operating system (“O/S”) 6532, as well as an application 6536 and/or logic module 6559. In the example shown, system memory 6506 includes a drive signal adjuster module 6550, INA channel processor module 6552, physiological channel processor module 6554, and physiological signal component correlator module 6556 (collectively “the Depicted Modules”) including any number of modules (not shown), one or more of which can be configured to provide or consume outputs to implement one or more functions described herein.
In at least some examples, the structures and/or functions of any of the above-described features can be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, circuitry, or a combination thereof. Note that the structures and constituent elements above, as well as their functionality, may be aggregated with one or more other structures or elements. Alternatively, the elements and their functionality may be subdivided into constituent sub-elements, if any. As software, the above-described techniques may be implemented using various types of programming or formatting languages, frameworks, syntax, applications, protocols, objects, or techniques. As hardware and/or firmware, the above-described techniques may be implemented using various types of programming or integrated circuit design languages, including hardware description languages, such as any register transfer language (“RTL”) configured to design field-programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”), application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”), or any other type of integrated circuit. According to some embodiments, the term “module” can refer, for example, to an algorithm or a portion thereof, and/or logic implemented in either hardware circuitry or software, or a combination thereof. These can be varied and are not limited to the examples or descriptions provided.
In some embodiments, the Depicted modules or one or more of their components (e.g., a motion recovery controller), or any process or device described herein, can be in communication (e.g., wired or wirelessly) with a mobile device, such as a mobile phone or computing device, or can be disposed therein.
In some cases, a mobile device, or any networked computing device (not shown) in communication with the Depicted modules or one or more of their components (or any process or device described herein), can provide at least some of the structures and/or functions of any of the features described herein. As depicted in the above-described figures, the structures and/or functions of any of the above-described features can be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, circuitry, or any combination thereof. Note that the structures and constituent elements above, as well as their functionality, may be aggregated or combined with one or more other structures or elements. Alternatively, the elements and their functionality may be subdivided into constituent sub-elements, if any. As software, at least some of the above-described techniques may be implemented using various types of programming or formatting languages, frameworks, syntax, applications, protocols, objects, or techniques. For example, at least one of the elements depicted in any of the figure can represent one or more algorithms. Or, at least one of the elements can represent a portion of logic including a portion of hardware configured to provide constituent structures and/or functionalities.
For example, the Depicted modules, or any of their one or more components, or any process or device described herein, can be implemented in one or more computing devices (i.e., any mobile computing device, such as a wearable device, an audio device (such as headphones or a headset) or mobile phone, whether worn or carried) that include one or more processors configured to execute one or more algorithms in memory. Thus, at least some of the elements in the above-described figures can represent one or more algorithms. Or, at least one of the elements can represent a portion of logic including a portion of hardware configured to provide constituent structures and/or functionalities. These can be varied and are not limited to the examples or descriptions provided.
As hardware and/or firmware, the above-described structures and techniques can be implemented using various types of programming or integrated circuit design languages, including hardware description languages, such as any register transfer language (“RTL”) configured to design field-programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”), application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”), multi-chip modules, or any other type of integrated circuit.
For example, the Depicted modules, including one or more components, or any process or device described herein, can be implemented in one or more computing devices that include one or more circuits. Thus, at least one of the elements in the above-described figures can represent one or more components of hardware. Or, at least one of the elements can represent a portion of logic including a portion of circuit configured to provide constituent structures and/or functionalities.
According to some embodiments, the term “circuit” can refer, for example, to any system including a number of components through which current flows to perform one or more functions, the components including discrete and complex components. Examples of discrete components include transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, and the like, and examples of complex components include memory, processors, analog circuits, digital circuits, and the like, including field-programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”), application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”). Therefore, a circuit can include a system of electronic components and logic components (e.g., logic configured to execute instructions, such that a group of executable instructions of an algorithm, for example, and, thus, is a component of a circuit). According to some embodiments, the term “module” can refer, for example, to an algorithm or a portion thereof, and/or logic implemented in either hardware circuitry or software, or a combination thereof (i.e., a module can be implemented as a circuit). In some embodiments, algorithms and/or the memory in which the algorithms are stored are “components” of a circuit. Thus, the term “circuit” can also refer, for example, to a system of components, including algorithms. These can be varied and are not limited to the examples or descriptions provided.
Although the foregoing examples have been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, the above-described inventive techniques are not limited to the details provided. There are many alternative ways of implementing the above-described invention techniques. The disclosed examples are illustrative and not restrictive.
This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/480,628 (ALI-516) filed on Sep. 8, 2014; THIS application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/831,260 (ALI-147) filed on Mar. 14, 2013, which claims priority to Chinese Utility Model Patent Application Number 201220513278.5 filed on Sep. 29, 2012; THIS application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/802,305 (ALI-267) filed on Mar. 13, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/831,260 (ALI-147) filed on Mar. 14, 2013, which claims priority to Chinese Utility Model Patent Application Number 201220513278.5 filed on Sep. 29, 2012; THIS application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/802,319 (ALI-268) filed on Mar. 13, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/831,260 (ALI-147) filed on Mar. 14, 2013, which claims priority to Chinese Utility Model Patent Application Number 201220513278.5 filed on Sep. 29, 2012, all of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14480628 | Sep 2014 | US |
| Child | 14121939 | US | |
| Parent | 13831260 | Mar 2013 | US |
| Child | 14480628 | US | |
| Parent | 13802305 | Mar 2013 | US |
| Child | 13831260 | US | |
| Parent | 13802319 | Mar 2013 | US |
| Child | 13802305 | US |
