Patent Application
20180246474
This invention relates to user interfaces for fitness watches and other wearable sensors such as heart rate monitors. The user interface may be provided as part of a watch module, for example a watch module that can be removably mounted to a strap so as to be worn on a user's wrist. Illustrative embodiments of the invention relate to fitness watches for monitoring athletic performance, e.g. that can be worn during an exercise activity (running, cycling, swimming, hiking, skiing, weightlifting, etc.), which can track and display information relating to a user's activity levels, such as the heart rate of the user at particular moments during a workout.
Conventional fitness watches typically comprise a liquid crystal display (LCD) module in the watch case. The LCD module may be backlit by one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). Some fitness watches, e.g. the TomTom® Runner watch, can be used with or without wireless connection to a separate heart rate monitor strap. Other fitness watches, e.g. the TomTom® Cardio watch, include a built-in heart rate monitor, for example in the form of an optical heart rate (OHR) monitor. Users can monitor their training while they exercise by viewing heart rate information displayed on the screen. However, the LEDs used for backlighting can draw a significant amount of power and seriously reduce the time available until the watch battery needs to be recharged. This can affect the usability of the watch, for example for long training sessions or multiple sessions away from a charging facility.
It is desired, in at least embodiments of the present invention, to provide an improved user interface arrangement for a watch case, and preferably for a fitness watch case.
An aspect of the present invention provides a user interface for a watch case comprising: a display module having a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a backlight; a non-conductive substantially transparent cover extending over the display module; and a capacitive sensor arrangement for controlling operation of the backlight in response to a user's touch on outer surface of the cover, wherein the capacitive sensor arrangement comprises a pair of capacitive sensors arranged on opposed sides of the inner surface of the cover and is arranged such that a user must trigger both of the capacitive sensors simultaneously to activate the backlight.
According to the present invention, it is unlikely that the backlight will be activated accidentally, e.g. by a user brushing against the cover, as contact is required on both sides of the cover. This means that, in practice, a user must press a palm or cheek against the cover to trigger both of the capacitive sensors simultaneously before the backlight is activated. This reduces the risk of ‘false touch’ activations.
The substantially transparent cover is formed of a non-conductive material, such as glass, sapphire crystal, plastic, etc. As will be appreciated, the cover is typically used to protect the display module and other components of the watch case, and thus preferably has an outer (or external) surface and an inner (or internal) surface; the inner surface facing the display module. The display module can be in contact with the internal surface of the cover, although typically the display module is spaced from the cover, such that there is a gap between the two components. A portion of the inner surface of the cover can have a substantially opaque layer thereon, e.g. a printer layer. so as to preferably form a substantially opaque frame surrounding the display module. Preferably the pair of capacitive sensors are arranged below the opaque frame. This opaque frame can thus conveniently hide both the physical frame or edges of the display module and the capacitive sensors from a user's view.
The pair of capacitive sensors may take any suitable physical form. For example, each of the capacitive sensors may comprise a series or pattern of discrete electrode pads e.g. to reduce material cost. However it is desirable for each of the capacitive sensors to continuously extend along the opposed sides of the display screen, so as to ensure good sensitivity. In a preferred set of embodiments the pair of capacitive sensors comprise elongate electrodes and extend along the opposed sides of the inner surface of the cover. Preferably the capacitive sensors comprise elongate metal electrodes. The capacitive sensors may extend substantially along the whole length of the opposed sides. Maximising the length of the capacitive sensors also helps to ensure good sensitivity. The capacitive sensors may have the same length or different lengths. Preferably the pair of capacitive sensors have substantially the same length.
The pair of capacitive sensors, and preferably the electrodes thereof, can be supported by suitable structures within the watch case. The structures are arranged to maintain the electrodes behind, e.g. in contact with, the inner surface of the cover, such that the sensors can be triggered, i.e. detect a change, typically increase, in capacitance, when the user touches opposing locations on the outer surface of the cover.
The cover, which effectively forms the visible display screen of the watch case, may have any suitable geometry. For example, the cover may be circular, oval, elliptical, rectangular, square, polygonal or any other shape. The capacitive sensors may be curved or straight to match the opposed sides of the cover. If the cover is circular, for example, then the capacitive sensors may be curved in the form of two opposed arcs. In a preferred set of embodiments the cover is substantially rectangular and the pair of capacitive sensors extend along the length of opposed sides of the rectangular cover. The opposed sides may be the short sides of the rectangular cover, but preferably the opposed sides are the long sides of the rectangular cover.
Regardless of the geometry of the cover, it is preferable that the capacitive sensors are separated by a distance that is greater than an average finger width. This means that the backlight can not be activated by a single finger touch. In a preferred set of embodiments the pair of capacitive sensors have a separation distance of at least 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm or 30 mm.
It has been recognised that the backlight may only be required for a short period of time to enable a user to view information displayed by the display module, for example information relating to the user's workout. In a preferred set of embodiments the capacitive sensor arrangement automatically deactivates the backlight after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. Such embodiments therefore ensure that the backlight does not use up battery power at times when a user does not need to view the display.
A user interface according to embodiments of the present invention may be incorporated into a fitness watch or other wearable sensor, for example a heart rate monitor. In a preferred set of embodiments there is provided a watch case comprising the user interface arrangement as described above. The case may house one or more other components that interact with the display.
The watch case may comprise one or more components configured to measure and/or receive heart rate information. In a set of embodiments the watch case further comprises a transceiver and processor arranged to receive heart rate information from an external heart rate monitor. The watch case may, for example, be paired via Bluetooth® with a heart rate monitor mounted on a chest strap. In another set of embodiments the watch case further comprises an optical heart rate (OHR) monitor arranged to measure heart rate information. When the watch case is worn on a user's wrist, the OHR monitor can measure heart rate using a built-in LED arranged to emit light into the skin, where it is partially absorbed by the underlying blood vessels, and light reflected back through the skin is sensed by a photodetector and the signals processed to determine heart rate information.
In addition, or alternatively, the watch case for a fitness watch may comprise one or more components configured to measure and/or receive information relating to other parameters of relevance to a user's activity. The watch case may include location determining means, e.g. a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver, such as GPS and/or GLONASS. In a set of embodiments the watch case further comprises a GPS receiver and processor arranged to measure one or more parameters relating to a user's activity. Such parameters may include, for example, one or more of: speed, acceleration, cadence, distance, time (e.g. in relation to a given physical activity such as running, cycling, etc.). In addition, or alternatively, the watch case may further comprise one or more sensors including: a gyroscope, an altimeter, a pressure sensor (e.g. diving depth gauge), an electronic compass, and a wireless communication hub (for example capable of receiving signals from one or more body-worn sensors). Such sensors may be used to measure one or more parameters relating to a user's physical activity.
There will now be described some general features of the watch case that may be combined with one or more of the embodiments outlined above.
The watch case is preferably configured as a single integral module, and which is preferably a sealed module being water resistant to allow the module to be used for wet weather outdoor exercise and for swimming.
In various examples the watch case may comprise a user interface including an input device, e.g. in the form of one or more push buttons. In a preferred set of embodiments the casing comprises a display housing that houses the display arrangement (also referred to herein as the “display”) and an input device for controlling the display arrangement, wherein the input device is spaced apart from the display housing. Accordingly the input means is preferably spaced apart from the display housing, for example in a longitudinal direction of the strap when the watch case is so mounted. The display arrangement, and in this case preferably the display module, may be configured to display alphanumeric characters or icons such that upper parts of the characters or icons are arranged towards a first side of the display housing and the lower parts of the characters or icons are arranged towards a second, opposite side of the display housing. The input device is preferably spaced apart from the display housing in a direction from said first side to said second side. This configuration is useful when a user wears the display housing on the back of the wrist, as the user is easily able to view the display whilst controlling the device via the input device that is spaced apart from the display. Less preferably, the input device may be spaced apart from the display housing in a direction from said second side to said first side of the display housing. This configuration may be useful, for example, when the device is strapped to the handle bars of a bicycle or strapped to another vehicle, as the display can be directed towards the user whilst the user has easy access to the input device from above the module.
The input device is preferably configured to control the display module and associated electrical components in use. For example, the input device may be configured for navigating through a menu displayed on the display. For example, the input device may control the functioning of the OHR sensor, where one is included in the watch module. The input device is therefore electrically connected to electronic components in the display housing. For example, a ribbon lead may extend between the display housing and the input device.
The input device preferably has a substantially planar surface arranged substantially parallel to and above an upper surface of the module. The input device is preferably configured to detect the movement of a user's finger across the substantially planar surface so as to provide an input to control the module, e.g. for navigating a menu displayed on the display.
The input device may therefore comprise a touchpad (or trackpad) utilising, for example, capacitive sensing to conductance sensing to translate the motion of a user's finger into an input to control the watch module. The touchpad may comprise a one-dimensional touchpad, and which is capable of sensing motion along a single axis, e.g. left-right or up-down. In other more preferred embodiments, the touchpad may comprise a two-dimensional touchpad, and which is capable of sensing motion in any direction, or at least left-right and up-down, on the plane defined by the substantially planar surface of the input means. In other, albeit less preferred embodiments, the input device may comprise a pointing stick (or trackpad) that senses the force applied by a user's finger, e.g. by using a pair of resistive strain gauges, and translates it into an input to control the watch module.
Alternatively, the input device may comprise a two-way button having a continuous pressing surface and two actuators, the button being configured such that when a first portion of the pressing surface is depressed a first of said actuators is actuated so as to provide a first input to control the module, and when a second portion of the pressing surface is depressed a second of said actuators is actuated so as to provide a second input to control the module.
Alternatively, the input device may comprise a four-way button having a continuous pressing surface and four actuators, the button being configured such that when a first portion of the pressing surface is depressed a first of said actuators is actuated so as to provide a first input to control the module, when a second portion of the pressing surface is depressed a second of said actuators is actuated so as to provide a second input to control the module, when a third portion of the pressing surface is depressed a third of said actuators is actuated so as to provide a third input to control the module, and when a fourth portion of the pressing surface is depressed a fourth of said actuators is actuated so as to provide a fourth input to control the module. The pressing surface described herein is preferably a substantially planar surface parallel to and above a portion of a lower surface that contacts a user's limb in use. It is also contemplated that the input device may comprise any one or more mechanically actuated buttons or non-mechanically actuated buttons, such as virtual buttons on a touch-sensitive user interface, as desired.
The input device is preferably additionally, or alternatively, configured to be operated by being pressed in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to its substantially planar surface, in a direction from the upper surface towards the lower surface. This enables the user to use a single finger to operate the input device. The user does not need to use a second finger of the same hand to counter-balance the pressing of the input device, because the input device is arranged such that it is pressed against the wrist of the user wearing the watch module.
In preferred embodiments in which the input device is configured to both detect the movement of a user's finger across the substantially planar surface and be pressed against the limb of the user, e.g. where the input device comprises a depressible touch pad, the detected motion of the user's finger is used to navigate a menu for identifying a function to be selected, and the depression of the input device is used to select the identified function.
In addition, or alternatively, the display is preferably substantially planar, arranged in a first plane, and the input device preferably has a substantially planar (pressing) surface arranged in a second plane, wherein the first and second planes are at angles to each other. The dihedral (or torsion) angle between the two planes is preferably less the 90 degrees, and preferably between 20 and 70 degrees. In other words, the planes are imaginary intersecting planes and the sides of the planes facing the user's arm or wrist in use define an angle between them at the intersection, wherein the angle is preferably greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degree. By providing the surfaces at an angle to each other, the user is enabled a good viewing angle of the display whilst operating the input device, when the watch module is mounted to a user's wrist in use. As the input device is spaced away from the display housing, and hence away from the back of the user's wrist and around the side of the wrist in use, said angle also enables the input device to be orientated such that when it is pressed it is pressed against the user's wrist such that the user's wrist provides the counter-force necessary to balance the pressing force. The input device is therefore able to be operated with a single finger and without needing a second finger on the same hand to counter-balance the pressing force as in conventional watches having buttons around the periphery of the display housing.
In addition, or alternatively, the display housing is preferably physically connected to the input device by a connecting portion, wherein the connecting portion is curved or angled along the direction from the display housing to the input device. The connecting portion may be curved or angled such that when the display housing is arranged on the back of a user's wrist in use, the connecting portion curves or otherwise extends around the wrist such that the input device is located on the side of the user's wrist. The watch module is preferably configured such that the input device is located on the medial side of the user's wrist when the display housing is located on the back of the wrist, the medial side being the side facing the user's body when the back of the hand is facing vertically upwards. In other less preferred embodiments a wrist strap may form said connecting portion that connects the display housing portion and the input means. The strap may be flexible or formed from one or more pivotable sections so as to flex or pivot to form the curved or angled connecting portion.
The watch case preferably comprises a processor configured to control the display. The display may visually display heart rate (HR) data such as one or more of: current HR (bpm), average HR (bpm), maximum HR, minimum HR; current HR zone; a graphical representation of HR changes over time; and a graphical representation of the proportion of time spent in each of a plurality of HR zones over time. In addition, or alternatively, the watch module may comprise an audio output, e.g. a beeper, and/or a haptic output, e.g. a vibrator, to alert a user to changes in the HR data.
In addition, or alternatively, a or the processor may be connected to means for tracking the location of a user as he or she moves from one location to another, e.g. by using information received from global navigation satellite signals, or by accessing and receiving information from WiFi access points or cellular communication networks. In preferred embodiments the watch module comprises a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver, such as a GPS and/or GLONASS receiver, for receiving satellite signals indicating the position, and optionally speed, of the receiver (and thus user) at a particular point in time, and which receives updated information at regular intervals. As will be appreciated, this adds the functionality of tracking the location of the user as he or she moves from one location to another. The GNSS receiver may comprise an antenna, e.g. in the form of a patch antenna, for use in determining the location and movements of the user.
The watch case may comprise one or more of: a pressure sensor for measuring atmospheric pressure (for use in determining altitude and/or depth); a pulse sensor; a vibration device for indicating alerts to a user; an accelerometer; an electronic compass; or a wireless communications device, such as a Bluetooth module (e.g. capable of using the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol). In embodiments where the watch case comprises a wireless communications device, this may be arranged to receive data from other sensors, such as a foot pod sensor or a speed/cadence sensor. As mentioned above, the wireless communications device may be arranged to communicate with an external heart rate monitor, for example a monitor mounted on a chest strap worn by the user. In addition, or alternatively, the wireless communications device may be arranged to transmit data to one or more external devices (e.g. a mobile phone device).
The watch case may comprise one or more electrical connectors for electrically connecting to a dock or cable for charging the battery and/or for transferring data to or from the processor. It is contemplated that any known electrical connector may be employed. In preferred embodiments, however, the one or more electrical connectors comprise electrical contacts, which may be flat and arranged substantially in line with, or recessed in, the lower surface of the case (e.g. for contacting with corresponding pogo pins in a docking system). The electrical contacts may be located in any portion of the lower surface of the case as desired, although in preferred embodiments the electrical contacts are located in the lower surface under the input device, e.g. distal from the display housing. This allows the user to see the display when the module is positioned in a docking system.
The present invention also extends to a watch case comprising a user interface arrangement according to the aspect of the invention described above, and further extends to a fitness watch comprising such a watch case.
In at least some embodiments, the watch case (or module) may be permanently mounted by a wrist strap. For example, the watch case may be integrated with the strap. However, in various embodiments of the present invention, the watch module is preferably removably mounted to a wrist strap. For example, the strap may comprise a central mount to which the watch module is removably connected. This can allow the watch module to be repeatedly engaged and disengaged from the strap, for example so that a user can dock the module to allow for the transfer of power and/or data, e.g. using a docking station connected to a computer. In addition, or alternatively, the same strap may be used interchangeably to mount other watch modules or different sensors.
The present invention in accordance with any of its further aspects or embodiments may include any of the features described in reference to other aspects or embodiments of the invention to the extent it is not mutually inconsistent therewith.
Advantages of these embodiments are set out hereafter, and further details and features of each of these embodiments are defined in the accompanying dependent claims and elsewhere in the following detailed description.
Various aspects of the teachings of the present invention, and arrangements embodying those teachings, will hereafter be described by way of illustrative example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to a fitness or sports watch having access to Global Positioning System (GPS) data. Fitness or sports watches of the type described are often worn by athletes to help them during their runs or workouts, e.g. by monitoring the speed and distance of the user and providing this information to the user. It will be appreciated, however, that the device could be arranged to be carried by a user or connected or “docked” in a known manner to a vehicle such as a bicycle, kayak, or the like.
In general, GPS is a satellite-radio based navigation system capable of determining continuous position, velocity, time, and in some instances direction information for an unlimited number of users. Formerly known as NAVSTAR, the GPS incorporates a plurality of satellites which orbit the earth in extremely precise orbits. Based on these precise orbits, GPS satellites can relay their location to any number of receiving units.
The GPS system is implemented when a device, specially equipped to receive GPS data, begins scanning radio frequencies for GPS satellite signals. Upon receiving a radio signal from a GPS satellite, the device determines the precise location of that satellite via one of a plurality of different conventional methods. The device will continue scanning, in most instances, for signals until it has acquired at least three different satellite signals (noting that position is not normally, but can be determined, with only two signals using other triangulation techniques). Implementing geometric triangulation, the receiver utilizes the three known positions to determine its own two-dimensional position relative to the satellites. This can be done in a known manner. Additionally, acquiring a fourth satellite signal will allow the receiving device to calculate its three dimensional position by the same geometrical calculation in a known manner. The position and velocity data can be updated in real time on a continuous basis by an unlimited number of users.
The device 200 includes a processor 202 connected to an input device 212, such as a depressible touchpad (or trackpad), and a display screen 210, such as an LCD display. The device 200 can further include an output device arranged to provide audible information to a user, such as alerts that a certain speed has been reached or a certain distance has been travelled.
The device 200 further includes an accelerometer 206, which can be a 3-axis accelerometer arranged to detect accelerations of the user in x, y and z directions. The accelerometer may act as a pedometer for use when/if there is a loss of GPS reception, and/or may act to detect stroke rate when the fitness watch is being used during swimming. Although the accelerometer is shown to be located within the device, the accelerometer may also be an external sensor worn or carried by the user, and which transmits data to the device 200 via the transmitter/receiver 208.
The device may also receive data from other sensors, such as a foot pod sensor 222 or a heart rate sensor 226. The foot pod sensor may, for example, be a piezoelectric or micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometer that is located in or on the sole of the user's shoe. Each external sensor is provided with a transmitter and receiver, 224 and 228 respectively, which can be used to send or receive data to the device 200 via the transmitter/receiver 208.
The processor 202 is operatively coupled to a memory 220. The memory resource 220 may comprise, for example, a volatile memory, such as a Random Access Memory (RAM), and/or a non-volatile memory, for example a digital memory, such as a flash memory. The memory resource 220 may be removable. As discussed in more detail below, the memory resource 220 is also operatively coupled to the GPS receiver 204, the accelerometer 206 and the transmitter/receiver 208 for storing data obtained from these sensors and devices.
Further, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the electronic components shown in
The device 200 further includes an input/output (I/O) device 216, such as a plurality of electrical contacts or a USB connector. The I/O device 216 is operatively coupled to the processor, and also at least to the memory 220 and power supply 218. The I/O device 216 is used, for example, to: update firmware of processor 220, sensors, etc; transfer data stored on the memory 220 to an external computing resource, such as a personal computer or a remote server; and recharge the power supply 218 of the device 200. Data could, in other embodiments, also be sent or received by the device 200 over the air using any suitable mobile telecommunication means.
As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, different configurations of the components shown in
In
The server 400 includes, in addition to other components which may not be illustrated, a processor 404 operatively connected to a memory 406 and further operatively connected, via a wired or wireless connection, to a mass data storage device 402. The processor 404 is further operatively connected to transmitter 408 and receiver 409, to transmit and send information to and from device 200 via communications channel 410. The signals sent and received may include data, communication, and/or other propagated signals. The functions of transmitter 408 and receiver 409 may be combined into a signal transceiver.
The communication channel 410 is not limited to a particular communication technology. Additionally, the communication channel 410 is not limited to a single communication technology; that is, the channel 410 may include several communication links that use a variety of technology. For example, the communication channel 410 can be adapted to provide a path for electrical, optical, and/or electromagnetic communications, etc. As such, the communication channel 410 includes, but is not limited to, one or a combination of the following: electric circuits, electrical conductors such as wires and coaxial cables, fibre optic cables, converters, radio-frequency (RF) waves, the atmosphere, empty space, etc. Furthermore, the communication channel 410 can include intermediate devices such as routers, repeaters, buffers, transmitters, and receivers, for example.
In one illustrative arrangement, the communication channel 410 includes telephone and computer networks. Furthermore, the communication channel 410 may be capable of accommodating wireless communication such as radio frequency, microwave frequency, infrared communication, etc. Additionally, the communication channel 410 can accommodate satellite communication.
The server 400 may be a remote server accessible by the watch 200 via a wireless channel. The server 400 may include a network server located on a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), virtual private network (VPN), etc.
The server 400 may include a personal computer such as a desktop or laptop computer, and the communication channel 410 may be a cable connected between the personal computer and the watch 200. Alternatively, a personal computer may be connected between the watch 200 and the server 400 to establish an internet connection between the server 400 and the watch 200. Alternatively, a mobile telephone or other handheld device may establish a wireless connection to the internet, for connecting the watch 200 to the server 400 via the internet.
The server 400 is further connected to (or includes) a mass storage device 402. The mass storage device 402 contains a store of at least digital map information. This digital map information can be used, together with data from the device, such as time-stamped location data obtained from the GPS receiver 204 and data indicative of motion of the wearer obtained from the accelerometer 206, footpad sensor 222, etc, to determine a route travelled by the wearer of the device 200, which can then be viewed by the wearer.
As will be appreciated, the watch 200 is designed to be worn by a runner or other athlete as they undertake a run or other similar type of workout. The various sensors within the watch 200, such as the GPS receiver 204 and the accelerometer 206, collect data associated with this run, such as the distance travelled, current speed, etc, and display this data to the wearer using the display screen 210.
The location of the input device 32 being arranged on the curved flange 38 such that it sits against the side of the user's wrist in use has a number of important advantages. For example, this enables the user to interact with the watch module 28 using only a single finger. More specifically, the user is able to push the pressing surface of the input device 32 with one finger because the user pushes the surface into the user's wrist around which the watch 28 is strapped. This is in contrast to conventional watches wherein buttons are arranged around the peripheral edges of the watch and the user must press the button with on finger and use a thumb on the other edge of the watch to counter-balance the pressing force. As seen in
The watch module's user interface includes the display screen 36 and the input device 32 already described above. Of course other user interface components may be provided instead, or as well as, those seen in the figures. Further features of a watch module 28 as seen in
It will be appreciated that whilst various aspects and embodiments of the present invention have heretofore been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the particular arrangements set out herein and instead extends to encompass all arrangements, and modifications and alterations thereto, which fall within the scope of the appended claims.
For example, whilst a preferred embodiment described in the foregoing detailed description relates to a watch module that can be removably mounted to a wrist strap, it will be understood that the module could be integrated with a wrist strap. Furthermore, although the watch module has been described as having an input device, this is an optional component. A suitable watch module may include a battery and a processor connected to one or more of: the display, an optional input device, a memory, a wireless transceiver, and an input/output device such as electrical contacts.
Lastly, it should be noted that whilst the accompanying claims set out particular combinations of features described herein, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the particular combinations hereafter claimed, but instead extends to encompass any combination of features or embodiments herein disclosed irrespective of whether or not that particular combination has been specially enumerated in the accompanying claims at this time.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1515635.9 | Sep 2015 | GB | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2016/070757 | 9/2/2016 | WO | 00 |
