U.S. patent application number 15/076145 was filed with the patent office on 2016-08-11 for watchband with integrated electronics.
The applicant listed for this patent is Maintool SAS. Invention is credited to Hussain Ahamed, Gabriela de la Serna, Arjaldo Karaj, Boris Kesler, ngel Sanchez.
Application Number | 20160231712 15/076145 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55262863 |
Filed Date | 2016-08-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160231712 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ahamed; Hussain ; et
al. |
August 11, 2016 |
WATCHBAND WITH INTEGRATED ELECTRONICS
Abstract
A watchband with integrated electronics designed to be
attachable to any standard mechanical or digital timepiece. The
watchband has a flexible circuit board sandwiched between layers of
watchband material, allowing for the flexibility of a normal
watchband with the electronics capability of a mobile computer and
fitness tracker. The watchband has an embedded heart rate sensor,
body temperature sensor, ambient temperature sensor, vibration
generator, inertial sensors, and wireless communication device. The
watchband is powered by a rechargeable battery, which is recharged
using a charging port that can be connected to a battery
charger.
Inventors: |
Ahamed; Hussain; (Gouvieux,
FR) ; Kesler; Boris; (Lamorlaye, FR) ; Karaj;
Arjaldo; (Bremen, DE) ; Sanchez; ngel;
(Madrid, ES) ; de la Serna; Gabriela; (Madrid,
ES) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Maintool SAS |
Bezons |
|
FR |
|
|
Family ID: |
55262863 |
Appl. No.: |
15/076145 |
Filed: |
March 21, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14615961 |
Feb 6, 2015 |
9292008 |
|
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15076145 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 5/14 20130101; A44C
5/0015 20130101; G04G 21/04 20130101; G04G 21/025 20130101; H04B
1/3888 20130101; G06F 1/163 20130101; G04G 17/04 20130101; G04B
37/0008 20130101; H04M 1/21 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G04G 21/02 20060101
G04G021/02; G04B 37/00 20060101 G04B037/00; G04G 17/04 20060101
G04G017/04; A44C 5/00 20060101 A44C005/00 |
Claims
1. A watchband with integrated electronics, comprising: a
body-contacting layer of watchband material; an outer layer of
watchband material comprising two connection channels attached to
the outer layer of watchband material at a timepiece length; a
flexible circuit board having a microprocessor and a wireless
communication device configured to communicate with a mobile
device; wherein the body-contacting layer of watchband material is
attached to the outer layer of watchband material such that the
flexible circuit is sealed in between the body-contacting layer and
the outer layer.
2. The watchband as recited in claim 1, wherein: the flexible
circuit board further comprises a heart rate sensor having a
light-emitting diode and a photodiode; and the body-contacting
layer of watchband material further comprises a light-emitting
diode hole and a photodiode hole; the flexible circuit board being
positioned between the body-contacting layer and outer layer of
watchband material such that the light-emitting diode overlaps the
light-emitting diode hole and the photodiode overlaps the
photodiode hole.
3. The watchband as recited in claim 1, wherein: the flexible
circuit board further comprises a body temperature sensor; and the
body-contacting layer of watchband material further comprises a
body temperature sensor hole; the flexible circuit board being
positioned between the body-contacting layer and outer layer of
watchband material such that the body temperature sensor overlaps
the body temperature sensor hole.
4. The watchband as recited in claim 1, wherein: the flexible
circuit board further comprises an ambient temperature sensor; and
the outer layer of watchband material further comprises an ambient
temperature sensor hole; the flexible circuit board being
positioned between the body-contacting layer and outer layer of
watchband material such that the ambient temperature sensor
overlaps the ambient temperature sensor hole of the outer layer of
watchband material.
5. The watchband as recited in claim 1, further comprising an
ambient temperature sensor, wherein: the ambient temperature sensor
remotely connects to the flexible circuit board; and the outer
layer of watchband material further comprises an ambient
temperature sensor hole.
6. The watchband as recited in claim 1, further comprising an alert
device; the alert device configured to contact an emergency service
when activated.
7. The watchband as recited in claim 1, wherein: the flexible
circuit board further comprises an air quality sensor; and the
outer layer of watchband material further comprises an air quality
sensor hole; the flexible circuit board being positioned between
the body-contacting layer and outer layer of watchband material
such that air quality sensor overlaps the air quality sensor hole
of the outer layer of watchband material.
8. The watchband as recited in claim 1, wherein: the flexible
circuit board further comprises an inertial sensor configured to
detect acceleration in any direction.
9. The watchband as recited in claim 1, wherein: the flexible
circuit board further comprises a vibration generator configured to
produce vibration at the direction of the microprocessor.
10. The watchband as recited in claim 1, further comprising one or
more rechargeable batteries and a battery charger, wherein: the
flexible circuit board further comprises a charging port having
metal contacts; and the body-contacting layer of watchband material
further comprises a charging port hole; the flexible circuit board
being positioned between the body-contacting layer and outer layer
of watchband material such that the charging port overlaps the
charging port hole, and the charging port is configured to connect
to the battery charger such that the one or more rechargeable
batteries are recharged.
11. The watchband as recited in claim 1, further comprising one or
more rechargeable batteries and a battery charger, wherein: the
battery charger is configured to charge the one or more
rechargeable batteries wirelessly.
12. The watchband as recited in claim 1, wherein: the flexible
circuit board further comprises a buck/boost DC-DC converter
configured to regulate the voltage output of one or more
rechargeable batteries.
13. The watchband as recited in claim 1, wherein: the flexible
circuit board further comprises a power management circuit
configured to regulate the voltage output of one or more
rechargeable batteries.
14. The watchband as recited in claim 1, wherein: each of the two
connection channels further comprises a timepiece joint; wherein
the timepiece joint fits inside the connection channel.
15. The watchband as recited in claim 1, wherein the flexible
circuit board further comprises rigid circuit material and one or
more flexible connectors.
16. The watchband as recited in claim 1, wherein the outer layer of
watchband material and the body contacting layer of watchband
material further comprise a bulged middle.
17. A method of using a watchband with integrated electronics,
comprising: providing a watchband with integrated electronics
comprising a body-contacting layer of watchband material; an outer
layer of watchband material comprising two connection channels
attached to the outer layer of watchband material at a timepiece
length; a flexible circuit board having a microprocessor and a
wireless communication device configured to communicate with a
mobile device; wherein the body-contacting layer of watchband
material is attached to the outer layer of watchband material such
that the flexible circuit is sandwiched in between the
body-contacting layer and the outer layer; providing a timepiece;
securing the timepiece between the two connection channels.
18. The method as recited in claim 17, further comprising:
providing an alternate timepiece; unsecuring and removing the
timepiece from the two connection channels; securing the alternate
timepiece between the two connection channels.
19. The method as recited in claim 17, further comprising:
communicating data between the microprocessor and the mobile
device.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/615,961, filed on Feb. 6, 2015, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present device relates to a watchband that, in addition
to being able to be attached to any mechanical or digital
timepiece, has integrated electronics capable of diverse
functionalities and interactions with a multitude of digital
devices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Wearable computing has become a prevalent step forward in
the progress of technology. Consumers are searching for greater and
greater opportunities to integrate technology with everyday
wearable items such as glasses, necklaces, and bracelets. Many
products on the market today connect to a user's mobile device and
allow for the pushing of notifications, answering emails and text
messages, as well as the basic functions of keeping time and
screening calls.
[0004] An additional trend being seen is the rise of digital
fitness trackers. Fitness tracking devices are commonly worn around
the wrist, neck, or on the ear, and combine specialized sensors to
detect motion, steps taken, and heart rate. More advanced models
can combine sensors with computing algorithms to provide a user
with respiration rates, calories burned, sleep cycle analyses, and
general metabolic information. Many of the fitness trackers
currently on the market allow for a user to upload and share
fitness data to a computer or a social network, allowing for the
tracking of a user's fitness data over time.
[0005] In spite of the rising popularity of both wearable computers
and fitness trackers, the wristwatch still remains a popular
fashion accessory. Wristwatches can be a triumph of mechanical
design, having hundreds, even thousands, of moving parts. Many
luxury watches have the mechanical ability to display far more than
the hours and the minutes; extra features, such as tracking
eclipses or planetary motions, are termed "complications" in
horology, the study of watches and clocks. Timepieces convey status
and wealth, fashion and taste, and a sense of punctuality. And
while many of the above mentioned wearable computers or fitness
trackers seek to emulate clocks or watches on their central
displays, none can replicate the mechanical intricacy or aesthetic
elegance of a luxury timepiece. What is needed is a watchband with
integrated electronics that can provide the same functionality of a
wearable computer or fitness tracker, but able to be attached to a
user's desired mechanical or digital timepiece such that the
timepiece's aesthetics and functionality are not impaired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is an aspect of the disclosure to provide an improved
watchband with integrated electronics. These together with other
aspects and advantages, which will be subsequently apparent, reside
in the details of construction and operation as more fully
hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the
accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein life numerals
refer to like parts throughout.
A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Further features and advantages of the present device, as
well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the
present device, will become apparent and more readily appreciated
from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a watchband with integrated
electronics with a timepiece, according to an embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a watchband with integrated
electronics with a timepiece, according to an alternate
embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a top view of a watchband with integrated
electronics without a timepiece, according to an embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a watchband with integrated
electronics without a timepiece, according to an embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a watchband with integrated
electronics having a timepiece attached, according to an
embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a watchband with integrated
electronics having a timepiece attached, according to an alternate
embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a top view of a watchband with integrated
electronics with a timepiece, according to an embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a side view of a watchband with integrated
electronics with a timepiece, according to an embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the features and
peripherals of a watchband with integrated electronics, according
to an embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a flowchart diagram illustrating the functional
components of a heart rate sensor, according to an embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 10A is an exploded view of a watchband with integrated
electronics with a timepiece, according to an alternate
embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 10B is an exploded view of a watchband with integrated
electronics with a timepiece, according to an alternate
embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a top view of a watchband with integrated
electronics without a timepiece, according to an alternate
embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of a watchband with integrated
electronics without a timepiece, according to an alternate
embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 13A is a top view of a flexible circuit board for a
watchband with integrated electronics, according to an alternate
embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 13B is a top view of a flexible circuit board for a
watchband with integrated electronics, according to an alternate
embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 13C is a top view of a flexible circuit board for a
watchband with integrated electronics, according to an alternate
embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 13D is a top view of a flexible circuit board for a
watchband with integrated electronics, according to an alternate
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The present invention relates to a watchband with integrated
electronics. Specifically, the invention seeks to emulate the
functionality of wearable computers and personal fitness trackers,
but allows a user to continue to use a mechanical (analog) or
digital timepiece. Thus, the integrated electronics can be entirely
located in the watchband itself, with the mechanical or digital
timepiece being interchangeable according to the user's preference
without a loss of functionality or performance. In a primary
embodiment, the watchband's integrated electronics can be
configured to wirelessly interact with a user's mobile device,
which can include smartphones, PDAs, personal computers, vehicles,
or other electronic devices with wireless or cellular
capabilities.
[0027] The watchband (and its parts) can be created using a variety
of watchband materials, including, but not limited to, leather,
silicone, metal, fabric, plastic, rubber, composite materials, or a
combination thereof. The watchband can be constructed using a
body-contacting layer of watchband material, an outer layer of
watchband material, and, in some embodiments, one or more timepiece
connection layers of watchband material. The watchband material
layers can be connected using needlepoint, glue, heat bonding,
adhesives, or other connection means. In addition to the internal
electronics, the watchband can include a tang-type clasp with tang
and tang holes for adjustment on the wrist, along with excess strap
loops to secure any extra portion of the strap after the user puts
on the watch. Alternate embodiments of the wristband can have a
deployant-type clasp, either inside style or outside style, or a
buckle clasp in place of the tang-type clasp.
[0028] By using the layered construction technique, a flexible
circuit board can be placed in between the body-contacting and
outer layers of the watchband material, such that the flexible
circuit board, and its associated electronics, can remain safe from
weather and wear. A flexible circuit board can be a printed circuit
board that allows for the same level of electrical connection
fidelity between components as a regular circuit board, but can be
manufactured out of materials such as polyimide, polyether ether
ketone, polyester, polyethylene napthalate, polyetherimide, or
copolymer polyimide films, allowing for the circuit board to be
able to bend and flex dramatically more than a regular surface
board would allow whilst still retaining those electrical
connections. The flexible circuit board can have preprinted
connection points for the soldering of components for ease of
manufacturing. Embedded on the flexible circuit board can be a
variety of sensors devoted to the measurement of various bodily
functions, health criteria, and device information. These sensors
can be connected to a central microprocessor, which can be used as
the computational hub of the watchband.
[0029] In an embodiment, the watchband can have an integrated heart
rate sensor connected to the flexible circuit board. The heart rate
sensor can be a photoplethysmograph optical sensor, which uses a
light-emitting diode (LED) and a photodiode in conjunction in order
to measure changes in blood flow, similar to the heart rate
measurement system described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,258,719, herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety. As light shines through
the user's skin, its detected intensity changes as the amount of
blood flow changes during a heart's systolic and diastolic
function. These intensity changes can be read by the photodiode.
The photodiode signal can be amplified with a low gain
transimpedance amplifier, producing a voltage signal. In an
embodiment, the signal gain can be kept low so as to reduce signal
noise in the amplification stage. To filter noise, the signal can
be passed through a low-pass second order filter, followed by a
low-cutoff frequency high-pass filter, and followed again by a
second low-pass filter to remove any remaining noise. All filters
can be built with operational amplifiers (op-amps). In order for
the heart rate monitor to function, a LED hole and a photodiode
hole can be made on the body-contacting layer of watchband
material.
[0030] In addition to the heart rate sensor, the watchband can have
two temperature sensors embedded on the flexible circuit board. One
temperature sensor can lie on the side of the watchband facing the
user's skin, and be used to continuously monitor the user's body
surface temperature. The second sensor can lie on the side of the
watchband facing opposite the user's wrist, and be used to
continuously monitor the ambient temperature. In order for the
temperature sensors to function, a body temperature sensor hole can
be cut into the body-contacting layer of watchband material, and an
ambient temperature sensor hole can be cut into the outer layer of
watchband material. If needed, an ambient temperature sensor hole
can also be cut into the timepiece connection layer of watchband
material. Both temperature sensors can be thermocouples,
thermistors, semiconductors, digital integrated sensors, or a
combination thereof.
[0031] The watchband can have a wireless communication device for
communications between the watchband and the user's mobile device.
The user's mobile device can include a cellular phone, personal
computer, tablet, medical device, internet router, integrated
telemetry device, or other wirelessly communicating device. The
wireless communication device can be a Bluetooth transceiver, an
IEEE 802.11 transceiver, radio transceiver, or other wireless
communication mechanism. The wireless communication device can have
a small physical profile, low power consumption, and durable
construction.
[0032] The watchband can be powered by a rechargeable battery. The
rechargeable battery can be lithium-ion, lithium-polymer,
nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, nickel-zinc, thin film lithium, or
other metallic combination thereof. The battery can be small in
profile, and able to hold a charge for an extended period of time.
The battery can be recharged using a battery charger, which can
interact directly with the watchband at a charging port, which can
be a series of metal contacts. The battery charger can be connected
to the charging port using magnets, physical clasps, or wireless
induction. To keep the charging port and the metal contacts
accessible, a charging port hole can be cut on the body-contacting
or outer layer of the watchband material. In order to maintain
performance of the watchband at various states of charge, a
buck-boost DC-DC converter can be used to keep the output voltage
constant. Alternatively, a power management circuit (PMIC) can be
included in the watchband in place of the buck-boost DC-DC
converter, which can regulate battery charging, voltages rates,
activation control, and other features.
[0033] Any standard mechanical or digital timepiece can be used
with the watchband. The timepiece can be held in place by timepiece
joints hidden within connection channels located on the timepiece
connection layer of watchband material. The timepiece joints can be
hollow tubes, with sufficient diameter to admit a screw or pin. The
timepiece, which can have mounting supports, can fit such that the
timepiece connection channels, having the timepiece joints inside,
align with the mounting supports. The user can add the screws or
pins in order to secure the timepiece to the timepiece joints and
the timepiece connection layer. In order to change out the
timepiece, the user would remove the screws or pins, replace the
timepiece with an alternate timepiece, and re-add the screws or
pins.
[0034] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a watchband with integrated
electronics with a timepiece 300, according to an embodiment. The
watchband can be created using a variety of watchband materials,
including, but not limited to, leather, silicone, metal, fabric,
plastic, rubber, composite materials, or a combination thereof. The
watchband can be constructed in a layered manner, having a
body-contacting layer of watchband material 350, an outer layer of
watchband material 351, a first timepiece connection layer 352 and
a second timepiece connection layer 353 of watchband material. The
watchband material layers 350, 351, 352, 353 can each be different
materials, and can be connected using needlepoint, glue, heat
bonding, adhesives, or other connection means. The body connecting
layer 350 can be connected to the outer layer 351 with the flexible
circuit board placed in between, while the first timepiece
connection layer 352 and the second timepiece connection layer 353
can be connected on top of the outer layer 351. The first timepiece
connection layer 352 and the second timepiece connection layer 353
can be connected at a distance of a timepiece length. A timepiece
length can be the space needed to admit a standard analog or
digital timepiece. Alternatively, the watchband material layers can
be molded as a single piece, with the flexible circuit board 310
embedded within. In addition to the internal electronics, the
watchband can include a tang-type clasp 104 with tang 105 and tang
holes 103 for adjustment on the user's wrist (not shown), along
with excess strap loops 106 to secure any extra portion of the
strap after the user puts on the assembled watch (not shown).
Alternate embodiments of the wristband can have a deployant-type
clasp (not shown), either inside style or outside style, or a
buckle clasp (not shown) in place of the tang-type clasp 104.
[0035] By using the layered construction technique, a flexible
circuit board 310 can be sandwiched and sealed in between the
body-contacting layer 350 and outer layer 351 of the watchband
material, such that the flexible circuit board 310 and its
associated electronics can be protected from weather and wear. The
flexible circuit board 310 can be a printed circuit board that
allows for the same level of electrical connection fidelity between
components as a regular circuit board, but can be manufactured out
of materials allowing for the circuit board to be able to bend and
flex dramatically more than a regular surface board would allow
whilst still retaining those electrical connections. The flexible
circuit board 310 can have preprinted connection points for the
soldering of components for ease of manufacturing. Embedded on the
flexible circuit board 310 can be a variety of sensors devoted to
the measurement of various bodily functions, health criteria, and
device information. These sensors can be connected to a central
microprocessor (not shown), which can be used as the computational
hub of the watchband.
[0036] In an embodiment, the watchband can have an integrated heart
rate sensor connected to the flexible circuit board 310. The heart
rate sensor can be a photoplethysmograph optical sensor, which uses
a light-emitting diode (LED) 152 and a photodiode 153 in
conjunction in order to measure changes in the user's blood flow.
As light from the LED 152 shines onto the user's skin, its detected
intensity changes as the amount of blood flow changes during the
heart's systolic and diastolic function. These intensity changes
can be read by the photodiode 153. The photodiode 153 signal can be
amplified with a low gain transimpedance amplifier (not shown),
producing a voltage signal. In an embodiment, the signal gain can
be kept low so as to reduce signal noise in the amplification
stage. To filter noise, the signal can be passed through a low-pass
second order filter (not shown), followed by a low-cutoff frequency
high-pass filter (not shown), and followed again by a second
low-pass filter (not shown) to remove any remaining noise. The
amount and order of filters can be changed to further alter the
signal. All filters can be built with operational amplifiers
(op-amps). In order for the heart rate monitor to function, a LED
hole 364 and a photodiode hole 365 can be made on the
body-contacting layer 350 of watchband material.
[0037] In addition to the heart rate sensor, the watchband can have
two temperature sensors, a body temperature sensor 151 and an
ambient temperature sensor 150, embedded on the flexible circuit
board 310. The body temperature sensor 151 can face the side of the
watchband facing the user's skin and be used to continuously
monitor the user's body surface temperature. The ambient
temperature sensor 150 can face the side of the watchband facing
the world, and be used to continuously monitor the ambient
temperature. In order for the temperature sensors 150, 151 to
function, a body temperature sensor hole 303 can be cut into the
body-contacting layer 350 of watchband material, and an ambient
temperature sensor hole 360 can be cut into the outer layer of
watchband material 351. If needed, an ambient temperature sensor
hole 361 can also be cut into the second timepiece connection layer
361 of watchband material. When constructed, the ambient sensor
holes 360, 361 can be aligned such that the ambient temperature
sensor is exposed to the ambient air. Both temperature sensors 150,
151 can be thermocouples, thermistors, semiconductors, digital
integrated sensors, or a combination thereof.
[0038] The watchband can have a wireless communication device 155
for communications between the watchband and a user's mobile device
(not shown). The user's mobile device (not shown) can include a
cellular phone, personal computer, tablet, medical device, internet
router, integrated telemetry device, or other wirelessly
communicating device. The wireless communication device 155 can be
a Bluetooth transceiver, an IEEE 802.11 transceiver, radio
transceiver, or other wireless communication mechanism. The
wireless communication device 155 can have a small physical
profile, low power consumption, and durable construction.
[0039] The watchband can be powered by a rechargeable battery 156,
which can also be sandwiched between the body-contacting layer 350
and the outer layer 351 of watchband material. The rechargeable
battery 156 can be lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, nickel-cadmium,
nickel-hydrogen, nickel-zinc, thin film lithium, or other metallic
combination thereof. The battery 156 can be small in profile, and
able to hold a charge for an extended period of time. The battery
156 can be attached to the flexible circuit board 310 by a series
of metallic battery connections 157. The battery 156 can be
recharged using a battery charger (not shown), which can interact
directly with the watchband at a charging port 154, which can be a
series of metal contacts. The battery charger can be connected to
the charging port using magnets, physical clasps, or wireless
induction. To keep the charging port's 154 the metal contacts
accessible, a charging port hole 362 can be cut on the
body-contacting 350 or outer layer 351 of the watchband material.
In order to maintain performance of the watchband at various states
of charge, a buck-boost DC-DC converter (not shown) can be used to
keep the output voltage constant. Alternatively, a power management
circuit (PMIC) can be included in the watchband in place of the
buck-boost DC-DC converter, which can regulate battery charging,
voltages rates, activation control, and other features.
[0040] Any standard mechanical or digital timepiece 300 can be used
with the watchband. The timepiece 300 can be held in place by
timepiece joints 301 hidden within connection channels 302 located
on the first connection layer 352 and second connection layer 353
of watchband material. The timepiece joints 301 can be hollow
tubes, with sufficient diameter to admit a screw or pin (not
shown), and can be made from plastic or metal. The timepiece 300,
which can have mounting supports 340 having mounting holes 341, can
fit such that the timepiece connection channels 302, having the
timepiece joints 301 inside, align with the mounting support 340
and the mounting holes 341. The user can add the screws or pins to
the mounting holes 341 in order to secure the timepiece 300 to the
timepiece joints 301 and the timepiece connection layers 352, 353.
In order to change out the timepiece 300, the user would remove the
screws or pins from the mounting holes 341, replace the timepiece
300 with an alternate timepiece (not shown), and re-add the screws
or pins to the alternate mounting holes (not shown).
[0041] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a watchband with integrated
electronics with a timepiece, according to an alternate embodiment.
In the alternate embodiment, the first timepiece connection layer
352 and second timepiece connection layer 353 of watchband material
are molded as part of the outer layer 351 of watchband material, as
opposed to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 where the first
timepiece connection layer 352 and second timepiece connection
layer 353 are separate layers that can be attached to the outer
layer 351 of watchband material. This melding can occur when the
watchband is made out of a molded material, such as plastics,
silicone, or rubber. Because the second connecting layer 353 is
melded with the outer layer 351 of watchband material, only a
single ambient temperature sensor hole 360 is needed to be cut into
the outer layer 351 in order for the ambient temperature sensor 150
to function properly. All other elements of the watchband can
remain the same. The flexible circuit board 310, with its embedded
sensors and connections, can sandwich between the body-contacting
layer 350 and outer layer 351 of watchband material.
[0042] FIG. 3 is a top view of a watchband with integrated
electronics without a timepiece, according to an embodiment. The
first timepiece connection layer 352 and the second timepiece
connection layer 353 of watchband material can be connected atop
the outer layer 351 of watchband material, and the outer layer 351
can be connected to the body-contacting layer (not shown) such that
the edges of each layer are aligned. The flexible circuit board
(not shown) is not visible when the watchband is assembled. The
tang holes 103 can penetrate all three watchband material layers,
in order for the tang clasp 104 tang 105 to fully secure the
watchband 100 on a user's wrist. A portion of the outer layer 351
can be left uncovered by the first connection layer 352 and the
second connection layer 353, with the portion being large enough to
admit the length of a standard timepiece (a timepiece length). The
timepiece (not shown) can be placed between the first connection
layer 352 and the second connection layer 353 such that the
timepiece (not shown) covers the exposed portion of the outer layer
351 and faces outwards. Also visible is the ambient temperature
sensor 150, which can be exposed to the ambient atmosphere through
the ambient temperature sensor hole 361 cut into the second
connection layer 363.
[0043] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a watchband with integrated
electronics without a timepiece, according to an embodiment. As in
the top view, the first timepiece connection layer (not shown) and
the second timepiece connection layer (not shown) of watchband
material can be connected atop the outer layer (not shown) of
watchband material, and the outer layer (not shown) can be
connected to the body-contacting layer 350 such that the edges of
each layer are aligned. From this view, the body temperature sensor
151, heart rate sensor LED 152, heart rate sensor photodiode 153,
and charging port 154 can be seen through the body temperature
sensor hole 303, LED hole 364, photodiode hole 365, and charging
port hole 362, respectively.
[0044] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a watchband with integrated
electronics 100 having a timepiece 300 attached, according to an
embodiment. In this view, the body-contacting layer 350, outer
layer 351, and timepiece connection layers 352, 353 can be
assembled such that the flexible circuit board (not shown) is not
visible. From this view, the ambient temperature sensor 150 can be
obliquely visible through the ambient temperature sensor hole
361.
[0045] Any standard mechanical or digital timepiece 300 can be used
with the watchband. The timepiece 300 can be held in place by
timepiece joints 301 hidden within connection channels 302 located
on the first connection layer 352 and second connection layer 353
of watchband material. The timepiece joints 301 can be hollow
tubes, with sufficient diameter to admit a screw or pin (not
shown), and can be made from plastic or metal. The timepiece 300,
which can have mounting supports 340 having mounting holes 341, can
fit such that the timepiece connection channels 302, having the
timepiece joints 301 inside, align with the mounting support 340
and the mounting holes 341. The user can add the screws or pins to
the mounting holes 341 in order to secure the timepiece 300 to the
timepiece joints 301 and the timepiece connection layers 352, 353.
In order to change out the timepiece 300, the user would remove the
screws or pins from the mounting holes 341, replace the timepiece
300 with an alternate timepiece (not shown), and re-add the screws
or pins to the alternate mounting holes (not shown).
[0046] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a watchband with integrated
electronics having a timepiece 300 attached, according to an
alternate embodiment. In an alternate embodiment, the body
contacting layer 1050 and the outer layer 1051 can both have a
bulged middle that can occlude the timepiece 300 when seen from the
bottom. The function of the various peripherals (heart rate sensor,
temperature sensors, air quality sensor, etc.) are the same as in
other embodiments. In an alternate embodiment, the ambient
temperature sensor 150 is located further away from the timepiece
300, in order to provide a more accurate reading of the ambient
temperature.
[0047] FIG. 6 is a top view of a watchband with integrated
electronics with a timepiece, according to an embodiment. In this
view, the timepiece 300 can cover the previously exposed portion of
the outer layer 351 of watchband material. The first timepiece
connection layer 352 and second timepiece connection layer 353 can
be spaced such that the timepiece 300 is easily admitted between
the two connection layers 351, 352. If the timepiece 300 is
replaced with an alternate timepiece (not shown) that is larger in
length, the connection layers 351, 352 are flexible, allowing their
ends to bend backward in order to admit the longer length of the
alternate timepiece. Visible from this view can be the ambient
temperature sensor 150.
[0048] FIG. 7 is a side view of a watchband with integrated
electronics with a timepiece, according to an embodiment. This view
further illustrates how the timepiece 300 can cover the previously
exposed portion of the outer layer 351 of watchband material. As
the body-contacting layer 350 and outer layer 351 are assembled in
this view, the flexible circuit board (not shown), as well as the
majority of the embedded circuitry, is not visible. However, the
ambient temperature sensor 150 can be seen through the ambient
temperature sensor hole 361.
[0049] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the features and
peripherals of a watchband with integrated electronics, according
to an embodiment. The watchband's sensors and functionality can
primarily be controlled by a microprocessor 800 having the
capability to interact with the various sensors, as well as input
and output communication information. The microprocessor 800 can
draw a small amount of power, in order for the watchband to avoid
frequent recharging. All peripherals can selectively communicate
with the microprocessor 800. The microprocessor 800 can selectively
activate or deactivate the watchband peripherals depending on the
requirements of the user. A random access memory (RAM) module 850
can store all detected values from the peripherals before
transmittal to the mobile device. A read-only memory (ROM) module
851 can store the watchband's basic input-output system (BIOS) and
operating software (OS) needed for standard operations.
[0050] In addition to the heart rate sensor 801, the watchband can
have two temperature sensors, a body temperature sensor 151 and an
ambient temperature sensor 150, embedded on the flexible circuit
board (not shown). The body temperature sensor 151 can face the
side of the watchband facing the user's skin and be used to
continuously monitor the user's body surface temperature. The
ambient temperature sensor 150 can face the side of the watchband
facing the world, and be used to continuously monitor the ambient
temperature. Both temperature sensors 150, 151 can be
thermocouples, thermistors, or a combination thereof.
[0051] The watchband can have a wireless communication device 155
for communications between the watchband and a user's mobile device
806. The user's mobile device 806 can include a cellular phone,
personal computer, tablet, medical device, internet router,
integrated telemetry device, or other wirelessly communicating
device. The wireless communication device 155 can be a Bluetooth
transceiver, an IEEE 802.11 transceiver, radio transceiver, or
other wireless communication mechanism. The wireless communication
device 155 can have a small physical profile, low power
consumption, and durable construction. The wireless communication
device can additionally include a near field communication (NFC)
chip, allowing for communication between the watchband and mobile
device 806 when placed in close physical proximity. The mobile
device 806 can run an application that can receive, display, and
store data from all peripheral devices on the watchband.
[0052] The watchband can be powered by a rechargeable battery 156.
The rechargeable battery 156 can be lithium-ion, lithium-polymer,
nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, nickel-zinc, thin film lithium, or
other metallic combination thereof. The battery 156 can be small in
profile, and able to hold a charge for an extended period of time.
The battery 156 can be attached to the flexible circuit board by a
series of metallic battery connections (not shown). The battery 156
can be recharged using a battery charger 803, which can interact
directly with the watchband at a charging port (not shown), which
can be a series of metal contacts. The battery charger can be
connected to the charging port using magnets, physical clasps, or
wireless induction. In order to maintain performance of the
watchband at various states of charge, a buck-boost DC-DC converter
802 can be used to keep the output voltage constant. Alternatively,
a power management circuit (PMIC) 802 can be included in the
watchband in place of the buck-boost DC-DC converter, which can
regulate battery charging, voltages rates, activation control, and
other features.
[0053] The watchband can also contain a set of inertial sensors
805, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass. The
inertial sensors 805 can be devices used to determine the
watchband's position and orientation, and whether or not the
watchband is being subjected to any acceleration forces along any
of the major three axis of movement. The inertial sensors 805 can
allow the watchband to act as a pedometer and a physical activity
measurement tool. Additionally, the inertial sensors 805 can be
tied into the watchband's power management software, allowing for
the watchband to enter a low power state mode when not in use and
to be woken when movement is again detected. Similarly, the
inertial sensors 805 can be used to increase another watchband
sensor's accuracy. For example, if too much motion activity makes
readings from the heart rate sensor 801 unreliable, the
measurements from the inertial sensors can trigger a shutdown of
the heart rate sensor 801 until such motion has ceased.
[0054] The watchband can also contain a vibration generator 804
that vibrates when power is applied. The vibration generator 804
can be a small piezoelectric crystal that vibrates under power. The
vibration generator 804 can be controlled by a
metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), which
can be activated by the microcontroller 800 to convey customizable
and specific tactile notification to the user, such as informing if
the device's power is turned on or off, incoming phone calls,
emails, or text messages, or if a pre-set heart rate or temperature
is being exceeded.
[0055] The watchband can also contain an air quality sensor 812
that can be used to detect the ambient humidity and air quality, or
can be used to determine levels of pollutants in the atmosphere,
such as smog, radon, carbon monoxide, or other contaminants. The
air quality sensor 812 can be chemical or electrical.
[0056] The watchband can also contain an alert device 810 that can
be configured to contact a predesignated emergency service through
wireless communication when activated. The emergency service can be
911, a private security service, fire service, ambulance service,
or, in the case of a medical facility, an emergency page service
for the health care professionals. The alert device can be a
depressible button or switch, but can be constructed such that the
device is not easily toggled, to prevent false alarms.
[0057] FIG. 9 is a flowchart diagram illustrating the functional
components of a heart rate sensor 801, according to an embodiment.
In an embodiment, the watchband can have an integrated heart rate
sensor 801 connected to the flexible circuit board (not shown). The
heart rate sensor 801 can be a photoplethysmograph optical sensor,
which uses a light-emitting diode (LED) 152 and a photodiode 153 in
conjunction in order to measure changes in the user's blood flow.
As light from the LED 152 shines onto the user's arm 905, its
detected intensity changes as the amount of blood flow changes
during the user's heart's systolic and diastolic function. These
intensity changes can be read by the photodiode 153. The photodiode
153 signal can be amplified with a low gain transimpedance
amplifier 901, producing a voltage signal. In an embodiment, the
signal gain can be kept low so as to reduce signal noise in the
amplification stage. To filter noise, the signal can be passed
through a low-pass second order filter 902, followed by a
low-cutoff frequency high-pass filter 903, and followed again by a
second low-pass filter 904 to remove any remaining noise, at which
point the filtered signal can be sent to the microcontroller 800.
The order and amount of filters can be altered to alter the signal
output of the heart rate sensor 801, and is not limited to the
description provided above. All filters can be built with
operational amplifiers (op-amps).
[0058] FIG. 10A is an exploded view of a watchband with integrated
electronics with a timepiece, according to an alternate embodiment.
In an alternate embodiment, the body contacting layer 1050 and the
outer layer 1051 can both have a bulged middle 1000 that can
occlude the timepiece 300 when seen from the bottom. The flexible
circuit board 1010 can be formed in a bulged geometry to mimic the
geometry of the body contacting layer 1050 and the outer layer
1051. The body temperature sensor 151, LED 152, and photodiode 153
can function similarly in all embodiments, but can be placed on the
flexible circuit board 1010 to fully take advantage of the board's
1010 geometry. Likewise, the body temperature sensor hole 1065, LED
hole 1064, and photodiode hole 1063 can all be cut into the body
contacting layer 1050 of watchband material to match their
respective sensors' positions on the flexible circuit board
1010.
[0059] The flexible circuit board 1010 can have flexible connectors
1302, which allow for more flexibility between the flexible circuit
board 1010, and the one or more rechargeable batteries 156 that can
power the flexible circuit board 1010 through the one or more
battery connections 157. The flexible circuit board 1010 can be
made of a rigid circuit material 1301, which can necessitate its
placement entirely between the bulged middles 1000 of the outer
layer 1051 and the body contacting layer 1050 of watchband
material, placing the flexible circuit board entirely underneath
the timepiece 300, with the one or more rechargeable batteries 156
extending outwards within the watchband.
[0060] FIG. 10B is an exploded view of a watchband with integrated
electronics with a timepiece, according to an alternate embodiment.
In an alternate embodiment, the ambient temperature sensor 150 can
be remotely connected to the flexible circuit board 1010 such that
the ambient temperature sensor is placed further down the
watchband, away from the rest of the peripherals, in order to more
accurately measure the ambient air temperature. The watchband can
also include a vibration generator 804, which can generate
vibrational pulses based on the commands sent from the
microprocessor.
[0061] FIG. 11 is a top view of a watchband with integrated
electronics without a timepiece, according to an embodiment. In an
alternate embodiment, both the outer layer 1051 and body contacting
layer (not shown) of watchband material can be created with a
bulged middle 1000 such that there can be a greater amount of
surface area covered by the layers of watchband material. The
position of the ambient temperature sensor 150, along with the
ambient temperature sensor hole 360, can remain the same as in
other embodiments.
[0062] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of a watchband with integrated
electronics without a timepiece, according to an embodiment. In an
alternate embodiment, both the outer layer (not shown) and body
contacting layer 1050 of watchband material can be created with a
bulged middle 1000 such that there can be a greater amount of
surface area covered by the layers of watchband material. The body
temperature sensor 151, LED 152, and photodiode 153 can be
positioned linearly, or in any desired configuration. The position
of the metal contacts 154 can remain the same as in other
embodiments.
[0063] FIG. 13A is a top view of a flexible circuit board for a
watchband with integrated electronics, according to an embodiment.
The flexible circuit board 310 can be a printed circuit board that
allows for the same level of electrical connection fidelity between
components as a regular circuit board, but can be manufactured out
of materials allowing for the circuit board to be able to bend and
flex dramatically more than a regular surface board would allow
whilst still retaining those electrical connections. The flexible
circuit board 310 can have preprinted connection points for the
soldering of components for ease of manufacturing. Embedded on the
flexible circuit board 310 can be a variety of sensors devoted to
the measurement of various bodily functions, health criteria, and
device information. These sensors can be connected to a central
microprocessor (not shown), which can be used as the computational
hub of the watchband.
[0064] In an embodiment, the watchband can have an integrated heart
rate sensor connected to the flexible circuit board 310. The heart
rate sensor can be a photoplethysmograph optical sensor, which uses
a light-emitting diode (LED) 152 and a photodiode 153 in
conjunction in order to measure changes in the user's blood flow.
As light from the LED 152 shines onto the user's skin, its detected
intensity changes as the amount of blood flow changes during the
heart's systolic and diastolic function. These intensity changes
can be read by the photodiode 153. The photodiode 153 signal can be
amplified using a series of filters (not shown).
[0065] In addition to the heart rate sensor, the watchband can have
two temperature sensors, a body temperature sensor 151 and an
ambient temperature sensor 150, embedded on the flexible circuit
board 310. The body temperature sensor 151 can face the side of the
watchband facing the user's skin and be used to continuously
monitor the user's body surface temperature. The ambient
temperature sensor 150 can face the side of the watchband facing
the world, and be used to continuously monitor the ambient
temperature. Both temperature sensors 150, 151 can be
thermocouples, thermistors, semiconductors, digital integrated
sensors, or a combination thereof.
[0066] The watchband can have a wireless communication device 155
for communications between the watchband and a user's mobile device
(not shown). The wireless communication device 155 can be a
Bluetooth transceiver, an IEEE 802.11 transceiver, radio
transceiver, or other wireless communication mechanism. The
wireless communication device 155 can have a small physical
profile, low power consumption, and durable construction.
[0067] The watchband can be powered by a rechargeable battery 156.
The rechargeable battery 156 can be lithium-ion, lithium-polymer,
nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, nickel-zinc, thin film lithium, or
other metallic combination thereof. The battery 156 can be small in
profile, and able to hold a charge for an extended period of time.
The battery 156 can be attached to the flexible circuit board 310
by a series of metallic battery connections 157. The battery 156
can be recharged using a battery charger (not shown), which can
interact directly with the watchband at a charging port 154, which
can be a series of metal contacts. The battery charger can be
connected to the charging port using magnets, physical clasps, or
wireless induction. In order to maintain performance of the
watchband at various states of charge, a buck-boost DC-DC converter
(not shown) can be used to keep the output voltage constant.
Alternatively, a power management circuit (PMIC) can be included in
the watchband in place of the buck-boost DC-DC converter, which can
regulate battery charging, voltages rates, activation control, and
other features.
[0068] FIG. 13B is a top view of a flexible circuit board for a
watchband with integrated electronics, according to an alternate
embodiment. In an alternate embodiment, the body temperature sensor
151, LED 152, photodiode 153, charging port 154, wireless
communication device 155, and ambient temperature sensor 150 can
all function in the same manner as previous embodiments, but can be
placed in differing positions than other embodiments. The flexible
circuit board can be divided into sections of rigid circuit
material 1301 and flexible connection material 1302. The modular
construction of the alternate flexible circuit board allows for
greater flexion around a user's wrist (not shown). All sensors 150,
151, 152, 153, 154, 155 can be connected to the watchband on the
rigid circuit material 1301. Additionally, a vibration generator
804 can be connected to the flexible circuit board.
[0069] FIG. 13C is a top view of a flexible circuit board for a
watchband with integrated electronics, according to an alternate
embodiment. In an alternate embodiment, the body temperature sensor
151, LED 152, photodiode 153, charging port 154, wireless
communication device 155, and ambient temperature sensor 150 can
all function in the same manner as previous embodiments. The
flexible circuit board can have a large, rounded section of rigid
circuit material 1010, which can be connected to one or more
rechargeable batteries 156 by one or more sections of flexible
connection material 1302.
[0070] FIG. 13D is a top view of a flexible circuit board for a
watchband with integrated electronics, according to an alternate
embodiment. In an alternate embodiment, the ambient temperature
sensor 150 can be remotely connected to the flexible circuit board
1010 such that the ambient temperature sensor 150 is placed further
down the watchband, away from the rest of the peripherals, in order
to more accurately measure the ambient air temperature. The
watchband can also include a vibration generator 804, which can
generate vibrational pulses based on the commands sent from the
microprocessor. The alternate embodiment can also include the alert
button 810 and air quality sensor 812, which can function in the
same manner as described in the other embodiments.
[0071] Although the present device has been described in terms of
exemplary embodiments, none is limited thereto. Positions of all
peripherals (temperature sensors, heart rate sensor, vibration
generator, air quality sensor, alert device) can be altered, as
well as the amount and location of the various filters,
peripherals, and circuitry. No one peripheral is required on any
one embodiment, rather, any combination of peripherals is
contemplated. Rather, the appended claims should be construed
broadly to include other variants and embodiments of the present
apparatus, which may be made by those skilled in the art without
departing from the scope and range of equivalents of either the
apparatus or the methods for using such an apparatus.
[0072] This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to
be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to
be considered part of the entire written description. In the
description, relative terms such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal,"
"vertical," "above," "below," "up," "down," "top," and "bottom," as
well as derivatives thereof should be construed to refer to the
orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under
discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description
and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in
a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling,
and the like, such as "connected," and "interconnected," refer to a
relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one
another either directly or indirectly through intervening
structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or
relationships, unless expressly described above.
* * * * *