U.S. patent application number 15/879729 was filed with the patent office on 2018-05-31 for wearable computing device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Intel Corporation. Invention is credited to Sven Albers, Hans-Joachim Barth, Bastiaan Elshof, Sonja Koller, Teodora Ossiander, Jan Proschwitz, Klaus Reingruber, Georg Seidemann, Andreas Wolter.
Application Number | 20180150156 15/879729 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55725003 |
Filed Date | 2018-05-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180150156 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Albers; Sven ; et
al. |
May 31, 2018 |
WEARABLE COMPUTING DEVICE
Abstract
Some forms relate to wearable computing devices that include a
"touch pad" like interface. In some forms, the example wearable
computing devices may be integrated with (or attached to) textiles
(i.e. clothing). In other forms, the example wearable computing
devices may be attached directly to the skin of someone (i.e.,
similar to a bandage) that utilizes any of the example wearable
computing devices. The example wearable computing devices include a
flexible touch pad that may allow a user of the wearable computing
device to more easily operate the wearable computing device. The
example wearable computing devices described herein may include a
variety of electronics. Some examples include a power supply and/or
a communication device among other types of electronics.
Inventors: |
Albers; Sven; (Regensburg,
DE) ; Reingruber; Klaus; (Langquaid, DE) ;
Ossiander; Teodora; (Sinzing, DE) ; Wolter;
Andreas; (Regensburg, DE) ; Koller; Sonja;
(Regensburg, DE) ; Seidemann; Georg; (Landshut,
DE) ; Proschwitz; Jan; (Riesa, DE) ; Barth;
Hans-Joachim; (Munich, DE) ; Elshof; Bastiaan;
(Regensburg, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Intel Corporation |
Santa Clara |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55725003 |
Appl. No.: |
15/879729 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14778142 |
Sep 18, 2015 |
9921694 |
|
|
PCT/US2014/070632 |
Dec 16, 2014 |
|
|
|
15879729 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0446 20190501;
G06F 2203/04109 20130101; G06F 3/042 20130101; H04B 1/385 20130101;
G06F 3/038 20130101; G06F 2203/04102 20130101; G06F 1/163 20130101;
G06F 3/03547 20130101; G06F 3/045 20130101; G06F 3/044 20130101;
G01L 1/24 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/044 20060101
G06F003/044; G06F 3/045 20060101 G06F003/045; G06F 3/042 20060101
G06F003/042; G01L 1/24 20060101 G01L001/24; G06F 3/0354 20060101
G06F003/0354; G06F 3/038 20060101 G06F003/038; H04B 1/3827 20060101
H04B001/3827; G06F 1/16 20060101 G06F001/16 |
Claims
1. A wearable computing device, comprising: a flexible touch pad
configured to be worn by a user, the flexible touch pad including a
first transmission line; and an integrated circuit mounted to the
flexible touch pad, the integrated circuit configured to interpret
contact with the flexible touch pad by sending a first electrical
signal through the first transmission line and determining a
localized change in impedance in the first transmission line.
2. The wearable computing device of claim 1, wherein the flexible
touch pad includes a second transmission line, and the integrated
circuit interprets contact with the flexible touch pad by sending a
second electrical signal through the second transmission line and
determining a localized change in impedance in the second
transmission line.
3. The wearable computing device of claim 1, wherein the first
electrical signal and the second electrical signal are each radio
frequency signals.
4. The wearable computing device of claim 1, wherein the first
transmission line meanders back and forth from side to side over
the flexible touch pad without crossing the first transmission
line, and the second transmission line meanders back and forth from
side to side over the flexible touch pad without crossing the
second transmission line.
5. The wearable computing device of claim 4, wherein the integrated
circuit determines the localized change in impedance in the first
transmission line using time domain reflectometry and determines
the localized change in impedance in the second transmission line
using time domain reflectometry.
6. The wearable computing device of claim 5, wherein the first
transmission line and the second transmission line cross each other
at several locations.
7. The wearable computing device of claim 6, wherein the first
transmission line and the second transmission line are orthogonal
to one another where the first transmission line and the second
transmission line cross each other.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/778,142, filed Sep. 18, 2015, which is a
U.S. National Stage Application under 35 U.S.C. 371 from
International Application No. PCT/US2014/070632 filed Dec. 16,
2014, each of which are hereby incorporated by refrence in their
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Embodiments described herein generally relate to a computing
device, and more particularly to a wearable computing device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Wearable computing devices enable various approaches to
managing different types of applications where computing power may
be utilized to enhance the application. As examples, healthcare and
fitness are examples of just a couple of applications that may
utilize wearable computing devices.
[0004] Some existing wearable computing devices include glasses,
bracelets and smart watches. Sometimes the size and/or the shape of
a device make it challenging to provide user input give input into
a wearable computing device. As examples, smart watches and
bracelets may be operated by touch sensitive surfaces on the device
or with knobs.
[0005] Other wearable computing devices (e.g., glasses) may be
difficult to operate using knobs. The user input to glasses may be
done by voice-operated commands, hand movement recognition in front
of the glasses or eye motion control.
[0006] One class of wearable computing devices that is rising in
importance relates to textiles which include integrated electronic
devices. These wearable computing devices typically require a user
interface. In some forms, a touch pad is integrated in the textile
to receive user input and/or display data.
[0007] One of the challenges with conventional touch pad systems is
that they typically require a large number of conductive lines that
each needs to be monitored by its own detector. In addition,
scaling such touch pads to a larger size means increasing the
number of conductive lines and corresponding detectors.
[0008] One common type of touch pad relates to capacitive touch
pads. Capacitive touch pads are sensitive to a change of dielectric
constant in the vicinity of the touch pad. Capacitive touch pads
may be incorporated into wearable computing devices that are
integrated in textiles meant to be worn on the body.
[0009] One of the drawbacks with incorporating capacitive touch
pads into textiles meant to be worn on the body is that there may
often be strong noise by capacitive interaction with the body of
the person wearing the wearable computing device. This strong noise
due to capacitive interaction with the body may negatively affect
performance of wearable computing device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating example places where
the wearable computing devices may be placed on a human body.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a top view of an example wearable computing device
that includes a touch pad having a boundary area.
[0012] FIG. 3 shows the wearable computing device of FIG. 2 where
the wearable computing device includes a hook-and-loop attachment
system.
[0013] FIG. 4 shows the wearable computing device of FIG. 2 where
the wearable computing device includes an adhesive.
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic side view of an example
personalized wearable computing device.
[0015] FIGS. 6-8 show another example wearable computing device
that includes transmission lines which are integrated into a touch
pad.
[0016] FIGS. 9-10 show another example wearable computing device
that includes optical fibers which are integrated into a touch
pad.
[0017] FIGS. 11-13 show the progression of bringing the optical
fibers shown in FIGS. 9-10 together to pass light between the
optical fibers.
[0018] FIG. 14 illustrates another example wearable computing
device that includes a touch pad.
[0019] FIG. 15 is block diagram of an electronic apparatus that
includes the electronic assemblies and/or the electronic packages
described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0020] The following description and the drawings sufficiently
illustrate specific embodiments to enable those skilled in the art
to practice them. Other embodiments may incorporate structural,
logical, electrical, process, and other changes. Portions and
features of some embodiments may be included in, or substituted
for, those of other embodiments. Embodiments set forth in the
claims encompass all available equivalents of those claims.
[0021] Orientation terminology, such as "horizontal," as used in
this application is defined with respect to a plane parallel to the
conventional plane or surface of a wafer or substrate, regardless
of the orientation of the wafer or substrate. The term "vertical"
refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal as defined
above. Prepositions, such as "on," "side" (as in "sidewall"),
"higher," "lower," "over," and "under" are defined with respect to
the conventional plane or surface being on the top surface of the
wafer or substrate, regardless of the orientation of the wafer or
substrate.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating example places X
where wearable computing devices may be placed on a human body B.
Several example wearable computing devices that include a "touch
pad" like interface are described herein. In some forms, the
example wearable computing devices may be integrated with (or
attached to) textiles (i.e. clothing). In other forms, the example
wearable computing devices may be attached directly to the skin of
someone (i.e., similar to a bandage) that utilizes any of the
example wearable computing devices.
[0023] The example wearable computing devices described herein
include a flexible touch pad that may allow a user of the wearable
computing device to more easily operate the wearable computing
device. As an example, the flexible touch pad may include a cursor
that may be moved or items so that items may be "clicked" in a
discrete way (e.g., in a similar manner as is done with laptops and
smart phones).
[0024] The example wearable computing devices described herein may
include a variety of electronics. Some examples include a power
supply and/or a communication device among other types of
electronics.
[0025] In addition, a user may be able to more easily operate the
wearable computing device that includes the flexible touch pad
without finger fidgeting or speaking commands thereby maintaining
user privacy. Eliminating finger fidgeting and/or speaking commands
may be especially important for online banking or password typing
applications.
[0026] One of the drawbacks with existing systems is that there may
be inaccurate user input caused by the system misinterpreting
spoken commands due to background noise. Another of the drawbacks
with existing systems is that there may be unwanted user input that
is caused by motion near the system. As an example, motion near the
system may cause unwanted and/or misinterpreted input gesture
analysis by such systems.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a top view of an example wearable computing device
1 that includes a flexible support 2 configured to be worn by a
user of the example wearable computing device 1. The example
wearable computing device 1 further includes a flexible touch pad 3
mounted to the flexible support 2.
[0028] As used herein "flexible" refers to the ability of the
flexible touch pad 3 and the flexible support 2 to bend. The amount
of bending will be determined in part on the application where any
of the example wearable computing devices 1, 10, 20, 30, 40
described herein are to be used. As an example, the degree of
bending may be different when the example wearable computing
devices described herein are integrated with (or detachably
connected to) textiles (i.e. clothing) as opposed when the example
wearable computing devices described herein are attached directly
to the skin of someone that utilizes any of the example wearable
computing devices 1, 10, 20, 30, 40.
[0029] The example wearable computing device 1 further includes an
integrated circuit(s) 4 mounted to the flexible support 2. The
integrated circuit 4 interprets contact with the flexible touch pad
3.
[0030] The type of integrated circuit(s) 4 that are included in the
example wearable computing device 1 will depend in part on the
operations that the example wearable computing device 1 is to
perform. It should be noted that the integrated circuit 4 may any
type of integrated circuit that is known now, or discovered in the
future.
[0031] The example wearable computing device 1 further includes a
transceiver 6 mounted to the flexible support 2. The transceiver 6
sends and receives wireless signals to and from a separate
electronic device 7 (e.g., via Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc.).
[0032] The separate electronic device 7 may also be worn by the
user (e.g., as glasses or a power supply) or operate as an entity
separate from the user's body. In some forms, the separate
electronic device 7 may be side-by-side to the flexible touch pad
3, below the flexible touch pad 3 or anywhere else on or off the
body depending on the form of the example wearable computing device
1.
[0033] The inclusion of a separate electronic device 7 may allow
the wearable computing device 1 that includes the flexible support
2 and the flexible touch pad 3 to be more easily (i) configured
into textiles that are incorporated into clothing; (ii) configured
to be detachably connected to clothing worn by the user; and/or
(iii) configured to be detachably mounted directly to the user's
skin.
[0034] in the example wearable computing device 1 shown in FIG. 2,
the flexible touch pad 3 includes a boundary area 8. The integrated
circuit 4 and the transceiver 6 may be in the boundary area 8 of
the flexible touch pad 3.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, the example wearable computing device 1
may further include a detachment mechanism 9 for selectively
attaching the wearable computing device 1 to the user's body. FIG.
3 shows the wearable computing device 1 of FIG. 2 where the
detachment mechanism 9 includes hook-and-loop attachment system H.
FIG. 4 shows the wearable computing device 1 of FIG. 2 where the
detachment mechanism 9 includes an adhesive A such that the
wearable computing device 1 may be detachably connected to the
user's skin or clothing using the adhesive A.
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic side view of an example
wearable computing device 10 where user inputs to the wearable
computing device 10 may be personalized. The wearable computing
device 10 includes a flexible support 11 that is configured to be
worn by a user U that wears the wearable computing device 10.
[0037] The wearable computing device 10 includes a flexible touch
pad 12 that is mounted to the flexible support 11 and an integrated
circuit 13 mounted to the flexible support 11. The integrated
circuit 13 detects contact with the flexible touch pad 12 when the
contact is made only by the user U that is wearing the wearable
computing device 10 and no other users.
[0038] In some forms, the integrated circuit 13 determines that
contact is made only by the user U that is wearing the wearable
computing device and no other users by sending an electrical signal
14 through the user's skin. The flexible touch pad 12 only
recognizes contact with the flexible touch pad 12 when the contact
passes the electrical signal 14 to the flexible touch pad 12. As an
example, the integrated circuit 13 may send an electrical signal 14
through the user's skin to the user's finger F.
[0039] It should be noted that the integrated circuit 13 may
generate any type of electrical signal 14 that may be suitable for
personalizing contact by the user with the flexible touch pad 12.
As an example, the electrical signal 14 may be at a designated
trigger frequency. If the user' skin is touching the wearable
computing device 10, the wearable computing device 10 may recognize
the trigger frequency and recognize the contact as an input to the
wearable computing device 10.
[0040] Therefore, if the wearable computing device 10 is touched by
a non-designated user without the right trigger frequency the
wearable computing device 10 may ignore the input. Personalizing a
trigger frequency may avoid unwanted inputs by other people
accidently contacting the wearable computing device 10.
[0041] In some, a low voltage trigger frequency might be applied
from the wearable computing device 10 via a contact 16 (e.g., a
Cu-Stud or bodkin) on the wearable computing device 10 to the skin
of the designated user U. Requiring an appropriate trigger
frequency when contacting the wearable computing device 10 may
avoid unwanted inputs on the wearable computing device 10,
especially when the designated user is operating the wearable
computing device 10 in crowded places like busses, trains, etc.
[0042] FIG. 6 shows another example wearable computing device 20
that includes a flexible transmission line 21A which is integrated
into a flexible touch pad 22. The flexible touch pad 22 configured
to be worn by a user. The wearable computing device 20 further
includes a first detector 24A at an end of the flexible
transmission line 21A.
[0043] The wearable computing device 20 further includes an
integrated circuit 23 mounted to the flexible touch pad 22. The
integrated circuit 23 interprets contact with the flexible touch
pad 22 by sending a first electrical signal through the first
transmission line 21A and determining a localized change in
impedance in the first transmission line 21A by using time domain
reflectotnetry (as an example). Touching and deforming the
transmission line 21A (e.g., at point P) leads to a local change of
its line impedance.
[0044] The meandering structure of transmission line 21A over the
flexible touch pad 22 may allow for partial localization. As shown
in FIG. 7, the partial localization provided by transmission line
21A may be within area A1.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 8, the flexible touch pad 22 may further
include a second flexible transmission line 21B. The integrated
circuit 23 interprets contact with the flexible touch pad 22 by
sending a second electrical signal through the second transmission
line 21B and determining a localized change in impedance in the
second transmission line 21B by using time domain reflectornetry
(as an example). The wearable computing device 20 further includes
a second detector 24B at an end of the second flexible transmission
line 21b.
[0046] Combining information from the two overlapping transmission
lines 21A, 21B may allow for more accurate contact localization.
The meandering structure of transmission lines 21A, 21B back and
forth from side-to-side over the flexible touch pad 22 may allow
for further localization. As an example, combining information from
the transmission lines 21A, 21B, the localization may be further
narrowed to within area A2.
[0047] In the example form illustrated in FIG. 8, the second
transmission line 21B is oriented perpendicularly to the
transmission line 21A at each of the multiple points where the
first and second transmission line 21A, 21B cross one another. It
should be noted that in other forms, the transmission lines 21A,
21B may cross at other angles.
[0048] One potential benefit of the wearable computing device 20 is
that the number of detectors does not increase as the size of the
touch pad 22 increases. As an example, the wearable computing
device 20 may require only two detectors 24A, 24B instead of the
numerous detectors that are required with conventional touch pads.
Therefore, the resolution of the flexible touch pad 22 is not
related to the area of the flexible touch pad 22 making the
wearable computing device 20 suitable for use with a wide range of
flexible touch pad 22 sizes.
[0049] In addition, if the wearable computing device 20 is
integrated into clothing, there is no noise due to capacitive
coupling with the body of the person wearing the wearable computing
device 20. The lack of capacitive coupling may improve the
performance of the wearable computing device 20.
[0050] In some forms of the wearable computing device 20, the
transmission lines 21A, 21B are coax lines or twisted pair lines
that are integrated into the flexible touch pad 22. The layout of
each of the transmission lines 21A, 21B may cover the whole touch
pad 22 area (e.g., in the meander-like geometry shown in FIG.
8).
[0051] As discussed above, touching and deforming each of the
transmission lines 21A, 21B leads to a local change in impedance of
each transmission line 21A, 21B. In some forms, radio frequency
pulses are fed into the respective transmission lines 21A, 21B. The
respective radio frequency pulses are reflected by the impedance
discontinuity created by the touching and deforming.
[0052] The position of the deformity along each transmission line
may be calculated from the time between the original and the
reflected pulse (e.g., using Time Domain Reflectometry). In
addition, the first and second detectors 24A, 24B may be used for
each respective transmission line 21A, 21B in order to detect the
position of the deformity along each transmission line 21A,
21B.
[0053] The resolution of the wearable computing device 20 may
depend in part on how accurately the delay between the propagating
and the reflected pulse can be measured. The resolution does not
depend on the absolute length of the transmission lines 21A, 21B
making the wearable computing device 20 readily scalable to longer
line lengths, and correspondingly larger flexible touch pad 22
areas.
[0054] FIG. 9 shows an alternative form of a wearable computing
device 30 that includes a flexible touch pad 32 configured to be
worn by a user. As compared to the wearable computing device 20,
the two transmission lines 21A, 21B may be replaced by the first
and second optical fibers 31A, 31B. The wearable computing device
30 further includes a first detector 33A at an end of the first
optical fiber 31A and a second detector 33B at an end of the second
optical fiber 31B.
[0055] The wearable computing device 30 further includes an
integrated circuit 34 mounted to the flexible touch pad 32. The
integrated circuit 34 interprets contact with the flexible touch
pad 32 by sending radiation through the first and second optical
fibers 31A, 31B to the respective first and second detectors 33A,
3313. The radiation propagates between the first and second optical
fibers 31A, 31B when the first and second optical fibers 31A, 31B
are forced near each other due to contact with the flexible touch
pad 32. The location of the contact with the flexible touch pad 32
is determining by analyzing the radiation propagation times through
the first and second optical fibers 31A, 31B to the respective
first and second detectors 33A, 33B.
[0056] When the two optical fibers 31A, 31B are pressed against
each other, radiation (i.e., electromagnetic radiation, light,
visible light, infrared light) may propagate between two optical
fibers 31A, 31B. The location of the contact (i.e., applied
pressure) to the touch pad 32 may be obtained by analyzing the
signal propagation times.
[0057] In the example form shown in FIG. 9, the two optical fibers
31A, 31B have a detector 33A, 33B at each respective end. The two
optical fibers 31A, 31B are configured in a way that allows light
to propagate between the two optical fibers 31A, 31B when the two
optical fibers 31A, 31B fibers are pressed against each other
(i.e., due to contact with the flexible touch pad).
[0058] In some forms, the first optical fiber 31A meanders back and
forth from side to side over the flexible touch pad 32 without
crossing. In addition, the second optical fiber 31B meanders back
and forth from side to side over the flexible touch pad 32 without
crossing. The first optical fiber 31A and the second optical fiber
31B cross each other at several locations.
[0059] The principle of position detection when using the radiation
light) propagation between the two optical fibers 31A, 31B will now
be described relative to FIG. 10. The two meandering optical fibers
31A, 31B have been replaced by straight optical fibers 34A, 34B
with only one intersection 35.
[0060] Measurements of the propagation times from inputs to
detectors 33A, 33B give the distances x1-y1, x2+y2, x1+x2 and
y1+y2. From these determined distances x1, x2, y1, y2, may be
calculated to establish the position of the intersection 35.
[0061] The radiation propagation times may be determined by
measuring the amount time it takes for (i) a first radiation to
travel through the first optical fiber 34A to the second detector
33B after propagation of the radiation from the first optical fiber
34A to the second optical fiber 34B; and (ii) a second radiation to
travel through the second optical fiber 34B to the first detector
33A after propagation of the radiation from the second optical
fiber 34B to the first optical fiber 34A. In some forms, the first
radiation is at a different frequency than the second
radiation.
[0062] It should be noted that in the case multiple intersections
of meandering optical fibers 31A, 31B, a pulse is fed into one
optical fiber (e.g., optical fiber 31A) which results in several
pulses arriving at the detector 33B of the other optical fiber
(e.g., optical fiber 31B). Each pulse received by the detector 33B
corresponds to an intersection and may be analyzed as described
above.
[0063] FIGS. 11-13 show the progression of bringing the optical
fibers 31A, 31B shown in FIG. 9 together to pass light between the
optical fibers 31A, 31B. In some forms, the optical fibers 31A, 31B
may each include a core 37A, 37B through which the light
propagates. The optical fibers 31A, 31B may further include a
cladding 38A, 38B with a lower index of refraction that ensures
almost total reflection at the interface between the cores 37A, 37B
and the respective claddings 38A, 38B.
[0064] As shown in FIGS. 11-13, upon pressing the optical fibers
31A, 31B against each other, the cores 37A, 37B get very close to
each other (see FIG. 12) and may eventually touch (see FIG. 13). If
the cores 37A, 37B get close enough to each other, light will
propagate between the cores 37A, 37B.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 12, the claddings 38A, 38B may be a
compressible cladding comprising a silicone material). In addition,
the cores 37A, 37B may be compressible to increase surface area
contact between the cores 37A, 37B upon contacting the flexible
touch pad 32 (see FIG. 13)
[0066] In some forms, the area where the cores 37A, 37B almost
touch, or touch, may be increased by using a soft, deformable core
material. In alternative forms, only an outer layer of the cores
37A, 37B may comprise a softer material.
[0067] FIG. 14 illustrates another example wearable computing
device 40 that includes a flexible touch pad 42. The example
wearable computing device 40 includes conductive fibers 41A, 41B
that detect pressure on the conductive fibers 41A, 41B.
[0068] The conductive fibers 41A, 41B include a plurality of
conducting fibers that are arranged in an intersecting
configuration over the flexible touch pad 42 as shown in FIG. 14.
It should be noted that each of the conductive fibers 41A, 41B may
be an individual fiber or a composite of fibers.
[0069] The example wearable computing device 40 further includes an
integrated circuit 44 mounted to the flexible touch pad 42. The
integrated circuit 44 interprets contact with the flexible touch
pad 42 by detecting a change in resistance between intersecting
conducting fibers 41A, 41B.
[0070] The conductive fibers 41A, 41B may carry electrical signals.
In addition, each conducting fiber may be electrically isolated
from every other conducting fiber until there is contact with the
flexible touch pad 42. As an example, the conductive fibers 41A,
41B may be arranged and may be used to detect the contact location
in a manner known from the cell locations in a DRAM device.
[0071] One of the potential operating principles for the wearable
computing device 40 relates to a change of leakage values due to
touching of the conductive fibers 41A, 41B. As an example, a
reduction in the resistance value below a certain level due to
contact with the conducting fibers creates a logical 0 or 1 that
the integrated circuit 44 uses to determine the position of contact
with the flexible touch pad 42. As another example, when the
conductive fibers 41A, 41B are electrically isolated with low
current the conductive fibers 41A, 41B may create logical 0 or
1.
[0072] Another of the potential operating principles for the
wearable computing device 40 relates to a change of resistance
values due to touching of the fibers 41A, 41B. This change of
resistance values due to touching of the fibers 41A, 41B creates a
current signal or voltage drop.
[0073] When there is pressure inputs (comparable to the press of a
button) nodes 45 may generated between intersecting conductive
fibers 41A, 41B. FIG. 14 shows two pressure inputs 43A, 43B that
create three nodes 45. Changes in resistance of an intersection
between a horizontal conducting fiber 41A and a vertical conducting
fiber 41B creates a node 45 that determines a location of a contact
with the flexible touch pad 42. The physical position of these
nodes 45 on the touch sensitive display 42 establish a user input
to the wearable computing device 40.
[0074] Forms of the wearable computing device 40 are contemplated
where information may not be limited to logical 0 and 1. As an
example, a state in between logic 0 and 1 is possible where this
state is used to evaluate the level of pressure.
[0075] The wearable computing device 40 may provide for physical
separation between an input device and an application that is
performed by the wearable computing device 40. As an example, this
separation may inhibit vandalism or any unwanted engagement with
other electronics that receive input from wearable computing device
40.
[0076] The wearable computing device 40 may also be made in
relatively large sizes. The wearable computing device 40 may be
made larger merely by adding additional conductive fibers 41A, 41B.
The resolution of the wearable computing device 40 will depend in
part on how many conductive fibers 41A, 41B are included relatively
to size of the wearable computing device 40. The wearable computing
device 40 described herein may also be cost effective to
manufacture.
[0077] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an electronic apparatus 1500
incorporating at least one wearable computing device 1, 10, 20, 30,
40 described herein. Electronic apparatus 1500 is merely one
example of an electronic apparatus in which forms of the wearable
computing devices 1, 10, 20, 30, 40 described herein may be used.
Examples of an electronic apparatus 1500 include, but are not
limited to, personal computers, tablet computers, mobile
telephones, game devices, MP3 or other digital media players, etc.
In this example, electronic apparatus 1500 comprises a data
processing system that includes a system bus 1502 to couple the
various components of the electronic apparatus 1500. System bus
1502 provides communications links among the various components of
the electronic apparatus 1500 and may be implemented as a single
bus, as a combination of busses, or in any other suitable
manner.
[0078] An electronic apparatus 1500 as describe herein may be
coupled to system bus 1502. The electronic apparatus 1500 may
include any circuit or combination of circuits. In one embodiment,
the electronic apparatus 1500 includes a processor 1512 which can
be of any type. As used herein, "processor" means any type of
computational circuit, such as but not limited to a microprocessor,
a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing (CISC)
microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC)
microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor,
a graphics processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), multiple
core processor, or any other type of processor or processing
circuit.
[0079] Other types of circuits that may be included in electronic
apparatus 1500 are a custom circuit, an application-specific
integrated circuit (ASIC), or the like, such as, for example, one
or more circuits (such as a communications circuit 1514) for use in
wireless devices like mobile telephones, tablet computers, laptop
computers, two-way radios, and similar electronic systems. The IC
can perform any other type of function.
[0080] The electronic apparatus 1500 may also include an external
memory 1520, which in turn may include one or more memory elements
suitable to the particular application, such as a main memory 1522
in the form of random access memory (RAM), one or more hard drives
1524, and/or one or more drives that handle removable media 1526
such as compact disks (CD), flash memory cards, digital video disk
(DVD), and the like.
[0081] The electronic apparatus 1500 may also include a display
device 1516, one or more speakers 1518, and a keyboard and/or
controller 1530, which can include a mouse, trackball, touch pad,
voice-recognition device, or any other device that permits a system
user to input information into and receive information from the
electronic apparatus 1500.
[0082] To better illustrate the wearable computing devices 1, 10,
20, 30, 40 disclosed herein, a non-limiting list of examples is
provided herein:
[0083] Example 1 includes a wearable computing device. The wearable
computing device includes a flexible touch pad configured to be
worn by a user and an integrated circuit mounted to the flexible
touch pad. The integrated circuit interprets contact with the
flexible touch pad. A transceiver is mounted to the flexible touch
pad. The transceiver sends and receives signals to and from a
separate electronic device.
[0084] Example 2 includes the wearable computing device of example
1, wherein the flexible touch pad is configured to be mounted
directly to the user's body.
[0085] Example 3 includes the wearable computing device of any one
of examples 1-2, wherein the flexible touch pad are configured to
be incorporated into a textile.
[0086] Example 4 includes the wearable computing device of any one
of examples 1-3, and further including a detachment mechanism for
selectively attaching the wearable computing device to the user's
body.
[0087] Example 5 includes the wearable computing device of example
4, wherein the detachment mechanism includes a hook-and-loop
fastening system for selective attachment of the wearable computing
device to a textile worn by the user.
[0088] Example 6 includes the wearable computing device of any one
of examples 4-5, wherein the separate electronic device is
configured to be worn by the user.
[0089] Example 7 includes a wearable computing device. The wearable
computing device includes a flexible touch pad configured to be
worn by a user. The flexible touch pad includes a first
transmission line and an integrated circuit mounted to the flexible
touch pad. The integrated circuit configured to interpret contact
with the flexible touch pad by sending a first electrical signal
through the first transmission line and determining a localized
change in impedance in the first transmission line.
[0090] Example 8 includes the wearable computing device of example
7, wherein the flexible touch pad includes a second transmission
line, and the integrated circuit interprets contact with the
flexible touch pad by sending a second electrical signal through
the second transmission line and determining a localized change in
impedance in the second transmission line.
[0091] Example 9 includes the wearable computing device of any one
of examples 7-8, wherein the first electrical signal and the second
electrical signal are each radio frequency signals.
[0092] Example 10 includes the wearable computing device of any one
of examples 7-9, wherein the first transmission line meanders back
and forth from side to side over the flexible touch pad without
crossing the first transmission line, and the second transmission
line meanders back and forth from side to side over the flexible
touch pad without crossing the second transmission line.
[0093] Example 11 includes the wearable computing device of any one
of examples 7-10, wherein the integrated circuit determines the
localized change in impedance in the first transmission line using
time domain reflectometry and determines the localized change in
impedance in the second transmission line using time domain
reflectometry.
[0094] Example 12 includes the wearable computing device of any one
of examples 9-11, wherein the first transmission line and the
second transmission line cross each other at several locations.
[0095] Example 13 includes the wearable computing device of example
12, wherein the first transmission line and the second transmission
line are orthogonal to one another where the first transmission
line and the second transmission line cross each other.
[0096] Example 14 includes a wearable computing device. The
wearable computing device includes a flexible touch pad configured
to be worn by a user. The flexible touch pad includes a first
optical fiber and a second optical fiber. The flexible touch pad
further includes a first detector at an end of the first optical
fiber and a second detector at an end of the second optical fiber.
An integrated circuit is mounted to the flexible touch pad. The
integrated circuit configured to interpret contact with the
flexible touch pad by sending radiation through the first and
second optical fibers to the respective first and second detectors.
The radiation propagates between the first and second optical
fibers when the first and second optical fibers are forced near
each other due to contact with the flexible touch pad. The location
of the contact with the touch pad is determined by analyzing the
radiation propagation times through the first and second optical
fibers to the respective first and second detectors.
[0097] Example 15 includes the wearable computing device of example
14, wherein the radiation is light.
[0098] Example 16 includes the wearable computing device of any one
of examples 14-15, wherein the first optical fiber meanders back
and forth from side to side over the flexible touch pad without
crossing, and wherein the second optical fiber meanders back and
forth from side to side over the flexible touch pad without
crossing, and wherein the first optical fiber and the second
optical fiber cross each other at several locations.
[0099] Example 17 includes the wearable computing device of any one
of examples 14-16, wherein the first optical fiber and the second
optical fiber contact each other due to contact with the flexible
touch pad, wherein the radiation propagation times are determined
by measuring the amount time it takes for (i) a first radiation to
travel through the first optical fiber to the second optical fiber
then to the second detector; and (ii) a second radiation to travel
through the second optical fiber to the first optical fiber then to
the first detector.
[0100] Example 18 includes the wearable computing device of any one
of examples 14-17, wherein the first radiation is at a different
frequency than the second radiation.
[0101] Example 19 includes the wearable computing device of any one
of examples 14-18, wherein the first and second optical fibers each
include a core through which the radiation propagates and a
cladding with lower index of refraction than the core for enabling
reflection at an interface between the cores and the respective
claddings.
[0102] Example 20 includes the wearable computing device of example
19, wherein the claddings are compressible to facilitate moving the
cores together upon contacting the flexible touch pad, and wherein
the cores may be compressible to increase surface area contact
between the cores upon contacting the flexible touch pad.
[0103] Example 21 includes a wearable computing device. The
wearable computing device includes a flexible touch pad configured
to be worn by a user. The flexible touch pad includes a plurality
of conducting fibers arranged in an intersecting configuration over
the flexible touch pad. An integrated circuit is mounted to the
flexible touch pad. The integrated circuit interprets contact with
the flexible touch pad by detecting a change in resistance between
intersecting conducting fibers.
[0104] Example 22 includes the wearable computing device of example
21, wherein the plurality of conducting fibers are arranged in an
intersecting horizontal and vertical configuration.
[0105] Example 23 includes the wearable computing device of any one
of examples 21-22, wherein each conducting fiber is electrically
isolated from every other conducting fiber until there is contact
with the flexible touch pad.
[0106] Example 24 includes the wearable computing device of any one
of examples 21-23, wherein the conducting fibers carry electrical
signals.
[0107] Example 25 includes the wearable computing device of any one
of examples 21-24, wherein a reduction in the resistance value
below a certain level due to contact with the conducting fibers
creates a logical 0 or 1 that the integrated circuit uses to
determine the position of contact with the flexible touch pad.
[0108] Example 26 includes the wearable computing device of any one
of examples 21-25, wherein changes in resistance of an intersection
between a horizontal conducting fiber and a vertical conducting
fiber creates a node that determines a location of a contact with
the flexible touch pad.
[0109] Example 27 includes a wearable computing device. The
wearable computing device includes a flexible touch pad configured
to be worn by a user that wears the wearable computing device and
an integrated circuit mounted to the flexible touch pad. The
integrated circuit detects contact with the flexible touch pad when
the contact is made only by the user that is wearing the wearable
computing device and no other users.
[0110] Example 28 includes the wearable computing device of example
27, wherein the integrated circuit determines that contact is made
with the flexible touch pad only by the user that is wearing the
wearable computing device and no other users by sending an
electrical signal through the user's skin, and wherein the flexible
touch pad only recognizes contact with the flexible touch pad when
the contact passes the electrical signal to the flexible touch
pad.
[0111] Example 29 includes the wearable computing device of example
28, wherein the integrated circuit sends an electrical signal
through the user's skin to the user's finger. This overview is
intended to provide non-limiting examples of the present subject
matter. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive
explanation. The detailed description is included to provide
further information about the methods.
[0112] The above detailed description includes references to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed
description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific
embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These
embodiments are also referred to herein as "examples." Such
examples can include elements in addition to those shown or
described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples
in which only those elements shown or described are provided.
Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any
combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or
one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular
example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other
examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described
herein.
[0113] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is
common in patent documents, to include one or more than one,
independent of any other instances or usages of "at least one" or
"one or more." In this document, the term "or" is used to refer to
a nonexclusive or, such that "A or B" includes "A but not B," "B
but not A," and "A and B," unless otherwise indicated. In this
document, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the
plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and
"wherein." Also, in the following claims, the terms "including" and
"comprising" are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article,
composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in
addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still
deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the
following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc.
are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical
requirements on their objects.
[0114] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and
not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one
or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each
other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary
skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.
[0115] The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. .sctn.
1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the
technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that
it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of
the claims.
[0116] Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features
may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should
not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature
is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie
in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment.
Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the
Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a
separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments
can be combined with each other in various combinations or
permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with
reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of
equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
* * * * *