EP3158569B1 - System and method for monitoring biometric signals - Google Patents
System and method for monitoring biometric signals Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3158569B1 EP3158569B1 EP15809222.1A EP15809222A EP3158569B1 EP 3158569 B1 EP3158569 B1 EP 3158569B1 EP 15809222 A EP15809222 A EP 15809222A EP 3158569 B1 EP3158569 B1 EP 3158569B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- housing portion
- user
- electrical contact
- array
- contacts
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 65
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 title description 39
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims description 76
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 48
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 48
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 47
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 47
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims description 43
- 229920001940 conductive polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 33
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- 230000008054 signal transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 210000003205 muscle Anatomy 0.000 description 103
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 52
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 30
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 20
- 230000037081 physical activity Effects 0.000 description 20
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 16
- 230000006399 behavior Effects 0.000 description 15
- 230000003750 conditioning effect Effects 0.000 description 14
- 210000000746 body region Anatomy 0.000 description 13
- 238000004458 analytical method Methods 0.000 description 11
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 description 11
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 10
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 10
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 8
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000013507 mapping Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 6
- 210000003314 quadriceps muscle Anatomy 0.000 description 6
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000012549 training Methods 0.000 description 6
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 5
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000001143 conditioned effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 5
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 5
- 230000029058 respiratory gaseous exchange Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 5
- RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N Diethyl ether Chemical compound CCOCC RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000013478 data encryption standard Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000002565 electrocardiography Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000000241 respiratory effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 210000002027 skeletal muscle Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 231100000430 skin reaction Toxicity 0.000 description 4
- 210000003489 abdominal muscle Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000002861 polymer material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lithium ion Chemical compound [Li+] HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 241000489861 Maximus Species 0.000 description 2
- 206010028289 Muscle atrophy Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 238000012952 Resampling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920002334 Spandex Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004433 Thermoplastic polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 2
- 210000003484 anatomy Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008512 biological response Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000036772 blood pressure Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000013500 data storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000000852 deltoid muscle Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002526 effect on cardiovascular system Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000002567 electromyography Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001747 exhibiting effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009499 grossing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000036541 health Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910001416 lithium ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012806 monitoring device Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000020763 muscle atrophy Effects 0.000 description 2
- 201000000585 muscular atrophy Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000006461 physiological response Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000002106 pulse oximetry Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000011160 research Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000019491 signal transduction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004759 spandex Substances 0.000 description 2
- -1 sweat Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000004243 sweat Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 229920002803 thermoplastic polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000001131 transforming effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 description 1
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 208000005408 Metatarsus Varus Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 206010049565 Muscle fatigue Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium chloride Chemical compound [Na+].[Cl-] FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 230000002745 absorbent Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002250 absorbent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009692 acute damage Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003044 adaptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 208000026935 allergic disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000003491 array Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- MTAZNLWOLGHBHU-UHFFFAOYSA-N butadiene-styrene rubber Chemical compound C=CC=C.C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 MTAZNLWOLGHBHU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- OJIJEKBXJYRIBZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N cadmium nickel Chemical compound [Ni].[Cd] OJIJEKBXJYRIBZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009693 chronic damage Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004590 computer program Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007812 deficiency Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000005401 electroluminescence Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003792 electrolyte Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005672 electromagnetic field Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001976 improved effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003434 inspiratory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000003127 knee Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 210000002414 leg Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910001507 metal halide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000005309 metal halides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052987 metal hydride Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000877 morphologic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003387 muscular Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N nickel Substances [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000012811 non-conductive material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000615 nonconductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 210000002976 pectoralis muscle Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000012805 post-processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007781 pre-processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003566 sealing material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002379 silicone rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004945 silicone rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011780 sodium chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001228 spectrum Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000012209 synthetic fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008685 targeting Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010409 thin film Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000000115 thoracic cavity Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003442 weekly effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
- H01H13/78—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by the contacts or the contact sites
- H01H13/807—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by the contacts or the contact sites characterised by the spatial arrangement of the contact sites, e.g. superimposed sites
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
- G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
- G10H2220/00—Input/output interfacing specifically adapted for electrophonic musical tools or instruments
- G10H2220/155—User input interfaces for electrophonic musical instruments
- G10H2220/321—Garment sensors, i.e. musical control means with trigger surfaces or joint angle sensors, worn as a garment by the player, e.g. bracelet, intelligent clothing
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
- G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
- G10H2220/00—Input/output interfacing specifically adapted for electrophonic musical tools or instruments
- G10H2220/155—User input interfaces for electrophonic musical instruments
- G10H2220/371—Vital parameter control, i.e. musical instrument control based on body signals, e.g. brainwaves, pulsation, temperature, perspiration; biometric information
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2203/00—Form of contacts
- H01H2203/008—Wires
- H01H2203/0085—Layered switches integrated into garment, clothes or textile
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2203/00—Form of contacts
- H01H2203/028—Form of contacts embedded in layer material
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to the biometric device field, and more specifically to a new and useful system and method for monitoring biometric signals.
- Tracking biometric parameters resulting from periods of physical activity can provide profound insights into improving one's performance and overall health.
- users have tracked their exercise behavior by manually maintaining records of aspects of their physical activity, including time points, durations, and/or other metrics (e.g., weight lifted, distance traveled, repetitions, sets, etc.) of their exercise behavior.
- Exercise tracking systems and software have been recently developed to provide some amount of assistance to a user interested in tracking his/her exercise behavior; however, such systems and methods still suffer from a number of drawbacks.
- biometric monitoring devices include one or more of: involvement of single-use electrodes, involvement of a single electrode targeting a single body location, use of adhesives for electrode placement, contributions to user discomfort, and other deficiencies.
- An example of biometric monitoring device of the prior art is disclosed in WO-A-2007/063436 .
- an embodiment of a system 100 for monitoring biometric signals of a user comprises: a garment 105; a set of biometric sensors 120 coupled to the garment and configured to receive biometric signals indicative of muscle activity of the user; and a control module 130 comprising a housing 140, a set of contacts 150 configured to couple to an array of connection regions 115 that enable signal transmission from the set of biometric sensors, and an electronics subsystem 160 in communication with the set of contacts.
- the system 100 can further comprise one or more of: a mounting module 110 coupled to the garment and providing the array of connection regions; and a processing subsystem 170 configured to communicate with the electronics subsystem 160 and generate analyses based upon biometric signals detected by way of the set of biometric sensors.
- the system 100 functions to position a set of biometric sensors at desired regions of a user's body, in order to detect biometric signals generated during physical activity of the user.
- the system 100 also functions to process detected biometric signals and to provide information derived from the processed biometric signals to the user performing a physical activity in substantially near real time, such that the user can gain insights into how to maintain or improve performance of the physical activity in a beneficial manner.
- the system 100 is configured to detect and process bioelectrical signals generated at a set of regions of the body of a user who is exercising (e.g., performing aerobic exercise, performing anaerobic exercise), and to present analyses in a visual manner (e.g., graphic manner, textual manner) by way of an application executing at an electronic device having a display.
- bioelectrical signals detectable, processable, and/or analyzable by the system 100 can include any one or more of: electromyograph (EMG) signals, electrocardiography (ECG) signals, electroencephalograph (EEG) signals, magnetoencephalograph (MEG) signals, galvanic skin response (GSR) signals, electrooculograph (EOG) signals, and any other suitable bioelectrical signal of the user.
- EMG electromyograph
- ECG electrocardiography
- EEG electroencephalograph
- MEG magnetoencephalograph
- GSR galvanic skin response
- EOG electrooculograph
- EOG electrooculograph
- the system 100 can, however, be configured to detect, process, and/or analyze any other suitable biosignal data of the user, including one or more of: heart rate data, movement data, respiration data, location data, environmental data (e.g., temperature data, light data, etc.), and any other suitable data.
- the system 100 can be configured to aggregate a combination of one or more of the biometric factors described above, and to determine and output a variety of metrics associated with the user's exercise activity. These metrics can provide the user with insights pertaining to his/her muscle exertion, muscle balance, exercise form, potential to incur injuries (e.g., acute injuries, chronic injuries), muscle fatigue, activity levels, muscle recovery behavior, exercise regimen parameters (e.g., types of exercise, sets of an exercise, repetitions of an exercise, etc.), and/or any other suitable exercise- or health-related factor.
- injuries e.g., acute injuries, chronic injuries
- muscle fatigue e.g., activity levels
- muscle recovery behavior e.g., exercise regimen parameters
- exercise regimen parameters e.g., types of exercise, sets of an exercise, repetitions of an exercise, etc.
- the system 100 is preferably configured to be used by a user who is away from a research or clinical setting, such that the user is interfacing with a portion of the system 100 while he or she undergoes periods of activity in a natural setting (e.g., at a gym, outdoors, etc.).
- the system 100 can additionally or alternatively be configured to be operated by a user who is in a research setting, a clinical setting, or any other suitable setting.
- the system 100 is preferably configured to perform at least a portion of the method 200 described in Section 2 below; however, the system 100 can additionally or alternatively be configured to perform any other suitable method.
- the garment 105 functions to position a set of biometric sensors proximal a set of body regions of the user, in order to enable detection of biometric signals from specific body regions of the user as the user is performing a form of physical exercise.
- the garment 105 can thus provide a means for providing close coupling and/or consistent placement of the set of biometric sensors at the body of the user.
- the garment can be a form-fitting garment that provides a biasing force on the set of biometric sensors 120 described below, in order to promote close coupling between the set of biometric sensors 120 and desired portions of the body of the user.
- the garment can thus include a stretchable and/or compressive fabric comprising natural and/or synthetic fibers (e.g., nylon, lycra, polyester, spandex, etc.) to promote coupling (i.e., electrical coupling, mechanical coupling) and/or reduce motion artifacts that could otherwise result from relative motion between the skin of the user and the sensors of the set of biometric sensors 120.
- the garment 105 can include any one or more of: a top (e.g., shirt, jacket, tank top, etc.), bottom (e.g., shorts, pants, etc.), elbow pad, knee pad, arm sleeve, leg sleeve, socks, undergarment, neck wrap, glove, and any other suitable wearable garment.
- the system 100 can comprise an embodiment of the garment described in U.S. App. No. 14/079,629 entitled “Wearable Architecture and Methods for Performance Monitoring, Analysis, and Feedback” and filed on 13-NOV-2013.
- the system 100 can alternatively comprise any other suitable garment.
- the garment 105 preferably comprises a plurality of conductive regions 106, as shown in FIGURE 3A , configured to contact the set of body regions of the user from which biometric signal detection is desired, when the garment is worn by the user.
- the plurality of conductive regions 106 can facilitate biometric signal transduction to the set of biometric sensors 120 described below.
- the plurality of conductive regions 106 includes volumes of a conductive material that is integrated into the garment, wherein the conductive material is flexible, has good fatigue resistance, and is biocompatible (e.g., does not induce an allergic response, does not promote harboring of bacteria, etc.).
- the plurality of conductive regions 106 preferably also provide direct interfaces with the skin of the user when the garment is worn by the user, in order to facilitate electrical coupling with low impedance.
- the plurality of conductive regions 106 can alternatively not directly contact skin of the user, but be configured to electrically couple to the user by way of an electrical coupling medium (e.g., saline, sweat, electrolyte medium, etc.) transmitted by way of the garment 105 or the user.
- an electrical coupling medium e.g., saline, sweat, electrolyte medium, etc.
- the plurality of conductive regions 106 can include a conductive resin or silicone material formed directly onto a surface of the garment 105 facing the skin of the user, when the garment 105 is worn by the user, in order to facilitate signal transduction from the user to the set of biometric sensors 120 of the system 100.
- the conductive material can alternatively comprise any other suitable material and/or be configured in any other suitable manner.
- the set of biometric sensors 120 is preferably coupled to the garment and configured to receive biometric signals indicative of muscle activity of the user. As such, the set of biometric sensors 120 function to detect bioelectric potentials (i.e., biopotentials) from body regions of the user, which vary according to different states of activity of the user.
- the set of biometric sensors 120 as described above, are preferably incorporated with or otherwise coupled to the plurality of conductive regions 106 of the garment 105; however, the set of biometric sensors 120 can include one or more biometric sensors that are configured to couple to the user in any other suitable manner (e.g., without involvement of the garment 105, without involvement of a plurality of conductive regions 106 of the garment 105).
- the set of biometric sensors 120 preferably include electromyography (EMG) electrodes configured to acquire biopotential signals resulting from muscle activity of the user.
- EMG electromyography
- the set of biometric sensors 120 can additionally or alternatively include any one or more of: respiration sensors (e.g., sensors that operate according to plethysmography), galvanic skin response (GSR) sensors, temperature sensors, accelerometers (e.g., single axis accelerometers, multi-axis accelerometers), gyroscopes (e.g., single axis gyroscopes, multi-axis gyroscopes) global positioning system (GPS) sensors, vibration sensors, bioimpedance sensors, bend-angle measurement sensors, electrocardiography (ECG) sensors, sensors indicative of other cardiovascular parameters (e.g., pulse oximetry sensors, blood pressure sensors), and any other suitable type of sensor.
- the set of biometric sensors 120 can detect biosignals indicative of one or multiple types of biological/physiological responses to activity of
- the type, number, and positioning of the set of biometric sensors is dependent upon the type(s) of garment(s) 105 included in the system 100.
- the set of biometric sensors 120 preferably includes pairs of sensors, each pair including a first sensor at a first body region and a second sensor at a second body region that is a contralateral region to the first body region.
- the set of biometric sensors 120 can include a set of EMG electrodes configured to be positioned at desired locations when the garment 105 is worn by the user, and can additionally or alternatively include one or more of a heart rate sensor and a respiratory sensor.
- the set of EMG electrodes include electrodes configured to be positioned proximal one or more of: the pectoralisis muscles, the abdominal muscles, the oblique muscles, the trapezius muscles, the rhomboid muscles, the teres major muscles, the latissimus dorsi muscles, the deltoid muscles, the biceps muscles, and the triceps muscles when the garment 105 is worn by the user.
- the set of biometric sensors can further include a heart rate sensor configured to be positioned proximal the heart region of the user, and/or a respiratory sensor configured to encircle at least a portion of the torso of the user (i.e., to facilitate plethysmography) when the garment 105 is worn by the user.
- a heart rate sensor configured to be positioned proximal the heart region of the user
- a respiratory sensor configured to encircle at least a portion of the torso of the user (i.e., to facilitate plethysmography) when the garment 105 is worn by the user.
- Variations of the example of the garment 105 configured as a top with biometric sensors can, however, be configured in any other suitable manner (e.g., a tank top garment can omit sensors positioned proximal the triceps and the biceps muscles).
- the set of biometric sensors 120 can include a set of EMG electrodes configured to be positioned at desired locations when the garment 105 is worn by the user.
- the set of EMG electrodes include electrodes configured to be positioned proximal one or more of: the gluteus maximus muscles, the gluteus medius muscles, the vastus lateralis muscles, the gracilis muscles, the semimembranosus muscles, the semitendinosis muscles, the biceps femoris, the quadriceps muscles, the soleus muscles, the gastrocnemius muscles, the rectus femoris muscles, the sartorius muscles, the peroneus longus muscles, and the adductor longus muscles when the garment 105 is worn by the user.
- Variations of the example of the garment 105 configured as a bottom with biometric sensors can, however, be configured in any other suitable manner.
- the set of biometric sensors 120 can be supplemented with a set of supplementary sensors 125 configured to detect one or more aspects associated with an environment of the user.
- the set of supplementary sensors 125 can include one or more of: environmental temperature sensors, altimeters, oxygen content sensors, air quality sensors, near field communication (NFC) sensors (e.g., configured to detect a nearby device or piece of exercise equipment having a corresponding NFC element), and any other suitable supplementary sensor that can enrich the data acquired from user and/or the environment of the user.
- NFC near field communication
- the control module 130 comprises a housing 140 and a set of contacts 150 configured to couple to an array of connection regions 115 in electrical communication with the set of biometric sensors 120, which enable signal transmission from the set of biometric sensors to the control module 130.
- the control module 130 preferably also includes an electronics subsystem 160 in communication with the set of contacts 150, wherein the electronics subsystem 160 facilitates signal reception, signal conditioning, signal transmission, and power distribution for the system 100.
- the control module 130 thus functions to control signal reception, preprocessing, and transmission to a processing subsystem, and to physically protect/isolate sensitive elements (e.g., electronics) of the system 100.
- the control module 130 is preferably configured to be a portable control module that can removably couple to the garment 105 and set of biometric sensors 120 in cooperation with a mounting module 110 of the garment 105, as described below.
- the control module 130 can be configured to be uncoupled from the garment by the user (or another entity) when desired (e.g., during charging, during washing of the garment, during battery replacement, etc.).
- the control module 130 can alternatively be configured to semipermanently couple to the garment 105, such that it is not desirable for the user to remove the control module 130 from the garment.
- the control module 130 is preferably configured to provide electrical signal conduction pathways, through conductive contacts, in a waterproof manner; however, the control module 130 can alternatively be configured to provide electrical signal conduction pathways in any other suitable manner.
- the housing 140 functions to house and protect the electronics subsystem 160 over the lifetime of use of the system 100 by a user, and can further function to enhance wearability of the system.
- the housing 140 is preferably composed of a rigid material (e.g., a rigid plastic material, a metal, etc.), such that the housing 140 does not deform in response to normal forces, shear stresses, bending stresses, or torsional stresses induced during use of the system 100.
- the housing 140 can be flexible to facilitate maintenance of compliance with a user as the user performs a physical activity.
- the housing 140 is flexible, other elements of the system 100 can also be flexible (e.g., the electronics subsystem can comprise a flexible thin film battery, the electronics subsystem can comprise flexible electronics, etc.) to facilitate compliance with the body of a user.
- the housing 140 is preferably composed of a non-conductive material (i.e., in order to prevent bridging across elements that provide signal conduction); however, the housing 140 can alternatively be composed of any other suitable material and configured to prevent bridging in any suitable manner.
- the housing is composed of a polycarbonate/acyrlonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) blend; however, variations of the specific example can alternatively be composed of only polycarbonate, only ABS, or any other suitable material.
- ABS polycarbonate/acyrlonitrile butadiene styrene
- the housing 140 preferably has a profile that does not protrude a significant distance from the body of the user when the garment 105 is worn by the user. As such, the housing 140 preferably has a low aspect ratio that contributes to a thin form factor of the control module 130. However, the housing 140 can alternatively define a volume with a high aspect ratio. Preferably, the external surface of the housing 140 is substantially smooth and has rounded edges, in order to avoid damaging the garment 105 during motion of the user.
- the housing 140 can define a substantially polygonal footprint (i.e., triangular footprint with rounded edges, a quadrilateral footprint with rounded edges, a pentagonal footprint with rounded edges, a hexagonal footprint with rounded edges, etc.), or can alternatively define one or more of a circular footprint, an ellipsoidal footprint, and an amorphous footprint.
- the housing 140 defines an ellipsoidal footprint and has a thickness substantially below 2 cm, a height below 10 cm, and a width below 6 cm, in order to produce a smooth form factor with a low aspect ratio.
- the housing 140' has an ellipsoidal footprint with an overall thickness of 11 mm, a shell thickness of 1.4mm, a width of 34 mm, and a height of 62 mm. Variations of the example of the housing can, however, be configured in any other suitable manner, as shown in FIGURE 4A .
- the housing 140 preferably forms a shell about internal components of the control module 130, and preferably has a first housing portion 141 facing the body of the user when the control module 130 interfaces with the user and a second housing portion 142 facing away from the body of the user when the control module 130 interfaces with the user, an example of which is shown in FIGURE 4B .
- the first housing portion 141 and/or the second housing portion 142 can comprise a concave surface or a convex surface, in interfacing with the garment or the body of the user.
- the first housing portion 141 and/or the second housing portion 142 can define surfaces that are configured to conform to the body of the user upon coupling of the system 100 to the user.
- the first housing portion 141 and the second housing portion 142 can be coupled together using a sealing element (e.g., water tight sealing element), including one or more of: an adhesive, a compliant sealing material (e.g., putty), an o-ring, an x-ring, any other suitable ring, and/or any other suitable sealing element.
- a sealing element e.g., water tight sealing element
- portions of the housing 140 can be coupled in any other suitable manner (e.g., by ultrasonic welding, by use of a solvent, by a thermal bonding method, etc.)
- an interface between the first housing portion 141 and the second housing portion 142 can be configured to be waterproof and/or machine-washable in order to protect aspects of the control module 130.
- the first housing portion 141 has an articulated surface configured to promote tactility, and ports that allow light transmission (e.g., from indicator LEDs) to inform the user regarding one or more statuses of the system 100 (e.g., proper coupling relative to other elements of the system 100, an active configuration of the control module 130, an inactive configuration of the control module 130, a charging status of the system 100, a calibration status of the system 100, etc.).
- one or more statuses of the system 100 e.g., proper coupling relative to other elements of the system 100, an active configuration of the control module 130, an inactive configuration of the control module 130, a charging status of the system 100, a calibration status of the system 100, etc.
- the housing 140 preferably has an array of openings 143 defined at one or more of the first housing portion 141 and the second housing portion 142, wherein the array of openings 143 provides access for a set of contacts 150 configured between the electronics subsystem 160 and an array of connection regions 115, as described in further detail below.
- the array of openings 143 is defined entirely at the first housing portion 141; however, in alternative variations, the array of openings 143 can be defined at both the first housing portion 141 and the second housing portion 142, or at only the second housing portion 142.
- the array of openings 143 can comprise a rectangular array of openings (i.e., with openings of the array of openings 143 arranged in a rectangular grid pattern); however, the array of openings 143 can alternatively be configured in any other suitable manner (e.g., as a circular array of openings, as an ellipsoidal array of openings, as a polygonal array of openings, as an amorphous array of openings, etc.). Each opening in the array of openings 143 can be a circular opening or can alternatively be a non-circular opening.
- each opening in the array of openings 143 is preferably identical to every other opening in the array of openings 143 in morphology; however, the array of openings 143 can alternatively comprise non-identical openings.
- the array of openings 143 includes 42 identical circular openings arranged in a 7x6 rectangular array, each opening having a diameter of 3 mm and an inter-opening spacing of 1.5mm; however, variations of the specific example of the array of openings 143 can be configured in any other suitable manner.
- the set of contacts 150 functions to facilitate coupling between the electronics subsystem 160 of the control module 130 and an array of connection regions 115, by way of the array of openings 143 of the housing 140 described above.
- each contact in the set of contacts 150 can function to conduct an electrical signal to at least one electrical contact pad 53 of an electronics connection substrate 50 for signal transmission to the electronics subsystem 160, as described in further detail below.
- the set of contacts 150 comprise electrically conductive contacts that facilitate reception of biosignals from the set of biometric sensors 120 of the system 100.
- the set of contacts 150 can provide conduction of biopotential signals and/or any other suitable electrical signals at a high input impedance and with low current requirements; however, the set of contacts 150 can alternatively be configured to conduct any other suitable types of signals under any other suitable constraints.
- the set of contacts 150 comprises contacts composed of an electrically conductive, elastic, and compliant material (e.g., electrically conductive silicone, electrically conductive polymer, etc.) that facilitates maintenance of electrical communication between the set of biometric sensors 120 and the electronics subsystem 160 during motion of the user.
- the conductive polymer used in the set of contacts comprises an ether-based conductive thermoplastic polyurethane material;
- the set of contacts 150 can alternatively comprise one or more contacts composed of an electrically conductive, but non-elastic or non-compliant material (e.g., a metallic material).
- each contact in the set of contacts 150 preferably includes a first region 151 that extends through at least one opening of the array of openings 143 of the housing 140, and a second region 152 that couples to a portion of an electronics connection substrate 50 and/or the electronics subsystem 160.
- the first region 151 of each contact in the set of contacts 150 preferably seals at least one opening in the array of openings 143 of the housing 140, in order to prevent fluids (e.g., water, sweat) from seeping into the housing and potentially damaging the electronics subsystem 160, which is otherwise accessible through the array of openings 143.
- the housing 140 of the control module 130 is preferably configured to be waterproof and/or machine-washable, due to the configuration of the set of contacts 150 in relation to the housing 140.
- the first region 151 of each of the set of contacts 150 can thus be over-molded on the housing 140 at least at one opening of the array of openings 143, and the second region 152 can be over-molded onto or otherwise coupled to a desired region of the electronics subsystem 160, which is internal to the housing 140 of the control module 130.
- the second region 152 of a contact can be coupled to an electrical contact pad 53 of a set of electrical contact pads 52 of an electronics connection substrate 50 in communication with the electronics subsystem 160.
- an intermediate region 153 of each contact can be configured to pass into an opening of the array of openings, such that the intermediate region 153 of the contact is surrounded by the first region 151 and the second region 152.
- Each contact in the set of contacts 150 is preferably associated with an opening of the array of openings 150 in a one-to-one manner; however, the set of contacts 150 and the array of openings 143 can alternatively be configured in a less-than-one-to-one or a more-than-one-to-one manner. Furthermore, each contact in the set of contacts 150 is preferably isolated from other contacts (e.g., adjacent contacts), such that bridging of contacts does not occur. As such, the housing 140 and/or other portions of the system 100 can be configured to prevent bridging (e.g., due to an unintended fluid connection provided across contacts, due to any other unintended electrical connection provided across contacts).
- regions of the control module 130 that are intermediate to contacts of the set of contacts 150 can include one or more of: shielding elements (e.g., electrical insulators) that prevent cross-contact bridging, wicking elements (e.g., conduits, absorbent regions) configured to control fluid positions and/or movement relative to contacts of the set of contacts 150, and any other suitable element(s) that prevent cross-contact bridging.
- shielding elements e.g., electrical insulators
- wicking elements e.g., conduits, absorbent regions
- the control module 130 can include an electronics connection substrate 50 that functions to conduct signals from the set of contacts 150 to the electronics subsystem 160.
- the electronics connection substrate 50 can be configured to couple to the first housing portion 141 by way of the set of contacts 150, and/or to be aligned with the first housing portion 141 during manufacturing of the control module 130 and coupling of the set of contacts to the electronics connection substrate 50.
- the electronics connection substrate 50 preferably includes a set of electrical contact pads 52 that align with the array of openings 143 of the first housing portion 141, as well as a linking interface 55 that couples each of the set of electrical contact pads 52 to the electronics subsystem 160 for signal processing and transmission.
- the electronics connection substrate 50 can allow routing of signals from originating at first regions of the set of contacts 150 (i.e., at an exterior surface of the housing 140) to the electronics subsystem 160, by way of the linking interface 55.
- the electronics connection substrate 50 is preferably flexible in order to facilitate manufacturing and assembly of the control module 130, for instance, in relation to alignment of the electronics connection substrate 50 relative to the housing 140, and/or coupling of the set of contacts 150 to both the housing 140 and the electronics connection substrate 50.
- the electronics connection substrate 50 preferably includes signal routing pathways (e.g., conductive leads) coupled to the set of electrical contact pads 52 and to the linking interface 55, thereby enabling signal routing to the electronics subsystem 160.
- signal routing pathways e.g., conductive leads
- the electronics connection substrate 50 can alternatively be composed of a rigid material, and/or the electronics connection substrate 50 can facilitate signal routing from the set of electrical contact pads 52 to the electronics subsystem 160 in any other suitable manner.
- the electronics connection substrate 50 comprises a flexible printed circuit board, as shown in FIGURES 13A-13F , configured to couple to and/or be compliant with an internal surface of the first housing portion 141, during manufacturing of the control module 130, and includes a set of electrical contact pads 52, each coupled to a conductive lead for signal transmission to the electronics subsystem 160, by way of the linking interface 55.
- the flexible printed circuit board e.g., a substrate produced using laser direct structuring, a substrate produced using two-shot molding
- variations to the flexible printed circuit board can be used as an electronics connection substrate 50.
- the set of electrical contact pads 52 function to receive and route signals from the set of contacts 150 to the electronics subsystem 160.
- the set of electrical contact pads 52 are preferably composed of a conductive material, and are preferably configured to couple to the set of contacts 150 in a manner that enables signal routing in a robust manner (e.g., without any cross-contact).
- Each electrical contact pad 52 can be composed of the same material; however, in some variations, one or more electrical contact pads in the set of electrical contact pads 52 can alternatively be composed of a different material than other electrical contact pads in the set of electrical contact pads 52.
- each electrical contact pad in the set of contact pads 52 includes a copper pad, which has suitable conductivity characteristics for signal transmission. However, variations of the specific example can comprise any other suitable material.
- At least one electrical contact pad can have an associated port 54 (e.g., an opening though the thickness of the electronics connection substrate), that functions to receive at least a portion of a second region 152 of a contact of the set of contacts 150.
- the second region 152 of a contact can be mechanically retained in position at a corresponding electrical contact pad, by way of the port 54, in order to ensure robust coupling for reliable signal conduction through the contact.
- the port 54 can be concentrically aligned with a corresponding electrical contact pad; however, the port 54 can alternatively be not concentrically aligned with the corresponding electrical contact pad.
- an electrical contact pad can have a single associated port, or multiple associated ports. Additionally or alternatively, the port 54 may not provide access entirely through the thickness of the electronics connection substrate 50.
- the electronics connection substrate 50 is preferably configured such that the set of electrical contact pads 52 is paired with a set of ports 56, wherein the set of ports 56 is configured to align with the array of openings 143 of the housing 140.
- the set of ports 56 can comprise a rectangular array of ports (i.e., with ports of the array of ports 56 arranged in a rectangular grid pattern) associated with the set of electrical contact pads, as shown in FIGURE 13D ; however, the set of ports 56 can alternatively be configured in any other suitable manner (e.g., as a circular array of ports, as an ellipsoidal array of ports, as a polygonal array of ports, as an amorphous array of ports, etc.). Each port 54 in the array of ports 56 can be a circular opening or can alternatively be a non-circular opening.
- each opening in the set of ports 56 is preferably identical to every other port in the set of ports 56 in morphology; however, the set of ports 56 can alternatively comprise non-identical openings.
- the set of ports 56 includes 42 identical circular openings arranged in a 7x6 rectangular array, such that the set of ports 56 aligns with and substantially matches the configuration of the array of openings 143 of the housing 140.
- the set of ports 56 can alternatively be configured in any other suitable manner.
- the linking interface 55 functions to transmit signals from the set of electrical contact pads 52 to the electronics subsystem 160 (as described in further detail below).
- the linking interface 55 is preferably a modular component of the control module 130 in order to facilitate assembly and manufacture of the control module 130.
- the linking interface 55 can be configured to be in a disconnected state during some phases of manufacture of the control module 130, and to be in a connected state during final phases of manufacture of the control module.
- a first portion of the linking interface 55 can be coupled to (e.g., contiguous with) the electronics connection substrate 50, and a second portion of the linking interface 55 can be coupled to (e.g., contiguous with) the electronics subsystem 160.
- the linking interface 55 can alternatively be non-modular and coupled between the electronics connection substrate 50 and the electronics subsystem 160 in any other suitable manner.
- the electronics subsystem 160 can be contiguous with the electronics connection substrate 50, without a modular linking interface 55.
- the linking interface 55 comprises a first flexible printed circuit (FPC) connector 55a contiguous with the electronics connection substrate 50 and in communication with each electrical contact pad of the electronics connection substrate, wherein the first FPC connector 55a is configured to couple to a second FPC connector 55b of the electronics subsystem 160.
- FPC flexible printed circuit
- the contacts can each be assigned to and facilitate signal reception from a corresponding biometric sensor of the set of biometric sensors 120. Additionally, in some configurations, each contact and biometric sensor can be associated with a companion contact and biometric sensor to facilitate detection of a signal differential (i.e., a biopotential difference) across two paired biometric sensors. As such, the control module 130 can utilize signals from paired sensors in measuring a biopotential difference, thereby enabling determination of one or more metrics associated with muscle/exercise activity. In a first variation, the set of contacts 150 can be arranged according to pins on corresponding circuitry of the electronics subsystem 160.
- the set of contacts 150' can be arranged in a symmetrically opposing arrangement about any suitable axis of symmetry (e.g., a diagonal axis of symmetry defined by the array of openings 143 of the housing, a horizontal axis of symmetry defined by the array of openings 143 of the housing, a vertical axis of symmetry defined by the array of openings 143 of the housing, etc.).
- contact 1A as shown in the top left corner of the set of contacts shown in FIGURE 5A , can be paired with contact 1B in the bottom right corner of the set of contacts 150, in facilitating detection of a first biopotential difference determined from two paired biometric sensors.
- the set of contacts 150 further comprises contacts associated with paired heart rate/respiratory signal detection sensors, ground pins of the electronics subsystem 160, and identification pins of the electronics subsystem 160.
- the set of contacts 150" can be arranged such that associated pairs of contacts are positioned proximal to each other.
- contact 1A as shown in the top left corner of the set of contacts shown in FIGURE 6
- contact 1B just below contact 1A (in the orientation shown in FIGURE 6 ), in facilitating detection of a first biopotential difference determined from two paired biometric sensors.
- the set of contacts 150 further comprises contacts associated with paired heart rate/respiratory signal detection sensors, ground pins of the electronics subsystem 160, and identification pins of the electronics subsystem 160.
- Variations of the first and the second variations of contact configurations can comprise any other suitable combination of symmetrically opposing arrangements of paired contacts and proximal placement of paired contacts. For instance, a portion of paired contacts associated with biometric sensors can be proximally placed, while other contacts (e.g., contacts associated with identification pins, contacts associated with ground pins, etc.) can be arranged in a symmetrically opposing arrangement.
- control module 130 can be configured to utilize the contact configuration(s) and any other suitable data (e.g., accelerometer data, gyroscope data) in order to detect the orientation of the control module relative to the garment 105, and to adapt signal reception and processing functions accordingly.
- the control module 130 can be configured to operate properly regardless of how the control module is coupled with the garment 105.
- control module 130 can have associated components (e.g. integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, multiplexors, resistors, etc.) and/or firmware to facilitate correct mapping between the set of contacts 150 and the set of biometric sensors 120 in a desired manner.
- components e.g. integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, multiplexors, resistors, etc.
- signals X and Y can be received by way of contacts 1A and 1B in a first orientation of the control module 130, but if the control module is positioned "upside-down" in a second orientation, firmware can adapt signal reception and processing of the control module to receive signals X and Y by way of contacts 14B and 14A, respectively.
- the control module 130 can be configured to dynamically modify the contact mapping in order to property attribute signals X and Y to the correct muscle group or set of biometric sensors.
- control module 130 and/or housing 140 can be configured to couple with the garment 105 in only a single orientation (e.g., based upon markings, based upon asymmetry in the control module 130 or housing, etc.), such that the control module 130 does not require firmware that enables adaptive coupling.
- a method 400 of manufacturing a waterproof electrical connection system includes: providing a first housing portion including an array of openings S410; providing an electronics connection substrate having a set of electrical contact pads, each electrical contact pad in the set of electrical contact pads having a port S420; aligning the array of openings of the first housing portion with the set of electrical contact pads of the electronics connection substrate S430; injecting a conductive polymer, in a flow state, through the port of each of the set of electrical contact pads, and through an associated opening of the array of openings of the first housing portion S440; and bonding the conductive polymer, in a set state, at an exterior surface of the first housing portion, thereby providing seals at each of the array of openings of the first housing portion S450.
- Variations of the electronics connection substrate can, however, include one or more electrical contact pads that omit a port, as discussed in relation to the system of Section 1.2.1 above.
- the method 400 functions to produce a system for signal communication, wherein the system has conductive contacts on an exterior surface of a housing, and provides a signal conduction pathway to one or more elements interior to the housing.
- the method 400 can provide waterproof conductive contacts at the exterior surface of the housing, which transmit signals to electronics housed within the housing.
- the method 400 can be used in manufacture and assembly of the control module 130 described above and below; however, the method 44 can additionally or alternatively be used to facilitate manufacture of any suitable wearable electronic device or non-wearable electronic device, wherein signal transmission from an exterior surface of a housing to electronics interior to the housing, in a substantially waterproof (e.g., water resistant to a high degree) is needed.
- a substantially waterproof e.g., water resistant to a high degree
- Block S410 recites: providing a first housing portion including an array of openings, which functions to provide a first portion of the waterproof system that provides coupling regions for a set of conductive contacts.
- the first housing portion also functions to provide a waterproof enclosure around electronic components of the system, in protecting them from damage.
- the first housing portion is preferably the first housing portion described in Section 1.2.1 above, which has an array of openings configured to be sealed (e.g., sealed in a water tight manner) by a set of contacts; however, in other variations, the first housing portion can comprise any other suitable enclosure configured to enclose at least a portion of electronics of the system and/or couple to the set of contacts.
- Block S420 recites: providing an electronics connection substrate having a set of electrical contact pads, each electrical contact pad in the set of electrical contact pads having a port.
- Block S420 functions to provide a second portion of the waterproof system that provides coupling regions for a set of conductive contacts.
- the electronics connection substrate also functions to route signals from the set of contacts, through electrical contact pads, to an electronics subsystem by way of a linking interface, as described in Section 1.2.1 above.
- the electronics connection substrate is preferably the electronics connection substrate described in Section 1.2.1 above, which has a set of electrical contact pads and an associated set of ports configured to align with the array of openings of the first housing portion, and configured to couple to the set of contacts; however, in other variations, the electronics connection substrate can comprise any other suitable substrate configured to couple to the set of contacts and route signals from the set of contacts to the electronics subsystem.
- Block S430 recites: aligning the array of openings of the first housing portion with the set of electrical contact pads of the electronics connection substrate, which functions to position the first housing portion and the electronics connection substrate in a configuration that allows for transmission of the material of the set of contacts, through the electronics connection substrate and the first housing portion, in Block S440.
- Block S430 preferably includes aligning the first housing portion and the electronics connection substrate, with the array of openings of the housing aligned with the set of ports of the electronics connection substrate, within a mold, as shown in FIGURE 15A .
- the mold is configured for injection molding of the conductive material of the set of contacts through at least one of the set of ports and the array of openings, in Block S440; however, the mold of Block S430 can alternatively be suited for alignment only, with another mold or device used to facilitate injection molding in Block S440.
- the mold used in Block S430 can be used for alignment in relation to any other suitable process (e.g., extrusion, press fitting, riveting, etc.) involving coupling of the set of contacts to the first housing portion and the electronics connection substrate, in a waterproof manner.
- a mold for alignment can be used in an extrusion process, wherein waterproof seals at interfaces between the set of contacts and the first housing portion/electronics connection substrate are generated using sealing elements (e.g., o-rings, x-rings, primers, sealing putty, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the set of contacts can be pre-constructed and applied (e.g., press-fit, etc.) into the corresponding opening(s) of the first housing portion.
- sealing elements e.g., o-rings, x-rings, primers, sealing putty, etc.
- one or more of the set of contacts can be pre-constructed and applied (e.g., press-fit, etc.) into the corresponding opening(s) of the first housing portion.
- the set of contacts can be pre-constructed and coupled to a disposable substrate, wherein, after applying the set of contacts into the corresponding opening(s) of the first housing portion, portions of the disposable substrate can be uncoupled from the set of contacts (e.g., by cutting, by tearing, etc.).
- a mold used in Blocks S430 and S440 includes a set of recessed regions (e.g., hemispherical recessed regions) aligned with the array of openings of the housing, wherein the set of recessed regions receive injected material in Block S440, and form protrusions at the exterior surface of the housing, in correspondence with the array of openings of the first housing portion.
- the set of recessed regions of the mold of the specific example thus correspond in a one-to-one manner with the array of openings of the first housing portion.
- the set of recessed regions guide formation of the first region of each contact (i.e., the portion of each contact at the exterior surface of the housing), in a consistent manner, without bridging of contacts.
- variations of the mold of the specific example can omit recessed regions, can include recessed regions having any other suitable morphology (e.g., recessed pyramidal regions), can include recessed regions having any suitable relationship (e.g., in number, in overlap) with the array of openings of the first housing portion, or can additionally or alternatively be configured to guide formation of any other suitable portion of the set of contacts (e.g., the second region of a contact, at the electronics connection substrate).
- Block S440 recites: injecting a conductive polymer, in a flow state, through the port of each of the set of electrical contact pads, and through an associated opening of the array of openings of the first housing portion
- Block S450 recites: bonding the conductive polymer, in a set state, at an exterior surface of the first housing portion, thereby providing waterproof seals at each of the array of openings of the first housing portion.
- Blocks S440 and S450 function to transmit conductive polymer material of the set of contacts, in a manipulatable form, through the ports of the electronics connection substrate and the openings of the first housing portion, in a manner that provides a waterproof interface at the exterior of the housing, while still enabling signal transmission into an interior portion of the housing.
- Blocks S440 and S450 are to produce conductive contacts that are coupled to electrical contact pads of the electronics connection substrate (i.e., without cross-contact shorting), while forming a waterproof seal at the external surface of the first housing portion.
- conductive polymer e.g., conductive ether-based thermoplastic polyurethane
- the conductive polymer can be injected into all ports simultaneously, or can alternatively be injected into subsets of the set of ports in stages.
- each port in injecting the conductive polymer through the set of ports, can have its own associated injection gate, in order to prevent shorting of individual electrical contact pads of the electronics connection substrate.
- all desired regions can be injection molded simultaneously, with subsequent removal of material that would otherwise undesirably connect electrical contact pads.
- the conductive polymer is injected in a manner that originates at the set of ports, and terminates at the exterior surface of the first housing portion, by way of the array of openings of the first housing portion and the set of recesses of the mold used during injection molding (as described above).
- Block S440 and S450 describes injection of conductive polymer material through the set of ports, with termination at the exterior portion of the first housing portion
- alternative variations of Block S440 can include injection of conductive polymer material in a reverse direction (e.g., from the exterior surface of the housing, with termination at the set of electrical contact pads of the electronics connection substrate).
- a contact can be formed in two parts by way of Blocks S440 and S450, with a first part formed initially at the first housing portion, and a second part formed at the electronics connection substrate (e.g., in association with an electrical contact pad).
- Blocks S440 and S450 can then include coupling of the first part to the second part (e.g., using a thermal bonding process, using a chemical bonding process, using an adhesive, using any other suitable coupling process), in order to allow signal communication from the first part of the contact to the second part of the contact, as described in FIGURE 15C .
- coupling of the first part to the second part e.g., using a thermal bonding process, using a chemical bonding process, using an adhesive, using any other suitable coupling process
- Blocks S440 and S450 suitable electrical coupling between the conductive polymer of the set of contacts and the electrical contact pads of the electronics connection substrate can be provided based upon mechanical coupling alone.
- Blocks S440 and S450 can additionally or alternatively include implementing an adhesion-promoting primer at the set of electrical contact pads of the electronics connection substrate, as described in FIGURE 15D , which can further enhance electrical coupling between a contact and an electrical contact pad.
- the adhesion-promoting primer is preferably conductive in order to not interfere with signal communication across the electrical contact pads; however, any other suitable material or process can be used to promote robust coupling between the set of contacts and the electrical contact pads of the electronics connection substrate.
- the method 400 can thus include applying an adhesion-promoting primer at each electrical contact pad (e.g., at any surface associated with a port) of the electronics connection substrate, prior to injection molding of the conductive polymer through the set of ports.
- an adhesion-promoting primer can alternatively be performed in any other suitable manner.
- Blocks S440 and S450 generation of a suitable waterproof or hermetic seal at the first housing portion can be provided based upon mechanical coupling alone.
- Blocks S440 and S450 can additionally or alternatively include implementing an adhesion-promoting primer at a surface of the first housing portion, proximal the array openings, which can further enhance coupling in a waterproof manner between a contact and the first housing portion.
- the method 400 can thus include applying an adhesion-promoting primer at the first housing portion (e.g., at any surface associated with an opening), prior to injection molding of the conductive polymer.
- variations of Block S450 that implement an adhesion-promoting primer can alternatively be performed in any other suitable manner.
- the method 400 can then include any other suitable steps related to assembly of the control module.
- the method 400 can include one or more of: coupling the electronics connection substrate to the electronics subsystem; coupling a second housing portion to the first housing portion in a manner that provides a waterproof or hermetic seal at an interface between the first housing portion and the second housing portion (e.g., using an o-ring, using an x-ring, using sealing putty, using a water resistant adhesive, using a waterproof adhesive, etc.); and any other suitable step related to assembly of the control module, some variations of which are shown in FIGURE 14 .
- the electronics subsystem 160 is configured to be in electrical communication with the set of contacts 150, and functions to facilitate signal reception, signal conditioning, signal transmission, and power distribution for the system 100.
- the electronics subsystem 160 is preferably housed within an internal portion of the housing 140 of the control module 130, in order to be isolated from mechanisms that could damage the electronics subsystem 160; however, the electronics subsystem 160 can alternatively be configured in any other suitable manner.
- the electronics subsystem 160 preferably comprises a power module 161, a supplementary sensing module 163, a signal conditioning module 165, a communication interface 167, and memory 169; however, the electronics subsystem 160 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable element(s) that add to and/or enrich acquired data and/or facilitate conditioning or processing of signals from the user as the user performs a physical activity.
- the power module 161 of the electronics subsystem 160 functions to provide regulated and unregulated electrical power to the system 100 and to allow power storage for the system 100.
- the power module 161 preferably comprises a rechargeable battery 162 (e.g., a lithium-ion battery, nickel-cadmium battery, metal halide battery, nickel metal hydride battery, lithium-ion polymer battery, etc.); however, the power module 161 can alternatively comprise a non-rechargeable battery (e.g., alkaline battery) that can be replaced to further enhance modularity in the system 100. Additionally or alternatively, the power module 161 can include any other suitable element (e.g., super capacitor, solar cell, vibration-powered generator, thermoelectric generator, etc.).
- the power module 161 is configured to have a profile with a low aspect ratio, contributing to a thin form factor of the control module 130/housing 140.
- the power module 161 can be configured to have any other suitable profile such that the power module 161 provides adequate power characteristics (e.g., cycle life, charging time, discharge time, etc.) for the system 100.
- the electronics subsystem 160 can also comprise a coil of wire and associated electronics that function to allow inductive coupling of power between an external charging element 62 and the power module 161, as shown in FIGURES 1 and 9A-9B .
- the charging coil preferably converts energy from an alternating electromagnetic field (e.g., provided by a charging dock or other adapter), into electrical energy to charge the battery 162 and/or to power the system 100.
- Inductive charging allows electrical isolation between the external charging element 62 and internal electronics of the electronics subsystem 160 to promote user safety and convenience in interfacing with the system 100.
- Inductive charging provided by the charging coil thus also facilitates user mobility while the user interacts with the system 100, such that the user can perform a wide range of physical activities while having his/her biometric signals monitored by the system 100.
- the charging coil can be altogether omitted (e.g., in variations without a rechargeable battery), or replaced or supplemented by a connection (e.g., USB connection) configured to provide wired charging of a rechargeable battery.
- the supplementary sensing module 163 functions to facilitate acquisition of additional data from the user, which can be used to trigger control of aspects of signal acquisition and/or analysis generation by the control module 130. As such, not all sensors of the system 100 may be separate from the control module 130.
- the supplementary sensing module 163 preferably includes a set of supplementary sensors 164 configured to detect one or more aspects associated with motion of the user and/or an environment of the user.
- the set of supplementary sensors 125 can include one or more of: an accelerometer (e.g., a single axis accelerometer, a multi-axis accelerometer), a gyroscope (e.g., a single axis gyroscope, a multi-axis gyroscope), a GPS module, environmental temperature sensors, altimeters, oxygen content sensors, air quality sensors, near field communication (NFC) sensors (e.g., configured to detect a nearby device or piece of exercise equipment having a corresponding NFC element), and any other suitable supplementary sensor that can enrich the data acquired from user and/or the environment of the user.
- an accelerometer e.g., a single axis accelerometer, a multi-axis accelerometer
- a gyroscope e.g., a single axis gyroscope, a multi-axis gyroscope
- a GPS module e.g., a GPS module
- environmental temperature sensors e
- accelerometers of the supplementary sensing module 163 can be used to detect a type of physical activity (e.g., cardio exercise, weight training exercise, etc.) performed by the user, and/or can be used during signal processing to remove motion-produced artifacts from signals being processed.
- the supplementary sensing module 163 can, however, comprise any other suitable sensors and be configured relative to the electronics subsystem 160 in any other suitable manner.
- the signal conditioning module 165 functions to preprocess signals detected and received using the set of biometric sensors and/or sensors of the supplementary sensing module 163, thereby producing conditioned data prior to processing.
- the signal conditioning module 165 can comprise elements configured to perform any one or more of: filtering (e.g., using a low pass filter, a high pass filter, a band-pass filter, a notch filter, etc.), smoothing, clipping, deconvolving, detrending/offsetting, standardizing, resampling, hard-binding, predicting, windowing, and any other suitable data conditioning process upon any signals received from the set of biometric sensors 120.
- the signal conditioning module can thus comprise one or more of: filters, amplifiers, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), digital-to-analog converters (DACs), signal multiplexers, and any other suitable elements for conditioning signals received from biometric sensors and supplementary sensors.
- ADCs analog-to-digital converters
- DACs digital-to-analog converters
- signal multiplexers and any other suitable elements for conditioning signals received from biometric sensors and supplementary sensors.
- the communication interface 167 preferably comprises hardware and/or software elements configured to facilitate communication of information between the set of biometric sensors 120 and the control module 130, and/or communication of information between the control module 130 and one or more separate devices (e.g., a processing subsystem, a mobile computing device of the user, etc.).
- the communication interface 167 can function as a data link that provides a means for communications to and from the control module 130 over a network.
- the network can comprise any suitable network used for communication between electronic devices.
- the network can include a wireless and/or a wired connection between devices.
- the network associated with the communication interface 167 can include any one or more of: a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), a Bluetooth network (e.g., a Bluetooth Low Energy network), a municipal area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), the internet, and any other suitable network.
- the communication interface 167 can include features that provide security in information communication. For example, cryptographic protocols such as Diffie-Hellman key exchange, Wireless Transport Layer Security (WTLS), or any other suitable type of protocol may be used.
- the data encryption may also comply with standards such as the Data Encryption Standard (DES), Triple Data Encryption Standard (3-DES), or Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).
- DES Data Encryption Standard
- 3-DES Triple Data Encryption Standard
- AES Advanced Encryption Standard
- the communication interface can implement any one or more of an audio jack connection (e.g., AUX cable), a USB connection, a parallel port, a serial port, an ethernet adapter, an IEEE 1394 bus interface, a small computer system interface (SCSI) bus interface, an infrared (IR) communication port, and any other suitable wired or hardware connection.
- the communication interface 167 can communicate with other devices over a network using one or more of: inter-integrated circuit communication (I2C), one-wire, master-slave, or any other suitable communication protocol.
- I2C inter-integrated circuit communication
- the communication interface 167 can transmit data in any other way and can include any other type of wired connection that supports data transfer between the electronics subsystem 160, external devices, and/or any other suitable computing element.
- the memory 169 functions to retain data from signals received at the electronics subsystem 160. As such, upon receiving signals from the set of biometric sensors 120, the electronics subsystem 160 of the control module 130 can thus facilitate storage of biometric data (e.g., conditioned data from biopotential signals, unconditioned data from biopotential signals) within memory of the electronics subsystem 160.
- the memory 169 can comprise processor-readable medium including any one or more of: random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, magnetic or optical data storage, registers, and any other suitable storage element.
- data from the memory 169 is automatically transmitted to any appropriate external device, over a network, substantially continuously (e.g., every second, every millisecond, etc.); however, data from the data storage unit 180 can alternatively be transmitted intermittently (e.g., every minute, hourly, daily, or weekly).
- data generated by any element of the system 100 may be stored in memory 169 when the communication interface 167 is not actively coupled to an element external to the electronics subsystem 160 over the network.
- data may then be automatically transmitted from memory 169.
- the memory 169 can additionally or alternatively be manually prompted to transmit stored data, when prompted by a user or other entity.
- the control module 130 can, however, include any other suitable elements, including input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone, remote control, button, joystick, trackball, touchpad, optical sensor), wherein the input device(s) can receive input from another device, and output devices (e.g., displays, projectors, speakers, tactile devices, network cards, wireless transmitters, infrared transmitters, lights, etc.) that convey information to a user, as shown in FIGURE 12 .
- an output device associated with the control module 130 can display a graphical user interface (GUI) that facilitates user interaction.
- GUI graphical user interface
- Such a display can utilize any suitable image projection technology, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED), gas plasma, electroluminescence, or any other suitable image projection technology.
- CTR cathode ray tube
- LCD liquid crystal display
- LED light-emitting diode
- gas plasma electroluminescence, or any
- the system 100 can also include a mounting module 110, as shown in FIGURES 7A and 7B , that receives the control module 130 in order to facilitate coupling of the control module 130 to the garment 105 in a reversible and repeatable manner.
- the mounting module 110 thus preferably provides an array of connection regions 115, which function to facilitate electrical coupling between the set of biometric sensors 120 and the set of contacts 150 of the control module 130 in a first configuration 101.
- the garment 105 can also function to serve as a substrate for facilitating electrical coupling between the set of biometric sensors and the mounting module 110.
- the mounting module 110 and/or the garment 105 can include any one or more of: slots, pouches, ports, bases, pathways, channels, cradles, and any other suitable feature by which the set of biometric sensors and/or control module 130 can be permanently or removably coupled to each other and/or to the mounting module 110 or the garment 105.
- the garment 105 can include conductive leads (e.g., wires, conductive filaments) passing along and/or throughout the garment 106 to enable signal transmission between the mounting module 110 and the set of biometric sensors 120 (e.g., by way of the plurality of conductive regions 106 of the garment 105).
- the garment 105 or any other element of the system 100 can be configured to facilitate wireless communication between the set of biometric sensors 120 and the control module 130.
- the garment 105 and other elements of the system 100 can be configured according to an embodiment, variation, or example described in U.S. Application No. 62/077,781 , entitled “Biometric Monitoring Garment” and filed on 10-NOV-2014.
- the mounting module 110 thus functions to provide an electrical and mechanical interface between the control module 130 and the set of biometric sensors 120 of the garment 105, in facilitating signal transmission in a robust manner as the user performs a physical activity.
- the mounting module 110 can comprise a set of layers 111 coupled to each other and/or to a surface of the garment 105, wherein the set of layers provide a biasing force that maintains contact between the set of contacts 150 of the control module and the array of connection regions 115 of the mounting module 110.
- the set of layers 111 can include one or more of elastic layers (e.g., elastic fabrics), compliant layers (e.g., foam layers), and substantially rigid layers (e.g., layers that are configured to accommodate the control module 130 in a press-fit or snap-fit manner).
- elastic layers e.g., elastic fabrics
- compliant layers e.g., foam layers
- substantially rigid layers e.g., layers that are configured to accommodate the control module 130 in a press-fit or snap-fit manner.
- the mounting module 110 provides a robust electromechanical connection between the control module 130 and the array of connection regions 115 of the mounting module 110 in a first configuration 101, and enables decoupling of the control module 130 from the mounting module 110 in a second configuration.
- the mounting module 110 comprises: a fabric layer 112 affixed to the garment 105 and defining a receiving pocket for the control module 130, wherein the fabric layer 112 has an elastic opening 113 that accommodates reception of the control module 130 and exposes one or more indicator LEDs of the control module 130; a cradle 114 deeper than the fabric layer 112 and comprising the array of connection regions 115 that couple to the set of biometric sensors 120; a foam ring 116 at least partially surrounding the cradle 114 and deeper than the fabric layer 112, wherein the foam ring 116 functions to provide stability to a control module 130 seated within the fabric layer 112 at the cradle 114, and can further function to protect the user from the rigidity of the cradle as well as shielding regions where sensor leads are coupled to the cradle 114; a first tape ring 117 surrounding at least a portion of the elastic opening 113 of the fabric layer 112; and a second tape ring 118
- the mounting module 110 can, however, comprise a configuration such as that described in U.S. Provisional Application serial number 62/013,405 filed 17-JUN-2014 , and/or U.S. Provisional Application serial number 62/016,373 filed 24-JUN-2014 , both entitled "Biometric Monitoring System”. Additionally or alternatively, variations of the mounting module 110 can comprise combinations of any of the above variations and examples, or any other suitable configuration of a mounting module.
- the cradle 114 is preferably composed of a rigid material (e.g., rigid plastic) having the array of connection regions 115 arranged in a configuration that is complementary to the set of contacts 150 of the control module 110.
- the array of connection regions 115 comprises a 7x6 array of circular connection regions configured to couple with the 7x6 array of circular contacts of the control module 130.
- each connection region of the array of connection regions 115 comprises a conductive silicone rubber; however, the connection regions can additionally or alternatively be composed of any other suitable material.
- each connection region in the array of connection regions can have a first region 16, exposed through a first cradle surface 17 configured to contact the first region 151 of at least one contact, and a second region 18 in communication with the first region 16 and configured to couple to a lead proximal a second cradle surface 19, wherein the lead enables electrical communication between a connection region of the array of connection regions 115 and at least one biometric sensor of the set of biometric sensors 120.
- each connection region of the array of connection regions 115 of the mounting module 110 can be in communication (e.g., by way of one or more leads) to one or more corresponding biometric sensors 120, as described above.
- the array of connection regions 115 can be provided in a manner analogous to that described in Sections 1.2.1 and 1.2.2, with regard to a conductive polymer used in the set of contacts 150.
- the array of connection regions 115 of the mounting module 110 preferably provides flexibility in maintaining robust contact between the array of connection regions 115 and the set of contacts 150 of the control module 130.
- any one or more of: morphological features, elastomeric portions, spring-coupled portions, and any other suitable feature of integrated with the array of connection regions 115 can provide flexible coupling between the array of connection regions 115 and the set of contacts 150.
- one or more portions of the mounting module 110 can be supported by a compliant material (e.g., rubber, polymer, gel, foam, etc.) in order to provide flexibility and/or a cushion at the interface between the control module 130 and the mounting module 110.
- a compliant material e.g., rubber, polymer, gel, foam, etc.
- the set of layers 111 of the example function to bias the set of contacts 150 of the control module 130 into electromechanical communication with the array of connection regions 115 of the mounting module 110, to enable reception of biopotential signals from the set of biometric sensors 120 at the control module 130.
- the location of mounting module 110 is preferably dependent upon the type(s) of garment(s) included in the system 100. For instance, for a garment 105 configured as a top, the mounting module 110 is preferably located at a position that does not interfere with physical activity (e.g., weight lifting activity) of the user, generate significant signal interference with one or more of the set of biometric sensors 120, or interfere with the user/signal reception in any other suitable manner. In one example, the mounting module 110 can be positioned proximal the triceps or biceps muscle of the user, when the garment 105 is worn by the user.
- physical activity e.g., weight lifting activity
- the mounting module 110 can be centrally located between the pectoralis muscles of the user and/or the abdominal muscles of the user, when the garment 105 is worn by the user. In another variation wherein the garment 105 is configured as a bottom, the mounting module 110 can be located proximal the vastus lateralis muscle(s) of the user when the garment 105 is worn by the user. Additionally or alternatively, the system 100 can comprise multiple mounting modules 110, such that the control module can be repositioned when the user is performing different types of physical activity.
- a first mounting module positioned at an anterior portion of the garment 105 can allow the user to comfortably perform sit-ups or other exercises where the user is lying face-up
- a second mounting module positioned at a posterior portion of the garment 105 can allow the user to comfortably perform exercise where the user is lying face-down.
- the mounting module 110 preferably allows light from the indicator LEDs to be visualized by the user wearing the garment 105.
- exposed LED indicators can be activated (e.g., by the control module 130) in order to indicate that the control module 130 has been properly seated within the mounting module 110 and is in a state to receive signals from the set of biometric sensors 120.
- the control module 130 can perform one or more of: detecting proper seating within the mounting module 110, determining an orientation of the control module 130 within the mounting module 110, determining, based upon the orientation of the control module, which indicator LED(s) are exposed to the user, activating the exposed indicator LED(s), not activating the unexposed indicator LED(s), and performing any other suitable function.
- connection regions 115 While the array of connection regions 115 is described in relation to the mounting module 110, the array of connection regions 115 can alternatively be integrated with the garment 105, in variations of the system 100 wherein the control module 130 is not configured to be removably coupleable to the garment 105 by way of a mounting module 110. As such, variations of the system 100 can alternatively omit a mounting module 110 and instead provide direct coupling between the set of biometric sensors 120 and the control module 130 without an intermediate mounting module 110. Variations of the system 100 can, however, be configured in any other suitable manner.
- the mounting module 110 can comprise a first locking portion that is configured to interact with a second locking portion on the housing 140 of the control module 130, in order to facilitate maintenance of contact between the set of contacts 150 of the control module 130 and the array of connection regions 115 of the mounting module 110.
- the housing 140 of the control module 130 can define a notch 401 configured to reversibly couple with a latch 402 of a portion of the mounting module 110, as shown in FIGURE 8C .
- the housing 140 of the control module 130 can be configured to reversibly or irreversibly lock with the mounting module 110 using any other suitable mechanism, including one or more of a snap fit mechanism, a press fit mechanism, a magnetic mechanism, and any other suitable mechanism.
- the system 100 can further include a processing subsystem 170 configured to communicate with the electronics subsystem 160 and generate analyses based upon biometric signals detected by way of the set of biometric sensors.
- the processing subsystem 170 is preferably configured to perform at least a portion of the method 200 described in section 2 below; however, the processing subsystem 170 can alternatively be configured to perform any other suitable method.
- the processing subsystem 170 is configured to be in communication with the electronics subsystem 160 over the network associated with the communication interface, and can further be configured to be in communication with an electronic device 180 of the user over the network.
- analyses generated using the processing subsystem 170 can be transmitted to the electronic device 180 of the user in order to inform the user regarding his/her exercise behavior.
- the processing subsystem 170 can comprise any suitable general purpose processing subsystem, which can include any one or more of: a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller, a cloud-based computing system, a remote server, a state machine, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), any other suitable processing device, and any suitable combination of processing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, etc.).
- CPU central processing unit
- DSP digital signal processor
- ASIC application-specific integrated circuit
- PLD programmable logic device
- FPGA field programmable gate array
- the processing subsystem 170 can be implemented in multiple modules including one or more of a DSP module of the electronics subsystem 160 having embedded algorithms, a module executing on a remote server, a module executing in a cloud-based computing system, and any other suitable module.
- One or more of the elements of the electronics subsystem 160 and the processing subsystem 170 can be implemented in coordination with an electronic device 180 of the user or in proximity to the user, as the user performs physical activities.
- a mobile device and/or a wearable computing device e.g., head-mounted computing device, wrist-mounted computing device, etc.
- the electronic device 180 of the user can facilitate execution of an exercise monitoring application, in cooperation with data processing, analysis generation, and information transmission from other elements of the system 100.
- the exercise monitoring application can implement hardware and/or software components used for obtaining activity data from the system 100, and for performing operations on and analyses of the activity data.
- the exercise monitoring application can utilize the activity data to determine one or more exercise-related metrics (e.g., total effort output, average heart rate throughout a workout, average heart rate throughout a portion of a workout, a breakdown of muscle exertion for different muscle groups, exercise progress-related metrics, etc.) representative of the user's exercise behavior, and can additionally or alternatively generate a report including the exercise-related metrics and present the report to the user within a graphical user interface (e.g., incorporating a display device, incorporating a touchscreen device).
- a graphical user interface e.g., incorporating a display device, incorporating a touchscreen device.
- the exercise monitoring application can allow the user to monitor effectiveness of one or more exercise activities he/she performs, as well as progress in aspects of the user's performance of one or more exercise activities.
- the electronic device 180 can be configured to display a virtual representation of different muscle groups of the user, and/or a graphic that depicts near-real-time feedback of muscle activity of the user in association with the virtual representation of different muscle groups of the user.
- exercise-monitoring application executing on the electronic device 180 can be used to provide near-real-time feedback to the user as the user is performing a workout regimen.
- the electronic device 180 can include a storage module configured to store activity data, performance data, and/or generated reports within a database.
- the storage module can be implemented at the electronic device 180 and/or on a remote computing device, and preferably facilitates documentation and provision of historical exercise information to the user.
- the electronic device 180 can further include a communication interface that allows the electronic device to communicate information over the network associated with the control module 130, or any other suitable network(s). As such, an application executing at the electronic device 180 can facilitate interaction between the user and an exercise community.
- the application can be configured to upload exercise-related metrics, through a network, to be shared with a community of individuals with similar fitness interests, goals, or any other suitable association with the user, and the user may be able to obtain exercise advice and/or exercise-related metrics from the community of individuals to motivate the user according to his/her goals.
- the application can be configured to provide a virtual coaching environment that includes one or more of: training plans, recovery plans, information regarding competitions (e.g., training regimens configured to prepare the user for an upcoming competition), instructions for stretching, instructions for injury prevention, instructions regarding proper form for conducting an exercise, and any other suitable coaching functions. Additionally or alternatively, the application can be configured to provide alerts to the user based upon received and processed data.
- the application can be configured to notify the user or another entity if the user is focusing too much on a particular exercise or muscle group (e.g., by visually showing the muscle group(s) that are overemphasized and recommending other exercises to the user), or if the user is using a muscle group incorrectly during an exercise (e.g., if the user is demonstrating poor form).
- the application can provide comprehensive reports pertinent to the user's exercise behavior, including one or more of: a muscle breakdown of work performed/output for specific muscles; a breakdown of a score given for a workout, wherein the score can be tracked over time to monitor progress of the user; a classification of exercise as cardio-based or strength-based; indications of muscle atrophy, indications of rehabilitation progress; indications of fatigue; indications of potential or actual injury; and any other suitable reported factor.
- a report can provide a percentage of a workout associated with strength-based exercise vs. a percentage of a workout associated with cardio-based exercise.
- the report can additionally or alternatively provide a detailed breakdown of any exercise metric associated with one or more muscle groups, provided within a virtual display of various muscle groups.
- the application can be configured to accept a user input of a selection of one or more muscle groups (e.g., by selecting a portion of the virtual display of various muscle groups), and to provide relevant metrics pertaining to the muscle group(s) selected by the user.
- the application executing at the electronic device 180 can be configured to display information directly related to muscle groups the user is monitoring, and/or to display information associated with muscle groups that the user is not actively monitoring, according to information acquired from muscle groups that the user is monitoring.
- information from monitored muscles can be indicative of a problem elsewhere in the user's body, and monitored muscle groups can be used to provide indications or alerts pertaining to other portions of the user's body.
- monitored muscle groups can generate an alert that the user is positioning his bicycle seat at too high of a position, which is adversely affecting non-monitored muscle groups; in another example, monitored muscle groups can generate an alert that the user is running in a pigeon-toed manner, which is adversely affecting non-monitored muscle groups.
- the application(s) of the electronic device 180 can, however, be configured in any other suitable manner.
- system 100 can include any other suitable element(s) configured to detect and process biosignals data. Furthermore, as a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detailed description and from the figures and claims, modifications and changes can be made to the system 100 without departing from the scope of the system 100.
- an embodiment of a method 200 for monitoring biometric signals of a user comprises: at a garment configured to be worn by the user, providing a set of interfaces between the user and a set of biometric sensors at a set of body regions exhibiting muscle activity, upon coupling of the garment to the user S210; at a mounting module coupled to the garment, providing an array of connection regions in communication with the set of biometric sensors and configured to couple to a set of contacts of a portable control module in a first configuration S230; at the portable control module, receiving a stream of electrical signals indicative of muscle activity from a subset of muscles of the user, in the first configuration S230; at the portable control module, transmitting the stream of electrical signals to a processing subsystem S240; at the processing subsystem, transforming the stream of electrical signals into a set of exercise-related metrics indicative of exercise behavior of the user S250; and at an electronic device in communication with the processing subsystem, providing a report derived from the set of exercise-related metrics to the user S260.
- the method 200 functions to facilitate positioning of a set of biometric sensors at desired regions of a user's body, in order to detect biometric signals generated during physical activity of the user.
- the method 200 also functions to process detected biometric signals and to provide information derived from the processed biometric signals to the user performing a physical activity in substantially near real time, such that the user can gain insights into how to maintain or improve performance of the physical activity in a beneficial manner.
- the method 200 is configured to detect and process bioelectrical signals generated at a set of regions of the body of a user who is exercising (e.g., performing aerobic exercise, performing anaerobic exercise), and to present analyses in a visual manner (e.g., graphic manner, textual manner) by way of an application executing at an electronic device having a display.
- bioelectrical signals detectable, processable, and/or analyzable according to the method 200 can include any one or more of: electromyograph (EMG) signals, electrocardiography (ECG) signals, electroencephalograph (EEG) signals, magnetoencephalograph (MEG) signals, galvanic skin response (GSR) signals, electrooculograph (EOG) signals, and any other suitable bioelectrical signal of the user.
- the method 200 can, however, be configured to detect, process, and/or analyze any other suitable biosignal data of the user, including one or more of: heart rate data, movement data, respiration data, location data, environmental data (e.g., temperature data, light data, etc.), and any other suitable data.
- the method 200 is preferably implemented at least in part at an embodiment of the system 100 described in Section 1 above; however, the method 200 can alternatively be implemented at any other suitable system for detection and processing of biometric signals from a user who is performing a physical activity.
- Block S210 recites: at a garment configured to be worn by the user, providing a set of interfaces between the user and a set of biometric sensors at a set of body regions exhibiting muscle activity, upon coupling of the garment to the user.
- Block S210 is preferably implemented at embodiments, variations, and/or examples of the garment and the set biometric sensors described in Section 1 above; however, Block S210 can alternatively be implemented using any other suitable garment with coupled biometric sensors that are configured to detect biopotential signals indicative of muscle activity of the user.
- Providing the set of interfaces thus functions to provide and maintain tight coupling between sensing portions of a set of biometric sensors and desired body regions of the user as the user performs a physical activity.
- Block S210 preferably utilizes conductive materials coupled to the garment and configured to maintain contact with the skin of the user as the user exercises; however, Block S210 can produce the set of interfaces in any other suitable manner.
- providing the set of interfaces preferably includes generation of interfaces configured to adequately conduct one or more of: electromyography (EMG) signals, motion signals (e.g., from an accelerometer, from a gyroscope), respiration signals (e.g., respiration rate, depth of breath, thoracic variations, inspiratory flow characteristics, expiratory flow characteristics, etc.), galvanic skin response (GSR) signals, temperature-induced signals, vibration signals, bioimpedance signals, electrocardiography (ECG) signals, signals indicative of other cardiovascular parameters (e.g., pulse oximetry signals, blood pressure signals), and any other suitable type of signal.
- EMG electromyography
- motion signals e.g., from an accelerometer, from a gyroscope
- respiration signals e.g., respiration rate, depth of breath, thoracic variations, inspiratory flow characteristics, expiratory flow characteristics, etc.
- GSR galvanic skin response
- temperature-induced signals e.g., vibration signals
- bioimpedance signals
- providing the set of interfaces in Block S210 is dependent upon the type of garment (e.g., top or bottom) provided in Block S210. Additionally, for anatomical regions having contralateral pairs, providing the set of interfaces preferably includes providing pairs of interfaces, each pair including an associated first sensor at a first body region and an associated second sensor at a second body region that is a contralateral region to the first body region.
- the set of interfaces provided in Block S210 can include interfaces between a set of EMG electrodes and skin of the user proximal one or more of: the pectoralisis muscles, the abdominal muscles, the oblique muscles, the trapezius muscles, the rhomboid muscles, the teres major muscles, the latissimus dorsi muscles, the deltoid muscles, the biceps muscles, and the triceps muscles when the garment is worn by the user.
- the pectoralisis muscles the abdominal muscles, the oblique muscles, the trapezius muscles, the rhomboid muscles, the teres major muscles, the latissimus dorsi muscles, the deltoid muscles, the biceps muscles, and the triceps muscles when the garment is worn by the user.
- the set of interfaces provided in Block S210 can include interfaces between a set of EMG electrodes and skin of the user proximal one or more of: the gluteus maximus muscles, the gluteus medius muscles, the vastus lateralis muscles, the gracilis muscles, the semimembranosus muscles, the semitendinosis msucles, the biceps femoris, the soleus muscles, the gastrocnemius muscles, the rectus femoris muscles, the sartorius muscles, the peroneus longus muscles, and the adductor longus muscles when the garment is worn by the user.
- Variations of the set of interfaces provided in Block S210 can, however, be configured in any other suitable manner.
- Block S220 recites: at a mounting module coupled to the garment, providing an array of connection regions in communication with the set of biometric sensors, wherein the array of connection regions is configured to couple to a set of contacts of a control module in a first configuration.
- Block S220 functions to enable transmission of biopotential signals generated from the body of the user, as the user exercises, from the set of sensor interfaces to a control module.
- Block S220 is preferably implemented at embodiments, variations, and/or examples of the garment, the control module, the mounting module, and the set biometric sensors described in Section 1 above.
- providing the array of connection regions preferably comprises providing electrically conductive connection regions coupled between the set of biometric sensors and the mounting module in a set configuration, as described in Section 1 above, wherein a set of contacts of the control module can be coupled to the array of connection regions in a first configuration (e.g., wherein the control module is seated within the mounting module), and uncoupled from the array of connection regions in a second configuration 102 (e.g., wherein the control module is removed from the mounting module).
- Block S220 includes providing a symmetric array of connection regions of the mounting module, and providing a corresponding symmetric set of contacts of the control module. Furthermore, providing the array of connection regions for the control module can further include facilitating activation of indicator LEDs of the control module, wherein activation of the indicator LEDs can be triggered upon proper coupling between the array of connection regions of the mounting module and the set of contacts of the control module. While Block S220 is preferably described in relation to the system described in Section 1 above, Block S220 can alternatively be implemented using any other suitable garment with coupled biometric sensors configured to communicate with a control module.
- Block S230 recites: in the first configuration of the control module, receiving a stream of electrical signals indicative of muscle activity from a subset of muscles of the user.
- Block S230 functions to acquire biosignal data from the user by way of the set of biometric sensors, when the control module is coupled with the garment in the first configuration.
- Block S230 preferably includes receiving signals from paired sensor channels (e.g., associated with paired biometric sensors of the set of biometric sensors).
- paired biometric sensors and contacts of the set of contacts of the control module can facilitate reception of signals that can be used to determine a signal differential (i.e., a biopotential difference) across a pair of associated sensor channels.
- Receiving the stream of electrical signals in Block S230 can include conditioning the stream of electrical signals S235 at a signal conditioning module, such as the signal conditioning module described in Section 1 above, in order to generate a conditioned signal stream.
- Block S235 can include passing the stream of electrical signals through at least one of a low pass filter, a high pass, filter, a band-pass filter, and a notch filter (i.e., a band-stop filter), in order to preprocess the datasets to remove a portion of any artifacts or interference (e.g., due to noise).
- the low pass filter can function to remove higher frequency noise and the high pass filter can function to remove lower frequency noise (e.g., due to waist movement/pressure artifacts).
- Block S235 can include any one or more of: smoothing, clipping, deconvolving, detrending/offsetting, standardizing, resampling, hard-binding, predicting, windowing, and performing any other suitable data conditioning process upon any signals received in Block S230.
- S230 can further include storing conditioned or unconditioned signal data in memory, as describe in relation to the memory of the electronics subsystem in Section 1 above.
- Block S240 recites: at the portable control module, transmitting the stream of electrical signals to a processing subsystem, which functions to transmit conditioned and/or unconditioned data derived from the stream of signals for additional processing.
- Block S240 is preferably implemented at an embodiment, variation, or example of the communication interface(s) described in relation to the electronics subsystem of the control module described in Section 1 above, whereby signal transmission is performed over a network associated with the control module and the processing subsystem. Transmitting the stream of electrical signals in Block S240 can be performed substantially continuously (e.g., every second, every millisecond, etc.) and/or in near-real-time, thereby facilitating near-real-time provision of comprehensive feedback to the user.
- transmitting the stream of electrical signals in Block S240 can be performed intermittently (e.g., only when the control module is coupled to the garment, at random time points, etc.) and/or in non-real-time.
- transmitting the signals in Block S240 can involve wireless and/or wired transmission of data derived from the stream of electrical signals to the processing subsystem.
- Block S250 recites: at the processing subsystem, transforming the stream of electrical signals into a set of exercise-related metrics indicative of exercise behavior of the user.
- Block S250 functions to generate an analysis derived from the stream of electrical signals received in Block S240, which can be used to provide feedback to the user regarding aspects of his/her exercise behavior.
- Block S250 can include determining metrics including one or more of: a metric related to effort output (e.g., total effort output as a ratio between an amount of work performed by a muscle group and a maximum amount of work that can be performed by the muscle group), a metric derived from an amount of cardio-activity performed by the user, a metric derived from an amount of strength-based activity performed by the user, a metric related to balance in utilization of all muscles of a muscle group; a metric related to a total number of muscles/muscle groups utilized during one or more exercises, a metric related to a number of repetitions of a performed exercise, a metric related to a number of sets of a performed exercise, a metric related to a distance conquered or time duration of an exercise, a metric associated with improperness or properness of form in performing one or more exercises (e.g., as identified by signals of the signal stream indicative of muscles the user is using to perform an exercise, in relation to a desired group of muscles the user should use to perform
- the processing system can be configured to utilize time information and signal feature information (e.g., amplitude, frequency, signal signatures, etc.) in determining metrics associated with individual muscles, groups of muscles, and overall assessments of activity of the user.
- time information and signal feature information e.g., amplitude, frequency, signal signatures, etc.
- Block S260 recites: at an electronic device in communication with the processing subsystem, providing a report derived from the set of exercise-related metrics to the user.
- Block S260 preferably involves processing of the set of exercise-related metrics into a report that provides insights to the user, pertaining to the user's exercise behavior.
- Block S260 preferably implements an embodiment, variation, or example of the processing subsystem, electronic device, and network described in Section 1 above; however, Block S260 can additionally or alternatively be implemented using any other suitable processing and information provision elements.
- Block S260 preferably utilizes an exercise-monitoring application being executed at the electronic device, an example of which is shown in FIGURE 11A .
- the report(s) can contribute to a virtual coaching environment that includes one or more of: training plans, recovery plans, information regarding competitions (e.g., training regimens configured to prepare the user for an upcoming competition), instructions for stretching, instructions for injury prevention, instructions regarding proper form for conducting an exercise, and any other suitable coaching functions derived from metrics associated with the user's muscular activity.
- competitions e.g., training regimens configured to prepare the user for an upcoming competition
- instructions for stretching e.g., instructions for injury prevention, instructions regarding proper form for conducting an exercise
- any other suitable coaching functions derived from metrics associated with the user's muscular activity.
- Block S260 can be used to provide alerts to the user based upon received and processed data, an example of which is shown in FIGURE 11B .
- Block S260 can include notifying the user or another entity if the user is focusing too much on a particular exercise or muscle group (e.g., by visually showing the muscle group(s) that are overemphasized and recommending other exercises to the user), or if the user is using a muscle group incorrectly during an exercise (e.g., if the user is demonstrating poor form).
- the reports can provide synopses pertaining to one or more of: a muscle breakdown of work performed/output for specific muscles; a breakdown of a score given for a workout, wherein the score can be tracked over time to monitor progress of the user; a classification of exercise as cardio-based or strength-based; indications of muscle atrophy, indications of rehabilitation progress; indications of fatigue; indications of potential or actual injury; and any other suitable reported factor.
- a report can provide a percentage of a workout associated with strength-based exercise vs. a percentage of a workout associated with cardio-based exercise.
- the report provided in Block S260 can additionally or alternatively provide a detailed breakdown of any exercise metric associated with one or more muscle groups, provided within a virtual display of various muscle groups.
- the method 200 can further include Block S270, as shown in FIGURE 10 , which recites: detecting an orientation of the control module within the mounting module and adaptively adjusting a mapping between a set of contacts of the control module and an array of connection regions of the mounting module.
- Block S270 functions to enable proper signal reception and processing from a symmetric control module that can be coupled to the garment in multiple orientations.
- Block S270 can implement contact configuration(s) of the set of contacts of the control module and any other suitable data (e.g., accelerometer data, gyroscope data) in order to detect the orientation of the control module relative to the garment.
- Block S270 can include adapting signal reception and processing functions accordingly.
- Block S270 can allow the control module to operate properly regardless of how the control module is coupled with the garment, in receiving and processing signals from the set of biometric sensors. For example, using the contact configuration shown in FIGURE 6 , signals X and Y can be received by way of contacts 1A and 1B in a first orientation of the control module, but if the control module is positioned "upside-down" in a second orientation, firmware implementing Block S270 can adapt signal reception and processing of the control module to receive signals X and Y by way of contacts 14B and 14A, respectively. As such, in the example, Block S270 can facilitate dynamic modification of the contact mapping in order to property attribute signals X and Y to the correct muscle group or set of biometric sensors.
- Block S270 can include post-processing of signals based upon supplementary data that can allow signatures associated with one or muscle groups or types of activity to be identified. For instance, if accelerometer data indicates motion behavior associated with a first muscle group, but EMG signal data indicates muscle activity not associated with the first muscle group, Block S270 can involve reconfiguring a mapping between the set of contacts of the control module and the set of biometric sensors, post-reception of the signal stream from the set of biometric sensors, and generating metrics and reports according to the reconfigured mapping.
- Any other signatures derived from one or more of: gyroscope data, accelerometer data, GPS data, temperature data, location data, heart rate data, and any other suitable data can be used to identify the most probable muscle groups being used in an activity, and adjusting a mapping between the set of contacts of the control module accordingly.
- identification of the configuration of the control module relative to the garment can be facilitated based upon cross-correlation between different types of data (e.g., accelerometer data, EMG sensor data), detection of identification contact configurations, and/or in any other suitable manner.
- the method 200 can further include any one or more of: detecting misalignment of the control module, providing an indication of misalignment of the control module (e.g., using indicator LEDs), receiving a user input and providing a customized report based upon the user input (e.g., allowing the user to select a portion of a virtual display of various muscle groups and providing a report based upon the selection), allowing the user to receive information and feedback (e.g., training information, motivational feedback) from a community of associated users, and any other suitable steps or blocks that promote proper exercise behavior of the user.
- information and feedback e.g., training information, motivational feedback
- Variations of the system 100 and method 200 include any combination or permutation of the described components and processes.
- various processes of the preferred method can be embodied and/or implemented at least in part as a machine configured to receive a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions.
- the instructions are preferably executed by computer-executable components preferably integrated with a system and one or more portions of the control module 155 and/or a processor.
- the computer-readable medium can be stored on any suitable computer readable media such as RAMs, ROMs, flash memory, EEPROMs, optical devices (CD or DVD), hard drives, floppy drives, or any suitable device.
- the computer-executable component is preferably a general or application specific processor, but any suitable dedicated hardware device or hardware/firmware combination device can additionally or alternatively execute the instructions.
- each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, step, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s).
- the functions noted in the block can occur out of the order noted in the FIGURES. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.
Landscapes
- Measurement And Recording Of Electrical Phenomena And Electrical Characteristics Of The Living Body (AREA)
Description
- This invention relates generally to the biometric device field, and more specifically to a new and useful system and method for monitoring biometric signals.
- Tracking biometric parameters resulting from periods of physical activity can provide profound insights into improving one's performance and overall health. Historically, users have tracked their exercise behavior by manually maintaining records of aspects of their physical activity, including time points, durations, and/or other metrics (e.g., weight lifted, distance traveled, repetitions, sets, etc.) of their exercise behavior. Exercise tracking systems and software have been recently developed to provide some amount of assistance to a user interested in tracking his/her exercise behavior; however, such systems and methods still suffer from a number of drawbacks. In particular, many systems require a significant amount of effort from the user (e.g., systems rely upon user input prior to and/or after a period of physical activity), capture insufficient data (e.g., pedometers that estimate distance traveled, but provide little insight into an amount of physical exertion of the user), provide irrelevant information to a user, and are incapable of detecting body-responses to physical activity at a resolution sufficient to provide the user with a high degree of body awareness. Other limitations of conventional biometric monitoring devices include one or more of: involvement of single-use electrodes, involvement of a single electrode targeting a single body location, use of adhesives for electrode placement, contributions to user discomfort, and other deficiencies. An example of biometric monitoring device of the prior art is disclosed in
WO-A-2007/063436 . - There is thus a need in the biometric device field to create a new and useful system and method for monitoring biometric signals. This invention provides such a new and useful system and method.
-
-
FIGURE 1 depicts an embodiment of a system for monitoring biometric signals of a user; -
FIGURE 2 depicts an embodiment of a system for monitoring biometric signals of a user, in communication with an external electronic device; -
FIGURE 3A depicts a cross-section of a portion of an embodiment of a system for monitoring biometric signals of a user; -
FIGURES 3B-3C depict different variations of garments in an embodiment of a system for monitoring biometric signals of a user; -
FIGURE 3D depicts a specific example of a biometric sensor configuration in an embodiment of a system for monitoring biometric signals of a user; -
FIGURE 4A depicts variations of a housing of a control module in an embodiment of a system for monitoring biometric signals of a user; -
FIGURE 4B depicts an example of a control module in an embodiment of a system for monitoring biometric signals of a user; -
FIGURE 5A depicts a first example configuration of contacts in an embodiment of a system for monitoring biometric signals of a user; -
FIGURE 5B depicts a cross-section of a portion of an embodiment of a system for monitoring biometric signals of a user; -
FIGURE 6 depicts a second example configuration of contacts in an embodiment of a system for monitoring biometric signals of a user; -
FIGURES 7A-7B depict a first configurations and a second configuration, respectively, of coupling between a control module and an array of connection regions in an embodiment of a system for monitoring biometric signals of a user; -
FIGURE 8A depicts an example of a mounting module in an embodiment of a system for monitoring biometric signals of a user; -
FIGURE 8B depicts a cross section of a portion of an embodiment of a system for monitoring biometric signals of a user; -
FIGURE 8C depicts a variation of a configuration between portions of a system for monitoring biometric signals of a user; -
FIGURES 9A-9B depict configurations of charging modules in an example of a system for monitoring biometric signals of a user; -
FIGURE 10 depicts a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for monitoring biometric signals of a user; -
FIGURES 11A-11B depict examples of portions of an exercise-monitoring application in a method and/or system for monitoring biometric signals of a user; -
FIGURE 12 depicts an embodiment of a portion of a system for monitoring biometric signals of a user; -
FIGURES 13A-13F depict schematics of a variation of a portion of a system for electrically coupling an exterior surface of a housing to an interior volume within the sealed housin; -
FIGURE 14 depicts an embodiment of a method for fabricating signal conduction pathways in a waterproof manner, in an embodiment of a system for monitoring biometric signals of a user; and -
FIGURES 15A-15D depict variations of a method for fabricating electrical conduction pathways in a waterproof manner, in an embodiment of a system for monitoring biometric signals of a user. - The following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention is not intended to limit the invention to these preferred embodiments, but rather to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use this invention.
- As shown in
FIGURES 1 and2 , an embodiment of asystem 100 for monitoring biometric signals of a user comprises: agarment 105; a set ofbiometric sensors 120 coupled to the garment and configured to receive biometric signals indicative of muscle activity of the user; and acontrol module 130 comprising ahousing 140, a set ofcontacts 150 configured to couple to an array ofconnection regions 115 that enable signal transmission from the set of biometric sensors, and anelectronics subsystem 160 in communication with the set of contacts. In some embodiments, thesystem 100 can further comprise one or more of: amounting module 110 coupled to the garment and providing the array of connection regions; and aprocessing subsystem 170 configured to communicate with theelectronics subsystem 160 and generate analyses based upon biometric signals detected by way of the set of biometric sensors. - The
system 100 functions to position a set of biometric sensors at desired regions of a user's body, in order to detect biometric signals generated during physical activity of the user. Thesystem 100 also functions to process detected biometric signals and to provide information derived from the processed biometric signals to the user performing a physical activity in substantially near real time, such that the user can gain insights into how to maintain or improve performance of the physical activity in a beneficial manner. In variations, thesystem 100 is configured to detect and process bioelectrical signals generated at a set of regions of the body of a user who is exercising (e.g., performing aerobic exercise, performing anaerobic exercise), and to present analyses in a visual manner (e.g., graphic manner, textual manner) by way of an application executing at an electronic device having a display. As such, bioelectrical signals detectable, processable, and/or analyzable by thesystem 100 can include any one or more of: electromyograph (EMG) signals, electrocardiography (ECG) signals, electroencephalograph (EEG) signals, magnetoencephalograph (MEG) signals, galvanic skin response (GSR) signals, electrooculograph (EOG) signals, and any other suitable bioelectrical signal of the user. Thesystem 100 can, however, be configured to detect, process, and/or analyze any other suitable biosignal data of the user, including one or more of: heart rate data, movement data, respiration data, location data, environmental data (e.g., temperature data, light data, etc.), and any other suitable data. - In one embodiment, the
system 100 can be configured to aggregate a combination of one or more of the biometric factors described above, and to determine and output a variety of metrics associated with the user's exercise activity. These metrics can provide the user with insights pertaining to his/her muscle exertion, muscle balance, exercise form, potential to incur injuries (e.g., acute injuries, chronic injuries), muscle fatigue, activity levels, muscle recovery behavior, exercise regimen parameters (e.g., types of exercise, sets of an exercise, repetitions of an exercise, etc.), and/or any other suitable exercise- or health-related factor. - The
system 100 is preferably configured to be used by a user who is away from a research or clinical setting, such that the user is interfacing with a portion of thesystem 100 while he or she undergoes periods of activity in a natural setting (e.g., at a gym, outdoors, etc.). Thesystem 100 can additionally or alternatively be configured to be operated by a user who is in a research setting, a clinical setting, or any other suitable setting. Thesystem 100 is preferably configured to perform at least a portion of themethod 200 described in Section 2 below; however, thesystem 100 can additionally or alternatively be configured to perform any other suitable method. - The
garment 105 functions to position a set of biometric sensors proximal a set of body regions of the user, in order to enable detection of biometric signals from specific body regions of the user as the user is performing a form of physical exercise. Thegarment 105 can thus provide a means for providing close coupling and/or consistent placement of the set of biometric sensors at the body of the user. As such, the garment can be a form-fitting garment that provides a biasing force on the set ofbiometric sensors 120 described below, in order to promote close coupling between the set ofbiometric sensors 120 and desired portions of the body of the user. The garment can thus include a stretchable and/or compressive fabric comprising natural and/or synthetic fibers (e.g., nylon, lycra, polyester, spandex, etc.) to promote coupling (i.e., electrical coupling, mechanical coupling) and/or reduce motion artifacts that could otherwise result from relative motion between the skin of the user and the sensors of the set ofbiometric sensors 120. In examples, thegarment 105 can include any one or more of: a top (e.g., shirt, jacket, tank top, etc.), bottom (e.g., shorts, pants, etc.), elbow pad, knee pad, arm sleeve, leg sleeve, socks, undergarment, neck wrap, glove, and any other suitable wearable garment. In some embodiments, thesystem 100 can comprise an embodiment of the garment described inU.S. App. No. 14/079,629 entitled "Wearable Architecture and Methods for Performance Monitoring, Analysis, and Feedback" and filed on 13-NOV-2013. However, thesystem 100 can alternatively comprise any other suitable garment. - In providing close coupling between the set of biometric sensors, as described below, and the body of the user, the
garment 105 preferably comprises a plurality ofconductive regions 106, as shown inFIGURE 3A , configured to contact the set of body regions of the user from which biometric signal detection is desired, when the garment is worn by the user. As such, the plurality ofconductive regions 106 can facilitate biometric signal transduction to the set ofbiometric sensors 120 described below. Preferably, the plurality ofconductive regions 106 includes volumes of a conductive material that is integrated into the garment, wherein the conductive material is flexible, has good fatigue resistance, and is biocompatible (e.g., does not induce an allergic response, does not promote harboring of bacteria, etc.). The plurality ofconductive regions 106 preferably also provide direct interfaces with the skin of the user when the garment is worn by the user, in order to facilitate electrical coupling with low impedance. However, in alternative variations, the plurality ofconductive regions 106 can alternatively not directly contact skin of the user, but be configured to electrically couple to the user by way of an electrical coupling medium (e.g., saline, sweat, electrolyte medium, etc.) transmitted by way of thegarment 105 or the user. In variations, the plurality ofconductive regions 106 can include a conductive resin or silicone material formed directly onto a surface of thegarment 105 facing the skin of the user, when thegarment 105 is worn by the user, in order to facilitate signal transduction from the user to the set ofbiometric sensors 120 of thesystem 100. However, the conductive material can alternatively comprise any other suitable material and/or be configured in any other suitable manner. - The set of
biometric sensors 120 is preferably coupled to the garment and configured to receive biometric signals indicative of muscle activity of the user. As such, the set ofbiometric sensors 120 function to detect bioelectric potentials (i.e., biopotentials) from body regions of the user, which vary according to different states of activity of the user. The set ofbiometric sensors 120, as described above, are preferably incorporated with or otherwise coupled to the plurality ofconductive regions 106 of thegarment 105; however, the set ofbiometric sensors 120 can include one or more biometric sensors that are configured to couple to the user in any other suitable manner (e.g., without involvement of thegarment 105, without involvement of a plurality ofconductive regions 106 of the garment 105). - The set of
biometric sensors 120 preferably include electromyography (EMG) electrodes configured to acquire biopotential signals resulting from muscle activity of the user. However, in some variations, the set ofbiometric sensors 120 can additionally or alternatively include any one or more of: respiration sensors (e.g., sensors that operate according to plethysmography), galvanic skin response (GSR) sensors, temperature sensors, accelerometers (e.g., single axis accelerometers, multi-axis accelerometers), gyroscopes (e.g., single axis gyroscopes, multi-axis gyroscopes) global positioning system (GPS) sensors, vibration sensors, bioimpedance sensors, bend-angle measurement sensors, electrocardiography (ECG) sensors, sensors indicative of other cardiovascular parameters (e.g., pulse oximetry sensors, blood pressure sensors), and any other suitable type of sensor. As such, the set ofbiometric sensors 120 can detect biosignals indicative of one or multiple types of biological/physiological responses to activity of a user, in providing information relevant to exercise behavior of the user. - Preferably, the type, number, and positioning of the set of biometric sensors is dependent upon the type(s) of garment(s) 105 included in the
system 100. Additionally, for anatomical regions having contralateral pairs, the set ofbiometric sensors 120 preferably includes pairs of sensors, each pair including a first sensor at a first body region and a second sensor at a second body region that is a contralateral region to the first body region. In one variation, as shown inFIGURE 3B , for agarment 105 that has a form factor of a top (e.g., shirt, tank top, etc.), the set ofbiometric sensors 120 can include a set of EMG electrodes configured to be positioned at desired locations when thegarment 105 is worn by the user, and can additionally or alternatively include one or more of a heart rate sensor and a respiratory sensor. In one example of this variation, the set of EMG electrodes include electrodes configured to be positioned proximal one or more of: the pectoralisis muscles, the abdominal muscles, the oblique muscles, the trapezius muscles, the rhomboid muscles, the teres major muscles, the latissimus dorsi muscles, the deltoid muscles, the biceps muscles, and the triceps muscles when thegarment 105 is worn by the user. In the example, the set of biometric sensors can further include a heart rate sensor configured to be positioned proximal the heart region of the user, and/or a respiratory sensor configured to encircle at least a portion of the torso of the user (i.e., to facilitate plethysmography) when thegarment 105 is worn by the user. Variations of the example of thegarment 105 configured as a top with biometric sensors can, however, be configured in any other suitable manner (e.g., a tank top garment can omit sensors positioned proximal the triceps and the biceps muscles). - In another variation, as shown in
FIGURES 3C and 3D , for agarment 105 that has a form factor of a bottom (e.g., shorts, pants, etc.), the set ofbiometric sensors 120 can include a set of EMG electrodes configured to be positioned at desired locations when thegarment 105 is worn by the user. In one example of this variation, the set of EMG electrodes include electrodes configured to be positioned proximal one or more of: the gluteus maximus muscles, the gluteus medius muscles, the vastus lateralis muscles, the gracilis muscles, the semimembranosus muscles, the semitendinosis muscles, the biceps femoris, the quadriceps muscles, the soleus muscles, the gastrocnemius muscles, the rectus femoris muscles, the sartorius muscles, the peroneus longus muscles, and the adductor longus muscles when thegarment 105 is worn by the user. Variations of the example of thegarment 105 configured as a bottom with biometric sensors can, however, be configured in any other suitable manner. - In alternative embodiments, the set of
biometric sensors 120 can be supplemented with a set of supplementary sensors 125 configured to detect one or more aspects associated with an environment of the user. In variations, the set of supplementary sensors 125 can include one or more of: environmental temperature sensors, altimeters, oxygen content sensors, air quality sensors, near field communication (NFC) sensors (e.g., configured to detect a nearby device or piece of exercise equipment having a corresponding NFC element), and any other suitable supplementary sensor that can enrich the data acquired from user and/or the environment of the user. - The
control module 130 comprises ahousing 140 and a set ofcontacts 150 configured to couple to an array ofconnection regions 115 in electrical communication with the set ofbiometric sensors 120, which enable signal transmission from the set of biometric sensors to thecontrol module 130. Thecontrol module 130 preferably also includes anelectronics subsystem 160 in communication with the set ofcontacts 150, wherein theelectronics subsystem 160 facilitates signal reception, signal conditioning, signal transmission, and power distribution for thesystem 100. Thecontrol module 130 thus functions to control signal reception, preprocessing, and transmission to a processing subsystem, and to physically protect/isolate sensitive elements (e.g., electronics) of thesystem 100. Thecontrol module 130 is preferably configured to be a portable control module that can removably couple to thegarment 105 and set ofbiometric sensors 120 in cooperation with a mountingmodule 110 of thegarment 105, as described below. As such, thecontrol module 130 can be configured to be uncoupled from the garment by the user (or another entity) when desired (e.g., during charging, during washing of the garment, during battery replacement, etc.). However, thecontrol module 130 can alternatively be configured to semipermanently couple to thegarment 105, such that it is not desirable for the user to remove thecontrol module 130 from the garment. Furthermore, thecontrol module 130 is preferably configured to provide electrical signal conduction pathways, through conductive contacts, in a waterproof manner; however, thecontrol module 130 can alternatively be configured to provide electrical signal conduction pathways in any other suitable manner. - The
housing 140 functions to house and protect theelectronics subsystem 160 over the lifetime of use of thesystem 100 by a user, and can further function to enhance wearability of the system. Thehousing 140 is preferably composed of a rigid material (e.g., a rigid plastic material, a metal, etc.), such that thehousing 140 does not deform in response to normal forces, shear stresses, bending stresses, or torsional stresses induced during use of thesystem 100. Alternatively, thehousing 140 can be flexible to facilitate maintenance of compliance with a user as the user performs a physical activity. In variations wherein thehousing 140 is flexible, other elements of thesystem 100 can also be flexible (e.g., the electronics subsystem can comprise a flexible thin film battery, the electronics subsystem can comprise flexible electronics, etc.) to facilitate compliance with the body of a user. Thehousing 140 is preferably composed of a non-conductive material (i.e., in order to prevent bridging across elements that provide signal conduction); however, thehousing 140 can alternatively be composed of any other suitable material and configured to prevent bridging in any suitable manner. In a specific example, the housing is composed of a polycarbonate/acyrlonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) blend; however, variations of the specific example can alternatively be composed of only polycarbonate, only ABS, or any other suitable material. - The
housing 140 preferably has a profile that does not protrude a significant distance from the body of the user when thegarment 105 is worn by the user. As such, thehousing 140 preferably has a low aspect ratio that contributes to a thin form factor of thecontrol module 130. However, thehousing 140 can alternatively define a volume with a high aspect ratio. Preferably, the external surface of thehousing 140 is substantially smooth and has rounded edges, in order to avoid damaging thegarment 105 during motion of the user. Furthermore, thehousing 140 can define a substantially polygonal footprint (i.e., triangular footprint with rounded edges, a quadrilateral footprint with rounded edges, a pentagonal footprint with rounded edges, a hexagonal footprint with rounded edges, etc.), or can alternatively define one or more of a circular footprint, an ellipsoidal footprint, and an amorphous footprint. In one example, as shown inFIGURE 4B , thehousing 140 defines an ellipsoidal footprint and has a thickness substantially below 2 cm, a height below 10 cm, and a width below 6 cm, in order to produce a smooth form factor with a low aspect ratio. In a specific example, as shown inFIGURE 4B , the housing 140' has an ellipsoidal footprint with an overall thickness of 11 mm, a shell thickness of 1.4mm, a width of 34 mm, and a height of 62 mm. Variations of the example of the housing can, however, be configured in any other suitable manner, as shown inFIGURE 4A . - The
housing 140 preferably forms a shell about internal components of thecontrol module 130, and preferably has afirst housing portion 141 facing the body of the user when thecontrol module 130 interfaces with the user and asecond housing portion 142 facing away from the body of the user when thecontrol module 130 interfaces with the user, an example of which is shown inFIGURE 4B . Thefirst housing portion 141 and/or thesecond housing portion 142 can comprise a concave surface or a convex surface, in interfacing with the garment or the body of the user. Furthermore, depending upon the intended position of thecontrol module 130 relative to thegarment 105 and/or the body of the user, thefirst housing portion 141 and/or thesecond housing portion 142 can define surfaces that are configured to conform to the body of the user upon coupling of thesystem 100 to the user. Thefirst housing portion 141 and thesecond housing portion 142 can be coupled together using a sealing element (e.g., water tight sealing element), including one or more of: an adhesive, a compliant sealing material (e.g., putty), an o-ring, an x-ring, any other suitable ring, and/or any other suitable sealing element. Additionally or alternatively, portions of thehousing 140 can be coupled in any other suitable manner (e.g., by ultrasonic welding, by use of a solvent, by a thermal bonding method, etc.) As such, an interface between thefirst housing portion 141 and thesecond housing portion 142 can be configured to be waterproof and/or machine-washable in order to protect aspects of thecontrol module 130. In the specific example shown inFIGURE 4B , thefirst housing portion 141 has an articulated surface configured to promote tactility, and ports that allow light transmission (e.g., from indicator LEDs) to inform the user regarding one or more statuses of the system 100 (e.g., proper coupling relative to other elements of thesystem 100, an active configuration of thecontrol module 130, an inactive configuration of thecontrol module 130, a charging status of thesystem 100, a calibration status of thesystem 100, etc.). - The
housing 140 preferably has an array ofopenings 143 defined at one or more of thefirst housing portion 141 and thesecond housing portion 142, wherein the array ofopenings 143 provides access for a set ofcontacts 150 configured between theelectronics subsystem 160 and an array ofconnection regions 115, as described in further detail below. Preferably, the array ofopenings 143 is defined entirely at thefirst housing portion 141; however, in alternative variations, the array ofopenings 143 can be defined at both thefirst housing portion 141 and thesecond housing portion 142, or at only thesecond housing portion 142. The array ofopenings 143 can comprise a rectangular array of openings (i.e., with openings of the array ofopenings 143 arranged in a rectangular grid pattern); however, the array ofopenings 143 can alternatively be configured in any other suitable manner (e.g., as a circular array of openings, as an ellipsoidal array of openings, as a polygonal array of openings, as an amorphous array of openings, etc.). Each opening in the array ofopenings 143 can be a circular opening or can alternatively be a non-circular opening. Furthermore, each opening in the array ofopenings 143 is preferably identical to every other opening in the array ofopenings 143 in morphology; however, the array ofopenings 143 can alternatively comprise non-identical openings. In a specific example, as shown inFIGURE 4B the array ofopenings 143 includes 42 identical circular openings arranged in a 7x6 rectangular array, each opening having a diameter of 3 mm and an inter-opening spacing of 1.5mm; however, variations of the specific example of the array ofopenings 143 can be configured in any other suitable manner. - The set of
contacts 150 functions to facilitate coupling between the electronics subsystem 160 of thecontrol module 130 and an array ofconnection regions 115, by way of the array ofopenings 143 of thehousing 140 described above. In more detail, and in some variations, each contact in the set ofcontacts 150 can function to conduct an electrical signal to at least oneelectrical contact pad 53 of anelectronics connection substrate 50 for signal transmission to theelectronics subsystem 160, as described in further detail below. As such, the set ofcontacts 150 comprise electrically conductive contacts that facilitate reception of biosignals from the set ofbiometric sensors 120 of thesystem 100. In variations, the set ofcontacts 150 can provide conduction of biopotential signals and/or any other suitable electrical signals at a high input impedance and with low current requirements; however, the set ofcontacts 150 can alternatively be configured to conduct any other suitable types of signals under any other suitable constraints. Preferably, the set ofcontacts 150 comprises contacts composed of an electrically conductive, elastic, and compliant material (e.g., electrically conductive silicone, electrically conductive polymer, etc.) that facilitates maintenance of electrical communication between the set ofbiometric sensors 120 and theelectronics subsystem 160 during motion of the user. In one example, the conductive polymer used in the set of contacts comprises an ether-based conductive thermoplastic polyurethane material; However, the set ofcontacts 150 can alternatively comprise one or more contacts composed of an electrically conductive, but non-elastic or non-compliant material (e.g., a metallic material). - As shown in
FIGURE 5B , each contact in the set ofcontacts 150 preferably includes afirst region 151 that extends through at least one opening of the array ofopenings 143 of thehousing 140, and asecond region 152 that couples to a portion of anelectronics connection substrate 50 and/or theelectronics subsystem 160. Thefirst region 151 of each contact in the set ofcontacts 150 preferably seals at least one opening in the array ofopenings 143 of thehousing 140, in order to prevent fluids (e.g., water, sweat) from seeping into the housing and potentially damaging theelectronics subsystem 160, which is otherwise accessible through the array ofopenings 143. As such, thehousing 140 of thecontrol module 130 is preferably configured to be waterproof and/or machine-washable, due to the configuration of the set ofcontacts 150 in relation to thehousing 140. Thefirst region 151 of each of the set ofcontacts 150 can thus be over-molded on thehousing 140 at least at one opening of the array ofopenings 143, and thesecond region 152 can be over-molded onto or otherwise coupled to a desired region of theelectronics subsystem 160, which is internal to thehousing 140 of thecontrol module 130. In more detail, as described further below and shown inFIGURES 13A-13F , thesecond region 152 of a contact can be coupled to anelectrical contact pad 53 of a set ofelectrical contact pads 52 of anelectronics connection substrate 50 in communication with theelectronics subsystem 160. Finally, anintermediate region 153 of each contact can be configured to pass into an opening of the array of openings, such that theintermediate region 153 of the contact is surrounded by thefirst region 151 and thesecond region 152. - Each contact in the set of
contacts 150 is preferably associated with an opening of the array ofopenings 150 in a one-to-one manner; however, the set ofcontacts 150 and the array ofopenings 143 can alternatively be configured in a less-than-one-to-one or a more-than-one-to-one manner. Furthermore, each contact in the set ofcontacts 150 is preferably isolated from other contacts (e.g., adjacent contacts), such that bridging of contacts does not occur. As such, thehousing 140 and/or other portions of thesystem 100 can be configured to prevent bridging (e.g., due to an unintended fluid connection provided across contacts, due to any other unintended electrical connection provided across contacts). As such, regions of thecontrol module 130 that are intermediate to contacts of the set ofcontacts 150 can include one or more of: shielding elements (e.g., electrical insulators) that prevent cross-contact bridging, wicking elements (e.g., conduits, absorbent regions) configured to control fluid positions and/or movement relative to contacts of the set ofcontacts 150, and any other suitable element(s) that prevent cross-contact bridging. - As shown in
FIGURES 5B and13A-13F , in relation to the set ofcontacts 150, thecontrol module 130 can include anelectronics connection substrate 50 that functions to conduct signals from the set ofcontacts 150 to theelectronics subsystem 160. In particular, theelectronics connection substrate 50 can be configured to couple to thefirst housing portion 141 by way of the set ofcontacts 150, and/or to be aligned with thefirst housing portion 141 during manufacturing of thecontrol module 130 and coupling of the set of contacts to theelectronics connection substrate 50. Theelectronics connection substrate 50 preferably includes a set ofelectrical contact pads 52 that align with the array ofopenings 143 of thefirst housing portion 141, as well as a linkinginterface 55 that couples each of the set ofelectrical contact pads 52 to theelectronics subsystem 160 for signal processing and transmission. As such, theelectronics connection substrate 50 can allow routing of signals from originating at first regions of the set of contacts 150 (i.e., at an exterior surface of the housing 140) to theelectronics subsystem 160, by way of the linkinginterface 55. - The
electronics connection substrate 50 is preferably flexible in order to facilitate manufacturing and assembly of thecontrol module 130, for instance, in relation to alignment of theelectronics connection substrate 50 relative to thehousing 140, and/or coupling of the set ofcontacts 150 to both thehousing 140 and theelectronics connection substrate 50. Furthermore, theelectronics connection substrate 50 preferably includes signal routing pathways (e.g., conductive leads) coupled to the set ofelectrical contact pads 52 and to the linkinginterface 55, thereby enabling signal routing to theelectronics subsystem 160. However, at least a portion of theelectronics connection substrate 50 can alternatively be composed of a rigid material, and/or theelectronics connection substrate 50 can facilitate signal routing from the set ofelectrical contact pads 52 to theelectronics subsystem 160 in any other suitable manner. In a specific example, theelectronics connection substrate 50 comprises a flexible printed circuit board, as shown inFIGURES 13A-13F , configured to couple to and/or be compliant with an internal surface of thefirst housing portion 141, during manufacturing of thecontrol module 130, and includes a set ofelectrical contact pads 52, each coupled to a conductive lead for signal transmission to theelectronics subsystem 160, by way of the linkinginterface 55. However, variations to the flexible printed circuit board (e.g., a substrate produced using laser direct structuring, a substrate produced using two-shot molding) can be used as anelectronics connection substrate 50. - The set of
electrical contact pads 52 function to receive and route signals from the set ofcontacts 150 to theelectronics subsystem 160. As such, the set ofelectrical contact pads 52 are preferably composed of a conductive material, and are preferably configured to couple to the set ofcontacts 150 in a manner that enables signal routing in a robust manner (e.g., without any cross-contact). Eachelectrical contact pad 52 can be composed of the same material; however, in some variations, one or more electrical contact pads in the set ofelectrical contact pads 52 can alternatively be composed of a different material than other electrical contact pads in the set ofelectrical contact pads 52. In a specific example, each electrical contact pad in the set ofcontact pads 52 includes a copper pad, which has suitable conductivity characteristics for signal transmission. However, variations of the specific example can comprise any other suitable material. - In coupling the set of
electrical contact pads 52 to the set ofcontacts 150, at least one electrical contact pad can have an associated port 54 (e.g., an opening though the thickness of the electronics connection substrate), that functions to receive at least a portion of asecond region 152 of a contact of the set ofcontacts 150. As such, thesecond region 152 of a contact can be mechanically retained in position at a corresponding electrical contact pad, by way of theport 54, in order to ensure robust coupling for reliable signal conduction through the contact. In one variation, theport 54 can be concentrically aligned with a corresponding electrical contact pad; however, theport 54 can alternatively be not concentrically aligned with the corresponding electrical contact pad. Furthermore, an electrical contact pad can have a single associated port, or multiple associated ports. Additionally or alternatively, theport 54 may not provide access entirely through the thickness of theelectronics connection substrate 50. - In relation to the set of
electrical contact pads 52, theelectronics connection substrate 50 is preferably configured such that the set ofelectrical contact pads 52 is paired with a set ofports 56, wherein the set ofports 56 is configured to align with the array ofopenings 143 of thehousing 140. As such, and similar to the array ofopenings 143, the set ofports 56 can comprise a rectangular array of ports (i.e., with ports of the array ofports 56 arranged in a rectangular grid pattern) associated with the set of electrical contact pads, as shown inFIGURE 13D ; however, the set ofports 56 can alternatively be configured in any other suitable manner (e.g., as a circular array of ports, as an ellipsoidal array of ports, as a polygonal array of ports, as an amorphous array of ports, etc.). Eachport 54 in the array ofports 56 can be a circular opening or can alternatively be a non-circular opening. Furthermore, each opening in the set ofports 56 is preferably identical to every other port in the set ofports 56 in morphology; however, the set ofports 56 can alternatively comprise non-identical openings. In a specific example, as shown inFIGURE 13D , the set ofports 56 includes 42 identical circular openings arranged in a 7x6 rectangular array, such that the set ofports 56 aligns with and substantially matches the configuration of the array ofopenings 143 of thehousing 140. However, the set ofports 56 can alternatively be configured in any other suitable manner. - The linking
interface 55 functions to transmit signals from the set ofelectrical contact pads 52 to the electronics subsystem 160 (as described in further detail below). The linkinginterface 55 is preferably a modular component of thecontrol module 130 in order to facilitate assembly and manufacture of thecontrol module 130. As such, the linkinginterface 55 can be configured to be in a disconnected state during some phases of manufacture of thecontrol module 130, and to be in a connected state during final phases of manufacture of the control module. As such, in some variations, a first portion of the linkinginterface 55 can be coupled to (e.g., contiguous with) theelectronics connection substrate 50, and a second portion of the linkinginterface 55 can be coupled to (e.g., contiguous with) theelectronics subsystem 160. However, the linkinginterface 55 can alternatively be non-modular and coupled between theelectronics connection substrate 50 and theelectronics subsystem 160 in any other suitable manner. For instance, theelectronics subsystem 160 can be contiguous with theelectronics connection substrate 50, without amodular linking interface 55. In a specific example, as shown inFIGURE 13F , the linkinginterface 55 comprises a first flexible printed circuit (FPC)connector 55a contiguous with theelectronics connection substrate 50 and in communication with each electrical contact pad of the electronics connection substrate, wherein thefirst FPC connector 55a is configured to couple to asecond FPC connector 55b of theelectronics subsystem 160. However, variations of the specific example can comprise any other suitable configuration of the linkinginterface 55. - In relation to the configuration of the set of
contacts 150, the contacts can each be assigned to and facilitate signal reception from a corresponding biometric sensor of the set ofbiometric sensors 120. Additionally, in some configurations, each contact and biometric sensor can be associated with a companion contact and biometric sensor to facilitate detection of a signal differential (i.e., a biopotential difference) across two paired biometric sensors. As such, thecontrol module 130 can utilize signals from paired sensors in measuring a biopotential difference, thereby enabling determination of one or more metrics associated with muscle/exercise activity. In a first variation, the set ofcontacts 150 can be arranged according to pins on corresponding circuitry of theelectronics subsystem 160. In the first variation, as shown inFIGURE 5A , the set of contacts 150' can be arranged in a symmetrically opposing arrangement about any suitable axis of symmetry (e.g., a diagonal axis of symmetry defined by the array ofopenings 143 of the housing, a horizontal axis of symmetry defined by the array ofopenings 143 of the housing, a vertical axis of symmetry defined by the array ofopenings 143 of the housing, etc.). In an example of the first variation, contact 1A, as shown in the top left corner of the set of contacts shown inFIGURE 5A , can be paired with contact 1B in the bottom right corner of the set ofcontacts 150, in facilitating detection of a first biopotential difference determined from two paired biometric sensors. In the example, the set ofcontacts 150 further comprises contacts associated with paired heart rate/respiratory signal detection sensors, ground pins of theelectronics subsystem 160, and identification pins of theelectronics subsystem 160. - In a second variation, as shown in
FIGURE 6 , the set ofcontacts 150" can be arranged such that associated pairs of contacts are positioned proximal to each other. In an example of the second variation, contact 1A, as shown in the top left corner of the set of contacts shown inFIGURE 6 , can be paired with contact 1B just below contact 1A (in the orientation shown inFIGURE 6 ), in facilitating detection of a first biopotential difference determined from two paired biometric sensors. In the example, the set ofcontacts 150 further comprises contacts associated with paired heart rate/respiratory signal detection sensors, ground pins of theelectronics subsystem 160, and identification pins of theelectronics subsystem 160. - Variations of the first and the second variations of contact configurations can comprise any other suitable combination of symmetrically opposing arrangements of paired contacts and proximal placement of paired contacts. For instance, a portion of paired contacts associated with biometric sensors can be proximally placed, while other contacts (e.g., contacts associated with identification pins, contacts associated with ground pins, etc.) can be arranged in a symmetrically opposing arrangement.
- In any of the above contact configurations, and for
control modules 130 withhousings 140 that can be coupled with thegarment 105 in multiple orientations (e.g., for acontrol module 130 that has ahousing 140 with at least one axis of symmetry), the control module can be configured to utilize the contact configuration(s) and any other suitable data (e.g., accelerometer data, gyroscope data) in order to detect the orientation of the control module relative to thegarment 105, and to adapt signal reception and processing functions accordingly. As such, thecontrol module 130 can be configured to operate properly regardless of how the control module is coupled with thegarment 105. Thus, a user would not need to ensure that thecontrol module 130 is coupled with thegarment 105 according to a specific orientation (e.g., based upon alignment marks on the control module, based upon asymmetry of the control module, etc.). Additionally, thecontrol module 130 and contact configurations can have associated components (e.g. integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, multiplexors, resistors, etc.) and/or firmware to facilitate correct mapping between the set ofcontacts 150 and the set ofbiometric sensors 120 in a desired manner. For example, using the contact configuration shown inFIGURE 6 , signals X and Y can be received by way of contacts 1A and 1B in a first orientation of thecontrol module 130, but if the control module is positioned "upside-down" in a second orientation, firmware can adapt signal reception and processing of the control module to receive signals X and Y by way ofcontacts 14B and 14A, respectively. As such, in the example, thecontrol module 130 can be configured to dynamically modify the contact mapping in order to property attribute signals X and Y to the correct muscle group or set of biometric sensors. Alternatively, thecontrol module 130 and/orhousing 140 can be configured to couple with thegarment 105 in only a single orientation (e.g., based upon markings, based upon asymmetry in thecontrol module 130 or housing, etc.), such that thecontrol module 130 does not require firmware that enables adaptive coupling. - As shown in
FIGURE 14 , and in relation to manufacture of thecontrol module 130 and/or similar electronic interfaces, amethod 400 of manufacturing a waterproof electrical connection system includes: providing a first housing portion including an array of openings S410; providing an electronics connection substrate having a set of electrical contact pads, each electrical contact pad in the set of electrical contact pads having a port S420; aligning the array of openings of the first housing portion with the set of electrical contact pads of the electronics connection substrate S430; injecting a conductive polymer, in a flow state, through the port of each of the set of electrical contact pads, and through an associated opening of the array of openings of the first housing portion S440; and bonding the conductive polymer, in a set state, at an exterior surface of the first housing portion, thereby providing seals at each of the array of openings of the first housing portion S450. Variations of the electronics connection substrate can, however, include one or more electrical contact pads that omit a port, as discussed in relation to the system of Section 1.2.1 above. - The
method 400 functions to produce a system for signal communication, wherein the system has conductive contacts on an exterior surface of a housing, and provides a signal conduction pathway to one or more elements interior to the housing. In particular, themethod 400 can provide waterproof conductive contacts at the exterior surface of the housing, which transmit signals to electronics housed within the housing. In variations and examples, themethod 400 can be used in manufacture and assembly of thecontrol module 130 described above and below; however, the method 44 can additionally or alternatively be used to facilitate manufacture of any suitable wearable electronic device or non-wearable electronic device, wherein signal transmission from an exterior surface of a housing to electronics interior to the housing, in a substantially waterproof (e.g., water resistant to a high degree) is needed. - Block S410 recites: providing a first housing portion including an array of openings, which functions to provide a first portion of the waterproof system that provides coupling regions for a set of conductive contacts. The first housing portion also functions to provide a waterproof enclosure around electronic components of the system, in protecting them from damage. In embodiments, variations, and examples, the first housing portion is preferably the first housing portion described in Section 1.2.1 above, which has an array of openings configured to be sealed (e.g., sealed in a water tight manner) by a set of contacts; however, in other variations, the first housing portion can comprise any other suitable enclosure configured to enclose at least a portion of electronics of the system and/or couple to the set of contacts.
- Block S420 recites: providing an electronics connection substrate having a set of electrical contact pads, each electrical contact pad in the set of electrical contact pads having a port. Block S420 functions to provide a second portion of the waterproof system that provides coupling regions for a set of conductive contacts. The electronics connection substrate also functions to route signals from the set of contacts, through electrical contact pads, to an electronics subsystem by way of a linking interface, as described in Section 1.2.1 above. In embodiments, variations, and examples, the electronics connection substrate is preferably the electronics connection substrate described in Section 1.2.1 above, which has a set of electrical contact pads and an associated set of ports configured to align with the array of openings of the first housing portion, and configured to couple to the set of contacts; however, in other variations, the electronics connection substrate can comprise any other suitable substrate configured to couple to the set of contacts and route signals from the set of contacts to the electronics subsystem.
- Block S430 recites: aligning the array of openings of the first housing portion with the set of electrical contact pads of the electronics connection substrate, which functions to position the first housing portion and the electronics connection substrate in a configuration that allows for transmission of the material of the set of contacts, through the electronics connection substrate and the first housing portion, in Block S440. Block S430 preferably includes aligning the first housing portion and the electronics connection substrate, with the array of openings of the housing aligned with the set of ports of the electronics connection substrate, within a mold, as shown in
FIGURE 15A . Preferably, the mold is configured for injection molding of the conductive material of the set of contacts through at least one of the set of ports and the array of openings, in Block S440; however, the mold of Block S430 can alternatively be suited for alignment only, with another mold or device used to facilitate injection molding in Block S440. In still other variations, the mold used in Block S430 can be used for alignment in relation to any other suitable process (e.g., extrusion, press fitting, riveting, etc.) involving coupling of the set of contacts to the first housing portion and the electronics connection substrate, in a waterproof manner. For instance, a mold for alignment can be used in an extrusion process, wherein waterproof seals at interfaces between the set of contacts and the first housing portion/electronics connection substrate are generated using sealing elements (e.g., o-rings, x-rings, primers, sealing putty, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the set of contacts can be pre-constructed and applied (e.g., press-fit, etc.) into the corresponding opening(s) of the first housing portion. In one related variation, the set of contacts can be pre-constructed and coupled to a disposable substrate, wherein, after applying the set of contacts into the corresponding opening(s) of the first housing portion, portions of the disposable substrate can be uncoupled from the set of contacts (e.g., by cutting, by tearing, etc.). - In a specific example, as described in
FIGURE 15A , a mold used in Blocks S430 and S440 includes a set of recessed regions (e.g., hemispherical recessed regions) aligned with the array of openings of the housing, wherein the set of recessed regions receive injected material in Block S440, and form protrusions at the exterior surface of the housing, in correspondence with the array of openings of the first housing portion. The set of recessed regions of the mold of the specific example thus correspond in a one-to-one manner with the array of openings of the first housing portion. As such, the set of recessed regions guide formation of the first region of each contact (i.e., the portion of each contact at the exterior surface of the housing), in a consistent manner, without bridging of contacts. However, variations of the mold of the specific example can omit recessed regions, can include recessed regions having any other suitable morphology (e.g., recessed pyramidal regions), can include recessed regions having any suitable relationship (e.g., in number, in overlap) with the array of openings of the first housing portion, or can additionally or alternatively be configured to guide formation of any other suitable portion of the set of contacts (e.g., the second region of a contact, at the electronics connection substrate). - Block S440 recites: injecting a conductive polymer, in a flow state, through the port of each of the set of electrical contact pads, and through an associated opening of the array of openings of the first housing portion, and Block S450 recites: bonding the conductive polymer, in a set state, at an exterior surface of the first housing portion, thereby providing waterproof seals at each of the array of openings of the first housing portion. Blocks S440 and S450 function to transmit conductive polymer material of the set of contacts, in a manipulatable form, through the ports of the electronics connection substrate and the openings of the first housing portion, in a manner that provides a waterproof interface at the exterior of the housing, while still enabling signal transmission into an interior portion of the housing. As such, the result of Blocks S440 and S450 is to produce conductive contacts that are coupled to electrical contact pads of the electronics connection substrate (i.e., without cross-contact shorting), while forming a waterproof seal at the external surface of the first housing portion. In one variation, conductive polymer (e.g., conductive ether-based thermoplastic polyurethane) is injected into the set of ports of the electronics connection substrate. In this variation, the conductive polymer can be injected into all ports simultaneously, or can alternatively be injected into subsets of the set of ports in stages. As such, and as shown in
FIGURE 15B , in injecting the conductive polymer through the set of ports, each port can have its own associated injection gate, in order to prevent shorting of individual electrical contact pads of the electronics connection substrate. Alternatively, all desired regions can be injection molded simultaneously, with subsequent removal of material that would otherwise undesirably connect electrical contact pads. Furthermore, in this variation, the conductive polymer is injected in a manner that originates at the set of ports, and terminates at the exterior surface of the first housing portion, by way of the array of openings of the first housing portion and the set of recesses of the mold used during injection molding (as described above). - While this variation of Blocks S440 and S450 describes injection of conductive polymer material through the set of ports, with termination at the exterior portion of the first housing portion, alternative variations of Block S440 can include injection of conductive polymer material in a reverse direction (e.g., from the exterior surface of the housing, with termination at the set of electrical contact pads of the electronics connection substrate). In still alternative variations, a contact can be formed in two parts by way of Blocks S440 and S450, with a first part formed initially at the first housing portion, and a second part formed at the electronics connection substrate (e.g., in association with an electrical contact pad). Blocks S440 and S450 can then include coupling of the first part to the second part (e.g., using a thermal bonding process, using a chemical bonding process, using an adhesive, using any other suitable coupling process), in order to allow signal communication from the first part of the contact to the second part of the contact, as described in
FIGURE 15C . - In Blocks S440 and S450, suitable electrical coupling between the conductive polymer of the set of contacts and the electrical contact pads of the electronics connection substrate can be provided based upon mechanical coupling alone. However, Blocks S440 and S450 can additionally or alternatively include implementing an adhesion-promoting primer at the set of electrical contact pads of the electronics connection substrate, as described in
FIGURE 15D , which can further enhance electrical coupling between a contact and an electrical contact pad. The adhesion-promoting primer is preferably conductive in order to not interfere with signal communication across the electrical contact pads; however, any other suitable material or process can be used to promote robust coupling between the set of contacts and the electrical contact pads of the electronics connection substrate. In one variation, and in relation to Block S440, themethod 400 can thus include applying an adhesion-promoting primer at each electrical contact pad (e.g., at any surface associated with a port) of the electronics connection substrate, prior to injection molding of the conductive polymer through the set of ports. However, variations of Block S440 that implement an adhesion-promoting primer can alternatively be performed in any other suitable manner. - Similarly, in Blocks S440 and S450, generation of a suitable waterproof or hermetic seal at the first housing portion can be provided based upon mechanical coupling alone. However, Blocks S440 and S450 can additionally or alternatively include implementing an adhesion-promoting primer at a surface of the first housing portion, proximal the array openings, which can further enhance coupling in a waterproof manner between a contact and the first housing portion. In one variation, and in relation to Block S450, the
method 400 can thus include applying an adhesion-promoting primer at the first housing portion (e.g., at any surface associated with an opening), prior to injection molding of the conductive polymer. However, variations of Block S450 that implement an adhesion-promoting primer can alternatively be performed in any other suitable manner. - In relation to the control module of Section 1.2.1 above, the
method 400 can then include any other suitable steps related to assembly of the control module. For instance, themethod 400 can include one or more of: coupling the electronics connection substrate to the electronics subsystem; coupling a second housing portion to the first housing portion in a manner that provides a waterproof or hermetic seal at an interface between the first housing portion and the second housing portion (e.g., using an o-ring, using an x-ring, using sealing putty, using a water resistant adhesive, using a waterproof adhesive, etc.); and any other suitable step related to assembly of the control module, some variations of which are shown inFIGURE 14 . - While the
above method 400 is described in relation to a set of contacts coupled to a housing and an electronics connection substrate in an improved manner, variations of themethod 400 can be adapted to coupling of a single contact to a housing and/or an electronics connection substrate, in producing a waterproof system configured to transmit signals originating exterior to the housing, to elements interior to the housing. - The electronics subsystem 160 is configured to be in electrical communication with the set of
contacts 150, and functions to facilitate signal reception, signal conditioning, signal transmission, and power distribution for thesystem 100. The electronics subsystem 160 is preferably housed within an internal portion of thehousing 140 of thecontrol module 130, in order to be isolated from mechanisms that could damage theelectronics subsystem 160; however, theelectronics subsystem 160 can alternatively be configured in any other suitable manner. The electronics subsystem 160 preferably comprises apower module 161, asupplementary sensing module 163, asignal conditioning module 165, acommunication interface 167, andmemory 169; however, theelectronics subsystem 160 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable element(s) that add to and/or enrich acquired data and/or facilitate conditioning or processing of signals from the user as the user performs a physical activity. - The
power module 161 of the electronics subsystem 160 functions to provide regulated and unregulated electrical power to thesystem 100 and to allow power storage for thesystem 100. Thepower module 161 preferably comprises a rechargeable battery 162 (e.g., a lithium-ion battery, nickel-cadmium battery, metal halide battery, nickel metal hydride battery, lithium-ion polymer battery, etc.); however, thepower module 161 can alternatively comprise a non-rechargeable battery (e.g., alkaline battery) that can be replaced to further enhance modularity in thesystem 100. Additionally or alternatively, thepower module 161 can include any other suitable element (e.g., super capacitor, solar cell, vibration-powered generator, thermoelectric generator, etc.). Preferably, thepower module 161 is configured to have a profile with a low aspect ratio, contributing to a thin form factor of thecontrol module 130/housing 140. However, thepower module 161 can be configured to have any other suitable profile such that thepower module 161 provides adequate power characteristics (e.g., cycle life, charging time, discharge time, etc.) for thesystem 100. - In variations where the
battery 162 of thepower module 161 is rechargeable, theelectronics subsystem 160 can also comprise a coil of wire and associated electronics that function to allow inductive coupling of power between anexternal charging element 62 and thepower module 161, as shown inFIGURES 1 and9A-9B . The charging coil preferably converts energy from an alternating electromagnetic field (e.g., provided by a charging dock or other adapter), into electrical energy to charge thebattery 162 and/or to power thesystem 100. Inductive charging allows electrical isolation between theexternal charging element 62 and internal electronics of theelectronics subsystem 160 to promote user safety and convenience in interfacing with thesystem 100. Inductive charging provided by the charging coil thus also facilitates user mobility while the user interacts with thesystem 100, such that the user can perform a wide range of physical activities while having his/her biometric signals monitored by thesystem 100. In alternative variations, however, the charging coil can be altogether omitted (e.g., in variations without a rechargeable battery), or replaced or supplemented by a connection (e.g., USB connection) configured to provide wired charging of a rechargeable battery. - The
supplementary sensing module 163 functions to facilitate acquisition of additional data from the user, which can be used to trigger control of aspects of signal acquisition and/or analysis generation by thecontrol module 130. As such, not all sensors of thesystem 100 may be separate from thecontrol module 130. Thesupplementary sensing module 163 preferably includes a set of supplementary sensors 164 configured to detect one or more aspects associated with motion of the user and/or an environment of the user. In variations, the set of supplementary sensors 125 can include one or more of: an accelerometer (e.g., a single axis accelerometer, a multi-axis accelerometer), a gyroscope (e.g., a single axis gyroscope, a multi-axis gyroscope), a GPS module, environmental temperature sensors, altimeters, oxygen content sensors, air quality sensors, near field communication (NFC) sensors (e.g., configured to detect a nearby device or piece of exercise equipment having a corresponding NFC element), and any other suitable supplementary sensor that can enrich the data acquired from user and/or the environment of the user. In one example, accelerometers of thesupplementary sensing module 163 can be used to detect a type of physical activity (e.g., cardio exercise, weight training exercise, etc.) performed by the user, and/or can be used during signal processing to remove motion-produced artifacts from signals being processed. Thesupplementary sensing module 163 can, however, comprise any other suitable sensors and be configured relative to theelectronics subsystem 160 in any other suitable manner. - The
signal conditioning module 165 functions to preprocess signals detected and received using the set of biometric sensors and/or sensors of thesupplementary sensing module 163, thereby producing conditioned data prior to processing. In variations, thesignal conditioning module 165 can comprise elements configured to perform any one or more of: filtering (e.g., using a low pass filter, a high pass filter, a band-pass filter, a notch filter, etc.), smoothing, clipping, deconvolving, detrending/offsetting, standardizing, resampling, hard-binding, predicting, windowing, and any other suitable data conditioning process upon any signals received from the set ofbiometric sensors 120. The signal conditioning module can thus comprise one or more of: filters, amplifiers, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), digital-to-analog converters (DACs), signal multiplexers, and any other suitable elements for conditioning signals received from biometric sensors and supplementary sensors. - The
communication interface 167 preferably comprises hardware and/or software elements configured to facilitate communication of information between the set ofbiometric sensors 120 and thecontrol module 130, and/or communication of information between thecontrol module 130 and one or more separate devices (e.g., a processing subsystem, a mobile computing device of the user, etc.). As such, thecommunication interface 167 can function as a data link that provides a means for communications to and from thecontrol module 130 over a network. The network can comprise any suitable network used for communication between electronic devices. The network can include a wireless and/or a wired connection between devices. In examples of wireless connections, the network associated with thecommunication interface 167 can include any one or more of: a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), a Bluetooth network (e.g., a Bluetooth Low Energy network), a municipal area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), the internet, and any other suitable network. Furthermore, in some variations, thecommunication interface 167 can include features that provide security in information communication. For example, cryptographic protocols such as Diffie-Hellman key exchange, Wireless Transport Layer Security (WTLS), or any other suitable type of protocol may be used. The data encryption may also comply with standards such as the Data Encryption Standard (DES), Triple Data Encryption Standard (3-DES), or Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). - In wired variations of the
communication interface 167, the communication interface can implement any one or more of an audio jack connection (e.g., AUX cable), a USB connection, a parallel port, a serial port, an ethernet adapter, an IEEE 1394 bus interface, a small computer system interface (SCSI) bus interface, an infrared (IR) communication port, and any other suitable wired or hardware connection. In this variation, thecommunication interface 167 can communicate with other devices over a network using one or more of: inter-integrated circuit communication (I2C), one-wire, master-slave, or any other suitable communication protocol. However, thecommunication interface 167 can transmit data in any other way and can include any other type of wired connection that supports data transfer between theelectronics subsystem 160, external devices, and/or any other suitable computing element. - The
memory 169 functions to retain data from signals received at theelectronics subsystem 160. As such, upon receiving signals from the set ofbiometric sensors 120, the electronics subsystem 160 of thecontrol module 130 can thus facilitate storage of biometric data (e.g., conditioned data from biopotential signals, unconditioned data from biopotential signals) within memory of theelectronics subsystem 160. Thememory 169 can comprise processor-readable medium including any one or more of: random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, magnetic or optical data storage, registers, and any other suitable storage element. Preferably, data from thememory 169 is automatically transmitted to any appropriate external device, over a network, substantially continuously (e.g., every second, every millisecond, etc.); however, data from thedata storage unit 180 can alternatively be transmitted intermittently (e.g., every minute, hourly, daily, or weekly). In one example, data generated by any element of thesystem 100 may be stored inmemory 169 when thecommunication interface 167 is not actively coupled to an element external to theelectronics subsystem 160 over the network. However, in the example, when a link is established between thecommunication interface 167 and an external element, data may then be automatically transmitted frommemory 169. In other examples, thememory 169 can additionally or alternatively be manually prompted to transmit stored data, when prompted by a user or other entity. - The
control module 130 can, however, include any other suitable elements, including input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone, remote control, button, joystick, trackball, touchpad, optical sensor), wherein the input device(s) can receive input from another device, and output devices (e.g., displays, projectors, speakers, tactile devices, network cards, wireless transmitters, infrared transmitters, lights, etc.) that convey information to a user, as shown inFIGURE 12 . For instance, an output device associated with thecontrol module 130 can display a graphical user interface (GUI) that facilitates user interaction. Such a display can utilize any suitable image projection technology, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED), gas plasma, electroluminescence, or any other suitable image projection technology. - In relation to coupling between the
control module 130 and thegarment 105, thesystem 100 can also include a mountingmodule 110, as shown inFIGURES 7A and 7B , that receives thecontrol module 130 in order to facilitate coupling of thecontrol module 130 to thegarment 105 in a reversible and repeatable manner. The mountingmodule 110 thus preferably provides an array ofconnection regions 115, which function to facilitate electrical coupling between the set ofbiometric sensors 120 and the set ofcontacts 150 of thecontrol module 130 in afirst configuration 101. As such, thegarment 105 can also function to serve as a substrate for facilitating electrical coupling between the set of biometric sensors and the mountingmodule 110. In variations, the mountingmodule 110 and/or thegarment 105 can include any one or more of: slots, pouches, ports, bases, pathways, channels, cradles, and any other suitable feature by which the set of biometric sensors and/orcontrol module 130 can be permanently or removably coupled to each other and/or to the mountingmodule 110 or thegarment 105. Furthermore, thegarment 105 can include conductive leads (e.g., wires, conductive filaments) passing along and/or throughout thegarment 106 to enable signal transmission between the mountingmodule 110 and the set of biometric sensors 120 (e.g., by way of the plurality ofconductive regions 106 of the garment 105). Alternatively, thegarment 105 or any other element of thesystem 100 can be configured to facilitate wireless communication between the set ofbiometric sensors 120 and thecontrol module 130. In one such example, thegarment 105 and other elements of thesystem 100 can be configured according to an embodiment, variation, or example described inU.S. Application No. 62/077,781 - The mounting
module 110 thus functions to provide an electrical and mechanical interface between thecontrol module 130 and the set ofbiometric sensors 120 of thegarment 105, in facilitating signal transmission in a robust manner as the user performs a physical activity. In producing a robust electrical and mechanical interface, the mountingmodule 110 can comprise a set oflayers 111 coupled to each other and/or to a surface of thegarment 105, wherein the set of layers provide a biasing force that maintains contact between the set ofcontacts 150 of the control module and the array ofconnection regions 115 of the mountingmodule 110. In generating the biasing force, the set oflayers 111 can include one or more of elastic layers (e.g., elastic fabrics), compliant layers (e.g., foam layers), and substantially rigid layers (e.g., layers that are configured to accommodate thecontrol module 130 in a press-fit or snap-fit manner). As such, the mountingmodule 110 provides a robust electromechanical connection between thecontrol module 130 and the array ofconnection regions 115 of the mountingmodule 110 in afirst configuration 101, and enables decoupling of thecontrol module 130 from the mountingmodule 110 in a second configuration. - In one example, as shown in
FIGURE 8A , the mountingmodule 110 comprises: afabric layer 112 affixed to thegarment 105 and defining a receiving pocket for thecontrol module 130, wherein thefabric layer 112 has anelastic opening 113 that accommodates reception of thecontrol module 130 and exposes one or more indicator LEDs of thecontrol module 130; acradle 114 deeper than thefabric layer 112 and comprising the array ofconnection regions 115 that couple to the set ofbiometric sensors 120; afoam ring 116 at least partially surrounding thecradle 114 and deeper than thefabric layer 112, wherein thefoam ring 116 functions to provide stability to acontrol module 130 seated within thefabric layer 112 at thecradle 114, and can further function to protect the user from the rigidity of the cradle as well as shielding regions where sensor leads are coupled to thecradle 114; afirst tape ring 117 surrounding at least a portion of theelastic opening 113 of thefabric layer 112; and asecond tape ring 118 surround at least a portion of the periphery of thefabric layer 112, wherein thefirst tape ring 117 and thesecond tape ring 118 function to provide structural integrity to the fabric. The mountingmodule 110 can, however, comprise a configuration such as that described inU.S. Provisional Application serial number 62/013,405 filed 17-JUN-2014U.S. Provisional Application serial number 62/016,373 filed 24-JUN-2014module 110 can comprise combinations of any of the above variations and examples, or any other suitable configuration of a mounting module. - In the example, and with regard to the
cradle 114, thecradle 114 is preferably composed of a rigid material (e.g., rigid plastic) having the array ofconnection regions 115 arranged in a configuration that is complementary to the set ofcontacts 150 of thecontrol module 110. As such, in the example, the array ofconnection regions 115 comprises a 7x6 array of circular connection regions configured to couple with the 7x6 array of circular contacts of thecontrol module 130. In the example, each connection region of the array ofconnection regions 115 comprises a conductive silicone rubber; however, the connection regions can additionally or alternatively be composed of any other suitable material. Similar to the set ofcontacts 150, and as shown inFIGURE 8B , each connection region in the array of connection regions can have afirst region 16, exposed through afirst cradle surface 17 configured to contact thefirst region 151 of at least one contact, and asecond region 18 in communication with thefirst region 16 and configured to couple to a lead proximal asecond cradle surface 19, wherein the lead enables electrical communication between a connection region of the array ofconnection regions 115 and at least one biometric sensor of the set ofbiometric sensors 120. As such, each connection region of the array ofconnection regions 115 of the mountingmodule 110 can be in communication (e.g., by way of one or more leads) to one or more correspondingbiometric sensors 120, as described above. - Furthermore, the array of
connection regions 115 can be provided in a manner analogous to that described in Sections 1.2.1 and 1.2.2, with regard to a conductive polymer used in the set ofcontacts 150. In particular, the array ofconnection regions 115 of the mountingmodule 110 preferably provides flexibility in maintaining robust contact between the array ofconnection regions 115 and the set ofcontacts 150 of thecontrol module 130. Thus, any one or more of: morphological features, elastomeric portions, spring-coupled portions, and any other suitable feature of integrated with the array ofconnection regions 115 can provide flexible coupling between the array ofconnection regions 115 and the set ofcontacts 150. Additionally or alternatively, one or more portions of the mounting module 110 (e.g., a flexible circuit board of the mounting module 110) can be supported by a compliant material (e.g., rubber, polymer, gel, foam, etc.) in order to provide flexibility and/or a cushion at the interface between thecontrol module 130 and the mountingmodule 110. - Thus, the set of
layers 111 of the example function to bias the set ofcontacts 150 of thecontrol module 130 into electromechanical communication with the array ofconnection regions 115 of the mountingmodule 110, to enable reception of biopotential signals from the set ofbiometric sensors 120 at thecontrol module 130. - The location of mounting
module 110 is preferably dependent upon the type(s) of garment(s) included in thesystem 100. For instance, for agarment 105 configured as a top, the mountingmodule 110 is preferably located at a position that does not interfere with physical activity (e.g., weight lifting activity) of the user, generate significant signal interference with one or more of the set ofbiometric sensors 120, or interfere with the user/signal reception in any other suitable manner. In one example, the mountingmodule 110 can be positioned proximal the triceps or biceps muscle of the user, when thegarment 105 is worn by the user. In another example, the mountingmodule 110 can be centrally located between the pectoralis muscles of the user and/or the abdominal muscles of the user, when thegarment 105 is worn by the user. In another variation wherein thegarment 105 is configured as a bottom, the mountingmodule 110 can be located proximal the vastus lateralis muscle(s) of the user when thegarment 105 is worn by the user. Additionally or alternatively, thesystem 100 can comprise multiple mountingmodules 110, such that the control module can be repositioned when the user is performing different types of physical activity. For example, a first mounting module positioned at an anterior portion of thegarment 105 can allow the user to comfortably perform sit-ups or other exercises where the user is lying face-up, and a second mounting module positioned at a posterior portion of thegarment 105 can allow the user to comfortably perform exercise where the user is lying face-down. - As noted earlier with respect to embodiments of the
control module 130 including indicator LEDs, the mountingmodule 110 preferably allows light from the indicator LEDs to be visualized by the user wearing thegarment 105. In one variation, upon insertion of thecontrol module 130 into the mountingmodule 110, exposed LED indicators can be activated (e.g., by the control module 130) in order to indicate that thecontrol module 130 has been properly seated within the mountingmodule 110 and is in a state to receive signals from the set ofbiometric sensors 120. As such, in coupling with the mountingmodule 110, thecontrol module 130 can perform one or more of: detecting proper seating within the mountingmodule 110, determining an orientation of thecontrol module 130 within the mountingmodule 110, determining, based upon the orientation of the control module, which indicator LED(s) are exposed to the user, activating the exposed indicator LED(s), not activating the unexposed indicator LED(s), and performing any other suitable function. - While the array of
connection regions 115 is described in relation to the mountingmodule 110, the array ofconnection regions 115 can alternatively be integrated with thegarment 105, in variations of thesystem 100 wherein thecontrol module 130 is not configured to be removably coupleable to thegarment 105 by way of a mountingmodule 110. As such, variations of thesystem 100 can alternatively omit a mountingmodule 110 and instead provide direct coupling between the set ofbiometric sensors 120 and thecontrol module 130 without anintermediate mounting module 110. Variations of thesystem 100 can, however, be configured in any other suitable manner. - Additionally or alternatively, the mounting
module 110 can comprise a first locking portion that is configured to interact with a second locking portion on thehousing 140 of thecontrol module 130, in order to facilitate maintenance of contact between the set ofcontacts 150 of thecontrol module 130 and the array ofconnection regions 115 of the mountingmodule 110. In one example, thehousing 140 of thecontrol module 130 can define anotch 401 configured to reversibly couple with alatch 402 of a portion of the mountingmodule 110, as shown inFIGURE 8C . However, thehousing 140 of thecontrol module 130 can be configured to reversibly or irreversibly lock with the mountingmodule 110 using any other suitable mechanism, including one or more of a snap fit mechanism, a press fit mechanism, a magnetic mechanism, and any other suitable mechanism. - In some variations, the
system 100 can further include aprocessing subsystem 170 configured to communicate with theelectronics subsystem 160 and generate analyses based upon biometric signals detected by way of the set of biometric sensors. Theprocessing subsystem 170 is preferably configured to perform at least a portion of themethod 200 described in section 2 below; however, theprocessing subsystem 170 can alternatively be configured to perform any other suitable method. As such, theprocessing subsystem 170 is configured to be in communication with theelectronics subsystem 160 over the network associated with the communication interface, and can further be configured to be in communication with anelectronic device 180 of the user over the network. As such, analyses generated using theprocessing subsystem 170 can be transmitted to theelectronic device 180 of the user in order to inform the user regarding his/her exercise behavior. - The
processing subsystem 170 can comprise any suitable general purpose processing subsystem, which can include any one or more of: a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller, a cloud-based computing system, a remote server, a state machine, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), any other suitable processing device, and any suitable combination of processing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, etc.). For instance, in some variations, theprocessing subsystem 170 can be implemented in multiple modules including one or more of a DSP module of theelectronics subsystem 160 having embedded algorithms, a module executing on a remote server, a module executing in a cloud-based computing system, and any other suitable module. - One or more of the elements of the
electronics subsystem 160 and theprocessing subsystem 170 can be implemented in coordination with anelectronic device 180 of the user or in proximity to the user, as the user performs physical activities. For instance, a mobile device and/or a wearable computing device (e.g., head-mounted computing device, wrist-mounted computing device, etc.) can implement indication, processing, and/or analysis provisions of thesystem 100, in cooperation with other elements of thesystem 100. - Additionally or alternatively, the
electronic device 180 of the user can facilitate execution of an exercise monitoring application, in cooperation with data processing, analysis generation, and information transmission from other elements of thesystem 100. The exercise monitoring application can implement hardware and/or software components used for obtaining activity data from thesystem 100, and for performing operations on and analyses of the activity data. In one variation, the exercise monitoring application can utilize the activity data to determine one or more exercise-related metrics (e.g., total effort output, average heart rate throughout a workout, average heart rate throughout a portion of a workout, a breakdown of muscle exertion for different muscle groups, exercise progress-related metrics, etc.) representative of the user's exercise behavior, and can additionally or alternatively generate a report including the exercise-related metrics and present the report to the user within a graphical user interface (e.g., incorporating a display device, incorporating a touchscreen device). Thus, the exercise monitoring application can allow the user to monitor effectiveness of one or more exercise activities he/she performs, as well as progress in aspects of the user's performance of one or more exercise activities. In utilizing the GUI provided by theelectronic device 180, theelectronic device 180 can be configured to display a virtual representation of different muscle groups of the user, and/or a graphic that depicts near-real-time feedback of muscle activity of the user in association with the virtual representation of different muscle groups of the user. As such, exercise-monitoring application executing on theelectronic device 180 can be used to provide near-real-time feedback to the user as the user is performing a workout regimen. - Similar to other elements of the
system 100, theelectronic device 180 can include a storage module configured to store activity data, performance data, and/or generated reports within a database. The storage module can be implemented at theelectronic device 180 and/or on a remote computing device, and preferably facilitates documentation and provision of historical exercise information to the user. Similar to thecontrol module 130, theelectronic device 180 can further include a communication interface that allows the electronic device to communicate information over the network associated with thecontrol module 130, or any other suitable network(s). As such, an application executing at theelectronic device 180 can facilitate interaction between the user and an exercise community. In one example, the application can be configured to upload exercise-related metrics, through a network, to be shared with a community of individuals with similar fitness interests, goals, or any other suitable association with the user, and the user may be able to obtain exercise advice and/or exercise-related metrics from the community of individuals to motivate the user according to his/her goals. - In expanding upon configurations of an exercise-monitoring application being executed at the
electronic device 180, the application can be configured to provide a virtual coaching environment that includes one or more of: training plans, recovery plans, information regarding competitions (e.g., training regimens configured to prepare the user for an upcoming competition), instructions for stretching, instructions for injury prevention, instructions regarding proper form for conducting an exercise, and any other suitable coaching functions. Additionally or alternatively, the application can be configured to provide alerts to the user based upon received and processed data. For instance, the application can be configured to notify the user or another entity if the user is focusing too much on a particular exercise or muscle group (e.g., by visually showing the muscle group(s) that are overemphasized and recommending other exercises to the user), or if the user is using a muscle group incorrectly during an exercise (e.g., if the user is demonstrating poor form). Additionally or alternatively, the application can provide comprehensive reports pertinent to the user's exercise behavior, including one or more of: a muscle breakdown of work performed/output for specific muscles; a breakdown of a score given for a workout, wherein the score can be tracked over time to monitor progress of the user; a classification of exercise as cardio-based or strength-based; indications of muscle atrophy, indications of rehabilitation progress; indications of fatigue; indications of potential or actual injury; and any other suitable reported factor. In one example, a report can provide a percentage of a workout associated with strength-based exercise vs. a percentage of a workout associated with cardio-based exercise. In another example, the report can additionally or alternatively provide a detailed breakdown of any exercise metric associated with one or more muscle groups, provided within a virtual display of various muscle groups. In this example, the application can be configured to accept a user input of a selection of one or more muscle groups (e.g., by selecting a portion of the virtual display of various muscle groups), and to provide relevant metrics pertaining to the muscle group(s) selected by the user. - Additionally or alternatively, the application executing at the
electronic device 180 can be configured to display information directly related to muscle groups the user is monitoring, and/or to display information associated with muscle groups that the user is not actively monitoring, according to information acquired from muscle groups that the user is monitoring. As such, information from monitored muscles can be indicative of a problem elsewhere in the user's body, and monitored muscle groups can be used to provide indications or alerts pertaining to other portions of the user's body. In one example, monitored muscle groups can generate an alert that the user is positioning his bicycle seat at too high of a position, which is adversely affecting non-monitored muscle groups; in another example, monitored muscle groups can generate an alert that the user is running in a pigeon-toed manner, which is adversely affecting non-monitored muscle groups. The application(s) of theelectronic device 180 can, however, be configured in any other suitable manner. - Furthermore, the
system 100 can include any other suitable element(s) configured to detect and process biosignals data. Furthermore, as a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detailed description and from the figures and claims, modifications and changes can be made to thesystem 100 without departing from the scope of thesystem 100. - As shown in
FIGURE 10 , an embodiment of amethod 200 for monitoring biometric signals of a user comprises: at a garment configured to be worn by the user, providing a set of interfaces between the user and a set of biometric sensors at a set of body regions exhibiting muscle activity, upon coupling of the garment to the user S210; at a mounting module coupled to the garment, providing an array of connection regions in communication with the set of biometric sensors and configured to couple to a set of contacts of a portable control module in a first configuration S230; at the portable control module, receiving a stream of electrical signals indicative of muscle activity from a subset of muscles of the user, in the first configuration S230; at the portable control module, transmitting the stream of electrical signals to a processing subsystem S240; at the processing subsystem, transforming the stream of electrical signals into a set of exercise-related metrics indicative of exercise behavior of the user S250; and at an electronic device in communication with the processing subsystem, providing a report derived from the set of exercise-related metrics to the user S260. - The
method 200 functions to facilitate positioning of a set of biometric sensors at desired regions of a user's body, in order to detect biometric signals generated during physical activity of the user. Themethod 200 also functions to process detected biometric signals and to provide information derived from the processed biometric signals to the user performing a physical activity in substantially near real time, such that the user can gain insights into how to maintain or improve performance of the physical activity in a beneficial manner. In variations, themethod 200 is configured to detect and process bioelectrical signals generated at a set of regions of the body of a user who is exercising (e.g., performing aerobic exercise, performing anaerobic exercise), and to present analyses in a visual manner (e.g., graphic manner, textual manner) by way of an application executing at an electronic device having a display. As such, bioelectrical signals detectable, processable, and/or analyzable according to themethod 200 can include any one or more of: electromyograph (EMG) signals, electrocardiography (ECG) signals, electroencephalograph (EEG) signals, magnetoencephalograph (MEG) signals, galvanic skin response (GSR) signals, electrooculograph (EOG) signals, and any other suitable bioelectrical signal of the user. Themethod 200 can, however, be configured to detect, process, and/or analyze any other suitable biosignal data of the user, including one or more of: heart rate data, movement data, respiration data, location data, environmental data (e.g., temperature data, light data, etc.), and any other suitable data. Themethod 200 is preferably implemented at least in part at an embodiment of thesystem 100 described in Section 1 above; however, themethod 200 can alternatively be implemented at any other suitable system for detection and processing of biometric signals from a user who is performing a physical activity. - Block S210 recites: at a garment configured to be worn by the user, providing a set of interfaces between the user and a set of biometric sensors at a set of body regions exhibiting muscle activity, upon coupling of the garment to the user. Block S210 is preferably implemented at embodiments, variations, and/or examples of the garment and the set biometric sensors described in Section 1 above; however, Block S210 can alternatively be implemented using any other suitable garment with coupled biometric sensors that are configured to detect biopotential signals indicative of muscle activity of the user. Providing the set of interfaces thus functions to provide and maintain tight coupling between sensing portions of a set of biometric sensors and desired body regions of the user as the user performs a physical activity. In providing the set of interfaces, Block S210 preferably utilizes conductive materials coupled to the garment and configured to maintain contact with the skin of the user as the user exercises; however, Block S210 can produce the set of interfaces in any other suitable manner.
- In Block S210, providing the set of interfaces preferably includes generation of interfaces configured to adequately conduct one or more of: electromyography (EMG) signals, motion signals (e.g., from an accelerometer, from a gyroscope), respiration signals (e.g., respiration rate, depth of breath, thoracic variations, inspiratory flow characteristics, expiratory flow characteristics, etc.), galvanic skin response (GSR) signals, temperature-induced signals, vibration signals, bioimpedance signals, electrocardiography (ECG) signals, signals indicative of other cardiovascular parameters (e.g., pulse oximetry signals, blood pressure signals), and any other suitable type of signal. As such, the set of biometric sensors provided in Block S210 can facilitate detection of biosignals indicative of one or multiple types of biological/physiological responses to activity of a user, in providing information relevant to exercise behavior of the user.
- Preferably, providing the set of interfaces in Block S210 is dependent upon the type of garment (e.g., top or bottom) provided in Block S210. Additionally, for anatomical regions having contralateral pairs, providing the set of interfaces preferably includes providing pairs of interfaces, each pair including an associated first sensor at a first body region and an associated second sensor at a second body region that is a contralateral region to the first body region. In one variation, for a garment that has a form factor of a top (e.g., shirt, tank top, etc.), the set of interfaces provided in Block S210 can include interfaces between a set of EMG electrodes and skin of the user proximal one or more of: the pectoralisis muscles, the abdominal muscles, the oblique muscles, the trapezius muscles, the rhomboid muscles, the teres major muscles, the latissimus dorsi muscles, the deltoid muscles, the biceps muscles, and the triceps muscles when the garment is worn by the user. In another variation, for a garment that has a form factor of a bottom (e.g., shorts, pants, etc.), the set of interfaces provided in Block S210 can include interfaces between a set of EMG electrodes and skin of the user proximal one or more of: the gluteus maximus muscles, the gluteus medius muscles, the vastus lateralis muscles, the gracilis muscles, the semimembranosus muscles, the semitendinosis msucles, the biceps femoris, the soleus muscles, the gastrocnemius muscles, the rectus femoris muscles, the sartorius muscles, the peroneus longus muscles, and the adductor longus muscles when the garment is worn by the user. Variations of the set of interfaces provided in Block S210 can, however, be configured in any other suitable manner.
- Block S220 recites: at a mounting module coupled to the garment, providing an array of connection regions in communication with the set of biometric sensors, wherein the array of connection regions is configured to couple to a set of contacts of a control module in a first configuration. Block S220 functions to enable transmission of biopotential signals generated from the body of the user, as the user exercises, from the set of sensor interfaces to a control module. Block S220 is preferably implemented at embodiments, variations, and/or examples of the garment, the control module, the mounting module, and the set biometric sensors described in Section 1 above. As such, providing the array of connection regions preferably comprises providing electrically conductive connection regions coupled between the set of biometric sensors and the mounting module in a set configuration, as described in Section 1 above, wherein a set of contacts of the control module can be coupled to the array of connection regions in a first configuration (e.g., wherein the control module is seated within the mounting module), and uncoupled from the array of connection regions in a second configuration 102 (e.g., wherein the control module is removed from the mounting module).
- In variations, as discussed in relation to the control module of Section 1 above, the array of connection regions of the mounting module can be mapped to the set of contacts of the control module regardless of the orientation of the control module, such that Block S220 includes providing a symmetric array of connection regions of the mounting module, and providing a corresponding symmetric set of contacts of the control module. Furthermore, providing the array of connection regions for the control module can further include facilitating activation of indicator LEDs of the control module, wherein activation of the indicator LEDs can be triggered upon proper coupling between the array of connection regions of the mounting module and the set of contacts of the control module. While Block S220 is preferably described in relation to the system described in Section 1 above, Block S220 can alternatively be implemented using any other suitable garment with coupled biometric sensors configured to communicate with a control module.
- Block S230 recites: in the first configuration of the control module, receiving a stream of electrical signals indicative of muscle activity from a subset of muscles of the user. Block S230 functions to acquire biosignal data from the user by way of the set of biometric sensors, when the control module is coupled with the garment in the first configuration. Block S230 preferably includes receiving signals from paired sensor channels (e.g., associated with paired biometric sensors of the set of biometric sensors). As such, paired biometric sensors and contacts of the set of contacts of the control module can facilitate reception of signals that can be used to determine a signal differential (i.e., a biopotential difference) across a pair of associated sensor channels.
- Receiving the stream of electrical signals in Block S230 can include conditioning the stream of electrical signals S235 at a signal conditioning module, such as the signal conditioning module described in Section 1 above, in order to generate a conditioned signal stream. In conditioning the stream of electrical signals, Block S235 can include passing the stream of electrical signals through at least one of a low pass filter, a high pass, filter, a band-pass filter, and a notch filter (i.e., a band-stop filter), in order to preprocess the datasets to remove a portion of any artifacts or interference (e.g., due to noise). In variations, the low pass filter can function to remove higher frequency noise and the high pass filter can function to remove lower frequency noise (e.g., due to waist movement/pressure artifacts). Any of the filters can further be supplemented with filters configured to remove or mitigate the frequency spectrum of any known noise components. Additionally or alternatively, Block S235 can include any one or more of: smoothing, clipping, deconvolving, detrending/offsetting, standardizing, resampling, hard-binding, predicting, windowing, and performing any other suitable data conditioning process upon any signals received in Block S230. In variations, S230 can further include storing conditioned or unconditioned signal data in memory, as describe in relation to the memory of the electronics subsystem in Section 1 above.
- Block S240 recites: at the portable control module, transmitting the stream of electrical signals to a processing subsystem, which functions to transmit conditioned and/or unconditioned data derived from the stream of signals for additional processing. Block S240 is preferably implemented at an embodiment, variation, or example of the communication interface(s) described in relation to the electronics subsystem of the control module described in Section 1 above, whereby signal transmission is performed over a network associated with the control module and the processing subsystem. Transmitting the stream of electrical signals in Block S240 can be performed substantially continuously (e.g., every second, every millisecond, etc.) and/or in near-real-time, thereby facilitating near-real-time provision of comprehensive feedback to the user. Alternatively, transmitting the stream of electrical signals in Block S240 can be performed intermittently (e.g., only when the control module is coupled to the garment, at random time points, etc.) and/or in non-real-time. Furthermore, according to variations of the communication interface described in Section 1 above, transmitting the signals in Block S240 can involve wireless and/or wired transmission of data derived from the stream of electrical signals to the processing subsystem.
- Block S250 recites: at the processing subsystem, transforming the stream of electrical signals into a set of exercise-related metrics indicative of exercise behavior of the user. Block S250 functions to generate an analysis derived from the stream of electrical signals received in Block S240, which can be used to provide feedback to the user regarding aspects of his/her exercise behavior. Block S250 can include determining metrics including one or more of: a metric related to effort output (e.g., total effort output as a ratio between an amount of work performed by a muscle group and a maximum amount of work that can be performed by the muscle group), a metric derived from an amount of cardio-activity performed by the user, a metric derived from an amount of strength-based activity performed by the user, a metric related to balance in utilization of all muscles of a muscle group; a metric related to a total number of muscles/muscle groups utilized during one or more exercises, a metric related to a number of repetitions of a performed exercise, a metric related to a number of sets of a performed exercise, a metric related to a distance conquered or time duration of an exercise, a metric associated with improperness or properness of form in performing one or more exercises (e.g., as identified by signals of the signal stream indicative of muscles the user is using to perform an exercise, in relation to a desired group of muscles the user should use to perform the exercise with proper form), a metric related to target intensity level (e.g., as determined using a target intensity level desired by the user or another entity associated with the user, in relation to actual intensity level indicated by signals of the signal stream), a metric related to average heart rate throughout a workout, a metric related to average heart rate throughout a portion of a workout, a breakdown of muscle exertion for different muscle groups, exercise progress-related metrics, and any other suitable metrics. In generating any one or more of the above metrics, the processing system can be configured to utilize time information and signal feature information (e.g., amplitude, frequency, signal signatures, etc.) in determining metrics associated with individual muscles, groups of muscles, and overall assessments of activity of the user.
- Block S260 recites: at an electronic device in communication with the processing subsystem, providing a report derived from the set of exercise-related metrics to the user. Block S260 preferably involves processing of the set of exercise-related metrics into a report that provides insights to the user, pertaining to the user's exercise behavior. Block S260 preferably implements an embodiment, variation, or example of the processing subsystem, electronic device, and network described in Section 1 above; however, Block S260 can additionally or alternatively be implemented using any other suitable processing and information provision elements. In providing the report(s), Block S260 preferably utilizes an exercise-monitoring application being executed at the electronic device, an example of which is shown in
FIGURE 11A . The report(s) can contribute to a virtual coaching environment that includes one or more of: training plans, recovery plans, information regarding competitions (e.g., training regimens configured to prepare the user for an upcoming competition), instructions for stretching, instructions for injury prevention, instructions regarding proper form for conducting an exercise, and any other suitable coaching functions derived from metrics associated with the user's muscular activity. - Additionally or alternatively, the report(s) provided in Block S260 can be used to provide alerts to the user based upon received and processed data, an example of which is shown in
FIGURE 11B . For instance, Block S260 can include notifying the user or another entity if the user is focusing too much on a particular exercise or muscle group (e.g., by visually showing the muscle group(s) that are overemphasized and recommending other exercises to the user), or if the user is using a muscle group incorrectly during an exercise (e.g., if the user is demonstrating poor form). Additionally or alternatively, the reports can provide synopses pertaining to one or more of: a muscle breakdown of work performed/output for specific muscles; a breakdown of a score given for a workout, wherein the score can be tracked over time to monitor progress of the user; a classification of exercise as cardio-based or strength-based; indications of muscle atrophy, indications of rehabilitation progress; indications of fatigue; indications of potential or actual injury; and any other suitable reported factor. In one example, a report can provide a percentage of a workout associated with strength-based exercise vs. a percentage of a workout associated with cardio-based exercise. In another example, the report provided in Block S260 can additionally or alternatively provide a detailed breakdown of any exercise metric associated with one or more muscle groups, provided within a virtual display of various muscle groups. - The
method 200 can further include Block S270, as shown inFIGURE 10 , which recites: detecting an orientation of the control module within the mounting module and adaptively adjusting a mapping between a set of contacts of the control module and an array of connection regions of the mounting module. Block S270 functions to enable proper signal reception and processing from a symmetric control module that can be coupled to the garment in multiple orientations. Block S270 can implement contact configuration(s) of the set of contacts of the control module and any other suitable data (e.g., accelerometer data, gyroscope data) in order to detect the orientation of the control module relative to the garment. Once the orientation of the control module is detected, Block S270 can include adapting signal reception and processing functions accordingly. As such, Block S270 can allow the control module to operate properly regardless of how the control module is coupled with the garment, in receiving and processing signals from the set of biometric sensors. For example, using the contact configuration shown inFIGURE 6 , signals X and Y can be received by way of contacts 1A and 1B in a first orientation of the control module, but if the control module is positioned "upside-down" in a second orientation, firmware implementing Block S270 can adapt signal reception and processing of the control module to receive signals X and Y by way ofcontacts 14B and 14A, respectively. As such, in the example, Block S270 can facilitate dynamic modification of the contact mapping in order to property attribute signals X and Y to the correct muscle group or set of biometric sensors. - Additionally or alternatively, Block S270 can include post-processing of signals based upon supplementary data that can allow signatures associated with one or muscle groups or types of activity to be identified. For instance, if accelerometer data indicates motion behavior associated with a first muscle group, but EMG signal data indicates muscle activity not associated with the first muscle group, Block S270 can involve reconfiguring a mapping between the set of contacts of the control module and the set of biometric sensors, post-reception of the signal stream from the set of biometric sensors, and generating metrics and reports according to the reconfigured mapping. Any other signatures derived from one or more of: gyroscope data, accelerometer data, GPS data, temperature data, location data, heart rate data, and any other suitable data can be used to identify the most probable muscle groups being used in an activity, and adjusting a mapping between the set of contacts of the control module accordingly. As such, identification of the configuration of the control module relative to the garment can be facilitated based upon cross-correlation between different types of data (e.g., accelerometer data, EMG sensor data), detection of identification contact configurations, and/or in any other suitable manner.
- The
method 200 can further include any one or more of: detecting misalignment of the control module, providing an indication of misalignment of the control module (e.g., using indicator LEDs), receiving a user input and providing a customized report based upon the user input (e.g., allowing the user to select a portion of a virtual display of various muscle groups and providing a report based upon the selection), allowing the user to receive information and feedback (e.g., training information, motivational feedback) from a community of associated users, and any other suitable steps or blocks that promote proper exercise behavior of the user. - Variations of the
system 100 andmethod 200 include any combination or permutation of the described components and processes. Furthermore, various processes of the preferred method can be embodied and/or implemented at least in part as a machine configured to receive a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. The instructions are preferably executed by computer-executable components preferably integrated with a system and one or more portions of the control module 155 and/or a processor. The computer-readable medium can be stored on any suitable computer readable media such as RAMs, ROMs, flash memory, EEPROMs, optical devices (CD or DVD), hard drives, floppy drives, or any suitable device. The computer-executable component is preferably a general or application specific processor, but any suitable dedicated hardware device or hardware/firmware combination device can additionally or alternatively execute the instructions. - The FIGURES illustrate the architecture, functionality and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to preferred embodiments, example configurations, and variations thereof. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, step, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block can occur out of the order noted in the FIGURES. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
Claims (15)
- A system for providing an electrical signal conduction pathway in a waterproof manner, the system including:• a first housing portion (141) including an array of openings (143);• an electronics connection substrate (50), coupled to the first housing portion (141) and including a set of electrical contact pads (52), wherein the set of electrical contact pads (52) of the electronics connection substrate (50) is paired with the array of openings (143) of the first housing portion (141) in a one-to-one manner; characterised in that it further includes:• a set of contacts (150), composed of an electrically conductive polymer, each contact in the set of contacts having a first region (151) that seals, in a watertight manner, an opening of the array of openings (143) of the first housing portion (141) at an exterior surface of the first housing portion, an intermediate region (153) that passes into the opening of the array of openings (143), and a second region (152) coupled to an electrical contact pad of the set of electrical contact pads (52),
o wherein each contact in the set of contacts is configured to conduct an electrical signal to at least one electrical contact pad of the electronics connection substrate (50) for signal transmission to an electronics subsystem (160). - The system of Claim 1, wherein each electrical contact pad in the set of electrical contact pads includes a port (54) being an opening through the thickness of the electronics connection substrate (50) through which the second region (152) of at least one contact of the array of contacts is coupled, wherein the port (54) of each electrical contact pad (52) passes entirely through a thickness of the electronics connection substrate.
- The system of Claim 2, wherein the second region (152) of each contact passes through a corresponding port (54) of the set of electrical contact pads (52), and is molded to a second surface of the electronics connection substrate (50).
- The system of Claim 1, wherein the electronics connection substrate comprises a flexible printed circuit board that complies with an internal surface of the first housing portion (141), and wherein the system further includes a linking interface (55) that couples each of the set of electrical contact pads (52) to the electronics subsystem for signal processing and transmission.
- The system of Claim 1, wherein each contact of the set of contacts (150) is physically isolated from adjacent contacts of the set of contacts, and wherein the first housing portion (141) is composed of a non-electrically conductive material.
- The system of Claim 1, further comprising a second housing portion (142) coupled to the first housing portion (141), with a water tight seal at an interface between the first housing portion and the second housing portion and wherein, preferably, the first housing portion and the second housing portion enclose a) the intermediate regions and the second regions of the set of contacts, b) the electronics connection substrate, and 3) the electronics subsystem.
- A method of manufacturing a waterproof electrical connection system as claimed in Claim 1, the method comprising:• providing a first housing portion (141) including an array of openings (143);• providing an electronics connection substrate (50) having a set of electrical contact pads each electrical contact pad (53) in the set of electrical contact pads (52) having a port (54) being an opening through the thickness of the electronics connection substrate (50);• aligning the array of openings (143) of the first housing portion (141) with the set of electrical contact pads (52) of the electronics connection substrate (50);• injecting a conductive polymer, in a flow state, through the port of each of the set of electrical contact pads (52), and through an associated opening of the array of openings (143) of the first housing portion (141);• bonding the conductive polymer, in a set state, at an exterior surface of the first housing portion (141), thereby providing water tight seals at each of the array of openings (143) of the first housing portion (141).
- The method of Claim 7, wherein aligning the array of openings of the first housing portion with the set of electrical contact pads of the electronics connection substrate (50) comprises aligning the first housing portion (141), with the electronics connection substrate (50), within a mold having a set of recesses aligned with the array of openings (143) of the first housing portion (141).
- The method of Claim 8, wherein injecting the conductive polymer comprises injecting the conductive polymer through the port (54) of each of the set of electrical contact pads (52), toward the set of recesses of the mold, thereby forming an array of protrusions that seal the array of openings of the first housing portion (141), while coupling the conductive polymer to the electronics connection substrate (50).
- The method of Claim 7, wherein injecting the conductive polymer comprises injecting the conductive polymer through a set of injection gates corresponding to the set of electrical contact pads (52).
- The method of Claim 7, wherein injecting the conductive polymer comprises removing portions of the conductive polymer between at least one of: adjacent electrical contact pads of the set of electrical contact pads (52) and adjacent openings of the array of openings (143), thereby preventing bridging across electrical contact pads of the set of electrical contact pads (52).
- The method of Claim 7, wherein injecting the conductive polymer comprises injecting a first portion of the conductive polymer through the array of openings of the first housing portion (141), injecting a second portion of the conductive polymer through the port (54) of each of the set of electrical contact pads (52), and coupling the first portion of the conductive polymer to the second portion of the conductive polymer.
- The method of Claim 7, further comprising coupling an electronics subsystem (160) to a linking interface (55) of the electronics connection substrate, wherein the linking interface (55) is in communication with each of the set of electrical contact pads (52).
- The method of Claim 13, further comprising coupling a second housing portion (142) to the first housing portion (141), with the electronics subsystem and the electronics connection substrate enclosed within the first housing portion and the second housing portion, further comprising providing a seal between the first housing portion and the second housing portion, thereby manufacturing the waterproof electrical connection system.
- The method of Claim 7, wherein injecting the conductive polymer comprises applying an adhesion-promoting primer at least at one of the set of electrical contact pads (52) and a surface of the first housing portion, proximal the array of openings.
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201462013405P | 2014-06-17 | 2014-06-17 | |
US201462016373P | 2014-06-24 | 2014-06-24 | |
US201462077781P | 2014-11-10 | 2014-11-10 | |
US201462078078P | 2014-11-11 | 2014-11-11 | |
US14/541,446 US10292652B2 (en) | 2013-11-23 | 2014-11-14 | System and method for monitoring biometric signals |
PCT/US2015/028900 WO2015195209A1 (en) | 2014-06-17 | 2015-05-01 | System and method for monitoring biometric signals |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3158569A1 EP3158569A1 (en) | 2017-04-26 |
EP3158569A4 EP3158569A4 (en) | 2018-05-02 |
EP3158569B1 true EP3158569B1 (en) | 2020-02-12 |
Family
ID=54935958
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP15809222.1A Active EP3158569B1 (en) | 2014-06-17 | 2015-05-01 | System and method for monitoring biometric signals |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3158569B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2015277767A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015195209A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10945629B2 (en) | 2015-03-23 | 2021-03-16 | Repono Pty Ltd | Muscle activity monitoring |
MX2017001570A (en) * | 2017-02-03 | 2018-08-02 | Jaques Paulino Vacas | Signal transmission apparatus and method for smart fabrics. |
WO2018199733A1 (en) * | 2017-04-25 | 2018-11-01 | Vacas Jaques Paulino | Signal transmission apparatus and method for smart fabrics |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3982529A (en) * | 1974-06-25 | 1976-09-28 | Sato Takuya R | Bioelectrodes |
US3973099A (en) * | 1974-11-11 | 1976-08-03 | American Micro-Systems, Inc. | Push button switch for electronic watch |
US4400341A (en) * | 1980-10-14 | 1983-08-23 | Universal Commerce And Finance N.V. | Injection molding of thermoplastics in sandwich mold employing desynchronized opening, extended and closing periods |
US4706680A (en) * | 1986-06-30 | 1987-11-17 | Nepera Inc. | Conductive adhesive medical electrode assemblies |
CN101321494B (en) * | 2005-11-30 | 2011-04-06 | 皇家飞利浦电子股份有限公司 | Electro-mechanical connector for thin medical monitoring patch |
US8820173B2 (en) * | 2009-03-06 | 2014-09-02 | Andrew C. Clark | Contact sensors and methods for making same |
US8267701B2 (en) * | 2010-05-19 | 2012-09-18 | International Business Machines Corporation | Alignment structure having a frame structure and bridging connections to couple and align segments of a socket housing |
-
2015
- 2015-05-01 EP EP15809222.1A patent/EP3158569B1/en active Active
- 2015-05-01 AU AU2015277767A patent/AU2015277767A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2015-05-01 WO PCT/US2015/028900 patent/WO2015195209A1/en active Application Filing
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2015195209A1 (en) | 2015-12-23 |
EP3158569A4 (en) | 2018-05-02 |
AU2015277767A1 (en) | 2017-01-19 |
EP3158569A1 (en) | 2017-04-26 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US10321832B2 (en) | System and method for monitoring biometric signals | |
US11219396B2 (en) | System and method for monitoring biometric signals | |
US10292652B2 (en) | System and method for monitoring biometric signals | |
US10105098B2 (en) | Garment integrated sensing system and method | |
US10921886B2 (en) | Circumferential array of electromyographic (EMG) sensors | |
EP3273852B1 (en) | Muscle activity monitoring | |
KR100927471B1 (en) | The breast attachment type wireless heart rate apparatus | |
US20200397372A1 (en) | Biometric Electrode System and Method of Manufacture | |
EP3335629B1 (en) | Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter monitoring | |
US11452482B2 (en) | Portable device, system and method for measuring electromyographic signals of a user | |
US20180020982A1 (en) | Wellness monitoring using a patch system | |
Mahmood et al. | LED indicator for heart rate monitoring system in sport application | |
EP3158569B1 (en) | System and method for monitoring biometric signals | |
CN108175394A (en) | For the adhesive sheet and body movement wireless monitor system of body movement monitoring | |
Mokaya et al. | Mars: a muscle activity recognition system enabling self-configuring musculoskeletal sensor networks | |
CN106963362A (en) | Seriation electrocardiographic lead positioning belt and localization method | |
KR20220073068A (en) | Biological signal measuring system combinded with smart clothes | |
Harms et al. | Rapid prototyping of smart garments for activity-aware applications | |
Yang et al. | E-textiles for sports and fitness sensing: current state, challenges, and future opportunities | |
US10779748B2 (en) | Biometric electromyography sensor device for fatigue monitoring and injury prevention and methods for using same | |
CN113288123A (en) | Flexible stretchable wearable device integrating joint angle measurement and motion posture measurement | |
GB2513580A (en) | Heart rate and activity monitor arrangement and a method for using the same | |
CN207323463U (en) | Seriation electrocardiographic lead positioning belt | |
US20240001196A1 (en) | Artificial Intelligence Assisted Personal Training System, Personal Training Device and Control Device | |
KR20230042939A (en) | Smart clothes for improved wearer comfort |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE |
|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20170109 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
DAV | Request for validation of the european patent (deleted) | ||
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
A4 | Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched |
Effective date: 20180329 |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: H01H 13/807 20060101ALI20180323BHEP Ipc: H01H 9/04 20060101AFI20180323BHEP Ipc: D03D 1/00 20060101ALN20180323BHEP |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: D03D 1/00 20060101ALN20190802BHEP Ipc: H01H 13/807 20060101ALI20190802BHEP Ipc: H01H 9/04 20060101AFI20190802BHEP |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20190913 |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: D03D 1/00 20060101ALN20190902BHEP Ipc: H01H 9/04 20060101AFI20190902BHEP Ipc: H01H 13/807 20060101ALI20190902BHEP |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 1233205 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20200215 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602015046940 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200212 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200212 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200512 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20200212 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200612 Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200512 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200212 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200212 Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200212 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200513 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200212 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200212 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200212 Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200212 Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200705 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200212 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200212 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200212 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200212 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200212 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602015046940 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 1233205 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20200212 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20201113 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20200531 Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200212 Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200212 Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20200531 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200212 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200212 Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200212 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20200531 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20200501 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20200501 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20200531 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200212 Ref country code: MT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200212 Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200212 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200212 Ref country code: AL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200212 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20220527 Year of fee payment: 8 Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20220525 Year of fee payment: 8 Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20220527 Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R119 Ref document number: 602015046940 Country of ref document: DE |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20230501 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20231201 Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20230501 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20230531 |