Abstract:
Some embodiments feature a wearable device, and software therefor, comprising: a first sensor configured to provide a first sensor signal; a second sensor configured to provide a second sensor signal; and a processor configured to i) determine whether the wearable device is being worn based on the first sensor signal, and ii) calibrate the second sensor responsive to determining that the wearable device is being worn. Some embodiments feature a holdable device comprising: a first sensor configured to provide a first sensor signal; a second sensor configured to provide a second sensor signal; and a processor configured to i) determine whether the holdable device is being held based on the first sensor signal, and ii) calibrate the second sensor responsive to determining that the holdable device is being held.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates generally to the field of electronic devices having calibratable sensors. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to calibration of such sensors. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    A plethora of electronic devices are now available, many with sensors that require calibration. For example, many smartphones are now equipped with accelerometers, gyroscopes, and the like. Such sensors must be calibrated occasionally to maintain their accuracy. Without proper calibration, the outputs of such sensors may drift, thereafter producing erroneous measurements. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    In general, in one aspect, an embodiment features a wearable device comprising: a first sensor configured to provide a first sensor signal; a second sensor configured to provide a second sensor signal; and a processor configured to i) determine whether the wearable device is being worn based on the first sensor signal, and ii) calibrate the second sensor responsive to determining that the wearable device is being worn. 
         [0004]    Embodiments of the wearable device can include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to calibrate the second sensor responsive to a selected interval elapsing after determining that the wearable device is being worn. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to calibrate the second sensor responsive to a selected interval elapsing after the wearable device is powered on. Some embodiments comprise a third sensor configured to provide a third sensor signal; wherein the processor is further configured to i) determine a motion of the wearable device based on the third sensor signal; and ii) calibrate the second sensor responsive to the motion of the wearable device being less than a threshold motion. In some embodiments, the second sensor comprises at least one of: a microphone; an accelerometer; a gyroscope; an environmental sensor; and a biometric sensor. In some embodiments, the first sensor comprises at least one of: a don/doff sensor; and a clasp detector. Some embodiments comprise a headset; a bracelet; a necklace; a ring; and a garment. 
         [0005]    In general, in one aspect, an embodiment features a holdable device comprising: a first sensor configured to provide a first sensor signal; a second sensor configured to provide a second sensor signal; and a processor configured to i) determine whether the holdable device is being held based on the first sensor signal, and ii) calibrate the second sensor responsive to determining that the holdable device is being held. 
         [0006]    Embodiments of the holdable device can include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to calibrate the second sensor responsive to a selected interval elapsing after determining that the holdable device is being held. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to calibrate the second sensor responsive to a selected interval elapsing after the holdable device is powered on. Some embodiments comprise a third sensor configured to provide a third sensor signal; wherein the processor is further configured to i) determine a motion of the holdable device based on the third sensor signal; and ii) calibrate the second sensor responsive to the motion of the holdable device being less than a threshold motion. In some embodiments, the second sensor comprises at least one of: a microphone; an accelerometer; a gyroscope; an environmental sensor; and a biometric sensor. In some embodiments, the first sensor comprises at least one of: a don/doff sensor; and a clasp detector. Some embodiments comprise at least one of: sports equipment; toys; and tools. 
         [0007]    In general, in one aspect, an embodiment features computer-readable media embodying instructions executable by a computer in a device to perform functions comprising: receiving a first sensor signal from a first sensor; receiving a second sensor signal from a second sensor; determining whether the device is being worn or held based on the first sensor signal; and calibrating the second sensor responsive to determining that the device is being worn or held. 
         [0008]    Embodiments of the computer-readable media can include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, the functions further comprise: calibrating the second sensor responsive to a selected interval elapsing after determining that the device is being worn or held. In some embodiments, the functions further comprise: calibrating the second sensor responsive to a selected interval elapsing after the device is powered on. In some embodiments, the functions further comprise: receiving a third sensor signal from a third sensor; determining a motion of the device based on the third sensor signal; and calibrating the second sensor responsive to the motion of the device being less than a threshold motion. In some embodiments, the second sensor comprises at least one of: a microphone; an accelerometer; a gyroscope; an environmental sensor; and a biometric sensor. In some embodiments, the first sensor comprises at least one of: a don/doff sensor; and a clasp detector. 
         [0009]    The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  shows elements of a headset according to one embodiment. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  shows a process for the headset of  FIG. 1  according to one embodiment. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  shows elements of a golf club according to one embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  shows a process for the golf club of  FIG. 3  according to one embodiment. 
       
    
    
       [0014]    The leading digit(s) of each reference numeral used in this specification indicates the number of the drawing in which the reference numeral first appears. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    Embodiments of the present disclosure provide sensor calibration based on the use state of the device comprising the sensor. For example, in some embodiments, the sensor is only calibrated when device is donned or held. In some embodiments, the calibration is also delayed to allow time for the sensors to warm up, for their measurements to stabilize, and the like. Other features are contemplated as well. 
         [0016]    In one example, a user one sits down at a gaming computer and dons his headset. The headset automatically calibrates its accelerometers and gyroscopes assuming the user is looking straight ahead at a first-person shooter game. 
         [0017]    In another example, a user sits down at a computer with multiple monitors and dons her headset. The headset automatically calibrates its accelerometers and gyroscopes assuming the user is looking straight ahead at the primary monitor. 
         [0018]    As another example, if a headset gyroscope becomes misaligned, it is calibrated after the headset is doffed and subsequently donned. 
         [0019]    As another example, a wearable camera may be calibrated when donned. For example, a camera mounted in a headset may be aligned with the wearer&#39;s eye level. 
         [0020]    Calibration of a wearable or holdable device may differ based on whether the device is worn or held on the user&#39;s left or right. For example, once it is determined on which hand a bracelet with a text display is worn, calibration of the bracelet may include orienting the text so as to be readable to the wearer. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, the device is a wearable device, and sensor calibration is triggered when the device is worn.  FIG. 1  shows elements of a headset  100  according to one embodiment. Although in the described embodiment elements of the headset  100  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, elements of the headset  100  may be implemented in hardware, software, or combinations thereof. As another example, various elements of the headset  100  may be implemented as one or more digital signal processors. 
         [0022]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the headset  100  may include a microphone  102 , a loudspeaker  104 , a don/doff sensor  106 , one or more transmitters  108 , one or more receivers  110 , a processor  112 , a memory  114 , and a motion sensor  116 . The headset  100  may include other elements as well. The transmitters  108  and receivers  110  may include wired and wireless transmitters  108  and receivers  110 . The elements of the headset  100  may be interconnected by direct connections, by a bus  118 , by a combination thereof, or the like. 
         [0023]      FIG. 2  shows a process  200  for the headset  100  of  FIG. 1  according to one embodiment. Although in the described embodiments the elements of process  200  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, in various embodiments, some or all of the elements of process  200  may be executed in a different order, concurrently, and the like. Also some elements of process  200  may not be performed, and may not be executed immediately after each other. In addition, some or all of the elements of process  200  may be performed automatically, that is, without human intervention. 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , at  202 , the headset  100  is powered on. That is, power is applied one or more elements of the headset  100 . At  204 , the processor  112  may determine the use state of the headset  100  based on signals received from the don/doff sensor  106 . That is, the processor  112  determines whether the headset  100  is being worn based on the sensor signals. In one example, the don/doff sensor  106  is a capacitive sensor. However, other sensors may be used instead of, or in addition to, the capacitive sensor. For example, an optical sensor may be used. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, at  206 , the processor  112  may calibrate the microphone  102  and/or the loudspeaker  104  responsive to determining that the headset  100  is being worn. Any calibration technique may be used. For example, to calibrate the microphone  102 , the processor  112  may receive audio from the microphone, and may calibrate the gain of the microphone  102  based on the received audio. 
         [0026]    At  208 , the microphone  102  generates audio, for example responsive to speech of a wearer of the headset  100 . The audio may be stored in the memory  114 . At  210 , one of the transmitters  108  may transmit a signal representing the audio. The signal may be received by a user device such as a smartphone, which may transmit the audio as part of a phone call. The process  200  may then resume, at  204 , for further calibration operations. 
         [0027]    In some embodiments, at  212 , the processor  112  may wait for a selected “power-on” interval after the headset  100  is powered on before calibrating the microphone  102  and/or the loudspeaker  104 . This interval may be selected in any manner. For example, the interval may be selected to allow time for the microphone  102  and/or the loudspeaker  104  to warm up before calibration. 
         [0028]    In some embodiments, at  214 , the processor  112  may wait for a selected “worn” interval after determining that the headset  100  is being worn before calibrating the microphone  102  and/or the loudspeaker  104 . This interval may be selected in any manner. For example, the interval may be selected to allow time for sensor measurements to stabilize before calibration. 
         [0029]    In some embodiments, at  216 , the processor  112  may wait for the headset  100  to become relatively motionless before calibrating the microphone  102  or other sensors. For example, the processor  112  may determine a motion of the headset  100  based on signals produced by the motion sensor  116 , and may wait for the motion to fall below a threshold motion before calibrating the microphone  102  and/or the loudspeaker  104 . As another example, the processor  112  may determine a motion of the headset  100  based on received signal strength indications (RSSI) of radio signals received by the headset  100 , and may wait for the RSSI to stabilize before calibrating the headset  100 . In this example, calibrating may include selecting one of several devices to turn on, for example such as a TV set or the like. 
         [0030]    The process  200  of  FIG. 2  is applicable to any wearable device and calibratable sensor. For example, the wearable devices may include bracelets, rings, earrings, garments, and the like. The calibratable sensors may include accelerometers, gyroscopes, compasses, environmental sensors such as weather instruments, biometric sensors such as heart monitors, and the like. The don/doff sensors may include clasp detectors and the like, for example to determined when a bracelet is clasped. 
         [0031]    In some embodiments, the device is a holdable device, and sensor calibration is triggered when the device is held.  FIG. 3  shows elements of a golf club  300  according to one embodiment. Although in the described embodiment elements of the golf club  300  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, elements of the golf club  300  may be implemented in hardware, software, or combinations thereof. As another example, various elements of the golf club  300  may be implemented as one or more digital signal processors. 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the golf club  300  may include a club head impact sensor  302 , a grip sensor  306 , one or more transmitters  308 , a processor  312 , a memory  314 , and a motion sensor  316 . The golf club  300  may include other elements as well. The elements of the golf club  300  may be interconnected by direct connections, by a bus  318 , by a combination thereof, or the like. 
         [0033]      FIG. 4  shows a process  400  for the golf club  300  of  FIG. 3  according to one embodiment. Although in the described embodiments the elements of process  400  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, in various embodiments, some or all of the elements of process  400  may be executed in a different order, concurrently, and the like. Also some elements of process  400  may not be performed, and may not be executed immediately after each other. In addition, some or all of the elements of process  400  may be performed automatically, that is, without human intervention. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , at  402 , the golf club  300  is powered on. That is, power is applied one or more elements of the golf club  300 . At  404 , the processor  312  may determine the use state of the golf club  300  based on signals received from the grip sensor  306 . That is, the processor  312  determines whether the golf club  300  is being held based on the sensor signals. In one example, the grip sensor  306  is a capacitive sensor. However, other sensors may be used instead of, or in addition to, the capacitive sensor. 
         [0035]    In some embodiments, at  406 , the processor  312  may calibrate the club head impact sensor  302  responsive to determining that the headset  300  is being held. Any calibration technique may be used. 
         [0036]    At  408 , the club head impact sensor  302  generates sensor data, for example responsive to the golf club  300  striking a golf ball. The sensor data may be stored in the memory  314 . At  410 , one of the transmitters  308  transmits a signal representing the sensor data. The signal may be received by a user device such as a smartphone, which the user may employ to review the sensor data. The process  400  may then resume, at  404 , for further calibration operations. 
         [0037]    In some embodiments, at  412 , the processor  312  may wait for a selected “power-on” interval after the golf club  300  is powered on before calibrating the club head impact sensor  302 . This interval may be selected in any manner. For example, the interval may be selected to allow time for the club head impact sensor  302  to warm up before calibration. 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, at  414 , the processor  312  may wait for a selected “held” interval after determining that the golf club  300  is being held before calibrating the club head impact sensor  302 . This interval may be selected in any manner. For example, the interval may be selected to allow time for sensor measurements to stabilize before calibration. 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, at  416 , the processor  312  may wait for the golf club  300  to become relatively motionless before calibrating the club head impact sensor  302 . For example, the processor  312  may determine motion of the golf club  300  based on signals produced by the motion sensor  316 , and may wait for the motion to fall below a threshold motion before calibrating the club head impact sensor  302 . 
         [0040]    The process  400  of  FIG. 4  is applicable to any holdable device and calibratable sensor. For example, the holdable devices may include sports equipment, toys, tools, and the like. The calibratable sensors may include accelerometers, gyroscopes, compasses, environmental sensors such as weather instruments, biometric sensors, and the like. 
         [0041]    Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations thereof. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in a computer-readable storage device for execution by a programmable processor. The described processes may be performed by a programmable processor executing a program of instructions to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in one or more computer programs that are executable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. Each computer program may be implemented in a high-level procedural or object-oriented programming language, or in assembly or machine language if desired; and in any case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted language. Suitable processors include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors. Generally, processors receive instructions and data from a read-only memory and/or a random access memory. Generally, a computer includes one or more mass storage devices for storing data files. Such devices include magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical disks; optical disks, and solid-state disks. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM disks. Any of the foregoing may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits). As used herein, the term “module” may refer to any of the above implementations. 
         [0042]    A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.