Office Action 2: Final Rejection (2024-02-02)
Rejection types: 103 - Obviousness, 112 - Written Description/Enablement

CLAIMS:
AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS

The listing of claims will replace all prior versions, and listings, of claims in the application:

Listing of Claims:

1-10. (Canceled)29

11\. (Currently Amended) A smart garment for detecting physiological data of a user, the smart garment comprising:a garment configured to be worn on an upper body of the user,
a plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes, wherein each of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes comprises interlaced conductive fibers for conducting a plurality of ECG signals with respect to the upper body of the user while in contact with skin ofthe user;
wherein the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes includes at least one textile-based ECG generator electrode for transmitting a generated signal through the patient's upper body, and at least one ECG receiver electrode spaced apart from the ECG generator electrode for sensing the generated signal,
a controller device electronically coupled to the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes, the controller device configured to:generate the generated signals transmit the generated signal through at least one ECG generator electrode,
sense a collected signal via one or more receiver ECG electrodes,
based on the collected signal, determine at least one of the plurality of textile- based ECG electrodes (\_ii)is at least partially out of contact with the skin of the user and/or (ii)\_causes the generated signal that is transmitted through the at least one ofthe textile- based ECG generator electrode to be of unacceptable signal quality,
deselect the at least one determined textile-based ECG electrode, and select at least another one of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes, and

repeat said generate and said sense of the generated signal using the at least another one of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes.

12\. (Previously Presented) The smart garment of claim 11, wherein the controller determines a percentage of contact surface area of one or more of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes with the skin of the user.

13\. (Previously Presented) The smart garment of claim 11, wherein the controller detects whether one or more of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes are in acceptable contact with the skin of the user.

14\. (Currently Amended) The smart garment of claim 11, further comprising monitoring a signal quality of the generated signal and repeating the process of deselecting the determined textile- based ECG electrode and selecting a different textile-based ECG electrode as a result of said monitoring.

15\. (Previously Presented) The smart garment of claim 11, wherein the interlaced conductive fibers comprise conductive yarns.

16\. (Previously Presented) The smart garment of claim 15, wherein the conductive yarns are knitted into the ECG electrode.

17\. (Previously Presented) The smart garment of claim 11, wherein the controller determines a change in a desired location of one or more of the plurality of the textile-based ECG electrodes.

18\. (Previously Presented) The smart garment of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of the ECG generator electrodes and plurality of the ECG receiver electrodes.

19\. (Currently Amended) The smart garment of claim 18, wherein the generated signal is generated using a given generator electrode of the plurality of textile-based ECG generator electrodes and the collected signal is sensed using a given receiver electrode of the plurality of textile-based ECG receiver electrodes.

20\. (Currently Amended) The smart garment of claim 19, wherein the controller is configured to determines whether the generated signal generated using the given generator electrode and the collected signal sensed using the given receiver electrode does not satisfy a quality threshold, and selects an alternative generator electrode and/or an alternative receiver electrode.

21\. (Previously Presented) The smart garment of claim 20, wherein the controller continues selecting alternative generator electrodes and/or alternative receiver electrodes to choose a generator electrode and receiver electrode pairing that satisfies a signal quality threshold.

22\. (Previously Presented) The smart garment of claim 11, wherein the garment includes a belt portion having at least one of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes.

23\. (Previously Presented) The smart garment of claim 11, wherein the interlaced conductive fibers are formed by weaving electrically conductive threads.

24\. (Currently Amended) The smart garment of claim 11, wherein the controller uses physiological data sensed by the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes to determine a quantity of the user selected from the group consisting of: a PR interval, a QT interval, a corrected QT (QTc) interval, a PR axis, and a QRS axis.

25\. (Previously Presented) The smart garment of claim 11, wherein the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes are exposed on a first side and insulated on a second side.

26\. (Previously Presented) The smart garment of claim 11, wherein the interlaced conductive fibers are interlaced with non-conductive fibers of a body of the smart garment.

27\. (Previously Presented) The smart garment of claim 11, further comprising a conductive trace connected to the each of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes, each of the conductive traces for connecting the plurality textile-based ECG electrodes to the controller for sending and receiving one or more electronic signals using the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes.

28\. (Previously Presented) The smart garment of claim 27, wherein the controller alternates different pairings chosen from the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes as one or more selected pairs in order to determine a decided optimum signal from the one or more electronic signals received from the different pairings.

29\. (Currently Amended) A smart garment for detecting physiological data of a user, the smart garment comprising:a plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes, wherein each of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes comprises interlaced conductive fibers for conducting a plurality of ECG signals with respect to a body of the user;
wherein the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes includes at least one ECG generator electrode for transmitting a generated signal through the patient's body, and at least one ECG receiver electrode spaced apart from the ECG generator electrode for sensing the generated signal,
a controller device electronically coupled to the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes, the controller device configured to:generate the generated signal.
transmit the generated signal through at least one ECG generator electrode,
sense a collected signal via one or more receiver ECG electrodes,

based on the collected signal, determine at least one of the plurality of textile- based ECG electrodes (\_i)is at least partially out of contact with skin of the user and/or ii causes the generated signal that is transmitted through the at least one ECG generator electrode to be of unacceptable signal quality' deselect the at least one determined textile-based ECG electrode, and select at least another one of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodesg and repeat said generate and said sense of the generated signal using the at least another one of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes.

30\. (Currently Amended) The smart garment of claim 11 whereinthe controller device is configured to process the collected signal to analyze the physiological data to determine a defined health event of the user.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
This office action is in response to the communication dated 20 December 2023 concerning application 18/081,984 filed on 15 December 2022.
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
Status of Claims
Claims 11-30 are pending and currently under consideration for patentability; claims 11, 14, 19, 20, 24, 29, and 30 have been amended; claims 1-10 previously were cancelled.
Information Disclosure Statement
The Information Disclosure Statement filed 14 December 2023 fails to comply with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97, 1.98 and MPEP § 609 for the reasons listed below.  It has been placed in the application file, but the information referred to therein has not been considered as to the merits.  Applicant is advised that the date of any re-submission of any item of information contained in this Information Disclosure Statement or the submission of any missing element(s) will be the date of submission for purposes of determining compliance with the requirements based on the time of filing the statement, including all certification requirements for statements under 37 CFR 1.97(e).  See MPEP § 609.05(a).
The Information Disclosure Statement filed 14 December 2023 fails to comply with 37 CFR 1.98(a)(2), which requires a legible copy of each cited foreign patent document; each non-patent literature publication or that portion which caused it to be listed; and all other information or that portion which caused it to be listed.  It has been placed in the application file, but the information referred to therein has not been considered.
The Information Disclosure Statement filed 14 December 2023 fails to comply with 37 CFR 1.98(a)(3)(i) because it does not include a concise explanation of the relevance, as it is presently understood by the individual designated in 37 CFR 1.56(c) most knowledgeable about the content of the information, of each reference listed that is not in the English language.  It has been placed in the application file, but the information referred to therein has not been considered.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments dated 20 December 2023 have been fully considered, but they are not persuasive or moot because the new ground of rejection does not rely on any reference applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument.
Applicant has amended independent claim 11 to recite that the electrodes make contact with the skin of the user and to add features to the controller device.  The Examiner has addressed the amended limitations in the updated text below.  Applicant presents numerous arguments against the Jain reference in light of the claims as amended, in particular the amended feature that the textile-based ECG electrodes are “in contact with skin of the user.”  The Examiner respectfully submits that the Jain reference has not been used to teach or suggest such features in the updated rejection below, but rather the Chahine reference, which more directly addresses the amended limitations of claim 11.   The Examiner notes that, in response to Applicant’s arguments against the references individually, one cannot show nonobviousness by attacking references individually where the rejections are based on combinations of references.  Please see In re Keller, 642 F.2d 413, 208 USPQ 871 (CCPA 1981); In re Merck & Co., 800 F.2d 1091, 231 USPQ 375 (Fed. Cir. 1986).
Regarding claim 11, Applicant argues that Jain does not teach or suggest a plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes, in particular electrodes which are “in contact with skin of the user,” as recited in amended claim 11 (Arguments, pp. 7-8).  The Examiner respectfully submits that the new rejection below relies on Chahine as the primary reference.  Chahine discloses textile-based electrodes which make direct contact with the skin of the user, and Jain discloses textile-based electrodes that may be used for ECG monitoring.  The Examiner respectfully submits that an obvious combination of the teachings of Chahine and Jain would result in the claimed feature of textile-based ECG electrodes which contact the skin of the user, as described in the updated text below.  Therefore, the corresponding arguments have been rendered moot.
Regarding claim 29, Applicant argues that Jain does not teach or suggest a plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes (Arguments, pp. 7-8).  The Examiner respectfully disagrees and directs Applicant to those sections of Jain which describe electrodes that are integrated into wearable fabrics (for example, Jain’s [0035] describes a sensor pad which may be provided in a fabric with which the human body comes in contact).  Jain further describes integrating the ECG electrodes into “clothing,” or into a “wearable device” such as a “jacket, shirt, t-shirt, sweater, bra etc” ([0069]).  The Examiner considers electrodes that are integrated into clothing as being “textile-based” electrodes.  Therefore, the Examiner respectfully maintains that Jain teaches a plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes.  The Examiner notes that Applicant argues that Jain’s electrodes do not make contact with skin of the user, but claim 29, even as amended, does not recite such a feature.  Therefore, Applicant’s arguments regarding the electrodes making contact with skin of the user, in reference to claim 29, are moot.
Applicant argues that Jain does not teach or suggest the feature of a textile-based ECG generator electrode for transmitting a generated signal through a patient’s upper body (Arguments, pp. 8-9).  The Examiner respectfully submits that Chahine describes a textile-based generator electrode for transmitting a generated signal through a patient’s upper body, and Jain describes that the transmitted signals could be ECG signals, as described in the updated text below.  Specifically regarding claim 29, the Examiner notes that claim 29, even as amended, does not recite “at least one textile-based ECG generator electrode for transmitting a generated signal through the patient’s upper body,” as alleged by Applicant.  The Examiner respectfully submits that the corresponding arguments, in reference to claim 29, are moot.
Applicant argues that Jain does not teach or suggest a controller configured to determine that one of the electrodes is at least partially out of contact with the skin of the user and/or causes the generated signal to be of unacceptable signal quality (Arguments, pp. 9-10).  The Examiner respectfully disagrees and directs Applicant to Jain’s paragraph [0087], which describes measuring the signal quality from each sensor.  Using this feature on the textile-based electrodes described by Chahine would result in textile-based electrodes coupled to a controller which measures the signal quality of each sensor, thereby obviating the claimed limitation.
Applicant argues that Jain does not teach or suggest detecting whether one of the electrodes are in acceptable contact with the skin of the user (Arguments, p. 10).  The Examiner respectfully disagrees for at least the reasons described in the previous paragraph.
Applicant argues that one skilled in the art would not be motivated to use Jain’s controller to determine a percentage of contact surface area of the textile-based electrodes with the skin of the user, since Jain’s electrodes are not making contact with the skin of the user (Arguments, p. 11).  The Examiner respectfully submits that, in the updated rejection below, the modification to incorporate a measurement of the percentage contact area is being made to Chahine’s electrodes, not Jain’s electrodes, rendering the corresponding arguments moot.  The Examiner also highlights that the Biel reference was used to teach this feature, not the Jain or Chahine references.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b)  CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claims 11 and 29 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
Claim 11 recites the limitation “at least one ECG generator electrode” in line 14.  It is unclear whether this limitation is the same as, or different from, the “at least one textile-based ECG generator electrode” as recited in claim 11, lines 7-8.  As a result, there is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
Claim 11 recites the limitation “one or more receiver ECG electrodes” in line 15.  It is unclear whether this limitation is the same as, or different from, the “at least one ECG receiver electrode” as recited in claim 11, line 9.  As a result, there is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
Claim 29 recites the limitation “at least one ECG generator electrode” in line 13.  It is unclear whether this limitation is the same as, or different from, the “at least one ECG generator electrode” as recited in claim 29, lines 6-7.  As a result, there is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
Claim 29 recites the limitation “one or more receiver ECG electrodes” in line 14.  It is unclear whether this limitation is the same as, or different from, the “at least one ECG receiver electrode” as recited in claim 29, lines 7-8.  As a result, there is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claims 11, 13-23, and 25-30 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Chahine et al. (US 2017/0056644 A1) in view of Jain et al. (US 2016/0287128 A1).
Regarding claim 11, Chahine describes a smart garment for detecting physiological data of a user ([0020]), the smart garment comprising
a garment configured to be worn on an upper body of the user ([0039])
a plurality of textile-based electrodes, wherein each of the plurality of textile-based electrodes comprises interlaced conductive fibers for conducting a plurality of signals with respect to the upper body of the user while in contact with skin of the user ([0022], [0050], [0192])
wherein the plurality of textile-based electrodes includes at least one textile-based generator electrode for transmitting a generated signal through the patient’s upper body and at least one receiver electrode spaced apart from the generator electrode for sensing the generated signal ([0004], [0151])
a controller device electronically coupled to the plurality of textile-based electrodes ([0004], [0026]), the controller device configured to
generate the generated signal ([0004], [0026])
transmit the generated signal through at least one generator electrode ([0004], [0026])
sense a collected signal via one or more receiver electrodes ([0020])
Regarding claim 11, Chahine does not explicitly disclose wherein the textile-based electrodes are ECG electrodes, and Chahine does not explicitly disclose wherein the controller device is configured to
based on the collected signal, determine at least one of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes (i) is at least partially out of contact with the skin of the user and/or (ii) causes the generated signal that is transmitted through the at least one of the textile-based ECG generator electrode to be of unacceptable signal quality
deselect the at least one determined textile-based ECG electrode, and select at least another one of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes
repeat said generate and said sense of the generated signal using the at least another one of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes
However, Jain also describes a smart garment for detecting physiological data of a user ([0062]), including a plurality of ECG electrodes ([0062]) and a controller device configured to
based on a collected signal, determine at least one of a plurality of ECG electrodes causes the generated signal that is transmitted through at least one ECG generator electrode to be of unacceptable signal quality ([0087])
deselect the at least one determined ECG electrode and select at least another one of the plurality of ECG electrodes ([0025], [0039])
repeat said generate and said sense of the generated signal using the at least another one of the plurality of ECG electrodes ([0039])
As Jain is also directed towards detecting physiological data of a user and is in a similar field of endeavor, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was filed to use a signal quality detection component similar to that described by Jain and apply it to the textile-based electrodes described by Chahine, as doing so advantageously ensures that the electrodes with best signal quality are being utilized to generate the signals transmitted to the user and detect the resultant physiological data.
Regarding claim 13, Jain describes wherein the controller detects whether one or more of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes are in acceptable contact with the skin of the user ([0039]).
Regarding claim 14, Jain describes monitoring a signal quality of the generated signal and repeating the process of deselecting the determined textile-based ECG electrode and selecting a different textile-based ECG electrode as a result of said monitoring ([0039]).
Regarding claim 15, Chahine describes wherein the interlaced conductive fibers comprise conductive yarns ([0104]).
Regarding claim 16, Chahine describes wherein the conductive yarns are knitted into the electrode ([0148]), and Jain describes wherein the electrode is an ECG electrode ([0062]).
Regarding claim 17, Jain describes wherein the controller determines a change in a desired location of one or more of the plurality of the textile-based ECG electrodes ([0025]).
Regarding claim 18, Jain describes a plurality of the ECG generator electrodes and plurality of the ECG receiver electrodes (figures 2, 13a, and 13b, for example).
Regarding claim 19, Jain describes wherein the generated signal is generated using a given generator electrode of the plurality of textile-based ECG generator electrodes and the collected signal is sensed using a given receiver electrode of the plurality of textile-based ECG receiver electrodes ([0087] - [0088]).
Regarding claim 20, Jain describes wherein the controller is configured to determine whether the generated signal generated using the given generator electrode and the collected signal sensed using the given receiver electrode does not satisfy a quality threshold, and selects an alternative generator electrode and/or an alternative receiver electrode ([0039]).
Regarding claim 21, Jain describes wherein the controller continues selecting alternative generator electrodes and/or alternative receiver electrodes to choose a generator electrode and receiver electrode pairing that satisfies a signal quality threshold ([0029], [0039]).
Regarding claim 22, Chahine describes wherein the garment includes a belt portion having at least one of the plurality of textile-based electrodes (figures 32-34, “band” configuration).
Regarding claim 23, Chahine describes wherein the interlaced conductive fibers are formed by weaving electrically conductive threads ([0097]).
Regarding claim 25, Chahine describes wherein the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes are exposed on a first side and insulated on a second side ([0101]).
Regarding claim 26, Chahine describes wherein the interlaced conductive fibers are interlaced with non-conductive fibers of a body of the smart garment ([0108], [0110]).
Regarding claim 27, Chahine describes a conductive trace connected to the each of the plurality of textile-based electrodes, each of the conductive traces for connecting the plurality textile-based electrodes to the controller for sending and receiving one or more electronic signals using the plurality of textile-based electrodes ([0050]).
Regarding claim 28, Jain describes wherein the controller alternates different pairings chosen from the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes as one or more selected pairs in order to determine a decided optimum signal from the one or more electronic signals received from the different pairings ([0021], [0023]).
Regarding claim 29, Chahine describes a smart garment for detecting physiological data of a user ([0020]), the smart garment comprising
a plurality of textile-based electrodes, wherein each of the plurality of textile-based electrodes comprises interlaced conductive fibers for conducting a plurality of signals with respect to a body of the user ([0050])
wherein the plurality of textile-based electrodes includes at least one generator electrode for transmitting a generated signal through the patient’s body and at least one receiver electrode spaced apart from the generator electrode for sensing the generated signal ([0004], [0151])
a controller device electronically coupled to the plurality of textile-based electrodes ([0004], [0026]), the controller device configured to
generate the generated signal ([0004], [0026])
transmit the generated signal through at least one generator electrode ([0004], [0026])
sense a collected signal via one or more receiver electrodes ([0020])
Regarding claim 29, Chahine does not explicitly disclose wherein the textile-based electrodes are ECG electrodes, and Chahine does not explicitly disclose wherein the controller device is configured to
based on the collected signal, determine at least one of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes (i) is at least partially out of contact with skin of the user and/or (ii) causes the generated signal that is transmitted through the at least one ECG generator electrode to be of unacceptable signal quality
deselect the at least one determined textile-based ECG electrode, and select at least another one of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes
repeat said generate and said sense of the generated signal using the at least another one of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes
However, Jain also describes a smart garment for detecting physiological data of a user ([0062]), including a plurality of ECG electrodes ([0062]) and a controller device configured to
based on a collected signal, determine at least one of a plurality of ECG electrodes causes the generated signal that is transmitted through at least one ECG generator electrode to be of unacceptable signal quality ([0087])
deselect the at least one determined ECG electrode and select at least another one of the plurality of ECG electrodes ([0025], [0039])
repeat said generate and said sense of the generated signal using the at least another one of the plurality of ECG electrodes ([0039])
As Jain is also directed towards detecting physiological data of a user and is in a similar field of endeavor, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was filed to use a signal quality detection component similar to that described by Jain and apply it to the textile-based electrodes described by Chahine, as doing so advantageously ensures that the electrodes with best signal quality are being utilized to generate the signals transmitted to the user and detect the resultant physiological data.
Regarding claim 30, Jain describes wherein the controller device is configured to process the collected signal to analyze the physiological data to determine a defined health event of the user ([0006], [0064]).
Claim 12 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Chahine in view of Jain, further in view of Biel et al. (US 2018/0168508 A1).
Regarding claim 12, Chahine in view of Jain suggests the smart garment of claim 11, but neither Chahine nor Jain explicitly disclose wherein the controller determines a percentage of contact surface area of one or more of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes with the skin of the user.  However, Biel also describes a garment configured to be worn on the upper body of a user and comprising a plurality of ECG electrodes ([0057], [0064]), including wherein a controller determines a percentage of contact surface area of electrodes with the skin of the user ([0124]).  As Biel is also directed towards a smart garment comprising sensors and is in a similar field of endeavor, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was filed to quantify the surface area of electrode-skin contact, in a manner similar to that described by Biel, when using the smart garment suggested by Chahine and Jain, as doing so advantageously allows the resulting system to better monitor the electrode-skin contact and take corrective action when necessary.
Claim 24 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Chahine in view of Jain, further in view of Rapin et al. (US 2019/0223739 A1).
Regarding claim 24, Chahine in view of Jain suggests the smart garment of claim 11, but neither Chahine nor Jain explicitly disclose wherein the controller uses physiological data sensed by the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes to determine a quantity of the user selected from the group consisting of a PR interval, a QT interval, a corrected QT (QTc) interval, a PR axis, and a QRS axis.  However, Rapin also describes analyzing ECG data for monitoring a user’s health ([0002]), including using a controller to determine a PR interval, a QT interval, a corrected QT (QTc) interval, a PR axis, and/or a QRS axis of a user ([0020], [0060]).  As Rapin is also directed towards using ECG data for health analysis and is in a similar field of endeavor, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was filed to use measures similar to those described by Rapin when analyzing the data generated by the textile-based ECG electrodes suggested by Chahine and Jain, as doing so advantageously allows the resulting system to better characterize a patient’s health status and suggest corrective action when necessary.
Statement on Communication via Internet
Communications via Internet e-mail are at the discretion of the applicant.  Without a written authorization by applicant in place, the USPTO will not respond via Internet e-mail to any Internet correspondence which contains information subject to the confidentiality requirement as set forth in 35 U.S.C. 122.  Where a written authorization is given by the applicant, communications via Internet e-mail, other than those under 35 U.S.C. 132 or which otherwise require a signature, may be used.  USPTO employees are NOT permitted to initiate communications with applicants via Internet e-mail unless there is a written authorization of record in the patent application by the applicant.  The following is a sample authorization form which may be used by applicant:
“Recognizing that Internet communications are not secure, I hereby authorize the USPTO to communicate with the undersigned and practitioners in accordance with 37 CFR 1.33 and 37 CFR 1.34 concerning any subject matter of this application by video conferencing, instant messaging, or electronic mail. I understand that a copy of these communications will be made of record in the application file.”
Please refer to MPEP 502.03 for guidance on Communications via Internet.
Conclusion
Applicant’s amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action.  Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL.  See MPEP § 706.07(a).  Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action.  In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any extension fee pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action.  In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the date of this final action.

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS
Claims 11, 14, 19, 20, 24, 29, and 30 are currently amended. Claims 1-10 were previously canceled. Claims 11-30 are currently pending.
Obj
ections to the Claims
Claims 20 and 30 are amended to overcome the objections to the claims. Applicant respectfully requests withdrawal of the objections.
USC
Claims 11, 13-23, and 25-31 are rejected as being unpatentable over Jain et al. (US 2016/0287128) in view of Chahine et al. (US 2017/0056644). Claims 11 and 29 have been amended.
1. Jain does not teach or suggest "a plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes," as recited
by claims 11 and 29, as amended.
As an initial matter, the Office Action asserts that paragraph [0062] of Jain describes a plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes. However, Jain describes "contactless ECG sensors" provided in a fabric. As laid forth below, Jain's "contactless ECG sensors" are not textile-based ECG electrodes.
For example, claim 11, as amended, recites that the "textile-based ECG electrodes comprises interlaced conductive fibers for conducting a plurality of ECG signals with respect to the upper body of the user while in contact with skin of the user." Jain, on the other hand, describes it's "contactless sensors as being "specifically designed to capture high quality ECG from a patient without requiring direct electrical contact with the patient's skin. This allows placement of the sensors 10 at some distance from the patient and/or to be separated from the patient's skin by a fabric such as clothing, bedding, etc...." Jain at [0080]. In this regard, Jain asserts that it's teaching of "contactless ECG electrodes" "circumvents issues associated with contact electrodes by being contactless ...." Jain at paragraph [0020]. As such, one skilled in the art would not modify the
contact
l
ess
ECG sensors of Jain to arrive at the claimed "textile-based ECG electrodes."
Furthermore, as recited in MPEP § 2143.02, a proposed obviousness modification requires a reasonable expectation of success. There is no teaching or description as to how one skilled in the art could reasonably expect to modify the contactless ECG sensors disclosed in Jain to arrive at an operable textile-based ECG electrode as in the claim 11. Accordingly, Applicant submits that such a modification of the contactless ECG sensor of Jain would not have been obvious to one skilled in the art, and that the obviousness rejection should be withdrawn.
At least for these reasons, claims 11 and 29, and claims dependent therefrom, are considered to be patentable over the cited art.
2. Jain does not teach or suggest "at least one textile-based ECG generator electrode for
transmitting a generated signal through the patient's upper body" as recited by claims
11 and 29.
Claims 11 and 29 are amended to clarify that the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes include "at least one textile-based ECG generator electrode for transmitting a generated signal through the patient's upper body."
The Office Action asserts that paragraphs [0088]-[0089] of Jain describe at least one textile- based ECG generator electrode. However, Jain describes a sensor pad 7 comprising contactless ECG sensors 10 and a right leg drive generator 14, among other things. The right leg drive generator 14 is not described or suggested as being an ECG electrode. Paragraphs [0088]-[0089], and Fig. 8 (reproduced below), describe and show that the right leg drive generator 14 is separate from the contactless ECG sensors 10. Accordingly, Applicant submits that Jain fails to teach or suggest "at least one textile-based ECG generator electrode for transmitting a generated signal."
FIG.8
At least for these reasons, claims 11 and 29, and claims dependent therefrom, are considered to be patentable over the cited art.
3. Jain does not teach or suggest a controller configured to "determine at least one of the
plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes (i) is at least partially out of contact with skin
of the user and/or (ii) causes the generated signal that is transmitted through the at
least one textile-based ECG generator electrode to be of unacceptable signal quality,"
as recited by claims 11 and 29.
Claims 11 and 29 are amended to clarify that the controller is configured to "based on the
collected signal, determine at least one of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes (i) is at least partially out of contact with skin of the user and /or (ii) causes the generated signal that is transmitted through the at least one textile-based ECG generator electrode to be of unacceptable signal quality.
As described in section 1 above, Jain is directed to
contact
l
ess
ECG sensors. Thus, Jain fails to teach a controller configured to determine that "at least one of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes is (i) at least partially
out of contact
with skin of the user."
Furthermore, as described in section 2 above, Jain does not transmit a generated signal through at least one textile-based ECG generator electrode. Thus, Jain fails to teach a controller configured to determine that "at least one of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes... (ii) causes the
g
enerated
signal that is transmitted through the at least one textile-based ECG generator electrode to be of unacceptable signal quality."
In contrast, the present claims advantageously allow "the controller 14 to analyze the
collected signals 6b over time and thus decide if a change in sensors 18 being used in the sensor pairing for ECG signal 6a,b collection is needed, in view of determined signal quality. As such, it is recognised that over time, a deemed acceptable sensor 18 pairing (e.g. a selected actuator sensor 18 of the generation group 24 with a selected receiver sensor 18 of the receiver group 26) can be dynamically changed during the ongoing signal generation and collection." Present application at paragraph [0026].. At least for this reason, claims 11 and 29 are considered to be patentable over the cited art.
4. Jain fails to teach or suggest that "the controller detects whether one or more of the
plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes are in acceptable contact with the skin of the
user," as recited by claim 13.
The Office Action asserts that paragraph [0039] of Jain describes the controller detects
whether one or more of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes are in acceptable contact with the skin of the user. However, as described above, Jain describes
contactless
ECG sensors and not textile-based ECG electrodes comprising interlaced conductive fibers for conducting a plurality of ECG signals with respect to the upper body of the user while in contact with skin of the user. Thus, the controller is not configured to detect whether the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes are in acceptable contact with the skin of the user.
At least for this reason, in addition to the dependency on allowable independent claim 11, claim 13 is considered to be patentable over the cited art.
5. One skilled in the art would not modify the controller of Jain to determine "a percentage
of contact surface area of one or more of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes
with the skin of the user," as recited by claim 12.
Similarly to point 4 above, Jain does not teach textile-based ECG electrodes comprising interlaced conductive fibers for conducting a plurality of ECG signals with respect to the upper body of the user while in contact with skin of the user, and therefore, does not have a controller configured to determine "a percentage of contact surface area of one or more of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes with the skin of the user." At least for this reason, in addition to the dependency on allowable independent claim 11, claim 12 is considered to be patentable over the cited art.
CONCLUSION

NEXT OFFICE ACTION: DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114
A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection.  Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114.  Applicant's submission filed on 10 May 2024 has been entered.
Status of Claims
Claims 11-30 are pending and currently under consideration for patentability; claims 11, 29, and 30 have been amended; claims 1-10 previously were cancelled.
Information Disclosure Statement
The Information Disclosure Statement submitted on 10 May 2024 has been acknowledged and considered by the Examiner.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments dated 02 May 2024 have been fully considered, but they are not persuasive or moot because the new ground of rejection does not rely on any reference applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument.
Applicant presents a number of arguments regarding the Jain reference as applied in the previous Office Action.  The Examiner respectfully submits that the Jain reference has not been used in the current rejection, as described below, rendering the corresponding arguments moot.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The text of those sections of Title 35, U.S. Code not included in this action can be found in a prior Office action.
Claims 11-16, 18-23, and 25-30 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Chahine et al. (US 2017/0056644 A1) in view of Chen et al. (US 2010/0041975 A1).
Regarding claim 11, Chahine describes a smart garment for detecting physiological data of a user ([0020]), the smart garment comprising
a garment configured to be worn on an upper body of the user ([0039])
a plurality of textile-based electrodes, wherein each of the plurality of textile-based electrodes comprises interlaced conductive fibers for conducting a plurality of signals with respect to the upper body of the user while in contact with skin of the user ([0022], [0050], [0192])
wherein the plurality of textile-based electrodes includes at least one textile-based generator electrode for transmitting a generated signal through the user’s skin and at least one textile-based receiver electrode spaced apart from the textile-based generator electrode for sensing the generated signal through the user’s skin ([0004], [0151])
a controller device electronically coupled to the plurality of textile-based electrodes ([0004], [0026]), the controller device configured to
generate the generated signal ([0004], [0026])
transmit the generated signal through at least one generator electrode ([0004], [0026])
sense a collected signal from the at least one textile-based generator electrode via the one or more textile-based receiver electrodes ([0020])
Regarding claim 11, Chahine does not explicitly disclose wherein the textile-based electrodes are ECG electrodes, and Chahine does not explicitly disclose wherein the controller device is configured to
based on the collected signal, determine at least one of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes (i) is at least partially out of contact with the skin of the user and/or (ii) causes the generated signal that is transmitted through the at least one of the textile-based ECG generator electrode to be of unacceptable signal quality
deselect the at least one determined textile-based ECG electrode, and select at least another one of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes
repeat said generate and said sense of the generated signal using the at least another one of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes
However, Chen also describes a smart garment for detecting physiological data of a user ([0030] - [0031]), including a plurality of ECG electrodes ([0030]) and a controller device configured to
based on a collected signal, determine at least one of a plurality of ECG electrodes is at least partially out of contact with the skin of the user and/or causes the generated signal that is transmitted through at least one ECG generator electrode to be of unacceptable signal quality ([0011], [0041])
deselect the at least one determined ECG electrode and select at least another one of the plurality of ECG electrodes ([0044] - [0045])
repeat said generate and said sense of the generated signal using the at least another one of the plurality of ECG electrodes ([0045] - [0046])
As Chen is also directed towards detecting physiological data of a user and is in a similar field of endeavor, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was filed to incorporate a signal quality detection component similar to that described by Chen when using the electrodes described by Chahine, as doing so advantageously ensures that the measured physiological data is of acceptable quality for further analysis.
Regarding claim 12, Chen describes wherein the controller determines a percentage of contact surface area of one or more of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes with the skin of the user ([0046]).
Regarding claim 13, Chen describes wherein the controller detects whether one or more of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes are in acceptable contact with the skin of the user ([0041]).
Regarding claim 14, Chen describes monitoring a signal quality of the generated signal and repeating the process of deselecting the determined textile-based ECG electrode and selecting a different textile-based ECG electrode as a result of said monitoring ([0045] - [0046]).
Regarding claim 15, Chahine describes wherein the interlaced conductive fibers comprise conductive yarns ([0104]).
Regarding claim 16, Chahine describes wherein the conductive yarns are knitted into the electrode ([0148]), and Chen describes wherein the electrode is an ECG electrode ([0044]).
Regarding claim 18, Chen describes a plurality of the ECG generator electrodes and plurality of the ECG receiver electrodes ([0009], [0038]).
Regarding claim 19, Chen describes wherein the generated signal is generated using a given generator electrode of the plurality of textile-based ECG generator electrodes and the collected signal is sensed using a given receiver electrode of the plurality of textile-based ECG receiver electrodes ([0009], [0038]).
Regarding claim 20, Chen describes wherein the controller is configured to determine whether the generated signal generated using the given generator electrode and the collected signal sensed using the given receiver electrode does not satisfy a quality threshold, and selects an alternative generator electrode and/or an alternative receiver electrode ([0041] - [0042], [0044] - [0046], automatic electrode selection algorithm and electrode switching steps as described).
Regarding claim 21, Chen describes wherein the controller continues selecting alternative generator electrodes and/or alternative receiver electrodes to choose a generator electrode and receiver electrode pairing that satisfies a signal quality threshold ([0041] - [0042], [0044] - [0046], automatic electrode selection algorithm and electrode switching steps as described).
Regarding claim 22, Chahine describes wherein the garment includes a belt portion having at least one of the plurality of textile-based electrodes (figures 32-34, “band” configuration).
Regarding claim 23, Chahine describes wherein the interlaced conductive fibers are formed by weaving electrically conductive threads ([0097]).
Regarding claim 25, Chahine describes wherein the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes are exposed on a first side and insulated on a second side ([0101]).
Regarding claim 26, Chahine describes wherein the interlaced conductive fibers are interlaced with non-conductive fibers of a body of the smart garment ([0108], [0110]).
Regarding claim 27, Chahine describes a conductive trace connected to the each of the plurality of textile-based electrodes, each of the conductive traces for connecting the plurality textile-based electrodes to the controller for sending and receiving one or more electronic signals using the plurality of textile-based electrodes ([0050]).
Regarding claim 28, Chen describes wherein the controller alternates different pairings chosen from the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes as one or more selected pairs in order to determine a decided optimum signal from the one or more electronic signals received from the different pairings ([0042]).
Regarding claim 29, Chahine describes a smart garment for detecting physiological data of a user ([0020]), the smart garment comprising
a plurality of textile-based electrodes, wherein each of the plurality of textile-based electrodes comprises interlaced conductive fibers for conducting a plurality of signals with respect to a body of the user ([0050])
wherein the plurality of textile-based electrodes includes at least one textile-based generator electrode for transmitting a generated signal through the user’s skin and at least one textile-based receiver electrode spaced apart from the textile-based generator electrode for sensing the generated signal through the user’s skin ([0004], [0151])
a controller device electronically coupled to the plurality of textile-based electrodes ([0004], [0026]), the controller device configured to
generate the generated signal ([0004], [0026])
transmit the generated signal through the at least one textile-based generator electrode ([0004], [0026])
sense a collected signal via one or more textile-based receiver electrodes ([0020])
Regarding claim 29, Chahine does not explicitly disclose wherein the textile-based electrodes are ECG electrodes, and Chahine does not explicitly disclose wherein the controller device is configured to
based on the collected signal, determine at least one of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes (i) is at least partially out of contact with skin of the user and/or (ii) causes the generated signal that is transmitted through the at least one ECG generator electrode to be of unacceptable signal quality
deselect the at least one determined textile-based ECG electrode, and select at least another one of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes
repeat said generate and said sense of the generated signal using the at least another one of the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes
However, Chen also describes a smart garment for detecting physiological data of a user ([0030] - [0031]), including a plurality of ECG electrodes ([0030]) and a controller device configured to
based on a collected signal, determine at least one of a plurality of ECG electrodes is at least partially out of contact with the skin of the user and/or causes the generated signal that is transmitted through at least one ECG generator electrode to be of unacceptable signal quality ([0011], [0041])
deselect the at least one determined ECG electrode and select at least another one of the plurality of ECG electrodes ([0044] - [0045])
repeat said generate and said sense of the generated signal using the at least another one of the plurality of ECG electrodes ([0045] - [0046])
As Chen is also directed towards detecting physiological data of a user and is in a similar field of endeavor, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was filed to incorporate a signal quality detection component similar to that described by Chen when using the electrodes described by Chahine, as doing so advantageously ensures that the measured physiological data is of acceptable quality for further analysis.
Regarding claim 30, Chen describes wherein the controller device is configured to process the collected signal to analyze the physiological data to determine a defined health event of the user ([0003], diagnosing the physiological status and health of an individual).
Claim 17 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Chahine in view of Chen, further in view of Kaib et al. (US 2011/0288605 A1).
Regarding claim 17, Chahine in view of Chen suggests the smart garment of claim 11, but neither Chahine nor Chen explicitly disclose wherein the controller determines a change in a desired location of one or more of the plurality of the textile-based ECG electrodes.  However, Kaib also describes a smart garment for detecting physiological data of a user ([0008]), including a controller configured to determine a change in a location of one or more of a plurality of textile-based electrodes ([0091], determining if the electrodes have shifted or moved to a slightly different location).  As Kaib is also directed towards detecting physiological data of a user and is in a similar field of endeavor, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was filed to use Kaib’s feature of determining whether electrodes have changed locations when using the system described by Chahine and Chen, as doing so advantageously allows the resulting system to account for the electrode movements and select a different set of electrodes, if necessary, in order to obtain the highest quality ECG signal.
Claim 24 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Chahine in view of Chen, further in view of Rapin et al. (US 2019/0223739 A1).
Regarding claim 24, Chahine in view of Chen suggests the smart garment of claim 11, but neither Chahine nor Chen explicitly disclose wherein the controller uses physiological data sensed by the plurality of textile-based ECG electrodes to determine a quantity of the user selected from the group consisting of a PR interval, a QT interval, a corrected QT (QTc) interval, a PR axis, and a QRS axis.  However, Rapin also describes analyzing ECG data for monitoring a user’s health ([0002]), including using a controller to determine a PR interval, a QT interval, a corrected QT (QTc) interval, a PR axis, and/or a QRS axis of a user ([0020], [0060]).  As Rapin is also directed towards using ECG data for health analysis and is in a similar field of endeavor, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was filed to use measures similar to those described by Rapin when analyzing the data generated by the textile-based ECG electrodes suggested by Chahine and Chen, as doing so advantageously allows the resulting system to better characterize a patient’s health status and suggest corrective action when necessary.
Statement on Communication via Internet
Communications via Internet e-mail are at the discretion of the applicant.  Without a written authorization by applicant in place, the USPTO will not respond via Internet e-mail to any Internet correspondence which contains information subject to the confidentiality requirement as set forth in 35 U.S.C. 122.  Where a written authorization is given by the applicant, communications via Internet e-mail, other than those under 35 U.S.C. 132 or which otherwise require a signature, may be used.  USPTO employees are NOT permitted to initiate communications with applicants via Internet e-mail unless there is a written authorization of record in the patent application by the applicant.  The following is a sample authorization form which may be used by applicant:
“Recognizing that Internet communications are not secure, I hereby authorize the USPTO to communicate with the undersigned and practitioners in accordance with 37 CFR 1.33 and 37 CFR 1.34 concerning any subject matter of this application by video conferencing, instant messaging, or electronic mail. I understand that a copy of these communications will be made of record in the application file.”
Please refer to MPEP 502.03 for guidance on Communications via Internet.
Conclusion

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20170056644A1: Claims:
A textile product comprising: a non-conductive section comprising a network of non-conductive fibres; and an electric pathway for conducting or transmitting an electrical signal when connected to a power source via a first connector and a second connector, the electric pathway and the non-conductive section integrated into a common layer of the textile, the electric pathway comprising: a first conductive segment of the electric pathway for coupling with the power source via the first connector, the first conductive segment comprising a first network of conductive fibres having a plurality of first conductive fibres, at least one first conductive fibre coupled to the first connector along the electric pathway, and a plurality of second conductive fibres interlaced with the first conductive fibres extending lateral to the electric pathway to transmit the electric signal from the power source, the first conductive segment having a first electrical resistance: and a second conductive segment of the electric pathway for coupling with the power supply via the second connector, the second conductive segment comprising a second network of conductive fibres having a plurality of third conductive fibres, at least one third conductive fibre coupled to the second connector along the electric pathway, and a plurality of fourth conductive fibres interlaced with the third conductive fibres extending lateral to the pathway, the second conductive segment having a second electrical resistance differing from the first electrical resistance.
a non-conductive section comprising a network of non-conductive fibres; and
an electric pathway for conducting or transmitting an electrical signal when connected to a power source via a first connector and a second connector, the electric pathway and the non-conductive section integrated into a common layer of the textile, the electric pathway comprising: a first conductive segment of the electric pathway for coupling with the power source via the first connector, the first conductive segment comprising a first network of conductive fibres having a plurality of first conductive fibres, at least one first conductive fibre coupled to the first connector along the electric pathway, and a plurality of second conductive fibres interlaced with the first conductive fibres extending lateral to the electric pathway to transmit the electric signal from the power source, the first conductive segment having a first electrical resistance: and a second conductive segment of the electric pathway for coupling with the power supply via the second connector, the second conductive segment comprising a second network of conductive fibres having a plurality of third conductive fibres, at least one third conductive fibre coupled to the second connector along the electric pathway, and a plurality of fourth conductive fibres interlaced with the third conductive fibres extending lateral to the pathway, the second conductive segment having a second electrical resistance differing from the first electrical resistance.
a first conductive segment of the electric pathway for coupling with the power source via the first connector, the first conductive segment comprising a first network of conductive fibres having a plurality of first conductive fibres, at least one first conductive fibre coupled to the first connector along the electric pathway, and a plurality of second conductive fibres interlaced with the first conductive fibres extending lateral to the electric pathway to transmit the electric signal from the power source, the first conductive segment having a first electrical resistance: and
a second conductive segment of the electric pathway for coupling with the power supply via the second connector, the second conductive segment comprising a second network of conductive fibres having a plurality of third conductive fibres, at least one third conductive fibre coupled to the second connector along the electric pathway, and a plurality of fourth conductive fibres interlaced with the third conductive fibres extending lateral to the pathway, the second conductive segment having a second electrical resistance differing from the first electrical resistance.
The textile product of claim 1 , wherein the first conductive segment and the second conductive segment are arranged in series such that the electric signal is transmitted from the first network of conductive fibres to the second network of conductive fibres, the second conductive segment being attached directly to the second connector via the at least one third conductive fibre or the second conductive segment being attached indirectly to the second connector via a third conductive segment coupled to the second conductive segment, the third conductive segment directly attached to the second connector.
The textile product of claim 1 , wherein the first conductive segment and the second conductive segment are arranged in parallel.
The textile product of claim 1 , wherein the first and second electrical resistances are proportional to a density of the first and second networks of conductive fibres.
The textile product of claim 1 , wherein the first and second electrical resistances are proportional to a length of the pluralities of first, second, third and fourth conductive fibres.
The textile product of claim 1 , wherein the first and second electrical resistances are proportional to a width of the pluralities of first, second, third and fourth conductive fibres.
The textile product of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of first conductive fibres is interlaced with the plurality of second conductive fibres by knitting or weaving.
The textile product of claim 1 , wherein the first conductive segment is attached indirectly to the first connector via a third conductive segment coupled to the first conductive segment, the third conductive segment directly attached to the first connector.
The textile product of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of second conductive fibres extend laterally from the plurality of first conductive fibres at 90Â°.
The textile product of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of fourth conductive fibres extend laterally from the plurality of third conductive fibres at 90Â°.
The textile product of claim 1 , wherein the network of non-conductive fibres includes non-conductive fibre material that comprises at least one of: nylon; cotton; spandex; polyester; or silk.
The textile product of claim 1 , wherein each of the networks of conductive fibres includes conductive fibre material comprising at least one of: stainless steel; silver; aluminum; copper; or gold.
The textile product of claim 1 , wherein the first conductive segment and the second conductive segment are connected to one another by at least one intervening third conductive segment.
The textile product of claim 1 , further comprising a second electric pathway for conducting or transmitting a second electrical signal when connected to the power source, the second electric pathway and the non-conductive section integrated into the common layer of the textile; the second electric pathway comprising: a first stimulating conductive segment for coupling with the power supply via a first stimulating connector, the first stimulating conductive segment comprising a first stimulating network of conductive fibres having a plurality of first stimulating conductive fibres, at least one first stimulating conductive fibre coupled to the first stimulating connector along the second electric pathway, and a plurality of second stimulating conductive fibres interlaced with the first stimulating conductive fibres extending lateral to the second electric pathway to transmit the second electric signal from the power source; and a second stimulating conductive segment as an electrode and for coupling with the power supply via a second stimulating connector; the second stimulating conductive segment comprising a second stimulating network of conductive fibres having a plurality of third stimulating conductive fibres, at least one third stimulating conductive fibre coupled to the second stimulating connector along the second electric pathway, and a plurality of fourth stimulating conductive fibres interlaced with the third stimulating conductive fibres extending lateral to the second electric pathway; wherein the electrode is configured to deliver the second electric signal to an adjacent underlying body portion of a wearer of the textile.
a first stimulating conductive segment for coupling with the power supply via a first stimulating connector, the first stimulating conductive segment comprising a first stimulating network of conductive fibres having a plurality of first stimulating conductive fibres, at least one first stimulating conductive fibre coupled to the first stimulating connector along the second electric pathway, and a plurality of second stimulating conductive fibres interlaced with the first stimulating conductive fibres extending lateral to the second electric pathway to transmit the second electric signal from the power source; and
a second stimulating conductive segment as an electrode and for coupling with the power supply via a second stimulating connector; the second stimulating conductive segment comprising a second stimulating network of conductive fibres having a plurality of third stimulating conductive fibres, at least one third stimulating conductive fibre coupled to the second stimulating connector along the second electric pathway, and a plurality of fourth stimulating conductive fibres interlaced with the third stimulating conductive fibres extending lateral to the second electric pathway;
wherein the electrode is configured to deliver the second electric signal to an adjacent underlying body portion of a wearer of the textile.
A textile product comprising: a first conductive segment for coupling with a power supply via a first connector and a second connector attached to an electric pathway, the first conductive segment of the electric pathway comprising a first network of conductive fibres having a plurality of first conductive fibres, at least one first conductive fibre coupled to the first connector along the electric pathway, and a plurality of second conductive fibres interlaced with the first conductive fibres extending lateral to the electric pathway to transmit the electric signal from the power source, the first conductive segment having a first electrical resistance; and a second conductive segment of the electric pathway for coupling with the power supply via the second connector ; the second conductive segment having a second network of conductive fibres having a plurality of third conductive fibres, at one third conductive fibre coupled to the second connector along the electric pathway, and a plurality of fourth conductive fibres interlaced with the third conductive fibres extending lateral to the pathway, the second conductive segment having a second electrical resistance differing from the first electrical resistance; the first and second conductive segments of the electric pathway integrated into a common layer of the textile.
a first conductive segment for coupling with a power supply via a first connector and a second connector attached to an electric pathway, the first conductive segment of the electric pathway comprising a first network of conductive fibres having a plurality of first conductive fibres, at least one first conductive fibre coupled to the first connector along the electric pathway, and a plurality of second conductive fibres interlaced with the first conductive fibres extending lateral to the electric pathway to transmit the electric signal from the power source, the first conductive segment having a first electrical resistance; and
a second conductive segment of the electric pathway for coupling with the power supply via the second connector ; the second conductive segment having a second network of conductive fibres having a plurality of third conductive fibres, at one third conductive fibre coupled to the second connector along the electric pathway, and a plurality of fourth conductive fibres interlaced with the third conductive fibres extending lateral to the pathway, the second conductive segment having a second electrical resistance differing from the first electrical resistance;
the first and second conductive segments of the electric pathway integrated into a common layer of the textile.
A textile product comprising: a non-conductive section comprising a network of non-conductive fibres; and an electric pathway for conducting or transmitting an electrical signal when coupled to a power source via a first connector and a second connector attached to the electric pathway, the electric pathway and the non-conductive section integrated into a common layer of the textile; the electric pathway comprising: a first conductive segment of the electric pathway for coupling with the power supply via the first connector, the first conductive segment comprising a first network of conductive fibres having a plurality of first conductive fibres, at least one first conductive fibre coupled to the first connector along the electric pathway, and a plurality of second conductive fibres interlaced with the first conductive fibres extending lateral to the electric pathway to transmit the electric signal from the power source; and a second conductive segment configured as an electrode of the electric pathway and for coupling via the second connector, the second conductive segment comprising a second network of conductive fibres having a plurality of third conductive fibres, at least one third conductive fibre coupled the second connector along the electric pathway, and a plurality of fourth conductive fibres interlaced with the third conductive fibres extending lateral to the pathway; wherein the electrode is configured to deliver h electric signal to an adjacent underlying body portion of a wearer of the textile.
an electric pathway for conducting or transmitting an electrical signal when coupled to a power source via a first connector and a second connector attached to the electric pathway, the electric pathway and the non-conductive section integrated into a common layer of the textile; the electric pathway comprising: a first conductive segment of the electric pathway for coupling with the power supply via the first connector, the first conductive segment comprising a first network of conductive fibres having a plurality of first conductive fibres, at least one first conductive fibre coupled to the first connector along the electric pathway, and a plurality of second conductive fibres interlaced with the first conductive fibres extending lateral to the electric pathway to transmit the electric signal from the power source; and a second conductive segment configured as an electrode of the electric pathway and for coupling via the second connector, the second conductive segment comprising a second network of conductive fibres having a plurality of third conductive fibres, at least one third conductive fibre coupled the second connector along the electric pathway, and a plurality of fourth conductive fibres interlaced with the third conductive fibres extending lateral to the pathway; wherein the electrode is configured to deliver h electric signal to an adjacent underlying body portion of a wearer of the textile.
a first conductive segment of the electric pathway for coupling with the power supply via the first connector, the first conductive segment comprising a first network of conductive fibres having a plurality of first conductive fibres, at least one first conductive fibre coupled to the first connector along the electric pathway, and a plurality of second conductive fibres interlaced with the first conductive fibres extending lateral to the electric pathway to transmit the electric signal from the power source; and
a second conductive segment configured as an electrode of the electric pathway and for coupling via the second connector, the second conductive segment comprising a second network of conductive fibres having a plurality of third conductive fibres, at least one third conductive fibre coupled the second connector along the electric pathway, and a plurality of fourth conductive fibres interlaced with the third conductive fibres extending lateral to the pathway;
wherein the electrode is configured to deliver h electric signal to an adjacent underlying body portion of a wearer of the textile.
The textile product of claim 15 , wherein the plurality of first conductive fibres is interlaced with the plurality of second conductive fibres by knitting.
The textile product of claim 15 , wherein the plurality of first conductive fibres is interlaced with the plurality of second conductive fibres by weaving.
The textile product of claim 15 , wherein the plurality of second conductive fibres extend laterally from the plurality of first conductive fibres at 90Â°.
The textile product of claim 15 , wherein the textile product is a garment or an insert to a garment.
A mixed layer textile product comprising: as a first layer, the non-conductive section and the electric pathway as defined in the textile of claim 1 ; and as a second layer, the non-conductive section and the electric pathway as defined in textile of claim 15 .
as a first layer, the non-conductive section and the electric pathway as defined in the textile of claim 1 ; and
as a second layer, the non-conductive section and the electric pathway as defined in textile of claim 15 .
The mixed layer textile product of claim 21 , further comprising a third layer configured as an electric insulator and positioned between the first layer and the second layer.
The mixed layer textile product of claim 21 , wherein the electric pathway comprises both conductive and non-conductive fibres in the fibre network.
Ref US20160287128A1: Claims:
A medical apparatus for providing electrocardiogram (ECG) signals for a human body using contactless ECG sensors, the medical apparatus comprising: an input adapted to receive contactless ECG signals from an array of contactless ECG sensors; a processor adapted to perform a selection process including: detecting body parts located in proximity of the array of contactless ECG sensors; associating a group of contactless ECG sensors with each detected body part; selecting from each group a contactless ECG sensor having a highest signal quality; the processor being adapted to produce a standard ECG signal based on the received contactless ECG signal of each selected contactless ECG sensor; and an output for sending the standard ECG signal for viewing/storage.
an input adapted to receive contactless ECG signals from an array of contactless ECG sensors;
a processor adapted to perform a selection process including: detecting body parts located in proximity of the array of contactless ECG sensors; associating a group of contactless ECG sensors with each detected body part; selecting from each group a contactless ECG sensor having a highest signal quality;
detecting body parts located in proximity of the array of contactless ECG sensors;
associating a group of contactless ECG sensors with each detected body part;
selecting from each group a contactless ECG sensor having a highest signal quality;
the processor being adapted to produce a standard ECG signal based on the received contactless ECG signal of each selected contactless ECG sensor; and
an output for sending the standard ECG signal for viewing/storage.
The medical apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the selection process further comprises the steps of: a. obtaining a body outline of the human body using the contactless ECG signals associated with the contactless ECG sensors located in proximity of the human body; b. determining a position of the human body on the array of contactless ECG sensors; c. dividing the contactles
[Truncated to input limit]