Wearable computing systems

One embodiment provides a computing device comprising a computing device body, a display coupled with the computing device body, a first set of computing components incorporated into the computing device body, and a securing system configured to secure the body to a wrist, the securing system comprising a plurality of detachable modular segments joined together to form a second set of computing components that is modifiable by changing segments. Each modular segment comprises a first mechanical connector and a second mechanical connector, a first set of electrical connectors and a second set of electrical connectors, and one or more electrical components incorporated into the modular segment, such that a functionality of the computing device is modifiable by changing modular segments.

BACKGROUND

Advances in computing technology are allowing computing systems to be configured into smaller and smaller form factors, such as wearable devices. Some wearable computing systems may be configured to be worn on a user's wrist. Wrist computing systems may have a form factor similar to a watch, with a display incorporated in a body that is configured to be worn on a top (dorsal) surface of a wrist and a strap that secures the computing system to the wrist. Other wrist-worn computing systems may take the form of a wrist band with no distinct body and strap, but rather a bracelet-like structure that incorporates a display.

SUMMARY

Embodiments are disclosed that relate to wearable computing devices. For example, one embodiment provides a computing device comprising a computing device body, a display coupled with the computing device body, a first set of computing components incorporated into the computing device body, and a securing system configured to secure the body to a wrist, the securing system comprising a plurality of detachable modular segments joined together to form a second set of computing components that is modifiable by changing segments. Each modular segment comprises a first mechanical connector and a second mechanical connector, a first set of electrical connectors and a second set of electrical connectors, and one or more electrical components incorporated into the modular segment, such that a functionality of the computing device is modifiable by changing modular segments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Wearable computing systems may have various design constraints not present with other types of computing systems that may complicate system design. For example, unlike a mobile phone, a wearable computing system may be secured to an associated body part during use. As such, a range of locations and angles from which a wearable computing device is viewable may be constrained by limitations of human anatomy.

For example, as mentioned above, computing systems configured to be worn on the wrist may have a form factor similar to a wristwatch, with a planar body configured to be located on a dorsal (top) surface of a wrist when secured to the user's arm, or may take the form of a bracelet-like band. In either of these cases, a user may have to move the device to easily view the display on the device, such as by raising an elbow and/or rotating a wrist to turn the display more directly toward the face.

In the case of an ordinary wristwatch, moving the watch into view may pose no inconvenience, as a user typically just quickly glances at the watch on those occasions when the user wishes to view the time. However, in the case of a wrist-worn computing system, the user may look at the display for longer periods of time, such as to view images (e.g. photos and videos), to read or compose messages, etc. Additionally, wrist computing systems also may provide notifications of incoming content, such as received text, email and/or voicemail messages. Thus, a user may make many arm movements if such notifications are received frequently.

Additionally, wearable computing system also may have size constraints compared to devices such as mobile phones. For example, it may be desirable for a wrist computing system to include all of the component functionalities of a smart phone, such as displays, touch sensors, cell phone components, motion sensors (accelerometers and gyroscopes), forward and backward facing cameras, microphones, speakers, haptic outputs (e.g. vibration motors), Wi-Fi antennas, global positioning system (GPS) sensors, logic devices (e.g. processors), mass storage, etc. However, while all of these devices may fit well within the form factor of a mobile phone, they may not fit as well in a smaller form factor, such as a watch small enough to be comfortably worn.

As one potential solution, a wrist computing device sufficiently small to be worn on the wrist may omit one or more functionalities commonly found in larger mobile devices, such as functionalities desired more by a select sub-group of targeted consumers rather than functionalities desired by a broader range of the targeted consumers. However, this may result in the loss of potential buyers.

Another possible solution may be to utilize a bracelet-style body to increase an amount of interior space available for components. However, human wrists have a broad range of sizes. Thus, a bracelet-style device may have to be manufactured in multiple sizes to fit a broad range of users. This may increase the complexity and cost of manufacturing such devices.

Accordingly, embodiments are disclosed herein that relate to wearable computing devices that may facilitate the viewing of content on the device from various angles, may simplify the fitting of wrists of a broad range of sizes, and/or may permit implementation of a broad range of user-selected functionalities in a comfortably-sized form factor, among other features. For example, some embodiments relate to a wrist computing device having a body and display that curves from a dorsal side to a lateral side of the wrist. Such a shape may permit items displayed on the display (e.g. notifications) to be viewed from natural viewing angles without having to raise and/or reorient the forearm. Further, such a shape may allow a broad range of wrist sizes to be fit with a common-sized device, unlike bracelet-style devices. The surfaces of the wrist may be referred to herein as follows: dorsal (top side), palmar (bottom side), medial (pinky side) and lateral (thumb side).

FIG. 1shows an embodiment of a wrist computing device100comprising a body102and a display104, andFIG. 2shows a side sectional view of the wrist computing device100.FIG. 2also schematically shows a human wrist108, and illustrates a dorsal side110and a lateral side112of the wrist108. The body102and display104of the depicted wrist computing device100each include a planar portion120and a curved portion122. The planar portion120of the body extends in a planar configuration from a dorsal end124that is configured to be located over the dorsal side110of the wrist108partially toward a lateral end126configured to be located along the lateral side112of the wrist when the computing device is worn on a wrist. The curved portion122of the body extends from an end of the planar portion120to the lateral end126of body102.

The depicted display104covers a substantial portion of planar portion120and curved portion122of body102. However, it will be understood that a wrist computing device may have a display that covers any other portions of the curved and planar portions of the body than that shown. Further, in some embodiments, two or more displays may be arranged along the body in a segmented manner. The use of segmented displays may allow rigid, planar displays to be approximately fit to the curvature of body102. The size and form factor of a wrist computing device100may vary depending upon an intended function of the device, screen size, and other factors. For example, a wrist computing device may be provided with smaller display (e.g. <1.6 inches) and a larger (e.g. 2 to 2.4 inches) to fit individuals of different sizes. It will be understood that these examples are intended to be illustrative and not limiting in any manner. Any suitable type of display device may be used as display104. In the case of a curved display, examples of suitable display devices include, but are not limited to, flexible or curved OLED (organic light emitting device) displays. Further, where multiple planar displays are arranged in a segmented fashion along body102, planar displays such as LCD (liquid crystal displays) may be used. In such embodiments, different materials (e.g. OLED and electronic ink displays) may be used in different zones of the display. For example, an electronic ink display may allow always-on operation at low power, while an OLED display may be selectively operated for full color and high refresh rates for video display.

FIG. 1also depicts an embodiment of a securing structure130configured to secure the wrist computing device100to a human wrist. The securing structure130ofFIG. 1takes the form of a flexible strap, such as a watch band, that connects to the dorsal end124and lateral end126of the body102and that may be tightened around a wrist, but may take any other suitable form, and may or may not have a latch or buckle for connecting the securing structure around the wrist. In other embodiments, as described below, a securing structure may include built-in devices to extend the functionalities of the computing device100.

FIG. 2depicts the fit of the body102to wrist108. As mentioned above, wrist-worn devices, such as watches and current wrist computers, may take the form of a traditional watch, with a flat display located above the dorsal side110of the wrist. Thus, to view the screen at a natural viewing angle, the wrist may be held in a posture that is uncomfortable to hold for more than a few minutes. Further, it may be difficult to increase the size of a flat display screen without extending far beyond the sides of a user's wrist. Some wrist worn devices may accommodate a larger display by providing a rectangular display in a landscape orientation in which a long dimension of the display extends along a user's arm. However, such a configuration may increase a width of a device to an undesirable amount. Other wrist-worn devices, such as bracelet-style devices, may have a display that extends farther around a user's wrist. However, in such an arrangement, at least a portion of the display may be occluded by the user's wrist.

In contrast, computing device100may accommodate a larger area screen than devices configured to be located over the lateral wrist surface alone, without extending far beyond the sides of the wrist and without the display being partially occluded by the wrist. Referring toFIG. 2, curved portion122of display104provides additional display area not available on devices that include just a planar portion configured to be located over a dorsal surface of the wrist, and accomplishes this without being excessively wide. This may help to display more content in an easier-to-view manner than wrist computing devices with smaller displays. Further, the curvature keeps body102from extending beyond the side of the wrist to any significant extent, as the shape of body102conforms to the natural curvature of the wrist. Additionally, as the body terminates along a lateral side of the wrist, the risk of a portion of the display being occluded by the user's wrist is reduced compared to displays that extend farther around the wrist, such as bracelet-style devices.

Body102also may fit a wider range of wrist sizes than a bracelet-style device. For example, a device having a body that extends around three or more wrist surfaces, such as a bracelet-style device, may be sensitive to the width and/or thickness of the wrist. In contrast, body102, which extends along two sides of a wrist, is much less sensitive to wrist thickness and width. Instead, body102fits a curve of the wrist from the dorsal to lateral side, which may be a similar shape for wrists of many sizes. An adjustable strap or other securing structure may be used to accommodate differences in diameter and shape between different wrists. Further, display104may utilize less power than a display that curves around three or more sides of a user's wrist.

The configuration of body102also may facilitate the inclusion of a greater number of electronic components than a body102of similar width that is configured to be positioned over a dorsal side of a wrist but not other sides of the wrist. For example, components may be included in both planar portion120and curved portion122of body102. Further, components may be selectively included in planar portion120or curved portion122based upon shapes for the components. For example, referring toFIG. 2, planar portion120may include one or more planar components such as printed circuit boards200,202that support integrated circuits204, sensor packages206(e.g. motion sensor(s), image sensor(s), etc.), output devices (e.g. speaker(s), haptic output(s), etc.), a SIM card, storage device(s), connector(s), biometric sensor(s), microphone(s), button(s), light emitting diode(s), and/or other components that may commonly have planar configurations. Likewise, curved portion122may include one or more components that may be manufactured in a curved shape, such as a battery208, an antenna (not shown) that extends at least partially around a perimeter of body102, and/or other components that may be more easily positioned in a curved volume. Examples include, but are not limited to, speakers and associated resonance cavities, magnetic resonance charging coils, and thin film solar cells. In addition, some planar components may fit within curved portion122as well. Examples include, but are not limited to, tact switches, microphones, light emitting diodes, ambient light sensors, etc. It will be understood that these components that may be respectively included in the planar and curved portions of body102are presented for the purpose of example, and are not intended to be limiting in any manner.

Curved portion122of display104may orient a portion of the display toward an eye of the user when the wrist and arm of the user are in a natural, relaxed posture (e.g. an arm resting on a table, a desk, a user's leg, etc. when the user is seated, a hand positioned on a keyboard when typing, etc.). Thus, a user may easily view notifications and other displayed content without having to move the device into a less comfortable position. Additionally, the configuration of display104may allow displayed content to face more toward the user, rather than toward others. This may help the user to discreetly view content that is potentially intended to be private.

In some embodiments, wrist computing device100may be configured to display content at different locations on display104in various contexts. As a more specific example, wrist computing device100may be configured to display notifications on curved portion122of display104, rather than on planar portion120, to help maintain the privacy of the notification. Then, the content underlying the notification (e.g. text message, email, text conversion of voice mail, etc.) may be revealed on a larger area of display104by movement of the wrist to direct the planar portion120of display104more toward an estimated position of a reference body part of the user (e.g. head, eyes) as determined from motion data.

Likewise, motion data also may be used to vary a location of content on display104as a user moves wrist computing device100relative to the estimated location of a reference body part. As a more specific example, some types of content, such as an SMS message, may not occupy an entirety of display104. Thus, the message may be displayed on an area of display104determined to be likely to be facing the user, and the location of the message on the display may vary as the position of the device moves relative to an estimated location of the body part of the user. Any suitable motion sensor(s) may be used to detect motion of wrist computing device100. Examples include, but are not limited to, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and/or image sensor(s), such as image sensor150ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3is a flow diagram that depicts an embodiment of a method300for operating a wrist computing device. Method300may be performed, for example, via execution of computer-readable instructions stored on a wrist computing device by a logic subsystem on the wrist computing device. Method300comprises, at302, tracking a position of the wrist computing device via data from the motion sensor. Any suitable type of motion data may be used. Examples include, but are not limited to, data from accelerometer(s)304, gyroscope(s)306, and/or image sensors308(e.g. two-dimensional and/or depth image sensors). The position may be tracked relative to an estimated location of a body part, such as a head or eyes, of a user, or based upon any other suitable reference location. Any suitable information regarding the estimated position of the wrist computing device may be tracked, including but not limited to wrist computing device rotation and translation information. The estimated position of the body part may be determined, for example, based upon information (e.g. data, function(s), heuristic(s), etc.) that relate a wrist posture as determined from the motion data to a body posture.

Continuing, method300comprises, at312, receiving a trigger to display information on a display. Any suitable trigger may be received, and the trigger may be received from any suitable source, whether internal or external to the wrist computing device. As one example, the trigger may comprise receipt of a communication (e.g. text message, email message, voice mail message) from another device, a user input requesting display of content, a notification of an internally stored event (e.g. a calendar reminder or other user-set alert), and/or any other suitable trigger.

In response to the trigger, method300comprises, at314, displaying the information on an area of the display determined based upon the estimated position of the wrist computing device. As one example, the information may be displayed on an area of the display determined based upon an estimated position of the wrist computing device relative to a body part of the user (e.g. head, eyes), as indicated at316. As a more specific example, a content item, such as a message, that may not occupy a full display area may be displayed at an area estimated to be approximately at a normal angle relative to a user's line of sight.FIG. 4Ashows an example of this, wherein content400illustrated as a shaded region is displayed on a first region of display104that is estimated to be directed toward a user's head, as illustrated by eye402.

As another example, a notification may be displayed on a curved portion of a display, as indicated at318.FIG. 5Ashows an example embodiment of a notification500displayed on the curved portion of display104, wherein the notification500comprises an alert regarding a newly received message. As illustrated, the notification500is displayed on an area of display104that may be easily viewed by a user wearing wrist computing device100when the user's wrist is in a natural, relaxed posture.

Method300further comprises, at320, detecting a change in position of the wrist computing device via the tracking of the position of the wrist computing device, and in response, changing a location at which information is displayed on the wrist computing device. The location at which the information is displayed may be changed in any suitable manner. For example, if a change in the estimated location of the wrist computing device relative to the user's body part (e.g. head or eyes) is detected, then the location at which information is displayed may be changed to an area of the display determined to be oriented more toward a head of the user, and not an area of the display determined to be oriented less toward the head of the user. This is illustrated inFIG. 4B, wherein content400has been moved to a different area of display104in response to a change in an estimated position of the display104relative to the user's head or eye402.

Further, where a notification is displayed, movement of the wrist computing device may be configured to trigger display of the content that is associated with (e.g. the subject of) the notification, as indicated at324. For example,FIG. 5Bshows wrist computing device100after a user, illustrated by eye502, has rotated planar portion120of wrist computing device100inwardly to view planar portion120more directly. In response to this motion, wrist computing device100displays the subject message504. In the depicted example, the entirety of display104is used to display the message504, but it will be understood that, in other examples, the message504may be displayed on a smaller area of the display estimated to face the viewer's head or eyes relatively directly to help maintain privacy.

Continuing withFIG. 3, in the examples above, data from motion sensors is used to vary a location at which display104is actively displaying information. However, data from motion sensors may be used to adjust the location of displayed content in other manners. For example, wrist motions may be used to scroll information displayed on the display, as indicated at326. As a more specific example, a wrist computing device may be configured to detect a rate of wrist rotation, and in response, scroll displayed information at a rate proportional to the rate of rotation. In this example, the location of an active area of display104is not adjusted, but a location of displayed information within a larger content item (e.g. a location of text within a text file) is changed. It will be understood that the above-described examples of changes made to the display of content based upon motion data are presented for the purpose of example and are not intended to be limiting in any manner.

As mentioned above, body102may provide additional room for components relative to wrist computing devices lacking curved portion122, as curved portion122provides additional interior space for components that may be made in a curved shape. However, not all components that may be included in body102may be desirable to all users. For example, some users may desire biometric sensors, while other users may not care for such functionalities. As each component included in body102contributes to the cost of wrist computing device100, including components that are desired by a relatively smaller subset of users may drive up the cost of the device for those who would like a lower cost device that omitted such components.

In light of such concerns, a wrist computing device may be configured such that a first set of functionalities of the device are provided via devices located within a body of the computing device, and a second set of functionalities are provided in a securing structure, such as a wrist band or strap, used to secure the wrist computing device to a user's body. Further, the securing structure may comprise a plurality of detachable modular segments joined together to form a second set of computing components. As described below, each modular segment may comprise a first mechanical connector and a second mechanical connector, a first set of electrical connectors and a second set of electrical connectors, and one or more electrical components incorporated into the modular segment, such that a functionality of the computing device is modifiable by changing modular segments. The modular segments also may be made in different colors, sizes, shapes, textures, etc., thereby allowing users to select modular segments based upon such considerations as fit, style and weight.

FIG. 6schematically illustrates a wearable computing device600having a securing structure602formed from a plurality of modular segments604. While the body606of wearable computing device600is depicted as having a shape similar to that of computing device100, it will be understood that a wrist computing device having a securing structure formed from modular segments may have a body with any other suitable shape, including but not limited to traditional planar watch shapes. Further, wearable computing devices other than wrist computing devices, such as necklace-type devices, also may utilize a securing structure with modular segments. Additionally, it will be understood that additional functionality also may be provided in a single band, rather than a modular band comprising a plurality of segments.

In some embodiments, body606and securing structure602each may be detachably mounted to a base structure607, such that body606may be removed from the base structure607to take telephone calls, for example. In other embodiments, securing structure602may be directly attached to body606. In such embodiments, a receiver and/or microphone (e.g. in the form of a headset) may be connected to body606wirelessly or with a wired connection to allow for comfortable use in a telephone mode.

The modular segments of securing structure602are illustrated schematically as comprising various components, including an antenna608, a microphone610, an additional power supply612(e.g. battery, inductive charger, kinetic charger, etc.), a sensor package614(e.g. biometric sensor, image sensor, ambient light sensor, motion sensor, etc.), and memory616. Further, a segment without additional computing device functionality618is also illustrated. It will be understood that the components shown inFIG. 6are depicted for the purpose of example, and are not intended to be limiting in any manner, as any suitable components may be included in modular segments.

Various factors may be considered in determining a set of functionalities to include in body606and functionalities to include in modular segments604. For example, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide core and/or widely popular functionalities in body606, as it is likely that most or all users will desire such functionalities. Examples of such functionalities may include, but are not limited to, core computing device components (e.g. logic and storage subsystems), wireless networking components, mobile phone components (including but not limited to circuitry, antennas, and input/output devices such as microphones and speakers), display components, touch sensor components, image sensor(s), hardware buttons and/or other hardware input devices, one or more batteries, battery charging components (e.g. wired receptacle and/or wireless charging coil), connectors (e.g. USB, 3.5 mm headphone jack), haptics, etc. It will be understood that a set of components selected for inclusion in body606may be selected based upon an intended use of wearable computing device600(e.g. whether the device is intended for use as a smart mobile device, an activity monitor, etc.).

Likewise, in some embodiments, components that are wanted by a smaller subset of users may be provided as modular segments604for optional use in securing structure602. This may allow each individual user to select a set of functionalities desired by that user, thereby allowing customization of the computing capabilities of wearable computing device600. Any suitable set of functionalities may be provided as modular segments604. Examples include, but are not limited to, camera(s) (e.g. high resolution and/or rear facing), one or more extra batteries, an auxiliary display (e.g. an OLED or electronic ink display), one or more speaker(s), passive power collection features (e.g. solar and/or kinetic), wireless charging features, one or more sensors (e.g. GPS sensor, motion sensor, ambient light sensor, biometric sensor such as temperature, pulse, oxygen saturation sensors, blood sugar sensor, spirometer, etc.), wireless networking capabilities (e.g. Ant+, ZigBee, NFC, etc.), audio jack(s), infrared emitter(s) (e.g. an IR blaster) including but not limited to light emitting diodes, depth/distance detectors (e.g. utilizing infrared/ultrasound/camera based solutions), eye detecting cameras, mass storage (e.g. board-mounted and/or SDIO card slot based), haptic output devices, visible light emitter(s) (e.g. a camera flash) including but not limited to light emitting diode(s), a SIM card, a storage device, a connector, a microphone, button(s), etc. Where a camera is incorporated into a modular segment604, the camera may be either a primary or secondary camera for wearable computing device600.

The use of one or more extra batteries incorporated into securing structure602via one or more modular segments604, may help to increase an amount of runtime between battery charging cycles. Further, providing batteries in both body606and securing structure602may allow power to be routed in either direction (e.g. from the body to the securing structure, and vice versa), depending upon power needs.

It will be understood that the above listed components are presented for the purpose of example and are not intended to be limiting, as any other suitable components may be included in a modular segment604for a securing structure. For example, a modular securing structure segment may comprise haptic features that may be used to notify a user of various events, communication, and the like. Such a haptic output device may be configured to output vibration, light, and/or heat, or may perform more complex outputs (e.g. a virtual hug/squeeze performed via a structure such as an electro-polymer film, electro-fluidic device, or electro-mechanical device).

Modular segments604may be electrically and mechanically connected to one another and to body606or base structure607in any suitable manner. Regarding mechanical connections, and as illustrated in the sectional view ofFIG. 7A(depicted from a viewing direction along the plane of the page), in some embodiments a modular segment604may comprise a first mechanical connector in the form of a retainer700, such as a hook, on one side and a second, complementary mechanical connector in the form of a complementary feature702, such as a complementary bar or pin, on another side. In such embodiments, the retainer700on one modular segment is configured to removably attach to the complementary feature702on an adjacent modular segment. It will be understood that body606, or base structure607that supports body606, may have similar mechanical connectors to allow modular segments to attach to the body or base.

It will be understood that any other suitable mechanical connectors may be used other than those described above, such as spring-loaded pin assemblies similar to those that are used to connect watchstraps to watches. Such an assembly may include a first pin segment positioned within an interior of a hollow second pin segment, and a spring located within the hollow second pin segment that biases the first pin segment outwardly. In such an embodiment, the pin may be configured to carry data different electrical signals on the first and second pin segments. For example, each pin segment may include an electrical connector at an end of the segment insulated from a remainder of the segment via an insulating band, and complementary connectors in the form of receptacles for the pin ends may be provided on an opposite side of the modular segment as the pin assembly to allow the assemblies to be connected together. Such features may be utilized with pin702, or with any other suitable connecting pin.

As a more specific example, such a pin connector may be configured to have four electrical contacts (power, ground, and a signal pair) by carrying two signals coaxially on each of two pin segments. Such a configuration may be suitable for use with protocols such as USB that utilize four electrical contacts. One-wire and/or two-wire communication standards also may be used (e.g. UART, I2C, SPI). As a more specific example, if chassis ground is used for two modules that are connected, then two ends of a pin connector may be used to connect power and also provide for a one wire communication standard. Further, connections between modular segments604and/or body606also may utilize standard electrical connections, such as universal serial bus (USB) connectors.

Regarding electrical connections, in some embodiments each modular segment604may have a first set of electrical connectors that connect to an adjacent modular segment604(or body606or base for body) on one side of the modular segment, and a second set of electrical connectors that connect to an adjacent modular segment on an opposite side of the modular segment.FIGS. 7A and 7Bshow two example configurations of first and second sets of electrical connectors, shown schematically at710and712. First referring toFIG. 7A, each modular segment has two electrical lines714,716that connect to adjacent modular segments. The connections may be formed, for example, as contacts717that touch complementary contacts718on an adjacent modular segment when the modular segments are joined together by the mechanical connectors. In other embodiments, any other suitable connector, whether standard or custom, may be used. For example, some embodiments may use flex connectors that extend through hinges (e.g. a flat cable extending between segments that can flex at hinges between segments). Further, other embodiments may have any suitable number of connectors between segments.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 7A, power and data signals may be carried between modular segments via the two lines714,716. For example, one line714may correspond to a ground line, while another line716may be configured to carry signals via modulation of a voltage on line716, and also to provide power, for example, as the average of the modulated signal. Alternatively or additionally, one or more modular segments may communicate with other wireless segments and/or with components in body606wirelessly, for example, via Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), and/or in any other suitable manner. The example ofFIG. 7Adepicts one modular segment604A that lacks electrical component(s). Modular segment604A thus may represent a modular segment used for sizing purposes, as a user may not desire functionality on each modular segment used to extend fully around a user's wrist. In modular segment604A, the conductors extending between the first set of electrical connectors and the second set of electrical connectors may themselves be considered electrical components.

FIG. 7Bshows another example embodiment of first and second sets of electrical connectors720,722, wherein first set of electrical connectors720is located on a first side724of modular segment604, and wherein second set of electrical connectors722is located on a second side of modular segment604. In the embodiment ofFIG. 7Bfour electrical lines are provided for each modular segment604, which may represent a power supply line730(e.g. V++), a first data line (e.g. D+)732, a second data line (e.g. D−)734, and a ground line736. Thus, each set of electrical connectors720,722comprises four connections to corresponding lines on an adjacent modular segment.

Any suitable protocol may be used to transmit data between the electrical components in modular segments604and the components in body606. As one example, in the embodiment ofFIG. 7B, universal serial bus (USB) protocols may be used to transmit data between components in modular segments and components in body606, as well as to discover and recognize newly attached segments. Other examples include, but are not limited to, other wired protocols like universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART), as well as wireless protocols such as BlueTooth, Wireless USB, WiFi, etc. Such protocols may allow a combination of control, data collection, audio/video data (e.g. from a camera incorporated into a modular segment), and the like to be communicated in either direction between components in body606and components in modular segments604. In any case, the use of modular segments604may allow a functionality of wearable computing system600to be changed simply by detaching one or more modular segments and/or attaching one or more other modular segments.

In some embodiments, a securing structure and body portion of a wearable computing device may be configured to each function independently of the other, and also function together in cooperation. In such an embodiment, each of these structures may comprise its own power supply, and also may comprise wireless or wired connectivity capability that can connect to other devices (e.g. via a personal area network), such as mobile phones, laptop computers, other wearable devices, and the like. For example, a securing structure may contain independent functionality similar to an activity-tracking device, while the body may independently function as a smart communication device. When operated together, the securing structure may add sensing capability to the body portion of the device, and the body portion of the device may provide for a richer interface and display for the functionalities offered by the securing structure.

FIG. 8is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method800of configuring a wearable computing device the wearable computing device comprising a first set of electrical components in a computing device body and a second, user-modifiable set of electrical components in a modular securing structure. In some embodiments, the wearable computing device may take the form of a wrist computing device, and the securing structure may take the form of a wrist strap or band that holds the device to the wrist, while in other embodiments the wearable computing device may take any other suitable form (e.g. necklace, other).

Method800comprises, at801, providing a first modular securing structure segment and a second modular securing structure segment that are connectable to form at least a part of a modular securing structure for a wearable computing device. As indicated at802, the securing structure may comprise forming a wrist strap for a wrist computing device in some embodiments. It will be understood that any additional number of modular securing structure segments may be provided. Further, it will be understood that the first and second modular securing structure segments may be provided either together or separately, such that a consumer may purchase the modular securing structure segments as a set or as individual units. Further, the modular securing structure segments may be provided with a computing device body (e.g. a wrist computing device body or other wearable computing device body), or separately from the computing device body.

In some embodiments, for example, where a modular securing structure is assembled prior to provision to consumers, method800may optionally comprise, at804, forming the modular securing structure for the wearable computing device by coupling the first modular securing structure segment to the second modular securing structure segment. In other embodiment, such processes may be performed by end users separately from the provision of the modular securing segments.

Forming the modular securing structure may comprise, at806, coupling a first mechanical connector on the first modular securing structure segment to a second mechanical connector on the second modular securing structure segment. Further, forming the modular securing structure also may comprise, at808, coupling a first set of electrical connectors on the first modular securing structure segment to a second set of electrical connectors on a second modular securing structure segment.

The first and second segments may be coupled together in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, a hook or other retaining feature may be mechanically attached to a complementary structure, such as a bar. As another example, a spring-loaded pin may be used to connect the two segments together. In either case, the first set of electrical connectors may be formed in such a manner as to connect automatically to the second set of electrical connectors when the first and second segments are mechanically joined together. As yet another example, the mechanical connectors each may comprise one or more magnets to hold modular segments together mechanically via magnetic attraction. The term “mechanical connector” includes any connector utilizing any connecting mechanism that allows one modular segment to be connected to an adjacent modular segment and/or computing device. Additional modular securing structure segments may be connected in a similar manner to form the modular securing structure. It will be understood that the segments joined together to form the modular securing structure may comprise any suitable functionalities, including but not limited to those described earlier herein.

Continuing, at810, method800comprises coupling the modular securing structure to a body of the wearable computing device to electrically and mechanically join the modular securing structure to the body, and to communicatively couple the first set of electrical components and the second set of electrical components. The mechanical, electrical, and communicative coupling of the modular securing structure thereby to form the wearable computing device.

As mentioned above, the use of the modular securing structure may allow the functionality of the wearable computing device to be changed by removal and/or addition of modular securing structure segments. Thus, a method may further include changing a functionality of the wearable computing device by removing a modular segment and/or adding a new modular segment. In this manner, a hardware configuration and functionality of a wrist computing device may be varied simply by changing a set of modular securing structure segments used to form the securing structure for the wearable computing device. Further, a manufacturer may provide various pre-selected configurations and/or multiple boxed items with different capabilities.

FIG. 9schematically shows a block diagram of a non-limiting embodiment of a computing system900that can enact one or more of the methods and processes described above. Computing system900is shown in simplified form. Computing system900may take the form of one or more personal computers, server computers, tablet computers, home-entertainment computers, network computing devices, gaming devices, mobile computing devices, mobile communication devices (e.g., smart phone), and/or other computing devices.

Computing system900includes a logic machine902and a storage machine904. Computing system900may optionally include a display subsystem906, input subsystem908, communication subsystem910, and/or other components not shown inFIG. 9.

Storage machine904includes one or more physical devices configured to hold instructions executable by the logic machine to implement the methods and processes described herein. When such methods and processes are implemented, the state of storage machine904may be transformed—e.g., to hold different data.

Display subsystem906may be used to present a visual representation of data held by storage machine904. This visual representation may take the form of a graphical user interface (GUI). As the herein described methods and processes change the data held by the storage machine, and thus transform the state of the storage machine, the state of display subsystem906may likewise be transformed to visually represent changes in the underlying data. Display subsystem906may include one or more display devices utilizing virtually any type of technology. Such display devices may be combined with logic machine902and/or storage machine904in a shared enclosure, or such display devices may be peripheral display devices.

Input subsystem908may comprise or interface with one or more user-input devices, such as a touch screen, hardware button, or other input mechanism. In some embodiments, the input subsystem may comprise or interface with selected natural user input (NUI) componentry. Such componentry may be integrated or peripheral, and the transduction and/or processing of input actions may be handled on- or off-board. Example NUI componentry may include a microphone for speech and/or voice recognition; an infrared, color, stereoscopic, and/or depth camera for machine vision and/or gesture recognition; a head tracker, eye tracker, accelerometer, magnetometer, and/or gyroscope for motion detection and/or intent recognition; electric-field sensing componentry for assessing brain activity and/or body motion. Further, input subsystem908also may include one or more biometric sensors.