Biometric Sensor Integrated with Electronic Display of a Wearable Device

A wearable computing device includes an outer covering defining an outer-most top surface and an outer perimeter and an internal volume defined, at least in part, by an inner surface of the outer covering. The wearable computing device also includes an electronic display and an electronic display module connector arranged within the internal volume. Further, the wearable computing device includes at least one biometric sensor electrode positioned on the outer-most top surface of the outer covering and wrapping around one or more side edges of the outer covering to the internal volume. Moreover, the wearable computing device includes a printed circuit board arranged within the internal volume. In addition, the wearable computing device includes a conductive component electrically connecting the biometric sensor electrode(s) to the printed circuit board through the electronic display module connector.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to wearable computing devices, and more particularly, to a biometric sensor electrode integrated in the top surface of the covering of a wearable computing device, thereby providing increased surface area and improved signal quality of the sensor.

BACKGROUND

Recent consumer interest in personal health has led to a variety of personal health monitoring devices being offered on the market. Recent advances in sensor, electronics, and power source miniaturization have allowed the size of personal health monitoring devices, also referred to herein as “biometric tracking” or “biometric monitoring” devices, to be offered in extremely small sizes that were previously impractical.

These biometric monitoring devices may collect, derive, and/or provide one or more of the following types of information: heart rate, calorie burn, floors climbed and/or descended, location and/or heading, elevation, ambulatory speed and/or distance traveled, etc. For a wearable computing device, the front or top surface is typically occupied by a large electronic display, often covered with an optically clear covering constructed of certain materials (such as glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, etc.). This covering often requires a seal around its perimeter, making the electronic display covering larger than the active region of the electronic display itself.

Accordingly, the present disclosure is related to a biometric sensor electrode integrated in the top surface of the covering of such wearable computing devices, thereby providing increased surface area and improved signal quality of the sensor. By integrating the biometric sensor electrode onto the covering, the user is able to access the sensor in a more ergonomic manner, allowing the user to make contact with a variety of extremities (palm, fingers, leg, etc.) without requiring high dexterity on a small surface.

SUMMARY

One example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a wearable computing device. The wearable computing device includes an outer covering defining an outer-most top surface and an outer perimeter and an internal volume defined, at least in part, by an inner surface of the outer covering. The wearable computing device also includes an electronic display and an electronic display module connector arranged within the internal volume. Further, the wearable computing device includes at least one biometric sensor electrode positioned on the outer-most top surface of the outer covering and wrapping around one or more side edges of the outer covering to the internal volume. Moreover, the wearable computing device includes a printed circuit board arranged within the internal volume. In addition, the wearable computing device includes a conductive component electrically connecting the biometric sensor electrode(s) to the printed circuit board through the electronic display module connector. Further, the conductive component defines a low-resistance path.

Another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of assembling a wearable computing device. The method includes providing an outer covering defining an outer-most top surface and an outer perimeter, an inner surface of the outer covering defining an internal volume. The method also includes positioning a first portion of at least one biometric sensor electrode on the outer-most top surface of the outer covering and wrapping a second portion of the at least one biometric sensor electrode around one or more side edges of the outer covering such that the second portion is within the internal volume. Further, the method includes placing an electronic display and an electronic display module connector within the internal volume. Moreover, the method includes arranging a printed circuit board within the internal volume adjacent to the electronic display. In addition, the method includes electrically connecting the biometric sensor electrode(s) to the printed circuit board through the electronic display module connector via at least one conductive component. Further, the conductive component(s) defines a low-resistance path.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

For a wearable computing device, the front or top surface is typically occupied by a large electronic display, often covered with an optically clear covering constructed of certain materials (such as glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, etc.). This covering often requires a seal around its perimeter, making the electronic display covering larger than the active region of the electronic display itself. Accordingly, the present disclosure is related to a biometric sensor electrode integrated in the top surface of the covering on a wearable computing device, thereby providing increased surface area and improved signal quality of the sensor. By integrating the biometric sensor electrode onto the covering, the user is able to access the sensor in a more ergonomic manner, allowing the user to make contact with a variety of extremities (palm, fingers, leg, etc.) without requiring high dexterity on a small surface.

To activate the biometric sensor electrode created on the top surface of the covering, the sensor requires electrically connecting the sensor to the sense hub (which contains the main circuit) in the system board within the wearable computing device. Thus, the present disclosure is also directed to an improved conductive component between the biometric sensor electrode and the main circuit of the wearable computing device. As such, the present disclosure provides for electrically connecting an efficient and effective conductive component to a printed or flexible circuit board through the electronic display module and into the main circuit of the wearable computing device. In particular, the improved conductive component of the present disclosure has a low feed-thru electrical resistance and does not require extra space. Moreover, the integrated biometric sensor electrode allows for an easy assembly process without increasing costs or reducing reliability.

For example, in an embodiment, a direct/indirect connection may be used with conductive foam and an adhesive (such as anisotropic conductive film (ACF) and silver epoxy). In such an embodiment, physical vapor deposition (PVD) contact pads are positioned on the top surface and sandwiched between the sensor metal bottom of the covering and the top surface of the electronic display module. Next, a low-resistance conductive foam is placed between the sensor metal bottom and the PVD contact pads to connect the biometric sensor electrode to PVD contact pad(s). Further, the PVD contact pad(s) on the top surface is connected to a flexible printed circuit (FBC) through the electronic display module connector. The FBC is bonded on the top surface using an adhesive, such as ACF, by conventional FPC bonding processes. Moreover, the electronic display module connector is secured to the main device body, where the main circuit is located.

In particular, by providing a conductive component between the biometric sensor electrode and the main circuit of the wearable computing device, it is e.g., possible to obtain a compact and robust design of the wearable computing.

Example Devices and Systems

Referring now to the drawings,FIG.1illustrates a perspective view of a wearable computing device100according to the present disclosure. In particular, as shown, the wearable computing device100may be worn on a person's forearm like a wristwatch. In addition, as shown, the wearable computing device100has a housing102that contains the electronics associated with the wearable computing device100. Further, as shown, the wearable computing device100includes one or more buttons104and an electronic display106that is accessible/visible through the housing102. In some embodiments, for example, the button(s)404may be implemented to provide a mechanism to activate a heart rate sensor to collect heart rate data. Moreover, in an embodiment, the electronic display106may cover an electronics package110(also referred to herein as an electronic display module connector), which is also housed with the housing102. In addition, as shown, a wristband108may be integrated with the housing102.

Referring now toFIGS.2-7, various views of the housing102of the wearable computing device100according to the present disclosure are illustrated. In particular,FIG.2illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the housing102according to the present disclosure;FIG.3illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the housing102according to the present disclosure;FIG.4illustrates an exploded side view of one embodiment of the housing102according to the present disclosure;FIG.5illustrates a transparent, perspective view of one embodiment of the housing102according to the present disclosure;FIG.6illustrates a transparent, top view of one embodiment of the housing102according to the present disclosure;FIG.7illustrates a transparent, perspective view of one embodiment of the housing102according to the present disclosure; andFIG.8illustrates a rear view of one embodiment of the electronics package110within the housing102according to the present disclosure.

Furthermore, as shown generally inFIGS.2-7, the housing102includes an outer covering112defining an outer-most top surface114and an outer perimeter116. For example, in an embodiment, the outer covering112may be constructed of glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, or similar. Thus, as shown particularly inFIG.7, an internal volume118is defined, at least in part, by an inner surface120of the outer covering112. In addition, as shown inFIGS.5and7, the wearable computing device100may also include a seal115arranged along the outer perimeter116of the outer covering112. Thus, in such embodiments, as shown inFIG.7, the internal volume118is defined by the inner surface120of the outer covering112and an inner edge117of the seal115. Accordingly, as shown, the electronic display106and the electronic display module connector110may be arranged within the internal volume118, as further described herein.

In addition, as shown inFIGS.2-7, the wearable computing device100further includes at least one biometric sensor electrode, such as a first biometric sensor electrode122and a second biometric sensor electrode124, positioned on the outer-most top surface114of the outer covering112and wrapping around one or more side edges of the outer covering112to the internal volume118(see e.g.,FIG.7). Thus, as shown, in an embodiment, the wearable computing device100may include two sensor electrodes122,124placed in a pair. In such embodiment, the two sensor electrodes122,124may have an overlapped space over a display dimension.

For example, as shown inFIG.7, in an embodiment, the biometric sensor electrode(s)122,124wrap around the side edge of the outer covering112and the inner edge117of the seal115to the internal volume118. Furthermore, in such embodiments, as shown generally inFIGS.2-7, the first and second biometric sensor electrodes122,124may also be spaced apart by one or more gaps126. More specifically, as shown inFIG.2, the first and second biometric sensor electrodes122,124may be spaced apart via multiple gaps126on opposing sides of the outer covering112. In other words, as shown, the two sensor electrodes122,124may have space in the middle to avoid the printed circuit board bonding area.

Moreover, as shown inFIG.8, the wearable computing device100includes a printed circuit board128arranged within the internal volume118, i.e., on a rear side of the electronics display106. Thus, in an embodiment, as shown inFIGS.8and12, the first and second biometric sensor electrodes122,124are arranged on opposite sides of the printed circuit board128. Alternatively, as shown inFIG.18, the first and second biometric sensor electrodes122,124are arranged on the same side of the printed circuit board128. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the biometric sensor electrode(s)122,124described herein may each include a physical vapor deposition (PVD) sensor pad. In addition, in an embodiment, the biometric sensor electrode(s)122,124described herein may include an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, an electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor, or any other suitable sensor type.

Accordingly, the biometric sensor electrode(s)122,124described herein may be connected through inter-media materials to the electronic display module connector110, which may include a computing system configured to operate the wearable computing device100. In particular, as shown inFIG.9, a block diagram of an example computing system150according to example embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. Further, as shown, in an embodiment, the computing system150includes a user computing device152, a server computing system160, and a training computing system170that are communicatively coupled over a network180. Thus, in an embodiment, components of the user computing device152may be part of the wearable computing device100.

In particular, as shown, the user computing device152includes one or more processors154and a memory155. The one or more processors154can be any suitable processing device (e.g., a processor core, a microprocessor, an ASIC, an FPGA, a controller, a microcontroller, etc.) and can be one processor or a plurality of processors that are operatively connected. The memory155can include one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, flash memory devices, magnetic disks, etc., and combinations thereof. The memory155can store data156and instructions157which are executed by the processor154to cause the user computing device152to perform operations.

In some implementations, the user computing device152can store or include one or more models158. For example, in an embodiment, the model(s)158can be or can otherwise include various machine-learned models such as neural networks (e.g., deep neural networks) or other types of machine-learned models, including non-linear models and/or linear models. Neural networks can include feed-forward neural networks, recurrent neural networks (e.g., long short-term memory recurrent neural networks), convolutional neural networks or other forms of neural networks.

Thus, in some implementations, the model(s)158can be received from the server computing system160over the network180, stored in the user computing device memory155, and then used or otherwise implemented by the processor(s)154. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more models168can be included in or otherwise stored and implemented by the server computing system160that communicates with the user computing device152according to a client-server relationship. Thus, the model(s)158can be stored and implemented at the user computing device152and/or the model(s)168can be stored and implemented at the server computing system160.

The user computing device152can also include one or more user input components159that receives user input. For example, the user input component159can be a touch-sensitive component (e.g., a touch-sensitive display screen or a touch pad) that is sensitive to the touch of a user input object (e.g., a finger or a stylus). The touch-sensitive component can serve to implement a virtual keyboard. Other example user input components include a microphone, a traditional keyboard, or other means by which a user can provide user input.

The server computing system160can be any type of computing device, such as, for example, a personal computing device (e.g., laptop or desktop), a mobile computing device (e.g., smartphone or tablet), a gaming console or controller, a wearable computing device, an embedded computing device, or any other type of computing device. Further, as shown, the server computing system160includes one or more processors162and a memory164. The processor(s)162can be any suitable processing device (e.g., a processor core, a microprocessor, an ASIC, an FPGA, a controller, a microcontroller, etc.) and can be one processor or a plurality of processors that are operatively connected. The memory164can include one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, flash memory devices, magnetic disks, etc., and combinations thereof. The memory164can store data165and instructions166which are executed by the processor162to cause the server computing system160to perform operations.

In some implementations, the server computing system160includes or is otherwise implemented by one or more server computing devices. In instances in which the server computing system160includes plural server computing devices, such server computing devices can operate according to sequential computing architectures, parallel computing architectures, or some combination thereof.

As described above, the server computing system160can store or otherwise include one or more models168. For example, the model(s)168can be or can otherwise include various machine-learned models. Example machine-learned models include neural networks or other multi-layer non-linear models. Example neural networks include feed forward neural networks, deep neural networks, recurrent neural networks, and convolutional neural networks.

The user computing device152and/or the server computing system160can train the models158and/or168via interaction with the training computing system170that is communicatively coupled over the network180. The training computing system170can be separate from the server computing system160or can be a portion of the server computing system160.

The training computing system170includes one or more processors172and a memory174. The processor(s)172can be any suitable processing device (e.g., a processor core, a microprocessor, an ASIC, an FPGA, a controller, a microcontroller, etc.) and can be one processor or a plurality of processors that are operatively connected. The memory174can include one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, flash memory devices, magnetic disks, etc., and combinations thereof. The memory174can store data175and instructions176which are executed by the processor172to cause the training computing system170to perform operations. In some implementations, the training computing system170includes or is otherwise implemented by one or more server computing devices. The training computing system170can also include a model trainer177that trains the machine-learned models158and/or168stored at the user computing device152and/or the server computing system160using various training or learning techniques. In particular, in an embodiment, the model trainer177can train the models158and/or168based on a set of training data178.

The model trainer177includes computer logic utilized to provide desired functionality. The model trainer177can be implemented in hardware, firmware, and/or software controlling a general purpose processor. For example, in some implementations, the model trainer177includes program files stored on a storage device, loaded into a memory and executed by one or more processors. In other implementations, the model trainer177includes one or more sets of computer-executable instructions that are stored in a tangible computer-readable storage medium such as RAM, hard disk, or optical or magnetic media.

Referring now toFIGS.10-20, the wearable computing device100of the present disclosure further includes a conductive component130electrically connecting the biometric sensor electrode(s)122,124to the printed circuit board128through the electronic display module connector110. In particular, the conductive component130described herein provides a low-resistance path (e.g., on the order of less than about 50 Ohms, in particular less than 10 Ohms).

More specifically, as shown inFIGS.10-17, the conductive component130is double-side conductive foam132or tape. In one embodiment, for example, and as shown particularly inFIGS.10,11, and14, the double-side conductive foam132or tape may be sandwiched between a bottom surface138of the outer covering112and a top surface140of the electronic display106. In such embodiments, as shown particularly inFIG.14, the signal path, as indicated by arrows123, travels through the electronic display106first and then through the printed circuit board128. Thus, as shown inFIGS.10,11, and14, in certain embodiments, the electronic display106can be connected through the printed circuit board128by anisotropic conductive film (ACF) bonding. As used herein, ACF bonding generally refers to a lead-free and environmentally friendly adhesive interconnect film system or paste that can be used to make electrical and mechanical connections. Further, as shown, conductive line(s)142connected to the biometric sensor electrode(s)122,124and the conductive component130are connected to the printed circuit board128to deliver the sensing signal to the electronics package110.

In alternative embodiments, as shown inFIGS.15-17, the double-side conductive foam132or tape may be placed on a top surface121of the printed circuit board128. In such embodiments, as shown, the electronic display106becomes part of the printed circuit board128(i.e., its top surface). Accordingly, as shown particularly inFIG.17, the double-side conductive foam132or tape is configured to sit on the top surface121of the printed circuit board128(e.g., on the wing side top surface of the electronic display106). In such embodiments, as shown particularly inFIG.17, the signal path, as indicated by arrows125, travels by the electronic display106and directly through the printed circuit board128.

Alternatively, as shown inFIGS.19-20, the conductive component130is double-side conductive tape134or film. In such embodiments, as shown, the conductive tape134or film may be applied directly to the biometric sensor electrode(s)122,124to electrically connect the biometric sensor electrode(s)122,124to the printed circuit board128. More particularly, as shown, the biometric sensor electrode(s)122,124wrap around the side edge of the outer covering112to the internal volume118such that a first end of the conductive tape134or film can be secured to an end of the biometric sensor electrode(s)122,124and an opposing end of the conductive tape134or film can be secured directly to the printed circuit board128(or to a conductive component in direct contact with the printed circuit board128). Furthermore, in such embodiments, the conductive component130may include separate conductive tapes or a single conductive tape with two conductive lines.

Referring now toFIG.21, the conductive component130is ACF (anisotropic conductive film or paste) bonding135. In such embodiments, as an example, the ACF bonding135can be applied directly to the biometric sensor electrode(s)122,124to electrically connect the biometric sensor electrode(s)122,124to the printed circuit board128. In such embodiments, the ACF bonding135can be used alone or in combination with the conductive tape134or film to provide additional support. Thus, in such embodiments, as shown at step (1), the ACF bonding135can be connected to the biometric sensor electrode(s)122,124, which are located on a hard glass surface. As shown at step (2), the electronics display106can then be laminated on top of the ACF bonding135. Moreover, as shown at step (3), the ACF bonding135can be connected to the printed circuit board128or any suitable location that can ultimately be electrically connected to the printed circuit board128. Such a connection can be completed using, for example, soldering, connectors, springs, fasteners, or similar.

In still another embodiment, as shown inFIGS.22-23, the conductive component130is a conductive adhesive136through direct contact, such as, for example, silver epoxy. In still further embodiments, the conductive component130may be single-side conductive tape, single-side conductive foam, anisotropic conductive film, or combinations thereof. In further embodiments, any suitable connection is possible to connect such components together to define the desired low-resistance path.

In still further embodiments, as shown inFIGS.10and11, the wearable computing device100may further include a contact pad144arranged between the double-side conductive foam130,132or tape and the top surface140of the electronic display106. In such embodiments, for example, the contact pad144may be a thin metal film. Thus, as shown, the printed circuit board128is electrically coupled to an edge of the contact pad144, e.g., through conductive line(s)142. In further embodiments, the printed circuit board128may be arranged adjacent to the contact pad144and may be electrically connected to a bottom surface of the contact pad144such that the conductive line(s)142can be omitted.

Referring now toFIG.24, a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method200of assembling a wearable computing device is provided. In an embodiment, for example, the wearable computing device may be any suitable wearable computing device such as the wearable computing device100described herein with reference toFIGS.1-23. In general, the method200is described herein with reference to the wearable computing device100ofFIGS.1-24. However, it should be appreciated that the disclosed method200may be implemented with any other suitable wearable computing device having any other suitable configurations. In addition, althoughFIG.24depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, the methods discussed herein are not limited to any particular order or arrangement. One skilled in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will appreciate that various steps of the methods disclosed herein can be omitted, rearranged, combined, and/or adapted in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown at (202), the method200includes providing an outer covering defining an outer-most top surface and an outer perimeter, an inner surface of the outer covering defining an internal volume. For example,FIGS.2-7generally illustrate an embodiment of the outer covering112according to the present disclosure. Referring back toFIG.24, as shown at (204), the method200includes positioning a first portion of at least one biometric sensor electrode on the outer-most top surface of the outer covering and wrapping a second portion of the at least one biometric sensor electrode around one or more side edges of the outer covering such that the second portion is within the internal volume. For example,FIGS.2-7generally illustrate an embodiment of a first portion of the biometric sensor electrodes122,124on the outer-most top surface114of the outer covering112. Furthermore, as shown particularly inFIGS.5,7,15,16,18, and19, a second portion of the biometric sensor electrodes122,124wrap around one or more side edges of the outer covering112such that the second portion is within the internal volume118of the wearable computing device100according to the present disclosure.

Referring back toFIG.24, as shown at (206), the method200includes placing an electronic display and an electronic display module connector within the internal volume. As shown at (208), the method200includes arranging a printed circuit board within the internal volume adjacent to the electronic display.

As shown at (210), the method200includes electrically connecting the biometric sensor electrode(s) to the printed circuit board through the electronic display module connector via at least one conductive component. In such embodiments, the conductive component(s) defines a low-resistance path. For example, in an embodiment, as shown inFIGS.10-14, electrically connecting the biometric sensor electrode(s)122,124to the printed circuit board128through the electronic display module connector110includes placing the conductive component(s)130between the bottom surface138of the outer covering112and a top surface of119the electronic display106. In alternative embodiments, as shown inFIG.15-17, electrically connecting the biometric sensor electrode(s)122,124to the printed circuit board128through the electronic display module connector110includes placing the conductive component(s)130on a top surface121of the printed circuit board128. In addition, in certain embodiments, as described herein, the conductive component(s)130may be double-side conductive tape, double-side conductive foam, single-side conductive tape, single-side conductive foam, conductive adhesive, anisotropic conductive film, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, for example, wherein the conductive component130is the double-side conductive tape or the double-side conductive foam, the method200may include laminating the outer covering112, the double-side conductive tape or the double-side conductive foam132, and the biometric sensor electrode(s)122,124together.

Additional Disclosure