Apparel with pressure sensor control

An article of apparel and method include a structure configured to enclose a human body part, a pressure sensor array including multiple pressure sensors separately positioned at locations within the structure, wherein each pressure sensor is configured to output a signal indicative of an amount of pressure being exerted on the pressure sensor by an external mechanical force, an electronic display, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive signals from the pressure sensors and, based on a sequence and a timing of the signals as received, determine a command related to a function of a device. The electronic display is configured to display information related to the function.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to an article of apparel with a pressure sensor interface.

BACKGROUND

Articles of apparel, such as shirts, jackets, pants, footwear, and the like, have long incorporated electronics for various purposes. Shoes have incorporated lights that flash when a wearer takes a step, shirts have incorporated sensors to identify an environmental condition or a condition of a wearer, and so forth. Such articles of apparel have incorporated various mechanisms for user interfaces, ranging from accelerometers to capacitive sensors, to allow wearers and other users of the apparel to control the function of the electronics or otherwise cause an output.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Attempts to integrate interactive electronic systems into apparel have included various difficulties in implementing the user interface in a way that is useful and reliable. For instance, capacitive user interfaces that run conductive wires or threads through woven fabrics may be ineffective or of reduced effectiveness if the wearer is wearing gloves or in various environmental environmental conditions. Conventional touchscreens, such as those utilized in mobile electronic devices such as smartphones and the like, and discrete buttons may have a limited surface area and may be difficult to manipulate, particularly when the user is engaged in physical activity.

An article of apparel has been developed that provides for a user interface based on an array of sensors that may be manipulated in sequence to allow a user to input commands using large-scale movements on and/or along the article of apparel. The input sensor array is configured to be substantially isolated from environmental conditions and utilizes sensors such as pressure sensors that may be contained within layers of fabric, leather, or various textiles or materials conventionally utilized in apparel manufacture. The article of apparel further includes one or more electronic components, such as a display for presenting information, a wireless transceiver for communication with secondary devices, and environmental sensors for detecting any of a variety of conditions. The large-scale movements may be adapted to control both devices that are native or otherwise integral to the article of apparel or the function of the secondary devices.

FIG. 1is a depiction of an article of apparel100, in an example embodiment. As illustrated, the article of apparel100is based on a conventional jacket to be worn on and enclose, at least in part, the upper body, including covering the arms of a wearer. However, it is to be understood that while the principles described herein are with specific reference to the article of apparel100, the principles described herein may be applied to any suitable article of apparel, without limitation. For the purposes of this disclosure, an article of apparel generally is understood to enclose a body part if the body party is at least partially within the article of apparel and the article of apparel in general tends to maintain the enclosure of the body part until removed. Thus, the article of apparel100tends to enclose the torso and arms of a wearer, a hat or cap would be understood to enclose the head, pants would be understood to enclose the hips and legs, and so forth.

The article of apparel100includes a general structure102based on a fabric, textile, or other material that may be utilized in making articles of apparel, without limitation. Embedded within the structure102on a sleeve104of the article of apparel100is an electronic display106. In various examples, the electronic display106is an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs), but it is to be understood that the electronic display106may be any suitable light emitting device for any desired purpose. Such purposes may extend beyond the display of text or other visual information and may extend to aesthetic displays and the like. Moreover, the electronic display106is not necessarily localized but rather may additionally or alternatively include elements incorporated throughout the article of apparel100. Thus, instead of or in addition to the electronic display106as illustrated, the article of apparel100may incorporate additional light emitting elements elsewhere on the sleeve104or on the chest, back, collar, sides, or anywhere else on the article of apparel as desired, and for information and/or aesthetic purposes.

While an electronic display106is illustrated with particularity, it is to be understood that the article of apparel100may include any of a variety of user interface mechanisms for conveying information or other outputs to a user of the article of apparel100. Thus, the electronic display106may more generally be understood to be a user interface that may output sound, haptic feedback, or any of a variety of additional or alternative outputs that may be perceived by a user of the article of apparel100.

FIGS. 2A and 2Bare top and side cutaway images, respectively, of the sleeve104with accompanying electronics, in an example embodiment. The electronics include the electronic display106as well as a pressure sensor array200, all electrically coupled to control electronics202. The control electronics202will be disclosed in detail herein.

While the sleeve104is presented as being part of the larger jacket on which the article of apparel100is based, in various examples the article of apparel100is only the sleeve104without the rest of the structure102of a jacket or larger article of apparel100. In such an example, the sleeve104may be made, at least in part, from an elastic material and configured to fit snugly over a forearm of a wearer. In various examples the sleeve104is further configured to extend to or above the elbow of the wearer.

As illustrated, the electronic display106is a grid of individual LEDs204coupled to a substrate206. In an example, the substrate206is a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) to allow for flexing of the article of apparel100generally in the area of the electronic display106. In various alternative examples the substrate is a conventional rigid PCB. As illustrated, the grid of LEDs is a five (5) by twenty (20) grid for a total of one hundred (100) individual LEDs. The electronic display106is configured to selectively turn individual ones of the LEDs204off and on to display messages for view.

As further illustrated, the pressure sensor array200includes four individual pressure sensors208distributed generally along a common axis210of a forearm portion212of the sleeve104. As shown inFIG. 2B, the electronics in general, and the pressure sensor array200in particular, are enclosed within and at least partially environmentally isolated by upper and lower fabric layers214A,214B (herein after collectively “fabric layers214”). The fabric layers214A,214B are optionally but not necessarily waterproof or water resistant. The fabric layers214are optionally the same or different types of materials and may optionally be the same materials that for the structure102of the article of apparel100generally, including materials that are not fabric but which may be utilized in making an article of apparel100, such as leather. The pressure sensors208are positioned such that a force on the top fabric layer214A may be sensed by a nearby pressure sensor208, which may then output a signal indicative of the sensed pressure.

While pressure sensors208are illustrated and described with particularity, it is to be understood that any suitable sensor may be utilized instead of or in addition to the pressure sensors208such that the additional or alternative sensor detects pressure or other force indicative of a touch by a user of the article of apparel100and may be incorporated under the upper layer214A. Moreover, while the pressure sensors208in the illustrated example are arrayed along the common axis210, it is to be understood that the pressure sensors208may be positioned or arrayed in any desired configuration throughout the article of apparel100. Thus, while the pressure sensors208are depicted on the one sleeve104illustrated, various examples may have pressure sensors208additionally or alternatively on the other sleeve of the article of apparel100and/or distributed around the article of apparel100in locations that may be convenient or desired to be reached by a user of the article of apparel100.

The upper fabric layer214A covers the LEDs204but is sufficiently thin or otherwise opaque to allow light from the LEDs204to pass through and be visible to a user viewing the LEDs204outside of the article of apparel100. Alternatively, the upper fabric layer214A may be omitted from covering the LEDs204themselves while still covering the pressure sensor array200and, optionally, the substrate206.

While the article of apparel100is described with respect to the pressure sensors208, it is to be understood that the article of apparel100may integrate additional sensors. An accelerometer or step counter, a moisture sensor or sweat sensor, a heart rate monitor, and so forth among a variety of other sensors or other data gathering implements known in the art may be incorporated and utilized in addition to the pressure sensors208. However, at least some of the sensors utilized may still perform the functions of the pressure sensors208for receiving commands from a user of the article of apparel100as disclosed herein.

FIG. 3is a block diagram300of the electronics of the article of apparel100, in an example embodiment. The block diagram300includes the electronic display106and the pressure sensor array200of individual pressure sensors208and the control electronics202. The control electronics include a power source block302, a controller block304, and a wireless communication block306.

The power source block302includes a source of DC power, such as a battery, a super capacitor, and so forth, sufficient to provide power to the various other electronics. A battery may be a rechargeable battery or may be replaceable. Additionally or alternatively, the power source block302may include any of a variety of further power sources, including a piezoelectric generator or other source of power that may generate power though the movement or conventional use of the article of apparel100. The power source block302optionally includes additional componentry to boost or otherwise shift the power output of the source of DC power, such as a boost converter. In an example, the power source block302includes a lithium ion battery configured to deliver between 3.0 and 4.2 Volts and a five (5) Volt boost converter.

The controller block304receives power from the power source block302and controls the operation of the electronic display106and the wireless communication block306and receives and processes the output of the pressure sensor array200. The controller block304include a controller308, such as a microcontroller, an electronic memory310, such as random-access memory (RAM) or flash memory or any suitable electronic memory known in the art, and an input/output block312, among a variety of other components that may be desired or utilized. In an example, the controller block304is a single system or system on a chip. In an example, the controller block304includes an ATmega32U4 microcontroller by Atmel Corporation as the controller308and related circuitry and/or by Lenoardo microcontroller board by Arduino Corporation, or any suitable controller or controller system.

When a pressure sensor208is depressed or otherwise senses that a user has contacted the pressure sensor208, the pressure sensor208outputs a signal to the input/output block312of the controller block304. The input/output block formats the signal received form the pressure sensor208and forwards the signal to the controller308. The controller308assesses the signal from the input/output block312for various properties as desired, including, but not limited to, a time at which the output signal was sensed and a duration of the output signal. The controller may store such properties in the electronic memory310and/or act on the properties as appropriate. As will be disclosed herein, based on the nature of those or other optionally-sensed properties, the controller308controls the electronic display106and/or the wireless communication block306.

The wireless communication block306includes one or more wireless antennas314and a wireless controller316. The wireless antennas314may each be configured to communicate according to a different wireless modality, such as various versions of Bluetooth, near-field communications (NFC), ultra-high frequency (UHF), and so forth. Each wireless antenna314may be configured to communicate in one band or across multiple bands. The wireless controller316is configured to communicate according to the various wireless modalities corresponding to the one or more antennas314. The wireless controller316may be a unitary device or may be multiple individual controllers each separately configured to communicate according to a different modality supported by the various antennas. In a non-limiting example, the wireless communication block306includes a single antenna314configured to communicate according to a Bluetooth standard.

The wireless communication block306is configured to communicate via the various modalities with one or more external devices318which are not themselves part of the article of apparel100or of a system generally. The external devices318may be mobile devices, such as mobile phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile music or media players, and so forth. The external device318additionally or alternatively may be stationary or generally stationary, such as a race tracker or base station. The wireless communication block306may pair with a given external device318according to conventional pairing mechanisms related to the given external device318so as to establish a communication link between the article of apparel100and the external device318.

Once the communication link is established, depending on the capabilities and permissions of the external device318, information may be received from the external device318and displayed on the electronic display106. Further, again depending on the capabilities and permissions of the external device318, the user of the article of apparel100may input commands to impact the function of the external device318. Thus, for instance, in an example where the external device318is a smartphone or media player, the article of apparel100may receive information about a song that the smartphone or media player is currently playing, such as a title, artist, runtime, and so forth, and display that information on the electronic display106. The user of the article of apparel100may perform actions with respect to the pressure sensor array200that the controller block304translates into commands to skip songs, pause music playback, increase or decrease volume, and so forth.

Additional examples of the article of apparel100may incorporate integrated functionality that may similarly be controlled by actions with respect to the pressure sensor array200and display information on the electronic display106. For instance, the article of apparel100may incorporate a global positioning system (GPS) sensor and the controller block304may utilize positioning information to implement a fitness application that tracks position, such as a running, walking, or cycling application as known in the art. In such an example, the electronic display106may display distance traveled, rate of travel, and other information that is conventionally displayed in such fitness applications. Actions with respect to the pressure sensor array200may be utilized to start and stop the fitness application and change functions during use. In such generally self-contained applications, the wireless communication block306may be disabled or omitted altogether.

In various examples, the controller block304includes as a separate component or implements with the controller308and/or the input/output block312implements an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and rate smoothing and/or filtering of the signals from the pressure sensors208. In various examples, the ADC converts the input analog signal from approximately zero (0) Volts to approximately five (5) Volts to and eight-bit digital signal at a sampling rate of from approximately ten (10) Hertz to fifty (50) Hertz. In an example, the sample rate is thirty (30) Hertz.

In various examples, the input/output block312and/or the controller308utilizes a rolling weighted average of the digital output from the ADC for each pressure sensor208. In an example, the controller308applies a rolling weighted average of 0.2 for a current output from the ADC for the pressure sensor208and 0.8 for the previous rolling weighted average of the output of the pressure sensor208. Thus, the current rolling weighted average for the output from a given pressure sensor208is eighty (80) percent based on the previous average and twenty (20) percent based on the current output from the ADC for that pressure sensor208. It is noted and emphasized that each pressure sensor208is assessed for its rolling weighted average separately and independently.

FIGS. 4A-4Dillustrate various actions for interacting with the article of apparel100by a user, in example embodiments. These actions are presented by way of example and it is to be understood that the principles disclosed herein may be expanded or shifted to any of a variety of alternative actions as desired. The actions may further be updated based on the nature and positioning of the individual pressure sensors208. In the illustrated examples, the article of apparel100is worn such that the sleeve104is on the left arm of a wearer and is being manipulated by the right hand of the wearer.

FIG. 4Aillustrates an action to “swipe” the article of apparel100in a manner that may be interpreted as a first command from a user of the article of apparel100. The action starts when the wearer places a hand400on a first pressure sensor208(1) and runs the hand400along the axis210, sequentially contacting additional pressure sensors208(2),208(3) et seq. In various examples, the controller block308recites an output signal from each of the contacted pressure sensors208and, based on the sequence of output signals as received by the controller block304identifying a corresponding command. In various examples, the sequence includes a time constraint, meaning that the output signals must, in such examples, be received within a predetermined time period, such as one (1) second, or the sequence of output signals will not be interpreted as a “swipe”.

A “swipe” as illustrated does not necessarily include contacting and receiving an output signal from each of the pressure sensors208. In various examples, contacting a subset of pressure sensors208may be sufficient to quality as a swipe dependent on which pressure sensors208are contacted. For instance, the swipe as illustrated inFIG. 4Amay require contacting the first pressure sensor208(1) and any two other pressure sensors208(2),208(3),208(4). Alternatively, the swipe may require contacting any three pressure sensors208or any two pressure sensors208, in various examples. In such examples, however, the output signals of the pressure sensors208contacted may necessarily be received in the sequence suggesting left-to-right contacting of the pressure sensors208. Thus, the swipe may, in general, be defined as occurring according to the sequence of208(1),208(2),208(3),208(4) with omissions allowed under various rules and conditions.

As noted, the controller block304may interpret receipt of the “left-to-right swipe” as the first command and may control a function of either the article of apparel100or of an external device318accordingly. For instance, the left-to-right swipe may be utilized to cause a media player to play to a following song in a playlist (e.g., skip or fast-forward) or display a new contact in a mobile phone.

FIG. 4Billustrates a contrasting “right-to-left swipe” action, generally starting at or near the pressure sensor208(4) and proceeding to the left along pressure sensors208(3),208(2),208(1). The principles described with respect to the left-to-right swipe illustrated inFIG. 4Amay be applied as well to the right-to-left swipe. In the context of a media player, the right-to-left swipe may be interpreted as a “rewind” or “start-over” function for a current song or to skip to a preceding song, and so forth. Thus, the left-to-right swipe may be interpreted as a forward command and the right-to-left swipe may be interpreted as a backward command.

FIG. 4Cillustrates a “back-and-forth swipe” action, operating on the same general principles as the swipes disclosed above but further including a repeat output signal from at least one of the pressure sensors208. Thus, if the user starts by touching the first pressure sensor208(1) and then proceeds to touch the second and third pressure sensors208(2),208(3) before again touching the second and first pressure sensors208(2),208(1), that sequence may be interpreted as the back-and-forth swipe. The back-and-forth swipe may variously be interpreted as exiting a menu, deleting a message, and so forth as desired.

FIG. 4Dillustrates a “tap” action. The tap may be interpreted according to any desired command, including to play a song or media item, call a selected contact on a mobile phone, start a fitness application, and so forth. In various examples, the tap may be location dependent or location agnostic. Thus, in a location agnostic example, the tap may be identified based on a single contact with any one pressure sensor208, regardless of which pressure sensor208. Alternatively, a tap may have different commands depending on which pressure senses208senses the tap. Thus, a tap on the first pressure sensor208(1) may be interpreted as a different command than a tap on any of the other three pressure sensors208(2),208(3),208(4). In various examples, taps may be regional. Thus, a tap on any one of the sensors208(2),208(3),208(4) on the right may be interpreted as one command while a tap on the first pressure sensor208(1) on the left may be interpreted as a second different command.

It is to be recognized and understood that the actions illustrated herein are for illustration and that any of a variety of actions may be utilized to be interpreted as commands. Furthermore, the actions may vary dependent on the positions of the pressure sensors208as implemented in various examples of the article of apparel100. Thus, relatively more extensive or complicated arrangements of pressure sensors208may allow for relatively more involved actions.

FIGS. 5A and 5Bare top and bottom views of an example of integrated pressure sensor assembly500of a pressure sensor array200, in an example embodiment. The integrated pressure sensor assembly500includes individual pressure sensors208formed on a single sheet of electrically conductive film502. The electrically conductive film502changes resistance when a physical force is applied to the film. Thus, when the electrically conductive film502is touched, whether directly or through a fabric layer214, the resistance through the film drops. Examples of electrically conductive film include VELOSTAT™ conductive film by 3M Corporation and LINQSTAT conductive film by Caplinq Corporation.

An electrical conductor, such as electrically conductive thread504, is applied to each of a first surface506and a second surface508of the electrically conductive film502. The electrically conductive thread504A coupled to the second surface506is coupled to ground. As illustrated, the electrically conductive thread504A is, in various examples, formed into a sinusoidal or undulating pattern across substantially all of a length L and width W of the electrically conductive film502, though in various examples the electrically conductive thread504A may be in any patter suitable to provide adequate coverage of the second surface506.

The electrically conductive thread504is applied in three separate and discrete segments504B,504C,504D on the second surface508. Each segment504B,504C,504D corresponds to a separate pressure sensor208. Where the integrated pressure sensor assembly500is incorporated into the example article of apparel100disclosed herein, each segment504B,504C,504D corresponds to the second, third, and fourth pressure sensors208(2),208(3),208(4), respectively. As illustrated, each segment is in a sinusoidal arrangement configured to detect changes in resistance over substantially all of an area510corresponding to the respective second, third, and fourth pressure sensors208(2),208(3),208(4). However, it is emphasized that the integrated pressure sensor assembly500may be utilized as any number of pressure sensors208applied in any of a variety of suitable circumstances.

Though not illustrated, each electrically conductive thread504B,504C,504D is electrically coupled to the controller block304. The electrically conductive threads504B,504C,504D are variously electrically coupled by extending to the controller block304or by being coupled to a wire that couples between the threads504B,504C,504D and the controller block304, among various potential examples. As noted, the electrically conducive film502loses resistance local to an external force or pressure being exerted on the electrically conductive film502. Thus, if a force is exerted on location X then the resistance proximate the location X of the electrically conductive film502drops. The output signal from the pressure sensor208(3) which overlaps the location X is, in this example, the detected drop in resistance between the electrically conductive thread504C and the electrically conductive thread504A on the second surface, i.e., ground. The controller block304is configured to detect the drop in voltage between504C and ground and interpret that drop in voltage as the output signal indicating a force on the associated pressure sensor208(3).

Because the force on the electrically conductive film502is not dependent on an external electromagnetic influence on the electrically conductive film502, the presence of the fabric layers214creates little or no impediment to detecting a touch proximate the pressure sensors208of the integrated pressure sensor assembly500. Thus, the integrated pressure sensor assembly500may be at least partially isolated against environmental conditions with little or not sacrifice of sensitivity.

FIG. 6is an article of apparel600that incorporates a mobile device holder602positioned with respect to a wireless antenna604, in an example embodiment. The article of apparel600may be an adaptation of the article of apparel100disclosed herein, incorporate some or all of the components of that article of apparel100. However, the article of apparel600further includes the capacity to seat a mobile device that is functioning as the external device318and communicate according to a specified, short range wireless modality.

The holder602is attached to or otherwise part of the structure102so that a primary antenna of the mobile device is positioned with respect to the antenna604to facilitate wireless communication between the primary antenna and the antenna604. As illustrated, the holder602is directly over the antenna604. Various additional examples may have the holder602offset with respect to the antenna604in such a way as to still allow for wireless communication. Further, additional antennas604of the same type as the antenna604may be incorporated into the article of apparel600and positioned to further facilitate wireless communication as appropriate. Thus, for instance, a first antenna604may be positioned as illustrated while a second antenna604may be positioned offset with respect to the holder602.

Further, various antennas604of differing types may be incorporated to allow for or otherwise facilitate communication and power transfer in a variety of different wireless bands and according to a variety of wireless communication modalities. Thus, one or more additional antennas may be incorporated that is configured to communicate in ultra-high frequency (UHF) bands, e.g., at approximately 900 MHz, among other bands. The additional antennas may be substantially co-located with the antenna604, either closely adjacent to or partially overlapping the antenna604, or may be positioned anywhere on the article of apparel102as appropriate.

The holder602of the illustrated forms a pocket into which a mobile device may be inserted through a top opening606and retained by a friction fit of a pocket material608. The pocket material608may be the same as the structure102or may be a second material different than the structure102. In an example, the pocket material608is an elastic material configured to conform to and secure the mobile device. In various examples, if the structure102is sufficiently elastic to retain the mobile device securely then the structure102may be utilized as the pocket material608. However, if the structure102is insufficiently elastic then an alternative elastic material may be utilized as the pocket material608instead.

The holder602further includes an interface opening610configured to allow a user of the mobile device, such as a wearer of the article of apparel100, to interface with the mobile device. For instance, in examples where the mobile device is a smartphone with a touchscreen interface, the user may interact with the user interface of the mobile device through the interface opening610of the holder602. The interface opening610may be entirely empty of any interface material or may incorporate a covering material that may nevertheless permit interaction with a touchscreen user interface of the mobile device, as known in the art.

Various alternative examples of the holder602include, as an alternative to or in addition to the pocket as illustrated, brackets, cinches, straps, or any mechanical device that that may secure, attach, or otherwise retain the mobile device with respect to the antenna604and to the article of apparel100generally. Furthermore, while the holder602is depicted as being positioned on the sleeve of the article of apparel600, it is to be recognized and understood that the antenna604and the holder602may be repositioned to any of a variety of positions on the article of apparel600, in which case the construction of the holder602may or may not advantageously change or otherwise be configured to reflect the location of the holder602. Thus, for instance if the holder602were positioned on the shoulder of the article of apparel100the holder602may be or may incorporate straps that secure the mobile device with a friction fit rather than or in addition to the pocket as illustrated. Further, additional structure may be added as necessary to

As illustrated, the antenna604is a coil antenna configured to communicate according to an NFC modality. It is noted and emphasized that the antenna604may be an etched antenna configured to communicate according to NFC or may be any other antenna configuration configured to communicate according to any other wireless communication modality. The antenna604has a major surface612that is parallel to a major surface of the structure102. The holder602is configured to bring the primary antenna of the mobile device into substantial alignment with the antenna604by placing a major surface of the primary antenna substantially parallel with the major surface612of the antenna604.

In an example, the wireless antenna314may be understood to include both a first antenna configure to communicate according to a Bluetooth modality and a second antenna604configured to communicate according to the NFC modality. In such an example, the wireless communication block306may optionally be coupled to the power source block302to allow power to be transferred from the mobile device to the power source block302and from there utilized to power, in full or in part, the electronics of the article of apparel600. In such an example, a battery may be omitted or utilized as a backup in the event that power via the antenna604is not available.

FIG. 7is a flowchart700for displaying information related to a function based on information from a pressure sensor array, in an example embodiment. The flowchart700may be implemented with respect to the article of apparel100or the article of apparel600or with respect to any suitable article of apparel, article generally, or system generally.

At702, each of multiple pressure sensors of a pressure sensor array output a signal indicative of an amount of pressure being exerted on the pressure sensor by an external mechanical force, the pressure sensors positioned at locations within a structure of an article of apparel configured to enclose a human body part.

In certain examples, at least some of the pressure sensors of the pressure sensor array are components of an integrated pressure sensor assembly. In an example, the integrated pressure sensor array includes an electrically conductive film having a first resistance at a location when not acted on by a mechanical force at the location and the external second resistance less than the first resistance at the location when acted on by the external mechanical force at the location, a first conductor coupled a first major surface of the electrically conductive film and to an electrical reference, and, for each pressure sensor of the integrated pressure sensor assembly, one of a plurality of second conductors separately coupled to a second major surface of the electrically conductive film and to the controller, each second conductor separately corresponding to one of the pressure sensors of the integrated pressure sensor assembly. In an example, outputting the signal includes outputting the signal indicative of the change from the first resistance to the second resistance upon the location being contacted by the external mechanical force.

In an example, the first conductor and the plurality of second conductors are arranged on the first and second major surfaces, respectively, in a sinusoidal pattern, wherein the second conductors are arranged to substantially cover a respective area of the second major surface corresponding to a location of an associated one of the multiple pressure sensors. In an example, the first conductor and the second conductors are conductive thread.

At704, signals from the pressure sensors are received by a controller.

At706, the signals from the pressure sensors are converted, with the controller, from analog signals to digital signals.

At708, a command related to a function of a device is determined, with the controller, based on a sequence and a timing of the signals as received. In an example, the command is determined based on a rolling weighted average of the digital signals as converted from each of the pressure sensors. In an example, the device is an external device, and further comprising transmitting, via a wireless communication block coupled to the controller, the command to the external device, wherein the external device is configured to implement the function based on the command as received. In an example, the device is the article of apparel and wherein the function is a personal fitness function implemented by the controller and indicative of a fitness activity conducted by a wearer of the article of apparel.

In an example, the rolling weighted average for one of the pressure sensors is based on a percentage of a previously determined rolling weighted average for the pressure sensor and a percentage of a current digital signal as converted from the analog signal from the pressure sensor. In an example, the percentage of the previously determined rolling weighted average is approximately eighty (80) percent and the percentage of the current digital signal is approximately twenty (20) percent.

At710, the command is transmitted, via a wireless communication block coupled to the controller, to an external device, wherein the external device is configured to implement the function based on the command as received.

At712, data related to the function is received, via the wireless communication block, from the external device.

At714, information related to the function is displayed on an electronic display. In an example, the information is displayed based, further or alternatively, on data received from the external device.

As used herein, the term “memory” refers to a machine-readable medium able to store data temporarily or permanently and may be taken to include, but not be limited to, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), buffer memory, flash memory, ferroelectric RAM (FRAM), and cache memory. The term “machine-readable medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, or associated caches and servers) able to store instructions. The term “machine-readable medium” shall also be taken to include any medium, or combination of multiple media, that is capable of storing instructions (e.g., software) for execution by a machine, such that the instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the machine, cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies described herein. Accordingly, a “machine-readable medium” refers to a single storage apparatus or device, as well as “cloud-based” storage systems or storage networks that include multiple storage apparatus or devices. The term “machine-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, one or more data repositories in the form of a solid-state memory, an optical medium, a magnetic medium, or any suitable combination thereof.

Examples

In Example 1, an article of apparel includes a structure configured to enclose a human body part, a pressure sensor array including multiple pressure sensors separately positioned at locations within the structure, wherein each pressure sensor is configured to output a signal indicative of an amount of pressure being exerted on the pressure sensor by an external mechanical force, a controller, coupled to the pressure sensor array, configured to receive signals from the pressure sensors and, based on a sequence and a timing of the signals as received, determine a command related to a function of a device, and an electronic display, coupled to the controller, configured to display information related to the function.

In Example 2, the article of apparel of Example 1 optionally further includes that at least some of the pressure sensors of the pressure sensor array are components of an integrated pressure sensor assembly, wherein the integrated pressure sensor assembly comprises an electrically conductive film having a first resistance at a location when not acted on by a mechanical force at the location and the external second resistance less than the first resistance at the location when acted on by the external mechanical force at the location, a first conductor coupled a first major surface of the electrically conductive film and to an electrical reference, and for each pressure sensor of the integrated pressure sensor assembly, one of a plurality of second conductors separately coupled to a second major surface of the electrically conductive film and to the controller, each second conductor separately corresponding to one of the pressure sensors of the integrated pressure sensor assembly. One of the pressure sensors proximate the location is configured to output the signal indicative of the change from the first resistance to the second resistance upon the location being contacted by the external mechanical force.

In Example 3, the article of apparel of any one or more of Examples 1 and 2 optionally further includes that the first conductor and the plurality of second conductors are arranged on the first and second major surfaces, respectively, in a sinusoidal pattern, wherein the second conductors are arranged to substantially cover a respective area of the second major surface corresponding to a location of an associated one of the multiple pressure sensors.

In Example 4, the article of apparel of any one or more of Examples 1-3 optionally further includes that the first conductor and the second conductors are conductive thread.

In Example 5, the article of apparel of any one or more of Examples 1-4 optionally further includes that the device is an external device, and further comprising a wireless communication block coupled to the controller and configured to transmit the command to the external device, wherein the external device is configured to implement the function based on the command as received.

In Example 6, the article of apparel of any one or more of Examples 1-5 optionally further includes that the wireless communication block is further configured to receive data related to the function from the external device and display the information on the electronic display based on the data.

In Example 7, the article of apparel of any one or more of Examples 1-6 optionally further includes that the device is the article of apparel and wherein the function is a personal fitness function implemented by the controller and indicative of a fitness activity conducted by a wearer of the article of apparel.

In Example 8, the article of apparel of any one or more of Examples 1-7 optionally further includes that the controller is configured to convert the signals from the pressure sensors from analog signals to digital signals and, for each of the pressure sensors, determine the command based on a rolling weighted average of the digital signals as converted from each of the pressure sensors.

In Example 9, the article of apparel of any one or more of Examples 1-8 optionally further includes that the rolling weighted average for one of the pressure sensors is based on a percentage of a previously determined rolling weighted average for the pressure sensor and a percentage of a current digital signal as converted from the analog signal from the pressure sensor.

In Example 10, the article of apparel of any one or more of Examples 1-9 optionally further includes that the percentage of the previously determined rolling weighted average is approximately eighty (80) percent and the percentage of the current digital signal is approximately twenty (20) percent.

In Example 11, a method includes outputting, for each of multiple pressure sensors of a pressure sensor array, a signal indicative of an amount of pressure being exerted on the pressure sensor by an external mechanical force, the pressure sensors positioned at locations within a structure of an article of apparel configured to enclose a human body part, receiving, with a controller, signals from the pressure sensors, determining, with the controller, based on a sequence and a timing of the signals as received, a command related to a function of a device, and displaying, on an electronic display, information related to the function.

In Example 12, the method of Example 11 optionally further includes that at least some of the pressure sensors of the pressure sensor array are components of an integrated pressure sensor assembly, wherein the integrated pressure sensor assembly comprises an electrically conductive film having a first resistance at a location when not acted on by a mechanical force at the location and the external second resistance less than the first resistance at the location when acted on by the external mechanical force at the location, a first conductor coupled a first major surface of the electrically conductive film and to an electrical reference, and for each pressure sensor of the integrated pressure sensor assembly, one of a plurality of second conductors separately coupled to a second major surface of the electrically conductive film and to the controller, each second conductor separately corresponding to one of the pressure sensors of the integrated pressure sensor assembly. Outputting the signal includes outputting the signal indicative of the change from the first resistance to the second resistance upon the location being contacted by the external mechanical force.

In Example 13, the method of any one or more of Examples 11 and 12 optionally further includes that the first conductor and the plurality of second conductors are arranged on the first and second major surfaces, respectively, in a sinusoidal pattern, wherein the second conductors are arranged to substantially cover a respective area of the second major surface corresponding to a location of an associated one of the multiple pressure sensors.

In Example 14, the method of any one or more of Examples 11-13 optionally further includes that the first conductor and the second conductors are conductive thread.

In Example 15, the method of any one or more of Examples 11-14 optionally further includes that the device is an external device, and further comprising transmitting, via a wireless communication block coupled to the controller, the command to the external device, wherein the external device is configured to implement the function based on the command as received.

In Example 16, the method of any one or more of Examples 11-15 optionally further includes receiving, via the wireless communication block, data related to the function from the external device and displaying the information on the electronic display based on the data.

In Example 17, the method of any one or more of Examples 11-16 optionally further includes that the device is the article of apparel and wherein the function is a personal fitness function implemented by the controller and indicative of a fitness activity conducted by a wearer of the article of apparel.

In Example 18, the method of any one or more of Examples 11-17 optionally further includes converting, with the controller, the signals from the pressure sensors from analog signals to digital signals, wherein the command is determined based on a rolling weighted average of the digital signals as converted from each of the pressure sensors.

In Example 19, the method of any one or more of Examples 11-18 optionally further includes that the rolling weighted average for one of the pressure sensors is based on a percentage of a previously determined rolling weighted average for the pressure sensor and a percentage of a current digital signal as converted from the analog signal from the pressure sensor.

In Example 20, the method of any one or more of Examples 11-19 optionally further includes that the percentage of the previously determined rolling weighted average is approximately eighty (80) percent and the percentage of the current digital signal is approximately twenty (20) percent.