Patent Publication Number: US-2015072622-A1

Title: Negative ion ornament with detachable wireless accessory

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims the benefit of and priority to, U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/919,925 filed on Jun. 17, 2013, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Electronic devices have become extremely common place. Mobile devices especially have become almost ubiquitous in modern life. They allow users to communicate via phone, email, text, chat, connect to the Internet and perform many other desired tasks wherever they go. This has spawned related industries such as cell phone accessories that have become quite popular as they allow users to get the most from these mobile devices. 
     However, there are some drawbacks to the prevalence of these devices in our lives. For example, mobile devices are fairly easy to lose. I.e., many users put down a mobile device and walk away. The device is then stolen or lost. If others retrieve the mobile device they can use it to harm the owner. For example, the mobile device may include personal information or financial information that can be used against the owner. 
     In addition, many users are wary of placing mobile devices, such as cell phones near their head. In particular, the cell phone may simultaneously be connected to a cell tower, a Wi-Fi connection, a Bluetooth connection and other wireless connections. The effect of this radiation on the body remains unknown and many users are, therefore, reluctant to place these devices near their heads. 
     Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a device which can allow the user to access a mobile device or other electronic device from a remote location. Further there is a need in the art for the accessory to notify the user if he/she becomes separated from the mobile device. Additionally, there is a need in the art for an accessory that provides health benefits. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     One example embodiment includes a negative ion wireless accessory. The negative ion wireless accessory includes an anion emitting ornament. The negative ion wireless accessory also includes an auxiliary device attached to the anion emitting ornament and configured to establish a wireless connection to communicate with an external device, where the auxiliary device is configured to attach and detach from the anion emitting ornament. 
     Another example embodiment includes a negative ion wireless accessory. The negative ion wireless accessory includes an anion emitting ornament. The negative ion wireless accessory also includes an auxiliary device attached to the anion emitting ornament. The auxiliary device includes a Bluetooth module configured to establish a Bluetooth connection between the auxiliary device and an external device, allowing the auxiliary device to communicate electronically with the external device. The auxiliary device is configured to attach and detach from the anion emitting ornament. 
     Another example embodiment includes a negative ion wireless accessory. The negative ion wireless accessory includes an anion emitting ornament. The negative ion wireless accessory also includes an auxiliary device attached to the anion emitting ornament. The auxiliary device includes a Bluetooth module configured to establish a Bluetooth connection between the auxiliary device and an external device, allowing the auxiliary device to communicate electronically with the external device. The auxiliary device also includes an input configured to allow a user to input commands and a logic device. The auxiliary device further includes a memory and a power source. The auxiliary device is configured to attach and detach from the anion emitting ornament and perform at least one of a GPS function, a health monitor, transmit a signal to lock/unlock a car, transmit a signal to open/close a garage door, complete a hardwire connection with a second external device, voice recognition, near-filed communication transactions, biometric identification, complete a recording, or wireless charging. 
     These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To further clarify various aspects of some example embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an example of a negative ion wireless accessory; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an auxiliary device; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates an example of an auxiliary device being removed from an anion emitting ornament; and 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates an example of an auxiliary device being used as an earpiece. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made to the figures wherein like structures will be provided with like reference designations. It is understood that the figures are diagrammatic and schematic representations of some embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example of a negative ion wireless accessory  100 . The negative ion wireless accessory  100  can be worn by the user in order to provide health benefits. Additionally, the negative ion wireless accessory allows a user to operate a paired electronic device, as described below. 
       FIG. 1  shows that the negative ion wireless accessory  100  can include an anion emitting ornament  102 . For example, the anion emitting ornament  102  can include a wristband, necklace, belt, jewelry or any other desired anion emitting ornament. One of skill in the art will appreciate that although a wristband is used for the example of the anion emitting ornament  102  herein, the principles disclosed are the same for other anion emitting ornaments. 
     The anion emitting ornament  102  can emit more than  2200  ions per cubic centimeter per second on average. For example, the anion emitting ornament  102  can include natural stones or ores that contain rare earth elements (REEs) or rare earth metals, as defined by IUPAC. I.e., the anion emitting ornament  102  can include any desired combination of REEs. REEs are a set of seventeen chemical elements in the periodic table. The REEs emit anions (negative ions) which help improve energy and power in human bodies, improve performance in sports activities (such as swings and hitting distances in golf), extract the maximum power hidden in human bodies, prevent snoring and sleep disorders (such as insomnia), relieve stress, prevent asthma, reduce pain (such as neck, shoulder, wrist and back pain), and produce other beneficial effects. Negative ions increase the flow of oxygen in the bloodstream including to the brain, resulting in higher alertness, more mental energy and reduced drowsiness. Negative ions also support the regulation of a healthy metabolism that will increase the vitality of the body. 
       FIG. 1  also shows that the negative ion wireless accessory  100  can include an auxiliary device  104 . The auxiliary device  104  can include any device configured to connect to an external device via a wireless connection and/or provide a desired function. E.g., the auxiliary device can connect via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or any other desired wireless connection to an external device. For example, the auxiliary device  104  can include a caller id, speaker, a display, headphone jack, distance indicator, clock, contactless device (such as personal identification, credit card, debit card), phone accessory, microphone, or any other desired device. The auxiliary device  104  can be detachable, as described below. 
       FIG. 1  further shows that the auxiliary device  104  can include a display  106 . The display  106  can include any device capable of displaying images. For example, the display  106  includes a surface for images to be shown and display circuitry which broadcasts an image, or series of images, that are shown on the display  106 . 
       FIG. 1  additionally shows that the auxiliary device  104  can include a control array  108 . The control array  108  can include a set of buttons or other controls that allow a user to input commands. For example, the control array  108  can include direction pads, analog sticks, buttons, touch screens or any other desired input. 
       FIG. 1  moreover shows that the auxiliary device  104  can be in communication with an external device  110 . The external device  110  can include any device capable of wireless connectivity. For example, the external device  110  can include a cell phone, computer, tablet, laptop, ultrabook or any other desired device. 
     In at least one implementation, if the auxiliary device  104  and the external device  110  separated from each other by a distance greater than a predetermined distance (e.g., long enough to interrupt the auxiliary device  104  and the external device  110 ), the auxiliary device  104  will emit a warning sound and/or a light signal to prevent loss of the connection. Additionally or alternatively, the warning sound and/or light signal can prevent loss of the external device  110  and/or the auxiliary device  104 . I.e., the warning sound and/or light signal can act as a reminder to prevent the user from forgetting the external device  110  and/or the auxiliary device  104 . 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an auxiliary device  104 . The auxiliary device  104  can be attached to a negative ion wireless accessory, such as the negative ion wireless accessory  100  of  FIG. 1 . Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary device  104  can be a standalone device. 
       FIG. 2  shows that the auxiliary device  104  can include a Bluetooth module  202 . For example, the Bluetooth module  202  can include a Bluetooth low energy (“BLE”) module. Bluetooth is an open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances (using short-wavelength radio transmissions in the ISM band from 2400-2480 MHz) from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks (PANs) with high levels of security. I.e., the Bluetooth module  202  allows data to be sent from the auxiliary device  104  to an external device and vice versa. 
       FIG. 2  also shows that the auxiliary device  104  can include a display  106 . The display  106  can be made of glass, plastic or other material that allows the display circuitry to broadcast the image on one side of the display  106 , while a user views the image from the other side of the screen. Additionally or alternatively, the display  106  can be a projection surface where the display circuitry can broadcast an image that is reflected to a user, who is on the same side of the display  106  as the display circuitry. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the location of the display circuitry relative to the display  106  and to the user is not limiting unless otherwise stated in the specification or the claims. For example, the display  106  can include television sets, computer monitors, video display panels, projectors, liquid crystal displays (“LCD”s) or light emitting diode (“LED”) displays. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the display  106  can include any other device that converts an electronic signal into an image unless otherwise stated in the specification or the claims. 
       FIG. 2  further shows that the auxiliary device  104  can include a speaker  204 . The speaker  204  can include an electroacoustic transducer that converts an electrical signal into sound that can be perceived by a user. Specifically, the speaker  204  can move in accordance with the variations of an electrical signal and causes sound waves to propagate through a medium. In particular, the speaker  204  can be used to produce sound from a data signal sent to the auxiliary device  104 . The speaker  204  can be part of the auxiliary device  104  or can be an external device such as external speakers. I.e., the speaker  204  can include devices, such as a headphone jack, which produces a signal to be sent to external speakers such as headphones. 
       FIG. 2  additionally shows that the auxiliary device  104  can include a microphone  206 . The microphone  206  can include an acoustic-to-electric transducer or sensor that converts sound into an electrical signal. I.e., the microphone  206  can include a device which converts sound into an electrical signal for recordation and/or transmission over a network. The microphone  206  can use electromagnetic induction (dynamic microphone), capacitance change (condenser microphone), piezoelectric generation, or light modulation to produce an electrical voltage signal from mechanical vibration. 
       FIG. 2  moreover shows that the auxiliary device  104  can include an input  208 . The input  208  can include any device configured to receive commands from a user. For example, the input  208  can receive commands from the control array  108  of  FIG. 1 . Additionally or alternatively, the input  208  can allow a user to plug in an input device, such as a keyboard, microphone, etc. For example, the input  208  can include a USB port or other connection port which allows the auxiliary device  104  to be connected to a computer or other external device via a hardwired or wireless connection. 
       FIG. 2  also shows that the auxiliary device  104  can include a logic device  210 . A logic device  210  can include any device capable of performing logic functions. For example, the logic device  210  can perform Boolean logic or can produce a pre-determined output based on input. The logic device  210  can include ROM memory, programmable logic device (PLD), programmable array logic (PAL), generic array logic (GAL), complex programmable logic device (CPLD), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), logic gates, processors or any other device capable of performing logic functions. 
     The logic device  210  can control the functions of the other components of the auxiliary device  104 . In particular, the logic device  210  can ensure that the components of the auxiliary device  104  perform their desired function at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner. The timing of functions can be critical to ensure that the electronic device is in communication with the auxiliary device  104  and that the auxiliary device  104  provides data as quickly as possible to the electronic device. 
     The logic device  210  can free the processor or controller of the external device to perform other tasks. Additionally or alternatively, the logic device  210  can ensure that enough resources are available to the auxiliary device  104  to reduce or eliminate lag time for commands. In particular, the logic device  210  can be used for processing commands input from a user and communicating the commands to the external device. 
     For example, the logic device  210  can include a microcontroller. A microcontroller (sometimes abbreviated μC, uC or MCU) is a small computer on a single integrated circuit containing a processor core, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals. Program memory in the form of NOR flash or one time programable ROM is also often included on chip, as well as a typically small amount of RAM. Microcontrollers will generally have the ability to retain functionality while waiting for an event such as a button press or other interrupt; power consumption while sleeping (CPU clock and most peripherals off) may be just nanowatts, making many of them well suited for long lasting battery applications. 
       FIG. 2  further shows that the auxiliary device  104  can include a memory  212 . The memory  212  can include any device capable of storing data in computer readable form. The memory  212  can include volatile memory and non-volatile memory. Volatile memory can include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), thyristor random access memory (T-RAM), zero capacitor random access memory (Z-RAM), twin transistor random access memory (TTRAM), delay line memory, selectron tube and williams tube. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), programmable read only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM), magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), phase change random access memory (PRAM, aka PCM, PRAM, PCRAM, ovonic unified Memory, chalcogenide random access memory and C-RAM), conductive-bridging random access memory (CBRAM aka. programmable metallization cell or PMC), silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon (SONOS), resistive random-access memory (RRAM), racetrack memory, nano random access memory (NRAM), millipede, drum memory, magnetic core memory, plated wire memory, bubble memory and twistor memory. 
       FIG. 2  additionally shows that the auxiliary device  104  can include a battery  214  or other power source. A battery  214  is a device that includes one or more electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. For example, the battery  214  can include a rechargeable battery. A rechargeable battery includes one or more electrochemical cells and its electrochemical reactions are electrically reversible. Rechargeable batteries come in many different shapes and sizes, ranging from button cells to megawatt systems connected to stabilize an electrical distribution network. Several different combinations of chemicals are commonly used, including: lead-acid, nickel cadmium (NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium ion (Li-ion), and lithium ion polymer (Li-ion polymer). 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  (collectively “FIG.  3 ”) illustrate an example of an auxiliary device  104 .  FIG. 3A  illustrates an example of an auxiliary device  104  being removed from an anion emitting ornament  102 ; and  FIG. 3B  illustrates an example of an auxiliary device  104  being used as an earpiece. The auxiliary device  104  can be used in connection with an anion emitting ornament, such as a wristband or a necklace. The auxiliary device  104  can connect to an external device, such as a phone, smartphone, tablet, computer, etc., to either increase the functions of the external device or to allow a user to use the external device without requiring the user to be in physical contact with the electronic device. 
       FIG. 3  shows that the auxiliary device  104  can be detached from the anion emitting ornament  102 . In particular, the auxiliary device  104  can be “snapped” into a receiving portion  302  of the anion emitting ornament  102  to be secured or released from the receiving portion  302  to be used as a standalone device. 
       FIG. 3  also shows that the auxiliary device  104  can include an earpiece  304 . The earpiece  304  can include a speaker that allows a user to hear information transmitted from the external device. For example, the earpiece  304  can receive a phone signal that is converted into an audio signal to be heard by the user. 
     The auxiliary device  104  can include a number of desired functions. For example, the auxiliary device  104  can include GPS functions. GPS is a space-based satellite navigation system that provides location and time information in all weather conditions, anywhere on or near the Earth where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. GPS functionality can be used by a user in applications such as position on golf course navigation or assisting in locating a missing person. For example, during an emergency, the position can be communicated to another device or to emergency personnel, communicating the position and/or other information to allow the user to be located. 
     Additionally, the auxiliary device  104  can include a health monitor. For example, the health monitor can check body conditions such as pulse monitor, a step counter, calories burned or any other desired health indicators or allow a user to enter information, such as calories consumed. The health monitor can log the information, allowing the user to compare over longer periods of time or can compile information when activated by a user. The health monitor can activate an alarm if desired by the patient. For example, the health monitor can activate an alarm if the user&#39;s heart rate become erratic, too low or too high. 
     Moreover, the auxiliary device  104  can allow a user to perform external functions. For example, the auxiliary device  104  can be configured to transmit a signal that will allow a user to lock/unlock a car or other device and/or perform other functions such as controlling a garage door opener. The transmission can be accomplished directly by the auxiliary device  104  or can be accomplished by a device connected to the auxiliary device  104 . 
     Further, the auxiliary device  104  can allow for a hardwire connection to an external device. I.e., the auxiliary device  104  can include one or more ports. For example, the auxiliary device  104  can include a USB port or other port that allows for a device to be plugged into the auxiliary device  104 . E.g., a memory stick can be plugged into the auxiliary device  104  allowing a user to transfer information to or from the auxiliary device  104 . 
     In addition, the auxiliary device  104  can include voice recognition software. The voice recognition software can allow a user to give commands to the auxiliary device  104  (and any device in communication with the auxiliary device  104 ) and/or dictate into the auxiliary device  104 . For example, the auxiliary device  104  can include voice recognition software that allows a user to perform functions on a connected phone (as described below) such as setting appointments, creating reminders, dialing phone numbers, etc. 
     Additionally, the auxiliary device  104  can include a communication chip that allows the auxiliary device  104  to complete desired transactions. For example, the auxiliary device  104  can be configured to engage in near-field communication (NFC). Near-Field (or nearfield) communication is a form of short-range wireless communication where: 1) The antenna is much smaller than the wavelength of the carrier signal, thus preventing a standing wave from developing within the antenna, and so in the near-field (there is no universally accepted definition of the length of the nearfield but for practical purposes one can assume it is roughly one quarter of a wavelength) the antenna can produce either an electric field, or a magnetic field, but not an electromagnetic field, and 2) The receiver is within the transmitters near field. Thus NFC communicates either by a modulated electric field, or a modulated magnetic field, but not by radio (electromagnetic waves). For example, a small loop antenna (also known as a magnetic loop) produces a magnetic field, which can then be picked up by another small loop antenna, if it is near enough. 
     E.g., the auxiliary device  104  can use electric-field NFC (operating at a frequency of 13.56 MHz, corresponding to a wavelength of 22.11 m) for certain special transactions because the very short range of NFC makes it difficult to eavesdrop on. To efficiently generate a far-field, which means to send out radio waves of this wavelength, one typically needs an antenna of a quarter wavelength, in practice a meter or more. If the antenna is just a few centimeters long, it will only set up the so-called ‘near-field’ around itself, with length, width and depth of the field roughly the same as the dimensions of the antenna. Very little energy will radiate away, it is essentially a stationary electromagnetic field pulsating at 13.56 MHz. If you bring another similarly small antenna into this field, you will induce an electric potential into it, alternating at the said frequency. By modulating the signal in the active antenna, one can of course transmit a signal to the passive, receiving antenna. Present and anticipated applications include contactless transactions, data exchange, and simplified setup of more complex communications such as Wi-Fi. Communication is also possible between an NFC device and an unpowered NFC chip, called a “tag”. 
     Moreover, the auxiliary device  104  can include biometric identification. Biometric identification, or biometrics, comprises methods for uniquely recognizing individuals based upon one or more intrinsic physical or behavioral traits. Biometric characteristics can be divided in two main classes. Physiological biometrics are related to the shape of the body or various parts thereof. Examples include, but are not limited to, fingerprints, face recognition, DNA, palm print, hand geometry, iris recognition, retinal scans, and odor/scent. In contrast, behavioral biometrics are related to the behavior of a person. Examples include, but are not limited to, typing rhythm, gait, and voice recognition. Voice is also a physiological trait because every person has a different vocal tract, but voice recognition is mainly based on the study of the way a person speaks and is, therefore, commonly classified as behavioral. 
     Further, the auxiliary device  104  can include a recording device, such as a microphone and/or a camera. The recording device can allow a user to capture video, pictures, or other data. The auxiliary device  104  can store the captured data, transmit the data to another device or store the data on an attached memory device (as described above). 
     In addition, the auxiliary device  104  can include a power input. The power input can allow a user to charge the auxiliary device  104 . For example, the power input can include a USB port or other charging port or a port configured to provide only power. Additionally or alternatively, a power input can include one or more systems for wireless charging. For example, a coil in the auxiliary device  104  can allow the auxiliary device to the charged wirelessly. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.