Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to wearable devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to wearable devices with brainwave sensing components and that can be worn on the head of a user.

A user may interact with a computing device for example using a keyboard, mouse, track pad, touch screen, or motion-capture devices. As the ways in which humans interact with computing devices change, computers may become usable for new purposes, or more efficient in performing existing tasks. A user command to a computing device that may require several commands on a keyboard may be instead associated with a thought or gesture captured and processed by a sensory input device. As the human body has many parts which may be controlled through voluntary movement, there are opportunities for capturing and interpreting other movements for interacting with a computing device.

Bio-signals are signals that are generated by biological beings that can be measured and monitored. Electroencephalographs, galvanometers, and electrocardiographs are examples of devices that are used to measure and monitor bio-signals generated by humans.

A human brain generates bio-signals such as electrical patterns, which may be measured/monitored using an electroencephalogram ("EEG"). These electrical patterns, or brainwaves, are measurable by devices such as an EEG. Typically, an EEG will measure brainwaves in an analog form. Then, these brainwaves may be analyzed either in their original analog form or in a digital form after an analog to digital conversion.

Measuring and analyzing bio-signals such as brainwave patterns can have a variety of practical applications. For example, brain computer interfaces ("BCI") have been developed that allow users to control devices and computers using brainwave signals. In another example, analysis of brainwave patterns during sleep may allow users to understand their sleep patterns and/or improve their quality of sleep.

<CIT> relates to a sleep mask for reducing sleep inertia. The sleep mask of the invention may also provide protection from ambient light and noise by constructing the mask such that it covers the subject's eyes and ears, and comprises elements (e.g., speakers) which provide active noise reduction. The sleep mask comprises visual stimulation element(s), configured to emit light, in addition, a plurality of sensors positioned on the forehead of the subject collect electroencephalogram (EEG), electrooculogram (EOG), and electromyogram (EMG) signals. The sleep mask further comprises processor(s) that determine and record each sleep stage of the subject, determine when to wake the subject, and, when it is determined to wake the subject, control the visual stimulation element(s) to wake the subject using emitted light.

<CIT> discloses a wearable EEG monitor comprising a posterior portion having an arcuate member which loops around the lower-rear portion of the back of the person's head at a level which is equal to, or lower than, the person's ears.

<CIT> discloses a brain computer interface device for monitoring a person's electromagnetic brain activity by means of an electromagnetic energy sensor which is held in proximity to the person's head by a rear ear-engaging segment, a side segment, or a top segment.

In order to obtain bio-signal data, it may be desirable for sensors to be in constant contact with the user. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide comfortable wearable devices, especially if the device is worn for extended periods, such as overnight, in the case of sleep monitoring; or during periods of high activity or movement.

The present invention provides a wearable device according to claim <NUM>. The dependent claims define further embodiments of the invention.

According to an aspect, there is provided a wearable device to wear on a head of a user, the device comprising: a flexible band generally shaped to correspond to the user's head, the band having at least a front portion to contact at least part of a frontal region of the user's head, a rear portion to contact at least part of an occipital region of the user's head, and at least one side portion extending between the front portion and the rear portion to contact at least part of an auricular region of the user's head; a deformable earpiece connected to the at least one side portion, the deformable earpiece comprising conductive material to provide at least one bio-signal sensor to contact at least part of the auricular region of the user's head; and at least one additional bio-signal sensor disposed on the band to receive bio-signals from the user.

In some embodiments, the deformable earpiece is to contact at least part of an ear of the user.

In some embodiments, the deformable earpiece is to contact at least part of a mastoid bone region of the user.

In some embodiments, the deformable earpiece is generally curved.

In some embodiments, the deformable earpiece defines a shape of a generally semicircular perimeter.

In some embodiments, the conductive material is a conductive rubber.

In some embodiments, the at least one bio-signal sensor is an electrophysiological sensor.

In some embodiments, the at least one side portion comprises a right side portion extending between the front portion and the rear portion and a left side portion extending between the front portion and the rear portion.

In some embodiments, the at least one additional bio-signal sensor is disposed on at least one of the front portion and the rear portion.

In some embodiments, the at least one additional bio-signal sensor is an electrophysiological sensor.

In some embodiments, the front portion and the rear portion are joined at the at least one side portion at an oblique angle.

In some embodiments, the band comprises a deformable soft fabric.

In some embodiments, the band comprises at least one of a woven fabric, a knit fabric, and a non-woven fabric.

In some embodiments, the band comprises an elastic substrate.

In some embodiments, the at least one additional bio-signal sensor comprises a conductive material located at an inward face of the substrate, for receiving bio-signals from the user, and extending through apertures of the elastic substrate to an outward face of the substrate.

In some embodiments, the at least one additional bio-signal sensor comprises a flexible printed circuit, a film, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the film comprises a conductive elastomer, a conductive urethane, or other conductive film.

In some embodiments, the wearable device further comprises an electronics module connected to the at least one bio-signal sensor to receive bio-signals from the at least one bio-signal sensor.

In some embodiments, the electronics module is selectively mountable to the band.

In some embodiments, the electronics module is disposed on the band and selectively removable from the band
In some embodiments, the electronics module is disposed on the band at at least one of the front portion and the rear portion.

In some embodiments, the electronics module comprises a power supply and a computer system.

In some embodiments, the wearable device further comprises at least one overhead support strap joined to the loop.

In some embodiments, the at least one overhead support strap includes a crown strap for contacting at least part of a crown of the user's head, a top strap for contacting at least part of a top of the user's head, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the wearable device further comprises a hair-penetrating sensor disposed on the at least one overhead support strap.

In some embodiments, the wearable device further comprises an auxiliary sensor selected from an optical heart rate sensor, a pulse oximeter sensor, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a magnetometer, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the auxiliary sensor is disposed on the loop to contact the forehead or a temple of the user's head.

In some embodiments, the at least one additional bio-signal sensor comprises an inner-ear sensor to contact an ear canal of the user.

In some embodiments, the wearable device further comprises a speaker disposed at a distance from the inner-ear sensor.

In an aspect, embodiments described herein provide a wearable device including a forehead contacting portion; two ear contacting portions; and an occipital contacting portion. The forehead contacting portion, the two ear contacting portions, and the occipital contacting portion are joined together as a loop such that, when worn, the two ear contact portions contact the tops of a user's ears and the occipital contacting portion contacts the bottom of the user's occipital bone. The device further includes at least one bio-signal sensor located on the loop for receiving bio-signals from the user.

According to another aspect, there is provided a bio-signal sensor including a body, an electrode extendable into the body, the electrode having a contact end configured to receive an electrical bio-signal from a user's skin, wherein in response to a downward force acting on the bio-signal sensor to urge the bio-signal sensor against the user's skin and upon contact with the user's skin, the electrode is configured for movement into the body along a movement axis, an actuator attached to the body and operatively connected to the electrode urging the electrode out of the body along the movement axis toward an extended position, wherein in the absence of the downward force, the electrode is disposed in the extended position, and a contact adjuster connected to the electrode, the contact adjuster includes a handle manipulatable by the user to reduce noise the electrical bio-signal caused by impedance of the user's hair.

Other features will become apparent from the drawings in conjunction with the following description.

In this respect, before explaining any embodiments described herein in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures.

As used herein, the terms "downward" or "inward" generally refer to a direction toward a user's skin. Similarly, "lower" indicates a component disposed downward relative to another component. In contrast "upward", "upper", or "outward" are generally in a direction opposite the "downward" or "lower" component.

In an aspect, a computer system is provided that is implemented by one or more computing devices. The computing devices may include one or more client or server computers in communication with one another over a near-field, local, wireless, wired, or wide-area computer network, such as the Internet, and at least one of the computers is configured to receive signals from sensors worn by a user.

In an implementation, the sensors include one more bio-signal sensors, such as electroencephalogram (EEG) sensors, electromyography (EMG) sensors, galvanometer sensors, electrocardiograph sensors, heart rate sensors such as photoplethysmography (PPG) , eye-tracking sensors, blood pressure sensors, breathing sensors, pedometers, gyroscopes, and any other type of sensor. The sensors may be of various types, including: electrical bio-signal sensor in electrical contact with the user's skin; capacitive bio-signal sensor in capacitive contact with the user's skin; blood flow sensor measuring properties of the user's blood flow; and wireless communication sensor placed sub-dermally underneath the user's skin. Other sensor types may be possible.

The sensors may be connected to a wearable device, which may be a wearable computing device or a wearable sensing device such as a wearable headset or headband computer worn by the user. The sensors may be connected to the headset by wires or wirelessly. The headset may further be in communication with another computing device, such as a laptop, tablet, or mobile phone such that data sensed by the headset through the sensors may be communicated to the other computing device for processing at the computing device, or at one or more computer servers, or as input to the other computing device or to another computing device. The one or more computer servers may include local, remote, cloud based or software as a service platform (SAAS) servers.

Embodiments of the system may provide for the collection, analysis, and association of particular bio-signal and non-bio-signal data with specific mental states for both individual users and user groups. The collected data, analyzed data or functionality of the systems and methods may be shared with others, such as third party applications and other users. Connections between any of the computing devices, internal sensors (contained within the wearable device), external sensors (contained outside the wearable device), user effectors, and any servers may be encrypted. Collected and analyzed data may be used to build a user profile that is specific to a user. The user profile data may be analyzed, such as by machine learning processes, either individually or in the aggregate to function as a BCI, or to improve the algorithms used in the analysis. Optionally, the data, analyzed results, and functionality associated with the system can be shared with third party applications and other organizations through an API. One or more user effectors may also be provided at the wearable device or other local computing device for providing feedback to the user, for example, to vibrate or provide some audio or visual indication to assist the user in achieving a particular mental state, such as a meditative state.

The wearable device may include a camera, a display, and bio-signal measuring means to sample a user's environment as well as the user's bio-signals, determining the user's state and context through sensors and user input. The wearable device may include at least one user-facing camera to track eye movement. In a particular aspect of the invention, the wearable device may be in a form resembling eyeglasses wearable on the user's face. Optionally, at least one camera may be oriented to generally align with the user's field of view.

In another aspect, the wearable device may be in a form of at least one sensor adapted to being placed at or adhered to the user's head or face. Each sensor may optionally communicate with one another either through wires or wirelessly. Each sensor may optionally communicate with a controller device either through wires or wirelessly. The controller device may be mounted to the wearable device in order to reside at or near the user's head or face. Alternatively, the controller device may be located elsewhere on the user's body, such as in a bag or pocket of the user's clothing. The controller device may also be disposed somewhere outside the user's body. For example, the sensors may monitor the user, storing data in local storage mounted to the wearable device, and once moving into proximity with the controller device, the sensors, or a transmitter of the wearable device may transmit stored data to the controller device for processing. In this implementation, the wearable device would be predominantly usable by the user when located nearby the controller device.

The wearable device may include a camera, a display and bio-signal measuring means. At least one of the bio-signal measuring means may employ at least one sensor in order to measure brain activity. Brain activity may be measured through electroencephalography ("EEG") techniques electrically, or through functional near-infrared spectroscopy ("fNIR") techniques measuring relative changes in hemoglobin concentration through the use of near infrared light attenuation. A sensor employing pulse oximetry techniques may also be employed in the wearable device. Optionally, the wearable device may include at least one sensor measuring eye activity using electrooculography ("EOG") techniques. Other sensors tracking other types of eye movement may also be employed.

In various implementations, the wearable device may include a variety of other sensors and input means. For example, the wearable device may comprise at least one audio transducer such as a single microphone, a microphone array, a speaker, and headphones. The wearable device may comprise at least one inertial sensor for measuring movement of the wearable device. The wearable device may comprise at least one touch sensor for receiving touch input from the user.

The wearable device may sample from both the user's environment and bio-signals simultaneously or generally contemporaneously to produce sampled data. The sampled data may be analyzed by the wearable device in real-time or at a future predetermined time when not being worn by the user.

The wearable device may comprise user input detection methods that are adaptive and improve with use over time. Where the user attempts to command the wearable device, and the wearable device responds in an unexpected way, the user may attempt to correct the previous input by indicating that the wearable device response was incorrect, and retrying the initial command again. Over time, the wearable device may refine its understanding of particular user inputs that are corrected. Some user inputs may be easier to successfully measure with a high degree of accuracy than others. It may be preferable to assign a high-accuracy input to command the wearable device that the previous input was incorrect. For example, tapping the wearable device in a particular spot may indicate that the previous input response was incorrect. Explicit training such as with voice recognition may also be used to configure and command the wearable device.

Optionally, the wearable device may itself only provide bio-signal sensors and a processor for processing measurements from the sensors. The wearable device may communicate these measurements or data derived from processing the measurements to one or more secondary devices, such as glasses with video cameras embedded therein. In any of the implementations, embodiments, or applications discussed herein, it should be understood that some actions may be carried out by a plurality of interconnected devices, or just one of the wearable devices of the present invention. For example, the wearable device may not include a display. In such an example, the wearable device may communicate visual information to the user through the use of a second device, such as glasses with video cameras embedded therein, which does include a display.

Sensors usable with the wearable device may come in various shapes and be made of various materials. For example, the sensors may be made of a conductive material, including a conductive composite like rubber or conductive metal. The sensors may also be made of metal plated or coated materials such as stainless steel, silver-silver chloride, and other materials.

In addition to or instead of processing bio-signal measurements on the wearable device, the wearable device may communicate with one or more computing devices in order to distribute, enhance, or offload the processing of the bio-signal measurements taken or received by the wearable device. In particular, the one or more computing devices may maintain or have access to one or more databases maintaining bio-signal processing data, instructions, algorithms, associations, or any other information which may be used or leveraged in the processing of the bio-signal measurements obtained by the wearable device. The computing devices may include one or more client or server computers in communication with one another over a near-field, local, wireless, wired, or wide-area computer network, such as the Internet, and at least one of the computers may be configured to receive signals from sensors of the wearable device.

The wearable device may further be in communication with another computing device, such as a laptop, tablet, or mobile phone such that data sensed by the headset through the sensors may be communicated to the other computing device for processing at the computing device, or at one or more computer servers, or as input to the other computing device or to another computing device. The one or more computer servers may include local, remote, cloud based or software as a service platform (SAAS) servers. Embodiments of the system may provide for the collection, analysis, and association of particular bio-signal and non-bio-signal data with specific mental states for both individual users and user groups. The collected data, analyzed data or functionality of the systems and methods may be shared with others, such as third party applications and other users. Connections between any of the computing devices, internal sensors (contained within the wearable device), external sensors (contained outside the wearable device), user effectors (components used to trigger a user response), and any servers may be encrypted. Collected and analyzed data may be used to build a user profile that is specific to a user. The user profile data may be analyzed, such as by machine learning algorithms, either individually or in the aggregate to function as a BCI, or to improve the algorithms used in the analysis. Optionally, the data, analyzed results, and functionality associated with the system can be shared with third party applications and other organizations through an API. One or more user effectors may also be provided at the wearable device or other local computing device for providing feedback to the user, for example, to vibrate or provide some audio or visual indication to assist the user in achieving a particular mental state, such as a meditative state.

A cloud-based implementation for processing and analyzing the sensor data may provide one or more advantages including: openness, flexibility, and extendibility; manageable centrally; reliability; scalability; being optimized for computing resources; having an ability to aggregate information across a number of users; and ability to connect across a number of users and find matching sub-groups of interest. While embodiments and implementations of the present invention may be discussed in particular non-limiting examples with respect to use of the cloud to implement aspects of the system platform, a local server, a single remote server, a SAAS platform, or any other computing device may be used instead of the cloud.

In one implementation of the system, a Multi-modal EEG Data-Collection and Adaptive Signal Processing System (MED-CASP System) for enabling single or multi-user mobile brainwave applications may be provided for enabling BCI applications. This system platform may be implemented as a hardware and software solution that is comprised of an EEG headset such as the wearable device of the present invention, a client side application and a cloud service component. The client side application may be operating on a mobile or desktop computing device. The system may provide for: estimation of hemispheric asymmetries and thus facilitate measurements of emotional valence (e.g. positive vs. negative emotions); and better signal-t-noise ratio (SNR) for global measurements and thus improved access to high-beta and gamma bands, which may be particularly important for analyzing cognitive tasks such as memory, learning, and perception. It has also been found that gamma bands are an important neural correlate of meditation expertise.

In the same or another non-limiting exemplary implementation, possible MED-CASP system features may include: uploading brainwaves and associated sensor and application state data to the cloud from mobile application; downloading brainwave & associated data from the cloud; real-time brain-state classification to enable BCI in games or other applications; transmitting real-time brain-state data to other users when playing a game to enable multi-user games; sharing brainwave data with other users to enable asynchronous comparisons of results; sharing brainwave data to other organizations or third party applications and systems; and support of cloud based user profiles for storing personal information, settings and pipeline parameters that have been tuned to optimize a specific user's experience. In this way, usage of the system platform can be device independent.

Each time analysis or processing of user bio-signal data (such as brainwave data) is performed, an instance of aspects of the software implementing the analysis functionality of the present invention may be generated by the wearable device, initiated at either the device or the cloud, in order to analyze the user's private bio-signal data using particular analysis or processing parameters applied during the analysis or processing. For simplicity, such an instance may be referred to as an algorithm "pipeline". Each instance of the pipeline may have an associated pipeline identifier ("ID"). Each pipeline may be associated with a particular activity type, user, bio-signal type of a particular user, application, or any other system platform-related data. Each pipeline may maintain particular pipeline parameters determined to analyze the user's bio-signal data in a particular way, consistent either with previous analysis of the particular user's bio-signal data, consistent with previous analysis of one or more other user's bio-signal data, or consistent with updated data at the cloud server derived from new or updated scientific research pertaining to the analysis of bio-signal data. Pipelines and/or pipeline parameters may be saved for future use at the client computing device or at the cloud. When a new pipeline is created for the user, the wearable device or the cloud may provide a new algorithm pipeline ID to be associated with the new pipeline at the cloud and at the device.

Each person's brainwaves are different, therefore requiring slightly different tunings for each user. Each person's brain may also learn over time, requiring the system platform to change algorithm parameters over time in order to continue to analyze the person's brainwaves. New parameters may be calculated based on collected data, and may form part of a user's dynamic profile (which may be called bio-signal interaction profile). This profile may be stored in the cloud, allowing each user to maintain a single profile across multiple computing devices. Other features of the same or another non-limiting exemplary implementation may include: improving algorithms through machine learning applied to collected data either on-board the client device or on the server; saving EEG data along with application state to allow a machine learning algorithm to optimize the methods that transform the user's brainwaves into usable control signals; sharing brainwave data with other applications on mobile device through a cloud services web interface; sharing brainwave data with other applications running on client devices or other devices in the trusted network to provide for the user's brainwave data to control or effect other devices; integration of data from other devices and synchronization of events with brainwave data aid in context aware analysis as well as storage and future analysis; performing time locked stimulation and analysis to support stimulus entrainment event-related potential ("ERP") analysis; and data prioritization that maximizes the amount of useful information obtainable from an incomplete data download (i.e. data is transmitted in order of information salience). The core functionality of the MED-CASP system may be wrapped as an externally-usable library and API so that another developer may use the platform's features in the developer's application(s). The library may be a static library and API for Unity3D, iOS, Android, OSX, Windows, or any other operating system platform. The system platform may also be configured to use a pre-compiled algorithm supplied by a third party within the library, including the ability for a third party developer using the library, to use the developer's own algorithms with the library. The system platform may also support headsets from a variety of vendors; personal data security through encryption; and sharing of un-curated data (optionally using time-limited and fidelity limited access) though the sharing of encryption keys.

With reference to <FIG>, in an aspect of the present disclosure, a wearable device <NUM> includes a front portion (in an example, a forehead contacting portion <NUM>), a rear portion (in an example, an occipital contacting portion <NUM>) and at least one side portion - for example, a right side portion and a left side portion - (in an example, two ear contacting portions <NUM>) extending between the front portion and the rear portion to contact at least part of an auricular region of the head of user <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a side view of a user <NUM> wearing a wearable device <NUM>, according to an embodiment. The forehead contacting portion <NUM>, the two ear contacting portions <NUM>, and the occipital contacting portion <NUM> are joined to form a body <NUM>, as a flexible band generally shaped to correspond to the head of user <NUM>.

Body <NUM> may form, for example, in a loop configuration as shown in <FIG> such that, when worn, the two ear contacting portions <NUM> contact the tops of a user's ears and the occipital contacting portion <NUM> contacts the bottom of the user's occipital bone. At least one bio-signal sensor <NUM> may be located on the loop and an inward facing side for receiving bio-signals from the user.

Body <NUM> may include fabric and elasticized portions. In some embodiments, some or all portions of body <NUM> are elastic or on an elastic substrate, while other portions or sections are relatively inelastic or rigid. Body <NUM> may be formed from a soft deformable fabric <NUM>, for example, a woven, a knit, or a non-woven fabric. Fabric <NUM> may be formed, for example from a fabric that is cotton, synthetic, or any other suitable fabric. In some embodiments, fabric <NUM> of body <NUM> may be machine washable.

Body <NUM> may also include one or more reinforcing members <NUM> at various locations, for example to provide structural support to wearable device <NUM>. Reinforcing members <NUM> may include a compressible foam, in an example, covered by a fabric, which may conform to the shape of the head of user <NUM>. In some embodiments, the compressible foam may be formed of an open cell foam, such as a suitable open cell foam material. In some embodiments, the compressible foam may be formed of a closed cell foam, such as a neoprene. Compressible foam may be compressible such that when the wearable device <NUM> is affixed to the head of user <NUM>, the compressible foam conforms to the head of user <NUM>. In use, the compressible foam may be compressed and conform to the head of user <NUM> by clinching of body <NUM> to size and secure wearable device <NUM> to user <NUM>. Wearable device <NUM> may be sized and secured to user <NUM>, for example, using a cinch strap, fastened, for example, by hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro™).

Body <NUM> may be formed from foam that is molded to a specific shape of a user's head. For example, the circumference of body <NUM> may taper to correspond to a head shape. Foam used in body <NUM> may be shaped, for example, heat-formed, to mold to a user's particular shape of head.

Other reinforcing materials, such as interfacing in an example, may be used to provide rigidity, inelasticity, and/or inflexibility in certain areas of body <NUM>, for example, where components such as bio-signal sensor <NUM> may be mounted.

In some embodiments, shielding may be incorporated into the fabric of body <NUM>, for example, to shield conductive lines between bio-signal sensors <NUM> and electronics module <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the forehead contacting portion <NUM> and the occipital contacting portion <NUM> are arcuate and are joined by the two ear contacting portions <NUM>. In some embodiments, the two arcuate portions are joined at each of the two ear contacting portions such that an angle forms between them, not as a straight line. In some embodiments, the angle is between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°, between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°, between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°. In some embodiments, the angle is an oblique angle with the vertex located proximate the ear. A bend by the ear contacting portion <NUM> may allow a computing device to better conform to the head with less deformation of the wearable device <NUM> when worn and/or with better stability when worn. Further, a bend by the ear may follow the curvature of the ear, increasing the electrical contact area of a bio-signal sensor <NUM> located above the user's ear.

Contact with bio-signal sensors may be affected by barriers such as hair. Hair forms a physical barrier, lifting the bio-signal sensor away from the user's skin, especially if the hair is sufficiently dense that it forms a mat. As such, bio-signal sensors <NUM> may be placed on the device such that, when worn, the sensors are located on the head in an area with little hair. As such, in some embodiments, the at least one bio-signal sensor <NUM> is located on the forehead contacting portion <NUM>, one or both of the two ear contacting portions <NUM>, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the at least one bio-signal sensor <NUM> includes a bio-signal sensor located at each of the ear contacting portions. Bio-signal sensors <NUM> may be disposed in a fixed position on body <NUM>. In some embodiments, bio-signal sensors <NUM> may be integrated into an aperture or track defined by body <NUM> that allows for lateral movement of bio-signal sensor <NUM> along body <NUM>.

Bio-signal sensor <NUM> may be an electrophysiological sensor of various types, including: electrical bio-signal sensor in electrical contact with the user's skin; capacitive bio-signal sensor in capacitive contact with the user's skin; blood flow sensor measuring properties of the user's blood flow.

The locations of bio-signal sensors <NUM> on body <NUM> may be reinforced, for example with reinforcing member <NUM>, to reduce flexibility or elasticity and increase rigidity of locations on body <NUM> in which bio-signal sensors <NUM> are disposed. In some embodiments, body <NUM> locations may be reinforced by using interfacing to reduce stretch of fabric <NUM> of body <NUM>.

In an example, forehead contacting portion <NUM> may be reinforced to structurally support bio-signal sensors <NUM>, while ear contacting portions <NUM> of body <NUM> may remain elastic.

In some embodiments, bio-signal sensor <NUM> may be formed from material including silver-painted vinyl, flexible printed circuit board ("PCB") with or without a conductive ink or precious metal plating such as silver or gold plating, conductive rubber such as heat-applied conductive rubber, conductive fabric (for example, silver ink on fabric), a conductive fabric laminate, and PEDOT-impregnated foam. Other suitable conductive materials may also be used.

Bio-signal sensors <NUM> may be integrated into body <NUM> in a configuration so as to allow body <NUM> to flex and be breathable. For example, a vinyl or plastic substrate with silver ink on it may be cut into a pattern such as repeating shapes (for example, repeating squares or hexagons, and applied to body <NUM>.

Body <NUM> may also be reinforced, and made less flexible and more rigid, in regions in which bio-signal sensors <NUM> are mounted, so that bio-signal sensors <NUM> may move around less, in use.

Having reference now to <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, body <NUM> or portions thereof include a substrate <NUM>. <FIG> is a top schematic view of a bio-signal sensor integrated into a fabric substrate according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a cross-section schematic view of the bio-signal sensor integrated into the fabric substrate of <FIG> along lines I-I.

In some embodiments, substrate <NUM> is a woven or non-woven fabric substrate. In some embodiments, substrate <NUM> is an elastic material such as an elastic fabric. The elastic material may exhibit elastic deformation after being stretched to a length that is at least about <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>% or <NUM>% of the unstretched length. In an unstretched state, the loop may be slightly smaller than the circumference of the user's head. Once worn, the loop elongates to a stretched state around the user's head. In some embodiments, the loop is elongated from about <NUM>% and about <NUM>%, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, or from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% between the unstretched state and the stretched state. The tension exerted on the user's head and arising elastic forces due to the elongation of the loop tends to keep the device in place on the user's head.

A user may have an individual preference for levels of tension to keep the device in place on their head. As such, in some embodiments, the loop includes a tension adjuster. In some embodiments, the tension adjuster includes a buckle, for example, a sliding buckle near the back, a dial, hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro™).

In some embodiments, a bio-signal sensor <NUM> is formed by applying a conductive layer <NUM> to the substrate <NUM>. The conductive layer is applied to an inward face <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>, the inward face <NUM> adapted to sit against the user's head when wearable device <NUM> is worn. In some embodiments, the conductive layer <NUM> is applied as a conductive ink. In some embodiments, the conductive ink includes silver, carbon, or combination thereof. In some embodiments, the conductive layer is applied by pad printing, silk screening, spraying, or painting. The conductive layer <NUM>, when in contact with the user's skin, is able to receive electrical bio-signals from the user at the point of contact.

In some embodiments, the substrate defines a plurality of apertures <NUM> such that upon application of the conductive ink to the inward face <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>, the ink flows through and coats the apertures <NUM>, eventually flowing to an outward face <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>. The ink coating the aperture <NUM> acts as a through-substrate via, providing a path for signals collected at the interface between the user and the conductive layer <NUM> at the inward face to be transmitted and collected at the outward face <NUM>.

At the outward face <NUM>, a signal collector <NUM> is electrically connected to the conductive layer <NUM>, providing electrical connection between the conductive layer <NUM> of the bio-signal sensor to the electronics module <NUM>. The placement of elements not at the inward face <NUM> reduces the presence of potentially uncomfortable stress points pressing on the user's skin, when worn. In some embodiments, the signal collector <NUM> is connected to the conductive layer <NUM> by a bonding layer <NUM> such as an adhesive layer or second conductive ink layer. In some embodiments, the signal collector <NUM> attached to the substrate, such as by stitching or welded (such as by RF welding) onto the substrate <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the signal collector <NUM> includes a flexible printed circuit ("FPC") or a film <NUM>. In some embodiments, the FPC includes a polyimide or similar film which is plated in copper and selectively removed (such as by etching) to create a circuit. The copper is optionally covered in another layer of polyimide or similar film or Liquid Solder mask. In some embodiments, the FPC includes a plurality of copper layers. In some embodiments, the FPC includes thicker polyimide or fiberglass or metal to provide stiffness to certain sections. In some embodiments, the film is a stretchable film, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic urethane, or other plastic film. In some embodiments, the film may exhibit elastic deformation after having been stretched an elongation of at least <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% as compared to its unstretched state.

In some embodiments, a covering layer is disposed over the substrate <NUM> and the signal collector <NUM>. The covering layer may reduce protrusions that can catch on other surfaces, such as a pillow, helmet. In some embodiments, the covering layer is a fabric material, a rubber material, or any combination thereof.

As shown in <FIG>, bio-signal sensor <NUM> may be formed from flexible printed circuit board ("PCB") <NUM>. PCB <NUM> may have contacts <NUM> on it formed from an appropriate conductive material such as silver ink. PCB <NUM> may be configured on body <NUM> of wearable device <NUM> such that in use, contacts <NUM> contact at least part of the forehead of user <NUM>. Such a PCB may be hermetically sealed as long as the connections are appropriately sealed.

In some embodiments, body <NUM> may be formed of an outer layer <NUM> and an inner layer <NUM>. Each of outer layer <NUM> and inner layer <NUM> may be formed from materials such as fabric <NUM> and reinforcing members <NUM> as described herein.

<FIG> is a rear view of outer layer <NUM> and inner layer <NUM> of body <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of outer layer <NUM> of body <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of inner layer <NUM> of body <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, PCB <NUM> may fold over inner layer <NUM>.

Thus, as outer layer <NUM> is affixed to inner layer <NUM>, the circuitry of PCB <NUM> may be sandwiched between outer layer <NUM> and inner layer <NUM>, while contacts <NUM> remain exposed on inner layer <NUM> to contact the forehead of user <NUM>.

The use of two layers, namely outer layer <NUM> and inner layer <NUM>, for example, in the configuration described herein, may protect the edges of PCB <NUM> and protect circuitry of PCB <NUM> (as encased between outer layer <NUM> and inner layer <NUM>) and may provide reduced visible seams.

<FIG> is a side view of a flexible printed circuit board configuration, according to an embodiment, which may be used as a bio-signal sensor <NUM> in wearable device <NUM>. A flexible printed circuit board ("PCB") <NUM> may be formed of copper and polyimide ("PI") arranged in PI-capper-PI layers.

A PI coverlay <NUM> may be attached to PCB <NUM> by way of adhesive layer <NUM>. In use, PI coverlay <NUM> may be disposed in wearable device <NUM> to contact, for example, a forehead of user <NUM>. PCB <NUM> may thus be able to fold over in the direction shown by arrow A.

The configuration illustrated in <FIG> may allow for reduction of sharp edges and exposure of surfaces where tears may start in PCT <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, multiple bio-signal sensors <NUM>, such as electrodes, may be disposed in body <NUM> of wearable device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an embodiment of wearable device <NUM> in which there is a redundant array of bio-signal sensor <NUM> electrodes connected to a single electronics module <NUM> by traces <NUM>. In an example, traces <NUM> may be conductive thread. Electronics module <NUM> may use a signal quality indicator to assess which bio-signal sensor(s) <NUM> to use. For example, depending on where the received bio-signal is cleanest or strongest.

A bio-signal sensor <NUM> located and connected to an ear contacting portion <NUM> of wearable device <NUM> may be referred to as an "above-ear electrode", as described herein. Such an "above-ear electrode" may be a deformable earpiece that takes the form of an open bow-string above-ear electrode <NUM>, a closed bow-string above-ear electrode <NUM>, a shaped above-ear electrode <NUM>, and a moveable above-ear electrode <NUM> as described below with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>and <FIG>. Such above-ear electrodes may be configured to contact at least part of the auricular region of the user's head, for example, an ear or a mastoid bone region of user <NUM>. The above-ear electrode may include a depressible area with a thin rubber cushion, air cushion, or gel cushion that can depress against an ear.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic side view of an embodiment of wearable device <NUM> having an above-ear electrode <NUM> with an open 'bow string' design and an above-ear electrode <NUM> having a closed 'bow string' design, and <FIG> is an expanded view thereof. <FIG> illustrates a schematic side view of an embodiment of wearable device <NUM> having an above-ear electrode <NUM> with an closed 'bow string' design.

Above-ear electrode <NUM> may include a strip of flexible conductive material <NUM>, connected at each end to body <NUM> of wearable device <NUM>. Body <NUM> of wearable device <NUM> may have an area cut out above above-ear electrode <NUM> which may allow conductive material <NUM> to move freely. When wearable device <NUM> is placed on the head of user <NUM>, downward pressure may be distributed along the length of conductive material <NUM>, which may increase the contact area and signal quality, and may provide a comfortable fit for user <NUM>.

Variations of shape of the conductive material <NUM> that contacts the user's ear are possible. For example, as shown in <FIG>, body <NUM> may define an aperture, illustrated as an inner region <NUM> of body <NUM>, and may be open and may be semicircular in shape, allowing conductive material <NUM> to collapse toward body <NUM> when worn. Conductive material <NUM> may be curved to form to user's <NUM> ear. Comfortable conductive rubber ear contacts may be provided to provide fit to keep the wearable device <NUM> on the head, comfort, as well as contact for conductivity from conductive material <NUM>. The conductive rubber <NUM> may rest on top of the user's ear (for example, in the region between the top ear tip and the head). The ear of user <NUM> generally does not extend through inner region <NUM>, but body <NUM> would be between the ear and the head, with the ear sitting outside of inner region <NUM> during regular wear.

Conductive material <NUM> may be, for example, conductive rubber. In an example, conductive material <NUM> may be formed from silicon rubber infused and/or coated with carbon. In some embodiments, conductive material <NUM> may be formed from thermoplastic elastomer infused with carbon, and coated a PEDOT conductive polymer layer. Other suitable conductive materials may also be used.

Similarly, above-ear electrode <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, may include flexible conductive material <NUM> (for example, formed from conductive rubber) and may be shaped with a bottom portion <NUM> and a top portion <NUM> to define an open aperture with a perimeter generally semicircular in shape, allowing bottom portion <NUM> to collapse towards top portion <NUM> and body <NUM>. Conductive material <NUM> may be curved on a bottom portion <NUM> to form to user's <NUM> ear. Comfortable conductive rubber ear contacts may be provided to provide fit to keep the headband or wearable apparatus on the head, comfort, as well as contact for conductivity from conductive material <NUM>.

In use, upper portion <NUM> may contact the top of an ear of user <NUM>, for example, as wearable device <NUM> shifts during sleep. The conductive rubber <NUM> may rest on top of the user's ear (for example, in the region between the top ear tip and the head). The ear of user <NUM> generally does not extend through inner region <NUM>, but body <NUM> would be between the ear and the head, with the ear sitting outside of inner region <NUM> during regular wear, and bottom portion <NUM> and top portion <NUM> in contact with the region in and around the top ear tip and the head of user <NUM>.

Conductive material <NUM> may be formed of the same or similar materials to that of conductive material <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a side schematic view of an embodiment of wearable device <NUM> having an above-ear electrode <NUM> shaped to contact the upper and rear surface of an ear of user <NUM>.

Shaped above-ear electrode <NUM> may comprise a strip of flexible conductive material <NUM> (e.g. rubber), connected to body <NUM> of wearable device <NUM>. The electrode material <NUM> may be shaped to contour around the upper and rear surface of the ear which may increase the skin contact area and aid in fitting.

A stretchable or elastic portion <NUM> of body <NUM> of wearable device <NUM> may allow fitting a multitude of head sizes while maintaining proper positioning of the electrodes above and behind the ears.

<FIG> illustrates a side schematic view of an embodiment of wearable device <NUM> having an above-ear electrode <NUM> which may be movable to provide for skin contact on a variety of head shapes, and <FIG> is an expanded view thereof.

<FIG> illustrate movable above-ear electrode <NUM>, with a conductive tube <NUM> contacting an exposed conductive wire or thread <NUM>. The conductive tube <NUM> contacts the wire <NUM>, independent of where it is placed along the open area. The wire <NUM> then conveys the sensed bio-signals to the electronics module <NUM>.

Conductive tube <NUM> may be hollow and generally cylindrical in shape, or other suitable shape to allow movement in direction illustrated by arrow B.

Conductive tube <NUM> may be formed of the same or similar materials to that of conductive material <NUM>.

Due to signal quality requirements, it may be desirable to place electrode(s) in areas where there is little hair, such as above or behind the ear. Because the bitragion frontal arc (distance between the ears, across the forehead) varies considerably between individuals, portions of wearable device <NUM> may be required to stretch or extend (for example, as shown in <FIG>, where <NUM> illustrates an extendable portion in an otherwise non-stretchable device), or alternatively, movable electrodes such as movable above-ear electrode <NUM>, may provide for placement of the electrode in contact with an ear of user <NUM>.

In some embodiments, bio-signal sensors <NUM> may be integrated in body <NUM> at ear contacting portion <NUM>, to cover an ear of user <NUM>, for example, with a generally rectangular or generally circular contact or conductive sensor formed from silver ink or other material incorporated with body <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that in various implementations, the shape and configuration of above-ear electrode <NUM>, <NUM>, shaped above-ear electrode <NUM>, and movable above-ear electrode <NUM> may be coordinated with the shape and configuration of body <NUM> to complement each other. For example, body <NUM> may be configured to stretch in forehead contacting portion <NUM> and adjacent to ear contacting portion <NUM> for use with shaped above-ear electrode <NUM> so as to allow more variance in body <NUM> while the above-ear electrode remains more fitted or is less deformable. This may allow for better conformance to a head of user <NUM>. Similarly, a longer above-ear electrode, such as above-ear electrode <NUM>, may be used with a less flexible body <NUM>, as a longer above-ear electrode may accommodate different ear sizes.

Having reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, the wearable device <NUM> includes an inner earpiece <NUM> having a conductive sensor.

As shown in <FIG>, inner earpiece <NUM> may be shaped to form to the auricle of an ear of user <NUM>. Inner earpiece <NUM> may be a conductive sensor and connect to signal transmission line <NUM>. In some embodiments, inner earpiece <NUM> may have conductive material similar or the same to conductive material <NUM> described herein. Inner earpiece <NUM> may thus form an inner-ear sensor to contact an ear canal, for example, outer ear canal, of user <NUM>.

Signal transmission line <NUM> may be a wire or other similar conductive material, and connect to electronics module <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the wearable device <NUM> may further include a sound delivery module <NUM> including a sound generator <NUM> connected to an inner earpiece <NUM> by way of a hollow tube <NUM>. Sound generator <NUM> receives an audio signal from audio transmission line <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, inner earpiece <NUM> may be shaped to form to the auricle of an ear of user <NUM>. In some embodiments, inner earpiece <NUM> may be molded, for example, heat-molded to the shape of a specific ear of user <NUM>. Inner earpiece <NUM> may be a conductive sensor and connects to signal transmission line <NUM>. In some embodiments, inner earpiece <NUM> may have conductive material similar or the same to conductive material <NUM> described herein. In some embodiments, inner earpiece <NUM> may be insulative, and signal transmission line may be disposed through inner earpiece <NUM> to provide a conductive surface to contact an ear of user <NUM>.

Sound generator <NUM> may be located at a distance, for example between <NUM> and <NUM>, from inner earpiece <NUM>. Sound generator <NUM> may be a speaker or a driver to generate sound waves for travel to inner earpiece <NUM> by way of hollow tube <NUM>.

In an example, hollow tube <NUM> is a hollow plastic tube, for example, <NUM>-<NUM> in diameter. Hollow tube <NUM> may be generally rigid, so as to not fold over in a manner that would interfere with the travelling sound waves.

Conveniently, distancing the sound generator from sensing (for e.g., of bio-signals of user <NUM> from the conductive sensor portions of inner earpiece <NUM>) may allow for sound to be generated with less interference with sensor readings.

<FIG> is a schematic view of sound delivery module <NUM> connected to electronics module <NUM> of wearable device <NUM>, in which signal transmission line <NUM> and audio transmission line <NUM> are connected to electronics module <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a sound delivery module <NUM> including a sound generator (not shown, for example, sound generator <NUM>) connected to an inner earpiece <NUM> by way of a hollow tube <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, inner earpiece <NUM> may be shaped to form to the auricle of an ear of user <NUM>. Inner earpiece <NUM> may be insulative and may not be a conductive sensor.

Inner earpiece <NUM> may be backed by a conductive sensor such as a closed loop frame 198A, or an open loop frame 198B. Closed loop frame 198A, and similarly open loop frame 198B, may be shaped to form to the auricle of an ear of user <NUM>.

Closed loop frame 198A connects to signal transmission line <NUM>, which may connect to electronics module <NUM> to transmit bio-signals from the conductive sensor.

Conveniently use of a conductive sensor away from an inner ear canal of user <NUM>, for example, as with closed loop frame 198A or open loop frame 198B, may avoid a build-up of ear wax, which may act as an insulator and reduce signal quality, on the conductive sensor. Such a conductive sensor may also allow for a larger surface area for the sensor to contact the user, beyond the inner ear canal.

As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, body <NUM> of wearable device <NUM> may include at least one overhead support strap. The at least one support strap may provide additional support above the head and distributes forces on the head over a greater area. In some embodiments, the overhead support straps are placed in a front-to-back orientation or a side-to-side orientation. In some embodiments, the overhead support straps are placed in a side-to-side orientation. In some embodiments, the at least one overhead support strap are joined to the loop at the ear contacting portions <NUM>. In some embodiments, the at least one overhead support strap includes a crown strap 18A, a top strap 18B or a combination thereof. The side-to-side orientation provides forces that may be partially opposed by a strap elsewhere in the device. For example, at least some of the forces acting on the user's head from the top strap 18B may be opposed by the occipital contacting portion <NUM> of the loop. Similarly, at least some of the forces acting on the user's head from the crown strap 18A is opposed by the forehead contacting portion <NUM> of the loop. In contrast, for a front-to-back strap to have an opposing force, the device may require a chin strap or other strap exerting forces on a lower surface of the skill.

Bio-signal sensors located where there is hair may be selected for their ability to obtain a signal despite an impedance that may be created by presence of hair. With reference to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the apparatus includes at least one hair-penetrating bio-signal sensor <NUM> located on the at least one support strap, such as crown strap 18A, top strap 18B, the occipital contacting portion <NUM>, or both. In some embodiments, hair-penetrating bio-signal sensor <NUM> may be disposed at other locations on body <NUM>, including forehead contacting portion <NUM> and ear contacting portions <NUM>. Hair-penetrating bio-signal sensor <NUM> may be a pin sensor, or a sensor with prongs (similar for example to prongs <NUM> discussed in further detail below) to extend through a user's hair to contact skin <NUM>.

Example embodiments of a hair-penetrating bio-signal sensor <NUM> are described below with reference to <FIG>. A hair-penetrating bio-signal sensor <NUM> may be integrated in a section of body <NUM> of wearable device <NUM> that is rigid or reinforced, for example, with reinforcing member <NUM>. Hair penetrating bio-signal sensor <NUM> may also be integrated into an aperture or track defined by body <NUM> that allows for lateral movement of hair penetrating bio-signal sensor along body <NUM>. Hair penetrating bio-signal sensor <NUM> may thus be affixed in a position, for example, by way of a corresponding threads on hair penetrating bio-signal sensor <NUM> rotated to capture part of body <NUM> and provide a friction fit.

In accordance with an aspect of the embodiments described herein, body <NUM> may include sensors such as bio-signal sensors <NUM> for obtaining bio-signals from the scalp or skin <NUM> of user <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, there is provided a bio-signal sensor <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> is configured to receive a bio-signal from a user <NUM>, preferably, from the user's head or through the skin <NUM> of user <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the bio-signal sensor <NUM> can be included on an apparatus <NUM>, for example on a support portion <NUM> such as body <NUM> of wearable device <NUM>. The apparatus <NUM> optionally includes at least one deformable portion <NUM>, for example, made from foam, connected to the support portion <NUM> to provide comfort and/or support when the apparatus <NUM> is worn by the user <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the bio-signal sensor <NUM> includes a body <NUM>, having a spherical portion <NUM>; an electrode <NUM> extendable into the body <NUM>, the electrode <NUM> having a contact end <NUM> configured to receive an electrical bio-signal from a user's <NUM> skin <NUM>, wherein in response to a downward force acting on the bio-signal sensor <NUM> to urge the bio-signal sensor <NUM> against the user's skin <NUM> and upon contact with the skin <NUM> of user <NUM>, the electrode <NUM> is configured for movement into the body <NUM> along a movement axis <NUM>; an actuator <NUM> operatively connected to the electrode <NUM> for urging the electrode <NUM> out of the body <NUM> along the movement axis <NUM> toward an extended position, wherein in the absence of the downward force, the electrode <NUM> is disposed in the extended position; and a contact adjuster <NUM> connected to the electrode <NUM>, the contact adjuster <NUM> includes a handle <NUM> manipulatable by the user to reduce noise the electrical bio-signal caused by impedance of the user's hair.

In use, a force having a downward component is applied to urge the bio-signal sensor <NUM> against the skin <NUM> of user <NUM> to receive an electrical signal from the user <NUM>. The electrode <NUM> moves along the movement axis <NUM> into an electrode receiving space <NUM> of body <NUM> from an extended position toward a retracted position (see, for example, <FIG>). However, the user's hair may impede the ability of the bio-signal sensor <NUM> to receive an electrical signal from the skin <NUM> of user <NUM>. For example, the user's hair may form a barrier (or "mat") that acts as an insulation layer between the contact end and the user's skin. The insulation layer impedes or prevents the receiving of the electrical signal. As such, in some embodiments, the bio-signal sensor <NUM> is configured to reduce the impedance effects of the user's hair.

In some embodiments, the contact end <NUM> of the electrode <NUM> includes a collection plate <NUM> and a plurality of prongs <NUM> extending from the collection plate <NUM>. Each prong includes a distal tip <NUM> for contacting the skin <NUM> of user <NUM>. Whereas with an electrode having a single contact surface, the user's hair may form a mat under the single contact surface, an interstitial volume <NUM> defined by the prongs <NUM>, the collection plate <NUM>, and the skin <NUM> of user <NUM> may receive the user's hair and reduce or prevent the formation of a mat under the distal tips <NUM> of the prongs. In some embodiments, the extension of the electrode <NUM> from the body <NUM> in the extended position is adjustable using the contact adjuster <NUM>. In some embodiments, contact adjuster <NUM> includes a compression fitting, or threading that mates with the electrode or the body for adjusting the extension of the electrode <NUM> in the extended position. The extension of the electrode <NUM> from the body <NUM> accommodates users with different volumes of hair. For example, a user with thick, long hair, may have a relatively greater volume of hair, which may create an electrical barrier if a mat is formed. For such users, the extended position may be adjusted such that the electrode <NUM> extends further from the body <NUM> than for users with shorter or no hair.

In some embodiments, the contact adjuster <NUM> is configured to move the electrode along the movement axis <NUM>. In some embodiments, the handle is configured for lifting the electrode <NUM> when urged against the skin <NUM> of user <NUM> and repositioning the electrode for placement against the skin <NUM> of user <NUM>. In some embodiments, the movement of the contact adjuster <NUM> moves the plurality of the prongs <NUM> collectively. For example, in some embodiments, the contact adjuster <NUM> is connected to the collection plate <NUM> and is configured to move the collection plate. The movement of the collection plate <NUM> causes the plurality of prongs <NUM>, which extend from the collection plate <NUM>, to move.

On the application of a downward force, the electrode <NUM> moves along the movement axis <NUM> into the body <NUM> (see <FIG>). Where there is significant retraction of the electrode <NUM> into the body <NUM>, the body <NUM> may become proximal to the skin <NUM> of user <NUM>. This may cause, for instance, the user's hair disposed under the body <NUM> of the sensor <NUM> may form a barrier layer preventing good contact between the electrode <NUM> and the skin <NUM> of user <NUM>. Thus, in some embodiments, the body <NUM> includes a contact end <NUM> including at least one groove <NUM> for receiving at least a portion of the user's hair therein.

In order to provide better comfort for a user, the pressure of the electrode <NUM> against the skin <NUM> of user <NUM> may not be excessive. In some embodiments, the distal tips <NUM> of the plurality of prongs <NUM> are rounded. In contrast to a pointed tip, a rounded tip distributes the force applied to the skin over a greater area. In some embodiments, the radius of the distal tip is between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. In some embodiments, the radius of the distal tip is about <NUM>. The number and spacing of the prongs <NUM> are selected such that the pressure applied to the skin <NUM> of user <NUM> is not excessive and has sufficient contact area to receive good adequate signal from the user's skin while maintaining sufficient void volume between prongs <NUM> to receive the user's hair. In some embodiments, the electrode <NUM> has a prong density of about <NUM> to <NUM> prongs per square centimeter. In some embodiments, the electrode <NUM> has a prong density of about <NUM> pins per square centimeter.

A greater area of the contact end of the electrode <NUM> may provide better electrical readings. However, when the area is too large, it may not conform well to the skin. One reason for this is that the skin is, typically, not perfectly flat. Increased area of the contact end of the electrode also increases the likelihood that the skin's curvature bends away, resulting in a loss of contact for the electrode. Thus, in some embodiments, the area of the contact end of the electrode <NUM> comprising the prongs <NUM>, including the interstitial area between prongs, is between about <NUM><NUM> and about <NUM><NUM>. In some embodiments, the area of the contact end of the electrode <NUM> comprising the prongs, including the interstitial space between prongs, is about <NUM><NUM>. In some embodiments, the shape of the contact end <NUM> of the electrode is round or polyhedral. The shape of the contact end <NUM> may help move the user's hair to reduce or prevent the impedance effects of the user's hair.

In some embodiments, the contact adjuster <NUM> is configured to rotate the electrode along a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the movement axis. The rotational movement may move the hair disposed under the sensor <NUM>. In some embodiments where the sensor includes a plurality of prongs <NUM>, the rotational movement may move the hair into the interstitial volume <NUM>. In some embodiments, the rotational movement of the contact adjuster <NUM> is unrestricted. In some embodiments, the rotational movement of the contact adjuster <NUM> is limited.

In some embodiments, the actuator <NUM> includes a spring, a piston, a compressible material, or combination thereof. In some embodiments, the actuator <NUM> includes a spring <NUM>. In some embodiments, the spring <NUM> is a coil spring. The spring <NUM> is disposed within the electrode receiving space <NUM> such that one end is biased against an upper end <NUM> of the body against the electrode <NUM> such that the electrode <NUM> is urged away from the electrode receiving space <NUM> toward the extended position. In some embodiments, the spring <NUM> biases against an upper end of the collection plate <NUM> of the electrode <NUM>. When a downward force is applied to the sensor <NUM> and when the electrode <NUM> is against the skin <NUM> of user <NUM>, the spring <NUM> resists the movement of the electrode <NUM> into the body <NUM> such that a force is translated to the electrode <NUM> urging it against the skin <NUM> of user <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the spring <NUM> is fixed on one end to the body <NUM> and biased against the electrode <NUM> on the other end, and wherein the contact adjuster <NUM> includes a shaft <NUM> extending through a compressive axis <NUM> of the spring <NUM> for translating rotational forces perpendicular to the movement direction from the handle <NUM> to the electrode <NUM>, translational forces along the movement direction from the handle to the electrode, for both. In some embodiments, the compressive axis is co-axial or substantially co-axial with the movement axis <NUM>. In some embodiments where the spring <NUM> is a coil spring, the coils of the coil spring are coiled around the shaft <NUM> of the contact adjuster <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the actuator <NUM> includes a plurality of actuators (not shown) corresponding to the plurality of prongs <NUM>. In some embodiments, the plurality of actuators individually bias the prongs against the skin <NUM> of user <NUM>. This may allow, for instance, better conformity of the sensor against the skin <NUM> of user <NUM> as the skin may not be perfectly flat.

The electrical bio-signal received by the electrode <NUM> may be transmitted to a signal receiver, such as a processor or other computing device (not shown). In some embodiments, the signal receiver receives the electrical bio-signal from the body <NUM> of the sensor. In some embodiments, the body includes a conductive portion <NUM> for receiving the electrical bio-signal from the electrode. The conductive portion <NUM> may be a conductive coating, a conductive material integrated into the body, or both. In some embodiments, the conductive coating is a conductive paint, such as a metallic paint, or a carbon paint. In some embodiments, the metallic paint includes silver, gold, silver-silver chloride, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the conductive material is a carbon-loaded plastic, or a conductive metal. In some embodiments, the body is 3D printed with a conductive material incorporated therein. In some embodiments, impedance between the electrode and a connection on the sensor for a wire from the signal receiver is less than about <NUM> kΩ. In some embodiments, the impedance between the electrode and the connection on the sensor is from about <NUM>Ω to about <NUM>Ω. In some embodiments, the connection is on the body <NUM> or on a housing <NUM> of a sensor <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, the actuator <NUM> electrically connects the electrode <NUM> to the body <NUM>. For example, an electrical bio-signal may be transmitted from the electrode <NUM> to the body <NUM> via the actuator <NUM>. In some embodiments where the actuator <NUM> includes a spring <NUM>, the spring <NUM> is conductive. For example, a spring <NUM> biased on one end against a collection plate <NUM> and on the other end against the body <NUM>, the spring may act as a conductor.

In accordance with an aspect of the embodiments described herein, body <NUM> may include sensors such as bio-signal sensors <NUM> for obtaining bio-signals from the scalp or skin <NUM> of user <NUM>. Having reference to <FIG>, in some embodiments, a sensor <NUM> includes a gimbal <NUM> configured to orient the electrode <NUM> normal or substantially normal to the skin <NUM> of user <NUM>. A normally oriented electrode <NUM> may have better contact with the user's skin. For example, where prongs <NUM> are the same length, a normal orientation prevents the angular contact with the user's skin where certain prongs are not lifted off from the user's skin. Further, where the electrode <NUM> contacts the skin at an angle, one or more of the prongs <NUM> may be pushed up by the hair. In some embodiments, body <NUM> includes a spherical portion <NUM>, wherein the sensor further includes a housing <NUM> defining a joint portion <NUM> configured to receive the spherical portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> such that the gimbal <NUM> includes the spherical portion <NUM> and the joint portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the spherical portion <NUM> is removably receivable by the joint portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the interface between the joint portion <NUM> and the spherical portion <NUM> includes a friction reducing agent. In some embodiments, the friction reducing agent is a carbonaceous material. In some embodiments, the carbonaceous material is integral to at least a portion the body <NUM>, the housing <NUM>, or both. In some embodiments, the housing <NUM> includes an electrical connection portion for establishing an electrical connection between the sensor <NUM> and a signal receiver.

In some embodiments, body <NUM> includes at least one groove <NUM> for receiving at least a portion of the user's hair therein.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the conductive portion <NUM> is disposed in or on the spherical portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electrical bio-signal received from the electrode <NUM> is transmitted to the housing <NUM> from the body <NUM>. In these embodiments, the signal received may connect to the housing <NUM>. In some embodiments where a friction reducing agent is included, the friction reducing agent includes or is a conductivity modifier to improve impedance. In some embodiments, the conductivity modifier is a metal powder, graphite, carbon nanotubes, metal-coated glass or plastic beads. For example, where the friction reducing agent is a carbonaceous material integral to the body <NUM>, the carbonaceous material may provide both friction reduction and conductivity. In some embodiments, a wire on a support portion <NUM> of a head-mounted apparatus <NUM> is connected at one end to the sensor <NUM>.

Having reference now, to <FIG>, in some of the embodiments where the rotational movement is limited, the sensor <NUM> includes a rotational limiter <NUM> for limiting the rotational movement of the electrode <NUM>. If the hair is rotated excessively in a single direction, the hair may become wrapped or tangled. In some embodiments, the rotational limiter allows an oscillatory movement along a rotational axis for the electrode to get between the user's hairs. In some embodiments, the rotational limiter limits the rotational movement to at least about <NUM> radians. In some embodiments, the rotational limiter <NUM> includes a slot <NUM> and a key <NUM> configured to rotate restrictively within the slot <NUM>. The movement of the electrode <NUM> with respect to the body <NUM> are limited by the slot <NUM> and the key <NUM>. In some embodiments, the upper end <NUM> of the body <NUM> defines the slot <NUM> and the shaft <NUM> of the contact adjuster <NUM> includes the key <NUM>. In some embodiments, the rotational limiter includes a stop disposed in the body, the electrode, the shaft, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, a housing <NUM> is configured to receive body <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a light connected to the processor indicates a brain state at the sensor <NUM> or sensor <NUM>. In some embodiments, the brightness or color of the light is modified according to an event in the brain, such as an event related potential, a continuous EEG, a cognitive potential, a steady state evoked potential, or combination thereof. In some embodiments, the light is integral with the sensor or mounted proximate the sensor on a support portion of a head-mounted apparatus.

In some embodiments, body <NUM> may include other bio-signal sensors <NUM> such as non-contact electrodes <NUM>.

Having reference to <FIG>, in some embodiments, non-contact electrodes <NUM> include a conductive layer <NUM> and a conductive noise layer <NUM> with a dielectric layer <NUM> disposed therebetween. The conductive noise layer <NUM> reduces the noise in the signal obtained by the electrode <NUM>. The conductive noise layer <NUM> may be an active guard or a ground plane. In some embodiments, a dielectric layer <NUM> is applied to a user facing side of the conductive layer <NUM>. The conductive layer <NUM> connects to electronics module <NUM> or sensor electronics via a wire <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a non-contact electrode may take the form of capacitive electrode <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, or other suitable capacitive electrode. <FIG> illustrates a side view of user <NUM> wearing a wearable device <NUM> having a bio-signal sensor in the form of a capacitive electrode <NUM>, according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a partial top view of wearable device <NUM> of <FIG>.

In some embodiments, body <NUM> includes one or more capacitive electrodes <NUM>, for example, positioned adjacent a top of the head of user <NUM> and the back of the head of user <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Electrodes <NUM> may be disposed in body <NUM> of wearable device <NUM> to receive bio-signal data of user <NUM>. In some embodiments, received bio-signal data may include brainwave data of user <NUM>. In some embodiments, capacitive electrode <NUM> may be a noncontact electrode that does not come into direct contact with skin <NUM> of user <NUM>.

Body <NUM> may include a compressible foam <NUM> which may conform to the shape of the head of user <NUM>. In some embodiments, compressible foam <NUM> may be formed of an open cell foam, such as open cell foam material known to a user skilled in the art. Compressible foam <NUM> may be compressible such that when the wearable device <NUM> is affixed to the head of user <NUM>, compressible foam <NUM> conforms to the head of user <NUM>. In use, the compressible foam <NUM> may be compressed and conform to the head of user <NUM> by clinching of body <NUM> to secure wearable device <NUM> to user <NUM>.

In some embodiments, on a surface of compressible foam <NUM> adjacent user's <NUM> head, a conductive layer <NUM> of capacitive electrode <NUM> is secured to compressible foam <NUM>.

Conductive layer <NUM> may have a thickness between <NUM> and <NUM>, in an example <NUM>. Conductive layer <NUM> may be formed of a conductive material such as a polymer substrate with conductive ink, a conductive polymer, conductive fabric or a flexible PCB.

Conductive layer <NUM> may be insulated adjacent the head of user <NUM> with an insulating layer <NUM>. Insulating layer <NUM> forms a dielectric medium, creating a capacitive coupling between conductive layer <NUM> and skin <NUM> of user <NUM>. In some embodiments, hair or other body tissue of user <NUM> may further contribute to the dielectric formed by insulating layer <NUM> and the capacitive coupling may form across hair or other body tissue of user <NUM>. Hair of user <NUM> may be compressed and held in place by the pressure exerted by compressible <NUM>.

Insulating layer <NUM> may have a thickness between <NUM> and <NUM>, in an example <NUM>. Insulating layer <NUM> may be formed of a polymer, for example, polyester.

Insulating layer <NUM>, by providing a minimal insulating layer between conductive layer <NUM> and skin <NUM> of user <NUM>, may moderate variability in the capacitive coupling between conductive layer <NUM> and skin <NUM> of user <NUM> caused by variances in the properties of user's <NUM> hair. Insulating layer <NUM> may also minimize salt bridging effects that may arise, for example, due to user <NUM> sweat creating a salt bridge forming an electrical connection between electrodes leading to improper readings being obtained by the electrodes.

In some embodiments, conductive layer <NUM> may be connected to the HMD <NUM> or sensor electronics, for example, a signal conditioning and amplification circuit, via a wire (not shown).

In some embodiments, wearable device <NUM> includes an electronics module <NUM> including a computing device or a processor <NUM> for receiving the bio-signals from the at least one bio-signal sensors <NUM> and/or hair-penetrating bio-signal sensors <NUM> located on the loop. Electronics module <NUM> may connect to any bio-signal sensors <NUM>, <NUM> or other sensors described herein. Electronics module <NUM> may also contain a power source such as one or more batteries, for powering electronics module <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electronics module <NUM> is located on the forehead portion <NUM>, the ear contacting portion <NUM>, the occipital portion <NUM>, or the support straps <NUM> such as crown strap 18A, and top strap 18B. Electronics module <NUM> may be mounted on a portion of body <NUM> that is reinforced and inflexible, so as to structurally support electronics module <NUM>. Electronics module <NUM> may be selectively mountable and selectively removable on body <NUM> of wearable device <NUM>. In some embodiments, electronics module <NUM> may be integral with body <NUM>, and not releasable.

In an embodiment, the electronics module <NUM> is located on the occipital contacting portion such that when worn, the electronics module <NUM> is located at an indent in the skull under the occipital bone. Placement of the electronics module <NUM> at the occipital portion reduces protrusion may provide better aerodynamics and weight distribution if the device is worn while performing activities requiring movement, and provide a sleeker appearance as compared to placement at the forehead contacting portion <NUM> or the support strap <NUM>. When the device is designed for a user who is lying down, such as when sleeping, the electronics module <NUM> may be placed at a point on the device that minimizes the formation of stress points, such as that created by the user's head against a pillow, and minimizes the possibility that the device will snag or catch on a pillow, blanket, etc., for example, if the user moves in their sleep. In some embodiments, electronics module <NUM> may be located at or adjacent forehead contacting portion <NUM>, which may reduce interference of electronics module <NUM> with a user's sleep, regardless of whether the user sleeps on their back or side, with any sort of pillow.

In some embodiments, the electronics module <NUM> additionally includes electronics components such as at least one of an analog front end to amplify and filter the bio-signal data, an analog-to-digital converter, a memory to store the bio-signal data received from the bio-signal sensors <NUM>, a wireless radio for communication with a remote processor, a battery, a charging circuit, and a connector for charging the battery. In some embodiments, the electronics package is fixedly or removably mounted on the device. In some embodiments where the electronics package is removably mounted on the device, the loop includes a pouch for containing the electronics module <NUM>.

In some embodiments, one or more electronics components, for example, a pre-amp, may be disposed outside of electronics module <NUM>, and integrated into body <NUM> of wearable device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top schematic view of electronics module <NUM> connected to, in an example, forehead contacting portion <NUM> of body <NUM> of wearable device <NUM>. <FIG> is a side schematic view of electronics module <NUM> connected to forehead contacting portion <NUM> of body <NUM> of wearable device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, electronics module <NUM> may include magnets <NUM> to cooperate with corresponding magnets <NUM> in body <NUM>, to retain electronics module <NUM> against body <NUM>. Electronics module <NUM> may be thus selectively removable from wearable device <NUM>.

Electronics module <NUM> may further include spring pins <NUM> to provide an electrical contact with contacts <NUM> in body <NUM>. Contacts <NUM> may further be connected to bio-signal sensors <NUM>, <NUM> in wearable device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, magnets <NUM> and contacts <NUM> may be embedded in a substrate <NUM>, made, for example of rubber. Substrate <NUM> may be generally rigid so as to structurally support electronics module <NUM>.

In some embodiments, contacts <NUM> may connect to a flexible printed circuit board <NUM>, for example, as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a side schematic view of electronics module <NUM> connected to forehead contacting portion <NUM> of body <NUM> of wearable device <NUM>. Electronics module <NUM> may be configured as shown in <FIG> and described above, with the addition of a clip <NUM>, to engage with receiving hook <NUM> to further retain electronics module to wearable device <NUM>. Body <NUM> may also include a retaining lip <NUM> to engage with a corresponding lip on electronics module <NUM> to further secure electronics module <NUM> to body <NUM>. Protrusion <NUM> may be pressed to release clip <NUM> from hook <NUM> and remove electronics module from body <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a pocket <NUM> in body <NUM> for retaining electronics module <NUM>, in a section of body <NUM> that is elastic, for example, made of elastic fabric. Electrical contacts <NUM> on electronics module <NUM> may contact conductive ribs <NUM> of body <NUM>. Conductive ribs <NUM> may be integral with body <NUM>, for example, as conductive thread or may be other suitable conductive sensors, and may connect with bio-signal sensors <NUM>, <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments electronics module <NUM> may have conductive pins <NUM> extruding from a surface, for contact with conductive threads <NUM>, for example, on a section of body <NUM>, and having a molded stop <NUM>. A clip <NUM> may retain conductive threads <NUM> against conductive pins <NUM>.

In another embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, electronics module <NUM> may include recesses <NUM> to receive molded contacts <NUM> connected to conductive threads <NUM> in body <NUM>. Clip <NUM> may retain molded contacts <NUM> in recesses <NUM> of electronics module <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a side schematic view of an embodiment of the wearable device <NUM> having an extendable, stretchable forehead contacting portion <NUM> of body <NUM> where the electronics module <NUM> is mountable.

In this embodiment, wearable device <NUM> may be worn as shown in <FIG>, with the module high on the head to allow for other wearable technology, such as a heads-up display or VR headset to be worn on the forehead. Alternatively, portion <NUM>, along with electronics module <NUM>, may be folded down as shown in <FIG> to hide the electronics module <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a side view of an embodiment of wearable device <NUM> having an having an extendable, stretchable portion <NUM> which has placement or attachment locations <NUM> for auxiliary electrodes to attach to body <NUM> for contact with user <NUM>. Attachment locations <NUM> may provide an opening in which auxiliary electrodes or sensors may be disposed, and provide a contact surface that is conductive and pre-wired to the electronics module <NUM>, for a connection between auxiliary electrodes or sensors and electronics module <NUM>.

Auxiliary electrodes may be any type of through-hair sensor, and could be attached to the wearable device via snaps, clamps, etc. The extendable, stretchable portion can be pulled back over the hair, offering a large array of potential auxiliary electrode locations (for auxiliary or additional sensors, as described in further detail below).

In some embodiments, the device includes additional auxiliary sensors. In some embodiments, the auxiliary sensor is selected from an optical heart rate sensor, a pulse oximeter sensor, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a magnetometer, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the device includes an optical heart rate sensor and/or a pulse oximetry sensor. In some embodiments, the optical heart rate sensor and/or the pulse oximetry sensor are located on the forehead contacting portion such that they contact the forehead or the temple region of the user's head. In some embodiments, signal data from the gyroscope, accelerometer, magnetometer, or combination thereof may be used to determine an attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) to determine the orientation of the head. Such data could be used, for example, to provide additional information when analyzing brain patterns of sleep, activity, etc. For example, analysis of a user's sleep may analyze tossing and turning in conjunction with brainwave signals.

In some embodiments, body <NUM> may include openings or mounting points for mounting auxiliary sensors and/or auxiliary electrodes, for example, for research purposes. In an example, openings may be defined adjacent or along the mid-line of the head of user <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the device includes an audio emitter. In some embodiments, the audio emitter is selected from a speaker, a bone conduction transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, or combination thereof.

In various implementations, the wearable device <NUM> may include a tracker or other sensors, input devices, and output devices. In some embodiments, for example, the tracker is an inertial sensor for measuring movement of the device <NUM>. It detects the <NUM>-dimensional coordinates of the wearable device <NUM> and accordingly its user's location, orientation or movement. The tracker, for example, comprises one or more accelerometers and/or gyroscopes. The wearable device <NUM> may comprise a touch sensor for receiving touch input from the user and tactile device for providing vibrational and force feedback to the user.

In various implementations, the wearable device <NUM> may include feedback components (such as user effectors) to vibrate or provide some audio or visual feedback to user <NUM>. For example, a speaker such as a waveguide speaker may be integrated into body <NUM> of wearable device <NUM>. A vibro-tactile feedback source may also be integrated into body <NUM>. In some embodiments, a bone conductor transducer may be implemented into body <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, wearable device <NUM> may include a touchpad location <NUM>. Touchpad location <NUM> may include a touchpad sensor <NUM> disposed between a fabric layer <NUM> and two foam layers <NUM>, <NUM> and connected to electronics module <NUM>. Touchpad sensor <NUM> may be used to control various settings of wearable device <NUM>, for example, by way of electronics module <NUM>, such as volume of a sound generating component.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional side view of wearable device <NUM> with touchpad location <NUM> of <FIG>, for use, for example, by a finger <NUM> of user <NUM>. As shown, touchpad sensor <NUM> may flex between foam layers.

<FIG> is a schematic perspective view of wearable device <NUM> with an extendable, stretchable forehead contacting portion <NUM> of body <NUM> in which an OLED flexible array <NUM> may be disposed. As shown in <FIG>, portion <NUM>, along with OLED flexible array <NUM>, may be folded down for viewing by user <NUM>. OLED flexible array <NUM> may be integrated into fabric of body <NUM>, and may provide luminescence to user <NUM>, for example, a light to prompt a user to wake.

<FIG> illustrates a top view of bladders <NUM> that may be integrated into body <NUM> of wearable device <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Bladders <NUM> may retain gas or fluid, such as air. Bladders <NUM> may be used to conform wearable device <NUM> to different areas of the head of user <NUM>. Adding air to certain areas may allow for better contact of electrodes or conductive sensors, such as bio-signal sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, on user <NUM>. Bladders <NUM> may be controlled by a configuration of valves, and actuated by pressure on the bladder by user <NUM>.

In some embodiments, expanding air in one bladder <NUM> may reduce air in another section or bladder <NUM>.

In some embodiments, bladders <NUM> could pulsate to provide a massaging effect on user <NUM> as wearable device <NUM> is on the head of user <NUM>.

In an aspect, the wearable device may used to obtain bio-signal data during sleep. For example, a baseline may be established for what is considered an "ideal" sleep. The user's bio-signals may be compared to the baseline to establish a sleep score based on the deviation of the signals from the baseline, such as a deviation of a signal amplitude or a time in which the signal amplitude meets a baseline threshold. In some embodiments, the bio-signal data is timestamped. In some embodiments, the bio-signal acquired during sleep may be used to improve the sleep of the user, for example, by providing a smart wakeup function, arousing the user when they are in a light sleep, or by training the user to sleep better (such as suggesting when a user should sleep based on drowsiness, focus, etc.).

Conveniently, electronics module <NUM> may be removable, as described herein, and in combination with a machine washable fabric <NUM> used for body <NUM>, may allow for wearable device <NUM> to be machine washable upon removal of the electronics module <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that any module or component exemplified herein that executes instructions may include or otherwise have access to computer readable media such as storage media, computer storage media, or data storage devices (removable and/or non-removable) such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, tape, and other forms of computer readable media. Computer storage media may include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD), blue-ray disks, or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by an application, module, or both. Any such computer storage media may be part of the mobile device, tracking module, object tracking application, etc., or accessible or connectable thereto. Any application or module herein described may be implemented using computer readable/executable instructions that may be stored or otherwise held by such computer readable media.

Thus, alterations, modifications and variations can be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

In further aspects, the disclosure provides systems, devices, methods, and computer programming products, including non-transient machine-readable instruction sets, for use in implementing such methods and enabling the functionality described previously.

Although the disclosure has been described and illustrated in exemplary forms with a certain degree of particularity, it is noted that the description and illustrations have been made by way of example only. Numerous changes in the details of construction and combination and arrangement of parts and steps may be made. Accordingly, such changes are intended to be included in the disclosure.

Except to the extent explicitly stated or inherent within the processes described, including any optional steps or components thereof, no required order, sequence, or combination is intended or implied. As will be understood by those skilled in the relevant arts, with respect to both processes and any systems, devices, etc., described herein, a wide range of variations is possible, and even advantageous, in various circumstances, without departing from the scope of the invention, which is to be limited only by the claims.

Claim 1:
A wearable device (<NUM>) to wear on a head of a user (<NUM>), the device (<NUM>) comprising:
a flexible band (<NUM>) generally shaped to correspond to the user's head, the band including a front portion (<NUM>) to contact at least part of a frontal region of the user's head, a rear portion (<NUM>) to contact at least part of an occipital region of the user's head, and at least one side portion (<NUM>) extending between the front portion (<NUM>) and the rear portion (<NUM>) to contact at least part of a posterior auricular region of the user's head;
a flexible electroencephalography - EEG-bio-signal sensor (<NUM>) disposed on the flexible band (<NUM>) to receive EEG bio-signals from the user (<NUM>);
a deformable above-ear electrode (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) disposed in the at least one side portion (<NUM>) of the flexible band (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the deformable above-ear electrode (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprises flexible conductive material (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) as part of an additional bio-signal sensor to contact at least part of an upper and rear surface of an ear of the user (<NUM>), wherein the front portion (<NUM>) and the rear portion (<NUM>) are joined at the at least one side portion (<NUM>), and wherein when the wearable device (<NUM>) is placed on the head of the user (<NUM>), downward pressure is distributed along the length of the flexible conductive material (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to contour the conductive material to the upper and rear surface of the ear of the user (<NUM>);
wherein at least one portion of the flexible band (<NUM>) includes an elastic substrate that elongates to a stretched state when worn; and
wherein the flexible conductive material (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is formed from a conductive layer (<NUM>) applied to a substrate (<NUM>).