PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10754437-B2
Application Number: US-201916285029-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Wrist-worn electronic device and methods therefor

Abstract:
Embodiments of electronic wristwatches are disclosed. According to one embodiment, an electronic wristband can provide additional electrical circuitry or devices that can be made available for use as or with an electronic device. In one embodiment, the electronic device can be a mobile electronic device that can be removably coupled to the electronic wristband which provides the additional circuitry or devices. Advantageously, the electronic device can utilize the additional electrical circuitry or devices provided within the electronic wristband to augment the capabilities of the electronic device. In another embodiment, the electronic device can be integrally formed with the electronic wristband which provides the additional circuitry or devices.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic wristband to be worn on a wrist of a user, the electronic wristband comprising:
 a retention portion configured to releasably retain a mobile electronic device, the mobile electronic device comprising a touch-sensitive display for receiving a touch input from the user and providing a visual output to the user, the mobile electronic device being independently useable apart from the electronic wristband to perform a first set of functions; 
 an electrical connector positioned at the retention portion to electrically connect to the mobile electronic device; 
 a band portion extending from the retention portion for securing the mobile electronic device to the wrist of the user; and 
 an antenna positioned at the band portion and being operatively connected to the mobile electronic device via the electrical connector when the mobile electronic device is retained by the retention portion, wherein the mobile electronic device, when retained by the retention portion, is operable to perform a second set of functions, the second set of functions comprising the first set of functions and further comprising wirelessly communicating information with another electronic device via the antenna, the information corresponding to the touch input or the visual output. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic wristband of  claim 1 , wherein the antenna is a Bluetooth antenna, and near-field antenna, or a Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna. 
     
     
       3. The electronic wristband of  claim 1 , wherein the antenna is embedded within the band portion. 
     
     
       4. The electronic wristband of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the retention portion forms a receptacle area for receiving the mobile electronic device; 
 the band portion comprises: 
 a first band extending from a first side of the retention portion; and 
 a second band extending from a second side of the retention portion. 
 
     
     
       5. An electronic wristband to be worn on a wrist of a user, the electronic wristband comprising:
 a retention portion configured to releasably retain a mobile electronic device, the mobile electronic device being independently useable apart from the electronic wristband to perform a first set of functions and comprising:
 a display; and 
 an audio output device; 
 
 an electrical connector positioned at the retention portion to electrically connect to the mobile electronic device; 
 a band portion extending from the retention portion for securing the mobile electronic device to the wrist of the user; and 
 a haptic device that is operatively connected to the mobile electronic device via the electrical connector when the mobile electronic device is retained by the retention portion, wherein the mobile electronic device, when retained by the retention portion, is operable to perform a second set of functions, the second set of functions comprising the first set of functions and further comprising:
 receiving a notification request from an additional electronic device; and 
 operating the haptic device of the electronic wristband to provide a user notification to the user based on the notification request. 
 
 
     
     
       6. The electronic wristband of  claim 5 , wherein the haptic device is positioned adjacent to the mobile electronic device when the mobile electronic device is retained by the retention portion. 
     
     
       7. The electronic wristband of  claim 5 , wherein the haptic device comprises a piezoelectric device. 
     
     
       8. The electronic wristband of  claim 5 , wherein the haptic device is configured to controllably provide a physical alert to the user via the wrist of the user. 
     
     
       9. The electronic wristband of  claim 5 , wherein the second set of functions further comprises displaying visual information on the display of the mobile electronic device based on the notification request. 
     
     
       10. The electronic wristband of  claim 5 , wherein the second set of functions further comprises providing auditory information via the audio output device of the mobile electronic device based on the notification request. 
     
     
       11. The electronic wristband of  claim 5 , further comprising a sensor. 
     
     
       12. The electronic wristband of  claim 11 , wherein the sensor comprises an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a GPS device, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor, or a force sensor. 
     
     
       13. The electronic wristband of  claim 11 , wherein the second set of functions further comprises:
 detecting, by the sensor, a user input; and 
 interpreting the user input as a response to the user notification. 
 
     
     
       14. The electronic wristband of  claim 13 , wherein the additional electronic device is a phone and the notification request corresponds to an incoming call at the phone. 
     
     
       15. The electronic wristband of  claim 14 , wherein the user input comprises an indication to accept or decline the incoming call. 
     
     
       16. The electronic wristband of  claim 11 , wherein the second set of functions further comprises:
 detecting, by the sensor, an arm or a wrist gesture performed by the user; and 
 interpreting the arm or the wrist gesture as a user input responsive to the user notification. 
 
     
     
       17. An electronic wristband to be worn on a wrist of a user, the electronic wristband comprising:
 a retention portion configured to releasably retain a mobile electronic device, the mobile electronic device being independently useable apart from the electronic wristband to perform a function and comprising:
 a display; and 
 an audio output device; 
 
 an electrical connector positioned at the retention portion to electrically connect to the mobile electronic device; 
 a band portion extending from the retention portion for securing the mobile electronic device to the wrist of the user; and 
 a user input device configured to receive a user input from the user, wherein the electronic wristband is configured to control the function of the mobile electronic device based on the user input. 
 
     
     
       18. The electronic wristband of  claim 17 , wherein the user input device comprises a touch screen and the user input comprises a touch input. 
     
     
       19. The electronic wristband of  claim 17 , wherein the mobile electronic device comprises a portable media player configured to play a media item, and the user input comprises a playback control. 
     
     
       20. The electronic wristband of  claim 17 , wherein the function of the mobile electronic device comprises media storage or playback.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/326,292, filed on Jul. 8, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/187,310, filed on Jul. 20, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/438,105, filed Jan. 31, 2011, entitled “WRIST-WORN ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHODS THEREFOR.” The disclosures of both applications are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Portable electronic devices are commonplace today. Some examples of portable electronic devices include portable digital assistants, portable media players, mobile telephones, and portable game players. In some cases these portable electronic devices can be carried by a user with relative ease, placed in a pocket of user&#39;s clothing, or clipped onto the user or the user&#39;s clothing. Some portable electronic devices are small enough to be worn by a user. One example of a portable electronic device is a highly portable media players, such as an iPod Nano™. Another example of a portable electronic device is an electronic watch. 
     Additionally, accessories have been utilized to provide additional functionality to portable electronic devices. Typically, accessories are small electrical products that can attach to a portable electronic device, such as through an external electrical connection port or through a short-range wireless connection. One example of an accessory is a wireless headset that can wirelessly connect to the portable electronic device to provide hands-free usage. Another example of an accessory is a FM receiver provided as a small electrical product that can be attached to a portable electronic device via a cable, which is useful when the portable electronic device does not already include a FM receiver. Still another example of an accessory is a wireless data capture device. 
     There are, however, continuing needs to make portable electronic devices smaller and more portable. There is also a continuing need to enhance functionalities of portable electronic devices. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an electronic wristband according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of an electronic wristband according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic wristband according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic wristband according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a personal wireless environment according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic wristband according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic wristband according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic wristband according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  shows a flow chart of a method implemented in an electronic wristband wearable on a wrist of a user. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to an electronic wristwatch. According to one embodiment, an electronic wristband can provide additional electrical circuitry or devices that can be made available for use as or with an electronic device. In one embodiment, the electronic device can be a mobile electronic device that can be removably coupled to the electronic wristband which provides the additional circuitry or devices. Advantageously, the electronic device can utilize the additional electrical circuitry or devices provided within the electronic wristband to augment the capabilities of the electronic device. In another embodiment, the electronic device can be integrally formed with the electronic wristband which provides the additional circuitry or devices. 
     The invention may be implemented in numerous ways, including, but not limited to, a system, device, apparatus or method. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are discussed below. 
     As an electronic wristband to be worn on a wrist of a user, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least a central portion and at least one band portion. The central portion can have a receptacle area configured to receive a mobile electronic device. The mobile electronic device can include a display and be independently useable apart from the electronic watchband. The least one band portion can be coupled to central portion and suitable to assist with securing the electronic wristband to the wrist of the user. The at least one band portion can also include at least one electrical component provided internal to the at least one band portion and operatively connected to the mobile electronic device when provided in the receptacle area. 
     As an electronic wristband to be worn on a wrist of a user, another embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least a central portion and at least one band portion. The central portion can include a touch screen display, control circuitry and a battery. The touch screen display can be configured to present visual information to the user and to receive user input from the user. The control circuitry can be configured to control operation of the electronic watchband, and the battery can be configured to provide power to the electronic wristband. The at least one band portion can be coupled to the central portion and suitable to assist with securing the electronic wristband to the wrist of the user. The at least one band portion can include at least one electrical component provided internal to the at least one band portion and operatively connected to the control circuitry. 
     Various aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 8  shows a flow chart of a method implemented in an electronic wristband wearable on a wrist of a user. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to an electronic wristwatch. According to one embodiment, an electronic wristband can provide additional electrical circuitry or devices that can be made available for use as or with an electronic device. In one embodiment, the electronic device can be a mobile electronic device that can be removably coupled to the electronic wristband which provides the additional circuitry or devices. Advantageously, the electronic device can utilize the additional electrical circuitry or devices provided within the electronic wristband to augment the capabilities of the electronic device. In another embodiment, the electronic device can be integrally formed with the electronic wristband which provides the additional circuitry or devices. 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-7 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an electronic wristband  100  according to one embodiment. The electronic wristband  100  is suitable to be worn about a wrist of a user. The electronic wristband  100  can include a center portion  102 , a first band portion  104  and a second band portion  106 . The first band portion  104  is connected to the center portion  102  at a first hinge  108 , and the second band portion  106  is connected to the center portion  102  at a second hinge  110 . The opposite ends of the first and second band portions  104 ,  106  can include a clasp or other attachment mechanism to secure together such ends. As such, the first and second band portions  104 ,  106  can be secured about a wrist of the user. In one embodiment, the center portion  102  can be configured to receive a mobile electronic device  112  that can be coupled to the center portion  102  of the electronic wristband  100 . In another embodiment, the center portion  102  can be configured to provide an integrated electronic device  112 . The electronic device  112  can include a display  114 . In one implementation, the display  114  is a touch screen display capable of receiving touch inputs from a user. The electronic device typically has one or more native functions. In one embodiment, the electronic device  112  has a native function as a portable media player and thus provides media storage and playback. 
     Additionally, one or both of the first band portion  104  and the second band portion  106  can include an electrical component. The electrical component can be internal to (e.g., embedded) within the associated band portion. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the first band portion  104  can include a first band electrical component  116 , and the second band portion  106  can include a second band electrical component  118 . The electrical components  116 ,  118  can be electrically coupled to the electronic device  112  via wired or wireless means. As example, the electrical components  116 ,  118  can includes at least one of an accelerometer, an antenna, a GPS receiver, a wireless communication transceiver, or a haptic device. 
     Still further, the central portion  102  of the electronic wristband  100  can include one or more electrical components. The one or more electrical components in the central portion  102  can also be coupled to the electronic device  112  via wired or wireless means. As examples, the one or more electrical components included in the central portion  102  can be one or more of a haptic device, a printed circuit substrate, an accelerometer, or a battery. 
     The center portion  102 , the first band portion  104  and the second band portion  106  can be formed of various different materials. For example, the material can include any one or more of rubber, silicone, plastic, mylar, vinyl, etc. 
       FIG. 2  is a front view of an electronic wristband  200  according to one embodiment. The electronic wristband  200  includes a center portion  202 , a first band portion  204  and a second band portion  206 . In one embodiment, the center portion  202  can be configured to receive a mobile electronic device  208 . In such an embodiment, the mobile electronic device  208  can be removably secured to the center portion  202  by one or more of: detents, connectors, recesses, magnets, hook and loop materials, latches, etc. In another embodiment, the mobile electronic device  208  can be integral with the center portion  202 . In either case, the mobile electronic device  208  can include a display  210  for output of information to a user. In one implementation, the display  210  can be a touch-sensitive display that can not only output information to a user but can also receive inputs from the user. The electronic wristband  200  can also include an audio receptacle for receiving an audio jack  212 . The audio jack  212  can be associated with a speaker and/or microphone, such as an earphone or headset, for audio output or pickup. 
     Additionally, one or both of the first band portion  204  and the second band portion  206  can include an electrical component. The electrical component can be internal to (e.g., embedded within) the associated band portion. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the first band portion  204  can include a first band electrical component  214 , and the second band portion  206  can include a second band electrical component  216 . As example, the electrical components  214 ,  216  can include at least one of an accelerometer, an antenna, a GPS receiver, a wireless communication transceiver, or a haptic device. The electrical components  214 ,  216  can be electrically coupled to the mobile electronic device  208  via wired or wireless means, regardless of whether the mobile electronic device  208  is integrated into the electronic wristband  200  or whether the mobile electronic device  208  is removably secured to the center portion  202  of the electronic wristband  200 . 
     Still further, the central portion  202  of the electronic wristband  200  can include one or more electrical components (not shown). The one or more electrical components in the central portion  202  can also be coupled to the electronic device  208  via wired or wireless means. As examples, the one or more electrical components included in the central portion  202  can be one or more of a haptic device, a printed circuit substrate, an accelerometer, or a battery. 
       FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic wristband  300  according to one embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG. 3A , the electronic wristband  300  does not have a mobile electronic device attached. The electronic wristband  300  includes a central portion  302 , a first band portion  304 , and a second band portion  306 . The central band portion  302  includes a receptacle area  308 . Although the receptacle area  308  is configured to receive mobile electronic device, as depicted in  FIG. 3A , the electronic wristband  300  does not have a mobile electronic device placed in the receptacle area  308 . The central portion  302  can also include one or more electrical components. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3A , the central portion  302  can include a printed circuit substrate  310  and a haptic device  312 . In this embodiment, the printed circuit substrate  310  and the haptic device  312  are provided in a bottom surface  313  of the central portion  302 . Alternatively or additionally, the central portion  302  can include an accelerometer and/or a battery as other or alternative electronic components. 
     The receptacle area  308  can also configured to retain a mobile electronic device that has been placed within the receptacle area  308 . In one embodiment, a connector  314  can be used to at least partially retain a mobile electronic device in the receptacle area  308 . The connector  314  can be shaped as a functional electrical connector to fit within a functional connector jack of the mobile electronic device. The connector  314  can be an electrical connection, such as a 30-pin connector, can provide not only provide mechanical retention but also electrical connection with electrical components provided by the electronic wristband  300 . 
     The first band portion  304  can couple to the central portion  302  via a hinge  316 . Similarly, the second band portion  306  can couple to the central portion  302  via a hinge  318 . However, in an alternative embodiment, the first and second band portions  304  and  306  can couple to the central portion  302  without use of any hinges. In any case, the first band portion  304  can include one or more electrical components  320 , and the second band portion  306  can include one or more electrical components  322 . The one or more electrical components  320  provided within the first band portion  304  can be electrically coupled to other electrical components provided elsewhere, such as within (i) the central portion  302 , (ii) a mobile electronic device coupled to the receptacle area  308 , and/or (iii) the second band portion  306 . Similarly, the one or more electrical components  322  provided within the second band portion  306  can be electrically coupled to other electrical components provided elsewhere, such as within (i) the central portion  302 , (ii) a mobile electronic device coupled to the receptacle area  308 , and/or (iii) within the first band portion  304 . 
     The one or more electrical components  320  in the first band portion  304  can include an antenna. Since the first band portion  304  is typically formed from a non-metallic material, the antenna can be provided in the first band portion  304  with good operational performance. The antenna can be a short-range wireless antenna (e.g., Bluetooth™ antenna), a near-field antenna, or a Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna. The first band portion  304  can also include a plurality of one or more antennas. 
     The one or more electrical components  322  in the second band portion  306  can include an accelerometer. Since the second band portion  306  is typically formed from a non-metallic material, the one or more electrical components  322  can also include an antenna. In some embodiments, the electronic wristband  300  will include multiple antenna, in which case either or both of the first band portion  304  and the second band portion  306  can include one or more antennas. As examples, the one or more antennas can be selected from the group of: a short-range wireless antenna (e.g., Bluetooth™ antenna), a near-field antenna, or a Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna. 
     More generally, the one or more electronic components  320  in the first band portion  304  and the one or more electronic components  322  in the second band portion  306  can vary depending on design parameters applied to the electronic wristband  300 . As examples, the one or more electronic components  320 ,  322  can be select from the group including: an accelerometer, an antenna, a GPS receiver, a wireless communication transceiver, or a haptic device. 
       FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic wristband  300 ′ according to one embodiment. The electronic wristband  300 ′ is the same as the electronic wristband  300  shown in  FIG. 3A . Namely, the electronic wristband  300 ′ has a mobile electronic device  340  attached. The mobile electronic device  340  is removably secured in the receptacle area  308 . For example, at least the connector  314  is used to assist with securing the mobile electronic device  340  in the receptacle area  308 . Once the mobile electronic device  340  is secured in the receptacle area  308 , the electrical connector  314  (when a functional electrical connector) can be used to enable electrical connection between the mobile electronic device  340  and any of the one or more electrical components  310 ,  312 ,  322  or  322  within the electronic wristband  300 ′. 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a personal wireless environment  400  according to one embodiment. The personal wireless environment  400  allows a user of multiple electronic devices to make use of an electronic wristband  402  for certain output information and/or for certain input. The presence of the electronic wristband  402  in the personal wireless environment  400  allows for efficient and convenient user interaction with one or more other electronic devices. More particularly, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the personal wireless environment  400  can enable the user of the electronic wristband  402  to interact with a mobile phone  404 , a portable computer  406  or a desktop computer  408 . The interaction with the electronic wristband  402  can be wired or wireless. However, for ease of use, the electronic wristband  402  can support wireless interaction with nearby electronic devices, such as one or more of the mobile phone  404 , the portable computer  406  or the desktop computer  408 . Here, the electronic wrist band  402  can be considered to form or use a piconet established between the electronic wristband  402  and one or more of the mobile phone  404 , the portable computer  406  or the desktop computer  408 . 
     The personal wireless environment  400  can be configured to support one or more information exchanges using an electronic wristband as discussed herein. 
     One information exchange facilitated by the personal wireless environment  400  is a notification (or alert) that is initiated by one electronic device to a nearby electronic wristband (e.g., electronic wristband  402 ). In one implementation, the electronic wristband  402  can receive a notification request from another nearby electronic device, such as the mobile phone  404 . Typically, a user would be carrying or wearing the electronic wristband  402  and the mobile phone  404 . The notification request can be received (via wire or wirelessly) at the electronic wristband  402  and can cause the electronic wristband  402  to notify the user. In general, the notification request can be considered a push notification from another electronic device to the electronic wristband  402 . As one example, the notification request can cause the electronic wristband  402  to activate haptic device, an audio device and/or a display device of the electronic wristband  402  to signal the user of the notification. Once the user is notified (or altered), the user can in some cases view additional information pertaining to the notification via the display device or hear additional information pertaining to the notification via the audio device (e.g., a speaker). In some cases, the user can also further interact with the electronic wristband  402  to respond to the notification. For example, if the notification alerts the user of an incoming phone call at the mobile phone  404 , through interaction with the electronic wristband  402 , the user can accept or decline the incoming call. Hence, advantageously, the user can use the electronic wristband  402  as a remote Input/Output (I/O) interface for the mobile phone  404 . 
     Another information exchange facilitated by the personal wireless environment  400  is a notification (or alert) that is initiated by one electronic device to a nearby electronic wristband (e.g., electronic wristband  402 ). 
     An incoming phone call, a text message, a social network post, or a news feed directed to a user&#39;s electronic device (e.g., mobile phone) can cause a notification to be provided to a nearby electronic wristband of the user. In effect, incoming messages or data to a user&#39;s electronic device can be pushed (e.g., wirelessly transferred) to the electronic wristband. 
     Besides information exchange, an electronic wristband can be use to provide remote user controls to a user. For example, when a portable media player (e.g., MP3 player, or mobile device (e.g., smart phone) operating media player application) is playing a media item, the portable media player can be controlled by one or more user controls made available by the electronic wristwatch. For example, the electronic wristband can be configured to present media playback controls on a touch screen of the electronic wristband. 
     Applications operating on a user&#39;s electronic device can also initiate an alert to a nearby electronic wristband. For example, the alert could pertain to calendar alerts, stock alerts, weather alerts, etc. Also, applications can also seek remote user input from the electronic wristband. 
     Still further, an electronic wristband can also alert is user if its linked electronic device goes out of range. For example, if the electronic device is a mobile phone or a mobile computing device, an out of range notification to the user via the electronic wristband can thus notify the user that their electronic device is out of range. This notification can serve as a warning that they may have forgotten their electronic device, that the electronic device may have be improperly taken, or that simply they are now out of range. 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic wristband  500  according to one embodiment. The electronic wristband  500  includes a central portion  502 , a first band portion  504 , and a second band portion  506 . The central band portion  502  includes a receptacle area that removably retains a mobile electronic device  508 . The central portion  502  can also include one or more electrical components. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the central portion  502  can include a printed circuit substrate  510  and a haptic device  512 . In this embodiment, the printed circuit substrate  510  and the haptic device  512  are provided in a bottom surface  513  of the central portion  502 . Alternatively or additionally, the central portion  502  can include an accelerometer, a battery and/or various other electronic components. 
     The receptacle area can be configured to retain the mobile electronic device  508  that has been placed within the receptacle area. In one embodiment, a connector  514  can be used to at least partially retain the mobile electronic device  508  in the receptacle area. The connector  514  can be an electrical connector that fits within a connector jack of the mobile electronic device. The connector  514  can be an electrical connector, such as a 30-pin connector, which can not only provide mechanical retention but also electrical connection with one or more of electrical components provided by the electronic wristband  500 . 
     The first band portion  504  can couple to the central portion  502  via a hinge  516 . Similarly, the second band portion  506  can couple to the central portion  502  via a hinge  518 . However, in an alternative embodiment, the first and second band portions  504  and  506  can couple to the central portion  502  without use of any hinges. In any case, the first band portion  504  can include a Bluetooth antenna  520  and a near-field antenna  522 . The Bluetooth antenna  520  and the near-field antenna  522  can be electrically coupled to the portable electronic device  508  via the connector  514 . The first band portion  504  can also include an audio port  528  for receiving an audio jack plug. The audio port  528  can be electrically coupled to the portable electronic device  508  via the connector  514 . The second band portion  506  can include an accelerometer and  528  a Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna  526 . The accelerometer  528  and the GPS antenna  526  can be electrically coupled to the portable electronic device  508  via the connector  514 . 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic wristband  600  according to one embodiment. The electronic wristband  600  includes a central portion  602 , a first band portion  604 , and a second band portion  606 . The central band portion  602  includes a receptacle area that removably retains a mobile electronic device  608 . As one example, the mobile electronic device  608  can pertain to a highly portable media player, such as an iPod™ (e.g., iPod Nano™) available from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. The central portion  602  can also include one or more electrical components. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the central portion  602  can include a printed circuit substrate  610 , a haptic device  612  and a battery  614 . The printed circuit substrate  610  can, for example, be a flex circuit, rigid flex, or a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The haptic device  612  can be a vibrator, a piezo-electric device, or other device providing a user sensible condition. The battery  614  can be rechargeable and can be used to power the electronic wristband  600  and possibly also to charge of battery within the mobile electronic device  608 . In this embodiment, the printed circuit substrate  610 , the haptic device  612  and the battery  614  are provided in a bottom region  615  of the central portion  602 . Alternatively or additionally, the central portion  602  can include any of a variety of other electronic components. 
     The receptacle area can be configured to retain the mobile electronic device  608  that has been placed within the receptacle area. In one embodiment, a connector  616  can be used to at least partially retain the mobile electronic device  608  in the receptacle area. The connector  616  can be an electrical connector that fits within a connector jack of the mobile electronic device. The connector  616  can be an electrical connector, such as a 30-pin connector, which can not only provide mechanical retention but also electrical connection with one or more of electrical components provided by the electronic wristband  600 . 
     The first band portion  604  can couple to the central portion  602  via a hinge  618 . Similarly, the second band portion  606  can couple to the central portion  602  via a hinge  620 . However, in an alternative embodiment, the first and second band portions  604  and  606  can couple to the central portion  602  without use of any hinges. In any case, the first band portion  604  can include a Bluetooth antenna  624  and a near-field antenna  622 . The Bluetooth antenna  624  and the near-field antenna  622  can be electrically coupled to the portable electronic device  608  via the connector  616 . The first band portion  604  can also include an audio port  626  for receiving an audio jack plug. The audio port  626  can be electrically coupled to the portable electronic device  608  via the connector  616 . The second band portion  606  can include an accelerometer  628  and a Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna  630 . The accelerometer  628  and the GPS antenna  630  can be electrically coupled to the portable electronic device  608  via the connector  616 . 
     In one embodiment, an electronic wristband can integrally include electrical components to provide all its supported functionality and thus does not receive, couple to or need electronic components of a portable electronic device. In this embodiment, unlike  FIGS. 3A, 3B, 5, 6 and 7 , the electronic wristband does not include a receptacle for receiving a portable electronic device. 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic wristband  700  according to one embodiment. The electronic wristband  700  integrates all of the electrical components it requires and thus does not receive a separate portable electronic device. The electronic wristband  700  includes a central portion  702 , a first band portion  704 , and a second band portion  706 . The central band portion  702  can include one or more electrical components. For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the central portion  702  can include a display screen  708 , which may be a touch screen, a printed circuit substrate  710  having electronic circuitry, a haptic device  712  and a battery  714 . In this embodiment, the printed circuit substrate  710 , the haptic device  712  and the battery  714  are provided at least partially within the central portion  702 . Alternatively or additionally, the central portion  702  can include any of a variety of other electronic components. 
     The first band portion  704  can couple to the central portion  702  via a hinge  716 . Similarly, the second band portion  706  can couple to the central portion  702  via a hinge  718 . However, in an alternative embodiment, the first and second band portions  704  and  706  can couple to the central portion  702  without use of any hinges. In any case, the first band portion  704  can include a Bluetooth antenna  720  and a near-field antenna  722 . The Bluetooth antenna  720  and the near-field antenna  722  can be electrically coupled to the electronic components in the central portion  702  and/or the second band portion  706 . The first band portion  704  can also include an audio port  724  for receiving an audio jack plug. The audio port  724  can be electrically coupled to the electronic components in the central portion  702  and/or the second band portion  706 . The second band portion  706  can include an accelerometer  726  and a Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna  728 . The accelerometer  726  and the GPS antenna  728  can be electrically coupled to electronic components in the central portion  702  and/or the second band portion  706 . 
     In the various embodiment discussed herein, the electronic wristband can include a haptic device. As examples, the haptic device can be a vibrator device or a piezo-electric device. The haptic device can produce a vibration that is capable of being sensed by the user. Since the haptic device can be positioned in the electronic wristband, it is positioned proximate to the user&#39;s wrist. As a result, only minimal vibration is needed to be adequately sensed by a user. Advantageously, in some embodiments, the vibration can be non-audible to nearby persons and only detectable by the user. As another advantage, by providing the haptic device proximate to the user&#39;s wrist, it is unlikely that a user would miss a notification because of not sensing the vibration. 
     In the various embodiment discussed herein, the electronic wristband can, for example, extend Input/Output (I/O) of a portable electronic device by providing visual indicators, display, audio, tactile, haptics, buttons, switches, detectors, touch pads, navigation pads, joysticks, keys, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the electronic components can be associated with one or more sensors, such as accelerometers, location (e.g., GPS), proximity, biometric, force and/or the like that extend the capabilities of the electronic wristband or its associated portable electronic device. The electronic components as described herein can also include electronic subassemblies which are a multi-part electronic component. Examples of multi-part electronic components include an electronic circuit, integrated circuit, or substrate (e.g., PCB, flex circuit). 
     In the various embodiment discussed herein, the electronic wristband can, for example, be formed by molding techniques. Molding allows electronic components to be embedded in portions of the electronic wristband. Molding also allows a desired shape of the electronic wristband to be formed. Various molding techniques include compression molding, transfer molding, injection molding, and the like. Some techniques that may be useful to integrate electronics into the molded part include insert molding and/or double shot injection molding. In one embodiment, electrical components (as well as other structures) may be suspended within a mold, and the material may be allowed to be placed around it such that the electrical components are at least partially and possibly fully embedded within the portion of the electronic wristband. 
       FIG. 8  shows a flow chart of a method implemented in an electronic wristband wearable on a wrist of a user. The method  800  includes, in operation  810 , receiving, at the electronic wristband, a notification request. The method  800  further includes, in operation  820 , generating, by the electronic wristband, a user notification responsive to the notification request. The method  800  further includes, in operation  830 , detecting, by the electronic wristband, an arm or wrist gesture performed by the user. The method  800  further includes, in operation  840 , based on the user notification, the arm or wrist gesture, and a predetermined gesture, interpreting the arm or wrist gesture as a user input responsive to the user notification. 
     Another aspect of embodiment of the invention pertains to use of gestures with one&#39;s arm or wrist to provide a user input to an electronic wristband. For example, once a notification request is received at an electronic wristband, the electronic wristband can notify its user. The electronic wristband can also seek a response to the notification. In one embodiment, the electronic wristband can monitor one or more sensors to detect a user gesture with the user&#39;s arm or wrist. For example, the sensors can include an accelerometer and/or gyroscope. Typically, the sensors are digital sensors. The gesture can correspond to specific movements of a user&#39;s wrist or arm can vary with implementation. For example, the gesture might be a horizontal movement for one user input option (e.g., decline incoming call), and might be a vertical movement for another user input option (e.g., accept incoming call). For example, the gesture might be a single shake (or bounce, tap, etc.) of the user&#39;s wrist for one user input option (e.g., accept incoming call), and might be a pair of shakes (or bounces, taps, etc.) for another user input option (e.g., decline incoming call). 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the invention can be used separately or in any combination. 
     The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different embodiments or implementations may, but need not, yield one or more of the following advantages. One advantage of certain embodiments of the invention is that an electronic wristband having one or more electronic components embedded therein can serve to extend or augment capabilities of a portable electronic device. Another advantage of certain embodiments of the invention is that an electronic wristband can be removably secured to the electronic wristband to electrically couple to the one or more electronic components embedded in the electronic wristband. Still another advantage of certain embodiments of the invention is that an electronic wristband can communicate with other nearby computing devices to provide information directly to a user via the electronic wristband. 
     The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the written description. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the invention should not be limited to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20190225
Publication Date: 20200825
Grant Date: 20200825
Priority Date: 20110131
Inventors: GOLKO, ALBERT J.
SCHMIDT, MATHIAS W.
ALVAREZ, Felix J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0254", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B1/385", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B1/385", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0254", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/017", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/017", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0254", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B1/385", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 46577185