PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10331083-B1
Application Number: US-201615268531-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Watch band with optical sensor

Abstract:
A camera optical sensor is disposed at a distal end portion of a camera watch band that attaches a watch body to a user&#39;s wrist. The camera watch band is configured to be coupled to at least one side of the watch body, and the camera watch band includes an optical sensor or camera, and an operable connection to transfer data between the optical sensor and the display or other device. The band is flexible and may be manipulated by a user to aim an optical sensor disposed at the distal end portion of the camera watch band separately from the watch body. The display or other device functions as the viewfinder for the optical sensor.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A watch band comprising:
 a proximal end configured to be coupled to a watch body; 
 a distal end portion connected to the proximal end by an extension portion; 
 an optical sensor disposed within the distal end portion; and 
 an electrical path from the optical sensor to the proximal end, wherein the watch band is configured to transfer data from the optical sensor through the electrical path, wherein the optical sensor is configured to send image data to the watch body, and wherein the extension portion is flexible. 
 
     
     
       2. The watch band of  claim 1 , wherein the optical sensor is housed within a rigid housing, and wherein the rigid housing is connected to the watch band by a rotatable hinge with an axis of rotation extending in a length direction relative to the watch band. 
     
     
       3. The watch band of  claim 1 , wherein the optical sensor is a first optical sensor, the watch band further comprising a second optical sensor disposed within the distal end portion, wherein the first optical sensor and the second optical sensor have opposing optical directions. 
     
     
       4. The watch band of  claim 1 , wherein the extension portion is malleable. 
     
     
       5. The watch band of  claim 1 , wherein the watch band comprises a core comprising at least one of malleable metal and magnetorhelogical fluid. 
     
     
       6. The watch band of  claim 1 , wherein the optical sensor captures an image in response to a user pinching the watch band. 
     
     
       7. The watch band of  claim 1 , wherein the optical sensor captures an image in response to verbal input. 
     
     
       8. The watch band of  claim 1 , wherein the watch band is configured to transfer data from the optical sensor through a wireless connection. 
     
     
       9. The watch band of  claim 1 , wherein the distal end portion comprises a battery and a processor in electrical communication with the optical sensor. 
     
     
       10. A wearable device comprising:
 the watch band of  claim 1 ; and 
 the watch body comprising a display, 
 wherein the proximal end is attached to the watch body, and 
 wherein the distal end portion is movable relative to the watch body when the wearable device is secured around a user&#39;s appendage. 
 
     
     
       11. The wearable device of  claim 10 , wherein the display displays in real time images sensed by the optical sensor, and wherein the display begins displaying the images in response to the distal end portion being manipulated by a user. 
     
     
       12. The watch band of  claim 10 , wherein the distal end portion is configured to be removably mounted to the watch body, at a side of the watch body that is opposite the proximal end. 
     
     
       13. The watch band of  claim 12 , wherein when the distal end portion is mounted to the watch body, the distal end portion is rigidly mounted in a fixed position relative to the watch body. 
     
     
       14. The wearable device of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 a rigid housing forming the distal end portion, wherein the optical sensor is housed within the rigid housing, and wherein the rigid housing is connected to the extension portion by a rotatable hinge with an axis of rotation extending in a length direction relative to the watch band; 
 a battery disposed within the rigid housing and in electrical communication with the optical sensor, and 
 a processor disposed within the rigid housing and in electrical communication with the optical sensor and the battery; 
 wherein the electrical path extends from at least one of the optical sensor, the battery, and the processor to the watch body, for transferring data therebetween; 
 wherein the extension portion is malleable, and 
 wherein the rigid housing is configured to be removably mounted to the watch body. 
 
     
     
       15. A wearable device comprising:
 a watch body comprising a display; 
 a watch band coupled to at least one side of the watch body, wherein the watch band is configured to secure the wearable device around a user&#39;s appendage, the watch band comprising an extension portion and a distal end portion, the distal end portion being coupled to the extension portion by a hinge having an axis of rotation that is parallel to a direction of extension of the extension portion at an interface with the distal end portion; and 
 an optical sensor disposed at the distal end portion of the watch band, wherein the display is configured to show an image captured by the optical sensor. 
 
     
     
       16. The watch band of  claim 15 , wherein the watch band is coupled to the watch body at a proximal end of the watch band and at an intermediate position of the watch band, wherein the intermediate position is disposed between the proximal end and the distal end portion. 
     
     
       17. The watch band of  claim 16 , wherein the distal end portion is connected to the intermediate position by e extension portion, and wherein the extension portion is flexible. 
     
     
       18. The watch band of  claim 17 , wherein the extension portion can be manipulated into a shape and will maintain that shape in the absence of further manipulation. 
     
     
       19. A watch band comprising:
 a distal end portion; and 
 an extension portion coupled to the distal end portion; and 
 an optical sensor coupled to the distal end portion and configured to capture an image based on an orientation of the distal end portion relative to the extension portion, wherein the distal end portion is rotatable relative to the extension portion by at least 180 degrees, and the distal end portion is coupled to the extension portion by a hinge having an axis of rotation that is parallel to a direction of extension of the extension portion at its interface with the distal end portion. 
 
     
     
       20. The watch band of  claim 19 , further comprising an additional optical sensor coupled to the distal end portion, wherein the optical sensor and the additional optical sensor face in opposite directions.

Description:
FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to a wearable device. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to a watch band for a wristwatch or other wrist-mounted device (e.g., a smartwatch). 
     BACKGROUND 
     Recent advances in smartwatches have enabled users to do increasingly more on a watch as opposed to a smart phone. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure details apparatuses related to wearable devices that capture images and video. A potential barrier to smartwatch adoption is their minimal image-capturing ability. Some embodiments described herein include a smartwatch with the functionality of a camera that is independently positionable relative to a watch body. This can allow the smartwatch to capture images and video at angles and orientations that do not depend directly on the angle and orientation of the rest of the smartwatch, including the watch body. Such functionality can replace or at least meaningfully augment a user&#39;s existing camera or camera-enabled device (e.g., smartphone, tablet). Such a wearable device that captures images and video may do so via an optical lens integrated into a distal end portion of a watch band that retains the device on a user&#39;s wrist. Embodiments may include a camera watch band that is capable of connecting directly to one side of the watch body (which may include a display), an optical sensor attached to or integrated within the distal end portion of the camera watch band opposite its connection to the watch body, and a data connection between the optical sensor and the watch body or other device. 
     The camera watch band may be capable of attaching a smartwatch to a user&#39;s wrist, and an extension portion of the band (i.e., a portion of the band that is not used to connect the smartwatch to the user&#39;s wrist) may house an optical sensor. The extension portion of the camera watch band may be flexible such that it can be manipulated by a user (e.g., by bending or twisting) to aim the optical sensor. The optical sensor may be housed in a distal end portion of the camera watch band. In some embodiments, the extension portion of the camera watch band may maintain its form after being manipulated and released by a user, to maintain a user-set camera orientation relative to the rest of the smartwatch. To help maintain its form, the flexible camera watch band may include a malleable metal core, a core of magnetorhelogical fluid, mechanical links, or any combination of these features. In some embodiments, the optical sensor may be disposed in a rigid housing within the distal end portion of the camera watch band. Alternatively, the optical sensor may removably mount to the watch body to secure the optical sensor in a closer fixed position relative to the watch body. 
     A display screen of the watch body or other device may act as a viewfinder for the optical sensor. The optical sensor may transfer data to the watch body or other device though a conducted electrical path or a wireless connection, for example. 
     The optical sensor may capture images or video when the user takes an affirmative action such as pinching the camera watch band, giving a verbal command, pressing a button on the distal end portion of the camera watch band, or pressing a button on the case (e.g., on the screen of the display, which may include a graphical input on a touchscreen of the display). 
     In some embodiments, a second optical sensor is coupled to the opposing side of the camera watch band to which the first optical sensor is coupled. The user may quickly switch between optical sensors or capture images or video from either optical sensor or from both optical sensors at the same time. 
     In some embodiments, the optical sensor is coupled to the camera watch band by a rotatable hinge, allowing the optical sensor to be rotated at the end of the camera watch band. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a watch with a camera watch band being used in an example environment. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a watch with a camera watch band with its camera stowed. 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a watch with a camera watch band with its camera deployed. 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a watch with a camera watch band being handled by a user. 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a watch with a camera watch band where the camera is in a closely deployed state. 
         FIG. 6  shows side view of a watch with a camera watch band where the camera is in a closely deployed state. 
         FIG. 7  shows a side view of a camera watch band with two optical sensors. 
         FIG. 8  shows a side view of a camera watch band with a rotatable hinge. 
         FIG. 9  shows a block diagram of a camera watch band system. 
         FIG. 10  shows a side view of a watch with an auxiliary camera band coupled to one side of a watch body. 
         FIG. 11  shows a side view of the watch of  FIG. 10  with the auxiliary camera band in a different position. 
         FIG. 12  shows a side view of a camera watch band comprised of mechanical links. 
         FIG. 13  shows a side view of a watch with a camera watch band with two band portions. 
         FIG. 14  shows a side view of the watch of  FIG. 13  with the two band portions connected. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the claims. 
     A smartwatch that has the capability of capturing images and video may provide an opportunity for users to be more reliant on their smartwatch and less reliant on other devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets, digital cameras) to capture images or videos. Thus, a smartwatch with the capability of capturing images or videos may enable a user to forego carrying a smartphone when doing some activities, especially activities or environments where it would be difficult to take a smartphone (e.g., hiking, running, swimming, surfing, snowboarding, and any number of other situations). Additionally, a smartwatch with the capability of capturing images may enable a user to capture images that would not be conveniently captured with a smartphone. However, a smartwatch with a camera rigidly mounted to a watch body or rigidly mounted to a watch band strapped around a user&#39;s wrist may force a user into uncomfortable and awkward positions to angle the camera&#39;s optical sensor or lens to capture a desired image or video. A user&#39;s arm may also become fatigued when trying to record a video from the smartwatch&#39;s rigidly mounted camera if the user&#39;s arm must be held in such a position for a significant amount of time to record the video. Additionally, by angling the smartwatch to aim its optical sensor, a user may be unable to see an image or video displayed on the smartwatch&#39;s display screen in the moment of capture in situations where the user must awkwardly aim the watch body at the desired target. 
     Thus, to address these difficulties and to improve the user&#39;s experience, some of the embodiments described herein provide for a smartwatch that has a camera that may be conveniently positioned or manipulated by the user independent of the position of the rest of a smartwatch, such as the position of the watch body or display screen. The user may capture images or video with the camera without having to move their arm into an awkward position. The smartwatch may display a real-time field of view of the camera to the user on a display screen, may display images or video to the user at the moment of capture, or may simply store the images or video for the user to observe at a later time. 
     Some embodiments include a camera watch band that may include an optical sensor disposed near a distal end portion of the camera watch band. The optical sensor may send image data to a watch body to which a proximal end of the camera watch band is attached. The image data may be displayed on the display of the watch body. Camera watch bands as described herein may alternatively or additionally be attached to other devices, such as, for example, analog watches, activity trackers, diagnostics sensors, and the like. Further, the camera watch band may be used to attach the smartwatch to a user in a location other than the user&#39;s wrist, such as, for example, the user&#39;s ankle, shoulder, clothing, or backpack. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a wearable device  100  according to some embodiments. Wearable device  100  may be a watch (e.g., a smartwatch). Wearable device  100  includes a camera watch band  200  with an optical sensor  300  arranged to receive optical input through a camera lens  302 , and a watch body  400  with a display  450 . The camera lens may be a normal lens, wide-angle lens, long-focus lens, macro lens, zoom lens, apochromatic lens, fisheye lens, stereoscopic lens, soft-focus lens, or any other suitable camera lens. Camera watch band  200  attaches and secures wearable device  100  to the user&#39;s wrist or other appendage. Optical sensor  300  may be located at a distal end portion of camera watch band  200 , enabling a user to position or manipulate the distal end portion of camera watch band  200  and simultaneously manipulate a field of view of optical sensor  300 . The movement of optical sensor  300  may be independent of the movement of watch body  400 , due to flexibility of camera watch band  200  leading up to its distal end portion. Accordingly, the user may position the field of view of optical sensor  300  to capture desired images or video. For example,  FIG. 1  illustrates the user capturing an image or video of a nature scene. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments a proximal end  210  of camera watch band  200  couples to one side of watch body  400  at a connection  410 . Camera watch band  200  then couples to a connection  412  forming a loop around a user&#39;s wrist to attach and secure wearable device  100  to the user. A distal end portion  220  of camera watch band  200  may be attached to another part of camera watch band  200  (e.g., at anchor  230 ) to secure distal end portion  220  in a stowed position when optical sensor  300  is not deployed. Distal end portion  220  of camera watch band  200  is not directly secured to watch body  400 ; it is a free tail end of camera watch band  200 . 
     Camera watch band  200  may be coupled to one side of watch body  400  at connection  410  by magnets, a buckle, a latch, a hinge, a snap, or other mechanical interlock or attachment mechanism. Connection  412  may be at an opposite side of watch body  400  as connection  410 . Connection  412  may secure camera watch band  200  so that the length of camera watch band  200  is constrained between connection  410  and connection  412  once camera watch band  200  has been connected to connection  412  by the user. In this way even while or after the user is manipulating optical sensor  300 , wearable device  100  remains secured to the user&#39;s wrist. Connection  412  may be, for example, a friction-fit pass-through, a buckle, a latch, a snap, a hook-and-loop fastener or other mechanical interlock or attachment mechanism. Through its connections at  410  and  412 , camera watch band  200  may secure wearable device  100  around a wearer&#39;s wrist or other appendage without loosening regardless of the motion of distal end portion  220  and optical sensor  300 . 
     Distal end portion  220  may be removably attached to anchor  230  by, for example, magnets, buckles, latches, snaps, or other mechanical interlock or attachment mechanism. In some embodiments, anchor  230  is not a separate component, but a location along camera watch band  200  (which may be one of multiple such locations) to which distal end portion  220  may be attached. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates distal end portion  220  of camera watch band  200  removed from anchor  230 , such that camera watch band  200  and optical sensor  300  are in a deployed position. The user may remove distal end portion  220  of camera watch band  200  from anchor  230  when the user desires to use optical sensor  300  to capture imagery. A free portion of camera watch band  200  that is not used to attach watch body  400  to the user&#39;s wrist may form an extension portion  228 . Extension portion  228  extends between connection  412  and distal end portion  220 . Optical sensor  300  is disposed at distal end portion  220  of camera watch band  200 . For example, distal end portion  220  may extend from the distal end of camera watch band  200  by at least a distance equal to a diameter of optical sensor  300  (e.g., by twice the diameter of optical sensor  300 ). This distance may be less than 2 inches (e.g., 1 inch or ½ inch). Optical sensor  300 , which is disposed within distal end portion  220 , may be positioned a distance from the distal end of camera watch band  200  equal to less than the diameter of optical sensor  300  (e.g., less than half the diameter of optical sensor  300 ). This distance may be less than 1 inch from the distal end of camera watch band  200 ). 
     Camera watch band  200  may be constructed of a flexible material. Thus, the user may manipulate optical sensor  300  at distal end portion  220  to capture images or video by positioning and pointing optical sensor  300  at a desired object. Since camera watch band  200  is flexible, extension portion  228  of camera watch band  200  may bend and twist in response to the user&#39;s movement of optical sensor  300  at distal end portion  220 . Extension portion  228  of camera watch band  200  may be manipulated relative to watch body  400  in a variety of different directions due to the flexibility of camera watch band  200 . In this way, optical sensor  300  has a substantially free range of motion relative to watch body  400 . For example, optical sensor  300  may be moved further from or closer to watch body  400 , be rotated around watch body  400  (e.g., with connection  412  acting as an axis of rotation, to raise or lower the position of optical sensor  300  relative to watch body  400 ), be twisted (e.g., to turn the optical sensor  300  left or right relative to watch body  400 ), or be moved in any combinations of these ways. Though the movement of extension portion  228  is independent of the movement of watch body  400 , the field of view may be changed by movement of both watch body  400  and extension portion  228 . For example, the user may move their arm or wrist left to right and up and down in addition to moving optical sensor  300  to change the field of view of optical sensor  300 . 
     Camera watch band  200  may further include a processor  224  disposed therein (e.g., within distal end portion  220 ). Processor  224  may process images or video captured by optical sensor  300  before they are transferred to watch body  400  (and display  450 ) or another device. Processor  224  may transfer images or video to watch body  400  through a conducted electrical path  226 . Conducted electrical path  226  may be made from, for example, copper, gold, silver, conductive polymers, plasmas, or other suitable materials. Processor  224  may enable image processing to be performed at distal end portion  220  rather than at watch body  400 , which may facilitate faster image processing or fewer requirements for watch body  400 . 
     Camera watch band  200  may further include a battery  222  disposed therein (e.g., within distal end portion  220 ). One or more optical sensors  300  and processors  224  may be powered by battery  222 . In some embodiments battery  222  may supplement power provided to optical sensor  300  and processor  224  by another battery of wearable device  100  (e.g., via conducted electrical path  226 ). This may help minimize power draw on other batteries of wearable device  100  and lengthen the overall battery life of wearable device  100 . 
     Optical sensor  300 , processor  224 , and battery  222  may be housed in an optical sensor housing  221  of camera watch band  200 . Optical sensor housing  221  may be integrally connected to the rest of camera watch band  200 . Alternatively, optical sensor housing  221  may be removably connected to the rest of camera watch band by adhesive, magnets, buckles, latches, a hinge, a snap, or other mechanical interlock or attachment mechanisms. In such embodiments, optical sensor housing  221  may be removed from the rest of camera watch band  200  to allow the user the preference of taking optical sensor  300  on a desired outing or trip. Optical sensor housing  221  may be formed of a rigid material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, aluminum, stainless steel, low-density polyethylene, or other suitable material. Such rigidity may help protect the electronic components within optical sensor housing  221  as well in assist in helping the user obtain a steady field of view when aiming optical sensor  300  at a desired object. 
     Display  450  of watch body  400  may function as a viewfinder for optical sensor  300 . In other words, display  450  may display images sensed or captured by optical sensor  300  in real time. The user may manipulate optical sensor  300  separately from watch body  400  and display  450  as described above. Accordingly, the user may hold display  450  in one position relative to the user while the user manipulates optical sensor  300 . This may allow the user to conveniently concentrate on the stably-positioned viewfinder of display  450  rather than on the moving optical sensor  300 . 
     The viewfinder of display  450  or a camera application of wearable device  100  may automatically activate when distal end portion  220  of camera watch band  200  is removed from a stowed position, e.g., when distal end portion  220  of camera watch band  200  is removed from anchor  230 . Camera watch band  200  (or anchor  230 ) may include a sensor  234  (or  232 ) to detect when distal end portion  220  is removed from anchor  230  and send a signal to wearable device  100  to activate the viewfinder of display  450 . Alternatively, the viewfinder of display  450  may automatically activate when the user begins to manipulate distal end portion  220 . For example, sensor  234  of distal end portion  220  may include an accelerometer to detect movement of distal end portion  220 , or processor  224  of distal end portion  220  may detect movement in imagery sensed by optical sensor  300  that is independent of movement of watch body  400  (e.g., sensed by components of watch body  400  itself), thereby indicating that distal end portion  220  is being moved relative to watch body  400 . Accordingly, when sensor  234  (or processor  224 ) detects movement of distal end portion  220 , a signal may be sent to wearable device  100  to activate the viewfinder of display  450 . 
     Camera watch band  200  or a portion thereof may have malleable properties, in that it can be bent and manipulated upon the application of sufficient force, and it will remain in its last position relative to watch body  400  (and display  450 ) after the force is removed and in the absence of further manipulation. In other words, it can be bent out of shape without a tendency to return to its previous shape or to change shape under force of gravity. This can help enable one-handed operation of camera watch band  200 , since a user can manipulate optical sensor  300  into a desired position relative to watch body  400 , and upon releasing camera watch band  200 , optical sensor  300  will maintain its relative position. This can enable the user to then aim optical sensor  300  using the arm upon which wearable device  100  is mounted, without continuing to hold optical sensor  300 .  FIG. 4  illustrates camera watch band  200  with a malleable core  270  (e.g., a malleable metal core  270 ) forming a portion of camera watch band  200  (e.g., embedded within camera watch band  200 ). 
     Core  270  may be made of, for example, gold, copper, platinum, aluminum, or other metal or alloy. Thus, camera watch band  200  may be manipulated into a desired shape, and the user may capture images with optical sensor  300  in a fixed position relative to the user&#39;s appendage to which camera watch band  200  is attached. 
     Alternatively, core  270  may be formed of magnetorhelogical fluid. In such embodiments wearable device  100  may selectively apply a magnetic field to core  270  in order to increase core&#39;s  270  viscosity such that core  270  becomes a viscoelastic solid. For example, the user may position camera watch band  200  into a desired position while core  270  is not subject to a magnetic field, and is therefore flexible. The user may then subject core  270  to a magnetic field (e.g., by selecting appropriate controls of wearable device  100 ), resulting in camera watch band  200  becoming rigid. The magnetic field may be activated from watch body  400 , camera watch band  200 , or from another device. The magnetic field may be activated by the use of a verbal command, a pressure sensor, a button, an electrical contact, or any other suitable manner. The user may then capture images or video with optical sensor  300  fixed in a rigid position in relation to watch body  400  to which camera watch band  200  is attached. 
     Further,  FIG. 4  illustrates the various ways by which to actuate optical sensor  300  to capture images or video. For example, a pinch actuator  240  may be coupled to or integrated into extension portion  228  (or optical sensor housing  221 ) of camera watch band  200 . The user may aim optical sensor  300  at a desired target by holding and manipulating distal end portion  220  and may actuate optical sensor  300  to capture images or video by pinching pinch actuator  240 . Pinch actuator  240  may be a pressure sensor, a button, an electrical contact, or other similar mechanism. By the integration of pinch actuator  240  into extension portion  228  (or optical sensor housing  221 ), a user may single-handedly aim and actuate optical sensor  300 . 
     Optical sensor  300  may capture images or video in response to verbal commands. For example, a sound sensor  242  may be coupled to or integrated into camera watch band  200  or sound sensor  242  may be disposed in watch body  400 . Accordingly, the user may aim optical sensor  300  at a desired target by holding distal end portion  220  and actuating optical sensor  300  by speaking “capture,” “take photo,” “take video” or any number of verbal commands. Sound sensor  242  may be a microphone or any other device capable of sensing vibration through a medium (e.g., audible sound through air or water). 
     Optical sensor  300  may capture images or video in response to actuation of a button located on watch body  400 . For example, a screen button  452  may be present on display  450  (e.g. graphical input through a touchscreen of display  450 ). Thus, the user may aim optical sensor  300  at a desired target by manipulating extension portion  228  and optical sensor  300  may capture images or video in response to actuation of screen button  452  on display  450 . Display  450  may be a resistive touchscreen panel, a capacitive touch screen panel, an infrared touchscreen, or any other similar panel or screen capable of displaying images (and, in some embodiments, capable of accepting touch input). 
     Optical sensor  300  may capture images or video in response to actuation of a button located on distal end portion  220  of camera watch band  200 . For example, a side button  250  or a top button  260  may be coupled to distal end portion  220  and pressing side button  250  or top button  260  may actuate optical sensor  300 . Thus, the user may aim optical sensor  300  at a desired target by holding distal end portion  220  and optical sensor  300  may capture images or video in response to actuation of side button  250  or top button  260 . Side button  250  or top button  260  may be a push button, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a capacitive touch button, or any other similar device or mechanism. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate optical sensor housing  221  may be closely deployed to watch body  400  (i.e., fixed relative to watch body  400  in the absence of an outside force applied to camera watch band  200 ), so that optical sensor  300  disposed at distal end portion  220  moves more directly in relation to the user&#39;s wrist and arm movements. Optical sensor housing  221  may removably mount to a connection  414  along an intermediate point between connection  412  and distal end portion  220  to secure optical sensor  300  in a closer fixed position relative to connection  412 . Distal end portion  220  of camera watch band  200  may be rigidly held in place by connection  414  through the use of magnets, buckles, latches, hinges, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, or other mechanical interlock or attachment mechanism. In this manner, the user can easily position distal end portion  220  in close relation to the viewfinder of display  450  to more directly aim optical sensor  300  at a desired target. The user may simply adjust their wrist to a desired position as optical sensor  300  moves relative to the user&#39;s wrist movements. This may be beneficial if the user wants to use optical sensor  300  to capture images or video of themselves without optical sensor  300  being far removed from the user&#39;s wrist. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates camera watch band  200  with two optical sensors, a first optical sensor  310  and a second optical sensor  320 , both disposed near the distal end portion  220 . Second optical sensor  320  may be coupled to an opposing side of distal end portion  220  to which first optical sensor  310  is coupled such that first optical sensor  310  and second optical sensor  320  have opposing optical directions. This arrangement may enable the user to point first optical sensor  310  at themselves and point second optical sensor  320  away from the user, or to point optical sensors  310  and  320  in any other pair of opposing directions. 
     First optical sensor  310  and second optical sensor  320  may be manipulated and actuated in any of the same manners as has been described elsewhere herein. They may be used independently of each other or first optical sensor  310  and second optical sensor  320  may be used at the same time. For example, if the desired subject of an image is in front of the user, the user may capture the image or video using first optical sensor  310 . If the desired subject of an image is the user themselves or something behind the user, the user may capture the image or video using second optical sensor  320 . If the user wishes to capture imagery in both directions at once, the user may simultaneously activate the image-capturing function of both first optical sensor  310  and second optical sensor  320 . For example, the user may wish to simultaneously capture an image or video of the user&#39;s reaction on second optical sensor  320  to the image or video captured on first optical sensor  300 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates optical sensor housing  221  coupled to camera watch band  200  by a rotatable connection  500 . Rotatable connection  500  may be a gimbal, mechanical hinge (e.g., a pin hinge, a ball hinge, or a ball joint), or other similar device. Due to rotatable connection  500 , the user may rotate optical sensor  300  at least 180 degrees (e.g., up to 360 degrees) relative to its attachment at distal end portion  220  to enable the user to capture images or video at a variety of different angles. This can enable a user to capture imagery in opposite directions using optical sensor  300 , even without manipulating extension portion  228  (e.g., while extension portion  228  remains in a fixed position). As shown in  FIG. 8 , rotatable connection  500  may have an axis of rotation extending in a length direction relative to extension portion  228 . 
     In some embodiments, rotatable connection  500  may have preset orientations to add additional stability and repeatability to optical sensor  300 . Such preset orientations may correspond to detents or other irregularity in rotating distal end portion  220  such that a user can feel a greater resistance to turning distal end portion  220  at the preset orientations. In some embodiments, the preset orientations may enable the user quickly to position optical sensor  300  toward the user, and subsequently rotate optical sensor  300  180 degrees to capture objects or scenery away from the user. Providing for the rotation of optical sensor  300 , or providing opposing cameras on both sides of distal end portion  220  will reduce the tendency for a user to severely twist camera watch band  200  to obtain a desired optical sensor  300  orientation. This can help maintain the integrity of camera watch band  200  and its internal components, by reducing the degree of stress that may be applied to them by manipulation of camera watch band  200 . 
       FIG. 9  is a block diagram illustrating data transfer for optical sensor  300 . Data may be transferred from optical sensor  300  or processor  224  to watch body  400  or other device  700  (e.g., smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.). In some embodiments, data may be transferred through a conducted electrical path  226  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3 ) in camera watch band  200 . 
     Data may be transferred from optical sensor  300  or processor  224  to watch body  400  or other device  700  (e.g., smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.) through a wireless connection. The wireless connection may be, for example, radio, sonic, electromagnetic induction, free-space optical or other wireless protocol. 
     Data may be transferred from optical sensor  300  or processor  224  to watch body  400  or other device  700  through an optical connection. The optical connection may be, for example, via a wireless light emission and photo sensor combination or by a wired optical fiber connection. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate wearable device  100  with a watch band  800  with a first band portion  802  and a second band portion  804 , according to some embodiments. First band portion  802  and second band portion  804  interconnect via a band fastener  806  to attach and secure wearable device  100  to the user&#39;s wrist. Wearable device  100  further includes an auxiliary band  600  with optical sensor  300  disposed within auxiliary band  600 , rather than within watch band  800 . Auxiliary band  600  may be removably coupled to watch body  400  and may be entirely separate from watch band  800  that attaches watch body  400  to the user&#39;s wrist. Optical sensor  300  of auxiliary band  600  may communicate with watch body  400  wirelessly, by a wired connection, or optically. Auxiliary band  600  have any and all of the same functionalities and features as described above with respect to camera watch band  200 , in any combination. For example, auxiliary band  600  may be flexible and/or malleable in the same way as described above for camera watch band  200 , which may enable the user to manipulate auxiliary band  600  to capture images and video in the same way. Alternatively, auxiliary band  600  may be rigid and rotate about a hinge with an axis of rotation at the attachment  610  of auxiliary band  600  to watch body  400 . In some embodiments auxiliary band  600  may have rotatable connection  500  or two optical sensors  310 ,  320  on opposing side of auxiliary band  600 , as discussed above with respect to camera watch band  200 . In this manner, the user may have a traditional watch band but still maintain the functionality and features of camera watch band  200  discussed previously. 
     Auxiliary band  600  may be removed from wearable device  100  by being attached to watch body  400  via a removable connection, such as of magnets, buckles, latches, hinges, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, or other mechanical interlock or attachment mechanism. In this way, a user may selectively bring optical sensor  300  along, based on the user&#39;s preference (e.g., if the user does not expect to want to capture imagery at an upcoming event, the user may remove or not attach auxiliary band  600 ). The user may use an alternative watch band  800  to attach watch body  400  to the user&#39;s wrist, but selectively maintain the function of optical sensor  300 . In some embodiments, when optical sensor  300  is not in use, auxiliary band  600  may be stowed by attaching to another portion of wearable device  100  (e.g., another band of wearable device  100 ) by magnets, buckles, latches, snaps or other mechanical interlock or attachment mechanism. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a camera watch band  200  or a portion thereof fabricated from a series of mechanical links  280  with pivot points between mechanical links  280  to allow flexibility for a user to manipulate camera watch band  200 . Such mechanical links  280  may be attached to each other by hinges  282  to provide flexibility to camera watch band  200 . For example, hinges  282  may be friction hinges, which may allow relative motion between adjacent mechanical links  280  upon the application of sufficient force such as would be applied by a user manipulating camera watch band  200 , and may retain adjacent mechanical links  280  in position relative to each other when such force is no longer applied. Such hinges  282  may be pinned hinges (with an axis of rotation) or ball hinges (with a point of rotation). 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate wearable device  100  with camera watch band  200  that includes first band portion  202  and second band portion  204 . Band fastener  206  is coupled to second band portion  204 , thus, the user may attach wearable device  100  to the user&#39;s wrist by pulling first band portion  202  through band fastener  206 . First band portion  202  may include optical sensor  300  disposed within distal end portion  220 , which may be used in a similar manner as outlined in previous embodiments. 
     The foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. These exemplary embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. All specific details described are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. 
     It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings, and that by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, one may readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. For example, embodiments described herein have been described with reference to a watch band, but the features of the band described are not limited to use with a watch. The bands may be used independently of any device (e.g., attached to clothing or backpacks), or may be used with devices other than watches, such as, for example, smartphones (e.g., bands according to some embodiments may be armbands that secure a smartphone to a user&#39;s arm or other appendage). 
     The Detailed Description section is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention and the claims. 
     The phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan. 
     The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined in accordance with the claims and their equivalents.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20160916
Publication Date: 20190625
Grant Date: 20190625
Priority Date: 20160916
Inventors: NESS, TREVOR J.
WITTENBERG, MICHAEL B.
DIAZ, ELIZABETH B.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04N23/53", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/57", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/57", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/90", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/66", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/50", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/63", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B37/1486", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/247", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B37/1486", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/2252", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B47/06", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/2257", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B37/1486", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 66996660