Wearable device

Abstract

A wearable device has a flexible and extendable body configured to encircle a portion of a user's body, an electronic module having a concave space between two ends, each end attachable to the flexible and extendable body with a flexible retention mount to allow the flexible and extendable body to rotate relative to the electronic module and to transfer tension from the flexible and extendable body to the electronic module, and a biosignal sensor disposed on the flexible and extendable body to contact at least a portion of the user's body and receive a biosignal from the user.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 943,845, filed December 5, 2019, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to wearable devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to wearable devices having a brainwave sensing component and that can be worn on a user’s head. BACKGROUND

[0004] Users can interact with computing devices, for example, using a keyboard, mouse, trackpad, touch screen, or motion capture devices. As the ways in which people interact with computing devices change, computers can become available for new purposes, or more effective in performing existing tasks. User commands for computing devices that can require several commands on a keyboard can instead be associated with thoughts or gestures captured and processed by sensory input devices. As the human body has many parts that can be controlled through voluntary motion, there is opportunity to capture and interpret other motions for interacting with computing devices.

[0005] Biological signals are signals generated by a living being that can be measured and monitored. Electroencephalographs, galvanometers, and electrocardiographs are examples of devices for measuring and monitoring biological signals generated by a human.

[0006] The human brain generates biological signals, such as electrical patterns, that can be measured / monitored using electroencephalography (“EEG”). These electrical patterns, or brainwaves, can be measured by devices such as EEGs. Typically, an EEG will measure brainwaves in analog form. These brainwaves can then be analyzed in their original analog form or in digital form after being converted from analog to digital.

[0007] Measuring and analyzing biological signals, such as brainwave patterns, can have a variety of practical applications. For example, brain-computer interfaces (“BCIs”) have been developed that allow users to control devices and computers using brainwave signals. In another example, analysis of brainwave patterns during sleep can allow users to understand their sleep patterns and / or improve their sleep quality. SUMMARY

[0008] According to one aspect, there is provided a wearable device comprising: a flexible and extendable body configured to encircle a portion of a user; an electronics module having a surface defining a concave space between a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end attachable with a first flexible retention mount to the flexible and extendable body at a first connection point so as to allow the flexible and extendable body to rotate relative to the electronics module about a first axis and to transfer tension from the flexible and extendable body radially from the first axis to the electronics module, the second end attachable with a second flexible retention mount to the flexible and extendable body at a second connection point so as to allow the flexible and extendable body to rotate relative to the electronics about a second axis and to transfer tension from the flexible and extendable body radially from the second axis to the electronics module; and a biosignal sensor disposed on the flexible and extendable body between the first connection point and the second connection point to contact at least a portion of the portion of the user and to receive a biosignal from the user, when the flexible and extendable body is extended with the electronics module attached to be worn by the user: tension is applied from the flexible and extendable body to the electronics module through the first flexible retention mount and the second flexible retention mount to pull the electronics module towards the user, a portion of the flexible and extendable body between the first connection point and the second connection point rotates towards the concave space, and the electronics module pushes the biosignal sensor on the flexible and extendable body against the portion of the user.

[0009] In some embodiments, the biosignal sensor is configured to contact at least a portion of a frontal region of the user’s head.

[0010] In some embodiments, the biosignal sensor is an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor.

[0011] In some embodiments, the biosignal sensor is an electrode that measures and generates an electrical potential.

[0012] In some embodiments, the wearable device further comprises an additional biosignal sensor for contacting at least a portion of a pinna region of the user’s head.

[0013] In some embodiments, the additional biosignal sensor is an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor.

[0014] In some embodiments, the wearable device further comprises an electrical connection between the electronics module and the flexible and extendable body.

[0015] In some embodiments, the wearable device further includes an electrical connection between the electronic module and the biological signal sensor.

[0016] In some embodiments, the electronic module is curved to generally correspond to the user's head.

[0017] In some embodiments, the electronic module is capable of being attached to the flexible and extendable body by magnetic force.

[0018] In some embodiments, the electronic module includes a first magnet and a second magnet, the first magnet at the first end to be attached to the first flexible retention mount by magnetic force, the second magnet at the second end to be attached to the second flexible retention mount by magnetic force.

[0019] In some embodiments, the wearable device further includes an additional biological signal sensor disposed on the electronic module.

[0020] In some embodiments, the additional biological signal sensor is an optical sensor.

[0021] In some embodiments, the optical sensor is mounted on a flexible protrusion of the electronic module that compresses when the electronic module is pulled towards the user's body.

[0022] In some embodiments, the optical sensor detects compression of the body based at least in part on a detected reflection distance of light reflected into the optical sensor.

[0023] In some embodiments, the optical sensor detects an additional biological signal based at least in part on a detected reflection distance of light reflected into the optical sensor.

[0024] In some embodiments, the optical sensor detects an additional biological signal based at least in part on a measured color and intensity of light reflected into the optical sensor.

[0025] In some embodiments, the flexible and extendable body includes a compressible section adjacent to the biological signal sensor so as to compress to conform at least one biological signal sensor to the user's body.

[0026] In some embodiments, the compressible section is shaped to conform to the at least a portion of the user's body.

[0027] In some embodiments, the compressible section includes a foam having a variable density.

[0028] In some embodiments, the wearable device further includes a light emitter.

[0029] In some embodiments, the wearable device further comprises a light receiver.

[0030] In some embodiments, the light receiver is disposed on the flexible and extendable body proximate to an eye of the user to detect light proximate to the eye of the user.

[0031] In some embodiments, the wearable device further comprises a vibration transducer.

[0032] In some embodiments, the vibration transducer is a speaker.

[0033] In some embodiments, the vibration transducer generates physical vibrations.

[0034] In some embodiments, the vibration transducer is a microphone.

[0035] In some embodiments, the vibration transducer is disposed on the flexible and extendable body proximate to an ear of the user.

[0036] In some embodiments, the vibration transducer is disposed on the flexible and extendable body proximate to a front of a head of the user.

[0037] In some embodiments, the vibration transducer is disposed on the flexible and extendable body proximate to a bone of the user.

[0038] In some embodiments, the wearable device further comprises a plurality of vibration transducers for beamforming.

[0039] In some embodiments, the plurality of vibration transducers is an array of microphones for localizing sound from a direction.

[0040] In some embodiments, the wearable device further comprises an accelerometer for detecting motion of the user.

[0041] In some embodiments, the wearable device further comprises a thermistor for detecting temperature.

[0042] In some embodiments, the thermistor is configured to detect relative temperature changes.

[0043] In some embodiments, the wearable device further comprises a communicator for transmitting data to a computing device.

[0044] In some embodiments, the communicator communicates with the computing device over a Bluetooth communication protocol.

[0045] In some embodiments, the communicator communicates with the computing device over a Wi-Fi communication protocol.

[0046] According to another aspect, there is provided a wearable device comprising: a body that is flexible and extendable to encircle a portion of a user; an electronic module having a surface that defines a concave space; the electronic module being attachable to the flexible and extendable body at a first connection point by a first flexible retention mount to rotate about a first axis and at a second connection point by a second flexible retention mount to rotate about a second axis to generate a force radially from the first and second axes to pull the electronic module towards the portion of the user; a biological signal sensor disposed on the flexible and extendable body between the first and second connection points to contact at least a portion of the portion of the user to receive biological signals from the user, wherein when the flexible and extendable body is extended with the electronic module attached to be worn by the user, a portion of the flexible and extendable body between the first and second connection points (e.g. the portion on which the biological signal sensor is disposed) rotates towards the concave space and the force pulls the electronic module to push the biological signal sensor on the flexible and extendable body against the portion of the user.

[0047] Other features will become apparent from the following description in connection with the drawings.

[0048] In this respect, before any embodiments described herein are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0049] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Figure 1A A perspective view of an embodiment of a wearable device is illustrated.

[0051] Figure 1B A side view of an embodiment of a wearable device when worn by a user is illustrated. Figure 1A

[0052] Figures 1C-1L A schematic view of an example stack for forming a flexible electrode in an embodiment of a wearable device is illustrated.

[0053] Figures 1M-1V Various embodiments of attachment mechanisms for a wearable device are illustrated.

[0054] ​Figure 2A A perspective view of a wearable device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0055] Figure 2B It is illustrated Figure 2A A top view of the wearable device.

[0056] Figure 2C It is illustrated Figure 2A Front view of the wearable device.

[0057] Figure 2D It is illustrated Figure 2A A bottom view of the wearable device.

[0058] Figure 2E It is illustrated Figure 2A Rear view of the wearable device.

[0059] Figure 2F It is illustrated Figure 2A Bottom perspective view of the wearable device.

[0060] Figure 2G It is illustrated Figure 2A Top perspective view of the wearable device.

[0061] Figure 2H It is illustrated Figure 2A A perspective view of the back bottom of the wearable device.

[0062] Figure 2I yes Figure 2A A perspective view of the adjuster and buckle of the wearable device.

[0063] Figure 2J The illustration shows what it looks like when worn by a user. Figure 2A A perspective view of a wearable device.

[0064] Figures 2K-2N Various embodiments of the bowstring design between the electronic module and the main body of the wearable device are illustrated.

[0065] Figure 3 A side view of an embodiment of a wearable device with a crown-shaped strap when worn by a user is illustrated.

[0066] Figure 4 A side view of an embodiment of a wearable device having a crown strap and a top strap when worn by a user is illustrated.

[0067] Figure 5 A side view of an embodiment of a wearable device with a top strap when worn by a user is illustrated.

[0068] Figure 6 A perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a wearable device with a top strap and a hair penetration sensor is shown.

[0069] Figure 7 A perspective view of an embodiment of a wearable device having a top strap, a crown strap, and a hair-penetrating sensor is illustrated.

[0070] Figure 8 is a top view of a biosignal sensor integrated into a fabric substrate according to an embodiment.

[0071] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a biosignal sensor integrated into a fabric substrate of Figure 8 along line I-I according to an embodiment.

[0072] Figure 10A is a back view of an outer layer and an inner layer of a wearable device having a flexible printed circuit board according to an embodiment.

[0073] Figure 10B is a perspective view of an outer layer of Figure 10A

[0074] Figure 10C is a perspective view of an inner layer and a flexible printed circuit board of Figure 10A

[0075] Figure 10D is a side view of a flexible printed circuit board configuration according to an embodiment.

[0076] Figure 11A is a fabric pattern having biosignal sensors for forming a wearable device according to an embodiment.

[0077] Figures 11B-11D An embodiment of a contact configuration of a biosignal sensor is illustrated.

[0078] Figure 11E Biosignal sensor contacts and leads connected to a flexible printed circuit board in a wearable device according to an embodiment are illustrated.

[0079] Figure 12A and 12B are schematic views of a plurality of biosignal sensors disposed in a body of a wearable device according to an embodiment.

[0080] Figure 13A An illustrative side view of an embodiment of a wearable device having ear electrodes with an open 'bowstring' design and Figure 13B is an expanded view of the wearable device.

[0081] Figure 13C An enlarged illustrative side view of an embodiment of a wearable device having ear electrodes with a closed 'bowstring' design according to an embodiment is illustrated. ​​

[0082] Figure 13D Various configurations of wearable devices with ear electrodes are illustrated in accordance with various embodiments.

[0083] Figures 13E-13F Various configurations of biosignal sensors on a body of a wearable device are illustrated in accordance with various embodiments.

[0084] Figure 14 A side view schematic of an embodiment of a wearable device 100 having ear electrodes shaped to contact the upper surface and the back surface of a user's ear is illustrated.

[0085] Figure 15A A side view schematic of an embodiment of a wearable device with a movable ear electrode in accordance with an embodiment, and Figure 15B is an expanded view of the wearable device.

[0086] Figure 16 is a schematic view of an inner ear canal conductive sensor in accordance with an embodiment.

[0087] Figure 17 is a schematic view of a sound delivery module in accordance with an embodiment.

[0088] Figure 18 is a schematic view of a sound delivery module connected to an electronics module of a wearable device in accordance with an embodiment. Figure 17

[0089] Figure 19A is a schematic view of an inner ear canal with a conductive sensor backing frame in accordance with an embodiment.

[0090] Figure 19B is a schematic view of an inner ear canal with a conductive sensor backing frame in accordance with another embodiment.

[0091] Figure 20 A partial cross-sectional view of a through-going hair biosignal sensor in an uncompressed state in accordance with an embodiment is illustrated.

[0092] Figure 21 A partial cross-sectional view of a biosignal sensor in a compressed state is illustrated. Figure 20

[0093] Figure 22 A partial cross-sectional view of a biosignal sensor in accordance with an embodiment is illustrated.

[0094] Figure 23 A perspective view of a biosignal sensor is illustrated. Figure 22

[0095] Figure 24 A schematic view of placement of a biosignal sensor on a user in accordance with an embodiment is illustrated.​​​

[0096] Figure 25 A schematic diagram illustrating the placement of a biosignal sensor on a user according to an embodiment is shown.

[0097] Figure 26 A perspective view of a biosignal sensor according to an embodiment is shown.

[0098] Figure 27 It is illustrated Figure 26 A top view of the biosignal sensor.

[0099] Figure 28 A non-contact electrode according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0100] Figure 29A A side view of a user wearing a wearable device with capacitive electrodes according to an embodiment is shown.

[0101] Figure 29B It is illustrated Figure 29A A partial top view of the wearable device.

[0102] Figure 30A This is a top-down perspective view of an electronic module releasable from a wearable device according to an embodiment.

[0103] Figure 30B This is another perspective view of an electronic module releasable from a wearable device according to an embodiment.

[0104] Figure 30C This is an enlarged perspective view of a retaining mounting member for an electronic module of a wearable device according to an embodiment.

[0105] Figure 30D This is an exploded view of a retaining mounting member for an electronic module of a wearable device according to an embodiment.

[0106] Figure 30E This is a side view of a retaining mounting bracket for an electronic module according to an embodiment.

[0107] Figure 30F This is another front perspective view of the retaining mounting bracket for an electronic module of a wearable device according to an embodiment.

[0108] Figure 30G This is an exploded view of the electronic module according to an embodiment.

[0109] Figure 30H This is a schematic diagram of the components of a printed circuit board and an electronic module according to an embodiment.

[0110] Figure 30I An example embodiment of an electronic module with flexible protrusions for optical sensors is illustrated.

[0111] Figure 31A is a top schematic cross-section of an electronic module connected to a wearable device according to an embodiment.

[0112] Figure 31B is a side schematic cross-section of an electronic module connected to a wearable device of Figure 31A

[0113] Figure 32 is a side schematic cross-section of an electronic module connected to a wearable device according to another embodiment.

[0114] Figure 33 is a schematic of a pocket in a body of a wearable device for holding an electronic module according to an embodiment.

[0115] Figures 34A-34C illustrates a schematic of an electronic module having a pinched conductive pin for contact with a conductive wire according to an embodiment.

[0116] Figure 35A and 35B illustrates a schematic of an electronic module having a recess for receiving a molded contact according to an embodiment.

[0117] Figure 36 and 37 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a wearable device having an extendable, stretchable forehead contact portion according to an embodiment.

[0118] Figure 38 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a wearable device having an extendable, stretchable forehead contact portion with attachment locations for auxiliary sensors according to an embodiment.

[0119] Figure 39A is a schematic perspective view of a wearable device having a touchpad location according to an embodiment.

[0120] Figure 39B is a schematic top view of a wearable device having a touchpad location of Figure 39A

[0121] Figure 40 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a wearable device having a touchpad location of Figure 39A and 39B

[0122] Figure 41 is a schematic perspective view of a wearable device having an extendable, stretchable forehead contact portion in which an OLED flexible array can be disposed according to an embodiment.

[0123] Figure 42 is​​​Figure 41 Perspective view of a wearable device and OLED flexible array in a downwardly folded configuration.

[0124] Figure 43A A top view of an airbag that can be integrated into a wearable device is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment, and Figure 43B An airbag for use with a wearable device is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment.

[0125] Figure 44 is a perspective view of a wearable device with an electronic module disposed under a cover in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment.

[0126] Figure 45 is a perspective view of a wearable device with an electronic module disposed under a cover in an open position in accordance with an embodiment.

[0127] Figure 46 is a perspective view of a wearable device with an electronic module detached from a cover in an open position in accordance with an embodiment.

[0128] Figure 47 is a perspective view of a wearable device with an electronic module disposed in a pocket in accordance with an embodiment.

[0129] Figure 48 is a perspective view of a wearable device with an electronic module detached from a pocket in accordance with an embodiment.

[0130] Figure 49 is a perspective view of a wearable device with an electronic module detached from a pocket and with a fabric flap in accordance with an embodiment.

[0131] Figure 50 is a high-level block diagram of a biosignal analysis system in accordance with an embodiment.

[0132] Figure 51 is a block diagram of example hardware components of a computing device for biosignal analysis in accordance with an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0133] As used herein, the term "downward" or "inward" generally refers to a direction toward a user's skin. Similarly, "lower" indicates that a component is disposed downward relative to another component. Conversely, "upward," "upper," or "outward" generally refers in the opposite direction from a "downward" or "lower" component.

[0134] Biosignals are signals generated by a living being that can be measured and monitored. Electroencephalographs, galvanometers, and electrocardiographs are examples of devices for measuring and monitoring biosignals generated by a human. Since the human body has many parts that can be controlled through voluntary motion, there is an opportunity to capture and interpret motion for interaction with a computing device.

[0135] The human brain generates biological signals such as electrical patterns that can be measured / monitored using electroencephalography ("EEG"). These electrical patterns or brain waves can be measured by a device such as an EEG. Typically, an EEG will measure brain waves in analog form. These brain waves can then be analyzed in their original analog form or in digital form after analog-to-digital conversion.

[0136] Measuring and analyzing biological signals such as brain wave patterns can have a variety of practical applications. For example, brain computer interfaces ("BCIs") have been developed that allow users to control devices and computers using brain wave signals. In another example, analysis of brain wave patterns during sleep can allow users to understand their sleep patterns and / or improve their sleep quality.

[0137] To obtain biological signal data, it can be desirable for a sensor to be in close or constant contact with a user or a body part of a user. Thus, it can be desirable to provide a comfortable wearable device, especially in the case of sleep monitoring, if the device is to be worn for an extended period of time, such as overnight; or during a high amount of activity or exercise.

[0138] In one aspect, a computer system implemented by one or more computing devices is provided. The computing devices can include one or more client or server computers that communicate with each other over a near-field, local, wireless, wired, or wide-area computer network, such as the Internet, and at least one of the computers is configured to receive signals from a sensor worn by a user.

[0139] In one embodiment, the sensor includes one or more biological signal sensors such as electroencephalography (EEG) sensors, electromyography (EMG) sensors, electrocardiography (ECG or EKG) sensors, galvanometer sensors, electrodermograph sensors, heart rate sensors such as photoplethysmography (PPG), eye tracking sensors, blood pressure sensors, respiration sensors, pedometers, gyroscopes, and any other type of sensor. The sensors can be of various types including: electrical biological signal sensors in electrical contact with the user's skin; capacitive biological signal sensors in capacitive contact with the user's skin; blood flow sensors that measure characteristics of the user's blood flow; and subcutaneous wireless communication sensors placed under the user's skin. Other sensor types are also possible including, but not limited to, temperature sensors, motion sensors such as accelerometers or gyroscopes, sound sensors such as a listening device for recording ambient noise and / or other noise, vibration sensors.

[0140] The sensors can be connected to a wearable device, which can be a wearable computing device or a wearable sensing device, such as a wearable headset or headband computer worn by a user. The sensors can be connected to the headset wired or wirelessly. The headset can also be in communication with another computing device, such as a laptop computer, tablet computer, or mobile phone, such that data sensed by the headset through the sensors can be transmitted to the other computing device for processing at that computing device, or at one or more computer servers, or as input to or by the other computing device. The one or more computer servers can include local, remote, cloud-based, or software as a service (SAAS) servers.

[0141] Embodiments of the system can provide for the collection, analysis of specific biosignal and non-biosignal data, and the association of specific biosignal and non-biosignal data with specific mental states both for individual users and groups of users. The collected data, analyzed data, or functionality of the system and methods can be shared for other, such as third party applications and other users. Connections between any of the computing devices, internal sensors (contained within the wearable device), external sensors (contained outside the wearable device), user effectors, and any servers can be encrypted. The collected and analyzed data can be used to build user-specific user profiles. The user profile data can be analyzed, individually or in aggregate, such as through a machine learning process, to be used as a BCI, or to improve algorithms used in the analysis. Optionally, data associated with the system, analyzed results, and functionality can be shared through an API for third party applications and other organizations. One or more user effectors can also be provided at the wearable device or other local computing device to provide feedback to the user, such as a vibration or some audio or visual indication to help the user achieve a specific mental state, such as a meditative state.

[0142] The wearable device can include a camera, a display, and biosignal measurement devices to sample the user's environment as well as the user's biosignals to determine the user's state and context through sensors and user input. The wearable device can include at least one user-facing camera to track eye movement and / or facial expressions. In one aspect, the wearable device can be in the form of glasses that are wearable on the user's face. Optionally, the at least one camera can be oriented to generally align with the user's field of view. Embodiments can also include a listening device, which can be integrated with or separate from the wearable device.

[0143] In another aspect, the wearable device can be in the form of at least one sensor adapted to be placed on or adhered to the user's head or face. Each sensor can optionally communicate with each other, either by wire or wirelessly. Each sensor can optionally communicate with a controller device, either by wire or wirelessly. The controller device can be mounted to the wearable device so as to reside on or near the user's head or face. Alternatively, the controller device can be located elsewhere on the user's body, such as in a pocket or bag of the user's clothing. The controller device can also be disposed somewhere outside of the user's body. For example, the sensors can monitor the user, store data in a local storage device mounted to the wearable device, and once moved into proximity with the controller device, the sensors or a transmitter of the wearable device can transmit the stored data to the controller device for processing. In this embodiment, the wearable device will be primarily usable by the user when in proximity with the controller device.

[0144] The wearable device can include a camera, a display, and a biological signal measurement device. The at least one biological signal measurement device can employ at least one sensor to measure brain activity. Brain activity can be electrically measured by electroencephalography ("EEG") technology, or measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy ("fNIR") technology, which measures relative changes in hemoglobin concentration by using near-infrared light attenuation. Sensors employing pulse oximetry technology can also be used in the wearable device. Optionally, the wearable device can include at least one sensor that measures eye activity using electrooculography ("EOG") technology. Other sensors that track other types of eye movements can also be employed.

[0145] In various embodiments, the wearable device can include various other sensors and input devices. For example, the wearable device can incorporate at least one audio transducer, such as a single microphone, an array of microphones, a speaker, and a headset. The wearable device can incorporate at least one inertial sensor for measuring motion of the wearable device. The wearable device can incorporate at least one touch sensor for receiving touch input from the user.

[0146] The wearable device can be configured to accept user input through the user's touch or body movements using an accelerometer or through an EEG sensor (e.g., worn near the ear). The wearable device can be configured to accept user input from sliding touch input along the capacitor. The wearable device can be configured to accept user input from user eye commands (e.g., movements or blinks) using a sensor configured to track the user's eye movements. The wearable device can be configured to accept user input from muscle tension changes by measuring changes in device tension or EEG signals. The wearable device can accept input from the user's auditory commands using a microphone or microphone array. The wearable device can be configured to accept user input from another device connected wirelessly, such as a mobile computing device that accepts touch or voice input, examples include handheld computing devices, desktop or laptop computers, home automation devices, devices such as Google Home or Alexa enabled speakers, wearable devices such as watch form factors, rings, etc. The wearable device can be configured to accept user input from a remote controller that communicates with the device using light, sound, or radio frequency.

[0147] The wearable device can sample from both the user's environment and biological signals simultaneously or approximately simultaneously to produce sampling data. The sampling data can be analyzed by the wearable device in real time, or at a future scheduled time when the user is not wearing.

[0148] The wearable device can include a user input detection method that is adaptive and improves over time with use. In the event that a user attempts to command the wearable device and the wearable device responds in an unexpected way, the user can attempt to correct the previous input by indicating that the wearable device responded incorrectly and retrying the initial command again. Over time, the wearable device can refine its understanding of the particular user input that was corrected. Some user inputs can be easier to measure successfully with high accuracy than other user inputs. Preferably, high accuracy inputs are assigned to command the wearable device that previous inputs were incorrect. For example, tapping the wearable device at a particular location can indicate that the previous input response was incorrect. Explicit training such as with voice recognition can also be used to configure and command the wearable device.

[0149] Optionally, the wearable device itself can provide only the biosignal sensors and a processor for processing measurements from the sensors. The wearable device can transmit these measurements or data derived from processing the measurements to one or more secondary devices, such as glasses with a camera embedded therein. In any of the implementations, embodiments, or applications discussed herein, it should be understood that some actions can be performed by multiple interconnected devices or by only one of the wearable devices as disclosed herein. For example, the wearable device can not include a display. In such instances, the wearable device can transmit visual information to the user by using a second device, such as glasses with a camera embedded therein that includes a display.

[0150] The sensors that can be used with the wearable device can have various shapes and be made of various materials. For example, the sensors can be made of a conductive material, including conductive composites such as rubber or conductive metals. The sensors can also be made of plated or coated materials, such as stainless steel, silver-silver chloride, and other materials.

[0151] In addition to or instead of processing biosignal measurements on the wearable device, the wearable device can communicate with one or more computing devices in order to distribute, augment, or offload processing of biosignal measurements taken or received by the wearable device. In particular, the one or more computing devices can maintain or have access to one or more databases that maintain biosignal processing data, instructions, algorithms, correlations, or any other information that can be used or utilized in processing biosignal measurements obtained by the wearable device. The computing devices can include one or more client or server computers that communicate with each other through near field, local, wireless, wired, or wide area computer networks, such as the Internet, and at least one of the computers can be configured to receive signals from the sensors of the wearable device.

[0152] The wearable device can also communicate with another computing device, such as a laptop, tablet, or mobile phone, such that data sensed by the earpiece through the sensors can be transmitted to another computing device for processing at that computing device, or at one or more computer servers, or as input to or from another computing device. The one or more computer servers can include local, remote, cloud-based, or software as a service (SAAS) servers. Embodiments of the system can provide for the collection, analysis, and correlation of specific bio and non-bio signal data to specific mental states of both individual users and groups of users. The collected data, analyzed data, or functionality of the system and methods can be shared with others, such as third party applications and other users. Connections between any of the computing devices, internal sensors (contained within the wearable device), external sensors (contained outside the wearable device), user effectors (components used to trigger user responses), and any servers can be encrypted. The collected and analyzed data can be used to build user-specific user profiles. The user profile data can be analyzed, individually or in aggregate, such as through machine learning algorithms, to be used as a BCI, or to improve the algorithms used in the analysis. Optionally, data associated with the system, analyzed results, and functionality can be shared with third party applications and other organizations through an API. One or more user effectors can also be provided at the wearable device or other local computing device to provide feedback to the user, such as a vibration or some audio or visual indication to help the user achieve a specific mental state, such as a meditative state. In an example, a light emitter can be in close proximity to the user's eyes and provide feedback to the user through visual stimuli, such as light color, frequency, intensity.

[0153] Cloud-based implementations for processing and analyzing sensor data can provide one or more advantages, including: openness, flexibility, and extensibility; centrally manageable; reliability; scalability; optimization for computing resources; ability to aggregate information across multiple users; and ability to connect multiple users and find interesting matching subgroups. Although embodiments and implementations can be discussed in specific non-limiting examples regarding the use of a cloud to implement aspects of the system platform, a local server, a single remote server, a SAAS platform, or any other computing device can be used instead of a cloud.

[0154] In one embodiment of the system, a multi-modal EEG data acquisition and adaptive signal processing system (MED-CASP system) for implementing single-user or multi-user mobile brainwave applications can be provided for implementing BCI applications. The system platform can be implemented as a hardware and software solution that includes an EEG headset comprising a wearable device as disclosed herein, a client-side application, and a cloud service component. The client application can operate on a mobile or desktop computing device. The system can provide: an estimate of hemispheric asymmetry, thus facilitating the measurement of emotional valence (e.g., positive vs. negative emotions); and a better signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for global measurements, thus improving access to high beta and gamma bands, which can be particularly important for the analysis of cognitive tasks such as memory, learning, and perception. The gamma band has also been found to be an important neural correlate of meditation expertise.

[0155] In the same or another non-limiting exemplary embodiment, possible MED-CASP system features can include: uploading brainwaves and associated sensor and application state data from the mobile application to the cloud; downloading brainwaves and associated data from the cloud; real-time brain state classification for enabling BCI in games or other applications; transmitting real-time brain state data to other users while playing games to enable multi-user gaming; sharing brainwave data with other users to enable asynchronous comparison of results; sharing brainwave data with other organizations or third-party applications and systems; and support for a cloud-based user profile for storing personal information, settings, and pipeline parameters that have been tuned to optimize the experience of a particular user. In this way, the use of the system platform can be device-agnostic.

[0156] Aspects of the software implementing the analysis functionality can be generated by the wearable device each time an analysis or processing of user biosignal data, such as electroencephalogram data, is performed, initiated at the device or cloud to analyze the user's private biosignal data using specific analysis or processing parameters applied during the analysis or processing. For simplicity, such instances can be referred to as algorithm "pipelines." Each instance of a pipeline can have an associated pipeline identifier ("ID"). Each pipeline can be associated with a specific activity type, user, biosignal type of a specific user, application, or any other system platform related data. Each pipeline can maintain specific pipeline parameters determined to analyze the user's biosignal data in a specific manner, consistent with previous analysis of the specific user's biosignal data, consistent with previous analysis of one or more other users' biosignal data, or consistent with updated data derived at the cloud server from new or updated scientific research related to biosignal data analysis. The pipelines and / or pipeline parameters can be saved for future use at the client computing device or at the cloud. When a new pipeline is created for a user, the wearable device or cloud can provide a new algorithm pipeline ID associated with the new pipeline at the cloud and device.

[0157] Each person's brain waves are different, so a slightly different tuning is needed for each user. Each person's brain can also learn over time, requiring the system platform to change algorithm parameters over time in order to continue to analyze a person's brain waves. New parameters can be computed based on collected data and can form part of a user's dynamic profile (which can be referred to as a bio-signal interaction profile). This profile can be stored in the cloud, allowing each user to maintain a single profile across multiple computing devices. Other features of the same or another non-limiting exemplary embodiment can include: improving the algorithm by applying machine learning to collected data on the client device or on the server; saving EEG data along with the application state to allow the machine learning algorithm to optimize the method of turning a user's brain waves into a usable control signal; sharing brain wave data with other applications on a mobile device through a cloud service web interface; sharing brain wave data with other applications running on other devices in the client device or trusted network to provide a user's brain wave data to control or influence other devices; integrating data from other devices and synchronization of events with brain wave data to aid in context aware analysis as well as storage and future analysis; performing time-locked stimulation and analysis to support stimulus-locked event-related potential ("ERP") analysis; and data prioritization that maximizes the amount of useful information available from an incomplete data download (i.e., transmitting data in order of information salience). The core functionality of the MED-CASP system can be wrapped as an external available library and API so that another developer can use the features of the platform in the developer's application. The library can be a static library and API for Unity3D, iOS, Android, OSX, Windows, or any other operating system platform. The system platform can also be configured to use pre-compiled algorithms provided by third parties in the library (including the ability for third party developers to use the library) using the developer's own algorithms with the library. The system platform can also support headphones from various manufacturers; personal data security implemented through encryption; and sharing unverified data through shared encryption keys (optionally with time-limited and fidelity-limited access).

[0158] Reference Figure 1A and 1B In an aspect of the disclosure, the wearable device 100 includes a front portion (in the example, the forehead contact portion 12), a back portion (in the example, the occipital contact portion 16), and at least one side portion - e.g., right and left side portions (in the example, the two ear contact portions 14) - that extend between the front and back portions to contact at least a portion of the pinna region of the head of the user 10. The wearable device 100 can include one or more bio-signal sensors 20, such as electrodes, which can be carried and transmitted within the wearable device 100 to provide internal connections, and the bio-signal sensors 20 can be connected to one or more electrical modules 32.

[0159] Figure 1B A side view of a user 10 wearing a wearable device 100 is illustrated in accordance with embodiments. The forehead contact portion 12, the two ear contact portions 14, and the occipital contact portion 16 are connected as a flexible band to form a body 111 that is generally shaped to correspond to the head of the user 10.

[0160] It should be appreciated that the wearable device 100 can be worn on various parts or portions of a user's body, including but not limited to, for example, the user's arm or wrist, the user's leg or ankle, and the user's chest or torso, to measure cardiac and respiratory data, as well as other data including temperature and temperature changes, as described herein.

[0161] The body 111 is extendable in length or diameter. By adjusting the length or diameter of the wearable device 100, the wearable device can be configured to be worn on many different body parts. In addition, the modular aspects of the various components of the wearable device 100 can allow certain components, such as the electronics module 32 in various embodiments, to be used with various other devices or form factors.

[0162] The flexible and extendable body 111 can be extended longer or larger in length or size. In some embodiments, the body can have an extendable portion. For example, the body can have stretch and non-stretch portions, and the stretch portion can extend the body. The body can include, for example, a fabric and an elasticized portion for extending in length or size. The flexible and extendable body can be bent or modified to accommodate different body types and sizes of users and to wrap around different parts of the user.

[0163] In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 need not be secured directly to the user's body. For example, the wearable device 100 can be mounted to the user's equipment, such as attached to a helmet for cycling or skiing, while monitoring signals such as EKGs.

[0164] The body 111 can form, for example Figure 1A and 1B the looped configuration shown, and can have specific stretch and non-stretch areas. For example, the body 111 can be made of a stretch material or a combination of stretch and non-stretch materials.

[0165] The body 111 can be shaped such that, when worn, the forehead contact portion 12 contacts the forehead of the user, the two ear contact portions 14 contact the top of the user's ears, and the occipital contact portion 16 contacts the bottom of the user's occiput. The at least one bio-signal sensor 20 can be located on the inside-facing side of the loop of the body 111 to receive bio-signals from the user.

[0166] The body 111 can include a material, textile or fabric and an elasticized portion. In some embodiments, some or all portions of the body 111 are elastic or on an elastic substrate, while other portions or segments are relatively inelastic or rigid. The body 111 can be formed from a soft, deformable fabric 121, such as a woven, knit or non-woven fabric. The fabric 121 can be formed from, for example, a cotton fabric, a synthetic fabric or any other suitable fabric. In an example, the fabric 121 can be formed from 88% rayon, 9% nylon and 3% spandex. In some embodiments, the fabric 121 of the body 111 can be machine washable.

[0167] The body 111 can also include one or more reinforcing members 131 at various locations, for example, to provide structural support for the wearable device 100. The reinforcing members 131 can include a compressible foam, which in an example is covered by the fabric 121, as shown by way of example in Figure 10B and 10C The compressible foam can conform to the shape of the head or other body part of the user 10. In some embodiments, the compressible foam can be formed from an open cell foam, such as a suitable open cell foam material. In some embodiments, the compressible foam can be formed from a closed cell foam, such as neoprene. The compressible foam can be compressible such that when the wearable device 100 is secured to the head of the user 10, the compressible foam conforms to the head of the user 10. In use, the compressible foam can be compressed and conform to the head of the user 10 by cinching the body 111 to a size and securing the wearable device 100 to the user 10.

[0168] Portions of the body 111 can be formed from foam that is molded to a particular shape of a user's head or other body part. For example, the circumference of the body 111 can taper to correspond to a head shape. The foam used in the body 111 can be shaped, for example, thermoformed, to mold to a typical head shape of a user. More generally, the compressible material, such as foam, used in the body 111 can be thermoformed to a typical head shape and not necessarily unique to an individual user. In some embodiments, the compressible foam or foam can be shaped to conform to a portion of the user's 10 body, such as the user's ear, and prevent movement of the sensor to improve contact of the biological signal sensor 20 with the user's body, which can thereby improve the biological signals received by the biological signal sensor.

[0169] In some embodiments, the compressible foam or foam can be 3D printed to conform to a particular shape.

[0170] In some embodiments, the top of the body 111 does not include foam or other compressible and / or stiffening material, while the bottom includes foam, which can be stiffened, and which can conveniently provide slight flexibility to adjust the body 111 more comfortably around the user's ears.

[0171] In some embodiments, the side or ear-contacting portion 14 of the wearable device 100 can have foam stitched along the bottom to provide structure and stability, but the top portion of the body (e.g., the top third) does not have foam structure, which gives the top portion some elasticity (the material is slightly elastic, but the foam portion does not stretch substantially due to the foam) to allow the arms to bend down over the ears to ensure proper contact.

[0172] Other stiffening materials, such as interfacing in the example, can be used to provide rigidity, inelasticity, and / or inflexibility in certain areas of the body 111, e.g., where components such as the bio-signal sensor 20 can be mounted.

[0173] In some embodiments, shielding can be incorporated into the fabric of the body 111, e.g., to shield wires between the bio-signal sensor 20 and the electronics module 32.

[0174] In some embodiments, the layers of the wearable device 100 can include memory foam, heat-bonded tape, elastic fabric, conductive wires, flexible printed circuit boards, and other suitable structural components within the layers.

[0175] In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 integrates a flexible electrode that contacts the skin to function as the bio-signal sensor 20. The electronics module 32 can optionally be configured to be removed from the body 111 during the manufacturing process or can be permanently affixed to the body 111.

[0176] The flexible electrode can be manufactured to be incorporated within the material of the body 111. The flexible electrode can be manufactured from materials stacked in a particular way (referred to as 'layering'), which allows the sensor portion to detect bio-signals from the user and transmit the signals to the processing center of the wearable device, such as the electronics module 32.

[0177] Figure 1CAn example of a stack that can be used to form flexible electrodes (such as a biosignal sensor 20) for a wearable device 100 is illustrated. The stack may include a foam substrate 112, a first adhesive layer 114, a fabric layer 116, a second adhesive layer 118, a polyurethane layer 124, and a conductive polymer layer 126. To block sensing in areas where biosignals are not desired, the conductive polymer layer 126 may optionally be blocked by a dielectric coating 128. The conductive polymer layer 126 is configured to contact rivets 132. The rivets 132 can conduct signals from the conductive polymer layer 126 to an electrical connection 136 via a flexible printed circuit board 134. The electrical connection 136 can transmit signals to an electronic module 32.

[0178] The conductive polymer layer 126 may be a polymer composition including silver and / or carbon (such as DuPont's PE874 and PE671). The conductive polymer layer 126 may be applied to both sides of the polyurethane layer 124 and may have different compositions depending on the side. For example, the skin-exposed side of the conductive polymer layer 126 may contain a silver-loaded material configured to contact the user's skin, with a carbon-loaded material beneath the silver-loaded material for adhesion to the polyurethane layer 124. The side opposite the skin-exposed side may contain a carbon layer that can provide shielding or some other electrical function. The top of the conductive polymer layer 126 may have a PEDOT surface coating to enhance conductivity with the user's skin.

[0179] Polyurethane layer 124 may comprise a thin, flexible thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or other suitable polymer or rubber. First adhesive layer 114 and second adhesive layer 118 may comprise a heat-activated adhesive that can be activated during the hot-pressing process. Rivet 132 may extend through all layers of the stack, such as Figure 1C As shown. In some embodiments, the electrical connection 136 and the electronic module 32 can be permanently attached to the body 111 during manufacturing. The dielectric coating 128 may comprise a PE773 encapsulating insulator.

[0180] Figure 1D Examples of alternative stacks that can be used to form flexible electrodes, such as biosignal sensor 20, are illustrated. Figure 1D The illustrated embodiments may include with Figure 1C The illustrated embodiment uses the same or similar elements, except that conductive adhesive 138 replaces rivet 132 to conduct signals from conductive polymer layer 126 to flexible printed circuit board 134. Any embodiment of a stacked structure that conducts signals via rivet 132 may alternatively use conductive adhesive 138 or other suitable conductive connections (e.g., crimp connections).

[0181] Figure 1E The illustration depicts a modified stack that can be used to form flexible electrodes, such as a biosignal sensor 20. For example...Figure 1E The illustrated embodiment can include the same or similar elements as the Figure 1D The illustrated embodiment can include the same or similar elements as the Figure 1E The illustrated stack can be used in embodiments that do not utilize foam within the body 111. Such as in cases where the electrode is fitted over the ear, omitting the foam layer 112 can improve comfort by reducing the thickness or stiffness of the stack. A flexible electrode can bend, such as to increase the contact area with the skin, and excluding foam at or around the area of bending can allow for greater conformability in the area of deformation.

[0182] Figure 1F Examples of stacks that can be used to form a flexible electrode, such as the biosignal sensor 20, are illustrated. As Figure 1F The illustrated embodiment can include the same or similar elements as the Figure 1E The illustrated embodiment can include the same or similar elements as the

[0183] Figure 1G Examples of stacks that can be used to form a flexible electrode, such as the biosignal sensor 20, are illustrated. As Figure 1G The illustrated embodiment can include the same or similar elements as the Figure 1F The illustrated embodiment can include the same or similar elements as the

[0184] Figure 1H Examples of stacks that can be used to form a flexible electrode, such as the biosignal sensor 20, are illustrated. As Figure 1H The illustrated embodiment can include the same or similar elements as the Figure 1GThe illustrated embodiment is the same as or similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, except that the conductive polymer layer 126 does not extend to the rivet 132 (or, optionally, the conductive adhesive or crimp) and the polyurethane layer 124 has been replaced with a conductive rubber layer 142. The conductive rubber layer 142 can be, for example, carbon-loaded TPU. The conductive rubber layer 142 can optionally be molded onto the fabric layer 116 during the manufacturing process, thereby eliminating the need for an adhesive layer to bond the conductive rubber layer 142 to the fabric layer 116. In these embodiments, the conductive rubber layer 142 conducts the signal to the rivet 132 (or, optionally, the conductive adhesive or crimp). Embodiments such as these provide an alternative means for transmitting the signal from the sensor to the processing unit.

[0185] FIG. 11 illustrates an example that can be used to form a stack of layers of a flexible electrode such as the biosignal sensor 20. The embodiment shown in FIG. 11 can include the same or similar elements as the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, except that the conductive polymer layer 126 has been replaced with a conductive rubber layer 142. Figure 1H The illustrated embodiment is the same as or similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, except that the rivet 132 has been replaced with a conductive adhesive 138. Embodiments of the stack of layers that conduct the signal through the rivet 132 can instead use the conductive adhesive 138 or other suitable conductive connection (e.g., crimp).

[0186] Figure 1J An example that can be used to form a stack of layers of a flexible electrode such as the biosignal sensor 20 is illustrated. Figure 1J A conductive textile 148 is illustrated that is secured to the conductive rubber layer 142. The conductive rubber layer 142 can be secured to the conductive polymer layer 126. The conductive polymer layer 126 can include a PEDOT coating (e.g., Techticoat by Heraeus). The conductive adhesive 138 connects the conductive textile 148 to the electrical connection 136. The electrical connection 136 is connected to the electronics module 32. The biosignal from the user can be conducted from the conductive polymer layer 126 to the conductive rubber layer 142 to the conductive textile layer 148. The conductive textile layer 148 can conduct the signal through the conductive adhesive 138 to the electrical connection 136. The electronics module 32 can receive the signal from the electrical connection 136. In some embodiments, the conductive adhesive 138 can be replaced with a conductive crimp. Embodiments such as these provide yet another means of conducting the signal from the sensor through the body 111 to the electronics module 32.

[0187] Figure 1K An example that can be used to form a stack of layers of a flexible electrode such as the biosignal sensor 20 is illustrated. As Figure 1K The illustrated embodiment can include the same or similar elements as the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, except that the conductive polymer layer 126 has been replaced with a conductive rubber layer 142. Figure 1JThe illustrated embodiment is the same or similar to the previous embodiments except that the conductive textile 148 has been adhered to the conductive rubber 142 using a second adhesive layer 118. Embodiments such as these provide yet another means of conducting signals from the sensors through the body 111 to the electronics module 32.

[0188] Figure 1L An example of a stack that can be used to form a flexible electrode such as the bio-signal sensor 20 is illustrated. The conductive textile 148 has a PEDOT coating 152 applied to the fibers woven into the textile. The conductive adhesive 138 connects the PEDOT coating 152 of the conductive textile 148 to the electrical connection 136. The electrical connection 136 transmits any received signals to the electronics module 32. Embodiments such as these provide yet another means of conducting signals from the sensors through the body 111 to the electronics module 32.

[0189] Embodiments such as Figures 1C-1L The stack illustrated in FIG. 15 demonstrates how an electrode can be manufactured into the wearable device 100. Such stacks can provide a flexible electrode such as the bio-signal sensor 20 that can be more comfortable for users who wear the wearable device 100 for long periods of time or during periods when comfort is important. The stacks can be implemented alone in the wearable device 100 or with other sensor implementations.

[0190] Returning to Figure 1A In some embodiments, the forehead contact portion 12 and the occipital contact portion 16 of the body 111 are arcuate and connected by two ear contact portions 14. In some embodiments, the two arcuate portions are connected at each of the two ear contact portions such that an angle is formed between them rather than a straight line. In some embodiments, the angle is between about 90° and about 180°, between about 135° and about 180°, between about 155° and about 170°. In some embodiments, the angle is an oblique angle with the apex located near the ear. The curvature of the ear contact portions 14 can allow the computing device to fit the head better, have less deformation of the wearable device 100 when worn, and / or have better stability when worn. In addition, the curvature of the ear can follow the curvature of the ear, increasing the electrical contact area of the bio-signal sensor 20 located over the user’s ear.

[0191] In some embodiments, the body 111 can be formed as a single unitary piece and thus the wearable device 100 forms a generally toroidal shape.

[0192] In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 can include an attachment mechanism such as a clasp or connector for securing the wearable device 100 to the user 10.

[0193] The wearable device 100 can be sized and secured to the user 10, for example, using a strap, such as a hook-and-loop fastener (such as Velcro TTM ), a snap mechanism, a buckle (such as a center post buckle), a magnet, or the like. The attachment mechanism can be secured to the wearable device via a stretchable or non-stretchable material. Non-stretchable materials can be used to increase comfort and ease of fit, and to create a consistent tension within the wearable device. Figures 1M-1V Various example embodiments of attachment mechanisms for the wearable device 100 are illustrated, non-exhaustively. In these figures, the attachment mechanism can be attached to the wearable device 100 via a stretchable material that protrudes within the wearable device to reduce variation in tension along the length of the wearable device as it is lengthened. This can improve comfort and ease of use by reducing the need for accurate adjustment to the size of the user.

[0194] Figure 1M An example embodiment of a fastener 19 using a button attachment mechanism for the wearable device 100 is illustrated. A button, such as protrusion 191, can be received by any of a plurality of slots in aperture 193. Each aperture 193 can define a generally circular opening. The size of the body 111 can be determined by the slots that couple with the protrusions 191.

[0195] Figure 1N An example embodiment of a fastener 19 using a hook attachment mechanism for the wearable device 100 is illustrated. A hook, such as protrusion 191, can be received by any of a plurality of slots in aperture 193. Each aperture 193 can define a generally rectangular opening. The size of the body 111 can be determined by the slots that couple with the protrusions 191.

[0196] FIG. 10 illustrates an example embodiment of a fastener 19 using a button attachment mechanism for the wearable device 100. A button, such as protrusion 191, is received by aperture 193 to couple the ends of the body 111 together. Aperture 193 can define a generally elongated ellipsoidal opening.

[0197] Figure 1P An example embodiment of a fastener 19 using a button attachment mechanism for the wearable device 100 is illustrated. A button, such as protrusion 191, can be received by any of a plurality of slots in aperture 193. Aperture 193 can define a generally elongated and ribbed ellipsoidal opening. The size of the body 111 can be determined by the slots that couple with the button 191.

[0198] Figure 1Q An example embodiment of a fastener 19 using a hook-and-loop fastener, such as Velcro TMAn example embodiment of the fastener 19 of the hook-and-loop fastener. The size of the body 111 can be determined by the connection position of the first part 197A and the second part 197B. Specifically, the first part 191 can be a Velcro... TM The hook component or ring component, and the second part 193 is the corresponding ring component or hook component.

[0199] Figure 1R An example embodiment of a fastener 19 using a dual-band sliding button attachment mechanism is illustrated. An electronic module 32 can be secured to a ring 195. Both ends of a body 111 include protrusions 191 and multiple slots, such as holes 193. The body 111 is configured to extend through a hook 195. The protrusions 191 can engage with slots in the multiple holes 193 on the same end of the body 111 as the protrusions 191.

[0200] Figure 1S An example embodiment of a fastener 19 using a sliding button attachment mechanism is illustrated. One end of the body 111 includes a button (such as a protrusion 191) and a plurality of slots (such as holes 193). The other end of the body 111 includes a hook 195. The end of the body 111 with the button 191 is configured to extend through the hook 195. The protrusion 191 can engage with one of the plurality of slots (such as holes 193). The size of the body 111 can be determined by the specific slot that engages with the protrusion 191.

[0201] Figure 1T An example embodiment of a fastener 19 using a sliding button attachment mechanism is illustrated. One end of the body 111 includes a button, such as a protrusion 191. The other end of the body 111 includes a plurality of slots, such as holes 193 and hooks 195. The end of the body 111 with the protrusion 191 is configured to extend through the hook 195. The button 191 can be engaged with a slot in one of the plurality of holes 193. The size of the body 111 can be determined by the specific slot engaged with the button 191.

[0202] Figure 1U An example embodiment of the fastener 19 is illustrated. When the fastener 19 is tightened, the adjuster 17 can adjust the length of the body 111.

[0203] Figure 1V illustrates an example embodiment of the fastener 19. When the fastener 19 is tightened, the adjuster 17 can adjust the length of the body 111.

[0204] Figure 2A A perspective view of a wearable device 100 according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 2B It is illustrated Figure 2A A top view of the wearable device 100; Figure 2C It is illustrated Figure 2A Front view of wearable device 100; Figure 2DIt is illustrated Figure 2A A bottom view of the wearable device 100; Figure 2E It is illustrated Figure 2A Rear view of the wearable device 100; Figure 2F It is illustrated Figure 2A Bottom perspective view of wearable device 100; Figure 2G It is illustrated Figure 2A Top perspective view of wearable device 100; Figure 2H It is illustrated Figure 2A A perspective view of the rear bottom of the wearable device 100; Figure 2I yes Figure 2A A perspective view of the adjuster and buckle of the wearable device 100; Figure 2J The illustration shows what happens when the user wears it (item 10). Figure 2A A perspective view of the wearable device 100.

[0205] like Figures 2A-2J As shown, in this embodiment, the wearable device 100 includes a body 111 on which an electronic module 32 is disposed. A biosignal sensor 20 is disposed on the rear surface of the body 111 and configured to contact, for example, the forehead of user 10, and is disposed on the bottom portion of the body 111 and configured to contact, for example, at least a portion of the auricular region of the user's head, such as the ear or mastoid region of user 10. The wearable device may also include: an adjuster 17, such as... Figure 2I The D-ring or sliding buckle shown is used to adjust the length of the wearable device 100 to fit the user, such as the user's head or chest; and the buckle 19, such as Figure 2I The snap shown may include a pair of polarized magnets that are magnetically attracted to each other to secure the wearable device 100 and typically form a loop.

[0206] refer to Figure 2A In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 may include a flexible and extendable body 111 configured to surround a portion of the user 10's body. The electronic module 32 may have a surface 33A defining a concave space 35 between a first end 33A and a second end 33B opposite to the first end 33A. The first end 33A may be attached to the body 111, for example at a first connection point 34A, using a first retaining mount 3202 to allow the body 111 to rotate relative to the electronic module 32 about a first axis (such as first axis AA) and to transmit forces (such as tension or tensile force) radially from the body 111 to the electronic module 32 from the first axis. The second end 33B may be attached to the body 111, for example at a second connection point 34B, using a second retaining mount 3204 to allow the body 111 to rotate relative to the electronic module 32 about a second axis (such as second axis BB) and to transmit forces (such as tension or tensile force) radially from the body 111 to the electronic module 32 from the second axis.

[0207] One or more biosignal sensors 20 can be disposed on the body 111 between the first connection point 34A and the second connection point 34B to contact at least a portion of the body of the user 10 and receive biosignals from the user 10. When the body 111 extends with the electronic module 32 attached to be worn by the user 10, a force, such as a tension force, retention force, or other suitable force, is exerted from the body 111 to the electronic module 32 and through the first retention mount 3204 and / or the second retention mount 3202 on the electronic module 32 to pull the electronic module 32 toward the body of the user 10, the portion of the body 111 between the first connection point 34A and the second connection point 34B rotates toward the concave space, and the electronic module 32 pushes the biosignal sensors 20 on the body 111 toward the body of the user 10.

[0208] In some embodiments, a force, such as a retention force, generated by the electronic module 32 and the body acts on the body 111 to push the biosignal sensors 20 on the body 111 toward the body of the user 10.

[0209] In some embodiments, pulling the electronic module 32 toward the body of the user 10 generates a tension force in the body 111 between the first connection point 34A and the second connection point 34B.

[0210] In some embodiments, the retention force can follow various user body curvature biosignal sensors 20. The first retention mount 3202 and the second retention mount 3204 can retain the electronic module 32 on the body 111 while maintaining the retention force in the forehead region of the wearable device 100 in a manner that is comfortable for users of different body curvatures.

[0211] In some embodiments, the stiffness provided by the reinforcing material in the body 111 can generate a force that pushes the body 111 and the electronic module 32 apart, such that the body 111 is pushed against the body of the user 10 and subsequently the biosignal sensors 20 are pushed against the body of the user 10.

[0212] In some embodiments, a compressible material, such as foam, is disposed between the body 111 and the electronic module 32, for example in some or all of the concave spaces 35. Such foam can exert a spring force (displacement of the compressible material when compressed) between the body 111 and the electronic module 32 when compressed.

[0213] Various properties of the body 111 can be modified to push the biosignal sensors 20 against the body of the user 10.

[0214] Reference Figure 2JIn some embodiments, the biological signal sensor 20 is configured to contact at least a portion of the forehead of the head of the user 10. In some embodiments, the biological signal sensor 20 is an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor.

[0215] In some embodiments, the biological signal sensor 20 is an electrode such as disclosed herein to measure and generate electrical potentials, for example for transcranial stimulation and galvanic skin response.

[0216] In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 can further comprise an electrical connection 3212 between the electronics module 32 and the body 111.

[0217] In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 can further comprise an electrical connection between the electronics module 32 and the biological signal sensor 20.

[0218] In some embodiments, the electronics module 32 is curved to generally correspond to the head of the user 10.

[0219] In some embodiments, the flexible body 111 can comprise a compressible section adjacent to the biological signal sensor 20 so as to compress to conform at least one biological signal sensor 20 to the body of the user 10.

[0220] In some embodiments, the compressible section is shaped to conform to the at least a portion of the body of the user.

[0221] In some embodiments, the compressible section comprises foam having a variable density.

[0222] In some embodiments, the flexible body 111 comprises a reinforcing portion, such as a gusset, adjacent to the biological signal sensor 20.

[0223] In some embodiments, the electronics module 32 can be permanently affixed to the body 111. In some embodiments, the electronics module 32 is detachable or otherwise removable from the body 111. In some embodiments, the electronics module 32 can be removed to allow for cleaning of the body 111. In some embodiments, the electronics module 32 can be exchanged between bodies 111 and still provide similar functionality. For example, a user can remove their electronics module 32 from one variation of the body 111 and couple their electronics module 32 with another variation of the body 111. A user can remove the electronics module 32 to allow the sensing technology within the module to work on another portion of the body, such as measuring blood flow at the fingertips, or tracking movement of the hand, hip, chest, or other body part.

[0224] Figure 2KOne embodiment of a bowstring design between the electronics module 32 and the body 111 is illustrated. The electronics module 32 can be mounted on retention mounts 3202 and 3204. The retention mounts 3202 and 3204 can be fixed to the body 111 at connection points 34A and 34B, respectively. The connection point 34A is configured to deform between the body 111 and the retention mount 3202 to accommodate the body type of the user 10. The connection point 34B is configured to deform between the body 111 and the retention mount 3204 to accommodate the body type of the user 10. The flexibility of the connection points 34A and 34B can allow the body 111 to rotate relative to the electronics module 32, which can allow for a more comfortable fit. The flexibility of the connection points 34A and 34B can have a flexibility that allows the electronics module 32 to slide along the length of the body, thereby increasing or decreasing the length of the body 111 between the points 34A and 34B.

[0225] Figure 2L One embodiment of a bowstring design between the electronics module 32 and the body 111 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the electronics module 32 can be directly coupled to the body 111 at the connection point 34B, eliminating the need for the retention mount 3204. Such an asymmetric design can be used to fit certain body parts of the user 10 or for certain designs of the electronics module 32. In this embodiment, the connection point 34B is configured to deform between the electronics module 32 and the body 111 to accommodate the body of the user 10. In a similar design, the retention mount 3202 can be removed instead of the retention mount 3204. Such a design can have greater conformability or increased ease of use. Body parts with high curvature, such as a baby's wrist or ankle or head, can benefit from this increased conformability. The electronics module 32 will be electrically connected to the body 111 through the connection point 34A and the retention mount 3202, and it can be coupled at the connection point 34B using means that provide greater flexibility, such as magnetic force, hook and loop such as Velcro TM

[0226] Figure 2M One embodiment of a bowstring design between the electronics module 32 and the body 111 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the electronics module 32 can be directly coupled to the body 111 at the connection points 34A and 34B, eliminating the need for the retention mounts 3202 and 3204. Such a design can be used to reduce the number of components that make up the wearable device 100.

[0227] Figure 2N One embodiment of a bowstring design between the electronics module 32 and the body 111 is illustrated. Figure 2N One embodiment of a bowstring design between the electronics module 32 and the body 111 is illustrated. Figure 2M ​An alternative design of the electronic module 32. The electronic module 32 can have a more linear design that includes sharp corners. The wearable device 100 can still accommodate a curved body portion of the user 10 in the concave space 35.

[0228] In Figures 2K-2N , the connection points 34A and 34B are positioned on the body 111 a distance F-F apart such that when the electronic module 32 is received by the body 111 (either directly on the connection point 34A or 34B, or through the retaining mount 3202 or 3204), the connection points 34A and 34B generate tension (F-F) in the portion of the body 111 between the connection points 34A and 34B. If there is minimal body curvature (the body 111 does not deform) and the concave space 35 is maintained, this tension can position the body 111 adjacent to the user's body when worn. This can enable the sensors on the body 111 between the connection points 34A and 34B to maintain sufficient contact with the user to receive signals. This tension will deform under pressure, pushing into the concave space 35 to the maximum distance D, and can accommodate curvature along the line C-C. This can make the device more comfortable when worn on body portions with high curvature, and still enable the sensors on the body 111 between the connection points 34A and 34B to maintain sufficient contact with the user to receive signals.

[0229] Contact with the biosignal sensors can be affected by barriers such as hair. In particular, if the hair is dense enough to form a mat, the hair forms a physical barrier that lifts the biosignal sensors away from the user's skin. As such, the biosignal sensors 20 can be placed on the device such that, when worn, the sensors are in areas of the head where there is little hair. As such, in some embodiments, the at least one biosignal sensor 20 is on the forehead contact portion 12, one or both of the ear contact portions 14, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the at least one biosignal sensor 20 includes a biosignal sensor at each of the ear contact portions. The biosignal sensors 20 can be disposed in a fixed position on the body 111. In some embodiments, the biosignal sensors 20 can be integrated into a hole or track defined by the body 111 that allows the biosignal sensors 20 to move laterally along the body 111.

[0230] In particular, as Figure 2J shown, the biosignal sensors 20 can be configured to contact at least a portion of the concha region of the user's head, such as the ear or the mastoid region of the user 10. When the user 10 wears the wearable device 100, the foam within the wearable device 100 can allow the body 111, and thus the biosignal sensors 20, to bend down over the user's ear.

[0231] Thus, the biosignal sensors 20 can contact the top of the user's 10 ears and similarly be configured on the opposite side. Conveniently, these sensors can have sufficient flex to be generally comfortable for sleeping positions while the contacts maintain contact with the ear. The length of such biosignal sensors 20 can accommodate various sizes and shapes of ears, as well as motion of the wearable device 100 relative to the user's ear during motion or use.

[0232] The biosignal sensors 20 can be various types of electrophysiological sensors, including: electrical biosignal sensors in electrical contact with the user's skin; capacitive biosignal sensors in capacitive contact with the user's skin; blood flow sensors that measure a characteristic of the user's blood flow.

[0233] The locations of the biosignal sensors 20 on the body 111 can be reinforced, e.g., with the reinforcing member 131, to reduce the flexibility or elasticity and increase the rigidity of the locations of the body 111 where the biosignal sensors 20 are disposed. In some embodiments, the locations of the body 111 can be reinforced by using a lining to reduce the stretch of the fabric 121 of the body 11l.

[0234] In examples, the forehead contact portion 12 can be reinforced to structurally support the biosignal sensors 20, while the ear contact portions 14 of the body 111 can remain flexible.

[0235] In some embodiments, the biosignal sensors 20 can be formed of materials including silver-coated vinyl, flexible printed circuit boards ("FPCB" or "PCB") with or without conductive ink or noble metal plating (such as silver or gold plating), conductive rubber (such as heat-applied conductive rubber), conductive fabric (e.g., silver ink on fabric or woven conductive fibers), conductive fabric laminate, PEDOT-impregnated foam, and conductive carbon (e.g., forming a conductive carbon layer). Other suitable conductive materials can also be used. In some embodiments, a conductive layer in a stack separated by a dielectric can provide shielding of signals from the biosignal sensors 20. For example, a TPU layer between a conductive polymer ink layer and a conductive fabric layer.

[0236] The biosignal sensors 20 can be integrated into the body 111 in a configuration that allows the body 111 to bend and be breathable. For example, a vinyl or plastic substrate with silver ink on it can be cut into a pattern such as a repeating shape (e.g., repeating squares or hexagons) and applied to the body 111. Figures 13E-13F Various configurations of biosignal sensors on a body of a wearable device such as using silver contacts and ear electrodes are illustrated in accordance with various embodiments, as described in further detail below.

[0237] In areas where the biosignal sensor 20 is installed, the main body 111 can also be reinforced and manufactured to have less flexibility and more rigidity, such that in use, the biosignal sensor 20 can move less around adjacent parts of the user’s body, such as the user’s forehead or ears.

[0238] Reference is now made to Figure 8 and 9 In some embodiments, the main body 111 or portions thereof include a substrate 40. Figure 8 is a top view of a biosignal sensor integrated into a fabric substrate according to embodiments. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a biosignal sensor integrated into Figure 8 a fabric substrate along line I-I.

[0239] In some implementations, the substrate 40 is a woven or non-woven fabric substrate. In some embodiments, the substrate 40 is an elastic material, such as an elastic fabric. The elastic material can exhibit elastic deformation after being stretched to a length that is at least about 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 125%, or 150% of the unstretched length. In the unstretched state, the loop can be slightly smaller than the circumference of the user’s head. Once worn, the loop elongates around the user’s head to the stretched state. In some embodiments, the loop elongates between about 1% to about 50%, from about 5% to about 25%, or from about 5% to about 10% between the unstretched state and the stretched state. The tension applied on the user’s head and the elastic force resulting from the elongation of the loop tend to keep the device in place on the user’s head.

[0240] Users can have individual preferences for the level of tension to keep the device in place on their head. As such, in some embodiments, the loop includes a tension adjuster. In some embodiments, the tension adjuster includes a buckle, for example a sliding buckle near the back, a knob, a hook-and-loop fastener (such as Velcro TM ), as described herein.

[0241] In some embodiments, the biosignal sensor 20 is formed by applying a conductive layer 44 to the substrate 40. The conductive layer is applied to an inward-facing surface 46 of the substrate 40, which is adapted to sit against the user’s head when the wearable device 10 is worn. In some embodiments, the conductive layer 44 is applied as a conductive ink. In some embodiments, the conductive ink includes silver, carbon, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the conductive layer is applied by pad printing, screen printing, spraying, or painting. In some embodiments, the conductive layer is not applied directly to the material, but can be applied to a vinyl layer, which can then be applied to the fabric using heat and pressure, for example ironing. The conductive layer 44 is capable of receiving electrical biosignals from the user at the point of contact when in contact with the user’s skin.

[0242] In some embodiments, the substrate defines a plurality of holes 42 such that when conductive ink is applied to the inward facing surface 46 of the substrate 40, the ink flows through and coats the holes 42, eventually flowing to the outward facing surface 48 of the substrate 40. The ink coating on the holes 42 serves as through-substrate vias, providing a path for signals picked up at the interface between the user and the conductive layer 44 to be transmitted and picked up at the outward facing surface 48.

[0243] At the outward facing surface 48, a signal pick-up 50 is electrically connected to the conductive layer 44, thereby providing an electrical connection between the conductive layer 44 of the bio-signal sensor and the electronics module 32. When worn, the absence of the element at the inward facing surface 46 reduces the presence of potentially uncomfortable stress points pressing against the user’s skin. In some embodiments, the signal pick-up 50 is connected to the conductive layer 44 by a bonding layer 49 such as an adhesive layer or a second layer of conductive ink. In some embodiments, the signal pick-up 50 is attached to the substrate 40 such as by stitching or welding (such as by RF welding).

[0244] In some embodiments, the signal pick-up 50 comprises a flexible printed circuit board (“FPCB”) or film 50. In some embodiments, the FPCB comprises a polyimide or similar film that is plated in copper and selectively removed (such as by etching) to create a circuit. The copper is optionally covered in another layer of polyimide or similar film or liquid solder mask. In some embodiments, the FPCB comprises multiple layers of copper. In some embodiments, the FPCB comprises thicker polyimide or fiberglass or metal to provide rigidity to certain portions. In some implementations, the film is a stretchable film such as a thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane, or other plastic film. In some implementations, the film can exhibit elastic deformation after having been stretched by an elongation of at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50% compared to its unstretched state.

[0245] In some embodiments, a cover layer is disposed over the substrate 40 and the signal pick-up 50. The cover layer can reduce protrusions that can catch on other surfaces such as pillows, helmets. In some embodiments, the cover layer is a fabric material, a rubber material, or any combination thereof.

[0246] As Figures 10A-10CAs shown, the bio-signal sensor 20 can be formed from a flexible printed circuit board ("FPCB") 1020. The FPCB 1020 can have contacts 1030 formed from a suitable conductive material, such as silver ink, thereon. The FPCB 1020 can be configured on the body 111 of the wearable device 100 such that, in use, the contacts 1030 contact at least a portion of the forehead of the user 10. Such FPCBs can be sealed, provided that the connections are properly sealed. The PCBs and FPCBs as described herein, along with the associated components, can be waterproofed by the application of a coating, which can result in the wearable device 100 and various components being washable.

[0247] In some embodiments, the body 111 can be formed from an outer layer 1022 and an inner layer 1024. Each of the outer layer 1022 and the inner layer 1024 can be formed from materials such as the fabric 121 and the reinforcing member 131, as described herein.

[0248] Figure 10A is a back view of the outer layer 1022 and the inner layer 1024 of the body 111. Figure 10B is a perspective view of the outer layer 1022 of the body 111. Figure 10C is a perspective view of the inner layer 1024 of the body 111. As Figure 10C shown, the FPCB 1020 can be folded over the inner layer 1024.

[0249] Thus, when the outer layer 1022 is secured to the inner layer 1024, the circuitry of the FPCB 1020 can be sandwiched between the outer layer 1022 and the inner layer 1024, while the contacts 1030 remain exposed on the inner layer 1024 to contact the forehead of the user 10.

[0250] The use of two layers (i.e., the outer layer 1022 and the inner layer 1024), for example, in the configuration described herein, can protect the edges of the FPCB 1020 and protect the circuitry of the FPCB 1020 (as encapsulated between the outer layer 1022 and the inner layer 1024), and can provide for a reduced visible seam.

[0251] Figure 10D is a side view of a flexible printed circuit board configuration that can be used as the bio-signal sensor 20 in the wearable device 100, according to an embodiment. The flexible printed circuit board ("FPCB") 1120 can be formed from copper and polyimide ("PI") disposed in PI-copper-PI layers.

[0252] The PI cover layer 1122 can be secured to the FPCB 1120 by an adhesive layer 1124. In use, the PI cover layer 1122 can be disposed in the wearable device 100 to contact, for example, the forehead of the user 10. Thus, the FPCB 1120 is folded upwardly in the direction shown by arrow A.

[0253] Figure 10D The configuration shown allows for the reduction of sharp edges and exposure of surfaces in the FPCB 1120 that may begin to tear.

[0254] Figure 11A An embodiment of fabric layer 121 is illustrated, on which contacts 1220 of the biosignal sensor 20 are formed, for example, by one or more silver electrodes formed of silver varnish (soft silver or silver chloride) on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Contacts 1220 can be connected (e.g., riveted) to the FPCB via leads 1240 (in this example, the leads are folded behind fabric 121) and can be folded underneath or over the fabric layer and / or foam layer forming the wearable device 100.

[0255] Figure 11E The illustration shows a biosignal sensor contact 1220 and lead 1240 connected to a flexible printed circuit board 1120 in a wearable device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0256] In some embodiments, the biosignal sensor 20 may be formed from silver paste on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to form contacts, such as contact 1220. In some embodiments, such as DuPont... TM Textile inks, silver fabrics, or silver leads can be used to form contact 1220. Silver contacts can be exposed in areas of contact with the user's body, such as for sensing EEG.

[0257] In some embodiments, such as Figure 11A The contact 1220 shown is widened at the bottom of the wearable device 100. When worn on a user's forehead, the lower portion of the forehead is less likely to be suppressed by hair, and therefore the contact 1220 has a larger surface area to increase the contact surface area with the user's forehead, which can improve the signal quality and reliability of the EEG signal received by the biosignal sensor 20. The contact 1220 can be located below the top of the wearable device 100 and can extend to the bottom of the wearable device 100. Hair can be trapped between the user and the wearable device 100, so the contact 1220 can be located below the top of the wearable device 100 where hair may interfere with the contact 1220. Hair is less likely to suppress the signal towards the bottom of the wearable device 1220, so the contact 1220 can be configured to extend to the bottom of the wearable device 100 and receive biosignals without being suppressed by hair.

[0258] Figure 11B It is illustrated Figure 11AAn enlarged view of the center contact. The center contact 1220A (a subset of contact 1220) has a symmetrical design, positioned below the top of the wearable device 100 and widening to the bottom. The peripheral contact 1220B (a subset of contact 1220) is positioned adjacent to either side of the center contact 1220A. The peripheral contact 1220B has a design positioned below the top of the wearable device 100 and widening to the bottom. The peripheral contact 1220B also tapers gradually from the center contact 1220A at the bottom of its design. The far contact 1220C (a subset of contact 1220) has a similar profile to the peripheral contact 1220B, but is located on either side of the center contact 1220A and is spaced a certain distance from the peripheral contact 1220B.

[0259] Figure 11C It is illustrated for Figure 11B An example alternative to the contact design of the center contact is shown. The center contact 1220A (a subset of contact 1220) has a symmetrical design located below the top and above the bottom of the wearable device 100, and has an elliptical shape. The peripheral contacts 1220B (a subset of contact 1220) are positioned adjacent to either side of the center contact 1220A. The shape of the peripheral contacts 1220B matches that of the center contact 1220A, except that they are shorter than the center contact 1220A, located further below the top of the wearable device 100 compared to the center contact 1220A, and their shape is laterally cut on the side of the peripheral contacts 1220B adjacent to the center contact 1220A. The distal contacts 1220C (a subset of contacts 1220) have a similar profile to the intermediate contacts 1220A, but are shorter than the intermediate contacts 1220A and are located further below the top of the wearable device 100 compared to the intermediate contacts 1220A. The distal contacts 1220C are located on either side of the intermediate contacts 1220A and are spaced apart from the peripheral contacts 1220B.

[0260] Figure 11D It is illustrated for Figure 11B An example alternative to the contact design of the center contact is shown. The center contact 1220A (a subset of contact 1220) has a generally circular shape and is positioned approximately at the center of the wearable device 100. The peripheral contact 1220B (a subset of contact 1220) is positioned adjacent to either side of the center contact 1220A. The peripheral contact 1220B has a narrower width that widens slightly towards the bottom at the top, and its shape gradually tapers around the center contact 1220A. The distal contact 1220C (a subset of contact 1220) has a similar profile to the peripheral contact 1220B. The distal contact 1220C is located on either side of the center contact 1220A and is spaced a distance from the peripheral contact 1220B.

[0261] As shown in Figure 11E The contacts 1220 can be covered in carbon that is not desired to be exposed, such as disposed within the body 111 or between layers of the wearable device 100, for example forming a lead 1240. In some embodiments, the lead 1240 is reinforced by carbon, which can provide additional or redundant conductive properties. The carbon can allow for some conductivity and connectivity, which can help in situations where the connection of the silver substrate becomes damaged or slightly damaged.

[0262] The signals can be carried through such leads to rivets that connect the signals to a flexible PCB within the wearable device 100, such as a flexible printed circuit board (“FPCB”) 1120 formed from copper and polyimide (“PI”) arranged in a P1-copper-PI layer. The FPCB can then carry the signals to connections in the fabric 121 and connect them to the electronics module 32.

[0263] In some embodiments, the FPCB can be riveted to the fabric layers and the soft silver / silver chloride TPU contacts. Conveniently, the riveting can enable mass production of the wearable device 100, for example at a factory level.

[0264] In some embodiments, the layers such as the FPCB and the contacts can be stitched together.

[0265] Additional configurations of the contacts 1220 and leads 1240 of the bio signal sensor 20 are illustrated in Figures 11B-11D The locations of the contacts 1220 can be selected so that the contacts do not interfere closely with each other, for example their signals, and receive discrete and useful bio signal data.

[0266] Other suitable sensor configurations can also be considered.

[0267] As shown in Figure 12A and 12B A plurality of bio signal sensors 20, such as electrodes, can be disposed in the body 111 of the wearable device 100.

[0268] Figure 12A and 12B An embodiment of the wearable device 100 is illustrated in which a redundant array of bio signal sensor 20 electrodes is connected to a single electronics module 32 through traces 1222. In examples, the traces 1222 can be conductive wires. The electronics module 32 can use a signal quality indicator to assess which bio signal sensor(s) 20 to use. For example, depending on where the received bio signal is fully unused or strongest.

[0269] The bio-signal sensor 20 located on and connected to the ear contacting portion 14 of the wearable device 100 can be referred to as an "ear electrode" as described herein. It will be appreciated that such electrodes can also be used to detect signals above, on the face of, or below the user's ear. Such "ear electrodes" can be deformable earpieces that take the form of open bowstring ear electrodes 1002, closed bowstring ear electrodes 1004, shaped ear electrodes 1102, and movable ear electrodes 1202 as described below with reference to Figures 10A-10B, 14, and 15A-15B. Such ear electrodes can be configured to contact at least a portion of the conchal region of the user's head, such as the ear or the mastoid region of the user 10. The ear electrodes can include a depressible region having a thin rubber pad, air pad, or gel pad that can be pressed against the ear. Figures 13A-13C

[0270] Figure 13A A schematic side view of an embodiment of a wearable device 100 having an ear electrode 1002 with an open 'bowstring' design and an ear electrode 1004 with a closed 'bowstring' design is illustrated, and Figure 13B is an expanded view thereof. Figure 13C A schematic side view of an embodiment of a wearable device 100 having an ear electrode 1004 with a closed 'bowstring' design is illustrated.

[0271] The ear electrode 1002 can include a flexible conductive material band 1012 that is connected at each end to the body 111 of the wearable device 100. The body 111 of the wearable device 100 can have a region cut away over the ear electrode 1002, which can allow the conductive material 1012 to move freely. When the wearable device 100 is placed on the head of the user 10, the downward pressure can be distributed along the length of the conductive material 1012, which can increase the contact area and improve signal quality, and can provide a comfortable fit for the user 10.

[0272] Variations in the shape of the conductive material 1012 that contacts the user's ear are possible. For example, as shown in Figure 13A the body 111 can define a hole, shown as the interior region 1301 of the body 111, and can be open and can be a semicircular shape, allowing the conductive material 1012 to collapse towards the body 111 when worn. The conductive material 1012 can bend into a form that conforms to the user's 10 ear. A comfortable conductive rubber ear contact can be provided to provide a fit that holds the wearable device 100 on the head, comfort, and a contact for the conductivity from the conductive material 1012. The conductive rubber 1012 can rest on top of the user's ear (e.g., in the region between the top ear tip and the head). The user's 10 ear does not typically extend through the interior region 1301, but the body 111 will be located between the ear and the head, outside of the interior region 1301 during normal wear.​

[0273] The conductive material 1012 may be, for example, conductive rubber. In some examples, the conductive material 1012 may be formed from silicone rubber infused with and / or coated with carbon. In some embodiments, the conductive material 1014 may be formed from a thermoplastic elastomer infused with carbon and coated with a PEDOT conductive polymer layer. Other suitable conductive materials may also be used.

[0274] Similarly, such as Figure 13C As shown, the ear electrode 1004 may include a flexible conductive material 1014 (e.g., formed of conductive rubber) and may be shaped to have a bottom portion 1024 and a top portion 1034 to define an opening with a generally semi-circular periphery, allowing the bottom portion 1024 to collapse toward the top portion 1034 and the body 111. The conductive material 1014 may be bent in the bottom portion 1024 to conform to the ear of the user 10. Comfortable conductive rubber ear contacts may be provided to provide fit, comfort, and contact for conductivity from the conductive material 1014 in keeping a headband or wearable device on the head.

[0275] In use, for example, when the wearable device 100 shifts during sleep, the upper portion 1034 may contact the top of the user 10's ear. Conductive rubber 1014 may rest on the top of the user's ear (e.g., in the area between the top ear tip and the head). The user 10's ear does not typically extend through the inner region 1301, but the body 111 will be positioned between the ear and the head, with the ear outside the inner region 1301 during normal wear, and the bottom portion 1024 and the top portion 1034 contacting the top ear tip and the area around the user 10's head.

[0276] The conductive material 1014 may be formed of the same or similar material as the conductive material 1012.

[0277] Figure 13D Various configurations of a wearable device 100 having an ear electrode 1002 according to various embodiments are illustrated.

[0278] Figure 14 A side view of an embodiment of a wearable device 100 is shown, the wearable device having ear electrodes 1102 shaped to contact the upper and rear surfaces of the ear of a user 10.

[0279] The shaped ear electrode 1102 may include a flexible conductive material strip 1112 (e.g., rubber) connected to the body 111 of the wearable device 100. The electrode material 1112 may be shaped to conform to the upper and back surfaces of the ear, which increases the skin contact area and facilitates fit.

[0280] The conductive material 1112 can be formed of the same or similar materials as the conductive material 1012.

[0281] The stretchable or elastic portion 1104 of the body 111 of the wearable device 100 can allow for fitting a variety of head sizes while maintaining proper positioning of the electrodes over and behind the ears.

[0282] Figure 15A A side view schematic of an embodiment of the wearable device 100 with a movable ear electrode 1202 is illustrated that can move to provide skin contact about various head shapes, and Figure 15B is an expanded view thereof.

[0283] Figure 15A and 15B A movable ear electrode 1202 is illustrated in which a conductive tube 1212 contacts an exposed wire or lead 1214. The conductive tube 1212 contacts the wire 1214 regardless of its position along the open area in which it is placed. The wire 1214 then transmits the sensed bio signals to the electronics module 32.

[0284] The conductive tube 1212 can be hollow and generally cylindrical, or other suitable shape to allow for movement in the direction shown by arrow B.

[0285] The conductive tube 1212 can be formed of the same or similar materials as the conductive material 1012.

[0286] Due to signal quality requirements, it can be desirable to place the electrodes in areas with little hair, such as over or behind the ears. Because the interaurale-brow arc length (distance across the forehead between the tragus points of the ears) varies quite a bit between individuals, portions of the wearable device 100 can need to stretch or extend (e.g., as illustrated in Figure 14 where 1104 illustrates a stretchable portion in other non-stretchable devices), or alternatively, a movable electrode (such as the movable ear electrode 1202) can provide for placement of the electrodes in contact with the ears of the user 10.

[0287] In some embodiments, the bio signal sensor 20 can be integrated in the body 111 at the ear contact portion 14, for example, with generally rectangular or generally circular contacts or conductive sensors formed of silver ink or other materials incorporated with the body 111 to cover the ears of the user 10.

[0288] It should be appreciated that in various embodiments, the shape and configuration of the ear electrodes 1002, 1004, shaped ear electrodes 1102, and movable ear electrodes 1202 can be coordinated with the shape and configuration of the body 111 to complement each other. For example, the body 111 can be configured to stretch in the forehead contact portion 12 and adjacent to the ear contact portion 14 in order to be used with the shaped ear electrodes 1102 in order to allow for more variation in the body 111 while the ear electrodes remain more fitted or less deformable. This can allow for a better fit to the head of the user 10. Similarly, longer ear electrodes, such as the ear electrodes 1004, can be used with a body 111 that is less flexible because the longer ear electrodes can accommodate different ear sizes.

[0289] Some embodiments can reversibly couple an attachment portion of a headset (e.g., a headset cord) to the wearable device 100. The reversible coupling can be used to loosely secure an external headset to an area proximate to the user’s ear. The connection can be achieved in a variety of ways, such as using Velcro® nylon hook and loop attachment or snaps. This can deter the external headset from migrating during sleep.

[0290] Reference Figures 16-19A and 19B, in some embodiments, the wearable device 100 includes an inner earpiece 144 having a conductive sensor.

[0291] Figure 13A 、 13B , 13C, 13D, 14, 15A, and 15B illustrate that in some embodiments, the wearable device 100 can also include an additional bio-signal sensor 20, 1002, 1004, 1102, or 1202 to contact at least a portion of the pinna region of the head of the user 10. In some embodiments, the additional bio-signal sensor 20, 1002, 1004, 1102, or 1202 is an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor.

[0292] As Figure 16 shown, the inner earpiece 144 can be shaped to conform to the form of the pinna of the ear of the user 10. The inner earpiece 144 can be a conductive sensor and connected to a signal transmission line 146. In some embodiments, the inner earpiece 144 can have a conductive material similar to or the same as the conductive material 1012 described herein. The inner earpiece 144 can thus form an inner ear sensor to contact the ear canal, e.g., the external ear canal, of the user 10.

[0293] The signal transmission line 146 can be a wire or other similar conductive material and connected to the electronics module 32.

[0294] As Figure 17 and 18As shown, the wearable device 100 may also include a sound delivery module 170, which includes a sound generator 172 connected to the earpiece 174 via a hollow tube 176. The sound generator 172 receives audio signals from an audio transmission line 178.

[0295] like Figure 17 As shown, the earpiece 174 can be shaped to conform to the auricle of the user 10's ear. In some embodiments, the earpiece 174 can be molded, for example, heat-molded, into the shape of a specific ear of the user 10. The earpiece 174 can be a conductive sensor and connected to the signal transmission line 175. In some embodiments, the earpiece 174 may have a conductive material similar to or the same as the conductive material 1012 described herein. In some embodiments, the earpiece 174 may be insulated, and the signal transmission line may be arranged to pass through the earpiece 174 to provide a conductive surface for contact with the user 10's ear.

[0296] The sound generator 172 can be located at a certain distance from the inner earpiece 174, for example, between 2 cm and 30 cm. The sound generator 172 can be a speaker or driver to generate sound waves that propagate through the hollow tube 176 to the inner earpiece 174.

[0297] In this example, the hollow tube 176 is, for example, a hollow plastic tube with a diameter of 2 mm to 3 mm. The hollow tube 176 can typically be rigid to prevent it from folding upwards in a way that would interfere with the propagation of sound waves.

[0298] Conveniently, keeping the sound generator away from the sensor (e.g., keeping the user 10's biosignals away from the conductive sensor portion of the earpiece 174) allows sound to be generated in a manner that interferes less with sensor readings.

[0299] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the sound delivery module 170 connected to the electronic module 32 of the wearable device 100, wherein the signal transmission line 175 and the audio transmission line 178 are connected to the electronic module 32.

[0300] Figure 19A and 19B A sound delivery module 190 is illustrated, comprising a sound generator (not shown, e.g., sound generator 172) connected to an inner earpiece 194 via a hollow tube 196.

[0301] like Figure 19A , 19B As shown, the earpiece 194 can be shaped to conform to the auricle of the user 10's ear. The earpiece 194 can be insulated and may not be a conductive sensor.

[0302] Inner earpiece 194 can be supported by a conductive sensor such as closed loop frame 198A or open loop frame 198B. Closed loop frame 198A and similar open loop frame 198B can be shaped to conform to the form of the pinna of the ear of user 10.

[0303] Closed loop frame 198A is connected to signal transmission line 199, which can be connected to electronics module 32 to transmit bio-signals from the conductive sensor.

[0304] Conveniently using a conductive sensor that is distanced from the inner ear canal of user 10 (e.g. using closed loop frame 198A or open loop frame 198B) can avoid the formation of earwax on the conductive sensor, which can act as an insulator and reduce signal quality. Such conductive sensors can also allow the sensor to contact a larger surface area of the user outside of the inner ear canal.

[0305] As shown in Figures 3-5 In some embodiments, body 111 of wearable device 100 can include at least one overhead support band. The at least one support band can provide additional support over the head and distribute forces acting on the head over a larger area. In some embodiments, the overhead support band is placed in an anterior-posterior orientation, a lateral-lateral orientation, or a diagonal orientation. In some embodiments, the overhead support band is placed in a lateral-lateral orientation. In some embodiments, the at least one overhead support band is connected to the ring at ear contact portion 14. In some embodiments, the at least one overhead support band includes crown band 18A, top band 18B, or a combination thereof. The lateral-lateral orientation provides forces that can be partially resisted by band portions elsewhere in the device. For example, at least some of the forces acting on the head of the user from top band 18B can be resisted by occipital contact portion 16 of the ring. Similarly, some of the forces acting on the head of the user from crown band 18A are resisted by forehead contact portion 12 of the ring. Conversely, to have an anterior-posterior band with opposing forces, the device can need a chin band or other band to exert forces on the lower surface of the skill.

[0306] Bio-signal sensors located where hair is present can be selected according to their ability to obtain signals despite the presence of hair. Referring to Figure 6 and 7 In some embodiments, wearable device 100 includes bio-signal sensors 20, such as at least one hair-penetrating bio-signal sensor 22 located on at least one support band, such as crown band 18A, top band 18B, occipital contact portion 16, or both. In some embodiments, hair-penetrating bio-signal sensors 22 can be positioned at other locations on body 111, including forehead contact portion 12 and ear contact portion 14. Hair-penetrating bio-signal sensors 22 can be needle sensors, or sensors with prongs that extend through the hair of the user to contact skin 11 (e.g. similar to prongs 3536 discussed in further detail below).

[0307] Reference is made below Figures 20-27 An example embodiment of a hair-penetrating biosignal sensor 22 is described. The hair-penetrating biosignal sensor 22 can be integrated in a segment of the body 111 of the wearable device 100, which is rigid or reinforced, for example, with a reinforcing member 131. The hair-penetrating biosignal sensor 22 can also be integrated into a hole or a track defined by the body 111, which allows the hair-penetrating biosignal sensor to move laterally along the body 111. Thus, the hair-penetrating biosignal sensor 22 can be secured in place, for example, by a corresponding thread on the hair-penetrating biosignal sensor 22 that is rotated to capture a portion of the body 111 and provide a friction fit.

[0308] According to an aspect of embodiments described herein, the body 111 can comprise a sensor for obtaining a biosignal from the scalp or skin 11 of the user 10, such as a biosignal sensor 3500. Reference is made to Figure 24 , a biosignal sensor 3500 is provided. The sensor 3500 is configured to receive a biosignal from the user 10, preferably from the head of the user or through the skin 11 of the user 10. Reference is made to Figure 25 , the biosignal sensor 3500 can be comprised on a device 4000, for example, on a support portion 4002 such as the body 111 of the wearable device 100. The device 4000 optionally comprises at least one deformable portion 4004, for example, made of foam, which is connected to the support portion 4002 to provide comfort and / or support when the device 4000 is worn by the user 10.

[0309] Reference is made to Figure 20 and 21 , the biosignal sensor 3500 comprises a body 3520 having a spherical portion 3528; an electrode 3530 extendable into the body 3520, the electrode 3530 having a contact end 3532 configured to receive an electrical biosignal from the skin 11 of the user 10, wherein in response to a downward force acting on the biosignal sensor 3500 to push the biosignal sensor 3500 against the skin 11 of the user and while in contact with the skin 11 of the user 10, the electrode 3530 is configured to move into the body 3520 along a movement axis 3522; an actuator 3540 operably connected to the electrode 3530 to push the electrode 3530 out of the body 3520 along the movement axis 3522 into an extended position, wherein in the absence of the downward force, the electrode 3530 is disposed in the extended position; and a contact adjuster 3550 connected to the electrode 3530, the contact adjuster 3550 comprising a handle 3552 that is manipulatable by the user to reduce noise of the electrical biosignal caused by impedance of the user’s hair.

[0310] In use, a force having a downward component is applied to push the biosignal sensor 3500 against the skin 11 of the user 10 to receive electrical signals from the user 10. The electrode 3530 moves along the movement axis 3522 from the extended position into the electrode-receiving space 3524 of the body 3520 (see, e.g., FIG. 3B). However, the user’s hair can impede the biosignal sensor 3500’s ability to receive electrical signals from the skin 11 of the user 10. For example, the user’s hair can form a barrier (or “cushion”) that acts as an insulating layer between the contact end and the user’s skin. The insulating layer impedes or prevents the reception of electrical signals. Thus, in some embodiments, the biosignal sensor 3500 is configured to reduce the impedance effects of the user’s hair. Figure 21 ) However, the user’s hair can impede the biosignal sensor 3500’s ability to receive electrical signals from the skin 11 of the user 10. For example, the user’s hair can form a barrier (or “cushion”) that acts as an insulating layer between the contact end and the user’s skin. The insulating layer impedes or prevents the reception of electrical signals. Thus, in some embodiments, the biosignal sensor 3500 is configured to reduce the impedance effects of the user’s hair.

[0311] In some embodiments, the contact end 3532 of the electrode 3530 includes a collection plate 3534 and a plurality of prongs 3536 extending from the collection plate 3534. Each prong includes a distal tip 3537 for contacting the skin 11 of the user 10. For electrodes having a single contact surface, the user’s hair can form a cushion under the single contact surface, while a gap volume 3538 defined by the prongs 3536, the collection plate 3534, and the skin 11 of the user 10 can receive the user’s hair and reduce or prevent the formation of a cushion under the distal tips 3537 of the prongs. In some embodiments, the extension of the electrode 3530 from the body 3520 in the extended position can be adjusted using a contact adjuster 3550. In some embodiments, the contact adjuster 3550 includes a compression fitting or threads that mate with the electrode or body for adjusting the extension of the electrode 3530 in the extended position. The extension of the electrode 3530 from the body 3520 accommodates users with different amounts of hair. For example, a user with thick, long hair can have a relatively large amount of hair that can create an electrical barrier when forming a cushion. For such users, the extended position can be adjusted so that the electrode 3530 extends further from the body 3520 than for a user with shorter hair or no hair.

[0312] In some embodiments, the contact adjuster 3550 is configured to move the electrode along the movement axis 3522. In some embodiments, the handle is configured to lift the electrode 3530 and reposition it for placement against the skin 11 of the user 10 when pushed against the skin 11 of the user 10. In some embodiments, movement of the contact adjuster 3550 moves the plurality of prongs 3536 collectively. For example, in some embodiments, the contact adjuster 3550 is connected to the collection plate 3534 and is configured to move the collection plate. Movement of the collection plate 3534 causes the plurality of prongs 3536 extending from the collection plate 3534 to move.

[0313] When a downward force is applied, electrode 3530 moves along the moving axis 3522 into body 3520 (see...). Figure 21 With the electrode 3530 significantly retracted into the body 3520, the body 3520 can become close to the skin 11 of the user 10. This can cause user hair, for example, placed under the body 3520 of the sensor 3500, to form a barrier layer, preventing good contact between the electrode 3530 and the skin 11 of the user 10. Therefore, in some embodiments, the body 3520 includes a contact end 3526 that includes at least one groove 3529 for receiving at least a portion of the user's hair therein.

[0314] To provide better user comfort, the pressure of the electrode 3530 on the skin 11 of the user 10 must not be excessive. In some embodiments, the distal tips 3537 of the plurality of prongs 3536 are rounded. Compared to a pointed tip, a pointed tip distributes the force applied to the skin over a larger area. In some embodiments, the radius of the distal tip is between about 0.25 mm and about 1 mm. In some embodiments, the radius of the distal tip is about 0.5 mm. The number and spacing of the prongs 3536 are selected such that the pressure applied to the skin 11 of the user 10 is not excessive and there is sufficient contact area to receive a good and sufficient signal from the user's skin, while maintaining sufficient clearance volume between the prongs 3536 to accommodate the user's hair. In some embodiments, the electrode 3530 has a prong density of about 15 to 40 prongs per square centimeter. In some embodiments, the electrode 3530 has a prong density of about 25 prongs or needles per square centimeter.

[0315] A larger contact area of ​​electrode 3530 can provide better electrical readings. However, when the area is too large, it may not conform well to the skin. One reason for this is that skin is not typically perfectly flat. Increasing the contact area of ​​the electrode also increases the likelihood of skin curvature bending, leading to loss of contact. Therefore, in some embodiments, the contact area of ​​electrode 3530, including pins 3536 (including the area of ​​the gap between the pins), is approximately 1 cm². 2 Approximately 3cm 2 Between. In some embodiments, the area of ​​the contact end of the electrode 3530 containing these pins (including the space between the pins) is approximately 1.5 cm². 2 In some embodiments, the contact end 3532 of the electrode is circular or polyhedral in shape. The shape of the contact end 3532 can help move the user's hair to reduce or prevent the impedance effect of the user's hair.

[0316] In some embodiments, the contact adjuster 3550 is configured to rotate the electrode along a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement. The rotational motion can move the hair disposed beneath the sensor 3500. In some embodiments in which the sensor includes a plurality of prongs 3536, the rotational motion moves the hair into the interstitial volume 3538. In some embodiments, the rotational motion of the contact adjuster 3550 is unrestricted. In some embodiments, the rotational motion of the contact adjuster 3550 is restricted.

[0317] In some embodiments, the actuator 3540 includes a spring, a piston, a compressible material, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the actuator 3540 includes a spring 3542. In some embodiments, the spring 3542 is a coil spring. The spring 3542 is disposed within the electrode-receiving space 3524 such that one end biases against the upper end 3526 of the body, pushing the electrode 3530 away from the electrode-receiving space 3524 toward the extended position. In some embodiments, the spring 3542 biases against the upper end of the collection plate 3532 of the electrode 3530. When a downward force is applied to the sensor 3500 and when the electrode 3530 is against the skin 11 of the user 10, the spring 3542 prevents the electrode 3530 from moving into the body 3520, such that the force is transferred to the electrode 3530, pushing the electrode against the skin 11 of the user 10.

[0318] In some embodiments, the spring 3542 is fixed to the body 3520 on one end and biased against the electrode 3530 on the other end, and wherein the contact adjuster 3550 includes a shaft 3554 extending through a compression axis 3544 of the spring 3542 for transferring rotational forces perpendicular to the direction of movement from the handle 3552 to the electrode 3530, transferring forces along the direction of movement from the handle to the electrode, or both. In some embodiments, the compression axis is coaxial or substantially coaxial with the direction of movement axis 3522. In some embodiments in which the spring 3542 is a coil spring, the coils of the coil spring are wrapped around the shaft 3554 of the contact adjuster 3550.

[0319] In some embodiments, the actuator 3540 includes a plurality of actuators (not shown) corresponding to the plurality of prongs 3536. In some embodiments, the plurality of actuators individually bias the prongs against the skin 11 of the user 10. This can allow, for example, the sensor to better conform to the skin 11 of the user 10, as the skin can not be perfectly flat.

[0320] The electrical bio-signals received by the electrode 3530 can be transmitted to a signal receiver, such as a processor or other computing device (not shown). In some embodiments, the signal receiver receives the electrical bio-signals from the body 3520 of the sensor.

[0321] In some embodiments, the body includes an electrically conductive portion 3527 for receiving an electrical bio signal from the electrode. The electrically conductive portion 3527 can be an electrically conductive coating, an electrically conductive material integrated into the body, or both. In some embodiments, the electrically conductive coating is an electrically conductive paint, such as a metallic paint or a carbon paint. In some embodiments, the metallic paint includes silver, gold, silver-silver chloride, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the electrically conductive material is a carbon-loaded plastic or an electrically conductive metal. In some embodiments, the body 3D is 3D printed with the electrically conductive material incorporated therein. In some embodiments, the impedance between the electrode and the connection on the sensor for a wire from the signal receiver is less than about 1 kΩ. In some embodiments, the impedance between the electrode and the connection on the sensor is from about 1 Ω to about 500 Ω. In some embodiments, the connection is on the body 3520 or the housing 3760 of the sensor 3700 shown in FIG. 19.

[0322] In some embodiments, the actuator 3540 electrically connects the electrode 3530 to the body 3520. For example, an electrical bio signal can be transmitted from the electrode 3530 to the body 3520 via the actuator 3540. In some embodiments in which the actuator 3540 includes a spring 3542, the spring 3542 is electrically conductive. For example, one end of the spring 3542 is biased against the collection plate 3534 and the other end is biased against the body 3520, which spring can act as a conductor.

[0323] According to an aspect of embodiments described herein, the body 111 can include a sensor for obtaining a bio signal from the scalp or skin 11 of the user 10, such as the bio signal sensor 3700. Reference is made to FIG. 19, which shows a sensor 3700 according to an embodiment described herein. The sensor 3700 includes a body 3520, an electrode 3530, and an actuator 3540. The electrode 3530 is configured to be placed in contact with the scalp or skin 11 of the user 10. The electrode 3530 is configured to collect an electrical bio signal from the scalp or skin 11 of the user 10. The electrode 3530 is electrically connected to the body 3520 via the actuator 3540. The actuator 3540 is configured to transmit the electrical bio signal from the electrode 3530 to the body 3520. Figure 22 and 23In some embodiments, the sensor 3700 includes a gimbal 3770 configured to orient the electrode 3730 perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the skin 11 of the user 10. An electrode 3730 that is normally oriented can have better contact with the skin of the user. For example, in cases where the prongs 3736 have the same length, normal orientation prevents angular contact with the skin of the user in cases where some of the prongs would be lifted off the skin of the user. Also, in cases where the electrode 3730 contacts the skin at an angle, one or more of the prongs 3736 can be pushed upward by hair. In some embodiments, the body 3720 includes a spherical portion 3728, where the sensor further includes a housing 3760 defining a joint portion 3762 configured to receive the spherical portion 3728 of the body 3720, such that the gimbal 3770 includes the spherical portion 3728 and the joint portion 3762. In some embodiments, the spherical portion 3728 is removably received by the joint portion 3762. In some embodiments, the interface between the joint portion 3762 and the spherical portion 3728 includes a friction-reducing agent. In some embodiments, the friction-reducing agent is a carbonaceous material. In some embodiments, the carbonaceous material is integral to at least a portion of the body 3720, the housing 3760, or both. In some embodiments, the housing 3760 includes an electrical connection portion for establishing an electrical connection between the sensor 3700 and a signal receiver.

[0324] In some embodiments, the body 3720 includes at least one groove 3729 for receiving at least a portion of the hair of the user therein.

[0325] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the electrically conductive portion 3727 is disposed in or on the spherical portion 3728. In some embodiments, the electrical bio-signals received from the electrode 3720 are transmitted from the body 3720 to the housing 3760. In these embodiments, the received signals can be connected to the housing 3760. In some embodiments where the friction-reducing agent is included, the friction-reducing agent includes or is an electrical conductivity modifier to improve impedance. In some embodiments, the electrical conductivity modifier is a metal powder, graphite, carbon nanotubes, metal-coated glass, or plastic beads. For example, in cases where the friction-reducing agent is a carbonaceous material integral to the body 3720, the carbonaceous material can provide both friction reduction and electrical conductivity. In some embodiments, wires on the support portion 4002 of the head-mounted device 4000 are connected to the sensor 3700 at one end.

[0326] Reference is now made to Figure 26 and 27In some embodiments in which rotational motion is limited, the sensor 4100 includes a rotational limiter 4170 for limiting rotational motion of the electrode 4130. If the hair is over-rotated in a single direction, the hair can become tangled or knotted. In some embodiments, the rotational limiter allows for an oscillating motion of the electrode along the rotational axis between the user's hair. In some embodiments, the rotational limiter limits rotational motion to at least about 0.25 radians. In some embodiments, the rotational limiter 4170 includes a slot 4172 and a key 4174 configured to limitively rotate within the slot 4172. Motion of the electrode 4130 relative to the body 4120 is limited by the slot 4172 and the key 4174. In some embodiments, the upper end 4126 of the body 4120 defines the slot 4172 and the shaft 4154 of the adjuster 4150 that contacts includes the key 4174. In some embodiments, the rotational limiter includes a stop disposed in the body, the electrode, the shaft, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the housing 4160 is configured to receive the body 4120.

[0327] In some embodiments, a light connected to the processor indicates the brain state at the sensor 3500 or the sensor 3700. In some embodiments, the brightness or color of the light is modified according to events in the brain, such as event-related potentials, continuous EEG, cognitive potentials, steady-state evoked potentials, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the light is integral with the sensor or mounted on the support portion of the headgear proximate the sensor.

[0328] In some embodiments, the body 111 can include other biosignal sensors 20, such as a non-contact electrode 180.

[0329] Reference is made to Figure 28 In some embodiments, the non-contact electrode 180 includes a conductive layer 182 and a conductive noise layer 184, with a dielectric layer 186 disposed between the conductive layer and the conductive noise layer. The conductive noise layer 184 reduces noise in the signal obtained by the electrode 180. The conductive noise layer 184 can be an active guard or a ground plane. In some embodiments, a dielectric layer 188 is applied to the user-facing side of the conductive layer 182. The conductive layer 182 is connected to the electronics module 32 or sensor electronics via a wire 189.

[0330] In some embodiments, the non-contact electrode can take the form of a capacitive electrode 4300 as shown in Figure 29A or other suitable capacitive electrode. Figure 29A A side view of a user 10 wearing a wearable device 100 having a biosignal sensor in the form of a capacitive electrode 4300 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment. Figure 29B A partial top view of the wearable device 100 of Figure 29A is illustrated.

[0331] In some embodiments, the body 111 includes one or more capacitive electrodes 4300 positioned, for example, adjacent to the top of the head of the user 10 and the back of the head of the user 10, as shown. The electrodes 4300 can be disposed in the body 111 of the wearable device 100 to receive biological signal data of the user 10. In some embodiments, the received biological signal data can include brain wave data of the user 10. In some embodiments, the capacitive electrodes 4300 can be non-contact electrodes that do not come into direct contact with the skin 11 of the user 10. Figure 29A

[0332] The body 111 can include a compressible foam 4302 that can conform to the shape of the head of the user 10. In some embodiments, the compressible foam 4302 can be formed of an open cell foam, such as open cell foam materials known to those skilled in the art. The compressible foam 4302 can be compressible such that when the wearable device 100 is secured to the head of the user 10, the compressible foam 4302 conforms to the head of the user 10. In use, the compressible foam 4302 can be compressed and conform to the head of the user 10 by tightening the body 111 to secure the wearable device 100 to the user 10.

[0333] In some embodiments, on a surface of the compressible foam 4302 adjacent to the head of the user 10, the conductive layer 4304 of the capacitive electrode 4300 is secured to the compressible foam 4302.

[0334] The conductive layer 4304 can have a thickness between 1 pm and 100 pm, in an example 20 pm. The conductive layer 4304 can be formed of a conductive material, such as a polymer substrate with conductive ink, a conductive polymer, a conductive fabric, or a flexible PCB.

[0335] The conductive layer 4304 can be insulated adjacent to the head of the user 10 with an insulating layer 4306. The insulating layer 4306 forms a dielectric that creates a capacitive coupling between the conductive layer 4304 and the skin 11 of the user 10. In some embodiments, the hair or other body tissue of the user 10 can further contribute to the dielectric formed by the insulating layer 4306, and a capacitive coupling can be formed on the hair or other body tissue of the user 10. The hair of the user 10 can be compressed and held in place by the pressure applied by the compressible 4302.

[0336] The insulating layer 4306 can have a thickness between 1 pm and 100 pm, in an example 50 pm. The insulating layer 4306 can be formed of a polymer, for example, polyester.

[0337] ​By providing a minimal insulating layer between the conductive layer 4304 and the skin 11 of the user 10, the insulating layer 4306 can moderate changes in capacitive coupling between the conductive layer 4304 and the skin 11 of the user 10 caused by changes in the properties of the hair of the user 10. The insulating layer 4306 can also minimize the salt bridge effect, which can occur, for example, due to the user 10 sweating, creating a salt bridge that forms an electrical connection between the electrodes, causing the electrodes to obtain incorrect readings.

[0338] In some embodiments, the conductive layer 4304 can be connected to the HMD 110 or sensor electronics, such as signal conditioning and amplification circuitry, via wires (not shown).

[0339] In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 includes an electronics module 32 that includes a computing device or processor 30 for receiving bio-signals from at least one bio-signal sensor 20 located on the ring and / or a hair-penetrating bio-signal sensor 22. The electronics module 32 can be connected to any bio-signal sensor 20, 22 or other sensor described herein. The electronics module 32 can also include a power source, such as one or more batteries, for powering the electronics module 32. In some embodiments, the electronics module 32 is located on the forehead portion 12, the ear contact portion 14, the occipital portion 16, or a support band 18 such as the crown band 18A and the top band 18B. The electronics module 32 can be mounted on a portion of the main body 111 that is reinforced and rigid in order to structurally support the electronics module 32. The electronics module 32 is selectively mountable on and selectively removable from the main body 111 of the wearable device 100.

[0340] Conveniently, the electronics module 32 can be removable, as described herein, and in combination with the machine-washable fabric 121 for the main body 111, can allow the wearable device 100 to be machine-washable when the electronics module 32 is removed.

[0341] Due to the modular capability of the electronics module 32, it can be appreciated that the electronics module 32 can be used under a variety of main body configurations or designs and different compatibilities.

[0342] Due to the PCB or FPCB and the electronics components within the main body being all passive (unless power is passing through them), the other components of the wearable device 100, such as the main body 111, can be washable or hand-washable.

[0343] In some embodiments, the electronics module 32 can be integral with the main body 111 and not releasable. In such embodiments, the wearable device 100 can be machine-washable.

[0344] In some embodiments, the electronics module can include a "stick-on" electrode or bio-signal sensor as described herein, which can be applied directly to the user's body using a suitable adhesive or other configuration. As such, the electronics module in certain embodiments can be wrapped directly around a user's arm, stuck to their chest, or other suitable body part.

[0345] In embodiments, the electronics module 32 can be configured to be located on the occipital contact portion when worn, such that the electronics module 32 is located at an indentation in the skull beneath the occiput. Placing the electronics module 32 at the occipital portion reduces protrusion compared to placement at the forehead contact portion 12 or support band 18, and can provide better aerodynamics and weight distribution if the device is worn while performing activities requiring movement, and provide a smoother appearance. When the device is designed for use by a user who is lying down, such as when sleeping, the electronics module 32 can be placed on the device at a point that minimizes the formation of stress points, such as those created by a user's head against a pillow, and minimizes the likelihood that the user will hook or snag the device on a pillow, blanket, or the like while they move the device in their sleep. In some embodiments, the electronics module 32 can be located at or adjacent to the forehead contact portion 12, which can reduce the interference of the electronics module 32 with the user's sleep, regardless of whether the user is sleeping on their back or side, and regardless of whether any type of pillow is used.

[0346] In embodiments, the electronics module 32 is positioned adjacent to the forehead contact portion, such that when worn, the electronics module 32 is positioned adjacent to the user's forehead.

[0347] Centering the electronics module 32 on the user's head can improve the quality and reliability of the received bio-signal, as the module can thus be closer to the various sensing regions of interest.

[0348] In some embodiments, the electronics module 32 includes at least one of an electronic component, such as an analog front end for amplifying and filtering bio-signal data, an analog-to-digital converter, a memory for storing bio-signal data received from the bio-signal sensor 20, a radio for communicating with a remote processor, a battery, a charging circuit and a connector for charging the battery. In some embodiments, the electronics package is fixedly or removably mounted on the device. In some embodiments in which the electronics package is removably mounted on the device, the ring includes a pocket for receiving the electronics module 32.

[0349] In some embodiments, one or more electronic components (e.g., a preamplifier) can be disposed externally of the electronics module 32, and integrated into the main body 111 of the wearable device 100.

[0350] Figure 30Ais a perspective view of the electronic module 32 that can be released from the wearable device 100 by way of a first retention mount 3202 and a second retention mount 3204 mounted on the body 111 of the wearable device 100.

[0351] Figure 30B is another perspective view of the electronic module 32 that can be released from the wearable device 100. Figure 30C is a magnified perspective view of the retention mounts for the electronic module 32 of the wearable device 100. Figure 30D is an exploded view of the retention mounts for the electronic module 32 of the wearable device 100. Figure 30E is a side view of the retention mounts for the electronic module 32. Figure 30F is another front perspective view of the retention mounts for the electronic module 32 of the wearable device 100. Figure 30G is an exploded view of the electronic module 32. Figure 30H is a schematic view of an assembly of a printed circuit board and the electronic module 32.

[0352] The first retention mount 3202 and the second retention mount 3204 can be configured to provide a connection between the electronic module 32 and other components of the wearable device 100 (e.g., a flexible PCB such as the FPCB 1020 or the FPCB 1120 and the bio-signal sensor 20).

[0353] As shown in Figure 30D , the retention mounts 3202, 3204 can include bases 3242, 3244, respectively. The bases 3242, 3244 can be flexible and formed of a suitable flexible polymer. The bases 3242, 3244 of the retention mounts 3202, 3204 can be attached to the body 111, such as in a flexible manner, and provide flexibility to allow the body 111 to rotate relative to the electronic module 32, as disclosed herein, while maintaining the ability to transmit axial tension. In some embodiments, other components of the retention mounts 3202, 3204 can be formed of a rigid material.

[0354] In some embodiments, the body 111 can include an aperture 113 through which the optical sensor 3216 can be fitted and pass light.

[0355] As shown in Figure 30A , the electronic module 32 can have an arcuate or curved shape, thus forming a space between the electronic module 32 and the body 111 of the wearable device 100 when seated on the wearable device 100, as seen with particular reference to Figure 2D .

[0356] The curved shape of the electronic module 32 can adapt to various curvatures of the user's body, such as the shape of the user's head and an angled forehead, and in use, due to the force applied by holding the electronic module 32 against the user's head and holding the wearable device 100 around parts of the user's body (such as the user's head), for example, pushing the biosignal sensor 20 against the forehead region of the wearable device 100.

[0357] The biosignal sensor 20, mounted on a fabric of the wearable device 100, can extend between retaining mounts 3202 and 3204. This fabric may have some stretch properties and is therefore adapted to contact the user's body, allowing for a good amount of pressure on the skin even if the user has a flat forehead, to allow for better biosignal data readings. The fabric between retaining mounts 3202 and 3204 can also be stretched to conform to the shape of the electronic module 32 during use. Certain portions of the body 111 (e.g., the portion behind the electronic module 32) may also contain foam or other suitable compressible material, allowing for compression and adaptation to the user's head, and thus allowing for better contact between the biosignal sensor 20 and the user, and therefore allowing for better quality and reliability of the received signals.

[0358] Conveniently, because the intermediate electrode in contact with the user's forehead may be important for signal quality, the shape of the electronic module 32 can be adapted to any head shape while allowing the electrodes of the biosignal sensor 20 to have good contact with the user's body (such as the skin on the user's forehead).

[0359] refer to Figure 30G In some embodiments, the body of the electronic module 32 can be attached to retaining mounts 3202 and 3204 via snap-fit ​​engagement and magnet pairs 3210A to 3210B and 3211A to 3211B, respectively, the magnet pairs being polarized to magnetically attract each other. Magnets 3210A and 3211A can be secured to retaining mounts 3202 and 3204, respectively. Magnets 3210B and 3211B can be secured to the electronic module 32 at ends 33A and 33B, respectively.

[0360] Magnets 3210A, 3210B, 3211A and 3211B can also be polarized to ensure that the body of electronic module 32 is properly oriented to the retaining mount.

[0361] like Figure 30D and 30G As shown, in some embodiments, magnets 3210A, 3210B, 3211A and 3211B have inward ridges along an inner third circumference to fit them into the body of electronic module 32, and have holes for retaining mounting members 3202, 3204 to hold the magnets.

[0362] The retention mount 3202 can also include a port 3212, e.g., for serial communication between a printed circuit board (PCB) 3220 of the electronics module 32 and a flexible PCB (FPCB), such as the FPCB 1020 or the FPCB 1120, in the body 111 of the wearable device 100 and, e.g., a serial port connected to the biosignal sensor 20.

[0363] The PCB 3220 can be formed of a flexible PCB embedded in three rigid PCBs and connecting the three rigid PCBs together.

[0364] The connector 3222 (a serial connector in the example to mate with the port 3212 in the electronics module 32) can include a push pin connection for connecting to the port 3212 and can be configured as a push pin, spring loaded pin, or pogo pin connector to counteract the force of the magnets 3210A-B and 3211A-B, but maintain a secure connection between the electronics module 32 (and thus the PCB 3220) and the retention mount 3202 (and thus the FPCB in the body 111, such as the FPCB 1020 or 1120 connected to a sensor, such as the biosignal sensor 20). Thus, the connection is maintained between the PCT 3220, the FPCB (such as the FPCB 1020 or 1120), and the biosignal sensor 20 by the pogo pins and the magnetic attraction force.

[0365] In some embodiments, the magnets 3210A, 3210B, 3211A, and 3211B can need to be calibrated to ensure sufficient push against the push pins of the connector 3222.

[0366] The electronics module 32 can be attached to the body 111 by magnetic force.

[0367] In some embodiments, the electronics module 32 includes a first magnet 3210B at a first end 32A attached to a first retention mount 3204 by magnetic force and a second magnet 3211B at a second end 32B attached to a second retention mount 3202 by magnetic force.

[0368] As Figure 30GAs shown, in some embodiments, the electronics module 32 includes a PCB 3220 within the front housing 3201A and the rear housing 3201B, which is secured to the rear housing 3201B, for example, by fasteners 3203, connected to the connector 3222, for example, by a microcontroller (MCU) 3226 or an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that digitizes input analog signals received from the biosignal sensors 20, for example, by a PCB or FPCB in the wearable device 100, such as the FPCB 1020 or the FPCB 1120, which can be amplified by one or more analog signal amplifiers 3224.

[0369] In some embodiments, the PCB 3220 can be a flex-rigid PCB and curved in shape, complementary to the curved shape of the electronics module 32, and in particular, the front housing 3201A and the rear housing 3201B. Figure 30H A schematic view of the PCB 3220 is illustrated.

[0370] As Figure 30G As shown, in some embodiments, the electronics module 32 also includes a power source for various components of the electronics module 32, such as the battery 3214 (which can be supported by the battery foam 3215 and activated by the power button 3213), the optical sensor 3216, the light emitter 3218, the communication module 3230 and associated antenna 3232, and the memory 3240. As such, the wearable device 100 can include electronic components, such as the optical sensor 3216, the light emitter 3218, the communication module 3230 and associated antenna 3232, and the memory 3240.

[0371] In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 includes an optical sensor 3216, such as a pulse oximeter, which illuminates the skin and measures changes in light absorption to obtain a photoplethysmogram (PPG), the optically obtained plethysmogram can be used to detect changes in blood volume in the microvascular bed of the tissue.

[0372] The optical sensor 3216 can be disposed behind a cover 3217 formed of glass, for example, and positioned to extend through the hole 113 and transmit light through the hole 113.

[0373] In some embodiments, the optical sensor 3216 is disposed in a region of the electronics module 32 proximate to the first retention mount 3202 or the second retention mount 3204. The electronics module 32 can have an arcuate or curved shape, and positioning the optical sensor 3216 closer to the first retention mount 3202 or the second retention mount 3204 can reduce the distance between the optical sensor 3216 and the skin or fabric of the user.

[0374] As Figure 30IAs shown, in some embodiments, the optical sensor 3216 is mounted on a flexible protrusion 3228 on the electronics module 32, and the flexible protrusion 3228 can compress as the electronics module 32 is directed toward the body of the user 10. The flexible protrusion 3228 can enable the optical sensor 3216 to accommodate various user curvatures. For users with smaller body curvatures, the flexible protrusion can allow the optical sensor 3216 to extend into the concave space 35 toward the user's skin (along line G), but can retract when force is applied by the skin of other users with larger body curvatures, thereby ensuring that the flexible protrusion 3228 accommodates different body curvatures.

[0375] The optical sensor 3216 can generate and emit green, red, and infrared wavelengths of light, which can be used for optical sensing based on detecting the reflected distance of light reflected into the optical sensor. Other suitable wavelengths can also be considered. In some embodiments, the optical sensor 3216 senses light generated by other light sources (such as LEDs) adjacent to the optical sensor on the wearable device 100 or from another suitable light source.

[0376] Various such wavelengths can allow for receiving different signals and extrapolating different data. For example, green light can provide a better quality signal, while red and infrared light can allow for pulse oximetry sensing and analysis. Certain extended wavelengths measure oxygen concentration. In an example, light generated by the optical sensor 3216 can reflect off of oxygenated blood, and the detection and respiration sensing light reflectance can be indicative of respiration rate and heart rate.

[0377] In some embodiments, the optical sensor 3216 can sample the light signal up to 4 kHz.

[0378] In certain configurations, the wearable device 100 can be worn over a user's clothing, and the light signal can pass through the user's clothing and provide meaningful readings.

[0379] In some embodiments, the optical sensor 3216 can be used to sense compression of the fabric as the user breathes. In an example, the optical sensor 3216, as the fabric such as the body 111 of the wearable device 100 compresses, the optical sensor 3216 thus moves closer to the user's skin. As a result, the user can be detected as breathing based on light reflected back to the optical sensor 3216 from a surface such as the user's skin. In an example where the wearable device 100 is disposed around the user's chest, as the user's chest expands, the wearable device 100 stretches and expands, and the distance between the optical sensor 3216 and the user's skin decreases. As a result, the light emitted by the optical sensor 3216 does not travel too far before being reflected. As a result, the light can be used to measure the strain or stretch of the fabric in the wearable device 100. In other embodiments, a strain gauge can be used to determine the compression or stretch of the fabric of the wearable device 100.

[0380] In some embodiments, the optical sensor 3216 detects additional biological signals based at least in part on detected reflection distances of light reflected into the optical sensor.

[0381] In some embodiments, the optical sensor 3216 detects additional biological signals, such as blood flow, based at least in part on measured color and intensity of light reflected into the optical sensor.

[0382] The light emitter 3218 can include one or more LEDs or other suitable light sources, such as incandescent or fluorescent bulbs.

[0383] In some embodiments, the light emitter 3218 is positioned on the bottom of the electronics module 32 when the wearable device 100 is positioned on the head of a user. Within the line of sight of the user. In some embodiments, the light emitter 3218 can be positioned on other portions of the electronics module 32, such as on the top.

[0384] The light emitter 3218 can generate light signals to communicate with a user wearing the wearable device 3218. The light signals generated by the light emitter 3218 can include various suitable colors, frequencies, intensities, and settings of light.

[0385] In some embodiments, the optical sensor 3216 can be configured to detect light emitted by the light emitter 3218. The optical sensor 3216 can measure the level of illumination on the user's eyelids (in addition to or in place of the level of brightness in the environment).

[0386] The light emitter 3218 can be configured to emit light for waking up a user or as a biological feedback. In an example, a light cue can be used as a wake-up routine. In an example, the light emitter 3218 can cause a light to blink that draws the attention of a user when the user is asleep or in some sleep state, for example, to trigger the user to change sleep states or wake up.

[0387] In an example, the wearable device 100 can be configured to detect when a user is in a dream state and send a stimulus (e.g., light emitted by the light emitter 3218) to wake up the user's consciousness. Thus, the user's dream can be intentionally disrupted. Such interruptions can be done in a way that does not severely disturb the user's sleep and can improve the user's dream recall.

[0388] Other stimuli, such as vibrations, sounds, smells, and / or electric shocks, can be similarly applied. For embodiments configured to apply one type of stimulus, there are further embodiments in which the device is configured to apply multiple types of stimuli at once. For some users, the combination of several types of stimuli can produce a powerful reaction.

[0389] Other examples of stimuli can include user-selected and / or generated stimuli. These can include, for example, positive confirmations. In some embodiments, wearable device 100 can be configured to receive positive confirmations from the user, and can use these confirmations as stimuli triggered by selected events. In some embodiments, the user can be able to select which events trigger positive confirmations.

[0390] In some embodiments, electrical stimulation can be applied to the user proximate to the ear. Such stimulation can be able to stimulate the concha region of the user's head, which in turn can stimulate the concha branch of the vagus nerve. In some applications, this nerve stimulation can be highly therapeutic for some users.

[0391] In some embodiments, wearable device 100 can be configured to trigger an odor diffuser in response to certain events. For example, when wearable device 100 detects that the user is in or about to enter a pre-wake state while sleeping, a calming odor can be diffused to the user's vicinity.

[0392] In some embodiments, wearable device 100 can use light, vibration, sound, odor (such as through atomization of essential oils), or other stimuli to intentionally wake a sleeping user. For example, when wearable device 100 detects that the user is in a dream state, wearable device 100 can apply a stimulus to the user to make the user aware that they are in a dream state, and to give the user clear control over the dream state, allowing them to recall their dream, or to use to change the dream experience. In the case of lucid dreaming, wearable device 100 wakes the user into a state of awareness that is able to lucid dream. In these embodiments, the stimulus intentionally wakes the user's awareness without disrupting the dream state by the user learning to recognize the stimulus, such as a sound, a voice stimulus, a vibration pattern, or a flash of light that can be seen through closed eyes, within the dream state. Wearable device 100 monitors the dream state and can adaptively control the stimulus to provide the intended functionality. For example, if it is observed that the dream state is being disrupted too close to a waking state, the stimulus can be stopped, mitigated, or otherwise changed, or the stimulus intensity can be increased or otherwise changed if the user is not being disturbed in any way.

[0393] In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 may apply stimulation to the user in a pattern determined by the user's sleep stage. These phase-locked stimuli can promote quiet sleep. Phase-locking refers to the ability of the wearable device 100 to provide variations in stimulation based on the user's current sleep stage, patterns observed in sleep stages during previous sleep durations, and historical patterns of multiple sleep nights. In these embodiments, the stimulation may gently guide the user through their typical sleep cycle or provide a means of transforming their sleep cycle into a more effective pattern for rest, performance, or other goals such as dream recall. Further embodiments may train the user to respond predictably to certain types of stimulation to more effectively guide the user through their sleep cycle.

[0394] In other embodiments, each user may wear a wearable device that can communicate with each other. This can allow synchronization between the sleep patterns of the two users to improve the quietness of sleep in a shared bed. Another use could be to facilitate shared dreams by adjusting dream stages. Other embodiments may also allow for the generation of stimuli within the sleep environment, such as wake-up alarms that can simultaneously optimize wake-up alerts for both users. These devices can process some necessary information within their electronic modules to reduce latency caused by delays in communication with external devices.

[0395] In some embodiments, two or more wearable devices may communicate using light or sound emitted from the wearable devices. The frequency of the light or sound used for communication between the two or more devices may be selected such that the frequency is outside the range of typical human detection.

[0396] In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 may also be configured to apply stimuli (e.g., light, vibration, or sound) to a user and determine the effectiveness of the stimulus in waking the user. The device may be configured to adapt to the user and modulate the stimuli used (e.g., intensity, timing, type) to adaptively alter the user's dream state in a more effective manner.

[0397] like Figure 2J As shown, in some embodiments, the light receiver 3256 may use a suitable light detector to receive and detect ambient light or emitted light near the wearable device 100 or the user's eyes.

[0398] In some embodiments, a light receiver 3256 is positioned on the body 111 near the eye of the user 10 to detect light from the eye of the user 10.

[0399] In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 is configured to be worn around the chest of the user. These embodiments can provide more extensive respiration data. For example, a device worn around the chest can provide ECG measurements via electrodes and chest expansion using sensors that measure deformation of the body 111. For example, a light emitter / receiver pair can measure compression of the body 111 and be appropriately filtered by a low pass filter to measure the chest expansion action of respiration. A device worn around the chest can be adapted to provide respiration data through chest motion data, cardiac motion and electrical data, and chest expansion data.

[0400] In some embodiments, the processes described herein are performed on a local computing device, such as a mobile phone local to the user. A brain model of the user can be maintained.

[0401] Using the brain model of the user, it can be detected whether the user is in a dream state, for example, by detecting changes in brain activity and eye movements, body movements, and lack of body movements via EOG.

[0402] In some embodiments, the light emitter 3218 can be used to indicate the state of the user, for example, that the user is sleeping, to other people.

[0403] Thus, the light emitter 3218 can be used to indicate sleep state, time synchronization, physiological signals, direct feedback, heart rate, state of concentration, etc.

[0404] Feedback such as from the light emitter 3218 can be used for the user or other people. In an example, emotions can be conveyed to other people. In another example, the light emitter 3218 can provide feedback to a caregiver about a patient (user).

[0405] In some embodiments, the light emitter 3218 can be used to take brain measurements. For example, by flashing a light and simultaneously using, for example, one or more biosignal sensors 20 to measure the brain response. Thus, a synchronized brain measurement can be obtained by providing an event (the flash of light).

[0406] The light emitter 3218 can also be configured to enable real-time communication with a local computing device, for example, with a line of sight to a receiver at the local computing device. Thus, the biological state of the user can be communicated and a biofeedback experience created. Conveniently, reduced latency can be achieved.

[0407] In some embodiments, an external camera can read the light emitted by the light emitter 3218 and synchronize these readings with the facial expressions of the user.

[0408] In some embodiments, the electronics module 32 also includes a communication module 3230, such as a Bluetooth module disposed behind a shield 3231 that can shield noise and that is connected to an antenna 3232 for communication, for example, with a local or remote computing device using an appropriate communication protocol. In other embodiments, data transfer between the wearable device 100 and a computing device, such as a local computing device or a remote computing device, can be wired, Wi-Fi, fiber optic, or other suitable communication protocol, described in further detail below.

[0409] The communication module 3230 can be disposed away from the magnets in the electronics module 32 to avoid magnetic interference.

[0410] The communication module 3230 can be configured for other communication protocols selected based on factors such as latency requirements, distance, speed, bandwidth, interference if in a noisy environment, etc.

[0411] In some embodiments, the electronics module 32 includes a memory 3240. The memory 3240 can include random access memory, read only memory, or persistent memory such as a hard disk, a solid state drive such as flash memory, etc.

[0412] The memory 3240 can be configured to store certain biosignal data sensed by the biosignal sensor 20, various data sensed or processed by components of the wearable device 100 such as an accelerometer, processing performed on the wearable device 100, etc. Thus, the memory 3240 can store data such as motion data and EEG signals.

[0413] The electronics module 32 can include an external connector 3250 such as a micro-USB connector to charge the battery 3214.

[0414] In some embodiments, the external connector 3250 can be used for data transfer, in examples wired or wireless, with another device such as a local computing device or a remote computing device.

[0415] In some embodiments, the electronics module 32 also includes an authenticator (not shown) that can be configured for anti-counterfeiting measures to authenticate the source of the electronics module 32.

[0416] The authenticator can include a chip on the body 111 of the wearable device 100 and a chip on the electronics module 32. In examples, the flexible PCB has a chip with an authentication code. Upon connecting the electronics module 32, the electronics module 32 queries the headband to determine authenticity and receives a reply.

[0417] The electronic module 32 can thus authenticate the headband of the wearable device 100. The electronic module 32 takes the response and authenticates itself against a remote server. Since both the electronic module 32 and the headband of the body 111 have a serial number, they can authenticate with a private key. And access can be denied to modules that do not authenticate successfully.

[0418] The wearable device 100 can also include, for example, an ambient light receiver 3256 to detect ambient light levels in the environment or room.

[0419] As shown in the example, the wearable device 100 can include an accelerometer 3258. The accelerometer 3258 can be used to track the motion of the user. Based on the motion of the user, the biosignal data (e.g., biosignal data received from the biosignal sensor 20 during a time window adjacent to the motion by some threshold, such as plus or minus 30 seconds) can be discarded because the associated EEG signal can be presumed to be of poor quality due to increased noise from the user's motion. Figure 2J

[0420] In certain embodiments, it can be desirable to retain biosignal data received when the user's body is relatively still (e.g., when they are sleeping, meditating, or doing light stretching). This can be because the received signal is less reliable when the user is moving more because the dry electrode contacts can not be able to move with the user sufficiently.

[0421] In some embodiments, the accelerometer 3258 can be used to filter received biosignal data. For example, if the accelerometer 3258 senses motion that is then attributed to the user, the biosignal data received within a time range adjacent to the motion can be deleted or filtered.

[0422] The accelerometer 3258 can also be used to save battery life by selecting what data to send from the wearable device 100 (e.g., to a local or remote computing device). For example, if the accelerometer 3258 detects that the user is moving, the data can be deleted or cached (to be sent at a particular time or later) rather than being communicated to another device.

[0423] In some embodiments, algorithms on the wearable device 100 can decide how to handle data received from components such as biosignal sensors and accelerometers. Certain local decisions can be allowed through negotiation between algorithms on the wearable device and local or remote computing devices in communication with the wearable device 100.

[0424] ​For example, a neural network such as a multi-layer perceptron (MLP) can be implemented on the wearable device 100 to determine whether the biosignal data such as EEG is of sufficient quality and, for example, to eliminate noise. Other suitable neural networks or machine learning techniques can be considered.

[0425] Thus, the wearable device 100, for example using the electronics module 32, can be configured to filter the signals so that they can be passed to a local or remote computing device without corrupting the signals being measured, and can provide signal processing and / or conditioning steps.

[0426] The decision process can involve negotiating how and when to save locally and when to transmit to other local or remote computing devices to cope with bad data, different sleep conditions (e.g., if the user is sleeping on their head and blocking data transmission), etc. Data can be buffered and transmitted as appropriate. In an example, if a transmission cannot be verified, data can be saved and buffered and transmitted as appropriate (e.g., with periodic checks for transmission capability).

[0427] Data on the wearable device 100 or electronics module 32 can be time-stamped. Thus, bandwidth can be saved by transmitting only the data needed for real-time feedback. Lower priority data can be cached or saved and transmitted instead at predetermined points in time (e.g., in the morning).

[0428] Certain storage or processing capabilities can be available on the wearable device 100 or various components such as the electronics module 32, and other storage and processing can be offloaded to a local or remote computing device with which the wearable device 100 can communicate, such as through Bluetooth or an appropriate communication protocol. In some embodiments, processing can be performed on the computing device of the wearable device 100, as described in further detail below.

[0429] In some embodiments, on-board processing can be performed on the wearable device 100. Certain processing can also be performed on other local or remote computing devices. In some embodiments, remote processing of biosignal data or other data received, for example, from the wearable device 100 can be performed remotely on the cloud.

[0430] Processing delegation can be made based on capacity, physical size, and price tradeoffs.

[0431] Certain biosignal sensors 20 can have very high sampling rates to ensure that useful data is acquired. These signals can be processed on-board on the wearable device 100 or local or remote computing devices. Such data can be passed to a local or remote computing device in real-time or at certain time intervals.

[0432] The processing can also involve performing audio detection and audio generation capabilities on the wearable device 100.

[0433] In use, the wearable device 100 can be configured for quasi-real-time processing between computation on the wearable device 100 and a local or remote computing device and with another level of real-time behavior in relation to the wearable device 100 itself.

[0434] For example, the local computing device can be used for real-time processing on the order of seconds or minutes to know what state to tune to or to detect changes in sleep state. It is thus possible to generate real-time feedback locally for a particular phase of the user's sleep, which is ideal to get the lowest possible latency.

[0435] Slow wave feedback can be performed on the wearable device 100, however, the decision of when and how to provide such feedback can be performed on another device with more processing power. In an example, the sound or other stimulus for the feedback can then be uploaded to the wearable device 100.

[0436] It is thus possible to create timely feedback locally, while the high processing qualities are performed at another computing device or offline.

[0437] Figure 31A is a top view schematic of the electronics module 32 connected to the forehead contact portion 12 of the body 111 of the wearable device 100. Figure 31B is a side view schematic of the electronics module 32 connected to the forehead contact portion 12 of the body 111 of the wearable device 100.

[0438] As shown in Figure 31A , 31B , the electronics module 32 can include a magnet 312 to cooperate with a corresponding magnet 310 in the body 111 to hold the electronics module 32 against the body 111. Thus, the electronics module 32 can be selectively removed from the wearable device 100.

[0439] The electronics module 32 can also include pogo pins 313 to provide electrical contact with contacts 320 in the body 111. The contacts 311 can also be connected to the bio-signal sensors 20, 22 in the wearable device 100.

[0440] As shown in Figure 31A , the magnets 310 and contacts 311 can be embedded in a substrate 314, for example made of rubber. The substrate 314 can generally be rigid in order to structurally support the electronics module 32.

[0441] In some embodiments, the contacts 311 can be connected to a flexible printed circuit board 316, for example as shown in Figure 31B .

[0442] Figure 32 is a side view of an electronics module 32 connected to a forehead contact portion 12 of a body 111 of a wearable device 100. The electronics module 32 can be configured as shown in Figure 31A and as described above with additional clips 322 to engage with receiving hooks 324 to further hold the electronics module to the wearable device 100. The body 111 can also include retaining lips 325 to engage with corresponding lips on the electronics module 32 to further secure the electronics module 32 to the body 111. The protrusions 323 can be pressed to release the clips 322 from the hooks 324 and remove the electronics module from the body 111. 31B

[0443] Figure 33 is a view of a pocket 330 in the body 111 for holding the electronics module 32 in a section of the body 111, which is elastic, for example made of elastic fabric. Electrical contacts 331 on the electronics module 32 can contact conductive ribs 332 of the body 111. The conductive ribs 332 can be integral with the body 111, for example as conductive wires or can be other suitable conductive sensors, and can be connected with the bio-signal sensors 20, 22.

[0444] Figures 44-49 drawings illustrate other embodiments of the electronics module 32 in connection with a wearable device. Figure 44 is a wearable device 100 with an electronics module 32 disposed under a cover 4400 in a closed position, according to an embodiment. Figure 45 is a perspective view of a wearable device 100 with an electronics module 32 disposed in a pocket 4700, according to an embodiment. Figure 46 is a perspective view of a wearable device 100 with an electronics module 32 detached from a cover 4400 in an open position, according to an embodiment. Figure 47 is a perspective view of a wearable device 100 with an electronics module 32 disposed in a pocket 4700, according to an embodiment. Figure 48 is a perspective view of a wearable device 100 with an electronics module 32 detached from a pocket 4700, according to an embodiment. Figure 49 is a perspective view of a wearable device 100 with an electronics module 32 detached from a pocket 4700 and with a fabric flap 4702, according to an embodiment.

[0445] As shown in Figures 34A-34C , in some embodiments, the electronics module 32 can have a conductive pin 340 extending from a surface for contact with a conductive wire 342 on a section of the body 111, for example, and have a molded stop 344. A clip 346 can hold the conductive wire 342 against the conductive pin 340. ​

[0446] In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 35A and 35B Electronic module 32 can include a recess 352 to receive a molded contact 354 connected to a conductive wire 356 in body 111. A clip 350 can hold molded contact 354 in recess 352 of electronic module 32.

[0447] Figure 36 and 37 A side view schematic of an embodiment of wearable device 100 with an extendable, stretchable forehead contact portion 12 having a body 111 is illustrated, where electronic module 32 can be mounted at the forehead contact portion.

[0448] In this embodiment, wearable device 100 can be worn as shown in Figure 36 with the module located higher on the head to allow other wearable technologies, such as a head-mounted display or VR headset, to be worn over the forehead. Alternatively, portion 12 along with electronic module 32 can be folded down to conceal electronic module 32 as shown in Figure 37

[0449] Figure 38 A side view of an embodiment of wearable device 100 with an extendable, stretchable portion 12 is illustrated having placement or attachment locations 380 for securing auxiliary electrodes to body 111 for contact with user 10. Attachment locations 380 can provide openings in which auxiliary electrodes or sensors can be seated, and provide conductive and pre-wired contact surfaces to electronic module 32 for connection between the auxiliary electrodes or sensors and electronic module 32.

[0450] The auxiliary electrodes can be any type of through-the-hair sensor, and can be attached to the wearable device via snaps, clips, or the like. The extendable, stretchable portion can be pulled back over the hair, providing a large array of potential auxiliary electrode locations (for auxiliary or additional sensors, as described in further detail below).

[0451] ​In some embodiments, the device includes additional auxiliary sensors. The auxiliary sensors can be integrated with the electronics module 32, or otherwise integrated with the device 100. In some embodiments, the auxiliary sensors are selected from an optical heart rate sensor, a pulse oximeter sensor, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a sweat sensor, a light sensor, an audio sensor, a nasal cannula flow sensor, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the device includes an optical heart rate sensor and / or a pulse ox sensor. In some embodiments, the optical heart rate sensor and / or the pulse ox sensor are located on the forehead contact portion such that they contact the forehead or temple region of the user’s head. In some embodiments, signal data from the gyroscope, accelerometer, magnetometer, or combination thereof can be used to determine a pose and heading reference system (AHRS) to determine the orientation of the head. Such data can be used to provide additional information when analyzing brain patterns for sleep, activity, etc. For example, analysis of a user’s sleep can incorporate brain wave signals to analyze swaying and turning.

[0452] In some embodiments, the body 111 can include openings or mounting points for mounting auxiliary sensors and / or auxiliary electrodes, for example, for research purposes. In examples, the openings can be defined adjacent to or along the midline of the user’s 10 head.

[0453] In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 can include a USB port for attaching auxiliary components. The auxiliary components can include, for example, auxiliary sensors, auxiliary electrodes, and other auxiliary components that provide additional functionality.

[0454] In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 can be configured to operate in conjunction with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. In such embodiments, the nasal cannula flow sensor can provide real-time feedback to the wearable device 100, which can then transmit the real-time feedback to the CPAP machine or instruct the CPAP machine to modulate its operation. The CPAP machine can be configured to dynamically respond to the nasal cannula flow rate data. Such embodiments can utilize other feedback from the user 10 to inform the dynamic CPAP machine response.

[0455] In some embodiments, the device includes an audio emitter. In some embodiments, the audio emitter is selected from a speaker, a bone conduction transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, or a combination thereof.

[0456] In various embodiments, wearable device 100 can include trackers or other sensors, input devices, and output devices. In some embodiments, for example, a tracker is an inertial sensor for measuring motion of device 100. It detects 3-dimensional coordinates of wearable device 100 and accordingly detects the position, orientation, or motion of its user. The tracker, for example, contains one or more accelerometers and / or gyroscopes. Wearable device 100 can contain touch sensors for receiving touch input from a user and haptic devices for providing vibration and force feedback to a user.

[0457] As shown in FIG. 32A, in some embodiments, wearable device 100 can also include a vibration transducer 3254. The waveform used to generate the vibration can be computed locally, e.g., in electronic module 32, and remotely modulated, e.g., at a local or remote computing device, as described herein. Thus, conveniently, local rendering can be achieved with external modulation and control. Figure 2J

[0458] In various embodiments, wearable device 100 can include a stimulation or feedback component, such as a user effector, to vibrate or provide some audio or visual feedback to user 10. For example, a speaker, such as a waveguide speaker, can be integrated into body 111 of wearable device 100. A vibration-haptic feedback source can also be integrated into body 111. In some embodiments, a bone conduction transducer can be implemented in body 111.

[0459] The stimulation component can also include an effector for any of the senses, including sound, taste, smell, touch, and sight, and provide feedback to the user.

[0460] In some embodiments, vibration transducer 3254 is a speaker.

[0461] In some embodiments, vibration transducer 3254 generates a physical vibration.

[0462] In some embodiments, vibration transducer 3254 is a microphone.

[0463] In some embodiments, vibration transducer 3254 is disposed on the body proximate to the user's ear.

[0464] In some embodiments, the vibration transducer is disposed on the body proximate to the front of the user's head. In some embodiments, the vibration transducer is disposed on the body proximate to the user's skeleton, which can conveniently pick up more sound transmitted through the body than sound transmitted through air.

[0465] ​In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 can include a plurality of vibration transducers for beamforming. In some embodiments, the plurality of vibration transducers are a microphone array for localizing sound from a certain direction.

[0466] As Figure 2J shown, in some embodiments, the wearable device 100 can include a sensor 3260 that can detect temperature, such as the temperature of the user. Some embodiments can be configured to detect relative temperature changes. Temperature detection can be performed using an infrared temperature sensor or a thermistor.

[0467] In some embodiments, a thermistor (which can be flexible) can be integrated as a flexible PCB in the body 111 or the wearable device 100.

[0468] Such a thermistor can be used to detect relative temperature or temperature changes. As such, changes in the user over time can be detected. In some embodiments, calibration can be performed to detect changes in the individual's absolute body heat.

[0469] The thermistor can also be used to detect ambient temperature in the environment.

[0470] Temperature sensing performed by the thermistor can provide useful insight into the user's sleep quality, for example, by relating temperature to sleep quality (e.g., if the user is too hot or too cold to sleep comfortably).

[0471] In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 can include a vibration transducer 3254 (e.g., a microphone or other audio detection device) that can be used to measure the user's snoring or detect sleep apnea and time stamping. In some embodiments, a bone conduction microphone can be used to detect the user's snoring. In some embodiments, a microphone mounted on the wearable device 100 is configured to focus on sounds originating from the user 10.

[0472] In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 can be configured to detect when the user is snoring (e.g., via an onboard microphone or other device) and send a stimulus (e.g., light, sound, electric shock, or vibration) to wake the user's awareness. Thus, the user's snoring can be intentionally disrupted. Such interruptions can be made in a way that does not severely interrupt the user's sleep.

[0473] As Figure 39A and 39BAs shown, in some embodiments, wearable device 100 can include a touchpad location 390. Touchpad location 390 can include a touchpad sensor 392 disposed between a fabric layer 394 and two foam layers 396, 398 and connected to electronic module 32. Touchpad sensor 392 can be used to control various settings of wearable device 100, such as the volume of a sound generating component, for example, by electronic module 32.

[0474] Figure 40 A cross-sectional side view of wearable device 100 with touchpad location 390 used, for example, by a finger 400 of user 10 is illustrated. As shown, touchpad sensor 392 can bend between the foam layers. Figure 39A and 39B

[0475] Figure 41 is a schematic perspective view of wearable device 100 with an extendable, stretchable forehead contact portion 12 having a body 111 in which a flexible array of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) 410 can be disposed. As shown, Figure 42 portion 12, along with flexible array of OLEDs 410, can be folded down for viewing by user 10. Flexible array of OLEDs 410 can be integrated into the fabric of body 111.

[0476] Flexible array of OLEDs 410 can provide light emission to user 10. Wearable device 100 can use the light emission to apply a light stimulus to user 10. The light stimulus can be applied by a single LED, a group of LEDs providing a color stimulus, flexible array of OLEDs 410, or a light emitter forming an image on the retina of user 10. The light stimulus can be applied in a dynamic manner, with different light emissions applied over the visual field of user 10. In some embodiments, this can enable scenes or visual information to be presented to the user. In some embodiments, this can be used to convey complex information to the user. In some embodiments, wearable device 100 is equipped with eye tracking sensors, and user 10 can engage with menus presented by flexible array of OLEDs 410 through their eye movements (e.g., user 10 can look at an option and blink to select it).

[0477] ​The dynamic light stimuli provided by the OLED flexible array 410 can be used to wake up the user 10. For example, the OLED flexible array 410 can simulate a sunrise to wake the user 10 in a gentle manner. In other embodiments, if the wearable device 100 detects that the user is snoring, it can apply a dynamic light stimuli to wake the user and stop snoring without disrupting their sleep. In some embodiments, the OLED flexible array 410 can present a scene to train the user 10 to fall asleep. In some embodiments, the OLED flexible array 410 can present a dynamic light stimuli to wake the user 10 while in a dream state to initiate a lucid dream conversation. The dynamic light stimuli can be applied to the user 10 and modulated according to an algorithmically adjusted protocol based in part on bio-signal feedback from the user 10, such as a cyclic pattern of light stimuli with a frequency adjusted relative to the user's neural oscillation patterns.

[0478] Figure 43A A top view of the air bladder 430 integrated into the body 111 of the wearable device 100 is illustrated as Figure 43B The air bladder 430 can hold a gas or fluid, such as air. The air bladder 430 can be used to conform the wearable device 100 to different areas of the user's 10 head. Adding air to certain areas can allow electrodes or conductive sensors on the user 10, such as the bio-signal sensors 20, 22, to make better contact. The air bladder 430 can be controlled by a configuration of valves and actuated by pressure on the air bladder by the user 10.

[0479] In some embodiments, inflating air in one bladder 430 can reduce air in another section or bladder 430.

[0480] In some embodiments, the air bladder 430 can pulse to provide a massaging effect to the user 10 when the wearable device 100 is on the user's 10 head.

[0481] In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 can be configured for synchronization between sensors.

[0482] For example, the wearable device 100 or an associated remote or local computing device can synchronize data capture with light into the user's eyes, such as illumination changes, or with sounds that the user can hear.

[0483] In another example, a microphone on a local computing device, such as the user's mobile phone, can be used to capture ambient sounds and time stamps. In some embodiments, a conventional microphone can be used to capture ambient sounds.

[0484] In an example, samples of light signals received from the optical sensor 3216 can be up to 4 kHz and used to synchronize visual or audio stimuli.

[0485] In some embodiments, the synchronization can be timed with local events, such as sound intensity and light intensity.

[0486] In an example use case, the wearable device 100 can be used to generate a feedback loop, whereby a stimulus is applied to the user, and various sensors, such as the biosignal sensor 20, are used to detect the user's response.

[0487] In one example, a vibration sensor can be used to train user behavior, such as vibrating when the user is sleeping on their back, or applying an electrical stimulus.

[0488] In another use case, the wearable device 100 can be configured to control the user's environment. For example, the wearable device 100 can be used to detect temperature using a thermistor or suitable component, and report the temperature back to the device to control the temperature in the room, or detect and / or control the temperature of a pillow or bed based on what sleep stage the user is in to modulate the temperature.

[0489] In an example, using a microphone on a local computing device such as the user's mobile phone, the microphone can detect the user snoring, and cause an interruption to try to change this habit. In another example, the environment can be adjusted to make the bed warm, so the user becomes uncomfortable and stops snoring.

[0490] Other changes to the user's environment can include changing the user's balance to make them roll over, connecting to a nebulizer to change the scent in the room (e.g., a scent to induce / enhance slow waves), connecting to audio stimuli, or connecting to other devices to control the environment.

[0491] Thus, based on the biosignal, the wearable device 100 can be used to control the surrounding environment.

[0492] The physical form factor of the wearable device 100 can make it suitable for use while sleeping, and can allow for studying the way people move during sleep and their biosignal data.

[0493] In one aspect, the wearable device can be used to obtain biosignal data during sleep. For example, a baseline can be established for what is considered "ideal" sleep. The user's biosignal can be compared to the baseline to establish a sleep score based on the deviation of the signal from the baseline, such as a deviation in signal amplitude or a time at which the signal amplitude meets a baseline threshold. In some embodiments, the biosignal data is time-stamped. In some embodiments, the biosignal obtained during sleep can be used to improve the user's sleep, such as by providing a smart wake-up function, waking the user when they are in light sleep, or by training the user to sleep better, such as suggesting when the user should sleep based on drowsiness, focus, etc.

[0494] Analysis of such bio-signals and other data can be used to determine a sleep state or score for one or more users.

[0495] In some embodiments, a sleep model can be developed for an individual. Such a sleep model can allow for instantaneous estimates of how a user is sleeping and how that relates to the user model and how the model compares to the population.

[0496] Thus, it is possible to estimate, for example, instantaneous state transition probabilities between various sleep and wake states based on a particular user and based on a user population. Decisions can be made about how to intervene based on these inputs.

[0497] The guidance taken for the intervention can be informed by established principles and methods that have worked in the past that are statistically correlated with better sleep.

[0498] Such interventions, such as sleep intervention protocols, can be fully data driven (data patterns) or informed by experts, but different protocols can be tested in terms of the ecology of the system and the use of the wearable device 100.

[0499] In some embodiments, an up-vote and down-vote system can be implemented to govern content (e.g., protocols) by a community of users.

[0500] State transitions can be determined based on data such as bio-signal data received from the bio-signal sensors 20 and used to generate a sleep brain model. Such data can also be compared to a population to generate one or more sleep brain models.

[0501] Such sleep brain models also apply to meditation states. For example, a user can be awake or asleep, but can also be in a meditative state that keeps the user awake.

[0502] In one embodiment, the sleep brain model can be implemented as a Markov model.

[0503] In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 can be operable to regularize a sleep pattern of a user. For example, by accessing a polysomnogram, it can be determined what sleep stage a user is in.

[0504] A user can have different sleep patterns, and to regularize the sleep pattern, it can be necessary to stimulate the user to expand a sleep state, prompt the user to switch sleep states, or transition back to a sleep stage. Certain sleep patterns are known to be quieter and can improve performance. This can be tailored to a particular user or based on a user population.

[0505] Interventions will not have to be the same depending on the user's location in the journey, and can be based in part on the user, the user's history, other similar users, and for regularizing sleep patterns based on stimuli that have been shown to work on other users.

[0506] In examples, a state transition probability of a user transitioning between states (e.g., from wake to nl, n2) can be determined. These sleep transitions can be used as a baseline fingerprint of how a user sleeps, and a sleep transition model, sleep model, or sleep brain model is developed. Such a model can be compared to other people's state transition models and provide an indication of when to intervene.

[0507] In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 can be used to develop sleep algorithm protocols and track sleep characteristics of a user, such as rapid eye movement.

[0508] In examples, the wearable device 100 can be used as a sleep monitor or to help train a user to have a certain rhythm to help sleep. Brain waves in the range of 13 Hz to 15 Hz can be entrained, allowing a user to fall asleep faster at night and maintain certain declarative memory improvements.

[0509] In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 can be used to entrain a biofeedback system. This can not be limited to just brain states, but other biological signals (e.g., heart rate) can be examined as described herein.

[0510] In examples, a phase-locked loop (measuring phase alignment) can be used to affect a state of a user, and the phase-locked loop is built with the user in the phase-locked loop.

[0511] In some embodiments, a user can be "entrained" to sleep, or audio or other stimuli can be used to help "train" a user to sleep (e.g., by using a mantra that can be repeated).

[0512] Such entrainment can be based in part on a sensed body or head position or orientation of the user.

[0513] Measurements can be made on many signals (brain, heart), and then one or more biological signals (e.g., heart / brain entrainment joint space) are controlled / stimulated. Sensor measurements can be made on multiple biological signals and biological signal types, and not just the brain, but also respiration, heart, mouth, and so on.

[0514] In examples, a user's respiration can affect the heart / brain. So, if one biological signal is entrained, it can have an effect on another biological signal (e.g., entraining heart rate), and the brain state is ultimately affected as well, e.g., using respiration to affect the heart, which affects the brain.

[0515] AsFigure 50 As shown, the wearable device 100 or a sensor, such as one or more of the biosignal sensors 20 of the wearable device 100, can communicate with the local computing device 130, for example, through a communication protocol such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE, or 5G network, or other suitable communication protocol. The local device 130 communicates with the remote computing device 150 through a network 140.

[0516] The network 140 may, for example, be a packet-switched network in the form of a LAN, WAN, public Internet, virtual private network (VPN), or the like.

[0517] The local computing device 130 can be, for example, a mobile device. Example mobile devices include, but are not limited to, a cellular telephone, a cellular smart phone, a wireless organizer, a pager, a personal digital assistant, a computer, a laptop computer, a handheld wireless communication device, a wireless-enabled notebook computer, a portable gaming device, a tablet computer, or any other portable electronic device having processing and communication capabilities. In at least some embodiments, a mobile device as referred to herein can also include, but is not limited to, peripheral devices such as displays, printers, touch screens, projectors, digital watches, cameras, digital scanners, and other types of auxiliary devices that can communicate with another computing device.

[0518] In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 includes a communicator 3230 to transmit data to a computing device. In some embodiments, the computing device is the local computing device 130. In some embodiments, the computing device is the remote computing device 150.

[0519] In some embodiments, the communicator 3230 communicates with the computing device on a Bluetooth communication protocol.

[0520] In some embodiments, the communicator 3230 communicates with the computing device on a Wi-Fi communication protocol.

[0521] In one example, the local computing device 130 can be a smart phone. In another example, the local computing device 130 can be a touch screen-enabled device and other types of communication devices (e.g., a router) for connecting to other devices. Obviously, other types of computing devices that benefit from interconnection and interoperability can be contemplated.

[0522] The remote computing device 150 can be a computing device, such as a cloud computing device, that connects to the wearable device 100 and / or the local computing device 130 through the network 140 to perform any of the functionality described herein.

[0523] In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 can be configured to receive user input through the local computing device 130. In these embodiments, the user can customize the functionality provided by the wearable device 100 by manipulating the local computing device 130. For example, the user can select the type of stimulation that the wearable device 100 will apply and the event with which the wearable device 100 will trigger the stimulation. In some embodiments, the user can select or deselect certain functionality that can be provided by the wearable device 100 (e.g., snoring mitigation, lucid dream assistance, and sleep assistance). In other embodiments, the user can record a word or phrase on the local computing device 130 to be used by the wearable device 100 as a stimulus.

[0524] In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 can be configured to act as an interface for the local computing device 130. The local computing device 130 can be configured to respond to voluntary user actions (e.g., eye movements) and involuntary user actions (e.g., detecting when the user 10 needs to concentrate and, for example, lowering the volume on the device). In some embodiments, all modes of interfacing with the wearable device 100 can be used to interface with the local computing device 130.

[0525] In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 can monitor the cognitive load of the user 10. In some applications, such as in sports, piloting an aircraft, or performing surgery, brief lapses in concentration can be catastrophic. In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 can be configured to detect when the user is engaged in an activity that requires high cognitive load and dynamically adjust the environment to reduce distractions (e.g., temporarily suspend notifications to the local computing device 130). In embodiments involving alternate reality or virtual reality experiences (e.g., through the wearable device 100 or the local computing device 130), the wearable device 100 can reduce distractions by modulating the environment (e.g., reducing the salience of distracting visual stimuli). In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 can shield from distracting auditory stimuli by applying noise-cancellation techniques or by covering sounds (e.g., covering distracting conversations in ambient conversational noise).

[0526] In some embodiments, multiple wearable devices 100 can be configured to communicate with each other through the network 140. In such embodiments, the wearable devices 100 can be configured to synchronize users that are not in proximity to each other. Synchronization can be achieved by applying similar stimuli to different users or by applying similar protocols of stimuli that can be implemented to achieve a synchronized target state in different users. Long-distance spouses can use such embodiments to simulate the experience of being together. Such embodiments can optionally allow different users to visually and / or verbally communicate with each other.

[0527] In some embodiments, multiple wearable devices 100 can be configured to provide feedback about a team of users. These embodiments can be used to monitor the productivity or creativity of a team of users. In some embodiments, a system of wearable devices can signal to the team (e.g., through lights or audio cues, or through an external device) that the team users need to rest.

[0528] In some embodiments, multiple wearable devices 100 can communicate with a local computing device 130 that provides entertainment to a team of users. The local computing device 130 can modulate the content presented based on aggregated feedback from the users. For example, a television can modulate a program plot based on bio-signal feedback from users wearing wearable devices 100.

[0529] In some embodiments, wearable devices 100 can communicate a user's current state (e.g., bored, awake, or in pain) to others. In some embodiments, this information can be communicated to a group (e.g., through light indications on wearable devices 100). In other embodiments, where a particular member of a team coordinates the team experience (e.g., a DJ, a host, or a virtual avatar), this information can be communicated only to this particular person (e.g., through a remote computing device 150).

[0530] In some embodiments, wearable devices 100 can be used to detect user states and predictively group users with other individuals (e.g., open communication channels between users and other individuals or place users and other individuals in a virtual setting). Predictive placement can be based in part on the current state of the individuals and the state that the individuals are striving for.

[0531] In some embodiments, wearable devices 100 can be used to predict student-teacher groupings that will result in effective education of students. Such groupings can be based in part on the user states of the students and teachers and predicted based on historical data observed in the past.

[0532] In some embodiments, wearable devices 100 can aggregate information from different users over a network 140 and provide information about demographic bio-signal feedback data. Such feedback can be provided through, for example, a local computing device 130. For example, such a system can express that everyone in New York City is happier today than yesterday (e.g., "NYC happier today").

[0533] In some embodiments, wearable device 100 can be implemented in a clinical setting. Wearable device 100 can provide a means of remotely monitoring a patient. Such remote monitoring can provide detailed feedback to a caregiver or practitioner (e.g., through a remote computing device) or a simple indication of a patient’s status (e.g., an external device providing an audio or visual cue to indicate status). In these embodiments, wearable device 100 can be used for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis, depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sleep disorders, neurotoxicity, stroke, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy). Wearable device 100 can also be used to monitor ongoing conditions or situations (e.g., medication management, pregnancy, addiction management).

[0534] In some embodiments, wearable device 100 can be configured to provide a quick and reliable emergency diagnosis for emergency medical responders. Such embodiments can be configured to operate and provide feedback using only wearable device 100, or can be integrated into a medical infrastructure of a hospital or ambulance system.

[0535] Some embodiments of wearable device 100 are configured to be used as a child monitoring system for infants or young children. The system can also incorporate an external device that can indicate the current status of the child user to a parent or caregiver. Such an external device can provide an audio or visual indication of a sleep or well-being status (e.g., a light that becomes brighter when the child user is sleeping well). In some embodiments, wearable device 100 can detect the sleep status of the child user and transmit to a parent when the child user is experiencing an emotional event that can precede a sleep disorder. This can inform the parent or caregiver that the child user needs comfort or quiet to avoid a sleep disorder.

[0536] Such a system can implement infant or child-specific protocols in the status analysis. Such a system can be effective in detecting infant or child-specific diseases (e.g., sudden infant death syndrome).

[0537] In some embodiments, wearable device 100 can be used to monitor a user with epilepsy. Wearable device 100 can be configured to predict and warn the user when a seizure is about to occur. In some embodiments, wearable device 100 can apply a stimulus to user 10 in an attempt to prevent a seizure. In some embodiments, wearable device 100 can be configured to warn an external device of an impending seizure (e.g., a caregiver monitoring device or a vehicle operated by the user subsequently).

[0538] In some embodiments, wearable device 100 can be implemented in a modular therapy delivery. In these embodiments, wearable device 100 can monitor feedback from user 10. In some embodiments, wearable device 100 can detect when a user with an artificial pancreas has a drop in glucose levels and modulate the user’s glucose levels accordingly. Such modulation can help ensure a restful sleep.

[0539] In a clinical setting, wearable device 100 can be in communication with a remote computing device 150 that forms a clinical system. The clinical system can also include external medical devices that can send and receive information to and from wearable device 100 and remote computing device 150. For example, wearable device 100 can detect feedback from user 10 and transmit it to an external medical device that can act on the feedback. Alternatively, an external medical device can detect feedback from user 10 and transmit that information to wearable device 100, which can apply a stimulus to user 10 (e.g., apply a light stimulus to wake user from a sleep state).

[0540] In embodiments, wearable device 100 can be configured to provide feedback to an external caregiver. Such feedback can be provided through remote computing device 150. Alternatively, feedback can be provided to a caregiver through light or sound emissions of wearable device 100. In some embodiments, wearable device 100 can trigger an alarm through an alarm system when user 10 is in crisis or exhibits a feedback pattern indicative of an impending crisis. In some embodiments, wearable device 100 can alert a caregiver when user 10 is experiencing distress or exhibits feedback indicative that they can need assistance from a caregiver.

[0541] Wearable device 100 can be equipped with an emergency call button. The emergency call button can alert a caregiver or practitioner of a threat experienced by the user. Wearable device 100 can be configured to open a communication line between the user and the caregiver or practitioner. The emergency call button can be configured to alert emergency services of an emergency.

[0542] In some embodiments, wearable device 100 can be implemented in a system configured to annotate feedback data for ease of review. Such a system can also include remote computing device 150. In these embodiments, the system can receive bio-signal feedback from user 10 and annotate the feedback in real-time. Such annotations can be driven by a static protocol or by a dynamic adaptive protocol that responds to user bio-feedback feedback. The system can also include a manual annotation method to indicate when an event (e.g., therapy administration) occurs or when a subjective state (e.g., pain or effective therapy) is experienced. In some embodiments that use a dynamic adaptive protocol, the protocol can accept and adapt to manual annotations, and in some embodiments, learn to make such annotations automatically.

[0543] Manual annotations can be used to make subjective user experiences objective. For example, a user can annotate feedback with a subjective pain experience. A system implementing wearable device 100 can detect and monitor bio-signal feedback from a user. The system can process and evaluate the bio-signal feedback to analyze biomarkers that are suitable proxies for subjective user experiences. Determination of such biomarkers can be used to study and / or treat various conditions.

[0544] Use of such systems can be effective in treating and monitoring conditions that can be characterized in part by sleep disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sleep disorders, neurotoxicity, stroke, or traumatic brain injury. Such systems can also be used to monitor patients with chronic pain, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or those undergoing chemotherapy. Such systems can be used for treatment and monitoring in the fields of obstetrics, urology, endocrinology, and the like.

[0545] The system can undergo machine learning to diagnose various conditions based on characteristic user bio-signal feedback. By dynamically learning a user’s response to certain stimuli and applying the stimuli to guide the user to have a healthy experience (e.g., applying stimuli during sleep to interrupt a disturbed sleep behavior), the system can be used for treatment. By comparing a user’s state based on bio-signal feedback to typical patterns of states exhibited by others with similar conditions, the system can be used for monitoring a condition, and alerting a caregiver or practitioner when the state deviates significantly. Such systems can dynamically adapt to and learn from a user as the wearable device 100 observes the user.

[0546] Such systems can be useful in pain relief treatments, where they can give users and / or practitioners an objective measure of the subjective pain the user is experiencing. Such knowledge can help users determine whether and when the user will self-administer pain medication. Such systems can also connect users to other users in a support team capacity. Similar systems can be used for addiction management.

[0547] In some embodiments, the system can guide a user (or a team of users) through a therapeutic altered consciousness experience (e.g., a psychedelic experience, a meditation, or a mystical experience). In these embodiments, the system can allow the user to process emotions in a safe and effective way. In some embodiments, the system can monitor the user’s current state based on bio-signal feedback from the user and provide feedback to a human guide. In some embodiments, the guide can monitor the user 10 through a remote computing device 150. In some embodiments, the user 10 can have the experience in their home.

[0548] In some embodiments, wearable device 100 can calibrate to a base state of user 10 (e.g., based on a meditation state of the user). If wearable device 100 detects that user 10 is experiencing emotional distress that exceeds an allowable threshold, wearable device 100 can set the base state to a target state.

[0549] In some embodiments, wearable device 100 can be programmed to remember a target protocol experience, which can define a typical user experience when engaging in a therapeutically altered conscious experience. The target protocol can include a target user state over time (protocol profile). The protocol can be further adapted and modulated based on bio-signal feedback from the user as the user engages in the therapeutically altered conscious experience. The adaptive protocol can define what physical and / or emotional reactions from user 10 are typical, atypical, or cause for concern. The protocol can determine what emotional experiences are too painful for user 10, and in some embodiments, can alert an external guide, or in some embodiments, apply a stimulus to user 10 to bring them into a base state. In some embodiments, a representation of the protocol profile can be transmitted to the user along with an indication of the profile in which the user is located.

[0550] In embodiments in which the therapeutically altered conscious experience is facilitated in part by a psychoactive treatment agent, wearable device 100 can detect whether and when user 10 needs a higher dose of the treatment agent based in part on bio-signal feedback from the user. In some embodiments, wearable device 100 can instruct an external or integrated dosage device to increase the dose administered to user 10.

[0551] In some embodiments, wearable device 100 can record bio-signal feedback data of a therapeutically altered conscious experience of user 10. Such recorded data can be selected by user 10 to be replicated by wearable device 100. For example, if user 10 experiences a Nirvana state, user 10 can use the recording of that session to generate a target protocol to guide future therapeutically altered conscious experiences back to the Nirvana state.

[0552] One or more of wearable device 100, local device 130, or remote device 150 can implement a computing device, such as computing device 120, as shown. Figure 51

[0553] The systems and methods described herein can be implemented as software and / or hardware, such as executed by one or more computing devices 120 on one or more of wearable device 100, local computing device 130, or remote computing device 150.

[0554] ​As shown, computing device 120 includes one or more processors 210, memory 220, network controller 230, and one or more I / O interfaces 240 in communication over bus 250.

[0555] Processor 210 can be one or more Intel x86, Intel x64, AMD x86-64, PowerPC, ARM processor, etc.

[0556] Memory 220 can include random access memory, read only memory, or persistent memory such as a hard disk, solid state drive, etc. Read only memory or persistent memory is a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium can be organized using a file system, controlled and managed by an operating system that manages overall operation of the computing device.

[0557] Network controller 230 serves as a communication device that interconnects the computing device with one or more computer networks such as, for example, a local area network (LAN) or the Internet.

[0558] One or more I / O interfaces 240 can be used to interconnect the computing device with peripheral devices such as, for example, a keyboard, mouse, video display, etc. Such peripheral devices can include a display of device 120. Optionally, network controller 230 can be accessed via one or more I / O interfaces.

[0559] Software instructions are executed by processor 210 from a computer readable medium. For example, software can be loaded from persistent memory of memory 220 or from one or more devices via I / O interface 240 into random access memory for execution by one or more processors 210. As another example, software can be loaded and executed by one or more processors 210 directly from read only memory.

[0560] Example software components and data stored within memory 220 of computing device 120 can include software that applies bio-signal analysis as described herein, as well as operating system (OS) software that allows for basic communication and application operation related to computing device 120.

[0561] It should be understood that any module or component of the executable instructions illustrated herein may include or otherwise access computer-readable media, such as storage media, computer storage media, or data storage devices (removable and / or non-removable), such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, magnetic tapes, and other forms of computer-readable media. Computer storage media may include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented using any method or technique for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc or other optical storage devices, magnetic tape cassettes, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information and is accessible by an application, module, or both. Any such computer storage media may be part of, or accessible to, a mobile device, tracking module, object tracking application, etc., or may be connected to or have access to them. Any application or module described herein may be implemented using computer-readable / executable instructions that can be stored or otherwise maintained by such computer-readable media.

[0562] Therefore, those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications and alterations to specific embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure, the scope of which is defined only by the appended claims.

[0563] In another aspect, this disclosure provides systems, apparatus, methods, and computer programming products for implementing such methods and achieving the aforementioned functionality, including non-transitory machine-readable instruction sets.

[0564] Although this disclosure has been described and illustrated in an exemplary form with a certain degree of specificity, it should be noted that the description and illustrations have been made by way of example only. Many changes can be made to the construction and combination of components and steps, as well as the details of their arrangement. Therefore, such changes are intended to be included herein, the scope of which is defined by the claims.

[0565] Except for the extent explicitly stated or inherent in the described processes (including any optional steps or components thereof), no desired order, sequence, or combination is intended or implied. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, extensive variations are possible, and even advantageous, in various cases, with respect to the processes and any systems, apparatuses, etc., described herein, without departing from the scope of this disclosure as defined solely by the claims.

[0566] Of course, the above embodiments are intended to be illustrative only and are by no means limiting. The described embodiments are readily adaptable to numerous modifications in form, component arrangement, details, and operating sequence. This disclosure is intended to cover all such modifications within the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A wearable device comprising: a flexible and extendable body configured to loop around a portion of a user and is deformable; an electronics module having a concave surface, the surface having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end is attachable to the flexible and extendable body with a first flexible retention mount at a first connection point at the first end of the concave surface so as to allow the flexible and extendable body to rotate about a first axis relative to the electronics module and to transfer tension from the flexible and extendable body radially from the first axis to the electronics module, the second end is attachable to the flexible and extendable body with a second flexible retention mount at a second connection point at the second end of the concave surface so as to allow the flexible and extendable body to rotate about a second axis relative to the electronics module and to transfer tension from the flexible and extendable body radially from the second axis to the electronics module, wherein, the first and second connection points are positioned spaced apart on the flexible and extendable body such that the electronics module creates tension in a portion of the flexible and extendable body between the first and second connection points, the concave surface and a surface of the portion of the flexible and extendable body between the first and second connection points defining a concave space; and a bio-signal sensor disposed on the flexible and extendable body between the first and second connection points to contact at least a portion of the portion of the user and receive bio-signals from the user, when the flexible and extendable body is extended with the electronics module attached to be worn by the user: tension is applied from the flexible and extendable body to the electronics module through the first and second flexible retention mounts to pull the electronics module towards the user, the portion of the flexible and extendable body between the first and second connection points rotates towards and into the concave space, and the tension in the portion of the flexible and extendable body between the first and second connection points pushes the bio-signal sensor against the portion of the user; and the electronics module comprises a processor to receive the bio-signals from the bio-signal sensor.

2. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the bio-signal sensor is an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor configured to measure or generate electrical potentials; and wherein the bio-signal sensor is configured to contact at least a portion of a frontal region of the user’s head.

3. The wearable device of any of claims 1-2, further comprising an additional bio-signal sensor to contact at least a portion of a pinna region of the user’s head; wherein the additional bio-signal sensor is an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor.

4. The wearable device of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising an electrical connection between the electronics module and at least one of the flexible and extendable body and the biological signal sensor.

5. The wearable device of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the electronics module is curved to generally correspond to the user’s head.

6. The wearable device of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the electronics module is attachable to the flexible and extendable body by magnetic force.

7. The wearable device of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the electronics module comprises a first magnet and a second magnet, the first magnet at the first end to attach to the first flexible retention mount by magnetic force, the second magnet at the second end to attach to the second flexible retention mount by magnetic force.

8. The wearable device of any one of claims 1-7, further comprising an optical sensor disposed on the electronics module; wherein the optical sensor at least one of: detects compression of the body based at least in part on a detected reflection distance of light reflected into the optical sensor; and detects additional biological signals based at least in part on a detected reflection distance of light reflected into the optical sensor or a measured color and intensity of light reflected into the optical sensor.

9. The wearable device of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the flexible and extendable body comprises a compressible section adjacent to the biological signal sensor so as to compress to conform at least one biological signal sensor to the portion of the user; wherein the compressible section is shaped to conform to the at least a portion of the portion of the user; and wherein the compressible section comprises foam having a variable density.

10. The wearable device of any one of claims 1-9, further comprising at least one of a light emitter and a light receiver disposed on the flexible and extendable body adjacent to an eye of the user to detect light adjacent to the eye of the user.

11. The wearable device of any one of claims 1-10, further comprising a vibration transducer comprising at least one of a speaker, a microphone, and a physical vibration generator; wherein the vibration transducer is disposed on the flexible and extendable body adjacent to at least one of an ear of the user, a front of the user’s head, and a bone of the user.

12. The wearable device of any one of claims 1-11, further comprising a plurality of vibration transducers for beamforming; wherein the plurality of vibration transducers is an array of microphones for localizing sound from a certain direction.

13. The wearable device of any one of claims 1-12, further comprising at least one of an accelerometer for detecting motion of the user and a thermistor for detecting relative temperature changes.

14. The wearable device of any one of claims 1-13, further comprising a communicator for transmitting data to a computing device; wherein the communicator communicates with the computing device using at least one of a Bluetooth communication protocol and a Wi-Fi communication protocol.

15. A wearable device comprising: a body that is flexible and extendable to encircle a portion of a user and is deformable; an electronic module having a concave surface; the electronic module is attachable to the flexible and extendable body at a first connection point at a first end of the concave surface for rotation about a first axis and at a second connection point at a second end of the concave surface for rotation about a second axis by first and second flexible retention mounts to generate a force radially from the first and second axes to draw the electronic module toward the portion of the user, wherein the first and second connection points are positioned spaced apart on the flexible and extendable body such that a portion of the flexible and extendable body between the first and second connection points develops tension when the electronic module is connected to the flexible and extendable body, a concave space being defined by the concave surface and a surface of the flexible and extendable body; a biosignal sensor disposed on the flexible and extendable body between the first and second connection points to contact at least a portion of the portion of the user to receive a biosignal from the user, wherein when the flexible and extendable body is extended with the electronic module attached to be worn by the user, the portion of the flexible and extendable body between the first and second connection points rotates toward and into the concave space, and the tension in the portion of the flexible and extendable body between the first and second connection points pushes the biosignal sensor against the portion of the user; and the electronic module includes a processor for receiving the biosignal from the biosignal sensor.

16. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is flexible and stretchable.

17. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is stretchable but not flexible.

18. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is flexible but not stretchable.

19. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

20. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

21. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

22. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

23. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

24. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

25. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

26. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

27. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

28. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

29. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

30. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

31. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

32. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

33. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

34. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

35. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

36. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

37. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

38. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

39. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

40. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

41. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

42. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

43. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

44. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

45. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

46. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

47. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

48. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

49. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

50. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

51. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

52. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

53. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

54. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

55. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

56. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

57. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

58. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

59. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

60. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

61. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

62. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

63. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

64. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

65. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

66. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

67. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

68. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed from a material that is both flexible and stretchable.

69. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible retention mounts are formed

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