Discrete optical path through sensor and sensor cover

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a wearable device configured to selectively allow light to be transmitted and received. The wearable device includes a hub plate, a sensor, a light blocking structure, and a sensor cover. The hub plate includes an inner surface and an outer surface. In addition, the hub plate extends longitudinally in the x-direction. A sensor is connected to the outer surface of the hub plate and includes a light emitter extending from the outer surface of the hub plate and a light receiver extending from the outer surface of the hub plate. The light blocking structure is located between the light emitter and the light receiver. In addition, the light blocking structure extends laterally from the outer surface of the hub plate in the y-direction. A sensor cover is positioned over the sensor and includes an inner surface and an outer surface. Further, the sensor cover includes a light-transmitting portion and a light-blocking portion.

Description

Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 344,088, filed May 20, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a wearable device configured to selectively allow emission and reception of light. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a wearable device having a light-blocking structure and a sensor cover having a light-transmitting portion and a light-blocking portion configured to selectively allow emission and reception of light, and a method of manufacturing the wearable device. Background Art

[0003] Recent technological advances, including those made possible through consumer devices, have resulted in corresponding advances in health detection and monitoring. For example, wearable devices, such as fitness trackers and smart watches, are able to determine information about the person wearing the device or the environment surrounding the device. In addition, wearable devices are able to output signals to the user based on the user's input, the configuration of the wearable device, or the environment surrounding the wearable device.

[0004] Such wearable devices can be worn by users and provide users with various functions that traditional watches or jewelry cannot provide. One function that a wearable device can provide to a user is to obtain various types of data that can be used to help the user determine their health status. These types of data may include typical vital signs, such as heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, or other physiological related data, such as blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, blood sugar level, or skin perspiration.

[0005] One specific way that wearable devices acquire vital signs or other physiological-related data is by using photoplethysmography (PPG). PPG is a non-invasive means of detecting signals such as heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, or blood pressure using light. More specifically, PPG does this by detecting changes in blood volume over a period of time. This detection is achieved by using an optical sensor that emits light into the user's skin to reach the blood vessels, which are then partially reflected from the user's skin back into the optical sensor. The amount of light reflected back into the optical sensor is then used to determine the user's blood volume at a specific time. The determined blood volume can then be used to determine other signals such as heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, or blood pressure.

[0006] A particular challenge faced by designers of wearable devices with optical sensors configured for PPG is that light emitted by the optical sensor may travel directly back to the optical sensor before entering the user's skin and cause erroneous data to be provided to the optical sensor.

[0007] Therefore, it is desirable to have a wearable device having a PPG optical sensor configured to selectively allow emission and reception of light. In addition, it is desirable to have a PPG optical sensor that can reduce the amount of erroneous data obtained by light being emitted and received directly by the optical sensor without entering the user's skin. In addition, it is desirable to have a PPG optical sensor that can provide more accurate data to the user.

[0008] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a wearable device configured to selectively allow emission and reception of light. Summary of the invention

[0009] Aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be learned from the description, or may be learned through practice of the embodiments.

[0010] An example embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a wearable device configured to selectively allow emission and reception of light. The wearable device may include a hub plate, a sensor, a light-blocking structure, and a sensor cover. The hub plate may have an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the hub plate extends longitudinally in the x-direction. The sensor may be connected to the outer surface of the hub plate, and the sensor may include a light emitter and a light receiver. The light emitter may extend from the outer surface of the hub plate, and the light receiver may extend from the outer surface of the hub plate. The light-blocking structure may be located between the light emitter and the light receiver. In addition, the light-blocking structure may extend laterally from the outer surface of the hub plate in the y-direction. The sensor cover may be positioned above the sensor and may have an inner surface and an outer surface. In addition, the sensor cover may include a light-transmitting portion and a light-blocking portion.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a wearable device, wherein the light blocking portion includes a first light blocking portion and a second light blocking portion. The first light blocking portion may be located between an inner surface of the sensor cover and an outer surface of the sensor cover. In addition, the first light blocking portion may be substantially perpendicular to the x-direction along which the hub plate extends. The second light blocking portion may be located on the inner surface of the sensor cover. In addition, the second light blocking portion may be substantially parallel to the x-direction along which the hub plate extends.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a wearable device, wherein the first light-blocking portion, the second light-blocking portion, or both are formed by micro-defects caused by laser radiation, thermal radiation, or a combination thereof.

[0013] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a wearable device, wherein the micro-defects are caused by a transition from an amorphous structure to a crystalline structure.

[0014] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a wearable device, wherein a first light-blocking portion, a second light-blocking portion, or both are formed by reducing a transparency level of a sensor cover located at the first light-blocking portion or the second light-blocking portion.

[0015] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a wearable device, wherein the light blocking structure can be made of ink, foam, elastomer, polymer, metal, or a combination thereof.

[0016] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a wearable device, wherein the light emitter is a light emitting diode or an infrared laser.

[0017] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a wearable device, wherein the light receiver is a photodiode or a phototransistor.

[0018] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a wearable device, wherein the sensor cover has a height H1 in the y direction, and the first light-blocking portion has a height H2 in the y direction, wherein the height H2 is approximately 50% to approximately 100% of the height H1.

[0019] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a wearable device, wherein the sensor cover has a width W1 in the x-direction, and the first light-blocking portion has a width W2 in the x-direction, wherein the width W2 is approximately 1% to approximately 99% of the width W1.

[0020] On the other hand, the present disclosure relates to a wearable device, wherein the second light-blocking portion has a width W3, wherein the width W3 is in a range of about 1% to about 99% of the width W1, or about 1% to about 100% of the width W2.

[0021] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a wearable device, wherein the light blocking portion is formed by removing material from a sensor cover.

[0022] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a wearable device, wherein the light blocking portion includes at least one of a set of holes, grooves, countersunk holes, or a combination thereof.

[0023] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a wearable device, wherein the light blocking portion comprises a countersunk hole having a main portion and a secondary portion. In addition, the material is disposed within the main portion of the countersunk hole.

[0024] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a wearable device configured to selectively allow emission and reception of light. Specifically, the method may include placing a hub plate having an inner surface and an outer surface within the wearable device, wherein the hub plate may extend longitudinally along the x-direction. The method may also include connecting a sensor to the outer surface of the hub plate, wherein the sensor may include a light emitter extending from the outer surface of the hub plate and a light receiver extending from the outer surface of the hub plate. The method may also include forming a light-blocking structure between the light emitter and the light receiver, wherein the light-blocking structure may extend laterally from the outer surface of the hub plate along the y-direction. The method may also include installing a sensor cover above the sensor, wherein the sensor cover may have an inner surface and an outer surface. In addition, the sensor cover may include a light-transmitting portion and a light-blocking portion.

[0025] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a sensor hub configured to selectively allow emission and reception of light. Specifically, the sensor hub may include a hub plate, a sensor, a light-blocking structure, and a sensor cover. The hub plate may have an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the hub plate extends longitudinally in the x-direction. The sensor may be connected to the outer surface of the hub plate, and the sensor may include a light emitter and a light receiver. The light emitter may extend from the outer surface of the hub plate, and the light receiver may extend from the outer surface of the hub plate. The light-blocking structure may be located between the light emitter and the light receiver. In addition, the light-blocking structure may extend laterally from the outer surface of the hub plate in the y-direction. The sensor cover may be positioned above the sensor and may have an inner surface and an outer surface. In addition, the sensor cover may include a light-transmitting portion and a light-blocking portion.

[0026] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a sensor hub, wherein the sensor includes a heart rate monitor, a blood oximeter, a blood pressure monitor, or a combination thereof. In addition, in the same aspect, the optical transmitter outputs at least one of optical light having a wavelength of about 620 nanometers to about 750 nanometers or optical light having a wavelength of about 490 nanometers to about 570 nanometers.

[0027] These and other features, aspects and advantages of various embodiments of the present disclosure will be better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate example embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the relevant principles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] A detailed discussion of the embodiments for those skilled in the art is set forth in this specification with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 A front orthogonal view of a system including a wearable device according to the present disclosure is provided;

[0030] Figure 2 A rear orthogonal view of a system including a wearable device is provided, particularly showing a sensor hub and a sensor hub cover according to the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 3 A side view of a system including a wearable device according to the present disclosure is provided;

[0032] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a wearable device, particularly showing a sensor hub and a sensor hub cover;

[0033] Figure 5 The manufacturing method according to the present disclosure is shown Figures 1 to 4 A flow chart of a method for a wearable device;

[0034] 6a-6b illustrate various views of embodiments of a sensor cover for a wearable device, and in particular illustrate additional embodiments of configurations of light-blocking portions of a sensor hub cover according to the present disclosure;

[0035] 7a to 7b show various views of an embodiment of a sensor cover of a wearable device, and particularly show another embodiment of the configuration of a light blocking portion according to the present disclosure; and

[0036] 8a to 8b illustrate various views of an embodiment of a sensor cover for a wearable device, and in particular illustrate one or more possible embodiments of the configuration of a light-blocking portion according to the present disclosure.

[0037] Reference numerals that are repeated across multiple drawings are intended to identify like features in the various implementations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Any feature, component or detail of any arrangement or embodiment disclosed in this application, including but not limited to any wearable device embodiment disclosed below and any method of manufacturing the wearable device, may be interchangeably combined with any other feature, component or detail of any arrangement or embodiment disclosed herein to form new arrangements and embodiments.

[0039] The present disclosure generally relates to a wearable device configured to selectively allow emission and reception of light. The wearable device may include a hub plate, a sensor, a light blocking structure, and a sensor cover. The hub plate may have an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the hub plate extends longitudinally along the x-direction. The sensor may be connected to the outer surface of the hub plate, and the sensor may include a light emitter and a light receiver. The light emitter may extend from the outer surface of the hub plate, and the light receiver may extend from the outer surface of the hub plate. The light blocking structure may be located between the light emitter and the light receiver. In addition, the light blocking structure may extend laterally from the outer surface of the hub plate along the y-direction. The sensor cover may be positioned above the sensor and may have an inner surface and an outer surface. In addition, the sensor cover may include a light-transmitting portion, a first light blocking portion, and a second light blocking portion. The first light blocking portion may be located between the inner surface of the sensor cover and the outer surface of the sensor cover. In addition, the first light blocking portion may be substantially perpendicular to the x-direction along which the hub plate extends. The second light blocking portion may be located on the inner surface of the sensor cover. In addition, the second light blocking portion may be substantially parallel to the x-direction along which the hub plate extends.

[0040] Specifically, without being limited by any particular theory, the light-blocking structure and sensor cover of the wearable device can prevent light from entering the light receiver before leaving and returning to the wearable device, which can prevent the sensor from making erroneous readings. Due to the presence of the light-blocking structure, light can be prevented from directly entering the light receiver or reflecting from the sensor cover and then entering the light receiver. By placing a cover having a first light-blocking portion (which is substantially perpendicular to the light transmitter or light receiver along the x-direction), light can be focused to selectively leave the sensor cover and follow the desired path. In addition, the first light-blocking portion can also prevent light from reflecting internally in the sensor cover and entering the light receiver and then leaving and returning to the wearable device. In addition, by adding a second light-blocking portion (which is substantially parallel to the light transmitter or light receiver along the x-direction) to the sensor cover, light can be further prevented from reflecting internally in the sensor cover and entering the light receiver and then leaving and returning to the wearable device. One or more features of each of these features result in the wearable device being configured to selectively allow the emission and reception of light, so that the sensor can make accurate readings and can minimize errors caused by the sensor.

[0041] Referring now to the drawings, example embodiments of the present disclosure will be discussed in more detail. First, components of a wearable device will be discussed, followed by methods that can selectively allow emission and reception of light.

[0042] Figures 1 to 3A wearable device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The wearable device 100 may be a watch, a smart watch, smart jewelry, a fitness tracker, a head mounted display, or any other type of wearable device. The wearable device 100 may include a display 102, a display screen 104, a component port 106, an attachment device 108, and a fixing device 110. In addition, the wearable device 100 may include a front 112, a rear 114, a first side 116, a second side 118, a top 120, and a bottom 122. Without intending to limit the present disclosure to a particular configuration, any two sides of the display 102 may be connected to the attachment device 108. The fixing device 110 may be present on the attachment device 108. In addition, the fixing device 110 may be located on the opposite end of the attachment device 108, opposite the display 102.

[0043] The display 102 may be capable of providing the wearer with various information, such as time, date, body signals, readings based on user input, etc. Body signals may include, but are not limited to, heart rate, heart pressure, body temperature, oxygen level, or any other body signal that can be measured by the wearable device 100 as will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Readings based on user input may include, but are not limited to, the number of steps taken by the user, the distance traveled by the user, the sleep schedule of the user, the route traveled by the user, the altitude climbed by the user, or any other metric that can be input into the wearable device 100 as will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, further analysis may be calculated using body signals or readings based on user input to provide to the user, such as a fitness score, a sleep quality score, and the number of calories burned by the user. In addition, the wearable device 100 may also receive external inputs without regard to the user, such as the ambient temperature in the environment, the amount of sunlight exposure to the watch, the atmospheric pressure of the environment, the air quality of the environment, the location of the wearable device 100 based on the global positioning system (GPS), or other external factors that the wearable device 100 can measure as will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0044] Turning to the display screen 104, the display screen 104 can be capable of protecting the display 102 and any internal components from damage. In addition, the display screen 104 can also be designed to perform various other functions. For example, the display screen 104 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a capacitive touch screen, a resistive touch screen, a protective glass, or a combination thereof. In addition, the display screen 104 can be formed of a variety of materials. For example, the display screen 104 can be formed of plastic, glass, a glass composite material, a metal, an alloy, a crystal, or a combination thereof.

[0045] Turning to the attachment device 108, the attachment device 108 may be capable of attaching the wearable device 100 to a user of the wearable device 100. The attachment device 108 may take the form of a strap, a rope, an elastic band (but should not be construed as being limited to these forms), or any other form of attachment used by a person of ordinary skill in the art to attach the wearable device 100 to a user of the wearable device 100.

[0046] Turning to the securing device 110, the securing device 110 may be capable of improving the attachment of the attachment device 108 to the user. The securing device 110 may include (but should not be construed as being limited to) a pin-and-hole locking mechanism, a magnet system, a lock, a clip, or any other type of securing device that would be considered by one skilled in the art. It should be noted that the securing device 110 may not be necessary to secure the wearable device 100 to the user. For example, the wearable device 100 may be secured to the user via a strap, which is then tied around the user's wrist or other suitable appendage.

[0047] In addition to the above features, the wearable device 100 may also include a sensor hub 126. The sensor hub 126 may include a sensor 127 and a sensor cover 128. Like the display screen 104, the sensor cover 128 may be composed of a variety of materials. For example, the sensor cover 128 may be formed of plastic, glass, glass composites, metals, alloys, crystals, or a combination thereof. The sensor 127 may further include a light emitter 130 and a light receiver 132. The light emitter 130 may be configured to emit light generally or in a specific direction. The light emitter 130 may be a variety of devices or systems capable of emitting light. For example, the light emitter 130 may be a light emitting diode (LED), an infrared laser, or a combination thereof. Similar to the light emitter 130, the light receiver 132 may be configured to receive light generally or in a specific direction. The light receiver 132 may be a variety of devices or systems capable of receiving light. For example, the light receiver 132 may be a photodiode, a phototransistor, or a combination thereof.

[0048] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 100, particularly showing the sensor hub and sensor hub cover. However, it should be understood that the sensor 127 and sensor cover 128 can be used in a variety of other devices. For example, the sensor 127 and sensor cover 128 can be used in electronic devices generally, or more specifically, in wearable devices 100 (such as Figures 1 to 3), a laptop computer, a computer, or other suitable equipment. Now referring to the sensor hub 126, the sensor hub 126 may include a sensor 127 and a sensor cover 128 as described above. The sensor hub 126 may also include a hub plate 210 and a light blocking structure 218. The sensor hub 126 may be located in the x-direction 238 and the y-direction 240. The sensor cover 128 may have an inner surface 230 and an outer surface 232. The hub plate 210 may also have an inner surface 234 and an outer surface 236. Without limiting any configuration, the inner surfaces 230, 234 and the outer surfaces 232, 236 may be interior and exterior relative to the wearable device 100.

[0049] Referring now to the sensor 127, the sensor 127 can be coupled to the outer surface 236 of the hub plate 210. The sensor 127 can include various diagnostic tools. For example, the sensor 127 can include or can be a heart rate monitor, a blood oximeter, a blood pressure monitor, or a combination thereof. As previously described, the sensor 127 can include a light emitter 130 and a light receiver 132. Depending on the desired function of the sensor 127, the light emitter can be configured to output various types of electromagnetic radiation. Some types of electromagnetic radiation that can be used can be infrared light, near infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, gamma rays, or radio waves.

[0050] One desired function of the sensor 127 may be photoplethysmography (PPG). PPG is a technology that can use electromagnetic radiation in the form of visible light, near infrared light, or infrared light to determine signals such as heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, or blood pressure by detecting changes in blood volume over a period of time. The detection of changes in blood volume over a period of time can be achieved by the light emitter 204 emitting or outputting light in a direction toward a body part of the user (e.g., a portion of the user's wrist or other suitable part). This emitted light then interacts with blood vessels in the body part of the user. When interacting with the body part of the user, the emitted light is affected by the current blood volume in the user's blood vessels and is modified to a certain extent. The modified light then returns to the sensor 127 by reflection or refraction and is received in the light receiver 208. The wearable device 100 then processes the difference between the emitted light and the modified light to calculate the change in blood volume over a period of time. The change in blood volume over a period of time is then used to calculate signals such as heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, or blood pressure.

[0051] When the desired function is a sensor 127 capable of performing PPG, utilizing visible light may be useful. Specifically, visible light having a wavelength corresponding to red visible light, green visible light, or blue visible light may be particularly useful. More specifically, it may be desirable to use red visible light in a sensor 127 configured for PPG because it is able to penetrate deeply into the body of a potential user and acquire more biologically meaningful data. Since red visible light is not easily absorbed by the user's body or blood vessels, red visible light is more likely to penetrate the user's body. In addition, if the sensor 127 configured for PPG is incorporated into a wearable device 100 worn by a user, red visible light may be able to alleviate differences in pigmentation or skin color that would otherwise block penetration of visible light having a different wavelength from red visible light. If red visible light is selected, the specific wavelength may be at least one of visible light having a wavelength of about 620 nanometers to about 750 nanometers, such as about 638 nanometers to about 725 nanometers, such as about 650 nanometers to about 710 nanometers, such as 670 nanometers to about 700 nanometers.

[0052] It may be desirable to use green visible light in a sensor configured for PPG because green light is more easily absorbed by the user's body and blood vessels, since blood vessels are red and therefore more likely to absorb light of other wavelengths, such as green light. Since the absorption rate of green light increases, green light is less likely to be affected by ambient light around sensor 127. In addition, when green light is used, since green light may be absorbed by the user's body or blood vessels, the effect of motion on the sensor may be reduced. If green visible light is selected, the specific wavelength may be at least one of visible light having a wavelength of about 490 nanometers to about 570 nanometers, such as about 512 nanometers to about 560 nanometers, such as about 520 nanometers to about 550 nanometers, such as 532 nanometers to about 540 nanometers.

[0053] It may be desirable to use blue visible light in a sensor configured for PPG for similar reasons to green visible light, because blue light is easily absorbed by the user's body and blood vessels. However, blue visible light may be more easily absorbed by the user's body and blood vessels than green visible light. If blue visible light is selected, the specific wavelength may be at least one of visible light having a wavelength of about 360 nanometers to about 488 nanometers, such as about 380 nanometers to about 488 nanometers, such as about 390 nanometers to about 458 nanometers, such as 400 nanometers to about 442 nanometers.

[0054] The light emitter 130 can extend from the outer surface 236 of the hub plate 210 and can include the component plate 201 and the light focuser 206. The light receiver 132 can also extend from the outer surface 236 of the hub plate 210 and can also include the component plate 202 and the light focuser 209. The light focusers 206, 209 can help direct light toward a general path. For example, the light emitter focuser 206 can help direct the path of light emission 222, and the light receiver focuser 209 can help direct the path of light reception 224. Examples of systems that can be used as light focusers 206, 209 are lenses, reflectors, prisms, glasses, or other devices suitable for focusing or directing light in a particular direction.

[0055] Reference now Figure 4 10 , the light blocking structure 218 of the sensor hub 126 is shown in detail in FIG. 1 , and the light blocking structure 218 can be located between the light emitter 130 and the light receiver 132. In addition, the light blocking structure 218 can extend laterally from the outer surface 236 of the hub plate 210 along the y-direction 240. In addition, the light blocking structure 218 can extend from the outer surface 236 of the hub plate 210 to the inner surface 230 of the sensor cover 128. By providing the light blocking structure 218 between the light emitter 130 and the light receiver 132, light can be prevented from traveling directly from the light emitter 130 to the light receiver 132. In addition, if the light blocking structure 218 extends from the outer surface 236 of the hub plate 210 to the inner surface 230 of the sensor cover 128, light can be further blocked or completely blocked from traveling from the light emitter 130 to the light receiver 132.

[0056] In addition, the light blocking structure 218 may have a width W4. For example, the width W4 may range from about 0.025 millimeters (mm) to about 1.25 mm, such as about 0.05 mm to about 1.0 mm, such as about 0.075 mm to about 0.75 mm. By having the width W4, light can be prevented from passing through the light blocking structure 218 and directly entering the light receiver 208. The light blocking structure 218 may also have a height H4. For example, the height H4 may range from about 0.6 mm to about 4.5 mm, such as about 0.015 mm to about 5.5 mm, such as about 0.03 mm to about 5.0 mm, such as about 0.05 mm to about 4.75 mm. By having the height H4, light can be prevented from passing through the light blocking structure 218 and entering the light receiver 208 without leaving the range of the sensor hub 126 or even entering the sensor cover 128.

[0057] The light blocking structure 218 may be formed integrally with the outer surface 236 of the hub plate 210, or the light blocking structure 218 may be separately attached to the outer surface 236 of the hub plate 210. For example, if the light blocking structure 218 is to be separately attached to the outer surface 236 of the hub plate 210, the light blocking structure 218 may be attached by adhesive, solder, welding, heat treatment, chemical treatment, or other suitable methods. In addition, the light blocking structure 218 may be formed of a variety of materials. For example, if the light blocking structure 218 is formed integrally with the outer surface 236 of the hub plate 210, the light blocking structure 218 may be formed of the same material as the outer surface 236 of the hub plate 210, and vice versa. Alternatively, if the light blocking structure 218 is to be separately attached to the outer surface 236 of the hub plate 210, the light blocking structure 218 may be formed of a different material than the outer surface 236 of the hub plate 210. However, it should be understood that the light blocking structure 218 can also be formed of the same material as the outer surface 236 of the hub plate 210 and also be separately attached thereto. In some embodiments, the light blocking structure 218 can be formed of an elastomer (such as rubber), foam, metal, metal coating, polymer, ceramic, alloy, composite material, or any other suitable material or combination. In addition, the light blocking structure 218 can be a device such as a gasket positioned around the light emitter 130 and the light receiver 132, respectively.

[0058] Referring now to the hub plate 210, the hub plate 210 may extend longitudinally along the x-direction 238. In addition, the hub plate 210 may include a first reinforcement member 212, an adhesive layer 214, and a second reinforcement member 216. The adhesive layer 214 may be disposed between the first reinforcement member 212 and the second reinforcement member 216 and may connect them. The reinforcement members 212, 216 may be composed of epoxy resin, polyimide, or a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel. In addition, the reinforcement members 212, 216 may have a thickness ranging from about 0.025 mm to about 0.75 mm, such as about 0.05 mm to about 0.5 mm, such as about 0.075 mm to 0.45 mm. The adhesive layer 214 may include a film that may be formed of polyethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene, fluorinated ethylene propylene, or polytetrafluoroethylene. Furthermore, the adhesive layer 214 may have a thickness ranging from about 10 micrometers (µm) to 400 μm, such as about 25 μm to 375 μm, such as about 50 μm to 350 μm, such as about 75 μm to 325 μm.

[0059] Referring now to the sensor cover 128, the sensor cover 128 may be positioned over the sensor 127. As previously described, the sensor cover 128 may have an inner surface 230 and an outer surface 232. The sensor cover 128 may also have a width W1 in the x-direction 238. The width W1 of the sensor cover is sufficient to cover the sensor 127 and the sensor hub 126, and may range from about 3 mm to about 18 mm, such as about 5 mm to about 16 mm, such as about 5 mm to about 14.5 mm. The sensor cover 128 may also have a height H1 in the y-direction 240, which ranges from about 0.025 mm to about 2.5 mm, such as about 0.05 mm to about 2.25 mm, such as about 0.075 mm to about 2.0 mm. By having the sensor cover 128 have a height H1 in the y-direction, the sensor cover 128 may be able to change the path of light traveling outward from the light emitter 204 toward the external environment or toward the user's body. For example, the height H1 can allow the sensor cover 128 to reduce the intensity of light that exits the sensor cover 128 as it is emitted from the light emitter 204 and passes through the sensor cover 128. Additionally, the height H1 can help mitigate the likelihood that light will reflect within the sensor cover 128 and travel directly to the light receiver 208 without leaving the range of the sensor hub 126 or the sensor cover 128.

[0060] The sensor cover 128 may include a light-passing portion 220, a first light-blocking portion 226, and a second light-blocking portion 228. The light-passing portion 220 may be a region or area in the sensor cover 128 that is designed and particularly desired for light to pass through. For example, if the sensor cover 128 is formed of a transparent material, the light-passing portion 220 may be formed by not processing a specific region in the sensor cover 128 where light is desired to pass through. As described above, the term "transparent" refers to a material that allows light to pass through. Specifically, the passage of light may not produce significant or substantial light scattering.

[0061] Turning to the first light blocking portion 226, the first light blocking portion can be located between the inner surface 230 of the sensor cover 128 and the outer surface 232 of the sensor cover 128. In addition, the first light blocking portion 226 can be substantially perpendicular to the x-direction 238 along which the hub plate 210 extends. By having the sensor cover 128 have the first light blocking portion 226 including the above-mentioned features, the sensor cover 128 can be able to prevent light reflected internally within the sensor cover 128 from traveling directly from the light emitter 204 to the light receiver 208 without leaving the range of the sensor hub 126 or the sensor cover 128. To this end, the first light blocking portion 226 can have a width W2 in the x-direction 238. The width W2 can range from about 0.0025 mm to about 2.5 mm, such as about 0.005 mm to about 2.25 mm, such as about 0.0075 mm to about 2.0 mm. In addition, the width W2 can have a direct relationship with the width W1 of the sensor cover 128. For example, the width W2 may range from about 1% to about 99% of the width W1, such as about 5% to about 80%, such as about 10% to about 60%, such as about 20% to about 50%. By having the width W2, light may be prevented from passing through the first light-blocking portion 226 and directly entering the light receiver 208.

[0062] The first light-blocking portion 226 may also have a height H2 in the y-direction 240. The height H2 may range from about 0.0025 mm to about 2.5 mm, such as about 0.005 mm to about 2.25 mm, such as about 0.0075 mm to about 2.0 mm. In addition, the height H2 of the first light-blocking portion 226 may have a direct relationship with the height H1 of the sensor cover 128. For example, the height H2 may be about 50% to about 100% of the height H1, such as about 60% to about 100% of the height H1, such as about 70% to about 100% of the height H1, such as about 80% to about 100% of the height H1, such as about 90% to about 100% of the height H1, such as about 99% to about 100% of the height H1. In addition, in a particular embodiment, the height H2 of the first light-blocking portion 226 may be substantially the same as the height H1 of the sensor cover 128 or be about 100% of the height H1 of the sensor cover. By making the height H2 substantially the same as the height H1 of the sensor cover, light can be prevented from passing from below or above the first light blocking portion 226 and entering the light receiver 208 without leaving the range of the sensor hub 126 or the sensor cover 128. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the height H2 of the first light blocking portion 226 may be less than the height H1 or less than 100% of the height H1 of the sensor cover 128. By making the height H2 less than the height H1, the difficulty of manufacturing the first light blocking portion 226 can be reduced.

[0063] Referring now to the second light blocking portion 228, the second light blocking portion 228 may be located on the inner surface 230 of the sensor cover 128 and generally parallel to the x-direction 238 along which the hub plate 210 extends. By forming the second light blocking portion 228 in the sensor cover, light may be further prevented from traveling directly from the light emitter 130 to the light receiver 132 without leaving the sensor hub 126 or the sensor cover 128, compared to using only the first light blocking portion. However, it should be understood that the second light blocking portion 228 may also be used alone without forming the first light blocking portion 226, and still be able to selectively allow light to be emitted or received. Similar to the first light blocking portion 226, the second light blocking portion 228 may have a width W3 and a height H3. For example, the width W3 of the second light blocking portion 228 may range from about 0.0025 mm to about 2.5 mm, such as about 0.005 mm to about 2.25 mm, such as about 0.0075 mm to about 2.0 mm. In addition, the width W3 may have a direct relationship with the width W1 of the sensor cover 128 or the width W2 of the first light blocking portion 226. For example, the width W3 may range from about 1% to about 99% of the width W1, such as about 5% to about 80% of the width W1, such as about 10% to about 60% of the width W1, such as about 20% to about 50% of the width W1, and / or the width W3 may range from about 100% to about 1000% of the width W2, such as about 200% to about 800% of the width W2, such as about 300% to about 600% of the width W2, such as about 400% to about 500% of the width W2. However, it is also possible that the second light blocking portion 228 is not used, or the width W2 of the first light blocking portion 226 exceeds the width W3 of the second light blocking portion 228. In this alternative example, the width W3 may range from about 1% to about 100% of the width W2, such as about 5% to about 80% of the width W2, such as about 10% to about 60% of the width W2, such as about 20% to about 50% of the width W2. By making the second light-blocking portion 228 have a width W3 as described above, the second light-blocking portion may be able to create a window through which light can pass, so that the light is guided in a particularly desired manner.

[0064] One possible consequence of selecting the width W3 of the second light-blocking portion 228 is that a width W5 of the light-transmitting portion 220 will also be formed in the x-direction 238. For example, if the width W3 of the second light-blocking portion is approximately 20% of the width W1 of the sensor cover 128, the width W5 of the light-transmitting portion 220 may be approximately 80% of the width W1 of the sensor cover. However, if the second light-blocking portion 228 is not used, or the width W2 of the first light-blocking portion 226 exceeds the width W3 of the second light-blocking portion 228, the width W5 of the light-transmitting portion may instead be based on the first light-blocking portion 226. For example, if the first light-blocking portion 226 has a width W2 that ranges from approximately 20% of the width W1 of the sensor cover 128, the width W5 of the light-transmitting portion may be approximately 80% of the width W1 of the sensor cover 128.

[0065] The first light blocking portion 226 and the second light blocking portion 228 can be formed to block light by a variety of methods. One particular method is that a laser can be used to emit laser radiation that can introduce micro defects into the localized portion of the sensor cover 128 selected as the light blocking portion 226, 228. However, it should be understood that a laser may not be the only device that can introduce these micro defects. For example, micro defects can be introduced by thermal radiation or a combination of laser and thermal radiation. These micro defects can be able to reflect or refract light away from the light blocking portion 226, 228, or otherwise hinder light from passing through the light blocking portion 226, 228.

[0066] Another specific method of forming the light blocking portions 226, 228 is to transform the internal structure of the local portion selected as the light blocking portions 226, 228 from an amorphous structure to a crystalline structure by using laser or thermal radiation or a combination thereof. The crystalline structure generally includes a group of atoms or molecules that are more closely packed, which makes the crystalline structure more suitable for blocking light from passing through the light blocking portions 226, 228 than the amorphous structure that generally includes atoms or molecules that are less closely packed.

[0067] Another method of forming the light blocking portions 226, 228 is to reduce the transparency level of the local portion selected as the light blocking portions 226, 228 by using laser or thermal radiation or a combination thereof. For example, the light blocking portions 226, 228 can be formed by a transition of the local portion of the sensor cover 128 from transparent to translucent, or from translucent to opaque, or from transparent to opaque. By reducing the transparency of the light blocking portions 226, 228, the ability of light to pass through the light blocking portions 226, 228 can be reduced. As described above, the term "opaque" refers to a material that does not allow light to pass through, while the term "translucent" refers to a material that allows light to pass through but the light that passes through will be scattered to a certain extent.

[0068] Another method of forming the light blocking portions 226, 228 is by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. For example, the sensor cover 128 may be processed in such a manner before forming the light blocking portions 226, 228 that the light blocking portions 226, 228 are changed when UV radiation is applied to the light blocking portions 226, 228. Once UV radiation is applied, the light blocking portions 226, 228 may be changed from a light passing state to a light blocking state and may block the passage of light. This method may also be implemented using laser radiation or thermal radiation.

[0069] An alternative form of forming light blocking portions 226, 228 is by depositing material where light blocking portions 226, 228 are to be located. For example, material may be deposited where light blocking portions 226, 228 are to be located. The material may be a deposit or coating of ink, foam, elastomer, metal, ceramic, or plastic.

[0070] Another means of forming either of the light blocking portions 226, 228 is by removing material. For example, when the sensor cover 128 is used, material at the areas corresponding to the light blocking portions 226, 228 can be removed from the sensor cover 128. By removing material at these specific areas, a difference can be created between the refractive index of the material used in the sensor cover 128 and the air pockets corresponding to either of the light blocking portions 226, 228. This difference can then cause the light beam to be internally reflected within the glass or refracted away from the light emitter 204 or the light receiver 208.

[0071] In another embodiment, the light blocking structure 218 and the second light blocking portion 228 can be formed together to form a light blocking region 229. In such embodiments, the light blocking region 229 can be formed of similar materials, such as foam, rubber, metal, or a combination thereof. In addition, the first light blocking portion 228 can also be formed together with the light blocking structure 218 and the second light blocking portion 228 to form a light blocking region 229.

[0072] In another embodiment, the light-transmitting portion 220 may be formed in the light-blocking structure 218 and the light-blocking portions 226 and 228. For example, the light-blocking structure 218 and the light-blocking portions 226 and 228 may be formed of a material capable of preventing light from passing through (such as an opaque or translucent material) and positioned above the light emitter 204 and the light receiver 208. Next, an opening may be formed in the light-blocking structure and the light-blocking portions 226 and 228 to form the light-transmitting portion 220. The process may stop there, or alternatively, a material capable of allowing light to pass through (such as a transparent material) may be provided in the light-transmitting portion 220. The transparent material here may be one of glass, plastic, a composite material, or any other suitable transparent material.

[0073] Figure 5 Shown is the manufacturing process including Figure 4The sensor hub Figures 1 to 3 Flow chart of a method for manufacturing a wearable device capable of discharging fluid. Method 300 includes step 302, which involves placing a hub plate having an inner surface and an outer surface within the wearable device. Step 304 involves connecting a sensor having a light emitter and a light receiver to the outer surface of the hub plate. Step 306 involves forming a light blocking structure between the light emitter and the light receiver. Step 308 involves installing a sensor cover over the sensor. Method 300 may include any additional steps that can be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to manufacture a wearable device capable of discharging fluid, as described in detail above.

[0074] Figures 6a-6b, 7a-7b, and 8a-8b illustrate additional embodiments of sensor covers for wearable devices such as wearable device 100. Specifically, each embodiment depicted in Figures 6a-8b can be formed by removing material from the sensor cover 128. As shown in Figures 6a-6b, the sensor cover 128 can include one or more light-blocking portions of a plurality of light-blocking portions 242. Specifically, the plurality of light-blocking portions 242 can include a set of holes 244 having walls 245 configured in a continuous shape 246 on the sensor cover 128. For example, the continuous shape 246 of the hole 244 can be circular, rectangular, triangular, or any other shape of the hole 244. The continuous shape 246 of the hole 244 can be positioned so as to define a light-transmitting area 220. Therefore, by forming a set of holes 244 on the sensor cover 128, a light-transmitting area 220 can be formed. Specifically, due to the removal of material from the sensor cover 128, the empty space defined by the aperture 244 may have a different refractive index than the areas of the sensor cover 128 having material. Due to this different refractive index, when light strikes the aperture 244 while traveling outward from the sensor cover 128, the light may bounce or refract in a direction away from the light-passing area 220. Thus, as described above, light is prevented from traveling directly from the light emitter 204 to the light receiver 208. In addition, a coating may be applied to the walls 245 of the aperture 244 to further prevent light from traveling through the aperture 244 in an undesirable manner. For example, the coating may include ink, foam, elastomer, metal, ceramic, or plastic.

[0075] In addition, to control the selective light blocking properties, one corresponding hole 244 can be spaced apart from another corresponding hole by a maximum width W6. For example, the width W6 can range from about 1 mm to about 3 mm, such as about 1.5 mm to about 2.5 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 2.25 mm. By providing a maximum width W6 between the holes 244, the size of the light-passing area 220 can be controlled so that light selectively passes through the sensor cover 128. To further control the selective light blocking properties of the sensor cover 128, the holes 244 can each have a defined width W7 and / or a defined height H6. The width W7 of an individual hole 244 can range from about 0.05 mm to about 0.5 mm, such as 0.1 mm to about 0.4 mm, such as 0.15 mm to about 0.3 mm. Turning to the height H6, the height H6 of an individual hole 244 or all holes 244 can have a proportional relationship with the height H1 of the sensor cover 128. Specifically, the height H6 may range from about 10% to about 100% of the height H1, such as about 25% to about 85%, such as about 50% to about 70%. Therefore, it is understood that a single hole 244 or all holes 244 may span the entire height H1 of the sensor cover 128, or only a portion of the height H1 of the sensor cover 128.

[0076] Referring now to FIGS. 7a-7b , one or more light blocking portions 248 may be defined on the sensor cover 128. Specifically, the light blocking portion 248 may include a groove or recess 250 having a wall 251 defined on the sensor cover 128. For example, the groove 250 may be in the form of a continuous or discontinuous shape 252 similar to the shape 246 described above. The groove 250 may prevent light from passing through undesirably, similar to the way the hole 244 prevents light from passing through undesirably. In addition, similar to the wall 245 of the hole 244, the wall 251 of the groove 250 may include a coating of ink, foam, elastomer, metal, ceramic, or plastic to further prevent light from passing through.

[0077] The groove 250 may have a defined outer width W8 and a defined inner width W9. The outer width W8 may range from about 1 mm to about 6 mm, such as about 1.5 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 4 mm, such as about 2.5 mm to about 3 mm. For example, the inner width W9 may range from about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 4 mm, such as about 1.5 mm to about 3 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 2.5 mm. In addition, the groove 250 may have a defined depth D1. The depth D1 may range from about 0.1 mm to about 0.6 mm, such as about 0.2 mm to about 0.5 mm, such as about 0.3 mm to about 0.4 mm. By providing a groove 250 having a defined outer width W8, a defined inner width W9, and a defined depth D1, the selective light blocking properties of the sensor cover 128 may be further controlled as described in detail above.

[0078] Referring now to FIGS. 8a-8b , one or more light blocking portions 254 may be defined on the sensor cover 128. Specifically, the light blocking portion 254 may include a countersunk hole 256 defined on the sensor cover 128. As shown, the countersunk hole 256 may include a main portion 258 having a wall 259 and a secondary portion 260 having a wall 261. Within the main portion 258, a translucent or transparent material 262 may be provided so that a light passing area 220 is formed. For example, the material 262 may be glass or other material that allows light to pass through. In addition, the material 262 may have a light refractive index that is the same or substantially the same as that of the material of the sensor cover 128. For example, the material 262 may be formed of the same material as that of the sensor cover 128. By providing a main portion 258 and a secondary portion 260 having these features, light may be blocked in an undesirable manner. Specifically, when light travels outward from the sensor cover 128, it can be blocked from entering the secondary portion 260 because the empty space of the secondary portion 260 has a different refractive index than other portions of the sensor cover 128. However, when the light returns to the sensor cover 128, the light can pass through the main portion 258 in a desired manner. In addition, to enhance the selective light blocking properties, the walls 259, 261 can be applied with the same refractive index as described above. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B and FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B Specifically, a coating of ink, foam, elastomer, metal, ceramic, or plastic may be applied to the walls 259, 261 to prevent light from passing through as it travels outward from the sensor cover 128.

[0079] In addition, the main portion 258 and the secondary portion 260 may extend together the entire height H1 of the sensor cover 128. The main portion 258 and the secondary portion 260 may also partially extend through the height H1 of the sensor cover 128. In order to further control the selective light blocking properties of the countersunk hole 256, the main portion 258 may have a defined height H7 and width W10, and the secondary portion 260 may have a defined height H8 and width W11. For example, the height H7 of the main portion 258 may range from about 0.1 mm to about 0.8 mm, such as about 0.2 mm to about 0.6 mm, such as about 0.3 mm to about 0.5 mm. The width W10 of the main portion 258 may range from about 1 mm to about 8 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 6.5 mm, such as about 3 mm to about 4.5 mm. In addition, the height H8 of the secondary portion 260 may range from about 0.1 mm to about 0.8 mm, such as about 0.2 mm to about 0.6 mm, such as about 0.3 mm to about 0.5 mm. The width W11 of the secondary portion 260 may range from about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 3.5 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 3 mm. Therefore, by providing the countersunk hole 256 with a defined width W10, W11 or a defined height H7, H8, the selective light blocking properties of the countersunk hole 256 can be further controlled.

[0080] Although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that the embodiments are presented only by way of example and not by way of limitation. Similarly, various figures may depict example architectures or other configurations of the present disclosure, which is done to help understand the features and functions that may be included in the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the example architectures or configurations shown, but may be implemented using various alternative architectures and configurations. In addition, although the present disclosure is described above according to various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features and functions described in one or more separate embodiments are not limited to their applicability to the specific embodiments in which they are described. Instead, they may be applied to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure, either individually or in some combination, regardless of whether such embodiments are described or whether such features are presented as part of the embodiments. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above exemplary embodiments.

[0081] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) shall have ordinary and customary meanings to those of ordinary skill in the art and shall not be limited to special or customized meanings unless otherwise expressly defined herein. It should be noted that the use of a particular term in describing certain features or aspects of the present disclosure should not be understood as implying that the term is redefined herein to be limited to include any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the present disclosure associated with the term. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms and phrases used in this application and variations thereof, especially in the appended claims, should be interpreted as open-ended and not restrictive. As the foregoing examples, the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to", etc.; the term "including" as used herein is a synonym for "comprising", "containing", or "characterized by", and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps; the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least"; the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to"; the term "example" is used to provide illustrative examples of the items discussed, rather than an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; adjectives such as "known", "normal", "standard" and terms of similar meaning should not be interpreted as limiting the items described to items available in a given time period or as of a given time, but should be understood to cover known, normal or standard technologies available or known at any time now or in the future; and the use of terms such as "preferably", "preferred", "required" or "expected" and words of similar meaning should not be interpreted as implying that certain features are critical, necessary or even important to the structure or function of the present disclosure, but should only be intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be used in a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction "and" should not be read as requiring that each of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as "and / or" unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction "or" should not be read as requiring that the grouping be mutually exclusive, but rather should be read as "and / or" unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0082] When a range of values ​​is provided, it is understood that the upper and lower limits of the range and every intervening value between the upper and lower limits of that range is encompassed within the embodiments.

[0083] For substantially any plural and / or singular terms used herein, those skilled in the art may convert the plural to the singular and / or the singular to the plural, depending on the context and / or application. For the sake of clarity, various singular / plural arrangements may be expressly set forth herein. The indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude pluralities. A single processor or other unit may perform the functions of several items described in a claim. The fact that certain measures are listed in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used for advantageous purposes. Any reference signs in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope.

[0084] It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that if a particular number is intended to be stated in an introduced claim, such intent will be expressly stated in the claim, and if no such statement is made, such intent does not exist. For example, to aid understanding, the following appended claims may contain the use of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim statements. However, the use of such phrases should not be interpreted as implying that the introduction of a claim statement by the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim statement to an embodiment containing only one such statement, even if the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and the indefinite article "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" or "an" should generally be interpreted as "at least one" or "one or more"); the same is true when using definite articles to introduce claim statements. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim statement is expressly stated, those skilled in the art will recognize that such a statement should generally be interpreted to mean at least the stated number (e.g., the simple statement "two statements" without other modifiers generally means at least two statements, or two or more statements). Furthermore, where a convention similar to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, generally such construction is intended to enable a person skilled in the art to understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, and / or both A, B, and C, etc.). Where a convention similar to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, generally such construction is intended to enable a person skilled in the art to understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, and / or both A, B, and C, etc.). It should also be understood by a person skilled in the art that, in fact, any disjunctive word and / or phrase indicating two or more alternatives, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibility of including one of the terms, either of the two terms, or both of the terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

[0085] All numbers used in this specification indicating the amount of ingredients, reaction conditions, etc. should be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters set forth herein are approximate values ​​that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained. At a minimum, and without attempting to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of any claim in any application claiming priority to this application, each numerical parameter should be interpreted according to the number of significant digits and ordinary rounding methods.

[0086] All features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying appendices, claims, abstracts and drawings) and / or all steps of any method or process disclosed in this specification may be combined in any combination, except combinations in which at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The disclosure is not limited to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The disclosure extends to any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstracts and drawings), or to any novel step or any novel combination of steps in the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0087] Although the subject matter has been described in detail with respect to various specific example embodiments of the subject matter, each example is provided by way of explanation rather than limitation of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art, after understanding the foregoing, may easily produce changes, modifications, and equivalents to these embodiments. Therefore, the present disclosure does not exclude such modifications, changes, and / or additions to the subject matter that would be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used together with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover these changes, modifications, and equivalents.

Claims

1. A wearable device, the wearable device being configured to selectively allow emission and reception of light, the wearable device comprising: a central plate, the central plate having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the central plate extends longitudinally along the x-direction; A sensor connected to the outer surface of the hub plate, the sensor comprising: a light emitter extending from the outer surface of the hub plate; and a light receiver extending from the outer surface of the hub plate; a light-blocking structure, the light-blocking structure being located between the light emitter and the light receiver, the light-blocking structure extending laterally from the outer surface of the hub plate along a y-direction; and A sensor cover is positioned above the sensor and has an inner surface and an outer surface, the sensor cover including a light passing portion and a light blocking portion.

2. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein: The light blocking portion comprises: a first light-blocking portion, the first light-blocking portion being located between the inner surface of the sensor cover and the outer surface of the sensor cover, wherein the first light-blocking portion is substantially perpendicular to the x-direction along which the hub plate extends, and A second light-blocking portion is located on the inner surface of the sensor cover, wherein the second light-blocking portion is substantially parallel to the x-direction along which the hub plate extends.

3. The wearable device according to claim 2, wherein: The first light-blocking portion, the second light-blocking portion, or both are formed by micro defects caused by laser radiation, thermal radiation, or a combination thereof.

4. The wearable device according to claim 3, wherein: The micro defects are caused by the transition from an amorphous structure to a crystalline structure.

5. The wearable device according to claim 2, wherein: The first light blocking portion, the second light blocking portion, or both are formed by reducing a transparency level of the sensor cover at the first light blocking portion or the second light blocking portion.

6. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein: The light blocking structure includes ink, foam, elastomer, polymer, metal or a combination thereof.

7. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein: The light emitter is a light emitting diode or an infrared laser.

8. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein: The light receiver is a photodiode or a phototransistor.

9. The wearable device according to claim 2, wherein: The sensor cover has a height H1 in the y direction, and the first light blocking portion has a height H2 in the y direction, wherein the height H2 is about 50% to about 100% of the height H1.

10. The wearable device according to claim 2, wherein: The sensor cover has a width W1 in the x-direction, and the first light-blocking portion has a width W2 in the x-direction, wherein the width W2 is about 1% to about 99% of the width W1 .

11. The wearable device according to claim 10, wherein: The second light-blocking portion has a width W3 , wherein the width W3 is in a range of about 1% to about 99% of the width W1 , or about 1% to about 100% of the width W2 .

12. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein: The light blocking portion is formed by removing material from the sensor cover.

13. The wearable device according to claim 12, wherein: The light blocking portion includes at least one of a set of holes, grooves, counterbores, or a combination thereof.

14. The wearable device of claim 12, wherein: The light blocking portion includes a countersunk hole having a primary portion and a secondary portion, wherein a material is disposed within the primary portion of the countersunk hole.

15. A method of manufacturing a wearable device, the wearable device being configured to selectively allow emission and reception of light, the method comprising: placing a hub plate having an inner surface and an outer surface within the wearable device, wherein the hub plate extends longitudinally along an x-direction; Connecting a sensor to the outer surface of the hub plate, the sensor comprising: a light emitter extending from the outer surface of the hub plate; and a light receiver extending from the outer surface of the hub plate; forming a light blocking structure between the light emitter and the light receiver, the light blocking structure extending laterally from the outer surface of the hub plate along the y-direction; and A sensor cover is mounted above the sensor, wherein the sensor cover has an inner surface and an outer surface, and the sensor cover includes a light passing portion and a light blocking portion.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein: The light blocking portion comprises: a first light-blocking portion, the first light-blocking portion being located between the inner surface of the sensor cover and the outer surface of the sensor cover, wherein the first light-blocking portion is substantially perpendicular to the x-direction along which the hub plate extends, and A second light-blocking portion is located on the inner surface of the sensor cover, wherein the second light-blocking portion is substantially parallel to the x-direction along which the hub plate extends.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein: The first light-blocking portion, the second light-blocking portion, or both are formed by micro defects caused by at least one of laser or thermal radiation.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein: The micro defects are caused by the transition from an amorphous structure to a crystalline structure.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein: The first light blocking portion, the second light blocking portion, or both are formed by a transition of the sensor cover from transparent to translucent or opaque.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein: The light blocking structure extends from the outer surface of the hub plate to the inner surface of the sensor cover.

21. The method of claim 15, wherein: The light blocking structure includes ink, foam, elastomer, polymer, metal or a combination thereof.

22. The method of claim 15, wherein: The light emitter of the wearable device is a light emitting diode or an infrared laser.

23. The method of claim 15, wherein: The light receiver is a photodiode or a phototransistor.

24. The method of claim 15, wherein: The light blocking portion is formed by removing material from the sensor cover.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein: The light blocking portion includes at least one of a set of holes, grooves, counterbores, or a combination thereof.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein: The light blocking portion includes a countersunk hole having a primary portion and a secondary portion, wherein a material is disposed within the primary portion of the countersunk hole.

27. A sensor hub, the sensor hub being configured to selectively allow emission and reception of light, the sensor hub comprising: a central plate, the central plate having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the central plate extends longitudinally along the x-direction; A sensor connected to the outer surface of the hub plate, the sensor comprising: a light emitter extending from the outer surface of the hub plate; and a light receiver extending from the outer surface of the hub plate; a light-blocking structure, the light-blocking structure being located between the light emitter and the light receiver, the light-blocking structure extending laterally from the outer surface of the hub plate along a y-direction; and A sensor cover is positioned above the sensor and has an inner surface and an outer surface, the sensor cover including a light passing portion and a light blocking portion.

28. The sensor hub of claim 27, wherein: The light blocking portion comprises: a first light-blocking portion, the first light-blocking portion being located between the inner surface of the sensor cover and the outer surface of the sensor cover, wherein the first light-blocking portion is substantially perpendicular to the x-direction along which the hub plate extends, and A second light-blocking portion is located on the inner surface of the sensor cover, wherein the second light-blocking portion is substantially parallel to the x-direction along which the hub plate extends.

29. The sensor hub of claim 27, wherein: The sensor includes a heart rate monitor, a blood oximeter, a blood pressure monitor, or a combination thereof, wherein the light emitter outputs at least one of visible light having a wavelength of about 620 nanometers to about 750 nanometers or visible light having a wavelength of about 490 nanometers to about 570 nanometers.

30. The sensor hub of claim 27, wherein: The light blocking portion is formed by removing material from the sensor cover.

31. The sensor hub of claim 30, wherein: The light blocking portion includes at least one of a set of holes, grooves, counterbores, or a combination thereof.

32. The sensor hub of claim 30, wherein: The light blocking portion includes a countersunk hole having a primary portion and a secondary portion, wherein a material is disposed within the primary portion of the countersunk hole.

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