Flexible Wearable Devices

Abstract

A wearable device is described. The wearable device may be constructed from one or more flexible materials and may be referred to as a flexible wearable device. The flexible wearable device may include a flexible housing made of an elastically deformable material, the flexible housing at least partially enclosing components of the flexible wearable device. The flexible housing may include an opening disposed in a surface of the flexible housing to allow light to be transmitted and received through the flexible housing. The flexible wearable device may also include a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed within the flexible housing (e.g., within a cavity formed by the flexible housing). The PCB may include a sensor configured to acquire physiological data from a user by transmitting and receiving light through the opening. The PCB may be composed of a flexible region that is elastically deformable.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [Cross reference] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 18 / 177,608, entitled "FLEXIBLE WEARABLE RING DEVICE," by Huttunen et al., filed March 2, 2023, which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] [Technical field] The following relates to wearable devices, including flexible wearable devices, and data processing. [Background technology]

[0003] Some wearable devices may be configured to collect physiological data from a user, including temperature data, heart rate data, etc. However, insufficient contact between the user's skin and one or more sensors of the wearable device may result in inaccurate measurements. Furthermore, wearable devices may be manufactured from non-flexible materials, such as metal or hard plastic materials, which may increase manufacturing costs and may be unsafe for a user to wear when performing one or more activities where the wearable device may get caught or entangled on objects, such as heavy machinery. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an example of a system supporting a flexible wearable device according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates an example of a system supporting a flexible wearable device according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wearable device diagram supporting a flexible wearable device according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B]FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wearable device diagram supporting a flexible wearable device according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 3C] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wearable device diagram supporting a flexible wearable device according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wearable device diagram supporting a flexible wearable device according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wearable device diagram supporting a flexible wearable device according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wearable device diagram supporting a flexible wearable device according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Some wearable devices may be configured to collect data associated with movement and other activities from a user. For example, some wearable devices may be configured to continuously acquire physiological data associated with a user, including temperature data, heart rate data, etc. To efficiently and accurately track physiological data, the wearable device may be configured to continuously collect data while the user is wearing the device.

[0006] In some cases, there may be a gap between the user's skin and the wearable device. For example, if the wearable device is a ring, the user's finger may press against the ring, and the pressure on the ring may create a gap between the other side of the ring and the user's skin. In some other examples, if the wearable device is worn on the user's wrist, the user's wrist may press against the wearable device, and the pressure on the device may create a gap between the other side of the device and the user's skin. Additionally or alternatively, the wearable device may be relatively large for the user, either due to the actual size of the wearable device or due to changes in the user's tissue or finger size (e.g., fingers expanding / contracting based on hydration level, weight gain / loss, pregnancy, etc.), and a gap (e.g., an ill-fitting ring) may occur between the wearable device and the user's skin. The gap may align with one or more sensors of the wearable device, such as one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and one or more respective photodetectors (PDs), which may create a new optical interface (e.g., an optical interface between the LED and the photodetector) between the user's skin and the sensor. The new optical interface may behave differently (e.g., changing the critical angle due to reflection, reducing the perfusion index due to internal stray light, causing variations in the distribution of light, etc.) compared to when there is good skin contact between the user's skin and the sensor. Variations in the optical interface may cause inaccurate readings from the sensor. In some cases, the wearable device may adjust the power of the sensor, such as increasing the brightness of the LEDs, to account for the variations in readings, which may increase power consumption in the wearable device. Taken together, these issues with wearable devices may cause inaccurate physiological data readings, which may distort a user's overall health and result in increased power consumption and reduced battery life.

[0007] Additionally, some wearable devices may be manufactured from non-flexible materials, such as rigid metal and / or plastic materials designed to protect the internal components of the wearable device. Such rigid materials may protect the wearable device's sensitive sensors and circuitry from damage that may be caused by water and other substances, dropping the wearable device, striking the wearable device with an object, etc. However, such rigid materials may be susceptible to scratches and other minor damage that may adversely affect the aesthetic appearance of the wearable device. Furthermore, such metal and plastic materials may be complex to manufacture, for example, due to the need to manufacture many different, individual sizes of wearable devices to improve user fit and thereby reduce gaps that may occur between the wearable device and the user's skin. However, manufacturing many different sizes of wearable devices and manufacturing wearable devices from non-flexible materials may be expensive and unsuitable for some users and use cases.

[0008] In addition to increasing the complexity and cost of the manufacturing process, constructing a wearable device from non-flexible materials may present comfort and / or safety concerns for the user (and damage to the wearable device) when the user performs one or more activities. For example, when working with machinery, the wearable device may get caught or tangled in the machinery, which may result in damage to the wearable device and serious injury to the user. To prevent such injury, a user may remove the wearable device when performing some activities, such as working, lifting heavy objects, etc. However, removing the wearable device for one or more activities may result in a lack of physiological data readings for the periods when the user removes the wearable device, which may also distort the grasp of the user's overall health.

[0009] Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to flexible wearable devices. Flexible wearable devices may address many of the problems associated with conventional wearable devices. For example, wearable devices fabricated from flexible materials may improve overall fit for the user by reducing the gap between the wearable device and the user's skin, reduce the cost and complexity of manufacturing the wearable device, and improve safety and comfort of one or more user activities while wearing the wearable device. In particular, flexible wearable devices may be able to move with and deform to conform to the user's tissues, improving the overall fit of the wearable device. Furthermore, flexible wearable devices may be able to deform when caught on or entangled with an object, thereby reducing safety risks to the user and potentially reducing damage to the wearable device. Furthermore, flexible wearable devices may be able to expand and contract with the user's tissues, thereby improving comfort and allowing the device to be used while performing weightlifting, climbing, and other hands-on activities.

[0010] For example, a wearable ring device of the present disclosure may include a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) disposed within a flexible housing fabricated from a resiliently deformable material, such as an elastomeric material. That is, the flexible housing can deform (e.g., bend, flex, twist) in response to an applied force and return to its original shape when the force is removed. Additionally, the flexible PCB may include one or more flexible regions that allow the PCB to bend and flex along with the flexible housing.

[0011] The ability of a wearable device to flex and bend may allow the wearable device to expand to fit a user (e.g., a user's appendages, which vary in size between users and / or over time), thereby improving contact between the wearable device's sensors and the user's skin and reducing the number of individual sizes of wearable devices manufactured, which may result in reduced manufacturing costs for the wearable device. Furthermore, flexible housing materials may be more resistant to scratches compared to rigid housings made of metal and plastic materials. Furthermore, the ability of a flexible wearable device to elastically deform may improve the comfort of the wearable device and reduce the likelihood of injury to a user's appendages (e.g., if the wearable device gets caught on an object or is pressed with a relatively large force), thereby making the wearable device more suitable for a wide range of users and industries.

[0012] Aspects of the present disclosure are first described in the context of a system that supports physiological data collection from a user via a wearable device. Additional aspects of the present disclosure are described in the context of exemplary wearable device diagrams. Aspects of the present disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flowcharts relating to flexible wearable devices.

[0013] 1 illustrates an example of a system 100 supporting flexible wearable devices according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 100 includes multiple electronic devices (e.g., wearable devices 104, user devices 106) that can be worn and / or operated by one or more users 102. The system 100 further includes a network 108 and one or more servers 110.

[0014] The electronic devices may include any electronic devices known in the art, such as wearable devices 104 (e.g., ring wearable devices, watch wearable devices, etc.), user devices 106 (e.g., smartphones, laptops, tablets), etc. The electronic devices associated with each user 102 may include one or more of the following functions: 1) measuring physiological data, 2) storing the measured data, 3) processing the data, 4) providing output to the user 102 (e.g., via a GUI) based on the processed data, and 5) communicating data with each other and / or other computing devices. Different electronic devices may perform one or more of these functions.

[0015] Exemplary wearable devices 104 may include wearable computing devices such as a ring computing device (hereinafter, “ring”) configured to be worn on the finger of the user 102, a wrist computing device (e.g., a smartwatch, fitness band, or bracelet) configured to be worn on the wrist of the user 102, and / or a head-mounted computing device (e.g., eyeglasses / goggles). The wearable devices 104 may also include bands, straps (e.g., flexible or non-flexible bands or straps), stick-on sensors, etc., which may be placed in other locations such as bands around the head (e.g., a forehead headband), bands around the arms (e.g., a forearm band and / or a bicep band), and / or bands around the legs (e.g., a thigh or calf band), behind the ear, under the armpit, etc. The wearable devices 104 may be attached to or included in clothing. For example, the wearable devices 104 may be included in a pocket and / or pouch of clothing. As another example, the wearable device 104 may be clipped and / or pinned to clothing or otherwise held within proximity of the user 102. Examples of clothing items may include, but are not limited to, hats, shirts, gloves, pants, socks, outerwear (e.g., jackets), and underwear. In some implementations, the wearable device 104 may be included in other types of devices, such as training / sports devices used during physical activity. For example, the wearable device 104 may be attached to or included in a bicycle, skis, tennis racket, golf club, and / or training weights.

[0016] Much of the present disclosure may be described in the context of a ring wearable device 104. Accordingly, terms such as "ring 104," "wearable device 104," and the like may be used interchangeably unless otherwise noted herein. However, use of the term "ring 104" should not be considered limiting, as it is contemplated herein that aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented using other wearable devices (e.g., watch wearable devices, necklace wearable devices, bracelet wearable devices, earring wearable devices, anklet wearable devices, etc.).

[0017] In some aspects, the user devices 106 may include handheld mobile computing devices such as smartphones and tablet computing devices. The user devices 106 may also include personal computers such as laptops and desktop computing devices. Other exemplary user devices 106 may include server computing devices that can communicate with other electronic devices (e.g., via the Internet). In some implementations, the computing devices may include medical devices such as external wearable computing devices (e.g., Holter monitors). Medical devices may also include implantable medical devices such as pacemakers and cardioverter defibrillators. Other exemplary user devices 106 may include home computing devices such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices (e.g., IoT devices), smart TVs, smart speakers, smart displays (e.g., video calling displays), hubs (e.g., wireless communication hubs), security systems, smart appliances (e.g., thermostats and refrigerators), and fitness equipment.

[0018] Some electronic devices (e.g., wearable device 104, user device 106) may measure physiological parameters of the respective user 102, such as photoplethysmography waveform, continuous skin temperature, pulse waveform, respiration rate, heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), actigraphy, galvanic skin response, pulse oximetry, and / or other physiological parameters. Some electronic devices that measure physiological parameters may also perform some / all of the calculations described herein. Some electronic devices may not measure physiological parameters but may perform some / all of the calculations described herein. For example, a ring (e.g., wearable device 104), a mobile terminal application, or a server computing device may process received physiological data measured by other devices.

[0019] In some implementations, the user 102 may operate or be associated with multiple electronic devices, some of which may measure physiological parameters and others of which may process the measured physiological parameters. In some implementations, the user 102 may have a ring (e.g., a wearable device 104) that measures physiological parameters. The user 102 may also have or be associated with a user device 106 (e.g., a mobile terminal, a smartphone), where the wearable device 104 and the user device 106 are communicatively coupled to each other. In some cases, the user device 106 may receive data from the wearable device 104 and perform some / all of the calculations described herein. In some implementations, the user device 106 may also measure physiological parameters described herein, such as motion / activity parameters.

[0020] 1 , a first user 102-a (User 1) may operate or be associated with a wearable device 104-a (e.g., ring 104-a) and a user device 106-a, which may operate as described herein. In this example, the user device 106-a associated with user 102-a may process / store physiological parameters measured by ring 104-a. In comparison, a second user 102-b (User 2) may be associated with a ring 104-b, a watch wearable device 104-c (e.g., watch 104-c), and a user device 106-b, and the user device 106-b associated with user 102-b may process / store physiological parameters measured by ring 104-b and / or watch 104-c. Additionally, an nth user 102-n (user N) may be associated with an arrangement of electronic devices (e.g., rings 104-n, user devices 106-n) described herein. In some aspects, wearable devices 104 (e.g., rings 104, watches 104) and other electronic devices may be communicatively coupled to the user devices 106 of each user 102 via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other wireless protocols.

[0021] In some implementations, the ring 104 (e.g., wearable device 104) of the system 100 may be configured to collect physiological data from each user 102 based on arterial blood flow within the user's finger. In particular, the ring 104 may utilize one or more light-emitting components, such as LEDs (e.g., red LEDs, green LEDs) that emit light toward the palm side of the user's finger to collect physiological data based on arterial blood flow within the user's finger. In general, the terms light-emitting component, light-emitting element, and the like may include, but are not limited to, LEDs, micro-LEDs, mini-LEDs, laser diodes (LDs) (e.g., vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs)), and the like.

[0022] In some cases, system 100 may be configured to collect physiological data from each user 102 based on diffused blood flow within the skin's microvascular bed, which includes capillaries and arterioles. For example, system 100 may collect PPG data based on measured volumes of diffused blood in the microvasculature of capillaries and arterioles. In some implementations, ring 104 may acquire physiological data using a combination of both green and red LEDs. The physiological data may include any physiological data known in the art, including, but not limited to, temperature data, accelerometer data (e.g., movement / motion data), heart rate data, HRV data, blood oxygen level data, or any combination thereof.

[0023] Because red and green LEDs have been found to each have their own distinct advantages when acquiring physiological data through different parts of the body under different conditions (e.g., light / dark, activity / inactivity), using both green and red LEDs may offer several advantages over other solutions. For example, green LEDs have been found to perform better during exercise. Furthermore, using multiple LEDs (e.g., green and red LEDs) distributed around the ring 104 has been found to perform better compared to wearable devices that utilize LEDs placed closely together, such as in a watch wearable device. Furthermore, blood vessels (e.g., arteries, capillaries) in the fingers are more easily accessible via LEDs compared to blood vessels in the wrist. In particular, wrist arteries are located in the lower part of the wrist (e.g., the palm side of the wrist), which means that capillaries are only accessible in the upper part of the wrist (e.g., the back side of the wrist), where wearable watch devices and similar devices are typically worn. In this manner, utilizing LEDs and other sensors within the ring 104 has been found to provide superior performance compared to wearable devices worn on the wrist, as the ring 104 has greater access to arteries (as compared to capillaries), which can result in stronger signals and more useful physiological data.

[0024] The electronic devices of the system 100 (e.g., the user device 106, the wearable device 104) may be communicatively coupled to one or more servers 110 via wired or wireless communication protocols. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the electronic devices (e.g., the user device 106) may be communicatively coupled to one or more servers 110 via a network 108. The network 108 may implement a Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), such as the Internet, or may implement other network 108 protocols. The network connection between the network 108 and each electronic device may facilitate the transfer of data via email, web, text message, mail, or any other suitable form of interaction within the computer network 108. For example, in some implementations, a ring 104-a associated with a first user 102-a may be communicatively coupled to a user device 106-a, which is communicatively coupled to the server 110 via the network 108. In additional or alternative cases, the wearable device 104 (e.g., ring 104, watch 104) may be directly communicatively coupled to the network 108.

[0025] The system 100 may provide on-demand database services between the user devices 106 and one or more servers 110. In some cases, the servers 110 may receive data from the user devices 106 over the network 108 and may store and analyze the data. Similarly, the servers 110 may provide data to the user devices 106 over the network 108. In some cases, the servers 110 may be located in one or more data centers. The servers 110 may be used for data storage, management, and processing. In some implementations, the servers 110 may provide a web-based interface to the user devices 106 via a web browser.

[0026] In some embodiments, the system 100 may detect periods during which the user 102 is asleep and classify the periods during which the user 102 is asleep into one or more sleep stages (e.g., sleep stage classification). For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the user 102-a may be associated with a wearable device 104-a (e.g., a ring 104-a) and a user device 106-a. In this example, the ring 104-a may collect physiological data associated with the user 102-a, including temperature, heart rate, HRV, respiratory rate, etc. In some embodiments, the data collected by the ring 104-a may be input into a machine learning classifier, which is configured to determine periods during which the user 102-a is asleep (or was asleep). Furthermore, the machine learning classifier may be configured to classify the periods into different sleep stages, including a wake sleep stage, a rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage, a light sleep stage (non-REM), and a deep sleep stage (NREM). In some aspects, the classified sleep stages may be displayed to the user 102-a via a GUI of the user device 106-a. The sleep stage classification may be used to provide the user 102-a with feedback regarding the user's sleep patterns, such as a recommended bedtime, a recommended wake-up time, etc. Additionally, in some implementations, the sleep stage classification techniques described herein may be used to calculate scores for each user, such as a sleep score, a readiness score, etc.

[0027] In some embodiments, the system 100 may utilize features derived from circadian rhythms to further improve physiological data collection, data processing procedures, and other techniques described herein. The term circadian rhythm may refer to the natural internal process that regulates an individual's sleep-wake cycle, which repeats approximately every 24 hours. In this regard, the techniques described herein may utilize a circadian rhythm adjustment model to improve physiological data collection, analysis, and data processing. For example, the circadian rhythm adjustment model may be input into a machine learning classifier along with physiological data collected from the user 102-a via the wearable device 104-a. In this example, the circadian rhythm adjustment model may be configured to "weight" or adjust the physiological data collected throughout the user's natural approximately 24-hour circadian rhythm. In some implementations, the system may initially start with a "baseline" circadian rhythm adjustment model and use physiological data collected from each user 102 to modify the baseline model and generate an adjusted, individual circadian rhythm adjustment model specific to each respective user 102.

[0028] In some embodiments, system 100 may utilize other biological rhythms to further improve physiological data collection, analysis, and processing according to the phases of these other rhythms. For example, if a weekly rhythm is detected in an individual's baseline data, the model may be configured to adjust the "weight" of the data by day of the week. Biological rhythms that may require model adjustment in this manner include: 1) ultradian rhythms (rhythms faster than a day, including sleep cycles during sleep states and oscillations in measured physiological variables with periodicity of less than an hour to several hours during wakefulness); 2) circadian rhythms; 3) non-endogenous diurnal rhythms that have been shown to be imposed on circadian rhythms, such as work schedules; 4) weekly rhythms or other exogenously imposed artificial time periodicities (e.g., a hypothetical culture with a 12-day "week" might use a 12-day rhythm); 5) multiday ovarian rhythms in women and spermatogenic rhythms in men; 6) lunar rhythms (relevant to individuals living with little or no artificial light); and 7) seasonal rhythms.

[0029] Biological rhythms are not necessarily stationary. For example, many women experience variability in ovarian cycle length from cycle to cycle, and ultradian rhythms are unlikely to occur at exactly the same time or periodicity across days, even within a user. Therefore, signal processing techniques sufficient to quantify the frequency components while maintaining the temporal resolution of these rhythms in physiological data can be used to improve detection of these rhythms and assign a phase of each rhythm to each measured time point, thereby modifying adjustment models and time interval comparisons. Biological rhythm adjustment models and parameters can be added in linear or nonlinear combinations as needed to more accurately capture the dynamic physiological baseline of an individual or group of individuals.

[0030] In some conventional wearable devices, a gap may exist between the skin of the user 102 and the wearable device 104. This gap may align with one or more sensors of the wearable device 104, which may cause variability and inaccuracy in readings from the sensors. In some cases, the wearable device 104 may adjust the power of the sensors to account for the variability in readings, which may increase power consumption in the wearable device 104. Taken together, these issues with the wearable device 104 may cause inaccurate physiological data readings, which may distort a user's overall health, as well as lead to increased power consumption and reduced battery life.

[0031] Additionally, some conventional wearable devices 104 may be fabricated from non-flexible materials, such as rigid metal and / or plastic materials designed to protect the internal components of the wearable device 104. However, such rigid materials may be prone to scratches and other minor damage that may adversely affect the aesthetic appearance of the wearable device 104. Furthermore, such metal and plastic materials may be complex to manufacture, for example, due to the need to fabricate many different sizes of wearable devices 104 to reduce gaps that may occur between the wearable device 104 and the skin of the user 102. However, fabricating many different sizes of wearable devices 104 and fabricating wearable devices 104 from non-flexible materials may be expensive.

[0032] In addition to increasing the complexity and cost of the manufacturing process, the user 102 may perform one or more activities where having a wearable device 104 made from a non-flexible material may pose a safety concern or may damage the wearable device 104 (operating machinery, performing physical activities where the wearable device may become caught or where relatively large forces are applied to the wearable device, being exposed to an electric shock hazard due to a metallic wearable device, etc.). However, removing the wearable device 104 for one or more activities may result in a lack of physiological data readings for the period when the user 102 removed the wearable device 104, which may also lead to a distorted understanding of the user's overall health.

[0033] Thus, the wearable device 104 of the present disclosure may be manufactured from a flexible material to reduce the gap between the wearable device 104 and the skin of the user 102 of the wearable device 104, reduce the cost and complexity of manufacturing the wearable device 104, and improve the safety of one or more user activities while wearing the wearable device 104.

[0034] For example, the wearable device 104 of the system 100 may include a flexible PCB disposed within a flexible housing fabricated from an elastically deformable material, such as an elastomeric material. That is, the flexible housing can deform (e.g., bend, flex, twist) in response to an applied force and return to its original shape when the force is removed. Additionally, the flexible PCB may include one or more flexible regions that allow the PCB to bend and flex along with the flexible housing.

[0035] The ability of the wearable device 104 to bend and flex may allow the wearable device 104 to expand to conform to the user 102 (e.g., the user's appendages, which may vary in size between users and / or over time), thereby improving contact between the sensors of the wearable device 104 and the skin of the user 102 and reducing the number of individual sizes of wearable device 104 manufactured, which may result in reduced manufacturing costs for the wearable device 104. Furthermore, the flexible housing material may be more resistant to scratches compared to rigid housings made of metal and plastic materials. Furthermore, the ability of the flexible material of the wearable device 104 to elastically deform may reduce the likelihood of injury to the appendages of the user 102 (e.g., if the wearable device gets caught on an object or is pressed with a relatively large force), thereby making the wearable device 104 more suitable for a wide range of users 102 and industries.

[0036] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that one or more aspects of the present disclosure may additionally or alternatively be implemented in system 100 to solve problems other than those described above. Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure may provide technical improvements over "traditional" systems or processes as described herein. However, the description and accompanying drawings only include exemplary technical improvements resulting from implementing aspects of the present disclosure and therefore may not represent all of the technical improvements provided within the scope of the claims.

[0037] 2 illustrates an example of a system 200 supporting a flexible wearable device according to aspects of the present disclosure. System 200 may implement or be implemented by system 100. In particular, system 200 illustrates an example of a ring 104 (e.g., wearable device 104), a user device 106, and a server 110, as described with reference to FIG.

[0038] In some embodiments, the ring 104 may be configured to be worn around a user's finger and may determine one or more user physiological parameters when worn around the user's finger. Exemplary measurements and determinations may include, but are not limited to, user skin temperature, pulse waveform, respiratory rate, heart rate, HRV, blood oxygen level, etc.

[0039] The system 200 further includes a user device 106 (e.g., a smartphone) that communicates with the ring 104. For example, the ring 104 may be in wireless and / or wired communication with the user device 106. In some implementations, the ring 104 may transmit measured and processed data (e.g., temperature data, photoplethysmography (PPG) data, motion / accelerometer data, ring input data, etc.) to the user device 106. The user device 106 may also transmit data to the ring 104, such as firmware / configuration updates for the ring 104. The user device 106 may process the data. In some implementations, the user device 106 may transmit the data to the server 110 for processing and / or storage.

[0040] The ring 104 may include a housing 205, which may include an inner housing 205-a and an outer housing 205-b. In some embodiments, the housing 205 of the ring 104 may house or otherwise contain various components of the ring, including, but not limited to, the device electronics, a power source (e.g., a battery 210, and / or a capacitor), one or more substrates (e.g., printable circuit boards) interconnecting the device electronics and / or the power source, etc. The device electronics may include device modules (e.g., hardware / software) such as a processing module 230-a, a memory 215, a communication module 220-a, a power module 225, etc. The device electronics may also include one or more sensors. Exemplary sensors may include one or more temperature sensors 240, a PPG sensor assembly (e.g., a PPG system 235), and one or more motion sensors 245.

[0041] The sensors may include associated modules (not shown) configured to communicate with and generate signals associated with the respective sensors of the ring 104. In some aspects, each of the components / modules of the ring 104 may be communicatively coupled to one another via a wired or wireless connection. Additionally, the ring 104 may include additional and / or alternative sensors or other components configured to collect physiological data from the user, including optical sensors (e.g., LEDs), oximeters, etc.

[0042] The ring 104 shown and described with reference to FIG. 2 is provided for illustrative purposes only. As such, the ring 104 may include additional or alternative components such as those shown in FIG. 2. Other rings 104 may be manufactured that provide the functionality described herein. For example, rings 104 may be manufactured with fewer components (e.g., sensors). In a specific example, a ring 104 may be manufactured with a single temperature sensor 240 (or other sensor), a power source, and device electronics configured to read the single temperature sensor 240 (or other sensor). In another specific example, the temperature sensor 240 (or other sensor) may be attached to a user's finger (e.g., using a clamp, a spring-loaded clamp, etc.). In this case, the sensor may be wired to another computing device, such as a wrist-worn computing device, that reads the temperature sensor 240 (or other sensor). In other examples, rings 104 may be manufactured that include additional sensors and processing capabilities.

[0043] The housing 205 may include one or more housing 205 components. The housing 205 may include an outer housing 205-b component (e.g., a shell) and an inner housing 205-a component (e.g., a molding). The housing 205 may include additional components (e.g., additional layers) not explicitly shown in FIG. 2 . For example, in some implementations, the ring 104 may include one or more insulating layers that electrically insulate the device electronics and other conductive materials (e.g., electrical traces) from the outer housing 205-b (e.g., a metal outer housing 205-b). The housing 205 may provide structural support to the device electronics, battery 210, board(s), and other components. For example, the housing 205 may protect the device electronics, battery 210, and board(s) from mechanical forces such as pressure and impact. The housing 205 may also protect the device electronics, battery 210, and board(s) from water and / or other chemicals.

[0044] The outer housing 205-b can be manufactured from one or more materials. In some implementations, the outer housing 205-b can include a metal such as titanium, which can provide strength and wear resistance while being relatively lightweight. The outer housing 205-b can also be manufactured from other materials, such as polymers. In some implementations, the outer housing 205-b can be decorative as well as protective.

[0045] The inner housing 205-a may be configured to interface with a user's finger. The inner housing 205-a may be formed from a polymer (e.g., a medical-grade polymer) or other material. In some implementations, the inner housing 205-a may be transparent. For example, the inner housing 205-a may be transparent to light emitted by a PPG light-emitting diode (LED). In some implementations, the inner housing 205-a components may be molded onto the outer housing 205-b. For example, the inner housing 205-a may include a polymer molded (e.g., injection molded) to fit into the metal shell of the outer housing 205-b.

[0046] The ring 104 may include one or more substrates (not shown). The device electronics and battery 210 may be provided on the one or more substrates. For example, the device electronics and battery 210 may be mounted on one or more substrates. Exemplary substrates may include one or more PCBs, such as flexible PCBs (e.g., polyimide). In some implementations, the electronics / battery 210 may include surface-mounted devices (e.g., surface-mount technology (SMT) devices) on a flexible PCB. In some implementations, the one or more substrates (e.g., one or more flexible PCBs) may include electrical traces that provide electrical communication between the device electronics. The electrical traces may also connect the battery 210 to the device electronics.

[0047] The device electronics, battery 210, and substrate may be arranged in various ways within ring 104. In some implementations, one substrate containing the device electronics may be mounted along the bottom (e.g., bottom half) of ring 104 so that sensors (e.g., PPG system 235, temperature sensor 240, motion sensor 245, and other sensors) interface with the underside of the user's finger. In these implementations, battery 210 may be included (e.g., on a separate substrate) along an upper portion of ring 104.

[0048] The various components / modules of ring 104 represent functions (e.g., circuits and other components) that may be included in ring 104. A module may include any discrete and / or integrated electronic circuit components that implement analog and / or digital circuits capable of producing the functions attributed to the module herein. For example, a module may include analog circuitry (e.g., amplification circuitry, filtering circuitry, analog-to-digital conversion circuitry, and / or other signal conditioning circuitry). A module may also include digital circuitry (e.g., combinational or sequential logic circuitry, memory circuitry, etc.).

[0049] The memory 215 (memory module) of the ring 104 may include any volatile, nonvolatile, magnetic, or electrical medium, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), nonvolatile RAM (NVRAM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, or any other memory device. The memory 215 may store any of the data described herein. For example, the memory 215 may be configured to store data (e.g., motion data, temperature data, PPG data) collected by the respective sensors and the PPG system 235. Additionally, the memory 215 may include instructions that, when executed by one or more processing circuits, cause the modules to perform various functions attributed to the modules herein. The device electronics of the ring 104 described herein are merely exemplary device electronics. As such, the types of electronic components used to implement the device electronics may vary based on design considerations.

[0050] The functionality attributed to the modules of ring 104 described herein may be embodied as one or more processors, hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. The depiction of different features as modules is intended to emphasize different functional aspects and does not necessarily imply that such modules must be implemented by separate hardware / software components. Rather, the functionality associated with one or more modules may be performed by separate hardware / software components or integrated within a common hardware / software component.

[0051] The processing module 230-a of the ring 104 may include one or more processors (e.g., processing units), microcontrollers, digital signal processors, systems-on-chips (SoCs), and / or other processing devices. The processing module 230-a communicates with the modules included in the ring 104. For example, the processing module 230-a may send / receive data to / from the modules and other components of the ring 104, such as sensors. As described herein, the modules may be implemented by various circuit components. Thus, the modules may also be referred to as circuits (e.g., communication circuits and power circuits).

[0052] The processing module 230-a may be in communication with the memory 215. The memory 215 may include computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processing module 230-a, cause the processing module 230-a to perform various functions attributed to the processing module 230-a herein. In some implementations, the processing module 230-a (e.g., a microcontroller) may include additional features associated with other modules, such as communication capabilities provided by the communication module 220-a (e.g., an integrated Bluetooth Low Energy transceiver) and / or additional on-board memory 215.

[0053] The communication module 220-a may include circuitry for providing wireless and / or wired communication with the user device 106 (e.g., the communication module 220-b of the user device 106). In some implementations, the communication modules 220-a, 220-b may include wireless communication circuitry such as Bluetooth® circuitry and / or Wi-Fi circuitry. In some implementations, the communication modules 220-a, 220-b may include wired communication circuitry such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) communication circuitry. Using the communication module 220-a, the ring 104 and the user device 106 may be configured to communicate with each other. The ring's processing module 230-a may be configured to send / receive data to / from the user device 106 via the communication module 220-a. Exemplary data may include, but is not limited to, motion data, temperature data, pulse waveforms, heart rate data, HRV data, PPG data, and status updates (e.g., charging status, battery charge level, and / or ring 104 configuration settings). The ring processing module 230-a may also be configured to receive updates (eg, software / firmware updates) and data from the user device 106.

[0054] The ring 104 may include a battery 210 (e.g., a rechargeable battery 210). An exemplary battery 210 may include a lithium-ion or lithium polymer type battery 210, although various battery 210 options are possible. The battery 210 may be wirelessly charged. In some implementations, the ring 104 may include a power source other than the battery 210, such as a capacitor. The power source (e.g., the battery 210 or capacitor) may have a curved geometry that matches the curvature of the ring 104. In some aspects, the charger or other power source may include additional sensors that may be used to collect data in addition to or supplemental to data collected by the ring 104 itself. Additionally, the charger or other power source for the ring 104 may function as a user device 106, in which case the charger or other power source for the ring 104 may be configured to receive data from the ring 104, store and / or process data received from the ring 104, and communicate data between the ring 104 and the server 110.

[0055] In some aspects, the ring 104 includes a power module 225 that can control charging of the battery 210. For example, the power module 225 can interface with an external wireless charger that charges the battery 210 when interfaced with the ring 104. The charger can include reference structures that mate with the ring 104 reference structures to create a specified orientation with the ring 104 during charging. The power module 225 can also regulate the voltage(s) of the device electronics, regulate the power output to the device electronics, and monitor the state of charge of the battery 210. In some implementations, the battery 210 can include a protection circuit module (PCM) that protects the battery 210 from high current discharge, overvoltage during charging 104, and undervoltage during discharging 104. The power module 225 can also include electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection.

[0056] One or more temperature sensors 240 may be electrically coupled to the processing module 230-a. The temperature sensor 240 may be configured to generate a temperature signal (e.g., temperature data) indicative of a temperature read or sensed by the temperature sensor 240. The processing module 230-a may determine the user's temperature at the location of the temperature sensor 240. For example, in the ring 104, the temperature data generated by the temperature sensor 240 may indicate the user's temperature (e.g., skin temperature) at the user's finger. In some implementations, the temperature sensor 240 may contact the user's skin. In other implementations, a portion of the housing 205 (e.g., the inner housing 205-a) may form a barrier (e.g., a thin thermally conductive barrier) between the temperature sensor 240 and the user's skin. In some implementations, the portion of the ring 104 configured to contact the user's finger may have a thermally conductive portion and a thermally insulating portion. The thermally conductive portion may conduct heat from the user's finger to the temperature sensor 240. The thermally insulating portion may insulate portions of the ring 104 (eg, the temperature sensor 240) from the ambient temperature.

[0057] In some implementations, the temperature sensor 240 may generate a digital signal (e.g., temperature data) that the processing module 230-a may use to determine the temperature. As another example, if the temperature sensor 240 includes a passive sensor, the processing module 230-a (or the temperature sensor 240 module) may measure the current / voltage generated by the temperature sensor 240 and determine the temperature based on the measured current / voltage. An exemplary temperature sensor 240 may include a thermistor, such as a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, or other types of sensors including resistors, transistors, diodes, and / or other electrical / electronic components.

[0058] The processing module 230-a may sample the user's temperature over time. For example, the processing module 230-a may sample the user's temperature according to a sampling rate. An exemplary sampling rate may include 1 sample / second, although the processing module 230-a may be configured to sample the temperature signal at other sampling rates higher or lower than 1 sample / second. In some implementations, the processing module 230-a may sample the user's temperature continuously throughout the day and night. Sampling at a sufficient rate (e.g., 1 sample / second) throughout the day may provide sufficient temperature data for the analysis described herein.

[0059] The processing module 230-a may store the sampled temperature data in the memory 215. In some implementations, the processing module 230-a may process the sampled temperature data. For example, the processing module 230-a may determine an average temperature value over a period of time. In one example, the processing module 230-a may determine an average temperature value every minute by summing all temperature values ​​collected in one minute and dividing by the number of samples in that minute. In a particular example where temperatures are sampled at one sample per second, the average temperature may be the sum of all sampled temperatures in one minute divided by 60 seconds. The memory 215 may store average temperature values ​​over time. In some implementations, the memory 215 may store average temperatures (e.g., one per minute) instead of sampled temperatures to conserve memory 215.

[0060] The sampling rate, which may be stored in memory 215, may be configurable. In some implementations, the sampling rate may be the same throughout the day and night. In other implementations, the sampling rate may vary throughout the day / night. In some implementations, the ring 104 may filter / reject temperature readings, such as large spikes in temperature (e.g., temperature spikes from a hot shower), that are not indicative of a physiological change. In some implementations, the ring 104 may filter / reject temperature readings that may be unreliable due to other factors, such as excessive movement during exercise (e.g., as indicated by motion sensor 245).

[0061] The ring 104 (e.g., a communications module) may transmit the sampled and / or average temperature data to the user device 106 for storage and / or further processing. The user device 106 may forward the sampled and / or average temperature data to the server 110 for storage and / or further processing.

[0062] Although the ring 104 is shown as including a single temperature sensor 240, the ring 104 may include multiple temperature sensors 240 in one or more locations, such as disposed along the inner housing 205-a near the user's finger. In some implementations, the temperature sensor 240 may be a standalone temperature sensor 240. Additionally or alternatively, one or more temperature sensors 240 may be included with (e.g., packaged with) other components, such as an accelerometer and / or a processor.

[0063] The processing module 230-a may obtain and process data from multiple temperature sensors 240 in a manner similar to that described with respect to a single temperature sensor 240. For example, the processing module 230 may individually sample, average, and store temperature data from each of the multiple temperature sensors 240. In other examples, the processing module 230-a may sample the sensors at different rates and average / store different values ​​for the different sensors. In some implementations, the processing module 230-a may be configured to determine a single temperature based on an average of two or more temperatures determined by two or more temperature sensors 240 at different locations on the finger.

[0064] The temperature sensor 240 on the ring 104 may acquire a distal temperature at a user's finger (e.g., any finger). For example, one or more temperature sensors 240 on the ring 104 may acquire the user's temperature from the underside of the finger or at different locations on the finger. In some implementations, the ring 104 may continuously acquire the distal temperature (e.g., at a sampling rate). Although distal temperatures measured at the finger by the ring 104 are described herein, other devices may measure temperatures at the same / different locations. In some cases, the distal temperature measured at a user's finger may differ from a temperature measured at the user's wrist or other external body site. Additionally, the distal temperature measured at a user's finger (e.g., "shell" temperature) may differ from the user's core temperature. As such, the ring 104 may provide a useful temperature signal that may not be acquired at other internal / external body sites. In some cases, continuous temperature measurement at the finger may capture temperature fluctuations (e.g., small or large fluctuations) that may not be apparent in the core temperature. For example, continuous temperature measurements at the finger may capture minute-by-minute or hour-by-hour temperature fluctuations, providing additional insight that may not be provided by other temperature measurements elsewhere on the body.

[0065] The ring 104 may include a PPG system 235. The PPG system 235 may include one or more optical transmitters that transmit light. The PPG system 235 may also include one or more optical receivers that receive light transmitted by the one or more optical transmitters. The optical receiver may generate a signal (hereinafter, a "PPG" signal) indicating the amount of light received by the optical receiver. The optical transmitter may illuminate an area of ​​the user's finger. The PPG signal generated by the PPG system 235 may indicate blood perfusion in the illuminated area. For example, the PPG signal may indicate changes in blood volume in the illuminated area caused by the user's pulse pressure. The processing module 230-a may sample the PPG signal and determine the user's pulse waveform based on the PPG signal. The processing module 230-a may determine various physiological parameters, such as the user's respiratory rate, heart rate, HRV, oxygen saturation, and other circulatory parameters, based on the user's pulse waveform.

[0066] In some implementations, the PPG system 235 may be configured as a reflective PPG system 235 in which optical receiver(s) receive transmitted light reflected through a region of the user's finger. In some implementations, the PPG system 235 may be configured as a transmissive PPG system 235 in which the optical transmitter(s) and optical receiver(s) are arranged opposite each other so that light is transmitted directly through a portion of the user's finger to the optical receiver(s).

[0067] The number and ratio of transmitters and receivers included in the PPG system 235 may vary. Exemplary optical transmitters may include light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The optical transmitters may transmit light in the infrared spectrum and / or other spectrums. Exemplary optical receivers may include, but are not limited to, optical sensors, phototransistors, and photodiodes. The optical receivers may be configured to generate PPG signals in response to wavelengths received from the optical transmitters. The locations of the transmitters and receivers may vary. Additionally, a single device may include a reflective and / or transmissive PPG system 235.

[0068] 2 may, in some implementations, include a reflective PPG system 235. In these implementations, the PPG system 235 may include a centrally located optical receiver (e.g., at the bottom of the ring 104) and two optical transmitters located on either side of the optical receiver. In this implementation, the PPG system 235 (e.g., the optical receiver) may generate a PPG signal based on light received from one or both of the optical transmitters. In other implementations, other arrangements, combinations, and / or configurations of one or more optical transmitters and / or optical receivers are contemplated.

[0069] The processing module 230-a may control one or both of the optical transmitters to transmit light while sampling the PPG signal generated by the optical receiver. In some implementations, the processing module 230-a may cause the optical transmitter with the stronger received signal to transmit light while sampling the PPG signal generated by the optical receiver. For example, the selected optical transmitter may emit light continuously while the PPG signal is sampled at a sampling rate (e.g., 250 Hz).

[0070] Sampling the PPG signal generated by the PPG system 235 may result in a pulse waveform, which may be referred to as a "PPG." The pulse waveform may indicate blood pressure versus time for multiple cardiac cycles. The pulse waveform may include peaks indicative of cardiac cycles. Additionally, the pulse waveform may include respiratory-induced variations, which may be used to determine respiratory rate. The processing module 230-a, in some implementations, may store the pulse waveform in memory 215. The processing module 230-a may process the pulse waveform as it is generated and / or from memory 215 to determine user physiological parameters as described herein.

[0071] The processing module 230-a may determine the user's heart rate based on the pulse waveform. For example, the processing module 230-a may determine the heart rate (e.g., beats per minute) based on the time between peaks in the pulse waveform. The time between peaks may be referred to as the interbeat interval (IBI). The processing module 230-a may store the determined heart rate value and IBI value in the memory 215.

[0072] The processing module 230-a may determine HRV over time. For example, the processing module 230-a may determine HRV based on variations in IBI. The processing module 230-a may store the HRV values ​​over time in memory 215. Additionally, the processing module 230-a may determine the user's respiration rate over time. For example, the processing module 230-a may determine the respiration rate based on frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, or baseline modulation of the user's IBI value over a period of time. The respiration rate may be calculated in breaths per minute or as another respiration rate (e.g., breaths per 30 seconds). The processing module 230-a may store the user's respiration values ​​over time in memory 215.

[0073] The ring 104 may include one or more motion sensors 245, such as one or more accelerometers (e.g., 6D accelerometers) and / or one or more gyroscopes (gyros). The motion sensors 245 may generate motion signals indicative of sensor movement. For example, the ring 104 may include one or more accelerometers that generate acceleration signals indicative of acceleration of the accelerometer. As another example, the ring 104 may include one or more gyro sensors that generate gyro signals indicative of angular motion (e.g., angular velocity) and / or changes in orientation. The motion sensors 245 may be included in one or more sensor packages. An exemplary accelerometer / gyro sensor is a Bosch BM1160 inertial microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor that can measure angular velocity and acceleration in three perpendicular axes.

[0074] The processing module 230-a may sample the motion signals at a sampling rate (e.g., 50 Hz) and determine the movement of the ring 104 based on the sampled motion signals. For example, the processing module 230-a may sample the acceleration signals to determine the acceleration of the ring 104. As another example, the processing module 230-a may sample the gyro signals to determine the angular motion. In some implementations, the processing module 230-a may store the motion data in the memory 215. The motion data may include sampled motion data and motion data (e.g., acceleration values ​​and angle values) calculated based on the sampled motion signals.

[0075] The ring 104 may store various data described herein. For example, the ring 104 may store temperature data, such as raw sampled temperature data and calculated temperature data (e.g., average temperature). As another example, the ring 104 may store PPG signal data, such as pulse waveforms and data calculated based on the pulse waveforms (e.g., heart rate values, IBI values, HRV values, and respiration values). The ring 104 may also store motion data, such as sampled motion data indicative of linear and angular motion.

[0076] The ring 104 or other computing device may calculate and store additional values ​​based on the sampled / calculated physiological data. For example, the processing module 230 may calculate and store various metrics, such as sleep metrics (e.g., sleep scores), activity metrics, and readiness metrics. In some implementations, the additional values / metrics may be referred to as “derived values.” The ring 104 or other computing / wearable device may calculate various values / metrics related to movement. Exemplary derived values ​​for motion data may include, but are not limited to, a movement count value, a regularity value, an intensity value, a metabolic equivalence of task (MET) value, and an orientation value. The movement count, regularity value, intensity value, and MET may indicate the amount of user movement (e.g., speed / acceleration) over time. The orientation value may indicate how the ring 104 is oriented on the user's finger and whether the ring 104 is worn on the left or right hand.

[0077] In some implementations, the motion count and regularity value may be determined by counting the number of acceleration peaks within one or more time periods (e.g., one or more time periods of 30 seconds to 1 minute). The intensity value may indicate the number of motions and the associated intensity of the motions (e.g., acceleration values). The intensity values ​​may be classified as low, medium, and high depending on the associated threshold acceleration value. The MET may be determined based on the intensity of the motions, the regularity / irregularity of the motions, and the number of motions associated with different intensities during a period (e.g., 30 seconds).

[0078] In some implementations, the processing module 230-a may compress data stored in the memory 215. For example, the processing module 230-a may perform calculations based on the sampled data and then delete the sampled data. As another example, the processing module 230-a may average data over a longer period to reduce the number of stored values. In a particular example, if a user's average temperature for one minute is stored in the memory 215, the processing module 230-a may calculate the average temperature over a five-minute period for storage and then delete the one-minute average temperature data. The processing module 230-a may compress the data based on various factors, such as the total amount of used / available memory 215 and / or the time elapsed since the ring 104 last transmitted data to the user device 106.

[0079] The user's physiological parameters may be measured by sensors provided on the ring 104, although other devices may measure the user's physiological parameters. For example, the user's temperature may be measured by a temperature sensor 240 included in the ring 104, although other devices may measure the user's temperature. In some examples, other wearable devices (e.g., wrist devices) may include sensors that measure the user's physiological parameters. Additionally, medical devices, such as external medical devices (e.g., wearable medical devices) and / or implantable medical devices, may measure the user's physiological parameters. One or more sensors on any type of computing device may be used to implement the techniques described herein.

[0080] The physiological measurements may be taken continuously throughout the day and / or night. In some implementations, the physiological measurements may be taken during portions of the day and / or portions of the night 104. In some implementations, the physiological measurements may be taken in response to determining that the user is in a particular state, such as an active state, a resting state, and / or a sleeping state. For example, the ring 104 may take physiological measurements in a resting / sleeping state to obtain a cleaner physiological signal. In one example, the ring 104 or other device / system may detect when the user is resting and / or sleeping and obtain physiological parameters (e.g., temperature) for the detected state. The device / system may use the resting / sleeping physiological data and / or other data when the user is in other states to implement the techniques of this disclosure.

[0081] In some implementations, the ring 104 may be configured to collect, store, and / or process data, as previously described herein, and may forward any of the data described herein to the user device 106 for storage and / or processing. In some aspects, the user device 106 includes a wearable application 250, an operating system (OS) 285, a web browser application (e.g., web browser 280), one or more additional applications, and a GUI 275. The user device 106 may further include other modules and components, including sensors, audio devices, haptic feedback devices, etc. The wearable application 250 may include examples of applications (e.g., “apps”) that may be installed on the user device 106. The wearable application 250 may be configured to acquire data from the ring 104, store the acquired data, and process the acquired data, as described herein. For example, the wearable application 250 may include a user interface (UI) module 255, an acquisition module 260, a processing module 230-b, a communication module 220-b, and a storage module (e.g., a database 265) configured to store application data.

[0082] The various data processing operations described herein may be performed by the ring 104, the user devices 106, the server 110, or any combination thereof. For example, in some cases, data collected by the ring 104 may be pre-processed and transmitted to the user devices 106. In this example, the user devices 106 may perform some data processing operations on the received data, transmit the data to the server 110 for data processing, or both. For example, in some cases, the user devices 106 may perform processing operations that require relatively low processing power and / or operations that require relatively low latency, while the user devices 106 may transmit data to the server 110 for processing operations that require relatively high processing power and / or operations that can tolerate relatively high latency.

[0083] In some embodiments, the ring 104, user device 106, and server 110 of system 200 may be configured to evaluate a user's sleep patterns. In particular, each component of system 200 may be used to collect data from the user via the ring 104 and generate one or more scores (e.g., a sleep score, a readiness score) for the user based on the collected data. For example, as described previously herein, the ring 104 of system 200 may be worn by the user to collect data from the user, including temperature, heart rate, HRV, etc. The data collected by the ring 104 may be used to determine when the user is asleep to evaluate the user's sleep for a given "sleep day." In some embodiments, a score may be calculated for the user for each sleep day, such that a first sleep day is associated with a first set of scores, a second sleep day is associated with a second set of scores, and so on. A score may be calculated for each sleep day based on the data collected by the ring 104 during each sleep day. The scores may include, but are not limited to, a sleep score, a readiness score, etc.

[0084] In some cases, "sleep days" may correspond to traditional calendar days, such that a given sleep day is from midnight to midnight on the respective calendar day. In other cases, sleep days may be offset relative to the calendar day. For example, a sleep day may run from 6:00 PM (18:00) on a calendar day to 6:00 PM (18:00) on the next calendar day. In this example, 6:00 PM may serve as a "cutoff time," such that data collected from the user before 6:00 PM is counted toward the current sleep day, and data collected from the user after 6:00 PM is counted toward the next sleep day. Due to the fact that most individuals sleep best at night, offsetting sleep days relative to the calendar day allows system 200 to evaluate a user's sleep patterns in a manner consistent with the user's sleep schedule. In some cases, users may be able to selectively adjust the timing of sleep days relative to the calendar day (e.g., via a GUI) to align sleep days with the duration each user typically sleeps.

[0085] In some implementations, a user's respective overall score (e.g., sleep score, readiness score) for each day may be determined / calculated based on one or more “contributors,” “factors,” or “contributing factors.” For example, a user's overall sleep score may be calculated based on a set of contributing factors including total sleep, efficiency, restfulness, REM sleep, deep sleep, latency, timing, or any combination thereof. A sleep score may include any number of contributing factors. A “total sleep” contributing factor may refer to the sum of all sleep periods on a sleep day. An “efficiency” contributing factor may reflect the proportion of time asleep compared to awake time while in bed and may be calculated using an efficiency average of long sleep periods (e.g., main sleep periods) on a sleep day, weighted by the duration of each sleep period. A “restfulness” contributing factor may indicate how restful a user's sleep is and may be calculated using an average of all sleep periods on a sleep day, weighted by the duration of each period. The restfulness contributors may be based on "wake count" (e.g., the sum of all wake-ups (when the user wakes up) detected during different sleep periods), excessive movement, and "got up count" (e.g., the sum of all get-ups (when the user gets out of bed) detected during different sleep periods).

[0086] The "REM sleep" contribution factor may refer to the sum of REM sleep duration across all sleep periods on a sleep day, including REM sleep. Similarly, the "deep sleep" contribution factor may refer to the sum of deep sleep duration across all sleep periods on a sleep day, including deep sleep. The "latency" contribution factor may represent the time it takes a user to fall asleep (e.g., average, median, longest) and may be calculated using an average of long sleep periods across a sleep day, weighted by the duration of each period and the number of such periods (e.g., the integration of a given sleep stage or stages may be its own contribution factor or may weight other contribution factors). Finally, the "timing" contribution factor may refer to the relative timing of sleep periods within a sleep day and / or calendar day, and may be calculated using an average of all sleep periods on a sleep day, weighted by the duration of each period.

[0087] As another example, a user's overall readiness score may be calculated based on a set of contributing factors, including sleep, sleep balance, heart rate, HRV balance, recovery index, body temperature, activity, activity balance, or any combination thereof. A readiness score may include any number of contributing factors. A "sleep" contributing factor may refer to the combined sleep score of all sleep periods within a sleep day. A "sleep balance" contributing factor may refer to the cumulative duration of all sleep periods within a sleep day. In particular, sleep balance may indicate to a user whether the sleep a user has received over a period of time (e.g., the past two weeks) is balanced with the user's needs. Typically, adults require 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night to be healthy, alert, and perform at their best mentally and physically. However, occasional poor sleep days are normal, and therefore, the sleep balance contributing factor considers long-term sleep patterns to determine whether each user's sleep needs are being met. The "resting heart rate" contributor may indicate the lowest heart rate from the longest sleep period (eg, the main sleep period) of the sleep day and / or the lowest heart rate from a nap occurring after the main sleep period.

[0088] Continuing with reference to the "contributing factors" (e.g., factors, contributors) of the readiness score, the "HRV balance" contributor may indicate the highest average HRV from the main sleep period and the sleep period that occurs after the main sleep period. The HRV balance contributor may help a user track their recovery status by comparing their HRV trend over a first period (e.g., two weeks) with their average HRV over a second, longer period (e.g., three months). The "recovery index" contributor may be calculated based on the longest sleep period. The recovery index measures the time it takes for a user's resting heart rate to stabilize during the night. A sign of very good recovery is when a user's resting heart rate stabilizes during the first half of the night, at least six hours before the user wakes up, leaving the body time to recover for the next day. The "body temperature" contributor may be calculated based on the longest sleep period (e.g., the main sleep period) or based on the sleep period that occurs after the longest sleep period if the user's highest body temperature during that sleep period is at least 0.5°C higher than the highest body temperature during the longest period. In some embodiments, the ring may measure the user's temperature while the user is asleep, and the system 200 may display the user's average temperature relative to the user's baseline temperature. If the user's temperature is outside of the normal range (e.g., significantly above or below 0.0), the temperature contributor may be highlighted (e.g., go to a "Pay attention" state) or otherwise generate an alert to the user.

[0089] In some embodiments, the system 200 may support a wearable device 104 fabricated from a flexible material. The wearable device 104 may include a flexible PCB disposed within a flexible housing (e.g., the flexible inner housing 205-a and / or the flexible outer housing 205-b) fabricated from an elastically deformable material, such as an elastomeric material. That is, the flexible housing can deform (e.g., bend, flex, twist) in response to an applied force and return to its original shape when the force is removed. Furthermore, the flexible PCB may include one or more flexible regions that allow the PCB to bend and flex along with the flexible housing. For example, the PCB may flex or flex between one or more sensors (e.g., the PPG system 235, the temperature sensor 240, the motion sensor 245), between components of the battery 210 if the battery is segmented, or between any other components.

[0090] The ability of the wearable device 104 to flex and bend may allow the wearable device 104 to expand to fit the user 102 (e.g., the user's appendages, which may vary in size between users and / or over time), thereby improving contact between the sensors of the wearable device 104 and the skin of the user 102 and reducing the number of individual sizes of wearable device 104 manufactured, which may result in reduced manufacturing costs for the wearable device 104. Furthermore, the flexible housing material may be more resistant to scratches compared to rigid housings made of metal and plastic materials. Furthermore, the ability of the flexible material of the wearable device 104 to elastically deform may reduce the likelihood of injury to the appendages of the user 102 (e.g., if the wearable device gets caught on an object or is pressed with a relatively large force), thereby making the wearable device 104 more suitable for a wide range of users 102 and industries.

[0091] 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate example wearable device diagrams 300-a, 300-b, and 300-c that support a flexible wearable device according to aspects of the present disclosure. Wearable device diagrams 300-a, 300-b, and 300-c may implement or be implemented by aspects of system 100, system 200, or both. For example, wearable device diagrams 300-a, 300-b, and 300-c may illustrate examples of wearable device 104 as described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0092] Specifically, wearable device diagram 300-a, wearable device diagram 300-b, and wearable device diagram 300-c may illustrate different elastic displacements / deformations of the flexible material of wearable device 104 in response to forces applied in different directions. While the wearable device is shown as circular in Figures 3A-3C, it may be any shape and may be any example of a wearable device (e.g., a ring, a watch or wristband, an armband, a necklace, etc.).

[0093] The wearable device 104 of wearable device diagrams 300-a through 300-c may include an inner housing 305 and an outer housing 310, which may be examples of the inner housing 205-a and outer housing 205-b described with reference to FIG. 2. In some cases, the inner housing 305 and the outer housing 310 may be a continuous material formed from a single mold, as described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 4A through 5B. In some other cases, the inner housing 305 may be formed from a different mold / material than the outer housing 310, and the inner and outer housings may be joined after their formation, as described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 4A through 5B.

[0094] Additionally, the wearable devices of wearable device diagrams 300-a through 300-c may include an electronic substrate 315, such as a printed wiring board (PWB) or PCB. The PWB and / or PCB may have both flexible and rigid sections. One or more sensors may be embedded in the electronic substrate 315. For purposes of this disclosure, the term "sensor" may be used to refer to a module including a pair of light-emitting and light-receiving components, such as an LED and PD pair. Additionally, in some cases, the "sensor" may include other components, such as a lens, in addition to the LED and PD.

[0095] For example, the electronic board may include one or more light sources, such as LEDs 320, laser diodes (LDs), or VCSELs, and one or more PDs 325. The LEDs 320 may emit light that is received by the PDs 325 to create optical channels for physiological data measurement. The wearable device 104 may include any number of LEDs, PDs, and respective optical channels for physiological data measurement. In some cases, the LEDs 320 may include red LEDs, infrared LEDs, green LEDs, blue LEDs, etc., which may emit light that is scattered and absorbed by the skin of a user of the wearable device. In general, the light source may include any light-emitting component configured to emit light in any wavelength range (e.g., red light, yellow light, green light, infrared light, etc.). The PDs 325 may be configured to measure light from each LED 320, which may be reflected by and / or transmitted through the skin (e.g., reflectance measurement and / or transmission measurement).

[0096] In some cases, the inner housing 305 may include a dome structure over one or more LEDs 320, one or more PDs 325, or both. In some other cases, the inner housing 305 may include one or more windows (e.g., openings) that allow the LEDs 320 to emit light through the inner housing 305 and the PDs 325 to receive light through the inner housing 305. The wearable device 104 may use light propagation through tissue from the LEDs 320 to the PDs 325 for physiological measurements such as PPG and SpO2 measurements. That is, the wearable device may measure SpO2 using light from the LEDs 320, which may include red and infrared wavelengths, and measure PPG using light from the LEDs 320, which may include green wavelengths.

[0097] In some cases, the level of skin contact between the inner housing 305 of the wearable device 104 and the user's tissue may affect the accuracy of the measurement. For example, when skin contact is relatively good (e.g., when the gap between the inner housing 305 and the user's skin is less than a threshold), the total internal reflection (TIR) ​​critical angle may be relatively large across the optical interface between the wearable device 104 and the user's skin, and light outcoupling from the inner housing 305 may be relatively efficient. Thus, the total light coupling loss from the LED 320 to the skin may be relatively low. Similarly, when skin contact is relatively poor (e.g., when the gap between the inner housing 305 and the user's skin is greater than a threshold), the TIR critical angle may be relatively small across the optical interface, and light outcoupling from the inner housing 305 may be relatively inefficient. Thus, the total light coupling loss from the LED 320 to the skin may be relatively high. TIR is an optical phenomenon that occurs when light propagating within an optically transparent material strikes an interface between that material and another optical material with a lower refractive index. The TIR critical angle may depend on the difference in refractive index (n) between the LED 320 material and the material on the other side of the interface, as well as other factors (eg, polarization).

[0098] To reduce the likelihood of insufficient skin contact, the wearable device 104 is fabricated from a flexible material that allows the wearable device 104 to stretch to accommodate the size of a user's appendage. For example, if the wearable device 104 is a ring, the ring may stretch to fit multiple finger sizes, expand / contract to accommodate the expansion / contraction of finger sizes (e.g., due to changes in hydration levels), and allow the wearable device 104 to expand over the user's knuckles while maintaining a tight fit around the base of the user's finger. As shown in wearable device diagram 300-a, when a force 330 is applied to the inner housing 305 of the wearable device, for example, if the user's appendage is larger than the inner diameter of the wearable device 335, the inner housing 305, the outer housing 310, the electronic board 315, or any combination thereof, may elastically deform (e.g., stretch) to accommodate the user's appendage. In other words, the wearable device 104 may change from a first shape to a second shape in response to a force 330, which may be applied, for example, by the swelling of a user's finger. For example, the inner housing 305, the outer housing 310, the electronic board 315, or any combination thereof, may deform by a displacement 340. The displacement 340 may be a function of the mechanical properties (e.g., stiffness) of the materials of the inner housing 305, the outer housing 310, and the electronic board 315.

[0099] In some cases, such as when the wearable device 104 is made of a non-flexible material, the wearable device may accommodate relatively small variations in the size of users' appendages. However, each user's appendage size may vary, resulting in many different sizes of wearable device 104 being manufactured to accommodate each user. In comparison, manufacturing the wearable device 104 of a flexible material may increase the size tolerance of the wearable device 104 and reduce manufacturing costs. For example, a wearable device 104 made of a flexible material may accommodate users whose appendage diameters fall within a range from the inner diameter of the wearable device 335 to the diameter of the wearable device 104 after displacement 340. Therefore, fewer different sizes may be manufactured, which may reduce the number of molds and reduce manufacturing costs. Additionally, the ability of the wearable device 104 to bend and flex may allow the wearable device 104 to expand to accommodate appendages of various sizes (e.g., by expanding and / or contracting the appendages), thereby improving contact between the LEDs 320, the PDs 325, and the user's skin. Additionally, the ability of the wearable device 104 to bend, flex, expand, and contract improves overall fit and comfort for the user.

[0100] In some examples, a user may perform an activity that applies a force to the wearable device 104, such as a compressive force 345 and / or a shear force 350, as shown in wearable device diagram 300-b and wearable device diagram 300-c, respectively. For example, if the user lifts heavy objects or operates machinery, the wearable device 104 may pose a safety risk to the user if the wearable device 104 damages tissue caught between the wearable device 104 and the weight or machinery. However, if the wearable device 104 is made of a flexible material, the wearable device 104 may deform under force, reducing or avoiding serious injury to the user. The flexible material may be elastically deformable, such that the material may deform in response to an applied force but return to its original shape after the force is removed.

[0101] For example, if the wearable device 104 is a ring and the user lifts something heavy, the wearable device 104 may deform due to displacement 355 from compressive force 345, reducing the pressure exerted by the wearable device 104 on the user's tissue. Similarly, if the wearable device 104 becomes caught on an object (e.g., is sandwiched between two objects, hangs on an object, or is otherwise immobile relative to the object) and the user moves relative to the object, the wearable device 104 may experience a shear force 350 (e.g., stretching). If the wearable device 104 does not deform due to shear force 350, the wearable device 104 may damage the user's tissue by exerting pressure on the user's appendage in the opposite direction from shear force 350. However, if the wearable device 104 is fabricated from a flexible material as described herein, the wearable device 104 may deform with horizontal displacement 360 and / or vertical displacement 365, which may reduce the pressure exerted on the appendage resulting from shear force 350. Additionally, flexible materials may be fabricated to fail at a lower force than non-flexible materials, such as metal or plastic, such that the wearable device 104 may break at a threshold force value (e.g., before damaging the user's tissue).

[0102] In some examples, to prevent unexpected material failure (e.g., fracture due to different forces applied to the material), the material properties of the inner housing 305, outer housing 310, electronic board 315, or any combination thereof, may be configured with respect to the force value that causes material failure. For example, the inner housing 305 may have a different hardness and / or stiffness value than the outer housing 310. In some cases, the inner housing 305 may be less stiff than the outer housing 310, such as to prevent unexpected failure of the inner housing 305 (e.g., due to shear force 350). Similarly, the material properties of the electronic board 315 may be selected to prevent damage to electronic components such as the LEDs 320, PDs 325, and battery. For example, the material of the electronic board 315 may have locally increased stiffness, such as around the battery.

[0103] In some examples, the outer housing 310, the inner housing 305, the electronic board 315, or any combination thereof may be partially rigid such that the material can flex or bend up to a defined value. In other words, the wearable device 104 may not be completely flexible and may resist bending after being deformed up to a defined value (e.g., the force applied to elastically deform the wearable device increases as the displacement increases). In other words, the wearable device 104 may exert resistance to the force 330, the compressive force 345, and / or the shear force 350, and the resistance exerted by each material / component of the wearable device increases as the magnitude of the displacement (e.g., the magnitude of the size / shape change) of the wearable device 104 increases.

[0104] In some implementations, the entire perimeter of the wearable device 104 may be flexible. In additional or alternative implementations, only a portion of the perimeter may be flexible. For example, in some cases, the top half of the wearable device 104 may be flexible (e.g., made from a flexible material) and the bottom half may be rigid (or vice versa). Such implementations may allow the wearable device 104 to maintain the strength and aesthetics of a rigid device while also exhibiting the flexibility and adaptability (e.g., comfort) of a flexible device.

[0105] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a wearable device diagram 400 supporting a flexible wearable device according to aspects of the present disclosure. The wearable device diagram 400 may implement or be implemented by aspects of system 100, system 200, wearable device diagrams 300-a through 300-c, or any combination thereof. For example, the wearable device diagram 400 may illustrate an example of a wearable device 104 as described with reference to FIG. 1. Specifically, the wearable device diagram 400 may illustrate a wearable device assembly including separate parts that can be manufactured individually. As such, portions of the wearable device diagram 400 may be customized or replaced without compromising the efficiency of manufacturing the wearable ring device in its entirety. While the wearable device is illustrated as circular in FIG. 4, it may be any shape and any example of a wearable device (e.g., a ring, a watch or wristband, an armband, a necklace, etc.).

[0106] In some examples, wearable device diagram 400 may include an outer housing 405, an inner housing 410, and a PCB 425. Inner housing 410 may be constructed from a first flexible material (e.g., an elastically deformable material), outer housing 405 may be constructed from a second flexible material, and the PCB may be constructed from a third flexible material, with the flexible materials having the same or different material properties. For example, the flexible materials may include epoxy materials, polymer materials, polyurethane materials, silicone materials, rubber materials, elastomeric materials, etc. Each component of wearable device diagram 400 may be an example of the corresponding component shown and described in FIGS. 3A-3C.

[0107] In some examples, the outer housing 405, the inner housing 410, the PCB 425, or any combination thereof may be manufactured separately. For example, the outer housing 405 and the inner housing 410 may be manufactured from different molds and then joined to each other (e.g., with the PCB 425) through a fusion process. In some other examples, the outer housing 405 and the inner housing 410 may be manufactured from the same mold and may enclose the PCB 425 or may later be joined to the PCB 425. The color or material of the outer housing 405 and the inner housing 410 may be selected from a wide range of colors or materials.

[0108] The inner housing 410 and the outer housing 405 may be referred to as a flexible housing, which includes a cavity 445 that at least partially surrounds components of the flexible wearable device (e.g., components of the PCB 425). In some cases, the inner housing 410 may include one or more openings (e.g., opening 415-a, opening 415-b, opening 415-c, or any combination thereof) through which one or more sensors 430 take physiological measurements of the user. The sensors 430 may include LEDs, PDs, or any other type of components. The openings (e.g., opening 415-a, opening 415-b, opening 415-c, or any combination thereof) may be filled with a transparent material configured to allow light passing through the openings to be transmitted to and received from the sensors 430. For example, the openings may be covered or filled with a transparent epoxy material to allow the transmission and / or reception of light. In some cases, the relative size of the opening may be relatively small compared to the flexible housing, so that the transparent material does not break or separate from the opening when the wearable device is elastically deformed.

[0109] In some implementations, the inner housing 410, the outer housing 405, or both may include components or features (e.g., detents, grooves, protrusions, etc.) along the inner edge of the inner housing 410 that couple to the PCB 425 in the correct radial orientation within the inner housing 410. In other words, the PCB 425 may include a first set of locking components that engage with a second set of locking components on the flexible housing (e.g., the inner housing 410 and / or the outer housing 405) in a defined radial orientation that aligns the sensors 430 on the PCB 425 with the respective openings 415 in the flexible housing.

[0110] Additionally or alternatively, the inner housing 410, the outer housing 405, or both may be fused (e.g., using heat) or otherwise bonded to the PCB 425, for example, by fusing an elastically deformable material in the PCB 425 with an elastically deformable material of the inner housing 410. The PCB 425 may thus be disposed within the cavity 445 of the flexible housing, which keeps the surfaces of the PCB 425 and the flexible housing stationary relative to one another when the wearable device is elastically deformed. Bonding the surface of the PCB 425 to the surface of the flexible housing may prevent the PCB 425 from sliding within the flexible housing when the wearable device is elastically deformed, thereby maintaining alignment between the sensor 430 of the PCB 425 and the opening 415 of the flexible housing.

[0111] The PCB 425 may be a flexible PCB that includes one or more sensors 430 or electrical components and is coupled to one or more battery components, such as battery component 435-a, battery component 435-b, and battery component 435-c. In some examples, the sensors 430 may be asymmetrically positioned within the PCB 425. For example, the sensors on the PCB 425 may include a first light-emitting component (e.g., a first LED) positioned relative to the inner housing 410 at a first radial position, a second light-emitting component (e.g., a second LED) positioned relative to the inner housing 410 at a second radial position, and a third light-emitting component (e.g., a third LED) positioned relative to the inner housing 410 at a third radial position. When the sensors are asymmetrically positioned, the first radial position and the third radial position may define a segment of the inner housing 410 between the first and second radial positions, and the third radial position is different from the radial midpoint of the segment.

[0112] In some examples, the battery of the wearable device may be segmented into any number of segments or components (e.g., battery component 435-a, battery component 435-b, battery component 435-c). The battery components may be separated by flexible material (e.g., flexible portions connecting each battery segment / component), allowing the battery to elastically deform along with the flexible housing of the wearable device. The material between the battery components may be configured to electrically and structurally couple the battery segments to one another. Each battery component may be constructed from a flexible battery or a non-flexible battery (e.g., a coin battery). In some other examples, the battery of the wearable device may be a single unit, in which case the battery may be constructed from a flexible material.

[0113] In some cases, PCB 425 may include one or more radio frequency components for wireless communication. The radio frequency components may be electrically coupled to sensor 430. In some examples, the flexible material may enable wireless signals (e.g., near field communication (NFC) signals, Bluetooth® signals, or both) to be communicated to and from one or more radio frequency components through the flexible housing. In some cases, the flexible material of the wearable device may enable wireless signals to be communicated to and from the radio frequency components through the flexible housing with improved efficiency and reliability compared to non-flexible materials (e.g., metal, plastic) associated with some conventional wearable devices. Wearable device 440 shown in FIG. 4 may represent the final form of a ring wearable assembly including outer housing 405, inner housing 410, and PCB 425.

[0114] 5A and 5B illustrate examples of wearable device diagrams 500-a and 500-b supporting a flexible wearable device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Wearable device diagrams 500-a and 500-b may implement or be implemented by aspects of system 100, system 200, wearable device diagrams 300 through 400, or any combination thereof. For example, wearable device diagrams 500-a and 500-b may illustrate an example of wearable device 104 as described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 4. Specifically, wearable device diagrams 500-a and 500-b may illustrate a cross section of a flexible wearable device as described with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 4. Although the wearable device is shown as circular in Figures 5A and 5B, it may be any shape and may be any example of a wearable device (e.g., a ring, a watch or wristband, an armband, a necklace, etc.).

[0115] In some examples, the wearable device may include an inner housing 510 and an outer housing 505, which may be made of a flexible material. For example, the flexible material may include an epoxy material, a polymer material, a polyurethane material, a silicone material, a rubber material, an elastomeric material, etc. The inner housing 510 may have the same or different material properties as the outer housing 505. In some cases, the inner housing 510 and the outer housing 505 may be made from a single mold so that they are one continuous material. In some other cases, the inner housing 510 and the outer housing 505 may be made from separate molds / materials and may be bonded or fused together. For example, the inner housing 510 and the outer housing 505 may be fused to each other by heat. In some other examples, a sealing material may lock the outer housing 505 to the inner housing 510. The sealing material may include epoxy, a press-fit component, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the sealing material may include a flexible material in the inner housing 510, the outer housing 505, or both.

[0116] The inner housing 510 may include multiple openings (e.g., opening 530-a, opening 530-b, opening 530-c, opening 530-d, and opening 530-e). The openings may serve as pathways from sensors on the PCB 535 of the wearable device to finger tissue when worn by a user. The openings (e.g., opening 530-a, opening 530-b, opening 530-c, opening 530-d, and opening 530-e, as well as other openings) may be included within an inner circumferential surface of the inner housing 510.

[0117] Wearable device diagram 500-b depicts a PCB 535 disposed within an internal cavity 550 of the wearable devices and systems described with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, and shows the PCB 535 coupled to an inner housing 510. By disposing the PCB 535 within the cavity 550 defined by the inner housing 510 and the outer housing 505 as shown in wearable device diagram 500-b, the sensors of the PCB 535 can be contained within the inner perimeter of the inner housing 510. In some cases, the PCB 535 can be coupled to the inner housing 510 by a bonding agent or by fusion bonding to the material of the inner housing 510. In some other cases, the inner housing 510 and the outer housing 505 can be molded onto the PCB.

[0118] In some examples, the sensor on the PCB 535 may align with the opening 530 in the inner housing 510 such that the sensor can transmit a signal (e.g., light) to and receive a signal from the finger tissue through the opening 530. In some examples, the location of the opening 530 may be based on the location of the sensor on the PCB 535. For example, if the location of the sensor is predetermined and fixed on the PCB 535, the opening may be cut or molded into the inner housing 510 such that the opening 530 aligns with the sensor on the inner housing 510. Additionally or alternatively, the location of the sensor on the PCB 535 may be based on the location of the opening 530. For example, if the location of the opening 530 is predetermined and fixed on the PCB 535, the PCB 535 may position the sensor on the inner housing 510 such that the sensor aligns with the opening 530.

[0119] The wearable device may include any number of sensors that may be distributed anywhere along PCB 535. That is, the sensors on PCB 535 may vary in quantity and be distributed throughout the wearable device on PCB 535. Thus, the number and placement of openings 530 may not be limited to that of openings 530-a, openings 530-b, openings 530-c, openings 530-d, and openings 530-e. Additionally or alternatively, the number and placement of sensors on PCB 535 may be variable.

[0120] In some examples, the battery of the wearable device may be divided into multiple battery components or segments, such as battery component 540-a, battery component 540-b, and battery component 540-c. The battery and / or battery components may be flexible or solid-state batteries. For example, if the battery is a single battery, the battery may be flexible to accommodate elastic deformation of the wearable device. In some other examples, if the battery is segmented into battery components, the wearable device may include a flexible material between each battery component, and the battery component 540 itself may be a solid-state battery (e.g., a coin battery). For example, there is a flexible material 545-a between battery component 540-a and battery component 540-b, and there is a flexible material 545-b between battery component 540-b and battery component 540-c. Flexible material 545-a and flexible material 545-b may have a relatively high stiffness value compared to the materials of inner housing 510 and outer housing 505 (e.g., to prevent the battery components from flexing or bending to the point of failure). In such a case, flexible material 545 may be configured to mechanically (e.g., structurally) and electrically couple battery components 540 (e.g., battery segments) to one another.

[0121] Wearable devices made from flexible materials may have a tighter and improved fit to a user's finger and may reduce the risk of losing skin contact when struck by an external force. Additionally, molds for flexible materials may be cheaper and wearable devices may conform to a wider size range (e.g., a flexible wearable device may expand and contract to conform to a variety of individual finger sizes), thereby simplifying the manufacturing process for wearable devices and reducing costs.

[0122] It should be noted that the features described above illustrate possible implementations, and that other implementations are possible. Furthermore, aspects from two or more of these features may be combined.

[0123] A flexible wearable device is described, which may include a flexible housing including a flexible material that is elastically deformable, the flexible housing including: a cavity configured to at least partially enclose one or more components of the flexible wearable device; a plurality of openings disposed in a surface of the flexible housing, the plurality of openings coupled to the cavity; and a PCB disposed in the cavity, the PCB including: a plurality of sensors configured to acquire physiological data from a user based at least in part on light transmitted and received through the plurality of openings; and one or more flexible regions that are elastically deformable.

[0124] In some examples, the flexible wearable device includes a molded inner housing component comprising a flexible material, wherein a plurality of openings may be disposed within a surface of the molded inner housing component, and a molded outer housing component coupled with the molded inner housing component to form a cavity, wherein the molded outer housing component comprises the flexible material, additional flexible material, or both.

[0125] In some examples, the flexible wearable device includes a battery apparatus that can be electrically coupled to a plurality of sensors, the battery apparatus including a plurality of battery segments and one or more connection segments that can be configured to electrically and structurally couple the plurality of battery segments to one another, and the one or more connection segments can be elastically deformable.

[0126] In some examples, the battery device may be positioned on the PCB such that one or more connection segments of the battery device may be aligned with one or more flexible regions of the PCB.

[0127] In some examples, the flexible wearable device may be configured to elastically deform from a first shape to at least a second shape in response to a force applied to the flexible wearable device, wherein the flexible material, the one or more flexible regions, or both are configured to exert a resistance force against the force applied to the flexible wearable device, the magnitude of the resistance force increasing as the flexible wearable device is elastically deformed from the first shape to the second shape.

[0128] In some examples, the flexible housing may be molded over the PCB such that at least one surface of the PCB may be bonded to at least one surface of the flexible housing that defines at least a portion of the cavity.

[0129] In some examples, the PCB can be embedded within the cavity and bonded to the flexible housing such that at least one surface of the PCB and at least one surface of the flexible housing remain stationary relative to one another when the flexible wearable device can be elastically deformed from a first shape to a second shape.

[0130] In some examples, the flexible wearable device includes a transparent material disposed within a plurality of apertures, and the transparent material may be configured to allow transmission of light to and reception from a plurality of sensors through the plurality of apertures.

[0131] In some examples, the flexible material includes an epoxy material, a polymer material, a polyurethane material, a silicone material, a rubber material, an elastomeric material, or any combination thereof.

[0132] In some examples, one or more flexible regions of the flexible housing and PCB may be elastically deformable in response to both compressive and tensile forces.

[0133] In some examples, the flexible wearable device may include one or more radio frequency components configured to perform wireless communication, the one or more radio frequency components being electrically coupled to the plurality of sensors, and the flexible material may be configured to enable communication of wireless signals between the one or more radio frequency components through the flexible housing.

[0134] In some examples, the wireless signal includes an NFC signal, a Bluetooth signal, or both.

[0135] In some examples, the flexible wearable device includes a flexible wearable ring device, the flexible housing includes a flexible ring-shaped housing, and the cavity includes a ring-shaped cavity extending at least partially around the flexible ring-shaped housing.

[0136] In some examples, the flexible wearable device includes a flexible wearable ring device, and the plurality of openings can be disposed within an inner circumferential surface of the flexible ring-shaped housing.

[0137] The description set forth herein with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrates exemplary configurations and does not necessarily represent every example that may be implemented or fall within the scope of the claims. As used herein, the term "exemplary" means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration," and does not mean "preferred" or "advantageous over other examples." The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. However, these techniques may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0138] In the accompanying figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Furthermore, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. When only a first reference label is used herein, the description is applicable to any of the similar components having the same first reference label, regardless of the second reference label.

[0139] The information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0140] The various example blocks and modules described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented or performed using a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0141] The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described above may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or any combination thereof. Features implementing the functions may also be physically located in various places, including being distributed so that portions of the function are implemented in different physical locations. Also, as used herein, including the claims, "or" used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items preceded by a phrase such as "at least one of" or "one or more of") indicates an inclusive list, such as, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Also, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be construed as referring to a closed set of conditions. For example, an example step described as "based on condition A" may be based on both condition A and condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase "based on" is intended to be interpreted similarly to the phrase "based at least in part on."

[0142] Computer-readable media includes both communication media and non-transitory computer storage media, including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Non-transitory storage media may be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), Compact Disc (CD) ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitory medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. As used herein, disk and disc include CDs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, where a disk typically reproduces data magnetically and a disc reproduces data optically with a laser. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0143] The description herein is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A flexible wearable device, a flexible housing including a flexible material that is elastically deformable and at least partially surrounds one or more components of the flexible wearable device; wherein the flexible housing comprises: a plurality of openings disposed in a surface of the flexible housing; a printed circuit board disposed within the flexible housing; The printed circuit board comprises: a plurality of sensors configured to acquire physiological data from a user based at least in part on light transmitted and received through the plurality of apertures; one or more flexible regions that are elastically deformable; A flexible wearable device comprising:

2. The flexible housing includes: a molded inner housing component comprising the flexible material, the plurality of openings being disposed within the surface of the molded inner housing component; a molded outer housing component that is combined with the molded inner housing component to form the flexible housing, the molded outer housing component including the flexible material, additional flexible material, or both; The flexible wearable device of claim 1 , comprising:

3. The printed circuit board a battery device electrically coupled to the plurality of sensors; The battery device further includes: a plurality of battery segments; one or more connection segments configured to electrically and structurally couple the plurality of battery segments to one another, the one or more connection segments being elastically deformable; The flexible wearable device of claim 1 , comprising:

4. 4. The flexible wearable device of claim 3, wherein the battery device is positioned on the printed circuit board such that the one or more connection segments of the battery device are aligned with the one or more flexible regions of the printed circuit board.

5. 2. The flexible wearable device of claim 1, wherein the flexible wearable device is configured to elastically deform from a first shape to at least a second shape in response to a force applied to the flexible wearable device, and wherein the flexible material, the one or more flexible regions, or both, are configured to exert a resistance force against the force applied to the flexible wearable device, the magnitude of the resistance force increasing as the flexible wearable device is elastically deformed from the first shape to the second shape.

6. 10. The flexible wearable device of claim 1, wherein the flexible housing is molded over the printed circuit board such that at least one surface of the printed circuit board is bonded to at least one surface of the flexible housing.

7. 7. The flexible wearable device of claim 6, wherein the printed circuit board is embedded within and bonded to the flexible housing such that the at least one surface of the printed circuit board and the at least one surface of the flexible housing remain stationary relative to each other when the flexible wearable device is elastically deformed from a first shape to a second shape.

8. The flexible housing includes: further comprising a transparent material disposed within the plurality of openings, the transparent material configured to allow transmission of light to and reception of light from the plurality of sensors through the plurality of openings. The flexible wearable device of claim 1 .

9. The flexible wearable device of claim 1 , wherein the flexible material comprises an epoxy material, a polymer material, a polyurethane material, a silicone material, a rubber material, an elastomeric material, or any combination thereof.

10. The flexible wearable device of claim 1 , wherein the flexible housing and the one or more flexible regions of the printed circuit board are elastically deformable in response to both compressive and tensile forces.

11. The printed circuit board further comprising one or more radio frequency components configured to perform wireless communication, the one or more radio frequency components being electrically coupled to the plurality of sensors, and the flexible material being configured to allow wireless signals to be communicated to and from the one or more radio frequency components through the flexible housing. The flexible wearable device of claim 1 .

12. The flexible wearable device of claim 11 , wherein the wireless signal comprises a near field communication signal, a Bluetooth signal, or both.

13. The flexible wearable device of claim 1 , wherein the flexible wearable device comprises a flexible wearable ring device and the flexible housing comprises a flexible ring-shaped housing.

14. The flexible wearable device of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of openings are disposed within an inner circumferential surface of the flexible ring-shaped housing.

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