Biosensor integrated with the electronic display of a wearable device

Abstract

A wearable computing device comprises an outer cover defining an outermost upper surface and an outer periphery, and an internal volume defined at least partially by the inner surface of the outer cover. The wearable computing device also comprises an electronic display and an electronic display module connector arranged within the internal volume. Additionally, the wearable computing device comprises at least one biosensor electrode positioned on the outermost upper surface of the outer cover and wrapping around one or more side edges of the outer cover relative to the internal volume. Additionally, the wearable computing device comprises a printed circuit board arranged within the internal volume. Additionally, the wearable computing device comprises a conductive component that electrically connects the biosensor electrode(s) to the printed circuit board through the electronic display module connector.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a wearable computing device, and specifically to a biosensor electrode integrated into the upper surface of the cover of a wearable computing device to provide an increase in the surface area of ​​the sensor and an improvement in signal quality. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, due to consumer interest in personal health, a variety of personal health monitoring devices are being offered on the market. Recent advancements in the miniaturization of sensors, electronic devices, and power sources have made it possible to provide personal health monitoring devices—also known as "bio-tracking" or "bio-monitoring" devices—in very small sizes that were previously unrealistic.

[0003] These bio-monitoring devices can collect, acquire, and / or provide one or more of the following types of information: heart rate, calories burned, number of floors climbed and / or descended, location and / or direction, altitude, walking speed and / or distance traveled. In the case of wearable computing devices, the front or top surface is typically occupied by a large electronic display, which is often covered by an optically transparent cover made of a specific material (such as glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, etc.). This cover often requires sealing around its perimeter, so the electronic display cover becomes larger than the actual area of ​​the electronic display itself.

[0004] Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to a biosensor electrode integrated into the upper surface of a cover of such a wearable computing device, which provides an increased surface area of ​​the sensor and improved signal quality. By integrating the biosensor electrode into the cover, the user can access the sensor in a more ergonomic manner, allowing the user to contact the small surface with various limbs (palms, fingers, legs, etc.) without requiring high dexterity.

[0005] The aspects and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure may be partially presented in the description below, or may be known from the description, or through carrying out the embodiments.

[0006] One exemplary aspect of the present disclosure relates to a wearable computing device. The wearable computing device comprises an outer cover defining an outermost upper surface and an outer periphery, and an internal volume defined at least partially by the inner surface of the outer cover. The wearable computing device also comprises an electronic display and an electronic display module connector arranged within the internal volume. Additionally, the wearable computing device comprises at least one biosensor electrode positioned on the outermost upper surface of the outer cover and wrapping around one or more side edges of the outer cover relative to the internal volume. Additionally, the wearable computing device comprises a printed circuit board arranged within the internal volume. Additionally, the wearable computing device comprises a conductive component that electrically connects the biosensor electrode(s) to the printed circuit board through the electronic display module connector. Additionally, the conductive component defines a low-resistance path.

[0007] Another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for assembling a wearable computing device. The method comprises the step of providing an outer cover having an inner surface that defines an internal volume, the outer cover having an outermost upper surface and an outer periphery. The method also comprises the step of positioning a first portion of at least one biosensor electrode on the outermost upper surface of the outer cover and wrapping a second portion of at least one biosensor electrode around one or more side edges of the outer cover such that the second portion is within the internal volume. Additionally, the method comprises the step of placing an electronic display and an electronic display module connector within the internal volume. Additionally, the method comprises the step of arranging a printed circuit board within the internal volume adjacent to the electronic display. Additionally, the method comprises the step of electrically connecting the biosensor electrode(s) to the printed circuit board through the electronic display module connector using at least one conductive component. Additionally, the conductive component(s) define a low-resistance path.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to various systems, devices, non-transient computer-readable media, user interfaces, and electronic devices.

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the various embodiments of the present disclosure will be better understood by referring to the description below and the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this specification, serve to illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and to explain the relevant principles together with the description of the invention. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0010] Detailed descriptions of embodiments that are given to a person skilled in the art are provided in the specification with reference to the attached drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wearable computing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a plan view of the display of the wearable computing device of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a side view of the display of the wearable computing device of Figure 1. Figure 4 is an exploded view of the display of the wearable computing device of Figure 1. FIG. 5 is a transparent perspective view of the upper part of the display of the wearable computing device of FIG. 1. Figure 6 is a transparent plan view of the display of the wearable computing device of Figure 1. FIG. 7 provides a transparent bottom perspective view of the display of the wearable computing device of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing various electrical connections of the display of the wearable computing device of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing system for a wearable computing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a side view of a two-dimensional wearable computing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and particularly illustrates a double-sided conductive tape or double-sided conductive foam that electrically connects biosensor electrodes, partially on the outermost upper surface of an outer cover and partially on the inner surface of an outer cover, to a printed circuit board or a flexible circuit board through an electronic display module connector. FIG. 11 is a side view of a three-dimensional wearable computing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and particularly illustrates a double-sided conductive tape or double-sided conductive foam that electrically connects biosensor electrodes, partially on the outermost upper surface of an outer cover and partially on the inner surface of an outer cover, to a printed circuit board or a flexible circuit board through an electronic display module connector. FIG. 12 is a plan view of a double-sided conductive tape or a double-sided conductive foam arranged on an electronic display of a wearable computing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a plan view of a wearable computing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and in particular illustrates a double-sided conductive tape or a double-sided conductive foam arranged on an electronic display of a wearable computing device. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a wearable computing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and particularly illustrates first and second biosensor electrodes arranged on both sides of a printed circuit board and arranged between the bottom surface of an outer cover and the top surface of an electronic display. FIG. 15 is a plan view of a double-sided conductive tape or double-sided conductive foam arranged on an electronic display of a wearable computing device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a plan view of a wearable computing device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, particularly illustrating a double-sided conductive tape or foam arranged on the upper surface of a printed circuit board. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a wearable computing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and particularly illustrates first and second biosensor electrodes arranged on both sides of a printed circuit board and disposed on the upper surface of the printed circuit board. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a wearable computing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and particularly illustrates first and second biosensor electrodes arranged on the same side of a printed circuit board. FIG. 19 is a perspective view partially illustrating the back surface of a wearable computing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and in particular illustrates first and second biosensor electrodes electrically connected to a printed circuit board through a single-sided conductive tape. FIG. 20 is a perspective view partially illustrating another rear side of a wearable computing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, particularly illustrating first and second biosensor electrodes electrically connected to a printed circuit board through a single-sided conductive tape. FIG. 21 is a side view partially illustrating a wearable computing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and in particular illustrates first and second biosensor electrodes electrically connected to a printed circuit board through a single-sided conductive tape and a conductive adhesive. FIG. 22 is a rear view partially illustrating the wearable computing device of FIG. 16, and in particular illustrates first and second biosensor electrodes electrically connected to a printed circuit board through a single-sided conductive tape and a conductive adhesive. FIG. 23 is a side view partially illustrating a wearable computing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and in particular illustrates first and second biosensor electrodes electrically connected to a printed circuit board through an anisotropic conductive film. FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for assembling a wearable computing device according to the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail, with one or more examples of the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Each example is intended to illustrate the invention and not to limit the invention. In practice, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations of the invention may be made without departing from the scope or technical spirit of the invention. For example, a feature exemplified or described as part of one embodiment may be used in conjunction with another embodiment to create another embodiment. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to cover modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0013] survey

[0014] In the case of wearable computing devices, the front or top surface is typically occupied by a large electronic display and is often covered by an optically transparent cover made of a specific material (such as glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, etc.). This cover often requires sealing around its perimeter, so the electronic display cover becomes larger than the actual area of ​​the electronic display itself. Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to a biosensor electrode integrated into the top surface of a cover of a wearable computing device to provide increased surface area of ​​the sensor and improved signal quality. By integrating the biosensor electrode into the cover, the user can access the sensor in a more ergonomic manner, allowing the user to contact the small surface with various limbs (palms, fingers, legs, etc.) without requiring high dexterity.

[0015] To activate a biosensor electrode formed on the upper surface of a cover, the sensor needs to be electrically connected to a sensing hub (including a main circuit) located on a system board within a wearable computing device. Accordingly, the present disclosure also relates to an improved conductive component located between the biosensor electrode and the main circuit of a wearable computing device. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides an effective and efficient electrical connection of a conductive component to a printed circuit board or a flexible circuit board and to the main circuit of a wearable computing device via an electronic display module. In particular, the improved conductive component of the present disclosure has low feed-through electrical resistance and does not require additional space. Furthermore, the integrated biosensor electrode facilitates the assembly process without increasing costs or compromising reliability.

[0016] For example, in the embodiments, direct or indirect connections using a conductive foam (such as anisotropic conductive film (ACF) and silver epoxy) and an adhesive may be used. In these embodiments, a physical vapor deposition (PVD) contact pad is positioned on the top surface and interposed between the sensor metal bottom of the cover and the top surface of the electronic display module. Next, a low-resistance conductive foam is placed between the sensor metal bottom and the PVD contact pad to connect the biosensor electrode to the PVD contact pad(s). Additionally, the PVD contact pad on the top surface is connected to a flexible printed circuit (FBC) via an electronic display module connector. The FBC is bonded to the top surface using an adhesive such as ACF by a conventional FPC bonding process. Furthermore, the electronic display module connector is fixed to the device body containing the main circuit.

[0017] In particular, by providing a conductive component between the biosensor electrode and the main circuit of the wearable computing device, for example, a wearable computing device with a compact and robust design can be obtained.

[0018] Now, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0019] Exemplary devices and systems

[0020] Now, referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a wearable computing device (100) according to the present disclosure. In particular, as illustrated, the wearable computing device (100) may be worn on a person's forearm like a wristwatch. Also, as illustrated, the wearable computing device (100) comprises a housing (102) containing an electronic device associated with the wearable computing device (100). Also, as illustrated, the wearable computing device (100) includes one or more buttons (104) and an electronic display (106) accessible and / or viewable through the housing (102). In some embodiments, for example, the button(s) (404) may be implemented to provide a mechanism for activating a heart rate sensor to collect heart rate data. Also, in one embodiment, the electronic display (106) may cover an electronic device package (110) (also referred to herein as an electronic display module connector) that is also housed in the housing (102). Additionally, as illustrated, the wristband (108) can be integrated with the housing (102).

[0021] Now, referring to FIGS. 2 through 7, various drawings of a housing (102) of a wearable computing device (100) according to the present disclosure are illustrated. Specifically, FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of one embodiment of the housing (102) according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the housing (102) according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded side view of one embodiment of the housing (102) according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 illustrates a transparent perspective view of one embodiment of the housing (102) according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates a transparent plan view of one embodiment of the housing (102) according to the present disclosure. FIG. 7 illustrates a transparent perspective view of one embodiment of the housing (102) according to the present disclosure. FIG. 8 illustrates a rear view of one embodiment of an electronic device package (110) inside the housing (102) according to the present disclosure.

[0022] Additionally, as roughly illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 7, the housing (102) includes an outer cover (112) that defines the outermost upper surface (114) and the outer periphery (116). For example, in an embodiment, the outer cover (112) may be composed of glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, etc. Accordingly, particularly as illustrated in FIG. 7, the internal volume (118) is defined at least partially by the inner surface (120) of the outer cover. Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the wearable computing device (100) may also include a seal (115) arranged along the outer periphery (116) of the outer cover (112). Accordingly, in this embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the internal volume (118) is defined by the inner surface (120) of the outer cover (112) and the inner edge (117) of the seal (115). Accordingly, as illustrated, the electronic display (106) and the electronic display module connector (110) can be arranged within an internal volume (118) as further described herein.

[0023] Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 7, the wearable computing device (100) further comprises at least one biosensor electrode, such as a first biosensor electrode (122) and a second biosensor electrode (124), which is positioned on the outermost upper surface (114) of the outer cover (112) and wraps around one or more side edges of the outer cover (112) relative to the internal volume (118) (e.g., see FIG. 7). Thus, as illustrated, in an embodiment, the wearable computing device (100) may comprise two sensor electrodes (122, 124) arranged in pairs. In such an embodiment, the two sensor electrodes (122, 124) may have an overlapping space over a display area.

[0024] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the biosensor electrode(s) (122, 124) wrap around the side edge of the outer cover (112) and the inner edge (117) of the seal (115) up to the inner volume (118). Additionally, in this embodiment, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 2 through 7, the first and second biosensor electrodes (122, 124) may also be spaced apart by one or more gaps (126). More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the first and second biosensor electrodes (122, 124) may be spaced apart through a plurality of gaps (126) on both sides of the outer cover (112). In other words, as illustrated, the two sensor electrodes (122, 124) may have a space in between to avoid the printed circuit board bonding area.

[0025] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the wearable computing device (100) includes a printed circuit board (128) arranged within an internal volume (118), i.e., on the back surface of an electronic display (106). Accordingly, in one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 12, the first and second biosensor electrodes (122, 124) are arranged on both sides of the printed circuit board (128). Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the first and second biosensor electrodes (122, 124) are arranged on the same side of the printed circuit board (128). Also, in certain embodiments, the biosensor electrode(s) (122, 124) described herein may each include a physical vapor deposition (PVD) sensor pad. Additionally, in one embodiment, the biosensor electrode(s) (122, 124) described herein may include an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, an electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor, or any other suitable sensor type.

[0026] Accordingly, the biosensor electrode(s) (122, 124) described herein may be connected via an inter-media material to an electronic display module connector (110) which may include a computing system configured to operate a wearable computing device (100). In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 9, a block diagram of an exemplary computing system (150) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Also, as illustrated, in one embodiment, the computing system (150) includes a user computing device (152), a server computing system (160), and a training computing system (170) coupled to communicate via a network (180). Thus, in an embodiment, a component of the user computing device (152) may be part of the wearable computing device (100).

[0027] In particular, as illustrated, the user computing device (152) includes one or more processors (154) and memory (155). The one or more processors (154) may be any suitable processing device (e.g., processor core, microprocessor, ASIC, FPGA, controller, microcontroller, etc.) and may be a single processor or a plurality of processors that can be connected and operated. The memory (155) may include one or more non-transient computer-readable storage media such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, flash memory device, magnetic disk, etc. and combinations thereof. The memory (155) may store data (156) and instructions (157) that are executed by the processor (154) to cause the user computing device (152) to perform an operation.

[0028] In some embodiments, the user computing device (152) may store or include one or more models (158). For example, in an embodiment, the model(s) (158) may be or include various machine learning models, such as a neural network (deep neural network (DNN)) or other types of machine learning models including non-linear models and / or linear models. The neural network may include a feedforward neural network (FFNN), a regression neural network (RNN) (e.g., a long short-term memory regression neural network (LSTM-RNN)), a convolutional neural network (CNN), or other types of neural networks.

[0029] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the model(s) (158) may be received from the server computing system (160) via the network (180), stored in the user computing device memory (155), and then used or otherwise implemented by the processor(s) (154). Additionally or alternatively, one or more models (168) may be included in the server computing system (160) that communicates with the user computing device (152) according to a client-server relationship, or otherwise stored and implemented by said server computing system. Thus, the model(s) (158) may be stored and implemented in the user computing device (152) and / or the model(s) (168) may be stored and implemented in the server computing system (160).

[0030] The user computing device (152) may also include one or more user input components (159) that receive user input. For example, the user input component (159) may be a touch-sensing component (e.g., a touch-sensing display screen or a touchpad) that detects a touch of a user input object (e.g., a finger or a stylus). The touch-sensing component may serve to implement a virtual keyboard. Other exemplary user input components include a microphone, a traditional keyboard, or other means that enable the user to provide user input.

[0031] The server computing system (160) may be any type of computing device, such as a personal computing device (e.g., a laptop or desktop), a mobile computing device (e.g., a smartphone or tablet), a gaming console or controller, a wearable computing device, an embedded computing device, or any other type of computing device. Additionally, as illustrated, the server computing system (160) includes one or more processors (162) and memory (164). The processor(s) (162) may be any suitable processing device (e.g., a processor core, a microprocessor, an ASIC, an FPGA, a controller, a microcontroller, etc.) and may be a single processor or a plurality of processors that can be connected and operated. The memory (164) may include one or more non-transient computer-readable storage media, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, a flash memory device, a magnetic disk, etc., and combinations thereof. The memory (164) can store data (165) and commands (166) that are executed by the processor (162) to cause the server computing system (160) to perform operations.

[0032] In some embodiments, the server computing system (160) includes one or more server computing devices or is otherwise implemented by one or more server computing devices. If the server computing system (160) includes multiple server computing devices, these server computing devices may operate according to a serial computing architecture, a parallel computing architecture, or some combination thereof.

[0033] As described above, the server computing system (160) may store or otherwise contain one or more models (168). For example, the model(s) (168) may be various machine learning models or otherwise contain them. Examples of machine learning models include neural networks or other multilayer nonlinear models. Examples of neural networks include feedforward neural networks, deep neural networks, regression neural networks, and convolutional neural networks.

[0034] A user computing device (152) and / or a server computing system (160) can train a model (158 and / or 168) through interaction with a training computing system (170) that is communicably connected via a network (180). The training computing system (170) may be separate from the server computing system (160) or may be part of the server computing system (160).

[0035] The training computing system (170) includes one or more processors (172) and memory (174). The processor(s) (172) may be any suitable processing device (e.g., processor core, microprocessor, ASIC, FPGA, controller, microcontroller, etc.) and may be a single processor or a plurality of processors that can be connected and operated. The memory (174) may include one or more non-transient computer-readable storage media such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, flash memory device, magnetic disk, etc. and combinations thereof. The memory (174) may store data (175) and instructions (176) that are executed by the processor (172) to cause the training computing system (170) to perform an operation. In some embodiments, the training computing system (170) includes one or more server computing devices or is otherwise implemented by one or more server computing devices. The training computing system (170) may also include a model trainer (177) that trains a machine learning model (158 and / or 168) stored in a user computing device (152) and / or a server computing system (160) using various training or learning techniques. In particular, in the embodiment, the model trainer (177) may train the model (158 and / or 168) based on a set of training data (178).

[0036] A model trainer (177) includes computer logic used to provide desired functions. The model trainer (177) may be implemented as hardware, firmware, and / or software that controls a general-purpose processor. For example, in some embodiments, the model trainer (177) includes a program file that is stored in a storage device, loaded into memory, and executed by one or more processors. In other embodiments, the model trainer (177) includes one or more computer-executable instruction sets stored in a computer-readable storage medium of a type such as RAM, a hard disk, or an optical or magnetic medium.

[0037] The network (180) may be any type of communication network, such as a local area network (e.g., intranet), a wide area network (e.g., the Internet), or a combination of several such networks, and may include any number of wired or wireless links. Generally, communication through the network (180) may be performed via any type of wired and / or wireless connection using various communication protocols (e.g., TCP / IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP), encoding or format (e.g., HTML, XML), and / or protection schemes (e.g., VPN, secure HTTP, SSL).

[0038] Now, referring to FIGS. 10 through 20, the wearable computing device (100) of the present disclosure further comprises a conductive component (130) that electrically connects biosensor electrode(s) (122, 124) to a printed circuit board (128) through an electronic display module connector (110). In particular, the conductive component (130) described herein provides a low resistance path (e.g., less than about 50 ohms, particularly less than 10 ohms).

[0039] More specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 through 17, the conductive component (130) is a double-sided conductive foam (132) or tape. In one embodiment, for example and particularly as illustrated in FIGS. 10, 11 and 14, the double-sided conductive foam (132) or tape may be interposed between the bottom surface (138) of the outer cover (112) and the top surface (140) of the electronic display (106). In such an embodiment, particularly as illustrated in FIG. 14. The signal path indicated by the arrow (123) passes through the electronic display (106) first and then through the printed circuit board (128). Thus, as illustrated in FIGS. 10, 11 and 14. In a specific embodiment, the electronic display (106) may be connected through the printed circuit board (128) by anisotropic conductive film (ACF) bonding. The ACF bonding used here generally refers to a lead-free, environmentally friendly adhesive interconnect film system or paste that can be used to create electrical and mechanical connections. Additionally, as illustrated, the conductive line(s) (142) and conductive component (130) connected to the biosensor electrode(s) (122, 124) are connected to a printed circuit board (128) to transmit a detection signal to an electronic device package (110).

[0040] In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 15 through 17, a double-sided conductive foam (132) or tape may be placed on the upper surface (121) of a printed circuit board (128). In this embodiment, as illustrated, the electronic display (106) becomes part of the printed circuit board (128) (i.e., its upper surface). Thus, particularly as illustrated in FIG. 17, the double-sided conductive foam (132) or tape is configured to be placed on the upper surface (121) of the printed circuit board (128) (e.g., on the wing-side upper surface of the electronic display (106). In this embodiment, particularly as illustrated in FIG. 17, the signal path indicated by the arrow (125) proceeds through the electronic display (106) and directly through the printed circuit board (128).

[0041] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, the conductive component (130) is a double-sided conductive tape (134) or film. In this embodiment, as illustrated, the conductive tape (134) or film may be directly attached to the biosensor electrode(s) (122, 124) to electrically connect the biosensor electrode(s) (122, 124) to a printed circuit board (128). More specifically, as illustrated, the biosensor electrode(s) (122, 124) wrap around the side edge of the outer cover (112) up to the inner volume (118) so that the first end of the conductive tape (134) or film is fixed to the end of the biosensor electrode(s) (122, 124) and the opposite end of the conductive tape (134) or film is fixed directly to the printed circuit board (128) (or to a conductive component in direct contact with the printed circuit board (128). Additionally, in this embodiment, the conductive component (130) may include a separate conductive tape or a single conductive tape having two conductive lines.

[0042] Now, referring to FIG. 21, the conductive component (130) is an ACF (anisotropic conductive film or paste) bonding (135). In this embodiment, for example, the ACF bonding (135) may be directly attached to the biosensor electrode(s) (122, 124) to electrically connect the biosensor electrode(s) (122, 124) to a printed circuit board (128). In this embodiment, the ACF bonding (135) may be used alone or in combination with a conductive tape (134) or film that provides additional support. Thus, in this embodiment, as shown in step (1), the ACF bonding (135) may be connected to the biosensor electrode(s) (122, 124) located on a hard glass surface. As shown in step (2), an electronic display (106) may be laminated on top of the ACF bonding (135). Additionally, as shown in step (3), the ACF bonding (135) can be connected to the printed circuit board (128) or any suitable location that can ultimately be electrically connected to the printed circuit board (128). Such connection can be completed, for example, using soldering, connectors, springs, fasteners, etc.

[0043] In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23, the conductive component (130) is a conductive adhesive (136) through direct contact, such as silver epoxy. In another embodiment, the conductive component (130) may be a single-sided conductive tape, a single-sided conductive foam, an anisotropic conductive film, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, any suitable connection is possible to connect these components together to define a desired low-resistance path.

[0044] In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the wearable computing device (100) may further include a contact pad (144) arranged between a double-sided conductive foam (130, 132) or tape and an upper surface (140) of an electronic display (106). For example, the contact pad (144) may be a metal thin film. Thus, as illustrated, a printed circuit board (128) is electrically coupled to the edge of the contact pad (144), for example, through conductive line(s) (142). In another embodiment, the printed circuit board (128) may be arranged adjacent to the contact pad (144) and may be electrically connected to the lower surface of the contact pad (144) so ​​that the conductive line(s) (142) can be omitted.

[0045] Now, referring to FIG. 24, a flowchart of one embodiment of a method (200) for assembling a wearable computing device is provided. In the embodiment, for example, the wearable computing device may be any suitable wearable computing device, such as the wearable computing device (100) described herein with reference to FIGS. 1 through 23. Generally, the method (200) is described herein with reference to the wearable computing device (100) of FIGS. 1 through 24. However, it should be understood that the disclosed method (200) may be implemented with any other suitable wearable computing device having any other suitable configuration. Also, although FIG. 24 illustrates steps performed in a specific order for the purposes of illustration and explanation, the method discussed herein is not limited to any specific order or arrangement. A person skilled in the art will understand that, using the disclosure provided herein, various steps of the method disclosed herein may be omitted, rearranged, combined, and / or adjusted in various ways without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0046] As shown in (202), the method (200) includes the step of providing an outer cover that defines an outermost upper surface and an outer circumference, and an outer cover whose inner surface defines an internal volume. For example, FIGS. 2 through 7 roughly illustrate an embodiment of an outer cover (112) according to the present disclosure. Referring again to FIG. 24, as shown in (204), the method (200) includes the step of positioning a first portion of at least one biosensor electrode on the outermost upper surface of the outer cover and wrapping a second portion of at least one biosensor electrode around one or more side edges of the outer cover such that the second portion is within the internal volume. For example, FIGS. 2 through 7 roughly illustrate an embodiment of a first portion of a biosensor electrode (122, 124) on the outermost upper surface (114) of the outer cover (112). Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 5, 7, 15, 16, 18 and 19, a second portion of the biosensor electrode (122, 124) wraps around one or more side edges of the outer cover (112) such that the second portion is within the internal volume (118) of the wearable computing device (100) according to the present disclosure.

[0047] Referring again to FIG. 24, as shown in (206), the method (200) includes the step of placing an electronic display and an electronic display module connector within an internal volume. As shown in (208), the method (200) includes the step of arranging a printed circuit board within an internal volume adjacent to the electronic display.

[0048] As shown in (210), the method (200) includes the step of electrically connecting biosensor electrode(s) to a printed circuit board through an electronic display module connector using at least one conductive component. In this embodiment, the conductive component(s) define a low-resistance path. For example, in an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 14, the step of electrically connecting biosensor electrode(s) (122, 124) to a printed circuit board (128) through an electronic display module connector (110) includes placing a conductive component(s) (130) between the bottom surface (138) of an outer cover (112) and the top surface (119) of an electronic display (106). In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 17, the step of electrically connecting biosensor electrode(s) (122, 124) to a printed circuit board (128) via an electronic display module connector (110) includes placing conductive component(s) (130) on the upper surface (121) of the printed circuit board (128). Additionally, in a specific embodiment, as described herein, the conductive component(s) (130) may be a double-sided conductive tape, a double-sided conductive foam, a single-sided conductive tape, a single-sided conductive foam, a conductive adhesive, an anisotropic conductive film, or a combination thereof. For example, in an embodiment where the conductive component (130) is a double-sided conductive tape or a double-sided conductive foam, the method (200) may include the step of laminating the outer cover (112), the double-sided conductive tape or double-sided conductive foam (132), and the biosensor electrode(s) (122, 124) together.

[0049] Additional launch

[0050] The technology discussed herein refers to servers, databases, software applications, and other computer-based systems, as well as the actions and information exchanged with these systems. Due to the inherent flexibility of computer-based systems, a wide variety of configurations, combinations, and divisions of tasks and functions among components may be possible. For example, the processes discussed herein may be implemented using a single device or component, or multiple devices or components operating in combination. Databases and applications may be implemented on a single system or distributed across multiple systems. Distributed components may operate serially or in parallel.

[0051] Although the subject matter has been described in detail with respect to various specific and exemplary embodiments, each example is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. A person skilled in the art, upon understanding the foregoing, can readily make changes, variations, and equivalents to these embodiments. Accordingly, the disclosure does not exclude such modifications, variations, and / or additions to the disclosure that would be obvious to a person skilled in the art. For example, a feature exemplified or described as part of one embodiment may be used in conjunction with another embodiment to create another embodiment. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to include such changes, variations, and equivalents.

Claims

Claim 1 A wearable computing device comprising: an outer cover defining an outermost upper surface and an outer periphery; an inner volume defined at least partially by the inner surface of the outer cover; an electronic display and an electronic display module connector arranged within the inner volume; at least one biosensor electrode positioned on the outermost upper surface of the outer cover and wrapping around one or more side edges of the outer cover relative to the inner volume; a printed circuit board arranged within the inner volume; and a conductive component electrically connecting the at least one biosensor electrode to the printed circuit board through the electronic display module connector, wherein the at least one biosensor electrode wraps around one or more side edges of the outer cover relative to the inner volume, the first end of the conductive component is fixed to the end of the at least one biosensor electrode, and the opposite end of the conductive component is directly fixed to the printed circuit board or one of the conductive components in direct contact with the printed circuit board. Claim 2 A wearable computing device according to claim 1, further comprising a seal arranged along the outer circumference of an outer cover, wherein an internal volume is defined by the inner surface of the outer cover and the inner edge of the seal, and at least one biosensor electrode wraps around one or more side edges of the outer cover and the inner edge of the seal relative to the internal volume. Claim 3 A wearable computing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the conductive component comprises at least one of a double-sided conductive tape, a double-sided conductive foam, a single-sided conductive tape, a single-sided conductive foam, a conductive adhesive, an anisotropic conductive film, or a combination thereof. Claim 4 A wearable computing device according to claim 3, wherein a conductive component between at least one biosensor electrode and a printed circuit board comprises a double-sided conductive tape or a double-sided conductive foam, and the double-sided conductive tape or double-sided conductive foam is interposed between the bottom surface of an outer cover and the top surface of an electronic display. Claim 5 A wearable computing device according to claim 3, further comprising a contact pad arranged between a double-sided conductive tape or a double-sided conductive foam and an upper surface of an electronic display. Claim 6 A wearable computing device according to claim 5, characterized in that the contact pad comprises a metal thin film. Claim 7 A wearable computing device according to claim 5, characterized in that a printed circuit board is electrically coupled to the edge of a contact pad. Claim 8 A wearable computing device according to claim 5, characterized in that a printed circuit board is disposed adjacent to a contact pad and electrically connected to the bottom surface of the contact pad. Claim 9 A wearable computing device according to claim 3, wherein a conductive component between at least one biosensor electrode and a printed circuit board comprises a double-sided conductive tape or a double-sided conductive foam, and the double-sided conductive tape or double-sided conductive foam is located on the upper surface of the printed circuit board. Claim 10 A wearable computing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least one biosensor electrode comprises at least a first biosensor electrode and a second biosensor electrode, and the first and second biosensor electrodes are spaced apart by a gap. Claim 11 A wearable computing device according to claim 10, characterized in that the first and second biosensor electrodes are arranged on the same side of a printed circuit board. Claim 12 A wearable computing device according to claim 10, characterized in that the first and second biosensor electrodes are arranged on both sides of a printed circuit board. Claim 13 A wearable computing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that at least one biosensor electrode comprises a physical vapor deposition (PVD) sensor pad. Claim 14 A wearable computing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the outer cover is composed of at least one of glass, polycarbonate, or acrylic. Claim 15 A wearable computing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that at least one biosensor electrode comprises at least one of an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor or a skin electrical activity (EDA) sensor. Claim 16 A method for assembling a wearable computing device comprises the steps of: providing an outer cover having an inner surface that defines an internal volume, the outer cover having an outermost upper surface and an outer periphery; positioning a first portion of at least one biosensor electrode on the outermost upper surface of the outer cover and wrapping a second portion of at least one biosensor electrode around one or more side edges of the outer cover such that the second portion is within the internal volume; placing an electronic display and an electronic display module connector within the internal volume; and arranging a printed circuit board within the internal volume adjacent to the electronic display. A method comprising the step of electrically connecting at least one biosensor electrode to a printed circuit board via an electronic display module connector using at least one conductive component, wherein when at least one biosensor electrode wraps around one or more side edges of an external cover for an internal volume, the step of electrically connecting at least one biosensor electrode to a printed circuit board via an electronic display module connector using at least one conductive component further comprises the step of fixing a first end of the conductive component to an end of at least one biosensor electrode and the step of directly fixing the opposite end of the conductive component to a printed circuit board or one of the conductive components in direct contact with said printed circuit board. Claim 17 The method of claim 16, wherein the step of electrically connecting the at least one biosensor electrode to a printed circuit board through an electronic display module connector further comprises the step of placing at least one conductive component between the bottom surface of an outer cover and the top surface of an electronic display or on the top surface of a printed circuit board, wherein the at least one conductive component comprises at least one of a double-sided conductive tape, a double-sided conductive foam, a single-sided conductive tape, a single-sided conductive foam, a conductive adhesive, an anisotropic conductive film, or a combination thereof. Claim 18 A method according to claim 17, wherein the conductive component between at least one biosensor electrode and a printed circuit board comprises a double-sided conductive tape or a double-sided conductive foam, and the method further comprises laminating an outer cover, a double-sided conductive tape or a double-sided conductive foam and at least one biosensor electrode together. Claim 19 A method according to claim 18, further comprising the step of placing a contact pad adjacent to a double-sided conductive tape or a double-sided conductive foam. Claim 20 A method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of electrically connecting a printed circuit board to the edge of a contact pad.

Images