Signal conversion for wearable computing devices

Abstract

A wearable computing device can comprise a first circuit coupled to a housing and configured to control operation of the wearable computing device based on a first plurality of half-duplex signals received via a single first conductor. The wearable computing device can comprise a second circuit configured to send a second plurality of signals to a third circuit via a plurality of second conductors. The wearable computing device can comprise a third circuit comprising a processor configured to receive the second plurality of signals from the second circuit via the plurality of second conductors. The processor can generate, based on the second plurality of signals, the first plurality of half-duplex signals. Furthermore, the processor can send the half-duplex signals to the first circuit.

Description

SIGNAL CONVERSION FOR WEARABLE COMPUTING DEVICESFIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the conversion of signals from one signal protocol to a different signal protocol that is used to control a wearable computing device. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to generating half-duplex signals that can be based on different signals from multiple wires and transmitted via a single wire.BACKGROUND

[0002] A wearable computing device can be powered by a battery that provides it with electrical power and data that the wearable computing device uses to perform a variety of operations. The usefulness of the wearable computing device can be affected by the effectiveness with which the wearable computing device uses the electrical power and data that is provided. Further, electrical power and data can be provided to a wearable computing device in different ways. Accordingly, there can be different ways in which a wearable computing device is able to receive and use electrical power and data that are used to operate the device and perform operations.SUMMARY

[0003] Aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or can be learned from the description, or can be learned through practice of the embodiments.

[0004] In one aspect, a wearable computing device is provided. The wearable computing device can comprise a housing, an energy storage device, and a first circuit coupled to the housing and configured to control operation of the wearable computing device based on a first plurality of half-duplex signals received via a single first conductor. The wearable computing device can comprise a second circuit configured to send a second plurality of signals via a plurality of second conductors. The wearable computing device can comprise a power interface configured to deliver electrical power from the energy storage device to the first circuit and the second circuit. The power interface can comprise a single first conductor for the electrical power. The wearable computing device can comprise a switching device configured to couple the energy storage device to the power interface. The wearable computing device can comprise a third circuit comprising a processor configured to receive the second plurality of signals from the second circuit via the plurality of second conductors.The processor can be configured to generate, based on the second plurality of signals, the first plurality of half-duplex signals. Furthermore, the processor can be configured to send the first plurality of half-duplex signals to the first circuit via the single first conductor.

[0005] In another aspect, a method for generating half-duplex signals to control operation of a wearable computing device can be provided. The method can comprise controlling, by a processor of the wearable computing device, a switching device configured to couple an energy storage device to a power interface to deliver electrical power from the energy storage device to a first circuit and a second circuit. The method can comprise receiving, by a processor, a second plurality of signals from a second circuit via a plurality of second conductors. The second circuit can be configured to send the second plurality of signals to the processor via a plurality of second conductors. The method can comprise generating, by a processor, based on the second plurality of signals, a first plurality of half-duplex signals. Furthermore, the method can comprise sending, by a processor, the first plurality of halfduplex signals to a first circuit via a single first conductor. The first circuit can be coupled to a housing and configured to control operation of the wearable computing device based on the first plurality of half-duplex signals received via the single first conductor.

[0006] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate example embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the related principles.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Detailed discussion of embodiments directed to one of ordinary skill in the art is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 depicts a wearable computing device worn on an extremity of a user according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the wearable computing device of FIG. 1 according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of components of a system for generating halfduplex signals to control operation of a wearable computing device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of components of a system for generating halfduplex signals to control operation of a wearable computing device according to someembodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 5 depicts a wearable computing device comprising circuits on a band according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 6A depicts a voltage signal that is measured over a period of time at voltage supply pins associated with a third conductor and a fourth conductor that are connected to a circuit.

[0014] FIG. 6B depicts a voltage signal that is measured over a period of time at voltage supply pins associated with a third conductor and a fourth conductor that are connected to a circuit.

[0015] FIG. 6C depicts a voltage signal that is measured over a period of time at voltage supply pins associated with a third conductor and a fourth conductor that are connected to a circuit.

[0016] FIG. 7 depicts a flow diagram of a method of generating half-duplex signals to control operation of a wearable computing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 8 depicts a flow diagram of a method of generating half-duplex signals to control operation of a wearable computing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 9 depicts components of a computing system for a wearable computing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the present disclosure, not limitation of the present disclosure. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0020] In general, the present disclosure is directed to the conversion of signals received from multiple wires into half-duplex signals that can be used to control a wearable computing device (e.g., a smartwatch). In particular, the disclosed technology can generate half-duplexsignals that are based on signals (e.g., I2C signals) that are received via a plurality of conductors (e.g., wires). The half-duplex signals generated by the disclosed technology can be communicated over a single conductor (e.g., a single wire). Further, in the disclosed technology signals such as I2C signals that carry data from various sensors can be sent from a second circuit that generates the data to a third circuit. The third circuit can generate halfduplex signals based on the I2C signals. The third circuit can then send the half-duplex signals over a single wire to a first circuit that is configured to receive the half-duplex signals and perform various operations to control a wearable computing device. For example, the first circuit can receive, via a single wire from a third circuit, half-duplex signals comprising heart rate signals from a heart rate sensor of a second circuit that generated I2C signals that were sent to the third circuit via a plurality of wires (e.g., wires in a wearable device).

[0021] Example aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a system for receiving signals from a plurality of wires and converting the signals into half-duplex signals that can be sent over a single wire and used to control operation of a wearable computing device. The system can include a housing (e.g., a case of a smartwatch and / or a band of the smartwatch), an energy storage device (e.g., a battery which can include a lithium-ion battery or lithium polymer battery), one or more sensors (e.g., an IMU, heart rate sensor, and / or light sensor), and a first circuit coupled to the housing and configured to control operation of the wearable computing device. The first circuit can be configured to control operation of the wearable computing device based on a first plurality of half-duplex signals received via a single first conductor. For example, the first circuit can perform operations comprising operating an operating system, operating software applications, processing data from the one or more sensors, and / or processing input received from a user. Further, the first circuit can be configured to receive the first plurality of half-duplex signals from a third circuit via a single first conductor. Further, the first plurality of half-duplex signals can comprise data that is used by the first circuit to control and / or perform operations of the wearable device. In some embodiments, output from the first circuit can be sent to a display component (e.g., an OLED display or a micro-LED display) of the wearable computing device that is configured to display the output of operations performed by the first circuit.

[0022] The wearable computing device can comprise a second circuit that is configured to send a second plurality of signals via a plurality of second conductors (e.g., multiple wires). For example, the second circuit can send a plurality of second signals that comprise data (e.g., sensor data) to the third circuit. For example, the second circuit can generate a second plurality of signals based on sensor output from an accelerometer.

[0023] Further, the wearable computing device can comprise a third circuit that can comprise a processor that is configured to receive the second plurality of signals from the second circuit via the plurality of second conductors. The processor can be configured to generate a first plurality of half-duplex signals. The processor can be configured to generate the first plurality of half-duplex signals based on the second plurality of signals. For example, the processor can generate a first plurality of half-duplex signals based on the conversion of the second plurality of I2C signals received via the plurality of second conductors. Further, the processor can be configured to send the first plurality of half-duplex signals to the first circuit via a single first conductor. For example, the processor can send the first plurality of half-duplex signals to the first circuit, which can then perform operations such as using sensor data in the first plurality of half-duplex signals to output the states (e.g., heart rates) indicated in the sensor data. In some embodiments, the first circuit can be configured to generate the second plurality of signals based on the first plurality of halfduplex signals. For example, the first circuit can be configured to perform operations to convert the first plurality of half-duplex signals into I2C signals.

[0024] In some embodiments, the wearable computing device can comprise a power interface configured to deliver electrical power from the energy storage device to the first circuit and the second circuit. The power interface can comprise a single first conductor (e.g., a single wire) for the electrical power. Further, the wearable computing device can comprise a switching device configured to couple the energy storage device to the power interface.

[0025] In some embodiments, the second plurality of signals can comprise one or more serial data signals and / or one or more clock signals. For example, the second plurality of signals can comprise data signals comprising sensor data that can be used by the first circuit. Further, the second plurality of signals can comprise clock signals that be used to determine the timing of transmitting and / or receiving the second plurality of signals.

[0026] In some embodiments, the third circuit and / or the processor can be configured to receive the second plurality of signals via the first conductor of the power interface. For example, the power interface may comprise a conductor that is a wire configured to receive electrical power and which can also be configured to transmit the second plurality of signals. Further, the power interface can comprise the single first conductor and can be configured to use the single first conductor for the electrical power.

[0027] In some embodiments, the second plurality of signals can comprise two wire serial communication protocol (I2C or I2C) signals or serial wire debug (SWD) communicationprotocol signals. Further, the third circuit and / or the processor can be configured to generate the first plurality of half-duplex signals based on processing the I2C signals and / or SWD signals.

[0028] In some embodiments, the third circuit and / or the processor can be configured to generate the first plurality of half-duplex signals based on determining the second plurality of signals that are associated with serial data.

[0029] The third circuit and / or the processor can be configured to determine the second plurality of signals that are associated with clock data. Further, the processor can be configured to determine a start condition and a stop condition for the first plurality of halfduplex signals based on the second plurality of signals that are associated with the serial data and the second plurality of signals that are associated with the clock data.

[0030] In some embodiments, the third circuit and / or the processor can be configured to determine a timing associated with sending the first plurality of half-duplex signals based on the second plurality of signals that are associated with the clock data. For example, the third circuit can be configured to determine the start condition and stop condition messages that are indicated in the second plurality of signals.

[0031] In some embodiments, the second plurality of signals can be synchronous. For example, the second plurality of signals can comprise signals that are continuously synchronized based on a clock signal that regulates transmission and / or reception of the second plurality of signals.

[0032] In some embodiments, the wearable computing device can comprise one or more sensors. Further, the second circuit can be configured to generate the second plurality of signals based on sensor output from the one or more sensors. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors can comprise a heart rate sensor, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a pressure sensor, a magnetometer, and / or a thermal sensor. Further, the one or more sensors can be configured to generate the second plurality of signals, which can comprise data based on output from the one or more sensors (e.g., sensor data). For example, the one or more sensors can be part of a second circuit and can generate I2C signals that are sent to a processor (e.g., a processor of a third circuit) that is configured to receive the I2C signals and generate a first plurality of half-duplex signals that can be sent to a first circuit via a single wire.

[0033] In some embodiments, the third circuit and / or the processor can be configured to control operation of the switching device to couple the energy storage device to the power interface to deliver the electrical power to the circuit.

[0034] In some embodiments, the third circuit and / or the processor can be configured to receive the second plurality of signals from the second circuit via the power interface. For example, the processor can be coupled to the power interface which can be coupled to the second circuit. The power interface can be used to transmit the second plurality of signals received from the second circuit to the processor.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first circuit and / or the second circuit can be included in a band that can be coupled to the housing. For example, the second circuit can be included in the band and can be coupled to one or more sensors (e.g., heart rate sensors) that are coupled to the band. The second circuit can receive a second plurality of signals from the one or more sensors and send the second plurality of signals to the processor which can generate halfduplex signals based on the second plurality of signals received from the second circuit.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first conductor can be coupled to the housing via a first contact. For example, the first conductor can be coupled to the housing via a pogo pin connector. In some embodiments, the power interface can comprise a second conductor for electrical ground. Further, the second conductor can be coupled to the housing via a second contact.

[0037] The disclosed technology can provide numerous technical effects and benefits. For example, a wearable computing device according to the present disclosure can convert a plurality of signals (e.g., I2C signals) communicated via two physical signal lines (e.g., two conductors or two wires) into half-duplex signals that can be communicated via a single physical line (e.g., a single conductor or single wire). This reduction in the number of physical lines that are used allows for greater flexibility in designing interfaces for wearable devices. Further, the disclosed technology allows existing sensors that use signals that are sent via multiple conductors to be implemented on the bands of wearable devices that can be configured to use a single physical wire to connect a circuit on a band (e.g., a circuit that comprises sensors that generate sensor data) to a different circuit (e.g., a circuit that receives is configured to use the sensor data).

[0038] Referring now to the FIGS. 1-9, FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a wearable computing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the wearable computing device 100 can be worn, for example, on an arm 102 (e.g., wrist) of a user. The wearable computing device 100 can include a housing 110 defining a cavity in which one or more electronic components (e.g., disposed on printed circuit boards) are disposed. For example, the wearable computing device 100 can include a printed circuit board 120 (e.g., flexible printed circuit board) disposed within the cavity. Furthermore, one or moreelectronic components can be included on the printed circuit board 120. The wearable computing device 100 can further include a battery (not shown) that is disposed within the cavity defined by the housing 110.

[0039] In some embodiments, the wearable computing device 100 includes a display 130. The display 130 can display content (e.g., date, time, step count, and / or heart rate) that can be viewed by a user. Further, the display 130 can include any suitable type of display. For example, in some embodiments, the display 130 can comprise an in-plane switching (IPS) display, micro-LED display, or organic light emitting diode (OLED) display. The display 130 can be positioned underneath a display cover that can protect the display 130 from being damaged (e.g., damage from physical impacts and / or moisture). Further, the display cover can be transparent, which can allow content generated on the display 130 to be viewed through the display cover.

[0040] As shown, the wearable computing device 100 can be secured to the arm 102 (e.g., wrist) of a user via a band 140. The band 140 can include a first portion 142 and a second portion 144 that is separate from the first portion 142. The first portion 142 of the band 140 can be removably coupled to the housing 110 at a first location thereon.Conversely, the second portion 144 of the band 140 can be removably coupled to the housing 110 at a second location thereon that is different than the first location. For example, the first location and the second location can be on opposing sides of the housing 110.

[0041] The first portion 142 of the band 140 can be coupled to the second portion 144 of the band 140 to fasten the wearable computing device 100 to the arm 102 of the user. In some embodiments, the first portion 142 of the band 140 can include a buckle or clasp (not shown). Additionally, the second portion 144 of the band 140 can include a plurality of apertures (not shown) spaced apart from one another along a length of the second portion 144 of the band 140. In such embodiments, a prong of the buckle associated with the first portion 142 of the band 140 can extend through one of the plurality of openings defined by the second portion 144 of the band 140 to couple the first portion 142 of the band 140 to the second portion 144 of the band 140.

[0042] The first portion 142 of the band 140 can be coupled to the second portion 144 of the band 140 using any suitable type of fastener. For example, in some embodiments, the first portion 142 of the band 140 and the second portion 144 of the band 140 can include a magnet. In such embodiments, the first portion 142 of the band 140 and the second portion 144 of the band 140 can be magnetically coupled to one another to fasten the wearable computing device 100 to the arm 102 of the user. The band 140 can be configured to becoupled to one or more sensors (e.g., heart rate sensors and / or an IMU). For example, the one or more sensors can comprise one or more heart rate sensors that can be attached to the interior (e.g., the side of the band 140 that faces the arm 102 of the wearer of the wearable computing device 100) of the band 140 in order to detect the heart rate of the wearer of the wearable computing device 100. Further, the band 140 can be configured to be coupled to the first circuit 210 and / or the second circuit 220. Coupling the energy storage device 150, the first circuit 210, and / or the second circuit 220 can allow for heat generated by the energy storage device 150, the first circuit 210, and / or the second circuit 220 to be distributed over a greater area, which can improve thermal performance of the wearable computing device 100.

[0043] FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of components of a system for generating halfduplex signals to control operation of a wearable computing device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In FIG. 3, a system 300 for generating half-duplex signals based on signals from a plurality of conductors is provided. As shown, the system 300 can be distributed across both the wearable computing device 100 and the band 140. More particularly, the system 300 can include a first circuit 210 that can be onboard (e.g., attached to and / or a part of) the wearable computing device 100, a second circuit 220, and / or a third circuit 221 that can be onboard (e.g., attached to and / or a part of) the band 140. In some embodiments, the second circuit 220 and / or the third circuit can be included on the first portion 142 (FIG. 2) of the band 140 or the second portion 144 (FIG. 2) of the band 140. In alternative embodiments, the second circuit 220 and / or the third circuit can be included on both the first portion 142 of the band 140 and the second portion 144 of the band 140. For example, in some embodiments, a first instance of the second circuit 220 can be included on the first portion 142 of the band 140 and a second instance of the second circuit 220 can be included on the second portion 144 of the band 140.

[0044] The system 300 can include a power interface 230 configured to deliver electrical power from an energy storage device 150 (e.g., a battery or capacitor) on the wearable computing device 100 to the third circuit 221 and / or the second circuit 220 which are included on the band 140. In some embodiments, the power interface 230 can include a first conductor 232 (e.g., a single wire) for delivering power from the energy storage device 150 (FIG. 3) of the wearable computing device 100 to the third circuit 221 and / or the second circuit 220 which are included on the band 140. The power interface 230 can further include a second conductor 234 that is electrically grounded. The power interface 230 can be implemented on both the wearable computing device 100 and the band 140 as electrical contacts. For instance, the first conductor 232 of the power interface 230 can beimplemented as a first electrical contact on the wearable computing device 100 and the band 140. Additionally, the second conductor 234 can be implemented as a second electrical contact on the wearable computing device 100 and the band 140. The electrical contacts on the band 140 can contact the respective contacts on the wearable computing device 100 when the band 140 is removably coupled to the housing 110 (FIG. 2) of the wearable computing device 100.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first circuit 210 can include a processor 212 and a switching device 214. The switching device 214 can be electrically coupled between the energy storage device 150 and the power interface 230. Furthermore, the processor 212 can be communicatively coupled to the switching device 214. In this manner, the processor 212 can communicate one or more control signals associated with controlling operation of the switching device 214. For instance, the processor 212 can control operation of the switching device 214 to couple the energy storage device 150 to power interface 230 so that electrical power can be transferred from the energy storage device 150 to the third circuit 221 and / or the second circuit 220 which are included on the band 140. Further, the processor 212 can control operation of the switching device 214 to decouple the energy storage device 150 from the power interface 230 so that electrical power cannot be transferred from the energy storage device 150 to the third circuit 221 and / or the second circuit 220 which are included on the band 140.

[0046] In some embodiments, the processor 212 can control operation of the switching device 214 based, at least in part, on data obtained from one or more sensors of the wearable computing device 100. For instance, in some embodiments, the processor 212 can control operation of the switching device 214 to couple the energy storage device 150 to the power interface 230 in response to determining the wearable computing device 100 is being worn by the user. In this manner, electrical power can be transferred from the energy storage device 150 to the third circuit 221 and / or the second circuit 220 included on the band 140 when the wearable computing device 100 is being worn by the user.

[0047] In some embodiments, the processor 212 can control operation of the switching device 214 to couple the energy storage device 150 to the power interface in response to determining the wearable computing device 100 is not being worn by the user. In this manner, electrical power can be transferred from the energy storage device 150 to the third circuit 221 and / or the second circuit 220 included on the band 140 when the wearable computing device 100 is not being worn by the user.

[0048] Any suitable sensor that is configured to obtain data indicative of whether the useris wearing the wearable computing device 100 is within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more sensors can include a motion sensor (e.g., IMU), a heart rate sensor, and / or a pressure sensor. In alternative embodiments, the one or more sensors can include a heart rate sensor. Further, the second circuit 220 can be configured to comprise the one or more sensors that can generate a second plurality' of signals comprising data signals (e.g., sensor data) and / or clock signals. In some embodiments, the second circuit 220 can be coupled to one or more sensors that are included in the band 140. In such embodiments, the second circuit 220 can be attached to the band 140, which can be attached to the housing 110.

[0049] The second circuit 220 can be configured to communicate a second plurality of signals to the third circuit 221. The second plurality’ of signals can comprise data signals and / or clock signals that are communicated to the third circuit 221 via the third conductor 236 and / or the fourth conductor 238. The second circuit 220 can transmit the second plurality7of signals comprising data signals (e.g., sensor data) and / or clock signals (e.g., clock data) from the one or more sensors to the third circuit 221 that can be coupled to the first circuit 210 which is coupled to the wearable computing device 100, thereby providing sensing capabilities to the first circuit 210. In alternative embodiments, the third circuit 221 can communicate the first plurality of half-duplex signals to the third circuit 221 via a wireless netw ork. The second circuit 220 can be configured to implement any suitable modulation scheme. In some embodiments, the serial data and / or the clock data can be sent separately and / or via different conductors. For example, the serial data can be sent via the third conductor 236 and the clock data can be sent separately from the serial data via the fourth conductor 238.

[0050] In some embodiments, the third circuit 221 can include a processor 222 that is configured to generate a first plurality of half-duplex signals based on the second plurality of signals received from the second circuit 220. For example, the processor can receive a second plurality of signals that are sent from the second circuit 220 to the third circuit 221 via the third conductor 236 (e.g., a wire) and the fourth conductor 238 (e.g., a yvire). The second plurality of signals sent from the second circuit 220 via the third conductor 236 and the fourth conductor 238 can comprise data clock signals and / or data signals from the second circuit 220 (e.g., data from one or more sensors of the second circuit 220). Further, the processor 222 can decode the second plurality of signals to obtain the clock signals and data signals included in the second plurality of signals. The processor 222 of the third circuit 221 can then generate a first plurality of half-duplex signals based on the second plurality of signalsand communicate the first plurality' of half-duplex signals to the first circuit 210 via a single conductor. For example, the first plurality- of half-duplex signals can be sent to from the third circuit 221 to the first circuit 210 via the first conductor 232.

[0051] In some embodiments, the third circuit 221 can include a switching device 215. The switching device 215 can be electrically coupled between the second circuit 220, the processor 222, and the power interface 230. Furthermore, the processor 222 can be communicatively coupled to the switching device 215. In this manner, the processor 222 can communicate one or more control signals associated with controlling operation of the switching device 215. For instance, the processor 222 can control operation of the switching device 215 to couple the second circuit 220 and / or the third circuit 221 to power interface 230 so that electrical power can be transferred from the energy storage device 150 to the second circuit 220 and / or the third circuit 221 which are included on the band 140. Further, the processor 222 can control operation of the switching device 215 to decouple the energy storage device 150 from the power interface 230 so that electrical power is not transferred from the energy storage device 150 to the third circuit 221 and / or the second circuit 220 which are included on the band 140.

[0052] In some embodiments, the processor 222 can control operation of the switching device 215 based, at least in part, on data obtained from one or more sensors of the wearable computing device 100. For instance, in some embodiments, the processor 222 can control operation of the switching device 215 to couple the energy storage device 150 to the power interface 230 in response to determining the wearable computing device 100 is being worn by the user. In this manner, electrical power can be transferred from the energy storage device 150 to the third circuit 221 included on the band 140 when the wearable computing device 100 is being worn by the user.

[0053] FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of components of a system for generating halfduplex signals to control operation of a wearable computing device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 4, a third circuit 221 for generating half-duplex signals based on a second plurality of signals is provided. The third circuit 221 can include a primary host 240, a primary agent 241, a secondary agent 251, and a secondaryhost 250. As described with respect to FIG. 3, the third circuit 221 can be configured to receive a second plurality7of signals and / or generate a first plurality of half-duplex signals based on the second plurality of signals. The primary host 240 can receive the second plurality of signals from the second circuit 220 (not shown) via the third conductor 236 and / or the fourth conductor 238. For example, the primary host 240 can receive a secondplurality of signals comprising clock signals via the third conductor 236 and / or a second plurality of signals comprising serial data signals via the fourth conductor 238. The primary host 240 can process the second plurality of signals and detect interrupt signals, clock signals (e.g., SCL signals), and / or serial data signals (e.g., SDA signals) that can be included in the second plurality of signals.

[0054] The primary host 240 can send the interrupt signals to the interrupt handler 242. Further, the primary host 240 can send the clock signals to the pattern generator 244 and the data signals to the acknowledgment handler 246. The interrupt handler 242 can send the interrupt signals to the one- wire gate control 248. The pattern generator 244 can send the clock signals to the one-wire gate control 248. Further, the acknowledgement handler 246 can send the serial data signals to the one-wire gate control 248. The one-wire gate control 248 can transmit the signals to the one-wire gate control 258 of the secondary agent 251.

[0055] The one-wire gate control 258 can send interrupt signals to the interrupt handler 252. The one-wire gate control 258 can send clock signals to the clock and data regenerator 254. Further, the one-wire gate control 258 can send the serial data signals to the acknowledgment responder 256. which can be configured to count the bits of the serial data. The interrupt handler 252 can send interrupt signals to the secondary host 250. The clock and data regenerator 254 can send clock signals to the secondary7host 250. Further, the acknowledgment responder 256 can send serial data signals to the secondary host 250. The secondary host 250 can be configured to generate half-duplex signals based on the signals received from the interrupt handler 252, the clock and data regenerator 254, and the acknowledgment responder 256. The secondary' host 250 can be configured to send the first plurality of half-duplex signals to the first circuit 210 via the single first conductor 232.

[0056] FIG. 5 depicts a wearable computing device comprising circuits on a band according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 5, an embodiment of the second circuit 220 and / or the third circuit 221 on the band 140 is provided according to the present disclosure. As shown, the second circuit 220 and / or the third circuit 221 can be included on the first portion 142 of the band 140 and the second portion 144 of the band 140. In some embodiments, the second circuit 220 and / or the third circuit 221 can include a resistor. For instance, in some embodiments, the second circuit 220 on the first portion 142 of the band 140 can include a resistor.

[0057] The functionality of the band 140 depicted in FIG. 5 is not intended to be limited to having a plurality of circuits (e.g.. the first circuit 210, the second circuit 220, and / or the third circuit 221) that can store and / or communicate a plurality of signals. For example, thesecond circuit 220 can send a second plurality of signals to the third circuit 221 via the third conductor 236 and the fourth conductor 238. Further, the third circuit 221 can generate a first plurality of half-duplex signals based on the second plurality of signals received from the second circuit 220.

[0058] In some embodiments, the band 140 can include an output device. For instance, in some embodiments, the output device can include an LED indicator. In such embodiments, the LED indicator can be activated (e.g., turned on) when the band 140 is attached to the wearable computing device 100 and receiving electrical power from the energy storage device 150 (FIG. 2) of the wearable computing device 100. In this manner, the LED indicator can provide a visual notification to the user that the band 140 is attached to the wearable computing device 100 and is receiving electrical power from the energy’ storage device 150 of the wearable computing device 100.

[0059] Referring now to FIGS. 6A-C, three separate voltage signals are provided as a function of time according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6A depicts a voltage signal that is measured over a period of time at voltage supply pins associated with a third conductor and a fourth conductor that are connected to a circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 6A depicts a voltage signal 600 measured at voltage supply pins associated with the third conductor 236 and the fourth conductor 238 that are connected to the third circuit 221 (FIG. 3) over a period of time. The voltage signal 600 can comprise a synchronous signal (e.g.. an I2C signal) that comprises serial data signals (e.g., SDA signals) and clock signals (e.g., SCL signals). Changes in the voltage signal 600 can be used to indicate a start condition 602 and a stop condition 604 associated with the synchronous signal of the voltage signal 600.

[0060] FIG. 6B depicts a voltage signal that is measured over a period of time at voltage supply pins associated with a third conductor and a fourth conductor that are connected to a circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 6B depicts a binary7signal 610 that can be measured at voltage supply pins associated with the third conductor 236 and the fourth conductor 238 that are connected to the third circuit 221 (FIG. 3) over the same period of time as the time period of the voltage signal 600. The portion of the binary signal 610 denoted by region 612 can indicate a plurality of signals (e.g., synchronous data signals) from the second circuit 220 (FIG. 3) that can be used to generate a first plurality of half-duplex signals for the first circuit 210 (FIG. 2).

[0061] FIG. 6C depicts a voltage signal that is measured over a period of time at voltage supply pins associated with a third conductor and a fourth conductor that are connected to acircuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular. FIG. 6C depicts a binary signal 620 measured at voltage supply pins associated with the third conductor 236 and the fourth conductor 238 that are connected to the third circuit 221 (FIG. 3) over the same period of time as the time period of the voltage signal 600. The binary signal 620 can comprise serial data signals and clock signals that can be associated with a second plurality of signals. The portion of the binary signal 620 that is denoted by the region 621 can indicate a start condition that is associated with the start of a message. The portion of the binary signal 620 that is denoted by the region 622 indicates a seven-bit address. The portion of the binary signal 620 that is denoted by the region 623 indicates a read / writer bit. The portion of the binary signal 620 that is denoted by the region 624 indicates an acknowledgment bit. The portion of the binary signal 620 that is denoted by the region 625 indicates a byte of data (eight bits). The portion of the binary signal 620 that is denoted by the region 626 indicates an acknowledgment bit. The portion of the binary signal 620 that is denoted by the region 728 indicates a stop condition that can be associated with the end of a message.

[0062] FIG. 7 depicts a flow chart diagram of an example method of generating halfduplex signals to control operation of a wearable computing device according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more portions of the method 700 can be executed and / or implemented on one or more devices or systems comprising, for example, the system 300, the system 400, and / or the system 500 which are described with respect to FIGS. 3, 4. and 5 respectively. FIG. 7 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion. Those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that various steps of any of the methods disclosed herein can be adapted, modified, rearranged, omitted, and / or expanded without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0063] At 702, the method 700 can comprise controlling a switching device that is configured to couple an energy storage device to a power interface that can deliver electrical power from the energy storage device to a first circuit, a second circuit, and / or a third circuit. The first circuit can be coupled to a housing and configured to control operation of the wearable computing device. The second circuit can be configured to send a second plurality of signals to the third circuit via a plurality of second conductors (e g., two or more wires). For example, the second circuit 220 can generate a second plurality of signals that are sent to the processor 222 of the third circuit via the third conductor 236 and the fourth conductor 238.

[0064] At 704, the method 700 can comprise receiving a second plurality of signals fromthe second circuit. The second plurality of signals can be received by the third circuit via a plurality of second conductors (e.g., two or more wires). The plurality of second conductors can be separate and / or exclusive from the single first conductor. For example, the processor 222 of the third circuit 221 can receive the second plurality of signals sent from the second circuit 220 via the plurality of second conductors comprising the third conductor 236 and the fourth conductor 238.

[0065] At 706. the method 700 can comprise generating a first plurality of half-duplex signals based on the second plurality of signals. For example, the processor 222 of the third circuit 221 can generate a first plurality of half-duplex signals based on the second plurality of signals received from the second circuit 220. Further, the processor 222 can be configured to determine one or more portions of the second plurality of signals that comprise serial data and the one or more portions of the second plurality of signals that comprise clock data. The processor 222 can use the serial data and clock data to generate the first plurality of halfduplex signals.

[0066] At 708, the method 700 can comprise sending the first plurality of half-duplex signals to the first circuit via the single first conductor. For example, the processor 222 of the third circuit 221 can send the first plurality of half-duplex signals to the first circuit 210 and / or the processor 212 via the first conductor 232.

[0067] At 710, the method 700, the first circuit can receive the first plurality of halfduplex signals. Based on the data (e.g., data comprising instructions to perform operations of the wearable computing device) indicated in the first plurality' of half-duplex signals, the first circuit can control operation of the wearable device. The first circuit 210 can be configured to perform one or more operations of the wearable computing device 100 based on the first plurality of half-duplex signals. For example, the first plurality of half-duplex signals can comprise sensor data that is used by an application that is executed by a processor of the first circuit 210.

[0068] FIG. 8 depicts a flow chart diagram of an example method of generating halfduplex signals to control operation of a wearable computing device according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more portions of the method 800 can be executed and / or implemented on one or more devices or systems comprising, for example, the system 300, the system 400, and / or the system 500 which are described with respect to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 respectively. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the method 800 can be performed as part of the method 700 that is described with respect to FIG. 7. FIG. 8 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion.Those of ordinary' skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that various steps of any of the methods disclosed herein can be adapted, modified, rearranged, omitted, and / or expanded without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0069] At 802, the method 800 can comprise determining the second plurality of signals that are associated with serial data. The second plurality7of signals can comprise serial data (SDA) signals that are associated with serial data. For example, the serial data can comprise data from one or more sensors of the second circuit 220. For example, the third conductor 236 can be used as the conductor for the transmission of serial data. As such, the second plurality7of signals that is transmitted and / or received via the third conductor 236 can be determined to be serial data.

[0070] At 804. the method 800 can comprise determining the second plurality of signals that are associated with clock data. For example, the fourth conductor 238 can be designated to be the conductor that is used for the transmission of clock data. As such, the second plurality7of signals that is transmitted and / or received via the fourth conductor 238 can be determined to be clock data. Further, the second plurality of signals can comprise serial clock data (SCL) signals that are associated with serial data. The serial clock data can. for example, comprise clock data that is used to determine the timing of data transmission and / or reception of the second plurality' of signals from the second circuit 220.

[0071] At 806, the method 800 can comprise determining a start condition and a stop condition for the first plurality of half-duplex signals based on the second plurality of signals that are associated with the serial data and the second plurality of signals that are associated with the clock data. For example, the second plurality7of signals associated with clock data can comprise start bits associated with a start condition and stop bits associated with a stop condition. The start condition and the stop condition can be used to determine a timing that is used in the transmission of the first plurality of half-duplex signals. For example, the start condition and stop condition can be used to determine the beginning and the end of a message that comprises sensor data that is sent to the first circuit.

[0072] FIG. 9 depicts components of a computing system for a wearable computing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring now to FIG. 9, components of an example computing system 900 of the wearable computing device 100. In particular, the computing system 900 may also include at least one controller 902. Moreover, in an embodiment, the controller(s) 902 can be a central processing unit (CPU) or graphics processing unit (GPU) for executing instructions that can be stored in a memory device 904. such as flash memory or DRAM, among other such options. For example, in an embodiment,the memory device 904 may include RAM, ROM, FLASH memory', or other non-transitory digital data storage, and may include a control program comprising sequences of instructions which, when loaded from the memory device 904 and executed using the controller(s) 902, cause the controller(s) 902 to perform the functions that are described herein.

[0073] The computing system 900 can include many types of memory7, data storage, or computer-readable media, such as data storage for program instructions for execution by the controller or any suitable processor. The same or separate storage can be used for images or data, a removable memory can be available for sharing information with other devices, and any number of communication approaches can be available for sharing with other devices. In addition, as shown, the computing system 900 includes the display 906, which may be a touch screen, organic light emitting diode (OLED), or liquid crystal display (LCD), although devices might convey information via other means, such as through audio speakers, projectors, or casting the display or streaming data to another device, such as a mobile phone, wherein an application on the mobile phone displays the data.

[0074] The computing system 900 also includes the energy storage device 150, which is operable to be recharged through conventional plug-in approaches. In some embodiments, the computing system 900 can also include at least one additional I / O device 910 able to receive conventional input from a user. This conventional input can include, for example, a push button, touch pad, touch screen, wheel, joystick, keyboard, mouse, keypad, or any other such device or element whereby a user can input a command to the computing system 900. In some embodiments, the I / O device(s) 910 can be connected by a wireless infrared, Bluetooth, or other link as well in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the computing system 900 can include a microphone and / or other audio capture element that accepts voice or other audio commands. In some embodiments, the I / O device(s) 910 can include one or more electrodes, optical sensors, barometric sensors (e.g., an altimeter), and the like.

[0075] The computing system 900 can include one or more wireless networking components 912 operable to communicate w ith one or more electronic devices within a communication range of a particular wireless channel. The wireless channel can be any appropriate channel used to enable devices to communicate wirelessly, such as Bluetooth, cellular, NFC, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), or Wi-Fi channels. Further, the computing system 900 can have one or more conventional wired communications connections as known in the art.

[0076] The computing system 900 can include a driver 914 and at least some combination of the one or more emitters 916 and one or more detectors 918 for measuringdata for one or more metrics of a human body, such as for a person wearing the wearable computing device 100. In some embodiments, for example, this may involve at least one imaging element, such as one or more cameras that are able to capture images of the surrounding environment and that are able to image a user, people, or objects in the vicinity of the device. The image capture element can include any appropriate technology, such as a CCD image capture element having a sufficient resolution, focal range, and viewable area to capture an image of the user when the user is operating the device. Further image capture elements may also include depth sensors. Methods for capturing images using a camera element with a computing device are well known in the art and will not be discussed herein in detail. Image capture can be performed using a single image, multiple images, periodic imaging, continuous image capturing, and / or image streaming. Further, the computing system 900 can include the ability to start and / or stop image capture, such as when receiving a command from a user, application, or other device.

[0077] The one or more emitters 916 and the detectors 918 may also be capable of being used, in one example, for obtaining optical photoplethy smogram (PPG) measurements. Some PPG technologies rely on detecting light at a single spatial location, or adding signals taken from two or more spatial locations. These approaches can result in a single spatial measurement from which the heart rate (HR) estimate (or other physiological metrics) can be determined. In some embodiments, a PPG device employs a single light source coupled to a single detector (i.e., a single light path). Alternatively, a PPG device may employ multiple light sources coupled to a single detector or multiple detectors (i.e., two or more light paths). In other embodiments, a PPG device employs multiple detectors coupled to a single light source or multiple light sources (i.e., two or more light paths). In some cases, the light source(s) may be configured to emit one or more of green, red, or infrared (IR) light, as well as any other suitable wavelengths in the spectrum (such as long IR for metabolic monitoring). For example, a PPG device may employ a single light source and two or more light detectors each configured to detect a specific w avelength or wavelength range. In some cases, each detector is configured to detect a different wavelength or wavelength range from one another. In other cases, two or more detectors are configured to detect the same wavelength or wavelength range. In yet another case, one or more detectors configured to detect a specific wavelength or wavelength range different from one or more other detectors). In embodiments employing multiple light paths, the PPG device may determine an average of the signals resulting from the multiple light paths before determining an HR estimate or other physiological metrics.

[0078] Moreover, in an embodiment, the one or more emitters 916 and detectors 918 may be coupled to the controller 902 directly or indirectly using driver circuitry by which the controller 902 may drive the one or more emitters 916 and obtain signals from the detectors 918. The host computer 922 can communicate with the wireless networking components 912 via the one or more networks 920, which may include one or more local area networks, wide area networks, UWB, and / or internetworks using any of terrestrial or satellite links. In some embodiments, the host computer 922 executes control programs and / or application.

[0079] While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to various specific example embodiments thereof, each example is provided by way of explanation, not limitation of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, can readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and / or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover such alterations, variations, and equivalents.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A wearable computing device comprising: a housing; an energy storage device; a first circuit coupled to the housing and configured to control operation of the wearable computing device based on a first plurality of half-duplex signals received via a single first conductor; a second circuit configured to send a second plurality of signals via a plurality of second conductors; a power interface configured to deliver electrical power from the energy storage device to the first circuit and the second circuit; a switching device configured to couple the energy storage device to the power interface: and a third circuit comprising a processor configured to: receive the second plurality’ of signals from the second circuit via the plurality of second conductors; generate, based on the second plurality of signals, the first plurality of halfduplex signals; and send the first plurality of half-duplex signals to the first circuit via the single first conductor.

2. The wearable computing device of claim 1, wherein the second plurality of signals comprise one or more serial data signals and one or more clock signals.

3. The wearable computing device of claim 1, wherein the power interface comprises the single first conductor and is configured to use the single first conductor for the electrical power.

4. The wearable computing device of claim 1, wherein the second plurality of signals comprise two wire serial communication protocol (I2C) signals or serial wire debug (SWD) communication protocol signals.

5. The wearable computing device of claim 1, wherein the first circuit is configured to generate the second plurality- of signals based on the first plurality of halfduplex signals.

6. The wearable computing device of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to generate the first plurality of half-duplex signals based on: determining the second plurality of signals that are associated with serial data; determining the second plurality of signals that are associated with clock data; and determining a start condition and a stop condition for the first plurality7of half-duplex signals based on the second plurality of signals that are associated with the serial data and the second plurality of signals that are associated with the clock data.

7. The wearable computing device of claim 6, wherein the processor is configured to determine a timing associated with sending the first plurality of half-duplex signals based on the second plurality of signals that are associated with the clock data.

8. The wearable computing device of claim 1, wherein the second plurality of signals are synchronous.

9. The wearable computing device of claim 1, further comprising: one or more sensors, wherein the second circuit is configured to generate the second plurality7of signals based on sensor output from the one or more sensors.

10. The wearable computing device of claim 9, wherein the one or more sensors comprise a heart rate sensor, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a pressure sensor, a magnetometer, or a thermal sensor.

11. The wearable computing device of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to receive the second plurality of signals from the second circuit via the power interface.

12. The wearable computing device of claim 1, wherein the second circuit or the third circuit are included in a band that is coupled to the housing.

13. The wearable computing device of claim 1, wherein the single first conductor is coupled to the housing via a first contact.

14. The wearable computing device of claim 1, wherein the power interface comprises a second conductor for electrical ground, and wherein the second conductor is coupled to the housing via a second contact.

15. A method for generating half-duplex signals to control operation of a wearable computing device, the method comprising: receiving, by a processor, a second plurality of signals from a second circuit via a plurality of second conductors, wherein the second circuit is configured to send the second plurality of signals to the processor via the plurality of second conductors; generating, by the processor, based on the second plurality of signals, a first plurality7of half-duplex signals; and sending, by the processor, the first plurality of half-duplex signals to a first circuit via a single first conductor, wherein the first circuit is coupled to a housing and configured to control operation of the wearable computing device based on the first plurality7of half-duplex signals received via the single first conductor.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the generating, by the processor, the first plurality of half-duplex signals based on the second plurality of signals comprises: determining, by the processor, the second plurality7of signals that are associated with serial data; determining, by the processor, the second plurality7of signals that are associated with clock data; and determining, by the processor, a start condition, and a stop condition for the first plurality7of half-duplex signals based on the second plurality7of signals that are associated with the serial data and the second plurality of signals that are associated with the clock data.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the sending, by the processor, the first plurality7of half-duplex signals to the first circuit comprises: determining, by the processor, a timing of sending the first plurality of half-duplex signals based on the second plurality of signals that are associated with clock data.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the second plurality of signals comprise two wire serial communication protocol (I2C) signals.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the second plurality of signals are synchronous.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the wearable computing device comprises one or more sensors, wherein the second circuit is configured to generate the second plurality of signals based on sensor output from the one or more sensors, and wherein the one or more sensors comprise a heart rate sensor, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a pressure sensor, a magnetometer, or a thermal sensor.

Images