A wearable device and a method for providing electrical energy in the wearable device

Abstract

A wearable device, such as a pendant, a locket, a wristwatch, or a pocket watch captures and plays an audio recording, by using mechanical energy from the user converted to electrical energy to power the electronics of the system. The mechanical energy may be provided by the user rotating a crown (11) or bow (12), wherein the mechanical energy is led to a generator module (20). The power source of the wearable device has two distinct voltage regulators for two distinct purposes. A linear regulator (47) provides the electrical energy to capture the audio recording. In addition, the wearable device comprises a switching regulator (48) that provides the electrical energy from the electrical energy storage (31) to play the audio recording. The switching regulator (48) provides a high-efficiency power conversion for high power applications associated with playing the audio recording.

Description

[0001] A WEARABLE DEVICE AND A METHOD FOR PROVIDING ELECTRICAL

[0002] ENERGY IN THE WEARABLE DEVICE

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] This disclosure relates to arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, and playback of audio recordings. One example of a wearable device having audio playback feature is a locket, watch or similar device that is able to capture and play an electronic audio file and store it for several years, decades or even hundreds of years. In this context one example of the device is referred as a soundlocket.

[0005] The soundlocket is made with the high-quality standards related to jewellery, having precious metals. The soundlocket may be constructed from precious metals, such as gold, silver, or platinum, providing an aesthetically pleasing exterior with enhanced durability and a high-quality finish. The casing provides protection to the components, where some or all of the mechanical components may be visible to the user. The casing of the device is engineered to meet high standards of artisanry and material integrity, suitable for everyday wear and use in a variety of environmental conditions.

[0006] The soundlocket comprises a mechanism for converting mechanical energy, supplied by user interactions such as opening and closing the locket or rotating a component, into electronic energy. This energy is then stored in a small, efficient energy storage or directly used to power the device. This conversion is facilitated by a miniaturized electromagnetic generator mechanism that harnesses kinetic energy from user movements and transforms it into electrical energy, contributing to the device's power autonomy.

[0007] The audio recording functionality of the soundlocket is sensitive to capturing a range of sounds from the surrounding environment, which may include noise, distractions, or other unwanted auditory signals. This susceptibility is attributed to the sensitivity of the integrated microphone designed to ensure no significant audio input is missed. However, this design may inadvertently result in the capture of undesired ambient sounds along with the intended audio.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.

[0010] A wearable device and a method for providing electrical energy in a wearable device are disclosed hereinafter. Examples of the wearable device form factor are a pendant, a locket, a wristwatch, or a pocket watch. The wearable device is configured to capture and play an audio recording, by using mechanical energy from the user converted to electrical energy to power the electronics of the system. The mechanical energy may be provided by the user rotating a crown or bow, wherein the mechanical energy is led to a generator module. When the user has provided sufficient amount of electrical energy to an electrical energy storage, the wearable device is ready to either capture an audio recording or to play previous audio recording.

[0011] The power source of the wearable device has two distinct voltage regulators for two distinct purposes. A linear regulator is configured to provide the electrical energy to capture the audio recording. In addition, the wearable device comprises a switching regulator that is configured to provide the electrical energy from the electrical energy storage to play the audio recording, or other functions. The switching regulator is configured to provide a high -efficiency power conversion for high power applications associated with playing the audio recording. The linear regulator is configured to provide a low-noise, stable output for capturing the audio recording.

[0012] The form factor and prolonged life expectancy of the wearable device prevents utilizing complex filtering techniques. All the available electrical energy is provided, by the user, nearly at the same time as it is consumed, so the amount of electrical energy is very limited. Excess complexity in the design of the electronic structure could cause unpredictable faults, risking the long lifeexpectancy of the device. By simplifying the design and avoiding the excess electric energy consumption, the user needs to wind the crown or any other movable part of the wearable device much less to get the required electric energy. In one embodiment, the user is required to wind the crown several turns in order to activate the wearable device. Reducing even a single required turn from the charging process benefits the usability of the wearable device.

[0013] The audio recording is captured by an electronic audio module that is activated by the system. Typically, the user applies capturing the recording much less often than playing the audio recording. Capturing the audio recording requires quiet operation from the wearable device, both mechanically and electrically, to get the best possible result. The wearable device’s form factor requires protection from external element, which may cause reducing the size of sound holes in the casing. Using a linear regulator for powering the process of capturing the audio recording solves many problems related to electrical disturbances.

[0014] The switching regulator, on the other hand, is typically more efficient than the linear regulator. Switching regulators operate by rapidly switching on and off to control the amount of energy passed to the load. This is more efficient than linear regulators, which dissipate excess power as heat. The high efficiency of switching regulators means less power loss and reduced heat generation, making them ideal for the wearable device with little available electrical energy. Playing the audio recording is not as prone to electrical disturbances as capturing the audio recording.

[0015] Linear regulators are particularly advantageous for audio applications due to several key characteristics that contribute to high-quality, low-distortion audio output. Linear regulators inherently produce less output noise compared to switching regulators. This is because linear regulators operate without the high frequency switching action found in switching regulators, which can introduce noise and electromagnetic interference. The absence of switching noise makes linear regulators ideal for sensitive audio applications where any additional noise can degrade the quality of the recorded sound. Linear regulators also have better ripple rejection. Linear regulators typically have excellent line and load regulation characteristics, which means they can effectively suppress variations in input voltage from the energy storage and load from the audio circuitry. This results in a smoother, more stable output voltage, which is crucial in maintaining the fidelity of audio signals being recorded. Ripple, or small oscillations in voltage, can otherwise modulate the audio signal, leading to distortion. Linear regulators provide a stable voltage output that is less susceptible to the quick changes in load that audio circuits can present. This stability helps prevent voltage spikes and dips that could negatively impact audio quality.

[0016] The output impedance of linear regulators is generally lower than that of switching regulators. A low output impedance is beneficial for audio applications because it improves the transient response and reduces output voltage variation with changes in load current, which can occur with dynamic audio signals. The design and operation of linear regulators are relatively simple, involving fewer components like diodes and inductors that can introduce nonlinearities and other artifacts. This simplicity helps in maintaining the purity of the audio signal without introducing additional sources of distortion or artifacts.

[0017] Many of the attendant features will be more readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below are not limited to implementations which solve any or all the disadvantages of known power supply designs or methods for applying the power source of wearable devices. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The present description will be better understood from the following detailed description read in light of the accompanying drawings, wherein

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates schematically one exemplary embodiment of the wearable device;

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates schematically modules and components one exemplary embodiment of the wearable device; and

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method for providing electrical energy in a wearable device.

[0022] Like reference numerals are used to designate like parts in the accompanying drawings.

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The detailed description provided below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the present examples and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present example may be constructed or utilized. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different examples.

[0025] Although the present examples are described and illustrated herein as being implemented in a locket form factor, the device and the method described are provided as an example and not a limitation. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the present examples are suitable for application in a variety of different types of wearable devices, such as wristwatches, pocket watches or other personal jewellery.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates schematically one exemplary embodiment of a wearable device. The device comprises multiple functional modules, wherein each module may comprise from a set of parts or independent units that can be used to construct a more complex structure. The functional modules as illustrated herein may comprise parts or components that extend to another modules. FIG. 2 illustrates schematically modules and components of one exemplary embodiment of the wearable device

[0027] The wearable device comprises a casing 1 for a mechanical module 10, a generator module 20, an electrical energy module 30 and an audio module 40. The mechanical module 10 is configured to receive mechanical energy from a user. In one embodiment, the mechanical module 10 comprises an interface 11 configured to receive the mechanical energy from the user as rotation. One example of the interface 11 is a crown 11 , similar as in mechanical watches. The user may rotate the crown 11 , bow 12 or a combination of crown 11 and bow 12. The interface 11 may comprise a winding key, detachable winding key, turn-knob, liftable cover, lid, pulling a cord or having any types of manually manipulable mechanisms to receive the mechanical energy from the user. The mechanical module 10 may further comprise a set of gears 13 configured to transfer the movement forward inside the casing 1 , to a speed suitable for the generator module 20.

[0028] The generator module 20 comprises a rotor 21 embedded with a plurality of permanent magnets 22. The rotor 21 is configured to rotate next to a stator 23. The stator 23 and the rotating rotor 21 turn the mechanical energy into alternating current by electromagnetic induction. In one embodiment, the alternating current is rectified by a rectifier 32 such as a diode bridge. The rectifier ensures that the current flows in a single direction, suitable for charging an electrical energy storage 31 .

[0029] In one embodiment, the electrical energy storage 31 is a bank of capacitors. The bank of capacitors is an arrangement of multiple capacitors connected together to achieve a desired overall capacitance or to improve performance in an electrical circuit. The bank of capacitors starts accumulating charge, storing energy in the electric field. Capacitors are fast in receiving the electrical charge. As the bank of capacitors charges, the voltage across its terminals builds up until it reaches the voltage level of the generator output. The rate of charging depends on both the current supplied by the generator module 20 and the capacitance of the bank of capacitors. The capacitor types used may be selected for long term usage, such as tantalum or polymer capacitors. Having multiple capacitors enables the required capacitance to be spread around a printed circuit board, thus resulting to a thin design that helps designing aesthetically pleasing casing 1 for the wearable device. The number of capacitors and the required charge may change according to each implementation of the wearable device. In one embodiment, the electrical energy storage 31 consists of one capacitor. In one embodiment, the electrical energy storage 31 consists of a rechargeable battery.

[0030] In one embodiment, the wearable device comprises a signal device for indicating to the user that the device is charged for operation. The signal device is in one embodiment a LED light 44 that illuminates when the bank of capacitors reaches sufficient voltage. The wearable device may comprise multiple LEDs 44 to indicate different operational modes to the user. The LEDs 44 may have different colours. In one embodiment, the LED 44 is an RGB LED. The audio module 40 is configured to capture the audio recording and / or play the audio recording, upon the selected function. The audio module 40 comprises a microphone 41 , a non-volatile memory 42, and a speaker 43. In one embodiment, the microphone 41 is of MEMS type, whose output type is digital (PDM) and connects directly to a processor 45 to avoid any audio amplifier stages. The speaker 43 is in one embodiment configured to be bandwidth-limited, for example to human voice frequencies, and designed so that its audio output is easily hearable within a 10 to 30 cm distance, whereby the user may listen to the audio recording by placing the wearable device in the vicinity of the ear. Such use enables the audio module 40 to function with a small amount of electric energy. A high-efficiency audio codec / headphone amplifier may be used, such as Cirrus Logic CS42L4, which has an internal charge pump to boost headphone amplifier efficiency. The speaker 43 may be a high-impedance / high-sensitivity speaker, and, possibly, of a type "IHF" (integrated hands-free), which is commonly used in mobile phones, such as PU1 audio AR01532MS-SC15-WP-R. The mechanical design of the speaker 43 may include front and back cavities to get optimal audio output. In an exemplary embodiment, the audio module 40 is configured such that the recorded and played audio is in a human hearing range and comprises one or more of the following: a human voice, an animal sound, an engine sound, a natural sound, a man-made sound, and music.

[0031] The wearable device comprises a processor 45 and a memory 46 storing one or more programs configured to be executed by the processor. In one embodiment, the processor 45 and the memory 46 are integrated as a single microcontroller. In one embodiment, the memory 46 is Ferroelectric RAM (FRAM), a random-access memory using a ferroelectric layer to achieve nonvolatility. In one embodiment the memory 46 stores the audio recording, while the processor 45 uses second instance of the memory 46, separate partition of the memory 46 or the memory integrated into the microcontroller.

[0032] In the present example, the microcontroller 45, 46 is assigned as part of the audio module 40. The audio module 40 may comprise, for fulfilling its configured operations, other parts, such as required wiring, one or more microcontrollers, an adaptive audio amplifier, etc. In order to meet the expected lifecycle of one hundred years, it may not comprise batteries or other short-lived electronic components.

[0033] In one embodiment, the wearable device comprises a following hardware bootup procedure. The audio module 40 may include two processors. A boot processor has no internal flash memory, only a ROM bootloader. The bootloader is loading code from the external FRAM memory. The FRAM stores a boot processor firmware and main processor firmware. After the boot processor is started, it resets the main processor and starts to upload firmware to the main processor RAM by using an SWD interface. The main processor is started, and the FRAM is taken in use. The main processor internal flash memory may not be used due to a low data retention time. If the wearable device detects sufficient charge, then the audio module 40 starts processing a user interface mode: either starting to capture the audio record or to playing the existing audio record.

[0034] The wearable device may be used to capture, store, and play an audio recording that may have sentimental value to the user. Therefore, one use scenario predicts that capturing the audio recording is used rarely compared to playing the audio recording. The small form factor of the wearable device, together with the requirements of long lifetime causes the said two functionalities - capturing and playing the audio recording - to be powered differently. The user may select the desired functionality by a switch, selecting a position with the crown 11 or bow 12 or having any other interaction with the wearable device.

[0035] A linear regulator 47 is coupled to the electrical energy storage 31 . The linear regulator 47 is configured to provide the electrical energy from the electrical energy storage 31 to capture the audio recording. In one embodiment, the selection of functionality is carried out by a switch manipulated by the user. In one embodiment, the selection of functionality is carried out by the processor 45 as a response to the detected user action, for example from a button. The linear regulator 47 provides sufficient energy for capturing the audio recording, as the energy consumption for that purpose may be less than for playing the audio recording. Using the linear regulator for capturing the audio recording ensures that the wearable device has less electrical and mechanical disturbances that could prevent capturing the best possible audio recording. The linear regulator is configured to provide a low-noise, stable output for capturing the audio recording.

[0036] Additionally, a switching regulator 48 is coupled to the electrical energy storage. The switching regulator 48 is configured to provide the electrical energy from the electrical energy storage 31 to play the audio recording. The switching regulator 48 is configured to provide a high-efficiency power conversion for applications associated with playing the audio recording. The switching regulator 48 and the linear regulator 47 operate independently to provide distinct electrical outputs tailored for their respective functions.

[0037] The switching regulator 48 is not used for capturing the audio recording, as it needs noise-free mechanics and electronics. The switching regulator 48 operates by rapidly turning on and off, which generates high-frequency noise. This noise can interfere with recording audio signals, leading to audible artifacts such as hiss, hum, or other forms of distortion in the audio output. The switching frequencies and their harmonics can mix with the audio signal, potentially introducing harmonic distortion. This can negatively impact the accuracy and fidelity of the audio reproduction. The high-frequency components of the switching regulator 48 can mix with the audio signal, creating intermodulation products that result in distortion. This can particularly affect the transparency and detail of the captured audio recording.

[0038] The switching action can produce electromagnetic interference, which can be picked up by the microphone 41 . Switching regulators 48 can produce ripple on the output voltage due to the nature of their operation. This ripple can manifest as unwanted noise in the audio signal, affecting the clarity and purity of the captured audio recording. In many other solutions the drawbacks of the switching regulator 48 would be mitigated by additional filtering components such as capacitors, inductors, and ferrite beads. However, these components add complexity, size, and power consumption to the design - and may not still completely eliminate noise issues.

[0039] In one embodiment, the processor 45 and the memory 46 storing one or more programs configured to be executed by the processor 45 comprise instructions for selectively activating the switching regulator 48 and the linear regulator 47 based on the audio module 40 operation. In one embodiment, the bootup process is completed by using the switching regulator 48. In response to detecting the user selecting the capturing of audio recording, the processor switches the power function from the switching regulator 48 to the linear regulator 47. The processor 45 may utilize its internal sleep function to overcome the transition between regulators 47, 48. In one embodiment, both regulators 47, 48 are active briefly to carry out the handover between regulators 47, 48.

[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates schematically a flowchart of a method for providing electrical energy in a wearable device. Step 100 comprises receiving mechanical energy from a user by a mechanical module 10. Step 110 comprises converting the received mechanical energy into electrical energy by a generator module 20. Step 120 comprises storing the electrical energy in an electrical energy storage 31 . Step 130 comprises capturing an audio recording and / or playing the audio recording by an audio module 40. Step 140 comprises providing the electrical energy from the electrical energy storage 31 to capture the audio recording by a linear regulator 47 coupled to the electrical energy storage 31 . Step 150 comprises providing the electrical energy from the electrical energy storage 31 to play the audio recording by a switching regulator 48 coupled to the electrical energy storage 31 .

[0041] A wearable device is disclosed herein. The wearable device comprises a mechanical module configured to receive mechanical energy from a user; a generator module configured to convert the received mechanical energy into electrical energy; an electrical energy storage; and an audio module configured to capture an audio recording and play the audio recording. A linear regulator is coupled to the electrical energy storage, configured to provide the electrical energy from the electrical energy storage to capture the audio recording. A switching regulator is coupled to the electrical energy storage, configured to provide the electrical energy from the electrical energy storage to play the audio recording. The switching regulator and the linear regulator operate independently to provide distinct electrical outputs tailored for their respective functions. In one embodiment, the switching regulator is configured to provide a high-efficiency power conversion for high power applications associated with playing the audio recording. In one embodiment, the linear regulator is configured to provide a low-noise, stable output for capturing the audio recording. In one embodiment, the wearable device comprises a processor and a memory storing one or more programs configured to be executed by the processor; the one or more programs comprising instructions for selectively activating the switching regulator and the linear regulator based on the audio module operation. In one embodiment, the electrical energy storage comprises a bank of capacitors. In one embodiment, the generator module comprises an interface configured to receive rotation from the mechanical module; a rotor embedded with a plurality of permanent magnets, configured to rotate next to a stator. In one embodiment, a casing of the wearable device is a locket. In one embodiment, a casing of the wearable device is a wristwatch. In one embodiment, a casing of the wearable device is a pocket watch. In one embodiment, the audio module is configured to capture or play the audio recording in a human hearing range and the audio recording comprises one or more of the following: a human voice, an animal sound, an engine sound, a natural sound, a man-made sound, music.

[0042] Alternatively, or in addition, a method for providing electrical energy in a wearable device is disclosed herein. The method comprises the steps of: receiving mechanical energy from a user by a mechanical module; converting the received mechanical energy into electrical energy by a generator module; storing the electrical energy in an electrical energy storage; capturing an audio recording and / or playing the audio recording by an audio module; providing the electrical energy from the electrical energy storage to capture the audio recording by a linear regulator coupled to the electrical energy storage; and providing the electrical energy from the electrical energy storage to play the audio recording by a switching regulator coupled to the electrical energy storage; wherein the switching regulator and the linear regulator operate independently to provide distinct electrical outputs tailored for their respective functions. In one embodiment, the steps of the method comprise providing, by the switching regulator, a high-efficiency power conversion for high power applications associated with playing the audio recording. In one embodiment, the steps of the method comprise providing, by the linear regulator, a low-noise, stable output for capturing the audio recording. In one embodiment, the wearable device comprises a processor and a memory storing one or more programs configured to be executed by the processor; the one or more programs comprising instructions for selectively activating the switching regulator and the linear regulator based on the audio module operation. In one embodiment, the audio module is capturing or playing the audio recording in a human hearing range and the audio recording comprises one or more of the following: a human voice, an animal sound, an engine sound, a natural sound, a man-made sound, music.

[0043] Alternatively, or in addition, the controlling functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware components or hardware logic components. An example of the processor system described hereinbefore is a computing-based device comprising one or more processors which may be microprocessors, controllers, or any other suitable type of processors for processing computer-executable instructions to control the operation of the device. The computer-executable instructions may be provided using any computer-readable media that is accessible by a computing-based device. Computer-readable media may include, for example, computer storage media, such as memory and communications media.

[0044] The methods described herein may be performed by software in machine- readable form on a tangible storage medium, e.g. in the form of a computer program comprising computer program code means adapted to perform all the steps of any of the methods described herein when the program is run on a computer and where the computer program may be embodied on a computer- readable medium. Examples of tangible storage media include computer storage devices comprising computer-readable media, such as disks, thumb drives, memory etc., and do not only include propagated signals. Propagated signals may be present in a tangible storage media, but propagated signals per se are not examples of tangible storage media. The software can be suitable for execution on a parallel processor or a serial processor such that the method steps may be carried out in any suitable order, or simultaneously.

[0045] Any range or device value given herein may be extended or altered without losing the effect sought.

[0046] Although at least a portion of the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims and other equivalent features and acts are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

[0047] It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages. It will further be understood that reference to ‘an’ item refers to one or more of those items. The term ‘comprising’ is used herein to mean including the method blocks, modules or elements identified, but that such blocks, modules or elements do not comprise an exclusive list and a method or device may contain additional blocks or elements. It will be understood that the above description is given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Although various embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this specification.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A wearable device comprising: a mechanical module (10) configured to receive mechanical energy from a user; a generator module (20) configured to convert the received mechanical energy into electrical energy; an electrical energy storage (31); and an audio module (40) configured to capture an audio recording and play the audio recording; characterized by comprising: a linear regulator (47) coupled to the electrical energy storage (31), configured to provide the electrical energy from the electrical energy storage (31) to capture the audio recording; and a switching regulator (48) coupled to the electrical energy storage (31), configured to provide the electrical energy from the electrical energy storage (31) to play the audio recording; wherein the switching regulator (48) and the linear regulator (47) operate independently to provide distinct electrical outputs tailored for their respective functions.

2. The wearable device according to claim 1, characterized in that the switching regulator (48) is configured to provide a high-efficiency power conversion for high power applications associated with playing the audio recording.

3. The wearable device according to claim 1, characterized in that the linear regulator (47) is configured to provide a low-noise, stable output for capturing the audio recording.

4. The wearable device according to any of the claims 1 to 3, characterized by comprising a processor (45) and a memory (46) storing one or more programs configured to be executed by theprocessor (45); the one or more programs comprising instructions for selectively activating the switching regulator (48) and the linear regulator (47) based on the audio module (40) operation.

5. The wearable device according to any of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the electrical energy storage (31 ) comprises a bank of capacitors.

6. The wearable device according to any of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the generator module (20) comprises an interface configured to receive rotation from the mechanical module (10); a rotor embedded with a plurality of permanent magnets, configured to rotate next to a stator.

7. The wearable device according to any of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a casing of the wearable device is a locket.

8. The wearable device according to any of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a casing of the wearable device is a wristwatch.

9. The wearable device according to any of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a casing of the wearable device is a pocket watch.

10. The wearable device according to any of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the audio module (40) is configured to capture or play the audio recording in a human hearing range and the audio recording comprises one or more of the following: a human voice, an animal sound, an engine sound, a natural sound, a man-made sound, music.

11. A method for providing electrical energy in a wearable device comprising the steps of:receiving mechanical energy from a user by a mechanical module (10); converting the received mechanical energy into electrical energy by a generator module (20); storing the electrical energy in an electrical energy storage (31); and capturing an audio recording and / or playing the audio recording by an audio module (40); characterized by comprising the steps of: providing the electrical energy from the electrical energy storage (31) to capture the audio recording by a linear regulator (47) coupled to the electrical energy storage (31); and providing the electrical energy from the electrical energy storage (31) to play the audio recording by a switching regulator (48) coupled to the electrical energy storage (31); wherein the switching regulator (48) and the linear regulator (47) operate independently to provide distinct electrical outputs tailored for their respective functions.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized by providing, by the switching regulator (48), a high-efficiency power conversion for high power applications associated with playing the audio recording.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized by providing, by the linear regulator (47), a low-noise, stable output for capturing the audio recording.

14. The method according to any of the claims 11 to 13, characterized by the wearable device comprising a processor (45) and a memory (46) storing one or more programs configured to be executed by the processor (45); the one or more programs comprising instructions for selectively activating the switching regulator (48) and the linear regulator (47) based on the audio module (40) operation.

15. The method according to any of the claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the audio module (40) is capturing or playingthe audio recording in a human hearing range and the audio recording comprises one or more of the following: a human voice, an animal sound, an engine sound, a natural sound, a man-made sound, music.

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