Wearable device and method for operating a wearable device
The wearable device addresses the limitations of sEMG by using electromagnetic radiation emitters and SMI for optical muscle activity detection, achieving high resolution and flexibility in muscle movement sensing for human-machine interaction and robotics.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- AUSTRIAMICROSYSTEMS AG
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies for detecting muscle movements, such as surface electromyography (sEMG), face challenges including miniaturization issues, electrode shift during use leading to motion artifacts, skin-electrode interface problems, non-stationary signals, low spatial resolution, and cross-sensitivity between sensors, making them inconvenient and less effective for non-invasive muscle contraction measurement.
A wearable device employing emitters that generate electromagnetic radiation, such as pLEDs and lasers, distributed around an obj ect intake, with a rigid carrier and a sensitive material layer to detect thickness changes optically, using self-mixing interferometry (SMI) for muscle activity sensing, allowing for high resolution and flexibility without alignment requirements.
The wearable device provides improved muscle movement detection with enhanced resolution, reduced power consumption, and simplified production, offering a scalable and comfortable solution for human-machine interaction and robotic applications.
Smart Images

Figure EP2025082930_21052026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0002] P2024, 0689 WO N - 1 -
[0003] Description
[0004] WEARABLE DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A WEARABLE DEVICE
[0005] A wearable device and a method for operating a wearable device are specified.
[0006] It is an obj ect to provide an efficient wearable device . A further obj ect is to provide an effective method for operating a wearable device .
[0007] According to at least one embodiment of the wearable device, the wearable device comprises a plurality of emitters . Each emitter can be configured to generate and / or emit electromagnetic radiation. For example, each emitter is or comprises a pLED, an LED, a laser, a distributed-feedback edge-emitting laser (DEB-EEL) and / or a self-mixinginterferometry vertical-cavity-surface-emitting laser (SMI-VCSEL) .
[0008] The emitters or each emitter can generate and / or emit electromagnetic radiation. For example, the emitters are configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet (UV) , visible and / or infrared ( IR) range . For instance, at least one emitter is configured to generate and / or emit green, red or IR radiation. For instance, the wavelength of the emitted electromagnetic radiation can be chosen in relation to design requirements, for instance for achieving a desired penetration depth into the obj ect .
[0009] For example, the emitters emit electromagnetic radiation with different wavelengths, for example with multiple wavelengths . It is also possible that at least two emitters generate 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0010] P2024, 0689 WO N 2
[0011] and / or emit electromagnetic radiation with different wavelengths from each other . This multiwavelength approach can implement or improve a depth sensitivity of the wearable device . Thereby, the depth can relate to a depth, for instance a penetration depth, of the obj ect, the obj ect comprising, for example, skin or muscle .
[0012] According to at least one embodiment, the wearable device comprises a carrier . The carrier can comprise or can be formed of a rigid material . This can mean that the carrier is at least partially rigid. Rigid can thereby mean that the carrier is not deformable or not substantial deformable under forces arising during normal touch, e . g. with a human finger, for instance . For example, the carrier is rigid enough to hold the internal forces - e . g. due to myography - such that a medium, for instance a first material, on the side of the carrier facing the obj ect can be deformed by the internal forces and, thus, can change an optical path from an emitter to a detector . Additionally or alternatively, the carrier can be suitably rigid for transferring external forces, e . g. an external touch. This can mean that the carrier comprises a suitable rigidity such that it does not damp external forces . It is also possible that the rigidity of the carrier is chosen such that it can hold the emitters and / or detectors and / or electronics . For instance, the electronics are configured to control and / or operate the emitters and / or detectors of the wearable device .
[0013] The carrier can be opaque . This can mean that the carrier is non-transparent for the electromagnetic radiation generated and / or emitted by the emitters . Additionally or alternatively, the carrier can be opaque or non-transparent for ambient light . For instance, the carrier comprises or 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0014] P2024, 0689 WO N - 3 -
[0015] consists of a circuit board, a board or a printed circuit board .
[0016] For example, the plurality of emitters is arranged on the carrier . The plurality of emitters can be arranged on a common carrier . For instance, at least one emitter or all emitters of the plurality of emitters are mechanically and / or electrically connected to the carrier, e . g. the common carrier .
[0017] According to at least one embodiment, the wearable device comprises an obj ect intake . The obj ect intake can be configured to accept an obj ect . This can mean that the obj ect intake provides a space for an obj ect . In other words, an obj ect, in particular an obj ect different from the wearable device and / or an obj ect not comprised by the wearable device, can be arranged in the obj ect intake of the wearable device . For example, the obj ect is arranged in the obj ect intake during operation of the wearable device and / or when the wearable device is worn.
[0018] The obj ect intake can be a free or empty space when no obj ect is arranged in the obj ect intake . This can mean that the obj ect intake is, then, filled with air or any other medium surrounding the wearable device . In other words, the obj ect intake can be configured to interact with a medium, in which the wearable device is arranged or operated.
[0019] According to at least one embodiment of the wearable device, each emitter is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation towards the obj ect intake . That can mean that a radiation exit side of each emitter faces the obj ect intake . For instance, the emitters surround the obj ect intake along at 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0020] P2024, 0689 WO N 4
[0021] least one direction or in at least one plane . For example, the obj ect intake or an obj ect arranged in the obj ect intake can be irradiated from a plurality of sides . Thereby, the electromagnetic radiation is at least approximately irradiated perpendicular to the obj ect or the obj ect intake .
[0022] According to at least one embodiment, the emitters are distributed around the obj ect intake . For instance, in at least one plane, the emitters are equally distributed around the obj ect intake . Equally distributed can thereby mean, that a distance between two adj acent emitters is constant or at least approximately constant for the plurality of emitters .
[0023] Due the plurality of emitters being distributed around the obj ect intake and / or surrounding the obj ect intake or an obj ect arranged within the obj ect intake, the wearable device can be invariant to rotations with respect to an obj ect arranged in the obj ect intake of the wearable device .
[0024] According to at least one embodiment, the carrier is arranged on the side of the emitters facing away from the obj ect intake . The carrier for example completely surrounds the plurality of emitters and / or the obj ect intake in at least one plane . For instance, the carrier does not surround the obj ect intake and / or the emitters in a further plane, which extends perpendicular to the at least one plane . This way, the wearable device can be set up as a bracelet, for example . The radiation exit side of the emitters may face away from the carrier . Thus, the carrier does not have to be, but can be, transparent for the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitters . Additionally, it is possible that the carrier acts as a protection for the emitters . 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0025] P2024, 0689 WO N - 5 -
[0026] According to at least one embodiment, the wearable device is configured to perform detection of a movement of an obj ect arranged in the obj ect intake and / or tactile sensing. For instance, the wearable device is capable of performing lightmyography and / or work as a touch-input device . The detection of the movement of the obj ect and / or the tactile sensing can be performed optically.
[0027] In at least one embodiment, the wearable device comprises a plurality of emitters arranged on a carrier, and an obj ect intake . Each emitter is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation towards the obj ect intake . The emitters are distributed around the obj ect intake . The carrier is arranged on the side of the emitters facing away from the obj ect intake . The wearable device is configured to perform detection of a movement of an obj ect arranged in the obj ect intake and / or tactile sensing.
[0028] An idea is to provide a wearable device, wherein a movement of an obj ect arranged in the obj ect intake and / or tactile sensing can efficiently be detected. Additionally or alternatively, the wearable device can be configured to detect or determine thought input . For example, the wearable device is configured for bidirectional measurements, in particular for the detection of an internal movement of an obj ect originating from a side of the carrier facing the emitters or touch input from a side of the carrier facing away from the emitters .
[0029] For instance, the wearable device is configured for humanmachine interaction, in particular for optical human-machine interaction. This can mean that the obj ect to be placed in the obj ect intake is a part of a human. The wearable device 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0030] P2024, 0689 WO N - 6 -
[0031] can be configured to control devices and / or machines . For example, the wearable device can provide a small-formf actor human-machine interface . This can mean that a signal obtained with the wearable device due to touching the wearable device and / or a movement of the obj ect in the obj ect intake of the wearable device can be used to control a device and / or a machine .
[0032] In particular, due to the optical detection, the wearable device can be configured for non-invasive muscle-activity sensing, myography, and / or touch sensing. For example, the wearable device provides an alternative to hand controllers, vision-based systems, voice commands and other wearables, such as glasses, gloves, EEG or helmets .
[0033] For instance, the wearable device is in direct contact with an obj ect arranged in the obj ect intake of the wearable device . The wearable device can comprise a continuous interface with the obj ect arranged in the obj ect intake . This interface can be at least partially elastic or flexible . For example, the wearable device can be rotation invariant due to the plurality of emitters and / or due to the continuous interface with the obj ect and can, thus, be easily arranged around an obj ect . In other words, no alignment may be required when applying or operating the wearable device . In particular, no alignment with a particular muscle of the obj ect is needed.
[0034] For example, a wearable device with an obj ect arranged in the obj ect intake of the wearable device can be referred to as arrangement . In other words, an arrangement can comprise or consist of a wearable device and an obj ect . In particular, in 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0035] P2024, 0689 WO N - 7 -
[0036] the arrangement, the obj ect can be arranged within the obj ect intake of the wearable device .
[0037] It is also possible that the wearable device is configured for wireless communication. In other words, the wearable device can comprise means for wireless communication. For instance, the wearable device is configured for Bluetooth communication. For example, the wearable device comprises or embeds a Bluetooth module . The Bluetooth module can be configured for Bluetooth communication. For instance, the wearable device communicates with a machine and sends human intention to the machine . For instance, the wearable device provides or is configured to provide a translation of muscle movements to other machines . Alternatively or additionally, the wearable device can be configured to perform at least some computation.
[0038] In comparison, other technologies for detecting muscle movement include surface electromyography (sEMG) . Thereby, sensing electrodes measuring changes in electrical potential caused by impulses traveling from a brain to hand muscles are employed. However, difficulties in sEMG are, for example, the miniaturization of electrodes to improve a resolution of sEMG. Additionally, in sEMG, the electrode may shift during use, leading to motion artifacts . Disadvantageously, it is necessary to place the electrode or the electrodes of a sEMG device in a specific muscle localization. Additionally, challenges of sEMG, in particular of the required skinelectrode interface, are sweating, fatigue or electromagnetic noise . A further disadvantage of sEMG are non-stationary signals . Additionally, sEMG typically comprises a low spatial resolution due to the linear dependence of the electrical field with the distance . For instance, there is a 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0039] P2024, 0689 WO N - 8 -
[0040] cross-sensitivity of different sensors due to cross-talk between different neighboring muscles or difficulties with identifying stimulus types and intensity. Additionally, with sEMG it is only possible to non-invasively measure the contractions of surface muscles . Alternatively, invasive EMG variants would be required, which, however, are inconvenient to use .
[0041] Light-myography (LMG) can provide a better classification than EMG. Additionally, bracelets employing LMG might be lighter, smaller and cheaper to produce compared to devices using EMG. In comparison to electrodes, emitters for generating and / or emitting electromagnetic radiation can be miniaturized in a simplified manner . Thus, the wearable device described herein can comprise an improved resolution.
[0042] The wearable device can additionally be produced in different sizes . In other words, the wearable device is scalable to great number of area sizes . Therefore, the wearable device is easily producible or usable as a smart skin for humans or robots, for instance .
[0043] Furthermore, due to an opaque carrier and / or an opaque second material arranged on the side of the carrier facing away from the emitters, ambient light can be prevented from entering the wearable device, from impinging on detectors and / or from being detected by detectors of the wearable device .
[0044] According to at least one embodiment of the wearable device, a first material is arranged between the emitters and the obj ect intake . For instance, the first material is transparent or translucent for the electromagnetic radiation generated or emitted by at least one of the emitters . The 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0045] P2024, 0689 WO N 9
[0046] first material can comprise a suitable rigidity or stiffness to be at least partially sensitive to a movement of an obj ect in the obj ect intake, e . g. to a skin displacement . The first material can be configured to enhance a muscle response detectivity .
[0047] For instance, the first material may continuously extend from the emitter towards the obj ect or obj ect intake . It is possible, that a gap between the emitter / s and the obj ect or obj ect intake is completely filled with the first material .
[0048] An idea of the wearable device according to this embodiment is to perform detection of a movement of an obj ect and / or touch sensing by detecting thickness changes of the first material using emitters and / or detectors, in particular optical emitters and / or optical detectors . In case of touch sensing, these thickness changes of the first material can be caused by a force applied to the wearable device by touching the wearable device on a side of the carrier facing away from the emitters and / or the obj ect . In case of detection of a movement of an obj ect arranged in the obj ect intake of the wearable device, these thickness changes can be induced by the movement of the obj ect, for instance by muscle activity.
[0049] For detecting the thickness changes of the first material, reflections of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitters and reflected at an interface between the obj ect and the first material or within the obj ect can be detected by a detector .
[0050] Alternatively, or additionally, the first material can comprise a first coating. The first coating can be reflective for the electromagnetic radiation emitted by at least one 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0051] P2024, 0689 WO N - 10 -
[0052] emitter . The first coating can comprise a metallic film or a dielectric multi-layer film. For example, the first coating comprises or consists of gold. Alternatively or additionally, the first coating can comprise or consist of silver, aluminum or titanium. It is also possible that the first coating comprises a Bragg reflector, for instance a Distributed Bragg Reflector (short : DBR) . For example, the Bragg reflector can comprise at least one oxide or combinations of oxides . For instance, the electromagnetic radiation emitted by at least one emitter can be reflected by the first coating.
[0053] The first coating of the first material can be continuous . For example, the first coating can completely extend over the first material on the side of the first material facing away from the carrier .
[0054] According to at least one embodiment of the wearable device, the emitters are embedded in the first material . The first material can be configured to be in direct contact with an obj ect arranged in the obj ect intake . Alternatively, the first coating arranged on the side of the first material facing away from the carrier can be in direct contact with an obj ect arranged in the obj ect intake .
[0055] According to at least one embodiment of the wearable device, the first material forms a continuous layer . This can mean that the first material comprises a continuous interface with an obj ect arranged in the obj ect intake . For example, the first material is configured to cover the obj ect in the obj ect intake conformally. In particular, the obj ect can be or can comprise a forearm of a human. In other words, the first material can be configured to cover a forearm circumference conformally. This can mean that, during use or 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0056] P2024, 0689 WO N - 11 -
[0057] operation of the wearable device, the first material covers the circumference of the obj ect to be analysed, e . g. arranged in the obj ect intake, conformally.
[0058] With the continuous interface all potential movements, e . g. muscle movements, of the obj ect can be mapped without the need of previous alignment . Further, the continuous interface may allow for interactions between emitters and detectors and can create a richer interaction between muscle signal response for movement classification.
[0059] According to at least one embodiment of the wearable device, the first material forms a discontinuous layer . This can mean that the first material is discontinuous . For instance, the first material forms point contacts . The point contacts can comprise the shape of a lens or a hemisphere . The point contacts can be in direct contact with the obj ect arranged in the obj ect intake . It is possible that the wearable device comprises holes . The holes may be perforations or microperforations . The holes may extend through the carrier and / or a second material . For example, the holes are arranged in positions between the point contacts formed of the first material . Due to the holes, ventilation can be enabled. In other words, due to the holes, the obj ect is in contact with a medium surrounding the wearable device 1, for example . This can prevent sweating and, thus, improve the wearing comfort of the wearable device, for example . Additionally, point contacts comprising the shape of a lens or a hemisphere can form a good contact with the obj ect, for instance with the skin .
[0060] According to at least one embodiment of the wearable device, the first material comprises silicone . Silicone can comprise 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0061] P2024, 0689 WO N 12
[0062] a suitable elasticity and / or rigidity for experiencing thickness changes due to muscle activity. For instance, the resolution of the wearable device can depend on the elasticity of the first material . For example, more elasticity of the first material can lead to a better detection of small muscle movements . In other words, the resolution of the wearable device can be enhanced by adjusting the elasticity of the first material to clearly show small muscle movements .
[0063] According to at least one embodiment of the wearable device, a refractive index of the first material is matched to a refractive index of a skin of a living organism. The first material can be configured to enhance a muscle response detectivity .
[0064] An idea of this embodiment is to detect variations in the optical path, for instance in the effective optical path using SMI . For instance, the composition or media of the first material can be chosen or adjusted by means of transmission and / or movement amplification to enhance the muscle response detectivity. It is also possible to adjust or choose the reflectivity or to apply multiple, for instance different, interfaces between the wearable device or the first material and an obj ect arranged in the obj ect intake of the wearable device for enhancing the muscle response detectivity .
[0065] In case the obj ect to be arranged within the wearable device is different from a living organism, the refractive index of the first material may, instead, be matched to the refractive index of the material of the obj ect . 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0066] P2024, 0689 WO N 13
[0067] According to at least one embodiment of the wearable device, the emitter comprises a micro-LED, pLED. It is also possible that the emitter is a pLED. For example, each emitter of the plurality of emitters is or comprises a pLED.
[0068] As a broad definition, a micro-LED could be seen as any light emitting diode (LED) with a particularly small size . As a rule - and this is a very important criterion in addition to size - a growth substrate may be removed from micro-LEDs, so that typical heights of such micro-LEDs are in the range of 1.5 pm to 10 pm, for example .
[0069] In principle, a micro-LED does not necessarily have to have a rectangular radiation emission surface . Generally, for example, an LED could have a radiation emission surface in which, in plan view of layers of a layer stack forming the LED, any lateral extent of the radiation emission surface is less than or equal to 100 pm or less than or equal to 70 pm.
[0070] For example, in the case of rectangular micro-LEDs, an edge length - especially in plan view of the layers of the layer stack - smaller than or equal to 70 pm or smaller than or equal to 50 pm is often cited as a criterion.
[0071] Mostly, such micro-LEDs are provided on wafers with - for the pLED non-destructively - detachable holding structures .
[0072] At present, micro-LEDs are mainly used in displays . The micro-LEDs form pixels or subpixels and emit light of a defined color . Small pixel size and a high density with close distances make micro-LEDs suitable, among others, for small monolithic displays for AR (Augmented Reality) applications, especially data glasses . In addition, other applications are 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0073] P2024, 0689 WO N - 14 -
[0074] being developed, in particular regarding the use in data communication or pixelated lighting applications .
[0075] Different ways of spelling micro-LED, e . g. pLED, p-LED, uLED, u-LED or micro light emitting diode can be found in the relevant literature .
[0076] Due to the small size of micro-LEDs, a small wearable device with a plurality of emitters / micro-LEDs and, thus, with a high resolution can be produced. Thereby, it is possible that more emitters lead to more or a better resolution.
[0077] According to at least one embodiment, the emitter comprises a laser . For instance, the laser is configured to perform selfmixing interferometry. The emitter can be or can comprise a VCSEL or DFB laser . For example, the emitters are arranged in direct contact with an obj ect in the obj ect intake .
[0078] Alternatively, the first material with a refractive index matched to the refractive index of the obj ect can be arranged at least partially between at least one emitter and the ob j ect .
[0079] An idea of this embodiment is to measure thickness changes and / or refractive-index changes directly within the obj ect to be analysed by the wearable device, for example within the skin of a user of the wearable device . For this, for instance, self-mixing interferometry (SMI ) may be employed. Thereby, the emitter, in particular a laser, can illuminate the tissue of the obj ect with a laser beam or electromagnetic radiation wherein a reflected portion of the laser beam or the electromagnetic radiation interferes with the emitted laser beam or the emitted electromagnetic radiation. The resulting interference signal can depend on an optical 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0080] P2024, 0689 WO N 15
[0081] distance between the emitter and the target . The optical distance may also be referred to as optical path. The optical distance corresponds to a geometric path length L or external cavity length L multiplied by an effective refractive index n. A movement of the obj ect, e . g. a muscle movement, may shift internal tissue layers of the obj ect and, thus, can change the geometric path length. Additionally or alternatively, due to the shift of internal tissue layers, the refractive index, in particular the effective refractive index n may change . This change in refractive index can be due to a redistribution of the tissue and / or of tissue fluids within the optical beam path. By using SMI, it is possible that the laser cavity inherently acts as a narrow-band filter . This way, ambient light can be prevented from being detected by a detector of the wearable device, in particular by the SMI emitter or by an SMI detector .
[0082] With SMI techniques, a wearable device with
[0083] interf erometrically high sensitivity to changes in layer thickness or refractive index can be achieved. Another advantage of this embodiment is that the wearable device can be set up in a simplified and cost-effective manner . For instance, no alignment of emitters and detectors is necessary, as the SMI-laser aligns with itself, i . e . selfaligns . Further, no detectors are required in case a voltage readout is used for SMI . Additionally, the wearable device can comprise a low power consumption. Additionally, components required for SMI can comprise a small form factor .
[0084] According to at least one embodiment, the wearable device further comprises a plurality of detectors . Each detector may be assigned to an emitter of the plurality of emitters . This can mean that each detector is configured to detect the 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0085] P2024, 0689 WO N - 16 -
[0086] electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter, in particular the assigned emitter, and reflected by an obj ect arranged in the obj ect intake . The detectors can be or can comprise reversed bias photodiodes, reversed bias LEDs, photodetectors and / or SMI detectors .
[0087] According to at least one embodiment of the wearable device, the carrier comprises a circuit board. For example, the carrier is or comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) . For instance, the carrier is configured to control the emitters and / or detectors of the wearable device .
[0088] According to at least one embodiment, the carrier comprises a plurality of circuit boards . The circuit boards can be interconnected by a flexible carrier . It is possible that the flexible carrier is formed continuous . For instance, the circuit boards can be arranged on the flexible carrier .
[0089] Alternatively, it is possible that the flexible carrier is merely arranged in interspaces between adj acent circuit boards . For instance, the flexible carrier comprises or consists of at least one metal and / or carbon nanotubes .
[0090] According to at least one embodiment, the wearable device further comprises a second material . The second material can form a continuous layer on the side of the carrier facing away from the first material . For instance, the second material is more rigid than the first material . For example, the second material comprises or consists of rubber . The second material can be transparent or non-transparent . It is possible that a stiffness or rigidity of the second material correlates with the sensitivity of the wearable device . In other words, the rigidity of the second material or the second material can be chosen to achieve a desired 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0091] P2024, 0689 WO N - 17 -
[0092] sensitivity. For example, the second material can be configured to be nice to touch. For instance, at least in case the carrier is completely rigid or comprises a suitable rigidity, the second material might be omitted.
[0093] According to at least one embodiment of the wearable device, a thickness of the first material is at most 1 cm. It is also possible that the thickness of the first material is between hundreds of pm, for instance at least 50 pm, for example at least 100 pm or at least 200 pm or in particular at least 500 pm, to some cm, for instance at most 5 cm, for example at most 3 cm or in particular at most 2 cm. The thickness can correspond to a distance between the obj ect intake and / or an obj ect arranged in the obj ect intake and the emitter and / or the carrier . For instance, a smaller thickness of the first material leads to a smaller distance between the radiation exit side of the emitters and an obj ect in the obj ect intake . Due to the smaller distance, the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation impinging on the obj ect and / or the first coating and / or the intensity of the reflected electromagnetic radiation can be enhanced. An enhanced intensity may lead to an improved resolution, for instance .
[0094] According to at least one embodiment, the wearable device is or comprises a smart bracelet . Alternatively or additionally, the wearable device can be or can comprise a watch or an artificial skin.
[0095] According to at least one embodiment, the wearable device is configured to perform the detection of the movement of the obj ect and / or the touch sensing by detecting changes in an optical path and / or in a physical path of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitters . 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0096] P2024, 0689 WO N 18
[0097] According to at least one embodiment, the wearable device is employed in robotics . For instance, the wearable device is configured as a safety measure for robot arms . An external touch input can be provided as a tactile feedback to the robot, for example .
[0098] Furthermore, a method for operating a wearable device is provided. The method for operating a wearable device can be performed for operating the wearable device described herein. This means for instance that all features disclosed for the wearable device are also disclosed for the method for operating a wearable device and vice-versa .
[0099] According to at least one embodiment of the method for operating a wearable device, the wearable device is a wearable device described herein.
[0100] According to at least one embodiment of the method for operating a wearable device, the method comprises arranging an obj ect in the obj ect intake of the wearable device . For instance, the obj ect can slip into the obj ect intake of the wearable device . It is also possible that the wearable device comprises a suitable flexibility to put it on. For instance, the wearable device is at least partially stretchable . The wearable device, the silicon and / or the carrier can comprise rigid sections and stretchable sections, for example . With this, for instance, a wearable device can be achieved, which is fully conformal to the obj ect arranged in the obj ect intake of the wearable device . Alternatively, the wearable device can comprise a closure to be arranged around the obj ect . It is also possible that the wearable device is or comprises a 3 / 4-bracelet or a semi-articulated bracelet . 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0101] P2024, 0689 WO N - 19 -
[0102] According to at least one embodiment, the method comprises performing detection of a movement of the obj ect and / or tactile sensing with the wearable device .
[0103] According to at least one embodiment of the method for operating a wearable device, performing detection of a movement of the obj ect and / or tactile sensing with the wearable device comprises operating at least one emitter to emit electromagnetic radiation and detecting the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter and reflected by a portion of the obj ect .
[0104] For example, a combination of emitters and detectors improves a muscle classification. Typically, a movement can be a combination of displacements . For instance, in case a displacement would affect three emitter-detector pairs on one side of the obj ect and / or the wearable device and one detector-emitter pair on the opposing side of the obj ect and / or the wearable device, one emitter and three detectors might be operated on the one side and one emitter and one detector might be operated on the opposing side . In other words, for instance, crosstalk can be allowed on the one side and isolation on the opposing side . For instance, machine learning can be applied to decide what would be the final best combination of emitters and detectors and their respective positions for improving classification of certain movements of interest .
[0105] According to at least one embodiment of the method for operating a wearable device, the emitters are operated sequentially. An advantage of this embodiment is, that by time multiplexing, e . g. activating one emitter or one pair of 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0106] P2024, 0689 WO N - 20 -
[0107] emitter and detector after the other, crosstalk can be minimized.
[0108] According to at least one embodiment of the method for operating a wearable device, the emitters are operated simultaneously. By operating the emitters simultaneously, for instance, a duration of a measurement can be decreased.
[0109] Further advantages and advantageous designs and further developments of the wearable device and the method for operating a wearable device will become apparent from the following exemplary embodiments, which are described below in association with the figures .
[0110] Figures 1, 2 and 3 show schematic views of a wearable device according to exemplary embodiments and methods for operating the wearable device according to exemplary embodiments .
[0111] Figure 4 schematically shows a working principle of a wearable device according to an exemplary embodiment .
[0112] Figures 5, 6 and 7 show schematic views of a wearable device according to further exemplary embodiments and methods for operating the wearable device according to further exemplary embodiments .
[0113] Identical, similar or equivalent elements are marked with the same reference signs in the figures . The figures and the proportions of the elements represented in the figures among each other are not to be considered as true to scale . Rather, individual elements may be oversized for better representability and / or comprehensibility. Identical or effectively identical components and parts might be described 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0114] P2024, 0689 WO N - 21 -
[0115] only with respect to the figures where they occur first .
[0116] Their description is not necessarily repeated in successive figures .
[0117] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a wearable device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment . The wearable device 1 comprises a plurality of emitters 2 and a carrier 4. The emitters 2 are arranged on the carrier 4. Each emitter 2 is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation. For instance, each emitter 2 comprises a radiation exit side . The radiation exit side of the emitter 2 can be the side of the emitter 2 facing away from the carrier 4. For instance, the radiation exit side of the emitter 2 faces the obj ect intake 5. The wearable device 1 further comprises an obj ect intake 5. For instance, each emitter 2 is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation towards the obj ect intake 5. For example, this is indicated by the arrow originating from the emitter 2. That the emitter 2 is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation towards the obj ect intake 5 can mean that during operation of the emitter 2, the emitter 2 emits electromagnetic radiation towards the obj ect intake 5.
[0118] At least one emitter 2 or all emitters 2 of the plurality of emitters 2 can comprise or can be a pLED, a LED, a laser and / or an SMI-VCSEL .
[0119] The wearable device 1 can further comprise a detector 3, in particular a plurality of detectors 3. A number of detectors 3 can correspond or at least approximately correspond to a number of emitters 2. For instance, each detector 3 is assigned to an emitter 2 of the plurality of emitters 2, for example uniquely assigned to one of the emitters 2. This can mean that at least one detector 3 or each detector 3 can be 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0120] P2024, 0689 WO N - 22 -
[0121] configured to detect the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter 2, for instance by the assigned emitter 2, and reflected by an obj ect 10 arranged in the obj ect intake 5, for example . For example, this is indicated by the arrow pointing towards the detector 3. The electromagnetic radiation can be reflected by the surface of the obj ect 10 or penetrate at least partially into the obj ect 10 prior to being reflected by a portion of the obj ect 10.
[0122] For instance, the detector 3 is configured to generate a signal based on the detected electromagnetic radiation. For example, the detector 3 or each detector 3 is or comprises a photodetector and / or a reverse biased photodiode .
[0123] Additionally or alternatively, not shown, it is also possible that the emitter 2 can also act as the detector 3. In this case, for instance, the emitter 2 can be configured to perform self-mixing interferometry. For example, the emitter 2 is an SMI-VCSEL . In this case, for example, no additional detectors are required. However, it is also possible that the wearable device 1 comprises separate SMI detectors 3.
[0124] The emitters 2 and / or the detectors 3 are distributed around the obj ect intake 5. For instance, the emitters 2 are arranged evenly spread on the carrier 4 and / or around the obj ect intake 5. This can mean that a distance between adj acent emitters 2 is equal or at least approximately equal for each pair of adj acent emitters 2 of the plurality of emitters 2. For instance, the emitters 2 can be arranged at lattice points of a regular lattice .
[0125] The carrier 4 can be arranged on the side of the emitters 2 facing away from the obj ect intake 5. In other words, the 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0126] P2024, 0689 WO N - 23 -
[0127] plurality of emitters 2 is arranged on the side of the carrier 4 facing the obj ect 10 or the obj ect intake 5. The carrier 4 can be arranged on the side of the detectors 3 facing away from the obj ect intake 5. The carrier 4 can be rigid or can comprise a rigid material . It is possible that the carrier 4 comprises a circuit board 8, a board 8 or a printed circuit board 8 .
[0128] The wearable device 1 further comprises a first material 6. The first material 6 can be arranged at least in places between at least one emitter 2 and the obj ect intake 5 or an obj ect 10 arranged in the obj ect intake 5. For instance, the first material 6 is arranged between the emitters 2, e . g. the plurality of emitters 2, and the obj ect intake 5. It is also possible that at least one emitter 2, the plurality of emitters 2 or all emitters 2 is / are embedded in the first material 6. That an emitter 2 is embedded in the first material 6 can mean that the first material 6 is directly adj acent to at least two sides of the emitter 2. In particular, this can mean that the first material 6 covers the emitter 2 on at least one side different from the radiation exit side . The first material 6 may be contiguous and / or form a continuous layer .
[0129] For example, the first material 6 comprises silicone or consists of silicone . The first material 6 can be configured to be in direct contact with the obj ect 10 arranged in the obj ect intake 5.
[0130] The carrier 4 can comprise a rigidity larger than a rigidity of the first material 6. The first material 6 can be soft . For example, the first material 6 is at least partially deformable . 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0131] P2024, 0689 WO N 24
[0132] The first material 6 comprises a thickness . The thickness of the first material 6 can correspond to a distance between the obj ect intake 5 and / or an obj ect 10 arranged in the obj ect intake 5 and the emitter 2 and / or the carrier 4. For instance, the thickness of the first material 6 is at most 1 cm, at most 0.5 cm or at most 0.2 cm. It is possible that the thickness of the first material 6 is at least 0.1 cm, for example at least 0.2 cm.
[0133] The wearable device 1 can comprise a second material 7. For instance, shown here, the second material 7 forms a continuous layer on the side of the carrier 4 facing away from the first material 6. The second material 7 can be more rigid than the first material 6. The second material 7 may encapsulate, in particular completely encapsulate, the carrier 4 on a side facing away from the emitters 2 and / or the first material 6.
[0134] The obj ect 10 can comprise at least a part of a living organism or of a robot . For instance, the obj ect 10 is or comprises a part of a human, e . g. a human arm. In this case, the wearable device 1 can be or can comprise a bracelet or a smart bracelet .
[0135] For example, in the cross section shown in Figure 1, the carrier 4 forms a ring-shaped enclosure, surrounding the emitters 2, the detectors 3, the obj ect 10, the obj ect intake 5, and / or the first material 6. In other words, the emitters 2, the detectors 3, the obj ect intake 5 and / or the first material 6 can be arranged inside a ring formed by the carrier . The second material 7 can be arranged outside of the ring or the ring-shaped enclosure formed by the carrier 4. 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0136] P2024, 0689 WO N 25
[0137] The wearable device 1 can be configured to perform detection of a movement 16 of an obj ect 10 arranged in the obj ect intake 5 and / or tactile sensing. This means, during operation, the wearable device 1 can perform detection of a movement 16 of an obj ect 10 and / or tactile sensing. For example, the wearable device 1 is configured to perform light-myography (LMG) . It is also possible that the wearable device is configured as a touch-input device .
[0138] As shown here, the obj ect 10 can comprise bulges or protrusions . These bulges or protrusions can occur and / or change its shape and / or position due to muscle movement within the obj ect 10, for example . These bulges or protrusions can be referred to as skin displacements 10a, for instance . For instance, the detection of the movement 16 of the obj ect 10 and / or the touch sensing is performed by detecting changes in a physical path of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitters 2 .
[0139] With Figure 1, a method for operating a wearable device 1 is described. First, an obj ect 10 can be arranged in the obj ect intake 5 of the wearable device 1. For instance, as shown here, the obj ect 10 is a human arm, comprising bones, indicated by the ellipses within the obj ect 10, muscles, tissue and a skin. The wearable device 1 may then be worn and / or put on as a smart bracelet . The obj ect 10 can move due to muscle movement, for example . For instance, this can lead to skin displacement 10a .
[0140] The method further comprises performing detection of a movement 16 of the obj ect 10 and / or tactile sensing with the wearable device 1. For example, due to the skin displacement 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0141] P2024, 0689 WO N 26
[0142] 10a, the physical path of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by an emitter 2, reflected by a portion of the obj ect 10, and detect by either the emitter 2, in case the emitter 2 is or comprises an SMI-VCSEL, or a detector 3 is altered. This change in the physical path can be determined by operating at least one emitter 2 to emit electromagnetic radiation and / or by detecting the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter 2 and reflected by a portion of the obj ect 10. It is possible that for detecting the movement of the obj ect 10 and / or for tactile sensing the emitters 2 of the plurality of emitters 2, for instance all emitters 2, are operated sequentially. Alternatively, it is also possible that all emitters 2 or at least some of the emitters 2 are operated simultaneously. In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1, the movement 16 of the obj ect 10 is to be detected. In this case, for example, a center of the obj ect 10 can be at least approximately located at a center of the wearable device 1 .
[0143] The cut-out shown in Figure 1 shows another exemplary embodiment of a wearable device 1. This exemplary embodiment differs from the above-described exemplary embodiment in that the carrier 4 does not consist of a continuous rigid carrier 4, e . g. a continuous circuit board 8, but rather comprises rigid parts 8, e . g. circuit boards 8, interconnected by a flexible carrier 9 or flexible carriers 9. For example, an advantage of this exemplary embodiment is that if the originally rigid ring transforms into a flexible one, no outer "rubber" shell may be necessary to make the wearable device 1 comfortable to touch from the outside . However, for example in case the ring is flexible and no outer shell is provided, for example only internal movements may be detected. This can mean that the wearable device may not 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0144] P2024, 0689 WO N - 27 -
[0145] comprise or act as a touch detector, as detecting external touch can rely on a global shift of a rigid ring of emitters, for instance . Another advantage of this exemplary embodiment is that the flexible carrier 9 provides flexibility for wearing or putting on the wearable device 1, e . g. a bracelet, in particular a conformal bracelet . Flexible electronics can be or can comprise metals in combination with carbon nanotubes, for example .
[0146] Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a wearable device 1 and a method for operating the wearable device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment . The setup of the wearable device 1 shown here can correspond to the setup of the wearable device I of Figure 1. In this exemplary embodiment, the wearable device 1 is used for tactile sensing, e . g. as a touch-input device . As shown, a force 11, in particular an external force II is applied to the second material 7. The force 11 is applied from the side of the second material 7 facing away from the carrier 4. The force 11 can be a touch input 11. For example, the touch input 11 and / or the force 11 are generated by a human, for instance by a human finger 12. The touch input can be generated by a part of the obj ect 10 arranged outside the wearable device 1. In other words, a user wearing the wearable device 1 may also generate touch input to the wearable device 1. Alternatively or additionally, other users or other obj ects can cause or generate the external force or touch input .
[0147] The second material 7 or the carrier 4 can comprise a suitable rigidity, such that the external force leads to a movement of the wearable device 1 with respect to the obj ect 10. For example, the first material 6 is at least partially deformable . The rigidity or a stiffness of the second 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0148] P2024, 0689 WO N - 28 -
[0149] material 7 and / or the carrier 4 can correlate with the sensitivity of the wearable device 1 for touch input or tactile sensing. For instance, a higher rigidity leads to a higher sensitivity for external forces 11 acting on the wearable device 1, in particular on the second material 7 or the carrier 4 .
[0150] Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a wearable device 1 and a method for operating the wearable device 1 according to another exemplary embodiment . The wearable device 1 can correspond to the wearable device 1 of Figures 1 and 2. In this exemplary embodiment, the wearable device 1 performs tactile sensing as well as detection of a movement of the obj ect 10. Thus, the wearable device 1 can be a bidirectional device . For example, the tactile sensing and the detection of the movement of the obj ect 10 is performed simultaneously. The wearable device 1 can be configured to differentiate between the movements, e . g. internal movement 16 of the obj ect 10 and external touch input 11.
[0151] For instance, all emitters 2 arranged around the obj ect 10, may be operated to efficiently distinguish between touchinput, in particular external touch-input 11, and a movement 16 of the obj ect 10, in particular an internal movement 16.
[0152] Due to the plurality of emitters 2 and / or detectors 3 a high resolution can be obtained for the wearable device 1 . For example, machine learning algorithms may be employed in the method for operating a wearable device 1 to differentiate external touch from internal myography.
[0153] Figures 4A and 4B schematically show a working principle of a wearable device 1 according to a further exemplary 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0154] P2024, 0689 WO N 29
[0155] embodiment . The wearable device 1 can be a wearable device 1 shown in Figures 5, 6 or 7 . In this exemplary embodiment, the wearable device 1 can be configured to detect or determine a change in the optical path of electromagnetic radiation emitted by at least one emitter 2. The optical path of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the at least one emitter 2 correlates with a physical path length and a refractive index of a medium through which the electromagnetic radiation passes .
[0156] Figure 4A shows a first state of the obj ect 10, for instance of a portion of a human, in particular of a human arm or wrist . For instance, a muscle is arranged in a first region 13 of the obj ect 10. A second region 14 of the obj ect 10 can comprise tissue . A third region 15 of the obj ect 10 can be referred to as skin. The obj ect 10 comprises a first refractive index neff,i .
[0157] In Figure 4B, a second state of the obj ect 10 is shown.
[0158] Thereby, due to muscle activity, the shape of the muscle within the first region 13 of the obj ect 10 is changed. For instance, the muscle and, thus, the first region 13 is expanded. Due to the muscle activity, the refractive index of the obj ect 10 is changed to a second refractive index neff,2. The second refractive index neff,2 can be different from the first refractive index neff,i.
[0159] The different refractive indices in the first state and in the second state of the obj ect 10 can lead to different optical path lengths of electromagnetic radiation being reflected within the obj ect 10. This change in optical path length may be detected using self-mixing interferometry. 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0160] P2024, 0689 WO N 30
[0161] The wearable device 1 is, for instance, configured to detect muscle activities, for instance subtle muscle activities, within an obj ect 10, e . g. within skin tissue . For this, the wearable device 1 can be configured to employ SMI-based myography .
[0162] Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a wearable device 1 according to a further exemplary embodiment and a method for operating the wearable device 1 according to a further exemplary embodiment . Analogous to the exemplary embodiment of the wearable device 1 shown in Figure 1, the wearable device comprises a plurality of emitters 2. Each emitter 2 can be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation. For instance, during operation, the emitter 2 emits electromagnetic radiation on its radiation exit side . In particular, the emitter 2 is configured for self-mixing interferometry. The plurality of emitters 2 can be arranged on a carrier 4, in particular on a common carrier 4. The carrier 4 can comprise or consist of a contiguous circuit board 8. Alternatively, the carrier 4 comprises or consists of a plurality of separate circuit boards 8 interconnected by a flexible carrier 9, for example, as shown in the cut-out of Figure 5.
[0163] The wearable device 1 may comprise a first material 6. For example, a refractive index of the first material 6 is matched or at least approximately matched to a refractive index of the obj ect 10 in the obj ect intake 5, e . g. of the skin. The first material 6 can be in direct contact with the obj ect 10 in the obj ect intake 5. The first material 6 can form a continuous layer . For instance, an interface formed between the first material 6 and the obj ect 10 in the obj ect intake 5 is continuous . 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0164] P2024, 0689 WO N - 31 -
[0165] For instance, as shown here, the obj ect 10 can be a human arm, comprising bones, indicated by the ellipses within the obj ect 10, a muscle, indicated as a movable and / or deformable ellipse within the obj ect 10, tissue and a skin. For example, the skin of the obj ect 10 can be in direct contact with the first material 6.
[0166] The wearable device 1 can comprise SMI detectors 3.
[0167] Alternatively or additionally, the emitters 2 can be configured to detect the SMI signal .
[0168] A second material 7 can be arranged on the side of the carrier 4 facing away from the first material 6. The second material 7 can comprise the same features as the second material 7 described in combination with the exemplary embodiments of Figures 1 to 3 .
[0169] Figure 6 shows a schematic view of a wearable device 1 according to a further exemplary embodiment and a method for operating the wearable device 1 according to a further exemplary embodiment . The exemplary embodiment of the wearable device 1 shown in Figure 6 differs from the wearable device 1 shown in Figure 5 in that the first material 6 forms point contacts with the obj ect 10, e . g. the skin. This can mean that the first material 6 is discontinuous . The point contacts formed with the first material 6 can be lens shaped. In other words, the point contacts formed with the first material 6 can comprise at least approximately a shape of a hemisphere . For instance, each point contact of first material 6 encapsulates and / or embeds one emitter 2 and, if present, the assigned detector 3. However, it is also possible that at least two emitters 2 are encapsulated by a 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0170] P2024, 0689 WO N 32
[0171] common point contact . Additionally or alternatively, it is also possible that one detector 3 or at least two detectors 3 are arranged within one point contact . The point contact can also be referred to as bump . For instance, the point contact can act or can be configured as a focus lens and / or a collection lens . In particular, the point contact can be configured as a focus lens for focussing the electromagnetic radiation emitted by at least one emitter 2. Additionally or alternatively, the point contact can be configured as a collection lens for directing the electromagnetic radiation towards at least one detector 3. Alternatively, not shown, it is possible that the wearable device 1 is free of the first material 6. In this case, at least one emitter 2 or all emitters 2 may be in direct contact with the obj ect 10 in the obj ect intake 5. It is also possible that at least one emitter 2 and at least one detector 3 are in direct contact with the obj ect 10 in the obj ect intake 5.
[0172] The wearable device 1 can comprise at least one hole . For example, the hole extends through the carrier 4 and / or the second material 7, for instance completely. The wearable device 1 can comprise a plurality of holes . It is possible that the hole / s are arranged in a position or in positions between the point contacts of the first material 6.
[0173] Figure 7 shows a schematic view of a wearable device 1 according to a further exemplary embodiment and a method for operating the wearable device 1 according to a further exemplary embodiment . In this exemplary embodiment, the wearable device 1 performs tactile sensing as well as detection of a movement within the obj ect 10. Thus, the wearable device 1 can be a bi-directional device . For example, the tactile sensing and the detection of the 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0174] P2024, 0689 WO N - 33 -
[0175] movement of the obj ect 10 is performed simultaneously. The wearable device 1 can be configured to differentiate between the movements, e . g. internal movement of the obj ect 10, and external touch input .
[0176] For instance, the wearable device 1 employed here can correspond to the exemplary embodiments of the wearable devices 1 of Figure 5, shown here, or of Figure 6.
[0177] In the exemplary embodiments of Figures 1 to 7, it is further possible that the wearable device 1 is applied to a robot . In other words, the wearable device 1 can be suitable for applications in robotics . In this case, the obj ect 10 arranged in the obj ect intake 5 can comprise or can be at least a part of a robot . For instance, the wearable device 1 is configured as a smart skin of a robot . In particular, the wearable device 1 may be operated to detect touch input . For example, the wearable device 1 acts as a safety measure . It is possible that the wearable device 1 is configured to stop a robot from working and / or moving when a touch is detected by the wearable device 1. However, it can also be possible to detect a movement of the robot within the wearable device 1. It is also possible that the wearable device 1 does not completely surround the obj ect 10, for example the robot . In particular, it is not necessary that the wearable device 1 completely surrounds the obj ect 10 for example in case the wearable device 1 is employed for tactile sensing.
[0178] This patent application claims the priority of German patent application 10 2024 133 525.4, the disclosure content of which is hereby incorporated by reference . 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0179] P2024, 0689 WO N - 34 -
[0180] The invention described herein is not limited by the description given with reference to the embodiments . Rather, the invention encompasses any novel feature and any combination of features, including in particular any combination of features in the claims, even if this feature or this combination is not itself explicitly indicated in the claims or embodiments . 2024PF00480 13. November, 2025
[0181] P2024, 0689 WO N
[0182] - 35 -
[0183] References
[0184] 1 wearable device
[0185] 2 emitter
[0186] 3 detector
[0187] 4 carrier
[0188] 5 obj ect intake
[0189] 6 first material
[0190] 7 second material
[0191] 8 circuit board
[0192] 9 flexible carrier
[0193] 10 obj ect
[0194] 10a skin displacement
[0195] 11 force / touch input
[0196] 12 finger
[0197] 13 first region
[0198] 14 second region
[0199] 15 third region
[0200] 16 movement
Claims
2024PF00480 13 . November, 2025P2024 , 0689 WO N - 36 -Claims1 . Wearable device ( 1 ) , comprising- a plurality of emitters ( 2 ) arranged on a carrier ( 4 ) , and - an obj ect intake ( 5 ) , wherein- each emitter ( 2 ) is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation towards the obj ect intake ( 5 ) ,- the emitters ( 2 ) are distributed around the obj ect intake ( 5 ) , and the carrier ( 4 ) is arranged on the side of the emitters ( 2 ) facing away from the obj ect intake ( 5 ) , wherein - the wearable device ( 1 ) is configured to perform detection of a movement of an obj ect ( 10 ) arranged in the obj ect intake ( 5 ) and / or tactile sensing, and wherein- a first material ( 6 ) is arranged between the emitters ( 2 ) and the obj ect intake ( 5 ) .2 . The wearable device ( 1 ) according to the previous claim, wherein the first material ( 6 ) is directly adj acent to the emitters ( 2 ) and the obj ect intake ( 5 ) .3 . The wearable device ( 1 ) according to the previous claim, wherein the emitters ( 2 ) are embedded in the first material ( 6 ) , and the first material ( 6 ) is configured to be in direct contact with an obj ect ( 10 ) arranged in the obj ect intake ( 5 ) .4 . The wearable device ( 1 ) according to one of the previous claims , wherein the first material ( 6 ) forms a continuous layer .5 . The wearable device ( 1 ) according to one of the claims 1 to 3 , wherein the first material ( 6 ) is discontinuous forming point contacts , and the wearable device ( 1 ) comprises holes ,2024PF00480 13. November, 2025P2024, 0689 WO N - 37 -the holes extending through the carrier (4 ) in positions between the point contacts of the first material ( 6) .
6. The wearable device ( 1 ) according to one of the previous claims, wherein the first material ( 6) comprises silicone .
7. The wearable device ( 1 ) according to one of the previous claims, wherein a refractive index of the first material ( 6) is matched to a refractive index of a skin of a living organism.
8. The wearable device ( 1 ) according to one of the previous claims, wherein the first material ( 6) comprises a first coating, which is reflective for the electromagnetic radiation emitted by at least one emitter (2 ) , wherein the first coating is arranged on the side of the first material ( 6) facing away from the carrier (4 ) .
9. The wearable device ( 1 ) according to one of the previous claims, wherein the emitter (2 ) comprises a pLED.
10. The wearable device ( 1 ) according to one of the previous claims, wherein the emitter (2 ) comprises a laser, and the laser is configured to perform self-mixing interferometry.
11. The wearable device ( 1 ) according to one of the previous claims, wherein- the wearable device ( 1 ) further comprises a plurality of detectors ( 3 ) ,- each detector (3) is assigned to an emitter (2 ) of the plurality of emitters (2 ) and configured to detect the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter (2 ) and2024PF00480 13 . November, 2025P2024 , 0689 WO N - 38 -reflected by an obj ect ( 10 ) arranged in the obj ect intake ( 5 ) .12 . The wearable device ( 1 ) according to one of the previous claims , wherein the carrier ( 4 ) comprises a circuit board ( 8 ) .13 . The wearable device ( 1 ) according to one of the previous claims , wherein the carrier ( 4 ) comprises a plurality of circuit boards ( 8 ) , and the circuit boards ( 8 ) are interconnected by a flexible carrier ( 9 ) .14 . The wearable device ( 1 ) according to one of the previous claims , further comprising a second material ( 7 ) , wherein the second material ( 7 ) forms a continuous layer on the side of the carrier ( 4 ) facing away from the first material ( 6 ) , and the second material ( 7 ) is more rigid than the first material ( 6 ) .15 . The wearable device ( 1 ) according to one of the previous claims , wherein a thickness of the first material ( 6 ) is at most 1 cm, and wherein the thickness corresponds to a distance between the obj ect intake ( 5 ) and / or an obj ect ( 10 ) arranged in the obj ect intake ( 5 ) and the emitter ( 2 ) and / or the carrier ( 4 ) .16 . The wearable device ( 1 ) according to one of the previous claims , wherein the wearable device ( 1 ) is or comprises a smart bracelet .17 . The wearable device ( 1 ) according to one of the previous claims , wherein the detection of the movement of the obj ect ( 10 ) and / or the touch sensing is performed by detecting2024PF00480 13 . November, 2025P2024 , 0689 WO N - 39 -changes in an optical path and / or in a physical path of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitters ( 2 ) .18 . A method for operating a wearable device ( 1 ) , the wearable device ( 1 ) being a wearable device ( 1 ) according to one of the claims 1 to 17 , comprising :- arranging an obj ect ( 10 ) in the obj ect intake ( 5 ) of the wearable device ( 1 ) ,- performing detection of a movement of the obj ect ( 10 ) and / or tactile sensing with the wearable device ( 1 ) by- operating at least one emitter ( 2 ) to emit electromagnetic radiation,- detect the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter ( 2 ) and reflected by a portion of the obj ect ( 10 ) .19 . The method for operating a wearable device ( 1 ) according to the previous claims , wherein the emitters ( 2 ) are operated sequentially .20 . The method for operating a wearable device ( 1 ) according to claim 18 , wherein the emitters ( 2 ) are operated simultaneously .