Abstract: A method (300) and apparatus (200) that determines a physiological parameter using a fingerprint sensor on a portable electronic device is disclosed. The method can include capturing (320) a plurality of images corresponding to an area beneath a surface of skin using a fingerprint sensor configured to capture a live scan of a fingerprint pattern from a finger on a touch surface on a portable electronic device. The method can include comparing (330) image characteristics corresponding to at least a first image of the plurality of images with image characteristics corresponding to at least a second image of the plurality of images. The method can include determining (340) a physiological parameter based on comparing the image characteristics.

Abstract: A heart rate sensing system (300) includes a light source (112, 310, 1008, 1110) a light detector (114, 1010, 1112) and a pressure sensor (116, 1012, 1114) held by a compressible comformable resilient pad (110, 1006, 1108) against a wearers body (202). A signal from the pressure sensor is used to alter the amplitude of a signal detected by the light source in order to reduce motion artifacts. The system can be incorporated into an article, such as an ear cuff (100), an audio headset (1000) or a set of headphones (1100), that is suitable for use by an active user.

Abstract: A heart rate sensing system (300) includes a light source (112, 310, 1008, 1110) a light detector (114, 1010, 1112) and a pressure sensor (116, 1012, 1114) held by a compressible comformable resilient pad (110, 1006, 1108) against a wearers body (202). A signal from the pressure sensor is used to alter the amplitude of a signal detected by the light source in order to reduce motion artifacts. The system can be incorporated into an article, such as an ear cuff (100), an audio headset (1000) or a set of headphones (1100), that is suitable for use by an active user.

Abstract: A heart rate sensing system (300) includes a light source (112, 310, 1008, 1110) a light detector (114, 1010, 1112) and a pressure sensor (116, 1012, 1114) held by a compressible comformable resilient pad (110, 1006, 1108) against a wearers body (202). A signal from the pressure sensor is used to alter the amplitude of a signal detected by the light source in order to reduce motion artifacts. The system can be incorporated into an article, such as an ear cuff (100), an audio headset (1000) or a set of headphones (1100), that is suitable for use by an active user.

Abstract: A heart rate sensing system (300) includes a light source (112, 310, 1008, 1110) a light detector (114, 1010, 1112) and a pressure sensor (116, 1012, 1114) held by a compressible comformable resilient pad (110, 1006, 1108) against a wearers body (202). A signal from the pressure sensor is used to alter the amplitude of a signal detected by the light source in order to reduce motion artifacts. The system can be incorporated into an article, such as an ear cuff (100), an audio headset (1000) or a set of headphones (1100), that is suitable for use by an active user.

Abstract: A method (300) and apparatus (200) that determines a physiological parameter using a fingerprint sensor on a portable electronic device is disclosed. The method can include capturing (320) a plurality of images corresponding to an area beneath a surface of skin using a fingerprint sensor configured to capture a live scan of a fingerprint pattern from a finger on a touch surface on a portable electronic device. The method can include comparing (330) image characteristics corresponding to at least a first image of the plurality of images with image characteristics corresponding to at least a second image of the plurality of images. The method can include determining (340) a physiological parameter based on comparing the image characteristics.

Abstract: A heart rate sensing system (300) includes a light source (112, 310, 1008, 1110) a light detector (114, 1010, 1112) and a pressure sensor (116, 1012, 1114) held by a compressible comformable resilient pad (110, 1006, 1108) against a wearers body (202). A signal from the pressure sensor is used to alter the amplitude of a signal detected by the light source in order to reduce motion artifacts. The system can be incorporated into an article, such as an ear cuff (100), an audio headset (1000) or a set of headphones (1100), that is suitable for use by an active user.

Abstract: An apparatus (400) can receive (101) a plurality of visible light images as correspond to a subject's skin (403) proximal to a blood-transporting capillary (404) and then process (102) that plurality of visible light images to thereby determine a heart rate for the subject. These teachings will accommodate both light-transmissive images and light-reflective images. By one approach, these visible light images can comprise images that are captured by use of a cellular telephone camera (402). The aforementioned processing can occur, in whole or in part, at the cellular telephone or at a remotely located server (408).

Abstract: A headpiece (101) has at least one pedometer accelerometer (102) integrally disposed with respect to the headpiece (101) and a personal communications device interface (103) operably supported by the headpiece (101). By one approach, the headpiece (201) has an earpiece having at least one audio transducer (204). By another approach, the pedometer accelerometer (402) is disposed substantially dorsally with respect to the user's head (413) when the headpiece (401) is supported by the user's head (413).

Abstract: A multi-sensor system includes a first analog sensor sub-system, a second analog sensor sub-system, and a system for synchronizing the outputs of the first and second analog sub-systems. Each analog sensor sub-system includes a sensor that produces an analog output. Each sensor is coupled to analog circuitry that processes the output from the sensor. The system for synchronizing the outputs of the first and second analog sensor sub-systems simultaneously inserts a marker into the outputs of the first and second analog sensors. Then, the outputs of the analog circuitry of the first and second analog sub-systems are synchronized based upon the marker. The marker signal may be produced using a Barker sequence signal generator.

Abstract: A system for utilizing the waste heat from the exhaust systems of automotive vehicles to provide for increased traction of the drive wheels of such vehicles wherein the exhaust gases and/or air passing in heat exchange relationship with the exhaust gases pass through a blower unit and through conduits which direct the heated gases to areas proximate to the vehicle drive wheels.