Patents by Inventor Seppo Korkala

Seppo Korkala has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11744334
    Abstract: A watch strap includes a substantially inflexible main portion, a flexible auxiliary portion coupled to the substantially inflexible main portion, and a tightener coupled to the flexible auxiliary portion. When in use, the tightener is configured to maintain a selected tightness, and the flexible auxiliary portion is configured to be elastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Polar Electro Oy
    Inventors: Anna-Marja Suvilaakso, Olli Komulainen, Kaisa Lämsä, Katri Ervasti-Taskila, Marko Tuhkala, Seppo Korkala, Veli-Pekka Putila
  • Publication number: 20230053068
    Abstract: A watch strap includes a substantially inflexible main portion, a flexible auxiliary portion coupled to the substantially inflexible main portion, and a tightener coupled to the flexible auxiliary portion. When in use, the tightener is configured to maintain a selected tightness, and the flexible auxiliary portion is configured to be elastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Applicant: Polar Electro Oy
    Inventors: Anna-Marja Suvilaakso, Olli Komulainen, Kaisa Lämsä, Katri Ervasti-Taskila, Marko Tuhkala, Seppo Korkala, Veli-Pekka Putila
  • Patent number: 11517079
    Abstract: A watch strap includes a substantially inflexible main portion, a flexible auxiliary portion coupled to the substantially inflexible main portion, and a tightener coupled to the flexible auxiliary portion. When in use, the tightener is configured to maintain a selected tightness, and the flexible auxiliary portion is configured to be elastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Polar Electro Oy
    Inventors: Anna-Marja Suvilaakso, Olli Komulainen, Kaisa Lämsä, Katri Ervasti-Taskila, Marko Tuhkala, Seppo Korkala, Veli-Pekka Putila
  • Patent number: 11278245
    Abstract: There is provided a wearable device for measuring cardiac activity of a user, the wearable device comprising: an optical cardiac activity sensor unit configured to be placed in contact with a measurement area and to enable cardiac activity measurement of the user to obtain a cardiac activity signal; a plurality of electrodes configured to enable bioimpedance measurement on the measurement area to obtain a bioimpedance signal; a detector unit for detecting changes in the bioimpedance signal; and a reducer unit for reducing a motion artefact effect on the cardiac activity signal based on the detected changes in the bioimpedance signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Polar Electro Oy
    Inventors: Elias Pekonen, Matti Orava, Olli Komulainen, Seppo Korkala, Pekka Rytky, Mika Rahja, Tuomas Hartikainen, Lauri Lumme
  • Publication number: 20220007954
    Abstract: A solution for optical biometric measurements is disclosed. According to an aspect, a sensor device includes a sensor head configured to face a skin of a human body. The sensor head includes: at least one optical emitter configured to emit light towards a direction of the skin; at least one photodetector configured to sense the emitted light from the direction of the skin; and an array of parallel light guide elements arranged to form a plurality of parallel light paths directing light from the at least optical emitter to the at least one photodetector. Each light guide element includes, between a first end and a second end of the light guide element, an optically transparent core and an optical barrier surrounding the core. The core together with the optical barrier focuses light along the core between the ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Applicant: Polar Electro Oy
    Inventor: Seppo Korkala
  • Publication number: 20210251522
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing training guidance in connection with a physical exercise includes: measuring, by using a heart activity sensor, heart activity of a user during a physical exercise; measuring, by using a bioimpedance measurement sensor, bioimpedance of the user during the physical exercise; computing, by a processing circuitry, a stroke volume from the bioimpedance synchronized to a cardiac cycle of the user by using the measured heart activity; computing, by the processing circuitry, training intensity by using at least the computed the stroke volume; comparing, by the processing circuitry, the training intensity with at least one threshold; and outputting at least one training guidance instruction on the basis of the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Applicant: Polar Electro Oy
    Inventors: Daniela Olstad, Topi Korhonen, Seppo Korkala, Tuomas Hartikainen, Juhani Kemppainen, Riikka Ahola, Esa Tuulari
  • Publication number: 20200163420
    Abstract: A watch strap includes a substantially inflexible main portion, a flexible auxiliary portion coupled to the substantially inflexible main portion, and a tightener coupled to the flexible auxiliary portion. When in use, the tightener is configured to maintain a selected tightness, and the flexible auxiliary portion is configured to be elastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2019
    Publication date: May 28, 2020
    Applicant: Polar Electro Oy
    Inventors: Anna-Marja Suvilaakso, Olli Komulainen, Kaisa Lämsä, Katri Ervasti-Taskila, Marko Tuhkala, Seppo Korkala, Veli-Pekka Putila
  • Patent number: 10602937
    Abstract: An apparatus is suitable for measuring a photoplethysmogram (PPG). A photoplethysmographic sensor apparatus may include a casing defining a surface, a plurality of optical emitters configured to emit radiation extending from the surface, at least one photo sensor configured to capture radiation emitted by at least a subset of the plurality of optical emitters. At least a first measurement configuration and a second configuration is defined by the plurality of optical emitters and the at least one photo sensor such that the first and the second measurement configuration provide different measurement channels by including at least partially different sets of at least one optical emitter and at least one photo sensor. The first and second measurement configurations define different spatial configurations, each of which is line symmetric with respect to an imaginary line along the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Polar Electro Oy
    Inventors: Elias Pekonen, Seppo Korkala
  • Publication number: 20200060576
    Abstract: A garment is made of flexible material that includes a first measurement electrode integrated into the garment at a first location, a second measurement electrode integrated into the garment at a second location different from the first location, and a measurement circuitry configured to measure bioimpedance by using the first measurement electrode and the second electrode and to transmit the measured bioimpedance and to measure electrocardiogram by using at least one of the first measurement electrode and the second electrode or another electrode. The garment is an upper body garment, in which the first measurement electrode is disposed above a heart level and the second measurement electrode is disposed below the heart level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Applicant: Polar Electro Oy
    Inventors: Seppo Korkala, Tuomas Hartikainen, Juhani Kemppainen
  • Patent number: 10448897
    Abstract: A method includes: obtaining, by an apparatus, instantaneous images from an optical heart activity sensor, wherein the instantaneous images characterize a heart activity data of a user; obtaining information about spatial shifts of a measuring area of the optical heart activity sensor in relation to a body tissue of the user; determining effect of the spatial shifts in the instantaneous images based on the information about the spatial shifts; enhancing the instantaneous images by decreasing the effect of the spatial shifts in the instantaneous images; and processing the enhanced instantaneous images into the heart activity data of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Polar Electro Oy
    Inventors: Mikko Repka, Jukka-Tapani Makinen, Juha Sumen, Seppo Korkala
  • Patent number: 10314506
    Abstract: A heart activity sensor structure includes a flexible substrate being substantially non-conductive, at least two electrodes printed on one side of the flexible substrate and configured to be placed against a skin of a user in order to measure biometric signals related to heart activity, and an electrostatic discharge shield printed on opposite side the flexible textile substrate, compared to the printing of the at least two electrodes, for protecting the at least two electrodes from static electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: POLAR ELECTRO OY
    Inventors: Seppo Korkala, Elias Pekonen, Juhani Kemppainen, Pekka Rytky, Jarmo Saaski
  • Publication number: 20190059821
    Abstract: There is provided a wearable device for measuring cardiac activity of a user, the wearable device comprising: an optical cardiac activity sensor unit configured to be placed in contact with a measurement area and to enable cardiac activity measurement of the user to obtain a cardiac activity signal; a plurality of electrodes configured to enable bioimpedance measurement on the measurement area to obtain a bioimpedance signal; a detector unit for detecting changes in the bioimpedance signal; and a reducer unit for reducing a motion artefact effect on the cardiac activity signal based on the detected changes in the bioimpedance signal. (FIG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Applicant: Polar Electro Oy
    Inventors: Elias Pekonen, Matti Orava, Olli Komulainen, Seppo Korkala, Pekka Rytky, Mika Rahja, Tuomas Hartikainen, Lauri Lumme
  • Patent number: 10182737
    Abstract: An apparatus includes: a first layer including first and second measurement electrodes disposed at a distance from one another, wherein the first and second measurement electrodes are skin electrodes that measure an electric physiological property from a skin; and a second layer disposed on top of the first layer including first and a second shielding elements that are electrically conductive and arranged to cover at least partially both the first and second measurement electrodes to protect the first and second measurement electrode against electromagnetic interference. Each of the shielding elements are connected to a skin electrode. The first shielding element and the second shielding element extend adjacent with respect to one another between the first and second measurement electrodes on a plane defined by the second layer. The second shielding element is electrically isolated from the first shielding element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Polar Electro Oy
    Inventors: Seppo Korkala, Kaisa Lämsä, Elias Pekonen
  • Patent number: 10070798
    Abstract: A heart activity sensor structure includes a flexible textile substrate, and at least two electrodes with an electric insulation between each of the at least two electrodes. The at least two electrodes are applied on one side of the flexible textile substrate and configured to be placed against a skin of an exerciser in order to measure biosignals related to heart activity. The heart activity sensor also includes an electrostatic discharge shield applied on one side of the flexible textile substrate for protecting the at least two electrodes from static electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Polar Electro Oy
    Inventors: Seppo Korkala, Elias Pekonen, Juhani Kemppainen, Pekka Rytky
  • Publication number: 20180220918
    Abstract: An apparatus includes: a first layer including first and second measurement electrodes disposed at a distance from one another, wherein the first and second measurement electrodes are skin electrodes that measure an electric physiological property from a skin; and a second layer disposed on top of the first layer including first and a second shielding elements that are electrically conductive and arranged to cover at least partially both the first and second measurement electrodes to protect the first and second measurement electrode against electromagnetic interference. Each of the shielding elements are connected to a skin electrode. The first shielding element and the second shielding element extend adjacent with respect to one another between the first and second measurement electrodes on a plane defined by the second layer. The second shielding element is electrically isolated from the first shielding element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Seppo Korkala, Kaisa Lämsä, Elias Pekonen
  • Publication number: 20180000363
    Abstract: An apparatus is suitable for measuring a photoplethysmogram (PPG). A photoplethysmographic sensor apparatus may include a casing defining a surface, a plurality of optical emitters configured to emit radiation extending from the surface, at least one photo sensor configured to capture radiation emitted by at least a subset of the plurality of optical emitters. At least a first measurement configuration and a second configuration is defined by the plurality of optical emitters and the at least one photo sensor such that the first and the second measurement configuration provide different measurement channels by including at least partially different sets of at least one optical emitter and at least one photo sensor. The first and second measurement configurations define different spatial configurations, each of which is line symmetric with respect to an imaginary line along the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Elias Pekonen, Seppo Korkala
  • Publication number: 20170333752
    Abstract: A device for measuring physical activity of a user during swimming is provided, which includes the following: a sensor unit adapted and dimensioned to be coupled with swimming goggles, wherein the sensor unit includes a motion circuitry configured to measure physical motion of the user; an optical cardiac activity circuitry configured to be placed at least partially against a body tissue of the user and to measure cardiac activity of the user; and a wireless communication circuitry configured to transfer data between the device and at least one external device, wherein the wireless communication circuitry is configured to transfer physical activity data of the user to the at least one external device, and the physical activity data includes at least one of motion data obtained using the motion circuitry, cardiac activity data obtained using the cardiac activity circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Seppo Korkala, Marko Tilvis, Ville Majava, Harri Määttä, Jonna Puurunen, Ville Kampman, Lauri Lumme
  • Patent number: 9590449
    Abstract: A wireless power transfer device includes an input interface configured to receive a primary magnetic flux in a first direction, and an output interface configured to output a secondary magnetic flux in a second direction different from the first direction. The input interface and the output interface form a closed electric circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Polar Electro Oy
    Inventors: Marko Tilvis, Seppo Korkala
  • Patent number: 9504396
    Abstract: An apparel is disclosed. The apparel comprises a base layer, at least one electrode layer arranged on the base layer either directly or through at least one intermediate layer. The at least one electrode layer is made at least partly of a conductive material. The apparel further comprises a flocked fiber layer comprising conductive fiber particles arranged on the at least one electrode layer through flocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: POLAR ELECTRO OY
    Inventors: Seppo Korkala, Kaisa Lämsä
  • Publication number: 20160242698
    Abstract: A method includes: obtaining, by an apparatus, instantaneous images from an optical heart activity sensor, wherein the instantaneous images characterize a heart activity data of a user; obtaining information about spatial shifts of a measuring area of the optical heart activity sensor in relation to a body tissue of the user; determining effect of the spatial shifts in the instantaneous images based on the information about the spatial shifts; enhancing the instantaneous images by decreasing the effect of the spatial shifts in the instantaneous images; and processing the enhanced instantaneous images into the heart activity data of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: Mikko Repka, Jukka-Tapani Makinen, Juha Sumen, Seppo Korkala