System and Method for Monitoring Biological Parameters

Abstract

A system includes a biometric detector and a band of stretchable fabric. The biometric detector detects a biological parameter. The biometric detector is fastened to the band of elastomer fabric.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to detectors and clothing.

There exists a need to ease manufacturing of clothing integrated with smart detectors.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate example embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIGS. 1A-B illustrate an example biometric detecting system, where FIG. 1A illustrates an example biometric detecting system and FIG. 1B illustrates a side-view of an example detector;

FIGS. 2A-B illustrate an example casing and detector, where FIG. 2A illustrates an oblique exploded view of an example casing and detector and FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of an example casing and detector;

FIGS. 3A-B illustrate an example for fastening a casing to an elastomeric fabric, where FIG. 3A illustrates an oblique exploded view and FIG. 3B illustrates a side view;

FIGS. 4A-B illustrate an example for fastening a detector to an elastomeric fabric, where FIG. 4A illustrates an oblique exploded view and FIG. 4B illustrates a side view.

FIG. 5 illustrates fastening the combined elastomeric fabric and detector system onto a garment; and

FIG. 6 illustrates an example garment having a biometric detector thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

A system includes a biometric detector and a band of stretchable fabric. The biometric detector detects a biological parameter. The biometric detector is fastened to the band of elastomer fabric.

Example Embodiments

There is increasing availability of biometric detecting devices that enable users to detect and record parameters associated with activity, such as distance, heart rate, temperature, sweat rate, sweat concentration, acceleration and altitude to name a few. When integrated with user apparel, the “smart clothing” allows a user to easily track their activity. While detector and clothing manufacturing methods are independently well understood and efficient, these detectors are typically difficult to integrate with user apparel. Specifically, when conventional smart clothing is manufactured, the individual articles of apparel are first manufactured and then the sensors are subsequently integrated. Many clothing manufacturing facilities are not equipped to easily incorporate sensors into manufactured articles. There is a need to improve the integration of biometric detecting devices with user apparel to create smart clothing.

Inventors of the present invention have recognized that one aspect of clothing manufacturing is well known and systematic, and in some cases automated. That aspect is the application of a stretchable fabric, e.g., elastomeric fabrics, elastic bands, etc., into articles of clothing. In accordance with aspects of the present invention a biometric detecting device is first combined with an elastomeric fabric. The combination of a biometric detecting device and elastomeric fabric is then provided to a clothing manufacturer, so that the combination can be easily integrated with clothing using existing clothing manufacturing methods.

Therefore, a clothing manufacturer may not need to retrain its employees to incorporate sensors into apparel or retool the automated manufacturing lines. On the contrary, the employees or automated manufacturing lines need only add the elastomeric fabric, having the sensors disposed thereon, to the apparel.

Specifics of an example biometric detecting system will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1A-B.

FIGS. 1A-B illustrate an example biometric detecting system 100, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 1A illustrates an example biometric detecting system, whereas FIG. 1B illustrates a side-view of an example detector.

As shown in the figures, biometric detecting system 100 includes a detector 102 and an external device 104. Detector 102 includes a detector bank 106, a wireless transmitter 108, a wireless receiver 110 and a surface plane 128. Detector bank 106 includes a plurality of detectors, a sample of which are indicated as a detector 112, a detector 114, a detector 116 and a detector 118.

Detector 102 is arranged to communicate with external device 104 by way of a communication channel 120 and a communication channel 122. In particular, wireless transmitter 108 is arranged to communicate to external device 104 by communication channel 120, whereas wireless receiver 110 is arranged to communicate with external device 104 by communication channel 122. Detector bank 106 is arranged to communicate with wireless transmitter 108 and wireless receiver 110 by way of a detection channel 124 and a detection channel 126, respectively. Detector bank 106 is arranged at a surface plane 128 of detector 102. Surface plane 128 may be arranged to contact a user's skin.

Detector 102 may be any device or system that is operable to detect a parameter associated with an activity of a user with capabilities to communicate with an external device 104.

External device 104 may be any device or system that can transmit and receive information wirelessly with detector 102. Non-limiting examples of external device 104 include a cellular phone, computer or other wireless enabled system. Non-limiting examples of wireless transmission modalities include Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Detector bank 106 includes a plurality of detectors 112, 114, 116 and 118, each of which may detect a parameter associated with user activity. Non-limiting examples of parameters that may be detected include temperature, salinity, electric potential, capacitance, inductance, impedance and any changes thereof. Non-limiting examples of detectors include accelerometers, magnetometers, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, heart rate monitors, altimeters, light sensors and gyroscopes.

As a user performs an activity, detector bank 106 and constituent detectors 112, 114, 116, and 118 can detect a variety of parameters associated with the activity. For example, a detector bank 106 intended for running shorts may measure acceleration, temperature and salinity. Alternatively, detector bank 106 intended for an exercise sock may measure step count, heart rate and temperature. Detector bank 106 may be tailored to specific attire or activity, and detectors that measure any combination of user activity parameters may be included. Detected information from measurements may be digitally stored or communicated simultaneously to external device 104. For example, a detector bank 106 with a heart rate monitor may record heart rate data for use with an external program used to track fitness over time. Alternatively, detector bank 106 may be enabled to measure salinity and allow a user to monitor their sweat concentration and assess their level of hydration in real-time; this could benefit long distance runners, hikers, triathletes, as well as others who need to balance fluids and electrolytes.

A combined detector and elastomeric fabric in accordance with aspects of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2-6.

In some embodiments, a casing may house detector 102, wherein the casing is fixed to the elastomeric fabric. In other embodiments, detector 102 may be directly fixed to elastomeric fabric.

Specifics of an example system to combine a casing and detector will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2A-B.

FIGS. 2A-B illustrate an example casing and detector, in accordance with aspects in the present invention. In particular, FIG. 2A illustrates an oblique exploded view of an example casing and detector, whereas FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of an example casing and detector.

As shown in the figures, casing 200 includes a front casing 202, a back casing 204, a fastening mechanism 206 and a detection window 208.

Detector 102 is disposed between front casing 202 and back casing 204. Fastening mechanism 206 is arranged peripherally around detector 102 and disposed between front casing 202 and back casing 204. Detection window 208 is arranged in front of detector bank 106 of detector 102 contained therein. Front casing 202, detector 102 and back casing 204 are stacked directionally top-to-bottom along 210.

The shape and size of front casing 202, back casing 204 and fastening mechanism 206 are selected to assure correct positioning of detector bank 106 behind detection window 208, preventing rotation or movement of detector 102 within casing 200.

Fastening mechanism 206 binds front casing 202 onto back casing 204, securing detector 102 therein.

Fastening mechanism 206 may be any device or system to bind materials. Non-limiting examples of fastening mechanism 206 include stitches and adhesives. For example, in some embodiments front casing 202 and back casing 204 may be fabric, whereby fastening mechanism 206 may be adhesive or stitching. Further, if front casing 202 and back casing 204 are rigid plastic, fastening mechanism 206 may be an adhesive.

In an example embodiment, casing 200 is fabric, which is much more conventionally easy to affix to elastomeric fabric.

Although front casing 202 and back casing 204 are identified separately in this example, in some embodiments front casing 202 and back casing 204 may be a single piece of material, such as an injection molded polymer resin. As such, fastening mechanism 206 is used as required.

In operation, casing 200 facilitates integration of detector 102 with elastomeric fabric. The size and shape of front casing 202 and back casing 204, as well as fastening mechanism 206, would be selected to tightly fit detector 102 in order to position detector bank 106 behind detection window 208, which may be positioned in contact with a user's skin. When rigid materials are used, front casing 202 and back casing 204 may additionally provide protection for detector 102.

Specifics of an example system to integrate the casing presented in FIGS. 2A-B with an elastomeric fabric will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3A-B.

FIGS. 3A-B illustrate an example for fastening a casing to an elastomeric fabric, in accordance with aspects in the present invention. In particular, FIG. 3A illustrates an oblique exploded view, whereas FIG. 3B illustrates a side view.

As shown in the figures, system 300 includes an elastomeric fabric 302, a fastening mechanism 304, a fastening mechanism 306 and casing 200.

Casing 200 is arranged on top of elastomeric fabric 302. Fastening mechanism 304 and fastening mechanism 306 are disposed between casing 200 and elastomeric fabric 302 and arranged along parallel edges of casing 200. Casing 200, fastening mechanism 304, fastening mechanism 306 and elastomeric fabric 302 are stacked directionally top-to-bottom along 310.

Fastening mechanism 304 and fastening mechanism 306 secure casing 200 onto elastomeric fabric 302.

Fastening mechanisms 304 and fastening mechanism 306 may be any device or system to bind materials. Non-limiting examples include a stitch or adhesive. For example, in some embodiments casing 200 is fabric, whereby fastening mechanism 304 and fastening mechanism 306 may be stitching. Alternatively, if casing 200 is rigid plastic, fastening mechanism 304 and fastening mechanism 306 may be adhesive.

In the example discussed above with reference to FIGS. 3A-B, casing 200 is fixed to elastomeric fabric 302. In other embodiments, detector 102 may be directly fixed to elastomeric fabric.

Specifics of an example system to integrate the biometric detector presented in FIGS. 1A-B with an elastomeric fabric will now be described with reference to FIGS. 4A-B.

FIGS. 4A-B illustrate an example for fastening detector 102 directly to an elastomeric fabric, in accordance with aspects in the present invention. In particular, FIG. 4A illustrates an oblique exploded view, whereas FIG. 4B illustrates a side view.

As shown in the figures, system 400 includes an elastomeric fabric 402, a fastening attachment 404, a fastening attachment 406, a fastening mechanism 408, a fastening mechanism 410 and the aforementioned detector 102.

Detector 102 is arranged on top of elastomeric fabric 402. Fastening attachment 404 and fastening attachment 406 are arranged along parallel edges of detector 102. Fastening mechanism 408 and fastening mechanism 410 are disposed between detector 102 and elastomeric fabric 402 and arranged along parallel edges of detector 102. Detector 102, fastening mechanism 408, fastening mechanism 410 and elastomeric fabric 402 are stacked directionally top-to-bottom along 412.

Fastening mechanism 408 and fastening mechanism 410 secure detector 102 onto elastomeric fabric 402 via fastening attachment 404 and fastening attachment 406.

Fastening mechanisms 408 and fastening mechanism 410 may be any device or system to bind materials. Non-limiting examples include a stitch or adhesive. For example, in some embodiments detector 102 may be a polymer resin with pre-fabricated fastening attachment 404 and fastening attachment 406, whereby fastening mechanism 408 and fastening mechanism 410 may be stitching. Alternatively, detector 102 may be fabricated without fastening attachment sites 404 and 406 (as shown in FIGS. 1A-B), which may require fastening mechanism 408 and fastening mechanism 410 to be an adhesive.

Once a detector is affixed to elastomeric fabric, either directly or by way of a casing, the combination of detector and elastomeric fabric may be incorporated into an item of apparel by known methods. An example of integrating a detector and elastomeric fabric combination with a garment will now be described with reference to FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 illustrates fastening the combined elastomeric fabric and detector system onto a garment.

As shown in the figure, a system 500 includes a garment 502, a garment band 504, a fastening mechanism 506, a fastening mechanism 508 and system 300 as described previously.

Garment band 504 is arranged as a subsection of garment 502. System 300 is arranged concentrically within or around garment band 504 of garment 502 as directed by 510. Fastening mechanism 506 is arranged above casing 200 and circumferentially around garment band 504. Similarly, fastening mechanism 508 is arranged below casing 200 and circumferentially around garment band 504.

Fastening mechanism 506 and fastening mechanism 508 secure elastomeric fabric 302 onto garment band 504 of garment 502.

The position and orientation of detector 102 is determined by positioning of casing 200 on elastomeric fabric 302; it is additionally determined by the positioning of elastomeric fabric 302 on garment 502.

Garment band 504 may be any section of garment 502. Non-limiting examples of garments include shorts, pants, socks, gloves, hats, shirts and undergarments. Non-limiting examples of garment bands include short waistband, shirtwaist, shirt cuff, pant cuff, bra strap and hat brim. Garment band 504 may or may not be an elastomeric fabric. For example, in some embodiments garment 502 may be a pair of shorts with a garment band 504 positioned around a user's waist, which requires an elastomeric material; elastomeric fabric 302 may be used to position casing 200 on a user's skin as well as to secure shorts around their waist without requiring an additional elastic band. Alternatively, garment band 504 may have the required elastomeric fabric for garment use, limiting the requirements of elastomeric fabric 302 only to position casing 200 onto garment 502.

Fastening mechanism 506 and fastening mechanism 508 may be any device or system to bind materials. Non-limiting examples include a stitch or adhesive.

The abovementioned example embodiment refers only to system 300, which uses casing 200 to integrate detector 102 with an elastomeric fabric 302. Alternatively, the abovementioned embodiment may substitute system 400, which directly integrates detector 102 with an elastomeric fabric 402.

In operation, and with reference to FIGS. 3-5, an example detector 102 is integrated onto an example garment using a versatile combination of fabric and fastening mechanisms. Detector 102 may be custom designed or market available, and FIGS. 3-5 demonstrate methods to integrate detector 102 onto a garment of choice by way of a versatile elastomeric fabric. FIGS. 3A-B and FIGS. 4A-B demonstrates non-limiting examples used in the current embodiment, whereby two forms of detector 102 are fastened to an elastomeric fabric. FIGS. 3A-B demonstrate fastening an example casing 200 onto a versatile elastomeric fabric 302, whereas FIGS. 4A-B demonstrate fastening detector 102 directly onto a versatile elastomeric fabric 402. Elastomeric fabric 302 or elastomeric fabric 402 may be integrated directly into a garment or fastened only to position detector 102 on a user. A non-limiting example of direct integration could include using elastomeric fabric 302 or elastomeric fabric 402 to create a waistband for a pair of shorts or a cuff for socks. Alternatively, elastomeric fabric 302 or elastomeric fabric 402 may be used only to position detector 102 on a user, such as when fastened to a sports-bra strap.

These non-limiting examples demonstrate how a detector may be integrated with an elastomeric fabric. This system could be manufactured in one location and then fastened to various types of garments during their manufacturing. This method would enable apparel manufacturers to integrate monitoring systems into diverse types of apparel using current manufacturing practices; furthermore, detectors could be customized based on types of apparel.

Specifics of an example product resulting from the aforementioned steps described in FIGS. 2-5 will now be described with reference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example garment having a biometric detector thereon, in accordance with aspects in the present invention.

As shown in the figure, a system 600 includes an external device 602, a pair of shorts 604, a waistband 606, a detector casing 608 and a detector bank 610.

External device 602 is arranged independently from shorts 604. Waistband 606 is arranged as a subsection of shorts 604. Detector bank 610 is arranged on detector casing 608. Detector casing 608 is arranged on a face of waistband 606 such that detector bank 610 contacts a user's skin.

In this example, a user would wear shorts 604, and detector bank 610 would detect parameters associated with their activity. These parameters may be stored or simultaneously communicated to an external device 602.

In operation and with reference to FIG. 6, a user could wear shorts 604, where detector casing 608 is integrated into waist band 606 as previously described in FIGS. 3A-B and FIG. 5. A user may interact with detector bank 610 before, during, or after an activity using an external device 602. For example, detector bank 610 may be enabled to measure salinity, allowing a user to monitor their sweat concentration and assess their level of hydration in real-time using the external device 602; this could allow athletes to monitor electrolytes. Alternatively, a user could passively record and track activity using the detector. For example, socks with a heart rate monitor and pedometer could record daily activity levels, which could be communicated to an external device daily or weekly.

The above-described embodiments of the invention relate to a system and method to facilitate the integration of biometric detecting devices with user apparel in order to record and track activity. Traditionally, detection devices and clothing are manufactured separately and without a simple method to combine them into smart clothing. The present invention describes a system, whereby a biometric detecting device is combined with an elastomeric fabric that can be integrated into user apparel using standard manufacturing practices.

By improving the integration method for biometric detectors, clothing manufacturers can more quickly combine detectors into a variety of user apparel. Due to the independent development of detectors and as well as the rapidly changing fashion trends, an improved method to integrate the detector with clothing will allow users and manufacturers to utilize the most current technologies with the most current fashion.

The foregoing description of various preferred embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The example embodiments, as described above, were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

a biometric detector operable to detect a biological parameter; and

a band of stretchable fabric,

wherein said biometric detector is fastened to said band of elastomer fabric.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said band of stretchable fabric comprises an elastomer.

3. The system of claim 2, further comprising:

a fabric casing having a front side and a back side, said front side having a window,

wherein said biometric detector is disposed within said fabric casing,

wherein said biometric detector includes a detecting portion disposed at said window.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein said fabric casing is fastened to said band of stretchable fabric by one of the group consisting of a stitch, an adhesive and combinations thereof.

5. The system of claim 4, further comprising:

a garment,

wherein said band of stretchable fabric is attached to said garment such that said detecting portion is disposed so as to contact a wearer of said garment.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein said stretchable fabric is attached to said garment by one of the group consisting of a stitch, an adhesive and combinations thereof.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein said biometric detector comprises a wireless transmitter.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein said biometric detector comprises a wireless receiver.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a fabric casing having a front side and a back side, said front side having a window,

wherein biometric detector is disposed within said fabric casing,

wherein said biometric detector includes a detecting portion disposed at said window.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein said casing is fastened to said band of stretchable fabric by one of the group consisting of a stitch, an adhesive and combinations thereof.

11. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a garment,

wherein said band of stretchable fabric is attached to said garment such that said detecting portion is disposed so as to contact a wearer of said garment.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein said stretchable fabric is attached to said garment by one of the group consisting of a stitch, an adhesive and combinations thereof.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein said biometric detector comprises a wireless transmitter.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein said biometric detector comprises a wireless receiver.

15. A method comprising:

providing a biometric detector operable to detect a biological parameter;

providing a band of stretchable fabric; and

fastening the biometric detector to the band of elastomer fabric.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein said providing a band of stretchable fabric comprises fabricating a band of an elastomer.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising,

providing a fabric casing having a front side and a back side, the front side having a window;

disposing the biometric detector within the fabric casing,

wherein the biometric detector includes a detecting portion disposed at the window.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said fastening the biometric detector to the band of elastomer fabric comprises fastening the casing to the band of stretchable fabric by one of the group consisting of a stitch, an adhesive and combinations thereof.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

providing a garment; and

attaching the band of stretchable fabric to the garment such that the detecting portion is disposed so as to contact a wearer of the garment.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein said attaching the band of stretchable fabric to the garment comprises attaching the stretchable to the garment by one of the group consisting of a stitch, an adhesive and combinations thereof.