AU2012268415A1 - Wearable device and platform for sensory input - Google Patents

Abstract

Techniques for a wearable device and platform for sensory input are described, including a sensor coupled to the wearable device, the sensor capable of sensing a sensory input, a processor configured to transform the sensory input to data, the data being processed by an application configured to determine an activity being performed and to generate information associated with the activity being performed while the wearable device is worn, the activity being determined using a motion matcher configured to generate a motion profile associated with the activity, the motion profile configured to be accessed and modified when the activity is performed again, and a communications facility coupled to the wearable device and configured to transfer the data between the wearable device and another device, the data being configured to be presented on a user interface on the wearable device during the performance of the activity.

Description

WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 WEARABLE DEVICE AND PLATFORM FOR SENSORY INPUT FIELD The present invention relates generally to electrical and electronic hardware, computer software, wired and wireless network communications, and computing devices, More specifically, 5 techniques for a wearable device and platform for sensory input are described. BACKGROUND With the advent of greater computing capabilities in smaller personal and/Or portable form factors and an increasing number of applications (ie. computer and hiternet software or programs) for different uses, consumers (ie_ users) have access to large amounts of personal data infonnation 10 and data are often readily available, but poorly captured using conventional data capture devices. Conventional devices typically lack capabilities that can capture, analyze, communicate, or use data in a contextually-meaningful, comprehensive, and efficient manner. Further, conventional solutions are oflen limited to specific individual purposes or uses, demanding that users invest in mutiple devices in order to perform different activities (e.g. a sports watch for tracking time and distance, a 15 GPS receiver for monitoring a hike or run, a cycloineter for gathering cycling data, and others). Although a wide range of data and information is available, conventional devices and applications fail to provide effective solutions that comprehensively capture data for a given user across numerous disparate actvities. Some conventional solutions combine a small number of discrete functions. Functionality for 20 data capture, processing, storage, or commnication in conventional devices such as a watch or timer with a heart rate monitor or global positioning system ("GPS") receiver are available conventionally, but are expensive to manufacture and purchase. Other conventional solutions for coibining personal data capture facilities often present nmnerous design and manufauring problems such as size restrictions, specialized materials requirements, lowered tolerances for defects such as pits or 25 holes in coverings for watenresistant or waterproof devices reliability, higher failure rates, increased manufacturing time, and expense. Subsequently. conventional devices such as fitness watches, heart rate monitors, GPS-ena bled fitness monitors, health monitors (e.g, diabetic blood sugar testing units), digital voice recorders, pedometers, alimeters, and other conventional personal data capture devices are generally manufactured for conditions that occur in a single or small 30 groupings of activities. Generally, if the number of activities performed by conventional personal data capture devices increases, there is a corresponding rise in design and manufacturing requirements that results in significant consumer expense which eventually becomes prohibitive to both investment and commercialization, Further, conventional manufacturing techniques are often li mited and meifectiVe 35 at meeting increased requirements to protect sensitive hardware, circuitry; and other components that are susceptible to damage, but which are required to perform various personal data capture activities. As a conventional example, sensitive electronic componens such as printed circuit board assemblies ("PCBA"), sensors, and computer memory (hereafter "memory") can be significantly damaged or WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 destroyed during manufacturing processes where overmoldings or layering of protective material occursusing techniques such as injection molding, cold molding, and others. Damaged or destroyed items subsequently raises the cost of goods sold and can deter not only investment and commercialization. but also innovation in data capture and analysis technologies, which are highly 5 compelling fields of opportunity Thus, what is needed is a solution for data capture devices without the limitations of conventional techniques. BRIEF DESCRIVION OF THE DRAWINGS Various embodiments or examples ("examples'") are disclosed in the following detailed 10 description and the accompanying drawings: FO I lustrates an exemplary data-capable strapband system; FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary wearable device and platform for sensory input; FIG, 2B illustrates an alternative exemplary wearable device and platform for sensory input; FIG 3 illustrates sensors for use with an exemplary data-capable strapband; 15 FIG. 4 illustrates an application architecture for an exemplary data-capable strapband; FIG, 5A illustrates representative data types for use with an exemplary data-capable strapband; FIG. 5B illustrates representative data types for use with an exemplary data-capable strapband in fitness-related activities; 20 FIG. SC illustrates representative data types for use with an exemplary data-capable strapband in sleep management activities; FIG, SD illustrates representative data types for use with an exemplary data-capable strapband ii medical-related activities; FIG. SE illustrates representative data types for use wi t an exemplary data-capable 25 strapband in social medianetworktng-related activities: FIG, 6 illustrates a transition between modes of operation of a strapband in accordance with various embodiments; FIG, TA illustrates a perspective view ofan exemplary data-capable strapband; FIG. B illustrates a side view of an exemplary data-capable strapband; 30 FIG. 7C illustrates another side view of an exemplary data-capable strapband; FIG, 7D illustrates a top view of an exemplary data-capable strapband; FIG, 7E illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary data-capable strapbani FIG, TF illustrates a front view of an exemplary data-capable strapband; FIG, TG illustrates a rear view of an exemplary data-capable strapband: 35 FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary data-capable straphand; FIG. SB illustrates a side view of an exemplary data-capable strapband; FIG. SC illustrates another side view of an exemplary data-capable strapband.; FIG 8D iltistrates a top view of an exemplary data-capable stapband; *2 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 FIG, 8E illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary data-capabk straphand; FIG. 8F illustrates a front view of an exemplary data-capable straphand; FIG, 8G illustrates a rear view of an exemplary datareapable strapband; FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary data-capable strapband; 5 FIG. 919 illustrates a side view of an exemplary data-capable strapband; FIG, 9C illustrates another side view of an exemplary data-capable strapband; FIG, 9D illustrates a top view of an exemplary data-capable strapband; FIG. 9E illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary data-capable strapband; FIG, 9F illustrates a front view of an exemplary data-capable strapband; 10 FIG, 90 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary data-capable strapband; FI; 10 illustrates an exemplary computer system suitable for use with a data-capable strapband: FIG, 11 depicts a variety of inputs in a specific example of a strapband, such as a data capable strapband, according to various embodiments: 15 FIGs, 12A to 12F depict a variety of motion signatures as input into a strapband, such as a data-capable strapband, according to various embodiments; FIG, 13 depicts an inference engine of a strapband configured to detect an activity and/or a mode based on monitored motion, according to various eibodiments; FIG. 14 depicts a representative implementation of one or more strapbands and equivalent 20 devices, as wearable devices, to form unique motion profles, according to various embodiments: FIGi, 15 depicts an example of a motion capture manager configured to capture motion and portions thereof, according to various embodiments; FIG. 1.6 depicts an example of a motion analyzer configured to evaluate motion-centric events, according to various embodiments; 25 FIG, 17 illustrates action and event processing during a mode of operation in accordance with various embodiments; FI. 18A illustrates an exemplary wearable device for sensory user interface; FIG, 18B illustrates an alternative exemplary wearable device for sensory user interface; FIG 18C illustrates an exemplary switch rod to be used with an exemplary wearable device; 30 FIG, 181D illustrates an exemplary switch for use with an. exemplary wearable device; and FIG, 8E illustrates an exemplary sensory user interface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Various embodiments or examples max be implemented in numerous ways, including as a system, a process, an apparatus, a user interface, or a series of program instructions on a computer 35 readable medium such as a computer readable storage medium or a computer network where the program instructions are sent over optical. electronic, or wireless communication links, In general, operations of disclosed processes may be performed in an arbitrary order, unless otherwise provided in the claims. 3 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 A detailed description of one or more examples is provided below along with accompanying figures, The detailed description is provided in connection with such examples, but is not limited to any particular example, The scope is liited only by the claims and numerous alternative, modifications and equivalents are encompassed. Numerous specific details are set forth in the 5 following description in order to provide a thorough understanding. These details are provided for the purpose of example and the described techniques may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the examples has not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description. 10 FIG 1 illustrates an exemplary data-capable straphand system. Here, system 100 includes network 102, strapbands (hereafter "bands") 104-112, server i14, mobile computing device 1.15, mobile communications device 1.1$, computer 120, laptop 122, and distributed sensor 124. Although used interchangeably, 'strapband" and "band" may be used to refer to the same or substantially similar data-capable device ftat may be worn as a strap or band around an arm, leg. ankle, or other 15 bodily appendage or feature. In other examples, bands 104- 12 may be attached directly or indirectly to other items, organic or inorganic animate, or static. In still other examples, bands 104 112 may be used differently. As described above, bands 104-112 may be implemented as wearable personal data or data capture devices (e.g., data-capable devices) that are wom by a user around a wrist, ankle, arm, ear, or 20 other appendage, or attached to the body or affixed to clothing. One or more facilities, sensing elements, or sensors, both active and. passive, may be implemented as part of bands 104-112 in order to capture various types of data from different sources. Temperature, environmental, temporal, motion, electronic, electrical, chemical, or other types of sensors (including those described below in connection with FIG, 3) may be used in order to gather varying amounts of data, which may be 25 configurable by a user, locally (e.g., using user interface facilities such as buttons, switches, motion activatcd/detected command structures (e.g., accelerometer-gathered data from user-initiated motion of bands 104-112), and others) or remotely (e.g., entering rules or parameters in a website or graphical user interface ("GUi") that may be used to modify control systems or signals in firmware, circuitry, hardware, and software implemented (i.e., installed) on bands 104-112), in some 30 examples, a user interface may be any type of human-computing interfle (eg., graphical, visual, audible, haptic, or any other type of interface that communicates information to a user (ie Wearer of bands 104-112) using, for example, noise, light, vibration, or other sources of energy and data generation (e.g. pulsing vibrations to represent various types of signals or meanings, blinking lights, and the like, without limitation)) implemented locally (i.e., on or coupled to one or more of bands 35 104-112) or remotely (i.e. on a device other than bands 104-112). In other examples, a wearable device such as bands 104-112 may also be implemented as a user interface configured to receive and provide input to or from a user (i.e., wearer), Bands 104-112 may also be implemented as data capable. devices that arc configuied for data connnmnication using various types of communications 4 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 infrastructure and media, as described in greater detail belov Bands 104-112 may also be wearable, personal, non-intrusive. liAhtweight devices that are configured to gather large amounts of personally relevant data that can be used to improve user health, fitness levels, medical conditions, athletic performance, sleeping physiology, and physiological conditions, or used as a sensory-based user 5 interface ("Ul") to signal socal-related notifications specifymg the state of the user through vibration, heat, lights or other sensory based notificaions, For example, a social-related notification signal tidicating a user is on-line can be transmitted to a recipient, who in turn, receives the notification as, for instance, a vibration, Using data gathered by bands 104-l12, applications may be used to perform various analyses 10 and evaluations that can generate information as to a person's physical (e.g, healthy, sick, weakened, or other states, or activity level), emotional. or mental state (eg., an elevated body temperature or heart rate may indicate stress. a lowered heart rate and skin temperature, or reduced movement (excessive sleeping), may indicate physiological depression caused by exertion or other factors, chemical data gathered from evaluating outgassing fTom the skin's surface may be analyzed to 15 determine whether a person's diet is balanced or if various nutrients are lacking, salinity detectors may be evaluated to determine if high, lower, or proper blood sugar levels are present for diabetes management, and others), Generally, bands 104-112 may be configured to gather from sensors locally and remotely, As an example, band 104 may capture (i.e., record, store, communicate (i.e., send or receive). 20 process, or the like) data from various sources (i e, sensors that are organic (ie., installed, integrated or otherwise implemented with band. 104) or distributed (e.g., microphones on mobile computing device 115, mobile communications device I18, computer 120, laptop I22. distributed sensor 124, global positioning system ("GPS") satellites (in low, mid, or high earth orbit), or others. without limitation)) and exchange data with one or more of bands 106-112, server 114, mobile computing 25 device 115, mobile communications device 118, computer 120, laptop 122. and distributed sensor 124. As shown here, a local sensor may be one that is incorporated, integrated, or otherwise implemented with bands 104-1.12 A remote or distributed sensor (e.g, mobile computing device 115, mobile comnicmations device 118; computer 120. laptop l22 or, generally, distributed sensor 124) may be sensors that can be accessed, controlled, or otherwise used by bands 104-112. For 30 example, band I 12 may be configured to control devices that are also controlled by a given user (eg, mobile computing devie 115 mobile communications device 118, computer 120, laptop 122 and distributed sensor 124), For example, a microphone in mobile communications device 118 inay be used to detect, for example, ambient audio data that is used to help identify a person's location, or an ear clip (e.g.. a headset as described below) affixed to an ear may be used to record pulse or blood 25 oxygen saturation levels. Additionally, a sensor implemented with a screen on mobile computing device 115 may be used to read a user's temperature or obtain a biometric signature vhile a user is interacting vith data. A farther example may include using data that is observed on computer 120 or laptop 122 that provides information as to a user's online behavior and the type of content that she is WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 viewing, which may be used by bands 104-112. Reardless of the type or location of sensor used, data may be transferred to bands 104-112 by using, for example, an analog audio jack, digital adapter (e.g.. USB, nii-USB), or other, without limitation, plug, or other type of connector that may be used to physically couple bands 104-112 to another device or system for transferring data and, in 5 some examples, to provide power to recharge a battery (not shown). Alternatively, a wireless data cornnunication interface or facility (eg., a wireless radio that is configured to communicate data from bands 104-112 using one or more data communication protocols (e.g., IEEE 802. 1 la/b/W (WiFi), W iMaxI ANTr, ZigBee@. Bluetootbch@, Near Field Communications ("NFC"). and others)) may be used to receive or transfer data. Further, bands 104-112 may be configured to analyze, 10 evaluate, modify, or otherwise use data gathered either directly or indirectly. In some examples, bands 104-112 may be configured to share data with each other or with an intermediary facility, such as a database. website, web service, or the like, which may be implemented by server 114, In some embodiments, server 114 can be operated by a third party providing for example, social media-related services. Bands 104-112 and other related devices may 15 exchange data with each other directly, or bands 104-112 may exchange data via a third party server, such as a third party like Facebook@, to provide social-media related services. Examples of third party servers include servers for social networking services., including but not limited to, services such as Facebook, Yahoo! 1rNl'4, GTalkri, M SN MessengeT" Twitter4, and other private or public social networks, The exchanged data may include personal 20 physiological data and data 20 derived from sensory-based user interfaces ("13"). Server 114, in some examples, may be implemented using one or more processor-based computing devices or networks, including computing clouds, storage area networks ("SAN") or the like. As shovn, bands 104-112 may be used as a personal data or area network (e g., "PDN" or "PAN') in which data relevant to a given user or band (e.g, one or more of bands 104-112) may be shared. As shown here, bands 104 and 25 112 nay be configured to exchange data with each other oven network 02 oindirec us serve 114. Users of bands 104 and 112 nmav direct a web browser hosted on a computer (e.g, computer 1.20, laptop 122, or the like) in order to access, view, modify, or perform other operations with data captured by bands 104 and 112, For example, two rmners using bands 104 and 112 may be geographically remote (e.g, users are not geographically in close proximity locally such that bands 30 being used by each user are in direct data communication), but wish to share data regarding their race times (pre, post, or in-race), personal records (i.e., "PR"), target split titles, results, performance characteristics (e~g, target heart rate, target Vt. max, and others), and other information. If both rnners (iLe, bands 104 and 1.12) are engaged in a race on the same day data can be gathered for comparative analysis and other uses. Further, data can be shared in substantially real-time (taking 35 into account any latencies incurred by data transfer rates, network topologies, or other data network factors) as well as uploaded after a given activity or event has been performed, In other words, data can be captured by the user as it is worn and configured to transfer data using, for example, a wireless network connection (e.g. a wvireless network interface card, wireless local area network 6 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 ("LAN") card, cell phone, or the like Data may also be shared in a temporally asynchronous manner in which a wired data connection (e.g. an analog audio plug (and associated software or firmware configured to transfer digitdly encoded data to encoded audio data that may be transferred between bands 104-112 and a plug configured to receive, encode/decode, and process data exchanged) may 5 be used to transfer data from one or more bands 104-112 to various destinations (e.g. another of bands 104-112, server 114, -mobile computing device 115, mobile communications device 118 computer 120, laptop 122, and distributed sensor 124). Bands 104-112 may be implemented with various types of wired and/Or wireless communication facilities and are not intended to be I united to any specific technology. For example, data may be transferred from bands 104-112 using an analog 1.0 audio plug (e.g, TRRS, TRS, or others). An other examples, wireless communication facilities using various types of data communication protocols (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth@; ZigBee@, ANT'i and others) may be implemented as part of bands 104-112, which may include circuitry. firmware, hardware, radios, antennuas, processors, microprocessors memories, or other electrical, electronic, mechanical, or physical elements configured to enable data cotmnunication capabilities of various 15 types and characteristics, As data-capable devices, bands 104-11 2 may be configured to collect data from a wide range of sources, including onboard (not shown) and distributed sensors (e.g, server 114, mobile computing device 115, mobile communications device 118, computer 120. laptop 122, and distributed sensor 124) or other bands. Some or all data captured may be personal, sensitive, or 20 confidential and various techniques for providing secure storage and access may be implemented. For example, various types of security protocols and algorithms may be used to encode data stored or accessed by bands 104-112. Examples of security protocols and algorithms include authentication, encryption, encoding, private and public key infrastructure, passwords, checksums, hash codes and hash functions (e.g.. S-IA, SHA-1, MD-5, and the like), or others may be used to prevent undesired 25 access to data captured by bands 104-112 in other examples, data security ftr bands 104-112 may be implemented differently. Bands 104-112 may be used as personal wearable, data capture devices that, when wom, are configured to identify a. specific, individual user, By evaluating captured data such as motion data from an accelerometer, bionetric data such as heart rate, skin galvanic response, and other biometric 30 data, and using analysis techniques, both long and short-term (e.g., software packages or modules of any type, without limitaion), a user may have a uique pattern of behavior or motion and/or biometric responses that can be used as a signature ftr identification. For example, bands 104-112 may gather data regarding an individual person's gait or other unique biometric, physiological or behavioral characteristics. Using, for example, distributed sensor 124, a biometric signature (e.g, 35 fingerprint, retinal or iris vascular pattern, or others) may be gathered and transmitted to bands 104 112 that, when combined with other data, determines that a given user has been properly identified and, as such, authenticated. When bands 104-112 are worn, a user may be identified and authenticated to enable a variety of other functions such as accessing or modifying data, enabling 7 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 wired or wireless data transmission facilities (i e.. allowing the transfer of data from bands 104-112), modifying functionality or functions of bands 104-112, authenticating financial transactions using stored data and information (e.g. credit card, PIN, card scurty imbers, and the like). running applications that allow for various operations to be performed (e. controlling physical security and 5 access by transmitting a security code to a reader that, when authenticated, Unlocks a door by turmnng off current to an electromagnetic lock, and others:,) and others. Different fiunetions and operations beyond those described may be performed using bands 104-112, which can act as secure, personal. wearable, data-capable devices. The number type, function, configuration, specifications, structure, or other features of system 100 and the above-described elements may be varied and are not limited 10 to the examples provided, FIG, 2A illustrates an exemplary wearable device and platform for sensory input. Here, band (i.e., wearable device) 200 includes bus 202, processor 2104, memory 206, vibration source 208, accelerometer 2 10, sensor 212, battery 2 14, and communications facility 216. In some examples. the quantity, type, function, structure, and con figuration of band 200 and the elements (e.g. bus 202, 15 processor 204 memory 206, vibration source 208, accelerometer 210, sensor ')2 battery 214, and communications facility 216) shown may be varied and are not limited to the examples provided. As shown, processor 204 may be implemented as logic to provide control functions and signals to memory 206, vibration source 208, accelerometer 210, sensor 212, battery 214, and communications facility 216, Processor 204 may be implemented using any type of processor or microprocessor 20 suitable for packaging within bands 104-112 (FiG. I). Various types of microprocessors may be used to provide data processing capabilities for band 200 and are not limited to any specific type or capability, For example, a MSP430F3528-type microprocessor manufactured by Texas Istruments of Dallias. Texas may be configued for data communication using audio tones and. enabling the use of an audio plug-and-jack system (e.g.. TRRS, TRS, or others) for transferring data captured by band 25 200, Further, diffeTrent processors may be desired if other functionality (eg., the type and number of sensors (e.g, sensor 212)) are varied. Data processed by processor 204 may be stored using. for example, memory 206, In some examples., memory 206 may be implemented using various types of data storage technologies and standards, including, without limitation, read-only memory ("ROM"), random 30 access memory ("RA AM"). dynamic random access memory C(DRAM"). static random access memory ("SRAM"), staticdynamic random access memory ("SDRAM") magnetic random access memory ("MRANT"), solid state, tvo and three-dimensional memories, Flash , and others, Memory 206 may also be implemented using one or more partitions that are configured for multiple types of data storage technologies to allow for non-modifiable (i.e., by a user) software to be installed (e.g. 35 firmware installed on R OM) while also providing for storage of captured data and applications using, for example, RAM, Once captured and/or stored in nienory 206, data may be subjected to various operations performed by other elements of band 200. Vihration source 208, in some exaniples, may be implemented as a niotor or other mechanical 8 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 structure that functions to provide vibratory energy that is comnmunicated through band 200. As an example, an application stored on memory 206 may be configured to monitor a clock signal from processor 204 in order to provide timekeeping functions to band 200, if an alarm is set for a desired time, vibration source 208 may be used to vibrate when the desired time occurs. As another 5 example, vibration source 208 may be coupled to a framework (not shown) or other structure that is used to translate or communicate vibratory energy throughout the physical structure of band 200. In other examples, vibration source 208 nay be implemented differently. Power may be stored in battery 214, which may be implemented as a battery, battery module, power management module, or the like. Power may also be gathered from local power sources such 10 as solar panels, tberno-eleetric generators, and kinetic energy generators, among others that are aleratives power sources to external power for a battery. These additional sources can either power the system directly or can charge a batten, which, in turn, is used to power the system (esg, of a strapband). In other words, battery 214 may include a rechargeable, expendable, replaceable, or other type of battery. but also circuitry, hardware, or software that may be used in connection with in 1-5 lieu of processor 204 in order to provide power management, charge/recharging, sleep, or other functions. Further, battery 214 may be implemented using various types of battery technologies. including Lithium ion (I",), Nickel Metal Hydride ("NiM1"), or others, without limitation. Power drawn as electrical current may be distributed from battery via bus 202, the latter of which may be implemented as deposited or formed circuitry or using other forms of circuits or cabling, including 20 flexible circuitry. Electrical current distributed from battery 204 and managed by processor 204 may be used by one or more of memory 206, vibration source 208, accelerometer 210, sensor 212, or communications facility 2 16, As shown. various sensors may be used as input sources for data captured by band 200. For example, accelerometer 210 may be used to detect a motion or other condition and convert it to data 25 as measured across one, two, or three axes of motion. In addition to accelerometer 210, other sensors (ie, sensor 212) may be implemented to provide temperature, environmental, physical, chemical, electrical or other types of sensory inputs, As presented here, sensor 212 may include one or multiple sensors and is not intended to be Iiriting as to the quantity or type of sensor implemented, Sensory input captured by band 200 using accelerometer 210 and sensor 212 or data 30 requested from another source (i.e., outside of band 200) may also be converted to data and exchanged, transferred, or otherwise communicated using Comnmunications facility 216. As used herein, facility" refers to any, some, or all of the features and structures that are used to implement a given set of functions For example, communications facility 216 may include a wireless radio, control circuit or logic, antenna, transceiver, receiver, transmitter, resistors, diodes, transistors, or 35 other elements that are used to transmit and receive data from band 200. In some examples, communications facility 216 may be implemented to provide a "wired" data communication capability such as an analog or digital attachment, plug, jack, or the like to allow for data to be transferred, In other examples. communications facility 216 may be implemented to provide a 9 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 wireless data communication capability to transmit digitally encoded data across one or more frequencies using various types of data communication protocols, Witihout limitation. In still oiler examples, band 200 and the above-described ciemnts may be varied in function, structure configuration, or implementation and are not 1i nii ted to those shown and described. 5 FIG. 2B illustrates an alternative exemplary wearable device and platform for sensory input. Here, band (i e.. wearable device) 220 includes bus 202, processor 204, memory 206, vibration source 208, accelerometer 210, sensor 212, battery 214, communications facility 216, switch 222, and light-emitting diode (hereafter "LED") 224, Like-numbered and named elements may be implemented similarly in function and structure to those described in prior examples. Further, the 10 quantity, type, function, structure, and configuration of band 200 and the elements (e g, bus 202, processor 204, memory 206, vibration source 208, acceleroieter 210, sensor 2 12, battery 2 1.4, and communications facility 216) shown may be varied and are not limited to the examples provided In some examples, band 200 may be implemented as an alternative structure to band 200i (FIG. 2A) described above, For example, sensor 212 may be configured to sense, detect, gather, or 1.5 otherwise receive iptit (i.e., sensed physical, chemical, biological, physiological, or psychological quantities) that, once received, may be converted into data and transferred to processor 204 using bus 202. As an example, temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, galvanic skin response (i.e., skin conductance response muscle stiffness/fatigue, and other types of conditions or parameters may be measured using sensor 2 12, which may be implemented using one or multiple sensors. Father, 20 sensor 212 is generally coupled (directly or indirectly) to band 220. As used herein, "coupled" may refer to a sensor being locally implemented on band 220 or remotely on, for example, another device that is in data conmunnication with it. Sensor 212 may be configured, in some examples. to sense various types of environmental (e.g. amIbient air temperature, barometric pressure, location (e.g, using GPS or other satellite 25 constellations for calculating Cartesian or other coordinates on the earth's surface micro-cell network triangulation, or others), physical, physiological, psychological, or activity-based conditions in order to determine a state of a user of wearable device 220 (i.e, band 220). In other examples, applications or firmware may be downloaded that, when installed, may be configured to change sensor 212 in terms of function, Sensory input to sensor 212 may be used for various purposes such 30 as measuring caloric burn rate, providing active (e.g., generating an alert such as vibrationaudible, or visual indicator) or inactive (eCg Ptvdn information content, promotions, adverisemems, or the like on a website, mobile website, or other location that is accessible using an account that is associated with a user and band 220) feedback, measuring fatigue (e.g, by calculating skin conductance response (hereafter "SCR") using sensor 212 or accelerometer 210) or other physical 32 states, determining, a mood of a user, and others, without limitation, As used herein, feedback may be provided using a mechanism (i.e., feedback mechanism) that is configured to provide an alert or other indicator to a user. Various types of feedback mechanisms may be used, including a vibratry source, motor, light source(eg, pulsating, blinking, or steady illunination), light emitting diode 10 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 (e.g. LED 224), audible, audio, visual, haptic, or others, without limitation. Feedback mechanisms may provide sensory output of the types indicated above via band 200 or, in other examples, using other devices that may be in data conununication with it. For example, a driver may receive a vibratory alert from vibration source (e., motor) 208 when sensor 212 detects skin tautness (using, 5 for example, accelerometer to detect muscle stiffness) that indicates she is falling asleep and, in connection with a GPS-sensed signal, wearable device 220 determines that a vehicle is approaching a divider, intersectionobstacle, or is accelerating/decelerating rapidly, and the like, Further, an audible indicator may be generated and sent to an ear-worn communication device such as a Bluetoothfl< (or other data communication protocol, near or far field) headset, Other types of devices 10 that have a data connection with wearable device 220 may also be used to provide sensory output to a user, such as using a mobile coronunications or computing device having a graphical user interface to display data or information associated with sensory input received by sensor 212. In some examples, sensory output may be an audible tone, visual indication, vibration, or other indicator that can be provided by another device that is in data comunueation with band 220 15 In other examples, sensory output may be a media file such as a song that is played when sensor 212 detects a given parameter. For example, if a user is running and sensor 212 detects a heart rate that is lower than the recorded heart rate as measured against 65 previous runs, processor 204 may be configured to generate a. control signal to an audio device that. begins playing art upbeat or high tempo song to the user in order to increase her heart rate and activity-based performance, As another 20 example. sensor 212 and/or accelerometer 210 may sense various inputs that can be measured against a calculated. "ifel ine (e.g, LIFELINE 1 ') that is an abstract representation of a user's health or wellhness. If sensory ipt to sensor 212(racleoee 210 or an te esot implemented with band 220) is received, it may be compared. to the user's lifeline or abstract representation (hereafter "representation in order to determine whether feedback, if any, should be provided in 25 order to modify the user's behavior, A user tnay input a range of tolerance (i.e., a range within which an alert is not generated) or processor 204 may determine a range of tolerance to be stored in memory 206 with regard to various sensory input. For example, if sensor 212 is configured to measure internal bodily temperature, a user iay set a 0, 1 degree Fahrenheit range of tolerance to allow her body temperature to fluctuate between 98.5 and 98.7 degrees Fahrenheit before an alert is 30 generated (e~g. to avoid heat stress, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or the like).. Sensor 212 may also be implemented as multiple sensors that are disposed (i.e, positioned) on opposite sides of band 220 such that, when wkvorr on a wrist or other bodily appendage, allows for the measurement of skin conductivity in order to determine skin conductance response. Skin conductivity may be used to measure various types of parameters and conditions such as cognitive effort arousal, lying stress, 35 physical fatigue due to poor sleep quality, emotional responses to various stimuli, and others. Activity-based feedback may be given along xith state-based feedback, In some examples, band 220 may be confingured to provide feedback to a user in order to help hin achieve a desired level of fitness, athletic performance, health, or welhiess. hi addition to feedback, band 220 may

II

WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 also be configured to provide indicators of use to a wearer during, before, or after a given activity or state. As used herein, various types of indicators (e.g.audible visua mechanical, or the like) may also be used in order to provide a sensory user interface. In other words, band 220 may be 5 configured with switch 222 that can be implemented using various types of structures as indicators of device state, function, operation, mode, or other conditions or characteristics. Examples of indicators include "wheel" or rotating structures such as dials or buttons that, when turned to a given position, indicate a particular function. mode, or state of band 220, Other structures may include sinLe or multiple-position switches that, when tumed to a given position, are also configured for the user to 10 visually recognize a function, mode, or state of band 220. For example, a 4-position switch or button may indicate "on," "off2 stan(dby,""active "inactive or other mode. A 2-position switch or button may also indicate other modes of operation such as "on" and "off." As vet another example, a single switch or button may be provided such that, when the switch or button is depressed, band 220 changes mode or function without, aleratively. providing a visual indication. In other examples. 15 different types of buttons, swvitches, or other user interfaces may be provided and are not limited to the examples shown, FI. 3 illustrates sensors for use with an exemplary data-capable straphand. Sensor 212 may be implemented using various types of sensors. some of which are shown, Like-numbered and named elements may describe the same or substantially similar element as those shown in other 20 descriptions. Here, sensor 212 (FIG 2) may be implemented as accelerometer 302. altimeter/barometer 304, light/infrared ("IR") sensor 306, pulse/heart rate ("HR.") monitor 308 audio sensor (eg., microphone, transducer, or others) 310, pedometer 312 velocimeter 314, GPS receiver 316, location-based service sensor (e.g., sensor for determinmg location within a cellular or micro cellular network, which may or may not use GPS or other satellite constellations for fixing a 25 position) 318, motion detection sensor 320, enviromuental sensor 322, cheinical sensor 324, electrical sensor 326, or mechanical sensor 328. As shown, accelerometer 302 may be used to capture data associated with motion detection along 1, 2, or 3-axes of measurement, without limitation to any specific type of specification of sensor. Accelerometer 302 u-ay also be implemented to measure various types of user motion and 30 may be configured based on the type of sensor firnmware, software, hardware. or circuitry used As another example, altimeter/barometer 304 may be used to measure environment pressure, atmospheric or otherwise, and is not limited to any specification or type of pressure-reading device. In some examples. altimeter/barometer 304 may be an altimeter, a barometer, or a combination thereof For example, altimeter/barometer 304 may be implemented as an alimeter for measuring 35 above ground level ("AGL") pressure in band 200, which has been configured for use by naval or military aviators. As another example, altimeedbarometer 304 may be implemented as a barometer for reading atmospheric pressure for marine-based applications. In other examples, altimeterbarometer 304 may be implememed differently. 12 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 Other types of sensors that may be used to measure light or photonic conditions include lightlR sensor 306, motion detection sensor 320, and environmental sensor 322, the latter of which may include any type of sensor for capturing data associated with environmental conditions beyond light. Further, motion detection sensor 320 may be configured to detect motion using a variety of 5 techniques and technologies, including, but not limited to comparative or differential light analysis (e.,g., comparing foreground and background lig hting), sound monitoring, or others. Audio sensor 310 may be implemented using any type of device confiured to record or capture sound, hi some examples, pedometer 312 may be implemented. using devices to measure vaioUs types of data associated with pedestrian-oriented activities such as running or walking, Footstrikes, 10 stride length, stride length or interval, tme, and other data may be measured. Velocimeter 314 may be implemented, in some examples, to measure velocity (e.g. speed and directional vectors) without limnitation to any particular activity Further, additional sensors that may be used as sensor 212 include those configured to identify or obtain location-based data, For example, GPS receiver 316 may be used to obtain coordinates of the geographic location of band 200 using, for example, various 15 types of' signals transmitted by civilian and/or military satellite constellations in low, ediwn. or high earth orbit (e.g., "LEO," "MEG," or "CEO"). In other examples, differential GPS algoridims may also be implemented with GPS receiver 316. which may be used to generate more precise or accurate coordinates. Still further, location-based services sensor 3 18 may be implemented to obtain location-based data including, but not limited to location. nearby services or items of interest, and the 20 like. A s an example, location-based services sensor 318 may be configured to detect an electronic signal, encoded or otherwise, that prove ides information regarding a physical locale as band 200 passes, The electronic signal may include, in some examples, encoded data regarding the location and information associated therewith. Electrical sensor 326 and mechanical sensor 328 may be configwed to include other types (e g, haptic. kinetic, piezoelectric, piezomechanical, pressure, 25 touch, thermal, and others) of sensors for data input to band 200, without limitation. Other types of sensors apart from those shown may also be used, including magnetic flux sensors such as solid-state compasses and the like. The sensors can also include gyroscope sensors. While the present illustration provides numerous examples of types of sensors that may be used with band 200 (FIG. 2), others not shown or described may be implemented with or as a substitute for any sensor shown 30 or described. FIG. 4 illustrates an application architecture for an exemplary data-capable strapband, Here, application architecture 400 includes bus 402, logic module 404, communications module 406, security module 408, interface module 410, data management 412, audio module 414, motor controller 416, service management module 418, sensor input evaluation module 420, and power 35 management module 422. In some examples, application architecture 400 and the above-listed elements (e.g., bus 402, logic module 404, communications module 406, security module 408, interface module 410, data management 412, audio module 414, motor controller 416, service management module 418., sensor input evaluation module 420, and power management module 42.2) 13 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 may be implemented as software using various computer programming and formatting languages such as Java, C++, C, and others. As shown here, logic module 404 may be firmware or application software that is installed in memory 206 (FIG. 2) and executed by processor 204 (FIG. 2). Included with logic module 404 may be program instructions or code (e.g. source, object, binary executables, 5 or others) that, when initiated, called, or instariated., perform various functions. For example, logic module 404 may' be configured to send control signals to conmmunications module 406 in order to transfer, transmit, or receive data stored in memory 206, the latter of which may be managed by a database management system ("DBMS") or utility in data management module 412. As another example, security module 408 may be controlled by logic module 404 to 10 provide encoding, decoding, encryption, authentication, or other functions to band 200 (FIG, 2). Alternatively, security module 408 may also be implemented as an application that, using data captured from various sensors and stored in memory 206 (and accessed by data management module 412) may be used to provide identification functions that enable band 200 to passively identify a user or wearer of band 200. Still further, various types of security software and applicaotios ma'y be used 15 and are not limited to those shown arid described Interface module 410, in some examples, may be used to manage user interface controls such as switches, buttons, or other types of controls that enable a user to manage various functions of band 200. For example, a 4-position switch may be turned to a given position that is interpreted by interface module 410 to determine the proper signal or feedback to send to logic module 404 in order 20 to generate a particular result. In other examples, a button (not shown) may be depressed that allows a user to trigger or initiate certain actions by sending another signal to logic module 404, Still further, interface module 410 may be used to interpret data from, for example, accelerometer 21 0 (FIG. 2) to identify specific movement or motion that initiates or triggers a given response. In other examples, interface module 410 may be tised to manage different types of displays (e.g., light 25 emitting diodes (LEDs), interferometric modulator display (IMOD). electrophoretic ink (E Ink), organic light-emitting diode (OLED), etc ), In other examples, interface module 410 may be implemented differently in function, structure, or configuration and is not limited to those shown and described. As shown, audio module 414 may be configured to manage encoded or unencoded data 30 gathered from various types of audio sensors. In some examples, audio module 414 may include one or more codees that are used to encode or decode various types of audio waveforms For example, analog audio input may be encoded by audio module 414 and, once encoded, sent as a signal or collection of data packets messages, segments, frames, or the like to logic module 404 for transmission via communications module 406 In other examples, audio module 414 may be 35 implemented differently in function, structure, configuration, or implementation and is not limited to those shown and described. Other elements that may be used by band 200 include motor controller 416, which may be firmware or an application to control a motor or other vibratory energy source (e.g. vibration source 208 (FIG. 2)). Power tsed for band 200 imay be drawn from battery 214 (FIG, 14 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 2) and managed by power management module 422. which may be firmware or ani application used to manage, with or without user input, how power is consumer, conserved, or otherwise used by band 200 and the above-described elements, including one or more sensors (e.g, sensor 212 (FIG, 2), sensors 302-328 (FIG. 3)), With regard to data captured, sensor input evaluation module 420 may be 5 a software engine or module that is used to evaluate and analyze data received from one or more inputs (e g sensors 302-328) to band 200, When received, data may be analyzed by sensor input evaluation module 420, which may include custom or "off-the-shelf' analytics packages that are configured to provide applcation-specifi analysis of data to determine trends, patterns, and other useful information, In other examples, sensor input module 420 may also include firmware or 10 software that enables the generation of various types and formats of reports for presenting data and any analysis performed thereupon. Another element of application architecture 400 that may be included is service management module 418. i some examples, service management module 418 may be firmware, software. or an appliation that is configured to manage various aspects and operations associated with executing 15 software-related instructions for band 200. For example, libraries or classes that are used by software or applications on band 200 may be served from an online or networked source. Service management module 418 may be implemented to manage how and when these services are invoked in order to ensure that desired applications are executed properly within application architecture 400. As discrete sets, collections, or groupings of functions, services used by band 200 for various 20 purposes ranging from communications to operating systems to call or document libraries may be managed by service Imnan'Igement module 418 Alternatively, service management module 4 18 may be implemented differently and. is not limited to the examples provided herein. Further, application architecture 400 is an example of a software/systemapplieation-level architecture that may be used to implement various software-related aspects of band 200 and may be vared in the quantity, type, 25 configuration, function, structure, or type of programing or formatting languages used, without limitation to any given example. FIG, SA illustrates representative data types for use with an exemplary data-capable strapband, Here, wearable device 502 may capture various types of data, including, but not limited to sensor data 504, manually-entered data 506, application data 508, location data 510, network data 30 512, system/operating data 51.4, and user data 516 Various types of data may be captured from sensors, such as those described above in connection with FIG, 3, Manually-entered data ai some examples, may be data or inputs received directly and locally by band 200 (FIG. 2), In other examples, manually-entered data may also be provided through a third-party website that stores the data in a database and may be synchronized from server 114 (FiG. 1) with one or more of bands 104 35 112. Other types of data that may be captured including application data 508 and system/operating data 514, which may be associated with firnmware, software, or hardware installed or implemented on band 200. Further, location data 510 may be used by wearable device 502, as described above. User data 516, in some examples, may be data that include profile data, preferences rules., or other 15 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 information that has been previously entered by a given user of wearable device 502. Further, network data 512 may be data is captured by wearable device with regard to routing tables, data paths, network or access availability (g., wireless network access availability), and the like. Other types of data may be captured by wearable device 502 and are not limited to the examples shown and 5 described. Additional context-specific examples of types of data captured by bands 104-112 (FIG. 1) are provided below, FIG, 5B illustrates representative data types for use with an exemplary data-capable strapband in fitness-related activities. Here, band 519 may be configured to capture types (i.e., categories) of data such as heart rate/pulse monitoring data 520, blood oxygen saturation data 522, 10 skin temperature data 524, salinity/emissionboutgassing data 526, location/GPS data 528, environmental data 530, and accelerometer data 532. As an example, a runner may use or wear band 519 to obtain data associated with his physiological condition (i.e., heart rate/pulse monitoring data 520. skin temperature, salinity/emssin/outgassng data 526, among others), athletic efficiency (i.e. blood oxygen saturation data 522), and performance (ie., location/GPS data 528 (e g. distance or 15 laps run), environmental data 530 (e.rg ambient temperature, humidity, pressure, and the like), accelerometer 5321 (e,g. biomechanical information, including gait, stride, stride length, among others)). Other or different types of data may be captured by band 519, but the above-described examples are illustrative of some types of data that may be captured by band 519, Further, data captured may be uploaded to a website or online/networked destination for storage and other uses, 20 For example, fitness-related data may be used by applications that are downloaded from a fitness marketplace" where athletes may find, purchase, or download applications for various uses. Some applications may be activity-specific and thus may be used to modify or alter the data capture capabilities of band. 519 accordingly. For example, a fitness marketplace may be a website accessible by various types of mobile and non-mobile clients to locate applications for different 25 exercise or fitness categories such as running, swimmuing, tennis, golf, baseball, football, fencing, and many others. When downloaded, a fitness marketplace may also be used with user-specific accounts to manage the retrieved applications as well as usage with band 519. or to use the data to provide services such as online personal coaching or targeted advertisements. More, fewer, or different types of data may be captured for fitness-related activities. 30 FIG. 5C illustrates representative data types for use with an exemplary data-capable straphand in sleep management activities, Here, band 539 may be used for sleep management purposes to track various types of data, including heart rate monitoring data 540, motion sensor data 542, accelerometer data 544, skin resistivity data 546, user input data 548, clock data 550, and audio data 552. In some examples, heart rate monitor data 540 may be captured to evaluate rest, waking, 35 or various states of sleep. Motion sensor data 542 and accelerometer data 544 may be used to determine whether a user of band 539 is experiencing a restful or fitful sleep, For example, some motion sensor data 542 may be captured by a light sensor that measures ambient or differential light patterns in oider to determine whether a user is sleeping on her front, side, or back, Accelerometer 16 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 data 544 may also be captured to determine whether a user is experiencing gentle or violent disruptions when sleeping, such as those often found in afflictions of sleep apnea or other sleep disorders, Further, skin resistivity data 546 may be captured to determine whether a user is ill (e.g, inning a temperature, sweatog, experiencing chills, clammy skin, and others). Still further user 5 input data may include data input by a user as to how and whether band 539 should trigger vibration source 208 (FIG. 2) to wake a user at a gven tiue or whether to use a series of increasiM or decreasing vibrations to trigger a waking state. Clock data (550) may be used to measure the duration of sleep or a finite period of time in which a user is at rest Audio data may also be captured to determine whether a user is snoring and, if so, the frequencies and amplitude therein may suggest 10 physical conditions that a user may be interested in knowing (e.g., snoring, breathing interruptions. talking in one's sleep. and the like). More, fewer, or different types of data may be captured for sleep management-related activities. FIG, 5D illustrates representative data types for use with an exemplary data-capable strapband in medical-related activities, -ere band 539 may also be con figured for medical purposes 1.5 and related-types of data such as heart rate monitoring dataomtoring data 562 body temperature data 564, blood sugar data 566, chemical protein/analysis data 568, patient medical records data 570 and healthcare professional (e.g., doctor, physician, registered nurse, physician's assistant, dentist, orthopedist, surgeon, and others) data 572, In some examples, data may be captured by band 539 directly from wear by a user. For example, band 539 may be able to sample 20 and analyze seat through a salinity or moisture detector to identify whether any particular chemicals, proteins. hormones, or other organic or inorganic compounds are present, which can be analyzed by band 539 or communicated to server 114 to perform further analysis. If sent to server .114. further analyses may be performed by a hospital or other medical facility using data captured by band 539. In other examples, more, fewer, or different tpes of data may be captured for medical 25 related activities. FIG. 5E illustrates representative data types for use with an exemplary data-capable strapband. in social mediaetworking-related activities. Examples of social medianetworking related activities include related to laternet-based Social Networkini 15 Services ("SNS"), such as Faccbook@, Twitter@, etc. Here, band 519 shown with an audio data plug, may be configured to 30 capture data for use with various types of social media and networking-related services, websites, and activities, Accelerometer data 580, manual data 582, other user/friends data 584, location data 586, network data 588, clock/timer data 590, and environmental data 592 are examples of data that may be gathered and shared by, for example, uploading data from band 519 using, for example, an audio plug sucb as those described herein. As another example, accelerometer data 580 may be 35 captured and shared with other users to share motion, activity, or other movement-oriented data. Manual data 582 may be data that a given user also wishes to share with other users, Likewise, other user/friends data 584 may be from other bands (not shown) that can be shared. or aggregated with data captut ed by band 519, Location data 586 for band 519 may also be shared with other users. In 17 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 other examples, a user may also enter manual data 582 to prevent other users or friends from receiving updated location data from band 519 Additionally, network data 588 and clock/nier data may be captured and shared with other users to indicate, for example, activities or events that a given user (i.e., wearing band 519) was engaged at certain locations. Further, if a user of band 519 has 5 fiends who are not geographically located in close or near proximity (e.g, the user of band 5.19 is located in San Francisco and her friend is located in Rome), environmental data can be captured by band 519 (e g weather, temperature, humidity suny or overcast (as interpreted from data captured by a light sensor and combined with captured data for humidity and temperature), among others). in other examples, more, fewer, or different types of data may be captured for Inedicai-related 10 activities Fi0 6 illustrates a transition between modes of operation -for a strapband in accordance with various embodiments. A. strapband can transition between modes by either entering a mode at 602 or exiting a mode at 660. The flow to enter a mode begins at 602 and flows downward,'whereas the flow to exit the mode begins at 660 and flows upward. A mode can be entered and exited explitiy 15 603 or entered and. exited implicitly 605, In particular, a user can indicate explicitly whether to enter or exit a mode of operation by using inputs 620, Examples of inputs 620 include a switch vith one or more positions that are each associated with a selectable mode, and a display 1/0 624 that can be toucl-sensitivc for entering commands explicitly to enter or exit a mode. Note that entry of a second mode of operation can extinguish implicitly the first mode of operation. Further, a user can 20 explicitly indicate whether to enter or exit a mode of operation by using motion signatures 610. that is, the motion of the strapband can. facilitate transitions between modes of operation. A motion signature is a set of motions or patterns of motion that the straphand can detect using the logic of the strapband, whereby the logic can infer a mode from the motion signature. Examples of motion signatures are discussed below in FIG, 11L A set of motions can be predetermined, and then can be 25 associated with a conunand to enter or exit a mode. Thus, motion can select a mode of operation. In some embodiments, modes of operation include a "normal" mode. an "active mode," a "sleep mode" or " resting mode;"), among other types of modes, A normal mode includes usual or normative arnount of activities, whereas, an "active mode" typically indades relatively large amounts of activity. Active mode can include activities, such as running and swimming, for example. A "sleep 30 mode" or "resting mode" typically includes a relatively low amount of activity that is indicative of sleeping or resting can be indicative of the user sleeping. A mode can be entered and exited implicitly 605, In particular, a straphand and its logic can determine whether to enter or exit a mode of operation by inferring either an activity or a mode at 630. An inferred mode of operation can be determined as a function of user characteristics 632, such 35 as determined by userrelevant sensors (e,g. heart rate, body temperature, etc.). An inferred mode of operation can be determined using motion matching 634 (e.g., motion is analyzed and a type of activity is determined Further, an inferred mode of operation can be determined by examining environmental factors 636 (e~g., ambient temperaturetime, ambiet light. etc.). To illustrate, 18 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 consider that: (1) user characteristics 632 specify that the user's heart rate is at a resting rate and the body temperature falls (indicative of resting or sleeping), (2. motion matching 634 determines that the user has a relatively low level of' activity, and (3) envirournenit factors 636 indicate that the tine is 3:00 am and the ambient light is negligible i view of the foregoing, an inference engine or other 5 logic of the strapband likely can infer that the user is sleeping and then operate to transition the strapband into sleep mode, In this mode, power may be reduced, Note that while a mode may transition either explicitly or implicitly, it need not exit the same way. FI6 7A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary data-capable strapband configured to receive overmolding, Here, band 700 includes framework 702, covering 704, flexible circuit 706, 1.0 covering 708, motor 710, coverings 714-724, plug 726, accessory 728, control housing 734, control 736, and flexible circuts 737-73& In sonic examples, band 700 is shown with various elements (.e covering 704, flexible circuit 706, covering 708, motor 710, coverings 714~724, phg 726, accessory 728. control housing 734, control 736, and flexible circuits 737-738) coupled to framework 702. Coverirgs 708, 714-724 and control botising 734 may be configured to protect various types of 15 elements, which may be electrical, electronic, mechanical structural, or of another type, without limitation. For example, covering 708 may be used to protect a battery and power Ianagement module from protective material formed around band 700 during an infection molding operation. As another example, housing 704 may be used to protect a printed circuit board assembly ("PCBA") from similar damage. Further, control housing 734 may be used to protect various types of user 20 interfaces (eig. switches, buttons (eg., control 736), lights, light-emitting diodes, or other control features and functionality) from damage. In other examples, the elements shown may be varied in qatity, tynpe, manufacturer, Specification, fumetion, structure, or other aspects in order to provide data capture. communication, analysis, usage, and. other capabilities to band. 700, which may be wom by a user around a wrist, arm, leg, ankle, neck or other protrusion or aperrure, without restriction, 25 Band 700, in some examples, illustrates an initial unlayered device that iay be protected using the techniques for protective overmolding as described above. Alternatively, the number, type, function, configuratin, ornamental appearance, or other aspects shown may be varied without limitation, FIG. 7B illtistrates a side view of an exemplary data-capable strapband, Here, band 740 includes framework 702, covering 704, flexible circuit 706, covering 708, motor 710, battery 712, 30 coverings 714-724, plug 726, accessory 728, button/switch/LED/LCD Display 730-732, control housing 734, control 736, and flexible circuits 737738 and is shown as a side view of band 700, In other examples, the number, type, function, configurations, ornamental appearance, or other aspects shown may be varied without limitation. FIG. 7C illustrates another side view of an exemplary data-capable strapband. H-ere, band 35 750 includes framework 7021, covering 704, flexible circuit 706, covering 708, motor 710, battery 712, coverings 714-724, accessory 728 button/switch/LED/LCD Display 730-732, control housingL 734, control 736, and flexible circuits 737-738 and is shown as an opposite side view of band 740. In some examples, button/switch/L ED/LCD Display 730-732 may be implemented using different 19 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 types of switches, including multiple position switches that may be manually turned to indicate a givn function or command. Further, underlighting provided by light emitting diodes ("LED") or o power lights or lighting systems may be used to provide a visual status for band 750. In other examples, the number, type. function, configuration, ornamental appearance, or other 5 aspects shown may be varied without limitation, FIG, 7D illustrates a top view of an exemplary data-capable strapband. Here, band 760 includes framework 702, coverings 714-716 and 722-724, plug 726, accessory 728, control housing 734, control 736, flexible circuits 737-738, and PCBA 762 In other examples., the number, type, function, configuration, ornamental appearance, or other aspects shown may be varied without 10 limitation. FIG, 7E illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary data-capable strapband. Here band 770 includes framework 702, covering 704 flexible circuit 706, covering 708, motor 710, coverings 714 720, plug 726 accessory 728, control housing 734, control 736, and PCBA 772 In some examples, PCBA 772 may be implemented as any type of electrical or electronic circuit board elemem or 15 compone nt, without restriction. In other examples, the number, type, function, configuration, ornamental appearance, or other aspects shown may be varied without limitation. FIG, 7F illustrates a front view of an exemplary data-capable strapband. Here, band 780 includes framework 702, flexible circuit 706, covering 708, motor 710, coverings 714-718 and 722, accessory 728, buttoniswitch/L.ED/LCD Display 730, control housing 734, control 736, and flexible 20 circuit 737. In some examples, button/switch!LED/LCD Display 730 may be implemented using various types of displays including liquid crystal (LCD), thin film, active matrix, and others, without limitation. In other examples, the number, type, ftnction, configuration, omarmental appearance, or other aspects shown may be varied without limitation. FIG. 7G illustrates a rear view of an exemplary data-capable strapbanid. Here, band 790 25 mcitln es framework 702, covering 708, notor 710, coverings 714-722, analog audio plug 726, accessory 728, control 736, and flexible circuit 737, in some examples, control 736 may be a button configured for depression in order to activate or initiate other functionality of band. 790, In other examples, the number, type, function, configuration, ornamental appearance, or other aspects shown may be varied without limitation. 30 FIG. SA illustrates a perspective of an exemplary data-capable strapband having a first molding. Here, an alternative band (ie, band 800) includes molding 802, analog audio TRRS-rype plug (hereafter "plug") 804, plug housing 806, button 808, framework 810, control housing 812, and indicator light 814. in some examples, a first protective overmolding (i.e., molding 802) has been applied over band 700 (FIG. 7) and the above-described elements (e.g, covering 704, flexible circuit 35 706, cover 708, motor 710, coverings 714-724, plug 726, accessory 728 control housing 734, control 736, and flexible circuit 738) leaving some elements partially exposed (eg. plug 804, plug housing 806, button 808, framework 810, control housing 812 and indicator light 814). However, internal PCBAs, flexible connection, circuitry, and other sensitive eletents have been protectively 20 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 covered with a first or inner molding that can be configured to further protect band 800 from subsequent moldings fonned over band 80(1 using the above-described techniques. In other examples, the type, configuration, location, shape, design, layout., or other aspects of band 800 imay be varied and are not limited to those shown and described. For example, TRRS plug 804 may be 5 removed if a wireless communication facility is instead attached to framework 810, thus having a transceiver, logic, and antenna instead being protected by molding 802. As another example, button 808 may be removed and replaced by another control mechanism (e g., an accelerometer that provides motion data to a processor that, using firmware and/or an application, can identify and resolve different types of motion that band 800 is undergoing , thus enabling molding 802 to be 10 extended more fully, if not completely, over band 800. In other examples, the number, type, function., coiiii guration, ornamental appearance, or other aspects shown may be varied without imitati on. FIG, 8B illustrates a side view of an exemplary data-capable strapband Here, band 820 includes molding 802 plug 804, plug housing 806, button 808, control housing 812, and indicator 15 lights 814 and 822, In other examples, the number, type, function, configuration, ornamental appearance, or other aspects shown may be varied without limitation. FIG. 8C illustrates another side view of an exemplary data-capable strapband, Here, band 825 includes molding 802, plug 804, button 808, framework 810, control housing 812, and indicator lights 814 and 822. The view shown is an opposite view of that presented in FIG. 8B. In other 20 examples, the number, type, function, configuration, ornamental appearance., or other aspects shown may be varied without limitation. FIG, SD illustrates a top view of an exemplary data-capable strapband. Here, band 830 includes molding 802, plug 804, phg housing 806, button 808, control housing 812, and indicator lights 814 and 822, In other examples, the number, type, function, configuration, ornamental 25 appearance, or other aspects shown may be varied without Itnitatinc. FIG. 8E illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary data-capable strapband. Here, band 840 includes moldng 802, plug 804, plug housing 806. button 80, control housing 812, and. indicator lights 814 and 822, In other examples, the number, type, function, configuration, ornamental appearance, or other aspects shown may be varied without limitation. 30 FIG 8F illustrates a front view of an exemplary data-capable strapband Here, band 850 includes moving 802, plug 804, plug housing 806, button 808, control housing 812t and indicator light 814, In other examples, the number, type, function. configuration, ornamental appearance, or other aspects shown may be varied without limitation. FIG. 86 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary data-capable strapband. Here, band 860 35 includes molding 802 and button 808, In other examples, the number, type, function, configuration, ornamental appearance, or other aspects shown may be varied without limitation. FIG, 9A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary data-capable strapband having a second niolding, Here, band 900 includes molding 902, plug 904, and button 906. As shown 21 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 another overmolding or protective material has been formed by injection moldings for example, molding 902 over band 900. As another molding or covering layer, molding 902 may also be configured to receive surface designs, raised textures, or patterns, which nay be used to add to the commercial appeal of band 900 In some examples, band 900 may be illustrative of a finished data 5 capable strapband (i.e., band 700 (FIG 7), 800 (FIG. S) or 900) that may be configured to provide a wide range of electrical, electronic, mechanicalstructural, photonic, or other capabilities. Here, band 900 may be configured to perform data communication with one or more other data-capable devices (eg., other bands, computers, networked computers, clients, servers, peers, and the like) using wired or wireless features, For example, plug 900 may be used, in connection with 10 finnware and sofvare that allow for the trnsmission of audio tones to send or receive encoded data, which may be performed using a variety of encoded waveforms and. protocols, without limitation In other examples, plug 904 may be removed and instead replaced with a wireless communication facility that is protected by molding 902, If using a wireless comnunication facility and protocol, band 900 may communicate with other data-capable devices such as cell phones, smart phones, 15 computers (e.g, desktop, laptop, notebook, tablet, and the like), computing networks and clouds, and other types of data-capable devices, without limitation. In still other examples, band 900 and the elements described above in connection witk FiGs. 1-9, may be varied in type, configuration, function, structure, or other aspects, without limitation to any of the examples shown and described. FIG. 9B illustrates a side view of an exemplary data-capable strapband Here, band 910 20 includes molding 902, plug 904, and button 906. In other examples, the nm1er, type function, configuration, ornamental appearance, or other aspects shown may be varied without limitation. FIG. 9C illustrates another side view of an exemplary data-capable strapband. Here, band 920 includes molding 902 and button 906. in otlier examples, the number, type, function. configuration, ornamental appearance, or other aspects shown may be varied without limitation, 25 FIG 9D illustrates a top view of an exemplary data-capable strapband, Here, bind 9_30 includes molding 902, plug 904, button 906, and textures 932-934, In some examples, textures 932 934 may be applied to the external surface of molding 902. As an example, textured stirfaces may be molded into the exterior surface of molding 902 to aid with handling or to provide ornamental or aesthetic designs, The type, shape, and repetitive nature of textures 932-934 are not limiting and 30 designs may be either two or three-dimensional relative to the planar surface of molding 902. In other examples, the nuniber, type, function, configuration., ornamental appearance, or other aspects shown may be varied without limitation, FIG. 9E illustrates a bottom View of an exemplary data-capable straphand. Here band 940 incldes molding 902 and textures 932-934, as described above. In other examples, the number, 35 type, function, configuration, ornamental appearance, or other aspects shown may be varied without limitation, FIG. 9F illustrates a front view of an exemplary data-capable strapband. Here, band 950 includes molding 902, plug 904, and textures 932-934. In other examples, the number, type, WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 function, configuration, ornamental appearance, or other aspects shown may be varied without limitation. FIG, 9G illusitatcs a rcar view of an exemplary datavcapable strapband. Here, band 960 includes molding 902. button 906, and textures 932-934. In other examples, the number, type, 5 function, configuration, ornamental appearance, or other aspects shown may be varied without limitation, FIG 10 illustrates an exemplary computer system suitable for use with a data-capable strapband. In some examples, computer system 1000 may be used to implement computer programs applications, methods, processes, or other software to perform the above-described techniques, 10 Computer system 1000 includes a bus I002 or other communication mechanism for communicating information, which interconnects subsystems and devices, such as processor 1004, system memory 1006 (e.g RAM), storage device 1008 (esg ROM), disk drive .1010 (e-g, magnetic or optical), communication interface 1012 (e.g. modem or Ethernet card. display 1014 (e.g CRT or LCD), input device 1016 (eg. keyboard), and cursor control 1018 (e.g mouse or trackball). 1.5 According to some examples, computer system 1000 performs specific operations by processor 1004 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions stored in system memory 1006, Such instrtetions may be read into system memory 1006 from another computer readable medium, such as static storage device 1008 or disk drive 1010, In some examples, hard wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions for 20 implementation. The term "computer readable mediun refers to any tangible median that participates in providing instructions to processor 1004 for execution. Such a medium may take any forts, including but not limited to, non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as disk drive 101 0. Volatile media includes dynamic 25 memory, such as system neoiry 1006. Common forms of computer readable media includes, for example, floppy disk, flexible disk hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, CD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, RAM, PROM, EPROM, FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer 30 can. read Instructions tmay further be transmitted or received using a transmission medium. The term 'transmission medium" tray include any tangible or intangible medium that is capable ofstoring encoding or carrying instructions for execution by the machine, and includes digital or analog communications signals or other intangible medium to facilitate communication of such instructions. 35 Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics, including, wires that comprise bus 1002 for transmitting a Computer data signal. in some examples, execution of the sequences of instructions may be performed by a single computer system 1000, According to some examples, two or more computer systems 1000 coupled 23 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 by communication link 1020 (e.g LAN, PSTN, or wireless network) may perforni the sequence of instructions in coordination with one another. Computer system 1000 may transmit and receive messages, data., and instructions, including programi.e, application code, through communication link 1020 and communication interface 1012. Received program code may be executed by processor 5 1004 as it is received, and/or stored in disk drive 1010, or other non-volatile storage for later execution, FIG II depicts a variety of inputs in a specific example of a strapband, such as a data capable strapband, according to various embodiments, In diagram 1100, strapband i1 02 can include one or more of the following: a switch 1104, a display L/ I120, anda multi-pole or multi-position 10 switch 1101. Switch 1104 can rotate in direction 1107 to select a mode, or switch 1104 can be a push button operable by pushing in direction 1105, whereby subsequent pressing of the button cycles through different modes of operation. Or, different sequences of short and long durations during which the button is activated, Display /0 1120 can be a touch-ensitive graphical user interface. The multi-pole switch 1101, in some examples, can be a four-position switch, each position being 15 associated with a mode (e-g. a sleep mode, an active mode, a normal iode, etc.). Additionally. commands can be entered via graphical user interface I 112 via wireless (or wired) commumnication device 1110. Further, any number of visual outputs (e.g., LEDs as indicator lights), audio outputs, and/or mechanical (e.g. vibration) outputs can be implemented to inform the user of an event, a mode, or any other status of interest relating to the functonality of the strapband. 20 FIGs. 12A to 12F depict a variety of motion signatures as input into a strapband, such as a data-capable straphand, according to various embodiments. In FIG. 12A, diagram 1200 depicts a user s arn(e.g, as a locomotive member or appendage) with a strapband 1202 attached to user wrist 1203. Strapband 1'202 can envelop or substantially surround user wrist 1203 as well. FIGs. 12B to 12D illustrate different "motion signatwes" defined by various ranges of motion and/or motion 25 patterns (as well as number of motions), whereby each of the motion signatures identifies a mode of operation. FIG 121 depicts up-and-down motion, FIG. 12C depicts rotation about the wrist, and FIG. 12D depicts side-to-side motion, FIG. 121E depicts an ability detect a change in mode as a function of the motion and deceleration (e~g, when a user claps hands or makes contact with a surface 1220 to get strapband to change modes), whereas, FIG, 12F depicts an ability to detect "no 30 motion" initially and experience an abnipt acceleration of the straphand (etg user taps strapband with finger 1230 to change modes). Note that motion signatures can be motion patterns that are predetermined, with the user selecting or linking a specific motion signatre Uo invoke a specific mode. Note, too, a user can define unique motion signatures. In some embodiments, any number of detect motions can be used to defne a motion signature. Thus, different numbers of the same motion 35 can activate different modes. For example, two up-and-down motions in FIG. 12B can activate one mode, whereas four up-and-down motions can activate another mode Further, any combination of motions (e.g., two up-and-down motions of FIG. I 2B and two taps of FIG. I 2E) can be used as an input., regardless whether a mode of operation or otherwise, 24 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 FIG. 13 depicts an inference engine of a strapband configured to detect an activity and/or a mode based on monitored motion, according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, inference engine 1304 of a strapband can be configured to detect an activity or mode, or a state of a strapband as a function of at least data derived from one or more sources of data, such as any 5 number of sensors. Examples of data obtained by the sensors include, but are not limited to, data describing motion, location, user characteristics (e g, heart rate, body temperature, etc.), environmental characteristics (e g., time, degree of ambient light, altitude, magnetic flux (eg, magnetic field of the earth), or any other source of magnetic flux), GiPS-generated position data, proximity to other strapband wearers, etc.), and data derived or sensed by any source of relevant 10 information. Further, inference engine 1304 is configured to analyze sets of data from a variety of inputs and sources of information to identify an activity mode and/or state of a strapband: .In one example, a set of sensor data can include GPS-derived. data data representing magnetic flux, data representing rotation (e~g. as derived by a gyroscope), and another data that can be relevant to inference engine 1304 in its operation, ihe inference engine can use positional data along with 15 motion-related information to identify an activity or mode, among other purposes. According to soic embodiments, inference engine 1304 can be configured to analyze real time sensor data, such as user-related data 1301 derived in real-time from sensors and/or environmental-related data 1303 derived in reaktime from sensors. In particular, inference engine 1304 can compare any of the data derived in real-time (or from storage) against other types of data 20 (regardless of whether the data is real-time or archived). The data can originate from different sensors, and can obtained in real-time or from rnemoirv as user data 1352 Therefore, inference engine 1304 can be configured to compare data (or sets of data) against each other, thereby matching sensor data, as well as other data, to determine an activity or mode. Diagran 1300 depicts an example of an inference engine 1304 that is configured to determine 25 an activity in which the user is engaged, as a function of motion and, in some embodiments, as a function of sensor data, such as user-related data 1301 derived from sensors and/or environmental related data 1303 derived from sensors Examples of activities that inference engine 1 304 evaluates include sitting sleeping, working. running, walking. playing soccer or baseball, swimming, resting, socializing, touring, visiting various locations, shopping at a store, and the like. These activities are 30 associated with different motions of the user and, in particular, different motions of one or more locomotive members (eg.. motion of a user's arm or wrist) that are inherent in the different activies. For example a user's wrist motion during amning is more "pendulum-like" in it motion Forem weeampl te.w-,-, tn mtion durmnr nmm patter, whereas the wrist motion during swimming (e.g. freestyle strokes) is more "circular-like' in its motion pattern. Diagram 1300 also depicts a motion matcher 1320, which is configured to detect 25 and analyze motion to determine the activity (or the most probable activity) in which the user is engaged. To further refine the determination of the activity, inference engine 1304 includes a user characterizer 1310 and an environmental detector 1311 to detect sensor data for purposes of comparing subsets of sensor data (e.g.one or more types of data) against other subsets of data. 25 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 Upon determining a match between sensor data, inference engine 1304 can use the matched sensor data, as well as motion-related data, to identify a specific activity or mode. User characterized 1310 is configured to accept user-related data 1301 from relevant sensors, Exanipics of user-related data 1301 include heart rate, body temperature, or any other personally-related information with which 5 inference engine 1304 can determine, for example, whether a user is sleeping or not. Further, enviromnental detector 1311 is configured to accept enviromental-related data. 1303 from relevant sensors. Exatmples of enviromental-related data 1303 include time ambient temperature, degree of brightness (e.g whether in the dark or in sunlight), location data (e.g. OPS data, or derived from wireless networks k or any other environmental-related information with which inference engine 10 1304 can determine whether a user is engaged in a particular activity. A strapband can operate in di fferent modes of operation, One mode of operation is an "active mode." Active mode can be associated with activities that involve relatively high degrees of motion at relatively high rates of change. Thus, a straphand enters the active mode to sufficiently capture and monitor data with such activities, with power consumption as being less critical. hI this mode, a 15 controller, such as mode controller 1302, operates at a higher sample rate to capture the motion of the strapband at, for example, higher rates of speed. Certain safety or health-related monitoring can be implemented in active mode, or, in response to engaging in a specific activity. For example, a controller of strapband cat monitor a user's heart rate against normal and abnormal heart rates to alert the user to any issues during, for example, a strenuous activity, in some embodiments, 20 strapband can be configured as set forth in IG. SB and user characterizer 1310 can process user related information from sensors described in relation FIG, 5B. Another mode of operation is a "sleep mode." Sleep mode can be associated with activities that involve relatively low degrees of motion at relatively low rates of change, Thus. a strapband enters the sleep mode to sufficiently capture and monitor data with such activities, while preserving power. In some embodiments, 25 strapband can be configured as set forth in FlG 5C and user cbaracterizer 1310 can process user related information from sensors described in relation FIG. 5C. Yet another mode is "normal mode," in which the straphand operates in accordance with typical user activities, such as during work, travel, movement around the house, bathing, etc. A strapband can operate in any number different modes, including a health monitoring mode, which can implement, for example, the features set forth 30 in FIG. 5D. Another mode of operation is a "social mode" of operation in which the user interacts with other users of similar strapbands or communication devices, and, thus, a strapband can implement, for example, the features set forth in FIG. 5E. Any of these modes can be entered or exited either explicitly or implicitly, Diagram 1300 also depicts a motion matcher 1320, which is configured to detect and analyze 35 motion to determine the activity (or the most probable activity) in which the user is engaged. In various embodinients, motion catcher 1320 can form part of inference engine 1304 (not shown), or can have a structure and/or function separate therefrom (as shown), Regardless, the structures and/or functions of inference engine 1304. including user characterizer 1310 and an environmental detector 26 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 1311 and motion catcher 1320 cooperate to determine an activity in which the user is engaged and transmit data indicating the activity (and other related information) to a controller (e.g- a mode controller 1302) that is configured to control operation of a mode, such as an "active mode," of the strapband, 5 Motion matcher .1320 of FIG. 13 includes a motion/activity deduction engine 1324, a motion capture manager 1322' and a motion analyzer 1326. Motion matcher 1320 can receive noiono-related data 1303 frotn relevant sensors, including those sensors that relate to space or position and to time, Examples of such. sensors include accelerometers, motion detectors, velocimeters, altimeters, barometers, etc. Motion capture manager 1322 is configured to capture portions of motion, and to 10 aggregate those portions of motion to form an aggregated motion pattern or profile. Further, motion capture manager 1322 is configured to store motion patterns as profiles 1344 in database 1340 for real-time or future analysis. Motion profiles 1344 include sets of data relating to instances of motion or aggregated portions of motion (e.g, as a function of time and space, uch as expressed in X. Y, Z coordinate systenask. 1.5 For example, motion capture manager 1322, can be configured to capture motion relating to the activity of walking and motion relating to running, each motion being associated with a specific profile 1344, To illustrate, consider that motion profiles 1344 of walking and running share some portions of motion in common, For example, the user's wrist motion during running and walking share a "pendulum-like" pattern over time, but differ in sampled positions of the strapband. During 20 walking, the wrist and strapband is generally at waist-level as the user walks with arms relaxed (e.g., swinging of the arms during walking can. result in a longer arc-like motion pattern over distance and time), whereas during running, a user typically raises the wrists and changes the orientation of the strapband (e.g., swinging of the arms during nonning can result in a shorter arc-like motion pattern). Motion/activity deduction engine 1324 is configured to access profiles 1344 and deduce, for 25 example, in real-time whether the activity is walking or running. Motion/activity deduction engine 1324 is configured to analyze a portion of motion and deduce the activity (e.g., as an aggregate of the portions of motion) in which the user is engaged and provide that information to the inference engine 1304, which, in turn, compares user characteristics and environmental characteristics against the deduced activity to confirm or reject the determination, 30 For example, if motion/activity deduction engine 1324 deduces that monitored motion indicates that the user is sleeping, then the heart rate of the user, as a user characteristic, can be used to compare against thresholds in user data I 352 of database 1350 to con firm that the user's heart rate is consistent with a sleeping user. User data 1352 can also include past location data whereby historic location data can be used to determine whether a location is frequented by a user (e.g, asa means of 35 identifying, the user) Further, inference engine 1304 can evaluate environmental characteristics, such as whether there is ambient light (eg. darkness implies conditions for resting), the time of Clay (eg, a person's sleeping times typically can be between 12 midnight and. 6 ami), or other related information 27 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 In operation, motion/activty deduction engine 1324 can be configured to store motion-related data to form motion profiles 1344 in real-time (or near real-time). In some embodinients, the motion-related data can be compared against notion reference data 1346 to detemuine "a match" of motions. Motion reference data 1346, which includes reference motion profiles and patterns, can be 5 derived by motion data captured for the user during previous activities, whereby the previous activities and motion thereof serve as a reference against which to compare. Or, motion reference data 1346 can include ideal or statistically-relevant motion pattems against which motion/activity deduction engine 132.4 determines a match by determining which reference profile data 1346 "best fits" the real-time motion data. Motion/activity deduction engine 1324 can operate to determine a 10 motion patern, and, thus, determine an activity. Note that motion reference profile data 1346, in some embodiments serves as a "motion fingerprint for a user and can be unique and personal to a specific user. Therefore, notion reference profile data 1346 can be used by a controller to determine whether subsequent use of a straphand is by the authorized user or whether the current user's real tme motion data is a mismatch against motion reference profile data 1346 If there is mismatch, a 15 controller can activate a security protocol responsive to the unauthorized use to preserve information or generate an alert to be communicated external to the strapband. Motion analyzer 1326 is configured to analyze motion, for example, in real-time, among other things, For example, if the user is swinging a baseball bat or golf club (e.g., when the strapband is located on the wrist) or the user is kicking a soccer ball (e.g., when the strapband is 20 located on the ankle), motion analyzer J126 evaluates the captured motion to detect., for example, a deceleration in motion (eg., as a motion-centric event), which can be indicative of an impulse event, such as striking an obiect, like a golf balt Notion-related characteristics, such as space and time, as well as other environment and user characteristics can be captured relating to the motion-centric event. A motion-centric event, for example, is an event that Can relate to changes in position during 25 motion, as well as changes in time or velocity. In some embodiments, inference engine 1304 stores user characteristic data and environmental data in database 1.350 as user data 1352 for archival purposes. reporting purposes, or any other purpose. Similarly inference engine 1304 and/or motion matcher 1320 can store motion-related data as motion data 1342 for real-time and/or future use. According to some embodiments, stored data can be accessed by a user or any entity (e.g, a third 30 party) to adjust the data of databases 1340 and 1350 to, for example, optimize motion profile data or sensor data to ensure more accurate results, A user can access motion profile data in database 1350, Or, a user can adjust the functionality of inference engine 1304 to ensure more accurate or precise determinations For example, if inference engine 1304 detects a user's walking motion as a running motion, the user can modify the behavior of the logic in the strapband to increase the accuracy and 35 optimize the operation of the strapband. Ft6. 14 depicts a representative implementation of one or more straphands and equivalent devices, as wearable devices, to form unique motion profiles, according to various embodiments, In diagram 1400, strapbands and an equivalent device are disposed on locomotive members of the user., 28 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 whereby the locomotive members facilitate motion relative to and about a center point 1430 (e.g a reference point for a position, such as a center of mass). A headset 1410 is configured to communicate with straphands 1411, 1412, 1413 and 1414 and is disposed on a body portion 1402 e.g., the head), which is subject to motion relative to center point 1430. Strapbands 1411 and 1412 5 are disposed on locomotive portions 1404 of the user (eg, the arms or wrists), whereas straphands 1413 and 1414 are disposed on loconmotve portion 1406 of the user (e.g, the legs or ankles), As shown, headset 1410 is disposed at distance 1420 from center point 1430, strapbands 1411 and 1412 are disposed at distance 1422 from center point 1430, and strapbands 1413 and 1414 are disposed at distance 1424 from center point 1430. A great number of users have different values of distances 10 1420., 1422. and 1424, Further; different wrist-to-elbow and elbow-to-shoulder lengths for different users affect the relative motion of strapbands 1411 and 1412 about center point 1430. and siniilarly; different hip-to-knee and knee-to-ankle lengths for different users affect the relative motion of strapbands 1413 and 1414 about center point 1430, Moreover, a great number of users have unique gaits and styles of motion. The above-described factors, as well as other factors, facilitate the 15 determination of a unique motion profile for a user per activity (or in combination of a number of activities). The tiniqueness of the motion patterns in which a user performs an activity enables the use of motion profile data to provide a "notion fingerprint" A "motion fingerprint' is unique to a user and can be compared against detected motion profiles to determine, for example, whether a use of the strapband by a subsequent wearer is unauthorized. In some cases, unauthorized users do not 20 typically share common motion profiles. Note that while four are shown, fewer than four can be used to establish a ".motion fingerprint;" or more can be shown (e.g, a straphand can be disposed in a pocket or otherwise carried by the user). For example, a user can place a single strapbands at different portions of the body to capture motion patterns for those body parts in a serial fashion. Thben, each of the motions patterns can be combined to fori a 'notion fingerprint." In some cases, a 25 single strapband 1411 is sufficiet to establish a "motion fiigerprint." Note, too, that one or more of strapbands 1411, 1419, 1413 and 1414 can be configured to operate with multiple users, including non-human users, such as pets. FIG, 15 depicts an example of a motion capture manager configured to capture motion and portions therefore, according to various embodiments. Diagram 1500 depicts an example of a 30 motion catcher 1560 and/or a motion capture manager 1.561, one or both of which are configured to capture motion of an activity or state of a user and generate one or more notion profiles, such as motion profile 1502 and motion profile 1552 Database I S70 is configured to store notion profiles 1502 and 1552. Note that motion profiles 1502 and 1552 are shown as graphical representation of motion data for purposes of discussion, and can be stored in any suitable data structure or 35 arrangement. Note, too, that motion profiles 1502 and 1552 can represent real-time motion data with which a motion matcher 1560 uses to determine modes and activities. To illustrate operation of motion capture manager 1561, consider that motion profile 1502 represents motion data captured for a running or walking activity. The data of motion profile 1502 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 idicates the user is traversing along the Y-axis with motions describable in X, Y, Z coordinates or any other coordinate system The rate at which motion is captured along the Y-axis is based on the sampl ing rate and includes a timie component. For a strapband disposed on a wrist of a user, motion capture manager 1561 captures portions of motion, such as repeated motion segments A-to-B and B 5 to-C, in particular motion capture manager 1561 is configured to detect motion for an arm 150 a in the +Y direction from the beginning of the forward swinging arn (e.g, point A) to the end of the forward swinging arm (e, point B), Further, motion capture manager 1561 is configured to detect motion for arm 150 lb in the -Y direction from the beginning of the backward swinging arm (e.g, point B) to the end of the backward swinging arn (e.jpoint C). Note that point C is at a greater 10 distance along the Y-axis than point A as the center point or center mass of the user has advanced in the ±Y direction, Motion capture manager 1561 continues to monitor and capture motion until for example. motion capture manager 1561 detects no significant motion (i.e., below a threshold) or an activity or mode is ended. Note that in some embodiments, a motion profile can be captured by motion capture manager 15 1561 in a "normal mode" of operation and sampled at a first sampling rate ("sample rate I") 15.32 between samples of data 1520, which is a relatively slow sampling rate that is configured to operate with normal activities. Samples of data 15"0 represent not only motion data (e.g. data regarding X, Y, and Z coordinates, time, accelerations, velocities, etc.), but can also represent or link to user related information captured at those sample times. Motion matcher 1.560 analyzes the motion, and, 20 if the motion relates to an activity associated with an "active mode," motion matched 1560 signals to the controller, such as a mode controller, to change modes (eg from normal to active mode). During active mode, the sampling rate increases to a second sampling rate ("sample rate 2") 1534 between samples of data 1520 (e.g, as well as between a sample of data 1520 and a sample of data 1540), An increased sampling rate can facilitate, for example, a more accuirate set of captured 25 motion data. To illustrate the above, consider that a user is sitting or stretching prior to a work out. The user's activities likely are ocurng in. a normal mode of operation.. But once motion data of profile 1.502 is detected, a motion/activity deduction engine can deduce the activity of running, and then can infer the mode ought to be the active mode. The logic of the strapband then can place the strapband into the active mode. Therefore, the strapband cart change modes of operation implicitly 30 (i.e. explicit actions to change modes need not be necessary) in some cases., a mode controller can identify an activitv as a "runing" activity, and then invoke activity-specific functions, such as an indication (eg., a vibratory indication) to the user every one-quarter mile or 15 minute duration during the activity. FIG. 15 also depicts another motion profile 1552. Consider that motion profile 1552 35 represents motion data captured for swimming activity (e g_ using a freestyle stroke), Similar to profile 1502, the motion pattern data of motion profile 1552 indicates the user is traversing along the Y-axis. The rate at which motion is captured along the Y-axis is based on the sampling rate of samples 1520 and 1540, for example. For a straphand disposed on a wrist of a user, motion capture 30 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 manager 1561 captures the portions of motion, such as motion segments A-to-B and B-to-C, In particular, motion capture manager 1561 is configured to detect motion for an arn 1551 a in the +Y direction from the beginning of a forward arc (eg.point A) to the cnd of the forward arc (e g, point B). Further, motion capture manager 1 561 is configured to detect motion for arm 1551b in the -' S direction from the beginning of reverse arc (e.g point B) to the end of the reverse are (e.g., point C). Motion capture manager 156 continues to monitor arid capture motion until, for example, notion capture manager 1561 detects no significant motion (i.e. below a threshold) or an activity or mode is ended, In operation, a mode controller can determine that the motion data of profile 1552 is 10 associated with an active mode, similar with the above-described running activity, and can place the strapband into the active mode, if it is not already in that imode: Further, motion matcher l1560 can analyze the motion pattern data of profile 1552 against, for example the motion data of profile 1502 and conclude that the activity associated with the data being captured for profile 1552 does not relate to a running activity. Motion matcher 1560 then can analyze profile 1552 of the reakltime generated 15 motion data, and, if it determines a. match with reference motion data for the activity ofswimming, motion matcher 1560 can generate an indication that the user is performing swimmingg as an activity. Thus, the strapband and its logic can implicitly determine an activity that a user is performing (i.e., explicit actions to specify an activity need not be necessary), Therefore, a mode controller then can invoke swimming- specific functions, such as an application to generate an 20 indication (e.g.a vibratory indication) to the user at completion of every lap, or can count a number of strokes, While not shown, motion matcher 1560 and/or a motion capture manager 1561 can be configured to implicitly determine tiodes of operation, such as a sleeping mode of operation (e,g, the mode controller, in part, can analyze motion patterns against a motion profile that includes sleep related notion data. Motion catcher 1560 and/or a motion capture manager 1561 also can be 25 configured to an activity out of a imber of possible activities. FIG. 16 depicts an example of a motion analyr configured to evaluate motion-centric events, according to various embodiments. Diagram 1 600 depicts an example of a motion catcher 1660 and/or a motion analyzer 1666 for capturing motion of an activity or state of a user and generating one or more motion profles, such as a motion profile 1602, To illustrate, consider that 30 motion profile 1602 represents motion data captured for an activity of swinging a baseball bat 1604. The motion patten data of motion profile 1602 indicates the user begins the swing at position 16 0 4a in the -Y direction. The user moves the strapband and the bat to position 1604b, and then swings the bat toward the -Y direction when contact is made with the baseball at position 1604c. Note that the set of data samples 1630 includes data samples 1630a and 1630b at relatively close proximity to each 35 other in profile 1602, This indicates a deceleration (e.g. a slight, but detectable deceleration) in the bat when it hits the baseball. Thus, motion analyzer 1666 can analyze motion to determine motion centric events, such as striking a baseball, striking a golf ball, or kicking a soccer ball, Data regarding the notion-centric events can be stored in database 1670 for additional analysis or 31 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 archiving purposes, for example. [10. 1 7 illustrates action and event processing during a mode of operation in accordance with various enmbodiments. At I1702, the strapband enters a niode of operation, During a certain mode, a controller (e.g., a mode controller) can be configured to monitor user characteristics at 17(4 relevant 5 to the mode, as well as relevant motion at 1706 and environmental factors at 1708. The logic of the strapband can operate to detect user and iode-related events at 1710, as well as motion-centric events at 1712. Optionally, upon detection of an event, the logic of the strapband can perform an action at 1714 or inhibit an action at 1716, and continue to loop at 1718 during the activity or mode. To illustrate action and evem processing of a straphand, consider the following examples. 10 First, consider a person is perfonning an activity of running or jogging, and enters an active mode at 1702. The logic of the straphand analyzes user characteristics at 1704- such as sleep patters and determines that the person has been getting less than a normal amount of sleep for the last few days. and that the person's heart rate indicates the user is undergoing strenuous exercise as confirmed by detected motion in 1706, Further, the logic determines a large number of wireless signals, indicating 15 a populated area, such as along a busy street. Next, the logic detects an incoming call to the users headset at 1710. Given the state of the uscr, the logic suppresses the call at 1716 to ensure that the user is not distracted and thus not endangered. As a second example, consider a person is performing art activity of sleeping and has entered a sleep mode at 1702. The logic of the straphand analyzes user characteristics at 1704, such as heart 2(0 rate, body temperature, and other user characteristics relevant to the determination whether the person is in REM sleep, Further; the person's motion has decreased sufficiently to match that typical of periods of deep or REM sleep as confirmed by detected motion (or lack thereof) at 1706, Environmental factors indicate a relatively dark room at 1708. Upon determination that the user is in REM sleep, as an event, at 1710, the logic of the strapband inhibits an alarm at 1716 set to wake the 25 user until REM sleep is over, This process loops at 1718 until the user is out of REM sleep, when the alar can be performed subsequently at 1714, in one example, the alann is implemented as a vibration generated by the strapband. Note that the strapband. can inhibit the alarm features of a mobile phone, as the strapband can comnimnicate an alarm disable signal to the mobile phone, In at least some examples, the structures and/or functions of any of the above-described 30 features can be implemented in software, hardware, firnware, circuitry, or a combination thereof. Note that the structures and constituent elements above, as well as thetr functtonality. may be aggregated with one or more other structures or elements. Alteratively the elements and their functionality may be subdivided into constituent sub-elements, if any. As software, the above described techniques may be implemented usig various types of programming or formatting 35 languages, frameworks, syntax, applications, protocols, objects, or techniques, As hardware and/or firmware, the above-described techniques may be implemented using various types of programming or integrated circuit design languages, including hardware description languages, such as any register transfer language ("RTLI") configured to design field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs"), 32 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 application-specific integrated circuits ("ASiCs"), or any other type of integrated circuit. These can be varied and are not limited to the examples or descriptions provided. FIG I3A illustrates an exeniplary wearable device for sensory user interface, Here, a cross sectional view of wearable device 1800 includes housing 1802, switch 1804, switch rod 1806 switch 5 seal 1808, pivot arm 1810, spring 1812, printed circuit board (hereafter "PC8") 1814, support 1816, light pipes 1818-1820, and light windows 1822-1824. In some examples, wearable device 1800 may be implemented as part of band 900 (FIG. 9A, providing a user interface for a user to interact, manage, or otherwise manipulate controls for a data-capable strapband- As shown, when switch 1804 is depressed and stopped by switch seal 1808, switch rod 1806 may be configured to 10 mechanically engage pivot arm 1810 and cause electrical contact with one or more elements on PCB 1,814. in an alternative example, pivot arm 1810 may case light to be selectively reflected back, depending on the position of pivot arm 1810, to PCB 1814, which may comprise an optical transmitterureceiver to detect the reflection and to report back different rotational positions ofpivot arm 1810. In another alternative example, pivot arm 1810 may comprise magnets, which may be 1.5 brought into, and out of, proximity with one or more magnetic field sensor on PCB 1814 indicatig different rotational positions of switch 1804. in other examples, switch 1804 may be configured to rotate and cause electrical contact with other elements on PCB 1814, Spring 1812 is configured to return switch rod 1806 and button 1804 to a recoiled position to await another user input (e.g.. depression of switch 1804). In some examples, light sources (e.g., LED 224 (Fi. 2A)) may be 20 mounted on PCB 1 814 and, using light pipes 181 8 and 1820 provide ilhlinated displays through liiht windows 1822 and 1824. Further, light windows 1822 and 1824 may be implemented as rotating switches that are transhucent, transparent, or opaque and, when rotated., emit light from different features that visually indicate when a different function, mode, or operation is present. in other examples, wearable device 1800 may be implemented differently and is not limited to those 25 provided. FIG. 18B illustrates an alternative exemplary wearable device for sensory user interface. Here, a cross-sectional view of an alternative wearable device 1 830 includes switch rod 1806, pivot arm 1810, spring 1812, light pipes 1818-1820, switch seal 1832, and deterits 1834, in some examples, switch seal 1832 nay be configured differently than as shown in FIG, 1 8A, providing a 30 flush surface against which switch 1804 (Fi. I A) may be depressed until stopped by detents 1834. Further, switch seal 1832 may be formed using material that is waterproof water-resistant, or otherwise able to prevent the intrusion of desired materials, chemicals, or liquids into the interior cavity of wearable device 1830. 1i other examples, wearable device 1830 may be configured, designed formed, fabricated, function, or otherwise implemented differently and is not limited to the 35 features, functions, and structures shown, Fj(3 18C illustrates an exemplary switch rod to be used. with an exemplary wearable device. Here, a perspective view of switch rod 1806, which may be configured to act as a shaft or piston that, when depressed using switch 1804 FG 18A) engages pivot arm 1810 (FIG. 18A) and moves into 53 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 electrical contact one or more components on PCB 18 14. Limits on the rotation or movement of switch rod 1806 may be provided by various types of mechanical structures and are not limited to any examples shown and described. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary switch for use with an exemplary wearable device. Here. a 5 distal end of wearable device 1840 is shown including housing 1802, switch 1804 and concentric seal 1842. As an alterative design concentric seal 1842 may be implemented to provide greater connectivity between switch 1804 and detents 1834 (not shown; FIG, 18B). As shown, a concentric well in conccnric seal 1842 may be confgured to receive switch 1804 and, when depressed, engage switch rod 1806 (not show; FIG. 18A), In other examples, wearable device 1840 and the above 10 described elements may be varied in function, structure, design, implemetation, or other aspects and are not limited to those shown. FIG. 18E illustrates an exemplary sensory- user interface. -ere, wearable device 1850 includes housing 1802, switch 1804, and light windows 18224824, In some examples light windows 1822-1824 may be implemented using various designs, shapes, or features in order to 15 permit light to emanate from, for example, liDs mounted on PCB 1814. Further, light windows 1822-1824 may also be implemented as rotating switches that, when tumed to a given orientation, provide a visual indication of a function, mode, activity, state, or operation being performed. in other examples, wearable device 1850 and the above-described elements may be implemented differently in design function, or structure, and are not limited to those shown. 20 Although the foregoing examples have been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, the above-described inventive techniques are not limited to the details provided. There are many alternative ways ofimplementing the above-described invention techniques. The disclosed examples are illustrative and not restrictive. 34

Claims (15)

1. 2. The wearble device of claim I wherein the motion matcher comprises a motion capture manager configured to form and store the motion profile. 15 3 The wearable device of claim I, wherein the wearable device is configured to transition from a first mode of operation to a second muode of operation as a function of the activity,
2. 4. The wearable device of claim 1. erein the sensor is an accelerometer configured to detect a motion the motion being converted to other data by the accelerometer. 5i The wearable device of claim . wherein the seisor is configured to measure a temperature, 20 6, The wearable device of claims wherein the sensor is configured to measure a first temperature and a second temperature. The wearable device of claim 6. wher-in a temperature differenIal between the first temperature and the second temperature is determtied by the processor, 8 The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to measure gavanic skin 25 response,
3. 9. The wearable device of claim 1; further comprising a housing that is flexible and configured to adapt to an anatomical body around which the wearable device is worn, 10, The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the data is used by the processor to deterniine a calori> burn rate. 30 IL, The wearable device of claini 1, wherein the application is hosted on the another device,
4. 12. The wearable device of claim I, wherein the coiminmications facility is configured to transfer data wirelessly.
5. 13. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the communications facility is configured to transfer data using a Bluetooth protocol 35 WO 2012/170366 PCT/US2012/040812 ALe -o8CON iPC 1
6. 14. The wearable device of claim I whereisi the communications facility is a wired comnications facility.
7. 15. The wearable device of claim J, further comprising a visual indicator.
8. 16. The wearable device of claim 15 wherein the visual indicator is configured to provide an 5 indication of health. 1 The wearable device of claim 15. wherein the visual indicator comprises one or inore buttons. iS. The wearable device of claim 15 wherein the visual indicator has one or more positions. 19 The wearable device of clait 15, wherein the visual indicator indicates a state.
9. 20. The wearable device of clait 15, wherein the visual indicator is a rotating structure. .10 21. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the another device is a mobile communications device, 22 The wearable device of claim -1 wherein the data is evaluated to generate a representation of health, the representation being configured to be displayed on the user interface.
10. 23. A method, comprising: 15 receiving a sensory input from a sensor coupled to a wearable device; transforming the sensory input into data; processing the data using an application configured to determine an activity being performed and to generate information associated with the activity being performed while the wearable device is wor, the activity being determined using a motion matcher configured to generate a motion 20 profile associated with the activity the motion profile configured to be accessed and modified when the activity is performed again; evaluating the information to determine a state of a user; and performing or inhibiting an action associated with the wearable device based on the state of the user. 25 24. The method of claim 23. wherein the sensory input comprises a temperature, 25 The method of claim 23 wherein the sensory input comprises a measure of galvanic skin response.
11. 26. The method of claim 23, wherein the sensory input comprises one or more temperature measurements, the one or more temperature measurements being evaluated to determine a Circadian 30 rhyth.
12. 27. The method of claim 23, wherein the performing the action comprises generating an alert,
13. 28. The method of claim 23, wherein the state is biological,
14. 29. The method of claim 23. wherein the state is physiological.
15. 30. The method of claim 23, wherein the state is psychological. 36