EP3256911B1 - Electronic device for monitoring the physical activity of a user - Google Patents

Electronic device for monitoring the physical activity of a user Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3256911B1
EP3256911B1 EP16707963.1A EP16707963A EP3256911B1 EP 3256911 B1 EP3256911 B1 EP 3256911B1 EP 16707963 A EP16707963 A EP 16707963A EP 3256911 B1 EP3256911 B1 EP 3256911B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
user
wristwatch
case
casing
external surface
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP16707963.1A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3256911A1 (en
Inventor
Nerio Alessandri
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Technogym SpA
Original Assignee
Technogym SpA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Technogym SpA filed Critical Technogym SpA
Publication of EP3256911A1 publication Critical patent/EP3256911A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3256911B1 publication Critical patent/EP3256911B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G04HOROLOGY
    • G04GELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G21/00Input or output devices integrated in time-pieces
    • G04G21/02Detectors of external physical values, e.g. temperature
    • G04G21/025Detectors of external physical values, e.g. temperature for measuring physiological data
    • GPHYSICS
    • G04HOROLOGY
    • G04GELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G17/00Structural details; Housings
    • G04G17/02Component assemblies
    • G04G17/04Mounting of electronic components

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of fitness, and in particular to an electronic device for monitoring the physical activity of a user.
  • physical activity means any kind of movement of the user which determines an increase of the energy expenditure with respect to the rest condition, i.e. both the movement during daily and working life and the movement during the "physical exercise” with which all activities are identified which require human body movement executed with precise purposes (rehabilitation, physical shape, aesthetics, performance) and following precise criteria in terms of duration, intensity, frequency.
  • Such monitoring accessories and devices typically comprise a sensor (for example, an accelerometer or the like) configured to detect information representative of the physical activity of a user calculating the respective amount of movement executed during the day and communicate this information to the mobile phone of the user.
  • a sensor for example, an accelerometer or the like
  • Such monitoring accessories and devices are inevitably added to the other devices or accessories which a user already has available during the physical activity or physical exercise or in general during generic leisure time such as, for example, mobile phones (smartphones), tablets, media players (MP3 players), a handheld computer or PDA (from the acronym, Personal Digital Assistant) and so on.
  • mobile phones smart phones
  • tablets media players
  • PDA Personal Digital Assistant
  • electronic monitoring devices In order to reduce the number of devices or accessories available to the user, electronic monitoring devices have been developed adapted to be integrated with electronic devices which the user is typically already in possess of (for example, the smartphone).
  • Document WO 2011/057089 relates to a data collection unit with an integrated closure system and sensor housing.
  • Document EP 0558014 A2 relates to an electronic device with a sensor unit, which is removably attached to a device case with a display.
  • an electronic device for monitoring the physical activity of a user hereinafter for the sake of brevity also simply electronic device or device, which has been generally indicated by the reference numeral 100.
  • "physical activity” means any kind of movement of the user which determines an increase of the energy expenditure with respect to the rest condition, i.e. both the movement during daily and working life and the movement during the "physical exercise” with which all activities are identified which require human body movement executed with precise purposes (rehabilitation, physical shape, aesthetics, performance) and following precise criteria in terms of duration, intensity, frequency.
  • the device 100 comprises one casing 1 adapted to define a housing, the latter not shown in the figures.
  • the device 100 moreover, comprises an electronic circuitry housed inside the casing 1.
  • the electronic circuitry is advantageously configured to monitor the physical activity of a user.
  • the device is advantageously configured to be secured to a case 2 of a wristwatch 3.
  • FIG. 3 An example of wristwatch 3, case 2 thereof the device 100 is securable to, is diagrammatically shown in figures 1-3 , in which also portions 4, 4' of the strap are shown of the same wristwatch 3.
  • the device 100 advantageously comprises securing means 5 of the casing 1 to at least one portion of said case 2 of the wristwatch 3.
  • This configuration allows the device 100 to be securable to any wristwatch.
  • the casing 1 is configured to be secured to the rear surface 6 of the case 2 of the wristwatch 3.
  • securing means 5 are configured to allow an immovable securing between the device 100 and the portion of the case 2 of the wristwatch 3.
  • This configuration advantageously allows to prevent any detachment of the device 100 from the case 2 of the wristwatch 3.
  • the securing means 5 comprise an adhesive.
  • the securing means 5 are configured to allow a removable securing between the device 1 and the portion of the case 2 of the wristwatch 3.
  • This configuration allows instead to remove the device 100 from the case 2 of the wristwatch 3 and to reattach it to the case of another wristwatch.
  • the securing means 5 comprise at least one magnet.
  • the securing means 5 may comprise any other mechanism adapted to allow the removable securing to the case 2 of the wristwatch 3.
  • the securing means 5 are distributed on a portion of the casing 1 which can face the case 2 of the wristwatch 3.
  • the casing 1 has a substantially disk-like shape. Such shape allows the device 100 to be applied to wristwatches with a substantially circular case.
  • the casing 1 has a substantially quadrangular shape (for example, rectangular or square). Such shape allows the device 100 to be applied to wristwatches with a substantially quadrangular case.
  • the casing 1 may have any shape other than circular and quadrangular.
  • the casing 1 advantageously has a thickness rather reduced with respect to the thickness of the case 2 of the watch 3 (for example, several millimeters) so as to allow the user to wear the wristwatch 3 to which the device 100 is secured without experiencing any nuisance.
  • the securing means 5 are configured to secure the casing 1 to a substantially flat surface, as for example shown in figures 1-3 .
  • the securing means 5 are configured to secure the casing to a substantially curved surface.
  • the thickness of the adhesive may be such so as to assume and maintain the substantially curved shape of the surface on which the device 100 is secured.
  • such electronic circuitry is configured to monitor the physical activity of the user.
  • the electronic circuitry 400 comprises a data processing unit 401, for example a microprocessor or a microcontroller.
  • the electronic circuitry 400 comprises a memory unit 402 operatively connected to the data processing unit 401.
  • the memory unit 402 and the data processing unit 401 are configured, respectively, to store program codes and data processed during the execution of such program codes and to load and execute such program codes to allow the device 100 to monitor the physical activity of the user.
  • the electronic circuitry 100 comprises at least one sensor 403 for detecting at least one parameter representative of a movement of a user.
  • the at least one sensor is operatively associated with the data processing unit 401.
  • Such at least one parameter representative of a movement of the user may be, for example, acceleration, speed, position, and so on.
  • examples of said at least one sensor are the following: an accelerometer (of the monoaxial, bi-axial or tri-axial kind), a gyroscope, a sensor for detecting the position of the user (for example, in GPS technology), a compass, and so on.
  • the device 100 may comprise two or more sensors, in combination to one another, of the kind described in the preceding paragraph.
  • the electronic circuitry 100 may also comprise a biometric sensor, operatively connected to the data processing unit 401, configured to detect biometric parameters of the user.
  • biometric parameters of the user are: heart rate, body temperature, and so on.
  • the detection of biometric parameters by the biometric sensor which preferably requires a contact with the surface of the skin of the user, is more reliable because the device 100 is very advantageously secured to the rear surface 6 of the case 2 of the wristwatch 3, thus in a position in which the device 100, thus the biometric sensor, is more and mostly in a constant manner in contact with the skin of the user.
  • the data processing unit 401 it is worth noting that, in one embodiment, it is advantageously configured to generate an information representative of the physical activity of the user on the basis of said at least one parameter representative of a movement of the user detected by said at least one sensor.
  • such information representative of the physical activity of the user is for example the number of steps performed, the distance covered, the speed of movement, the calories consumed, one or more time periods of inactivity, one or more time periods of activity and so on, over a determined time span (for example: hourly, daily, weekly, and so on), also possibly at the choice of the user.
  • the device 100 is configured to communicate the stored and generated data (thus also such information representative of the physical activity of the user and possibly the biometric parameters detected by the biometric sensor, if present) to a further electronic device, separate from the electronic device 100 for monitoring the physical activity of the user, which is specifically configured to make available to the user (for example, by means of displaying) the data received from the device 100.
  • a further electronic device separate from the electronic device 100 for monitoring the physical activity of the user, which is specifically configured to make available to the user (for example, by means of displaying) the data received from the device 100.
  • the data processing unit 401 is simply configured to store said at least one parameter representative of a movement of the user detected by said at least one sensor 403 without proceeding to any subsequent processing of such at least one parameter.
  • the data processing unit 401 is configured simply to store one or more biometric parameters detected by the biometric sensor without proceeding to any subsequent processing of such parameter.
  • the device 100 is configured to communicate the stored data (thus also said at least one parameter representative of a movement of the user detected by said at least one sensor 403 and the biometric parameters detected by the biometric sensor, if present) to a further electronic device, separate from the electronic device 100 for monitoring the physical activity of the user, which is specifically configured to generate, on the basis of the data received from the device 100, such information representative of the physical activity of the user and make it available to the user (for example, by means of displaying) and possibly display the biometric parameters received from the device 100.
  • the electronic circuitry 400 moreover, comprises a data communication module 404, in wireless technology, operatively connected to the data processing unit 401.
  • the data communication module 404 is configured to allow the data processing unit 401, thus the device 100, to transmit to, and receive data from a further electronic device, separate from the electronic device 100 for monitoring the physical activity of the user, already introduced above.
  • Such further electronic device is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a notebook, a PDA handheld computer, an electronic computer (personal computer or server computer) configured to communicate data according to the wireless technology of the data communication module 404.
  • such wireless technology may be, for example, Bluetooth technology, Wi-Fi, NFC (from the acronym, Near Field Communication), or other technologies equivalent to NFC technology as Mifare, Felica, RFID, or the technology of data transmission via the mobile network (GSM, UMTS or 4G) and so on.
  • the electronic circuitry 400 moreover, comprises an electrical power supply battery 405.
  • a user secures the device 100 to a portion (the rear surface 6) of the case 2 of the wristwatch 3.
  • the device 100 monitors the physical activity storing said at least one parameter representative of a movement of the user detected by said at least one sensor 403.
  • Such at least one parameter is stored in the memory unit 402 and subsequently transmitted from the data communication module 404 to a further electronic device which the user has available, for example a smartphone, which, being configured with a specific software application, generates an information representative of the physical activity of the user on the basis of said at least one parameter representative of a movement of the user received from the device 100 and makes it available to the user, for example it displays it on the display of the smartphone.
  • a further electronic device which the user has available
  • a smartphone which, being configured with a specific software application, generates an information representative of the physical activity of the user on the basis of said at least one parameter representative of a movement of the user received from the device 100 and makes it available to the user, for example it displays it on the display of the smartphone.
  • the device 100 was secured to the rear surface portion of the case 2 of the wristwatch 3 by means of a magnet, it is sufficient to remove the device 100 to secure it on a rear surface portion of the case of another wristwatch.
  • the object of the invention is achieved because the fact that the monitoring device can be secured to the case of a wristwatch allows to have available such a device without necessarily having to have available other electronic devices much more sophisticated where a monitoring device is integrated in the interior thereof.
  • Such device is certainly cheaper, lighter, less bulky and simpler to secure to the wristwatch.
  • the configuration of such device and the presence of securing means of the casing of the device to the rear surface of the case of the wristwatch advantageously allow to secure such a device to a wide range of wristwatches, actually increasing the versatility.
  • the securing means may be configured to movably secure the device to the case of the wristwatch advantageously allows to increase again the versatility and the ease of replacement.
  • the fact that the device 100 stores one or more parameters representative of the movement of the user which may be downloaded also subsequently on a further electronic device or the fact that the device 100 autonomously generates one or more information representative of the physical activity of the user to be downloaded also subsequently on a further electronic device advantageously allows the user to avoid carrying other electronic devices (for example, the smartphone) and to perform the physical activity, especially the physical exercise, in a more practical and free manner.
  • the device is equipped with a biometric sensor, the fact of also having available biometric parameters allows the user to better monitor the physical condition during or upon completion of the performance of the physical activity, in particular the physical exercise.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physiology (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)

Description

  • The present invention relates to the field of fitness, and in particular to an electronic device for monitoring the physical activity of a user.
  • For the purposes of the present description, "physical activity" means any kind of movement of the user which determines an increase of the energy expenditure with respect to the rest condition, i.e. both the movement during daily and working life and the movement during the "physical exercise" with which all activities are identified which require human body movement executed with precise purposes (rehabilitation, physical shape, aesthetics, performance) and following precise criteria in terms of duration, intensity, frequency.
  • In the fitness industry, electronic accessories and devices are known which allow to measure and monitor the physical activity and/or physical exercise of a user during the whole day, regardless of whether the user is at the gym or elsewhere.
  • Such monitoring accessories and devices typically comprise a sensor (for example, an accelerometer or the like) configured to detect information representative of the physical activity of a user calculating the respective amount of movement executed during the day and communicate this information to the mobile phone of the user.
  • This allows the user to receive information about the amount of movement executed and to assess whether such amount of movement is sufficient in the first place to maintain in general a lifestyle as healthy as possible, or characterized by a good level of physical activity or physical exercise distributed over the day and by reduced moments of inactivity, or specifically whether such amount of movement is sufficient to fulfill a training program, a weight-loss program, or other, or whether, on the contrary, it should be increased, and by how much.
  • Such monitoring accessories and devices are inevitably added to the other devices or accessories which a user already has available during the physical activity or physical exercise or in general during generic leisure time such as, for example, mobile phones (smartphones), tablets, media players (MP3 players), a handheld computer or PDA (from the acronym, Personal Digital Assistant) and so on.
  • This may obviously create a nuisance to the user, also in terms of costs and safety of the devices themselves which, especially during the performance of the physical activity and/or physical exercise, are subject to stresses, possible falls and so on.
  • In order to reduce the number of devices or accessories available to the user, electronic monitoring devices have been developed adapted to be integrated with electronic devices which the user is typically already in possess of (for example, the smartphone).
  • However, a technological evolution of this kind led to the development of electronic monitoring devices still increasingly sophisticated and expensive. This is due to the need to integrate such a device inside another device or accessory of the user and to the need, in many cases, to allow communication and operation between them.
  • This latter aspect, inter alia, in addition to making the monitoring device and the device or accessory of the user more sophisticated, is a solution not very versatile and scarcely adaptable to other devices or accessories of the user, unless further modifications.
  • Document WO 2011/057089 relates to a data collection unit with an integrated closure system and sensor housing. Document EP 0558014 A2 relates to an electronic device with a sensor unit, which is removably attached to a device case with a display.
  • It is the object of the present invention to provide an electronic device for monitoring the physical activity of a user which allows to obviate at least partially the drawbacks complained about previously with reference to the prior art and in particular which is able to ensure greater versatility with still low costs.
  • Such an object is achieved by means of an electronic monitoring device according to claim 1.
  • Preferred embodiments of said monitoring device are defined in the dependent claims.
  • Further features and advantages of the electronic device for monitoring the physical activity and/or the physical exercise according to the present invention will become apparent in the following description which shows preferred embodiments, given by way of indicative, non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
    • figure 1 diagrammatically shows a side view of an electronic device for monitoring the physical activity of a user according to an embodiment of the present invention and a portion of wristwatch separated from one another;
    • figure 2 diagrammatically shows a side view of the electronic device for monitoring the physical activity of a user of figure 1 secured to the portion of wristwatch of figure 1;
    • figure 3 diagrammatically shows a perspective view of the electronic device for monitoring the physical activity of a user secured to the portion of wristwatch as in figure 2, and
    • figure 4 diagrammatically shows by means of a block diagram the electronic circuitry of the device for monitoring the physical activity of a user according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • With reference to the aforesaid figures, according to the present invention, it will now be described an electronic device for monitoring the physical activity of a user, hereinafter for the sake of brevity also simply electronic device or device, which has been generally indicated by the reference numeral 100.
  • For the purposes of the present description, it is worth reasserting that "physical activity" means any kind of movement of the user which determines an increase of the energy expenditure with respect to the rest condition, i.e. both the movement during daily and working life and the movement during the "physical exercise" with which all activities are identified which require human body movement executed with precise purposes (rehabilitation, physical shape, aesthetics, performance) and following precise criteria in terms of duration, intensity, frequency.
  • The device 100 comprises one casing 1 adapted to define a housing, the latter not shown in the figures.
  • The device 100, moreover, comprises an electronic circuitry housed inside the casing 1.
  • The electronic circuitry is advantageously configured to monitor the physical activity of a user.
  • It is worth noting that the electronic circuitry, not shown in figures 1-3 because inside the casing 1, will be described hereinafter with reference to the block diagram of figure 4.
  • According to the present invention, the device is advantageously configured to be secured to a case 2 of a wristwatch 3.
  • An example of wristwatch 3, case 2 thereof the device 100 is securable to, is diagrammatically shown in figures 1-3, in which also portions 4, 4' of the strap are shown of the same wristwatch 3.
  • The device 100 according to the present invention advantageously comprises securing means 5 of the casing 1 to at least one portion of said case 2 of the wristwatch 3.
  • This configuration allows the device 100 to be securable to any wristwatch.
  • As shown in figures 1-3, according to an embodiment, the casing 1 is configured to be secured to the rear surface 6 of the case 2 of the wristwatch 3.
  • Turning back to the securing means 5, according to one embodiment, they are configured to allow an immovable securing between the device 100 and the portion of the case 2 of the wristwatch 3.
  • This configuration advantageously allows to prevent any detachment of the device 100 from the case 2 of the wristwatch 3.
  • In this regard, according to one embodiment, the securing means 5 comprise an adhesive.
  • According to a further embodiment, alternative to that indicated above, the securing means 5 are configured to allow a removable securing between the device 1 and the portion of the case 2 of the wristwatch 3.
  • This configuration allows instead to remove the device 100 from the case 2 of the wristwatch 3 and to reattach it to the case of another wristwatch.
  • In this regard, the securing means 5 comprise at least one magnet.
  • According to another embodiment, not shown in the figures, the securing means 5 may comprise any other mechanism adapted to allow the removable securing to the case 2 of the wristwatch 3.
  • According to a further embodiment, in combination with those described above, the securing means 5 are distributed on a portion of the casing 1 which can face the case 2 of the wristwatch 3.
  • With reference to the embodiment of figures 1-3, the casing 1 has a substantially disk-like shape. Such shape allows the device 100 to be applied to wristwatches with a substantially circular case.
  • According to a further embodiment, not shown in the figures, the casing 1 has a substantially quadrangular shape (for example, rectangular or square). Such shape allows the device 100 to be applied to wristwatches with a substantially quadrangular case.
  • According to further embodiments, also not shown in the figures, the casing 1 may have any shape other than circular and quadrangular.
  • It is worth noting that the casing 1 advantageously has a thickness rather reduced with respect to the thickness of the case 2 of the watch 3 (for example, several millimeters) so as to allow the user to wear the wristwatch 3 to which the device 100 is secured without experiencing any nuisance.
  • According to other embodiments, alternatively to, or in combination with the preceding ones, the securing means 5 are configured to secure the casing 1 to a substantially flat surface, as for example shown in figures 1-3.
  • According to other embodiments, alternatively to those just described in the preceding paragraph, the securing means 5 are configured to secure the casing to a substantially curved surface.
  • For example, if the securing means 5 are an adhesive, the thickness of the adhesive may be such so as to assume and maintain the substantially curved shape of the surface on which the device 100 is secured.
  • With particular reference to the block diagram of figure 4, it is now described the electronic circuitry of the device 100.
  • As previously mentioned, such electronic circuitry, indicated in figure 4 by the reference numeral 400, is configured to monitor the physical activity of the user.
  • In greater detail, the electronic circuitry 400 comprises a data processing unit 401, for example a microprocessor or a microcontroller.
  • Moreover, the electronic circuitry 400 comprises a memory unit 402 operatively connected to the data processing unit 401.
  • The memory unit 402 and the data processing unit 401 are configured, respectively, to store program codes and data processed during the execution of such program codes and to load and execute such program codes to allow the device 100 to monitor the physical activity of the user.
  • Moreover, the electronic circuitry 100 comprises at least one sensor 403 for detecting at least one parameter representative of a movement of a user. The at least one sensor is operatively associated with the data processing unit 401.
  • Such at least one parameter representative of a movement of the user may be, for example, acceleration, speed, position, and so on.
  • In this regard, examples of said at least one sensor are the following: an accelerometer (of the monoaxial, bi-axial or tri-axial kind), a gyroscope, a sensor for detecting the position of the user (for example, in GPS technology), a compass, and so on.
  • According to other embodiments, the device 100 may comprise two or more sensors, in combination to one another, of the kind described in the preceding paragraph.
  • According to a further embodiment, not shown in the figures, the electronic circuitry 100 may also comprise a biometric sensor, operatively connected to the data processing unit 401, configured to detect biometric parameters of the user.
  • Examples of biometric parameters of the user are: heart rate, body temperature, and so on.
  • It is worth noting that, in this embodiment, the detection of biometric parameters by the biometric sensor, which preferably requires a contact with the surface of the skin of the user, is more reliable because the device 100 is very advantageously secured to the rear surface 6 of the case 2 of the wristwatch 3, thus in a position in which the device 100, thus the biometric sensor, is more and mostly in a constant manner in contact with the skin of the user.
  • Turning back to the data processing unit 401, it is worth noting that, in one embodiment, it is advantageously configured to generate an information representative of the physical activity of the user on the basis of said at least one parameter representative of a movement of the user detected by said at least one sensor.
  • It is worth noting that such information representative of the physical activity of the user is for example the number of steps performed, the distance covered, the speed of movement, the calories consumed, one or more time periods of inactivity, one or more time periods of activity and so on, over a determined time span (for example: hourly, daily, weekly, and so on), also possibly at the choice of the user.
  • In this embodiment, the device 100, as will be explained below, is configured to communicate the stored and generated data (thus also such information representative of the physical activity of the user and possibly the biometric parameters detected by the biometric sensor, if present) to a further electronic device, separate from the electronic device 100 for monitoring the physical activity of the user, which is specifically configured to make available to the user (for example, by means of displaying) the data received from the device 100.
  • According to another embodiment, the data processing unit 401 is simply configured to store said at least one parameter representative of a movement of the user detected by said at least one sensor 403 without proceeding to any subsequent processing of such at least one parameter.
  • Moreover, according to another embodiment, if also the biometric sensor is present, the data processing unit 401 is configured simply to store one or more biometric parameters detected by the biometric sensor without proceeding to any subsequent processing of such parameter.
  • In this embodiment, the device 100, as will be explained below, is configured to communicate the stored data (thus also said at least one parameter representative of a movement of the user detected by said at least one sensor 403 and the biometric parameters detected by the biometric sensor, if present) to a further electronic device, separate from the electronic device 100 for monitoring the physical activity of the user, which is specifically configured to generate, on the basis of the data received from the device 100, such information representative of the physical activity of the user and make it available to the user (for example, by means of displaying) and possibly display the biometric parameters received from the device 100.
  • Turning back to figure 4, the electronic circuitry 400, moreover, comprises a data communication module 404, in wireless technology, operatively connected to the data processing unit 401.
  • The data communication module 404 is configured to allow the data processing unit 401, thus the device 100, to transmit to, and receive data from a further electronic device, separate from the electronic device 100 for monitoring the physical activity of the user, already introduced above.
  • Such further electronic device is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a notebook, a PDA handheld computer, an electronic computer (personal computer or server computer) configured to communicate data according to the wireless technology of the data communication module 404.
  • In this regard, such wireless technology may be, for example, Bluetooth technology, Wi-Fi, NFC (from the acronym, Near Field Communication), or other technologies equivalent to NFC technology as Mifare, Felica, RFID, or the technology of data transmission via the mobile network (GSM, UMTS or 4G) and so on.
  • Turning back to the block diagram of figure 4, the electronic circuitry 400, moreover, comprises an electrical power supply battery 405.
  • It is worth noting that all the electrical/electronic components described above, forming part of the electronic circuitry 400, are preferably integrated on the same support, for example a printed circuit or a substrate of a semiconductor material.
  • An example of operation of the device 100 described above, will now be described with reference to the aforesaid figures, in its simplest embodiment.
  • A user secures the device 100 to a portion (the rear surface 6) of the case 2 of the wristwatch 3.
  • Once worn the wristwatch 3, the device 100, by means of the data processing unit 401, monitors the physical activity storing said at least one parameter representative of a movement of the user detected by said at least one sensor 403.
  • Such at least one parameter is stored in the memory unit 402 and subsequently transmitted from the data communication module 404 to a further electronic device which the user has available, for example a smartphone, which, being configured with a specific software application, generates an information representative of the physical activity of the user on the basis of said at least one parameter representative of a movement of the user received from the device 100 and makes it available to the user, for example it displays it on the display of the smartphone.
  • If the user wanted to change wristwatch and the device 100 was secured to the rear surface portion of the case 2 of the wristwatch 3 by means of a magnet, it is sufficient to remove the device 100 to secure it on a rear surface portion of the case of another wristwatch.
  • As apparent, the object of the invention is achieved because the fact that the monitoring device can be secured to the case of a wristwatch allows to have available such a device without necessarily having to have available other electronic devices much more sophisticated where a monitoring device is integrated in the interior thereof.
  • Such device is certainly cheaper, lighter, less bulky and simpler to secure to the wristwatch.
  • Moreover, the configuration of such device and the presence of securing means of the casing of the device to the rear surface of the case of the wristwatch advantageously allow to secure such a device to a wide range of wristwatches, actually increasing the versatility.
  • Finally, the fact that the securing means may be configured to movably secure the device to the case of the wristwatch advantageously allows to increase again the versatility and the ease of replacement.
  • Moreover, the fact that the device 100 stores one or more parameters representative of the movement of the user which may be downloaded also subsequently on a further electronic device or the fact that the device 100 autonomously generates one or more information representative of the physical activity of the user to be downloaded also subsequently on a further electronic device, advantageously allows the user to avoid carrying other electronic devices (for example, the smartphone) and to perform the physical activity, especially the physical exercise, in a more practical and free manner.
  • Again, if the device is equipped with a biometric sensor, the fact of also having available biometric parameters allows the user to better monitor the physical condition during or upon completion of the performance of the physical activity, in particular the physical exercise.
  • Those skilled in the art may make changes and adaptations to the above-described embodiments of the electronic monitoring device or can replace elements with others which are functionally equivalent in order to meet contingent needs without departing from the scope of the following claims. Each of the features described as belonging to one possible embodiment may be implemented independently of the other embodiments described.

Claims (12)

  1. An electronic device (100) for monitoring the physical activity of a user, comprising:
    - a casing (1) adapted to define a housing;
    - an electronic circuitry (400) housed inside the housing of said casing (1), said electronic circuitry (400) being configured to monitor the physical activity of the user;
    said device (100) being characterized in that the casing (1) is configured to be secured to an external surface (6) of the bottom side of a case (2) of a wristwatch (3), said bottom side being configured to be on the side of the wrist of the user when the user is wearing the wristwatch and said device (100) comprising securing means (5) of said casing (1) to at least one portion (6) of said external surface (6) of the case (2) of the wristwatch (3).
  2. A device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the securing means (5) are configured to allow an immovable securing between the device (100) and the external surface (6) of the case (2) of the wristwatch (3).
  3. A device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the securing means (5) are configured to allow a removable securing between the device (100) and the external surface (6) of the case (2) of the wristwatch (3).
  4. A device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the securing means (5) being distributed on a surface of the casing (1) which can face the external surface of the case (2) of the wristwatch (3).
  5. A device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the casing (1) has a substantially disk-like shape.
  6. A device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the casing (1) has a substantially quadrangular shape.
  7. A device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the external surface (6) of the case (2) of the wristwatch (3) is substantially flat, the securing means (5) being configured to secure the casing (1) to said substantially flat external surface (6).
  8. A device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, wherein the external surface of the case (2) of the wrist watch (3) is substantially curved, the securing means (5) being configured to secure the casing (1) to said substantially curved external surface.
  9. A device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the external surface (6) of the case (2) of the wristwatch (3) is the rear surface of the case (2) of the wristwatch (3), the casing (1) being configured to be secured to said rear surface (6) of said case (2) of the wristwatch (3).
  10. A device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said securing means (5) comprise at least one magnet.
  11. A device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the securing means (5) comprise at least one adhesive.
  12. A device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic circuitry (400) comprises:
    - a data processing unit (401) configured to monitor the physical activity of the user;
    - a memory unit (402) operatively associated with the data processing unit (401);
    - at least one sensor (403) for detecting at least one parameter representative of a movement of a user, said at least one sensor (403) being operatively associated with the data processing unit (401);
    - a data communication module (404) in wireless technology operatively connected to the data processing unit (401);
    - an electrical power supply battery (405).
EP16707963.1A 2015-02-12 2016-02-08 Electronic device for monitoring the physical activity of a user Active EP3256911B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITMI20150201 2015-02-12
PCT/IB2016/050653 WO2016128880A1 (en) 2015-02-12 2016-02-08 Electronic device for monitoring the physical activity of a user

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3256911A1 EP3256911A1 (en) 2017-12-20
EP3256911B1 true EP3256911B1 (en) 2019-08-28

Family

ID=52815122

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16707963.1A Active EP3256911B1 (en) 2015-02-12 2016-02-08 Electronic device for monitoring the physical activity of a user

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3256911B1 (en)
CN (1) CN107209484B (en)
WO (1) WO2016128880A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH718090B1 (en) * 2020-11-26 2023-07-31 Rewary Gmbh Electronic device for wristwatch and wristwatch comprising such an electronic device.
IT202100011687A1 (en) * 2021-08-05 2023-02-05 Epoche Srl Interchangeable case back for wrist watches, equipped with micro-sensors, chips and IOT sensors.

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH05240969A (en) * 1992-02-26 1993-09-21 Casio Comput Co Ltd Electronic machinery having sensor function
US9141087B2 (en) * 2009-04-26 2015-09-22 Nike, Inc. Athletic watch
US20120221254A1 (en) * 2009-11-06 2012-08-30 Kateraas Espen D Data collection unit with integrated closure system and sensor housing
CN202126589U (en) * 2011-05-09 2012-01-25 林飞燕 Pace measuring watch
CN203234736U (en) * 2013-03-08 2013-10-16 唐伊娜 Body surface physiological parameter acquisition and transmission device capable of being separated and combined
CN203556123U (en) * 2013-09-05 2014-04-23 北京大学 Circuit board with motion monitoring and active reminding functions, belt fastener and belt
CN104035317B (en) * 2014-06-19 2017-03-29 苏州朗昇通信科技有限公司 Wrist-watch and its adnexa
CN204049624U (en) * 2014-07-08 2014-12-31 药都(辽宁)辉瑞拓康科技创新有限公司 Motion monitoring instrument
CN104133366A (en) * 2014-08-25 2014-11-05 宁波贝思转化医学研究中心有限公司 Wrist watch device with intelligent health monitoring and alarming system and method thereof

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN107209484A (en) 2017-09-26
EP3256911A1 (en) 2017-12-20
CN107209484B (en) 2020-08-11
WO2016128880A1 (en) 2016-08-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP6514301B2 (en) Fitness monitor
JP6495306B2 (en) Fitness monitor
CN107260178B (en) Portable monitoring device and method of operating the same
US11064910B2 (en) Physical activity monitoring system
US8212650B2 (en) Situationally aware and self-configuring electronic data and communication device
CN110622252B (en) Heart rate tracking technique
EP3256911B1 (en) Electronic device for monitoring the physical activity of a user
EP2098165B1 (en) Multifunctional portable electronic device and method for transmitting a particular graphical user interface to the display of a multifunctional portable electronic device
JP5879634B2 (en) Physical activity measuring device
US20210353234A1 (en) Fitness Tracking System and Method of Operating a Fitness Tracking System
KR20190000116A (en) Wearable system for collecting data
US20200133204A1 (en) Wearable device and power saving method thereof
CN107928629B (en) Portable monitoring device and method of operating the same
CN114824536A (en) Battery temperature sampling method and wearable device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20170802

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20180914

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20190612

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: ALESSANDRI, NERIO

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1173162

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20190915

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602016019374

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20190828

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191128

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191230

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191128

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191129

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191228

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1173162

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20190828

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200224

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602016019374

Country of ref document: DE

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG2D Information on lapse in contracting state deleted

Ref country code: IS

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20200603

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20200229

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200208

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200229

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200229

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200208

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200229

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190828

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230223

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20230220

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240228

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20240220

Year of fee payment: 9