FR3123785A1 - Connected and autonomous clasp, integrating physiological monitoring means, for bracelets and watches equipped with such a clasp - Google Patents

Abstract

CONNECTED AND AUTONOMOUS CLASP, INTEGRATING MEANS OF PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING, FOR BRACELET AND WATCH EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A CLASP Clasp (100) for bracelet, in particular for watch (200), characterized in that it comprises, embedded in a waterproof case ( 10) a plurality of electronic modules including a movement measurement module (12), a processing and calculation module (13), a wireless communication module (14), a physiological measurement module (11) capable of measuring at least one physiological parameter when the clasp is in contact with a user's wrist, and an electrical power supply module (15). Figure for the abstract: figure 5

Description

Connected and autonomous clasp, integrating physiological monitoring means, for bracelets and watches equipped with such a clasp

The present invention belongs to the field of clasps for bracelets, in particular watches, and relates more particularly to a connected and autonomous clasp, integrating electronic means of physiological monitoring and alert, and a watch equipped with such a clasp.

State of the art

Most wristwatches have a clasp allowing them to be worn on the wrist. There are different types of clasps, depending on the styles and models of watches, characterized by more or less complex locking systems.

Nowadays, watches are among the rare accessories worn next to the skin for long periods of time, sometimes permanently, and are almost the only ones to incorporate technological, mechanical and/or electronic complexity.

Consequently, watches appear to be essential for continuously monitoring, over long periods, physiological parameters, such as heart rate, by means of sensors capable of carrying out measurements in contact with or near the skin. Especially since watches are worn around the wrist, and therefore around the radial artery.

This observation was one of the main motivations behind the significant development of so-called connected or “intelligent” watches ( smartwatches in Anglo-Saxon terminology). Despite their undeniable success, connected watches are not unanimous. Some people remain reluctant to use connected watches, put off by their "gadget" aspect which distorts the original aesthetic aspect of classic watches.

However, there are ranges of connected watches which make it possible to monitor the health of users, and which therefore have an undeniable and even vital utility for people at risk.

No known solution currently makes it possible to offer a device of the connected watch type, with physiological monitoring functionalities, while preserving the appearance of a classic watch, at least with regard to aesthetics and handling. In other words, a device in which are concealed all the means ensuring these physiological monitoring functionalities as well as all the means ensuring other functionalities usually offered in connected watches (accelerometer, wireless connectivity, etc.).

Nevertheless, there are a few solutions that deviate from classic watchmaking designs, moving certain components from their usual locations, mainly to save space.

For example, document CH715982 (Renata AG) describes a watch in which the battery is integrated into the clasp and powers the main case via electric wires passing through the bracelet. This solution simply solves a bulk problem in a smartwatch that requires a large capacity and therefore large battery. In addition, the clasp is custom designed to perfectly fit the electrical coupling of the battery with the transmission wires contained in the bracelet.

Presentation of the invention

The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, set out above, by proposing a universal solution adapted to existing watches and making it possible to indirectly incorporate therein certain functionalities of connected watches, in particular the monitoring of physiological parameters and the communication wireless, while preserving their classic appearance.

To this end, the subject of the present invention is a clasp for a bracelet, in particular for a watch, characterized in that it comprises, embedded in a waterproof case, a plurality of electronic modules including a movement measurement module, a processing module and computer, a wireless communication module, a physiological measurement module able to measure at least one physiological parameter when the clasp is in contact with the wrist of a user, and an electrical power supply module.

It is thus possible to carry out thanks to such a clasp an almost constant monitoring of the vital signs of the user.

Advantageously, the physiological measurement module comprises a so-called PPG photoplethysmographic sensor.

Photoplethysmography is a non-invasive optical method which makes it possible to evaluate variations in blood volume in superficial tissues by the variation in light absorption in these tissues. This method also makes it possible to determine the level of oxygenation like pulse oximeters generally attached to the finger or ear.

The PPG sensor therefore makes it possible to measure, among other things, the heart rate of the user.

According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module is configured to operate on a mobile telephone network and includes an embedded SIM card called eSIM.

Particularly advantageously, the connected clasp according to the invention has the shape of a standard clasp of existing watches. This therefore makes it suitable for existing watches, which may be devoid of any electronic component such as certain automatic watches.

The present invention also relates to a wristwatch comprising a connected clasp as presented.

The fundamental concepts of the invention having just been exposed in their most elementary form, other details and characteristics will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows and with reference to the appended drawings, giving by way of example not limiting an embodiment of a connected clasp according to the principles of the invention.

Presentation of drawings

The figures are given for purely illustrative purposes for a better understanding of the invention without limiting its scope. The different elements are represented very schematically. In all the figures, identical or equivalent elements bear the same reference numeral.

It is thus illustrated in:

: a clasp according to the invention coupled to an ordinary watch;

: an example of clip clasp adapted to the embodiment of the invention;

: the outer face at (a) and the inner face at (b) of a clasp according to one embodiment of the invention, revealing embedded electronic modules;

: a user wearing a watch equipped with the clasp around the wrist;

: an example of electronic modules embedded in the clasp;

: examples of situations involving the sending of an alert by the connected clasp;

: the main steps of an alert process implementing the connected clasp.

Detailed description of embodiments

In the embodiment described below, reference is made to a connected clasp for bracelets, intended primarily for watches. This non-limiting example is given for a better understanding of the invention and does not exclude the use of such a clasp on other bracelets, in particular jewelry bracelets.

In the present description, the term “watch” designates a wristwatch, in other words a watch that is worn around the wrist.

The schematically represents a clasp 100 mounted on a watch 200. The clasp 100 is shown here in the closed position, knowing that it is naturally able to switch to an open position, and vice versa, by manipulation of a locking system specific to the type clasp 100.

Indeed, each type of clasp is essentially characterized by its locking system which determines its design and general shape.

In the context of the present invention, the clasp 100 can be of any type, in particular: with a pin buckle; with single or double folding clasp; with an invisible “butterfly” buckle; clip-on; pull-out; hook-and-loop strips, etc.

The represents an embodiment in which the clasp 100 is a clip.

Whatever the type of clasp 100, it must either have a sufficient interior volume to receive the electronic modules which will be detailed below, or be adapted so that a box carrying said modules is attached to it in a fixed or removable manner. . A person skilled in the art can easily imagine various possibilities.

Preferably, clasp 100 is made as close as possible to standard watch clasps, in particular in terms of shape and materials.

The advantage of making the clasp 100 according to a standard design is to remain suitable for existing watches while offering new and particularly useful functionalities, especially for non-fans of connected watches with electronic display. Thus, when it is equipped with the clasp 100, a classic watch is transformed into a discreet connected watch due to the concealment of the dedicated electronics in said clasp and the preservation of the dial, the most visible part of the watch, such which without the slightest aesthetic or functional modification.

The schematically represents two opposite faces of the clasp 100, its outer face at (a) and its inner face at (b), the latter being intended to come into contact with the wrist of the user when the watch is correctly worn.

The clasp 100, according to the example embodiment illustrated, comprises a sealed case 10 defining a useful volume in which are embedded miniature electronic modules including a physiological measurement module 11, a movement measurement module 12, a processing module and computer 13, a wireless communication module 14 and a power supply module 15 to provide the energy necessary for the operation of all of said modules.

Of course, other electronic modules can be added if the available volume allows it.

Thus, the connected clasp 100 is able to continuously measure the physical and physiological parameters of the user so as to monitor his health, detect various anomalies and, if necessary, alert trusted third parties, independently. This operation, especially with regard to the measurement of physiological parameters, is facilitated by the normal positioning of the clasp which is in contact with the front part of the wrist through which the radial veins pass superficially. These veins are known to provide valuable information about cardiac activity in general.

The schematically represents a user P wearing around his left wrist a watch 200 fitted with the clasp 100, the latter coming directly into contact with the anterior part of the wrist facing the radial artery R. This proximity of the radial artery offers the possibility of using sensors within the physiological measurement module 11 to measure various cardiac, vascular and respiratory parameters. Preferably, these sensors use optical technology to analyze blood volumes and flows.

The physiological measurement module 11 represented on the corresponds to a camera with its light source (green, red, infrared, or other) placed on the rear face of the clasp 100 to capture the variations in volume of the blood circulating in the radial veins.

The represents an embodiment in which the physiological measurement module 11 comprises a so-called PPG photoplethysmographic sensor.

The PPG sensor makes it possible to estimate physiological parameters by respectively measuring the variations of the light information transmitted or backscattered by the skin, using a monochromatic or polychromatic photoelectric sensor. These variations are induced by the temporal evolution of the blood volume in the microvascular tissues present under the skin. The measurement is based on the fact that the blood present in the arteries has different levels of absorption which depend on the wavelength. In addition, these variations are mainly induced by changes in blood volume with respect to other biological elements.

The PPG sensor can use any optical sensor with sufficient sensitivity to pick up minute changes in skin color.

The PPG sensor preferably uses a red and infrared polychromatic source and allows continuous measurement of heart rate and blood oxygen concentration.

Preferably, the PPG sensor uses the near infrared to allow nocturnal measurements, and especially measurements in reduced luminosity (which is the case of the area of the wrist covered by the clasp).

Among the physiological parameters that can be measured by the PPG sensor, we can quote in a non-exhaustive way:

• Heartbeat
• The breathing rate
• Oxygen saturation (SpO ₂ )
• Blood pressure

Of course, other derived parameters can be calculated mathematically from the measurements of the PPG sensor. For example, periodic measurements of the heart rate make it possible to estimate the heart rate variability HRV ( heart rate variability ), which is a fundamental parameter in the assessment of stress.

These parameters, taken alone or in combination, make it possible to detect pathologies, in particular cardiac and/or respiratory pathologies, as well as physiological abnormalities caused by accidents which are not pathological. This concerns, not exclusively, cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory diseases, cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), poisoning (sulfur or oxygen), and heavy bleeding.

For greater precision, the physiological measurement module 11 may include, in addition to the PPG sensor, an electrocardiographic sensor called ECG taking as input an electrical signal of the activity of the heart muscle to estimate the true heart rate in the event of a circulatory disorder. This is because the PPG sensor actually measures the pulse rate of blood volume and not the heart rate directly. Although these two measurements are usually identical, they may differ in the event of a circulatory disorder.

The physiological measurement module 11 therefore carries out continuous monitoring of essentially cardiac parameters, the variation of which depends directly on the variation in the physical activity of the user and therefore on the movement of the latter. Therefore, the detection of anomalies, in particular in the cardiac and respiratory rhythm, is done in consideration of other movement parameters measured by the movement measurement module 12 in order to limit false alarms as much as possible. For example, a sudden increase in heart rate caused by a voluntary run by the user should not result in a health alert.

The motion measurement module 12 may be a miniature Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). Such a unit generally consists of an association of so-called proprioceptive sensors, directly measuring the movements of the mobile on which said unit is fixed. Such sensors are accelerometers and gyrometers. For reasons of miniaturization, these sensors are for example designed using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology.

Preferably, the movement measurement module 12 comprises an accelerometer and, incidentally, a gyrometer.

The movement measurement module 12 can be provided with an integrated computer in the form of a microcontroller, operating successive integrations of the accelerations to obtain the components of the linear velocity vector as well as the position.

The movement measurement module 12 therefore makes it possible to estimate the kinematic variables of the user's wrist when the latter is wearing a watch fitted with the clasp 100, and to detect falls using known algorithms.

In an alternative embodiment, clasp 100 may include an altimeter capable of detecting a sudden change in altitude (of the wrist) in the event of a fall.

Of course, fall detection can be configured with precise settings to limit false alarms as much as possible.

The measurement modules 11 and 12 of the clasp 100 are connected to the processing and calculation module 13 by wired connections such as flat cables to ensure the acquisition of the measured data and their analysis.

The processing and calculation module 13 can be in the form of an electronic card, comprising a microprocessor or a microcontroller, means for acquiring the data measured by the measurement modules 11 and 12, storage means, analysis means data, means of generating alert signals and any other easement necessary for the operation of the other modules.

Certain functions such as the pre-processing and filtering of the measurement signals can be carried out in the processing and calculation module 13 or in the measurement modules 11 and 12 directly. Indeed, so-called intelligent sensors make it possible to carry out such operations before the transmission of the data to a “central” processing unit, here the module 13.

Specific computer programs are installed in the processing and calculation module 13 and allow the management of all operations, in particular the control of the wireless communication module 14 and the distribution of the electrical energy supplied by the module. food 15.

The wireless communication module 14 operates for example on a mobile telephone network, preferably according to the GSM standard, and for this purpose comprises an on-board SIM card (eSIM), particularly suitable for small connected objects.

The wireless communication module may also include means operating according to other standards such as Bluetooth.

The power supply module 15 comprises a battery, preferably a rechargeable battery or not, as well as a power management circuit directly connected to the processing and calculation module 13.

Alternatively, the power management circuit can be integrated directly into the processing module 13 according to a known architecture.

The power supply module 15 thus provides the clasp 100 with an autonomy which makes it energetically independent of the rest of the watch on which it is installed.

This autonomy allows clasp 100 to replace any classic clasp of the same type on an existing watch, to provide new functionalities initially reserved for connected watches. In other words, any clasp watch can become connected thanks to the clasp 100 of the present invention. Moreover, insofar as the clasp 100 has a shape identical to the classic clasp of a watch model, the aesthetic aspect will be faithfully preserved.

The clasp 100 can also include a geolocation module (GPS for example) in order to quickly locate the watch in the event of loss.

The represents situations in which the clasp 100 sends an alert message to inform the user of the occurrence of an anomaly. This mode of operation can in particular be part of a more general process of remote assistance (remote assistance).

More particularly, the clasp 100 makes it possible to implement an alert method in the event of the detection of an anomaly.

The represents an alert method 500, implementing the clasp 100, comprising:

• a step 510 of detecting a physiological anomaly or a physical accident by means of the measurement modules 11 and 12;
• a step 520 of generation of an alert signal by the processing module 13;
• a step 530 of sending the alert signal by the wireless communication module 14.

It should be noted that the physiological monitoring proposed by the present invention, despite the high level of precision of the sensors used, is part of what is commonly called non-critical monitoring and in no way claims to replace monitoring. medical, in particular in the detection of certain abnormalities for which electrocardiography (ECG) remains the reference measurement.

Of course, the clasp according to the present invention can be improved in order to provide new functionalities without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the clasp can integrate a security system connected to the main case of the watch so as to act on the latter to render the watch inoperative in the event of theft. Such a system could for example act mechanically or magnetically on mechanical or electronic elements of the watch.

Claims (5)

Clasp (100) for a bracelet, in particular for a watch (200), characterized in that it comprises, embedded in a waterproof case (10), a plurality of electronic modules including a movement measurement module (12), a processing module and calculation (13), a wireless communication module (14), a physiological measurement module (11) capable of measuring a physiological parameter when the clasp is in contact with a user's wrist, and a power supply (15). Clasp (100) according to claim 1, in which the physiological measurement module (11) comprises a so-called PPG photoplethysmographic sensor. Clasp (100) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the wireless communication module (14) is configured to operate on a mobile telephone network and comprises an on-board SIM card called eSIM. Clasp (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, having the shape of an existing watch clasp. Watch (200), of the wristwatch type, characterized in that it comprises a clasp (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.