GB2605692A

GB2605692A - Electronics module and assembly comprising electronics module and fabric article

Info

Publication number: GB2605692A
Application number: GB2201630.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Riaz Naeem
Original assignee: Prevayl Innovations Ltd
Current assignee: Prevayl Innovations Ltd
Priority date: 2021-02-11
Filing date: 2022-02-09
Publication date: 2022-10-12
Also published as: GB2603766A; GB202114338D0; GB202101871D0

Abstract

A first body 201 of an electronics module 200 comprises first and second opposing surfaces 202, 204. A second body 203 comprises first and second opposing surfaces 206, 208 and a sensor having line of sight through the first surface 206 of the second body 203. A processor receives a measurement signal from the sensor. A connecting member 209 connects and spatially separates the first and second bodies 201, 203. The first surface 202 of the first body 201 faces towards the second surface 208 of the second body 203. A fabric receiving channel 219, 221 is formed between the first surface 202 of the first body 201 and the second surface 208 of the second body 203. The sensor may be an optical sensor. Also claimed is an apparatus combining such a module with a fabric article 100, preferably where the module extends through an opening (107, figure 1) in the article to hold it in place. In use the module may form part of a smart garment.

Description

ELECTRONICS MODULE AND ASSEMBLY COMPRISING ELECTRONICS MODULE AND

FABRIC ARTICLE

The present invention is directed towards an electronics module and an assembly comprising the electronics module and a fabric article.

Background

Wearable articles can be designed to interface with a wearer of the article, and to determine information such as the wearer's heart rate, rate of respiration, activity level, and body positioning. Such properties can be measured with a sensor assembly that includes a sensor for signal transduction and/or microprocessors for analysis. The articles include electrically conductive pathways to allow for signal transmission between an electronics module for processing and communication and sensing components of the article. The wearable articles may be garments. Such garments are commonly referred to as 'smart clothing' and may also be referred to as tiosensing garments' if they measure biosignals.

WO 2017/017260 Al discloses a button that is attachable to the garment by a separate pin that can pass through a hole in the garment. The button and pin clamp a portion of the garment therebetween. The button comprises a button coupling surface that includes an electrical contact that is coupled to an integrated circuit disposed within the button housing. When clamped to the garment, the electrical contact is brought into contact with a conductive trace of the garment.

The approach disclosed in WO 2017/017260 Al requires the use of separate button and pin elements that are able to be removably coupled to one another. The attachment process can be cumbersome for the user particularly if the button and pin are small. Moreover, it is easy for the user to misplace or lose the button or pin.

It is desirable to provide an improved electronics module that can be coupled to a garment without requiring separate button and pin elements.

Summary

According to the present disclosure there is provided an electronics module and assembly as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

According to a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an electronics module. The electronics module comprises a first body comprising a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface, and a connector. The electronics module comprises a second body comprising a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface. The electronics module comprises a processor provided in the first or second body and communicatively coupled to the connector and arranged to receive a measurement signal from the connector. The electronics module comprises a connecting member connecting the first body to the second body and spatially separating the first body from the second body. The first surface of the first body faces towards the second surface of the second body. A fabric receiving channel is formed between the first surface of the first body and the second surface of the second body.

Advantageously, the electronics module comprises a connecting member that connects the first body to the second body and spatially separates them to define a fabric channel therebetween. This arrangement enables the electronics module to be removably coupled to a fabric article without requiring the use of separate button and pin elements.

The first body and/or the second body may be a housing that has the processor and optionally other components disposed therein.

The connector may comprise a conductive material. The connector may be arranged to form a connection (e.g. a conductive connection) with a connection region of a fabric article. The conductive connector may be provided on the first surface. The connector may be arranged to form a wireless (e.g. inductive) connection with a connection region of a fabric article. The wireless connector may be located within the first body.

The connecting member may be permanently (non-removably) coupled to the first and second body. The connecting member may be a rigid component.

The connecting member may hold the first body in a fixed position relative to the second body.

A plurality of fabric receiving channels may be formed between the first surface of the first body and the second surface of the second body.

The connecting member may define the plurality of fabric receiving channels.

The first body may comprise a plurality of connectors. The plurality of the connectors may be provided on the first surface. Each of the plurality of connectors may be located in a respective one of the fabric receiving channels. Advantageously, a plurality of connectors are able to connect with a corresponding plurality of sensing components provided on the fabric article. This enables the electronics module to be connected to a plurality of electrodes at the same time for performing electrocardiography sensing, for example.

The plurality of connectors may be communicatively connected to the processor.

The second body may comprise a protrusion provided on the second surface. The protrusion may extend into the fabric receiving channel. The protrusion may help hold the fabric in position when deposited within the fabric receiving channel and may urge the fabric towards the connector.

The second body may comprise a plurality of protrusions provided on the second surface. The plurality of protrusions may extend into the fabric receiving channel.

The protrusion may extend from the second surface of the second body towards the first surface of the first body.

The connector may extend from the first surface of the first body towards the second surface of the second body.

The electronics module may further comprise a communicator for wirelessly communicating with an external device, the communicator is provided in the first or second body and is communicatively coupled to the processor.

The processor and communicator may be provided in the first body. The second body may not include any internal components and may be, for example a solid disk or other shape of material.

According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an assembly comprising: an electronics module according to the first aspect of the disclosure and a fabric article comprising a base layer and a connection region.

The connection region may comprise a conductive material. The conductive connection region may be formed from conductive yarn. The conductive connection region may be formed on the base layer.

The connection region may comprise a wireless transmitter coil for transmitting (e.g. inductively) signals to the electronics module.

The electronics module may be arranged to be coupled to the fabric article such that the first body and the second body are positioned on opposing surfaces of the base layer.

Part of the fabric article may be arranged to be disposed in the fabric receiving channel such that the part of the fabric article may be held between the first body and the second body.

The conductive connection region may be held in conductive connection with the connector.

The fabric article may comprise an opening extending through the fabric article. The electronics module may be arranged to be disposed through the opening.

The connecting member may be arranged to extend through the opening.

The fabric article may be arranged to grip the connecting member when the connecting member extends through the opening. The opening may have a length and width which is smaller than the largest length and width of the electronics module. The opening may expand to accommodate the electronics module as it is inserted into the opening. The fabric article may be arranged to stretch to accommodate the electronics module as the electronics module is inserted through to opening and relax to grip the connecting member when the connecting member extends through the opening. The connecting member may have a length and width which is larger than the length and width of the opening. The base fabric layer may comprise a stretch yarn to allow for the fabric article to stretch to accommodate the electronics module and relax to grip the connecting member.

The fabric article may further comprise a sensing region such as an electrode. The sensing region may be provided on the base layer. The connector may be arranged to be brought into communication with the sensing region when the electronics module is coupled to the fabric article. The connector may be connected to the sensing region via the connection region of the fabric article.

The electrode may be formed from conductive yarn.

The electrode may extend away from a surface of the fabric article to form a raised three-dimensional profile.

The fabric article may further comprise a conductive pathway extending between and electrically connecting the connection region to the sensing region.

The conductive pathway may be formed from conductive yam.

According to a third aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an electronics module comprising: a first body comprising a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface; a second body comprising a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface, and a sensor having line of sight through the first surface of the second body; a processor provided in the first or second body, communicatively coupled to the sensor, and arranged to receive a measurement signal from the sensor; a connecting member connecting the first body to the second body and spatially separating the first body from the second body, wherein the first surface of the first body faces towards the second surface of the second body, and wherein a fabric receiving channel is formed between the first surface of the first body and the second surface of the second body.

Advantageously, the electronics module comprises a connecting member that connects the first body to the second body and spatially separates them to define a fabric channel therebetween. This arrangement enables the electronics module to be removably coupled to a fabric article without requiring the use of separate button and pin elements. The second body comprises a sensor that has line of sight through the first surface of the second body. This enables the second body to perform a measurement of the external environment when the electronics module is worn. The measurement may be a measurement from a skin surface of the wearer.

The first surface of the second body may comprise a window that allows for the sensor to have line of sight through the first surface. The first surface of the second body may comprise an opening. The window may be constructed from a transparent, translucent, or light diffracting material. The use of a light diffracting material may provide a light pipe effect.

The sensor may comprise an optical sensor. The optical sensor may measure light in one or more of the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet spectrums. The optical sensor may be a pulse oximeter. The optical sensor may be arranged to measure the oxygen saturation of the wearer.

Oxygen saturation is the fraction of oxygen-saturated haemoglobin relative to total haemoglobin (unsaturated + saturated) in the blood. The optical sensor may be arranged to measure the capillary perfusion of the wearer. A pulse oximeter may be useable to measure the capillary perfusion using a double-wavelength method. The capillary perfusion can be derived from a variation in the detected signal strength. The optical sensor may be arranged to measure the temperature of the wearer.

The sensor is not required to comprise an optical sensor in all examples. The sensor is generally arranged to monitor a property of the environment external to the electronics module. The property may be a property of the user wearing the garment. The sensor may comprise one or more of an altitude sensor, pressure sensor, temperature sensor, optical sensor, humidity sensor, presence sensor, and air quality sensor. The presence sensor may for detecting a touch input from a user. The presence sensor may comprise one or more of a capacitive sensor, inductive sensor, and ultrasonic sensor.

The sensor may comprise an infrared temperature sensor arranged to measure the skin surface temperature of a user wearing the wearable article. The temperature sensor may be an ambient temperature sensor.

The electronics module may comprise any of the features of the electronics module of the first aspect of the disclosure. The connector is not required in this aspect but may be provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an assembly comprising: an electronics module according to the first aspect of the disclosure and a fabric article comprising a base layer. The assembly may comprise any of the features of the assembly of the second aspect of the disclosure. The fabric article is not required to comprise the connection region or the sensing region but these may be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1 to 3 show top, bottom and side views of an example fabric article according to aspects of the present disclosure; Figures 4 to 7 show perspective and side views of an example electronics module

according to aspects of the present disclosure;

Figures 8 to 10 show top, bottom and side views of an example assembly comprising the fabric article of Figures Ito 3 and the electronics module of Figures 4 to 7; Figures 11 and 12 show sectional views of the assembly in Figures 8 to 10; and Figure 13 shows a schematic diagram for an example electronics module according to

aspects of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

"Wearable article" as referred to throughout the present disclosure may refer to any form of electronic device which may be wom by a user such as a smart watch, necklace, bracelet, headphones, in-ear headphones, or glasses. The wearable article may be a textile article. The wearable article may be a garment. The garment may refer to an item of clothing or apparel. The garment may be a top. The top may be a shirt, t-shirt, blouse, sweater, jacket/coat, or vest. The garment may be a dress, brassiere, shorts, pants, arm or leg sleeve, vest, jacket/coat, glove, armband, underwear, headband, hat/cap, collar, wristband, chestband, armband, stocking, sock, or shoe, athletic clothing, swimwear, personal protection equipment, wetsuit or drysuit.

The wearable article/garment may be constructed from a woven or a non-woven material. The wearable article/garment may be constructed from natural fibres, synthetic fibres, or a natural fibre blended with one or more other materials which can be natural or synthetic. The yarn may be cotton. The cotton may be blended with polyester and/or viscose and/or polyamide according to the particular application. Silk may also be used as the natural fibre. Cellulose, wool, hemp and jute are also natural fibres that may be used in the wearable article/garment. Polyester, polycotton, nylon and viscose are synthetic fibres that may be used in the wearable article/garment.

The garment may be a tight-fitting garment. Beneficially, a fight-fitting garment helps ensure that the sensor devices of the garment are held in contact with or in the proximity of a skin surface of the wearer. The garment may be a compression garment. The garment may be an athletic garment such as an elastomeric athletic garment. The present disclosure is not limited to wearable articles for humans and includes wearable articles for animals such as animal collars, jackets and sleeves.

Referring to Figures Ito 3, there is shown a fabric article 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The fabric article 100 is a wearable article and, in particular, forms part of a garment.

B

The fabric article 100 comprises a base layer 101 having a first surface 102 and second surface 104 that opposes the first surface 102. The base layer 101 is a non-conductive fabric layer. The base layer 101 may be knitted or woven from non-conductive yarn. The base layer 101 may incorporate a stretch yarn such as an elastomeric yarn.

The fabric article 100 comprises a plurality (two in this example) of connection regions 103, 105 that surround an opening 107 extending through the fabric article 100. The connection regions 103, 105 are chevron or arrow shaped in the figures, but this is not required in all examples. In this example, the connection regions 103, 105 are positioned such that they are close to the edges of the opening 107 but this is not required and instead the connections regions 103, 105 may be spaced from the opening 107. The positioning of the connection regions 103, 105 will depend on the location of the connectors on the electronics module (described below).

The connection regions 103, 105 extend from the first surface 102 to the surface 104 of the fabric article 100. The connection regions 103, 105 in this example thus have a thickness which is at least equal to the thickness of the base layer 101. The connection regions 103, 105 surround and define, along with the base layer 101, the opening 107.

The opening 107 extends through the fabric article 100 from the first surface 102 to the second surface 104. The opening 107 has a diamond shape in the figures but this is not required in all examples. The opening 107 may be formed by cutting out material from the base layer 101/conductive regions 103, 105 after the fabric article 100 is formed e.g. by knitting or weaving. In other examples, the opening 107 is formed during the process of forming the fabric article 100, e.g. by knitting or weaving. The opening 107 in this example is substantially diamond shape but other shapes of opening 107 are within the scope of the present disclosure such as circular or oval openings. The labels w1 and 11 in Figure 1 indicate the width and length of the opening 107 when in a relaxed, unstretched configuration.

A conductive pathway 109 extends from the connection region 103 along the second surface 104 of the base layer 101 and connects to electrode 111 provided on the second surface 104.

The conductive pathway 109 electrically connects the electrode 111 to the connection region 103.

A conductive pathway 113 extends from the connection region 105 along the second surface 104 of the base layer 101 and connects to electrode 115 provided on the second surface 104.

The conductive pathway 113 electrically connects the electrode 115 to the connection region 103.

In some examples, the connection regions 103, 105 may be provided on the first and second surfaces 102, 104 of the base layer 101. The connection region 103 formed on the first surface 102 may be electrically connected to the corresponding connection region 103 formed on the second surface 104. The connection region 105 formed on the first surface 102 may be electrically connected to the corresponding connection region 105 formed on the second surface 104. In this example, connection regions 103, 105 are provided on both surfaces of the base layer 101 as this enables an electronics module (described below) to electrically connect to the electrodes 111, 115 via a connector of the electronics module positioned on the first surface 102 of the base layer 101. This is not required in all examples as the connector of the electronics module can also be positioned on the second surface 104. That is, the connection regions 103, 105, conductive pathways 109, 113 and electrodes 111, 115 may all be provided on the same surface of the base layer 101. Moreover, connection regions 103, 105 do not need to be provided on both surfaces 102, 104 of the base layer 101 as the conductive pathway 113 can extend through the base layer 101 to electrically connect connection regions 103, 105 positioned on the first surface 102 to electrodes 111, 115 positioned on the second surface 104.

The conductive pathways 113, 109 are not required to be provided on the same surface of the base layer 101 as the electrodes 111, 115. In some examples, the conductive pathways 109, 113 extend along the first surface 102 from the connection regions 103, 105 and then pass through the base layer 101 to conductively connect with the electrodes 111, 115.

The electrodes 111, 115 extend away from the second surface 104 of the base layer 101 to form a raised three-dimensional profile as shown in Figure 3. Having a raised electrode 111, 115 is beneficial in improving electrode contact with the skin surface particularly when the wearer is moving. The electrodes 111, 115 may be arranged to measure one or more biosignals of a user wearing the fabric article 100. Here, "biosignal" may refer to any signal in a living being that can be measured and monitored. The electrodes 111, 115 are generally for performing bioelectrical or bioimpedance measurements. Bioelectrical measurements include electrocardiograms (ECG), electrogastrograms (EGG), electroencephalograms (EEG), and electromyography (EMG). Bioimpedance measurements include plethysmography (e.g., for respiration), body composition (e.g., hydration, fat, etc.), and electroimpedance tomography (EIT). The electrodes 111, 115 may additionally or separately be used to apply an electrical signal to the wearer. This may be used in medical treatment or therapy applications.

The connection regions 103, 105 may also extend away from the first surface 102 of the base layer 101 to form a raised three-dimensional profile although they may also be substantially planar as shown in Figure 3. Having raised connection regions 103, 105 is beneficial in terms of improving the electrical connection between the connection regions 103, 105 and the electronics module.

The conductive pathways 109, 113 are preferred to be substantially planar. That is, they are preferred to extending to only a limited or no extent from the base layer 101.

The connection region 103, conductive pathway 109 and electrode 111 form a first sensing component for the fabric article 100. The connection region 105, conductive pathway 113, and electrode 115 form a second sensing component for the fabric article 100.

The connection regions 103, 105, conductive pathways 109, 113 and electrodes 111, 115 may all be formed from conductive yarn that is knitted or woven with the base layer 101. The conductive yarn may be integrally knit or woven with the base layer 101. A single length of conductive yarn may be integrally knit with the base layer 101 in a weft knitting operation to form the sensing components.

In some examples, Circuitex TM conductive yarn from Noble Biomaterials Limited is used to form the conductive regions. Of course, other conductive yarns may be used. The conductive yarn may comprise a non-conductive or less conductive base yarn which is coated or embedded with conductive material such as carbon, copper, and silver. The conductive yarn may be a stainless-steel yarn such as those manufactured by TIBTECH Innovations.

The present disclosure is not limited to forming the sensing components out of conductive yarn.

The sensing component may be formed by printing conductive ink onto the base layer 101 or by applying a transfer containing conductive ink onto the base layer 101. Alternatively, the sensing components may be formed from conductive polymers or conductive metals that are applied to the base layer 101.

Referring to Figures 4 to 7 and 14 there is shown an example electronics module 200 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The electronics module 200 is arranged to be used with a fabric article such as the fabric article 100 of Figures 1 to 3 Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the electronics module 200. Figures 5 and 6 are side views of the electronics module 200 along the direction of the Y-axis. Figure 7 is a side view of the electronics module 200 along the direction of the Z-axis. Figure 14 shows a schematic view of the electronics module 200 detailing the electrical components provided externally and within the first body 201.

The electronics module 200 comprises a first body 201. The first body 201 comprises a first surface 202 and a second surface 204 opposing the first surface 202. The first body 201 is a housing that defines an internal space for electrical components.

A plurality (two in this example) of connectors 205, 207 are provided on the first surface 202. The connectors 205, 207 have a three-dimensional profile and extend from the first surface 202. The connectors 205, 207 are formed from a conductive material such as a metal or a conductive polymer or elastomer. The connectors 205, 207 are provided to couple with the connection regions 103, 105 of the fabric article 100.

The electronics module 200 comprises a second body 203. The second body 203 comprises a first surface 206 and a second surface 208 that opposes the first surface 206.

A processor 223 (Figure 14) is provided within the first body 201 and is electrically connected to the connectors 205, 207 such that the processor 223 is arranged to receive measurement signals from the connectors 205, 207 and also send signals via the connectors 205, 207.

The first and second bodies 201, 203 are arranged such that the first surface 202 of the first body 201 faces towards the second surface 208 of the second body 203.

A plurality (two in this example) of fabric receiving channels 219, 221 are formed between the first surface 202 of the first body 201 and the second surface 208 of the second body 203. The two fabric receiving channels 219,221 are separated by a connecting member 209 that connects the first body 201 to the second body 203. The connecting member 209 is a rigid element that holds and spatially separates the first body 201 from the second body 203 and holds the two bodies 201, 203 in a fixed position relative to one another.

The second body 203 comprises a plurality (four in this example) of protrusions 211, 213, 215, 217 that are provided on the second surface 208. The protrusions 211, 213, 215, 217 extend into the fabric channels 219, 221. Two of the protrusions 213,217 extend into the fabric channel 219 while the other two protrusions 211, 215 extend into the fabric channel 221.

The connecting member 209 is centrally located and extends along the length of the first and second bodies 201, 203 in the direction of the Z-axis as shown in Figures Sand 6. This is not required in all examples. The connection member 209 may be offset from the centre and may extend along only part of the length of the first and second bodies 201, 203. While only a single connecting member 209 is shown in the figures, a plurality of connecting members 209 may also be provided.

The first and second bodies 201, 203 are in the form of cylindrical disks although this is not required in all examples and other shapes can be used.

The first and second bodies 201, 203 have substantially the same diameter in this example but with different thicknesses. The first body 201 is thicker than the second body 203. This is because the first body 201 accommodates internal electrical components such as the processor 223, communicator and power source in this example. In other examples, the first body 201 and the second body 203 may have the same thickness or the second body 203 may be thicker than the first body 201. The first body 201 and the second body 203 are not required to have the same diameter or even be circular and can other cross-sections such as oval square or triangular cross-sections.

The connecting member 209 in this example has a rectangular cross-section. The connecting member 209 has substantially the same length as the length of the first and second bodies 201, 203 but has a narrower width so as to define the fabric receiving channel 219, 221 between the first and second bodies 201, 203. The connecting member 209 is not required to have the same length as the first and second bodies 201, 203 and other examples are within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the connecting member 209 may be in the form of a disk having a smaller diameter than the diameter of the first and second bodies 201, 203.

In the above example, the connectors 205 and internal electrical components are provided in/on the first body 201. This is not required in all examples. For example, electrical components such as the processor 223 may be provided in the second body 203. A communication pathway may couple the electrical components in the second body 203 to the connectors 205, 207 on the first body 201. The communication pathway may pass through the connecting member 209.

Referring to Figures 8 to 12 there is shown an assembly comprising the fabric article 100 of Figures 1 to 3 and the electronics module 200 of Figures 4 to 7 and 14. Figures 8 to 10 show top, bottom and side views of the assembly. Figures 11 and 12 are sectional views showing how the fabric article 100 is positioned in the fabric receiving channels 219, 221.

The electronics module 200 is coupled to the fabric article 100 such that the first body 201 is positioned on the first surface 102 of the base layer 101 and the second body 203 is positioned on the second surface 104 of the base layer 101.

The electronics module 200 is coupled to the fabric article 100 by pushing the electronics module 200 through the opening 107 such that the first body 201 and the second body 203 are positioned on opposing surfaces 102, 104 of the base layer 101 and such that the connecting member 209 extends through the opening 107.

The opening 107 has a length, 11, and a width, w1 (Figure 1) that are smaller than the length, 12, and width, w2 (Figure 8) of the electronics module 200. That is, in this example, the diameter of the opening 107 On a relaxed, unstretched configuration) is smaller than the diameters of the first and second bodies 201, 203 and is smaller than the connecting member 209. The opening 107 is stretched to accommodate the electronics module 200 as the electronics module 200 is inserted through the opening 107. The fabric article 100 thus grips against the connecting member 209 to hold the connecting member 209 in a generally fixed, upright position. Also, as the first and second bodies 201, 203 are larger than the connecting member 209, the electronics module 200 is securely coupled to the fabric article 100 and cannot be easily removed accidentally. The base layer 101 may comprise stretch yarn such as elastomeric yarn to accommodate for the inserting of the electronics module 200.

Once the electronics module 200 is coupled to the fabric article 100, pad of the fabric article 100 is disposed within the fabric receiving channels 219, 221 as best shown in Figures 11 and 12. This causes the part of the fabric article 100 to be held between the first body 201 and the second body 203 within the fabric receiving channels 219, 221.The part of the fabric article 100 includes part of the base layer 101 and the connection regions 103, 105.

The protrusions 211, 213, 215, 217 push against the fabric article 100 and urge the connection regions 103, 105 into contact with the connectors 205, 207. This causes the connectors 205, 207 to electrically connect with the connection regions 103, 105 such that they are communicatively coupled to the electrodes 111, 115 and able to receive measurement signals from the electrodes 111, 115. This arrangement helps ensure that a consistent electrical connection is maintained between the connection regions 103, 105 and the connectors 205, 207.

The above arrangement helps ensure that the electronics module 200 is held securely in place on the fabric article 100 and in electrical connection with the connection regions 103, 105 without the need for additional fastening elements such as stud fasteners or poppers to be provided on the fabric article 100 or the use of a separate pin connector. This simplifies the design and construction of the fabric article 100, is easier for the user, and also improves the look and feel of the fabric article 100.

The fabric article 100 may additionally comprise a pocket layer that covers the electronics module 200 when coupled to the fabric article 100. The pocket layer helps prevent the electronics module 200 from coming into contact with sources of moisture such as from rain or a shower. The pocket layer may be provided with a waterproof lining in order to prevent the electronic module 200 from coming into contact with moisture.

The electronics module 200 is arranged to integrate with sensing components incorporated into the fabric article 100 so as to obtain signals from the sensing components.

The electronics module 200 is arranged to wirelessly communicate data to a mobile device. Various protocols enable wireless communication between the electronics module 200 and the mobile device. Example communication protocols include Bluetooth 0, Bluetooth Low Energy, and near-field communication (NFC). In some examples, the electronics module 200 may communicate over a long-range wireless communication protocol.

The removable electronic module 200 may contain all of the components required for data transmission and processing such that the fabric article 100 only comprises the sensing components. In this way, manufacture of the fabric article 100 may be simplified. In addition, it may be easier to clean a fabric article 100 which has fewer electronic components attached thereto or incorporated therein. Furthermore, the removable electronic module 200 may be easier to maintain and/or troubleshoot than embedded electronics. The electronic module 200 may comprise flexible electronics such as a flexible printed circuit (FPC).

The first and second bodies 201, 203 and connecting member 209 are formed of a rigid material in this example. The rigid material may be a polymeric material. The polymeric material may be a rigid plastic material. The rigid plastic material may be ABS or polycarbonate plastic but is not limited to these examples. The rigid plastic material may be glass reinforced. The bodies 201, 203 and connecting member 209 may be injection moulded. The bodies 201, 203 may be constructed using a twin-shot injection moulding approach.

Referring to Figure 14, there is shown a schematic diagram for the electronics module 200 described above. The electronics module 200 has the external structure of the electronics module 200 shown in Figures 4 to 7 and described above.

The electronics module 200 comprises connectors 205, 207 as described above. The connectors 205, 207 are provided on the external surface of the first body 201.

The electronics module 200 comprises a processor 223 communicatively coupled to the connectors 205, 207 and configured to process signals received from the connectors 205, 207. The connectors 205, 207 are coupled to the electrodes 111, 115 (Figures 9 and 10) of fabric article 100 in use. The electrodes 111, 115 when positioned in contact with a skin surface measure biosignals such as biopotential or bioimpedance signals from the skin surface.

Example biopotential signals include electrocardiography signals. Example biopotential signals include impedance plethysmography signals. The processor 223 is disposed within the first body 201.

The processor 223 may be a component of a controller such as a microcontroller. The controller may have an integral communicator such as a Bluetooth ® antenna. The controller may have an internal memory and may also be communicatively connected to an external memory of the electronics module such as a NAND Flash memory. The memory is used to for the storage of data when no wireless connection is available between the electronics module 200 and a mobile device. The processor 223 is connected to the connectors 205, 207 via an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) fronted end. The ADC fronted end converts the raw analog signal received from sensing components of the fabric article 100 into a digital signal. The ADC frontend may also perform filtering operations on the received signals.

The electronics module 200 comprises an electronics component 227. The electronics component 227 is communicatively coupled to the processor 223. The electronics component 227 may comprise an output unit such as a light source or haptic feedback unit. The light source may be arranged to emit light to indicate a status of the electronics module 200 or a property of a user wearing the wearable article, for example. The electronics component 227 may comprise a sensor. The sensor may be arranged to monitor a property of the user. The sensor may be, for example, a temperature sensor arranged to monitor a core body temperature or skin-surface temperature of the user. The sensor may be, for example, a humidity sensor arranged to monitor a hydration or sweat level of the user. The sensor may be a temperature sensor arranged to measure the skin temperature of the user wearing the garment. The temperature sensor may be a contact temperature sensor or a non-contact temperature sensor such as an infrared thermometer. Example contact temperature sensors include thermocouples and thermistors. The sensor may comprise an altitude sensor, presence sensor, or air quality sensor. The presence sensor may for detecting a touch input from a user. The presence sensor may comprise one or more of a capacitive sensor, inductive sensor, and ultrasonic sensor. The electronics component 227 is disposed within the first body 201.

The electronics module 200 comprises a power source 225. The power source 225 is coupled to the processor 223 and is arranged to supply power to the processor 223. The power source 225 may comprise a plurality of power sources. The power source 225 may be a battery. The battery may be a rechargeable battery. The battery may be a rechargeable battery adapted to be charged wirelessly such as by inductive charging. The power source 225 may comprise an energy harvesting device. The energy harvesting device may be configured to generate electric power signals in response to kinetic events such as kinetic events performed by a wearer of the garment. The kinetic event could include walking, running, exercising or respiration of the wearer. The energy harvesting material may comprise a piezoelectric material which generates electricity in response to mechanical deformation of the converter. The energy harvesting device may harvest energy from body heat of a wearer of the fabric article 100. The energy harvesting device may be a thermoelectric energy harvesting device. The power source may be a super capacitor, or an energy cell. The power source 225 is disposed within the first body 201.

The power source 225 in this example is a lithium polymer battery 225. The battery 225 is rechargeable and charged via a USB C input of the electronics module 200. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to recharging via USB and instead other forms of charging such as inductive of far field wireless charging are within the scope of the present disclosure. Additional battery management functionality is provided in terms of a charge controller, battery monitor and regulator. These components may be provided through use of a dedicated power management integrated circuit (PMIC). The processor 223 is communicatively connected to the battery monitor such that the processor 223 may obtain information about the state of charge of the battery 225.

The electronics module 200 comprises a communicator 229. The communicator 229 is communicatively coupled to the processor 223. The communicator 229 may be a mobile/cellular communicator operable to communicate the data wirelessly via one or more base stations. The communicator 229 may provide wireless communication capabilities for the electronics module 200 and enables the electronics module 200 to communicate via one or more wireless communication protocols such as used for communication over: a wireless wide area network (AN), a wireless metroarea network (WMAN), a wireless local area network (VVLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), Bluetooth 0 Low Energy, Bluetooth ® Mesh, Bluetooth 0 5, Thread, Zigbee, IEEE 802.15.4, Ant, Ant+, a near field communication (NFC), a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), a cellular communication network, or any other electromagnetic RF communication protocol. The cellular communication network may be a fourth generation (4G) LTE, LTE Advanced (LTE-A), LTE Cat-M1, LTE Cat-M2, NB-IoT, fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G), and/or any other present or future developed cellular wireless network. A plurality of communicators may be provided for communicating over a combination of different communication protocols. The communicator is disposed within the first body 201.

The electronics module 200 may comprise a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) that enables the electronics module 200 to access services provided by a mobile network operator (MNO) or virtual mobile network operator (VMNO). The UICC may include at least a read-only memory (ROM) configured to store an MNO/VMNO profile that the wearable article can utilize to register and interact with an MNO/VMNO. The UICC may be in the form of a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. The electronics module 200 may have a receiving section arranged to receive the SIM card. In other examples. the UICC is embedded directly into a controller of the electronics module 200. That is, the UICC may be an electronic/embedded UICC (eUICC). A eUICC is beneficial as it removes the need to store a number of MNO profiles, i.e. electronic Subscriber Identity Modules (eSIMs). Moreover, eSIMs can be remotely provisioned to electronics modules 200. The electronics modules 200 may comprise a secure element that represents an embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC). The UICC is disposed within the first body 201.

The above examples refer to fabric articles 100 that comprises electrodes 111, 115. The present disclosure is not limited to this example and other forms of sensing regions besides electrodes 111, 115 may be provided on the fabric article 100. Example sensing regions include optical, temperature, and chemical sensing regions.

In the above examples, the communication coupling between the fabric article 100 and the electronics module 200 is a conductive connection formed by the connectors 205, 207 of the electronics module 200 contacting the connection regions 103, 105 of the fabric article 100. In other examples, a wireless (e.g. inductive) coupling may be provided. For a wireless coupling, the connection regions 103, 105 may comprise a wireless transmitter coil and the connectors 205, 207 may comprise a wireless receiver coil. When coupled to the fabric article 100, the wireless receiver coil of the electronics module 200 is brought into close proximity with the wireless transmitter coil of the fabric article 100 to enable data transfer.

The present disclosure is not limited to any particular number of sensing components, sensing regions, and connection regions. While the examples described above refer to the use of two connection regions, two sensing regions, and two connectors on the electronics modules, other arrangements may be provided. For example, one connection region, one sensing region and one connector may be provided. For example, one connection region and one connector may be provided, along with a plurality of sensing regions. The plurality of sensing regions may be electrically connected to the same connection region. For example, a number P of connection regions, Q of sensing regions, and R of connectors may be provided. P, Q, and R may be any integer greater than or equal to 1. Preferably, P, Q, and R are between 2 and 20, preferably still between 2 and 10, and preferably still between 2 and 5. In preferred examples, P=Q=R. That is, each sensing region is electrically connected to one connection region, and each connection region is arranged to interface with one connector. But this is not required in all examples.

In the present disclosure, the electronics module may also be referred to as an electronics device or unit. These terms may be used interchangeably.

In summary, there is provided an electronics module (200) and assembly comprising the electronics module (200) and a fabric article (100). A first body (201) of the electronics module (200) comprises first and second opposing surfaces (202, 204), and a connector (205, 207). A second body (203) comprises first and second opposing surfaces (206, 208). A processor receives a measurement signal from the connector (205, 207). A connecting member (209) connects and spatially separates the first and second bodies (201, 203). The first surface (202) of the first body (201) faces towards the second surface (208) of the second body (203). A fabric receiving channel (219, 221) is formed between the first surface (202) of the first body (201) and the second surface (208) of the second body (203). The connector (205, 207) connects to a connection region (103, 105) of the fabric article (100) when received within the fabric receiving channel (219, 221).

The above examples relate generally to electronics module that comprise connectors that interface with connection regions of the fabric article. This is not required in all examples. The electronics module may comprise an internal sensor. The internal sensor may be provided in the second body and have line of sight through the first surface of the second body so that it may measure properties of the external environment such as properties of the wearer. The internal sensor may be an optical sensor. In these examples the connector and connection regions are not required.

At least some of the example embodiments described herein may be constructed, partially or wholly, using dedicated special-purpose hardware. Terms such as 'component', 'module' or 'unit' used herein may include, but are not limited to, a hardware device, such as circuitry in the form of discrete or integrated components, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), programmable System on Chip (pSoC), or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), which performs certain tasks or provides the associated functionality. In some embodiments, the described elements may be configured to reside on a tangible, persistent, addressable storage medium and may be configured to execute on one or more processors. These functional elements may in some embodiments include, by way of example, components, such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. Although the example embodiments have been described with reference to the components, modules and units discussed herein, such functional elements may be combined into fewer elements or separated into additional elements. Various combinations of optional features have been described herein, and it will be appreciated that described features may be combined in any suitable combination. In particular, the features of any one example embodiment may be combined with features of any other embodiment, as appropriate, except where such combinations are mutually exclusive. Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" or "comprises" means including the component(s) specified but not to the exclusion of the presence of others.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An electronics module comprising: a first body comprising a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface; a second body comprising a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface, and a sensor having line of sight through the first surface of the second body; a processor provided in the first or second body, communicatively coupled to the sensor, and arranged to receive a measurement signal from the sensor; a connecting member connecting the first body to the second body and spatially separating the first body from the second body, wherein the first surface of the first body faces towards the second surface of the second body, and wherein a fabric receiving channel is formed between the first surface of the first body and the second surface of the second body.
2. An electronics module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first surface of the second body comprises a window that allows for the sensor to have line of sight through the first surface.
3. An electronics module as claimed in claim 2, wherein the window is constructed from a transparent, translucent, or light diffracting material.
4. An electronics module as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensor comprises an optical sensor.
5. An electronics module as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the connecting member holds the first body in a fixed position relative to the second body.
6. An electronics module as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a plurality of fabric receiving channels are formed between the first surface of the first body and the second surface of the second body.
7. An electronics module as claimed in claim 6, wherein the connecting member defines the plurality of fabric receiving channels.
8. An electronics module as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second body comprises a protrusion provided on the second surface, the protrusion extends into the fabric receiving 35 channel.
9. An electronics module as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second body comprises a plurality of protrusions provided on the second surface, the plurality of protrusions extend into the fabric receiving channel.
10. An electronics module as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the protrusion extends from the second surface of the second body towards the first surface of the first body
11. An electronics module as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a communicator for wirelessly communicating with an external device, the communicator is provided in the first or second body and is communicatively coupled to the processor.
12. An assembly comprising an electronics module as claimed in any preceding claim and a fabric article comprising a base layer.
13. An assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the electronics module is arranged to be coupled to the fabric article such that the first body and the second body are positioned on opposing surfaces of the base layer
14. An assembly as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein part of the fabric article is arranged to be disposed in the fabric receiving channel such that the part of the fabric article is held between the first body and the second body.
15. An assembly as claimed in any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the fabric article comprises an opening extending through the fabric article, and wherein the electronics module is arranged to be disposed through the opening.
16. An assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the connecting member is arranged to extend through the opening.
17. An assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein the fabric article is arranged to grip the connecting member when the connecting member extends through the opening.