KR20010032170A - Moldable transceiver for use with apparel - Google Patents

Abstract

The wireless transceiver used for the apparel uses flexible interconnected electrical elements that are deformable to match the shape of the apparel. The wireless transceiver includes a transmitter and a receiver electrically connected to a power source, and an antenna. Another embodiment of the present invention includes an apparel having a radio transceiver deformable to match the shape of the apparel and a support member attaching the radio transceiver to the apparel.

Description

Embedded radio transceiver for apparel {MOLDABLE TRANSCEIVER FOR USE WITH APPAREL}

Field of invention

The present invention relates to embedded electronic components used in apparel. In particular, the present invention relates to electronic components for wireless communication, multilateration, telemetry, patient monitoring and recording, which conform to the user's body.

Background of the Invention

Aircraft pilots, athletes, soldiers, motorcycle racers, bicycle racers, firefighters, police, health care workers, medical patients, miners, etc. all use wireless electronic devices conveniently placed in apparel such as pockets, purses or belts. Such wireless electronic devices may be used in other locations to integrate electronic components in the apparel. Wireless electronics have also been installed in clothing, wrist watches and helmets.

Integrating electronic devices into a user's apparel has many disadvantages, such as making the apparel heavy, bulging, or inconvenient for the user to wear. In addition, these electronic devices were often not designed to withstand wrinkles when the apparel is subjected to extreme conditions such as sports events, and under these conditions, it was easy to break down. In addition, these electronic components were manufactured for a variety of purposes and were not designed for specific apparel types.

This problem was worse in certain apparel such as helmets. The helmet is primarily intended to absorb forces and distribute impacts over a large area in the outer shell and compressible pads. It is therefore necessary to avoid bulging in the helmet in order not to damage the wearer and to avoid concentration of forces in impact. In addition, the round shape of the helmet is required to distribute the force internally over most of the spherical skull, and externally it is necessary to prevent the force from being concentrated at the time of impact. Another design goal of the helmet is to be lightweight, comfortable and good to wear, well balanced, resistant to chemicals and sweating, as well as good ventilation. Many transceivers embedded in modern helmets are so large that they are difficult to embed unless the helmet shape is changed. In addition, they were relatively heavy and thick, making it difficult to fit into the helmet without compromising the fit or balance of the helmet. If the helmet is not balanced and worn correctly, it may be inconvenient for the user to wear.

In the prior art helmets, wireless devices were mounted in pockets on the outside of the helmet or inside the helmet. These helmets have control electronics such as handles, connectors, wiring, and antennas mounted directly on the helmet surface. This form of change has disadvantages and can lead to damage to the wearer if the shock absorbing properties of the helmet change from what was originally designed to accommodate the electronic device.

Other apparel radio transceivers may be mounted on sneakers, belts and bracelets or watches. This method of the prior art has many disadvantages. For example, in the case of a transceiver that clips to the belt, the user falls and crushes the damage. The wearer's own fall may damage the transceiver. In the case of sports in which players are in contact with each other, the players may be damaged by protruding transceivers. In addition, the belt clip may be loosened and the transceiver may fall and be damaged. Wrist-mounted wireless transceivers are bulky and heavy and can be inconvenient to wear. Shoe or sneaker-mounted wireless transceivers are usually attached to shoelaces, which can cause inconvenience while walking or driving.

Another prior art radio transceiver is mounted on a user's chest using a belt or adhesive tape. This structure allows the user to measure the user's pulse, for example while running on a treadmill. Such attempts have disadvantages, including discomfort, limited breathing, and the possibility of serious injury when the user falls forward.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, the main object of the present invention is to provide other electronic components, such as embedded wireless transceivers or sensors, in the apparel or body of the user by using flexible and interconnected electrical components. Another object of the invention is to provide a flexible antenna for guiding electromagnetic radiation away from the user. Another object of the present invention is to provide a helmet that can use the wireless transceiver of the present invention without compromising the comfort and protection characteristics of the helmet. Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless charging system for recharging a battery of a wireless transceiver in a helmet.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a wireless transceiver comprising electrical components connected to each other with flexibility that can be substantially modified to match the shape of the power source, antenna and apparel. In one embodiment, the antenna is flexible. In one embodiment, the antenna takes directivity to direct electromagnetic radiation away from the user. The power source of the wireless transceiver may be a battery. The wireless transceiver can be connected to one or more sensors.

The present invention also provides an apparel having a wireless transceiver that can be substantially modified to match the shape of the apparel and is flexible and includes electrical components connected to each other. The apparel also includes a support member for attaching a wireless transceiver to the apparel. For example, Velcro® or double-sided tape can be used to support the wireless transceiver.

The present invention also provides a helmet having a wireless transceiver that can be substantially modified to match the shape of the helmet and is flexible and includes electrical components connected to each other. The wireless transceiver also includes an antenna. The radio transceiver may be disposed between the protective member and the outer surface of the helmet. The power source of the wireless transceiver may be a rechargeable battery.

The present invention also provides a method for recharging a battery in a helmet by supplying a charging current to a first coil of a recharging system and placing a helmet including a second coil in electromagnetic communication with the first coil, The charging current is here induced from the first coil to the second coil, thereby charging the battery in the helmet.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention is described in detail in the appended claims. Advantages and further advantages of the present invention described above can be clearly understood from the following detailed description, which is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1A and 1B illustrate one embodiment of a buried electronic component in accordance with the present invention.

2A and 2B show one embodiment of a buried electronic component according to the present invention showing a spherical conforming arrangement of tiles connected to one another.

Figure 3 is a diagram of another embodiment of the present invention showing a near-spherical arrangement of tiles connected to each other.

4 is a diagram of another embodiment of the invention, showing another arrangement of tiles.

Figure 5 is a diagram of one embodiment of the present invention showing a sealable protective envelope.

6 is a block diagram of an electrical circuit that can be used in the present invention.

Figure 7 is a diagram of one embodiment of the present invention showing a helmet with an induction battery charger.

8 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the induction battery charger of FIG.

details

FIG. 1A includes electrical components or tiles (tile, 2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' '') elastically interconnected by flexible interconnects 4, 4 ', 4', 4 '' '. Shows a wireless transceiver of the present invention. The tiles 2, 2 ′, 2 ″, 2 ′ ″ are also in electrical communication with the power source 6. The power source 6 can be a battery or any other power source. The battery may be disposable or rechargeable. For example, the power source may be a capacitor, an AC power source, a DC power source, and a generator. Examples of generators that can be used with the present invention include kinetic generators that store energy obtained from the movement of the user or typical ″ bicycle " generators that store energy obtained from the movement of the device used by the user.

Although the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A describes circularly shaped tiles 2, 2 ′, 2 ″, 2 ′ ″, the tiles of the present invention may be any geometric shape that serves the purpose of the present invention. It should be noted that it can. These shapes include several named triangles, hexagons, ladders, and octagons. It will also be appreciated that the size of the tiles 2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' '' and interconnects 4, 4 ', 4' ', 4' '' may vary depending on the application. In some cases, interconnects 4, 4 ', 4' ', 4' '' will be very small so that tiles 2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' '' are actually one flexible piece. Will appear to be. In one embodiment, the tiles are shaped so that their appearance matches the appearance of the flakes taken from the surface on which they will be mounted, supporting the electrical circuit on the tile. In this embodiment, the shape of the mounting surface determines the shape of the tile. In another embodiment, the interconnect may be an integral part of the tile, such as with a flexible PCB. Alternatively, the interconnect can be separate from the tile, such as by a cable.

In one embodiment, the tiles 2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' '' have rigidity to protect the leads and connections of the mounted electrical components against stress, but the radio transceiver may conform to the shape of the apparel. Have flexibility between each other to allow. It uses a single tile 2 having a rigid area and a flexible area therein, or alternatively a rigid tile 2 connected by flexible interconnects 4, 4 ′, 4 ″, 4 ′ ″. , 2 ', 2' ', 2' '').

The length 12 and width 10 of the wireless transceiver shown in FIG. 1A can vary substantially. In one embodiment, the length 12 is approximately 267 mm and the width 10 is approximately 51 mm. Another embodiment generates a custom pattern, including interconnecting tiles at different points. These patterns can be shaped to match various application needs. For example, Figure 4 shows a triangular pattern of tiles 2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' '' interconnecting tiles around one location, while Figure 1 shows the tiles in a straight line. The pattern to develop is shown.

FIG. 1B shows that the thickness 14 of the tile and power source 6 may also vary depending on the application. In general, the part will be higher than the mounting surface. It will be contemplated by the present invention that surface mount integrated circuits as well as other bottom profile components may be used and these techniques are well known in the art. In one embodiment, the thickness 14 is about 3.8 mm.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a protective layer 8 to protect the wireless transceiver from the surrounding environment. For example, it can be protected from shock, sweat and other liquids. The protective layer 8 may also be an RF shield for protecting the wireless transceiver from electromagnetic radiation, as in the example. The protective layer 8 can also completely wrap the radio transceiver. The wireless transceiver can be sealed in the protective layer 8. Protective layer 8 may be plastic, fiber, metal foam, or any other suitable material. In one embodiment, the protective layer 8 is a ″ zip locked ″ plastic bag. It should be noted that the wireless transceiver of the present invention is designed to withstand virtual shocks and other rough handling.

Other embodiments of the wireless transceiver of the present invention can be used without the protective layer 8, for example, when it is desired that the tiles 2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' '' be placed directly on the user's body. This may be desirable if sensing is required. For example, the tiles may need to be in direct contact with the skull to provide magnetoencephalograms.

2a shows tiles 2, 2 ′, 2 ″ connected by flexible interconnects 4, 4 ′. The tiles 2, 2 ′, 2 ″ are shown to have a spherical shape and are disposed between the inner layer 16 of the apparel and the outer layer 18 of the apparel as shown in FIG. 2B. Although the radio transceiver is interposed between the apparel, the radio transceiver need not be fixed to the apparel. The tile may be mounted to the surface of the apparel using mounting processes known in the art, such as double sided tape or hook and loop mounts.

Figure 2a shows for example the inner layer 16 of the user's helmet or part of the head leather. Inner layer 16 may be padded. 2b shows the outer layer 18 of the helmet. The outer layer 18 may be composed of plastic, metal or any composite material. One of the purposes of the helmet is to protect the user's head by radiating an impact over a larger area of the head.

Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the present invention, showing tiles 20, 22, 24 constructed in an aspherical structure. Also shown is a power source 26, which may be a battery, for example. Such a structure may be suitable for an apparel type not worn on the head, for example an armband.

Since the wireless transceiver of the present invention is small, lightweight and easily concealed, it can be used for espionage or legal action. For example, such radio transceivers can be used to ″ wire ″ to sources of information and the like without the risk of ″ exposing ″ the device to hostile parties. The device may be concealed in an area of apparel, such as a shoulder, which is usually overlooked in conventional ″ pat down ″ examination. In one embodiment, the present invention is concealed in the user's hair to enable other secret modes. Indeed, the present invention can be used in apparel and many other forms of apparel, including clothes, hats, wrists, necklaces, shoes, sneakers, boots, gloves, eyewear, headphones, headbands, wristbands, helmets, and the like. In other embodiments, the apparel may simply be a support member that connects the wireless transceiver to the user's body. The support member in one embodiment may be, for example, but not limited to a rubber band, a double-sided tape, a wrist band, a headband, an apparel pocket, or a bracelet. In one embodiment, control of the wireless transceiver, such as volume control, may be accomplished by the use of a wireless radio control link. In another embodiment, control is achieved by the use of an infrared (IR) link. For example, a computer or electronic wrist watch may be used to control the wireless transceiver. In another embodiment, an electronic device link may be used to connect with a sensor or other electronic device worn by a user. In yet another embodiment, the present invention may be used to transmit and receive video, audio and / or voice communications as well as data transmission and reception. The invention may also record and store data electronically.

4 shows another embodiment of the present invention showing a plurality of tiles 2 and interconnects 4 arranged in a triangular shape. The number of tiles needed for a given example varies depending on the functionality required. For example, the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 shows six interconnected tiles. Each of these tiles includes a circuit. Such circuitry may include, for example, a transmit or receive circuit. The other tile may be a battery or may include a battery recharge circuit. The layout shown in FIG. 4 is an example of one typical structure. For example, other structures with ten tiles (not shown) may be needed for other applications.

Each tile has a different purpose and can include different electronic circuits. In one example, one or more tiles may comprise a battery charging circuit, while another tile may comprise a receiver circuit. Based on this, it can be seen that non-limiting applications can be made by simply selecting an appropriate tile or using a custom designed tile.

A battery 30 is now shown with reference to FIG. 5. The battery 30 in one embodiment is a flat battery. In another embodiment, the battery 30 is deformable and can be molded to suit its application. In yet another embodiment, the battery 30 may comprise multiple cells interconnected. The size and shape of the cell will vary depending on the requirements of the application. The battery 30 can be recharged or used for single use.

The cell 30 is shown with a tile 32 that includes a connector. Protective material in one embodiment may be used to protect the cell from impact. In one embodiment, this material is a shock absorbing foam. In yet another embodiment, the protective material can be plastic, cloth, metal, paper, fiberglass or any suitable material. Protective material may be used to protect the user from leaking cells 30 or alternatively to protect the battery 30 from sweat, dropping, impact or RF noise, for example. In yet another embodiment, no protective material is used. The protective material may be selectively applied or removed to cover or expose the required portion.

In one embodiment, the cell 30 is enclosed in a container 34 that includes a plastic ″ zip-locked ″ bag for accommodating the cell 30. The container 34 provides easy access to the cell 30 while holding a protective cover to shield the cell 30 from external forces. Such external forces may include such things as shock, sweat, dropping, and the like. In yet another embodiment, the container 34 may be an RF shield made from metal or hardened plastic. In another embodiment, the container 34 is made to resemble a screened or reticulated material. The container 34 may be of any material suitable for containing the cell 30, but not limited to fabric, plastic, foam, metal, paper, cardboard, wood, glass, or fiberglass.

6 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of one embodiment of the present invention in which an electronic device is mounted on a tile. As an example, such a circuit 60 can be used for the transfer and diversification of material obtained with a telemeter. In one embodiment, the control module circuit 40 may rest on one or more tiles. The control module 40 of FIG. 6 is interconnected to the microwave circuit 44. If the microwave circuit 44 is placed on a tile other than the control module 40, the interconnect 42 between them may be flexible. The control module 40 is also interconnected to the battery regulator 50 via interconnects 52. Interconnect 52 may be flexible.

In one embodiment, the antenna 48 is a directional antenna. Antenna 48 is designed to emit electromagnetic radiation and direct the radiation away from the user. This is particularly beneficial for any body mounting application where it is desirable to minimize exposure to electromagnetic radiation. In yet another embodiment, antenna 48 is flexible. In yet another embodiment, the antenna 48 is a flat antenna. The flat antenna is beneficial because it does not protrude and does not damage anyone. In yet another embodiment, the antenna 48 is manufactured by a printed circuit board electrochemical process. As shown in FIG. 6, the antenna 48 is connected to the microwave circuit 44 by an interconnect 46. As shown in FIG. Interconnect 46 may be flexible.

Battery 54 may be disposable, reused, or recharged. In one embodiment, the cell is recharged by inductive coupling as shown in FIG. In another embodiment, battery 54 is recharged using a pluggable charging jack (not shown). In yet another embodiment, cell 54 is replaced by a direct current power source (not shown). In still another embodiment the cell 54 is replaced by an alternating current power source (not shown). In another embodiment, cell 54 is replaced by a capacitor (not shown). In another embodiment, multiple cells 54 (not shown) or power sources may be used. It can be seen that other wireless rechargeable devices as well as the inductive charging device shown in FIG. 8 can be used to recharge the battery 54.

The control module 40 is interconnected to the accelerometer 58 via an interconnect 56. Interconnect 56 may be a flexible interconnect. Accelerometer 58 is one application of the present invention. Accelerometer 58 is a sensor that feeds data through interconnect 56 to control module 40 and ultimately to a remote receiver that collects data through antenna 48.

In one embodiment, accelerometer 58 may be replaced or supplemented with other sensors (not shown). It will be appreciated that any sensor may be used in the present system to monitor any necessary function. The system includes the following factors: temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, blood sugar, electrical activity in the brain, electrical activity in the heart, respiratory rate, respiratory power, distance traveled, sweat output, fat content, calories burned, urination volume, urination rate It was conceivable to monitor one or more of,, and bowel volume. In fact, the wireless transceiver of the present invention can be used to monitor any biological data. In another embodiment, the system can measure conditions outside of the user, such as, for example, the temperature, humidity, rain, and wind speed and direction of the surrounding environment. In another embodiment, the sensor may transmit and receive signals to and from the user's head and detect or transmit signals to the user's head.

Figure 7 shows one embodiment of a helmet 74 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ventilation holes 70 can be used by the charging probe 72 without changing the protective or cooling characteristics of the helmet 74. The charging probe 72 of this embodiment is an induction battery charging probe. To charge this internal cell, the user initiates inductive charging by simply positioning the probe correctly. In another embodiment, charging probe 72 is a simple charging plug attached to a charging jack built into a helmet (not shown). To charge the rechargeable battery of this embodiment, the user can simply insert the charging plug into a charging jack (not shown).

8 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an induction battery charging system of the present invention. This inductive charging system 92 has an inductive charging probe 72 that is in electromagnetic communication with the tiles 2, 2 ′. Inductive charging probe 72 has a coil to which a charging current can be supplied. The battery charging electronics may be held in tiles 2, 2 ′. Such electronic devices have other coils that are in electrical communication with the battery charging circuit. As the inductive charging probe 72 is positioned adjacent to the battery charging electronics, the charging current from the first coil is induced into the second coil, thereby exciting the battery charging circuit to recharge the battery. The region (s) of the inductive coupling 84 is shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment of the present invention, the outer helmet shell 80 and inner helmet padding 82 have not been modified, and thus can provide the same convenience and protective properties specified by the manufacturer.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described and illustrated, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments utilizing this concept may be used and that various changes are possible within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention. Accordingly, these embodiments should not be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but should only be limited by the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims (35)

In the radio transceiver used for the apparel, A) power, B) a plurality of flexible interconnected electrical elements having a transmitter and a receiver electrically connected to a power source, the flexible elements being deformable to conform to the shape of the apparel, C) antennas electrically coupled to the transmitter and receiver; Wireless transceiver comprising a. The radio transceiver of claim 1 wherein the antenna comprises a directional antenna that radiates electromagnetic radiation away from the apparel user. 2. The radio transceiver of claim 1 wherein at least one of the power source, electrical elements, and antenna is shaped to be matched or mounted on the body of the user. The radio transceiver of claim 1 wherein the shape of at least one of the power source, the electrical elements and the antenna corresponds to the shape of the mounting surface of the apparel, wherein the radio transceiver is electrically coupled to the sensor. 2. The radio transceiver of claim 1 wherein the radio transceiver is electrically coupled to a source comprising data, video or audio. The radio transceiver of claim 1 wherein the radio transceiver is substantially encapsulated in a periphery protective material. 8. The wireless transceiver of claim 7, wherein the perimeter protective material comprises plastic, fabric, metal or cellulose. 2. The radio transceiver of claim 1 wherein the radio transceiver is disposed between an outer surface of the apparel and a protective member. The radio transceiver of claim 1 wherein the radio transceiver is substantially disposed on a user's body and the power source is a battery. 12. The wireless transceiver of claim 11 wherein the battery is rechargeable. 12. The wireless transceiver of claim 11 wherein the battery is rechargeable via a wireless recharging system. A) a plurality of flexible interconnected electrical elements having i) a power source, ii) a transmitter and a receiver electrically coupled to the power source, and deformable to conform to the shape of the apparel, and iii) an electrical coupling to the transmitter and receiver A wireless transceiver comprising an antenna, B) support members for attaching the radio transceiver to the apparel; Apparel comprising a. The apparel of claim 14, wherein the antenna comprises a directional antenna that radiates electromagnetic energy away from the user. 15. The apparel of claim 14 wherein the wireless transceiver is substantially encapsulated in a surrounding protective material. 15. The apparel of claim 14 wherein the wireless transceiver is electrically coupled to a sensor. 15. The apparel of claim 14 wherein the wireless transceiver is electrically coupled to a source comprising data, video or audio. The apparel of claim 14, wherein the apparel comprises a helmet. 15. The apparel of claim 14, wherein at least one of the power source, the electrical elements, and the antenna is shaped to be matched or mounted on the body of the user. 15. The radio transceiver of claim 14 wherein the shape of at least one of the power source, the electrical elements and the antenna corresponds to the shape of the mounting surface of the apparel. 15. The apparel of claim 14 wherein the power source is rechargeable. 15. The wireless transceiver of claim 14 wherein the power source is rechargeable via a wireless recharging system. A) helmets, B) a plurality of flexible interconnected electrical elements having i) a power source, ii) a transmitter and a receiver electrically coupled to the power source, and deformable to conform to the shape of the helmet, and iii) an electrical coupling to the transmitter and receiver A radio transceiver attached to the helmet, the antenna comprising a directional antenna for radiating electromagnetic radiation away from the helmet user; C) support members for attaching the radio transceiver to the helmet; Helmet comprising a. 25. The helmet of claim 24 wherein the wireless transceiver is disposed within a user's helmet. 25. The helmet of claim 24 wherein the wireless transceiver is encapsulated in a surrounding protective material. 25. The helmet of claim 24 wherein the wireless transceiver is disposed between the outer surface of the helmet and the protective member. 25. The helmet of claim 24 wherein at least one of the power source, the electrical elements and the antenna is shaped to be matched or mounted on the head of the user. 25. The radio transceiver of claim 24 wherein the shape of at least one of the power source, the electrical elements and the antenna corresponds to the shape of the mounting surface of the apparel. 25. The helmet of claim 24 wherein the wireless transceiver is electrically coupled to a sensor. 31. The helmet of claim 30 wherein the sensor is connected with at least a portion of the user's head. The radio transceiver of claim 24 wherein the radio transceiver is electrically coupled to a source comprising data, video or audio. 25. The helmet of claim 24 wherein the power source comprises a battery. 25. The helmet of claim 24 wherein the power source is rechargeable. 25. The wireless transceiver of claim 24 wherein the power source is rechargeable via a wireless recharging system. In a method for recharging a battery in a helmet, A) supplying charging current to the first coil of the recharging system; B) positioning a helmet comprising a second coil to be electromagnetically connected to the first coil, Charging current in the helmet by charging current from the first coil to the second coil. In the electronic device used for the apparel, A) with a flexible power source, B) an electronic device, electrically coupled to the flexible power source, comprising a plurality of flexible interconnected electrical elements deformable to conform to the shape of the apparel.