WO2015188789A1

WO2015188789A1 - Bracelet watch and/or phone

Info

Publication number: WO2015188789A1
Application number: PCT/CN2015/081406
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wallace Ray Fischer; Kwun Wai YEUNG; Michel Guy; Michael Ng; Michael Jerome; Kevin O'doherty; Samuel HUEN
Original assignee: Momentumlabs Limited
Priority date: 2014-06-12
Filing date: 2015-06-12
Publication date: 2015-12-17

Abstract

An electronic bracelet includes a bracelet body sized and shaped to wrap around a wrist of a wearer and formed of two bracelet halves, a band extending along the bracelet body, a display layer disposed over the band, and a touch sensor layer disposed over the display layer. The touch sensor layer covers an area extending through an arc of greater than 100 degrees of each bracelet half, or an area extending through an arc of greater than 200 degrees of the two bracelet halves. At least one touchscreen extends at least 200 degrees around the bracelet body.

Description

BRACELET WATCH AND/OR PHONE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/011,106, filed on June 12, 2014, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

The present application relates to a bracelet watch and/or phone.

BACKGROUND

The use of watches and mobile phones has become pervasive with their capabilities continuously increasing. With increased capability, the size and the weight of the devices are getting relatively bigger. With these increased capabilities, watches and mobile phones are becoming more like handheld or desktop devices, resulting in limited and awkward use of these devices as a watch and/or a phone. Although these devices are used mostly for making and receiving phone calls, they are designed to be more like display devices or handheld computers.

There is a need to provide an improved bracelet or wristband which can be worn around the wrist and can provide users with time display, touch interface and wireless communication.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, there is provided an electronic bracelet including a bracelet body sized and shaped to wrap around a wrist of a wearer and formed of first and second bracelet portions, a band extending along the bracelet body, a display layer disposed over the band and including at least one display, and a touch sensor layer. The touch sensor layer may be disposed over the display layer and cover an area extending through an arc of greater than 100 degrees of each bracelet portion, or an area extending through an arc of greater than 200 degrees of the first and second bracelet portions. The system may further include memory for storing one or more instructions, and a microprocessor coupled with the memory, the touchscreen and the displays； whereby when the touchscreen receives a touch input, the microprocessor executes an instruction that corresponds to the touch input. In one embodiment, at least one touchscreen may extend at least 200 degrees around the bracelet body.

The band may include first and second band portions extending along the first and second bracelet portions respectively. The display layer may include first and second display layer portions disposed over the first and second band portions and comprised of first and second displays respectively. The touch sensor layer may include first and second touch sensor layer portions disposed over the first and second display layer portions respectively, and may include at least one touchscreen.

The electronic bracelet may further include first and second electronic layers disposed over the first and second band portions respectively, and first and second microprocessor and circuitry modules may be provided on the first and second electronic layers respectively.

The electronic bracelet may further include first and second battery layers disposed over the first and second band portions respectively, and at least one battery may be provided on at least one of the first and second battery layers.

The electronic bracelet may further include first and second keyboard layers disposed over the first and second band portions respectively and may include one or more keyboards. In one embodiment, the first and second keyboard layers comprise a game board interface.

The electronic bracelet may further include first and second outermost lenses mounted over the first and second bracelet portions respectively. The outermost lenses may be made of a clear plastic with a semi-transparent, color layer inside the plastic, whereby when the lenses are placed over dark objects or over an area where there is no backlighting, the lenses appear opaque.

The electronic bracelet may further include first and second innermost layers detachably mounted underneath the first and second band portions respectively. In one embodiment, the first and second innermost layers can form a spacer between the electronic bracelet and the wrist of the wearer, whereby the electronic bracelet can fit around wrists of different sizes by using spacers of different thicknesses. At least one of the first and second innermost layers may include an electronic component.

The electronic bracelet may further include a phone transceiver, a speaker and a microphone provided on the band. The electronic bracelet may further include a Bluetooth^TM module for communication with Bluetooth^TM accessories. The electronic bracelet may further include a wi-fi transceiver for connection with a wi-fi server.

In one embodiment, the bracelet body is oval in shape, and the first and second bracelet portions are half-oval in shape.

The electronic bracelet may further include two detachable and replaceable bracelet spacer portions provided between first and second opposite ends of the first and second bracelet portions respectively. In one embodiment, first opposite ends of the first and second bracelet portions may be hingedly connected together by a hinge mechanism, and second opposite ends of the first and second bracelet portions may be releasably connected together by a snap fastening assembly.

The electronic bracelet may further include an arm connected to and extendable from the bracelet body, wherein a speaker is provided on a free end of the arm and a microphone is provided on a hand-facing edge of the bracelet body.

The one or more instructions may include an instruction for scrolling a page on the display to a next page. The bracelet body can be supported on a charging cradle for charging and displaying.

According to another aspect, there is provided a bracelet watch. The bracelet watch may include a bracelet body having a first bracelet portion and a second bracelet portion connected with the first bracelet portion； a band having first and second band portions extending along the first and second bracelet portions respectively； first and second display layers disposed over the first and second band portions respectively and formed of one or more displays； first and second keyboard layers disposed over the first and second band portions respectively and comprised of one or more keyboards； and first and second touch sensor layers disposed over the first and second keyboard and display layers respectively. One of the displays can be a time display or a display for text message and graphic information. The first and second keyboard layers may include a game board interface.

The bracelet watch may further include first and second electronic layers disposed over the first and second band portions respectively, and first and second microprocessor and circuitry modules may be provided on the first and second electronic layers respectively.

The bracelet watch may further include first and second battery layers disposed over the first and second band portions respectively, and at least one battery may be provided on at least one of the first and second battery layers.

The bracelet watch may further include a wireless port provided in one of the first and second bracelet portions, whereby the watch can be wirelessly linked to a cell phone or other device.

The bracelet watch may further include at least one electronic expansion port provided on the band, whereby external circuits or devices can be connected to the watch.

The bracelet watch may further include first and second outermost lenses mounted over the first and second bracelet portions respectively. The outermost lenses are made of a clear plastic with a semi-transparent, color layer inside the plastic, whereby when the lenses are placed over dark objects or over an area where there is no backlighting, the lenses appear opaque.

The bracelet watch may further include first and second innermost layers detachably mounted underneath the first and second band portions respectively. The first and second innermost layers may form a spacer between the watch and a wrist of a wearer, whereby the watch can fit around wrists of different sizes by using spacers of different thicknesses. At least one of the first and second innermost layers may include an electronic component.

In one embodiment, the bracelet body may oval in shape, and the first and second bracelet portions are half-oval in shape. The band may be a rigid band made of metal. The bracelet body can be supported on a charging cradle for charging and displaying.

The bracelet watch may further include two detachable and replaceable bracelet spacer portions provided between first and second opposite ends of the first and second bracelet portions respectively. First opposite ends of the first and second bracelet portions may be hingedly connected together by a hinge mechanism, and second opposite ends of the first and second bracelet portions may be releasably connected together by a snap fastening assembly.

The bracelet watch may further include at least one touchscreen extending at least 200 degrees around the watch.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a bracelet phone. The bracelet phone may include a bracelet body having a first bracelet portion and a second bracelet portion connected with the first bracelet portion； a band having first and second band portions extending along the first and second bracelet portions respectively； first and second display layers disposed over the first and second band portions respectively and comprised of one or more displays； first and second keyboard layers disposed over the first and second band portions respectively and comprised of one or more keyboards； first and second touch sensor layers disposed over the first and second keyboard and display layers respectively and comprised of at least one touchscreen； and a phone transceiver, a speaker and a microphone provided on the band. One of the displays may be a time display or a display for text message and graphic information. The first and second keyboard layers may include a game board interface.

The bracelet phone may further include first and second electronic layers disposed over the first and second band portions respectively, and first and second microprocessor and circuitry modules may be provided on the first and second electronic layers respectively.

The bracelet phone may further include first and second battery layers disposed over the first and second band portions respectively, and at least one battery may be provided on at least one of the first and second battery layers.

The bracelet phone may further include at least one electronic expansion port provided on the band, whereby external devices can be connected to the phone.

The bracelet phone may further include first and second outermost lenses mounted over the first and second bracelet portions respectively. The outermost lenses may be made of a clear plastic with a semi-transparent, color layer inside the plastic, whereby when the lenses are placed over dark objects or over an area where there is no backlighting, the lenses appear opaque.

The bracelet phone may further include first and second innermost layers detachably mounted underneath the first and second band portions respectively. The first and second innermost layers may form a spacer between the phone and a wrist of a wearer, whereby the phone can fit around wrists of different sizes by using spacers of different thicknesses. At least one of the first and second innermost layers may include an electronic component.

The bracelet phone may further include a Bluetooth^TM module for communication with Bluetooth^TM accessories. The bracelet phone may further include a wi-fi transceiver for connection with a wi-fi server.

The bracelet phone may further comprising two detachable and replaceable bracelet spacer portions provided between first and second opposite ends of the first and second bracelet portions respectively.

In one embodiment, first opposite ends of the first and second bracelet portions may be hingedly connected together by a hinge mechanism, and second opposite ends of the first and second bracelet portions may be releasably connected together by a snap fastening assembly.

The at least one touchscreen extends at least 200 degrees around the phone.

In one embodiment, the microphone may be disposed on an elbow-facing edge of the bracelet body, and the speaker may be disposed on a hand-facing edge of the bracelet body.

The bracelet phone may further include an arm connected to and extendable from the bracelet body, wherein the speaker may be provided on a free end of the arm and the microphone may be provided on the hand-facing edge of the bracelet body.

Although the bracelet watch and/or phone is shown and described with respect to certain embodiments, it is obvious that equivalents and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of the specification. The bracelet watch and/or phone in the present application includes all such equivalents and modifications, and is limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Specific embodiments of the bracelet watch and/or phone will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 shows front and rear perspective views of the bracelet watch and/or phone according to an embodiment thereof.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative diagram showing the internal structure of the bracelet watch and/or phone according to an embodiment thereof.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the function of the bracelet watch and/or phone according to an embodiment thereof.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bracelet watch and/or phone being held by a cradle in a vertical position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bracelet watch and/or phone being held by a cradle in a horizontal position.

FIG. 6 is an illustrative diagram of the bracelet watch and/or phone with a speaker and a microphone.

FIGS. 7 (a) -7 (d) are top, side, front and perspective views of the bracelet watch and/or phone respectively according to another embodiment thereof.

FIGS. 8 (a) -8 (d) are top, side, front and perspective views of the bracelet watch and/or phone respectively according to a further embodiment thereof.

FIGS. 9 (a) -9 (d) are top, side, front and perspective views of the bracelet watch and/or phone respectively according to yet another embodiment thereof.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the bracelet watch and/or phone of another embodiment of the present application.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective views of the bracelet watch and/or phone with a module formed on an inner surface of the bracelet.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the bracelet watch and/or phone with a hinge mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to a preferred embodiment of the bracelet watch and/or phone, examples of which are also provided in the following description. Exemplary embodiments of the bracelet watch and/or phone are described in detail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not particularly important to an understanding of the bracelet watch and/or phone may not be shown for the sake of clarity.

Furthermore, it should be understood that the bracelet watch and/or phone is not limited to the precise embodiments described below and that various changes and modifications thereof may be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the protection. For example, elements and/or features of different illustrative embodiments may be combined with each other and/or substituted for each other within the scope of this disclosure and appended claims.

For illustration purposes, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom"appeared hereinafter relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawings. It is understood that the invention may assume various positions, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Furthermore, it is understood that the specific devices shown in the drawings, and described in the following description, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed hereinafter are not to be considered as limiting.

It should be noted that throughout the specification and claims herein, when one element is said to be “coupled” or “connected” to another, this does not necessarily mean that one element is fastened, secured, or otherwise attached to another element. Instead, the term “coupled” or “connected” means that one element is either connected directly or indirectly to another element or is in mechanical or electrical communication with another element.

FIG. 1 shows front and rear perspective views of a bracelet watch and/or phone 10 according to an embodiment disclosed in the present application； and FIG. 2 is an illustrative diagram showing the internal structure of the bracelet watch and/or phone 10 according to an embodiment thereof.

The bracelet watch and/or phone 10, which is an electronic device, can wrap around a wearer’s wrist. It may contain technology that allows the wearer of the device to initiate control of selected wireless devices； access various types of digital data provided by wireless links； communicate through a variety of wireless modes including cell phone technology； access data from internal analog and digital sensors； use audio input and output； view displayed text, graphic imagery or video； use keyboard or touch pad for input； use hard wire connection or inductive coupling of external device or expanded functionality； access to read/write memory for data storage and CPU instructions as provided by the electronic design.

The bracelet watch and/or phone 10 may include a bracelet body having a first bracelet portion 12 and a second bracelet portion 14 detachably connected with the first bracelet portion 12. A band may include first and second band portions 32, 32’ extending along the first and

second bracelet portions

12, 14 respectively. The band may be a rigid band made of metal such as stainless steel. The band may also be made of a flexible material so that the bracelet watch and/or phone can lay flat for table top operation. The bracelet body can be sized and shaped to wrap around a wrist of a wearer. The bracelet body may be circular in shape, oval in shape, oblong in shape or in any other shape. If the bracelet body is circular in shape, the first and

second bracelet portions

12, 14 may be semi-circular in shape. If the bracelet body is oval in shape, the first and

second bracelet portions

12, 14 may be half-oval in shape.

First and second display layers 40, 40’ may be disposed over the first and second band portions 32, 32’ respectively, and may be formed with one or

more displays

16, 18. One of the displays can be a time display 16 provided on one of the first and

second bracelet portions

12, 14. Another one of the displays can be a display 18 for text message and graphic information. The

displays

16, 18 may produce a display region that can extend along the entire length of the display layers 40, 40’ which may extend along the entire length of the bracelet watch and/or phone 10.

First and second keyboard layers 38, 38’ may be disposed over the first and second band portions 32, 32’ respectively, and may be formed with one or more keyboards 20. The first and second keyboard layers 38, 38’ may further include a game board interface 24.

First and second touch sensor layers 42, 42’ may be disposed over the first and second keyboard layers 38, 38’a nd the first and second display layers 40, 40’ respectively, and may be formed with at least one touchscreen 22. The at least one touchscreen 22 may extend at least 200 degrees around the bracelet watch and/or phone 10.

The touch sensor layers 42, 42’ may cover an area extending through an arc of greater than 100 degrees of each

bracelet portions

12, 14, or an area extending through an arc of greater than 200 degrees of the first and

second bracelet portions

12, 14.

First and second electronic layers 34, 34’ may be disposed over the first and second band portions 32, 32’ respectively. First and second microprocessor and circuitry modules may be provided on the first and second electronic layers 34, 34’ respectively, and operatively coupled with respective electronic components in the first and

second bracelet portions

12, 14, whereby the first and

second bracelet portions

12, 14 can function independently when detached. Each microprocessor and circuitry module may include a microprocessor 60. The microprocessor 60 and other electronic parts are shown in FIG. 3, which is a block diagram of the electronic parts of the bracelet watch and/or phone 10 according to an embodiment thereof.

First and second battery layers 36, 36’ may be disposed over the first and second band portions 32, 32’ respectively, and at least one battery 64 may be provided on at least one of the first and second battery layers 36, 36’ .

The bracelet watch and/or phone 10 may include at least one electronic expansion port 74 provided on the band 32, 32’ , whereby external devices can be connected to the bracelet watch and/or phone 10.

A wireless port 78 may be provided in one of the first and

second bracelet portions

12, 14, whereby the watch can be wirelessly linked to a cell phone.

First and second outermost lenses 44, 44’ may be mounted over the first and

second bracelet portions

12, 14 respectively.

First and second innermost layers 30, 30’ may be detachably mounted underneath the first and second band portions 32, 32’ respectively. The first and second innermost layers 30, 30’ may form a spacer between the bracelet watch and/or phone 10 and a wrist of a wearer, whereby the bracelet watch and/or phone 10 can fit around wrists of different sizes by using spacers of different thicknesses. At least one of the first and second innermost layers 30, 30’ may include an electronic component, which may be a biometric sensor, an extra battery, a thumb drive, etc.

The bracelet watch and/or phone 10 may further include a cavity provided on the bracelet body and a removable panel for covering the cavity, whereby an electrical connection of the bracelet watch and/or phone 10 can be exposed for connection with an additional electronic component. The bracelet watch and/or phone 10 may also allow additional electronic components to be connected to the outer surface of the device and not covered with a removable panel.

The bracelet watch and/or phone 10 can wrap around a wearer’s wrist. The first and second band portions 32, 32’ may be formed with raised edges which are configured to hold the first and second electronic layers 34, 34’ , the first and second battery layers 36, 36’ , the first and second keyboard layers 38, 38’ , the first and second display layers 40, 40’ , and the first and second touch sensor layers 42, 42’ respectively.

The first and second electronic layers 34, 34’ , the first and second battery layers 36, 36’, the first and second keyboard layers 38, 38’ , the first and second display layers 40, 40’ , and the first and second touch sensor layers 42, 42’ can be assembled on top of the first and second metal band portions 32, 32’ respectively and between the raised edges of the metal band portions 32, 32’ . The first and second outermost lens 44, 44’ may then wrap around the first and second metal band portions 32, 32’a nd enclose all other components.

The first and second innermost layers 30, 30’ can be added which allows for sizing of the device or addition of a circuitry or an electronic component. The first and second innermost layers 30, 30’ can take several forms. As shown in FIG. 2, the innermost layer 30’ on the left can be in the form of a thin strip of material that may serve primarily as a fashion statement or isolation of the skin from the metal band. The thin strip of material may be rubber or plastic or any other material. The innermost layer 30 on the right can be in the form of a thicker, possibly padded layer of material which may serve not only as comfort or isolation of skin from the metal band, but also as a spacer to improve fit or as a housing area for additional electronic components that may be accessing the expansion port. The spacer can even be in the form of a perfume container.

The completed assembly could appear as an opaque or near opaque outermost lenses 44, 44’ wrapping around the metal band portions 32, 32’ . Select areas could also be clear windows for unobstructed views of components or displays below the lens. All other components can be sandwiched between the outermost lenses 44, 44’a nd the metal band portions 32, 32’ , and cannot be easily seen or accessed without disassembly of the lenses 44, 44’a nd the metal band 32, 32’ . It is understood that the order of the different components/layers inside the assembly could change and the components/layers are only listed in the order shown in FIG. 2 for illustrative purpose.

In the present embodiment, the outermost lenses 44, 44’ may be made of a clear plastic with a semi-transparent, color layer inside the plastic. When the lenses 44, 44’ are placed over dark objects or over an area where there is no backlighting such as the watch assembly, the lenses 44, 44’a ppear opaque. When the display pixels are reflective or lit, or when the keyboard or other internal sources of light are illuminated, the lenses 44, 44’a ppear transparent. In this embodiment, the lenses 44, 44’ may be plastic but similar effect could be achieved with glass or other similar material. Additionally, a static image or lenticular image could be used in conjunction with the lenses 44, 44’ to provide different styling options.

Below the lenses 44, 44’are the projected capacitive touch sensor layers 42, 42’ which allow touch detection over each display and keyboard. In the present embodiment, one or more displays may be provided on the display layers 40, 40’ . One display 16 can be used primarily as a time piece allowing wearer to have instant access to time. Another display 18 can be used primarily for the display of text message and other graphical information to the wearer. In the present embodiment, the displays are different but they could be similar.

One or more keyboards may be provided below the lenses 44, 44’ . A full keyboard may be formed using backlighting and a film layer. A second keyboard or game board interface 24 may be formed under the lenses 44, 44’ using LED’s and light pipes.

The touch sensor layers 42, 42” above the keyboard and game board interface can provide interaction for the user. Both the keyboard and game interface could be formed using other display methods (such as LCD, eDisplay, EL, etc. ) which are more versatility in use.

The battery 64 can be a curved battery formed on the battery layers 36, 36’a nd can be placed below the display layers 40, 40’a nd the keyboard layers 38, 38’ . For this interaction only one half of the assembly may contain a battery. However, batteries in both halves could be utilized. The battery 64 can be shaped to fit inside the watch and phone assembly to maintain the visual styling of the watch and phone.

The electronic layers 34, 34’ can be disposed below the keyboard layers 38, 38’a nd battery layers 36, 36’ . Electronic components may be located on both halves of the watch and phone assembly as dictated by the circuit design and the functions provided. The circuit board and components may occupy several positions in the stacked up layers described above as dictated by the circuit design and functions provided.

The metal band 32, 32’ may be in the form of a thin stainless steel band. This metal band can maintain the shape of the watch and phone under applied stress and protect the components by limiting the bend radius.

The optional innermost layers 30, 30’ between the wrist and the metal band 32, 32’ can be added. These layers can be used for size adjustment, additional comfort, thermal insulation or additional styling. These layers could also combine with the at least one electronic expansion port 74 which can give new or enhanced electronic functions to the device.

In one embodiment, the watch may have a single hinge and latch but future iterations could use multiple hinges and different types of latches or could be produced without traditional hinge and latch.

Referring to FIG. 3, touching CLOCK FACE 52 or MESSAGE BOARD 50 allows the CLOCK FACE 52 or the MESSAGE BOARD 50 to be illuminated. Time or a message can be displayed as determined by setup functions of the device. Alternative to touching, the user can double tap, swipe or flip wrist to enable the displays. Displays could be continuously lit if desired.

The CLOCK FACE 52 can be used to display time or it can be used for other purposes as defined by apps running on the device. Other purposes may include a compass face or games. The MESSAGE BOARD 50 can display any message, instructions, picture, graphic, etc. that MCU 60 instructs it to display.

The KEYBOARD 20 can be displayed and the TOUCH SENSOR 68 can be used to interpret touches as key presses when the proper program/app is running. The TOUCH SENSOR 68 can also be used for other purposes as determined by the program/app that is running. For instance, swipes and pinches could control a program running on a PC.

The TOUCH SENSOR 68 on the watch side can also be used for general interpretation of touches and a user can swipe across the watch side so as to control, for example, a game. Selected areas of the surface with touch sensors can be provided with symbols, letters or graphics that can be lit to give additional indications.

AUDIBLE ALARM 58 and VIBRATION MOTOR 56 can be configured for use by the program running on the MCU 60. Typical applications are alerts to messages and game playing feedback. The AUDIBLE ALARM 58 can also function as a speaker for a variety of audio outputs. A microphone could be added for audio/voice input.

BACKLIGHTING 54 can be used primarily to make the displays and overlays visible. It can also be used for feedback to the user. In some cases and for some displays, BACKLIGHTING 54 can be actually front lighting. The function is the same but it depends on the object being displayed and the type of light required.

A LIGHT SENSOR 66 may be used to measure ambient light. The primary purpose in the present embodiment is to limit BACKLIGHT energy consumption in different lighting situations for maximum efficiency.

The microprocessor (MCU) 60 can be used to control and coordinate the various functions of the device. The MCU 60 can also manage all communication to external wireless devices using WIRELESS PORT 78. In the present embodiment, the WIRELESS PORT 78 can be an internal Bluetooth^TM module. Other WIRELESS PORTs or modes may be possible in future versions. A wired port may also be included in the present embodiment in the form of an industry standard USB connection 76.

A MEMORY 72 can be used to hold alternate programs (applications, apps, instructions) that have been loaded into the device for operation. The MEMORY 72 can also be used to store sensor and other data for future use. There may be many types of MEMORY that can be used but all are collectively referred to here as MEMORY. The MEMORY 72 may store one or more instructions. The one or more instructions may include an instruction for scrolling a page on the display to a next page, or an instruction for moving an image on the display in a particular direction, or an instruction for displaying a menu on the display, etc. When the touchscreen receives a touch input, the microprocessor 60 will execute an instruction that corresponds to the touch input.

A DIGITAL MOTION SENSOR 70 may be included to allow measurement of movements in all directions including rotation, linear acceleration and magnetic heading. This allows the watch and phone to detect, indicate, act upon, transmit and record motion.

The EXPANSION PORT 74 may be provided to allow additional electronic accessories inside the metal band 32, 32’ . These additional electronic accessories connect directly to circuitry inside the device electronically. The purpose and function of these accessories are not limited in their scope but could include an inductive charging option； light ring； stimulator； flashlight； GPS； NFC； IR； WiFi or ANT for communication with an extended range of devices； heart rate or blood pressure sensor, other bodily monitoring or biometric measurement； kinetic battery charger； and audio signal filtering for improved hearing. On the underside edge of the expansion port closer to the elbow, a microphone or microphones could be added； and closer to the hand, a speaker or speakers could be added allowing voice command and audio texting. By adding microphone and speaker hardware, a complete mobile phone solution is possible with some additional circuitry. Many other options exist and will exist in the future and are natural and obvious extension to the device. Each of the above components and modules could be added as an optional module or included in the watch and phone as a core feature if deemed to be of value in future versions.

The BATTERY 64 may combine with measuring and displaying devices to allow battery life to be measured and displayed the days of operation remaining.

BATTERY CHARGING AND SENSING circuitry 62 may be included to allow accurate measurement of battery voltage, proper control of charging of battery by a variety of sources including fixed and variable DC voltage and inductive charging.

The watch can connect to a charging cradle 80 that holds the watch vertically (FIG. 4) . When the watch detects that it is in the cradle 80 the watch can be configured to show time or other information on one or both displays. The watch can then serve as a desktop or bedside clock and information device. The charging cradle 80 could also be built as a stand. Another charging cradle 82 could also be provided to hold the watch horizontally (FIG. 5) . The charging cradles 80, 82 can power the device by physical electrical connections such as a custom connector or USB, or by inductive charging.

Description of Operation

Projected capacitance touch sensor layers 42, 42’ may be concealed below semitransparent, curved lenses 44, 44’ on the outer surface of watch and phone. The touch sensitive surface may be located beneath the entire lenses 44, 44’ making the entire width and length of the curved lenses 44, 44’ capable of being used for touch sensing. Taps and swipes can be detected by circuitry and communicated to the MCU 60. The MCU 60 can capture these touches and interprets them based on their location and type. Also below the surface of the lenses 44, 44’are text or graphical elements that can be selectively made visible by illumination. These illuminated elements can assist the user in selecting locations and types of touches to be made. These illuminated elements can be plastic images over a light box, light pipes, full displays or other guiding element to create a rich user interface (UI) .

Other elements of the UI may include illuminated elements for indication not requiring user interaction, audible and vibrational alerts. The clock face 52 and message board 50 can also be located below the lenses 44, 44’a nd can be illuminated as needed. The clock face 52 and message board 50 can also be used for other purposes as defined by firmware on the MCU 60. The clock face 52 for instance can become a compass； and the message board 50 can display context sensitive buttons or keypad.

The MCU 60 may display information on the displays and light elements as determined by a program running in the memory 72. This program can also define how to interpret touches from the touch sensor and other hardware inputs. The program on the MCU 60 and memory 72 can be written through a programming port, USB connection or wirelessly.

Depending on hardware in the assembly, the device may connect with a smart phone or other phone via Bluetooth^TM , or with a computer or network via Bluetooth^TM or wi-fi, or with other phones and devices via cell phone technology. Other wireless communication devices and technologies can be connected to and are within the scope of protection.

The light sensor 66 and multiple axis accelerometer/gyro/magnetometer may be provided in the device for additional applications. The light sensor 66 may allow detection of ambient lighting which can be used to efficiently manage display intensity. The accelerometer/gyro/magnetometer can be used for compass location, step monitoring, wrist position and more.

Lithium polymer battery 64 can be configured to fit the radius of the band 32, 32’ . By integrating the watch into the curvature of the band a larger battery is possible to give longer battery life previously possible with rectangular batteries limited to a small area of a watch or phone. This format gives us scalability. Small increases in width, length or thickness have significant effect on the battery capacity. In one embodiment, one battery fitting substantially around the circumference can be used. Additional battery or batteries could be included for additional capacity.

Charging of the battery can be managed by a battery integrated circuit specifically designed for this purpose. The MCU 60 can monitor and report the status as needed. Charging can take place via the USB port 76 or a specially designed contact that can make charging connection easier for the user. Additionally, an inductive charger or kinetic charger module could be added to the device for additional charging options.

Each of the band portions 32, 32’ may be provided with at least one expansion port 46 that allows insertion of an additional electronic module. Inside the port 46 are the connections to the MCU 60 and power that allows for a multitude of additional circuitry modules. The module can be placed fully inside the expansion port 46 or can extend beyond the boundaries of the expansion module using a custom replacement panel. Common uses of the expansion port 46 would be microphone and speaker module or a flashlight. In these two applications the modules could be inserted in either direction as the orientation would change based on left or right hand use.

Bluetooth^TM may be used in the watch version of the device to establish a link and for communication with other electronic devices such as cell phone and tablets. Once a link is established the watch can initiate or receive messages, notifications, incoming call, etc. as needed or desired.

A full cell phone transceiver may be used in the phone version of the device. All functions performed by standard cell phones can be performed with this device as well as many smart phone functions. This phone could incorporate Bluetooth^TM or wi-fi as needed.

Modules

The device allows for several types of expansion modules. These modules can be optional or could be fully integrated into the device. There are many expansion modules that can be connected to the internal circuitry of the device and fit below a cover panel. A raised cover panel may be provided for larger components. Some require access to the environment outside the device. Some of these are described below. Mirrored electrical and mechanical connection inside the expansion port allow for insertion in the proper orientation for left or right hand use. Covering materials can be added to any sensor or module to enhance the measurement or fit or comfort of the device.

A flashlight may be integrated into the device. The light beam of the flashlight can originate under the wrist on the edge of the device nearer to the hand, and can be projected towards the fingers. Software control allows the flashlight to be turned on and off as desired.

Biometric measurements can be made using a module that has a raised surface allowing contact or near contact to the body of a wearer. The top surface of the expansion module may contain circuitry and materials necessary to sense the desired events.

A module containing microphone and speaker can be used to add an audio interface to the device. Using the mirrored nature of the expansion port 46, a microphone 92 can be placed under the wrist on the elbow-facing edge of the device and a speaker 90 can be placed under the wrist on the hand-facing edge of the device. In this configuration the wearer can speak to the device with the device held in front of the wearer or with the device held to the ear. The speaker assembly may have an optional extendable arm that can be extended outwardly from the device. This extendable arm can rotate backwards towards the palm helping to position the device properly and prevent it from slipping down the wrist. The extendable arm could take the form of a flat springs, lattice or other method. At the top of the extended arm is the speaker. This speaker takes advantage of the natural hand position and feels more natural to a wearer of the device. When the speaker 90 is extended a second microphone may be enabled that is located on the underside of the wrist on the hand-facing edge of the device. Another embodiment allows the speaker and microphone to be extended or rotated into position as shown in FIG. 6.

Companion Device

A companion device may include a battery, cell phone radio, SIM card, wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity. A minimal user interface (UI) including keypad and display could be added. The companion device would be portable and carried with wearer providing external signals required for full functionality of the device. A wi-fi connection would provide extra connection for data or for other external devices to connect wirelessly. The companion device can also be used to charge the device.

FIGS. 7 (a) -7 (d) are top, side, front and perspective views of a bracelet watch and/or phone 110 respectively according to another embodiment thereof. The bracelet watch and/or phone 110 is the same as the bracelet and/or phone 10 previously described, except that it may be made of a continuous oval-shaped bracelet body with a continuous band and continuous battery, electronic, keyboard, display, touch sensor, lens and innermost layers.

FIGS. 8 (a) -8 (d) are top, side, front and perspective views of a bracelet watch and/or phone 210 respectively according to a further embodiment thereof. The bracelet watch and/or phone 210 is the same as the bracelet and/or phone 110 shown in FIGS. 7 (a) -7(d) , except that it may be made of two half-

oval bracelet bodies

212, 214 with two half-oval bands and two half-oval battery, electronic, keyboard, display, touch sensor, lens and innermost layers.

FIGS. 9 (a) -9 (d) are top, side, front and perspective views of a bracelet watch and/or phone 310 respectively according to yet another embodiment thereof. The bracelet watch and/or phone 310 is the same as the bracelet and/or phone 210 shown in FIGS. 8(a) -8 (d) , except that two detachable and replaceable bracelet spacer portions 330 can be provided between two opposite ends of the two

bracelet portions

312, 314 respectively. Bracelet spacer portions 330 with different lengths can be used to fit around wrists of different sizes.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the bracelet watch and/or phone of another embodiment of the present application. The first opposite ends of the components of the first and

second bracelet portions

12, 14 can be fixed within an opening of a silicone hinge cover 400. A flex PCB 402 with connectors can be used to electrically connect the components of the first and

second bracelet portions

12, 14. A flex PCB cover 404 may be attached to the opposite ends of the first and

second bracelet portions

12, 14 for covering the flex PCB 402. A Snapwear module 406 can be provided on an inner surface of the first or

second bracelet portions

12, 14.

The second opposite ends of the first and

second bracelet portions

12, 14 can be releasably connected together by a

snap fastening assembly

500, 502.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective views of the bracelet watch and/or phone of FIG. 10. In another embodiment, a cover 408 may be configured to snap-fit onto the first opposite ends of the first and

second bracelet portions

12, 14.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the bracelet watch and/or phone according to a further embodiment of the present application. The first opposite ends of the first and

second bracelet portions

12, 14 can be hingedly connected together by a hinge mechanism 600, and the second opposite ends of the first and

second bracelet portions

12, 14 can be releasably connected together by a

snap fastening assembly

602, 604.

While the bracelet watch and/or phone has been shown and described with particular references to a number of preferred embodiments thereof, it should be noted that various other changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

An electronic bracelet comprising:

(a) a bracelet body sized and shaped to wrap around a wrist of a wearer and comprised of first and second bracelet portions；

(b) a band extending along the bracelet body；

(c) a display layer disposed over the band and comprised of at least one display；

(d) a touch sensor layer disposed over the display layer and covering an area extending through an arc of greater than 100 degrees of each bracelet portion, or an area extending through an arc of greater than 200 degrees of the first and second bracelet portions；

(e) memory for storing one or more instructions； and

(f) a microprocessor coupled with the memory, the touchscreen and the displays； whereby when the touchscreen receives a touch input, the microprocessor executes an instruction that corresponds to the touch input.
The electronic bracelet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more instructions include an instruction for scrolling a page on the display to a next page.
The electronic bracelet as claimed in claim 1, wherein

(a) the band comprises first and second band portions extending along the first and second bracelet portions respectively；

(b) the display layer comprises first and second display layer portions disposed over the first and second band portions and comprised of first and second displays respectively； and

(c) the touch sensor layer comprises first and second touch sensor layer portions disposed over the first and second display layer portions respectively, and comprised of at least one touchscreen.
The electronic bracelet as claimed in claim 3, further comprising first and second electronic layers disposed over the first and second band portions respectively, and first and second microprocessor and circuitry modules being provided on the first and second electronic layers respectively.
The electronic bracelet as claimed in claim 4, further comprising first and second battery layers disposed over the first and second band portions respectively, and at least one battery being provided on at least one of the first and second battery layers.
The electronic bracelet as claimed in claim 3, further comprising first and second keyboard layers disposed over the first and second band portions respectively and comprised of one or more keyboards.
The electronic bracelet as claimed in claim 3, further comprising first and second outermost lenses mounted over the first and second bracelet portions respectively.
The electronic bracelet as claimed in claim 3, further comprising first and second innermost layers detachably mounted underneath the first and second band portions respectively.
The electronic bracelet as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first and second innermost layers form a spacer between the electronic bracelet and the wrist of the wearer, whereby the electronic bracelet can fit around wrists of different sizes by using spacers of different thicknesses.
The electronic bracelet as claimed in claim 8, wherein at least one of the first and second innermost layers comprises an electronic component.
The electronic bracelet as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first and second keyboard layers comprise a game board interface.
The electronic bracelet as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a phone transceiver, a speaker and a microphone provided on the band.
The electronic bracelet as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a Bluetooth^TM module for communication with Bluetooth^TM accessories.
The electronic bracelet as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a wi-fi transceiver for connection with a wi-fi server.
The electronic bracelet as claimed in claim 3, wherein the bracelet body is oval in shape, and the first and second bracelet portions are half-oval in shape.
The electronic bracelet as claimed in claim 3, further comprising two detachable and replaceable bracelet spacer portions provided between first and second opposite ends of the first and second bracelet portions respectively.
The electronic bracelet as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an arm connected to and extendable from the bracelet body, wherein a speaker is provided on a free end of the arm and a microphone is provided on a hand-facing edge of the bracelet body.
The electronic bracelet as claimed in claim 3, wherein first opposite ends of the first and second bracelet portions are hingedly connected together by a hinge mechanism, and second opposite ends of the first and second bracelet portions are releasably connected together by a snap fastening assembly.
The electronic bracelet as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one touchscreen extends at least 200 degrees around the bracelet body.
The electronic bracelet as claimed in claim 7, wherein the outermost lenses are made of a clear plastic with a semi-transparent, color layer inside the plastic, whereby when the lenses are placed over dark objects or over an area where there is no backlighting, the lenses appear opaque.
The electronic bracelet as claimed in claim 1, the bracelet body can be supported on a charging cradle for charging and displaying.
A bracelet watch comprising:

(a) a bracelet body comprising a first bracelet portion and a second bracelet portion connected with the first bracelet portion；

(b) a band comprising first and second band portions extending along the first and second bracelet portions respectively；

(c) first and second display layers disposed over the first and second band portions respectively and comprised of one or more displays, wherein one of the displays is a time display；

(d) first and second keyboard layers disposed over the first and second band portions respectively and comprised of one or more keyboards； and

(e) first and second touch sensor layers disposed over the first and second keyboard and display layers respectively.
The bracelet watch as claimed in claim 22, further comprising first and second electronic layers disposed over the first and second band portions respectively, and first and second microprocessor and circuitry modules being provided on the first and second electronic layers respectively.
The bracelet watch as claimed in claim 22, further comprising first and second battery layers disposed over the first and second band portions respectively, and at least one battery being provided on at least one of the first and second battery layers.
The bracelet watch as claimed in claim 22, further comprising a wireless port provided in one of the first and second bracelet portions, whereby the watch can be wirelessly linked to a cell phone or other device.
The bracelet watch as claimed in claim 22, further comprising at least one electronic expansion port provided on the band, whereby external circuits or devices can be connected to the watch.
The bracelet watch as claimed in claim 22, further comprising first and second outermost lenses mounted over the first and second bracelet portions respectively.
The bracelet watch as claimed in claim 22, further comprising first and second innermost layers detachably mounted underneath the first and second band portions respectively.
The bracelet watch as claimed in claim 28, wherein the first and second innermost layers form a spacer between the watch and a wrist of a wearer, whereby the watch can fit around wrists of different sizes by using spacers of different thicknesses.
The bracelet watch as claimed in claim 28, wherein at least one of the first and second innermost layers comprises an electronic component.
The bracelet watch as claimed in claim 22, wherein one of the displays is a display for text message and graphic information.
The bracelet watch as claimed in claim 22, wherein the first and second keyboard layers comprise a game board interface.
The bracelet watch as claimed in claim 22, wherein the band is a rigid band made of metal.
The bracelet watch as claimed in claim 22, wherein the bracelet body is oval in shape, and the first and second bracelet portions are half-oval in shape.
The bracelet watch as claimed in claim 22, further comprising two detachable and replaceable bracelet spacer portions provided between first and second opposite ends of the first and second bracelet portions respectively.
The bracelet watch as claimed in claim 22, wherein first opposite ends of the first and second bracelet portions are hingedly connected together by a hinge mechanism, and second opposite ends of the first and second bracelet portions are releasably connected together by a snap fastening assembly.
The bracelet watch as claimed in claim 22, further comprising at least one touchscreen extending at least 200 degrees around the watch.
The bracelet watch as claimed in claim 27, wherein the outermost lenses are made of a clear plastic with a semi-transparent, color layer inside the plastic, whereby when the lenses are placed over dark objects or over an area where there is no backlighting, the lenses appear opaque.
The bracelet watch as claimed in claim 22, the bracelet body can be supported on a charging cradle for charging and displaying.
A bracelet phone comprising:

(a) a bracelet body comprising a first bracelet portion and a second bracelet portion connected with the first bracelet portion；

(b) a band comprising first and second band portions extending along the first and second bracelet portions respectively；

(c) first and second display layers disposed over the first and second band portions respectively and comprised of one or more displays；

(d) first and second keyboard layers disposed over the first and second band portions respectively and comprised of one or more keyboards；

(e) first and second touch sensor layers disposed over the first and second keyboard and display layers respectively and comprised of at least one touchscreen； and

(f) a phone transceiver, a speaker and a microphone provided on the band.
The bracelet phone as claimed in claim 40, further comprising first and second electronic layers disposed over the first and second band portions respectively, and first and second microprocessor and circuitry modules being provided on the first and second electronic layers respectively.
The bracelet phone as claimed in claim 41, further comprising first and second battery layers disposed over the first and second band portions respectively, and at least one battery being provided on at least one of the first and second battery layers.
The bracelet phone as claimed in claim 40, further comprising at least one electronic expansion port provided on the band, whereby external devices can be connected to the phone.
The bracelet phone as claimed in claim 40, further comprising first and second outermost lenses mounted over the first and second bracelet portions respectively.
The bracelet phone as claimed in claim 40, further comprising first and second innermost layers detachably mounted underneath the first and second band portions respectively.
The bracelet phone as claimed in claim 45, wherein the first and second innermost layers form a spacer between the phone and a wrist of a wearer, whereby the phone can fit around wrists of different sizes by using spacers of different thicknesses.
The bracelet phone as claimed in claim 45, wherein at least one of the first and second innermost layers comprises an electronic component.
The bracelet phone as claimed in claim 40, wherein one of the displays is a display for text message and graphic information.
The bracelet phone as claimed in claim 40, wherein the first and second keyboard layers comprise a game board interface.
The bracelet phone as claimed in claim 40, wherein the band is a rigid band made of metal.
The bracelet phone as claimed in claim 40, further comprising a Bluetooth^TM module for communication with Bluetooth^TM accessories.
The bracelet phone as claimed in claim 40, further comprising a wi-fi transceiver for connection with a wi-fi server.
The bracelet phone as claimed in claim 40, wherein the bracelet body is oval in shape, and the first and second bracelet portions are half-oval in shape.
The bracelet phone as claimed in claim 40, further comprising two detachable and replaceable bracelet spacer portions provided between first and second opposite ends of the first and second bracelet portions respectively.
The bracelet phone as claimed in claim 40, wherein first opposite ends of the first and second bracelet portions are hingedly connected together by a hinge mechanism, and second opposite ends of the first and second bracelet portions are releasably connected together by a snap fastening assembly.
The bracelet phone as claimed in claim 40, wherein the at least one touchscreen extends at least 200 degrees around the phone.
The bracelet phone as claimed in claim 40, wherein the microphone is disposed on an elbow-facing edge of the bracelet body, and the speaker is disposed on a hand-facing edge of the bracelet body.
The bracelet phone as claimed in claim 57, further comprising an arm connected to and extendable from the bracelet body, wherein the speaker is provided on a free end of the arm and the microphone is provided on the hand-facing edge of the bracelet body.
The bracelet phone as claimed in claim 44, wherein the outermost lenses are made of a clear plastic with a semi-transparent, color layer inside the plastic, whereby when the lenses are placed over dark objects or over an area where there is no backlighting, the lenses appear opaque.
The bracelet phone as claimed in claim 40, the bracelet body can be supported on a charging cradle for charging and displaying.