WO2017135848A1

WO2017135848A1 - Heart activity monitor integrated with wired headphones

Info

Publication number: WO2017135848A1
Application number: PCT/RU2017/000053
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vladimir Vyacheslavovich SAVCHENKO
Original assignee: Savchenko Vladimir Vyacheslavovich
Priority date: 2016-02-04
Filing date: 2017-02-03
Publication date: 2017-08-10
Also published as: DE202017006910U1; RU198362U1

Abstract

An apparatus comprises at least one earpiece configured to be positioned within an ear of a user. The apparatus also includes a headset controller incorporating a heart activity measuring unit configured to sense a heart activity of the user, generate a heart activity signal, modulate the heart activity signal, and transmit a modulated heart activity signal to a host device such as a mobile device. The apparatus further includes a main cable to couple the host device to the headset controller. The heart activity measuring unit includes first and second electrodes. The first electrode is integrated with the earpiece such that, when the earpiece is positioned within the ear, the first electrode is in contact with a skin substantially within the ear. The second electrode is arranged on an outer surface of main cable and configured to be in contact with the skin of the user but outside of the ear.

Description

HEART ACTIVITY MONITOR INTEGRATED WITH WIRED HEADPHONES

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to portable heart activity monitors, portable heart rate detection systems, portable electrocardiography systems, and the like devices. More particularly, this disclosure relates to an apparatus which integrates a heart activity measuring unit with headphones or a headset.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0002] Athletic activity is an important factor for many individuals in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It was found to be advantageous to track and record heart activity data especially during a physical exercise. There are known many devices designed to monitor an activity of human heart. For example, a most common device is a heart rate monitor including a chest belt having two electrical contacts which should contact the chest of a user and enable the heart rate monitor to measure a human heart rate. This type of heart rate monitor is found to be inconvenient to use by many individuals.

[0003] Other heart rate monitors involve a light-based technology. These hart rate monitors typically include a light source and a light detector. A light is shined from the light source, directed through a skin of the user, reflected back, and sensed by the light detector. The heart rate monitor further measures a blood motion within a vein of the user to determine heart activity. The light-based heart rate monitors are typically integrated into wearable accessories such as watches, wrist bands, arm bands, and the like. One well known drawback of the light-based heart rate monitors includes inconsistency in heart rate measurement, especially when a user is in motion.

[0004] Electrocardiography devices have been proven to be more reliable but they are typically bulky, non-portable, or require an extra device tightly attached to a chest of the user. The electrocardiography devices were also found to be inconvenient to use. Accordingly, there is still a need in the art to improve heart activity monitors, make them more reliable and user friendly. SUMMARY

[0005] This section is provided to introduce aspects of embodiments of this disclosure in a simplified form that are further described below in the section of Detailed Description of Example Embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The aspects of embodiments of this disclosure are designed to overcome at least some drawbacks existing known in the art.

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for heart activity monitoring. The apparatus comprises at least one earpiece configured to be positioned within an ear of a user and provide an audio output; a heart activity measuring unit configured to sense a heart activity of the user, modulate a heart activity signal, transmit a modulated heart activity signal to a host device, wherein the heart activity measuring unit is configured to be coupled between the at least one earpiece and the host device, wherein the heart activity measuring unit includes at least a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode is integrated with the at least one earpiece such that, when the at least one earpiece is positioned within the ear of the user, the first electrode is in contact with a skin of the user at a first location substantially within the ear of the user, wherein the second electrode is configured to be in contact with the skin of the user at a second location, the second location differs from the first location, and the second location is outside of the ear of the user.

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a headset.

The headset comprises: at least one earpiece configured to be positioned within an ear of a user and provide an audio output; a headset controller coupled to the at least one earpiece and configured to be coupled to a host device; a heart activity measuring unit incorporated in the headset controller, wherein the heart activity measuring unit is configured to sense or detect a heart activity of the user, produce an analog heart activity signal, modulate the analog heart activity signal to produce a modulate heart activity signal, wherein the heart activity measuring unit or the headset controller is configured to transmit the modulated heart activity signal to the host device; and a main cable configured to couple the host device to the headset controller, wherein the heart activity measuring unit includes at least a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode is integrated with the at least one earpiece such that, when the earpiece is positioned within the ear of the user, the first electrode is in contact with a skin of the user at a first location substantially within the ear of the user, wherein the second electrode is arranged on an outer surface of the main cable, the second electrode is configured to be in contact with the skin of the user at a second location, the second location differs from the first location, and the second location is outside of the ear of the user.

[0008] Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a block diagram for invented headset connected to a host via a cable;

[0011] FIG. 2A illustrates one embodiment of a main cable;

[0012] FIG. 2B illustrates a cross section view of the main cable;

[0013] FIG. 3A shows a headset for audible playback and heart rate monitoring purposes according to one embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 3B shows a headset for audible playback and heart rate monitoring purposes according to another embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 4 shows a front view of user illustrating one example how the user who can use a headset;

[0016] FIG. 5A shows a front view of a user illustrating another example how the user who can use a headset;

[0017] FIG. 5B shows a back view of a user illustrating yet another example how the user who can use a headset;

[0018] FIG. 6 A shows a front view of a user illustrating yet another example how the user who can use a headset;

[0019] FIG. 6B shows a back view of a user illustrating yet another example how the user who can use a headset;

[0020] FIG. 7A shows a front view of a user illustrating yet another example how the user who can use a headset;

[0021] FIG. 7B shows a back view of a user illustrating yet another example how the user who can use a headset; and

[0022] FIG. 8 shows a front view of a user illustrating yet another example how the user who can use a headset. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Introduction

[0023] The following detailed description of embodiments includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. Approaches described in this section are not prior art to the claims and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section. The drawings show illustrations in accordance with example embodiments. These example embodiments, which are also referred to herein as "examples," are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. The embodiments can be combined, other embodiments can be utilized, or structural, logical and operational changes can be made without departing from the scope of what is claimed. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0024] Aspects of embodiments will now be presented with reference to a headset or an apparatus for heart activity monitoring. These headset and apparatus may be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or any combination thereof. Whether such aspects of this disclosure are implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. By way of example, an element, or any portion of an element, or any combination of elements may be implemented with a "data processor" that includes one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, Central Processing Units (CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform various functions described throughout this disclosure. The data processor may execute software, firmware, or middleware

(collectively referred to as "software"). The term "software" shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software components, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0025] Accordingly, in one or more embodiments, the functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or encoded as one or more instructions or code on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes computer storage media. Storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise a random-access memory, a read-only memory, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, magnetic disk storage, solid state memory, or any other data storage devices, combinations of the aforementioned types of computer- readable media, or any other medium that can be used to store computer executable code in the form of instructions or data structures that can be accessed by a computer.

[0026] For purposes of this patent document, the terms "or" and "and" shall mean "and/or" unless stated otherwise or clearly intended otherwise by the context of their use. The term "a" shall mean "one or more" unless stated otherwise or where the use of "one or more" is clearly inappropriate. The terms "comprise," "comprising," "include," and "including" are interchangeable and not intended to be limiting. For example, the term "including" shall be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to."

[0027] It should be also understood that the terms "first," "second," "third," and so forth can be used herein to describe various elements. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another, but not to imply a required sequence of elements. For example, a first element can be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element can be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of present teachings. Moreover, it shall be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" or "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly on or connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements can be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" or "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0028] The term "host device" shall be construed to mean any computing or electronic device with data processing and data communication capabilities, including, but not limited to, a mobile device, cellular phone, mobile phone, smart phone, Internet phone, user equipment, mobile terminal, tablet computer, laptop computer, desktop computer, workstation, thin client, personal digital assistant, multimedia player, navigation system, game console, wearable computer, smart watch, entertainment system, infotainment system, vehicle computer, bicycle computer, or virtual reality device.

[0029] The term "earpiece" shall be construed to mean any device that can be placed into or near an outer ear of a user for purposes of outputting audio signals or noise reduction purposes. The term "earpiece" shall also mean any or all of the following, or shall be construed to mean that one or more of the following is an element of the "earpiece": a headphone, an earbud, an earphone, an ear speaker, an ear pod, an ear insert, hearing aid device, and in-the-ear acoustic device.

[0030] The term "headset" shall be construed to mean a device that comprises at least one headphone only or a device that comprises at least one headphone and a microphone. Thus, a headset can be made with either a single-earpiece (mono) or a double-earpiece (mono to both ears or stereo). The term "headphones" is used herein to mean a pair of speakers or loudspeakers maintained close to a user's ears. Examples of headphones can circum-aural, supra-aural, earbud, and in-ear headphones. In-ear headphones are small headphones, sometimes also called earbuds, which are inserted in the ear canal or fitted in the outer ear. Although the embodiments of this disclosure are limited to wired headphones, those skilled in the art would appreciate that the same or similar embodiments can be implemented with wireless headphones or wireless headset.

[0031] The term "garment" shall be construed to mean any piece of clothing worn over a skin of the user to cover the top part of the user. Some examples of the garment include a T-shirt, jersey, or a pullover.

[0032] The term "heart activity" shall be construed to mean any vital, natural or biological activity of a human heart including heart beats or heart electrical activity. The term "heart activity signal" shall be construed to mean an analog signal characterizing a heart activity of a user. The term "heart activity data" shall be construed to mean any digital data characterizing a heart activity of a user. Some examples of heart activity signal include, but not limited to, an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) signal, heart activity wave signal, or heart activity impulse signal. Some examples of heart activity data include, but not limited to, a heart rate, a heart beats per minute, a heart variability rate, a heart rhythm, or any other vital or biometrical data associated with heart activity.

[0033] As outlined above, the aspects of embodiments of this disclosure provide an apparatus for heart activity monitoring. In other words, the embodiments of this disclosure integrate a heart activity measuring unit into headphones or headset. The heart activity measuring unit is generally configured to sense, detect, or measure one or more heart activities of the user, generate heart activity data based, and transmit or cause transmitting the heart activity data to a host device such as a smart phone or server for further processing, recording in a memory, or displaying.

[0034] The heart activity measuring unit comprises at least two electrodes which are configured to directly connect to a skin of a user. One electrode is placed inside an ear canal or fitted in an outer ear of the user, and establishes a reliable electrical contact with the skin. The other electrode can be placed on a chest or under an arm, in an armpit area, on a neck, shoulder, or back of the user. The heart activity measuring unit can further comprise one or more sensors coupled to the electrodes and configured to measure electrical signals generated by heart muscles, convert them to a voltage signal, modulate the voltage signal, transmit a modulated voltage signal to a host device, which can demodulate the modulated voltage signal and process a demodulated voltage signal to generate heart activity data. The heart activity measuring unit can be connected to the host device via a cable, either directly or indirectly. In some implementations, the heart activity measuring unit can be incorporated into a headset controller of a headset.

Apparatus Architecture

[0035] Referring now to the drawings, exemplary embodiments are described. The drawings are schematic illustrations of idealized example embodiments. Thus, the example embodiments discussed herein should not be construed as limited to the particular illustrations presented herein, rather these example embodiments can include deviations and differ from the illustrations presented herein.

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram representing an example apparatus 100 for heart activity monitoring connected to a host device 121, according to one example embodiment. Apparatus 100 can be at least a part of in-ear headphones or a headset.

Apparatus 100 comprises a left earpiece (headphone) 104 and a right earpiece

(headphone) 106. Left earpiece 104 includes or integrates a conductive electrode 103.

Right earpiece 106 includes or integrates another conductive electrode 105. Each of electrodes 103 and 105 is configured to be in direct or indirect contact with the skin of each ear. Each of electrodes 103 and 105 is a part of the heart rate measuring unit.

[0037] Each of earpieces 104 and 106 is connected via respective cables to a headset controller 101 outlined in an enclosure. Headset controller 101 comprises a headset module 109 configured to provide a first audio signal to left earpiece 104 and a second audio signal to right earpiece 106. Headset controller 101 can also comprise a microphone module 108 with a microphone 110. Microphone 110 is configured to capture a voice signal of the user. Microphone module 108 is configured to process the voice signal or transmit (or cause transmission) the voice signal or processed voice signal to host device 121. In some embodiments, headset controller 101 and apparatus 100 are two separate devices, but in other embodiments, headset controller 101 can be a part of be included in apparatus 100. In yet other implementations, headset controller 101 is the same as apparatus 100.

[0038] First electrode 103 and second electrode 105 are electrically connected to one input of a voltage comparator 111. Voltage comparator 111 is a part of the heart rate measuring unit. In some embodiments, voltage comparator 111 also includes a voltage amplifier.

[0039] A third electrode 107 is also provided with a purpose to establish a direct contact with a skin of the user in a location other than the ears. For example, third electrode 107 can be in contact with a skin of a chest, a neck, under an arm, a shoulder, or a back of the user. Third electrode 107 is a part of the heart measuring unit. Third electrode 107 is connected to another input of voltage comparator 111. Voltage amplifier 111 is configured to determine a voltage difference between first electrode 103 (or second electrode 105) and third electrode 107. The voltage difference characterizes or becomes at least a part of heart activity signal. For example, the voltage difference is related to an ECG signal.

[0040] A signal representing the voltage difference of voltage comparator 111 is then transmitted to a modem 113. Modem 113 can be a communication device configured to communicate one or more signals (i.e., transmit and receive signals) with host device 121 via a main cable 117. Modem 113 can be configured to modulate the heart activity signal representing the voltage difference generated by voltage comparator 111 and generate a modulated signal. For example, the modulated heart activity signal can be a basis for heart activity data or related to an ECG signal. Modem 113 can be further configured to transmit the modulated heart activity signal via a connector 115 and main cable 117 to host device 121. Upon receipt of the modulated heart activity signal, host device 121 can demodulate the modulated heart activity signal to retrieve, generate, or process a demodulated heart activity signal that represents heart activity data (such as ECG signal). Host device 121 can also store the demodulated heart activity signal that represents heart activity data, process it, display it, and so forth. Host device 121 can also process and display the demodulated heart activity signal. For example, host device 121 can process the demodulated heart activity signal to produce heart activity data for further storage and displaying.

[0041] As discussed above, some examples of host device 121 include a smartphone, a watch, an armband, or a music player. Regardless of implementation, host device 121 includes a connector 119 such as a 3.5 mm phone connector, phone jack, audio jack, Universal Serial Bus (USB), or Apple's^® Lightning Connector. For simplicity, the block diagram of FIG. 1 does not show a common, negative, or ground wire connected to earpieces 104, 106, microphone 110, and all other elements of apparatus 100.

[0042] Main cable 117 can include four wires, including a left headphone wire, a right headphone wire, a ground (or common wire), and a microphone wire. Which wire is used for the modulated signal transmission is determined by a capacity of host device 121 to demodulate the signal and process it.

[0043] One output of modem 113 is connected to one of the wires inside main cable 1 17 to transmit the modulated signal that is associated with the heart activity data. Since apparatus 100 is designed to transmit an audible signal with frequencies from about 20 Hz to about 20 kHz, modem 113 can use frequency modulation shifted up by more than 20 kHz to avoid interference with the audible signal in the same wire.

However, the modulation method depends on a capacity of host device 121 and its ability to demodulate and analyze received signal.

[0044] The power for voltage comparator 111 and modem 113 is drawn from host device 121 via main cable 117. Apparatus 100 can provide an input voltage to power microphone 110. This voltage can also be used to power voltage comparator 111 and modem 113 directly or via a voltage regulator 114. For a better performance or when there is no microphone wire, an optional battery 123 can be added to apparatus 100 to power voltage amplifier 111 and modem 113, and optionally other elements of apparatus 100.

[0045] In one embodiment, each of connector 119 of host device 121 and connector 115 of apparatus 100 (headset) can be a standard 3.5 mm connector which includes four contacts abbreviated as TRRS (Tip, Ring, Ring, and Sleeve). These contacts connect the four wires of main cable 117. For example, a Tip contact is for connecting a left ear audio signal, a first Ring contact is for connecting a right ear audio signal, a second Ring contact is for connecting a ground or negative wire, and a Sleeve contact is for connecting a microphone wire. Some smartphone manufacturers may use different connection sequence. Music players may have only three contacts TRS (Tip, Ring and Sleeve). Also, some mono headphones may have only two contacts TS (Tip and Sleeve). Accordingly, those skilled in the art would appreciate that connectors 115, 119 and main cable 117 may be adapted to any number of wires and contacts. For example, connector 119 can be designed to accept plugs with either four (TRRS), three (TRS), and two (TS) contacts. Main cable 117, on one end, is attached to connector 119. On another end, main cable 117 is connected to apparatus 100 via connector 115. In alternate embodiments, Universal Serial Bus (USB) or micro-USB connector can be used in either connector 115 or connector 119.

[0046] FIG. 2 A illustrates one embodiment of main cable 117. As shown in this figure, main cable 117 includes four electrically conductive wires 221 insulated from each other and covered by an external insulation cord 219. Insulation cord 219 is covered by an electrically conductive layer 217. Electrically conductive layer 217 can include a mesh made from multiple metal wires. Conductive layer 217 is electrically connected to a headset controller 101. In some embodiments, conductive layer 217 can represent third electrode 107. In other embodiments, conductive layer 217 can be connected third electrode 107. Main cable 117 may have a sliding insulation 215 over a conductive layer 217. Insulation 215 may be used to prevent conductive layer 217 touching parts of the user's body which may not be suitable for measuring a voltage potential for heart monitoring purpose. Insulation 215 also helps to establish a contact of third electrode 107 with a particular section of the user's body to detect an ECG signal related to this section. For example, a contact with the skin can be established on a chest or under an arm, in an armpit or on the neck, on a shoulder, or on a back.

[0047] FIG. 2B illustrates a cross section view of main cable 117. As shown in this figure, main cable includes four wires 207, 209, 211, and 213 insulated from each other and covered with an outer insulation cord 203. The area between wires maybe filled with an insulating material 205 or simply not filled with anything. The number of wires can vary depending on the purpose of headset 101. Main cable 117 has an electrically conductive layer 201 over insulation layer 203. Electrically conductive layer 201 can represent third electrode 107 or be connected to third electrode 107. Electrically conductive layer 201 can be on an outer surface of main cable 1 17 for the entire length of main cable 117. In other embodiments, electrically conductive layer 201 can be on the outer surface of main cable 117 for a predetermined length that is less than the entire length of main cable 117.

[0048] Yet in other embodiments, electrically conductive layer 217 can be made from an electrically conductive polymer electrically connected to headset controller 101. Yet in other embodiments, electrically conductive layer 217 can also be a simple electrical wire wrapped around cable insulation 219. Regardless of the material and technology the principle of the invented cable remains the same: a cable connecting headset to a host device shall have an electrically conductive outer layer for the purpose of establishing an electrical contact with a human skin.

[0049] FIG. 3A shows a headset 300A for audible playback and heart rate monitoring purposes according to one embodiment. FIG. 3B shows a headset 300B for audible playback and heart rate monitoring purposes according to another embodiment.

[0050] An in-ear insert 311 for the left ear and an in-ear insert 321 for the right ear are made out of electrically conductive material like a polymer. This material can be soft, jelly-like, with low resistance electrical conductivity, and can have a shape for easy insert into an ear. In-ear inserts 311 and 321 are designed to directly contact the skin of the user at the entrance to the ear canal, cavum concha, or around the ear canal. In-ear inserts 31 1 and 321 can be connected to or be used as electrodes 103 and 105 of FIG. 1 connected to the skin of the ear and can conduct an electrical potential or voltage. In-ear inserts 311 and 321 can be removable parts. In-ear insert 311 can be attached to an electrically conductive base 313 of the left earpiece. Electrically conductive base 313 is connected by a wire 315. Wire 315 is fitted inside the left earpiece and also connected to a first headphone cable 317. First headphone cable 317 is used to connect three wires: a negative or ground wire, a phone wire, and one wire 315 for skin voltage measurement. The negative (or ground) wire and the phone wire can be used to transmit a first audio signal to the left earpiece.

[0051] Similarly, the right ear can also be used for heart activity measurement.

Thus, the right earpiece can be designed the same way as the left earpiece as described above. This creates an additional measurement point, however apparatus 100 can use only two electrodes in some embodiments. In some embodiments, first headphone cable 317 is attached to a splitter 329. Splitter 329 also connects a second headphone cable 327 with three wires for the right earpiece, just like first headphone cable 317 connects the left earpiece. Right in-ear insert 321 is attached to an electrically conductive base 323 and connected to a wire 325. Wire 325 is fitted through right headphone cable 327 to splitter 329. Second headphone cable 327 is used to connect three wires: a negative or ground wire, a phone wire, and one wire 325 for skin voltage measurement. The negative (or ground) wire and the phone wire of cable 327 can be used to transmit a second audio signal to the right earpiece. In other embodiments, second headphone cable 327 is used to connect two wires: a negative (or ground) wire and a phone wire to transmit the second audio signal to the right earpiece.

[0052] In-ear inserts 311 and 321 are represented on FIG. 1 as electrodes 103 and

105, respectively, which are together connected to one input of voltage comparator 111. In-ear inserts 311 and 321 create a reliable contact with the skin of the ear near the ear canal and around it.

[0053] A headset controller 331 of FIG. 3 A can be an instance of headset controller 101 of FIG. 1. Headset controller 331 can include a microphone and control buttons such as volume and multifunctional buttons. A main cable 333 can be an instance of main cable 217, which is described above. Main cable 333 can connect headset controller 331 to an audio plug 319. Main cable 333 has four wires and covered by an electrically conductive layer 335. Electrically conductive layer 335 can cover the whole length of the invented cable or a predetermined part of it. Headset controller 331 contains all parts described in the headset enclosure 101 shown on FIG. 1. The conductive layer of main cable 335 is electrically connected to headset controller 331 and illustrated as electrode 107 on FIG. 1.

[0054] In another embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, a headset controller 341 is located between in-ear headphone connected by a headphone cable 347 with three wires inside just like headphone cable 327 of FIG. 3 A. On the other end, headset controller 341 is connected to a splitter 345 via a headphone cable 343. Headset controller 341 of FIG. 3B can be an instance of headset controller 101 of FIG. 1.

[0055] Cable 343 has at least four wires: a ground (or common negative) wire, a right headphone wire, an optional wire for the microphone, and a wire connected to a conductive layer 351 via a splitter 345. Splitter 345 connects the left earpiece via a two- wire cable 349 containing a ground or common negative wire and the right earpiece via cables 343 and 347. Main cable 353 is like main cable 333 and contains four wires: a ground or common negative wire, right and left headphone wires, and a wire for the microphone. Main cable 353 connects to splitter 345 on one end and to a connector plug on another. Splitter 345 also connects conductive layer 351 to headset controller 341 via cable 343.

[0056] In other embodiments, headset controller 331 may not be present in its form as shown in FIG. 3A or FIG. 3B. Rather, headset controller 331 may not have a microphone and be integrated together with splitter 329 in one enclosure. Regardless of the embodiment variation, the principle of operation remains the same, one electrode connected to one or both earpieces through in-ear headphones, and the other electrode is connected to conductive layer 335 of main cable 333.

[0057] In some embodiments, at least one of the wires of main cable 333 or 353 can be configured to transmit the heart activity data from headset controller 331 or 341 to host device 121. The length of conductive layer 335 or 351 is determined by an option how the headset is intended to be worn. It could cover the entire length of main cable 333 or 353 or a part of it. Also, since the industry is developing new connectors, which can be used in a host device, the headset could also be changed to match those new connectors. It is also possible to connect the output of voltage comparator 111 shown in FIG. 1 directly via a dedicated wire in cable 117. In this case there is no need to use modem 113.

[0058] In yet additional embodiments, in-ear inserts 311 and 321 can be connected via wires 315 and 325 to splitter 329 where they join together and then wired through main cable 333 to host device 121. Conductive layer 335 can also be connected directly to host device 121 via a dedicated wire. In this configuration, headset controller 101 doesn't need voltage comparator 111 and modem 1 13. Host device 121 can interpret the voltage signal between electrode 103 (or electrode 105) and electrode 107 and generate heart activity data based on the voltage signal.

[0059] Regardless of embodiment variations, electrodes 103, 105, and 107 connect to the host device via the main cable, or there is a means of transmitting the measured voltage between these electrodes to the host device, or the modulated signal is transmitted via one of existing wires to the host device, the principle of operation remains the same: one electrode connected to one or both ears through earpieces and the other electrode is connected to conductive layer of main cable. The resulting measured voltage between these points correlates to an ECG signal and can be interpreted with a logic embedded into the host device or headset controller as the heart activity data.

Examples Illustrating the Use of Headset

[0060] FIG. 4 shows a front view of user 500 illustrating one example how the user who can use a headset according to one embodiment. The earpieces are inserted into a right ear 401 and a left ear 403, and also connected to a headset controller 411 via headphone cables 405 and 407. Headset controller 411 is connected to main cable 417, the other end of which is connected to a host device, such as a smartphone or a music player stowed in a pocket 421. Main cable 417 is fitted under a garment 409 through a neck opening in the garment and establishes a direct contact with a skin of a chest 419 and under an arm 415. Further, main cable 417 is fitted through a sleeve of the garment and connected to the host device via a plug 413.

[0061] The tight garment holds main cable 417 with its conductive layer tight against the skin establishing a good electrical contact in many points: on the chest, armpit and the arm. This adds reliability in connectivity particularly when the human is moving. The invented cable with the conductive layer can add some insulation, like a plastic tube cover to reduce the area of a contact with the skin preventing measuring voltage potential on large area of the body. For example, the area of a contact can be reduced to the area between points 419 to 415, or only chest area 419 or only under the arm 415. It is also possible to fit main cable 417 to the host device through a hole in the garment inside the pocket to avoid excessive tangling of main cable 417. The host device can also be attached to an arm with a special arm band or other attachment to a garment or a body.

[0062] FIG. 5 A shows a front view of a user 500 illustrating another example how the user who can use a headset according to one embodiment. FIG. 5B shows a back view of user 500 illustrating yet another example how the user who can use a headset according to one embodiment. These figures show that an armpit area can be used as one ECG measurement point and one or both ears as the other ECG measurement point. The earpieces, such as in-ear headphones, are inserted into the right ear 501 and the left ear 503 establishing the first ECG contact. The in-ear headphones 501 and 503 are connected to a headset controller 509 via headphone cables 505 and 507,

respectively. A main cable 513 with a conductive layer is fitted under a garment 506, under the arm 511, and over the shoulder 512 back to the garment neck. The main cable can be clipped to a garment neck 502 and 506 to prevent the main cable dangling under the arm while in motion. Main cable 513 is connected to a host device 517 stowed in a pocket 515.

[0063] In the example as shown on FIG. 5B, a main cable 523 can be fitted from under the arm 511 over the shoulder back 519, and fitted out from the back of garment 521 where it can be clipped to prevent dangling. Main cable 523 is connected to a host device 527 stowed in a back pocket 525. Host device 527 can also be attached to a belt with a special clip if garment doesn't have any pockets.

[0064] In both examples of FIG. 5 A and FIG. 5B, the main cable with the conductive layer establishes a reliable contact under the arm 511 for the purpose of measuring heart activity. The other contact is established through at least one of the in- ear headphones 501 and 503.

[0065] FIG. 6A shows a front view of a user 600 illustrating yet another example how the user who can use a headset. FIG. 6B shows a back view of user 600 illustrating yet another example how the user who can use a headset. As shown in these figures, the rear view of user 600, the in-ear headphones are inserted into the left ear 601 and the right ear 603 ear, and connected to a headset controller 605 located around neck or chest area. A main cable 607 is fitted under a garment from the neck in the front and then fitted under an arm to the back. Main cable 607 is passed through a specially made cable hole 609 in the garment and connects to a host device 611 stowed in a back pocket. Main cable 607 with the conductive layer establishes a good electrical contact with the user's skin around the chest 607 and under the arm 608.

[0066] Yet in another example, as shown in FIG. 6B, a main cable 613 with a conductive layer can be fitted from the user's chest over a shoulder to the back of the user. Main cable 613 is then dropped down and pulled from under the garment 617 into a back pocket where it is connected to a host device 615. Main cable 613 with the conductive layer establishes a good electrical contact with the user's skin around the chest, shoulder, and back areas of the user's body.

[0067] FIG. 7A shows a front view of a user 700 illustrating yet another example how the user who can use a headset. FIG. 7B shows a back view of user 700 illustrating yet another example how the user who can use a headset. These figures illustrate a special mounting option for the headset for a female. Headphones cables 701 and 703 are connected to a headset controller 705. A main cable 707 is fitted through a neck of a garment and then under a bra shoulder strap. Main cable 707 continues under arm 709 to a back 719 of the user. The main cable is then looped under a bra side straps 719 and continues from the front view down under an arm 708. The bra holds the main cable tightly next to the skin and creates good electrical contact with its conductive layer. The main cable is then pulled through a specially made hole 713 located inside the side pocket 717 of a garment and connected to a host device 715.

[0068] The host device 715 can also be stowed in different places on a body, like in a clip attached to a belt or a phone holster attached to an arm 711. For an arm holster mount the invented cable looped under a bra side straps 719 is then fitted through a sleeve of a garment 721 and connected to a host 711. Alternatively, main cable 719 can be fitted on the back through a specially made hole 714 in a garment and connected to host device 712 stowed in a back pocket.

[0069] FIG. 8 shows a front view of a user 800 illustrating yet another example how the user who can use a headset. As shown in FIG. 8, headphone cables 801 and 803 are connected to a headset controller 807. A main cable 811 is connected to headset controller 807 and fitted through a neck of a garment and then under a bra 806. The main cable with a conductive layer establishes a tight contact against the skin under a bra between points 805 and 809 on a chest. The main cable loops back 810 under a bra 806 and pulled out from the neck of garment 812. The main cable is then plugged to a host device 813 stowed in a pocket 817 via a connector 815.

[0070] Alternatively, the main cable can be dropped down the torso from under a bra 809 and pulled out from under the garment 814. It is then plugged via a connector 815 to a host 813 stowed in a pocket 817.

[0071] It is apparent to a person of ordinary skills in the art that other mounting options can be adopted besides already described. However, the principle of these embodiments remain the same: heart activity monitoring can be used with a headset when one electrical contact is established in one or both ears and the other electrical contact is established on a human body conveniently located where a main cable with a conductive layer can be fitted on the skin using an existing garment, bra, or held under an arm.

[0072] Thus, an apparatus and headset for heart activity monitoring have been described. Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes can be made to these example embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the present application. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

1. An apparatus for heart activity monitoring, the apparatus comprising:

at least one earpiece configured to be positioned within an ear of a user and provide an audio output;

a heart activity measuring unit configured to sense a heart activity of the user, modulate a heart activity signal, transmit a modulated heart activity signal to a host device,

a host device configured to receive and demodulate heart activity signal, wherein the heart activity measuring unit is configured to be coupled between the at least one earpiece and the host device,

wherein the heart activity measuring unit includes at least a first electrode and a second electrode,

wherein the first electrode is integrated with the at least one earpiece such that, when the at least one earpiece is positioned within the ear of the user, the first electrode is in contact with a skin of the user at a first location substantially within the ear of the user,

wherein the second electrode is configured to be in contact with the skin of the user at a second location, the second location differs from the first location, and the second location is outside of the ear of the user.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the host device is configured to demodulate the heart activity signal to produce a demodulated heart activity signal, and calculate heart activity data from the demodulated heart activity signal.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one earpiece includes an earbud, the earbud includes an elastic in-ear insert, wherein the first electrode is integrated with the elastic in-ear insert.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one earpiece includes a first earbud and a second earbud, wherein each of the first earbud and the second earbud includes an elastic in-ear insert, wherein the first electrode is integrated with or connected to the elastic in-ear insert of the first earbud only.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the elastic in-ear insert of the first earbud includes an electrically conducting material.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the heart activity measuring unit further includes a third electrode.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one earpiece includes a first earbud and a second earbud, wherein each of the first earbud and the second earbud includes an elastic in-ear insert, wherein the first electrode is integrated with the elastic in-ear insert of the first earbud, and wherein the third electrode is integrated with the elastic in-ear insert of the second earbud.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein each of the elastic in-ear insert of the first earbud and the elastic in-ear insert of the second earbud includes an electrically conducting material.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a main cable configured to be coupled to the host device and the heart activity measuring unit, wherein the main cable includes the second electrode.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the second electrode is arranged on an outer surface of the main cable.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the second electrode is arranged on the outer surface of the main cable.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the second electrode is arranged on an outer surface of the main cable such that, when the user operates the apparatus, the second electrode contacts the skin of one or more of the following: a chest of the user, an arm of the user, an armpit area of the user, a neck of the user, a shoulder of the user, and a back of the user.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the main cable includes at least one connector for connecting to the host device.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the main cable includes wires insulated from one another, wherein at least one of the wires is configured to transmit the modulated heart activity signal .

15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the main cable includes a sliding electrical isolation cover enabling the user to isolate certain parts of the second electrode of the main cable from an electrical contact with a skin of the user.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heart activity measuring unit includes: a voltage comparator configured to generate or determine a voltage difference between at least the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the heart activity signal is based at least in part on the voltage difference.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a headset controller coupled to the at least one earpiece and configured to be coupled to the host device,

wherein the heart activity measuring unit is incorporated into the headset controller.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising:

a main cable configured to be coupled the host device to the headset controller, wherein the main cable includes the second electrode, wherein the second electrode is arranged on an outer surface of the main cable.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising:

two headphone cables including a first headphone cable and a second headphone cable,

wherein the at least one earpiece includes a first earbud and a second earbud, wherein the first headphone cable connects the headset controller with the first earbud, and the second headphone cable connects the headset controller with the second earbud,

wherein the first headphone cable includes at least three wires insulated from one another, wherein one of the three wires of the first headphone cable is connected to the first electrode, and two remaining of the three wires of the first headphone cable are configured to transmit a first audio signal, and

wherein the second headphone cable includes at least two wires insulated from one another and configured to transmit a second audio signal.

20. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising:

wherein the heart activity measuring unit further includes a third electrode, wherein the at least one earpiece includes a first earbud and a second earbud, wherein the first headphone cable connects the headset controller with the first earbud, and the second headphone cable connects the headset controller with the second earbud,

wherein the second headphone cable includes at least three wires insulated from one another, wherein one of the three wires of the second headphone cable is connected to the third electrode, and two remaining of the three wires of the second headphone cable are configured to transmit a second audio signal.

21. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one earpiece includes a first earbud and a second earbud, wherein the first headphone cable connects the headset controller with the first earbud, and the second headphone cable connects the headset controller with the second earbud,

wherein the headset controller further includes: a microphone configured to capture a voice signal of the user; a headset module configured to deliver a first audio signal to the first earbud and deliver a second audio signal to the second earbud; and a modem coupled to the heart activity measuring unit, the modem is configured to modulate a voltage difference produced by a voltage comparator of the heart activity measuring unit to generate the modulated signal, wherein the heart activity data is based at least in part on the modulated signal, the modem is further configured to transmit the heart activity signal to the host device via the main cable.

22. A headset, comprising:

a headset controller coupled to the at least one earpiece and configured to be coupled to a host device;

a heart activity measuring unit incorporated in the headset controller, wherein the heart activity measuring unit is configured to sense or detect a heart activity of the user, produce an analog heart activity signal, modulate the analog heart activity signal to produce a modulate heart activity signal, wherein the heart activity measuring unit or the headset controller is configured to transmit the modulated heart activity signal to the host device; and

a main cable configured to couple the host device to the headset controller, wherein the heart activity measuring unit includes at least a first electrode and a second electrode,

wherein the first electrode is integrated with the at least one earpiece such that, when the earpiece is positioned within the ear of the user, the first electrode is in contact with a skin of the user at a first location substantially within the ear of the user,

wherein the second electrode is arranged on an outer surface of the main cable, the second electrode is configured to be in contact with the skin of the user at a second location, the second location differs from the first location, and the second location is outside of the ear of the user.