DE202017006910U1 - Cardiac activity sensor integrated with wired earbuds - Google Patents

Abstract

The device is a cardiac activity monitoring set comprising:
at least one earpiece adapted for placement in the user's ear and providing an audio output;
a cardiac activity measuring device configured to sense a user's heart activity, modulate a cardiac activity signal, and send the modulated cardiac activity signal to a receiving device,
a receiving device configured to receive and demodulate the cardiac activity signal in which the cardiac activity measuring device is configured to connect at least one earpiece to the receiving device,
wherein the cardiac activity measuring device comprises at least a first electrode and a second electrode,
wherein the first electrode is embedded in at least one earpiece, at least one earpiece is in the ear of the user, the first electrode in the first position in the user's ear is in contact with the skin of the user,
wherein the second electrode is configured to contact the skin of the user in the second position, the second position is different from the first position and the second position is outside the user's ear.

Description

Field of the invention

This invention relates to portable heart rate monitors, portable heart rate monitoring systems, portable electrocardiography systems and the like. In particular, this description relates to a device incorporating a cardiac activity meter with earphones or a set.

Background of the invention

Sports activities are an important factor in maintaining a healthy lifestyle for many people. It is considered useful to monitor and record cardiac activity data, especially during exercise. There are many devices that have been developed to monitor the activity of the human heart. For example, the most commonly used device is a heart rate monitor that includes a chest strap with two electrical contacts that make contacts on the user's chest and include a monitor for measuring a person's heart rhythm. This type of heart rate monitor is considered uncomfortable by many users.

Other heart rate monitors include a light based technology. These heart rate monitors usually include a light source and a light detector. The light emanating from the source and directed through the skin of the user is reflected back and perceived by the light receiver. The optical heart rate monitor measures the speed of blood flow through the vein and calculates the heart rate. Optical heart rate monitors are commonly integrated into wearable accessories such as watches, bracelets and headphones. A known disadvantage of optical heart rate monitors is the inaccuracy in measuring the heart rate, especially in motion.

Electrocardiography devices are more accurate, but they tend to be solid and not mobile, or require an additional device that must be firmly attached to the user's chest. It has also been found that electrocardiographic devices that are permanently attached to the user's chest are uncomfortable. Accordingly, there is still a need to optimize the cardiac activity monitors to become even more reliable and convenient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This section presents practical implementation aspects, which are described in more detail below in the Detailed Description and Examples of Embodiments sections. The present summary of the invention is not intended to disclose the essential features of the present invention and is not intended to assist in the determination of the scope of the present invention. Aspects of the practice of this invention are intended to overcome at least some of the known deficiencies in the art.

One of the aspects of this invention is a device for monitoring cardiac activity. The device includes at least one earmold configured to be placed in the ear of the user and provide an audio output; a cardiac activity monitor designed to measure the activity of the human heart; a cardiac signal activity modulator; a transmitter of the cardiac activity modulated signal into the receiver, wherein the cardiac activity monitor is adjusted for connection between at least one earpiece and a receiver, characterized in that the cardiac activity measuring unit comprises at least the first and second electrodes, the first Electrode is integrated with at least one earpiece, so that when at least one earpiece is placed in the ear of the user, the first electrode makes contact with the skin in the ear in the first position, the second electrode is used to come in contact with the skin of the wearer in the second position; the second position is different from the first position, and the second position is outside the user's ear.

One of the aspects of this invention is the earphones. The kit consists of: at least one earpiece intended for placement in the ear of the user and providing an audio output; a trim control unit connected to at least one earpiece and intended to couple to a receiving device; a cardiac activity monitor incorporated into the trim control unit intended to detect and measure the heart activity of the user by producing and modulating an analogous signal of cardiac activity to transmit the modulated signal to the receiving device; and a main cable serving to connect the receiving device to the clothing control unit; at least one electrode and the second electrode are used to measure heart activity, the first electrode being integrated with at least one ear insert so that when the ear insert is in the user's ear, the first electrode is in contact with the user's skin the first position in the ear, wherein the second electrode is mounted on the outer surface of the main cable, the second electrode is intended to be in contact with the skin of the wearer in the second position, the second position is different from the first position thereby in that it is outside the user's ear.

Further details, advantages and novel features of the embodiments of the invention will be set forth in part in the description, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of this specification and the accompanying drawings, or may be studied through the preparation or operation of the embodiments , The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by the methods, tools, and combinations specifically mentioned in the appended claims.

list of figures

• 1 ist eine Ansicht, die das Strukturschema einer mit dem Empfänger über ein Kabel verbundenen Garnitur veranschaulicht;
• 2A zeigt eine der praktischen Ausführungsformen des Hauptkabels;
• 2B zeigt eine Querschnittsansicht des Hauptkabels;
• 3A zeigt eine Garnitur zur Tonwiedergabe und Herzfrequenzüberwachung gemäß einer praktischen Ausführungsform;
• 3B zeigt eine Garnitur zur Tonwiedergabe und Herzfrequenzüberwachung gemäß einer anderen praktischen Ausführungsform;
• 4 zeigt eine Vorderansicht des Benutzers, die demonstriert, wie ein Benutzer die Garnitur verwenden kann;
• 5A zeigt eine Vorderansicht des Benutzers, die ein weiteres Beispiel darstellt, wie ein Benutzer die Garnitur verwenden kann;
• 5B zeigt eine Rückansicht des Benutzers, die ein weiteres Beispiel demonstriert, wie ein Benutzer die Garnitur verwenden kann;
• 6A zeigt eine Vorderansicht des Benutzers, die ein anderes Beispiel darstellt, wie ein Benutzer die Garnitur verwenden kann;
• 6B zeigt die Rückansicht des Benutzers, die ein anderes Beispiel darstellt, wie ein Benutzer die Garnitur verwenden kann;
• 7A zeigt eine Vorderansicht des Benutzers, die ein anderes Beispiel darstellt, wie ein Benutzer die Garnitur verwenden kann;
• 7B zeigt eine Rückansicht des Benutzers, die ein weiteres Beispiel demonstriert, wie ein Benutzer die Garnitur verwenden kann;
• 8 zeigt eine Vorderansicht des Benutzers, die ein weiteres Beispiel darstellt, wie ein Benutzer die Garnitur verwenden kann.

Practical, but not limiting embodiments of the invention are indicated in the accompanying figures, in which like elements are represented by reference numerals and in which:

• 1 Fig. 12 is a view illustrating the structural scheme of a clothing connected to the receiver via a cable;
• 2A shows one of the practical embodiments of the main cable;
• 2 B shows a cross-sectional view of the main cable;
• 3A shows a set for sound reproduction and heart rate monitoring according to a practical embodiment;
• 3B shows a set for sound reproduction and heart rate monitoring according to another practical embodiment;
• 4 shows a front view of the user demonstrating how a user can use the set;
• 5A shows a front view of the user, which is another example of how a user can use the set;
• 5B shows a rear view of the user demonstrating another example of how a user can use the set;
• 6A shows a front view of the user, which is another example of how a user can use the set;
• 6B shows the rear view of the user, which is another example of how a user can use the set;
• 7A shows a front view of the user, which is another example of how a user can use the set;
• 7B shows a rear view of the user demonstrating another example of how a user can use the set;
• 8th shows a front view of the user, which is another example of how a user can use the set.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

introduction

The following detailed description of embodiments of the invention includes references to the attached figures, which are part of the detailed description. The approaches described in this section are not considered a prior art with respect to the invention claimed in the inventive formula and can not be incorporated in the prior art by inclusion in this section. Illustrations in accordance with examples of practical implementation are shown in the figures. These examples, also referred to herein as "examples," are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to apply the subject matter. Variants may be integrated, other embodiments may be used, structural, logical and operational changes may be made without departing from what is claimed. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered in a limiting sense, and the scope is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Examples of practical embodiments are presented with reference to a set or apparatus for monitoring cardiac activity. This set and the device may be implemented using electronic devices, computer software or any combination thereof. The implementation of such hardware or software examples depends on the specific application and design limitations of the overall system. For example, an element or elementary part or any combination of elements may be implemented using a "data processor" that includes one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, CPU, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FIG. FPGA), programmable logic integrated circuits (FPGAs), state machines, closed logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware designed to perform various functions mentioned in this specification. Data processing may be performed by software, firmware or middleware (collectively referred to as "software"). The term "software" in the broadest sense refers to instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subroutines, software components, applications, software applications, software packages, objects, executables, execution threads, procedures, and Functions of software security, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language or otherwise.

Accordingly, in one or more embodiments, the functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. When functions are implemented in the software, they can be stored or encoded as one or more instructions, or encoded on a non-persistent readable medium. The computer-readable storage medium includes computer storage media. The volume can be any medium that is available to the computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable medium may include random access memory, read-only random access memories, electrically erasable programmable read only memories, magnetic disk storage, solid state memory or any other data storage device, combinations of the above types of machine readable carriers or any other medium that can be used to store the executable code in the form of instructions or data structures that can be obtained from the computer.

For the purposes of this patent document, the terms "or" and "and" mean "and / or" unless otherwise specified in connection with their use or expressly provided otherwise. The terms "exists", "exists", "contains" and "includes" are interchangeable and should not be limited. For example, the term "comprising" should be interpreted to mean "including but not limited to".

It should also be understood that the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. in this document can be used to describe various elements. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another, but do not imply the required sequence of elements. For example, the first element may be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element may be referred to as the first element without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, it should be understood that when one element is referred to as being "coupled", or "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it may be directly coupled or connected, or coupled or may be coupled to another element there are other elements in between. Deviating from this, however, if an element is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly linked" to another element, then there are no intermediate elements.

The term "receiving device" means any computer or electronic device with data processing and data transmission, including, but not limited to, mobile device, mobile phone, smartphone, Internet phone, user equipment, mobile terminal, tablet computer, portable computer, desktop computer , Workstation, thin client, personal digital assistant, multimedia player, navigation system, game console, smart watch, entertainment system, infotainment console, on-board computer, bike computer or virtual reality device.

The term "earphone" is to be interpreted as meaning any device that can be placed in or near the user's external ear to output audio or reduce noise. The term "earphone" also means any or all of the following meanings, and should be interpreted as meaning that one or more of the following elements is an element of the "earphone": headphones, pluggable earphones, hanging earphones, speakers, ear capsule, earpiece, hearing aid and acoustic device in the ear.

The term "clothing" should be understood as a device comprising at least one earpiece or a device with at least one earpiece and microphone. So the set can be made either with an earpiece (mono) or with a double earphone (mono on both ears or stereo). The term "earphone" is used herein to refer to a pair of speakers that are mounted close to the ears of the user. Examples of earphones may be encompassing, reinforcing, ear capsule or earmuffs. Ear inserts are small earphones, sometimes called ear pieces, which are inserted into the ear canal or placed in the outer ear. Although the variants of this description are limited to wired earphones, those who have technical skills will appreciate that the same or similar variants come with them wireless earphones or a wireless earphone.

The term "clothing" is to be interpreted as meaning any garment that is worn on the user's body and in contact with the user's torso. Some examples of clothing are t-shirt, gym shirt or pullover.

The term "heart activity" should be interpreted to mean any important natural or biological activity of the human heart, including the heartbeat or electrical activity of the heart. By the term "heart activity signal" is meant an analog signal that characterizes the heart activity of the user. The term "cardiac activity data" refers to any digital data that characterizes the heart activity of a user. Some examples of the cardiac activity signal include, but are not limited to, an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal, a cardiac activity wave signal or a cardiac pulse signal. Some examples of cardiac activity data include, but are not limited to, heart rate, heart rate per minute, heart rate variability or any other vital biometric data related to cardiac activity.

As noted above, aspects of the implementation of this invention provide a device for monitoring cardiac activity. In other words, embodiments of this invention integrate a cardiac activity measuring unit into an earphone or set. Cardiac activity is typically tuned to the sensitivity, detection or measurement of one or more of the user's heart activities, generation of cardiac activity data and transmission of cardiac activity data to a receiving device such as a mobile phone or server for further processing, storage or display on the screen ,

The cardiac activity measurement unit consists of at least two electrodes configured for direct connection to the user's body. An electrode is inserted into the ear canal or outer ear of the user and establishes reliable electrical contact with the skin. The other electrode may be placed on the chest or under the arm, in the armpit area, on the neck, shoulder or back of the user. The cardiac activity measuring unit may further comprise one or more sensors connected to the electrodes and measuring cardiac muscle electrical signals, converting them into analog current, modulating the current signal, and transmitting the modulated signal to a receiving device which demodulates the modulated signal and the signal into the user's digital cardiac activity data. The cardiac activity measuring unit may be directly or indirectly connected to the receiving device via a cable. In some embodiments, the cardiac activity measuring unit may be included in the trim control unit.

device architecture

In the figures, exemplary embodiments of the device architecture will be described. The figures are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments. Therefore, the embodiments discussed herein should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific illustrations set forth herein, and these embodiments may include variations and differ from the illustrations set forth herein.

1 shows a block diagram illustrating an example of a device 100 for monitoring cardiac activity associated with a receiving device 121 connected according to an embodiment. The device 100 may be at least part of an ear insert or a garnish. The device 100 includes a left ear piece (earphone) 104 and a right ear piece (earphone) 106 , The left ear piece 104 contains or comprises a conductive electrode 103 , The right ear piece 106 contains or integrates another wire electrode 105 one. Each of the electrodes 103 and 105 is configured to directly or indirectly contact the skin of the shell of each ear. Each of the electrodes 103 and 105 is part of the heart rate measurement unit.

Each of the ear pieces 104 and 106 is through suitable cables with the clothing control unit 101 connected in the housing is circled. Dir fitting control unit 101 consists of an earphone module 109 which is installed to the first audio signal to the left ear piece 104 and a second audio signal to the right earpiece 106 to lead. The set control unit 101 can also be from a microphone module 108 with the microphone 110 consist. The microphone 110 is configured to capture the user's speech signal. The microphone module 108 is configured to process an audio signal or a voice signal to the receiving device 121 to transmit (or activate the transmission). In some embodiments, the trim control unit 101 and the device 100 two separate devices, but in other embodiments, the clothing control unit 101 a part of the device 100 be. In other embodiments, the trim control unit is 101 the device 100 similar.

The first electrode 103 and the second electrode 105 are electrically connected to the same input of the voltage comparator 111 connected. The voltage comparator 111 is part of the cardiac activity measurement device. In some embodiments, the voltage comparator includes 111 also a voltage amplifier.

A third electrode 107 is also provided to make direct contact with the skin of the user in a position other than the ears. For example, the third electrode 107 Touch the skin to the chest, neck, armpit, shoulder or back of the wearer. The third electrode 107 is part of the cardiac activity measurement unit. The third electrode 107 is with the other input of the voltage comparator 111 connected. The voltage comparator 111 is configured to measure the voltage difference between the first electrode 103 (or the second electrode 105 ) and the third electrode 107 to determine. The voltage difference characterizes or becomes at least part of the signal of cardiac activity. For example, the voltage difference is related to the ECG signal.

The signal that the voltage difference from the output of the voltage comparator 111 represents is to the modem 113 transfer. The modem 113 may be a communication device configured to receive one or more signals (ie, for signal passing) over the trunk cable 117 to the receiving device 121 transferred to. The modem 113 is designed to modulate a cardiac activity signal that passes through the voltage comparator 111 represents generated voltage difference; and also for generating a modulation signal. For example, a modulated cardiac activity signal may be the basis for cardiac activity data or refer to an ECG signal. The modem 113 may be configured to receive the modulated cardiac activity signal via the connector 115 and the main cable 117 to the receiving device 121 transferred to. Upon receipt of the modulated cardiac activity signal, the receiving device 121 demodulate the cardiac activity signal to derive, generate, or process the de-modulated cardiac activity signal representative of cardiac activity data (eg, ECG signal). The receiving device 121 may also store, process, display on-screen the de-modulated cardiac activity signal representing cardiac activity data and provide other operations. The receiving device 121 can also process and display the demodulated cardiac activity signal. For example, the receiving device 121 process a de-modulated cardiac activity signal to obtain cardiac activity data for further storage and display.

As mentioned above, some examples include the receiving device 121 a smartphone, a watch, a bracelet or a music player. Regardless of the embodiment, the receiving device comprises 121 a connection 119 such as a 3.5mm phone jack, phone jack, audio jack, universal serial bus (USB) or Apple® Lightning port. For simplicity, the block diagram in FIG 1 no general, negative or grounding conductor, with the earphones 104 . 106 , the microphone 110 and all other elements of the device 100 connected is.

The main cable 117 may consist of four wires, including the left speaker wire of the earphone, the headphone of the right earphone speaker, the ground wire (or the common wire) and the microphone wire. The conductor used to transmit the modulated signal will be in accordance with the capability of the receiving device 121 determined to demodulate and process the signal.

An output of the modem 113 is with one of the conductors inside the main cable 117 connected to transmit the modulated signal containing cardiac activity data. Because the device 100 is intended to transmit an audio signal with frequencies from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, the modem can 113 use a frequency modulation shifted more than 20 kHz to avoid interference with the audio signal in the same conductor. However, the modulation method depends on the capabilities of the receiving device 121 and their ability to modulate and analyze the received signal.

The power supply for the voltage comparator 111 and the modem 113 is from the receiving device 121 over the main cable 117 delivered. The device 100 can use the input voltage to power the microphone 110 provide. This voltage can also be used to make the voltage comparator 111 and the modem 113 directly or via a voltage regulator 114 to dine. To improve the quality, or if in the device 100 No microphone conductor is present, an additional battery 123 be added to the voltage amplifier 111 and the modem 113 as well as other elements of the device 100 to dine.

In one embodiment, each port 119 the receiving device 121 and the connection 115 the device 100 (Fitting) a standard 3.5mm connector, which contains four contacts, abbreviated TRRS (tip, ring, ring and socket). These contacts connect the four wires of the main cable 117 , For example, the tip of the contact for connecting the audio signal from the left ear, the first ring contact for connecting the audio signal from the right ear, the second Ring contact for connecting the ground or negative conductors and the contact of the socket for connecting the microphone conductor. Some smartphone manufacturers may use different connection orders. Music players can only have three TRS contacts (Tip, Ring and Jack). In addition, some earphones can only have two TS contacts (tip and socket). Accordingly, technically educated people would notice that the connectors 115 . 119 and the main cable 117 can be adapted to any number of conductors and contacts. For example, the connector 119 designed to accept connectors with four (TRRS), three (TRS) or two (TS) contacts. The main cable 117 at one end is with the connector 119 connected. At the other end is the main cable 117 over the connector 115 with the device 100 connected. In alternative embodiments, the Universal Serial Bus (USB) or the micro USB connector in the connector 115 or the connector 119 be used.

2A illustrates an embodiment of the main cable 117 , As shown in the picture, contains the main cable 117 four electrical conductors 221 which are insulated from each other and with an outer insulating cord 219 are covered. The insulating cord 219 is with the conductive layer 217 covered. The conductive layer 217 may include a grid of multiple metal wires. The conductive layer 217 is electric with the clothing control unit 101 connected. In some embodiments, the conductive layer 217 a third electrode 107 be. In other embodiments, a third electrode 107 with the conductive layer 217 be connected. The main cable 117 can be a sliding insulation 215 over the conductive layer 217 exhibit. The insulation 215 Can be used to contact the conductive layer 217 to prevent with parts of the body of the user who are not involved in the measurement of the voltage potential for the control of the heart activity. The insulation 215 Also helps to make a contact of the third electrode 107 with a particular part of the user's body to detect the ECG signal described in this section. For example, contact with the skin may be on the chest or under the arm, in the armpit or on the neck, on the shoulder or on the back.

2 B illustrates the cross section of the main cable 117 , As shown in the figure, the main cable consists of four wires 207 . 209 . 211 and 213 insulated from each other and with an outer insulating cord 203 are covered. The area between the wires can be insulated with 205 be filled or just be empty. The number of vein may vary depending on the purpose of the clothing 101 vary. The main cable 117 has a conductive layer 201 over the insulating layer 203 on. The conductive layer 201 can be a third electrode 107 or with a third electrode 107 be connected. The conductive layer 201 may be on the outer surface of the main cable 117 along the entire length of the main cable 117 are located. In other embodiments, the conductive layer may be 201 on the outer surface of the main cable 117 with a specific length that is less than the entire length of the main cable 117 is.

In other embodiments, the conductive layer 217 consist of a conductive polymer that is electrically connected to the clothing control unit 101 connected is. In yet other embodiments, the conductive layer 217 a simple one around the cable insulation 219 be wound electrical wire. Regardless of material and technology, the cable principle of the invention remains unchanged: the cable connecting the clothing to the receiving device must have a conductive outer layer to make electrical contact with human skin.

At the 3A becomes a garnish 300A for audio playback and heart rate monitoring according to one embodiment. 3B shows a set 300B for audio playback and heart rate monitoring according to another embodiment.

The left ear insert 311 and the right ear insert 321 are made of a conductive material, eg. For example, polymer. This material may be soft, gelatinous, low in electrical resistance and may have a shape to be easily inserted into the ear. The stakes 311 and 321 are designed to touch the user's skin directly at the entrance of the ear canal, in the cavum concha, or around the ear canal. The stakes 311 and 321 can be connected or touching the skin within the ear electrodes 103 and 105 ( 1 ) and can conduct the electrical potential or voltage. The stakes 311 and 321 can be removable. The use 311 can be on the conductive surface 313 be attached to the left ear piece. The conductive surface 313 is through a ladder 315 connected. The leader 315 is mounted in the left ear piece and is also with the first earphone cable 317 connected. The first earphone cable 317 is used to connect three conductors: negative or ground conductor, an audio conductor and a conductor 315 for measuring the tension on the skin of the ear. The negative (or grounded) conductor and the audio conductor can be used to transmit the first audio signal to the left earpiece.

Likewise, the right ear can also be used to measure heart activity. So the right ear piece like the one above be described left earpiece designed. This creates an additional measuring point, but the device 100 may use only two electrodes in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the first earphone cable is 317 on the plug 329 appropriate. The plug 329 also connects the second earphone cable 327 with three conductors for the right ear piece, as well as the first earphone cable 317 the left ear piece connects. The right ear insert 321 is on the conductive surface 323 attached and is with the conductor 325 connected. The leader 325 is through the right earphone cable 327 with the plug 329 connected. The second earphone cable 327 is used to connect three conductors: negative or ground conductor, an audio conductor and a conductor 325 for measuring the tension on the skin of the ear. The negative (or ground) conductor and the audio conductor of the cable 327 can be used to send a second audio signal to the right ear piece. In other embodiments, the second earphone cable becomes 327 used to connect two conductors: a negative (or ground) conductor and an audio conductor to transmit a second audio signal to the right ear piece.

The stakes 311 and 321 are in 1 as electrodes 103 respectively. 105 shown to the same input of the voltage comparator 111 are connected. The stakes 311 and 321 Create reliable contact with the ear in and around the ear canal.

The set control unit 331 in 3A can the trim control unit 101 in 1 represent. The set control unit 331 can include a microphone and both volume controls and the multifunction buttons. The main cable 333 can be an example of the main cable described above 217 be. The main cable 333 can the trim control unit 331 with the audio connection 319 connect. The main cable 333 has four core and is with a conductive layer 335 covered. The conductive layer 335 can cover the entire length of the cable or a specific part of it.
The set control unit 331 contains all the parts in the in 1 shown housing 101 are described. The conductive layer of the main cable 335 is electric with the clothing control unit 331 connected and is in 1 as an electrode 107 shown.

In the in 3B the embodiment shown is the clothing control unit 341 between the earpiece, by a cable 347 is connected to three conductors inside, as well as in the earphone cable 327 in the 3A , on the one hand. On the other side is the clothing control unit 341 over the earphone cable 343 with the plug 345 connected. The set control unit 341 in 3B can be one of the variants of the control unit 101 in 1 be.

The cable 343 has at least four wires: ground (or more generally negative) wire, a right speaker wire, an extra wire for the microphone, and a wire over the plug 345 with the conductive layer 351 connected is. The plug 345 connects the left ear piece via the two-wire, ground or common negative conductor containing cable 349 , and the right ear piece via cable 343 and 347 , The main cable 353 contains like the main cable 333 Four wires: ground (or general negative) wire, right and left earphone wires, and a microphone wire. The main cable 353 connects the plug 345 on one end with the audio plug on the other. The plug 345 also connects the conductive layer 351 over the cable 343 with the clothing control unit 341 ,

In other embodiments, the trim control unit 331 not be present, as shown in FIG 3A shown. Probably the clothing control unit 331 do not have a microphone and with the plug 329 be integrated in a housing. Regardless of the embodiment, the principle of operation remains the same, the first electrode is connected to one or both earphones via ear inserts, and the other electrode is connected to the conductive layer 335 of the main cable 333 connected.

In some embodiments, at least one core of the main cable 333 or 353 be configured to receive cardiac activity data from the trim control unit 331 or 341 to the receiving device 121 transferred to. The length of the conductive layer 335 or 351 is determined by the parameters of the wearing process of the clothing. It can cover the entire length of the main cable 333 and 353 or part of it. As the industry develops new connectors that can be used in the receiver, the set can also be changed to match these new connectors. It is also possible to check the output of the 1 shown voltage comparator 111 directly through a special conductor in the cable 117 connect to. In this case you need the modem 113 Not.

In additional embodiments of the invention, the inserts 311 and 321 via ladder 315 and 325 to the plug 329 be connected where they are connected and then via a main cable 333 to the device 121 be connected. The conductive layer 335 can also directly via a separate conductor with the receiving device 121 be connected. In this configuration, the trim control unit requires 101 the voltage comparator 111 and the modem 113 Not. The receiving device 121 can be the voltage signal between the electrode 103 (or the electrode 105 ) and the electrode 107 interpret and generate cardiac activity data based on the voltage signal.

Regardless of the embodiments of the invention, whether the electrodes 103 . 105 and 107 via the main cable connected to the receiving device, or other means is used to transmit the measured voltage between these electrodes to the receiving device, or the modulated signal is transmitted via one of the existing conductors to the receiving device, the operating principle remains the same: is an electrode connected with one or both ears by the ear inserts, and the other electrode is connected to the conductive layer of the main cable. The resulting measured voltage between these points correlates with the ECG signal and can be interpreted as cardiac activity data by the logic embedded in the receiver or set control unit.

Examples to illustrate the use of the clothing

4 shows the front view 500 , which illustrates an example of how the user may use the clothing according to an embodiment.

The ear pieces are in the right ear 401 and the left ear 403 used and over the earphone cable 405 and 407 also to the clothing control unit 411 connected. The set control unit 411 is to the main cable 417 connected the other end to a receiving device such as a smartphone or a music player in the pocket 421 connected. The main cable 417 is under the clothes 409 installed through the collar and makes direct contact with the skin on the chest 419 and in the armpit 415 ago. Further, the main cable enters 417 through the sleeve and is with the receiving device over the plug 413 connected.

The heavy clothes hold the main cable 417 with its conductive layer firmly on the body and creates in many ways a good electrical contact: on the chest, under the arm and on the arm. This increases the reliability of the connection, especially when the person is moving. The installed cable with the conductive layer may be coated with insulation, for example, a plastic tube, to reduce the contact area with the skin, thereby preventing the measurement of the voltage potential on an excessively large body surface. For example, the contact area may be on the area between the points 419 and 415 or just on the chest area 419 or just under the arm 415 be reduced. It is also possible the main cable 417 through a hole in the pocket to adapt to the cradle to entangle the main cable 417 to avoid. The cradle may also be attached to the arm with a special strap or otherwise attached to the clothing or body.

5A shows the front view 500 , which is another example of how the user can use the clothing according to another embodiment. 5B shows the back view 500 showing still another example of how the user can use the clothing according to another embodiment. These figures show that the armpit can be used as one ECG measurement point and one or both ears as another ECG measurement point. Ear pieces, such. B. ear inserts are in the right ear 501 and the left ear 503 used, whereby the first ECG contact is made. The ear pieces 501 and 503 are with the trim control unit 509 via earphone cable 505 respectively. 507 connected. The main cable 513 with the conductive layer is under the clothes 506 installed, happens under the arm 511 and returns over his shoulder 512 back to the garment collar. The main cable can be attached to the garment collar 502 and 506 be attached so that the main cable does not sag during movement under the arm. The main cable 513 is to the receiving device 517 in the bag 515 connected.

In the in 5B example shown, the main cable 523 from under the arm 511 over the shoulder 519 be guided, and at the back of the garment collar 521 attached to prevent sagging of the cable. The main cable 523 is with a receiving device 527 connected, located in the back pocket 525 located. The receiving device 527 can also be attached to the belt with a special clip if the garment has no pockets.

In both examples in 5A and 5B The main cable with the conductive layer provides reliable contact under the arm 511 for measuring cardiac activity. The other contact is with at least one of the ear wires 501 and 503 added.

6A shows the front view 600 , which shows another example of how a user can use the clothing. 6A shows the back view 600 , which shows another example of how a user can use the clothing. As shown in these figures are in the background of the user 600 Ear inserts in the left ear 601 and the right ear 603 used and with the clothing control unit 605 connected, which is located in the neck or chest area. The main cable 607 runs under the clothes through the collar and continues under the arm to the back. The main cable 607 is through a specially made cable hole 609 located in clothing and with the receiving device 611 connected in the back pocket. The main cable 607 Provides reliable electrical contact with the skin of the user around the chest 607 and the arm 608 ago.

In another example, in 6B can the main cable 613 with the conductive layer pulled from the user's chest over his shoulder to the back. The main cable 613 then lowers and gets under the garment 617 pulled out where it is with the receiving device 615 connected in the back pocket. The main cable 613 with the conductive layer makes a good electrical contact with the skin of the user on the chest, over the shoulder and the back.

7A shows the front view 700 , which shows another example of how a user can use the clothing. 7A shows the back view 700 , which shows another example of how a user can use the clothing. These figures illustrate a special variant of the clothing attachment for women. The earphone cables 701 and 703 are with the trim control unit 705 connected. The main cable 707 is pulled through the garment collar under the bra's shoulder strap. The main cable 707 goes on under the arm 709 and step out of the back 719 of the user. The main cable runs under the side straps of the brassiere 719 and goes under the arm 708 further. The brassiere holds the main cable firmly to the body and creates a reliable electrical contact with its conductive layer. The main cable is then made by a specially made inside the side pocket 717 of the garment hole 713 pulled and to the receiving device 715 connected.

The receiving device 715 can also be mounted in different places, for example on a clamp attached to the belt or in one on the arm 711 attached phone bag. To attach to the bag enters the cable, which is under the side straps of the brassiere 719 runs through the garment sleeve 721 out and is with the receiver 711 connected. Otherwise, the main cable 719 through a specially made hole 714 in clothes on the back and out and with the receiving device 712 be connected in the back pocket.

8th shows the front view 800 , which shows another example of how a user can use the clothing. As it is in 8th are shown are the ear piece cables 801 and 803 with the clothing control unit 807 connected. The main cable 811 is with the clothing regulator 807 Connected and is through the garment collar under the brassiere 806 drawn. The main cable with the conductive layer makes a firm contact with the skin under the brassiere between the points 805 and 809 on the chest. The main cable 810 runs under the brassiere 806 back and step through the garment collar 812 out. The main cable is then connected to the receiving device 813 in the bag 817 through the connector 815 connected.

In addition, the main cable can be under the brassiere 809 lowered and under the clothes 814 be pulled out. Then it will be over the connector 815 with the receiver 813 in the bag 817 connected.

For an average person with technical skills, it is obvious that options other than those already described can be found to work. However, the principles of this embodiment remain the same: The cardiac activity monitor can be used with ear pieces when electrical contact is made in one or both ears and other electrical contact is made at a convenient location on the body, with the main cable having conductive layers existing clothing, a brassiere or under the arm and attached to the body.

Therefore, a device and set for monitoring cardiac activity are described herein. Although the embodiments have been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent that various modifications and changes may be made to these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the broader spirit and scope of this device. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be considered as a visual rather than a limiting sense.

Claims (22)

The device is a cardiac activity monitoring set comprising: at least one earpiece adapted for placement in the user's ear and providing audio output; a cardiac activity measuring device configured to sense a user's heart activity, modulate a cardiac activity signal and send the modulated cardiac activity signal to a receiving device, a receiving device configured to receive and demodulate the cardiac activity signal in which the cardiac activity measuring device is configured for connecting at least one earpiece to the receiving device, wherein the cardiac activity measuring device comprises at least a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode is embedded in at least one earpiece, at least one earpiece is in the ear of the user, the first electrode in the first position in the ear of the user is in contact with the skin of the user, the second electrode being configured to When it touches the skin of the user in the second position, the second position is different from the first position and the second position is outside the user's ear. The device of claim 1, wherein the receiving device is configured to demodulate the cardiac activity signal to obtain the demodulated cardiac activity signal and to calculate cardiac activity data from the demodulated cardiac activity signal. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one earpiece has an insert; the insert contains an elastic ear insert in which the first electrode is aligned with an elastic insert. The device of claim 1, wherein the first earpiece comprises a first insert and the second earpiece comprises a second insert in which the first insert and the second insert have an elastic inner eartip in which the first electrode is aligned or connected to an elastic eartip of the first eartip is. Device after Claim 4 wherein the elastic ear insert of the first earpiece contains conductive material. Device after Claim 1 wherein the cardiac activity measuring device has a third electrode. Device after Claim 6 wherein at least the set has a first ear piece and a second ear piece, the first and second ear pieces having an elastic ear insert in which the first electrode is aligned with the elastic insert of the first ear piece and the third electrode with the elastic insert of the second ear piece is aligned. Device after Claim 7 wherein both the elastic ear insert of the first earpiece and the elastic ear insert of the second earpiece have conductive material. Device after Claim 1 further comprising a main cable providing communication between the receiving device and the cardiac activity measuring device, the main cable having a second electrode. Device after Claim 9 wherein the second electrode is disposed on any outer surface of the main cable. Device after Claim 10 , wherein the second electrode is located on a specific outer surface of the main cable. Device after Claim 10 , wherein the second electrode is located on the outer surface of the main cable such that when the user controls the device, the second electrode contacts the skin in one or more of: the user's chest, the user's arm, the armpit of the user User, the neck of the user, the user's shoulder, the user's back. Device after Claim 9 wherein the main cable has at least one connector for connection to the receiving device. Device after Claim 9 wherein the main cable has conductors insulated from each other, at least one of the conductors allowing transmission of a modulated cardiac activity signal. Device after Claim 9 wherein the main cable has electrical switching insulation that allows the user to isolate certain portions of the second electrode of the main cable from electrical contact with the skin of the user. Device after Claim 1 wherein the cardiac activity measuring device comprises a voltage comparator for generating or determining a voltage difference between at least the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the cardiac activity signal is based at least in part on the voltage difference. Device after Claim 1 further comprising a trim control unit connected to at least one earpiece and adapted for interfacing with a receiving device in which the cardiac activity meter is embedded in the trim control unit. Device after Claim 17 further comprising a main cable for communicating the receiving device with the clothing control unit in which the main cable has a second electrode, the second electrode being disposed on the outer surface of the main cable. Device after Claim 17 , which also includes two cables for earphones, the first cable for the the first earpiece and the second cable for the second earpiece, the at least one earpiece having the first and second inserts, the first cable connecting the clothing control unit to the first earpiece and the second cable connecting the clothing control unit to the second earpiece wherein the first earphone cable has at least three separate wires, wherein one of the three wires of the first wire is connected to the first electrode and the remaining two of the three wires of the first cable provide transmission of the audio signal from the first ear piece, and wherein the second earphone cable has at least two separate wires, provide the transmission of the audio signal from the second ear piece. Device after Claim 16 further comprising two cables, the first ear piece first cable and the second ear piece second cable, the cardiac activity measuring device further having a third electrode, the earphones having the first and second inserts, the first cable comprising the first cable Control unit having the first earpiece and the second cable connecting the clothing control unit to the second earpiece, the first cable having at least three separate conductors, one of the three conductors of the first cable being connected to the first electrode, and the remaining two the three conductors of the first cable provide transmission of the audio signal from the first earpiece, the second cable having at least three separate conductors, one of the three conductors of the second cable connected to the third electrode, and the remaining two of the three conductors of the second Cable provide the audio signal from the second ear piece. Device after Claim 16 wherein the set has the first and second ear pieces, the first cable connecting the set control unit to the first ear piece and the second cable connecting the set control unit to the second ear piece, the set control unit further comprising: a microphone; to detect the user speech signal; a garnish module configured to play the first audio signal through the first earpiece and reproduce the second audio signal through the second earpiece; and a modem connected to the cardiac activity measuring device, wherein the modem modulates the voltage difference produced by the voltage comparator of the cardiac activity measuring device to produce a modulated signal, the cardiac activity data being based at least in part on the modulated signal; the modem is further configured to transmit heart signal to the receiving device via the trunk cable. Set consisting of: at least one earpiece intended to be placed in the ear of the user and to provide an audio output; a trim controller connected to at least one earpiece and tuned to couple to a receiving device; the heart activity measuring device constructed in the clothing control unit, the cardiac activity measuring device performing the following functions: sensing or detecting the heart activity of the user, producing the analogue cardiac activity signal, modulating the analogous cardiac activity signal to produce a modulated cardiac activity signal provided by the cardiac activity measuring device or the trim control unit for the transmission of the modulated cardiac activity signal to the receiving device; and a main cable connecting the receiving device to the clothing control unit, wherein the cardiac activity measuring device has at least the first and second electrodes, wherein the first electrode is integrated with at least one earpiece such that when the earpiece is in the user's ear, the first electrode contacts the skin of the user in the first position in the user's ear, wherein the second electrode is on the outer surface of the main cable, a second electrode is configured to contact the skin of the user in the second position; the second position is different from the first position and the second position is outside the user's ear.

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