GB2564885A

GB2564885A - Wearable device

Info

Publication number: GB2564885A
Application number: GB1712034.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Afolabi Gabriel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-07-26
Filing date: 2017-07-26
Publication date: 2019-01-30
Anticipated expiration: 2037-07-26
Also published as: GB201712034D0; GB2564885B

Abstract

Wearable device 100, such as a watch, has primary display area 101 and bezel area 103 surrounding at least part of the primary display area 101. The bezel area 103 has an outer facing surface 103 arranged substantially parallel to an outer facing surface 103 of the primary display area 101. The outer facing surface 103 of the bezel area 103 comprises a user interactive region 105. A controller interacts with the user interactive region 105. A communication module may be provided to communicate with one or more external devices. The user interactive region 105 may surround the perimeter of the primary display area. The user interactive region 105 may be a touch screen that displays icons 117 that are associated with touch sensitive regions 117. The appearance of the icons 117 and the functions associated with the touch sensitive regions 117 may change based on how the user interacts with the wearable device 100.

Description

WEARABLE DEVICE [0001] The present invention is directed towards wearable devices, and in particular wrist-wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers.

[0002] Existing wearable devices incorporate a communication module to allow the wearable devices to communicate with one or more external devices such as smartphones. The wearable devices also incorporate a display to display information associated with the wearable device and acts as a touch sensitive region for receiving inputs from the user for controlling the wearable device.

[0003] It is an aim of the present invention to improve on, or at least provide an alternative to, existing wearable devices.

[0004] According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

[0005] According to a first aspect, there is provided a wearable device comprising: a communication module operable to communicate with one or more external devices; a primary display area having an outer facing surface; a bezel area surrounding at least part of or all of the primary display area, the bezel area having an outer facing surface arranged substantially parallel to the outer facing surface of the primary display area, the outer facing surface of the bezel area comprising a user interactive region; and a controller operable to interact with the user interactive region.

[0006] Advantageously, the present invention provides a user interactive region in the outer facing surface of a bezel area of the wearable device that surrounds at least part of or all of the primary display area. The user interactive region provides an area for the user to interact with in addition to, or separately from the primary display area. The present invention enables the user to interact with the wearable device without, necessarily, affecting the primary display area.

[0007] The communication module may be operable to receive data from an external device. This may include receiving radio signals from an external transmitter. The communication module may be operable to communicate bi-directionally with one or more external devices. The communication module may be a wireless communication module such as a Bluetooth ® communication module. The one or more external devices may include a smartphone, headphones, or computer.

[0008] The bezel area surrounding all of the primary display area may mean that the bezel area surrounds the perimeter of the primary display area. The user interactive region may be arranged to surround the perimeter of the primary display area. The user interactive region may comprise a plurality of user interactive regions spaced apart around the bezel area.

[0009] The user interactive region may be arranged to detect a user input. The controller may be operable to control, in response to the user interactive region detecting the user input, the wearable device to perform one or more functions.

[0010] The user interactive region may comprise a plurality of areas arranged to detect a user input. Each of the plurality of areas may be associated with a function of the wearable device. For each of the plurality of areas, the controller may be operable to, in response to the user interacting with the area, control the wearable device to perform the function associated with the area.

[0011] The primary display area may comprise an analog watch face having at least one watch hand for displaying the time.

[0012] The primary display area may further comprise one or more display modules incorporated into the analog watch face.

[0013] The primary display area may further comprise a transparent or translucent screen arranged to cover an outer facing surface of the analog watch face. The screen may be either a transparent or translucent display or the wearable device may comprise one or more projectors for projecting light onto the screen so as to form a display. The screen may extend over the bezel area such that the primary display area and the bezel area are covered by the screen.

[0014] The user interactive region may comprise a secondary display. The controller may be operable to control the output of the secondary display. The secondary display may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED) display, organic LED display (OLED), or active-matrix LED (AMOLED) display.

[0015] The secondary display may extend around the perimeter of the primary display area.

[0016] The secondary display may incorporate or be associated with one or more touch sensitive regions. The controller may be operable to control, in response to a user interacting with one or more of the touch sensitive regions, the wearable device to perform one or more functions associated with the touch sensitive region.

[0017] The secondary display may incorporate or be associated with a plurality of touch sensitive regions. Each of the plurality of touch sensitive regions may be associated with a function of the wearable device. For each of the plurality of touch sensitive regions, the controller may be operable to control the secondary display to display an icon, indicative of the function associated with the touch sensitive region, in the location of the touch sensitive region. The controller may further be operable to control the wearable device to perform the function associated with the touch sensitive region in response to a user interacting with the touch sensitive region.

[0018] The touch sensitive regions may be associated with a first group of functions.

The controller may be operable to control the secondary display to display a first group of icons, indicative of the first group of functions, in the locations of the touch sensitive regions. In response to a user interacting with a first of the touch sensitive regions, the controller may be operable to change one or more of the touch sensitive regions to be associated with a second group of functions. The controller may be further operable to control the secondary display to display a second group of icons at the locations of the one or more touch sensitive regions, the second group of icons may be indicative of the second group of functions. The second group of functions may be associated with the function of the first of the touch sensitive regions.

[0019] Advantageously, the present invention is able to change the state - that is the appearance and the functions - associated with the touch sensitive regions, in response to the user interacting with the touch sensitive regions. This provides a more responsive arrangement that reacts based on how the user interacts with the wearable device.

[0020] In response to a user interacting with a first of the touch sensitive regions, the controller may be operable to change one or more of the other touch sensitive regions to be associated with a second group of functions. The controller may be further operable to control the secondary display to display a second group of icons at the locations of the one or more other touch sensitive regions, the second group of icons may be indicative of the second group of functions, and wherein the second group of functions may be associated with the function of the first of the touch sensitive regions.

[0021] The bezel area may comprise one or more actuatable buttons. The bezel area may comprise a plurality of actuatable buttons for providing the user interactive region. The one or more actuatable buttons may comprise capacitive buttons and/or mechanical buttons, e.g. push-buttons. The bezel area may comprise a single user interactive region that provides a plurality of touch sensitive regions. The touch sensitive regions may be capacitive touch sensitive regions.

[0022] The actuatable buttons may provide a point on the wearable device that is easy for the user to interact with even if, for example, the user is engaged in an activity such as running or has sweaty/wet hands that would make interacting with a touch screen more challenging.

[0023] One or more of the actuatable buttons may be arranged to be illuminated in response to the user interacting with the actuatable buttons. The one or more actuatable buttons may be associated with one or more lighting units, such as LEDs, arranged to provide the illumination.

[0024] The bezel area may comprise a single user interactive region that provides a plurality of touch sensitive regions. The touch sensitive regions may be capacitive touch sensitive regions.

[0025] The controller may be operable to change a display state of the primary display area in response to the user interacting with the user interactive region.

[0026] The bezel area may comprise one or more sensor regions. The one or more sensor regions may comprise one or more of a fingerprint sensor, temperature sensor, and humidity sensor. The bezel area may comprise a power unit such as a battery. The bezel area may comprise one or more light sources. The one or more light sources may comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LED). The bezel area may comprise a camera. The bezel area may comprises a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. The bezel area may comprise a memory device such as a flash memory card. The bezel area may comprise a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. The bezel area may comprise a Near Field Communication (NFC) receiver, transmitter or transceiver.

[0027] The bezel area may be an integral component with the primary display area.

The bezel area may be a separate component to the primary display area.

[0028] The bezel area may be removable from the wearable device. The bezel area may be attachable I detachable from the wearable device. Part of the bezel area may be removable from the wearable device, while the remaining part of the bezel area may remain fixed to/an integral part of the wearable device. The remaining part of the bezel area may act as a docking station or a point for mounting the removable part of the bezel area onto the wearable device.

[0029] Advantageously, different bezel areas incorporating different components may be supplied as a kit with the wearable device so that different bezel areas can be selected by the user as desired. For example, first bezel area may comprise one or more of a GPS receiver and a power unit. A user may select to use this first bezel area for outdoor pursuits. A second bezel area may comprise one or more of a NFC transceiver and a fingerprint sensor. A user may select to use the second bezel area for biometric identification.

[0030] The user interactive region may extend to an outer edge of the bezel area.

This means that the user may be able to interact with the user interactive region at the outer edge of the bezel area.

[0031] The wearable device may further comprise a wrist mountable housing. One or more of the central display area, bezel area, communication module, and controller may be positioned within the wrist mountable housing.

[0032] The wearable device may be a smartwatch or a fitness tracker.

[0033] The bezel area may be a ring located on the outer surface of a housing or wrist-mountable housing of the wearable device. The primary display area may be provided underneath the bezel area such that a display or analog watch face of the primary display area is visible through the central aperture of the bezel area.

[0034] The bezel area may be integral with the wrist-mountable housing or may be a separate component.

[0035] The bezel area may be a fixed, i.e. non-rotational, bezel area.

[0036] The bezel area may comprise a first bezel area that surrounds at least part of or all of the primary display area, and a second bezel area that surrounds at least part of or all of the first bezel area. The first bezel area may provide a first user interactive region. The first user interactive region may be secondary display. The second bezel area may provide a second user interactive region. The second user interactive region may be a touch sensitive region such as a capacitive touch sensitive region. The second user interactive region may extend to an outer edge of the second bezel area.

[0037] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a wearable device comprising: a primary display area; a secondary display surrounding at least part of or all of the primary display area, wherein the secondary display incorporates or is associated with a user interactive region comprising a plurality of touch sensitive regions, and wherein the touch sensitive regions are associated with a first group of functions of the wearable device; and a controller operable to control the secondary display to display a first group of icons at the locations of the touch sensitive regions, the first group of icons being indicative of the first group of functions of the touch sensitive regions, wherein in response to the user interacting with a first of the touch sensitive regions, the controller is operable to change one or more of the touch sensitive regions to be associated with a second group of functions, and the controller is further operable to control the secondary display to display a second group of icons at the locations of the one or more touch sensitive regions, the second group of icons being indicative of the second group of functions, and wherein the second group of functions are associated with the function of the first of the touch sensitive regions.

[0038] In response to a user interacting with a first of the touch sensitive regions, the controller may be operable to change one or more of the other touch sensitive regions to be associated with a second group of functions. The controller may be further operable to control the secondary display to display a second group of icons at the locations of the one or more other touch sensitive regions, the second group of icons may be indicative of the second group of functions, and wherein the second group of functions may be associated with the function of the first of the touch sensitive regions.

[0039] The wearable device may further comprise a bezel area that surrounds the primary display area. The bezel area may have an outer facing surface arranged substantially parallel to an outer facing surface of the primary display area.

[0040] The secondary display may be provided in the bezel area. The second display may be integral with the primary display area.

[0041] The bezel area may comprise one or more actuatable buttons or a plurality of actuatable buttons. The actuatable buttons may comprise capacitive buttons and/or mechanical buttons. The bezel area may comprise a single user interactive region that provides a plurality of touch sensitive regions. The touch sensitive regions may be capacitive touch sensitive regions.

[0042] The primary display area may comprise an analog watch face having at least one watch hand for displaying the time.

[0043] The primary display area may further comprise one or more display modules incorporated into the analog watch face.

[0044] The primary display area may further comprise a transparent or translucent screen arranged to cover an outer facing surface of the analog watch face. The screen may be either a transparent or translucent display or the wearable device may comprise one or more projectors for projecting light onto the screen so as to form a display. The screen may extend over the bezel area such that the primary display area and the bezel area are covered by the screen.

[0045] The controller may be operable to change a display state of the primary display area in response to the user interacting with the user interactive region.

[0046] The wearable device of the second aspect of the invention may incorporate one or more features from the wearable device of the first aspect.

[0047] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a wearable device comprising: a primary display area having an outer facing surface; a bezel area surrounding the primary display area, the bezel area having an outer facing surface arranged substantially parallel to the outer facing surface of the primary display area, the outer facing surface of the bezel area comprising a user interactive region substantially surrounding the perimeter of the primary display area; and a controller operable to interact with the user interactive region. The wearable device of the third aspect of the invention may incorporate one or more features from the first aspect and/or the second aspect of the invention.

[0048] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

[0049] Figure 1 shows an example wearable device according to the first, second and third aspects;

[0050] Figure 2 shows another example wearable device according to the first, second and third aspects;

[0051] Figure 3 shows an example wearable device according to the first, and third aspects;

[0052] Figures 4a-4c show other examples of wearable device according to the first, and third aspects;

[0053] Figure 5 shows another example wearable device according to the first, and third aspects;

[0054] Figure 6 shows another example wearable device according to the first, and third aspects;

[0055] Figure 7 shows another example wearable device according to the first, second and third aspects;

[0056] Figure 8 shows another example wearable device according to the first, second and third aspects;

[0057] Figure 9 shows another example wearable device according to the first, second and third aspects;

[0058] Figure 10a-10b show another example wearable device according to the first, second and third aspects;

[0059] Figure 11a-11b show another example wearable device according to the first, second and third aspects;

[0060] Figure 12a-12b show another example wearable device according to the first, second and third aspects; and [0061] Figure 13 shows another example wearable device according to the first, second and third aspects.

[0062] Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a wearable device according to the first, second and third aspects and indicated generally by the reference numeral 100.

[0063] The wearable device 100 comprises a communication module operable to communicate with one or more external devices. The communication may be bi-directional such that the wearable device 100 can send and receive data. The communication module is not required for all arrangements of wearable devices. Some wearable devices, such as fitness trackers, may not be required to have a communication module.

[0064] The wearable device 100 has the appearance of a watch and has a wristmountable housing 107. The wearable device 100 comprises a primary display area 101 having an outer facing surface 101. The primary display area 101 is in the form of an analog watch face with moveable hands 113 for indicating the time. The primary display area 101 also has three secondary dials 115.

[0065] The wearable device 100 has a bezel area 103 surrounding the primary display area 101. The bezel area 103 has an outer facing surface 103 arranged substantially parallel to the outer facing surface 101 of the primary display area 101. The outer facing surface 103 ofthe bezel area 103 comprises a user interactive region 105. A controller ofthe wearable device 100 is operable to interact with the user interactive region 105.

[0066] The bezel area 103 is a ring located on the outer surface of the wristmountable housing 107. The primary display area 101 is provided underneath the bezel area

103 such that the analog watch face of the primary display area 101 is visible through the central aperture of the bezel area 103.

[0067] The wearable device 100 has push buttons 109 and a crown 111 extending from a side facing surface of the wearable device 100. The side facing surface is substantially perpendicular to the outer facing surface 101,103 of the primary display area 101 I bezel area 103.

[0068] The wearable device 100 combines the appearance and simplicity of an analog watch face with the added functionality of a user interactive region 105, a controller that interacts with the user interaction region, and a communication module for bi-directional communication. The analog watch face may be provided by a quartz watch or a mechanical watch.

[0069] The primary display area 101 further incorporates a transparent screen (not shown) covering the outer facing surface of the analog watch face. The wearable device 100 comprises one or more projectors (not shown) for projecting light onto the screen so as to form a display. In this way, a display can be projected over the analog watch face to enhance the functionality of the wearable device 100.

[0070] The user interactive region 105 surrounds the perimeter of the primary display area 101. The user interactive region 105 is a secondary display 105. The controller may be operable to control the output of the secondary display to display icons 117. Eight displayed icons 117 (“A”, “B”, “C”, ... ) are shown in Figure 1, although the present invention is not limited to any particular number of icons 117.

[0071] The secondary display 105 is a touch screen. This means that each of the icons 117 is associated with a touch sensitive region 117. That is, if a user touches the secondary display 105 in the location of an icon 117 the touch sensitive region 117 will register a touch input. The displayed icons 117 may be indicative of the function associated with the touch sensitive region 117.

[0072] The controller is operable to control, in response to a user interacting with one or more of the touch sensitive regions 117, the wearable device 100 to perform one or more functions associated with the touch sensitive region 117. For example, if a user interacts with the touch sensitive region 117 associated with the displayed icon A’, the controller may be operable to control the wearable device 100 to perform the function of playing music. If the user interacts with the touch sensitive region 117 associated with the displayed icon ‘B’, the controller may be operable to control the wearable device 100 to communicate with an external device such as a smartphone.

[0073] The appearance of the icons 117 and the functions associated with the touch sensitive regions 117 may change based on how the user interacts with the wearable device 100.

[0074] In one example mode of operation, the touch sensitive regions 117 are initially associated with a first group of functions. The controller controls the secondary display 105 to display a first group of icons 117, indicative of the first group of functions, in the locations of the touch sensitive regions 117.

[0075] In response to a user interacting with a first of the touch sensitive regions

117 (e.g. “A” in Figure 1), the controller changes one or more of the touch sensitive regions 117 to be associated with a second group of functions. The controller also controls the secondary display 105 to display a second group of icons 117 at the locations of the one or more touch sensitive regions 117. The second group of icons 117 are indicative of the second group of functions, and the second group of functions are associated with the function of the first of the touch sensitive regions 117 (e.g. “A”). Here, “associated” may mean that the functions are linked or similar. The functions may relate to the same category (e.g. “music” or “fitness”). Associated may also mean that the user has predefined these functions to be associated with one another. This means that if a user interacts with an icon 117 associated with a music function, the functions and appearance of one or more of the icons 117 may be changed to be associated with this music function.

[0076] Referring to Figure 2, there is shown another wearable device 200 according to the first, second and third aspects of the invention. The wearable device 200 has a primary display area 201, bezel area 203 including a user interactive region 205 with icons 217, and wrist mountable housing 207. The primary display area 201 is in the form of an analog watch face with moveable hands 213, and has a secondary dial 215. A crown 211 also extends from the side facing surface of the wearable device 200. The wearable device 200 differs from the wearable device 100 in that the outer facing surfaces 201,203 of the primary display area 201 and the bezel area 203 have a rectangular shape rather than circular shape as in Figure 1. The wearable device 200 is able to function in the same way as the wearable device 100 of Figure 1.

[0077] Referring to Figure 3, there is shown another wearable device 300 according to the first and third aspects of the invention. The wearable device 300 has a primary display area 301, bezel area 303 including a user interactive region 305, and wrist mountable housing 307. The primary display area 301 is in the form of an analog watch face with moveable hands 313, and has three secondary dials 315. A crown 311 and push buttons 309 also extend from the side facing surface of the wearable device 300.

[0078] The user interactive region 305 is in the form of a secondary display 305.

The secondary display 305 displays information to the user at the display locations 317. Two display locations 317 are shown in Figure 3 but more may be provided. The display locations 317 may be positioned around the perimeter of the primary display area 301, and the display locations 317 may be moved by the user. The controller is operable to control the wearable device 300 to change the information displayed in the display locations 317. The secondary display 305 is not required to be a touch screen in this example.

[0079] Referring to Figures 4a-4c, there is shown another wearable device 400 according to the first and third aspects of the invention. The wearable device 400 has a primary display area 401, bezel area 403 including a user interactive region 405, and wrist mountable housing 407. The primary display area 401 is in the form of an analog watch face with moveable hands 413, and has three secondary dials 415. A crown 411 and push buttons 409 also extend from the side facing surface of the wearable device 400.

[0080] The user interactive region 405 comprises actuatable buttons 417. Eight actuatable buttons 417 are shown surrounding the perimeter of the analog watch face 401, but the present invention is not limited to this arrangement. Each of the actuatable buttons 417 is associated with a different function such that the user can trigger different functions by operating the different actuatable buttons 417.

[0081] The primary display area 401 further incorporates a transparent screen (not shown) covering the outer facing surface of the analog watch face 401. The wearable device 400 comprises one or more projectors (not shown) for projecting light onto the screen so as to form a display. The user interacting with the actuatable buttons 417 may cause information to be projected onto the screen such that the information is visible to the user.

[0082] The actuatable buttons 417 incorporate a light module 419 that is arranged to be illuminated when the user interacts with the actuatable button 417. The light module 419 is arranged underneath the actuatable button 417, and the front face of the actuatable button 417 has an aperture such that light may be projected therethrough. The aperture may be circular in shape (Figure 4a) or rectangular (Figure 4c). The aperture may be arranged below the text on the actuatable button 417 (Figure 4b).

[0083] Referring to Figure 5, there is shown another wearable device 500 according to the first and third aspects of the invention. The wearable device 500 has a primary display area 501, bezel area 503 including a user interactive region 505, and wrist mountable housing 507. The primary display area 501 is in the form of an analog watch face with moveable hands 513, and has three secondary dials 515, 523. A crown 511 and push buttons 509 also extend from the side facing surface of the wearable device 500.

[0084] The user interactive region 505 comprises actuatable buttons 517. Six actuatable buttons 517 are shown surrounding the perimeter of the primary display area 501, but the present invention is not limited to this arrangement. Each of the actuatable buttons 517 is associated with a different function such that the user can trigger different functions by operating the different actuatable buttons 517.

[0085] The user interactive region 505 further comprises a display module 521. In this arrangement, a combination of actuatable buttons 517 and a display module 521 are provided. The display module 521 is controlled by the controller to display information, and this display may be triggered by the user interacting with one of the actuatable buttons 517. For example, by pressing the “MUSIC” button 517, the controller may operate to control the display module 521 to display the name of a song being played to the user.

[0086] The secondary dial 523 of the primary display module 501 is a display module 523 incorporated into the analog watch face. The display module 523 is used to display information to the user, and is controlled by the controller. In this example, the display module 523 is displaying the number of footsteps taken by the user. This display may be triggered by the user pressing the “ACTIVITY” button 517.

[0087] Referring to Figure 6, there is shown another wearable device 600 according to the first and third aspects of the invention. The wearable device 600 has a primary display area 601, bezel area 603 including a user interactive region 605, and wrist mountable housing 607. The primary display area 601 is in the form of an analog watch face with moveable hands 613, and has two secondary dials 615, 623. A crown 611 and push buttons 609 also extend from the side facing surface of the wearable device 600.

[0088] The user interactive region 605 comprises actuatable buttons 617. Ten actuatable buttons 617 are shown surrounding the perimeter of the primary display area 601, but the present invention is not limited to this arrangement. Each of the actuatable buttons 617 is associated with a different function such that the user can trigger different functions by operating the different actuatable buttons 617.

[0089] The secondary dial 623 of the primary display area 601 is a display module

623 incorporated into the analog watch face. The display module 623 is used to display information to the user, and is controlled by the controller. In this example, the display module 623 is displaying the date, temperature, and weather information. This display may be triggered by the user pressing the “TEMPERATURE” button 617.

[0090] Referring to Figure 7, there is shown another wearable device 700 according to the first, second and third aspects of the invention. The wearable device 700 has a primary display area 701, bezel area 703, user interactive region 705, and wrist mountable housing 707.

[0091] The primary display area 701 is a display module that forms a digital display.

This may provide a digital watch display or a digital display of an analog watch, for example. A crown 711 and push buttons 709 also extend from the side facing surface of the wearable device 700. The controller is operable to control the output of the primary display area 701.

[0092] The user interactive region 705 comprises actuatable buttons 717. Eight actuatable buttons 717 are shown surrounding the perimeter of the primary display area 701, but the present invention is not limited to this arrangement. Each of the actuatable buttons 717 is associated with a different function such that the user can trigger different functions by operating the different actuatable buttons 717.

[0093] The wearable device 700 of Figure 7 may be a fitness tracker. A communication module for bi-directional communication with one or more external devices may not be provided for the wearable device 700 of Figure 7.

[0094] Referring to Figure 8, there is shown another wearable device 800 according to the first, second and third aspects of the invention. The wearable device 800 has a primary display area 801, bezel area 803 including a user interactive region 805, and wrist mountable housing 807.

[0095] The primary display area 801 is a display module that forms a digital display.

This may provide a digital watch display or a digital display of an analog watch, for example. A crown 811 and push buttons 809 also extend from the side facing surface of the wearable device 800. The controller is operable to control the output of the primary display area 801.

[0096] The bezel area provides a single user interactive region 805 that provides a plurality of touch sensitive regions 817. The touch sensitive regions 817 may be capacitive touch sensitive regions 817. Eight touch sensitive regions 817 are shown surrounding the perimeter of the primary display area 801, but the present invention is not limited to this arrangement. Each of the touch sensitive regions 817 is associated with a different function such that the user can trigger different functions by operating the different touch sensitive regions 817.

[0097] The wearable device 800 of Figure 8 may be a fitness tracker. A communication module for communication with one or more external devices may not be provided for the wearable device 800 of Figure 8.

[0098] Referring to Figure 9, there is shown another wearable device 900 according to the first, second and third aspects of the invention. The wearable device 900 has a primary display area 901, bezel area 903 including a user interactive region 905, and wrist mountable housing 907.

[0099] The user interactive region 905 surrounds the perimeter of the primary display area 901. The user interactive region 905 is a secondary display 905. The controller may be operable to control the output of the secondary display to display icons 917. Eight displayed icons 917 (“A”, “B”, “C”, ... )are shown in Figure 9, although the present invention is not limited to any particular number of icons 917.

[00100] The primary display area 901 is a display module that forms a digital display.

A crown 911 also extends from the side facing surface of the wearable device 900. The controller is operable to control the output of the primary display area 901. For example, the controller is operable to change the display state of the primary display area 901 in response to a user touching one of the display icons 917.

[00101] The display module of the primary display area 901 and the secondary display 905 may be integral with one another. That is, a single display may provide both the primary display area 901 and the secondary display 905. The primary display area 901 and the secondary display 905 may also be separate displays.

[00102] The wearable device 900 functions in a similar way to the wearable devices

100, 200 of Figures 1 and 2.

[00103] Referring to Figures 10a and 10b, there is shown another wearable device

1000 according to the first, second and third aspects of the invention. The wearable device 1000 has a primary display area 1001, bezel area 1003a, 1003b including a user interactive region 1005a, 1005b, and wrist mountable housing 1007.

[00104] The bezel area 1003a, 1003b comprises a first bezel area 1003a that surrounds the primary display area 1001, and a second bezel area 1003b that surrounds the first bezel area 1003a.

[00105] The first bezel area 1003a provides a first user interactive region 1005a that surrounds the perimeter of the primary display area 1001. The first user interactive region 1005a is a secondary display 1005a. The controller may be operable to control the output of the secondary display to display icons 1017a. Ten displayed icons 1017a (“A, “B”, “C”, ...) are shown in Figure 9, although the present invention is not limited to any particular number of icons 1017a. The first user interactive region 1005a operates in a similar way to the user interactive regions 105, 205, 805 of the wearable devices 100, 200, and 900 of Figures 1, 2, and 9.

[00106] The second bezel area 1003b provides a second user interactive region

1005b that surrounds the perimeter of the first user interactive region 1005b. The second user interactive region 1005b is a touch sensitive region such as a capacitive touch sensitive region. The second user interactive region 1005b comprises eight touch sensitive regions 1017b each associated with a different function of the wearable device 1000. The bezel area 1003b provides a single user interactive region 1005b that provides a plurality of touch sensitive regions 1017b. The user interactive region 1005b extends to an outer edge of the bezel area 1003b. This is most clearly shown in Figure 10b. This means that the user is able to interact with the user interactive region 1005b at the outer edge of the bezel area. 1003b. The second bezel area 1003b operates in a similar way to the bezel area 803 of Figure 8.

[00107] The primary display area 1001 is a display module that forms a digital display. A crown 1011 also extends from the side facing surface of the wearable device 1000. The controller is operable to control the output of the primary display area 1001. For example, the controller is operable to change the display state of the primary display area 1001 in response to a user touching one of the display icons 1017a or the touch sensitive regions 1017b.

[00108] The display module of the primary display area 1001 and the secondary display 1005a may be integral with one another. That is, a single display may provide both the primary display area 1001 and the secondary display 1005a. The primary display area 1001 and the secondary display 1005a may also be separate displays.

[00109] Referring to Figures 11a and 11b there is shown another wearable device

1100 according to the first, second and third aspects of the invention. The wearable device 1100 is similar to the wearable device 1000 of Figure 10. The wearable device has a primary display area 1100, crown 1111 first and second bezel area 1103a, 1103b including first and second user interactive region 1105a, 1105b and wrist mountable housing 1107. The first user interactive region 1105a has display icons 1107a associated with functions. The second user interactive region 1105b has touch-sensitive regions 1107b. The second bezel area 1103b is wider and more bulbous than the second bezel area 1003b of Figure 10. The second bezel area 1103b is raised above the first bezel area 1103a.

[00110] Referring to Figures 12a and b, there is shown a wearable device 1200 according to the first, second and third aspects.

[00111] The wearable device 1200 has a primary display area 1201, secondary display 1203 surrounding the primary display area 1201, and a wrist mountable housing 1207.

[00112] The secondary display 1203 incorporates or is associated with a user interactive region 1205 comprising a plurality of touch sensitive regions 1217. Eight touch sensitive regions 1217 are shown in Figures 12a and 12b, but the second aspect is not limited to any particular number of touch sensitive regions 1217.

[00113] The touch sensitive regions 1217 are associated with a first group of functions of the wearable device 1200. The controller of the wearable device 1200 is operable to control the secondary display 1203 to display a first group of icons 1217 at the locations of the touch sensitive regions 1217. The first group of icons 1217 are indicative of the first group of functions of the touch sensitive regions 1217. For example, the touch sensitive region 1217 expressly indicated by the arrow in Figure 12a is associated with a “FITNESS” function, and display text and an icon to indicate as such.

[00114] In response to the user interacting with a first of the touch sensitive regions

1217, the controller changes one or more of the touch sensitive regions 1217 to be associated with a second group of functions. The controller also controls the secondary display 1203 to display a second group of icons 1217 at the locations of the one or more touch sensitive regions 1217. The second group of icons 1217 are indicative of the second group of functions, and the second group of functions are associated with the function of the first of the touch sensitive regions 1217.

[00115] For example, if the user interacts with the “FITNESS” icon 1217 of Figure

12a, the wearable device 1200 transitions to the state shown in Figure 12b. In Figure 12b, the “FITNESS” icon 1217 is replaced with a “NOTIFICATION” icon 1217, and the display of the primary display area 1201 is changed to display user fitness information. The “NOTIFICATION” icon 1217 is associated with the “FITNESS” icon 1217 because the user desires to easily view their notifications when performing fitness activities, such as by going to the gym. As a result, the second aspect enables the user to easily transition between viewing their fitness status and their notifications.

[00116] Rather than, or in addition to changing the appearance and function of the icon 1217 that the user interacts with, the wearable device 1200 of the second aspect may change the function and appearance of one or more of the other icons 1217. In particular, in response to a user interacting with a first of the touch sensitive regions 1217, the controller may change one or more of the other touch sensitive regions 1217 to be associated with a second group of functions. The controller may also control the secondary display 1203 to display a second group of icons 1217 at the locations of the one or more other touch sensitive regions 1217. The second group of icons 1217 are indicative of the second group of functions, and the second group of functions are associated with the function of the first of the touch sensitive regions 1217.

[00117] For example, if the user interacts with the “FITNESS” icon 1217 in Figure

12a, one or more of the other icons may be changed to be associated with a function that is related to “FITNESS” such as a GPS function, a temperature function, a music function or a notification function.

[00118] It will be appreciated that the wearable devices 100, 200, 700, 800 and 900,

1000, 1100 of Figures 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10a-b, and 11a-b respectively, may also perform similar functions.

[00119] Referring to Figure 13, there is shown a wearable device 1300 according to the first, second and third aspects. The wearable device 1300 comprises a controller 1325 and a communication module 1327. The communication module 1327 is operable to communication bi-directionally with one or more external devices 1350. The controller 1325 and communication module 1327 may be provided in any of the wearable devices 100-1200 shown in Figures 1-12.

[00120] At least some of the example embodiments described herein may be constructed, partially or wholly, using dedicated special-purpose hardware. Terms such as ‘component’, ‘module’ or ‘unit’ used herein may include, but are not limited to, a hardware device, such as circuitry in the form of discrete or integrated components, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), which performs certain tasks or provides the associated functionality. In some embodiments, the described elements may be configured to reside on a tangible, persistent, addressable storage medium and may be configured to execute on one or more processors. These functional elements may in some embodiments include, by way of example, components, such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. Although the example embodiments have been described with reference to the components, modules and units discussed herein, such functional elements may be combined into fewer elements or separated into additional elements.

[00121] The described and illustrated embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the scope of the inventions as defined in the claims are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such as “preferable”, “preferably”, “preferred” or “more preferred” in the description suggest that a feature so described may be desirable, it may nevertheless not be necessary and embodiments lacking such a feature may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. In relation to the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used to preface a feature there is no intention to limit the claim to only one such feature unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[00122] In summary, there is provided a wearable device 100 with primary display area

101 and bezel area 103 surrounding at least part of or all of the primary display area 101. The bezel area 103 has an outer facing surface 103 arranged substantially parallel to an outer facing surface 103 of the primary display area 101. The outer facing surface 103 of the bezel area 103 comprises a user interactive region 105. A controller interacts with the user interactive region 105. A communication module may be provided to communicate with one or more external devices. The user interactive region 105 may surround the perimeter of the primary display area. The user interactive region 105 may be a touch screen that displays icons 117 that are associated with touch sensitive regions 117. The appearance of the icons 117 and the functions associated with the touch sensitive regions 117 may change based on how the user interacts with the wearable device 100.

[00123] Although a few preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[00124] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[00125] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[00126] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[00127] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A wearable device comprising:

a communication module operable to communicate with one or more external devices;

a primary display area having an outer facing surface;

a bezel area surrounding at least part of the primary display area, the bezel area having an outer facing surface arranged substantially parallel to the outer facing surface of the primary display area, the outer facing surface of the bezel area comprising a user interactive region; and a controller operable to interact with the user interactive region.

2. A wearable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user interactive region is arranged to surround the perimeter of the primary display area.

3. A wearable device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the user interactive region is arranged to detect a user input, and wherein the controller is operable to control, in response to the user interactive region detecting the user input, the wearable device to perform one or more functions.

4. A wearable device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the user interactive region comprises a plurality of areas arranged to detect a user input, wherein each of the plurality of areas is associated with a function of the wearable device, and wherein, for each of the plurality of areas, the controller is operable to, in response to the user interacting with the area, control the wearable device to perform the function associated with the area.

5. A wearable device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the primary display area comprises an analog watch face having at least one watch hand for displaying the time.

6. A wearable device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the primary display area further comprises one or more display modules incorporated into the analog watch face.

7. A wearable device as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the primary display area further comprises a transparent or translucent screen arranged to cover an outer facing surface of the analog watch face, and wherein the screen is either a transparent or translucent display or the wearable device comprises one or more projectors for projecting light onto the screen so as to form a display.

8. A wearable device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the user interactive region comprises a secondary display, and wherein the controller is operable to control the output of the secondary display.

9. A wearable device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the secondary display extends around the perimeter of the primary display area.

10. A wearable device as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the secondary display incorporates or is associated with one or more touch sensitive regions, and wherein the controller is operable to control, in response to a user interacting with one or more of the touch sensitive regions, the wearable device to perform one or more functions associated with the touch sensitive region.

11. A wearable device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the secondary display incorporates or is associated with a plurality of touch sensitive regions, wherein each of the plurality of touch sensitive regions is associated with a function of the wearable device, and wherein, for each of the plurality of touch sensitive regions, the controller is operable to control the secondary display to display an icon, indicative of the function associated with the touch sensitive region, in the location of the touch sensitive region, and the controller is further operable to control the wearable device to perform the function associated with the touch sensitive region in response to a user interacting with the touch sensitive region.

12. Awearable device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the touch sensitive regions are associated with a first group of functions, and wherein the controller is operable to control the secondary display to display a first group of icons, indicative of the first group of functions, in the locations of the touch sensitive regions, wherein in response to a user interacting with a first of the touch sensitive regions, the controller is operable to change one or more of the touch sensitive regions to be associated with a second group of functions, and is further operable to control the secondary display to display a second group of icons at the locations of the one or more touch sensitive regions, the second group of icons are indicative of the second group of functions, and wherein the second group of functions are associated with the function of the first of the touch sensitive regions.

13. A wearable device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the bezel area comprises a plurality of actuatable buttons for providing the plurality of user interactive regions.

14. A wearable device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the actuatable buttons comprise capacitive buttons and/or mechanical buttons.

15. A wearable device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the controller is operable to change a display state of the primary display area in response to the user interacting with the user interactive region.

16. A wearable device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the communication module is operable to communicate bi-directionally with one or more external devices.

17. A wearable device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the bezel area is removable from the wearable device.

18. Awearable device as claimed in claim 17, wherein part of the bezel area is removable from the wearable device, while the remaining part of the bezel area remains fixed to/an integral part of the wearable device, and wherein the remaining part of the bezel area acts as a docking station or a point for mounting the removable part of the bezel area onto the wearable device.

19. Awearable device comprising:

a primary display area;

a secondary display surrounding at least part of the primary display area, wherein the secondary display incorporates or is associated with a user interactive region comprising a plurality of touch sensitive regions, and wherein the touch sensitive regions are associated with a first group of functions of the wearable device; and a controller operable to control the secondary display to display a first group of icons at the locations of the touch sensitive regions, the first group of icons being indicative of the first group of functions of the touch sensitive regions, wherein in response to the user interacting with a first of the touch sensitive regions, the controller is operable to change one or more of the touch sensitive regions to be associated with a second group of functions, and the controller is further operable to control the secondary display area to display a second group of icons at the locations of the one or more touch sensitive regions, the second group of icons being indicative of the second group of functions, and wherein the second group of functions are associated with the function of the first of the touch sensitive regions.

20. A wearable device as claimed in claim 19, wherein in response to the user interacting with a first of the touch sensitive regions, the controller is operable to change one or more of the other touch sensitive regions to be associated with a second group of functions, and the controller is further operable to control the secondary display area to display a second group of icons at the locations of the one or more other touch sensitive regions, the second group of icons being indicative of the second group of functions, and wherein the second group of functions are associated with the function of the first of the touch sensitive regions.

21. A wearable device as claimed in claim 19 or 20, further comprising a bezel area that surrounds at least part of the primary display area, the bezel area has an outer facing surface arranged substantially parallel to an outer facing surface of the primary display area.

22. A wearable device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the secondary display area is provided in the bezel area.

23. A wearable device as claimed in any of claims 21 or 22, wherein the bezel area comprises a plurality of actuatable buttons for providing the plurality of user interactive regions.

24. A wearable device as claimed in claim 23, wherein the actuatable buttons comprise capacitive buttons and/or mechanical buttons.

25. A wearable device as claimed in any of claims 19 to 24, wherein the primary display area comprises an analog watch face having at least one watch hand for displaying the time.

26. A wearable device as claimed in claim 25 wherein the primary display area further comprises one or more display modules incorporated into the analog watch face.

27. A wearable device as claimed in claim 26, wherein the primary display area further comprises a transparent or translucent screen arranged to cover an outer facing surface of the analog watch face, and wherein the screen is either a transparent or translucent display or the wearable device comprises one or more projectors for projecting light onto the screen so as to form a display.

28. A wearable device as claimed in any of claims 19 to 27, wherein the controller is operable to change a display state of the primary display area in response to the user interacting with the user interactive region.

29. A wearable device comprising:

a primary display area having an outer facing surface;

a bezel area surrounding the primary display area, the bezel area having an outer facing surface arranged substantially parallel to the outer facing surface of the primary display area, the outer facing surface of the bezel area comprising a user interactive region substantially surrounding the perimeter of the primary display area; and a controller operable to interact with the user interactive region.

30. A wearable device as claimed in claim 29, wherein the user interactive region is arranged to detect a user input, and wherein the controller is operable to control, in response to the user interactive region detecting the user input, the wearable device to perform one or more functions.

31. A wearable device as claimed in claim 30, wherein the user interactive region comprises a plurality of areas arranged to detect a user input, wherein each of the plurality of areas is associated with a function of the wearable device, and wherein, for each of the plurality of areas, the controller is operable to, in response to the user interacting with the area, control the wearable device to perform the function associated with the area.

32. A wearable device as claimed in any of claims 29 to 31, wherein the primary display area comprises an analog watch face having at least one watch hand for displaying the time.

33. A wearable device as claimed in claim 32, wherein the primary display area further comprises one or more display modules incorporated into the analog watch face.

34. A wearable device as claimed in claim 32 or 33, wherein the primary display area further comprises a transparent or translucent screen arranged to cover an outer facing surface of the analog watch face, and wherein the screen is either a transparent or translucent display or the wearable device comprises one or more projectors for projecting light onto the screen so as to form a display.

35. A wearable device as claimed in any of claims 29 to 34, wherein the user interactive region comprises a secondary display, and wherein the controller is operable to control the output of the secondary display.

36. A wearable device as claimed in claim 35, wherein the secondary display extends around the perimeter of the primary display area.

37. A wearable device as claimed in claim 35 or 36, wherein the secondary display incorporates or is associated with one or more touch sensitive regions, and wherein the controller is operable to control, in response to a user interacting with one or more of the touch sensitive regions, the wearable device to perform one or more functions associated with the touch sensitive region.

38. Awearable device as claimed in claim 37, wherein the secondary display incorporates or is associated with a plurality of touch sensitive regions, wherein each of the plurality of touch sensitive regions is associated with a function of the wearable device, and wherein, for each of the plurality of touch sensitive regions, the controller is operable to control the secondary display to display an icon, indicative of the function associated with the touch sensitive region, in the location of the touch sensitive region, and the controller is further operable to control the wearable device to perform the function associated with the touch sensitive region in response to a user interacting with the touch sensitive region.

39. Awearable device as claimed in claim 38, wherein the touch sensitive regions are associated with a first group of functions, and wherein the controller is operable to control the secondary display to display a first group of icons, indicative of the first group of functions, in the locations of the touch sensitive regions, wherein in response to a user interacting with a first of the touch sensitive regions, the controller is operable to change one or more of the touch sensitive regions to be associated with a second group of functions, and is further operable to control the secondary display to display a second group of icons at the locations of the one or more touch sensitive regions, the second group of icons are indicative of the second group of functions, and wherein the second group of functions are associated with the function of the first of the touch sensitive regions.

40. A wearable device as claimed in any of claims 29 to 34, wherein the bezel area comprises a plurality of actuatable buttons for providing the plurality of user interactive regions.

41. A wearable device as claimed in claim 40, wherein the actuatable buttons comprise capacitive buttons and/or mechanical buttons.

42. A wearable device as claimed in any of claims 29 to 41, wherein the controller is operable to change a display state ofthe primary display area in response to the user interacting with the user interactive region.

43. A wearable device as claimed in any of claims 29 to 42, wherein the bezel area is removable from the wearable device.

44. Awearable device as claimed in claim 43, wherein part ofthe bezel area is removable from the wearable device, while the remaining part of the bezel area remains fixed to/an integral part ofthe wearable device, and wherein the remaining part ofthe bezel area acts as a docking station or a point for mounting the removable part ofthe bezel area onto the wearable device.

45. Awearable device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 18 and 29 to 44, wherein the bezel area comprises a first bezel area that surrounds the primary display area, and a second bezel area that surrounds the first bezel area, wherein the first bezel area provides a first user interactive region, and the second bezel area provides a second user interactive region.

46. A wearable device as claimed in claim 45, wherein the first user interactive region is a secondary display, and the second user interactive region is a touch sensitive region.