GB2612797A

GB2612797A - Electronics module, method and system

Info

Publication number: GB2612797A
Application number: GB2116223.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Lynch Michael
Original assignee: Prevayl Innovations Ltd
Current assignee: Prevayl Innovations Ltd
Priority date: 2021-11-11
Filing date: 2021-11-11
Publication date: 2023-05-17
Also published as: GB202116223D0

Abstract

An electronics module 110 for a wearable article. The electronics module 110 comprises a controller 202 and a wireless communicator 606. The controller 202 is operable to control the wireless communicator 606 to transmit direction finding information. The direction finding information may comprise a Constant Tone Extension. The direction finding information may be transmitted in response to the controller 202 determining that the electronics module is not being worn and is not being charged or is not positioned in a predetermined location. The direction finding information may be transmitted using a single antenna of the wireless communicator using an Angle of Arrival estimation approach.

Description

ELECTRONICS MODULE, METHOD AND SYSTEM [0001] The present disclosure is directed towards a retainer arranged to receive and retain an electronics module, electronics module, method, and system. The retainer may comprise a power transfer interface arranged to transfer power to the electronics module when retained by the retainer.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Wearable articles, such as garments, incorporating sensors are wearable electronics used to measure and collect information from a wearer. Such wearable articles are commonly referred to as 'smart clothing'. It is advantageous to measure biosignals of the wearer during exercise, or other scenarios.

[0003] It is known to provide a garment, or other wearable article, to which an electronic device (i.e., an electronic module, and/or related components) is attached in a prominent position, such as on the chest. Advantageously, the electronic device is a detachable device. The electronic device is configured to process the incoming signals, and the output from the processing is stored and/or displayed to a user in a suitable way.

[0004] A sensor senses biosignals such as electrocardiogram (ECG) signals and the biosignals are coupled to the electronic device, via a communication interface of the wearable article.

[0005] The sensors may be coupled to the interface by means of conductors which are connected to terminals provided on the communication interface to enable coupling of the signals from the sensor to the communication interface.

[0006] Electronics modules for wearable articles such as garments are known to communicate with user electronic devices over wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth 0 and Bluetooth 0 Low Energy. These electronics modules are typically removably attached to the wearable article, interface with internal electronics of the wearable article, and comprise a Bluetooth 0 antenna for communicating with the user electronic device.

[0007] The electronics module includes drive and sensing electronics comprising components and associated circuitry, to provide the required functionality.

[0008] The drive and sensing electronics include a power source to power the electronic device and the associated components of the drive and sensing circuitry.

[0009] ECG sensing is used to provide a plethora of information about a person's heart. It is one of the simplest and oldest techniques used to perform cardiac investigations. In its most basic form, it provides an insight into the electrical activity generated within heart muscles that changes over time. By detecting and amplifying these differential biopotential signals, a lot of information can be gathered quickly, including the heart rate.

[0010] Typically, the detected ECG signals can be displayed as a trace to a user for information.

Alternatively, or in addition to a signal trace, information can be derived from raw ECG signals through digital signal processing and displayed or presented to the user in other ways, for example such as simple hear rate figures in beats per minute.

[0011] The trace and/or the additional information can be displayed or presented to a user on a user electronic device such as a mobile phone. Within the context of the present disclosure the user can be a wearer of the electronics module of any other user of the electronics module.

[0012] International Patent Application Publication No. W02009/112973 Al discloses a charging dock for a portable ECG monitor. The charging dock includes a base unit with a hinged lid. The charging dock is coupled to the mains by an AC power cord. The monitor is placed in a form-fitting space inside the base unit with its electrical contacts facing downward. When the lid is open, the monitor rests lightly on elastomeric charging contacts underneath the monitor. When the lid is closed, the inside of the lid presses the monitor firmly against the charging contacts. This engagement is measured by the charging dock, which measure the impedance of the contact engagement. When the lid is closed, the dock commences charging of the lithium-ion battery inside the monitor. As the monitor is being charged, the monitor begins wirelessly transmitting its archive of ECG data to a cellphone handset.

[0013] After the monitor has been recharged and its data transferred to the cellphone handset, the monitor runs a self-test. The charging dock also produces test signals which are applied to the contacts of the monitor for testing the ECG circuitry of the monitor. If the self-test is not successful, an LED of the charging dock begins to alternately flash orange and green to indicate that an error condition is present, and to inform the patient.

[0014] It is an object of the present disclosure, to provide an improved retainer for retaining an electronics module and in some instances charging an electronics module.

[0015] It is an object of the present disclosure, to provide improved mechanisms for locating a misplaced electronics module

SUMMARY

[0016] According to the present disclosure there is provided a retainer, electronics module, system, 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.

[0017] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a retainer arranged to receive and retain an electronics module. The retainer comprises a housing defining an internal cavity for receiving the electronics module. The retainer comprises a controller. The retainer comprises a power store. The retainer comprises a power transfer interface. The controller is operable to control the power transfer interface to transfer power from the power store to the electronics module when positioned in the internal cavity of the housing.

[0018] Advantageously, the retainer may comprise an internal power store which is able to be used to transfer power to the electronics module for charging the electronics module. In this way, the electronics module can be charged when positioned in the retainer. As the retainer has its own internal power store, the retainer does not need to be coupled to main electricity via an AC power cable when charging the electronics module. This enables the user to charge their electronics module on the go. The electronics module can be charged when, for example, the retainer is in a pocket of the user or a bag of the user.

[0019] The power transfer interface may comprise a wireless power transmitter arranged to wirelessly transfer power to the electronics module. Advantageously, this means that a physical electrical interface does not need to be formed between the electronics module and the power transfer interface for power transfer to take place. This can simplify the construction of the electronics module and make it easier to waterproof the electronics module.

[0020] The power transfer interface may be arranged to form a conductive electrical connection with the power receiving interface of the electronics module. In addition to power transfer, the conductive electrical connection may be beneficially used for communication between the electronics module and the retainer such as for sending test signals from the retainer to the electronics module.

[0021] The retainer may comprise a power receiving interface arranged to receive power for charging the power store from an external power source. The power receiving interface is not required to be permanently coupled to the external power source. Instead, the power receiving interface need only be coupled to the external power source when the user desires to charge the power store of the retainer.

[0022] The power receiving interface may be arranged to couple the retainer to a wired external power source. The power receiving interface may, for example, comprise a USB interface for coupling to an external power source.

[0023] The power receiving interface may be arranged to couple the retainer to a wireless external power source. The power receiving interface may comprise a wireless power receiving antenna such as for receiving power inductively from a wireless external power source. The external power source may comprise a charging pad that the retainer is positioned on for charging.

[0024] In some examples, the retainer comprises an electronics module detector arranged to detect whether the electronics module is retained by the retainer. This may involve detecting the presence of the electronics module in the internal cavity. Advantageously, the electronics module detector may send a signal to the controller to identify whether the electronics module is being retained by the retainer.

[0025] The electronics module detector may comprise a magnet sensor arranged to detect a magnetic field generated by the electronics module when retained by the retainer. Magnet sensors such as reed switches, hall-effect sensors and magnetometers are simple, low-cost devices which generally do not require large power consumption. The electronics module may comprise a magnet such as a permanent magnet or may generate a magnetic field due to one or more electrical components of the electronics module.

[0026] The electronics module detector may be arranged to electrically couple with the electronics module when the electronics module is retained by the retainer. The electronics module detector may be arranged to detect the electrical coupling formed between the electronics module and the electronics module detector. The electronics module detector may therefore detect an electrical connection formed between the electronics module and the retainer. Beneficially, the electrical connection may also be used for power transfer and/or for communication between the electronics module and the retainer such as for sending test signals from the retainer to the electronics module.

[0027] The electronics module detector may comprise a wireless communicator arranged to detect whether the electronics module is retained by the retainer based on wireless communication between the electronics module and the wireless communicator. Beneficially, the wireless communicator can also be used for communication between the retainer and the electronics module and/or the retainer and another device such as user electronics device. The wireless communicator can be used for exchanging information such as a power store level of the retainer or sensor data obtained from one or more sensors of the retainer.

[0028] The electronics module detector may detect that the electronics module is retained if a wireless communication is established. This is beneficial for short-range wireless communication protocols such as near-field communication protocols. For such short-range communication protocols, the wireless communicator of the retainer may only be able to receive signals from the electronics module if the electronics module is in close proximity to the retainer which is indicative of the electronics module being retained by the retainer. The wireless communication may only be established if the electronics module is retained by the retainer. The retainer and the electronics module may both comprise a near-field communication antenna such as a near-field magnetic induction antenna. The electronics module may energize its antenna. When the electronics module is retained by the retainer, the antenna of the electronics module may induce a current in the antenna of the retainer. The induced current identifies that the electronics module is retained by the retainer.

[0029] The electronics module detector may detect that the electronics module is retained based on a received signal strength of a wireless communication received from the electronics module. A sufficiently high received signal strength will indicate that the electronics module is in close proximity to the retainer which is indicative of the electronics module being retained. The received signal strength may only be sufficiently high if the electronics module is retained by the retainer. The received signal strength may compare the received signal strength to a prestored threshold value. If the received signal strength is greater than the prestored threshold value, the retainer may determine that the electronics module is retained by the retainer.

[0030] In some examples, the retainer comprises the power transfer interface and electronics module detector. The controller may be operable to control the power transfer interface to transfer power in response to receiving a signal from the electronics module detector indicating that the electronics module is retained by the retainer. In this way, the power transfer interface may only be controlled to transfer power when an electronics module is retained. The retainer may also comprise the power store. Only transferring power when the electronics module is retained reduces power consumption of the power store by avoiding unnecessary operation of the power transfer interface.

[0031] In some examples, the retainer comprises a lid attached to the housing. The lid is operable to move between a closed position and an open position. Wien in the closed position the lid may conceal the internal cavity. When in the open position the lid may be displaced from the housing such that a user can access the internal cavity.

[0032] The retainer may comprise a lid sensor arranged to detect whether the lid is in the closed position or the open position. Advantageously, the retainer is able to detect whether the lid is open or closed. This enables the retainer to perform different operations dependent on the position of the lid. The controller may receive a signal from the lid sensor and determine an operation to perform based on the position of the lid.

[0033] The controller may be operable to transition the retainer between a first power mode and a second power mode which consumes more power than the first power mode in response to receiving a signal from the lid sensor indicating that the lid has moved between the closed position and the open position. Advantageously, the movement of the lid can be used to trigger the waking of the retainer from the first power mode. This provides a convenient mechanism for the user to wake-up the retainer without requiring physical buttons or other interface elements to be incorporated into the retainer.

[0034] The lid sensor may be operable to send a signal to the controller in response to detecting that the lid has moved from the closed position to the open position, and in response to receiving the signal, the controller may be operable to transition the retainer from the first power mode to the second power mode. Advantageously, when the lid is closed the retainer may operate in a lower power state than when the lid is open. Opening the lid may cause the retainer to wake-up and perform an operation.

[0035] In some examples, the retainer comprises a wireless communicator. In the first power mode, the wireless communicator may be disabled. In response to opening the lid, the controller may enable the wireless communicator and may control the wireless communicator to transmit data to an external device such as the electronics module or a user electronic device. The data may include status Information for the retainer such as a power store level for the power store.

[0036] In some examples, the retainer comprises an electronics module detector. In the first power mode, the electronics module detector may be disabled. In response to opening the lid, the controller may enable the electronics module detector. In this way, the electronics module detector may be operated to detect an electronics module being retained by the retainer. This beneficially reduces power consumption as the electronics module detector is disabled from operating when the lid is closed. When the lid is closed it is not possible to insert or remove an electronics module from the internal cavity of the retainer.

[0037] In some examples, the retainer comprises a power transfer interface. In the first power mode, the power transfer interface may be disabled. In this example, the first power mode may be a sleep mode such as an ultra-low power sleep mode used when the retainer is in transit and long-term storage. In this situation it may be desirable to avoid transferring power even if an electronics module is retained by the retainer. In response to opening the lid, the controller may enable the power transfer interface to transfer power to an electronics module retained by the retainer.

[0038] The lid sensor may comprise a magnet sensor arranged to detect a magnetic field generated as a result of the lid moving between the closed position and the open position. The magnet sensor may be any of the magnet sensors described above in relation to the electronics module detector. The lid may comprise a magnet such as a permanent magnet. A change in the magnetic field caused by the lid moving between the open and closed positions is detectable by the magnet sensor.

[0039] The lid sensor may comprise an environmental sensor arranged to detect an environmental change caused by the lid moving between the open position and the closed position. Advantageously, an environmental sensor may also be used by the retainer to perform environmental monitoring. This allows for the retainer to measure additional metrics relevant to the user that might not be otherwise measurable by the electronics module. It is generally easier to integrate environmental sensors into a retainer rather than an electronics module. Retainers may not be required to be wearable and are able to have larger form-factors than electronics module providing more space for additional electronics. In addition, while it is desirable for an electronics module to be waterproofed to protect against water ingress due to sweat or to allow for the electronics module to be used while swimming, retainers generally do not require stringent water ingress protection. This simplifies the process of integrating environmental sensors into the retainer. The housing may comprise an aperture that brings the environmental sensor into communication with the internal cavity.

[0040] The environmental sensor may comprise a light sensor arranged to detect changes in light level cause by the lid moving between the closed position and the open position. The light sensor may be an ambient light sensor. The ambient light sensor may be useable to provide ambient light monitoring in addition to performing lid sensing.

[0041] The environmental sensor may comprise a pressure sensor arranged to detect changes in pressure caused by the lid moving between the closed position and the open position. The pressure sensor may be a barometric pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may be useable to provide environmental pressure sensing in addition to performing lid sensing.

[0042] The retainer may comprise an environmental sensor. The environmental sensor may be the lid sensor as described above but is not required to be. The controller may be communicatively coupled to the environmental sensor and operable to receive environmental sensor data from the environmental sensor.

[0043] The retainer may comprise a wireless communicator. The controller may be operable to control the wireless communicator to transmit the environmental sensor data. Advantageously, the retainer is able to perform environmental monitoring and transmit the environmental sensor data to an external device for analysis or display to a user.

[0044] The controller may be operable to control the wireless communicator to transmit the environmental sensor data to the electronics module.

[0045] The controller may be operable to control the wireless communicator to transmit the sensor data to a user electronic device.

[0046] The environmental sensor may comprise an air quality sensor. The air quality sensor may comprise a carbon dioxide sensor. The air quality sensor may comprise a volatile organic compound sensor. The environmental sensor may comprise a humidity sensor.

[0047] The environmental sensor may be a temperature sensor.

[0048] The environmental sensor may comprise an optical sensor which functions as an ambient light sensor.

[0049] The environmental sensor may comprise a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may comprise a barometric pressure sensor.

[0050] The retainer may be arranged to couple with the electronics module when retained. The retainer may be arranged to send one or more signals to the electronics module via the coupling formed between the retainer and the electronics module. In this way, the retainer is able to communicate with the electronics module. The coupling may be an electrical coupling.

[0051] The signal may be a test signal. The test signal with known properties and may be used for calibration. The electronics module processes the received test signal and generates an output which is useable to determine whether the electronics module is operating correctly.

[0052] The electronics module may comprise a sensing interface. The controller may be operable to couple with the sensing interface of the electronics module so as to provide the test signal to the sensing interface when the electronics module is retained by the retainer.

[0053] Advantageously, the controller is able to provide a test signal to the sensing interface of the electronics module when retained by the retainer. The test signal is useable by the electronics module to perform one or more diagnostics functions such as a calibration function. This can be used to determine whether the electronics module is functioning correctly.

[0054] The test signal may represent one or more characteristics of a physiological signal.

[0055] The test signal may represent one or more characteristics of a heart rate signal.

[0056] The test signal may be representative of a predetermined heart rate.

[0057] The retainer may be arranged to electrically couple with the sensing interface of the electronics module, and wherein the controller may be operable to provide the test signal to the sensing interface via the electrical coupling.

[0058] The retainer may comprise a light source, the sensing interface of the electronics module may comprise an optical sensor, and the controller may be operable to control the light source to provide the test signal. The controller may therefore control the light source to emit light. The emitted light forming the test signal. The controller may vary, for example, the frequency and/or intensity of the emitted light to provide the test signal. The test signal is detectable by an optical sensor of the electronics module. The optical sensor may be used as a photoplethysmography, PPG, sensor. The test signal may represent one or more characteristics of a photoplethysmography, PPG, signal.

[0059] The controller may be operable to receive an output from the electronics module generated based on the provided test signal.

[0060] The controller may be operable to determine, from the output, whether the electronics module is functioning correctly.

[0061] The controller may be operable generate a prompt to a user in response to determining that the electronics module is not functioning correctly.

[0062] Prior to providing the test signal, the controller may be operable to send a communication to the electronics module to trigger the electronics module to enter a calibration mode. The communication may be via the coupling or otherwise via a wireless communicator of the retainer.

[0063] In some examples, the retainer comprises a light source positioned such that light emitted by the light source is detectable by an optical sensor of the electronics module when retained by the retainer. The controller is operable to control the light source to provide a test signal to the optical sensor when the electronics module is retained by the retainer. In this example, the coupling between the retainer and the electronics module is an optical coupling which allows the test signal to be sent.

[0064] The retainer may comprise an optical sensor operable to detect light emitted by a light source of the electronics module, and wherein the controller is operable to receive the output via the optical sensor. The retainer may therefore be able to perform bidirectional communication with the electronics module using light.

[0065] In some examples, the retainer comprises a wireless communicator configured to communicate to an external device.

[0066] The controller may be arranged to determine whether a condition for transmitting data is satisfied, and in response to determining that a condition for transmitting data is satisfied, control the wireless communicator to transmit data. The condition may be satisfied if a lid of the retainer is detected as being in an open position. The condition may be satisfied if a motion sensor of the retainer detects motion. In this way, motion of the retainer may cause the retainer to transmit data. Both examples provide convenient mechanisms for a user to control the operation of the retainer to transmit data. These approaches only require simple inputs from the user. A complicated user interface is not required on the retainer. Moreover, the user is not required to input actions to be performed by the retainer via a user electronic device communicatively coupled to the retainer.

[0067] The retainer may comprise a sensor and a memory arranged to store sensor data received from the sensor. The sensor may be an environmental sensor as described above and/or a motion sensor. Other sensors may also be used.

[0068] The controller may be operable to determine whether a condition for transmitting sensor data stored in the memory is satisfied, and in response to determining that the condition is satisfied, control the wireless communicator to transmit sensor data stored in the memory.

[0069] The wireless communicator may be a first wireless communicator. The retainer may also comprise a second wireless communicator. The first wireless communicator and second wireless communicator may operate using different communication protocols. The second wireless communicator may use a communication protocol that has a shorter communication range than the communication protocol used by the first wireless communicator. The first wireless communicator may be a Bluetooth (RTM) communicator such as a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communicator. The second wireless communicator may be a near-field communicator such as near-field magnetic induction communicator. Advantageously, the first and second wireless communicators are useable to communicate with external devices. The second wireless communicator may be able to communicate with devices in close proximity with the retainer without requiring that a pairing process takes place. This enables information to be rapidly and seamless exchanged between the retainer and the external device. The second wireless communicator and/or the first wireless communicator may also be used to detect whether an electronics module is positioned in an internal cavity of the retainer as described above in relation to the electronics module detector.

[0070] The retainer may comprise an output unit. The output unit may comprise one or more of a visual, audible, and haptic feedback unit.

[0071] The internal cavity may be keyed such that the electronics module may only be inserted into the cavity in a particular orientation.

[0072] The housing may define a single internal cavity for receiving the electronics module.

Advantageously, the retainer housing may define a single internal cavity for receiving an electronics module. Multiple internal cavities are not provided. In this way, the retainer is a dedicates retainer for charging a single electronics module at any one time. This helps make the retainer portable and easy to carry by a user. While the retainer, is only able to receive and charge one electronics module at a time, it may, at different times, receive different electronics modules.

[0073] The single internal cavity may conform to the shape of the electronics module.

[0074] The internal cavity has a length of between 20 mm and 60 mm, a width of between 15 mm and mm, and a depth of between 5 mm and 15 mm.

[0075] Advantageously, the internal cavity is dimensioned to receive an electronics module for a wearable article. The electronics module has a small form factor to enable it to be coupled to a wearable article such as an article of clothing without causing discomfort to the wearer or negatively affecting the appearance of the wearable article.

[0076] The internal cavity may have a length of between 30 mm and 40 mm or between 35 mm and 38 mm.

[0077] The internal cavity may have a width of between 20 mm and 30 mm or between 24 and 26 mm.

In preferred examples, the internal cavity may have a width of 25 mm.

[0078] The internal cavity may have a depth of between 8 mm and 12 mm or between 9 mm and 11 mm. In preferred examples, the internal cavity may have a depth of between 9.7 mm and 10 mm.

[0079] In some examples, the retainer comprises a wireless communicator. The wireless communicator is arranged to receive direction finding information from the electronics module. The controller is operable to use the direction finding information to determine a location of the electronics module.

[0080] Advantageously, the retainer is able to retain the electronics module and is also operable to determine a location of the electronics module based on direction finding information received from the electronics module. This can aid a user in locating an electronics module which may have been misplaced (e.g., is not retained by the retainer). As electronics modules are generally required to have as small a form factor as possible to make them as unobtrusive and comfortable to wear as possible, it can be easy for a user to misplace their electronics module.

[0081] The received direction finding information may comprise a reference transmission power value, and wherein the controller is operable to compare the reference transmission power value to the received transmission power value to determine the location of the electronics module.

[0082] The received direction finding information may comprise a Constant Tone Extension, and wherein the controller is operable to use the received Constant Tone Extension to determine the location of the electronics module.

[0083] The direction finding information may be received using a single antenna of the wireless communicator.

[0084] The wireless communicator may comprise an antenna array. The wireless communicator may switch between different ones of the antennas in the antenna array when receiving the direction finding information. Advantageously, the wireless communicator with the antenna array is able to estimate the angle of arrival (AoA) of a signal received from the electronics module that comprises a Constant Tone Extension. Placing the antenna array in the retainer rather than the electronics module (as required for angle of direction (AoD) estimation) is beneficial as electronics modules are generally required to have a small factor and typically do not have sufficient space for an antenna array.

[0085] The controller may be operable to control the wireless communicator to transmit the determined location of the electronics module to an electronics apparatus. The retainer is advantageously able to perform direction finding for an electronics apparatus such as a mobile phone. This means that a user whose mobile phone might not support advanced direction finding capabilities such as AoA estimation can still determine the location of the electronics module using the functionalities of the retainer.

[0086] The retainer may comprise an output unit. The controller may be operable to control the output unit to generate an output indicative of the determined location of the electronics module. The output unit may comprise a light source.

[0087] In some examples, the retainer may comprise an optical sensor arranged to detect light emitted by the electronics module when retained by the retainer. The controller may be communicatively coupled to the optical sensor and operable to receive a signal from the optical sensor indicative of the light emitted by the electronics module.

[0088] The optical sensor may function as an electronics module detector arranged to detect the presence of the electronics module in the internal cavity.

[0089] The retainer may comprise a light source arranged to emit light, wherein the light source is positioned such that light emitted by the light source is detectable by an electronics module when retained by the retainer.

[0090] The controller may be communicatively coupled to the light source and operable to control the light source to emit light.

[0091] The emitted light may form a test signal as described above.

[0092] The light source and optical sensor may form a communication arrangement used for bi-directional communication with the electronics module when retained by the retainer.

[0093] The retainer may comprise a motion sensor.

[0094] The retainer may comprise a memory.

[0095] The first aspect of the disclosure also provides a system comprising the retainer and the electronics module.

[0096] The electronics module comprises a controller.

[0097] The electronics module may comprise a wireless communicator. The controller may be communicatively coupled to the wireless communicator and may be operable to control the wireless communicator to transmit data.

[0098] In some examples, the electronics module comprises a sensing interface. The controller may be communicatively coupled to the sensing interface. The sensing interface may be part of the controller. The sensing interface may be operable to receive sensor signals such as from a sensor of a wearable article that the electronics module may couple to or a sensor of the electronics module.

[0099] The sensing interface may be operable to receive physiological signals from a wearer of the electronics module. The controller is arranged to process arranged to process the received physiological signals. The wireless communicator is arranged to transmit the processed physiological signals. The electronics module may therefore be arranged to perform physiological monitoring. The electronics module may be referred to as a portable physiological monitoring device.

[0100] Advantageously, there is provided an electronics module which, when worn, is able to perform physiological monitoring of a wearer of the electronics module. The electronics module may be a standalone device or may couple to a wearable article, such as a garment, that comprises sensors and may cooperate with the wearable article to obtain the physiological signals. The electronics module is able to provides the received physiological signals and transmit them to an external device such as a mobile phone or remote server for visualisation, analysis and/or long-term storage.

[0101] In some examples, the electronics module comprises a power receiving interface. The power receiving interface may receive power from a retainer as described above.

[0102] The electronics module may comprise a sensor. The sensor may be coupled to the controller via the sensing interface. The sensor may comprise an optical sensor such as a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor. The sensor may comprise a temperature sensor such as a contact temperature or a non-contact temperature sensor. The sensor may comprise a motion sensor.

[0103] In some examples, the controller is operable to control the wireless communicator to transmit direction finding information.

[0104] Advantageously, the direction finding information is useable by an electronics apparatus that receives the communication from the wireless communicator to determine the location of the electronics module. This can aid a user in locating an electronics module which may have been misplaced. As electronics modules are generally required to have as small a form factor as possible to make them as unobtrusive and comfortable to wear as possible, it can be easy for a user to misplace their electronics module.

[0105] The controller may be operable to control the wireless communicator to transmit direction finding information automatically without user input. Advantageously, a user is not required to trigger the electronics module to transmit direction finding information. This reduces the burden on the user and also enables the electronics module to proactively begin to transmit direction finding information before a user realises that the electronics module has been misplaced.

[0106] The controller may be arranged to determine whether the electronics module is being worn, and control the wireless communicator to transmit direction finding information in response to determining that the electronics module is not being worn. Advantageously, the wireless communicator may only transmit direction finding information when it is determined by the controller to not be worn, this avoids unnecessarily transmitting direction finding information when the electronics module is in a known location (worn by the user).

[0107] The controller may be arranged to enter to a first operation mode in response to determining that the electronics module is being worn, and may be arranged to enter a second operation mode in response to determining that the electronics module is not being worn. In the second operation mode, the controller may be operable to control the wireless communicator to transmit direction finding information. The controller may only be operable to control the wireless communicator to transmit direction finding information in the second operation mode. Direction finding information may not be transmitted in the first operation mode.

[0108] In the first operation mode, the controller may be operable to control the wireless communicator to transmit information other than direction finding information. The information may relate to an operational state of the electronics module. The information may comprise a battery level of the electronics module and/or measurement data recorded by the electronics module.

[0109] In the first operation mode, the controller may be operable to control the electronics module to monitor a property of the wearer of the wearable article. Advantageously, when the electronics module is being worn it performs monitoring of the wearer. The monitoring may include physiological monitoring. The monitoring may use one or more sensors of the electronics module or sensors separate to the electronics module but otherwise provided on the wearable article.

[0110] In the second operation mode, the controller may be operable to repeatedly transition the electronics module between a first power mode and a second power mode which consumes more power than the first power mode, wherein in the second power mode, the controller is operable to control the wireless communicator to transmit the direction finding information.

[0111] Advantageously, the controller may enter a first, low power, mode when the controller detects that the electronics module is not being worn. This reduces power consumption of the electronics module. In the first power mode, one or more sensors of the electronics module may be disabled. The controller may not perform processing on data received from sensors. The wireless communicator may be disabled from transmitting data. The controller repeatedly (e.g., at a fixed duty cycle) wakes the electronics module from the first power mode to transmit direction finding information. In this way, power consumption is reduced when the electronics module is not being worn while still enabling direction finding information to be transmitted. As electronics modules are generally required to have a small form factor, they generally are limited in terms of the power source capacity that they can include. Reducing power consumption is significant in extending the operational life of the electronics module and avoiding the need for the power source to be repeatedly charged or replaced.

[0112] In the second operation mode, the electronics module may be arranged to spend a greater proportion of time in the first power mode than the second power mode.

[0113] The electronics module may comprise a power source. The controller may be operable to control the wireless communicator to transmit direction finding information in response to determining that the electronics module is not being worn and that the power source is not being supplied with power.

[0114] The electronics module may comprise a power receiving interface. The controller may be operable to determine that the power source is being supplied with power in response to detecting power being received via the power receiving interface. Advantageously, the wireless communicator may only transmit direction finding information when it is determined by the controller to not be worn and is not being charged, this avoids unnecessarily transmitting direction finding information when the electronics module is in a known location (worn by the user or in a charging location).

[0115] The controller may be operable to control the wireless communicator to transmit direction finding information in response to determining that the electronics module is not being worn and that the electronics module is not in a predetermined location. The predetermined location may be a charging location or another known location for the electronics module such as a storage location or a location designated by the user.

[0116] The controller may be operable to determine that the electronics module is in the predetermined location if it detects that the electronics module is retained by a retainer as described above. The retainer may be a retainer that is able to transfer power to a power receiving interface of the electronics module but this is not required in all examples. Other forms of retainer which do not transfer power are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0117] The controller may be operable to determine that the electronics module is in the predetermined location based on a signal received from the wireless communicator, where the signal identifies the electronics module as being in the predetermined location.

[0118] The controller may be operable to determine that the electronics module is in the predetermined location based on the signal strength of the signal received from the wireless communicator.

[0119] The electronics module may comprise a sensing interface. The controller may be operable to determine that the electronics module is in the predetermined location based on a signal received from the sensing interface, where the signal identifies the electronics module as being in the predetermined location.

[0120] The wireless communicator may be a first wireless communicator. The electronics module may further comprise a second wireless communicator. The controller may be operable to determine that the electronics module is in the predetermined location based on a signal received from the second wireless communicator, where the signal identifies the electronics module as being in the predetermined location.

[0121] The second wireless communicator may have a shorter communication range than the first wireless communicator.

[0122] The second wireless communicator may use a near field communication protocol. The near field communication protocol may be a near field magnetic induction communication protocol.

[0123] The electronics module may comprise a sensor. The controller may be operable to determine that the electronics module is in the predetermined location based on a signal received from the sensor, where the signal identifies the electronics module as being in the predetermined location.

[0124] The sensor may comprise a magnet sensor. The magnet sensor may comprise a reed switch, hall-effect sensor, or magnetometer. The predetermined location may comprise a magnet such as a permanent magnet or may otherwise generate a magnetic field that is detectable by the magnet sensor when in the predetermined location.

[0125] The direction finding information may comprise reference transmission power value.

[0126] The direction finding information may comprise a Constant Tone Extension.

[0127] The wireless communicator may transmit the direction finding information using a single antenna. Advantageously, transmitting the direction finding information using a single antenna simplifies the construction of the electronics module as multiple antenna elements and associated RF switching circuitry are not required for the wireless communicator.

[0128] The wireless communicator may include an antenna array. The wireless communicator may switch between different ones of the antennas in the antenna array when transmitting the direction finding information. The wireless communicator may comprise RF switching circuitry.

[0129] The electronics module may comprise an output unit. The controller may be arranged to control the output unit to generate an output in response to determining that the electronics module is not being worn and that the electronics module is not in a predetermined location. This may be performed in addition to or instead of transmitting the direction finding information as described above. The output may be generated a predetermined time after the determination by the controller.

[0130] The output unit may comprise one or more of an audio output unit, a visual output unit and a haptic feedback unit.

[0131] The system may also comprise a wearable article. The electronics module may be selectively positioned on the wearable article and in the retainer. The electronics module may be arranged to be removably coupled to the wearable article. The wearable article may comprise a sensor. When coupled to the wearable article, a sensing interface of the electronics module may be brought into communication with the sensor of the wearable article. This enables the electronics module to receive physiological signals. The electronics module may be removed from the wearable article and positioned in the retainer for charging and/or storage.

[0132] In some examples, the system comprises an electronics module and an electronics apparatus that the electronics module is able to communicate with such as to send direction finding information. The electronics apparatus may be the retainer or may be another apparatus such as a user electronic device.

[0133] In some examples, the system comprises a retainer and a bag comprising a pocket sized to receive the retainer. The bag can be used to transport the retainer.

[0134] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an electronics module for a wearable article. The electronics module comprises a controller, and a wireless communicator. The controller is operable to control the wireless communicator to transmit direction finding information.

[0135] The second aspect of the disclosure also provides a method. The method is performed by the electronics module for a wearable article, the electronics module comprising a controller; and a wireless communicator. The method comprises controlling, by the controller, the wireless communicator to transmit direction finding information.

[0136] The second aspect of the disclosure also provides a method. The method comprises determining, by a controller of an electronics module, if the electronics module is being worn. If the electronics module is not being worn, the method comprises controlling a wireless communicator of the electronics module to transmit direction finding information.

[0137] The second aspect of the disclosure also provides a system comprising the electronics module.

The system further comprises an electronics apparatus. The electronics apparatus comprises a controller, and a wireless communicator, where the wireless communicator is arranged to receive direction finding information from the electronics module, and where the controller is operable to use the direction finding information to determine a location of the electronics module.

[0138] According to a third aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a retainer for an electronics module. The retainer comprises a controller, and a wireless communicator. The wireless communicator is arranged to receive direction finding information from the electronics module. The controller is operable to use the direction finding information to determine a location of the electronics module.

[0139] The third aspect of the disclosure also provides a method performed by the retainer for an electronics module, the retainer comprising a controller and a wireless communicator, the method comprising receiving, by the wireless controller, direction finding information from the electronics module; and using, by the controller, the direction finding information to determine a location of the electronics module.

[0140] The third aspect of the disclosure also provides a system comprising the retainer. The system further comprises an electronics module according to the second aspect of the disclosure.

[0141] According to a fourth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a retainer arranged to retain an electronics module, the retainer comprising a power store, a power transfer interface, and a controller, wherein the controller is operable to control the power transfer interface to transfer power from the power store to the electronics module when retained by the retainer, and wherein the controller is operable to couple with a sensing interface of the electronics module so as to provide a test signal to the sensing interface when the electronics module is retained by the retainer.

[0142] The fourth aspect of the disclosure also provides a method performed by the retainer. The method comprises coupling the controller with the sensing interface of the electronics module. The method further comprises providing a test signal to the sensing interface when the electronics module is retained by the retainer.

[0143] The fourth aspect of the disclosure also provides a system comprising the retainer and an electronics module comprising a sensing interface arranged to receive the test signal from the controller of the retainer.

[0144] According to a fifth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a retainer arranged to retain an electronics module, the retainer comprising a controller, and a light source positioned such that light emitted by the light source is detectable by an optical sensor of the electronics module when retained by the retainer, wherein the controller is operable to control the light source to provide a test signal to the optical sensor when the electronics module is retained by the retainer.

[0145] The fifth aspect of the disclosure also provides a method performed by the retainer. The method comprises controlling the light source to provide a test signal to the optical sensor when the electronics module is retained by the retainer.

[0146] The fifth aspect of the disclosure also provides a system comprising the retainer and an electronics module comprising an optical sensor arranged to receive the test signal from the controller of the retainer.

[0147] According to sixth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a retainer for an electronics module, the retainer comprising an environmental sensor, a controller communicatively coupled to the environmental sensor and operable to receive environmental sensor data from the environmental sensor.

[0148] The retainer may further comprise a wireless communicator communicatively coupled to the controller. The controller may be operable to control the wireless communicator to transmit the environmental sensor data.

[0149] The sixth aspect of the disclosure also provides a method performed by the retainer. The method comprises receiving, by the controller, environmental sensor data from the environmental sensor. The method further comprises controlling, by the controller, the wireless communicator to transmit the environmental sensor data.

[0150] The sixth aspect of the disclosure also provides a system comprising the retainer and one or both of an electronics module comprising a wireless communicator arranged to receive the environmental sensor data from the retainer and a user electronic device comprising a wireless communicator arranged to receive the environmental sensor data from the retainer.

[0151] The sixth aspect of the disclosure also provides a system comprising the retainer, and a bag comprising a pocket sized to receive the retainer, wherein the bag comprises an air permeable material arranged to allow for air exchange between the pocket and the external environment.

[0152] The air permeable material may comprise a mesh fabric.

[0153] The air permeable material may comprise a substantially air-impermeable material layer, and wherein perforations are formed in the substantially air-impermeable material layer to allow for the air exchange between the pocket and the external environment [0154] The substantially air-impermeable material layer may comprise a polymeric material.

[0155] The substantially air-impermeable material layer may comprise a metal material.

[0156] The pocket may be an internal pocket.

[0157] According to a seventh aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a retainer for an electronics module, the retainer comprising a housing arranged to receive an electronics module, a lid attached to the housing and operable to move between a closed position where the lid is arranged to conceal the electronics module retained by the retainer and an open position where the lid is displaced from the housing, an environmental sensor arranged to arranged to detect whether the lid is in the open or closed position based on sensed environmental changes, and a controller communicatively coupled to the environmental sensor and operable to receive a signal indicative of whether the lid is in the closed position or the open position. The housing may define an internal cavity. In the closed position, the lid may conceal the internal cavity. In the open position, the lid may be displaced from the housing such that a user can access the internal cavity.

[0158] The seventh aspect also provides a method performed by the retainer, the method comprising detecting, by the environmental sensor, whether the lid is in the open or closed position based on sensed environmental changes. The method comprises receiving, by the controller, a signal indicative of whether the lid is in the closed or the open position.

[0159] According to an eighth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a retainer for an electronics module, the retainer a controller, a first wireless communicator configured to communicate with an external device over a first wireless communication protocol, and a second wireless communicator configured to communicate with an external device over a second wireless communication protocol having a communication range which is less than the first wireless communication protocol.

[0160] According to a ninth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a retainer for an electronics module, the retainer comprising a housing, a lid attached to the housing an operable to move between a closed position where the lid is arranged to conceal the electronics module retained by the retainer and an open position where the lid is displaced from the housing such that a user can remove the electronics module from the housing, a controller, and a wireless communicator configured to communicate with an external device. The housing may define an internal cavity. In the closed position, the lid may conceal the internal cavity. In the open position, the lid may be displaced from the housing such that a user can access the internal cavity.

[0161] According to a tenth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a retainer for an electronics module, the retainer comprising a housing, a lid attached to the housing and operable to move between a closed position where the lid conceals the electronics module retained by the retainer and an open position where the lid is displaced from the housing, a power store, a lid sensor, and a controller, and wherein the controller is arranged to transition the retainer between a first power mode and a second power mode which consumes more power than the first power mode, wherein in the first power mode, the lid sensor is operable to send a signal to the controller in response to detecting that the lid has moved between the closed position and the open position, and, in response to receiving the signal, the controller is operable to transition the retainer from the first power mode to the second power mode. The housing may define an internal cavity. In the closed position, the lid may conceal the internal cavity. In the open position, the lid may be displaced from the housing such that a user can access the internal cavity.

[0162] The tenth aspect also provides a method performed by the retainer. The method comprises operating the retainer in a first power mode and a second power mode. In the first power mode, the method comprises sending, by the lid sensor, a signal to the controller in response to detecting that the lid has moved between the closed position and the open position. In response to receiving the signal, the method comprises transitioning, by the controller, the retainer from the first power mode to the second power mode.

[0163] According to an eleventh aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a retainer for an electronics module, the retainer comprising an optical sensor arranged to detect light emitted by the electronics module when retained by the retainer, and a controller communicatively coupled to the optical sensor and operable to receive a signal from the optical sensor indicative of the light emitted by the electronics module.

[0164] The eleventh aspect also provides a method performed by the retainer, the method comprising detecting, by the optical sensor, light emitted by the electronics module when retained by the retainer. The method further comprises receiving, by the controller, a signal from the optical sensor indicating of the light emitted by the electronics module.

[0165] According to a twelfth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a retainer for an electronics module, the retainer comprising a housing, a lid attached to the housing and operable to move between a closed position where the lid is arranged to conceal the electronics module retained by the retainer and an open position where the lid is displaced from the housing, an electronics module detector comprising a wireless communicator arranged to detect the presence of the electronics based on wireless communication between the electronics module and the wireless communicator, a power transfer interface, and a controller, wherein the controller is operable to control the power transfer interface to transfer power to the electronics module when retained by the retainer. The housing may define an internal cavity. In the closed position, the lid may conceal the internal cavity. In the open position, the lid may be displaced from the housing such that a user can access the internal cavity.

[0166] The twelfth aspect also provides a method performed by the retainer. The method comprises detecting, by the wireless communicator, the presence of an electronics module in the internal cavity of the retainer based on wireless communication between the electronics module and the wireless communicator. The method further comprises controlling the power transfer interface to transfer power to the electronics module when positioned in the internal cavity.

[0167] According to a thirteenth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a system comprising an electronics module comprising a power source, a sensing interface operable to receive physiological signals from a wearer of the electronics module, a controller communicatively coupled to the sensing interface and arranged to process the received physiological signals, a wireless communicator arranged to transmit the processed physiological signals, and a power receiving interface. The system further comprises a retainer for the electronics module, the retainer comprising a housing, a lid attached to the housing and operable to move between a closed position where the lid is arranged to conceals the electronics module retained by the retainer and an open position where the lid is displaced from the housing, a lid sensor arranged to detect whether the lid is in the closed position or the open position, wherein the lid sensor comprises a magnet sensor arranged to detect a magnetic field generated as a result of the lid moving between the closed position and the open position, a power transfer interface, and a controller, wherein the controller is operable to control the power transfer interface to transfer power to the electronics module when retained by the retainer. The housing may define an internal cavity. In the closed position, the lid may conceal the internal cavity. In the open position, the lid may be displaced from the housing such that a user can access the internal cavity.

[0168] The thirteenth aspect also provides a retainer for an electronics module, the retainer comprising a housing, a lid attached to the housing and operable to move between a closed position where the lid is arranged to conceal the electronics module retained by the retainer and an open position where the lid is displaced from the housing, a lid sensor arranged to detect whether the lid is in the closed position or the open position, wherein the lid sensor comprises a magnet sensor arranged to detect a magnetic field generated as a result of the lid moving between the closed position and the open position, a power transfer interface, and a controller, wherein the controller is operable to control the power transfer interface to transfer power to the electronics module when retained by the retainer. The housing may define an internal cavity. In the closed position, the lid may conceal the internal cavity. In the open position, the lid may be displaced from the housing such that a user can access the internal cavity.

[0169] The thirteenth aspect also provides a method performed by the retainer. The method comprises detecting, by the magnet sensor, a magnetic field generated as a result of the lid moving between the closed position and the opening position. The method comprises controlling, by the controller, the power transfer interface to transfer power to the electronics module when positioned in the internal cavity of the housing [0170] According to a fourteenth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an electronics module for a wearable article, the electronics module comprises a controller, and an output unit, where the controller is arranged to control the output unit to generate an output in response to determining that the electronics module is not being worn and that the electronics module is not in a predetermined location. The output may be generated a predetermined time after the determination by the controller.

[0171] The fourteenth aspect also provides a method. The method comprises determining, by a controller of an electronics module, if the electronics module is being worn, if the electronics module is not being worn, determining, by the controller, whether the electronics module is in a predetermined location, if the electronics module is not being worn and is not in the predetermined location, controlling an output unit of the electronics module to generate an output.

[0172] According to a fifteenth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an electronics module for a wearable article, the electronics module comprising: a controller; a power source; and an output unit; wherein the controller is arranged to control the output unit to generate an output in response to determining that the electronics module is not being worn and that the power source is not being supplied with power.

[0173] The fifteenth aspect also provides a method The method comprises determining, by a controller of an electronics module, if the electronics module is being worn, if the electronics module is not being worn, determining, by the controller, whether a power source of the electronics module is being supplied with power, if the electronics module is not being worn and the power source is not being supplied with power, controlling an output unit of the electronics module to generate an output.

[0174] According to a sixteenth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a retainer for the electronics module, the retainer comprising a housing, a lid attached to the housing and operable to move between a closed position where the lid is arranged to conceal the electronics module retained by the retainer and an open position where the lid is displaced from the housing, a controller, and a communicator, wherein the controller is arranged to determine whether a condition for transmitting data is satisfied, and in response to determining that a condition for transmitting data is satisfied, control the communicator to transmit data. The housing may define an internal cavity. In the closed position, the lid may conceal the internal cavity. In the open position, the lid may be displaced from the housing such that a user can access the internal cavity.

[0175] The communicator may be a wireless communicator.

[0176] According to a seventeenth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a retainer for an electronics module, the retainer comprising: a housing comprising a fastener arranged to couple with the electronics module, the fastener comprising a magnetic material arranged to magnetically couple with magnetic material of the electronics module; a controller; a power store; and a power transfer interface, wherein the controller is operable to control the power transfer interface to transfer power from the power store to the electronics module when magnetically coupled to the retainer.

[0177] According to an eighteenth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a retainer for an electronics module, the retainer comprising: a housing comprising a fastener arranged to couple with the electronics module, the fastener comprising either a panel of hook material arranged to engage with a panel of loop material of the electronics module or a panel of loop material arranged to engage with a panel of hook material of the electronics module, the retainer further comprising: a controller; a power store; and a power transfer interface, wherein the controller is operable to control the power transfer interface to transfer power from the power store to the electronics module when coupled to the retainer.

[0178] The retainers described above in relation to the second to eighteenth aspect may comprise any one or a combination of features described above in relation to the retainer described in the first aspect including a housing defining an internal cavity, a power transfer interface, a power store, a power receiving interface, an electronics module detector, a lid sensor, an environmental sensor, a wireless communicator or a plurality of wireless communicators (e.g. first wireless communicator and second wireless communicator), the wireless communicator may be arranged to receive direction finding information, a light source, an optical sensor, an output unit, a memory and a motion sensor.

[0179] The electronics module described above in relation to the second to eighteenth aspect may comprise any one or a combination of features described above in relation to the electronics module described in the first aspect including a controller, a plurality of wireless communicators (e.g. first wireless communicator and second wireless communicator), the wireless communicator may be arranged to transmit direction finding information, a sensing interface, a power receiving interface, a sensor, a power source, and an output unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0180] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0181] FIG. 1 illustrates an example system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0182] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic for an example electronics module in accordance with aspects of

the present disclosure.

[0183] FIG. 3 illustrates an example wearable article in accordance with aspects of the present

disclosure.

[0184] FIG. 4 illustrates an example wearable assembly comprising an electronics module and wearable article in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0185] FIG. 5A illustrates an external view of an example electronics module in accordance with

aspects of the present disclosure.

[0186] FIG. 5B illustrates an external view of an example electronics module in accordance with

aspects of the present disclosure.

[0187] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic for an example electronics module in accordance with aspects of

the present disclosure.

[0188] FIG. 7 illustrates a more detailed schematic for an example electronics module in accordance

with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0189] FIG. 8 illustrates an example analogue-to-digital frontend of an electronics module according to

aspects of the present disclosure.

[0190] FIG. 9 illustrates an example user electronic device according to aspects of the present

disclosure.

[0191] FIG. 10 illustrates a timing diagram for an example direction finding message according to

aspects of the present disclosure.

[0192] FIG. 11 illustrates a timing diagram for an example wireless communicator transmitting a Constant Tone Extension according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0193] FIG. 12 illustrates a timing diagram for an example wireless communicator receiving a Constant Tone Extension according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0194] FIG. 13 illustrates an example system comprising an electronics module and an electronics apparatus according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0195] FIG. 14 illustrates another example system comprising an electronics module and an electronics apparatus according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0196] FIG. 15 illustrates a timing diagram for another example wireless communicator receiving a Constant Tone Extension according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0197] FIG. 16 illustrates a timing diagram for another example wireless communicator receiving a Constant Tone Extension according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0198] FIG. 17 illustrates a method performed by an electronics module according to aspects of the

present disclosure.

[0199] FIG. 18 illustrates an example retainer for an electronics module according to aspects of the

present disclosure.

[0200] FIG. 19 illustrates the retainer of FIG. 18 with the retainer lid in an open position.

[0201] FIG. 20 illustrates an example system comprising a retainer and an electronics module

according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0202] FIG. 21 illustrates another example system comprising a retainer and an electronics module

according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0203] FIG. 22 illustrates another example retainer for an electronics module according to aspects of

the present disclosure.

[0204] FIG. 23 illustrates another example system comprising a retainer and an electronics module

according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0205] FIG. 24 illustrates a schematic for an example retainer according to aspects of the present

disclosure.

[0206] FIG. 25 illustrates another example system comprising a retainer and an electronics module

according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0207] FIG. 26 illustrates another example system comprising a retainer and an electronics module

according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0208] FIG. 27 illustrates an example method performed by a retainer according to aspects of the

present disclosure.

[0209] FIG. 28 illustrates an example retainer according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0210] FIG. 29 illustrates another example retainer according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0211] FIG. 30 illustrates an example bag according to aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0212] "Wearable article" refers to any form of article which may be worn by a user such as a smart watch, necklace, garment, bracelet, or glasses. The wearable article may be a textile article. The wearable article may be a garment. The garment may refer to an item of clothing or apparel. The garment may be a top. The top may be a shirt, t-shirt, blouse, sweater, jacket/coat, or vest. The garment may be a dress, garment brassiere, shorts, pants, arm or leg sleeve, vest, jacket/coat, glove, armband, underwear, headband, hat/cap, collar, wristband, armband, chestband, waistband, stocking, sock, or shoe, athletic clothing, personal protective equipment, including hard hats, swimwear, wetsuit, or dry suit.

[0213] The type of wearable garment may dictate the type of biosignals to be detected. For example, a hat or cap may be used to detect electroencephalogram or magnetoencephalogram signals.

[0214] The wearable article (e.g., a garment) may be constructed from a woven or a non-woven material. The wearable article may be constructed from natural fibres, synthetic fibres, or a natural fibre blended with one or more other materials which can be natural or synthetic. The yarn may be cotton. The cotton may be blended with polyester and/or viscose and/or polyamide according to the application. Silk may also be used as the natural fibre. Cellulose, wool, hemp, and jute are also natural fibres that may be used in the wearable article. Polyester, polycotton, nylon and viscose are synthetic fibres that may be used in the wearable article.

[0215] The garment may be a tight-fitting garment or a loose-fitting (e.g., freeform garment). A tight-fitting garment helps ensure that the sensor devices of the garment are held in contact with or in the proximity of a skin surface of the wearer. The tight-fitting garment may be a compression garment. The tight-fitting garment may be an athletic garment such as an elastomeric athletic garment. A loose-fitting garment is generally more comfortable to wear over extended time periods and during sleep.

[0216] The wearable article typically has sensing units provided on an inside surface which are usually held in close proximity to a skin surface of a wearer wearing the garment. This enables the sensing units to measure biosignals for the wearer wearing the garment.

[0217] "Wearer" refers to the person or other form of animal who is wearing, or otherwise holding, the wearable article and/or electronics module. The wearer may also be referred to as a user. Although the user and wearer may be different entities in certain situations.

[0218] "Biosignal" refers to signals from living beings that can be continually measured or monitored.

Biosignals may be electrical or non-electrical signals. Signal variations can be time variant or spatially variant.

[0219] "Sensing units" refers to one or more elements more measuring signals from a wearer of the wearable article. A sensing unit may comprise the combination of a sensor, such as an electrode, a connection region, and a communication pathway coupling the electrode to the connection region. An electronics module communicatively coupled to the connection region is able to obtain measurement signals from the sensor via the communication pathway and connection region. The sensing units may be made of a (electrically) conductive material such as a conductive yarn, conductive ink, conductive transfer, or conductive paste. When formed form conductive yarn, the sensing units may be knitted, woven, embroidered, stitched, or otherwise incorporated into the wearable article. The sensing units may be integrally formed with the wearable article such as by being integrally knitted with the wearable article.

[0220] The sensing units may be arranged to measure one or more biosignals of a wearer wearing the wearable article.

[0221] Sensing units may be used for measuring one or a combination of bioelectrical, bioimpedance, biochemical, biomechanical, bioacoustics, biooptical or biothermal signals of the wearer. The sensing units may be incorporated into the wearable article, an electronics module coupled to or forming part of the wearable article or may be shared between the electronics module and the wearable article. For example, the wearable article may comprise sensors (e.g., sensing electrodes) while the electronics module may comprise the processing logic for the sensing electrodes. The processing logic will review the signals from the sensors and perform operations such as filtering and analogue-to-digital conversion on the signals. The bioelectrical measurements include electrocardiograms (ECG), electrogastrograms (EGG), electroencephalograms (EEG), and electromyography (EMG). The bioimpedance measurements include plethysmography (e.g., for respiration), body composition (e.g., hydration, fat, etc.), and electroimpedance tomography (EIT). The biomagnetic measurements include magnetoneurograms (MNG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), magnetogastrogram (MGG), magnetocardiogram (MCG). The biochemical measurements include glucose/lactose measurements which may be performed using chemical analysis of the wearer's sweat. The biomechanical measurements include blood pressure. The bioacoustics measurements include phonocardiograms (PCG). The biooptical measurements include photoplethysmography (PPG) and orthopantomograms (OPG). The biothermal measurements include skin temperature and core body temperature measurements.

[0222] "Electronics module" may refer to an electronic device that is able to communicatively couple with sensing units in a wearable article so as to obtain measurement signals from the sensing units and/or apply signals to the sensing units. The electronics module may also be a stand-alone component that performs measurements using internal sensors without communicatively coupling to a wearable article.

[0223] Electronics modules typically comprise a sensing interface for communicatively coupling with the wearable article, a controller, and a wireless communicator for communicating with an external device such as a user electronic device over a wireless communication protocol.

[0224] The electronics module is typically removably coupled to the wearable article such that it is retained by the wearable article when worn. The electronics module can be removed from the wearable article so that the wearable article can be washed without damaging the internal electronics of the electronics module. The electronics module can also be removed from the wearable article for charging. In other examples, the electronics module is integrally formed with the wearable article such as when the wearable article/electronics module form a smartwatch.

[0225] Generally, the electronics module comprises all of the components required for data transmission and processing such that the wearable article only comprises the sensing units. In this way, the manufacture of the wearable article may be simplified. In addition, it may be easier to clean a wearable article which has fewer electronic components attached thereto or incorporated therein. Furthermore, the removable electronics module may be easier to maintain or troubleshoot than embedded electronics. The electronics module may comprise flexible electronics such as a flexible printed circuit (FPC).

[0226] An electronics module that performs physiological monitoring is also referred to as a portable physiological monitoring device in this specification.

[0227] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0228] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0229] It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0230] FIG. 1 shows a system according to aspects of the present disclosure. The system comprises a wearable assembly 102 and a user electronic device 104. The wearable assembly 102 is worn by a user who in this embodiment is the wearer 106 of the wearable assembly 102.

[0231] The wearable assembly 102 comprises a wearable article 108 which, in this is example, is in the form of a garment.

[0232] The wearable assembly 102 comprises an electronics module 110. The electronics module 110 is releasably coupled to the wearable article 108. The wearable article 108 comprises an electronics module holder (not shown) arranged to removably retain the electronics module 110. The electronics module holder enables the electronics module to be attached and removed from the wearable article 108.

[0233] In some examples, the electronics module holder comprises a pocket such as a garment pocket.

The pocket has an opening through which the electronics module 110 may be inserted and removed from the pocket. The pocket may be formed from fabric layers of the wearable article 108.

[0234] The present disclosure is not limited to electronics module holders in the form pockets.

[0235] The electronics module 110 may be configured to be releasably mechanically coupled to the wearable article 108. The mechanical coupling of the electronics module 110 to the wearable article 108 may be provided by a mechanical interface such as a clip, a plug and socket arrangement, etc. The mechanical coupling or mechanical interface may be configured to maintain the electronics module 110 in a particular orientation with respect to the wearable article 108 when the electronics module 110 is coupled to the wearable article 108. This may be beneficial in ensuring that the electronics module 110 is securely held in place with respect to the wearable article 108 and/or that any electronic coupling of the electronics module 110 and the wearable article 108 can be optimized. The mechanical coupling may be maintained using friction or using a positively engaging mechanism, for example.

[0236] The electronics module 110 is arranged to wirelessly communicate data to the user electronic device 104. Various protocols enable communication between the electronics module 110 and the user electronic device 104. Example communication protocols include Bluetooth ®, Bluetooth Low Energy,

and near-field communication (NFC).

[0237] The system also comprises a remote server 112 which may be in communication with the user electronic device 104 and/or the electronics module 110.

[0238] FIG. 2 shows a simplified diagram of an example electronics module 110 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The electronics module 110 comprises a controller 202 and a sensing interface 204 communicatively coupled to the controller 202.

[0239] The sensing interface 204 in this example comprises a first electrical contact 206 and a second electrical contact 208. The sensing interface 204 receives measurement signals from the electrical contacts 206, 208. The measurement signals, or a processed version thereof, are provided to the controller 202. The measurement signals may be any form of biosignal as described above. The sensing interface 204 is therefore able to receive physiological signals from a wearer of the electronics module 110.

[0240] The controller 202 is able to process the signals received from the sensing interface. The controller 202 may control a wireless communicator (not shown) of the electronics module 110 to transmit data to an external device such as user electronic device 104 of FIG. 1.

[0241] FIG. 3 shows a simplified diagram of an example wearable article 108. The wearable article 108 comprises a fabric layer 302.

[0242] A first communication interface 304 is provided on the fabric layer 302. The first communication interface 304 is accessible from the electronics module holder of the wearable article 108.

[0243] The first communication interface 304 is communicatively coupled to a first sensor 306 via a first communication pathway 308. The first communication interface 304, first sensor 306 and first communication pathway 308 form a first sensing unit of the wearable article 108. The first sensor 306 is in the form of an electrode. The first sensor 306 may be arranged to be provided on the wearable article 108 such that it faces the skin surface of the wearer when the wearable article 108 is worn. This enables the first sensor 306 to contact the skin surface and measure biosignals from the skin surface and/or apply signals to the skin surface. Signals may be applied to the skin surface in therapeutic applications for example.

[0244] A second communication interface 310 is provided on the fabric layer 302. The second communication interface 310 is accessible from the electronics module holder of the wearable article 108.

[0245] The second communication interface 310 is communicatively coupled to a second sensor 312 via a second communication pathway 314. The second communication interface 310, second sensor 312, and second communication pathway 314 form a second sensing unit of the wearable article 108. The second sensor 312 is in the form of an electrode. The second sensor 312 may be arranged to be provided on the wearable article 108 such that it faces the skin surface of the wearer when the wearable article 108 is worn. This enables the second sensor 312 to contact the skin surface and measure biosignals from the skin surface and/or apply signals to the skin surface. Signals may be applied to the skin surface in therapeutic applications for example.

[0246] In this example, the first sensor 306 and second sensor 312 are electrodes. This is not required in all examples. Other forms of sensors such as temperature sensors, optical sensors, chemical sensors, and moisture sensors may be included. The wearable article 108 may include any combination of different types of sensors.

[0247] In some examples, the wearable article 108 does not comprise sensors. The sensing may be performed solely by the sensors of the electronics module 110. The wearable article 108 may constructed so as to enable one or more sensors of the electronics module 110 to have line of sight with a skin surface of the wearer. The wearable article 108 may comprise an opening that enables a sensor of the electronics module 110 to perform a measurement of the wearer.

[0248] FIG. 4 shows a simplified diagram of an electronics module 110 coupled to a wearable article 108 to form an example wearable assembly 102. The electronics module 110 is positioned inside an electronics module holder 402 of the wearable article 108 which in this example is in the form of a pocket.

[0249] The first communication interface 304 and the second communication interface 310 are provided on a first surface of fabric layer 404 such that they are located within the pocket space. The first sensor 306 and the second sensor 312 are provided on a second surface of fabric layer 406 that opposes the first surface of fabric layer 404. The first sensor 306 and second sensor 312 are arranged such that they face towards the skin surface of the wearer of the wearable article 108. The first and second communication pathways are not shown in FIG. 4 but, as discussed above in relation to FIG. 3, couple the sensors to their respective communication interfaces 304, 310.

[0250] The electronics module 110 is positioned within the pocket space. The first electrical contact 206 of the electronics module 110 contacts and is electrically coupled to the first communication interface 304. The second electrical contact 208 of the electronics module 110 contacts and is electrically coupled to the second communication interface 310. The electronics module 110 is therefore coupled to the first sensor 306 and the second sensor 312 via the communication pathways, communication interfaces 304, 310, and electrical contacts 206, 208.

[0251] FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show external views of an electronics module 110 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The electronics module 110 has a housing 502. Components of the electronics module 110 such as the controller 202 are disposed within the housing 502. The first electrical contact 206 and the second electrical contact 208 are located on an external surface of the housing 502.

[0252] The electronics module 110 may have a length of between 20 mm and 60 mm, a width of between 15 mm and 35 mm, and a depth of between 5 mm and 15 mm. In some examples, the electronics module 110 has a length of between 30 mm and 40 mm or between 35 mm and 38 mm. In some examples, the electronics module 110 has a width of between 20 mm and 30 mm or between 24 and 26 mm. In preferred examples, the electronics module 110 has a width of 25 mm. In some examples, the electronics module 110 has a depth of between 8 mm and 12 mm or between 9 mm and 11 mm. In preferred examples, the electronics module 110 has a depth of between 9.7 mm and 10 mm. In one particular example, the electronics module 110 has a length of 38 mm, a width of 25 mm and a depth of 9.6 mm.

[0253] FIG. 6 shows a simplified schematic diagram for an example electronics module 110 as shown in FIG. 4. It will be appreciated that not all of the components shown in FIG. 6 are required and additional components may also be provided.

[0254] The electronics module 110 comprises a controller 202 and a sensing interface 204 as described above in relation to FIG. 4. The sensing interface 204 comprises a first electrical contact 206 and a second electrical contact 208. The controller 202 is communicatively coupled to the sensing interface 204 and is operable to receive signals from the sensing interface 204 for further processing.

[0255] The sensing interface 204 comprises electrical contacts 206, 208 in this example. This means that the communicative coupling in this example is a conductive coupling formed by direct contact between the electrical contacts 206, 208 and the connection regions of the wearable article, but this is not required in all examples. The communicative coupling may be a wireless (e.g., inductive) coupling.

[0256] The electronics module 110 further comprises a power source 602 and a power receiving interface 604.

[0257] The power source 602 may comprise one or a plurality of power sources. The power source 602 may be a battery. The battery may be a rechargeable battery. The battery may be a rechargeable battery adapted to be charged wirelessly such as by inductive charging. The power source 602 may comprise an energy harvesting device. The energy harvesting device may be configured to generate electric power signals in response to kinetic events such as kinetic events performed by the wearer of the wearable article. The kinetic event could include walking, running, exercising or respiration of the wearer. The energy harvesting material may comprise a piezoelectric material which generates electricity in response to mechanical deformation of the converter. The energy harvesting device may harvest energy from body heat of the wearer. The energy harvesting device may be a thermoelectric energy harvesting device. The power source may be a super capacitor, or an energy cell.

[0258] The power receiving interface 604 is operable to receive power from an external power store for charging the power source. The power receiving interface 604 may be a wired or wireless interface. A wireless interface may comprise one or more wireless power receiving coils for receiving power from the external power store. In some examples, one or both of the first and second electrical contacts 206, 208 may also function as the power receiving interface 604 to enable power to be received from the external power store.

[0259] The power receiving interface 604 may also be coupled to the controller 202 to enable direct communication between the controller 202 and an external device if required.

[0260] The electronics module 110 further comprises a wireless communicator 606. The wireless communicator 606 may utilise any communication protocol such as used for communication over: a wireless wide area network (AN), a wireless metro area network (WMAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (VVPAN), Bluetooth 0 Low Energy, Bluetooth ® Mesh, Thread, Zigbee, IEEE 802.15.4, Ant, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), a cellular communication network, or any other electromagnetic RF communication protocol. The cellular communication network may be a fourth generation (4G) LTE, LTE Advanced (LTE-A), LTE Cat-M1, LTE Cat-M2, NB-IoT, fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G), and/or any other present or future developed cellular wireless network.

[0261] The electronics module 110 further comprises a sensor 608. The sensor 608 may comprise one or a combination of an optical sensor, temperature sensor, motion sensor, magnet sensor, and location sensor. Other sensors may also be included in the electronics module 110.

[0262] FIG. 7 shows a more detailed schematic diagram for the example electronics module 110 shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6.

[0263] The electronics module 110 comprises a controller 202, sensing interface 204, first electrical contact 206, second electrical contact 208, sensor 608, power source 602, and power receiving interface 604 as described above.

[0264] The controller 202 comprises an internal memory 702. The controller 202 is also communicatively connected to an external memory 704 which in this example is a NAND Flash memory. The external memory 704 is used to for the storage of data when no wireless connection is available between the electronics module 110 and an external device such as a user electronic device (e.g., user electronic device 104 of FIG. 1). The external memory 704 may have a storage capacity of at least 1GB and preferably at least 2 GB. [0265] The electronics module 110 also includes additional peripheral devices that are used to perform specific functions as will be described in further detail herein.

[0266] The power source 602 in this example is a lithium ion battery. The battery is rechargeable and charged via power receiving interface 604. The power receiving interface 604 is arranged to receive wireless power inductively. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to recharging via inductive charging and instead other forms of charging such as a wired connection or far field wireless charging are within the scope of the present disclosure. Additional battery management functionality is provided in terms of a charge controller 706, battery monitor 708 and regulator 710. These components may be provided through use of a dedicated power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0267] The controller 202 is communicatively connected to a battery monitor 708 so that that the controller 202 may obtain information about the state of charge of the battery.

[0268] The electronics module 110 comprises a first wireless communicator 712 and a second wireless communicator 714.

[0269] The first wireless communicator 712 s arranged to communicatively couple with an external device over a first wireless communication protocol. The first wireless communication protocol may be a Bluetooth 0 protocol, Bluetooth 0 5 or a Bluetooth 40 Low Energy protocol but is not limited to any particular communication protocol. In the present embodiment, the first wireless communicator 712 is integrated into controller 202. The first wireless communicator 712 enables communication between the external device and the controller 202 for configuration and set up of the controller 202 and the peripheral devices as may be required. Configuration of the controller 202 and peripheral devices utilises the Bluetooth 0 protocol in this example.

[0270] Other wireless communication protocols can also be used, such as used for communication over: a wireless wide area network (WWAN), a wireless metro area network (VVMAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (VVPAN), Bluetooth ® Low Energy, Bluetooth 0 Mesh, Thread, Zigbee, IEEE 802.15.4, Ant, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), a cellular communication network, or any other electromagnetic RF communication protocol. The cellular communication network may be a fourth generation (4G) LTE, LTE Advanced (LTE-A), LTE Cat-M1, LTE Cat-M2, NB-IoT, fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G), and/or any other present or future developed cellular wireless network.

[0271] The second wireless communicator 714 is arranged to communicatively couple with an external device using a second communication protocol. The external device is powered to induce a magnetic field in an antenna of the second wireless communicator 714. When the external device is placed in the magnetic field of the antenna of the second wireless communicator 714, the external device induces current in the second wireless communicator 714. This induced current is used to retrieve the information from a memory and transmit the same back to the external device. The controller 202 is arranged to energize the second wireless communicator 714 to transmit information [0272] In an example operation, the external device is a user electronic device (e.g., user electronic device 104 of FIG. 1). The user electronic device is brought into proximity with the electronics module 110. In response to this, the electronics module 110 is configured to energize the second wireless communicator 714 to transmit information to the user electronic device over the second wireless communication protocol. Beneficially, this means that the act of the user electronic device approaching the electronics module 110 energizes the second wireless communicator 714 to transmit the information to the user electronic device.

[0273] The information may comprise a unique identifier for the electronics module 110. The unique identifier for the electronics module 110 may be an address for the electronics module 110 such as a MAC address or Bluetooth address.

[0274] The information may comprise authentication information used to facilitate the pairing between the electronics modules 110 and the user electronic device over the first wireless communication protocol. This means that the transmitted information is used as part of an out of band (00B) pairing process.

[0275] The information may comprise application information which may be used by the user electronic device to start an application on the user electronic device or configure an application running on the user electronic device. The application may be started on the user electronic device automatically (e.g., without user input). Alternatively, the application information may cause the user electronic device to prompt the user to start the application on the user electronic device. The information may comprise a uniform resource identifier such as a uniform resource location to be accessed by the user electronic device, or text to be displayed on the user electronic device for example. It will be appreciated that the same electronics module 110 can transmit any of the above example information either alone or in combination. The electronics module 110 may transmit different types of information depending on the current operational state of the electronics module 110 and based on information it receives from other devices such as the user electronic device.

[0276] The electronics module 110 has sensors 608 including a motion sensor 716, a temperature sensor 718, a magnetic field sensor 720, and a location sensor 722. It will be appreciated that not all of these sensors 608 are required in all examples and additional sensors, such as optical sensors, chemical sensors, humidity sensors, and pressure sensors may also be provided.

[0277] The location sensor 722 may be a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) device which is arranged to provide location and position data for applications as required. In particular, the location sensor 722 provides geographical location data at least to a nation state level. Any device suitable for providing location, navigation or for tracking the position could be utilised. The GNSS device may include Global Positioning System (GPS), BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) and the Galileo system devices.

[0278] The motion sensor 716 in this example is in the form of an inertial measurement unit (IMU) which may comprise an accelerometer and optionally one or both of a gyroscope and a magnetometer. A gyroscope/magnetometer is not required in all examples, and instead only an accelerometer may be provided, or a gyroscope/magnetometer may be present but put into a low power state.

[0279] The IMU can therefore be used to detect can detect orientation and gestures with event-detection interrupts enabling motion tracking and contextual awareness. It has recognition of free-fall events, tap and double-tap sensing, activity or inactivity, stationary/motion detection, and wakeup events in addition to 60 orientation. A single tap, for example, can be used enable toggling through various modes or waking the electronics module 110 from a low power mode.

[0280] Known examples of IMUs that can be used for this application include the ST LSM6DSOX manufactured by STMicroelectronics. This IMU a system-in-package IMU featuring a 3D digital accelerometer and a 3D digital gyroscope.

[0281] Another example of a known IMU suitable for this application is the LSM6DSO also be STMicroelectronics.

[0282] The IMU can include machine learning functionality, for example as provided in the ST LSM6DSOX. The machine learning functionality is implemented in a machine learning core (MLC). The machine earning processing capability uses decision-tree logic. The MLC is an embedded feature of the IMU 211 and comprises a set of configurable parameters and decision trees. As is understood in the art, decision tree is a mathematical tool composed of a series of configurable nodes. Each node is characterized by an "if-then-else" condition, where an input signal (represented by statistical parameters calculated from the sensor data) is evaluated against a threshold.

[0283] Decision trees are stored and generate results in the dedicated output registers. The results of the decision tree can be read from the application processor at any time. Furthermore, there is the possibility to generate an interrupt for every change in the result in the decision tree, which is beneficial in maintaining low-power consumption.

[0284] Decision trees can be generated using a known machine learning tool such as Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis software (Weka) developed by the University of Waikato or using MATLAB® or Python TM.

[0285] The electronics module 110 further comprises a light source 724, such as a light emitting diode, for conveying status information about the electronics module 110 and/or the wearer of the electronics module 110. More generally, any form of output unit may be provided in addition to or instead of the light source 724. The output unit may comprise one or a combination of an audio output unit, a visual output unit (e.g., light source 724 or a display) and a haptic feedback unit.

[0286] The electronics module 110 also comprises conventional electronics components which are not shown in FIG. 7 including a power-on-reset generator, a development connector, a real time clock and a PROG header.

[0287] The electronics module 110 in this example comprises first wireless communicator 712 and second wireless communicator 714 but this is not required in all examples. More generally, the electronics module 110 may have one or a plurality of wireless communicators to enable the electronics module 110 to communicate wirelessly over an external device such as a user electronic device or a remote server.

[0288] The electronics module 110 may additionally comprise a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) that enables the electronics module 110 to access services provided by a mobile network operator (MNO) or virtual mobile network operator (VMNO). The UICC may include at least a read-only memory (ROM) configured to store an MNO or VMNO profile that the garment can utilize to register and interact with an MNO or VMNO. The UICC may be in the form of a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. The electronics module 110 may have a receiving section arranged to receive the SIM card. In other examples, the UICC is embedded directly into a controller of the electronics module 110. That is, the UICC may be an electronic/embedded UICC (eUICC). A eUICC is beneficial as it removes the need to store a number of MNO profiles, i.e., electronic Subscriber Identity Modules (eSIMs). Moreover, eSIMs can be remotely provisioned to electronics modules 110. The electronics module 110 may comprise a secure element that represents an embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC).

[0289] The sensing interface comprises an analogue-to-digital frontend that couples signals received from the electrical contacts 206, 208 to the controller 206 and optionally an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit. The analogue-to-digital frontend is shown in detail in FIG. 8.

[0290] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of the component circuitry for the analogue-to-digital frontend 726 shown in FIG. 7.

[0291] In the example described herein, the analogue-to-digital frontend 726 is an integrated circuit (IC) chip which converts the raw analogue biosignal received via the sensing interface into a digital signal for further processing by the controller (e.g., controller 202 of FIG. 7). ADC IC chips are known, and any suitable one can be utilised to provide this functionality. ADC IC chips for ECG applications include, for example, the MAX30003 chip produced by Maxim Integrated Products Inc. [0292] The analogue-to-digital frontend 726 includes an input 802 and an output 804.

[0293] Raw biosignals from the sensing interface (e.g., sensing interface 204 of FIG. 7) are input to the analogue-to-digital frontend 726, where received signals are processed in an ECG channel 806 and subject to appropriate filtering through high pass and low pass filters for static discharge and interference reduction as well as for reducing bandwidth prior to conversion to digital signals. The reduction in bandwidth is important to remove or reduce motion artefacts that give rise to noise in the signal due to movement of the sensors coupled to the sensing interface.

[0294] The output digital signals may be decimated to reduce the sampling rate prior to being passed to a serial programmable interface 808 of the analogue-to-digital frontend 726.

[0295] ADC front end IC chips suitable for ECG applications may be configured to determine information from the input biosignals such as heart rate and the ORS complex and including the R-R interval of the QRS complex. Support circuitry 810 provides base voltages for the ECG channel 806.

[0296] The determining of the ORS complex can be implemented for example using the known Pan Tomkins algorithm as described in Pan, Jiapu; Tompkins, Willis J. (March 1985). "A Real-Time ORS Detection Algorithm". IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering. BME-32 (3): 230-236.

[0297] Signals are output to the controller via the serial programmable interface 808.

[0298] The controller can also be configured to apply digital signal processing (DSP) to the digital signal from the analogue-to-digital frontend 726.

[0299] The DSP may include noise filtering additional to that carried out in the analogue-to-digital frontend 726 and may also include additional processing to determine further information about the signal from the analogue-to-digital frontend 726.

[0300] The controller is configured to send the biosignals to an external device such as a user electronic device using a wireless communicator (e.g., first wireless communicator 712 of FIG. 7).

[0301] Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown a schematic diagram of a user electronic device 104 according to an example aspect of the present disclosure. The user electronic device 104 is in the form of a mobile phone or tablet and comprises a controller 902, a memory 904, a wireless communicator 906, a display 908, a user input unit 910, a capturing device in the form of a camera 912 and an inertial measurement unit 914. The controller 902 provides overall control to the user electronic device 104.

[0302] The user input unit 910 receives inputs from the user such as a user credential.

[0303] The memory 904 stores information for the user electronic device 104.

[0304] The display 908 is arranged to display a user interface for applications operable on the user electronic device 104.

[0305] The inertial measurement unit 914 provides motion and/or orientation detection and may comprise an accelerometer and optionally one or both of a gyroscope and a magnetometer.

[0306] The user electronic device 104 may also include a biometric sensor. The biometric sensor may be used to identify a user or users of device based on unique physiological features. The biometric sensor may be: a fingerprint sensor used to capture an image of a user's fingerprint; an iris scanner or a retina scanner configured to capture an image of a user's iris or retina; an ECG module used to measure the user's ECG; or the camera of the user electronic arranged to capture the face of the user. The biometric sensor may be an internal module of the user electronic device 104. The biometric module may be an external (stand-alone) device which may be coupled to the user electronic device 104 by a wired or wireless link.

[0307] The controller 902 is configured to launch an application which is configured to display insights derived from the biosignal data processed by the analogue-to-digital frontend (e.g., analogue-to-digital frontend 726 of FIG. 8) of the electronics module (e.g., electronics module 110 of FIG. 7), in put to electronics module controller (e.g., controller 202 of FIG. 7), and then transmitted from the electronics module. The transmitted data is received by the wireless communicator 906 of the user electronic device 104 and input to the controller 902.

[0308] Insights include, but are not limited to, heart rate, respiration rate, core temperature but can also include identification data for the wearer using the wearable assembly (e.g., wearable assembly 102 of FIG. 1) [0309] The display 908 is also configured to display an ECG signal trace. To display a signal trace may use raw ECG data from the electronics module.

[0310] The display 908 may be a presence-sensitive display and therefore may comprise the user input unit 910 The presence-sensitive display may include a display component and a presence-sensitive input component. The presence sensitive display may be a touch-screen display arranged as part of the user input unit 910.

[0311] User electronic devices 104 in accordance with the present disclosure are not limited to mobile phones or tablets and may take the form of any electronic device which may be used by a user to perform the methods according to aspects of the present disclosure. The user electronic device 104 may be a smartphone, tablet personal computer (PC), mobile phone, smart phone, video telephone, laptop PC, netbook computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile medical device, camera, or wearable device. The user electronic device 300 may include a head-mounted device such as an Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality or Mixed Reality head-mounted device. The user electronic device 104 may be desktop PC, workstations, television apparatus or a projector, e.g.. arranged to project a display onto a surface.

[0312] In use, the electronics module is configured to receive raw biosignal data from the sensors of the wearable article and which are coupled to the controller via the sensing interface and the analogue-todigital frontend 726 for further processing and transmission to the user electronic device 104 as described above. The data transmitted to the user electronics user electronic device 104 includes raw or processed biosignal data such as ECG data, heart rate, respiration data, core temperature, IMU data and other insights as determined, and as required.

[0313] The controller 902 is also operable to launch an application which is configured to receive, process and display data, such as raw or processed biosignal data, from the electronics module. A user, such as the wearer, is able to configure the application, using user inputs, to receive, process and display the received data in accordance with these user inputs.

[0314] The user electronic device 104 is arranged to receive the transmitted data from the electronics module via the communicator 906 and which are coupled to the controller 902, and then to process and display the data in accordance with the user configuration.

[0315] The controller 902 of the user electronics user electronic device 104 is operable to display information to a user on the display 908 as part of the user interface. Information displayed can be an ECG trace as well using raw data points transmitted from the electronics module. Other insights and data can be displayed on the display 908 as part of the user interface and as required. Examples might be a heart rate in beats per minute, core temperature data and respiration rate.

ELECTRONICS MODULE WITH DIRECTION FINDING

[0316] The electronics module is generally desired to be as small as possible. In some examples, the electronics module has a form factor of around 38 mm x 25 mm x 9.6 mm. Of course, other sizes of electronics module are within the scope of the present disclosure. Having a small form factor is beneficial as it means that the electronics module is comfortable and unobtrusive to wear. However, it can mean that the electronics module is misplaced by the user when not in use.

[0317] Referring again to the electronics module 110 shown in FIG. 6, the electronics module 110 comprises a wireless communicator 606. In aspects of the present disclosure, the wireless communicator 606 of the electronics module 110 is able to transmit direction finding information to aid in the location of the electronics module 110. The electronics module 110 can thus act as a beacon to transmit location information that is useable by an electronic apparatus such as a user electronic device or retainer (discussed below) to locate the electronics module 110.

[0318] In some examples, the direction finding information transmitted by the electronics module 110 comprises a reference transmission power value. This means that the transmitted direction finding information comprises information indicating the signal strength that is expected at some fixed distance from the electronics module 110. The fixed distance could be, for example, one metre away from the electronics module 110 but is not limited to this example. The electronics apparatus which receives the direction finding information compares the reference transmission power value to the received signal power value (also known as received signal strength or RSSI) to estimate the distance between the electronics apparatus and the electronics module 110. The electronics apparatus may then generate a suitable output to the user to indicate the location of the electronics module 110. The electronics module 110 may also transmit information to another electronics apparatus.

[0319] A more accurate location estimate can be achieved by transmitting more involved forms of direction finding information. In particular examples, the direction finding information comprises a Constant Tone Extension (CTE). CTEs are used as part of the Bluetooth (RTM) family of network protocols such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Approaches that use CIEs in location estimation include the Angle of Arrival (AoA) approach and the Angle of Departure (AoD) approach. A detailed explanation can be found in the Bluetooth Core Specification, version 5.2, revision date 201 9-1 2-13 as published by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (Volume 1, Part A, "8 Direction Finding Using Bluetooth Low Energy"; Volume 6, Part A, "5 Antenna Switching"; and Volume 6, Part B "2.5 Constant Tone Extension and 10 Sampling").

[0320] FIG. 10 shows an example of a packet that may be transmitted using a Bluetooth (RTM) network protocol such as a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol for direction detection. The packet typically begins with a preamble 1002, an access-address 1004, a PDU 1006 and a checksum or CRC 1008. The packet also includes a CTE.

[0321] Using the Bluetooth network protocol, the CTE has a variable length of between 16 microseconds and 160 microseconds. The CTE is a series of symbols, each of which represents a binary 1. In Bluetooth communication, one frequency is used to represent binary 0 and another frequency is used to represent binary 1. The CTE is therefore transmitted at a constant frequency, such as a 250 kHz tone.

[0322] FIG. 13 shows a configuration of the electronics module 110 and electronics apparatus 1302 when using an AoA approach for direction estimation. The wireless communicator 606 of the electronics module 110 comprises a single antenna 1304 which is used to transmit the CTE. The electronics apparatus 1302 comprises a controller 1306 and a wireless communicator 1308. The wireless communicator 1308 comprises an array of antenna elements 1310, 1312, 1314, 1316.

[0323] FIG. 11 shows a timing diagram for an example CTE transmitted by the electronics module 110 in an AoA direction estimation mode. The electronics module 110 transmits at a constant frequency for the specified time period using the single antenna 1304.

[0324] The electronics apparatus 1302 switches between different antenna elements 1310, 1312, 1314, 1316 of the antenna array when receiving the CTE. FIG. 12 shows a timing diagram for the antenna array during in an AoA direction estimation mode. A single one of the antenna elements 1310, 1312, 1314, 1316 may be used to receive the CTE during the guard period 1202 and the reference period 1204. However, the electronics apparatus 1302 then switches to a different antenna during each switch slot 1206, 1208, 1210, 1212 and then samples the CTE again with the selected antenna during each sample slot 1214, 1216, 1218, 1220. If there are more switch slots than antennas, the electronics apparatus 1302 returns to the first antenna element 1310 and repeats the sequence. When in the sample slots 1214, 1216, 1218, 1220, the selected antenna element 1310, 1312, 1314, 1316 is used to capture 10 samples which are then used to calculate the phase difference in the radio signal received using the different antenna elements 1310, 1312, 1314, 1316 of the antenna array. The phase difference is used to estimate the angle of arrival.

[0325] Figure 14 shows a configuration of the electronics module 110 and electronics apparatus 1302 when using an AoD approach for direction estimation. The wireless communicator 606 of the electronics module 110 comprises an array of antenna elements 1402, 1404, 1406, 1408 which are used to transmit the CTE. The electronics apparatus 1302 comprises a controller 1306 and a wireless communicator 1308. The wireless communicator 1308 comprises a single antenna 1410 which is used to receive the CTE.

[0326] Figure 15 shows an example timing sequence for the array of antenna elements 1402, 1404, 1406, 1408 of Figure 14. There is a guard period 1502 and a reference period 1504 where a single one of the antenna elements 1402, 1404, 1406, 1408 may be used to transmit the continuous tone. However, the wireless communicator 606 switches between different antenna elements in the switch slots 1506, 1508, 1510, 1512, and then transmits the continuous tone again with the selected antenna element during each sample slot 1514, 1516, 1518, 1520.

[0327] Figure 16 shows an example timing sequence for the single antenna 1410 of the electronics apparatus 1302 in Figure 14. The single antenna 1410 is used to receive the CTE during the guard period 1602, reference period 1604, and sample slots 1606, 1608, 1610, 1612. The electronics apparatus 1302 captures IQ measurements from the received CTE. Using the IQ measurements and information specifying the antenna layout of the electronics module 110, the electronics apparatus 1302 is able to calculate the angle of incidence of the incoming radio signal.

[0328] A detailed explanation of the AoA and AoD approaches is omitted as these can be readily found in the Bluetooth Core Specification referenced above.

[0329] In preferred implementations, the AoA approach is used in direction estimation as this enables the wireless communicator 606 of the electronics module 110 to have just a single antenna 1304. This reduces the cost and complexity of the electronics module 110 and avoids undesirably increasing the form factor of the electronics module 110 as additional antenna elements and RF switching circuitry is not required. Instead, the antenna array can be provided in the electronics apparatus 1302 which may be a user electronic device such as a mobile phone or a charging retainer for the electronics module 110 as described in more detail below. Such electronics apparatus 1302 are not required to be wearable and thus have more space to accommodate additional antenna elements and associated circuitry.

[0330] While the electronics module 110 could be operable to always transmit direction finding information or transmit direction finding information at a fixed duty cycle (e.g., every 10 seconds), this may undesirably increase the power consumption of the electronics module 110. This could lead to the electronics module 110 needing to be more frequently charged or could mean that the electronics module 110 needs a larger capacity power source 602 which would in turn increase the form factor of the electronics module 110.

[0331] In preferred implementations, the controller 202 selectively enables the wireless communicator 606 to transmit the direction finding information based on the operating context of the electronics module 110. This means that the wireless communicator 606 may only transmit the direction finding information when it is likely to have been misplaced by the wearer.

[0332] In an example, the controller 202 determines whether to transmit the direction finding information based on whether the electronics module 110 is being worn. If the electronics module 110 is being worn, then it has not been misplaced by the user so direction finding information is not required. However, if the electronics module 110 is not being worn, then the user may be unaware of the location of the electronics module 110.

[0333] An example routine 1700 performed by the controller 202 of the electronics module 110 is shown in FIG. 17.

[0334] In step 1702, the controller 202 determines whether the electronics module 110 is being worn.

The controller 202 may determine whether the electronics module 110 is being worn based on sensor data [0335] The sensor data used to detect whether the electronics module 110 is being worn may be any form of biosignal data as described above. Particular examples include sensor data obtained from bioelectrical, bioimpedance, optical, temperature or humidity sensors. Generally bioelectrical or bioimpedance sensors such as electrocardiogram (ECG) and electromyography (EMG) sensors will generate signals with characteristics properties when the sensors are in contact with a user. For example, when ECG electrodes are in contact with a skin surface of the user, they generate a distinctive voltage profile that can be used to determine that the electronics module 110 is being worn. Similarly, photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors will generate distinctive signals when recording signals from a user. Temperature sensors such as skin surface temperate or core body temperature sensors and humidity sensors will also output temperature/humidity values that are indicative of whether the electronics module 110 is being worn. Generally, any form of sensor that can generate signals indicative of whether the electronics module 110 is being worn can be used in accordance with the present disclosure. Detecting whether the electronics module 110 is being worn is generally the same as performing liveness detection.

[0336] In step 1704, the controller 202 enters a first operation mode in response to determining that the electronics module 110 is being worn. In the first operation mode, the controller 202 controls the electronics module 110 to monitor a property of the wearer of the electronics module 110. In the first operation mode, the controller 202 does not control the wireless communicator 606 to transmit direction finding information.

[0337] In step 1706, the controller 202 enters a second operation mode in response to determining that the electronics module 110 is not being worn. In the second operation mode, the controller 202 is operable to control the wireless communicator 606 to transmit the direction finding information.

[0338] In this example, the wireless communicator 606 only transmits the direction finding information if the controller 202 determines that the electronics module 110 is not being worn. This avoids the unnecessary transmission of direction finding information when the electronics module 110 is being worn and thus its location is known to the user.

[0339] When in the second operation mode, the wireless communicator 606 may be continuously controlled to transmit the direction finding information. However, in preferred examples, the wireless communicator 606 is intermittently controlled to transmit the direction finding information so as to reduce power consumption. When not transmitting the direction finding information, the electronics module 110 may be controlled to enter a first, low power, mode to preserve battery life.

[0340] In more detail, in the second operation mode, the controller 202 repeatedly transitions the electronics module 110 between the first, low power, mode and a second power mode which consumes more power than the first power mode. In the second power mode, the controller 202 controls the wireless communicator 606 to transmit the direction finding information. The controller 202 may control the transitions between the first and second power modes according to a fixed duty cycle. Preferably, the electronics module 110 remains in the first power mode for a greater period of time than the second power mode while in the second operation mode. In some examples, the electronics module 110 wakes from the first power mode to transmit the direction finding information once every 10 seconds. Of course, other time periods may be used.

[0341] In some examples, the electronics module 110 may be at location likely to be known to the user even when the electronics module 110 is not being worn. These include when the electronics module 110 is being charged, positioned in a retainer such as a charging retainer (a retainer used to supply power to the electronics module 110) or positioned in a carry retainer (a retainer used to carry the electronics module 110 but not supply power to the electronics module 110). In some applications, it is advantageous to introduce additional checks to determine whether to enter the second operation mode.

[0342] In some examples, the controller 202 is arranged to enter the second operation mode in response to determining that the electronics module 110 is not being worn and that the power source 602 is not being supplied with power. The controller 202 determines that the power source 602 is being/not being supplied with power in response to detecting/not detecting power being received via the power receiving interface 604.

[0343] In some examples, the controller 202 is arranged to enter the second operation mode in response to determining that the electronics module 110 is not being worn and that the electronics module 110 is not at a predetermined location. The predetermined location may be a charging station or a retainer for the electronics module 110 such as a carry retainer or charging retainer.

[0344] The controller 202 may determine that the electronics module 110 is in the predetermined location if it determines that the power source 602 is being supplied with power as described above.

[0345] The controller 202 may determine that the electronics module 110 is in the predetermined location based on a signal received from the wireless communicator 606 that identifies the electronics module 110 as being in the predetermined location. By way of example, when the electronics module 110 is positioned in a retainer, the electronics module 110 is positioned in close proximity to a wireless communicator of the retainer. The wireless communicator 606 will therefore receive a signal with a very high RSSI which can be used by the controller 202 to determine that the electronics module 110 is in the predetermined location.

[0346] The controller 202 may determine that the electronics modules 110 is in the predetermined location based on a signal received from the sensing interface 204 of the electronics module 110. The signal identifies the electronics module 110 as being in the predetermined location.

[0347] In one example, a retainer for the electronics module 110 may comprise a strip of conductive material When the electronics module 110 is positioned in the retainer, the first and second electrical contacts 206, 208 of the electronics module 110 are brought into contact with the strip of conductive material and are electrically connected to one another via the strip of conductive material. The controller 202 may determine that an electrical short is formed between the first and second electrical contacts 206, 208 or otherwise detect a characteristic electrical property such as a characteristic impedance that identifies that the electronics module 202 is positioned within a retainer.

[0348] In another example, the retainer for the electronics module 110 may comprise a signal generator which is arranged to inject a signal into the electronics module 110 via the sensing interface 204. The signal may be characteristic signal indicative of the electronics module 110 being positioned in the retainer. The controller 202 may identify the received signal and use this to determine that the electronics module 202 is positioned within a retainer. The signal may be, for example, a calibration signal used to calibrate the electronics module 110.

[0349] In some examples, the wireless communicator 606 used to transmit the direction finding information is a first wireless communicator (e.g., first wireless communicator 712 of FIG. 7) for the electronics module 110. The electronics module 110 may further comprise a second wireless communicator (e.g., second wireless communicator 714 of FIG. 7). The controller 202 may determine that the electronics module 110 is in the predetermined location based on a signal received from the second wireless communicator. The signal may identify the electronics module 110 as being in the predetermined location.

[0350] The second wireless communicator may operate using a second wireless communication protocol than the wireless communication protocol used for the first wireless communicator. The second wireless communicator may communicate via inductive coupling such as used in near-field communication protocol [0351] In some examples, the retainer for the electronics module 110 may comprise a corresponding wireless communicator (e.g., a near-field antenna) that is able to induce a current in the antenna of the second wireless communicator when the electronics module 110 is positioned within the retainer. The controller 202 is able to identify the electronics module 110 as being in the predetermined location in response to the current being detected in the antenna of the second wireless communicator 714.

[0352] In another example, the electronics module 110 comprises a sensor (e.g., sensor 608 of FIG. 7).

The controller 202 determines that the electronics module 110 is in the predetermined location based on a signal received from the sensor. The signal identifies the electronics module 110 as being in the predetermined location. For example, the sensor may comprise a magnet sensor such as a magnetometer, reed switch or hall effect sensor. The retainer for the electronics module 110 may comprise a magnet such as a permanent magnet. The controller 202 may determine that the electronics module 110 is positioned in the retainer in response to a magnetic field being detected by the magnet sensor.

[0353] In another example, positioning the electronics module 110 in the retainer may cause a physical switch in the retainer to be activated which in turn triggers wireless communication between the electronics module 110 and the retainer. The controller 202 may determine from this wireless communication that the electronics module 110 is positioned in the retainer.

[0354] Any one or combination of the above mentioned examples may be used to determine whether the electronics module 110 is in/not in the predetermined location.

[0355] In an example use case, a user may use the wearable assembly (e.g., wearable assembly 102 of FIG. 1) to perform physiological monitoring while performing exercise at a gym. The user changes into their wearable article (e.g., wearable article 108 of FIG. 1), removes the electronics module 110 from its retainer, and positions the electronics module 110 in the electronics module holder (e.g., electronics module holder 402 of FIG. 4) of the wearable article. The user then beings their workout.

[0356] The controller 202 senses that the electronics module 110 is being worn and operates in the first operation mode. In the first operation mode, the controller 202 receives measurement signals from the sensing interface 204, performs processing on the measurement signals if desired, and transmits data to a user electronic device (e.g., user electronic device 104 of FIG. 1). The user electronic device runs an application which displays feedback, training advice, and other parameters to the user based on the sensed data received from the electronics module 110.

[0357] At the end of the exercise session, the user removes the electronics module 110 from the electronics module holder and absent mindedly places it on top of a water cooler at the gym. The user then changes and leaves the gym leaving their electronics module 110 behind.

[0358] The controller 202 of the electronics module 110 senses that it is not being worn and is not receiving power or positioned in a predetermined location. As a result, the controller 202 shifts to the second operation mode and intermittently transmits direction finding information.

[0359] The direction finding information is received by one or more electronics apparatuses in communication range of the electronics module 110. This could include one or more user electronic devices of other gym goers. The user electronic device receives the direction finding information. The user electronic device of the gym goer, optionally in combination with a remote server, may determine that the electronics module 110 is not associated with the gym goer. The user electronic device/remote server may identify the user associated with the electronics module 110 and may send a communication to the user electronic device associated with the user of the electronics module 110. The communication may include location data for the electronics module 110 such as GPS co-ordinates. The user electronic device may display a notification to the user identifying that the electronics module 110 has been left behind.

[0360] Once the user has returned to the gym, the user electronic device or retainer may receive direction finding information from the electronics module 110 and use this to inform the user of the location of the electronics module 110 within the gym. The retainer may transit the determined location information to the user electronic device so that the user electronic device may display the approximate location of the electronics module 110 to the user.

[0361] ELECTRONICS MODULE WITH OUTPUT UNIT [0362] In addition, or separately to transmitting direction finding information, an output unit of the electronics module 110 may be used to generate an output when the controller 202 determines that the electronics module 110 is likely to have been misplaced. The output notifies the user or other people in the vicinity of the electronics module 110 of the presence of the electronics module 110. The output unit may be an audio output unit, a visual output unit, or a haptic feedback unit. Preferred examples use an audio output unit and/or a haptic feedback unit as these types of output will be more easily noticed especially if the electronics module 110 is out of sight or obscured by other items.

[0363] In some examples, the controller 202 is arranged to control the output unit to generate an output in response to determining that the electronics module 110 is not being worn and that the electronics module 110 is not in a predetermined location.

[0364] In some examples, the controller 202 is arranged to control the output unit to generate an output in response to determining that the electronics module 110 is not being worn and that the power source 602 is not being supplied with power.

[0365] . The output may be generated a predetermined time after the determination by the controller 202.

[0366] The techniques for determining whether the electronics module 110 is being worn, is in a predetermined location, and is being supplied with power are described above in the section "ELECTRONICS MODULE WITH DIRECTION FINDING".

RETAINER FOR AN ELECTRONICS MODULE

[0367] FIG. 18 shows an example retainer 1802 for an electronics module 110 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The retainer 1802 may be a charging retainer arranged to supply power to the electronics module 110 but this is not required in all aspects of the present disclosure. In some instances, the retainer 1802 does not transfer power to the electronics module 110 and may instead function to store the electronics module 110. A retainer without charging functionality may be referred to as a carry retainer.

[0368] The retainer 1802 comprises a housing 1804 that defines an internal cavity 1806 for receiving the electronics module 110. A lid 1808 is pivotably attached to the housing 1804. The lid 1808 is moveable between a close position where the lid 1808 conceals the electronics module 110 positioned in the internal cavity 1806 and an open position where the lid 1808 is displaced from the housing 1804 such that a user can remove the electronics module 110 from the internal cavity 1806.

[0369] The retainer 1802 is not required to define an internal cavity 1806 in all examples. The retainer 1802 may otherwise couple to and retain the electronics module 110 without the electronics module 110 being positioned in the internal cavity. The retainer may, for example, have one or more fasteners such as external fasteners that couple to and retain the electronics module 110. The fasteners may be projections that extend from a housing of the retainer and define a channel which the electronics module 110 slots into. The fasteners may enable the electronics module 110 to be magnetically coupled to the retainer 1802. Hook and loop fasteners and other forms of fasteners may also be used.

[0370] The internal cavity 1806 is a single internal cavity. The retainer 1802 is only able to receive one electronics module 110 at a time. The single internal cavity may conform to the shape of the electronics module 110. The internal cavity 1806 may have a length of between 20 mm and 60 mm, a width of between 15 mm and 35 mm, and a depth of between 5 mm and 15 mm. In some examples, the internal cavity 1806 has a length of between 30 mm and 40 mm or between 35 mm and 38 mm. In some examples, the internal cavity 1806 has a width of between 20 mm and 30 mm or between 24 and 26 mm. In preferred examples, the internal cavity has a width of 25 mm. In some examples, the internal cavity 1806 has a depth of between 8 mm and 12 mm or between 9 mm and 11 mm. In preferred examples, the internal cavity 1806 has a depth of between 9.7 mm and 10 mm. The dimensions of the internal cavity 1806 generally correspond to the dimensions of the electronics module 110.

[0371] The lid 1808 protects the electronics module 110 positioned in the internal cavity 1806 from dust, debris, and damage. It will be appreciated that the lid 1808 is not required in all aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the internal cavity 1806 may be open. In other examples, a sleeve or other mechanism may be provided to allow for the removable covering of the internal cavity 1806.

[0372] The retainer 1802 in this example with a housing defining an internal cavity and a lid may be referred to as a case. The present disclosure is not limited to retainers 1802 in the form of cases.

[0373] FIG. 18 shows the lid 1808 in the closed configuration.

[0374] FIG. 19 shows the lid 1808 in the open configuration.

[0375] The lid 1808 may be pivotably coupled to the housing 1804 with a bi-stable hinge which forces the lid 1808 to adopt either the closed or fully open position. The lid 1808 may be unstable between at positions in between the closed and open positions such that the lid 1808 tends to move to the open or closed position.

[0376] FIG. 20 shows an electronics module 110 positioned in the retainer 1802. The electronics module 110 is disposed within the internal cavity 1806 of the retainer 1802 housing 1804. The electronics module 110 and the retainer 1802 may be considered as forming a system.

[0377] FIG. 21 shows an example system comprising a retainer 1802 and an electronics module 110.

The retainer 1802 has a strip of conductive material 2102 disposed within the internal cavity 1806. The strip of conductive material 2102 is positioned such that when the electronics module 110 is disposed within the internal cavity 1806, the first electrical contact 206 and second electrical contact 208 are brought into contact with the strip of conductive material 2102. The first electrical contact 206 and the second electrical contact 208 are therefore electrically connected via the strip of conductive material 2102.

[0378] The controller 202 of the electronics module 110 is able to measure the impedance between the first electrical contact 206 and the second electrical contact 208 to determine that the electronics modules 110 is positioned within the retainer 1802. The strip of conductive material 2102 may have a characteristic impedance which is associated with the retainer 1802. In this way, the controller 202 of the electronics module 110 is able to determine that it is positioned in the retainer 1802 and is able to change an operation mode accordingly. For example, the electronics module 110 may enter a first, low, power mode and may not transmit direction finding information as described above in section "ELECTRONICS MODULE WITH DIRECTION FINDING".

[0379] FIG. 22 shows an example retainer 1802 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The retainer 1802 comprises a housing 1804, internal cavity 1806, and lid 1808 as described above. The retainer 1802 additionally comprises a power store 2202, controller 2204, and power transfer interface 2206. The power store 2202, controller 2204, and power transfer interface 2206 cooperate to transfer power to an electronics module 110 positioned in the internal cavity 1806. The retainer 1802 therefore functions as a charging retainer.

[0380] The power store 2202, controller 2204 and power transfer interface 2206 are disposed within the housing 1804. In some examples, the power transfer interface 2206 may be accessible for an exterior surface of the housing such as when the power transfer interface 2206 is used to the wired charging of the power store 2202.

[0381] The power store 2202 may be a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion battery. The power store 2202 provides power to the circuitry associated with the retainer 1302 and can also be coupled to the electronics module 110 via the power transfer interface 2206 so as to supply power to the electronics module 110.

[0382] The power transfer interface 2206 may comprise an electrical connector that electrically connects with the electronics module 110 to transfer power to the electronics module 110. The electrical connector may electrically connect with the first electrical contact 206 and/or second electrical contact 208 of the electronics module 110 or may contact a separate electrical contact of the electronics module 110.

[0383] The power transfer interface 2206 may comprise a wireless power transmitter, such as one or more wireless power transmitting coils, that can transmit inductive power to the electronics module 110. Beneficially, using a wireless power interface between the retainer 1802 and the electronics module 110 can simplify the construction of the electronics module 110 and make it easier for the electronics module 110 to be waterproofed.

[0384] The controller 2204 is communicatively coupled to the power store 2202 and power transfer interface 2206. The controller 2204 controls the power transfer interface 2206 to transfer power to the electronics module 110.

[0385] FIG. 23 shows a system comprising the retainer 1802 of FIG. 22 and an electronics module 110 disposed within the internal cavity 1806 of the retainer 1802 housing 1804. The power transfer interface 2206 of the retainer 1802 transfers power to the power receiving interface 604 of the electronics module 110 which in turn supplies power to the power source 602.

[0386] FIG. 24 shows a schematic diagram for an example retainer 1802 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The retainer 1802 comprises a controller 2204, a power transfer interface 2206, and a power store 2202 as described above.

[0387] The retainer 1802 further comprises charging circuitry 2402. The charging circuitry 2402 may provide additional battery management functionality through the use of a charge controller, battery monitor and regulator. These components may be provided through use of a dedicated power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0388] The retainer 1802 further comprises a power receiving interface 2404. The power receiving interface 2404 couples the retainer 1802 to a wired or wireless external power source, such as an AC or DC power source of an inductive charging pad. The power receiving interface 2404 can be for example, a USB connector or other wired connector that can provide power to the retainer 1802. Alternatively, or additionally, power receiving interface 2404can include a wireless power receive, such as one or more wireless power receiving coils, that can receive inductive power from the external power source.

[0389] The retainer 1802 can charge the electronics module 110 even when it is not coupled to an external power source by the power source interface. Provided the power store 2202 of the retainer 1802 has sufficient charge. The retainer 1802 is therefore able to charge the electronics module 110 when the retainer is, for example, in a user's pocket or bag.

[0390] The retainer 1802 further comprises an electronics module detector 2406. The electronics module detector 2406 detects the presence of an electronics module 110 in the internal cavity 1806 of the housing 1804. The electronics module detector 2406 can initiate the charging process of the electronics module 110 when it detects the electronics module 110 in the internal cavity 1806. The electronics module detector 2406 can also stop the charging process when it detects that the electronics module 110 has been removed from the internal cavity.

[0391] In some examples, the electronics module detector 2406 comprises one or more sensors that detect when the electronics module 110 is positioned in the retainer. The one or more sensors may comprise any type of mechanical or electrical sensor, such as, but not limited to a magnetic sensor, such as a magnetometer, hall-effect sensor, or reed switch; an optical sensor (such as a photodetector), a physical switch, a capacitive sensor, or a proximity detector.

[0392] In some examples, the electronics module 110 may comprise a permanent magnet or may generate an electromagnetic field. This magnetic field may be detected by a magnetic sensor of the retainer 1802 to determine whether the electronics module 110 is positioned in the internal cavity 1806.

[0393] In some examples, the electronics module 110 may comprise a light source (e.g., light source 724 of FIG. 7), the optical sensor of the retainer 1802 may detect light emitted by the light source of the electronics module 110 to determine that the electronics module 110 is positioned in the internal cavity 1806.

[0394] In some examples, the electronics module detector 2406 may be electrically coupled to the electronics module 110 when the electronics module 110 is positioned in the internal cavity 1806. This may be achieved when the power transfer interface 2206 comprises an electrical connector that electrically couples to the electronics module 110. This may also be achieved by a separate electrical connector that couples with the electronics module 110 for the purposes of injecting a signal into the electronics module 110 for calibration and diagnostics. This is described below in the section "RETAINER WITH CALIBRATION CAPABILITIES".

[0395] In examples where the electronics module detector 2406 is able to electrically couple with the electronics module 110, the electronics module detector 2406 may comprise a circuit that periodically "pings" the electronics module 110 located within the internal cavity 1806 to determine whether the electronics module 110 is present.

[0396] In some examples, the electronics module detector 2406 comprises a wireless communicator.

The electronics module detector 2406 may detect the presence of the electronics module 110 based on the wireless communication between the electronics module 110 and the retainer 1802. For example, the electronics module detector 2406 may detect the presence of the electronics module 110 based on the received signal strength of a signal received from the electronics module 110. The received signal strength will be higher the closer the electronics module 110 is to the retainer 1802. If the received signal strength is sufficiently high (e.g., higher than a predetermine threshold), the electronics module detector 2406 will determine that an electronics module 110 is located in the internal cavity 1806. Additionally, or separately, the wireless communicator may operate using a near-field communication protocol, such as near field magnetic induction. Communication with the electronics module 110 over the near-field communication protocol may indicate that the electronics module 110 is located in the internal cavity 1806. The wireless communicator may comprise one or both of the first wireless communicator 2408 and the second wireless communicator 2410.

[0397] The retainer 1802 further comprises a lid sensor 2412. The lid sensor 2412 detects the opening or closing of the lid 1808 of the retainer 1802. The lid sensor 2412 therefore detects whether the lid is in the open position or the closed position. The controller 2204 is coupled to the lid sensor 2412 and receives signals from the lid sensor 2412 indicating when the lid is opened and closed. In some examples, the controller 2204 is operable to wake the retainer 1802 from a first, low power mode, in response to receiving a signal from the lid sensor 2412. For example, in response to receiving a signal that the lid is in an open position, the controller 2204 may cause the retainer 1802 to transition from the first, low power, mode to a second power mode that consumes more power than the low power mode. This is described in more detail below in the section "RETAINER WITH OPENING DETECTION".

[0398] The lid sensor 2412 may comprise any type of mechanical or electrical switch such as a momentary switch, a capacitive sensor, optical sensor, or a magnetic sensor. An optical sensor may function as an ambient light sensor that detects the amount of ambient light present. It will be appreciated that when the lid is opened, the amount of ambient light inside the retainer housing will increase. A magnetic sensor may function to detect the presence of a magnet incorporated into the lid of the housing. The magnet sensor may be a reed switch or hall effect sensor for example. When the lid is opened, the magnet sensor will send an interrupt signal to the controller 202.

[0399] In some examples, the lid sensor 2412 comprises a barometric pressure sensor. When a change in pressure is detected, the barometric pressure sensor can send an interrupt signal to the controller 2204. The change may be an increase or decrease in the pressure by more than a predetermined threshold amount. The barometric pressure sensor may be a piezoresistive pressure sensor such as sensor model number LPS22HB from STMicroelectronics.

[0400] Advantageously, a pressure sensor may be easier to integrate into the retainer 1802 than other types of sensors such as magnet sensors. Magnet sensors may need to be positioned close to an upper edge of the retainer 1802 so that they can detect a magnetic field provided by the lid. This position requirement is not required from pressure sensors. The use of the pressure sensor also simplifies the construction of the lid as a magnet is not required. Moreover, pressure sensors can perform additional monitoring beyond detecting whether the lid is open or closed. Pressure sensors can provide environmental feedback and can provide more information to the user.

[0401] The retainer 1802 further comprises an environmental sensor 2414. This is described in more detail below in the section "RETAINER WITH ENVIRONMENTAL SENSOR.

[0402] The retainer 1802 further comprises a first wireless communicator 2408. The first wireless communicator 2408 enables wireless communication between the retainer 1802 and the electronics module 110 or an external device such as a user electronic device.

[0403] The first wireless communicator 2408 is arranged to communicatively couple with an external device over a first wireless communication protocol. The first wireless communication protocol may be a Bluetooth 0 protocol, Bluetooth 0 5 or a Bluetooth 0 Low Energy protocol but is not limited to any particular communication protocol. In the present embodiment, the first wireless communicator 2408 is integrated into controller 2204. The first wireless communicator 2408 enables communication between the external device and the controller 2204 for configuration and set up of the controller 2204 and the peripheral devices as may be required. Configuration of the controller 2204 and peripheral devices utilises the Bluetooth 0 protocol in this example.

[0404] The first wireless communicator 2408 in this example comprises an RF switch 2416 and an array of antenna elements 2418, 2420, 2422, 2424. The RF switch 2416 enables the first wireless communicator 2408 to switch between different ones of the antenna elements 2418, 2420, 2422, 2424 when receiving direction finding information comprising a Constant Tone Extension as described above in the section "ELECTRONICS MODULE WITH DIRECTION FINDING". This enables the controller 2204 to receive IQ samples which are used to calculate the phase difference in the radio signal received using the different antenna elements 2418, 2420, 2422, 2424 of the antenna array, which in turn can be used to estimate the angle of arrival (AoA). The enables the retainer 1802 to determine the location of the electronics module 110.

[0405] In an example implementation, a user may enable direction finding using an application running on their user electronic device. The user electronic device may then send a request to the retainer 1802 (e.g., via the first wireless communicator 2408) to begin direction finding. The retainer 1802 may then start searching for the electronics module 110 by looking for direction finding information from the electronics module 110. The retainer 1802 may then relay back to the user electronic device information regarding the electronics module 110 location. The user electronic device may display the information to the user or otherwise indicate to the user the location of the electronics module 110. Alternatively, or additionally, the retainer 1802 may use its output unit 2426 to convey information to the user about the location of the electronics module 110. The output unit 2426 may generate a visual output and may comprise a display screen or a series of LEDs which could visually indicate the location of the electronics module 110. The series of LEDs may generate an output in a similar way to a Larson scanner. The output unit 2426 may additionally or separately generate an audible or haptic feedback to indicate the location of the electronics module 110.

[0406] In another example implementation, a user may enable direction finding without using their user electronic device. This may be performed by supplying an input to the retainer 1802 such as by opening the lid 1808 of the retainer 1802 or pressing a designated button on the retainer 1302 to trigger the retainer 1802 to being direction finding. The retainer 1802 may also commence direction finding automatically such as in response to receiving direction finding information from the electronics module 110 or if it detects that the electronics module 110 has been out of the retainer 1802 for more than a predetermined period of time.

[0407] The RF switch 2416 and array of antenna elements are not required in all examples. For example, the retainer 1802 may perform angle of direction (AoD) estimation or any other form of direction estimation which does not require multiple antenna elements or may not perform direction finding for an electronics module.

[0408] The retainer 1802 further comprises a second wireless communicator 2410. The second wireless communicator 2410 is arranged to communicatively couple with an external device using a second communication protocol. The second communication protocol is different to the first communication protocol and may have a shorter communication range than the first communication protocol. The first communication protocol may be a communication protocol from the Bluetooth (RTM) family of communication protocols while the second communication protocol may be a near field communication protocol such as a near field magnetic induction communication protocol.

[0409] The second wireless communicator 2410 may be used for short-range communication between the electronics module 110 and the retainer 1802 when the retainer 1802 is positioned within the internal cavity 1806. This form of communication may consume less power than the first communication protocol used by the first wireless communicator 2408. The second wireless communicator 2410 may function as an electronics module detector 2406 to detect whether an electronics module 110 is positioned in the internal cavity.

[0410] The retainer 1802 is not required to have both a first wireless communicator 2408 and a second wireless communicator 2410. A single wireless communicator may be provided. The single wireless communicator may be the first wireless communicator 2408 or the second wireless communicator 2410 or another form of wireless communicator.

[0411] The retainer 1802 further comprises an output unit 2426. The output unit 2426 is arranged to generate an output to the user to identify status information for the retainer 1802/ electronics module 110. In some examples, the output unit 2426 may generate an output to indicate the power level of the power store 2202. In some examples, the output unit 2426 may generate an output to indicate whether an electronics module 110 is positioned in the internal cavity 1806. In some examples, the output unit 2426 may generate an output to indicate whether the electronics module 110 is being charged or has completed charging. In some examples, the output unit 2426 may generate an output to indicate a location of the electronics module 110 as described above. The output unit 2426 may comprise one or a combination of an audio output unit, a visual output unit and a ha ptic feedback unit.

[0412] The retainer 1802 also comprises a memory (not shown) for storing data such as sensor data received from a sensor of the retainer 1802. The memory may store other operational information.

[0413] In an example, when the retainer 1802 is operation, sensor data is stored in the memory. The controller 2204 determines whether a condition for transmitting the sensor data in the memory is satisfied. In response to determining that the condition is satisfied, the controller 2204 controls the wireless communicator (e.g., first wireless communicator 2408 to transmit sensor data stored in the memory.

[0414] The retainer 1802 further comprise a motion sensor 2428. The motion sensor 2428 in this example is in the form of an inertial measurement unit (IMU) which may comprise an accelerometer and optionally one or both of a gyroscope and a magnetometer. A gyroscope/magnetometer is not required in all examples, and instead only an accelerometer may be provided, or a gyroscope/magnetometer may be present but put into a low power state.

[0415] The motion sensor 2428 may be used for motion tracking/activity classification. For example, when the retainer 1802 is positioned in a pocket or bag of the wearer, the motion sensor 2428 can track the steps taken by the wearer. This enables motion detection to be performed even when the electronics module is being charged in the retainer.

[0416] The motion sensor 2428 may be used to transition the retainer between a first power mode and a second power mode which consumes more power than the first power mode. In the first power mode, a wireless communicator (e.g., first wireless communicator 2408) of the retainer 1802 may be disabled. In the second power mode, the wireless communicator may be enabled to transmit information to an external device such as a user electronics device or the electronics module. The transmitted information could include information from a sensor of the retainer 1802 such as an environmental sensor 2414. The information may be stored in a memory (not shown) of the retainer.

RETAINER WITH CALIBRATION CAPABILITIES

[0417] FIG. 25 shows an example system comprising a retainer 1802 and an electronics module 110.

The electronics module 110 is positioned within an internal cavity 1806 of the retainer 1802. The electronics module 110 is placed into the internal cavity 1806 with its electrical contacts 206, 208 facing downwards. The internal cavity 1806 may be keyed so that the electronics module 110 may only be inserted in this direction.

[0418] The lower surface of the internal cavity 1806 has a corresponding pair of electrical contacts 2502, 2504 that contact with the electrical contacts 206, 208 of the electronics module 110. The retainer 1802 is electrically connected to the electronics module 110 via the electrical contacts 2502, 2504. The retainer 1802 is able to communicate with the electronics module 110 via this electrical interface. In other examples, this electrical interface may be used, or may only be used, for transferring power from the retainer 1802 to the electronics module 110.

[0419] The electrical interface formed between the retainer 1802 and the electronics module 110 enables the retainer 1802 to inject test signals into the electronics module 110 so as to enable diagnostics to be performed on the electronics module and/or calibrate the electronics module 110. The test signal may be a known signal such as a square wave or sinusoidal signal. The test signal may be a test signal representative of a known heart rate (e.g., a test ECG signal). The test signal may also be referred to as a calibration signal.

[0420] The electronics module 110 performs processing on the test signal and generates an output which is sent to a user electronic device (e.g., user electronic device 104 of FIG. 1) and/or the retainer 1802. Based on the generated output, the user electronic device 104/retainer 1802 is able to determine whether the electronics module 110 is functioning correctly and may generate a prompt to the user if an error has been detected.

[0421] In some examples, the electronics modules 110 may determine from the generated output whether a calibration needs to be performed. If a calibration needs to be performed, the electronics module 110 may update one or more parameters of an algorithm deployed on the electronics module 110. This could include updating one or more filtering coefficients or threshold values. In one example, the algorithm may be a peak detection algorithm for detecting characteristic peaks in an ECG signal. The detected peaks are used to calculate a heartrate from the ECG signal. The generated output by the electronics module 110 may be a heartrate value which is higher than or lower than an expected heartrate for the test signal. Based on this, the electronics module 110 may adjust a thresholding value used in the peak detection algorithm.

[0422] The retainer 1802 may only inject the test signal into the electronics module 110 in response to detecting the presence of the electronics module 110 in the retainer 1802. The processor of the retainer 1802 may cause the test signal to be sent to the electronics module 110 in response to receiving a signal from an electronics module detector (e.g., the electronics module detector 2406 of Figure 24) that the electronics modules 110 has been positioned in the internal cavity 1806. The detection of the electronics module 110 may be performed using the electrical interface formed between the retainer 1802 and the electronics module 110. For example, the retainer 1802 may "ping" the electronics module 110 by sensing a signal to the electronics module 110 via the electrical interface. The retainer 1802 may determine that the electronics module 110 is in the internal cavity 1806 if it receives a signal back from the electronics module 110 via the electrical interface.

[0423] The retainer 1802 may communicate with the electronics module 110 via the electrical interface or using wireless communication (e.g., via the first wireless communicator 2408 or second wireless communicator 2410 of Figure 24) to indicate that a test signal will be sent. The wireless communication may be, for example, via Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, near-field (such as near field magnetic induction) or using the communication capabilities of a wireless charging protocol such as the Qi protocol. This may cause the electronics module 110 to enter a calibration mode. In other examples, the electronics module 110 may be prompted to enter the calibration mode by the user electronic device such as in response to receiving an input from the user via an application running on the user electronic device.

[0424] FIG. 26 shows another example system comprising a retainer 1802 and an electronics module 110. The electronics module 110 is positioned in an internal cavity 1806 of the retainer 1802. In this example, the electronics module 110 comprises an optical sensor 2602 and the electronics module 110 is positioned such that the optical sensor 2602 is facing downwards. The internal cavity 1806 may be keyed such that the electronics module 110 can only be inserted in this direction.

[0425] In this example, rather than an electrical interface being formed between the electronics module and the retainer 1802, the retainer 1302 is able to communicate with the electronics module 110 via a light source 2604. The light source 2604 is positioned on the bottom surface of the internal cavity 1806 such that light emitted by the light source 2604 is detectable by the optical sensor 2602 of the electronics module 110. The electronics module 110 may also have a light source and the retainer may also have an optical sensor to allow for bidirectional communication.

[0426] The light source 2604 is used to send a test signal to the electronics module 110 to enable the electronics module 110 to perform diagnostics and calibrations as described above in relation to FIG. 25. The optical sensor 2602 may be used for photoplethysmography (PPG) sensing, and the light source 2604 may be used to emit light that represents a characteristic PPG signal. Different light signals may be emitted by the light source 2604 that are characteristic of different human skin tones.

[0427] As described above in relation to FIG. 25, the electronics module 110 performs processing on the test signal and generates an output which is sent to a user electronic device (e.g., user electronic device 104 of FIG. 1) and/or the retainer 1802. Based on the generated output, the user electronic device 104/retainer 1802 is able to determine whether the electronics module 110 is functioning correctly and may generate a prompt to the user if an error has been detected.

[0428] In some examples, the electronics modules 110 may determine from the generated output whether a calibration needs to be performed. If a calibration needs to be performed, the electronics module 110 may update one or more parameters of an algorithm deployed on the electronics module 110. This could include updating one or more filtering coefficients or threshold values. In one example, the algorithm may be a peak detection algorithm for detecting characteristic peaks in an PPG signal. The detected peaks are used to calculate a heartrate from the PPG signal. The generated output by the electronics module 110 may be a heartrate value which is higher than or lower than an expected heartrate for the test signal. Based on this, the electronics module 110 may adjust a thresholding value used in the peak detection algorithm.

RETAINER WITH OPENING DETECTION

[0429] As discussed above in relation to FIG. 24, the retainer 1802 may have a lid 1808 and a lid sensor 2412 to detect whether the lid is in the closed position or the open position. The lid sensor 2412 can advantageously be used to trigger the operation of the retainer 1802.

[0430] The controller (e.g., controller 2204 of FIG. 24) is operable to transition the retainer between a first power mode and a second power mode which consumes more power than the first power mode. In the first power mode, the controller may be operating in a sleep state such that it is unable to control peripherals such as the wireless communicator (e.g., first wireless communicator 2408 of FIG. 24) or power transfer interface (e.g., power transfer interface 2206 of FIG. 24). This means that the retainer is unable to transmit data or transfer power to an electronics module. This is not required in all examples. The controller may still be functioning in the first power mode but some components such as the wireless communicator may be disabled from operating.

[0431] In the first power mode, the lid sensor may still be operating and able to detect whether the lid has moved between the closed position and the open position. The lid sensor is able to send signals to the controller which can trigger the controller to wake from the first power mode.

[0432] FIG. 27 shows an example process by which the controller of the retainer can use a signal received from the lid sensor to wake up from the first power mode.

[0433] In step 2702, the controller enters the first power mode.

[0434] In step 2704, the controller receives a signal from the lid sensor indicating that the lid has moved between the closed position and the open position. This means that the lid sensor has detected that the lid has transitioned between the closed position and the open position and sent a signal to the controller in response to this detection. The signal may be an interrupt signal.

[0435] In step 2706, the controller transitions the retainer from first power mode to second power mode. This means that the controller wakes up from the first power mode and enters the second power mode. In the second power mode, the controller enables other components of the retainer to operate. For example, the controller may enable the wireless communicator to transmit data and/or the power transfer interface to transfer power to an electronics module.

[0436] In an example use case, in the first power mode the controller is able to control the power transfer interface to transfer power to an electronics module positioned in an internal cavity of the retainer, but the wireless communicator of the retainer is disabled. This enables the retainer to charge the electronics module while preserving the power store by avoiding additional power consuming activities. In the first power mode, the lid is closed. In response to detecting the user opening the lid, the lid sensor sends a signal to the controller. The controller causes the retainer to enter the second power mode. In the second power mode, the wireless communicator is enabled and able to transmit data. The controller may use the wireless communicator to transmit data such as to a user electronic device. In an example, the controller may control the wireless communicator to transmit status information such as the status of the power store (e.g., the remaining charge available such as the battery life). In this example, the simple act of the user opening the lid can enable status information to be sent to the user electronic device. This enables the user to trigger the transmission of status information and avoids transmitting information unnecessarily which could undesirably increase the power consumption of the retainer.

[0437] In another example use case, in the first power mode, the controller may be in a sleep state such that the controller may be unable to control the power transfer interface or the wireless communicator. This sleep state may be referred to as a shipment mode.

[0438] The retainer may enter the first power mode at the factory where it is assembled. It may be desired that the retainer only enters the second power mode once it is delivered to the end user to avoid the power store being depleted during transit and storage. The retainer and electronics module may be supplied to the end user together with the electronics module positioned in the retainer and the lid closed.

[0439] The electronics module may also be placed into its own first, low power, mode (sleep mode) at the factory. In the first power mode, the power source of the electronics module may be electrically disconnected from the controller of the electronics module to prevent additional power draw. The electronics module may only wake from this first power mode in response to receiving power from the retainer.

[0440] If the power transfer interface were enabled in this first power mode, then the retainer may attempt to charge the electronics module during transit and storage. This would cause the electronics module to wake from its first power mode and consume more power, leading to more power being transferred to the electronics module which could ultimately lead to depleting the power store of the retainer and the power source of the electronics module.

[0441] When the retainer is delivered to the end user, the user opens the lid which causes the lid sensor to send a signal to the controller. This signal causes the controller to wake from the sleep state and enter the second power mode. In the second power mode the power transfer interface and wireless communicator are enabled. The retainer may then begin to transfer power to the electronics module which may in turn cause the electronics module to wake from its own sleep mode.

[0442] Advantageously, by operating the lid sensor in the first power mode of the retainer and disabling the power transfer interface, the retainer is able to avoid increased consumption of the power store of the retainer and the power source of the electronics module during transit and storage.

RETAINER WITH ENVIRONMENTAL SENSOR

[0443] FIG. 28 shows an example retainer 1802 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The retainer 1802 comprises a lid 1808, a retainer 1802, a housing 1804 and an internal cavity 1806 as described above. Additional components as described above may also be provided.

[0444] The retainer 1802 further comprises an environmental sensor 2414. The environmental sensor 2414 is positioned in the housing 1804. The housing 1804 has one or more apertures to bring the environmental sensor 2414 into communication with the environment external to the retainer 1802. The environmental sensor 2414 is able to measure environmental properties in the vicinity of the retainer 1802.

[0445] A controller (e.g., controller 2204 of FIG. 24) of the retainer 1802 is communicatively coupled to the environmental sensor 2414 and is able to receive environmental sensor data from the environmental sensor 2414. The controller is also able to control a wireless communicator (e.g., first wireless communicator 2408) of the retainer 1802 to transmit the environmental sensor data to an external device such as the electronics module or a user electronic device. In this way, the environmental sensor data can be used to supplement and add context to the sensor data measured by the electronics module. The environmental sensor data may be stored in a memory of the retainer and may only be transmitted once the controller 2204 detects that a data transmission criteria is satisfied. A data transmission criteria may be satisfied if the controller 2204 determines that the lid 1808 has been opened or if it determines that the retainer 1802 has been moved by the user, such as by receiving a motion signal from motion sensor 2428 of the retainer 1802.

[0446] While an environmental sensor could be directly incorporated into the electronics module, environmental sensors tend to be bulky. This makes them difficult to integrate into electronics modules which require a small form factor. Moreover, environmental sensors tend to require exposure to the external environment through the use of apertures in the housing. This can make it difficult to waterproof the electronics module. Electronics modules tend to be at risk of damage due to water ingress from sweat or from swimming. Positioning the environmental sensor in the retainer allows for environmental monitoring without affecting the performance of the electronics module.

[0447] The environmental sensor 2414 may comprise an air quality sensor. This enables the retainer 1802 to monitor air quality. This can help identify whether a user is in an environment with poor air quality levels and can prompt the user to make positive changes to improve their environment. Example air quality sensors include carbon dioxide (CO2) and volatile organic compound (VOC) sensors.

[0448] Example CO2 sensors measure CO2 concentration using non-dispersive infra-red (NDIR) sensing. NDIR sensing involves emitting IR light through a sample chamber, optical filter, and detector. The gas in the sample chamber absorbs specific wavelengths of the IR light. The optical filter eliminates all light except the wavelength(s) that the gas under measurement (CO2 in this example) can absorb. The detector measures the attenuation of the wavelengths under measurement. An example CO2 sensor utilising NDIR sensing is the SCD30 manufactured by Sensirion AG.

[0449] Other example CO2 sensors measure CO2 concentration using photoacoustic sensing. In photoacoustic sensing, narrowband light matching the absorption band of the gas under measurement (CO2 in this example) is emitted into the sensor chamber. The CO2 molecules absorb the emitted light results in an increased pressure in the sensor chamber due to the increased translation energy of the CO2 molecules. The pressure change is detectable by a microphone in the sensor chamber. The microphone signal provides a measure of the number of CO2 molecules in the sensor chamber which can be used to determine the CO2 concentration. An example CO2 sensor utilising photoacoustic sensing is the SCD40 manufactured by Sensirion AG.

[0450] Example VOC sensors include metal-oxide gas sensors which provide a thin film of metal-oxide particles between two electrodes. The thin film is heated to provide negatively charged oxygen species absorbed at the metal-oxide surface. The surface oxygen species react with ambient target gases causing electrons to be released into the metal-oxide film. This results in a change of resistivity that is measurable by the two electrodes. The change in resistivity is dependent on the ambient target gas concentration. An example VOC sensor is the SGP40 manufactured by Sensirion AG.

[0451] The environmental sensor 2414 may comprise a humidity sensor. This can enable the retainer to perform humidity monitoring. Research indicates that controlling humidity levels indoors can help reduce virus transmission levels and improve the functioning of the human immune system. Ideally, indoor humidity levels should be between 40% and 60%. Providing the humidity sensor in the retainer 1802 can enable the user to be notified of sub-optimal humidity levels which can prompt the user to make positive changes to the indoor environment or potentially move to another indoor environment.

[0452] Example humidity sensors use capacitive measurements to determine a humidity level of the ambient environment. For example, the humidity sensor may comprise a capacitor with a dielectric which absorbs or releases water proportionally to the ambient humidity. Resistive humidity sensors are also available which measure the change in electrical impedance of a hygroscopic medium. Thermal humidity sensors are also available which involve comparing the temperature measured by two probes, one encased in dry nitrogen and the other exposed to the ambient environment.

[0453] The environmental sensor 2414 may comprise a pressure sensor such as a barometric pressure sensor. The pressure sensor can perform environmental pressure monitoring to detect changes in pressure. This form of general pressure monitoring can provide additional information to the user and can be combined with physiological data monitored by the electronics module 110 to provide further insights. For example, changes in heartrate of the user can be linked to pressure changes indicative of the user ascending or descending in altitude.

[0454] The environmental sensor 2414 may comprise a temperature sensor.

[0455] The environmental sensor 2414 may comprise any combination of the sensors described above.

[0456] FIG. 29 shows an example retainer 1802 with an environmental sensor according to aspects of the present disclosure. The retainer 1802 comprises a housing 1804, a lid 1808 and an internal cavity 1806 as described above. Additional components as described above may also be provided.

[0457] In this example, the environmental sensor functions as the lid sensor for detecting whether the lid is in the open or closed position. The environmental sensor is in the form of a pressure sensor 2902 that is able to measure the pressure in the internal cavity. The pressure sensor 2902 in this example is a barometric pressure sensor.

[0458] The pressure sensor 2902 is able detect pressure changes caused by the lid being opened/closed. When the pressure increases/decreases by more than a predetermined threshold value, the pressure sensor 2902 sends a signal to the controller of the retainer to indicate that the lid has moved between the open and closed positions. In addition to detecting whether the lid is in the open or closed position, the pressure sensor 2902 can perform general environmental pressure monitoring to detect changes in pressure. This form of general pressure monitoring can provide additional information to the user and can be combined with physiological data monitored by the electronics module 110 to provide further insights. For example, changes in heartrate of the user can be linked to pressure changes indicative of the user ascending or descending in altitude. Beneficially, the retainer 1802 enables lid sensing and general pressure monitoring using a single pressure sensor.

[0459] The pressure sensor 2902 may be disposed with the housing 1804, The housing 1804 has one or more apertures/vents that allow for air pressure equalization between the pressure sensor 2902 and the internal cavity.

[0460] Other forms of environmental sensor may also function as the lid sensor in examples. For example, an ambient light sensor may be used to determine whether the lid is open or closed based on detected changes in light levels.

[0461] FIG. 30 shows a bag 3002 that may be provided with a retainer comprising an environment sensor as described above.

[0462] The bag 3002 comprises an internal pocket 3004 for holding the retainer 1802. The bag further comprises an air permeable material 3006 that is arranged to allow for air exchange between the internal pocket 3004 and the external environment. Beneficially, the bag 3002 can be used to store the retainer 1802 such as when the user is transiting between a home and gym environment. The internal pocket 3004 enables the retainer 1802 to be securely stored and reduces the risk of it being stolen. The air permeable material 3006 allows the environmental sensor 2414 of the retainer 1802 to continue to monitor one or more properties of the external environment.

[0463] In some examples, the air permeable material 3006 comprises a mesh fabric.

[0464] In some examples, air permeable material comprises a substantially air-impermeable material layer such as polymeric material (such as a plastic) or a metal material, with perforations formed therein to allow for air exchange between the internal pocket 3004 and the external environment. The perforations may be formed by puncturing the material or by providing eyelets in the material. The number perforations/spacing between the perforations is likely dependent on the type of environmental sensor used in the retainer 1802 and the requirements of that retainer 1802 to perform optimally.

[0465] The perforations may also allow for the retainer 1802 to communicate. For example, the retainer 1802 may be able to emit light that is observable externally. The light may be used in IR-style communication for example.

[0466] The bag 3002 in FIG. 30 is a backpack but the present disclosure is not limited to this example.

The bag could example be a handbag, tote, bumbag (fanny pack), shoebag, gym bag, travel bag, cross-body bag, or saddle bag.

[0467] 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.

[0468] 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. Various combinations of optional features have been described herein, and it will be appreciated that described features may be combined in any suitable combination. In particular, the features of any one example embodiment may be combined with features of any other embodiment, as appropriate, except where such combinations are mutually exclusive. Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" or "comprises" means including the component(s) specified but not to the exclusion of the presence of others.

[0469] 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.

[0470] 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.

[0471] 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

CLAIMS1 An electronics module for a wearable article, the electronics module comprising: a controller; and a wireless communicator, wherein the controller is operable to control the wireless communicator to transmit direction finding information.
2 An electronics module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller is operable to control the wireless communicator to transmit direction finding information automatically without user input.
3 An electronics module as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller is arranged to determine whether the electronics module is being worn and is arranged to control the wireless communicator to transmit direction finding information in response to determining that the electronics module is not being worn.
4 An electronics module as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the controller is arranged to enter a first operation mode in response to determining that the electronics module is being worn, and is arranged to enter a second operation mode in response to determining that the electronics module is not being worn, wherein in the second operation mode, the controller is operable to control the wireless communicator to transmit direction finding information.
An electronics module as claimed in claim 4, wherein in the first operation mode, the controller is operable to control the wireless communicator to transmit information other than direction finding information
6 An electronics module as claimed in claim 5 wherein in the first operation mode, the controller is operable to control the electronics module to monitor a property of the wearer of the wearable article.
7 An electronics module as claimed in any of claims 4 to 6, wherein in the second operation mode, the controller is operable to repeatedly transition the electronics module between a first power mode and a second power mode which consumes more power than the first power mode, wherein in the second power mode, the controller is operable to control the wireless communicator to transmit the direction finding information.
8 An electronics module as claimed in claim 7, wherein in the second operation mode, the electronics module may be arranged to spend a greater proportion of time in the first power mode than the second power mode.
9. An electronics module as claimed in any of claims 3 to 8, wherein the electronics module comprises a power source, wherein the controller is operable to control the wireless communicator to transmit direction finding information in response to determining that the electronics module is not being worn and that the power source is not being supplied with power.
An electronics module as claimed in claim 9, wherein the electronics module comprises a power receiving interface, wherein the controller is operable to determine that the power source is being supplied with power in response to detecting power being received via the power receiving interface.
11 An electronics module as claimed in any of claims 3 to 10, wherein the controller is operable to control the wireless communicator to transmit direction finding information in response to determining that the electronics module is not being worn and that the electronics module is not in a predetermined location.
12 An electronics module as claimed in claim 11, wherein the controller is operable to determine that the electronics module is in the predetermined location if it detects that the electronics module is retained by a retainer.
13 An electronics module as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the controller is operable to determine that the electronics module is in the predetermined location based on a signal received from the wireless communicator, where the signal identifies the electronics module as being in the predetermined location.
14. An electronics module as claimed in claim 13, wherein the controller is operable to determine that the electronics module is in the predetermined location based on the signal strength of the signal received from the wireless communicator.
An electronics module as claimed in any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the electronics module comprises a sensing interface, wherein the controller is operable to determine that the electronics module is in the predetermined location based on a signal received from the sensing interface, where the signal identifies the electronics module as being in the predetermined location.
16 An electronics module as claimed in any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the wireless communicator is a first wireless communicator, the electronics module further comprises a second wireless communicator, and the controller is operable to determine that the electronics module is in the predetermined location based on a signal received from the second wireless communicator, where the signal identifies the electronics module as being in the predetermined location, optionally wherein the second wireless communicator has a shorter communication range than the first wireless communicator.
17 An electronics module as claimed in any of claims 11 to 16, wherein the electronics module comprises a sensor, and wherein the controller us operable to determine that the electronics module is in the predetermined location based on a signal received from the sensor, where the signal identifies the electronics module as being in the predetermined location.
18. An electronics module as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the direction finding information comprises a reference transmission power value.
19. An electronics module as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the direction finding information comprises a Constant Tone Extension.
20. An electronics module as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the wireless communicator transmits the direction finding information using a single antenna.
21. An electronics module as claimed in any of claims 1 to 19, wherein the wireless communicator comprises an antenna array, and wherein the wireless communicator is arranged to switch between different ones of the antennas in the antenna array when transmitting the direction finding information.
22 An electronics module as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the electronics module comprises an output unit, and wherein the electronics module is arranged to control the output unit to generate an output in response to determining that the electronics module is not being worn and that the electronics module is not in a predetermined location.
23. A method performed by an electronics module for a wearable article, the electronics module comprising a controller and a wireless communicator, the method comprises controlling, by the controller, the wireless communicator to transmit direction finding information.
24. A method comprising: determining, by a controller of an electronics module, if the electronics module is being worn; if the electronics module is not being worn, controlling a wireless communicator of the electronics module to transmit direction finding information.
25. A system comprising: the electronics module as claimed in any of claims 1 to 22 and an electronics apparatus comprising: a controller; and a wireless communicator, wherein the wireless communicator is arranged to receive direction finding information from the electronics module, and wherein the controller is operable to use the direction finding information to determine a location of the electronics module.