GB2613249A

GB2613249A - Method, system and article

Info

Publication number: GB2613249A
Application number: GB2215402.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Lynch Michael
Original assignee: Prevayl Innovations Ltd
Current assignee: Prevayl Innovations Ltd
Priority date: 2021-10-20
Filing date: 2022-10-18
Publication date: 2023-05-31
Also published as: GB202114997D0; GB202215402D0

Abstract

The method comprises providing an electronics module 110 comprising a power store 306 and a power receiving interface 302. The method comprises providing a charging unit 608 comprising a power source 602 and a power transfer interface 606, coupling the electronics module and the charging unit to a textile such that the textile is sandwiched between the electronics module and the charging unit, and the charging unit is aligned with the electronics module. The charging unit is able to transfer power to the electronics module while the electronics module is coupled to the textile. The textile may form part of a wearable article. The wearable article may comprise holders such as pockets to receive the electronics module and charging unit. The electronics module may be inserted into an opening of the charging unit and the textile may be sandwiched between the electronics module and the charging unit.

Description

METHOD, SYSTEM AND ARTICLE [0001] The present invention is directed towards a method, system, and article and in particular a wearable article that can removably couple to an electronics module and a charging unit.

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] 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.

[0005] The electronics module includes drive and sensing electronics comprising components and associated circuitry, to provide the required functionality. The drive and sensing electronics include a power source to power the electronic device and the associated components of the drive and sensing circuitry.

[0006] 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.

[0007] The charging dock requires the ECG monitor to be removed from the wearer for charging. This means that the ECG monitor is not able to be used for continual monitoring of the wearer.

[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved mechanism for charging an electronics module used with an article comprising a textile such as a wearable article.

SUMMARY

[0009] According to the present disclosure there is provided a method, article, and system as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method comprising providing an electronics module comprising a power store and a power receiving interface, providing a charging unit comprising a power source and a power transfer interface, coupling the electronics module and the charging unit to a textile such that the textile is sandwiched between the electronics module and the charging unit, and the charging unit is aligned with the electronics module.

[0011] Advantageously, the electronics module and the charging unit are coupled to a textile such that the textile is sandwiched between the electronics module and the charging unit and the charging unit is aligned with the electronics module. This means that the charging unit and the electronics module are brought into close proximity to one another and able to transfer power over a wired or wireless power transfer mechanism. In this way, the electronics module is able to be charged without being removed from the textile. The electronics module can therefore be used to continually perform monitoring operations without being removed for recharging or replacement.

[0012] The method may further comprise transferring power from the power transfer interface of the charging unit to the power receiving interface of the electronics module.

[0013] The textile may define a first surface and a second surface, the first surface comprises a first holder arranged to removably couple with the electronics module, and the second surface comprises a second holder arranged to removably couple with the charging unit.

[0014] Coupling the electronics module to the textile may comprise coupling the electronics module to the first holder.

[0015] Coupling the charging unit to the textile may comprise coupling the charging unit to the second holder.

[0016] The first holder may comprise a first pocket.

[0017] The first pocket may be constructed such that when the electronics module is positioned in the first pocket, a sensor of the electronics module has line of sight through the first pocket.

[0018] The first pocket may comprise an opening, and wherein when the electronics module is positioned in the first pocket, the sensor of the electronics module has line of sight through the opening.

[0019] The second holder may comprise a second pocket.

[0020] The charging unit may have a first surface defining an opening, and wherein coupling the electronics module and the charging unit to the textile comprises inserting the electronics module into the opening of the charging unit such that the textile is sandwiched between the electronics module and the charging unit.

[0021] The textile may comprise an opening in the vicinity of the electronics module and the charging unit.

[0022] The opening may be constructed such that a conductive electrical connection may be formed between the electronics module and the charging unit.

[0023] The textile may form part of a wearable article.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a system comprising an electronics module comprising: a power store, and a power receiving interface, and a charging unit comprising: a power source, and a power transfer interface, wherein the electronics module and the charging unit are configured to be coupled to a textile such that the textile is sandwiched between the electronics module and the charging unit, and the charging unit is aligned with the electronics module.

[0025] The charging unit may have a first surface defining an opening, and wherein coupling the electronics module and the charging unit to the textile comprises inserting the electronics module into the opening of the charging unit such that the textile is sandwiched between the electronics module and the charging unit.

[0026] The system may also comprise the textile. The textile may form part of a wearable article.

[0027] According to a third aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an article comprising a textile defining a first surface and a second surface. The first surface comprises a first holder arranged to removably couple with an electronics module. The second surface comprises a second holder arranged to removably couple with a charging unit. The first holder is aligned with the second holder such that a charging unit coupled to the second holder is able to transfer power to an electronics module coupled to the first holder.

[0028] Advantageously, the article comprises first and second holders to releasably retain the electronics module and the charging unit. The first and second holders are positioned such that, when coupled to the holders, the electronics module and charging unit are brought into close proximity to one another and able to transfer power over a wired or wireless power transfer mechanism. In this way, the electronics module is able to be charged without being removed from the article. The electronics module can therefore be used to continually perform monitoring operations without being removed for recharging or replacement.

[0029] The first holder is provided on the first surface of the article such that it may face a skin surface of the wearer when worn. This enables the electronics module to be positioned in close proximity to the skin surface and can enable sensors of the electronics module to have line of sight with the skin surface.

[0030] The first holder may comprise a first pocket.

[0031] The first pocket may be constructed such that when the electronics module is positioned in the first pocket, a sensor of the electronics module has line of sight through the pocket.

[0032] The first pocket may comprise an opening, and where when the electronics module is positioned in the first pocket, the sensor of the electronics module has line of sight through the opening.

[0033] The second holder may comprise a second pocket.

[0034] The textile may comprise an opening in the vicinity of the first holder and the second holder.

[0035] The opening may be constructed such that an electrical contact of the charging unit or the electronics module may extend through the opening. The opening may be constructed such that a conductive electrical connection may be formed between the electronics module and the charging unit.

[0036] The article may be a wearable article such as a garment.

[0037] According to a fourth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a system comprising an article according to the third aspect of the disclosure, an electronics module comprising: a power store, and a power receiving interface, and a charging unit comprising: a power source, and a power transfer interface.

[0038] The charging unit may comprise a controller. The controller may be operable to control the power transfer interface to transfer power to the electronics module when positioned in close proximity to the electronics module.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 beneficial used for communication between the electronics module and the charging unit.

[0041] Advantageously, the charging unit comprises an internal power store which is able to be used to transfer power to the electronics module for charging the electronics module. As the charging unit has its own internal power store, the charging unit does not need to be coupled to mains electricity via an AC power cable when charging the electronics module. This enables the user to charge their electronics module on the go.

[0042] The charging unit 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 charging unit.

[0043] The power receiving interface may be arranged to couple the charging unit to a wired external power source. The power receiving interface may, for example, comprise a USB interface for coupling to an external power source.

[0044] The power receiving interface may be arranged to couple the charging unit 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 charging unit is positioned on for charging.

[0045] The electronics module comprises a controller.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The electronics module may comprise a sensor. The sensor may be coupled to the controller.

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.

[0048] 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 the article that the electronics module may couple to or a sensor of the electronics module.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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 stand-alone device or may couple to an 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.

[0051] According to a fifth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method comprising: providing an article according to the third aspect of the disclosure; coupling an electronics module to the first holder of the wearable article; and coupling a charging unit to the second holder of the wearable article.

[0052] The method may further comprise transferring power from the charging unit to the electronics module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] 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.

[0054] FIG. 1 illustrates an example system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic for an example electronics module in accordance with aspects of

the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic for an example electronics module in accordance with aspects of

the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG. 4 illustrates a more detailed schematic for an example electronics module in accordance

with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0058] FIG. 5 illustrates an aspect of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment.

[0059] FIG. 6 illustrates another example system comprising a charging unit and an electronics module

according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0060] FIG. 7 illustrates an example system comprising a wearable article, electronics module and charging unit according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0061] FIG. 8 illustrates an example system comprising a wearable article, electronics module and charging unit according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0062] FIG. 9 illustrates an example method according to aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] "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.

[0064] 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 [0065] 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.

[0066] The garment may be a tight-fitting garment or a loose-fitting (e.g. freeform garment). A tight-fitting garment helps ensure that the sensors 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.

[0067] "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.

[0068] "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.

[0069] "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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] Generally, the electronics module comprises all of the components required for data transmission and processing. 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).

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0075] The following examples refer generally to wearable articles but it will be appreciated that the present disclosure can be applied to other forms of articles comprising textiles such as soft furnishings and upholstery. In such examples, it is also beneficial to enable an electronics module to be charged without being removed from the article.

[0076] 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.

[0077] The wearable assembly 102 comprises a wearable article 108 which, in this is example, is in the form of a garment.

[0078] 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 a first holder (not shown) arranged to removably retain the electronics module 110. The first holder enables the electronics module to be attached and removed from the wearable article 108.

[0079] In some examples, the first 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 textiles of the wearable article 108.

[0080] The present disclosure is not limited to holders in the form pockets.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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).

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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 sensor 204 communicatively coupled to the controller 202.

[0085] The sensor 204 generates measurement signals. The measurement signals, or a processed version thereof, are provided to the controller 202. The measurement signals may be any form of physiological signal as described above. The sensor 204 is therefore able to receive physiological signals from a wearer of the electronics module 110.

[0086] The controller 202 is able to process the signals received from the sensor 204. 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.

[0087] The electronics module 110 has a housing. Components of the electronics module 110 such as the controller 202 are disposed within the housing.

[0088] 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.

[0089] FIG. 3 shows a simplified schematic diagram for an example electronics module 110 as shown in FIG. 2. It will be appreciated that not all of the components shown in FIG. 3 are required and additional components may also be provided.

[0090] The electronics module 110 comprises a controller 202 and a sensor 204 as described in FIG. 2. The sensor 204 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.

[0091] The electronics module 110 further comprises a power store 306 and a power receiving interface 302.

[0092] The power store 306 may comprise one or a plurality of power sources. The power store 306 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 store 306 may comprise an energy harvesting device. The power store 306 may be a super capacitor, or an energy cell.

[0093] The power receiving interface 302 is operable to receive power from an external power source for charging the power store 306. The power receiving interface 302 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 source.

[0094] The power receiving interface 302 may also be coupled to the controller 202 to enable direct communication between the controller 202 and an external device if required.

[0095] The electronics module 110 further comprises a wireless communicator 304. The wireless communicator 304 may utilise any communication protocol such as used for communication over: a wireless wide area network (.WAN), a wireless metro area network (WMAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (VVPAN), Bluetooth 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.

[0096] FIG. 4 shows a more detailed schematic diagram for the example electronics module 110 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

[0097] The electronics module 110 comprises a controller 202, sensor 204, power store 306, and power receiving interface 302 as described above.

[0098] The controller 202 comprises an internal memory 402. The controller 202 is also communicatively connected to an external memory 404 which in this example is a NAND Flash memory. The external memory 404 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 404 may have a storage capacity of at least 1GB and preferably at least 2 GB. [0099] The electronics module 110 also includes additional peripheral devices that are used to perform specific functions as will be described in further detail herein.

[0100] The power store 306 in this example is a lithium-ion battery. The battery is rechargeable and charged via power receiving interface 302. The power receiving interface 302 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 406, battery monitor 408 and regulator 410. These components may be provided through use of a dedicated power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0101] The controller 202 is communicatively connected to a battery monitor 408 so that that the controller 202 may obtain information about the state of charge of the battery.

[0102] The electronics module 110 comprises a first wireless communicator 412 and a second wireless communicator 414.

[0103] The first wireless communicator 412 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 0 Low Energy protocol but is not limited to any particular communication protocol. In the present embodiment, the first wireless communicator 412 is integrated into controller 202. The first wireless communicator 412 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.

[0104] Other wireless communication protocols can also be used, such as used for communication over: a wireless wide area network (VVWAN), a wireless metro area network (WMAN), a wireless local area network (VVLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), Bluetooth 0 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-loT, fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G), and/or any other present or future developed cellular wireless network.

[0105] The second wireless communicator 414 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 414. When the external device is placed in the magnetic field of the antenna of the second wireless communicator 414, the external device induces current in the second wireless communicator 414. 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 414 to transmit information.

[0106] 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 414 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 414 to transmit the information to the user electronic device.

[0107] 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 0 address.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] The electronics module 110 has sensor 204 including a motion sensor 416, a temperature sensor 418, an optical sensor 420, and a location sensor 422. It will be appreciated that not all of these power receiving interfaces 204 are required in all examples and additional sensors, such as chemical sensors, humidity sensors, and pressure sensors may also be provided.

[0111] The location sensor 422 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 422 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.

[0112] The motion sensor 416 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.

[0113] 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 6D 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] Another example of a known IMU suitable for this application is the LSM6DSO also be STMicroelectronics.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] Decision trees can be generated using a known machine learning tool such as Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis software (VVeka) developed by the University of Waikato or using MATLABO or PythonTM.

[0119] The electronics module 110 further comprises a light source 424, 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 424. The output unit may comprise one or a combination of an audio output unit, a visual output unit (e.g., light source 424 or a display) and a haptic feedback unit.

[0120] The electronics module 110 also comprises conventional electronics components which are not shown in FIG. 4 including a power-on-reset generator, a development connector, a real time clock and a PROG header.

[0121] The electronics module 110 in this example comprises first wireless communicator 412 and second wireless communicator 414 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.

[0122] The electronics module 110 may additionally comprise a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) that enables the garment 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).

[0123] Referring to FIG. 5, 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 502, a memory 506, a wireless communicator 508, a display 510, a user input unit 512, a capturing device in the form of a camera 514 and an inertial measurement unit 516. The controller 502 provides overall control to the user electronic device 104.

[0124] The user input unit 512 receives inputs from the user such as a user credential.

[0125] The memory 506 stores information for the user electronic device 104.

[0126] The display 510 is arranged to display a user interface for applications operable on the user electronic device 104.

[0127] The inertial measurement unit 516 provides motion and/or orientation detection and may comprise an accelerometer and optionally one or both of a gyroscope and a magnetometer.

[0128] 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.

[0129] The controller 502 is configured to launch an application which is configured to display insights derived from the data obtained by and then transmitted from the electronics module. The transmitted data is received by the wireless communicator 508 of the user electronic device 104 and input to the controller 502.

[0130] 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) [0131] The display 510 may be a presence-sensitive display and therefore may comprise the user input unit 512 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 512.

[0132] 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 (FDA), 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.

[0133] In use, the electronics module is configured to obtain sensor data from the sensors for further processing and transmission to the user electronic device 104. 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.

[0134] The controller 502 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.

[0135] The user electronic device 104 is arranged to receive the transmitted data from the electronics module via the communicator 508 and which are coupled to the controller 502, and then to process and display the data in accordance with the user configuration.

[0136] The controller 502 of the user electronics user electronic device 104 is operable to display information to a user on the display 510 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 510 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.

[0137] FIG. 6 shows an example system comprising a charging unit 608 and an electronics module 110 as described above. The charging unit 608 is provided to charge the internal power store 306 of the electronics module 110.

[0138] The charging unit 608 comprises a controller 604, power source 602 and power transfer interface 606. The power source 602, controller 604, and power transfer interface 606 cooperate to transfer power to an electronics module 110 provided in close proximity to the charging unit 608.

[0139] The power source 602, controller 604 and power transfer interface 606 are disposed within a housing of the charging unit 608. In some examples, the power transfer interface 606 may be accessible for an exterior surface of the housing such as when the power transfer interface 606 is used to the wired charging of the power store 306.

[0140] The power source 602 may be a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion battery. The power source 602 provides power to the circuitry associated with the charging unit 608 and can also be coupled to the electronics module 110 via the power transfer interface 606 so as to supply power to the electronics module 110.

[0141] The power transfer interface 606 may comprise an electrical connector that electrically connects with the electronics module 110 to transfer power to the electronics module 110.

[0142] In preferred examples, the power transfer interface 606 comprises 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 charging unit 608 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.

[0143] The controller 604 is communicatively coupled to the power source 602 and power transfer interface 606. The controller 604 controls the power transfer interface 606 to transfer power to the electronics module 110.

[0144] The charging unit 608 further comprises charging circuitry. The charging circuitry 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).

[0145] The charging unit 608 further comprises a power receiving interface. The power receiving interface couples the charging unit 608 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 can be for example, a USB connector or other wired connector that can provide power to the charging unit 608. Alternatively, or additionally, power receiving interface can include a wireless power receive, such as one or more wireless power receiving coils, that can receive inductive power from the external power source.

[0146] The charging unit 608 can charge electronics module 110 when it is not coupled to an external power source by the power source interface provided the power source 602 of the charging unit 608 has sufficient charge.

[0147] FIG. 7 shows an example system comprising a wearable article 108, electronics module 110 and charging unit 608 according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0148] The wearable article 108 comprises a textile 702 that defines a first surface 704 and a second surface 706 that opposes the first surface 704. The first surface 704 faces towards a skin surface of a wearer when the wearable article 108. The second surface 706 faces away from the wearer when the wearable article 108 is worn.

[0149] The first surface 704 comprises a first holder 708 in the form of a pocket 708. The pocket 708 has a pocket opening 710 via which the internal space of the pocket 708 may be accessed. The internal space of the pocket 708 is sized to receive an electronics module 110. The first holder is not required to be a pocket and instead may be any form of holder suitable for releasably coupling the electronics module 110 to the wearable article 108.

[0150] The second surface 706 comprises a second holder 712 in the form of a pocket 712. The pocket 712 has a pocket opening 714 via which the internal space of the pocket 712 may be accessed. The internal space of the pocket 712 is sized to receive a charging unit 608. The second holder is not required to be a pocket and instead may be any form of holder suitable for releasably coupling the electronics module 110 to the wearable article 108.

[0151] The first holder 708 is aligned with the second holder 712. This means that the first holder 708 and the second holder 712 are provided at corresponding locations on the first surface 704 arid the second surface 706 of the textile 702. The charging unit 608 and the electronics module 110 are held in close proximity to one another and are only separated by the textile 702.

[0152] When the electronics module 110 is received in the first holder 708 and the charging unit 608 is received in the second holder 712, they are held in close proximity to one another such that power is able to be transferred from the power transfer interface 606 to the power receiving interface 302 for charging the internal power store of the electronics module 110. Beneficially, this means that the electronics module 110 is able to be charged while still being worn and operating to monitor the wearer. The electronics module 110 does not need to be removed from the wearable article 108 for charging. This allows for continual monitoring of the wearer.

[0153] In this example, a wireless power transfer mechanism is used. The wireless power transfer mechanism may be an inductive power transfer mechanism.

[0154] In other examples, a wired power transfer mechanism may be used. In such examples, the textile 702 comprises one or more openings to enable a physical electrical coupling to be formed between the charging unit 608 and the electronics module 110 for power transfer.

[0155] The electronics module 110 further comprises a sensor 716. The first holder 708 comprises an opening 718 aligned with the sensor 716. This enables the sensor 716 to have line of sight with a skin surface of the wearer. Rather than providing an opening 718, a window may instead be provided. The window may be constructed from a transparent, translucent, or light diffracting material. The use of a light diffracting material may provide a light pipe effect.

[0156] The sensor 716 may comprise an optical sensor. The optical sensor may measure light in one or more of the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet spectrums. The optical sensor may be a pulse oximeter. The optical sensor may be arranged to measure the oxygen saturation of the wearer. Oxygen saturation is the fraction of oxygen-saturated haemoglobin relative to total haemoglobin (unsaturated + saturated) in the blood. The optical sensor may be arranged to measure the capillary perfusion of the wearer. A pulse oximeter may be useable to measure the capillary perfusion using a double-wavelength method. The capillary perfusion can be derived from a variation in the detected signal strength. The optical sensor may be arranged to measure the temperature of the wearer.

[0157] The sensor 716 is not required to comprise an optical sensor in all examples. The sensor is generally arranged to monitor a property of the environment external to the electronics module. The property may be a property of the user wearing the garment. The sensor 716 may comprise one or more of an altitude sensor, pressure sensor, temperature sensor, optical sensor, humidity sensor, presence sensor, and air quality sensor. The presence sensor may for detecting a touch input from a user. The presence sensor may comprise one or more of a capacitive sensor, inductive sensor, and ultrasonic sensor.

[0158] The sensor 716 may comprise an infrared temperature sensor arranged to measure the skin surface temperature of a user wearing the wearable article. The temperature sensor may be an ambient temperature sensor.

[0159] FIG. 8 shows another example system comprising wearable article 108, electronics module 110 and charging unit 608 according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0160] The charging unit 608 is in the form of a clip-on casing having a surface 804 defining an opening 806. The electronics module 110 is configured to be received into the opening 806 of the charging unit 608. The textile 702 of the wearable article 108 is positioned between the opening 806 of the charging unit 608 and the charging unit 608. The electronics module 110 is inserted into the opening 806 of the charging unit 608 such that the textile 702 is sandwiched between the electronics module 110 and the charging unit 608.

[0161] The electronics module 110 may be squeezed or pushed into the opening 806 of charging unit 608. The electronics module 110 and the charging unit 608 are press-fit together with the textile 702 provided therebetween to provide a secure fit. The electronics module 110 and the charging unit 608 therefore snap together, confining the textile in between. The provision of the textile 702 can enhance the strength of the attachment by increasing the friction between the electronics module 110 and the charging unit 608 [0162] The bottom lower corners of the charging unit 608 may be slightly curved so as to frictionally grip the lower corners of the electronics module 110.

[0163] FIG. 9 shows a flow diagram for an example method 900 according to aspects of the present

disclosure.

[0164] Step 902 comprises providing an electronics module comprising a power store and a power receiving interface.

[0165] Step 904 comprises providing a charging unit comprising a power source and a power transfer interface.

[0166] Step 906 comprises coupling the electronics module and the charging unit to a textile such that the textile is sandwiched between the electronics module and the charging unit, and the charging unit is aligned with the electronics module.

[0167] The coupling may involve coupling the electronics module and charging unit to holders as described above in relation to FIG. 7.

[0168] The coupling may involve inserting the electronics module into an opening of the charging unit as described above in relation to FIG. 8.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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.

[0171] 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.

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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 A method comprising: providing an electronics module comprising a power store and a power receiving interface; providing a charging unit comprising a power source and a power transfer interface; providing an article comprising a textile, the textile defining a first surface and a second surface, the first surface comprising a first holder arranged to removably couple with the electronics module, the second surface comprising a second holder arranged to removably couple with the charging unit, wherein the first holder is aligned with the second holder, coupling the electronics module to the first holder and the charging unit to the second holder such that the textile is sandwiched between the electronics module and the charging unit, and the charging unit is aligned with the electronics module.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising transferring power from the power transfer interface of the charging unit to the power receiving interface of the electronics module.
3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first holder comprises a first pocket.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first pocket is constructed such that when the electronics module is positioned in the first pocket, a sensor of the electronics module has line of sight through the first pocket.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the first pocket comprises an opening, and wherein when the electronics module is positioned in the first pocket, the sensor of the electronics module has line of sight through the opening.
6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second holder comprises a second pocket.
7 A system comprising: an electronics module comprising: a power store; and a power receiving interface; a charging unit comprising: a power source; and a power transfer interface; and an article comprising: a textile defining a first surface and a second surface, the first surface comprising a first holder arranged to removably couple with the electronics module, the second surface comprising a second holder arranged to removably couple with the charging unit, wherein the first holder is aligned with the second holder such that the charging unit, when coupled to the second holder, is able to transfer power to the electronics module, when coupled to the first holder.
8. The article of claim 7, wherein the first holder comprises a first pocket.
9. The article of claim 8, wherein the first pocket is constructed such that when the electronics module is positioned in the first pocket, a sensor of the electronics module has line of sight through the pocket.
10. The article of claim 9, wherein the first pocket comprises an opening, and wherein when the electronics module is positioned in the first pocket, the sensor of the electronics module has line of sight through the opening.
11. The article of any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the second holder comprises a second pocket.
12. The article of any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the textile comprises an opening in the vicinity of the first holder and the second holder.
13. The article of any one of claim 12, wherein the opening is constructed such that a conductive electrical connection may be formed between the electronics module and the charging unit.