KR20170009823A - Physiological monitoring garments - Google Patents

Abstract

Devices for detecting and monitoring physiological parameters such as respiration, cardiac parameters, and the like (e.g., but not limited to, shirts, pants, etc.) are described herein. Physiological parameter monitoring apparels with sensors formed from printed conductive inks on a garment are described herein and are arranged and configured for robust sensing and comfort wear. In particular, the garments described herein (e. G., Shirts, pants, underwear) are printed directly on the garment and are connected to the interface area of the garment by conductive traces (which may or may not be reinforced in the garment) Such as a microprocessor configured to measure, store, process, and / or transmit recorded parameter (s), such as a microprocessor configured to enable robust detection of one or more physiological parameters Can be connected to the analysis unit.

Description

[0001] PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING GARMENTS [0002]

Cross reference to related applications

[0001] This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 950,782, filed March 10, 2014 (entitled " PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING GARMENTS "); (U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 058,519, filed October 1, 2014, entitled " DEVICES AND METHODS OF RUSE WITH PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING GARMENTS "); U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 080,966, filed November 17, 2014 (entitled " PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING GARMENTS "); And U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 097,560, filed December 29, 2014 (entitled " STRETCHABLE, CONDUCTIVE TRACES AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME "). This application also claims priority to US patent application Ser. No. 14 / 331,185, filed July 14, 2014 (entitled " METHODS OF MAKING GARMENTS HAVING STRETCHABLE AND CONDUCTIVE INK " &Quot; filed February 2, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Include by quotation

[0002] All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0003] In this specification, both a direct (user-selected) input and an indirect (user-monitored) input for communicating with a user and other users and detecting signals from the user (e.g., from a wearable electronic device based garment) , Wearable devices (e.g., "garments") that can store or transmit such information are disclosed. In particular, wearable monitoring and input systems capable of monitoring physiological parameters from a wearer are disclosed herein.

[0004] For the past two decades, the development of mobile communication devices has dramatically expanded and changed the way people communicate. Computers with increasingly faster computer processors have enabled faster communication with improved analysis and increased processing speed of vast amounts of data. In addition, sensor technology has also rapidly expanded the way patients are monitored, even by non-specialists. The development of various sensors has allowed various measurements to be taken and analyzed by the computer to generate useful information. Recently, the use of medical sensing technology in combination with various communication platforms has provided new and exciting ways for people including patients to be monitored or self-monitored to communicate the results of monitoring to their physician or caregiver. For example, mobile devices such as smartphones have enabled mobile device users to remotely communicate and have provided some capabilities for acquiring, analyzing, using, and controlling information and data. For example, a mobile device user may use application software ("app") for various personalized tasks, such as recording his medical history in a defined format, playing games, reading books, . The app can be driven using the sensor of the mobile device to provide the user with the desired information. For example, an app can be run using an accelerometer on a smartphone and determine how far a person has walked and how much calories are consumed while walking.

[0005] The use of a mobile communication platform, e.g., a smart phone, with one or more of these biometric sensors has been described in various contexts. For example, Roschk et al., US2010 / 0029598, discloses a heart beat monitor component for detecting cardiac rhythm data, and a computer program product, which can be displayed by a display device, Quot; Device for Monitoring Physical Fitness "equipped with an evaluation device for providing information. US2009 / 0157327 of Nissila discloses an electronic device comprising a processing unit configured to receive skin temperature data generated by a measurement unit, receive performance data from a measurement unit, and determine a theoretical fluid loss value based on the received performance data. &Quot; Electronic Device, Arrangement, and Method of Estimating Fluid Loss "

[0006] Similarly, apparel including sensors has been proposed previously. For example, see US2007 / 0178716 to Glaser et al., Which discloses a " modular microelectronic-system " designed for use in wearable electronic devices. US2012 / 0071039, such as Debock, discloses interconnection and termination method pour-weaves comprising a conductive layer comprising conductors comprising a base and a terminal provided separately from the terminal. The terminal has a mating terminal and a mounting terminal. US 2005/0029680 to Jung et al. Discloses a method and apparatus for integrating electronic devices in fabrics.

[0007] Cardiovascular and other health related problems, including, for example, breathing problems, can be detected by monitoring a patient. Monitoring can allow early and effective coordination and receive medical assistance based on monitored physiological characteristics before a specific health issue becomes fatal. Unfortunately, most currently available cardiovascular and other types of health monitoring systems are cumbersome and inconvenient (e.g., impractical for daily use) and are difficult or impractical to use for long-term monitoring in a particularly inconspicuous manner.

[0008] Patient health parameters, including vital signs (e.g., ECG, respiration, oxygen saturation, heart rate, etc.), have been proposed to be actively monitored using one or more wearable monitors, but until now such monitors have been difficult to use and relatively inaccurate Proved. Ideally, such monitors can be worn uncompromisingly by the subject (e.g., a piece of clothing, jewelry, etc.). While such garments have been proposed (see, for example, US 2012/0136231), these garments suffer from a number of deficiencies, including inconvenience, difficulty in using, and providing incorrect results. For example, in applications such as US 2012/0136231, a number of discrete electrodes are connected to the processor by conductive fibers and the like disposed in the garment and woven; Although these garments require a subject's skin and a rigid and rugged conductive contact to provide accurate readings, these designs are limited in that the clothing is limited to prevent movement of the clothing (and eventually the sensors) . This configuration becomes rapidly uncomfortable, particularly in garments that will be worn ideally for many hours or even days. In addition, even such properly worn garments often move relative to the wearer (e. G., Draining or climbing up). Moreover, devices / garments such as those described in the prior art are costly and difficult to manufacture, and often are somewhat "fragile" and are prohibited from use and washing. As a result, these devices / garments typically do not allow the processing of manual user input directly on the garment, but they require some kind of interface (including an interface away from the garment) entirely on the passive monitoring.

[0009] The use of garments comprising one or more sensors capable of sensing biometric data has not proven to be widespread. In part, this is because these garments may be limited in the types and diversity of the inputs that the garments accept as well as the limit in the form factor and comfort of the garment. For example, the sensors, and the leads that provide power to sensors and receive signals from sensors, are not fully integrated into the garment in such a way that the garment is flexible, attractive, practical and allows all the comforts described above . For example, most of these proposed garments were not sufficiently stretchable. After all, these proposed garments were also limited in terms of the types of data they could receive and how they would handle the received information.

[00010] Thus, processes for analyzing and communicating the physical and emotional state of existing apparel (e.g., devices and wearable sensing devices) and individuals may be inaccurate, inadequate, limited in scope, offensive, and / .

[00011] What is needed is devices (including apparel) that have one or more sensors that can be worn comfortably and that provide relatively comfortable and non-transfer-sensitive measurements over a sustained period of time. It would also be advantageous to provide garments that can be manufactured easily and inexpensively. As a result, it may be advantageous to provide garments with a user interface directly on the garment, and in particular with interfaces formed as part of the garment (including the fabric).

[00012] Specifically, what is needed is stretchable conductive patterns (e.g., traces) that may be applied or applied on the garment. These extensible conductive patterns can also be used with most stretchable fabrics (e.g., compressive fabrics / compression garments) and can be used in a wide variety of applications including, without destruction, And a number of stretch / relaxation cycles. Apparatuses, including wearable devices (e.g., garments) and systems containing them, described herein may resolve some or all of the problems identified above.

[00013] Physiological parameter monitoring apparels with sensors formed from printed conductive inks on a garment are described herein and are arranged and configured for robust sensing and comfort wear. In particular, the garments described herein (e. G., Shirts, pants, underwear) are printed directly on the garment and are connected to the interface area of the garment by conductive traces (which may or may not be reinforced in the garment) Such as a microprocessor configured to measure, store, process, and / or transmit recorded parameter (s), such as a microprocessor configured to enable robust detection of one or more physiological parameters Can be connected to the analysis unit.

[00014] For example, shirts adapted to continuously monitor the wearer ' s regional respiration are described herein. A shirt for monitoring breathing comprises a garment body comprising a fabric, the body being configured as a compression garment extending and contracting to hold the shirt against the wearer's body; A plurality of breathing sensors arranged on different parts of the body, each breathing sensor comprising a plurality of generally parallel conductive ink traces and / or conductive elastomeric elements printed and / or attached on the exterior portion of the body, Conductive connector, wherein each generally parallel conductive ink trace is connected to a site conductive connector; And an interface (e.g., a module interface) disposed on the body, wherein a site conductive connector for each respiration sensor is coupled to the interface, and the interface further comprises a processor for detecting electrical resistance from each of the conductive connectors For example, a sensor manager unit). Two types of breathing sensors are described herein. The first breath sensor is formed of a conductive ink trace that can be printed on the fabric forming the garment or can be transferred and / or attached to the garment. Any of the conductive ink materials described herein (including those formed with one or more layers of an adhesive layer and a conductive ink in particular) may be used, and a mid / gradient area may be present between the adhesive layer and the conductive ink layer do. A second type of breathing sensor is formed of a conductive elastic material, which is also described in further detail below. Although certain advantages (e.g., low electrical hysteresis) may be provided when using different types of breathing sensors as compared to one type of breathing sensor, except as evident by the particular context, It can be used interchangeably with the other breathing sensor.

[00015] In general, breathing sensors may be local. Different parts of the shirt body (e.g., quadrants) may be covered by different sensors to enable detection and monitoring of "localized" breathing. Because the shirt (which can comfortably fit the body) expands and contracts with the respiratory activity of the wearer, the site breathing is detected by a change in the resistance of the conductive elastic material and / or conductive ink traces of each of the different regions do. The plurality of generally parallel conductive ink traces include three parallel traces to 50 parallel traces. The sensing by the respiration sensors can be performed in a substantially parallel fashion (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, etc.); Each of these parallel traces is connected (in parallel) to the site conductive connector (and the other end to a reference, e.g., a reference line) to efficiently determine the total resistance from the parallel resistors (e.g., Rtotal = Resistance) / (the sum of the respective resistances for each trace).

[00016] In some variations, the shirt is configured to detect respiration in four regions (e.g., anterior / posterior and thoracic / abdominal regions; or chest / abdominal and left / right regions, etc.). In some variations, respiration sensors include eight respiration sensors, including eight areas (front / back, chest / abdomen and left / right regions). In general, a plurality of breathing sensors may be individually arranged in the front or back, upper or lower, right or left portions of the body. More than eight sites (e.g., dividing the body into additional sections) can also be determined; The sites need not be the same size.

[00017] The plurality of generally parallel conductive ink traces are each stretchable traces; The elongation of the conductive ink typically changes the resistance (thus, the stretch is detected, thereby breathing is detected). The plurality of generally parallel conductive ink traces may be printed in any pattern on the exterior portion of the body. For example, the traces may be printed with parallel straight lines, zig-zag lines, curved lines, etc., e.g., the traces may be printed in a pattern with elevations. Generally, a plurality of generally parallel conductive ink traces can be configured to generate variable electrical resistance through traces as subject breathes; For example, the lines may extend in a direction (across the chest) that intersects the patient ' s body when the shirt is worn.

[00018] As mentioned, the plurality of breathing sensors may include a reference line, each of which is generally parallel, and each of the conductive ink traces is connected at the opposite end of the conductive ink trace, which is generally parallel to the local conductive connector. The reference line may be "ground ". The reference line is typically also connected to the interface (and eventually to the processor detecting the resistance change of the lines due to breathing).

[00019] Each breath sensor may be configured to average the variable electrical resistance of a plurality of generally parallel conductive ink traces forming a breath sensor. Thus, a very small current or voltage may be applied across the conductive traces to determine a change in resistance due to breathing. The conductive traces can be generally isolated (e.g., the conductive traces can be prevented from coming into direct contact with the wearer ' s skin and / or shorting out due to sweat, etc.).

[00020] Any of the shirts described herein may also include a touch point sensor at a user input, e.g., a touch point location on the body, which senses when the wearer touches the shirt at the touch point location . The touch point sensor may be used as input and / or control for the device. For example, the user may mark the time at which something happens, such as the occurrence of breathing or other respiratory symptoms, or to indicate when activity is increasing (e.g., excited, etc.) or decreasing, or recording of respiration and / Performing analysis, starting / stopping / pausing analysis, or performing storage, transmission, processing, etc., of detected local respiration. Multiple touch point sensors may be used.

[00021] The shirt may also include one or additional additional sensors such as a heart rate sensor. For example, the shirt may include a conductive ink electrode on the inner surface of the body configured to contact the skin of the wearer, and an electrode conductive connector extending from the conductive ink electrode to the module interface. Electrodes can be used to detect heart rate, etc. A plurality of electrodes (e.g., electrode pairs) may be used. For example, the conductive ink electrode may be disposed on the sleeves (or sleeves) of the shirt.

[00022] The shirt may also include a holder (e.g., a pocket) of the body configured to hold the sensor manager unit with respect to the module interface.

[00023] Other sensors that may be used include any other activity / movement sensor (e.g., an accelerometer). Other sensors may be on the shirt and / or may be connected directly to the shirt or to a portion of the processor receiving signals from the sensors.

[00024] The local conductive connectors typically include a conductive material on the substrate that is attached to the body. The substrate may support the conductive material and may interface with the garment such that the conductive ink is electrically coupled to the conductive material forming the connector. For example, the substrate may be a polymeric material. In some variations (e.g., see Appendix A), the substrate is a capton.

[00025] Methods for sensing local respiration using shirts constructed as described above are also described herein. For example, a method for detecting site respiration may include the steps of wearing any of the shirts described herein, and applying a resistive force through the conductive ink traces arranged in parallel to different (typically non-overlapping) / RTI > may include receiving / transmitting / storing / analyzing changes.

[00026] Apparel (e.g., shirts and / or pants) that are configured to continuously monitor the wearer's electrocardiogram (ECG) are also described herein. For example, the shirt may comprise a body including a fabric, the body being configured as a compression garment that expands and contracts to hold the shirt against the body of the wearer; A first set of six electrical sensors arranged on the body in a first curve extending across the left chest area of the wearer's chest when the shirt is worn, each electrical sensor comprising a conductive ink printed on the inner surface of the body, An electrode; A second (redundant) set of six electrical sensors arranged on the body in a second curve, the second set adjacent to a second curve; a second set of electrical sensors extending from the neck region, A right arm electrode formed of a conductive ink printed on an inner surface of the body and a left arm electrode formed of a conductive ink printed on an inner surface of the body, Connected to the interface on the body by extending electrically to the interface and further the interface is configured to be connected to a sensor manager unit for detecting electrical activity from each of the electrical sensors, the right arm electrode and the left arm electrode.

[00027]   Typically, these shirts provide a number of electrodes on the chest (chest area) that can be connected (e.g., in parallel) to serve as individual leads (e.g., V1-V6) for the chest electrodes of a 12-lead ECG can do. The device may be configured to detect the signal well, even though there is a shift or movement of the electrodes as the garment moves over the body of the wearer. Moreover, even when the curvature of the wearer's body may otherwise interfere with good contact between the wearer and the electrodes by an additional support site (e.g., a yoke / harness support) of the body of the garment, the garment may be positioned and relatively fixed And can be comfortably held at the position of the electrodes to be held.

[00028] Supporting garments configured to be worn over garments such as the shirts disclosed herein are also disclosed herein. The support garment may include a support structure configured to push the sensors / electrodes onto the shirt so as to properly engage the wearer's chest. The support structure may be inflatable and may be configured based on the wearer's sex and chest analysis. In some cases, the support structure is self-expandable.

[00029] The present invention also relates to stretchable conductive traces as well as methods of making them. In particular, conductive elastic ribbon materials that can be used as breathing sensors and / or conductive traces are described herein. These conductive elastic ribbons may be formed of these stretchable (e.g., elastic) materials and filled with conductive ink that is allowed to dry (at least partially or completely) and may be connected to the garment by adhesive, stitching, have. Unlike other conductive materials including conductive inks and wires, these conductive elastic ribbons can be mechanically loaded and repeatedly unloaded, and exhibit little electrical hysteresis when present.

[00030] Specific examples of the types of devices (e.g., devices and systems including garments) described herein are physiological devices having sensors formed with conductive ink printed on a compression garment arranged and configured for robust sensing and comfortable wearing Monitoring parameter apparel. In particular, the garments described herein (e. G., Shirts, pants, underwear) may be directly connected to the garment, delivered to the garment or printed directly, and may not be reinforced or reinforced with the garment, ) To enable robust sensing of one or more physiological parameters using a breath sensor connected to the interface region of the garment by means of an interface unit, wherein the interface unit measures the analysis unit, e.g. the recorded parameter (s) Store, process, and / or transmit data.

[00031] For example, garments adapted to continuously monitor the wearer ' s local breathing are described herein. A shirt body for monitoring respiration, the shirt body comprising a fabric, the body being configured as a crimping garment that expands and contracts to hold the shirt against the wearer's body; A plurality of breath sensors arranged on different parts of the body, each respiration sensor comprising a conductive ink trace or conductive elastic strap printed on an external part of the body, the breath sensor (s) being connected to a local conductive connector Connected -; And an interface (e.g., a module interface) disposed on the body, wherein a local conductive connector for each respiratory sensor is coupled to the interface, and further wherein the interface is configured to detect electrical resistance from each of the conductive connectors Process (e. G., A sensor manager unit).

[00032] In general, breathing sensors may be local. Different parts of the shirt body (e.g., quadrants) may be covered by different sensors to enable detection and monitoring of "localized" breathing. Because the garment (which can comfortably fit the body) expands and contracts with the respiratory activity of the wearer, the site breathing is detected by a change in the resistance of the conductive ink traces of each of the different sites.

[00033] Any of the garments described herein may also be referred to as wearable electronic devices. As mentioned, these devices (apparel) may typically include a crimp fabric, and at least one extendable conductive ink pattern on the garment. The conductive ink pattern typically comprises a conductive ink layer (which can be formed by itself by layering a plurality of conductive ink layers to form a final thickness) and an adhesive (insulating) layer, a conductive ink and an elastic adhesive, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > partially < / RTI > The intermediate region may be thinner than the conductive ink layer, or may be thicker than the conductive ink layer or thicker than the conductive ink layer, while the adhesive layer may be thicker.

[00034] For example, the conductive ink pattern may include a conductive ink layer having about 40-60% conductive particles, about 30-50% binder, about 3-7% solvent, and about 3-7% thickener; A garment-like elastic adhesive layer; And a gradient region between the conductive ink and the adhesive, wherein the gradient region includes an inhomogeneous mixture of the conductive ink and the adhesive, and the concentration of the conductive ink decreases from the portion close to the conductive ink layer toward the elastic adhesive layer.

[00035] Generally, the compression garments described herein can be configured to apply a pressure of about 3 mmHg to about 70 mmHg on the surface of a subject's body to enable stable and continuous positioning of the garment on the subject's body.

[00036] As mentioned, the composition of the conductive ink portion may typically comprise conductive particles of a binder, a thickener and a solvent. The conductive particles may be particles of carbon black or one or more of carbon black, graphene, graphite, silver metal powder, copper metal powder or iron metal powder, oxide coated mica (e.g., antimony doped oxide Tin-coated mica), and the like. The binder typically comprises a binder without formaldehyde, such as an acrylic binder. The solvent may be, for example, propylene glycol. An example of a thickener is a polyurethane thickener.

[00037] In general, any suitable adhesive (e. G., An elastic adhesive) may be used. For example, the elastic adhesive may comprise an electrically insulating thermoplastic adhesive aqueous glue. In any of these variations, the insulating resin may be disposed at least partially over the conductive ink layer.

[00038] The conductive ink pattern may comprise a plurality of layers of conductive ink.

[00039] The thickness of the elastic adhesive layer may be thicker than the thickness of the gradient region, and the thickness of the gradient region may be approximately equal to the thickness of the conductive ink or thicker than the thickness of the conductive ink. For example, the ratio of the elastic adhesive to the intermediate (gradient) region to the conductive ink may be approximately 1.1 to 5 (adhesive): 0.8 to 1.2 (intermediate region): 0.5 to 1.2 (conductive ink). In one example, the thickness of the ink portion of the conductive ink pattern is about 30-70 占 퐉, the thickness of the transition region (gradient / middle portion) is about 30-90 占 퐉, and the thickness of the glue (glue) region is about 100-200 占 퐉.

[00040] Generally, the resistivity of the conductive traces may be less than about 10 Kohms / square. For example, the bulk resistivity may be from about 0.2 to about 20 ohms * cm, and the sheet resistivity may be from about 100 to 10,000 ohms / square (ohms per square). In one example, the bulk resistivity was measured as 11.5 ohms * cm and the sheet resistivity was 1913 ohms / square. The resistivity of the conductive pattern may vary depending on the stretch applied.

[00041] In general, the resulting conductive ink patterns can be extremely stretchable without breaking and maintaining their electrical properties. For example, the conductive ink pattern can be configured to extend up to 500% of the remaining length without breaking.

[00042] Any of the conductive ink patterns described herein may be formed as all or part of the sensor, trace and / or electrode. The conductive ink pattern may be connected to another (e.g., more rigid) conductive material. For example, the conductive ink pattern may be connected to the sensor module or to the interface to the sensor module using a conductive ink pattern formed as a trace or by connecting to a conductive thread or wire that is also attached to the garment. For example, the device (garment) described herein may include a conductive thread coupled to the garment and having one end connected to the conductive ink pattern.

[00043] Wearable electronic devices include a garment comprising a crimp fabric; At least one extensible conductive ink pattern on the garment, having a sheet resistivity of less than about 10 Kohms / square - the conductive ink pattern is stretchable to at least about 200% without breakage and comprises about 40-60% conductive particles, about A conductive ink layer having a thickness of about 30-50%, a solvent about 3-7%, and a thickener about 3-7%, an elastic adhesive layer on the garment, and a gradient portion between the conductive ink and the adhesive, Wherein the concentration of the conductive ink is reduced from the portion close to the conductive ink layer toward the elastic adhesive layer; And an insulating substrate on at least a portion of the conductive ink layer.

[00044] A wearable electronic device comprises: a garment comprising a crimp fabric; At least one extensible conductive ink pattern on the garment - the conductive ink pattern comprises about 40-60% conductive particles, about 30-50% binder, about 3-7% solvent, and about 3-7% thickener Wherein the conductive ink includes a conductive ink layer, a cloth-like elastic adhesive layer, and a gradient portion between the conductive ink and the adhesive, wherein the gradient portion includes an inhomogeneous mixture of the conductive ink and the adhesive, Decrease with increasing layer; And a conductive thread coupled to the crimping fabric and one end portion electrically connected to the conductive ink, wherein the conductive thread extends along the garment in a sinusoidal or zigzag pattern. The conductive thread may be stitched on the crimping fabric and / or may be glued onto the crimping fabric.

[00045] As noted above, methods of forming any of the devices (e.g., devices and systems such as garments) described herein may be used to form the delivery portion directly or indirectly through delivery, And forming a conductive ink pattern as much as possible. For example, a method of making a wearable electronic garment comprises disposing a transfer substrate comprising a stretchable conductive ink pattern on a compression fabric, wherein the conductive ink pattern comprises conductive particles, a conductive ink layer having about 40-60% And a gradient portion between the conductive ink and the adhesive, wherein the gradient portion includes a non-homogeneous mixture of the conductive ink and the adhesive, the concentration of the conductive ink being reduced from the portion close to the conductive ink layer toward the elastic adhesive layer; And transferring the conductive ink pattern from the transfer substrate to the crimping fabric.

[00046] As mentioned, the conductive ink layer contains 40 to 60% of the conductive particles; 30-50% binder; About 3-7% solvent; And about 3-7% of the weight agent.

[00047] The method may also include peeling the delivery substrate in a conductive ink pattern. The transfer substrate may comprise a paper or plastic (e.g., polyurethane) substrate. In variations using conductive threads, the method may also include attaching the conductive thread to the crimping fabric, wherein one end of the conductive thread is electrically connected to the conductive ink pattern. Thus, the transfer substrate may comprise a conductive thread in electrical communication with the conductive ink pattern.

[00048] The delivery step may be a heat transfer step, for example, the delivery step may include applying heat to deliver a conductive ink pattern and / or placing a conductive ink pattern on the garment (e.g., ironing the conductive ink pattern) . ≪ / RTI > The delivering step may include applying heat at about 130 ° C to about 300 ° C to deliver the conductive ink pattern to the crimping fabric. The transfer step may include transferring the conductive ink pattern from the transfer substrate to the crimping fabric.

[00049] Any of these methods may include printing a conductive ink pattern on the transfer substrate prior to placement on the crimping fabric. The crimping fabric may be relaxed (not stretched) before and / or during delivery, for example it may be flattened / planarized but may not be stretched.

[00050] The conductive ink pattern prints a conductive ink on a substrate in a first pattern; Printing an adhesive on the substrate over the first pattern; And can be printed on the transfer substrate by forming a gradient portion between the conductive ink and the adhesive.

[00051] A method of making a wearable electronic garment comprises printing a conductive ink pattern and an elastic adhesive on a substrate such that the conductive ink substantially occupies the same space as the adhesive, wherein the conductive ink comprises from about 40% to about 60% of the conductive particles, ; Forming a gradient portion between the conductive ink and the adhesive, wherein the gradient portion may include a non-homogeneous mixture of the conductive ink and the adhesive, wherein the concentration of the conductive ink in the gradient region is from the portion close to the conductive ink layer to the elastic adhesive layer It decreases gradually. The substrate may comprise a transfer substrate (e.g., paper, plastic, etc.). The surface of the substrate may be unsticked (e.g., waxed, sealed, etc. may be performed) or otherwise prepared to enhance the transfer (and removal) of the substrate. The substrate may comprise a crimped fabric. As mentioned above, the conductive ink contains about 40-60% conductive particles; About 30-50% binder; About 3-7% solvent; And about 3-7% of the key agent.

[00052] In any of these variations, the pattern of adhesive and / or conductive ink may be screen printed. For example, printing may include placing a screen having openings configured as a first pattern on the substrate and spreading the adhesive over the screen.

[00053] In general, the viscosity of the conductive ink and / or adhesive can be selected such that it can be printed on the substrate and / or on the fabric. For example, the viscosity of the (uncured) ink may be from about 60 to about 200 poise, and the viscosity of the uncured adhesive may be similar. The viscosity increases with temperature; Generally, the viscosity may be within the indicated range (operating range) between temperatures of about 15 ° C to about 38 ° C.

[00054] In some variations, the step of printing includes spraying an adhesive and / or a conductive ink onto the crimped fabric.

[00055] In general, the gradient (intermediate) region between the adhesive and the conductive ink may be formed actively or passively during the printing process. For example, forming the gradient portion may include printing the conductive ink on the adhesive while the adhesive is sufficiently fluid to allow the conductive ink to diffuse into the upper portion of the adhesive. The diffusion of ink and / or glue can be enhanced / inhibited by controlling the temperature (e.g., by heating or cooling). In some variations, a mixture of adhesive and conductive ink (e.g., a 50/50 adhesive / ink mixture, a 60/40 mixture, a 70/30 mixture, a 40/60 mixture, a 30/70 mixture, etc.) have.

[00056] A method of making a wearable electronic garment comprising: printing an adhesive on a crimped fabric in a first pattern, wherein the adhesive is elastic when dry; Printing a conductive ink on the first pattern; And forming a gradient portion between the conductive ink and the adhesive, wherein the gradient portion includes a non-homogeneous mixture of the conductive ink and the adhesive, and the concentration of the conductive ink in the gradient region is less than or equal to the elasticity And decreases toward the adhesive layer.

[00057] Generally, printing the conductive ink may include printing three conductive ink layers to 20 conductive ink layers. The conductive ink may be printed so that the conductive ink does not come into intimate contact with the crimping fabric. The method may also include printing an insulating resin over a portion of the conductive ink.

[00058] In any of the devices and methods described, the adhesive ("glue") may be an electrically insulated and mechanically stretchable thermoplastic adhesive aqueous glue. For example, commercially available fabric adhesives that are aqueous and electrically insulating may be used.

[00059] As noted above, printing the adhesive may include placing a screen having openings configured as a first pattern on the crimping fabric, and spreading the adhesive over the screen. Similarly, printing conductive ink can include positioning a screen having openings that match at least a portion of the first pattern on the crimping fabric, and diffusing the conductive ink. As noted, the step of printing the conductive ink comprises providing a conductive ink having about 40-60% of conductive particles, about 30-50% of a binder, about 3-7% of a solvent, and about 3-7% of a thickener And printing.

[00060] Generally, printing an adhesive on a press fabric may include the step of denominating the adhesive on the press fabric; The step of printing the conductive ink may include the step of denominating the conductive ink on the first pattern. As described further above, the step of forming the gradient region may include printing the conductive ink on the adhesive while the adhesive is sufficiently fluid such that the conductive ink diffuses into the upper region of the adhesive.

[00061] Wearable fabric strain gage devices (e.g., the conductive elastic strips or ribbon sensors described herein) are also described herein. These devices include an elongate length of an elastic fabric filled with a conductive material, wherein the conductive material comprises between about 85% and about 99% of the binder and conductive particles of the conductive material, wherein the binder comprises from 0.1% 15%; A first conductive (e.g., metal) connector attached to a first end of the elongated length of the elastic fabric filled with conductive material; A second conductive (e.g., metal) connector attached to a second end of the elongated length of the elastic fabric filled with conductive material; And covering the elongated length portion of the elastic fabric filled with conductive material, the covering including a crimping fabric.

[00062] These devices (which are attached to the garment), which may be used to detect a stretch (e.g., of a garment) configured as a breathing sensor or otherwise, may also be stitched to the length of the crimping fabric in a zigzag or sinusoidal pattern, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > electrically < / RTI > For example, the garment has a first conductive thread stitched to a first length of the crimping fabric in a zigzag or sinusoidal pattern and electrically coupled to the first metal connector, and a second conductive thread stitched to the second length of the crimping fabric in a zigzag or sinusoidal pattern And a second conductive thread electrically coupled to the second metal connector. The lengths of the crimping fabric may be portions of different pieces of the crimping fabric, or they may be portions of the same crimping fabric that form the covering.

[00063] The conductive material may be formed of a suspension of particles of mica (or any of the other conductive particles described herein) coated with conductive particles, such as carbon black, graphene, graphite, and oxide. Generally, there are far more conductive particles than the binder, and in the dry state, the conductive particles can be about 60% to 99.9% (or about 70% to 99.9%, 80% to 99.9%, 85% 99%, 99.9%, 90% to 99.9%, 70% to 99%, 80% to 99%, 85% to 99%, 90% to 99%, etc.). The binder may be between 0.1% and 20% (or between 0.1% and 15%, between 0.1% and 12%, between 0.1% and 10%, between 0.1% and 7.5%, between 0.1% and 5% 1% to 20%, 2% to 20%, 5% to 20%, 7.5% to 20%, etc.). The binder may be acrylic and aqueous polyurethane.

[00064] In general, these devices can exhibit low electrical and mechanical hysteresis. For example, a device may have less than 5% (4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.9%) after its lengths are longer than 2x (e.g., 2.5xx3x3x4x, , 0.5%, 0.2%, 0.1%, etc.). The elongated length of the elastic fabric is less than about 2 seconds (less than 1.5 seconds, less than 1 second, less than .8 seconds, less than 0.6 seconds, less than 0.5 seconds, less than 0.4 seconds, less than 0.3 seconds) , Less than 0.2 seconds, less than 0.1 seconds, less than 0.05 seconds, etc.).

[00065] The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating exemplary embodiments in which the principles of the invention are utilized.
[00066] FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a shirt configured as a respiratory monitoring garment. Fig. 1B is a partial view of the front and side portions of the shirt of Fig. 1A. 1C shows a rear view of the same garment of FIGS. 1A and 1B.
[00067] Figures 1d, 1e, and 1f illustrate front, front and side, and rear views, respectively, of another garment configured to measure site respiration, similar to the garment shown in Figures la-1c.
[00068] FIG. 2A is a front view of a garment (showing both a shirt and a pant) for measuring an electrocardiogram.
[00069] FIG. 2b is a rear view of the garment (shirt and pants) of FIG. 2a.
[00070] Figure 3a is a front view of another variation of a garment for measuring an electrocardiogram, such as a limb lead, placed on a shirt, without requiring a leg lead, for example. For example, when exercise stress tests are performed, the limb leads are placed on the trunk to avoid artifacts during ambulatory times (the arms are moved under the collarbone, and the leg leads are iliac crest ) And above the iliac crest). Figure 3B is a rear view of the garment of Figure 3A.
[00071] Figures 4A and 4B show respectively front and back views of a garment configured to detect electrocardiograms.
[00072] Figure 5 is a graph featuring force versus elongation for one change in a stretchable conductive ink.
[00073] Figure 6 is a graph featuring a resistance to one change in a stretchable conductive ink.
[00074] Figures 7A, 7B, and 7C show front, side, and rear views, respectively, of a garment configured to be worn during sleep to monitor the sleep of a subject.
[00075] Figures 8a and 8b show a front view and a rear view of a collar that may be included.
[00076] Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of the operation of a garment (or a number of garments) adapted to determine an emotional valence.
[00077] Figures 10A-10E are schematic diagrams that provide additional detail from the schematic diagram shown in Figure 9.
[00078] Figure 11 is a graphical example of a well-ice crystallization that can be made from a user wearing a garment as described herein.
[00079] Figure 12 is a graphical example of a fitness ranking / analysis that can be made from a user wearing a garment as described herein.
[00080] Figures 13A and 13B show front and rear views, respectively, of a garment.
[00081] Figures 14A and 14B illustrate front and rear views, respectively, of a garment with a support garment.
[00082] Figures 14c and 14d illustrate front and rear views, respectively, of a support garment that can be used in the garment described herein.
[00083] Figures 15A and 15B illustrate an inflatable support device in accordance with some implementations. Figure 15c illustrates an inflatable support device in relation to a female chest.
[00084] Figures 16A and 16B illustrate front and rear views, respectively, of a support garment that can be used in the garment described herein.
[00085] Figures 17A and 17B illustrate an inflatable support device in accordance with some implementations. Figure 17c illustrates an inflatable support device in relation to a female chest.
[00086] Figures 18a and 18b illustrate front and rear views, respectively, of a garment with a support garment.
[00087] Figures 18c-18e illustrate an embodiment of a medical device including a garment for measuring measurable physiological parameters (e.g., electrocardiogram), including a wearable support harness and support structure for holding the electrodes of the skin opposite the skin One system is illustrated. Figures 18F and 18G show front and back views, respectively, of the support structure (expandable support structure) of Figure 18A.
[00088] Figures 19a and 19b illustrate front and rear views of the pants. Figure 19c illustrates an exemplary connection between the garments disclosed herein.
[00089] FIG. 20 illustrates a wiring diagram for a pants according to some embodiments.
[00090] Figure 21A illustrates a wiring diagram for a front of a garment according to some embodiments. Figure 21B illustrates a wiring diagram for the back side of a garment according to some embodiments.
[00091] FIG. 22A is a perspective view of another example of a garment as described herein, including upper and lower arms on both the right and left sides of the body and the sensor (not shown) and the sensor attached to the upper and lower legs .
[00092] Figures 22b and 22c illustrate a front view of each of the other variations of the garment, such as that shown in Figure 22a, having EMG electrodes on arms, legs, and hips, as well as having imagers arranged on arms and legs And a rear view. The elastic fabric may be incorporated into the crimping fabric as shown, to further enhance contact between the EMGs and the subject's skin. 5 or more Imus may be attached across the garment corresponding to different vertebral regions, including following the subject's back, as shown in Figure 22D. This can allow the detection of posture, posture, etc. of posture feedback.
[00093] Figure 23 illustrates one component of a conductive elastic strip or ribbon material that may be fabricated as a sensor and / or electrical trace as described herein. 23 shows one example of an elastic ribbon 2310. Fig.
[00094] Figures 24-27 illustrate one method of making conductive elastic ribbons as described herein. In Figure 24, a solution (carbon black dispersed in water in this example) comprising a suspension of electrical conductors is placed in a container, and in Figure 25 an elastic material (e. G., A material formed of a fabric material and a polymeric material) Is immersed in the suspension material so that it can be absorbed by the fabric of elastic material. 26, the elastic material is covered with at least the first uniform layer. Thereafter, the coated material is dried, as shown in Fig.
[00095] Figures 28- 30 illustrate attachment of conductive terminals to the ends of a conductive elastic material formed as described above.
[00096] Figure 31 illustrates one example of a wired ribbon that can be used to connect an elastic fabric.
[00097] Fig. 32 illustrates the attachment of a conductive elastic ribbon formed as shown in Figs. 24-30 to a ribbon performed to include an attached lead as shown in Fig.
[00098] Figures 33-34 illustrate the formation of a sealed conductive ribbon.
[00099] Figures 35-36 illustrate the attachment of a sealing conductive ribbon comprising an electrically conductive elastomeric material to a fabric, such as a stretch fabric, for forming a garment (e.g., a respiration sensor / stretch sensor of a garment).
[000100] Figures 37-38 illustrate an example of a final version of a conductive elastic material secured to a garment.
[000101] Figure 39A is a scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a section through an example of a stretchable conductive ink pattern illustrating a conductive ink layer and an elastic adhesive layer (having an intermediate gradient region therebetween).
[000102] Figure 39b is another SEM of a section through an example of a stretchable conductive ink pattern, showing the thickness of each area / layer.
[000103] Figure 39c is another variation of a conductive ink pattern, including an adhesive, a tilt region, and a conductive ink, as described herein.
40A-40D are micrographs illustrating the distribution of chemical components of a stretchable conductive ink composition (e.g., carbon in FIG. 40A, sulfur in FIG. 40B, silicon in FIG. 40C, and oxygen in FIG. 40D) admit. The large arrows for each microscope photograph represent a visual representation of the chemical composition.
[000105] Fig. 41 illustrates a method of printing a stretchable conductive ink pattern on a substrate.
Figures 42A-42C illustrate examples of conductive threads stitched to a substrate (e.g., a fabric); 42A shows different patterns of stitches having different pitches and widths (angles); Figure 42b illustrates an example of five parallel conductive threads that can be connected to five different sensors. Figure 42c shows an example of a single conductive thread. These conductive threads may form a wire ribbon material (e.g., stitched jig-jag connectors) as described herein.
[000107] Figure 43A is a schematic illustration of an integrable short module that may be incorporated into any of the garments described herein.
[000108] Figure 43b is an example of a housing for a short module such as that shown in Figure 43a.
Figures 44A-44B illustrate one variation of a garment (breathing garment) comprising a plurality of conductive particle injected elastic strips constructed as strain gauges for detecting respiration. 44A is a front view, and Fig. 44B is a rear view, respectively.
[000110] Figure 45 illustrates one method of manufacturing a garment for breathing sensing as described in Figures 44A-44B.
46A and 46B illustrate a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram machine (FIG. 46A) and a garment as described herein (FIG. 46B) for leas I, II, III, aVR, aVL and aVF, respectively. Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > ECG < / RTI > measurements.
[000112] Figure 47a illustrates measurement of breathing using a garment comprising breathing sensors formed of a conductive-particle injected elastic strip formed as described herein.
[000113] FIG. 47B is a flow chart of a method of calculating (using a reference volume) a reference system (a standard volume change meter including a breath-monitored face-mask) and a breath monitoring system Which is a comparison of mean breaths per minute, which shows a good agreement between the two.

 [000114] In general, devices for detecting and monitoring physiological parameters such as respiration, cardiac parameters, sleep, emotional state, etc. (e.g., including but not limited to shirts, pants, etc.) are described herein. In particular, in some variations (e.g., stitching, attaching, etc.) to, or attached to, garments, including crimping garments, to form sensors, conductive traces and / Elastic, conductive sensors and connectors that may include conductive inks, elastomers, and traces are described herein.

[000115] US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 023,830, filed September 11, 2013, entitled "PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING GARMENTS, " which is incorporated herein by reference, describes exemplary garments, And may be modified as described herein.

[000116] As will be described in greater detail below, any of the garments described herein may be placed directly on the garment (e.g., shirt, shorts, or any other component of the wearable device, such as horsemeat, sock, gloves, etc.) One or more SMS (Sensor Manager System) integrated within the garment. The SMS may include an electronic board. Connections to the SMS can be made by connectors (e.g., stitch zigzag connectors) that include wire ribbon material that can be included as part of the garment. In some variations, the length of the rigid material (e.g., capton) over which the conductive traces are affixed may be used.

[000117]  An SMS integrated into a garment (as opposed to being provided by a separate device such as a smart phone) can provide many advantages. For example, an integrated SMS can manage a very large number of connections with different sensors, and can process signals and communicate with a telephone via a single mini-USB cable (e.g., regardless of the number of signals being processed) . Regardless of the number of sensors to be included in future devices (e.g., shirts, tights, gloves, socks, hotties, etc.), the connection between the SMS and the sensor module (e.g., phone) can always be based on a single 5-pin USB connection Thus substantially reducing the size of the female and male connectors from the device to the phone module. In a typical configuration, the SMS connects to the male connector through a Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter (UART) module, which communicates to the mobile via another UART and UART-to-USB module (see the accompanying schematic drawings Reference).

[000118] The integrated SMS can be placed at different locations in the garment. For example, it can be placed on the base of the neck between shoulder bones, on the lumbar region on the thighs, on the arms, on the chest, or even on socks, gloves,

[000119] The SMS can also be configured to communicate with different phones for the device. As mentioned, the integrated SMS can also allow you to have more connections (pins) to connect to different sensors / outputs. For example, if you have an SMS present in a sensor module (e.g., a mobile phone), the accelerometer may need five pins; An SMS incorporated in a shirt may require fewer connectors, such as SMS, which may require only two pins. Without the integrated SMS, even with more sensors, multiple connectors can become unrealized.

[000120] In general, the SMS can be a module (chip) that manages signals from and to the sensors and can act as an interface between the sensors and the communication system (such as a sensor module configured from a telephone). SMS can manage the connections and interfaces between them. For example, the integrated SMS may include physical connections to the sensors and may manage the manner in which the signals are processed and transmitted between the sensors and the sensor module and / or other analysis or control components. The SMS may also include or be coupled to a multiplexer to alternate measurements between the various sensors to which it is connected.

[000121] In some variations, SMS may provide passive sensors or appropriate power supplies for active sensors. SMS can obtain power from mobile systems through the same port as the USB port. The integrated SMS can communicate from one side through a USB port to a sensor module (e.g., communication systems / phones configured as sensor modules). The SMS can act as a bridge or interface between the sensors and the sensor module.

[000122] In addition, any of the described integrated SMSs may include on-board processing (e.g., pre-processing) including but not limited to zooming, filtering, sampling (control of sampling rate) And may typically be configured to include basic pre-processing. The integrated SMS may also encode signals from one or more sensors. In some variations, the SMS may include a microcontroller on the board. Moreover, the integrated SMS can also generally manage communication protocols to / from any of the sensors or any of them, and can perform analog-to-digital conversion (if the signals are analog) You can communicate with the USB communication port before trying to communicate with USB. For example, the SMS may be configured to convert the signal to the UART into a USB signal protocol.

[000123] Additionally or alternatively, any of the integrated SMSs may be configured as a signal receiver / transmitter. For example, the SMS integrated in the garment may be adapted to convert the parallel signals (in order of data) into serial signals.

[000124] As mentioned, the integrated SMS may be placed on or near any position on the garment, such as on the neck region, or in the vicinity. Although the SMSs described herein are referred to as "integrated" SMSs, such SMSs may be included on or within a garment (e.g., in a pocket or enclosure) / Not coupled and instead placed on clothing. Thus, any of these SMSs may instead be referred to as dedicated or specific SMSs rather than (or in addition to) integrated SMSs. For example, the SMS can be placed under the female connector as a part of the garment (it can be housed inside the female connector). When you wash clothes, SMS can be washed with connectors and chips; The pins and SMS are waterproofed.

[000125] In some variations, the connectors (e.g., pins / ports) of the SMS are adapted to be water / waterproof. For example, the pins used may be watertight connections, for example, connections that are only opened if you are male, and closed and watertight if not.

[000126] In any of these integrated SMSs, the SMS is part of the garment and is worn with the garment; The SMS module may pre-process the signal (s) to prepare to migrate the signal (s).

[000127] Thus, in any of the garments described, as described above, rather than being separate from the garment, such as a general purpose smart phone that is positioned (onboard / dedicated) on each garment, for example, And a Sensor Management System (SMS) positioned as a part of a separate sensor module. Each garment may have an SMS (chip / microchip) that allows the garment to have connectors (for women and for men) with multiple pins (inputs / outputs) (E. G., One or two fins, or more connections) to the phone / communication < RTI ID = 0.0 >Lt; / RTI > module. In general, some of the components and sensors of the garments described herein may require multiple connections individually, and therefore a dedicated SMS may be very useful. For example, the IMU may need five pins, and as many IMUs as 20 IMUs (or more) may be included as part of the garment in addition to the other sensors. Thus, the use of dedicated SMS can allow the garment to manage a very large number of data connections / contacts.

Sensors

[000128] In addition to the sensors described in application Ser. No. 14 / 023,830, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, such as touch point sensors, breathing sensors, bioelectric sensors, etc., And may be included in any one. For example, the garment may include one or more skin conductivity sensors. The sensor for measuring skin conductivity comprises two annular rings of stretchable conductive ink (see below) arranged at the level of the third phalanx of any pair of fingers (thumb, grip, middle, medicament, and little finger) . ≪ / RTI > In some variations, the sleeves of the shirts have an integrated extension at the wrist level for this purpose. Depending on the sweating level, the skin conductivity is measured as the inverse of the electrical resistance between the two considered 'electrodes' (annular rings).

[000129] Other integrated extensions of the devices described herein include, in addition to or instead of the skin conductivity sensor, a full glove that includes pulse-oximetry based on optical fibers. The use of optical fibers may also allow for inclusion of other types of sensors. In addition, the full or partial glove may include additional sensors such as accelerometers, inertial measurement units (IMU), and the like. Such glove-based sensors may allow applications in certain activities (e.g., musical instrument performance, batter technique, etc.). The pair of gloves or gloves may be configured to be connected to other garments (e.g., a shirt, etc.), or to be formed as a sub-region of another garment (e.g., a shirt with finger portions / gloves, etc.).

[000130] Similar to the gloves described above are sock or hothouse extensions that include other types of sensors such as accelerometers, inertial measurement units (IMU), EEG electrodes, and the like. This allows applications in certain sports (e.g., football) and activities (e.g., chess).

Production processes

[000131] Generally, the production of any of the garments described herein may include configuring the garment such that the sensors are held in close contact with the skin and in stable contact therewith. Thus, the size setting of the garment can be very precise and can be very precise, especially in the following areas: the thorax (due to different sizes of the chest and chest, despite the same physical size), abdomen The same reason), armpits, forearms, etc. Thus, the garments can be precisely fitted / manufactured in addition to being made of compression materials. The design process may also include garment cutting.

[000132] Thereafter, any of the garments described herein may then be printed by, for example, printing and transfer of conductive ink traces and / or insulators. Printing can be performed by cylinder-type machines (because printing is more precise and faster), using heat transfer techniques. For example, transfer on both sides of the fabric is performed at 150 캜 for 15 seconds. Alternatively, the garments may be printed by 3D printing, as briefly discussed below.

[000133] Thereafter, an insulator may be applied (e.g., if capacitive touch points are used, such points may be isolated). The internal portions of the electrodes of the capacitive touch point (i. E., In contact with the skin) can be insulated by heat-welding a layer of high quality polyurethane film that accurately reproduces the shape of the electrodes. The size of the insulating layer may be slightly larger than the size of the electrode, thereby permitting complete covering to prevent ' side ' contamination of bio-potentials.

[000134] In variations where higher conductivity connections are used, the device may include the addition of higher-conductive substrates and materials, such as wire ribbon material (e.g., stitching zigzag connectors), as described herein. Thus, the forming process then involves the application of such wire ribbon material connectors, which may include connecting the ends of the wires to the sensor (s) and / or SMS components (forming a wire ribbon material) can do. The wire ribbon material may include a substrate of a bimodal fabric that may be fused, glued, stitched, or otherwise connected to the body of the garment. For example, once positioned, the wire ribbon material (e.g., stitch zigzag connectors) can be secured to the fabric through high quality polyurethane tapes for heat-welded applications. In some variations, a stiffer or semi-rigid substrate may be used instead of (or in addition to) the wire ribbon materials, such as a captone onto which electrical traces and / or circuitry may be printed. To maximize the comfort of movement, electronics on the capton can be designed to have a single layer, thus minimizing its thickness.

[000135] After that, the garment can be stitched. While stitching can be performed by conventional processes, in some variations, stitching across conductive ink, wire ribbon material, or capton traces can be prevented.

[000136] At the same time or thereafter, portions including printed conductive ink sensors, electrodes, and / or traces, additional (e.g., Capton) substrates for higher-conductive traces, and / or wire ribbon materials To connect, soldering may be performed. For example, soldering between ink traces and capton terminals can be performed by using a conductive epoxy and can be continuously covered by a high quality polyurethane film.

[000137] Thereafter, in some variations, a quasi-rigid collar portion may be attached, for example, to secure and cover the integrated SMS module and connectors. The collar can be made of a polyurethane material that takes the shape of the user's shoulders and can be applied by heat welding through a transfer machine to custom-made plates to be fitted to the body surface at the neck area.

[000138] In some variations, the method of forming garments may also include the addition of " stretch limiters " made, for example, into stripes of polyurethane material with limited elongation. These may include long ink traces (e. G., Respiratory < / RTI > breathing) to prevent permanent overheating that may have to be prevented due to functional and aesthetic reasons or to prevent over- Traces) to the inner portion of the garment. In order to enhance their strength, they can be positioned in the middle extending between the two shims.

[000139] In some variations, the garment may be produced by installing a silicon cord. A cord made of silicone can be applied to the lower edge of the garment, across the edges (e.g., by heat welding), to prevent elongation of the garment and its sensors when the wearer is wearing garments and wearing garments have. This allows the wearer to easily lower the shirt from the armpits to the waist without overstressing the garment after the collar and sleeves are inserted.

[000140] As mentioned above, the garments described herein may be manufactured in whole or in part by a 3D printing technique. For example, sensors and / or conductive traces and / or connectors may be produced by 3D printing. In some variations, the fabric (e.g., a press fabric) may act as a substrate for 3D printing. In some variations, the fabric itself may be produced by 3D printing or may be modified. Thus, garments can be produced by transfer and direct printing (3D printing). In one example, a 3D printer for producing a garment comprising integrated sensors as described herein, such as those described herein, may include at least three nozzles, one of which may be adapted to print a crimped garment fabric Have; One nozzle may be adapted to print / insert an extensible conductive ink; And one nozzle may be adapted to print / insert sensors and / or electronic devices. Weaving the fabric (e.g., from a thread), printing electronic devices and sensors on the fabric (or printing on a substrate, then transferring to the fabric), then stitching the fabric Unlike current methods, in 3D manufacturing, production can proceed directly to printing threads, ink, and electronic devices based on precise individual measurements from an individual, which is more accurate and faster .

Materials

[000141] Generally, the garments described herein may include a crimping fabric to ensure that the sensor is in excellent and permanent contact with the skin. For example, the front portion of the shirt may have a lower percentage of elastane (5-20%) than the rest of the body, which may include a higher percentage of elastane (15-40%). The fabric can be stretchable in two directions (one direction) and can be positioned with at least the stretchable side horizontally positioned relative to the human body that is dynamically stretched horizontally above the vertical. Generally, the crimping fabric may be any fabric having material properties associated with the crimping fabrics as described herein. Examples include materials such as fabrics made of elastic polyurethane fibers (e.g., elastin fibers, Lycra, etc.).

[000142] As will be discussed in more detail below, any garment of these garments may include an extendible conductive ink and / or a conductive ink (surrounding / surrounding it) insulator. Both conductive inks and insulators can be stretchable, up to a certain percentage X% stretchable (e.g., stretchable to 5%, stretchable to 6%, stretchable to 7%, stretchable to 8%, stretchable to 9% Extendable to 10% Extendable to 11%, Extendable to 12%, Extendable to 13%, Extendable to 14%, Extendable to 15%, Extendable to 16%, Extendable to 17%, Extendable to 18% Extendable to 19%, Extendable to 20%, Extendable to 21%, Extendable to 22%, Extendable to 23%, Extendable to 24%, Extendable to 25%, Extendable to 30% , 35% stretchable, 40% stretchable, 45% stretchable, 50% stretchable, etc.). It may also be more elongatable than X% (e.g., greater than 5% elongatable, greater than 6% elongatable, greater than 7% elongatable, greater than 8% elongatable, greater than 9% elongatable, greater than 10% Extendable more than 11%, More than 12% Extendable, More than 13% Extendable, More than 14% Extendable, More than 15% Extendable, More than 16% Extendable, More than 17% Extendable Possible to stretch more than 18%, able to stretch more than 19%, capable of stretching more than 20%, capable of stretching more than 21%, capable of stretching more than 22%, capable of stretching more than 23% , Greater than 25% elongatable, greater than 30% elongatable, greater than 35% elongatable, greater than 40% elongatable, greater than 45% elongatable, greater than 50% elongatable, etc.) . Extensible means generally that it can be extended from the starting length / shape (e.g., by applying a force, e.g., a tensile force), to return to a starting length / shape approximately. In some variations, additionally or alternatively, it may mean a resistance breakdown when (and eventually is released) a strain force (lengthening or distorting the original length / shape) is applied. Examples of extensible conductive inks and the properties of such inks are provided below.

[000143] As noted, any garment of garments may also include a substrate that is attached or formed as part of the garment for higher-conductive paths, such as capton films. Other flexible, wearable substrates may also be included. Any of the garments may also include one or more polyurethane films and tapes (e.g., high-quality polyurethane films and tapes) for sealing and heat-welding applications. Additionally, any garment of garments may also include an electrically insulating material (e.g., polyimide materials, etc.) for covering / inserting the conductive traces, which form part of the sensor or the like.

[000144] A substrate, such as a capton, may be secured onto the garment. For example, the substrate may be sealed and / or adhered with an adhesive or the like. The substrate may be held in a pocket or other area of the garment. As mentioned above, any garment of garments may include a limiter (e.g., a stretch limiter) of a second material (e.g., a fabric that is less stretchable than a crimped garment, etc.).

[000145] Any of these garments may also or additionally include silicon for sewing and heat-welding applications.

Extensible conductive inks

[000146] Generally, the extensible conductive ink products described herein may be formed of an adhesive (e.g., glue, such as acrylic, polyamide and other adhesives) onto which a printable mixture of conductive solution is applied. (Which may be referred to as conductive ink for convenience, even if the final conductive ink product comprises a layer of adhesive material) is generally applied as a layer on the adhesive layer to form an intermediate portion between the adhesive and the wet applied conductive solution do. This intermediate region may be important for the conductive and extensible properties of the resulting conductive ink material. Since the intermediate region defines the concentration gradients of the adhesive layer and the wet-applied conductive solution (conductive ink), the middle portion is the gradient portion. This is illustrated and described below.

[000147] Extensible conductive inks (wetted conductive inks laminated to an adhesive) generally have a ratio of electrically conductive materials (e.g., about 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50% , 60%, 65%, 70%), and biocompatible binders (e.g., acrylic binders of formaldehyde such as aqueous acrylic binders, aqueous polyurethanes, etc.), thickeners (polyurethane thickeners) Solvents such as propylene glycol. Extensible conductive inks as described herein generally meet minimum conductance as well as minimum elongation properties. The extensible conductive ink may also contain a defoaming agent (e.g., 1-butanol) to remove air / foam during processing, a catalyst (e.g., to assist in crosslinking of the binder, e.g., amine compounds or metal complexes) And optionally additional additives which may aid in stability.

[000148] In one example, the extensible conductive ink (and in particular the wetted conductive ink portion) is formed of: 50% carbon black, 40% acrylic binder, 5% propylene glycol and 5% polyurethane thickener, completely formaldehyde free. The conductive material (carbon black) may be fine particles. Carbon black may be particularly desirable compared to other conductive materials, such as silver or other metals. Other conductive materials may include graphene, tin, coated mica (e.g., oxide coated mica, such as antimony doped tin oxide), and the like.

[000149] The conductive inks described herein are not only conductive, but also extendable, and thus may function properly for the compression garments. In addition, extensible conductive inks suitable for forming the garments described herein may be ecologically suitable (e.g., having a formaldehyde concentration of less than 100 ppm), (after a plurality of washes of electrical properties and elasticities Preservation).

[000150] Experimental studies have confirmed that the extensible conductive ink compositions described herein (layered structures including intermediate, gradient areas between the adhesive and the wet applied conductive ink) are extensible. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the preliminary results of a test conducted on a sample of conductive ink printed on a crimped fabric as described above. A video camera was used to prove that no fractures developed in the ink during the stretching (for example, a change in length up to 13 mm was observed). Conductance (e.g., resistance) was varied with an applied force of about 1.6 kOhms to 2 kOhms while linear elongation was observed up to 1.1 N (e.g., stretching to about 13 mm without breakage of about 1.1 N). In general, the extensible conductive inks described herein are extensible with a force of up to at least 1N (e.g., up to at least 2N, up to at least 3N, up to at least 4N, up to at least 5N, up to at least 6N, etc.) and / (Without breakage) and / or an applied stretching force (in N) (in N units) up to at least 6 mm, up to at least 7 mm, up to at least 8 mm, up to at least 9 mm, up to at least 10 mm, up to at least 11 mm, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > N / mm < / RTI > without breakage). Surprisingly, in the experiment shown in FIG. 5, the irradiated conductive traces did not demonstrate any damage to nearly 2N, which is a reasonable near maximum force that can be applied when applying / wearing the garment. Macro breakage and micro breakage (visible to the naked eye) were also not apparent.

[000151] In general, the resistance of the extensible conductive ink may depend on the size of the traces, including thickness, length, etc. (which may vary under stretching) and may be less than about 5 kOhm at rest and at a predetermined stretch (or force / (E.g., less than about 4 kOhm, less than about 3 kOhm, less than about 2 kOhm, etc.). In general, the resistance may be in the range of a few hundred Ohms to a few hundred kOhms. In Figures 5 and 6, the extensible conductive ink to be inspected was printed on a crimp garment fabric with a length of 60 mm and a width of about 10 mm; Eight ink layers were applied (less than about 2 mm (e.g., about 1 mm or less) to form the final thickness.

[000152] Extensible conductive inks that may be used to form traces, connectors, and / or sensors in any of these garments described herein are described in further detail below.

Systems

[000153] Any of the garments described herein may be used as part of a system that includes a plurality of garments that are connected (either directly or wirelessly) or both. For example, the upper body garment / device may be connected to the lower body garment / device. Signals from sensors located on garments (e.g., shorts, thighs, socks, etc.) on the lower portion of the body may be sent to one or more SMSs on the upper garment, such as a shirt or the like. The connection can be made through a support material (e.g., Kapton) that includes traces that can be connected through a locating connector to the inner portion of the upper garment (e.g., the lower hem portion of the upper garment).

[000154] Generally, the garments described herein may include a body formed of a fabric. In particular, compression fabric materials are useful. The body may include a plurality of sensors located at predetermined locations on the garment. The sensors can be on the inside of the garment, on the outside (e.g., facing the wearer), or on the outside of the garment. The connectors may connect the sensors to one or more SMS (sensor manager / sensor module), which may include a processor. The SMS may send or connect / couple directly to the sensor manager unit (SMU) to record / analyze / transmit sensed data, or may perform some or all of these functions on its own. Generally, sensors can be formed, at least in part, with the extensible conductive ink structures described herein. (For example, as used herein, "extensible conductive ink" structures include a wet- Ink, an adhesive between the structures described herein, and a combination of gradient / intermediate sites. Sensors including extendable conductive inks include touch point (e.g., capacitive) sensors, skin electrode sensors, etc. Sensors formed with conductive elastic ribbons (e.g., elastomers saturated with conductive particles in the base / binder described herein) that are capable, at least in part, of forming strain gauges or other sensors are described herein The connectors may be formed of an extensible conductive ink and / or a conductive elastic ribbon. , The connector is formed of a wire ribbon material (e.g., a stitch zigzag connector), wherein the enamel wires are stitched on strips of material (e.g., a crimp fabric) in a sinusoidal / zigzag pattern, and the ribbon is applied to the body of the garment. In some variations, the connector may be a rigid or semi-rigid material (e.g., Kapton), and electrical traces and / or circuits are applied thereon; the material may be attached to a fabric such as a crimp fabric and / May be attached to the body of the garment or may be attached directly to the body of the garment.

[000155] Any type of garment may be formed as described. For example, garments for use in a medical device, comprising a medical device or comprising a monitoring device, a therapeutic device or an assistant, are described herein. The body of these garments may be formed (entirely or partially) of a crimped fabric and the garment may be fitted to the body to help securely attach the sensor (s) to the body of the subject. In some variations, the garment (e.g., a medical device) can help secure a portion of the garment to the subject's body, including additional elements, such as straps, halters, bra, yoke, harness, In some variations, the garment may include an expandable (e.g., inflatable) support structure on a portion of the garment to help hold or fix the sensor (or sensors) to the subject. An expandable support structure may be used with the harness. The harness can be separate or integrated into the garment.

[000156] For example, garments configured to sense ECG (electrocardiographic) signals for recording and / or analysis are described herein. These garments may be configured to be connected to the upper body of the wearer, may be in the form of a shirt, or may include body covering. These garments may include five or more electrodes, for example six electrodes, and three or more electrodes for each of the right arm, left arm and leg. Additional electrodes may be used. In some variations, the thoracic electrodes are pairs of electrodes that can be extra.

[000157] Any of these garments may additionally or alternatively include one or more breath sensor (s). Generally, such breathing sensors include cloth and / or conductive ink-based strain gauges. For example, a strain gauge may be formed of the extensible conductive inks described herein and / or the conductive elastic strips described herein. In one variation example, the garment includes 10 ECG sensing electrodes, 2 breathing electrodes (strain gauges). The ECG electrodes can be located on the chest of the garment to contact the wearer's skin at a location where standard twelve leads are to be placed. Breathing sensors can be placed on the garment to hold them against the body near the Xyphoid and navel level on the torso of the subject when the garment is worn. The sensors may be connected to the SMS units by traces such as elastic strips with copper-wire ribbon and / or stitch zigzag connectors. The garment may include both a shirt (and some variations of tights).

[000158] Also, garments configured to measure respiration (including site breathing) are described herein. For example, the garment may be configured to include a shirt portion that is in the form of a squeeze fabric that detects breathing (e.g., to allow blood measurement of sensed signals). The device may also include electrodes as previously described to detect a simple ECG signal (e.g., two electrodes, or a single lead, or multiple leads, e.g., three leads, five leads, , With 12 leads). For example, twelve breathing sensors (e.g., conductive elastic strip strain gauges as described herein) may be included. Respiration sensors can be locating to be positioned on the wearer at the Louis angle, the third rib space, the xyphoid, near the lower frame margins, on the navel and below the navel. Replica sensors may exist (e.g., to the left / right of the wearer's trunk). The sensors may be connected to one or more SMS units via a connector, such as a stitch zigzag connector (e.g., where the strip or tube or crimp garment fabric is stitched in a sinusoidal pattern by insulated / enameled copper wires). For example, reference is made to Figs. 44A-B showing 12 breathing sensors.

[000159] The garments described herein may also consist of garments for sensing sleep disturbances and may include body and / or pants portions as well as a lead covering portion. These garments may include, for example, EEG electrodes (e.g., one or more) and corresponding ECG electrodes, respiration sensors, and one or more IMUs (Inertial Mass Units) to detect activity levels and basic movements. For example, the garment may include 21 EEG electrodes (formed of stretchable conductive ink or alternatively, standard medical electrodes may be used), 2 ECG electrodes (formed of stretchable conductive ink), and 2 breath sensors (Formed of conductive elastic strips) and five IMUs. The EEG electrodes can be positioned as a simplified 10-20 system on the head covering, while the ECG electrodes can be positioned on the right and left trunk portions of the garment. Breathing sensors can be positioned to be worn near the xyphoid and navel. The IMUs can be positioned on the lower back and limbs (e.g., the arms of the shirt, the legs of the tights).

[000160] Clothes for use as a fitness tool or auxiliary are also described herein. For example, the garments configured as the fitness device described herein may include sensors for detecting physical condition and motion recordings. These garments may monitor physical condition (e. G., Wellbeing) by sensing and / or measuring indicators of heart rate, respiration, body fat, movement, posture and stress level. For example, one variation of a fitness garment may be a compression fabric having two ECG sensors (e.g., electrodes formed of stretchable conductive ink), one breath sensor (e.g., formed of a conductive elastic strip) As shown in FIG. The ECG electrodes can be positioned in the garment to be held against the right and left trunk parts, the breathing sensor can be positioned on the garment to be held against the xyphoid area, the IMUs are positioned on the lower back, And one can be positioned in the SMS unit (e.g., near the neck region). In some variations, the device may also include body fat sensors at the wrist, neck, and navel sites. The body fat sensor may be an electrode (e.g., formed from an extensible conductive ink).

[000161] Another variation of the fitness apparel (e.g., a general fitness apparel) can be configured as a shirt worn on the upper body. As mentioned, these garments may be used to monitor general well-being and may include basic fitness skills such as coordination, balance, fitness, 'breath', strength, flexibility And a controller for evaluating the reflection action. In some variations, the garments may include at least three (e.g., four) IMUs and a bottom portion (e.g., pants / tights, upper and lower legs) in the upper portion (shirt, e.g., upper and lower arms, left / At least three (e.g., four) IMUs (at the site to be worn against the umbilicus) respiration sensors on the lower limb, the lower leg, the left / right side. See, for example, Figs. 22A to 22D. In the example shown in Fig. 22B, the system includes two parts: a shirt for detecting posture and monitoring fitness; And a pair of pants that can be connected to the shirt or can be connected to the processor separately. 22B, the shirt 2204 including the EMG sensors 2221 and the pants 2205 are shown as lines parallel to the sensors. IMUs 2225 are also positioned on the upper and lower legs, on the upper and lower arms, and along the back, to detect postural changes. The bands of elastic material 2231 are further integrated with the squeeze, as shown by the darker areas, to further assist in maintaining electrodes (e.g., EMG 2221) against the skin.

[000162] Generally, any garment of garments may be operated / coupled with a processor capable of storing, transmitting, compressing and / or analyzing the recorded data.

[000163] Examples of these various types of garments are described below.

Breathing Detective Apparel

[000164] The garments may be adapted to detect respiration, and in particular, site respiration. Such devices may be used at the request of a professional medical practitioner or by someone who wishes to monitor breathing. The respiration-monitoring device may be adapted for continuous and accurate monitoring of respiration, including monitoring of respiration at one or more sites. A complete and accurate measurement of some of the respiratory parameters (described below) can be made using a plurality of stretchable conductive ink traces arranged in a pattern (e.g., a "jig-jag" pattern) So that they are positioned about the wearer's torso and, alternatively, in some variations, conductive elastic strips (e.g., elastic strips impregnated with a conductive material) can be used in addition to or instead of extensible conductive ink traces. The portions including the lengths of the stretchable conductive breathing sensors may include the front portion of the shirt, the back portion (back) of the shirt, each of the two lateral sides of the shirt, or any of the like. Sub-sites within these sites may also be used. As described above, elongatable conductive breathing sensors may have a resistance that varies slightly with elongation, and such an attribute may be used to detect and / or measure body movement when elongated while the sensor is worn on the body .

[000165] As described below, in some variations, four or more respiration signals can be measured to determine localized breathing. For example, the twelve signals may include the following regions / regions: (1) forward, top right (e.g., six traces); (2) front, upper left (e.g., six traces); (3) front and bottom right (e.g., five traces); (4) front and bottom left (e.g., five traces); (5) rear, top right (e.g., six traces); (6) rear, upper left (e.g., six traces); (7) rear and bottom right (e.g., five traces); (8) rear, lower left (e.g., five traces); (9) sideways, upper right (e.g., three traces); (E.g., five traces); Side, upper left (e.g., three traces); (Or a large number of traces of the average) of the variable resistors disposed in the lateral, lower left (e.g., five traces) of the array 12. Based on the arrangement of the extensibility-sensing conductive traces and / or elastic strips, the parameters may be extracted by analysis of other signals. For example, a measure of total tidal volume may be determined by summing signals from all of the stretch sensors in each region (e.g., 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9 + 10 + 11 +12). The measurement of chest wall tidal volume can be determined by summing the signals from the upper sites (e.g., 1 + 2 + 5 + 6 + 9 + 11). The measurement of the ventricular tidal volume can be determined by summing the signals from the lower (abdominal) regions (e.g., 3 + 4 + 7 + 8 + 10 + 12). Measurements of the thoracic respiratory region can be determined by summing sites associated only with the right thoracic region (e.g., 1 + 5 + 9), and measurement of the left thoracic region can be measured by simply summing sites associated with the left thoracic region + 6 + 11). Measurements of respiration in / in the right abdomen region can be determined by summing signals from the right abdomen region (e.g., 3 + 7 + 10), and similarly, measurements of respiration in / (E.g., 4 + 8 + 12).

과 같은 숨쉬기의 시간적인 파라미터들은 (의복 상에서 검출되는 신호들 중 임의의 것과 같이) 결정, 기록, 측정 및/또는 디스플레이될 수 있다.(Respiration frequency f), inspiratory time Ti, expiratory time Te and / or duty cycle (time) from a time course of signals (e.g., a signal of a total breath volume)

(Such as any of the signals detected on the garment) can be determined, recorded, measured, and / or displayed.

[000167] For example, Figures 1A-1C illustrate one variation of a shirt for detecting and / or monitoring breathing, including continuous monitoring. In any of these examples, a device, which may be interchangeably referred to as a device or system, may be configured to continuously and accurately monitor breathing. The shirt shown in Figures la-3a has four parts: (a1) 1903 front and side sides; (a2) 1905 back (rear); (a3) 1907 right arm; (a4) 1909 It is a crimp garment (shirt) typically composed of left arm. These parts are stitched together after deposition of, for example, conductive inks by a transfer process, conductive connectors (e.g., wires stitched with capton and / or jig-zag patterns with conductive material) and layers of insulating material.

[000168] Generally, conductive ink traces can be used as sensors. In Figures 1A and 1B, the sensor is a plurality of conductive ink traces that are extendable traces. Conductive ink (including conductive ink, adhesive, and gradient portions) may be used to form conductive traces 1919 as described herein. Any of these devices may also include a sensor manager unit. The sensor manager unit 1921 may be a processor disposed on the garment (e.g., the back) with respect to an interface for connecting the sensors to the processor. The processor may be, for example, a smart phone or other handheld device. A device may have a communication unit, which may be separate from the processor or may be integrated with the processor (and / or may include its own dedicated processor). For example, the communication unit may also be located behind and may be connected to an interface.

[000169] Additional sensors, including motion sensors, may also be used. For example, a three-axis accelerometer (alone or embedded in a communication system, for example) may be included.

[000170] In general, any of these devices may include one or more wearer inputs, such as " touch point sensors. &Quot; For example, two capacitive touch points 1933 and 1935 placed on the arms may be used. The touch point sensor is composed of two electrodes (for example, electrodes at the corresponding positions) of conductive ink patterns, a separating layer of textile between two conductive electrode patterns, and an insulating layer deposited on the inner conductive ink pattern layer One on the inside of the surface, and the other on the outside). The connection trace may be included between the terminal point and the external electrode disposed close to the neck.

[000171] Additional sensors may include one or more electrodes, such as an electrode for detecting heart rate. For example, two electrodes 1941 and 1943 for heart rate (HR) measurements, made up of conductive ink, may be placed on the inner surface of the right arm and left arm of the shirt. These electrodes may be connected by a conductive connector, such as conductive (capton) traces connecting the HR electrodes to terminal points near the neck, as shown in Figs. 1A and 1C.

[000172] In general, respiratory traces can be positioned at any portion of the body of the shirt to detect movement (expansion / contraction) due to breathing at that portion of the body. Some of the respiratory parameters (see below) for different parts of the wearer's body by positioning the conductive ink-extensible traces shaped 'jig-jag' in different parts of the body of the shirt (e.g., by a transfer process) Can be provided. For example, the conductive traces and / or conductive elastic strips can be positioned on the front and two lateral sides of the shirt, on the back portion (back) of the shirt, on the various sub-regions of these portions.

[000173] 1A-1C, the eight signals are measured by the sensor manager unit (processor) as the voltage changes determined by the variable electrical resistance of the traces disposed in parallel in the following areas.

[000174] 1. Front + side, upper right (5 traces in parallel).

[000175] 2. Front + side, top left (5 traces in parallel).

[000176] 3. Front + side, bottom right (5 traces in parallel).

[000177] 4. Front + side, bottom left (5 traces in parallel).

[000178] 5. Back, top right (six traces in parallel).

[000179] 6. Rear, upper left (6 traces in parallel).

[000180] 7. Rear, bottom right (5 traces in parallel).

[000181] 8. Back, bottom left (5 traces in parallel).

[000182] The illustrated vertical traces consist of conductive ink and / or conductive elastic strips and constitute terminals of total electrical resistance in these eight areas. These breathing sensors (respiratory sensors) are connected to the positioned terminal points close to the neck (at the interface site). A processor or other circuit may be used to detect / monitor the resistance. For example, in some variations, the sensor manager (processor) may be used to acquire and / or store, transmit, analyze, process, etc. the eight signals listed above. The processor may also integrate and analyze, transmit, process, and / or store additional signals, including signals obtained by combining one or more of the single signals. For example, as mentioned above, it is as follows.

[000183] Sum = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8

[000184] Chest signal = 1 + 2 + 5 + 6

[000185] Multiple signals = 3 + 4 + 7 + 8

[000186] Right chest signal = 1 + 5

[000187] Left chest signal = 2 + 6

[000188] Right abdomen signal = 3 + 7

[000189] Left abdomen signal = 4 + 8

[000190] From the time course of the signal of the sum signal, the following time parameters of breath: respiratory frequency f, inspiratory time Ti, exhalation time Te, duty cycle Ti / (Ti + Te) .

[000191] As mentioned above, these signals may be stored, transmitted, analyzed, etc. by the processor and / or communication unit.

[000192] Figures 1d, 1e, and 1f illustrate another press garment including partial respiration sensors similar to the garment shown in Figures la-lc.

[000193] As noted above, in some variations, the respiration / breath sensor has a relatively small (or minimal) mechanical and very low electrical hysteresis in cycle loading, a conductive elasticity that is treated to have a resistance that varies with stretch And a strip-like breath sensor. These sensors may be referred to herein as conductive elastic strip sensors or conductive elastic strain gauges. Figs. 23-38 illustrate how to manufacture and utilize one variation of a breathing sensor configured as a conductive elastic strip. Conductive elastic materials and methods of making and using them are described herein. Specifically, methods for forming conductive elastic materials that can be used as part of a wearable garment sensor (e.g., a stretch or respiration sensor), particularly including wearable stretch (e.g., compression fabric) garments are described herein. The conductive elastomeric materials described herein may be used in any of the apparel including breathing or other contact and / or stretch sensors, for example.

[000194] The conductive elastomeric materials described herein vary the resistance during their stretching and thus act as a stretch sensor. In addition, these materials can have superior mechanical and electrical properties compared to other stretchable conductive materials since they have very high mechanical and electrical memory. This can be achieved, for example, because they have a different length of the original original length of 1.2x (or at some variations, 1.3x, 1.4x, 1.5x, 1.6x, 1.7x, 1.8x, 1.9x, 2x, 2.1x, , 2.4x, 2.5x, 2.6x, 2.7x, 2.8x, 3x, 3.1x, etc.) and return to the same remaining length. The dimensions of height (length, width, etc.) may be the same. In some variations, the material may be more stretchable in one dimension (e.g., length) than others (e.g., width). Under this upper limit of stretch (e.g., 1.3x of the original length or 1.5x, 1.6x, 1.7x, 1.8x, 1.9x, 2x, 2.1x, 2.2x, 2.3x, 2.4x, 2.5x, 2.6x, 2.7x, 2.8x, 3x, 3.1x, etc.), the material will not exhibit significant hysteresis and will return to its original remaining length.

[000195] Similarly, the material will experience little electrical hysteresis, even if there is a stretch below a relatively high limit of stretch. For example, the material may have a length of 1.2x (or some variations of 1.3x, 1.4x, 1.5x, 1.6x, 1.7x, 1.8x, 1.9x, 2x, 2.1x, 2.2x, 2.3x , 2.4x, 2.5x, 2.6x, 2.7x, 2.8x, 3x, 3.1x, etc.). Additionally, the change in resistance due to stretch can be linear over at least a portion of the range. Thus, the materials described herein exhibit very little electrical hysteresis during use. Additionally, these characteristics may be repeatable over a long period of time (e.g., over hundreds, thousands, or hundreds of thousands or cycles of stretch).

[000196] Finally, the response time at restoration from stretch can be extremely fast. For example, the material may revert to initial performance measurements (for length and resistance) within less than 5 seconds (e.g., less than 4 seconds, less than 3 seconds, less than 2 seconds, less than 1 second, etc.). Thus, the electrical return time can be adjusted to a desired value (maximum stretch length, e.g., 1.3x, 1.4x, 1.5x, 1.6x, 1.7x, 1.8x, 1.9x, 2x, 2.1x, 2.2x, 2.3x, 2.4 x, 2.5x, 2.6x, 2.7x, 2.8x, 3x, 3.1x) over a full stretch range.

[000197] These properties of the material, in particular the electrical properties, have been shown to reduce molecular damage of the conductive material during the repeated cycling cycles. This can increase the length of the material's lifetime. In addition, the elastic properties (return from stretch) have been shown to be driven by a core elastic material coated with a conductive material (e.g., a conductive coating). The core material has been shown to maintain its elastic properties even when coated with a relatively thick coating of (dry) conductors.

[000198] 23-38 illustrate one method of making a conductive elastomeric material. In summary, as shown with reference to the figures, an elastic material, and specifically an elastic waistband type material, can be coated as described herein. 23 shows an example of an elastic material. Generally, the elastic material may be formed from a planar elastic material (such as an elastic waistband) that is woven or knotted. The interwoven elasticity can be covered by the fabric. The material forming the elastic and / or covering may be natural (e.g., cotton, wool, etc.) or synthetic (e.g., polyester) or any combination thereof. For example, an elastic material, such as the material shown in Figure 23, may be formed of a porous / absorbent material such as a face, and may include additional (e.g., polymeric) materials that are woven or woven into the covering material.

[000199] The elastic material may initially be a relatively narrow and thin strip or band. For example, the width of the band may be about 0.1 to 3 cm (with a preferred thickness of about 1.5 cm). The material may comprise a plurality of sets of warp yarns (e.g., elastic yarns) that float in or on the fabric.

[000200] Generally, a conductive elastomeric material is prepared by first coating (e. G., Dipping, spraying, dipping, etc.) an elastomeric material and, specifically, an absorbent or partially absorbable elastomeric material as a suspension of electrically conductive particles of the solution. (But not limited to) carbon black, metal conductive materials (such as gold, silver, silver / silver chloride, graphene, oxide coated mica, etc.) Any suitable conductive material may be used. The conductive material may be a mixture of conductive particles suspended in a solution (e.g., water or alcohol solutions). The solution may include a base or a binder as well as a solution of conductive particles. For example, the solution may be from 0.1 to 25% binder (e.g., acrylic, water based polyurethane, etc.) and 99.9% to 75% solution of conductive particles.

[000201] For example, in Fig. 24, a solution of carbon black suspended in water is poured into the elastic container. As shown in Figure 25, the initial uncoated elastic material is then coated by dipping both sides of the elastic ribbon in solution and moving it from solution to solution (left to right) from one side to the other. 26, a uniform coverage of the entire ribbon surface is obtained as shown. The coated ribbon may then be dried as illustrated in Fig. For example, the ribbon can be dried by applying heat and / or air (or vacuum). In Figure 27, the coated ribbon is dried in a convection oven for 30 minutes.

[000202] Once dried, the core elastic material may be connected to the conductive ends and / or added to an external material (typically formed of the immediate material to which it is applied) for attachment to the garment. For example, in FIG. 28, a pair of terminals (any conductive terminal can be used, but shown as copper terminals) is attached as also shown in FIGS. 29 and 30. For example, in Fig. 29, copper terminals are formed by cutting a copper material (e.g., into rectangles of about 20 mm in length) and wrapping the conductive elastic perimeter at the edge of the ribbon with a terminal material (typically not elastic). The conductive terminal material (e.g., copper) may be resilient to fix it to the conductive elastic ribbon, as shown, or may be resiliently applied (conductive elastic material). In Fig. 30, a tool 3001 (e.g., a plier) is used to confirm that the conductive terminal is attached to the adhesive and is therefore conductive elastic.

[000203] When the terminals are connected, the elastic material can be coupled to a wire connector such as the pre-prepared wire ribbon material shown in Fig. In Figure 31, a wire ribbon material is stitched into a strip of fabric having a pair of twisted wires 1010 (although three or more wires may be used) shown as twisted enamel (insulation) wires. Since the wires may be stitched into a strip of fabric in a zigzag pattern (e.g., a crimp fabric) and the fabric strip may comprise a fabric adhesive or may be configured to provide heat to other fabrics (e.g., garments) Conductive connectors may be provided directly to the fabric in a manner that provides covering for the wires without having to do so. The fabric in which the wires are sewn on top is typically the same material (e.g., a crimped garment fabric) to which the wires are to be applied. In some variations, one side of a fabric to which a zigzag pattern of insulated wires is stitched (which may be referred to as an application fabric) includes or is treated for use with a fabric adhesive (including a thermally active adhesive). In practice, the elongated lengths of the wire can be pre-prepared and cut as needed for application to the garment. In general, it is noted that the wire ribbon material can be used as an electrical connector that connects one or more sensors to other parts of the garments described herein, including data modules, and / or SMS components. The wire ribbon material may be referred to herein as a wire ribbon material or as a stitched zigzag connector. This material may advantageously be prepared to have a lengthened length and be cut to a desired length to secure the garment and / or sensor (e.g., adhesive fixation).

[000204] For example, in Figure 32, a conductive elastic ribbon is disposed on a thermally adhesive glued surface of a wire ribbon in a region that does not include a wire and is connected to the conductive wire ends. For example, as shown in Fig. 33, conductors (wires) are soldered to copper terminals.

[000205] Once provided to the conductive wire, the elastic ribbon can be sealed within the fabric (e.g., an insulating fabric that may be the same fabric as the fabric to which it is provided). In some variations. The elastic ribbons may be enclosed within the insulator material and / or coated with an insulator. In Figures 34 and 35, the outer side of the conductive elastic ribbon (including contacts) is sealed with an adhesive tissue ribbon to a width of about 33 mm. The tissue (covering) ribbon can be fixed on the elastic ribbon, for example, by a hot press (if a thermally active adhesive is used), as shown in Fig.

[000206] The resulting ribbons, including conductive elastic materials and zigzag wires, can then be attached to garments such as compression garments. For example, Figure 36 illustrates a variation wherein the resulting assembly of conductive elasticity is secured to the garment to provide a breath (breath) sensor. As shown in Figure 36, the assembly may be attached by a hot press (e.g., using a thermally activated fabric adhesive again). The final result is shown in Fig. 37 and Fig. 38 in the embodiment. Figure 37 shows a view of the interior side of the garment (the assembly may be attached on the inside or outside side of the crimping garment, as shown). Fig. 38 shows the appearance of the same garment. 37 and 38, the garment is configured as a breath-sensitive shirt (e.g., a T-shirt).

[000207] Thus, the above-described conductive plastic strips can be used as part of a crimp garment. Methods of making and using conductive elastic materials with very low mechanical and electrical hysteresis have been described and can therefore be used as respiration sensors for wearable press garments. This conductive elastomeric material may be used as a breathing / breathing sensor, or as part of a connector. A breathing sensor using a conductive elastomeric material may be formed into a strip of a resilient material filled with a solution of conductive particles (e.g., carbon black) and dried (or at least partially dried); Conductive connectors may be attached to the ends of the strip of filled elastic material. In some variations, the connectors may be electrically connected to a wire ribbon material formed of enamel (e.g., insulating) metal conductive wires stitched in a striped over-strip pattern of fabric, such as a crimped fabric. The conductive-particle-filled elastic material and / or wire ribbon connector material may be enclosed within the fabric material (such as a compression fabric material). This sealed sensor and connection length (s) of the wire ribbon can then be attached to the garment as described above (see, e.g., Figs. 1A-1F).

[000208] For example, FIGS. 44A and 44B illustrate a variation of a garment configured to measure respiration using a plurality of conductive-particle filled elastic strips constructed from strain gages. In Figure 44A, the garment shows that sleeves can be included, but no sleeves. The garment body may be made of a compression garment material to which strain gauge sensors are attached as shown. The breath sensors are constructed as strain gauges having a length of the long side of the elastic material filled with a conductive material (e.g., a carbon black solution having a substrate / binding material as described above). The filled and / or coated elastic material strips may have conductive metal ends attached to later end portions and may be enclosed within the same or similar crimp garment fabric material that constitutes the material, e.g., the body of the garment. In Figure 44a, six pairs of horizontally arranged respiration sensors 4403 formed of conductive elastic members (e. G., Near the Louisian angle, the spacing of the third frame, the dentate gyrus, the lower rib edges, Bottom) are arranged at different heights along the body region. A stitched zigzag connector 4407 (formed from a separate stripe of wire, such as a crimp fabric that is provided to the body of the garment after the enameled copper wire is sewn into a sinusoidal pattern) shows the back of the garment of Figure 44A , And is used to connect twelve sensors to the SMS unit, as shown in Figure 44B. Each sensor can be connected at both ends with different wires in a stitched zigzag connector so that changes in the electrical properties of the conductive elastic strip can be detected by SMS. The garment may also include additional sensors. 44A, a pair of ECG electrodes 4409 and 4409 'are shown and connected to the SMS via stitching zigzag connector (s) 4407, respectively.

[000209] These garments may be made as shown in Fig. 45 showing a three-piece fabric (e.g., a central back side portion 4419, a right side panel 4421 and a left side panel 4423) that forms the trunk of the garment ; The breath sensors are continuous on the right and left side, and the right and left panels can be stitched on the back before sensors are applied (arrow 4431). As noted above, these different breath sensors may correspond to different zones that can be individually reviewed.

[000210] Electrocardiogram (ECG) measurement apparel Apparatuses that can be used to effectively and continuously monitor ECG signals are also described herein. For example, the garment may be adapted to measure signals by including pairs of overlapping traces that the device (e.g., garment, control / sensing module, etc.) may switch between pairs of overlapping traces. In some variations, the SMS and / or sensor module may determine which set of electrodes to use between the overlapping multiple electrodes to detect a particular lead to the ECG. Figures 2a and 2b, 3a and 3b, and Figures 4a and 4b show garments configured to measure ECGs. Each of these garments includes overlapping leads (two or more), and each of the overlapping leads can detect a signal from an electrode that can be used to determine an ECG signal for that lead.

[000211] Electrodes used to detect ECG signals may be formed of the stretchable conductive ink described herein. In some variations, the electrodes are printed, applied, or formed on one (e.g., the inner surface) of the garment and are adapted to continuously contact the subject ' s skin to measure ECG signals. Electrodes may be connected to the SMS and / or sensor module via conductive traces (e.g., formed by substrates such as Capton with combinations of stretchable conductive inks and / or stretchable conductive inks and higher-conductance traces). The SMS and / or sensor module may determine, based on, for example, the quality of the signal, which of the redundant traces will be used / present for the ECG signal.

[000212] For example, in Figures 3A-4B, electrodes 2103 are formed with a series of electrodes configured by the ink circles positioned at the standard points of the 12-lead EKG. On garments (to be worn on the torso), electrodes may be arranged so that overlaps (pairs) of the chest electrodes are positioned corresponding to the V1-V6 positions when the garment is worn.

Position of chest electrodes electrode arrangement V1 Fourth intercostal space to the right of the sternum V2 Fourth intercostal space to the left of the sternum V3 Midway between V2 and V4 V4 Fifth intercostal space in the clavicle line V5 Front armpit line at the same level as V4 V6 Middle side line at the same level as V4 and V5

[000213] Similarly, leads may be placed at different positions on the shirt to measure RL, RA, LL and LA leads (limb leads) corresponding to:

Surgical Lead Positions electrode arrangement RL Anywhere on the ankles and below the torso RA Any place between shoulder and elbow LL Anywhere on the ankles and below the torso LA Any place between shoulder and elbow

[000214] Figures 3a-3b illustrate limb leads for legs positioned at the bottom of a torso garment that may be used even if no separate pants are worn. The limb leads in the garments shown in Figures 3a-3b and 4a-4b do not include overlapping electrodes, but they may also include.

[000215] In any of the ECG-sensing garments, as shown by the shaded regions of FIGS. 3A and 4A, the electrodes are moved by the structure of the garment including the additional harness region 2144 (e.g., the yoke region) ) Can be maintained for the body to measure consistency / constant. This harness can be formed as a site that supports the ECG chest electrodes, which is relatively more supportive of maintaining chest electrodes against the body during breathing and other body movements (e.g., applying pressure / force box). For example, along the sternal line, then on the left and right sides of the knife-shaped line, then split on the back, then converge on the spinal cord, then up the neck, The harness area may be formed with an elastic corset (e.g., width: 2 cm on the sternum, 4 cm on the knife-shaped line) that is divided into sides and eventually converges on the sternal line. The material of the corset should be very large.

[000216] The electrodes, and / or the area around the (e.g., chest) electrodes, may include a silicon surface to help hold the electrode (s) against the chest, and may also prevent the electrodes from slipping. For example, silicon may be located on the inner surface of the shirt corresponding to the harness / corset position along the horizontal lines on both sides, up to 5 cm below the mid-underline lines. This silicon can help to ensure that the ink electrodes are fixed at the selected position and do not move with the patient's movement.

[000217] As mentioned, it is particularly beneficial for the electrodes to include adjacent overlapping electrodes. All of the electrodes (including overlapping electrodes) may be connected to the SMS and / or control module to detect ECG signals, and the SMS and / or control module may determine which of the redundant signals is to be used , E.g., using redundant signals to improve the overall signal quality by selective filtering, averaging, etc.). In some variations, the non-selective redundancy signal may be ignored; In other variations, the device may be configured to store it for later analysis. Pairs (or two or more) of both of the electrodes may have signals that can be stored, transmitted and / or processed; Decisions as to which of the redundant electrodes to use to generate the ECG may be made later.

Sleep Monitoring Apparel

[000218] Also described are garments configured to be worn to monitor the subject's sleep. Sleep monitoring can generally be used to measure sleep motions, breathing during sleep, body temperature (both core and partial), and eye movements. Such indicators may be used to determine sleep stages, quality of sleep, sleep time, and the like. Any of the garments described herein may be adapted to determine sleep indexes, and thus may be worn during sleep. Thus, these garments can be comfortable and adapted for use by sleeping persons.

[000219] For example, in Figure 7A, the EEG (scalp electrodes on the inner surface of the hood), the face / eye EMG (to detect eye movement), the nose thermistor (to detect breathing), and the lower EMG The front of the garment comprising the head cap / hood 2205 with the sensors 2209 arranged to determine is shown. The hood may be incorporated into the shirt 2207, or it may be separately attached to the shirt. In any of the garments, the various components (e.g., shirt, hood, gloves, pants, etc.) may be optional; Individual garments or groups of garments may be used. The shirt may be similar or identical to the breathing and / or ECG sensing apparels described above. 7A and 7B, the torso portion includes EGC electrodes 2227 (but not all V1-V6 lead electrodes), as well as local respiratory sensors 2225 (stretchable conductive traces) for the anterior and lateral regions of the body Not included). The garment may also include trousers, including EMG sensors 2219 for detecting limb movements 2229 (for ECG detection) and / or leg movement / trough position. Whole or partial gloves 2231 may also be included and may measure oxygen 2217 (e.g., pulse oxygen) of blood from the limbs (e.g., fingers).

[000220] Figures 7A-7C illustrate one variation of a garment that may be formed as described herein and which may include a plurality of sensors for determining sleep parameters. For example, in Figure 7A, the EEG (scalp electrodes on the inner surface of the hood), the face / eye EMG (to detect eye movement), the nose thermistor (to detect breathing), and the lower EMG The front of the garment comprising the head cap / hood 2205 with the sensors 2209 arranged to determine is shown. The hood may be incorporated into the shirt 2207, or it may be separately attached to the shirt. In any of the garments, the various components (e.g., shirt, hood, gloves, pants, etc.) may be optional; Individual garments or groups of garments may be used. The shirt may be similar or identical to the breathing and / or ECG sensing apparels described above. 7A and 7B, the torso portion includes EGC electrodes 2227 (but not all V1-V6 lead electrodes), as well as local respiratory sensors 2225 (stretchable conductive traces) for the anterior and lateral regions of the body (Not included). The garment may also include trousers, including EMG sensors 2219 for detecting limb movements 2229 (for ECG detection) and / or leg movement / trough position. Whole or partial gloves 2231 may also be included and may measure oxygen 2217 (e.g., pulse oxygen) of blood from the limbs (e.g., fingers). Additional embodiments of garments that can be used for sleep monitoring are illustrated in Figures 13a-21b.

[000221] The SMS and / or sensor module may be adapted to process and / or analyze sensor inputs and to provide a report on the sleep state (or over time) to the individual wearing the garment.

[000222] In general, these devices may be useful for sleep wraps or home sleep wraps. They may be used, for example, in a simplified manner, i.e., the front and side portions of the shirt; You can record all the signals normally involved in sleep polygraph analysis, including breathing only on the chest and abdomen, and four quadrants may need to know when you have paradoxical movements. While it is helpful for you to have both top and bottom, it can also be helpful to have a right / left side as well. The use of ECG at the top of the torso having a simplified (e.g., two electrodes and wrists and legs) configuration is also helpful. The sensors of the garment may again include redundancy as discussed above to have the best and most reliable ECG. In particular, heartbeats are used that may not require a full ECG. EMG records (electromyogram electrodes) may be formed of stretchable conductive inks and may be located at different positions. For example, on the lower jaw, the lower (muscles) may be helpful for use in sleep polygons MG. In addition, eye EMG may be helpful in detecting RAM and other sleep stages. As mentioned, a thermistor (temperature sensor at the level of the nose) can be used to detect airflow through the nose, similar to that done for sleep wraps. IMUs (inertial measurement units) can be used on the arms and legs to detect limb movement. In addition, IMU 2235 can be located on the back of the garment, which is useful for detecting the patient's position (rolling over, supine, supine, lateral, etc.) and can detect anxiety.

Clothing support structures and accessories

[000223] Any of the garments described herein may include additional support structures to help protect the body (s) of the sensor (s). These support structures may be expandable and may improve contact between the physiological monitoring garments disclosed herein and the wearer ' s skin. For example, chest anatomy can prevent a sensor on a physiological monitoring garment from making good electrical contact with a patient's chest, as described herein. A support garment, which may be referred to generally as a harness, may be worn over the physiological monitoring garment to provide a pressure to improve electrical contact between the electrodes on the garment and the wearer's chest. These harnesses (support garments) may be particularly useful for male wearers with large thoracic muscles and female wearers with large breasts. The support garment may include a strap or tie and may be sized to hold (and apply force to maintain) a portion of the physiological monitoring garment (e.g., sensors / electrodes) have. Also described are structures that are integrated with these devices to exert a force to hold the sensor (s) on the tightly pressed garment against the subject. Such integrated devices may be referred to as integrated support structures. In some embodiments, the support structure is a self-expandable structure. In particular, the integrated support structures may be expandable elements, including the inflatable elements. Examples of parts of the supporting garments and supporting garments are shown in Figs. 14-18.

[000224] The support garment (e.g., harness) may be separate from the compression garments described herein, or they may be fully or partially incorporated into the garment. The support garment and / or the integrated support structure (expandable support structure) can be sized and shaped to fit the anatomy of the user. For example, the support garment and / or support structure may be designed to conform to a wearer ' s bust anatomy. The support garment can be sized and shaped based on the wearer's gender. In the case of a support harness of a female wearer, the support harness may be designed to hold the support structure between the breast of the patient. Examples of combinations of support harnesses and support structures that can be used in the support garment are illustrated in Figs. 14A-14D and Figs. 15A-15C. For men's wear wearers, a support strap may be used instead of a harness. Examples of male support straps and support structures are illustrated in Figs. 16A-16C and Figs. 17A-17C.

[000225] Figs. 14A-14B illustrate the support garment 1405 from Figs. 14C-14D, which is worn over the physiological monitoring garments 1401 illustrated in Figs. 13A-13B. Additional support structures (in this example, integrated into monitoring garment 1401 or support harness 1405) may also be used. In this example, the support garment is configured as a harness or sports bra configuration in order to securely hold the second support structure 1403 against the wearer's chest and sternum. Figures 15A-15B illustrate expandable (e.g., inflatable, including inflatable) support structures that can be used with women wearers. The support structures are shown in an unexpanded configuration and an inflated configuration, in front and side views, in Figs. 15A-15B. 15C illustrates the support structure of FIG. 15A engaged with a female chest. The illustrated support structures are inflatable and are shaped to engage the female chest to securely hold the sensors on the smart garment against the wearer's chest.

[000226] Figs. 18A-18B illustrate support garments from Figs. 16A-16B worn over the physiological monitoring garments illustrated in Figs. 13A-13B. 16A-16B illustrate a support strap 1601 having an adjustable backing material that can be made from a front optional hard material, and a material that can be stretched and that can include velcro. 17A-17B illustrate support structures that may be used for female wearers. The expandable support structures are shown in Figures 17a-17b, front and side views, in an unexpanded configuration and in an inflated configuration. 17C illustrates the support structure of Fig. 17A engaged with a male chest.

[000227] The support structures shown in Figures 17A-17B and 15A-15B provide an introvert force to squeeze the sensors on the physiological monitoring garment against the chest of the body to improve electrical contact between the sensors and the chest do. In some embodiments, the support structure may be expandable (including, but not limited to, inflatable) to provide the desired structure to contact the monitoring garment. In some embodiments, the support structure may be self-expanding. A self-expansible material is used in the support structure, so that the support structure can expand automatically when activated. In some cases, the self-expansible material can be made through the foam material in the support structure and / or through a chemical reaction. In some cases, the chemical reaction may produce a gas or other material that can expand the support structure to be con- structed to the patient's chest anatomy. In some variations, the support structure is a pressable material or local pad that can be held in place by the press garment and / or support harness.

[000228] In some embodiments, the pressure exerted by the support structure may be selected by the user.

[000229] In some embodiments, the support garment and support structure may include sensors and control systems for providing a desired pressure level to the physiological monitoring garment.

[000230] The support garment such as a harness, strap, bra, etc., can be secured to the Velcro, the adjustable straps, or the like so that the wearer can tighten the harness so that the harness can provide the desired fit and support for improving electrical contact of the chest sensors / , And other adjustability parameters.

[000231]  In some embodiments, the support garment and support structure may be in electronic communication with a physiological monitoring garment and / or an external computing device.

[000232] The supporting garment may be used with any of the physiological monitoring garments disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the support garment is used with a crimp skirt and pants having the wiring illustrated in Figs. 20-21.

[000233] Referring now to Figures 18c-18e, the crimping garment 1801 described above (for detecting an ECG, e.g., as shown in Figures 2a- Figure 2b, Figure 3a- Figure 3b and Figures 4a- May be worn directly against the patient ' s skin. ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 > A support structure (e.g., a pad, expandable support member) 1805 may be used with the compression garment of the sensing device 1801. The support structure may be locatched above the mid-stern muscle region to apply pressure to maintain the electrodes integrated at the inner surface of the garment in proper positions against the skin. The support structure may be expandable (e.g., inflatable) to permit comfortable and effective use with various user body forms. In some variations, an additional support garment 1811 may be used to help secure the electrodes (and support structures 1805 in some deformations) against the skin. The support garment 1811 of the present example shown in Figures 18d (front) and 18e (back) has a pair of straps fitted over the shoulders and a central portion that can be pushed against the electrodes of the sensing device It is a harness. The support garment may include relatively rigid portions 1815 connected by relatively resilient portions 1817. [ 18F (front view) and 18G (side view, expanded) show a larger view of the support structure 1805 with exemplary dimensions. The support structure may be attached to the outer or inner portion of the sensing garment so that the support structure does not interfere with measurements from the electrodes, but rather helps to force the electrodes against the subject's chest. In some variations, the support structure is incorporated into a harness (support garment) as shown in Figs. 18D-18E.

Apparel Wiring Arrangements

[000234] A variety of wiring arrangements can be used with the garments disclosed herein. Examples of wiring arrangements are illustrated in Figs. 19-21.

[000235] 19A and 19B illustrate a front view and a rear view of the pants. Figure 19c illustrates an exemplary connection between the garments disclosed herein, e.g., a skirt and pants. For example, pants and skirts may each include a connector having six or more pawls. One connector may have a male configuration, and the other connector may include a female connector. The male connector and the female connector are arranged to mesh with each other. The pants exemplified in Fig. 19B include a male connector, and the skirt illustrated in Fig. 13B includes a female connector. In some embodiments, male / female connectors may be reversed.

[000236] Figure 20 illustrates a wiring diagram for pants according to some embodiments. The pants include a sensor for measuring a wearer's heartbeat reading on the left leg and a sensor for measuring a wearer's heartbeat reading on the right leg. The illustrated pants include wires from the sensors along the trouser legs to the male connector.

[000237] Figure 21A illustrates a wiring diagram in front of a garment according to some embodiments. Figure 21B illustrates a wiring diagram for the back of a garment according to some embodiments. The ECG wsx shown is a sensor for heartbeat reading of the left wrist. The ECG wrx shown is a sensor for heartbeat reading of the right wrist. The ECG asx shown is a sensor for heartbeat reading of the left arm. The ECG asx shown is a sensor for heartbeat reading of the right arm. The illustrated TP fsxi is the inner touch point of the front position. The illustrated TP fsxe is the touch point to the left outside of the front position. The TP fdxi shown is the inner right touch point of the front position. The illustrated TP fdxe is the touch point to the right of the front position. The Microconn6p shown has six pole WP excitation connectors for compression pant CP connection. The ECG ndx1 shown is a sensor for heartbeat reading in right column n.1. The ECG ndx2 shown is a sensor for reading the heartbeat in the right column n.2. The ECG nsx1 shown is a sensor for reading the heartbeat of the left neck n.1. The ECG nsx2 shown is a sensor for heartbeat reading in the left column n.2. The E1s shown are sensors for heartbeat reading of the upper chest n.1. The E1i shown is a sensor for reading the heartbeat of the lower chest n.1. The E2s shown are sensors for heartbeat reading of the upper chest n.2. The E2i shown is a sensor for heartbeat reading of the lower chest n.2. The E3s shown are sensors for heartbeat reading in the upper chest n.3. The E3i shown is a sensor for heartbeat reading of the lower chest n.3. The E4s shown are sensors for heartbeat reading of the upper chest n.4. The E4i shown is a sensor for heartbeat reading of the lower chest n.4. The E5s shown are sensors for reading the heartbeat of the upper chest n.5. The E5i shown is a sensor for heartbeat reading of the lower chest n.5. The E6s shown are sensors for reading the heartbeat of the upper chest n.6. The E6i shown is a sensor for heartbeat reading of the lower chest n.6.

Wearable system for detecting emotion

[000238] Apparel configured to determine the wearer ' s emotional state is also described. Self - reported emotional states tend to be inaccurate, subjective, and thus limited in use. Apparel that may include sensors that detect multiple parameters (both voluntary and involuntary parameters) may be used to determine the subject's objective emotional state.

[000239] The garment may be provided with a collar (not shown) that includes a plurality of sensors (any of which may be included or omitted) as described below and may be included as part of the garment, to detect parameters indicative of the wearer & (As illustrated in Figs. 8A-8B, which illustrate Figs. Sensors may be used to detect (e.g., detect) camera (s) for visual detection, including environmental sensors (detecting ambient temperature, humidity, etc.), light levels / intensity, audio detectors ). The color may also include any of the other sensors (motion sensors, position sensors, acceleration sensors, etc.) mentioned herein and included by reference. In addition, the color may include one or more outputs (haptic outputs) to provide the wearer with an output that includes feedback. The haptic outputs may include olfactory (fragrance divergent) outputs, tactile outputs (vibration, twist, etc.), and the like. The colors described and illustrated in Figures 8A-8B may be configured as ECR (emotion communication receiver).

[000240] Any of the apparel for detecting / monitoring emotions may include an ECR. The ECR can be placed around the neck. In Figures 8a-8b, the ECR is shown as a left and right vermis, which extends to the left and right sides of the front side of the neck, without previous reconnection in order to allow for " sliding & It is a collar that stretches over the field and extends from the back. The receptors in the ECR (color) may house the communication / analysis module (sensor module) and may include sensors (such as female and male connectors) as well as sensors, haptic activators and pressure, Tension & relaxation inputs, olfactory-inputs, and the like. The front side of the active agent also houses environmental sensors as well as odor and taste inducing activators to determine the quality of the environment.

[000241] The ECR can convey received communications of physiological measurements to physically implemented messages. By way of example, a friend can send her emotional state as a measure by her device to the user (wearer) of the device: the user's ECR can convey the communication to a sensory message, such as a salute, by applying pressure to his shoulders have. The user exchanges sensory messages such as saluting, hugging, pushing, caressing, encouraging, relaxing, touching the shoulder, and i) ignoring; ii) accept (with their own messages) and salute again; and iii) rejection (electrical discharge). Users can receive messages between a) pressure (width), b) pressure (narrow-hole), c) pressure-message (morse-shaped), d) vibration, e) temperature change, Or the like. Users can also choose to not accept messages and / or provide feedback to improve the accuracy of the emotion-interpretation language in order to preserve their privacy.

A system for detecting, interpreting, communicating, communicating, and recognizing emotions ("DITCRE")

[000242] For example, garments (including collar, shirts, etc.) described herein may be configured as DITCRE apparel. The schematics shown in Figures 9-10e illustrate how a DITCRE can be implemented in a garment comprising a collar as shown in Figures 8A-8B.

[000243] A garment adapted to detect, infer and / or determine (induce) an emotional state and to allow actions based on the induced emotional state can be used to control feedback, which is useful in training, contemplation, or learning tasks And it may also be useful in communicating with others. Thus, an induced emotion state that can be generally derived from an analysis of a plurality of sensors worn by a user over time can be used to provide an output. Since the interpretation of the emotional state is based on the use of other sensed aspects as well as the detected parameters, rather than exclusively self-reported, such communication may be generally more real and intimate. The wearer can choose when and / or what emotional state they wish to communicate with, in particular, with whom they wish to communicate. Any of the garments may include output or outputs (e.g., haptic outputs) detected by a wearer as described above. For example, haptic coding can be used to communicate without verbal / written communication. For example, haptic coding can be sent between wearers / wearers using a morse-type code. In general, haptic activators can be positioned at body sites / locations, where the sensitivity and emotional response are greatest to optimize the location of the haptic activators (whether empirically determined for a particular user or generally the population of users Lt; / RTI >

[000244] Thus, the garments described herein can add additional dimensions, especially when communicating, including communicating between wearers. For example, the body "language" can be interpreted by the sensor module and can color communications from the output or the garment from the garment. The garments may also be adapted to provide feedback, comments, which may have a therapeutic effect on the wearer, including identifying and treating depression and the like.

[000245] In use, these garments may also provide an interpretation of the emotional as well as expressive output of the subject. For example, clothing can help interpretations across cultures / languages. Non-overt communication (gestures, body language, etc.) may also be used to indicate that the device is to be received by another user or to be used and expressed as part of the output of the subject, Lt; / RTI >

[000246] As noted above, in Figures 8a-8b, the collar includes a left and a right palpebral fissure extending to the left and right sides of the front side of the neck without needing to be reconnected in advance to enable the " slip in & It stretches from the back stretching over the field and is placed around the neck. The receptors may be used in conjunction with Sensors Management System (SMS), female and / or male connectors, as well as: Sensors (e.g., EMG sensors on the left and right trapeze muscles as additional parameters for evaluating the user ' s feelings such as levels of stress or relaxation Olfactory sensors as additional parameters for evaluating the user's emotions, environmental sensors for determining the quality, toxicity, etc. of the surrounding environment); Haptic activators, and mechanisms for generating pressure, vibration, temperature-changes, and the like. These sensors can communicate the feelings of the user or other user, and can convey relaxation and tension inputs as 'messages', or relaxation treatments to the user.

[000247] In some variations, the garment may also include one or more olfactory activators (e.g., perfume and odor reproduction activator) disposed on the front left and front right of the ECR as additional means for communicating emotional states of the user or other users And tasting activators; (E.g., placed on the right or left front side of the ECR) that can be adapted to determine facial expressions as additional parameters to evaluate other people's feelings and / Camera. The color may also include speakers for sharing music and messages with people around them.

[000248] The ECR can be connected, activated and managed through previously described touch points (intentional touch points on the garment). The ECR may receive input from a sensor management system that includes estimates of user conditions that are interpreted as two or more emotion numbers or states (e.g., eight emotion states). The number and classification of such states may change in the future. Examples of emotional numbers may include acceptance, anger, expectation, disgust, joy, fear, sadness, and surprise. The emotion numbers may be communicated back to the user and / or third parties (as controlled by the user). Emotional numbers can help a user better understand their unique emotions and can help communicate their emotions to their friends in a common shared classification.

[000249] The ECR is generally used to measure physiological measurements (e.g., ECG, skin conductivity, EMG, respiration, etc.) and 'evaluations' (e.g., facial expressions, postures, gestures, exercise behaviors, voice tones, , Movements, actions, etc.) to appropriate feelings that are easy to understand. The EMG can also help communicate such emotions through voice, physically implemented messages, or visual displays. By way of example, a friend may send her emotional state as measured by her garment, and the user may send such a communication to a sensory message (e.g., greeting by pressure on her shoulders, A haptic describing her emotional state, a color describing her emotional state, or an audio or visual description of her emotional state). Users can exchange sensory messages, such as greeting, hug, push, caress, cheerleadin, relaxation, touching the shoulders, and have the option to respond. For example, the user can ignore, accept, greet (with their own messages) and / or decline (discharge electricity). The user is also able to: a) measure pressure (broad), b) pressure (narrow-puncture), c) You can choose how you want to receive messages between. The user can control the communication exchange and choose not to accept emotional messages to preserve his / her privacy. This communication aspect (including the use of haptics) is advantageous in that when communicating emotional content / context, other aspects that are not limited to auditory or visual (spoken / written) aspects such as touch are more effective ). ≪ / RTI > Thus, any of the described garments may translate user's physiological measurements into intuitive communication that includes communication of the user's emotional number. The user can select the format of the communication data (e.g., different types of touches, audio, graphs, figures, numbers, ...). For example, garments may allow a user to display physiological measurements (emotion numbers) of a user in the form of voices for other users, physically implemented messages, or visual displays (forearms, glasses, Display or touch screen). In addition, garments, and in particular garments with ECR, may allow the user to improve the accuracy of the emotion-interpretation language by allowing them to provide feedback on data evaluation, presentation, and communication .

[000250] The ECR system can also act as a self-improvement system (the most advanced systems such as voice-recognition) and the more users are expressing and communicating their feelings, the more emotional power, It will be accurate. Additionally, the user can activate the system through the touch points on the garment and interact with the system.

[000251] ECR can be used in a variety of contexts. For example, ECR can be used as a polygraph. Typically, polygraphs detect changes in body functions that are not consciously easily controlled and can include body reactions such as skin conductance and heart rate, and they also affect breathing rate, blood pressure, capillary swelling, and muscle Movement can be considered. These measurements may indicate a short-term stress response that may result from an importance to the subject or from a lie. The problems arise because they are also associated with mental endeavors and emotional states, and thus they can be influenced by, for example, fear, anger, and surprise. The EDR systems described herein that may be used for long term monitoring and training / conditioning of a user may be better at distinguishing such responses from artificial responses.

[000252] The ECR also includes safety assessments such as environmental safety, ie, air (levels of pollution, toxicity, etc.), water (no drinking, no swimming), soil testing; Inspection of locations, such as crime reports in the area, avalanches, floods, tree collapse, hazard detection in the surrounding area, such as poisonous areas; An indication of functions based on time of day, time of year, etc., such as recurring events such as parades, and the like. The ECR can also monitor user behavior and provide data / feedback on such behaviors (e.g., meals, drinking, substance abuse, etc.). Apparel with ECR may also assist in travel such as driving (driver behavior, driver's track record, surrounding traffic, road type, weather conditions), air travel, navigation, or other moving machinery / You can provide feedback about it.

[000253] Finally, garments with ECR or without ECR, safety operations: a) Emergency telephone: 911, physician, GPS tracking, monitoring / tracking of family members, coaching; b) providing relevant information; The type of risk, the location, the physiological data of the user, the medical and related data of the user, the user's emotional data, the health insurance, the financial profile, and so on. Apparel (with or without ECR) may also be more interactive and may offer suggestions for health, including activity levels, meals, etc., or suggestions for emotional health.

[000254] As described in Figures 10A-10E, the ECR may be configured to include physiological information (measured through sensors), gestures (e.g., IMUs and accelerometers on the wrist), posture (e.g., module, (E.g., IMUs on the lower vertebrae), exercise behaviors (e.g., IMUs on each ankle and each wrist), voice evaluation (e.g., voice recordings), facial expressions (e.g., ears, forehead, (E.g., temperature sensors, pollution sensors, etc.), smells or odors (e.g., chemical sensors), EMG, and / or EEG sensors, and / ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 > and / or < / RTI >

[000255] For example, FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a pair of users, each of whom may interact with a suit adapted for detection, interpretation, conversion, communication, and recognition of emotions. Each of these areas (labeled as AD) includes one or more of the following: Figure 10a (detectors including sensing devices), Figure 10b (interpretation of sensor data to determine emotion numbers), Figure 10c Communications and actuators that include output of information from a number of other individuals), and Fig. 10d (feedback).

[000256] Such devices include those who are interested in monitoring their well-being during their daily routine activities (walking, eating, working, sitting in front of their computers ...), and also training and / You can find general groups and uses that include athletes who want to monitor their fitness levels during the sport. Participants (users) may be required to register, fill in a list similar to that populated by professional athletes, or in hospitals; The more participants respond to more questions, the more accurate their assessment will be.

[000257] Figure 10e illustrates one method by which the appraisal value for a particular user may be determined based on the inputs of various sensors and may also include specific feedback for a particular user. In addition, Figures 11 and 12 graphically illustrate from the subject how the ECR can operate to determine their overall appraisal value or the overall estimate of "well-being " (Figure 11). Similarly, the sensors may be used to provide an indicator of global fitness to the user (FIG. 12). These charts can provide an evaluation that can be represented graphically as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, thus providing a fitness level of athletes or a snapshot of a person's well-being. The evaluation may be based on a number of parameters (e.g., the number may vary, such as 8-20 or more, depending on the number of sensors of a given device). Each graph includes: (1) a value that synthesizes a user's well-being or fitness level based on a coordinated synthesis of all parameters; (2) may provide a value that combines the well-being of the fitness level of the entire population (given in absolute numbers and numerical percentages) so that users will immediately know whether they are above average or below average will be. This value increases with the number of users; (3) The value can be adjusted for human specific needs. For example, an equilibrium state of a person aged 70 years may be given a higher degree of relevance to a person aged 40 years, because 30% of people over 65 years of age are injured by falling due to a lack of equilibrium. Similarly, the strength of the self-identified weighted player may be given greater relevance to the tennis players, or the endurance may be given a higher relevance to the suprise triathletes than for the downhill skiers. Thus, the user can use this kind of graphical output to identify his and his population values for each of the parameters. The user can additionally review the details of each parameter. For example, an efficiency score compared with a population efficiency score; How efficiency is calculated; Biometrics included in the calculation; The accuracy of calculations taking into account available technical conditions; And medical accuracy.

[000258] Users who choose to improve a given parameter (say, equilibrium for age 70) may be given a list of exercises the user will be doing (rope skipping, climbing, etc.). Haptic feedback may be used to inform the user when the equilibrium state of the user is below or above average and / or to notify the user of the performance improvement versus session performance and best personal performance.

[000259] Many sensors and haptic actuators of the device are designed to allow the user to communicate (e.g., via audio, tactile, or visual messages) to other users while they are exercising to maximize their efficiency and improve their performance Can be adapted. For example: a) when the athlete does not warm up when starting to exercise; b) when the exercise is over, the temperature is too cold; c) when performing exercises, the posture or body position is not appropriate; d) the user is overburdening his / her muscles; e) Communicates if the athlete does not push enough during the training session.

Extensible conductive ink patterns

[000260] Any of the devices described herein may include an extendable conductive ink pattern. Generally, extensible conductive inks can have extensibility in the range of 5% to 200%, for example, extensible conductive inks can extend beyond twice the rest of its length (200%) without breakage. In some instances, the extensible conductive ink may extend over three times (300%), four times (400%), or five times (500%) or more of its neutral at the remaining length. The extensible conductive ink patterns are conductive and have a low resistivity. For example, the bulk resistivity may be between 0.2 and 20 ohms * cm (and the sheet resistivity may be between about 100 and 10,000 ohms per square). Although conductivity may remain within the ranges described above (e.g., 0.2 to 20 ohms * cm), conductivity may be dependent on elongation.

[000261] Structurally, any of the extensible conductive ink patterns described herein typically consist of a specific combination of an insulating adhesive and a conductive ink. Generally, an extensible conductive ink pattern comprises a first (or base) layer of insulating and elastic adhesive and a layer of conductive ink, wherein the conductive ink has a gradient portion or region between the layer of insulating elastic adhesive and the layer of conductive ink, (E.g., carbon black, graphene, graphite, silver metal powder, copper metal powder, or iron metal powder) of from 40% to about 60%. The gradient region is a combination of a conductive ink (e.g., conductive particles of a conductive ink) and an adhesive, wherein the concentration of the ink (e.g., conductive particles) can vary depending on the depth. Generally, the gradient region may be a mixture of a conductive ink (e.g., conductive particles) and an adhesive, and the concentration of the conductive ink in the gradient region may be lower than the concentration of the conductive ink in the conductive ink layer. The gradient region may be a continuous gradient of the conductive ink (particles), for example, it may be heterogeneous or it may be a step gradient.

[000262] Conventional conductive inks, such as those used for printed circuits and even flexible circuits, are not sufficiently stretchable to be used for garments, especially those that are not sufficiently stretchable to be used for crimping garments, When used, may break or form discontinuities. Surprisingly, the combination of the conductive ink, the gradient portion and the insulating adhesive provides a conductive and highly extensible / expandable conductive ink composition. The synthesis of conductive inks that can be used as described herein generally includes about 40-60% conductive particles, about 30-50% binder; About 3-7% of a solvent, and about 3-7% of a thickener. Moreover, it has been found that the use of intermediate "gradient" portions between the insulating adhesive and the conductive ink layer (s) is also important.

[000263] Conductive inks used and combined with an adhesive to form a conductive ink pattern typically have low toxicity and hypo-allergenicity (e.g., formaldehyde concentrations lower than 100 ppm) And has resistance to damage from washing, including preservation of electrical and elastic properties behind wash cycles.

[000264] Figure 39c illustrates one variation of a conductive ink pattern (conductive ink composition) having a high degree of extensibility or extensibility. In this example, a conductive ink pattern is applied on the substrate 1039 (the substrate 1039 may be a fabric comprising a crimp fabric that forms a crimp garment or a transfer substrate), a first of an electrically insulating elastomeric adhesive Layer < / RTI > The outer layer 1025 of the conductive ink is separated from the adhesive layer 1021 by the intermediate gradient portion 1023 which is a mixture of the conductive ink and the adhesive and the concentration of the conductive ink is higher than the concentration of the conductive ink in the region 1025 To a layer 1025 of elastic adhesive. This gradient region may be referred to as the intermediate layer and may have a heterogeneous mixture / distribution of adhesive and electrically conductive ink. An optional external insulator (e.g., insulating resin, not shown) may also be included over the conductive ink layer. The outer conductive ink may be formed of a plurality of layers of the conductive ink.

[000265] For example, Figures 39a and 39b show scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of a sample of a conductive ink pattern positioned between two aluminum supports. In Figure 39A, the lowermost layer 2805 is an adhesive and the layer adjacent to the lowermost layer 2805 and above the lowermost layer 2805 is a gradient portion 2803 and is adjacent to the gradient portion 2803 and has a gradient portion 2803 ) The above layer is the conductive ink 2801. In this example, an additional insulating layer (resin 2811) is placed on top of the conductive ink. In general, the conductive ink may be formed of a plurality of layers of the applied conductive ink. 39A, the conductive ink layer was formed by sequential application of five layers; These layers are not visible in the microscope photographs.

[000266] In Figure 39b, electron micrographs were used to quantify the thickness of the layer. In this example, the conductive ink layer 2801 has a thickness of about 50 占 퐉, the gradient zone 2803 has a thickness between about 40-80 占 퐉, and the glue 2805 has a thickness of about 150 占 퐉 .

[000267] The gradient region may function not only to enhance the stretchability of the conductive ink, but also to enhance the stability of the conductivity. As the high level of mechanical stretching (due to the adhesive) is enhanced by the lower layers, electrical conductivity by the upper portion is allowed. The incomplete mixing of the conductive ink and adhesive found in the gradient region appears to result in a composition and structure that can be repeatedly stretched and released while maintaining conductivity. Note that the resistivity of the composite can vary with the stretch (generally, it increases the resistivity with stretch) and this property can be used to detect stretch.

[000268] Generally, the gradient sites can be formed before one of them is completely dried by combining the conductive ink and the adhesive, allowing them to bond to form a transition zone having an appropriate thickness. The composition of the ink (such as between about 40-60% conductive particles, between about 30-50% binder, between about 3-7% solvent and between about 3-7% thickener) The formation parameters of the site can be determined. 40A to 40D show an example of the composition distribution of an example of the extendable conductive ink pattern (composition). In Figure 40a, as is expected for organic materials, carbon is shown, which is ubiquitous throughout the layers. In Fig. 40C, the distribution of silicon is concentrated on the surfaces of the substrate (the plastic substrate on which the conductive ink pattern is formed), and diffuses into the conductive ink pattern. Similar to FIG. 40D, oxygen is diffused everywhere. Conversely, as shown in Figure 40B, sulfur is concentrated in the ink, not the adhesive. Thus, the gradient of sulfur indicates a gradual transition from the ink to the adhesive within a morphologically similar area to the adhesive. This region is a gradient zone or region where non-homogenous mixing occurs.

[000269] 39A and 39B and Figs. 40A to 40C, the extendable conductive ink pattern is formed on a substrate of a polyester paper on which ink and an adhesive are printed (along with the outer insulating resin). This pattern can then be applied to the garment so that the substrate (paper) can peel off where the pattern is attached to the garment and the ink remains. The adhesive is very elastic and allows stretching. The conductive ink can be stretched to some extent, alone, but is not nearly as stretchable as the adhesive, possibly due to the hard metallic particles. (Where the adhesive and the conductive ink overlap) is important. Complete mixing in such a zone is highly likely to homogenize the site and reduce conductivity (because the adhesive is insulating); Partial mixing can preserve elasticity while preserving conductivity.

[000270] The outer protective layer that insulates the conductive ink may be included, for example, when forming conductive traces or when patterning the sensor or electrode, although this outer protective layer may be left as shrinkage sites of the electrode, for example . The resin ("primer") may be one or more layers of insulating materials that are not linked or mixed with the conductive ink. For example, the resin material can be insulated and can also help protect against scratches and the like, as well as from detergents and fluids (water) used for washing. In some variations, the resin is an acrylate (e.g., an acrylic resin). Aldehyde or acrylic (synthetic resin) may also be used. Any components (e.g., conductive ink, adhesive, and resin) are applied by printing. For example, FIG. 41 illustrates an example of a method used to print an extendible conductive ink pattern on a substrate. In Figure 41, a first mask ("screen") 3001 is used below the screen 3001 (not shown) to form a pattern of adhesive (electrically insulating glue) to be applied to the substrate. For example, when applied directly to a fabric, the adhesive may be applied to the screen process by pulling the "wet" adhesive 3005 across the screen to form the pattern shown. Many applications of adhesives can be applied, or the thickness can be adjusted differently (e.g., by application force, viscosity and / or screen opening size). The second screen (or the same screen) can then be used to electrically apply the pattern of the conductive ink. Many applications of conductive inks can be applied to achieve a desired thickness (typically less than the thickness of the adhesive). The second screen may have apertures that are slightly smaller than the pattern used for the adhesive, or the apertures may be of the same size (or more in some variations). The adhesive and conductive ink may be co-extensive. When applied to a transfer substrate, the order can be reversed so that the conductive ink can be applied to the substrate before the adhesive. As mentioned, an insulating resin (e.g., a protective layer) can be applied adjacent to the conductive ink layer.

[000271] In some variations of the conductive ink structures described herein (e.g., by printing directly on the fabric or by transfer, e.g., traces formed with conductive ink, sensors, etc.), the conductive ink comprises conductive particles, Black, coated mica (e.g., mica coated with antimony doped tin dioxide), graphene, graphite, and the like. The material may also include a base / binding material that serves to permanently bind the fabric, which are solid components contained in the ink. This binding material (binder) may be an acrylic water base, such as an aqueous-based polyurethane. The conductive ink material may also include primers that increase adhesion and compatibility between the various products being applied and may increase resistance to the cleaning process. The conductive ink may include an adhesive (e.g., glue such as acrylic, polyamide, etc.) that ensures the transfer of the conductive product to the fabric. Any of these conductive inks may also include a blowing agent to remove air and air bubbles contained in the product, and a catalyst to allow complete crosslinking of the binder. Additional additives may be included to increase the printability and stability of the product. Thickening agents which increase the viscosity of the liquid components contained in the product may also be included. As illustrated above, the resulting transfer of the ink material can be obtained by a silk screen printing process. For example, the silk screening process may include a serigraphy frame type (up to 120 wires in 24 wires), and the transfer may include films, such as paper, cardboard, polyester, acetate, Lt; / RTI > The number of screened / applied layers may range from 1 to 50 or more. The order of the applied layers can be sequential (and reversed when the material is transferred). For example, the primer can be applied as the last layer next, and the glue is the last layer to be formed. The conductive ink may be dried, for example, by an IR oven, a hot air blower or a cold air blower. As noted above, such ink materials (including adhesive bases) may be applied to the surface of the substrate, such as cotton, wool, nylon, polyester, polyamide, lycra, leather (natural or synthetic), plastic films, And may be applied to any suitable material including.

[000272] The ink may be applied to the garment using a thermo press machine, for example, by applying an application pressure from 2 bar to 90 bar at an application temperature of 100 ° C to 250 ° C for an application time of 5 seconds to 50 seconds As shown in FIG. Final polymerization can be performed by an IR oven (e.g., using a conveyor belt speed of 5 m / sec at 0.1 m / sec) at a temperature of from 50 ° C to 180 ° C.

[000273] As discussed above, the conductive ink patterns described herein may be applied to various types of devices such as traces (e.g., connecting various elements on a garment), sensors (e.g., touchpoint sensors, stretch / breath sensors) And may be any suitable pattern including electrodes (EEG sensors, ECG sensors, EMG sensors, etc.). When used as a connector, may be combined with additional conductive connector elements, including but not limited to conductive threads, stitched jig-jag connectors, conductive traces formed on a substrate such as Kapton, and the like. These combinations of conductive ink patterns and additional highly conductive materials may be particularly useful over longer lengths. In some variations, the extensible conductive ink material may be used as a trace or connector to portions where the clothing is stretched extensively.

[000274] For example, Figures 42A through 42C illustrate an electrode formed with an extensible conductive ink pattern (with an adhesive, a gradient area, and conductive ink), a garment that can be used to connect a sensor or trace to a power and / Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > stitches < / RTI >

[000275] 1a-af, 2a-2b, 3a-3b, etc., the traces connecting the touch points and touch points to the sensor module (sensor manager) comprise a layer of adhesive, a middle gradient region and a layer of conductive ink An extensible conductive ink composite; The trace portion may be insulated, for example, using a protective resin. The electrode forming the touch point portion can be relatively large while the connection trace is smaller. Traces need only extend a short distance. Touch point sensors are also somewhat insensitive to the stretch of the garment / trace that can change the resistance of the trace because the signal from the sensor is a binary signal - e.g., touch or no-touch. Similarly, extensible conductive ink traces (composites formed from traces) can be used to connect to EKG electrodes. Typically, a conductive ink pattern used as a trace can extend up to 30 cm or less (e.g., 25 cm or less, etc.), but longer traces can be used. Thus, for example, a conductive trace formed of an extensible conductive ink pattern can be as long as 25 cm or longer, and the width can be from 2 mm to a maximum of 10 mm (on average about 0.6 to 0.5 mm). The length can be extended by increasing the thickness of the conductive ink pattern while remaining within the target conductivity / resistivity. In some variations, it may be desirable to keep the length short. The breath sensors may be substantially longer, but may be, for example, up to 22 mm wide.

[000276] In some variations, it may be useful to use conductive threads or other high-conductive connectors such as those shown in Figures 42A-42C. As described above, this can be used to form a stitch jig-jag connector (also referred to herein as a wire ribbon material). In this example, the conductive thread is stitched on the garment in a wavy (e.g., jig-zag, s-shaped, etc.) allowing slight stretching in the forward direction of stitching. As described above, breathing (sensors) traces can be formed of stretchable conductive ink patterns to take advantage of the change in conductivity, with a change in resistivity due to elongation of the conductive ink pattern. In this example, the sewing pattern of threads includes a roughly 35-40 degree jig-zag pattern in which the stitches are allowed to lengthen slightly with the fibers. In some examples, the conductive thread is a metallic conductive thread. The angle formed at each turning point (in the wavy pattern) and the width of the pattern may depend on the fabric used. Generally, the more elongate the fabric is, the smaller the angle. The number of threads may vary; In general, any number of threads may be used, for example, depending on the number of pins of the sensors and sensors to be connected. The threads are typically sewn directly to the garment. The electrical insulation of the thread may be obtained by an outer coating (e.g., silicone, polyester, cotton, etc.) on the thread and / or by a layer of insulating adhesive, as described above. Thread connectors can also be used as part of the transfer, as described above. For example, the conductive thread can be stitched on a band made of the same fiber of the garment and then transferred to the garment by a thermal process, for example using a layer of glue.

[000277] One or more conductive threads can be directly applied to or transferred to a fiber (e.g., a compression garment) (e.g., a patch or other material of a fiber, which is then attached to the garment). The conductive threads may be insulated (e. G., Enameled) prior to bending. In some variations, the conductive threads can be grouped before being stapled onto fibers or other substrates. For example, a plurality of (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.) threads may be insulated and winded together, and then stitched into a substrate such as a compressed fiber. For example, in one variant, the device includes an IMU and a garment with two EMGs, with inputs that are fed into a network (e.g., a microchip) on the device, including a sensor module / manager. The components can be operated on the same electrical 'line' and the lines are a plurality of electrically challenging threads coupled together for stitching through the substrate. In one example, the two microchips can be operated by the same 'line' made up of four wires, and each wire is electrically isolated from each other. When stitching the material, the stitches can be formed of two sets of wires; As understood from the mechanical sewing devices, one is at the top of the substrate and one is at the bottom of the substrate; In some variations, a stitch formed of a conductive thread may include a top conductive thread (or a group of conductive threads) and a bottom conductive thread (or a group of conductive threads), wherein the top conductive thread And the bottom conductive thread (s) are primarily on the bottom surface (but one or both can pass through the substrate to engage the other).

[000278] For example, the conductive thread may be made of very fine (e.g., brass) wires made of four times twisted and enamelled wires (thus electrically isolated from each other) - wires covered by a (silicone or water based) binding solution or protected by a jacket , 0.7 millimeter gauge / thickness) 'wire' - which has a total diameter of about 0.9 millimeters. The conductive wire may be directly stapled onto the fiber or substrate in a pattern having a wave (e.g., a jig-jag) pattern, e.g., a 45-90 degree angle between the legs of the jig. In some instances, the pattern is formed on a substrate of material (e.g., fibers) and attached to the garment. For example, the substrate may be a self-adhesive strip of fibers from 1 cm to 3 cm.

Sensor Managers / Modules

[000279] Any device of the devices (e.g., apparel) described herein may be configured to include sensors (including electrodes, etc.) on the apparel, schematically shown in Figure 43A, in some variations in a smartphone or other mobile device And a sensor manager (SM or SMS) that connects to the processor. The sensor manager may be a printed circuit board (PCB) that is part of a sensorized compression garment (e.g., a shirt) and may be located beneath the neck, as exemplified in Figures 1B, 2B, 3B, (As shown in FIG. 43B) located in a hard case. It is primarily responsible for collecting and completing data from sensors located throughout the shirt.

[000280] As shown in Figure 43A, the PCB forming the sensor module 3201 includes different elements arranged on the PCB, such as a microcontroller 3203 (e.g., a CY8C5 microcontroller (68 pin)) and a phone module 3205 (Metallized drill), tightings 3211 (exposed solderable metal area), and sensors 3207, 3209 (connections with threads).

[000281] For example, electrical signals from the sensors can be carried by conductive threads that are stuck on shirt fibers or sewn on a tape (e.g., patch) made of the same material. All of these threads can arrive at the SM PCB and can be connected to the SM PCB using connectors, or metallized drills around the barred / brazed periphery. In contrast to the SMS illustrated herein, the SM architecture in which the sensors are directly connected to the phone module will involve a relatively large number of pins 3205 (e.g., one for each trace / thread coming from the sensors). This may limit the number and type of sensors and may impair system stability. The architecture described herein uses different types of connections (e. G., 3207, 3209) that can be located on the SM PCB to direct the traces (e. G., Threads) Allow connection. This way, all of the sensors signals can be collected (and summed) by the microcontroller, which then uses only two pins 3205 to maintain digital UART communication, Processor (e.g., smartphone) module. This solution does not limit the type of the number of sensors.

[000282] As shown in FIG. 43A, this schematic diagram illustrates a female connector for a mobile processor (e.g., a smartphone) that may be used. In this example, the Sensor Management System (SMS) may be located in the garment rather than on the module / phone. Thus, even if the number of sensors varies between garments or between accessories, the number of pins remains constant. For example, the number of fins may remain constant (e.g., 10-15) by adapting a particular SMS to operate generally in different mobile processors (pawns).

Experimental data

[000283] A garment configured to monitor physiological parameters including 12-lead ECG detection and breathing is made as described above. The body of the garment is a squeeze fabric (formed from a squeeze fabric material), with 10 ECG electrodes (6 in the chest, one in each arm, and one in each leg) . Additionally included are breathing sensors in which the conductive particles are formed from a filled elastic material and are located near the diaphragm when worn. The garment is worn by the subject, who also wears a mask to measure respiration through the mouth and nose plugs, as well as standard electrodes for measuring 12 lead ECG during activity (stress) testing. The patient also wears a support device (inflatable) in the center of the chest and a support garment (harness) on the shirt to help keep the electrodes in place for the skin, even during physical activity.

[000284] The patient is asked to pedal the resistive cycle and the measurements are made using standard 12-lead ECG and plethysmography and compared to simultaneous readings made using a garment with integrated sensors as described above. Despite the potential interference between the standard leads of the (standard) ECG machine worn under the garment, the physiological monitoring garment described herein performs equally or better than the other standard (control) devices.

[000285] For example, Figure 48A (on the left) shows ECG results for six leads of a standard 12-lead ECG (I, II, III, aVR, aVL, aVF) Six leads are recorded using a garment as described. There is a good correspondence between the control (reference) device and the garment.

[000286] Respiration is also measured from the garment using a breathing sensor, as shown in Figure 47A. The garment detects notable changes in breathing patterns between the baseline, the workload (stepping on the increased resistance) and restoration from the two parts measured from the garment (in the abdomen and chest). A comparison is made between the standard hemogram and the garment, which is shown in Figure 47b. Both techniques measure breaths per minute, approximately equivalent during each of the epochs examined.

[000287] In the present context, where a feature or element is referred to as being "on" another feature or element, the feature or element may be directly on top of other features or elements, or intervening features and / or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being "on top of" another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements. In addition, where a feature or element is referred to as being "connected", "attached", or "coupled" to another feature or element, the feature or element may be directly connected, attached, or coupled to another feature or element Or intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being "directly connected", "directly attached", or "directly coupled" to another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements. Although described or shown with respect to an embodiment, features and elements so described or shown may be applied to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that references to structures or features that are "adjacent" to other features may have portions that overlap with adjacent features or that lie beneath adjacent features.

[000288] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. For example, as used herein, the singular forms are intended to also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the terms "include" and / or "including" specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, But do not preclude the presence or addition of other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and any of them, and may be abbreviated as "/. &Quot;

[000289] Spatially relative terms, such as "below "," lower ", "lower "," above ", "upper ", and the like refer to elements or elements (or elements) May be used herein for ease of description to illustrate the relationship to < RTI ID = 0.0 > It will be appreciated that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device being used or operating, in addition to the orientations shown in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, other elements or elements described as "under" or "below " Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both orientation above and below orientation. The device may be oriented differently (rotated 90 degrees or other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms "upward", "downward", "vertical", "horizontal", and the like are used herein for purposes of illustration only unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[000290] The terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various features / elements, but these features / elements should not be limited by these terms unless the context indicates otherwise . These terms may be used to distinguish one feature / element from another. Thus, without departing from the teachings of the present invention, the first feature / element discussed below may be referred to as a second feature / element, and similarly, the second feature / element discussed below may be referred to as a first feature / Element. ≪ / RTI >

[000291] As used herein, and unless explicitly stated to the contrary in the specification and the claims, including the instances as used in the examples, all numerical values refer to the words "about" or "roughly" It can be read as written. The phrase "about" or "roughly" can be used to describe the size and / or position to indicate that the described values and / or positions are within reasonable range and / or positions of the expected range. For example, a numerical value may be a value that is +/- 0.1% of a stated value (or a range of values), a value that is +/- 1% of a stated value (or a range of values) +/- 2% of the mentioned value, +/- 5% of the mentioned value (or range of values), +/- 10% of the mentioned value (or range of values) . Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein.

[000292] Although various exemplary embodiments are described above, any of a number of variations may be made to the various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth by the claims. For example, the order in which the various method steps described may be performed may often be changed in alternative embodiments, and in alternative embodiments, one or more method steps may be omitted entirely. The optional features of the various devices and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments and may not be included in other embodiments. Accordingly, the foregoing description is provided primarily for illustrative purposes and is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

[000293] The examples and illustrations contained herein are illustrative of specific embodiments in which the spirit may be practiced, and not as limitations. As mentioned, other embodiments may be utilized and derived, and structural and logical permutations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Such embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements that are, individually or collectively, for convenience only, without intending to limit the scope of the present application to any single inventive or inventive concept, Quot; invention "as used herein. Thus, while specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated that, for the particular embodiments shown, any arithmetic computed to achieve the same purpose may be substituted. The present disclosure is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of various embodiments and all adaptations or variations. Combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the above description.

Claims (67)

A garment adapted to monitor a wearer ' s regional respiration,
CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A garment body comprising a compression fabric, the body configured as a compression garment;
A plurality of breath sensors arranged on different parts of the body, each breath sensor comprising an elastic ribbon filled with conductive ink, an electrical connector at each end of the elastic ribbon, and a piece of compression fabric A cover to cover the opening; And
And a sensor module interface disposed on the body, wherein each respiration sensor is connected to the sensor module interface, and further wherein the module interface is configured to be coupled to a sensor manager unit for detecting changes in electrical resistance of breath sensors A garment adapted to monitor a wearer ' s site respiration. 2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of breathing sensors comprises more than six breathing sensors. 2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of breathing sensors are individually arranged in the front or back, upper or lower, right or left regions of the body. 2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is configured as a shirt, the garment adapted to monitor a wearer ' s site respiration. The respiratory sensor of claim 1, wherein the breath sensors are connected to the sensor module interface via a stitched zig-zag connector formed on an individual piece of a press fabric attached to the garment body, Apparel adapted to. 2. The garment of claim 1, wherein said breath sensors are enclosed by a cover of a crimping fabric and attached to a surface of said garment body, the garment being adapted to monitor a wearer's breathing. 2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the breath sensor is adapted to change resistance through the sensor as a subject breathe. 2. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a reference line to which breathing sensors of each of the plurality of breathing sensors are connected at the end of the breathing sensor. 2. The garment of claim 1, further comprising at least one ECG electrode on the inner surface of the garment body. 2. The garment of claim 1, further comprising an ECG electrode formed of an electrically conductive ink material on an inner surface of the garment body. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a pocket on the garment body configured to hold a sensor manager unit in association with the sensor module interface. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of breath sensors comprise a first plurality of breath sensors arranged in parallel on the left side of the garment and a second plurality of breath sensors arranged in parallel on the right side of the garment. Apparel adapted to monitor wearer's site breathing. The stitch zigzag connector of claim 1, further comprising a stitch zigzag connector formed on an individual piece of a compression fabric attached to the garment body, wherein the stitch zigzag connector comprises a plurality of insulated stitches in a sinusoidal or zigzag pattern, Wherein each breath sensor of each of the plurality of breath sensors is connected to an insulating wire of one of the plurality of insulating wires. 2. The garment of claim 1 wherein each respiration sensor of the plurality of breathing sensors is enclosed within a cover including a piece of the crimping fabric and attached to the garment body, the garment adapted to monitor a wearer ' s breathing. 2. The garment of claim 1, wherein each respiration sensor comprises the elastic ribbon filled with the conductive ink and less than 10% of the binder. CLAIMS 1. A garment system for monitoring a wearer ' s electrocardiogram (ECG)
A garment body comprising a crimp fabric, said garment body configured as a crimp garment to be worn on the torso;
A first set of six electrical sensors arranged on the garment body in a first curve extending across the left chest area of the wearer's chest when the garment is worn, A conductive ink electrode;
A support harness configured to be worn on the first set of electrical sensors;
An expandable support structure configured to be worn between the support harness and the first set of electrical sensors;
A right arm electrode formed of a conductive ink printed on an inner surface of the garment main body; And
And a left arm electrode formed of a conductive ink printed on the inner surface of the garment body,
Wherein each electrical sensor is coupled to a sensor module interface configured to communicate data from the electrical sensors to a sensor manager unit. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a second set of six electrical sensors arranged on the body with the second curve, the second set monitoring a wearer ' s electrocardiogram (ECG) adjacent to the second curve ≪ / RTI > 17. The garment system of claim 16, wherein the support harness is integrated within the garment body. 17. The garment system of claim 16, wherein the support harness is separate from the garment body and configured to be worn on the garment body. 17. The garment system of claim 16, wherein the support harness comprises rigid portions connected by elastic portions. 17. The garment system of claim 16, wherein the expandable support structure is inflatable, for monitoring a wearer's electrocardiogram (ECG). 17. The garment system of claim 16, wherein the expandable support structure is self-expandable. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein each of the electrical sensors comprises an adhesive layer; A conductive ink layer having about 40-60% conductive particles, about 30-50% binder, about 3-7% solvent, and about 3-7% thickener; And a gradient region between the conductive ink and the adhesive, wherein the gradient portion includes a non-homogeneous mixture of the conductive ink and the adhesive, and the concentration of the conductive ink is from a position close to the conductive ink layer (EN) An apparel system for monitoring the wearer ' s electrocardiogram (ECG), which is reduced as the elastic adhesive layer is lowered. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the electrical sensors are connected to the sensor module interface via a stitched zig-zag connector formed on an individual piece of a compression fabric attached to the garment body, A clothing system for monitoring a wearer. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising at least one breath sensor including a cover including an elastic ribbon filled with conductive ink, an electrical connector at each end of the elastic ribbon, and a piece of compression fabric, (ECG). 17. The garment system of claim 16, wherein the support harness is a strap and the expandable support structure has a size for use on a male chest. 17. The garment system of claim 16, wherein the support harness is a brassiere. 17. The garment system of claim 16, wherein the expandable support structure has a size for use on a female chest. A garment adapted to continuously monitor a wearer's electrocardiogram (ECG)
A garment body comprising a fabric, the garment body being configured as a compression garment for holding a shirt against the torso of the wearer;
A first set of six electrical sensors arranged on the garment body in a first curve extending across the left chest area of the wearer's chest when the shirt is worn-each electrical sensor is mounted on an inner surface of the body A conductive ink electrode to be printed;
A second set of six electrical sensors arranged on the garment body with a second curve, the second set adjacent to the second curve;
A right arm electrode formed of a conductive ink printed on an inner surface of the main body; And
And a left arm electrode formed of a conductive ink printed on the inner surface of the body,
Wherein each electrical sensor is coupled to a sensor module interface configured to communicate data from the electrical sensors to a sensor manager unit. A wearable electronic device,
A garment comprising a compression fabric; And
At least one extendible conductive ink pattern on said garment;
In the conductive ink pattern,
A conductive ink layer having about 40-60% conductive particles, about 30-50% binder, about 3-7% solvent, and about 3-7% thickener,
The elastic adhesive layer on the clothes, and
Wherein the conductive ink comprises a non-homogeneous mixture of the conductive ink and the adhesive, wherein the concentration of the conductive ink is higher than the concentration of the conductive ink in the region from the conductive ink layer to the elastic adhesive layer Wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device according to claim 30, wherein the thickness of the elastic layer is thicker than the thickness of the gradient portion, and the thickness of the conductive ink layer is thinner than the thickness of the elastic layer. 31. The wearable electronic device of claim 30, wherein the garment is configured to apply a pressure of about 3 mmHg to about 70 mmHg on the surface of the body of the subject to allow stable and continuous positioning of the wearer on the body of the wearer. device. 31. The wearable electronic device of claim 30, wherein the conductive particles comprise particles of carbon black. 31. The wearable electronic device of claim 30, wherein the conductive particles comprise one or more of carbon black, graphene, graphite, silver metal powder, copper metal powder or ferrous metal powder. 32. The wearable electronic device of claim 30, wherein the binder comprises an acrylic binder. 31. The wearable electronic device of claim 30, wherein the solvent comprises propylene glycol. 32. The wearable electronic device of claim 30, wherein the thickener comprises a polyurethane thickener. 32. The wearable electronic device of claim 30, wherein the elastic adhesive comprises an electrically insulating thermoplastic adhesive aqueous glue. 32. The wearable electronic device of claim 30, comprising an insulating resin at least partially above the conductive ink layer. 32. The wearable electronic device of claim 30, wherein the conductive ink pattern comprises a plurality of layers of conductive ink. 31. The wearable electronic device of claim 30, wherein the resistivity of the conductive trace is less than about 10K KOhms / square. 32. The wearable electronic device of claim 30, wherein the resistivity of the conductive pattern is dependent upon the stretch applied. 32. The wearable electronic device of claim 30, wherein the conductive ink pattern is configured to extend up to 500% of the remaining length without breakage. 32. The wearable electronic device of claim 30, wherein the conductive ink pattern is formed as a sensor. 32. The wearable electronic device of claim 30, wherein the conductive ink pattern is formed as a trace. 32. The wearable electronic device of claim 30, wherein the conductive ink pattern is configured as an electrode. 32. The wearable electronic device of claim 30, further comprising a conductive thread coupled to the garment and having one end connected to the conductive ink pattern. A wearable electronic device,
A garment comprising a compression fabric; And
At least one extensible conductive ink pattern on said garment having a sheet resistivity of less than about 10 Kohms / square;
The conductive ink pattern is stretchable to at least about 200% without breaking;
In the conductive ink pattern,
A conductive ink layer having about 40-60% conductive particles, about 30-50% binder, about 3-7% solvent, and about 3-7% thickener,
The clothes-like elastic adhesive layer,
A gradient portion between the conductive ink and the adhesive, wherein the gradient portion includes an inhomogeneous mixture of the conductive ink and the adhesive, and the concentration of the conductive ink decreases from the portion close to the conductive ink layer toward the elastic adhesive layer. -; And
And an insulating resin on at least a part of the conductive ink layer. 49. The wearable electronic device of claim 48, wherein the conductive particles comprise one or more of carbon black, graphene, graphite, silver metal powder, copper metal powder or ferrous metal powder. 49. The wearable electronic device of claim 48, wherein the binder comprises an acrylic binder. 49. The wearable electronic device of claim 48, wherein the solvent comprises propylene glycol. 49. The wearable electronic device of claim 48, wherein the thickener comprises a polyurethane thickener. 49. The wearable electronic device of claim 48, wherein the elastic adhesive comprises an electrically insulating thermoplastic adhesive aqueous glue. 49. The wearable electronic device of claim 48, wherein the conductive ink pattern is configured as an electrode. 49. The wearable electronic device of claim 48, further comprising a conductive thread coupled to the garment and having one end connected to the conductive ink pattern. A wearable electronic device,
A garment comprising a compression fabric;
At least one extensible conductive ink pattern on the garment, the conductive ink pattern comprising about 40-60% conductive particles, about 30-50% binder, about 3-7% solvent, and about 3-7% thickener, And a gradient region between the conductive ink and the adhesive, wherein the gradient region comprises a non-homogeneous mixture of the conductive ink and the adhesive, wherein the concentration of the conductive ink is less than the concentration of the conductive ink, Is reduced from a portion close to the conductive ink layer toward the elastic adhesive layer; And
Wherein the conductive thread is coupled to the crimping fabric and one end portion is electrically connected to the conductive ink, the conductive thread extending along the garment in a sinusoidal or zigzag pattern. 57. The wearable electronic device of claim 56, wherein the conductive thread is stitched on the crimping fabric. 57. The wearable electronic device of claim 56, wherein the conductive thread is glued onto the crimped fabric. A wearable fabric strain gage device,
An elongate length of an elastic fabric that is filled with a conductive material, said conductive material comprising a binder and about 85% to about 99% of the conductive particles of the conductive material, wherein the binder comprises from 0.1% 15%;
A first metal connector attached to a first end of the elongated length of the conductive material filled elastomeric fabric;
A second metal connector attached to a second end of the elongated length of the conductive material filled elastic fabric; And
Wherein the conductive material comprises a covering of the elongated length portion of the filled elastic fabric, wherein the covering comprises a crimping fabric. 60. The wearable fabric strain gauge device of claim 59, further comprising a conductive thread stitched to the length of the crimping fabric in the zigzag or sinusoidal pattern and electrically coupled to the first metal connector. 62. The method of claim 59, further comprising: providing a first conductive thread stitched to the first length of the crimping fabric in the zigzag or sinusoidal pattern and electrically coupled to the first metal connector, and a second length of the crimp fabric in a zigzag or sinusoidal pattern, And a second conductive thread stitched on the second metal connector and electrically coupled to the second metal connector. 60. The wearable fabric strain gauge device of claim 59, wherein the conductive particles comprise carbon black particles. 60. The wearable textile strain gauge device of claim 59, wherein the conductive particles are selected from the group consisting of mica coated with carbon black, graphene, graphite and oxide. 60. The wearable fabric strain gauge device of claim 59, wherein the conductive particles are from about 90% to about 99%, and the binder is from about 0.1% to about 10%. 60. The wearable fabric strain gauge device of claim 59, wherein the binder is selected from acrylic and aqueous polyurethane. 60. The wearable textile strain gauge device of claim 59, wherein the device has less than 1% electrical hysteresis after its length is greater than two times longer. 60. The wearable fabric strain gauge device of claim 59, wherein the elongated length of the elastic fabric is returned to its original length in less than one second after its length is greater than two times longer.

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