Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter … — Gal Markel (US12527371B2)

ABSTRACT

Abstract

A garment and/or garment system with health-monitoring (e.g., cardiovascular monitoring) capability, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/215,389 filed Mar. 29, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/166,721 filed Oct. 22, 2018, that issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,993,490 on May 4, 2021, which claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/390,843, filed Dec. 27, 2016, titled “Wearable Items Providing Physiological, Environmental And Situational Parameter Monitoring” that issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,105,097 on Oct. 23, 2018, which claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/854,287, filed Sep. 15, 2015, titled “Wearable Items Providing Physiological, Environmental And Situational Parameter Monitoring” that issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,526,452 on Dec. 27, 2016; which claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/955,495, filed Nov. 29, 2010, titled “Wearable Items Providing Physiological, Environmental And Situational Parameter Monitoring” that issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,131,892 on Sep. 15, 2015; which is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/492,278, filed Jul. 25, 2006, titled “Mobile Communication Device and Other Devices with Cardiovascular Monitoring Capability.” Each of the above-referenced applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[Not Applicable]

SEQUENCE LISTING

[Not Applicable]

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

[Not Applicable]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A substantial portion of cardiovascular and other health-related problems exhibit detectable symptoms. In various scenarios where an individual is being monitored, medical assistance may be obtained based on monitored physiological characteristics before a particular health issue becomes fatal.

Present cardiovascular and other types of health monitoring systems are cumbersome and inconvenient (e.g., impractical for everyday use). Additionally, in many fatal incidents (e.g., incidents involving various cardiovascular pathologies), the individual had no prior knowledge of serious health issues that would have caused the individual to seek medical assistance and possibly obtain dedicated health monitoring (e.g. heart monitoring) apparatus. Further, in many health-monitoring scenarios, physiological characteristics are monitored and analyzed out of context, leading to misdiagnosis.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of the present invention provide a garment and/or garment system with health-monitoring (e.g., cardiovascular monitoring) capability. These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the present invention, as well as details of illustrative aspects thereof, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., full body suit) health-monitoring system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., partial body suit) health-monitoring system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., shirt) health-monitoring system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., short-sleeve shirt) health-monitoring system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., shirt and pants) health-monitoring system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., short-sleeve shirt) health-monitoring system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., short-sleeve shirt) health-monitoring system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., body suit and socks) health-monitoring system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., body suit) health-monitoring system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., body suit) health-monitoring system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., shirt) health-monitoring system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method (e.g., in a garment system) for acquiring and/or processing electrocardiogram information of a user, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method (e.g., in a garment system) for acquiring and/or processing health information of a user, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method (e.g., in a garment system) for acquiring and/or processing health information of a user, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary processing system operable to acquire and/or process health information (e.g., in a garment system), in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary health analysis system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary health analysis system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of the present invention may, for example, include and/or utilize various sensors that are integrated into one or more garments. Such garments may, for example, generally correspond to articles of clothing that a person may wear throughout the course of typical life activities (e.g., sleeping, eating, walking, working, exercising, watching television, doing household chores, traveling, socializing, etc.). Such garments do not necessarily need to be health-care specific garments (e.g., a hospital gown, a specific garment worn in a hospital in a control environment for a specific test, etc.). For example and without limitation, such garments may comprise: a full or partial body suit, a long-sleeve shirt, short-sleeve shirt, sleeveless shirt, pants, shorts, socks, swimwear, a sports bra, undergarments, a wet suit, thermal wear, a glove, and so on. Various aspects of the present invention may also apply to protective gear, for example, as may be worn during performing hazardous jobs (e.g., a hard hat, body armor, etc.), participating in risky recreational, sporting, law enforcement, or military activities, etc. (e.g., a ball glove, hockey glove, a helmet, sports padding, male/female protective gear, joint braces, flak jacket or ballistic vest, eyewear, etc.).

The integrated sensors may comprise and/or comprise characteristics of any of a variety of different types of sensors, signals from which may be analyzed to ascertain health. Such sensors may, for example, comprise physiological sensors that operate to monitor physiological characteristics of a person (or subject). Such physiological sensors may, for example and without limitation, comprise: heart monitoring sensors (e.g., heart-rate monitoring sensors, electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) sensors), body temperature sensors, breath-rate/respiration sensors (e.g., pressure-based (e.g., material stress, air pressure/bladder, etc.), acoustic-based, etc.), skin conductivity sensors, oxygen saturation sensors, blood perfusion sensors, etc.).

Such sensors may also, for example, comprise non-physiological sensors that operate to monitor characteristics other than physiological characteristics of the subject. Such non-physiological sensors may, for example, comprise environmental sensors that operate to monitor aspects of the environment in which a subject is performing a task. For example and without limitation, such environmental sensors may comprise: air temperature sensors, air speed sensors, humidity sensors, air oxygen level sensors, barometric pressure sensors, altitude/elevation sensors, precipitation sensors, light sensors, location sensors/systems (e.g., global positioning system (GPS) sensors, terrestrial triangulation sensors/systems (e.g., cellular communication system based, premises based, campus based, etc.)), time sensors (e.g., time change and/or absolute time), orientation sensors, etc.

Such non-physiological sensors may also, for example, comprise situational sensors that operate to monitor characteristics of a physical situation (e.g., a task or activity) in which the subject is engaged. Such situation (or activity) sensors may, for example and without limitation, comprise: weight sensors, impact sensors, force sensors, pressure sensors, accelerometers, inclinometers, motion sensors, speed and/or velocity sensors, etc.

The manner in which the various sensors are incorporated into a garment depend on the nature of the particular sensors. For example, a sensor (or portions thereof) may be attached to a garment after the bare garment is manufactured. In an exemplary scenario, a sensor may be snapped, adhered and/or sewn to an already completed garment. In such scenario, portions of a sensor that need (or prefer) direct contact with the subject skin may be secured to the inside of the garment. For example, a conductive button may be positioned to contact the skin of the subject, conductive fibers and/or protrusions may be sewn into the garment to contact the skin of the subject, etc. Also, in such a scenario, portions of a sensor that need not contact the subject's skin may be positioned away from the skin to reduce irritation. Further, in such a scenario, a general-sized garment may be utilized, while sensor placement may be customized to a particular subject (e.g., as opposed to custom garment production for a particular subject). Such a scenario provides flexibility for positioning particular placement-sensitive sensors (e.g., at least some ECG sensors) at locations suited for a particular subject (or user).

In other exemplary scenarios, particular sensors (or portions thereof) may be formed into the garment while the garment is being formed. In such a scenario, conductive pads and/or fibers may be incorporated into the garment during manufacture of the garment. In various scenarios in which location of the sensor need not be precise (e.g., a skin temperature sensor, location sensor, etc.), such sensors may be incorporated into the garment during manufacture in a one-size-fits-all or one-size-fits-many design. In such a scenario, location-critical sensors may be added later for a particular subject.

In another exemplary scenario, the specifications for a garment and sensor placement may be customized for a particular subject, and such specifications may then be provided to a manufacturer of the garment for customized production of the garment.

In still another exemplary scenario, a form-fitting garment may be produced that comprises a generic matrix of conductive regions that contact the skin of the subject. Such conductive regions may, for example, be formed by alternating fabric regions of conductive and non-conductive material. As a non-limiting example, an entire garment may be formed of non-conductive material and then conductive fibers may be woven into the fabric to create the matrix of conductive regions. In such a scenario, an optimum set of conductive regions may then be selected after production (e.g., by a health-care professional), and such conductive regions may then be utilized as skin contact points for selected sensors and/or conductively connected to form conductive pathways in the garment.

Various garment sensors may, for example, be self-contained sensors comprising their own respective power supply and their own respective communication circuitry. Such sensors may, for example, operate to wirelessly communicate sensor information to a processor. In such a scenario, a conductive coupling need not be incorporated into the garment for such sensor.

Various other garment sensors, however, may require and/or prefer utilization of conductive paths (e.g., for power supply, for measuring electrical characteristics between two points, for communicating information, for reducing signal noise relative to wireless RF communication, etc.). For such sensors, leads (e.g., wire leads, conductive fiber leads, etc.) may be woven into the garment, run via garment seams, etc. As a non-limiting example, various portions of the following discussion may include discussion of ECG sensors (or contacts) incorporated into a garment. Since ECG analysis includes analyzing differences in electrical potential between various skin contact points (or electrodes), connections to such skin contact points may be formed in the garment for convenient access In general, conductive paths may be formed into the garment (e.g., utilizing conductive fiber) to assist in measuring such differences in electrical potential.

Various garment sensors may, for example, require (or prefer) consistent and firm conductive contact with the subject's skin. For example, such operation is characteristic of ECG electrodes. For such sensors (or electrodes), the garment (e.g., in addition to being form-fitting or in lieu of being form-fitting) may comprise regions of extra elasticity formed to enhance the stability and contact of such sensors with the subject's skin. As a non-limiting example, six electrodes for a 12-lead ECG run across the chest of the subject. One or more regions of extra elasticity may be formed in the garment to ensure that each of such sensors adequately contacts and remains in contact with the chest of the user. Similarly, the limb electrodes of the 12-lead ECG may be secured by the incorporation of respective regions of extra elasticity in a garment (e.g., an arm/wrist band, a leg/ankle band, etc.).

Additionally, various garment sensors may be shaped, positioned or formed in any of a variety of manners, depending on the nature of the particular sensor. For example, some sensor surfaces (e.g., electrodes) may generally comprise conductive material. For example, an electrode may comprise a metallic surface exposed for user contact. Also for example, an electrode may be formed from conductive plastic (or another material) that may be integrated into various molded components of the mobile communication device. For example, various conductive plastics (e.g., graphite-impregnated plastic or the like) may provide sufficient conductivity for an electrode to perform adequately. It should be recognized that the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by characteristics of particular electrodes or electrode placements unless explicitly claimed.

Electrodes (or other sensors) may be shaped, positioned or formed with various physical features to enh

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/215,389 filed Mar. 29, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/166,721 filed Oct. 22, 2018, that issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,993,490 on May 4, 2021, which claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/390,843, filed Dec. 27, 2016, titled “Wearable Items Providing Physiological, Environmental And Situational Parameter Monitoring” that issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,105,097 on Oct. 23, 2018, which claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/854,287, filed Sep. 15, 2015, titled “Wearable Items Providing Physiological, Environmental And Situational Parameter Monitoring” that issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,526,452 on Dec. 27, 2016; which claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/955,495, filed Nov. 29, 2010, titled “Wearable Items Providing Physiological, Environmental And Situational Parameter Monitoring” that issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,131,892 on Sep. 15, 2015; which is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/492,278, filed Jul. 25, 2006, titled “Mobile Communication Device and Other Devices with Cardiovascular Monitoring Capability.” Each of the above-referenced applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[Not Applicable]

SEQUENCE LISTING

[Not Applicable]

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

[Not Applicable]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A substantial portion of cardiovascular and other health-related problems exhibit detectable symptoms. In various scenarios where an individual is being monitored, medical assistance may be obtained based on monitored physiological characteristics before a particular health issue becomes fatal.

Present cardiovascular and other types of health monitoring systems are cumbersome and inconvenient (e.g., impractical for everyday use). Additionally, in many fatal incidents (e.g., incidents involving various cardiovascular pathologies), the individual had no prior knowledge of serious health issues that would have caused the individual to seek medical assistance and possibly obtain dedicated health monitoring (e.g. heart monitoring) apparatus. Further, in many health-monitoring scenarios, physiological characteristics are monitored and analyzed out of context, leading to misdiagnosis.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of the present invention provide a garment and/or garment system with health-monitoring (e.g., cardiovascular monitoring) capability. These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the present invention, as well as details of illustrative aspects thereof, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., full body suit) health-monitoring system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., partial body suit) health-monitoring system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., shirt) health-monitoring system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., short-sleeve shirt) health-monitoring system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., shirt and pants) health-monitoring system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., short-sleeve shirt) health-monitoring system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., short-sleeve shirt) health-monitoring system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., body suit and socks) health-monitoring system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., body suit) health-monitoring system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., body suit) health-monitoring system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., shirt) health-monitoring system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method (e.g., in a garment system) for acquiring and/or processing electrocardiogram information of a user, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method (e.g., in a garment system) for acquiring and/or processing health information of a user, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method (e.g., in a garment system) for acquiring and/or processing health information of a user, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary processing system operable to acquire and/or process health information (e.g., in a garment system), in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary health analysis system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary health analysis system, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of the present invention may, for example, include and/or utilize various sensors that are integrated into one or more garments. Such garments may, for example, generally correspond to articles of clothing that a person may wear throughout the course of typical life activities (e.g., sleeping, eating, walking, working, exercising, watching television, doing household chores, traveling, socializing, etc.). Such garments do not necessarily need to be health-care specific garments (e.g., a hospital gown, a specific garment worn in a hospital in a control environment for a specific test, etc.). For example and without limitation, such garments may comprise: a full or partial body suit, a long-sleeve shirt, short-sleeve shirt, sleeveless shirt, pants, shorts, socks, swimwear, a sports bra, undergarments, a wet suit, thermal wear, a glove, and so on. Various aspects of the present invention may also apply to protective gear, for example, as may be worn during performing hazardous jobs (e.g., a hard hat, body armor, etc.), participating in risky recreational, sporting, law enforcement, or military activities, etc. (e.g., a ball glove, hockey glove, a helmet, sports padding, male/female protective gear, joint braces, flak jacket or ballistic vest, eyewear, etc.).

The integrated sensors may comprise and/or comprise characteristics of any of a variety of different types of sensors, signals from which may be analyzed to ascertain health. Such sensors may, for example, comprise physiological sensors that operate to monitor physiological characteristics of a person (or subject). Such physiological sensors may, for example and without limitation, comprise: heart monitoring sensors (e.g., heart-rate monitoring sensors, electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) sensors), body temperature sensors, breath-rate/respiration sensors (e.g., pressure-based (e.g., material stress, air pressure/bladder, etc.), acoustic-based, etc.), skin conductivity sensors, oxygen saturation sensors, blood perfusion sensors, etc.).

Such sensors may also, for example, comprise non-physiological sensors that operate to monitor characteristics other than physiological characteristics of the subject. Such non-physiological sensors may, for example, comprise environmental sensors that operate to monitor aspects of the environment in which a subject is performing a task. For example and without limitation, such environmental sensors may comprise: air temperature sensors, air speed sensors, humidity sensors, air oxygen level sensors, barometric pressure sensors, altitude/elevation sensors, precipitation sensors, light sensors, location sensors/systems (e.g., global positioning system (GPS) sensors, terrestrial triangulation sensors/systems (e.g., cellular communication system based, premises based, campus based, etc.)), time sensors (e.g., time change and/or absolute time), orientation sensors, etc.

Such non-physiological sensors may also, for example, comprise situational sensors that operate to monitor characteristics of a physical situation (e.g., a task or activity) in which the subject is engaged. Such situation (or activity) sensors may, for example and without limitation, comprise: weight sensors, impact sensors, force sensors, pressure sensors, accelerometers, inclinometers, motion sensors, speed and/or velocity sensors, etc.

The manner in which the various sensors are incorporated into a garment depend on the nature of the particular sensors. For example, a sensor (or portions thereof) may be attached to a garment after the bare garment is manufactured. In an exemplary scenario, a sensor may be snapped, adhered and/or sewn to an already completed garment. In such scenario, portions of a sensor that need (or prefer) direct contact with the subject skin may be secured to the inside of the garment. For example, a conductive button may be positioned to contact the skin of the subject, conductive fibers and/or protrusions may be sewn into the garment to contact the skin of the subject, etc. Also, in such a scenario, portions of a sensor that need not contact the subject's skin may be positioned away from the skin to reduce irritation. Further, in such a scenario, a general-sized garment may be utilized, while sensor placement may be customized to a particular subject (e.g., as opposed to custom garment production for a particular subject). Such a scenario provides flexibility for positioning particular placement-sensitive sensors (e.g., at least some ECG sensors) at locations suited for a particular subject (or user).

In other exemplary scenarios, particular sensors (or portions thereof) may be formed into the garment while the garment is being formed. In such a scenario, conductive pads and/or fibers may be incorporated into the garment during manufacture of the garment. In various scenarios in which location of the sensor need not be precise (e.g., a skin temperature sensor, location sensor, etc.), such sensors may be incorporated into the garment during manufacture in a one-size-fits-all or one-size-fits-many design. In such a scenario, location-critical sensors may be added later for a particular subject.

In another exemplary scenario, the specifications for a garment and sensor placement may be customized for a particular subject, and such specifications may then be provided to a manufacturer of the garment for customized production of the garment.

In still another exemplary scenario, a form-fitting garment may be produced that comprises a generic matrix of conductive regions that contact the skin of the subject. Such conductive regions may, for example, be formed by alternating fabric regions of conductive and non-conductive material. As a non-limiting example, an entire garment may be formed of non-conductive material and then conductive fibers may be woven into the fabric to create the matrix of conductive regions. In such a scenario, an optimum set of conductive regions may then be selected after production (e.g., by a health-care professional), and such conductive regions may then be utilized as skin contact points for selected sensors and/or conductively connected to form conductive pathways in the garment.

Various garment sensors may, for example, be self-contained sensors comprising their own respective power supply and their own respective communication circuitry. Such sensors may, for example, operate to wirelessly communicate sensor information to a processor. In such a scenario, a conductive coupling need not be incorporated into the garment for such sensor.

Various other garment sensors, however, may require and/or prefer utilization of conductive paths (e.g., for power supply, for measuring electrical characteristics between two points, for communicating information, for reducing signal noise relative to wireless RF communication, etc.). For such sensors, leads (e.g., wire leads, conductive fiber leads, etc.) may be woven into the garment, run via garment seams, etc. As a non-limiting example, various portions of the following discussion may include discussion of ECG sensors (or contacts) incorporated into a garment. Since ECG analysis includes analyzing differences in electrical potential between various skin contact points (or electrodes), connections to such skin contact points may be formed in the garment for convenient access In general, conductive paths may be formed into the garment (e.g., utilizing conductive fiber) to assist in measuring such differences in electrical potential.

Various garment sensors may, for example, require (or prefer) consistent and firm conductive contact with the subject's skin. For example, such operation is characteristic of ECG electrodes. For such sensors (or electrodes), the garment (e.g., in addition to being form-fitting or in lieu of being form-fitting) may comprise regions of extra elasticity formed to enhance the stability and contact of such sensors with the subject's skin. As a non-limiting example, six electrodes for a 12-lead ECG run across the chest of the subject. One or more regions of extra elasticity may be formed in the garment to ensure that each of such sensors adequately contacts and remains in contact with the chest of the user. Similarly, the limb electrodes of the 12-lead ECG may be secured by the incorporation of respective regions of extra elasticity in a garment (e.g., an arm/wrist band, a leg/ankle band, etc.).

Additionally, various garment sensors may be shaped, positioned or formed in any of a variety of manners, depending on the nature of the particular sensor. For example, some sensor surfaces (e.g., electrodes) may generally comprise conductive material. For example, an electrode may comprise a metallic surface exposed for user contact. Also for example, an electrode may be formed from conductive plastic (or another material) that may be integrated into various molded components of the mobile communication device. For example, various conductive plastics (e.g., graphite-impregnated plastic or the like) may provide sufficient conductivity for an electrode to perform adequately. It should be recognized that the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by characteristics of particular electrodes or electrode placements unless explicitly claimed.

Electrodes (or other sensors) may be shaped, positioned or formed with various physical features to enhance collection of cardiovascular information from a user. For example and without limitation, an electrode may comprise one or more projections to enhance conductive contact with a user. Also, an electrode may comprise one or more depressions or indentations to enhance conductive contact with a user.

Electrodes may also be identified for the user in any of a variety of manners or may be generally concealed from the user. For example, an electrode may comprise a visible or tactile indicium to indicate the location of the electrode to a user. Alternatively, a sensor may be integrated into a garment in a manner that is generally unnoticeable to a wearer of the garment.

The following discussions of FIGS. 1 - 11 will now provide various non-limiting examples of garment/sensor configurations. It should be noted that such examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to be limiting. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by characteristics of any of such examples unless explicitly claimed.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., comprising a full body suit) health-monitoring system 100 , in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The exemplary system 100 comprises a garment 101 . The garment 101 comprises characteristics of a full-body suit (e.g., which may or may not comprise gloves, socks and a hood).

The garment comprises a plurality of ECG sensors (or electrodes) integrated with the garment 101 . For example, the garment 101 comprises ten sensors (or electrodes) disposed at locations generally associated with a twelve-lead ECG. Such sensors comprise a series of six chest (or torso) sensors 110 . Such chest sensors 110 may, for example, comprise a V 1 sensor (or electrode) disposed in the fourth intercostal space (between ribs 4 and 5 ) just to the right of the sternum of a subject when the garment 101 is worn by the subject, a V 2 sensor disposed in the fourth intercostal space (between ribs 4 and 5 ) just to the left of the sternum of a subject when the garment 101 is worn by the subject, a V 3 sensor disposed between sensors V 2 and V 4 , a V 4 sensor disposed in the fifth intercostal space between ribs 5 and 6 ) in the mid-clavicular line of a subject when the garment 101 is worn by the subject, a V 5 sensor disposed horizontally even with the V 4 sensor and in the anterior axillary line of a subject when the garment 101 is worn by the subject, and a V 6 sensor disposed horizontally even with V 4 and V 5 in the midaxillary line of a subject when the garment 101 is worn by the subject. As discussed above, the ECG sensors (or electrodes) are positioned in the garment 101 at such locations and the garment is formed in such a manner (e.g., with the appropriate form-fitting elasticity) that conductive electrodes are generally in constant contact with the skin of the subject wearing the garment 101 .

The garment 101 also comprises a plurality of ECG limb sensors. For example, the garment 101 comprises a RA electrode 121 disposed on the right arm of the garment 101 (e.g., near the right wrist) and a LA electrode 122 disposed on the left arm of the garment 101 (e.g., near the left wrist). Also for example, the garment 101 comprises a RL electrode 131 on the right leg of the garment 101 (e.g., near the right ankle) and a LL electrode 132 disposed on the left leg of the garment 101 (e.g., near the left ankle).

Each of the ECG electrodes 110 , 121 , 122 , 131 and 132 are conductively coupled (e.g., utilizing conductive fiber and/or wire) to a central location 150 on the garment 101 at which the respective electrodes may each be conveniently accessed (e.g., individually and/or in aggregate) by measurement and/or processing circuitry. For example, ECG analysis comprises measuring differences in electrical potential between various electrodes. Note that sensors (e.g., electrodes or others) may also be incorporated into the back of the garment. For example, dorsal ECG sensors may be added as desired.

In an exemplary scenario, the central location 150 may comprise a communication hub by which measurement circuitry may electrically access the electrodes. In another exemplary scenario, circuitry that operates to measure such electrical potential may be disposed on the garment 101 at the central location 150 . Such circuitry may then, for example, operate to communicate information of such measurements to other circuitry (e.g., also disposed at the central location 150 , disposed elsewhere on the garment, or located off-garment) for analysis and/or communication to other circuitry.

In an additional exemplary scenario, circuitry that operates to measure such electrical potential may be disposed on the garment 101 at the central location 150 . Circuitry that operates to analyze such ECG measurement results and produce ECG data may also be disposed on the garment 101 at the central location 150 . Such analysis circuitry may then, for example, operate to communicate information of such measurements to other circuitry (e.g., also disposed at the central location 150 , disposed elsewhere on the garment, or located off-garment) for analysis and/or communication to other circuitry.

In yet another exemplary scenario, circuitry that operates to measure such electrical potential may be disposed on the garment 101 at the central location 150 . Circuitry that operates to analyze such ECG measurement results and produce ECG data may also be disposed on the garment 101 at the central location 150 . Circuitry that operates to analyze the ECG data (e.g., in a manner discussed later with regard to FIGS. 12 - 14 ) may also be disposed on the garment 101 at the central location 150 or at another location. For example, any or all components (or modules) of the system 1500 illustrated at FIG. 15 may be so disposed. Additionally, central location 150 may also, for example, comprise a power supply (e.g., a battery) or be conductively coupled to a power supply (e.g., a power supply integrated into the garment 101 and/or off-garment).

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., comprising a partial body suit) health-monitoring system 200 , in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The system 200 may, for example, share any or all characteristics of the exemplary system 100 illustrated at FIG. 1 and discussed previously.

The exemplary system 200 comprises a garment 201 . The garment 201 comprises a plurality of ECG sensors (or electrodes) integrated into the garment 201 . For example, the garment 201 comprises ten sensors (or electrodes) disposed at locations generally associated with a twelve-lead ECG. Such sensors comprise a series of six chest (or torso) sensors 210 . Such chest sensors 210 may, for example, be disposed on the garment 201 in the same manner as discussed with regard to the chest sensors 110 and the garment 101 of FIG. 1 .

The garment 201 also comprises a plurality of ECG limb sensors. For example, the garment 201 comprises a RA electrode 221 disposed on the right arm of the garment 201 (e.g., on the right upper arm) and a LA electrode 222 disposed on the left arm of the garment 201 (e.g., on the left upper arm). Also for example, the garment 201 comprises a RL electrode 231 on the right leg of the garment 201 (e.g., near the right thigh) and a LL electrode 232 disposed on the left leg of the garment 201 (e.g., near the left thigh).

Each of the ECG electrodes 210 , 221 , 222 , 231 and 232 are conductively coupled (e.g., utilizing conductive fiber and/or wire) to a central location 250 on the garment 201 at which the respective electrodes may each be conveniently accessed by measurement and/or processing circuitry. As discussed with regard to the central location 150 of the garment 101 of FIG. 1 , the central location 150 may comprise a communication hub by which measurement circuitry may electrically access the electrodes, communication circuitry that operates to communicate ECG measurement signals and/or data to other circuitry, analysis circuitry to analyze ECG measurement data and/or communication circuitry to communicate with other circuitry regarding analysis results. The central location 250 may also, for example, comprise a power supply (e.g., a battery) and/or a conductive coupling to a power supply.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., shirt) health-monitoring system 300 , in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The system 300 may, for example, share any or all characteristics of the exemplary systems 100 and 200 illustrated at FIGS. 1 - 2 and discussed previously.

The exemplary system 300 comprises a garment 301 . The garment 301 comprises a plurality of ECG sensors (or electrodes) integrated into the garment 301 . For example, the garment 301 comprises eight sensors (or electrodes) disposed at locations generally associated with a twelve-lead ECG minus the two leg sensors. Such sensors comprise a series of six chest (or torso) sensors 310 . Such chest sensors 310 may, for example, be disposed on the garment 301 in the same manner as discussed with regard to the chest sensors 110 and garment 101 of FIG. 1 .

The garment 301 also comprises a plurality of ECG limb sensors. For example, the garment 301 comprises a RA electrode 321 disposed on the right arm of the garment 301 (e.g., near the right wrist) and a LA electrode 322 disposed on the left arm of the garment 301 (e.g., near the left wrist). As discussed above, the garment 301 does not include ECG leg sensors. As such, external ECG leg sensors may be utilized for a complete 12-lead ECG analysis, or a less-than-12-lead ECG analysis may be performed utilizing just the electrodes of the garment 301 .

Each of the ECG electrodes 310 , 321 and 322 are conductively coupled (e.g., utilizing conductive fiber and/or wire) to a central location 350 on the garment 301 at which the respective electrodes may each be conveniently accessed by measurement and/or processing circuitry. As discussed with regard to the central location 150 of the garment 101 of FIG. 1 , the central location 350 may comprise a communication hub by which measurement circuitry may electrically access the electrodes, communication circuitry that operates to communicate ECG measurement signals and/or data to other circuitry, analysis circuitry to analyze ECG measurement data and/or communication circuitry to communicate with other circuitry regarding analysis results. The central location 350 may also, for example, comprise a power supply (e.g., a battery) and/or a conductive coupling to a power supply.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., short-sleeve shirt) health-monitoring system 400 , in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The system 400 may, for example, share any or all characteristics of the exemplary systems 100 , 200 and 300 illustrated at FIGS. 1 - 3 and discussed previously.

The exemplary system 400 comprises a garment 401 . The garment 401 comprises a plurality of ECG sensors (or electrodes) integrated into the garment 401 . For example, the garment 401 comprises eight sensors (or electrodes) disposed at locations generally associated with a twelve-lead ECG minus the two leg sensors. Such sensors comprise a series of six chest (or torso) sensors 410 . Such chest sensors 410 may, for example, be disposed on the garment 401 in the same manner as discussed with regard to the chest sensors 110 and garment 101 of FIG. 1 .

The garment 401 also comprises a plurality of ECG limb sensors. For example, the garment 401 comprises a RA electrode 421 disposed on the right arm of the garment 201 (e.g., at the right upper arm) and a LA electrode 422 disposed on the left arm of the garment 201 (e.g., at the left upper arm). As discussed above, the garment 401 does not include ECG leg sensors. As such, external ECG leg sensors may be utilized for a complete 12-lead ECG analysis, or a less-than-12-lead ECG analysis may be performed utilizing just sensors of the garment 401 .

Each of the ECG electrodes 410 , 421 and 422 are conductively coupled (e.g., utilizing conductive fiber and/or wire) to a central location 450 on the garment 401 at which the respective electrodes may each be conveniently accessed by measurement and/or processing circuitry. As discussed with regard to the central location 150 of the garment 101 of FIG. 1 , the central location 450 may comprise a communication hub by which measurement circuitry may electrically access the electrodes, communication circuitry that operates to communicate ECG measurement signals and/or data to other circuitry, analysis circuitry to analyze ECG measurement data and/or communication circuitry to communicate with other circuitry regarding analysis results. The central location 450 may also, for example, comprise a power supply (e.g., a battery) or a conductive coupling to a power supply.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., shirt and pants) health-monitoring system 500 , in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The system 500 may, for example, share any or all characteristics of the exemplary systems 100 , 200 , 300 and 400 illustrated at FIGS. 1 - 4 and discussed previously.

The exemplary system 500 comprises a first garment 501 and a second garment 502 . The first garment 501 and the second garment 502 each comprise a respective plurality of ECG sensors (or electrodes) integrated into such garments. For example, the first garment 501 comprises eight sensors (or electrodes) disposed at locations generally associated with a twelve-lead ECG minus the two leg sensors. Such sensors comprise a series of six chest (or torso) sensors 510 . Such chest sensors 510 may, for example, be disposed on the first garment 501 in the same manner as discussed with regard to the chest sensors 110 and garment 101 of FIG. 1 .

The first garment 501 also comprises a plurality of ECG limb sensors. For example, the first garment 501 comprises a RA electrode 521 disposed on the right arm of the first garment 501 (e.g., near the right wrist) and a LA electrode 522 disposed on the left arm of the first garment 501 (e.g., near the left wrist). The first garment 501 does not include ECG leg sensors. As such, external ECG leg sensors may be utilized for a complete 12-lead ECG analysis, or a less-than-12-lead ECG analysis may be performed utilizing only the ECG sensors of the first garment 501 . The second garment 502 , however, comprises the two ECG leg sensors integrated with the second garment 502 . For example, the second garment 502 comprises a RL electrode 531 disposed on the right leg of the second garment 502 (e.g., near the right ankle) and a LL electrode 532 disposed on the left leg of the second garment 502 (e.g., near the left leg).

Each of the ECG electrodes 510 , 521 and 522 on the first garment 501 are conductively coupled (e.g., utilizing conductive fiber and/or wire) to a central location 550 on the first garment 501 at which the respective electrodes may each be conveniently accessed by measurement and/or processing circuitry. Additionally, each of the leg electrodes 531 and 532 on the second garment 501 are also conductively coupled to the central location 550 on the first garment 501 at which the respective electrodes may each be conveniently accessed by measurement and/or processing circuitry. For example, first garment 501 comprises an upper right terminal 571 and an upper left terminal 581 that are conductively coupled to the central location 550 on the first garment 501 , and the second garment 502 comprises a lower right terminal 572 that is conductively coupled to the LL electrode 532 and a lower left terminal 582 that is conductively coupled to the RL electrode 532 . A right conductive link 573 conductively couples the upper right terminal 571 and lower right terminal 572 thereby conductively coupling the RL electrode 531 to the central location 550 , and a left conductive link 583 conductively couples the upper left terminal 581 and the lower left terminal 582 thereby conductively coupling the LL electrode 532 to the central location 550 . The conductive links 573 and 583 may be formed in any of a variety of manners (e.g., via metal clips and conductors, via Velcro and conductive plastics, etc.).

As discussed with regard to the central location 150 of the garment 101 of FIG. 1 , the central location 550 may comprise a communication hub by which measurement circuitry may electrically access the individual electrodes, communication circuitry that operates to communicate ECG measurement signals and/or data to other circuitry, analysis circuitry to analyze ECG measurement data and/or communication circuitry to communicate with other circuitry regarding analysis results. The central location 550 may also, for example, comprise a power supply (e.g., a battery) and/or a conductive coupling to a power supply.

The previous discussion of FIGS. 1 - 5 focused on ECG sensors (or electrodes) and the communication and/or processing associated therewith. Such focus on ECG sensors was for illustrative purposes only. As such, the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limited to ECG sensors, communicating and/or processing unless explicitly claimed. For example, the scope of various aspects of the present invention applies equally well to any of a variety of different types of sensors (e.g., individually and/or in combination with other types of sensors). The following discussion of FIGS. 6 - 11 will provide non-limiting examples of various sensor combinations. For example, a garment based health-monitoring system may utilize any of a large variety of different types of sensors (e.g., combinations of different types of physiological sensors, combinations of physiological sensors, environmental sensors and/or situational sensors, etc.). Non-limiting examples of such different types of sensors were provided above.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., short-sleeve shirt) health-monitoring system 600 , in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The system 600 may, for example, share any or all characteristics of the exemplary systems 100 , 200 , 300 , 400 and 500 illustrated at FIGS. 1 - 5 and discussed previously.

The exemplary system 600 comprises a garment 601 . The garment 601 comprises a plurality of ECG sensors (or electrodes) integrated into the garment 601 . For example, the garment 601 comprises eight sensors (or electrodes) disposed at locations generally associated with a twelve-lead ECG minus the two leg sensors. Such sensors comprise a series of six chest (or torso) sensors and two arm sensors as discussed with the exemplary garment 401 illustrated in FIG. 4 .

The garment 601 also comprises other sensors in addition to ECG sensors. For example, the garment 601 comprises a body temperature sensor 661 that operates to measure the body temperature of a wearer of the garment 601 . Though the body temperature sensor 661 is illustrated on the chest of the garment 601 for illustrative clarity, such sensor 661 may be positioned anywhere on the garment 601 or off the garment 601 , depending on the type of body temperature monitoring desired. The body temperature sensor 661 may be communicatively coupled to the central location 650 of the garment 601 (e.g., for communication and/or electrical power).

The garment 601 additionally comprises a breath rate (or respiration rate) sensor 662 . The breath rate sensor 662 operates to measure the breath rate (or respiration rate) of a wearer of the garment 601 . Such a sensor 662 may, for example and without limitation, be based on mechanical stress, air bladder pressure, acoustic monitoring, etc.). Though the breath rate sensor 662 is illustrated as a chest band of the garment 601 for illustrative clarity, such sensor 662 may be positioned anywhere on the garment 601 (e.g., near the throat, at the abdomen, etc.) or off the garment 601 , depending on the type of respiration monitoring desired. The breath rate sensor 662 may be communicatively coupled to the central location 650 of the garment 601 (e.g., for communication and/or electrical power).

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., short-sleeve shirt) health-monitoring system 700 , in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The system 700 may, for example, share any or all characteristics of the exemplary systems 100 , 200 , 300 , 400 , 500 and 600 illustrated at FIGS. 1 - 6 and discussed previously.

The exemplary system 700 comprises a garment 701 . The garment 701 comprises a plurality of ECG sensors (or electrodes) integrated into the garment 701 . For example, the garment 701 comprises eight sensors (or electrodes) disposed at locations generally associated with a twelve-lead ECG minus the two leg sensors. Such sensors comprise a series of six chest (or torso) sensors and two arm sensors as discussed with the exemplary garment 401 illustrated in FIG. 4 .

The garment 701 also comprises other sensors in addition to ECG sensors. For example, the garment 701 comprises a body temperature sensor 761 that operates to measure the body temperature of a wearer of the garment 701 . Though the body temperature sensor 761 is illustrated on the chest of the garment 701 for illustrative clarity, such sensor 761 may be positioned anywhere on the garment 701 or off the garment 701 , depending on the type of body temperature monitoring desired. The body temperature sensor 761 may be communicatively coupled to the central location 750 of the garment 701 (e.g., for communication and/or electrical power).

The garment 701 additionally comprises an air sensor 762 that operates to measure temperature and humidity of the air in which the wearer of the garment 701 is located. Though the air sensor 762 is illustrated near the waste of the garment 701 for illustrative clarity, such sensor 762 may be positioned anywhere on the garment 701 (e.g., on the shoulder, on the back, on a relatively loose portion of the garment 701 away from the wearer's body, etc.) or off the garment 701 , depending on the type of air monitoring desired. In an exemplary configuration, an extra layer of thermally insulative fabric and/or a moisture isolation layer may be disposed on the garment 701 between the sensor 762 and the body of the garment wearer to reduce the impact of body temperature and/or moisture on the air sensor measurements. The air sensor 762 may be communicatively coupled to the central location 750 of the garment 701 (e.g., for communication and/or electrical power).

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., body suit and socks) health-monitoring system 800 , in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The system 800 may, for example, share any or all characteristics of the exemplary systems 100 - 700 illustrated at FIGS. 1 - 7 and discussed previously.

The exemplary system 800 comprises a first garment 801 (e.g., a body suit) and a second garment 802 (e.g., a sock). The first garment 801 and the second garment 802 each comprise health sensors integrated into the garments 801 and 802 . For example, the first garment 801 comprises ECG sensors 810 , 821 , 822 , 831 and 832 , which may share any or all characteristics with similar sensors 110 , 121 , 122 , 131 and 132 of the garment 101 illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously. Also for example, the first garment 801 comprises a body temperature sensor 861 and breath rate (or respiratory rate) sensor 862 , which may share any or all characteristics with similar sensors 661 and 662 of the garment 601 illustrated in FIG. 6 and discussed previously. The exemplary sensors of the first garment 801 may, for example, be conductively and/or communicatively coupled to the central location 850 for access to such sensors by monitoring, analyzing and/or communicating circuitry, and/or for access to electrical power if needed.

As discussed previously, health analysis may comprise analyzing signals associated with any of a variety of different types of sensors in combination. As another illustration of such combination, the second garment 802 comprises an impact sensor 881 that operates to determine stepping rate and/or force. Such a sensor 881 may, for example, provide insight into the type of activity in which the wearer of the second garment 802 is engaging. The sensor 881 is coupled to a wireless transmitter 882 , which operates to communicate information from the impact sensor 881 to another system component for analysis. As will be discussed in more detail later, such a wireless transmitter 882 may operate in accordance with any of a variety of standard and/or propriety communication protocols. In an exemplary scenario, a processing component may operate to access cardiac sensor information, body temperature information and breath rate information at the central location 850 and operate to access impact sensor information from the wireless transmitter 882 wirelessly. Such an exemplary scenario illustrates that information corresponding to different respective sensors may flow through different respective types of information paths to the ultimate processor of such information.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., body suit) health-monitoring system 900 , in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The system 900 may, for example, share any or all characteristics of the exemplary systems 100 - 800 illustrated at FIGS. 1 - 8 and discussed previously.

The exemplary system 900 comprises a garment 901 (e.g., a body suit). The garment 901 and comprises health sensors integrated into the garment 901 . For example, the garment 901 comprises a body temperature sensor 961 and breath rate (or respiratory rate) sensor 962 , which may share any or all characteristics with similar sensors 661 and 662 of the garment 601 illustrated in FIG. 6 and discussed previously. Also for example, the garment 901 comprises an impact sensor 982 integrated with the garment 901 near the right ankle. Additionally, for example, the garment 901 comprises a location sensor 991 (e.g., GPS based, cellular triangulation based, etc.) integrated with the garment 901 near the right shoulder. The exemplary sensors of the garment 901 may, for example, be conductively and/or communicatively coupled to the central location 950 for convenient access to such sensors by monitoring, analyzing and/or communicating circuitry, and/or for access to electrical power if needed.

As discussed previously, health analysis may comprise analyzing signals associated with any of a variety of different types of sensors in combination. As another illustration of such combination, the garment 901 comprises two physiological sensors (i.e., the body temperature sensor 961 and breath rate sensor 962 ), an environmental sensor (i.e., the location sensor 991 ) and a situational (or activity) sensor (i.e., the impact sensor 982 ).

In an exemplary scenario, monitoring, analyzing and/or communicating circuitry may operate to access body temperature sensor signals (or information), breathing rate sensor signals (or information), location sensor signals (or information) and impact signals (or information) at the central location 950 . As illustrated in FIG. 8 , however, access to such signals (or information) may occur via different respective types of communication links with different respective sensor circuitry.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., body suit) health-monitoring system 1000 , in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The system 1000 may, for example, share any or all characteristics of the exemplary systems 100 - 900 illustrated at FIGS. 1 - 9 and discussed previously.

The exemplary system 1000 comprises a garment 1001 (e.g., a body suit) and a non-garment arm-band 1095 . The garment 1001 and the non-garment armband 1095 each comprise health sensors. For example, the garment 1001 comprises ECG sensors 1010 , 1021 , 1022 , 1031 and 1032 , which may share any or all characteristics with similar sensors 110 , 121 , 122 , 131 and 132 of the garment 101 illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously. The exemplary sensors of the garment 1001 may, for example, be conductively and/or communicatively coupled to the central location 1050 for access to such sensors by monitoring, analyzing and/or communicating circuitry.

As discussed previously, health analysis may comprise analyzing signals associated with any of a variety of different types of sensors in combination, where some of such sensors may be incorporated into a garment and others of such sensors may be off-garment. As another illustration of such combination, the non-garment armband 1095 comprises an impact sensor Im that operates to determine stepping rate and/or force. Such a sensor Im may, for example, provide insight into the type of activity in which the wearer of the armband 1095 is engaging. Additionally, the armband 1095 comprises an air temperature and humidity sensor TH that operates to determine air temperature and humidity. Such a sensor TH may, for example, provide insight into the environmental conditions in which a wearer of the armband 1095 is performing. The armband sensors are coupled to a wireless transmitter in the armband 1095 , which in turn is communicatively coupled to the central location 1050 of the garment 1001 via a wireless RF communication link 1051 . Monitoring, analyzing and/or communicating circuitry (discussed later) may, in turn, operate to access the impact and air information from the armband 1095 sensors at the central location 1050 of the garment 1001 .

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary garment (e.g., shirt) health-monitoring system 1100 , in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The system 1100 may, for example, share any or all characteristics of the exemplary systems 100 - 1000 illustrated at FIGS. 1 - 10 and discussed previously.

The exemplary system 1100 comprises a garment 1101 (e.g., a shirt) and a non-garment device 1195 that may be worn with (e.g., attached to or warn separately from) the garment 1101 . The garment 1101 and the non-garment device 1195 each comprise health sensors. For example, the garment 1101 comprises ECG sensors 1110 , 1121 and 1122 , which may share any or all characteristics with similar sensors 310 , 321 and 322 of the garment 301 illustrated in FIG. 3 and discussed previously. The exemplary sensors of the garment 1101 may, for example, be conductively and/or communicatively coupled to the central location 1150 for convenient access to such sensors (e.g. access to signals and/or information associated with such sensors) by monitoring, analyzing and/or communicating circuitry.

As discussed previously, health analysis may comprise analyzing signals associated with any of a variety of different types of sensors in combination, where some of such sensors may be incorporated into a garment and others of such sensors may be off-garment. As another illustration of such combination, the non-garment device 1195 comprises a weather sensor Wx that operates to determine characteristics of weather in which a wearer of the device 1195 may be operating. Such a sensor Wx may, for example, be a self-contained weather-sensing device or may comprise communication circuitry with which to communicate with weather stations (e.g., via a wireless communication link 1196 ). Additionally, the device 1195 comprises a location sensor Lo (e.g., GPS based, cellular triangulation based, etc.) that operates to determine the location of the device 1095 . Such location may, for example, be expressed in any number of dimensions, including for example, longitude, latitude, elevation, etc.

The device 1195 is communicatively coupled to the central location 1150 of the garment 1100 by one or more conductors 1151 (e.g., integrated into the garment 1150 and/or separate from the garment). In various exemplary scenarios, some of which will be discussed below, monitoring, analyzing and/or communication circuitry may operate to access sensor information in any of a variety of manners. In the exemplary system 1100 of

CLAIMS

Claims ( 20 )

What is claimed is:

1 . An article of clothing comprising: an electrocardiogram (EKG) sensor configured to generate an EKG signal; an environmental sensor configured to measure an air temperature; and a communication hub configured to initiate operation when the air temperature is above a first threshold and below a second threshold, wherein: the communication hub is configured to process the EKG signal, and the communication hub is configured to wirelessly communicate the EKG signal to a device external to the article of clothing.

2 . The article of clothing of claim 1 , wherein the communication hub is configured to communicate the EKG signal from the EKG sensor to a device external to the article of clothing in response to a measured air temperature.

3 . The article of clothing of claim 1 , wherein the article of clothing comprises a respiration sensor.

4 . The article of clothing of claim 1 , wherein the communication hub is configured to communicate a respiration signal from a respiration sensor to a device external to the article of clothing in response to a user wearing the article of clothing.

5 . The article of clothing of claim 1 , wherein the article of clothing comprises a force sensor configured to measure a force at a location on the article of clothing.

6 . The article of clothing of claim 5 , wherein the force is one or more of: a weight, an impact and a pressure.

7 . The article of clothing of claim 5 , wherein a physical activity of a user is detected according to the force.

8 . The article of clothing of claim 7 , wherein the communication hub is configured to communicate the EKG signal from the EKG sensor to a device external to the article of clothing upon a detection of the physical activity of the user.

9 . The article of clothing of claim 7 , wherein the article of clothing comprises a respiration sensor, and wherein the communication hub is configured to communicate a respiration signal from the respiration sensor to a device external to the article of clothing upon a detection of a particular physical activity of the user.

10 . The article of clothing of claim 7 , wherein the article of clothing comprises an oxygen saturation sensor, and wherein the communication hub is configured to communicate an oxygen saturation signal from the oxygen saturation sensor to a device external to the article of clothing upon detection of a particular physical activity of the user.

11 . The article of clothing of claim 1 , wherein the article of clothing comprises an oxygen saturation sensor, and wherein the communication hub is configured to communicate an oxygen saturation signal from the oxygen saturation sensor to a device external to the article of clothing in response to a user wearing the article of clothing.

12 . The article of clothing of claim 1 , wherein the EKG sensor comprises a conductive fiber woven into the article of clothing.

13 . The article of clothing of claim 1 , wherein the communication hub is configured to periodically communicate with a wireless personal communication device.

14 . The article of clothing of claim 13 , wherein the wireless personal communication device is configured to process the EKG signal.

15 . The article of clothing of claim 1 , wherein the article of clothing comprises one or more of: a body suit, a long-sleeve shirt, a short-sleeve shirt, a sleeveless shirt, a pair of pants, a pair of shorts, a sock, a swim suit, a sports bra, an undergarment, a wet suit and a glove.

16 . The article of clothing of claim 1 , wherein the environmental signal is generated according to an environment around the user.

17 . The article of clothing of claim 1 , wherein the environmental signal comprises one or more of: an air temperature, a humidity level, a barometric pressure, an oxygen level, an altitude, an air speed, an illumination level, an orientation and a precipitation level.

18 . The article of clothing of claim 1 , wherein communication hub is configured to communicate the EKG signal to a device external to the article of clothing upon a detection of a particular level of the environmental signal for a particular amount of time.

19 . The article of clothing of claim 17 , wherein the article of clothing comprises a respiration sensor, and wherein the communication hub is configured to communicate a respiration signal from the respiration sensor to the device external to the article of clothing upon a detection of a particular level of the environmental signal for a particular amount of time.

20 . The article of clothing of claim 1 , wherein the communication hub is configured to periodically communicate the environmental signal to a device external to the article of clothing in response to a user wearing the article of clothing.

US18/668,312

2010-11-29

2024-05-20

Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter monitoring

Active

US12527371B2

( en )

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number

Priority Date

Filing Date

Title

US18/668,312

US12527371B2

( en )

2010-11-29

2024-05-20

Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter monitoring

US19/434,598

US20260182686A1

( en )

2010-11-29

2025-12-29

Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter monitoring

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number

Priority Date

Filing Date

Title

US12/955,495

US9131892B2

( en )

2006-07-25

2010-11-29

Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter monitoring

US14/854,287

US9526452B2

( en )

2006-07-25

2015-09-15

Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter monitoring

US15/390,843

US10105097B2

( en )

2006-07-25

2016-12-27

Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter monitoring

US16/166,721

US10993490B2

( en )

2010-11-29

2018-10-22

Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter monitoring

US17/215,389

US12016412B2

( en )

2010-11-29

2021-03-29

Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter monitoring

US18/668,312

US12527371B2

( en )

2010-11-29

2024-05-20

Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter monitoring

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number

Title

Priority Date

Filing Date

US17/215,389

Continuation

US12016412B2

( en )

2010-11-29

2021-03-29

Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter monitoring

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number

Title

Priority Date

Filing Date

US19/434,598

Continuation

US20260182686A1

( en )

2010-11-29

2025-12-29

Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter monitoring

Publications (2)

Publication Number

Publication Date

US20240306746A1

US20240306746A1 ( en )

2024-09-19

US12527371B2

true

US12527371B2 ( en )

2026-01-20

Family

ID=46127070

Family Applications (7)

Application Number

Title

Priority Date

Filing Date

US12/955,495

Active

2031-06-16

US9131892B2

( en )

2006-07-25

2010-11-29

Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter monitoring

US14/854,287

Active

US9526452B2

( en )

2006-07-25

2015-09-15

Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter monitoring

US15/390,843

Active

US10105097B2

( en )

2006-07-25

2016-12-27

Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter monitoring

US16/166,721

Active

US10993490B2

( en )

2010-11-29

2018-10-22

Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter monitoring

US17/215,389

Active

2032-08-24

US12016412B2

( en )

2010-11-29

2021-03-29

Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter monitoring

US18/668,312

Active

US12527371B2

( en )

2010-11-29

2024-05-20

Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter monitoring

US19/434,598

Pending

US20260182686A1

( en )

2010-11-29

2025-12-29

Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter monitoring

Family Applications Before (5)

Application Number

Title

Priority Date

Filing Date

US12/955,495

Active

2031-06-16

US9131892B2

( en )

2006-07-25

2010-11-29

Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter monitoring

US14/854,287

Active

US9526452B2

( en )

2006-07-25

2015-09-15

Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter monitoring

US15/390,843

Active

US10105097B2

( en )

2006-07-25

2016-12-27

Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter monitoring

US16/166,721

Active

US10993490B2

( en )

2010-11-29

2018-10-22

Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter monitoring

US17/215,389

Active

2032-08-24

US12016412B2

( en )

2010-11-29

2021-03-29

Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter monitoring

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number

Title

Priority Date

Filing Date

US19/434,598

Pending

US20260182686A1

( en )

2010-11-29

2025-12-29

Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter monitoring

Country Status (3)

Country

Link

US

( 7 )

US9131892B2

( en )

EP

( 2 )

EP2645926B8

( en )

WO

( 1 )

WO2012073230A1

( en )

Families Citing this family (131)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party

Publication number

Priority date

Publication date

Assignee

Title

US9131892B2

( en )

2006-07-25

2015-09-15

Gal Markel

Wearable items providing physiological, environmental and situational parameter monitoring

EP3603500B1

( en )

2006-08-03

2021-03-31

Christoph Scharf

Device for determining and presenting surface charge and dipole densities on cardiac walls

CA2747859C

( en )

2008-01-17

2018-09-04

Christoph Scharf

A device and method for the geometric determination of electrical dipole densities on the cardiac wall

US10124205B2

( en )

2016-03-14

2018-11-13

Tau Orthopedics, Llc

Toning garment with modular resistance unit docking platforms

US10004937B2

( en )

2009-06-19

2018-06-26

Tau Orthopedics Llc

Wearable modular resistance unit

US8986177B2

( en )

2009-06-19

2015-03-24

Tau Orthopedics, Llc

Low profile passive exercise garment

US9656117B2

( en )

*

2009-06-19

2017-05-23

Tau Orthopedics, Llc

Wearable resistance garment with power measurement

GB2499174B

( en )

*

2010-11-19

2017-06-14

Spacelabs Healthcare Llc

Self-contained patient monitor

WO2012113014A1

( en )

*

2011-02-22

2012-08-30

Joelmar Pty Ltd

Survival and location enhancement garment and headgear

CA2829626C

( en )

2011-03-10

2020-06-16

Acutus Medical, Inc.

Device and method for the geometric determination of electrical dipole densities on the cardiac wall

US20120229270A1

( en )

*

2011-03-11

2012-09-13

Christopher Morley

Wearable biofeedback system

US9629566B2

( en )

2011-03-11

2017-04-25

Spacelabs Healthcare Llc

Methods and systems to determine multi-parameter managed alarm hierarchy during patient monitoring

US8818478B2

( en )

2011-03-31

2014-08-26

Adidas Ag

Sensor garment

US10803724B2

( en )

*

2011-04-19

2020-10-13

Innovation By Imagination LLC

System, device, and method of detecting dangerous situations

US10238166B2

( en )

*

2011-06-28

2019-03-26

Robert Rosenbaum

Instrumented article of fitness and method of determining caloric requirements

US20150119740A1

( en )

*

2011-06-30

2015-04-30

The Johns Hopkins University

Whole-body pletysmography system for the continuous characterization of sleep and breathing in a mouse

US8954129B1

( en )

*

2011-09-10

2015-02-10

Todd T. Schlegel

Wearable for acquisition of resting multi-lead ECG

TW201320959A

( en )

*

2011-11-21

2013-06-01

Zoetronics Technology Co Ltd

Heart rate alarm system

US20130145530A1

( en )

*

2011-12-09

2013-06-13

Manu Mitra

Iron man suit

CN104812297B

( en )

2012-08-31

2017-05-17

阿库图森医疗有限公司

Catheter systems and methods of their medical use, including cardiac diagnostic and therapeutic use

EP2895050B8

( en )

*

2012-09-11

2018-12-19

L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A.

Wearable communication platform

US10462898B2

( en )

2012-09-11

2019-10-29

L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A.

Physiological monitoring garments

US8945328B2

( en )

2012-09-11

2015-02-03

L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A.

Methods of making garments having stretchable and conductive ink

US10159440B2

( en )

2014-03-10

2018-12-25

L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A.

Physiological monitoring garments

US9817440B2

( en )

2012-09-11

2017-11-14

L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A.

Garments having stretchable and conductive ink

WO2017013493A1

( en )

2015-07-20

2017-01-26

L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A.

Flexible fabric ribbon connectors for garments with sensors and electronics

WO2016009277A1

( en )

2014-07-14

2016-01-21

L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A.

Garments having stretchable and conductive ink

US10201310B2

( en )

2012-09-11

2019-02-12

L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A.

Calibration packaging apparatuses for physiological monitoring garments

US8948839B1

( en )

2013-08-06

2015-02-03

L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A.

Compression garments having stretchable and conductive ink

US11246213B2

( en )

2012-09-11

2022-02-08

L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A.

Physiological monitoring garments

WO2014043723A1

( en )

*

2012-09-17

2014-03-20

Accumed Systems, Inc.

Non-invasive sensor apparatus and method for assessing cardiac performance

US9514278B2

( en )

*

2013-01-14

2016-12-06

Michael S. Bahorich

Diagnostics method based on input from multiple users

EP2979260A1

( en )

*

2013-03-27

2016-02-03

Cholhan, Hilary J.

Emergency notification apparatus and method

US9936902B2

( en )

*

2013-05-06

2018-04-10

The Boeing Company

Ergonomic data collection and analysis

US10987026B2

( en )

2013-05-30

2021-04-27

Spacelabs Healthcare Llc

Capnography module with automatic switching between mainstream and sidestream monitoring

US10609762B2

( en )

2013-06-06

2020-03-31

Zebra Technologies Corporation

Method, apparatus, and computer program product improving backhaul of sensor and other data to real time location system network

US10437658B2

( en )

2013-06-06

2019-10-08

Zebra Technologies Corporation

Method, apparatus, and computer program product for collecting and displaying sporting event data based on real time data for proximity and movement of objects

US9699278B2

( en )

2013-06-06

2017-07-04

Zih Corp.

Modular location tag for a real time location system network

US9180357B2

( en )

*

2013-06-06

2015-11-10

Zih Corp.

Multiple antenna interference rejection in ultra-wideband real time locating systems

CN105358203B

( en )

2013-06-13

2017-06-06

伊利诺伊大学董事会

helmet for anesthesia

PT3007668T

( en )

2013-06-13

2018-10-16

The Board Of Trustees Of The Univ Of Illionis

Patient holding hospital unit, patient transportation system and patient transportation and life support system

US10368949B2

( en )

2013-06-13

2019-08-06

The Board Of Trustees Of The University Of Illinois

Robotic surgical station

CA2915219C

( en )

2013-06-13

2021-03-02

The Board Of Trustees Of The University Of Illinois

Surgical suit

US9383451B2

( en )

*

2013-06-19

2016-07-05

Zoll Medical Corporation

Systems and methods of determining location using a medical device

AU2014301982A1

( en )

*

2013-06-24

2016-02-04

Event Cardio Canada, Inc

Wireless cardiac event recorder

WO2015038607A2

( en )

2013-09-13

2015-03-19

Acutus Medical, Inc.

Devices and methods for determination of electrical dipole densities on a cardiac surface

WO2015054506A2

( en )

*

2013-10-09

2015-04-16

Mc10, Inc.

Utility gear including conformal sensors

US10660571B2

( en )

*

2013-12-19

2020-05-26

Kent State University

Thermochromic fabrics utilizing cholesteric liquid crystal material

US10327481B2

( en )

2013-12-31

2019-06-25

Suunto Oy

Arrangement and method for configuring equipment

FI126161B

( en )

*

2013-12-31

2016-07-29

Suunto Oy

Communication module for monitoring personal performance and associated arrangements and procedures

EP3091864B8

( en )

2014-01-06

2018-12-19

L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A.

Systems and methods to automatically determine garment fit

US10445792B2

( en )

2014-01-31

2019-10-15

Ent. Services Development Corporation Lp

Comfort-based garment management

MX337677B

( en )

*

2014-03-10

2016-03-10

Paulino Vacas Jacques

Wearable motherboard with exchangeable modular design for monitoring, information and control purposes.

EP3122246B1

( en )

2014-03-25

2022-05-04

Acutus Medical, Inc.

Cardiac analysis user interface system and method

US20150375083A1

( en )

2014-06-05

2015-12-31

Zih Corp.

Method, Apparatus, And Computer Program Product For Enhancement Of Event Visualizations Based On Location Data

CA2961371C

( en )

*

2014-09-15

2023-05-16

3M Innovative Properties Company

Impairment detection with biological considerations

AU2015321376B2

( en )

2014-09-23

2019-10-03

Rr Sequences Inc.

Contactless electric cardiogram system

US9662030B2

( en )

2014-10-01

2017-05-30

Verily Life Sciences Llc

Electrocardiography device for garments

CN107106048A

( en )

2014-10-01

2017-08-29

立芙公司

Apparatus and methods for use with physiological monitoring garments

WO2016061365A1

( en )

2014-10-17

2016-04-21

Avante International Technology, Inc.

Protective headgear including a personnel electronic monitor device

DE102015206608A1

( en )

*

2014-10-20

2016-04-21

Robert Bosch Gmbh

Safety clothing

US10542934B2

( en )

*

2014-11-03

2020-01-28

Cipher Skin

Garment system providing biometric monitoring

DE102014225332A1

( en )

2014-12-09

2016-06-09

Robert Bosch Gmbh

System, in particular hand-held power tool system

GB2534678B

( en )

*

2014-12-18

2017-08-09

Wearable Tech Ltd

Issuing alarm signal to operatives

US20160301482A1

( en )

*

2014-12-27

2016-10-13

Intel Corporation

Sleeved garment equipped for human body communication

WO2016123619A1

( en )

*

2015-01-30

2016-08-04

New York University

System and method for electrophysiological monitoring

FR3033242A1

( en )

*

2015-03-03

2016-09-09

Soorianarain Baligadoo

SELF-RECORDING AND SELF-ANALYZING DEVICE OF ELECTROCARDIOGRAM FOR OBTAINING A REPORT IN ABSENCE OF MEDICAL PERSONNEL

WO2016154271A1

( en )

2015-03-23

2016-09-29

Tau Orthopedics, Llc

Dynamic proprioception

US10143421B2

( en )

*

2015-03-24

2018-12-04

Intel Corporation

System and method for user nudging via wearable devices

US11344366B2

( en )

2015-05-12

2022-05-31

Acutus Medical, Inc.

Ultrasound sequencing system and method

US10593234B2

( en )

2015-05-12

2020-03-17

Acutus Medical, Inc.

Cardiac virtualization test tank and testing system and method

CN107847745B

( en )

2015-05-13

2022-06-24

阿库图森医疗有限公司

Positioning system and method for collecting and analyzing cardiac information

EP3340860A1

( en )

2015-08-24

2018-07-04

L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A.

Physiological monitoring garments with enhanced sensor stabilization

US9978247B2

( en )

*

2015-09-24

2018-05-22

Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc

Smart fabric that detects events and generates notifications

WO2017072582A1

( en )

2015-10-26

2017-05-04

L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A.

Calibration packaging apparatuses for physiological monitoring garments

US10019881B2

( en )

2015-11-04

2018-07-10

Streamlight, Inc.

Personnel tracking and monitoring system and method employing protective gear including a personnel electronic monitor device

WO2017089986A1

( en )

*

2015-11-27

2017-06-01

Universidad De Antioquia

Wearable vital signs monitor with interconnection

SE540369C2

( en )

*

2015-12-11

2018-08-14

Healthtextiles I Sverige Ab

A method and a system for monitoring healthcare garments

ES1149359Y

( en )

*

2015-12-31

2016-04-13

Trueba Enrique Garcia

DEVICE FOR THE CONTROL, SUPERVISION AND GOOD PRAXIS OF THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OF THE HUMAN BEING

US10426202B2

( en )

*

2016-01-19

2019-10-01

Recovery Force, LLC

System for minimizing multi-dimensional displacement of the body

US10188152B2

( en )

*

2016-01-19

2019-01-29

Recovery Force, LLC

System for minimizing multi-dimensional breast displacement

BG67001B1

( en )

*

2016-02-23

2019-12-31

"Чек Пойнт Ар Енд Ди" Оод

Real time telemonioring method and system of cardiac activity

JP2019515724A

( en )

*

2016-04-07

2019-06-13

ヤン，チャンミン

Multifunctional cloth sensing system and method and article

JP6937321B2

( en )

2016-05-03

2021-09-22

アクタス メディカル インクＡｃｕｔｕｓ Ｍｅｄｉｃａｌ，Ｉｎｃ．

Cardiac information dynamic display system

US20200229514A1

( en )

*

2016-06-02

2020-07-23

The North Face Apparel Corp.

Smart sensing apparel

US10154791B2

( en )

2016-07-01

2018-12-18

L.I.F.E. Corporation S.A.

Biometric identification by garments having a plurality of sensors

US20180151047A1

( en )

*

2016-07-11

2018-05-31

Rei, Inc.

Method and system for wearable personnel monitoring

EP3272281A3

( en )

2016-07-21

2018-05-30

Sanko Tekstil Isletmeleri San. Ve Tic. A.S.

Motion capturing garments and system and method for motion capture using jeans and other garments

DE102016217833A1

( en )

*

2016-09-19

2018-03-22

Robert Bosch Gmbh

Method for releasing an active operating state of a hand tool according to whether a protective equipment is carried or carried by an operator of the power tool

AU2017357747A1

( en )

2016-11-10

2019-05-30

The Research Foundation For The State University Of New York

System, method and biomarkers for airway obstruction

CN108209864A

( en )

*

2017-01-22

2018-06-29

深圳市未来健身衣科技有限公司

Body-sensing detection device and body-sensing detection method

FR3064172B1

( en )

*

2017-03-23

2022-02-04

Eco Steering

WORK STRENGTH MEASUREMENT SYSTEM

EP3610350A1

( en )

*

2017-04-12

2020-02-19

Nike Innovate C.V.

Wearable article with removable module

CN121533569A

( en )

2017-04-12

2026-02-17

耐克创新有限合伙公司

Wearable items with detachable modules

CN107049301B

( en )

*

2017-05-27

2021-06-08

东莞广州中医药大学中医药数理工程研究院

A health care wearable that can measure standard ECG

EP3446625B1

( en )

*

2017-08-25

2022-01-26

Volker Perlitz

Use of a signalling device for the determination of a catheterisation requirement

US10165945B1

( en )

*

2017-08-29

2019-01-01

International Business Machines Corporation

Cognitively integrated indicating system

US20190098947A1

( en )

*

2017-09-29

2019-04-04

Avant Garde Products LLC

Undergarment with lights

US10959674B2

( en )

2017-10-23

2021-03-30

Datafeel Inc.

Communication devices, methods, and systems

RS66783B1

( en )

2017-12-22

2025-06-30

Sanko Tekstil Isletmeleri San Tic A S

Composite core yarn, article of clothing comprising a composite core yarn, method for producing a composite core yarn and use of a composite core yarn

CA3101031A1

( en )

*

2018-05-22

2019-11-28

Myant Inc.

Method for sensing and communication of biometric data and for bidirectional communication with a textile based sensor platform

US11382364B2

( en )

*

2018-06-08

2022-07-12

Hemodynamiq Wearables Private Limited

Wearable health monitoring fabric

US11259580B2

( en )

2018-07-23

2022-03-01

Cornerstone Research Group, Inc.

Health monitoring garment and system

US11589813B2

( en )

*

2018-07-30

2023-02-28

Cipher Skin

Garment system providing biometric monitoring for medical condition assessment

US20200029900A1

( en )

*

2018-07-30

2020-01-30

Cipher Skin

Garment system providing biometric and environmental monitoring for medical condition assessment

US11647952B2

( en )

2018-08-01

2023-05-16

Flex Ltd.

Garment integrated dry electrode for vital signal and electromyography sensing

CN120827382A

( en )

2018-11-09

2025-10-24

心航路医学科技(美国)有限公司

System and method for computing patient information

WO2020142843A1

( en )

*

2019-01-07

2020-07-16

Myant Inc.

<td itemprop="tit

Related documents

• An Energy Efficient Wearable for Monitoring Elderly People Health#1036851
• Wearable Technologies for Healthy Ageing: Prospects, Challenges, and Ethical Considerations#704262
• An Exploratory, Observational, Non-interventional, Open Label, Remote Pilot Study to Assess Adherence in COPD Subjects#1185298
• A hybrid OWCM–IVFFS–ARAS decision-support framework for trustworthy evaluation of wearable health technologies#299175
• Perceived Effects of Ergonomic Hospital Garment Design on Patient Comfort, Mobility, and Recovery Experience in Specialist Hospitals in Enugu State, Nigeria#705839