WO2011039663A1

WO2011039663A1 - Chest-worn heart rate sensor with control unit for music playback device

Info

Publication number: WO2011039663A1
Application number: PCT/IB2010/054045
Authority: WO
Inventors: Franciscus-Maria Van De Ven
Original assignee: Franciscus-Maria Van De Ven
Priority date: 2009-09-08
Filing date: 2010-09-08
Publication date: 2011-04-07
Also published as: BE1018934A5

Abstract

Chest-worn heart rate sensor, comprising: a housing (1, 10) with a front side and a back side, the back side being directed towards the wearer's chest during use; one or more sensors (14) on the back side of the housing for measuring the heart rate of the wearer at the chest, first transmission means, integrated into the housing, for transferring the measured heart rate to a complementary device; carrier means (11 ), provided for holding the housing and for snugly fitting around the wearer's chest. The heart rate sensor comprises a control unit integrated into the housing with control buttons (2-6) on the front side of the housing, provided for controlling a music playback device associated with the heart rate sensor.

Description

Chest-worn heart rate sensor with control unit for music playback device

The invention relates to a chest-worn heart rate sensor according to the preamble of the first claim.

A conventional chest-worn heart rate sensor comprises a housing with a front side and a back side, the back side being directed towards the wearer's chest during use. One or more sensors on the back side of the housing measure the heart rate of the wearer (the person wearing the hear rate sensor) at the chest. A transmitter, integrated into the housing, transfers the measured heart rate to a receiver of a complementary device, such as for example a fitness apparatus or a wrist band, on which the wearer can read his/her heart rate. An elastic chest belt which is releasably fixed to the housing makes sure that the wearer can attach the heart rate sensor to his/her chest and that the heart rate sensor stays in position during use.

From US-A-2007265541 an MP3-player is known with an integrated heart rate measurement. The user has to manually hold the MP3-player for a heart rate measurement. The measurement is stored for later processing by means of a computer or the like. There is no possibility of continuous heart rate measurement. Furthermore it is difficult to operate the MP3-player while working out.

From US-A-2008171945 a heart rate sensor is known which takes the form of a head band with integrated MP3-player. The heart rate is sensed on the head of the user. Here the MP3-player is also difficult to operate while working out.

From GB-A-2409040 a system is known which comprises a chest- worn heart rate sensor and a processor. The Processor is integrated into a wrist watch or MP3-player. The heart rate sensor sends signals representative of the measured heart rate to the processor, which generates an audio signal for the user on the basis thereof. Again the MP- player is difficult to operate while working out.

It is an aim of the invention to facilitate operation of a music playback device associated with a heart rate sensor while working out.

This aim is achieved according to the invention with a chest-worn heart rate sensor which shows the characteristics of the first claim.

An analysis of the prior art has shown that the location of the music playback device's controls is not optimal. Mostly the controls are located at one of the user's upper arms, i.e. a body part which is continuously in motion during workout, such as for example running or a large number of fitness exercises. A music playback device integrated into a head band also appears to be difficult to operate, because the user has to bring one of his/her hands to his/her head and so move the hand over a relatively long distance. Furthermore a head band is often considered a nuisance while working out.

With the chest-worn heart rate sensor according to the invention the controls for the music playback device are located at the chest. This is a body part which is less in motion while working out in comparison with the arms and is generally located closer to the hands than the head. Consequently, the chest is found to be a more suitable place for providing the control buttons for a music playback device, with which the operation of the music playback device can be facilitated.

By integrating the control unit for the music playback device in the heart rate sensor on the chest, the need for a separate "chest remote" for the music playback device is avoided. Furthermore, a chest-worn heart rate sensor is a relatively large device compared to the music playback devices of today, which become ever smaller due to miniaturisation, which results in more difficulty in operating these devices while working out. In view of its size the heart rate sensor provides comparatively more space for placing the control buttons, so that these can be better spread over the available space, which can further facilitate the operation. Furthermore, the function of the control buttons is preferably indicated on the control buttons in relief. In this way it is achieved that the control buttons are more easily distinguishable from each other, even underneath sports wear which is worn over the chest-worn heart rate sensor.

In preferred embodiments of the heart rate sensor according to the invention, the control buttons protrude at least partly with respect to the front side of the housing. In this way it is achieved that the control buttons can be better sensed by the wearer if the heart rate sensor is worn underneath clothing.

In preferred embodiments of the heart rate sensor according to the invention, the control buttons have predetermined dimensions of about the size of a human fingertip. The control buttons preferably have a diameter of 10 to 20 mm, more preferably 12 to 16 mm, but other dimensions are also possible. The control buttons are preferably spaced a distance of at least 5 mm from each other, but a smaller distance is also possible. The mentioned dimensions can further facilitate operation of the music playback device.

In preferred embodiments of the heart rate sensor according to the invention, the control buttons are uniformly spread over substantially the entire front side of the housing. This spreading can further facilitate operation of the music playback device.

In preferred embodiments of the heart rate sensor according to the invention, separation profiles in relief are provided on the front side of the housing between the control buttons. These separation profiles can further facilitate operation of the music playback device.

The associated music playback device can be an integrated device or a separate device. In the latter case transmission means are provided, electronically connected to the control unit, for transferring the control signals generated by the control unit to the associated music playback device. The transmission means can be formed by an electronic interface or a transmitter. In apreferred embodiment a recess is provided in the housing, this recess having a predetermined shape for accommodating a predetermined type of music playback device, such as for example the iPOD Shuffle™ (3^rd generation) of manufacturer Apple®. However, adaptation of the heart rate sensor according to the invention to any other portable music playback device, or a more universal heart rate sensor adapted to different types of music playback devices, are other possibilities.

The transfer of the audio signal from the music playback device to a headphone or earpieces worn by the user can be carried out in different ways. The headphone can for example be directly connected to the music playback device. Otherwise, if for example the audio output of the music playback device, which is actually provided for connection of the headphone, is no longer available as a result of connecting the music playback device to the heart rate sensor, and also in the embodiment where the music playback device is integrated into the heart rate sensor, the heart rate sensor is provided with a connector for a wired headphone and/or a transmitter (e.g. Bluetooth®) for a wireless headphone.

The transfer of the control signals generated by the control unit on the heart rate sensor to the (non-integrated) associated music playback device can occur by means of transmission means. These are electronically connected to the control unit and are provided for transferring the control signals generated by the control unit to the associated music playback device. The transmission means can be formed by a transmitter (e.g. Bluetooth®) for wireless transfer of the control signals to a receiver of the associated music playback device, or an electronic interface provided for receiving a complementary interface of the associated music playback device.

In preferred embodiments according to the invention, the carrier means are formed by either an elastic and/or adjustable chest belt which is releasably coupled to the housing, or a garment with a holder part (e.g. a pocket, a Velcro strip, or other) for holding the housing.

In an alternative embodiment within the framework of this invention, the control unit with control buttons can also be integrated into a garment without the heart rate sensor. In this form the invention is a garment, preferably provided for enclosing the torso like for example a top or a t- shirt or the like, wherein the control buttons for an associated music playback device are integrated into the front side of the garment, for example by means of flexible electronic circuitry.

The invention will be further elucidated by means of the following description referring to the appended drawings.

Figure 1 shows a front view, a top view and a bottom view of a first preferred embodiment of a chest-worn heart rate sensor according to the invention with integrated music playback device.

Figure 2 shows a front view, a top view and a bottom view of a second preferred embodiment of a chest-worn heart rate sensor according to the invention with dock for connecting a music playback device.

The heart rate sensor shown in figure 1 comprises a housing which is formed by the combination of a hard plastic part 1 and a flexbible plastic part 10. The back side of this housing is directed towards the chest of the wearer during use and is equipped with sensors 14 for measuring the heart rate of the wearer at the chest. An adjustable elastic belt 11 is releasably coupled to the flexible plastic part 10 of the housing by means of closures 12. This belt 11 has an adjustment part 13 with which the wearer can adjust the length to his/her chest, such that the belt snugly fits around the chest. This belt forms a carrier means for the heart rate sensor, provided for holding the housing on the intended position on the chest (more or less at the heart). The heart rate sensor further comprises transmission means for transferring the measured heart rate to a complementary device. These transmission means are for example a transmitter which transfers the measured heart rate to the receiver of a wrist-worn heart rate monitor or a fitness apparatus, or also storage means and a connection for storing the measured heart rate and later on transferring the stored values to for example a computer.

The heart rate sensor shown in figure 1 has an integrated music playback device in the hard plastic part 1 of the housing. To make it possible to operate this music playback device in an easy, user-friendly way while working out, the heart rate sensor has a control unit with control buttons 2-6 on the front side of the housing. These control buttons protrude partly with respect to the front side of the housing, more particularly because the function of the control buttons is indicated in relief on the control buttons. Button 2 has the function start/stop/pause and therefore comprises a triangular arrow with a vertical dash in relief. Buttons 3 and 4 respectively have the functions previous and next track and therefore comprise a rearwards and forwards arrow in relief. Buttons 5 and 6 respectively have the functions volume up and down and therefore comprise an upwards and downwards arrow. As a result of these reliefs, the buttons 2-6 are easily sensible, even if the wearer wears a garment such as e.g. a t-shirt over the chest belt.

The relief can be carried out in other ways than shown in figure 1. For example, the complete button 2-6 can protrude with respect to the front surface of the housing. The function can be indicated with recesses instead of a protruding relief. The relief can also be carried out in any other way deemed suitable by the person skilled in the art.

The heart rate sensor of figure 1 has the above mentioned five buttons 2-6 with the mentioned control functions. The heart rate sensor does however not have to have all these buttons and can also have other buttons with other functions.

Furthermore, separation profiles 15 are provided between the buttons 3-4 and 5-6. The buttons 2-6 are furthermore spread over substantially the entire front side of the housing 1 , 10. They have the size of about a fingertip (preferably 12 to 16 mm) and the minimum distance between the buttons is 5 mm. These measures are not essential for the invention, but serve to make it even easier for the user to distinguish the buttons from each other by touch.

Apart from the buttons 2-6, the control unit also comprises the internal connection of these buttons with a controller or processor of the integrated music playback device, so that operating the buttons has the desired effect. The music playback device comprises a memory for storing music files, preferably in one or more compressed formats such as MP3, AAC or other, and means known to the person skilled in the art for playing back these music files, such as a.o. software for decompression and a digital-to-analog converter which converts the digitally retrieved signal to an audio signal. This audio signal is presented at the headphone output 7, where the user can connect a conventional wired headphone or earpieces. The digitally retrieved signal can also be sent over a wireless link to a wireless headphone or earpieces, for example over a Bluetooth® link or other wireless link known to the person skilled in the art.

On the bottom side of the housing, the integrated music playback device comprises a switch 18 with which the user can switch the device on/off and can select between a sequential or shuffled track playback sequence. The device further comprises a slot 8 for adding a memory expansion, such as for example a micro SD-card or other, and a USB connection 9 or the like for connecting the music playback device / heart rate sensor with a computer for exchanging music files and/or for charging the rechargeable battery of the music playback device / heart rate sensor. A LED 17 indicates the battery status. Further, reset buttons 16 are provided for resetting Bluetooth® connections with a headphone and a computer. The headphone output 7, the slot 8 and/or the USB-connection 9 can be coverable with a plastic cover. Possibly a display can also be provided. These features are conventional in the field of multi-media and are therefore sufficiently known to the person skilled in the art, so that they need no further explanation here. In a further embodiment, a transmitter/receiver can also be provided in the heart rate sensor, possibly combined with one of the above mentioned transmitter/receivers, for communication with a trainer. In that case a headphone/earpieces with a microphone are used.

In a further embodiment, the heart rate sensor can be equipped for measuring and transferring other body parameters apart from the heart rate, such as for example body temperature, blood sugar mirror, or other.

In alternative embodiments the device can also operate with standard replaceable rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries, which are inserted into a suitable compartment in the housing.

The heart rate sensor is preferably made splashproof and the various connections are protected from humidity (e.g. transpiration) by means of protective edges.

The heart rate sensor shown in figure 2 corresponds to the heart rate sensor of figure 1 in many aspects. Therefore, only the differences are described below.

The heart rate sensor shown in figure 2 does not have an integrated music playback device, but is provided for connecting a separate music playback device. In this case the iPOD Shuffle™ (3^rd generation) by manufacturer Apple®, but of course this can be another commercially available portable music playback device. The part 1 of the housing comprises a so-called "dock" 19 for accommodating the music playback device, with an interface 20 which is complementary to a connector of the music playback device. This interface 20 forms a transmission means, electronically connected to the control unit 2-6, for transferring the control signals generated by means of the control unit to the music playback device.

On the bottom side, the heart rate sensor shown in figure 2 further comprises a USB-connection 21 or the like for charging the battery, which is provided in the housing, and again reset buttons 16 for resetting the Bluetooth® connections to a headphone/earpieces, the music playback device and/or a computer.

In an alternative embodiment, the transmission of the control signals to the external music playback device can also be carried out as a wireless connection, e.g. by means of a Bluetooth® connection.

Claims

1. Chest-worn heart rate sensor, comprising:

- a housing (1 , 10) with a front side and a back side, the back side being directed towards the wearer's chest during use,

- one or more sensors (14) on the back side of the housing for measuring the heart rate of the wearer at the chest,

- first transmission means, integrated into the housing, for transferring the measured heart rate to a complementary device,

- carrier means (11 ), provided for holding the housing and for snugly fitting around the wearer's chest;

characterised in that the heart rate sensor comprises a control unit integrated into the housing with control buttons (2-6) on the front side of the housing, provided for controlling a music playback device associated with the heart rate sensor, and in that the function of the control buttons is indicated in relief on the control buttons (2-6).

2. Chest-worn heart rate sensor according to claim 1 , characterised in that the control buttons (2-6) protrude at least partly with respect to the front side of the housing.

3. Chest-worn heart rate sensor according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the control buttons (2-6) have predetermined dimensions of about the size of a human fingertip.

4. Chest-worn heart rate sensor according to claim 3, characterised in that the control buttons (2-6) have a diameter of 12 to 16 mm and are spaced at least a distance of 5 mm from each other.

5. Chest-worn heart rate sensor according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the control buttons (2-6) are uniformly spread over substantially the complete front side of the housing.

6. Chest-worn heart rate sensor according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that separation profiles (15) in relief are provided on the front side of the housing in between the control buttons.

7. Chest-worn heart rate sensor according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that a connector (7) is provided on the housing for connecting a headphone.

8. Chest-worn heart rate sensor according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that a transmitter is integrated in the housing for wireless transmission of audio signals to a wireless headphone.

9. Chest-worn heart rate sensor according to any one of the claims 1-8, characterised in that the heart rate sensor comprises second transmission means (20), electronically connected to the control unit, for transferring control signals generated by the control unit to the associated music playback device.

10. Chest-worn heart rate sensor according to claim 9, characterised in that the second transmission means are formed by an electronic interface (20), provided for receiving a complementary interface of the associated music playback device.

11. Chest-worn heart rate sensor according to claim 9, characterised in that the second transmission means are formed by a transmitter for wireless transfer of the control signals to a receiver of the associated music playback device.

12. Chest-worn heart rate sensor according to any one of the claims 9-11 , characterised in that a recess (19) is provided in the housing, the recess having a predetermined shape for accommodating a predetermined type of music playback device.

13. Chest-worn heart rate sensor according to any one of the claims 1-9, characterised in that the associated music playback device is integrated in the housing and is electronically connected to the control unit.

14. Chest-worn heart rate sensor according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the carrier means are formed by an elastic and/or adjustable chest belt (11 ) which is releasably coupled to the housing.

15. Chest-worn heart rate sensor according to any one of the claims 1-13, characterised in that the carrier means are formed by a garment with a holder part for holding the housing.