CN106413547B

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: CN106413547B
Application number: CN201580024626.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: G·隆吉诺蒂-布伊托尼; A·阿利瓦尔蒂
Original assignee: Life Corporation SA
Current assignee: Life Corporation SA
Priority date: 2014-03-10
Filing date: 2015-03-10
Publication date: 2020-09-15
Anticipated expiration: 2035-03-10
Also published as: EP3116395A1; JP6568868B2; EP3116395A4; CA2941872A1; WO2015138515A1; JP2019217304A; JP2017512542A; KR20170009823A; CN106413547A; JP6820137B2

Abstract

Disclosed herein are devices (e.g., clothing, including but not limited to shirts, pants, etc.) for detecting and monitoring physiological parameters such as respiratory, cardiac parameters, etc. Physiological parameter monitoring garments having sensors formed from printed conductive ink on a compression garment, the sensors arranged and configured for robust sensing and comfortable wear are described herein. In particular, the garments described herein (e.g., shirts, pants, undergarments) are configured to allow robust sensing of one or more physiological parameters using conductive ink sensors printed directly onto the garment and connected by conductive traces (which may or may not be reinforced on the garment) to an interface region of the garment that is connectable to an analysis unit, e.g., a microprocessor configured to measure, store, process and/or transmit the recorded parameters.

Description

Translated fromChinese

生理监控衣服Physiological Monitoring Clothing

相关申请的交叉引用CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

本申请要求下列申请的优先权：2014年3月10日提交的(标题为“PHYSIOLOGICALMONITORING GARMENTS”)美国临时专利申请号 61/950,782；2014年10月1日提交的(标题为“DEVICES AND METHODS OF RUSE WITH PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING GARMENTS”)美国临时专利申请号62/058,519；2014年11月17日提交的(标题为“PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORINGGARMENTS”)美国临时专利申请号 62/080,966；以及2014年12月29日提交的(标题为“STRETCHABLE, CONDUCTIVE TRACES AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME”)美国临时专利申请号62/097,560。本专利申请还要求2015年2 月2日提交的(标题为“GARMENTSHAVING STRETCHABLE AND CONDUCTIVE INK”)美国专利申请号14/612,060的优先权，专利申请号 14/612,060要求2014年7月14日提交的(标题为“METHODS OF MAKING GARMENTSHAVING STRETCHABLE AND CONDUCTIVE INK”)美国专利号14/331,185的优先权。This application claims priority to the following applications: US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/950,782, filed March 10, 2014 (titled "PHYSIOLOGICALMONITORING GARMENTS"); filed October 1, 2014 (titled "DEVICES AND METHODS OF RUSE WITH PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING GARMENTS") U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/058,519; filed November 17, 2014 (titled "PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING GARMENTS") U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/080,966; and filed December 29, 2014 (titled "STRETCHABLE, CONDUCTIVE TRACES AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME") US Provisional Patent Application No. 62/097,560. This patent application also claims priority to US Patent Application No. 14/612,060, filed on February 2, 2015 (titled "GARMENTSHAVING STRETCHABLE AND CONDUCTIVE INK"), which claims the benefit of US Patent Application No. 14/612,060, filed on July 14, 2014 (titled "METHODS OF MAKING GARMENTSHAVING STRETCHABLE AND CONDUCTIVE INK") Priority of US Patent No. 14/331,185.

通过引用的并入Incorporated by reference

在本说明书中提到的所有公布和专利申请都通过引用被全部并入本文，在与好像每个单独的公布或专利申请特别和单独地被指示通过引用被并入相同的程度上。All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

领域field

在本文描述可与用户和其他人通信的、接收直接(用户选择的)输入和间接(用户监控的)输入(例如，检测来自用户(例如来自基于穿戴式电子设备的衣服)的信号)的并存储或传输这个信息的穿戴式装置(例如“衣服”)。特别是，在本文描述了可监控来自穿用者的生理参数的穿戴式监控和输入系统。Described herein is communication with a user and others, receiving direct (user-selected) input and indirect (user-monitored) input (eg, detecting signals from a user (eg, from a wearable electronic device-based garment)) and A wearable device (eg "clothing") that stores or transmits this information. In particular, wearable monitoring and input systems are described herein that can monitor physiological parameters from a wearer.

背景background

在过去的二十年中，移动电信设备显著扩展并改变了人们通信的方式。具有越来越快的计算机处理器的计算机实现了具有增加的处理速度的更快通信和大量数据的提高的分析。此外，传感器技术也快速扩展成患者如何甚至由非专业人员监控。各种传感器的发展使各种测量能够由计算机进行并分析以产生有用的信息。在近年来，与各种通信平台结合的医疗感测技术的使用提供了使人(包括患者)被监控或监控自己并给他们的医师或护理者传递监控的结果的新的和感兴趣的方式。例如，移动设备例如智能电话使移动设备用户能够远程地通信，并提供得到、分析、使用和控制信息和数据的一些能力。例如，移动设备用户可以能够使用用于各种个性化任务的应用软件(“应用”)，例如以规定格式记录他们的病史，播放游戏，读书，等等。应用可与移动设备中的传感器一起工作以提供用户想要的信息。例如，应用可与智能电话中的加速度计一起工作并确定某人行走了多远以及在行走期间消耗了多少卡里路。Over the past two decades, mobile telecommunications devices have significantly expanded and changed the way people communicate. Computers with increasingly faster computer processors enable faster communications with increased processing speeds and improved analysis of large amounts of data. In addition, sensor technology is also rapidly expanding into how patients are monitored even by non-specialists. The development of various sensors has enabled various measurements to be made and analyzed by computers to produce useful information. In recent years, the use of medical sensing technologies in conjunction with various communication platforms has provided new and interesting ways for people (including patients) to be monitored or to monitor themselves and to communicate the results of the monitoring to their physicians or caregivers . For example, mobile devices such as smart phones enable mobile device users to communicate remotely and provide some ability to obtain, analyze, use and control information and data. For example, mobile device users may be able to use application software ("applications") for various personalized tasks, such as recording their medical history in a prescribed format, playing games, reading books, and the like. Apps can work with the sensors in the mobile device to provide the information the user wants. For example, an app can work with an accelerometer in a smartphone and determine how far someone has walked and how many calories are burned during the walk.

在各种背景中描述了移动通信平台例如具有一个或多个这样的生物统计传感器的智能电话的使用。例如，Roschk等人的US2010/0029598描述了“Device for MonitoringPhysical Fitness(用于监控生理健康的设备)”，其配备有用于检测心率数据的心率监控器部件和用于提供健康信息的评估设备，健康信息可由显示设备显示并被处理单元获得，被实施为读入并包括补充的个人数据。Nissila的US2009/0157327描述了“ElectronicDevice, Arrangement,and Method of Estimating Fluid Loss(估计流体损失的电子设备、布置和方法”)，其配备有“电子设备，其包括：处理单元，其配置成接收由测量单元产生的皮肤温度数据，从测量单元接收性能数据，并基于所接收的性能数据来确定理论流体损失值”。The use of mobile communication platforms such as smartphones with one or more such biometric sensors is described in various contexts. For example, US2010/0029598 to Roschk et al. describes a "Device for MonitoringPhysical Fitness" equipped with a heart rate monitor component for detecting heart rate data and an assessment device for providing health information, Health The information can be displayed by the display device and obtained by the processing unit, implemented to read in and include supplementary personal data. US2009/0157327 to Nissila describes "Electronic Device, Arrangement, and Method of Estimating Fluid Loss", which is equipped with "Electronic Device, comprising: a processing unit configured to receive a skin temperature data generated by the measurement unit, performance data received from the measurement unit, and theoretical fluid loss values determined based on the received performance data".

类似地，前面提议包括传感器的衣服。见例如Glaser等人的 US2007/0178716，其描述设计成用在穿戴式电子设备上的“modular microelectronic-system(模块化微电子系统)”。Debock等人的 US2012/0071039描述互连和终止技术前部纺织品，其包括“导电层，导电层包括导体，导体包括端子和与端子分开地提供的基部。端子具有配合端和安装端”。Jung等人的US2005/0029680描述了用于将电子设备集成在纺织品中的方法和装置。Similarly, clothing that includes sensors has been proposed previously. See eg US2007/0178716 to Glaser et al, which describes a "modular microelectronic-system" designed for use on wearable electronic devices. US2012/0071039 to Debock et al. describes interconnect and termination technology front textiles comprising "a conductive layer comprising a conductor comprising a terminal and a base provided separately from the terminal. The terminal has a mating end and a mounting end". US2005/0029680 to Jung et al. describes methods and apparatus for integrating electronic devices in textiles.

例如，可通过监控患者来检测心血管和其它健康相关的问题，包括呼吸问题。监控可允许早期和有效的干预，且可在特定的健康问题变得致命之前基于所监控的生理特征来得到医疗救助。不幸的是，大部分当前可用的心血管和其它类型的健康监控系统是笨重的和不方便的(例如，对日常使用不实际)，且特别是，对特别是以不引人注意的方式用于长期监控是困难的或不实际的。For example, cardiovascular and other health-related problems, including breathing problems, can be detected by monitoring patients. Monitoring can allow for early and effective intervention, and medical assistance can be obtained based on monitored physiological characteristics before a particular health problem becomes fatal. Unfortunately, most of the currently available cardiovascular and other types of health monitoring systems are cumbersome and inconvenient (eg, impractical for daily use) and, in particular, use in an unobtrusive manner. long-term monitoring is difficult or impractical.

提出了包括生命体征(例如ECG、呼吸、血液氧合、心率等)的患者的健康参数可使用一个或多个穿戴式监控器被主动监控，然而到目前为止这样的监控器证明难以使用且相对不准确。理想地，这样的监控器可以不引人注意地由受验对象穿戴(例如作为衣服的部分、珠宝等)。虽然这样的衣服被提议，见例如US 2012/0136231，这些衣服具有很多缺陷，包括不舒服、难以使用、以及提供不准确的结果。例如，在例如US2012/0136231 申请中，很多单独的电极位于衣服上并通过编织导电纤维等连接到处理器；虽然这样的衣服“需要…与受验对象的皮肤的相适应和稳固的导电接触“以便提供准确的读数，这样的设计要求衣服是限制性的，以便防止接触这些皮肤区域的衣服(和因而传感器)的移动。这样的配置快速变成不舒服的，特别是在将理想地被穿很多小时或甚至数天的衣服中。此外，甚至这样紧紧地穿着的衣服也常常相对于穿用者移动(例如滑动或慢慢向上拱)。此外，设备/衣服(例如在现有技术中所述的那些设备/衣服)制造起来很慢和昂贵，且常常相当“易碎的”，避免粗野的使用和洗涤。最后，这样的设备/ 衣服一般不允许直接在衣服上的手动用户输入的处理，而是完全依赖于被动监控或需要某种界面(包括衣服外界面)。It is proposed that patient health parameters including vital signs (eg ECG, respiration, blood oxygenation, heart rate, etc.) can be actively monitored using one or more wearable monitors, however such monitors have so far proved difficult to use and relatively Inaccurate. Ideally, such a monitor could be unobtrusively worn by the subject (eg, as part of clothing, jewelry, etc.). While such garments have been proposed, see eg US 2012/0136231, these garments suffer from a number of drawbacks including being uncomfortable, difficult to use, and providing inaccurate results. For example, in applications such as US2012/0136231, many individual electrodes are located on clothing and connected to the processor by woven conductive fibers or the like; although such clothing "requires... a conformable and robust conductive contact with the subject's skin" In order to provide accurate readings, such a design requires that the clothing be restrictive in order to prevent movement of the clothing (and thus the sensors) touching these skin areas. Such a configuration quickly becomes uncomfortable, especially in clothing that will ideally be worn for many hours or even days. Furthermore, even such tightly worn garments often move relative to the wearer (eg slide or slowly arch upward). Furthermore, equipment/garments, such as those described in the prior art, are slow and expensive to manufacture, and are often quite "fragile", avoiding rough use and laundering. Finally, such devices/clothes generally do not allow the processing of manual user input directly on the clothing, but rely entirely on passive monitoring or require some kind of interface (including an off-cloth interface).

包括可感测生物统计数据的一个或多个传感器的衣服的使用还没有得到普遍使用。部分地，这可能是因为这样的衣服可能在它们接受的输入的种类和通用性方面被限制，以及在衣服的舒适性和形成因素方面限制。例如，传感器和向传感器提供功率并从传感器接收信号的引线没有以允许衣服是柔韧的、有吸引力的、实用的和尤其是舒适的方面与衣服完全集成。例如，大部分这样提议的衣服不是充分有弹性的。最后，这样提议的衣服也在它们可接收的数据的种类和它们如何处理所接收的信息方面被限制。The use of clothing that includes one or more sensors that can sense biometric data has not been commonly used. In part, this may be because such garments may be limited in the variety and versatility of the inputs they accept, as well as in the comfort and form factor of the garment. For example, the sensor and the leads that provide power to the sensor and receive signals from the sensor are not fully integrated with the garment in a way that allows the garment to be flexible, attractive, practical and especially comfortable. For example, most such proposed garments are not sufficiently elastic. Finally, such proposed clothes are also limited in the kinds of data they can receive and how they process the information they receive.

因此，用于分析并传递个人的身体和情绪状态的现有的衣服(例如设备和穿戴式感测装置)和过程可能是不准确的、不足够的、在范围上被限制、令人不愉快的和/或麻烦的。Therefore, existing clothing (eg, devices and wearable sensing devices) and processes for analyzing and communicating an individual's physical and emotional state may be inaccurate, inadequate, limited in scope, and unpleasant and/or troublesome.

所需要的是具有一个或多个传感器的装置(包括衣服)，其可舒适地被穿戴，然而在持久的一段时间期间提供相对准确和运动密集的测量。提供可容易和廉价地被制造的衣服也是有益的。最后，提供具有在衣服上的直接用户界面和特别是被形成为衣服(包括织物)的部分的界面的衣服可能是有益的。What is needed is a device (including clothing) with one or more sensors that can be worn comfortably, yet provide relatively accurate and motion-intensive measurements over an extended period of time. It would also be beneficial to provide garments that can be easily and inexpensively manufactured. Finally, it may be beneficial to provide garments with a direct user interface on the garment and in particular an interface formed as part of the garment, including fabric.

特别是，所需要的是可被附接或贴附到衣服上的可拉伸的且导电的图案(例如迹线)。这些可拉伸的导电图案可甚至与最可拉伸的织物(例如压缩织物/压缩衣服)一起使用并在多个拉伸/松弛循环中随着下层织物一起移动而不断裂，并同时维持稳定的一组电特性，例如随着时间推移和使用过程中的导电率。包括本文所述的穿戴式设备(例如衣服)的装置和包括本文所述的穿戴式设备(例如衣服)的系统可处理上面识别的一些或所有问题。In particular, what is needed are stretchable and conductive patterns (eg, traces) that can be attached or affixed to clothing. These stretchable conductive patterns can be used with even the most stretchable fabrics (eg, compression fabrics/compression garments) and move with the underlying fabric over multiple stretch/relax cycles without breaking, while remaining stable A set of electrical properties, such as conductivity over time and during use. Apparatuses including wearable devices (eg, clothing) described herein and systems including wearable devices (eg, clothing) described herein may address some or all of the issues identified above.

本公开的概述SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

本文描述了具有由在压缩衣服上的印刷导电油墨形成的传感器的生理参数监控衣服，传感器布置并配置成用于鲁棒的感测和舒适的穿戴。特别是，本文所述的衣服(例如衬衫、裤子、内衣)配置成允许使用被直接印刷到衣服上并由导电迹线(其可以或可以不在衣服上被加强)连接到衣服的界面区的导电油墨传感器来鲁棒地感测一个或多个生理参数，界面区可连接到分析单元，例如配置成测量、存储、处理和/或传输所记录的参数的微处理器。Described herein are physiological parameter monitoring garments having sensors formed from printed conductive inks on compression garments, arranged and configured for robust sensing and comfortable donning. In particular, the garments (eg, shirts, pants, underwear) described herein are configured to allow the use of conductive traces that are printed directly onto the garment and connected to the interface region of the garment by conductive traces (which may or may not be reinforced on the garment). The ink sensor is used to robustly sense one or more physiological parameters, and the interface area can be connected to an analysis unit, such as a microprocessor configured to measure, store, process and/or transmit the recorded parameters.

例如，在本文描述了适合于连续地监控穿用者的区域性呼吸的衬衫。用于监控呼吸的衬衫可包括：衬衫主体，其包括织物，其中主体被配置为膨胀和收缩以保持衬衫靠着穿用者的躯干的压缩衣服；多个呼吸传感器，其布置在主体的不同区上，其中每个呼吸传感器包括：多个通常平行的导电油墨迹线和/或被印刷和/或附接在主体的外部部分上的导电弹性织物；以及区域性导电连接器，其中通常平行的导电油墨迹线中的每一个连接到区域性导电连接器；以及位于主体上的界面(例如模块界面)，其中每个呼吸传感器的区域性导电连接器连接到该界面，此外其中该界面配置成与处理器(例如传感器管理器单元)连接以检测来自每个导电连接器的电阻。本文描述了两种类型的呼吸传感器。第一种由可被印刷到形成衣服的织物上或转移或附接到衣服的导电油墨迹线形成。可使用本文所述的任何导电油墨材料(特别是包括由一层粘合剂和一层或多层导电油墨形成的那些导电油墨材料，中间/梯度区在粘合剂和导电油墨之间)。第二种类型的呼吸传感器由也在下面更详细描述的导电弹性材料形成。虽然与另一种呼吸传感器比较可以有使用一种类型的呼吸传感器的特别的益处(例如更低的电磁滞)，以及除了如通过特定的上下文明确说明的之外，任一呼吸传感器可与另一呼吸传感器可互换地使用。For example, a shirt suitable for continuously monitoring a wearer's regional respiration is described herein. A shirt for monitoring breathing may include: a shirt body comprising a fabric, wherein the body is configured as a compression garment that expands and contracts to hold the shirt against a wearer's torso; a plurality of breath sensors disposed in different regions of the body , wherein each breath sensor includes: a plurality of generally parallel conductive ink traces and/or a conductive elastic fabric printed and/or attached to an outer portion of the body; and a regional conductive connector, wherein the generally parallel each of the conductive ink traces is connected to a regional conductive connector; and an interface on the body (eg, a module interface), wherein the regional conductive connector of each breath sensor is connected to the interface, and wherein the interface is configured to A processor (eg, a sensor manager unit) is connected to detect resistance from each conductive connector. This article describes two types of respiration sensors. The first is formed from conductive ink traces that can be printed onto the fabric forming the garment or transferred or attached to the garment. Any of the conductive ink materials described herein can be used (especially including those formed from one layer of adhesive and one or more layers of conductive ink, with an intermediate/gradient region between the adhesive and the conductive ink). A second type of breath sensor is formed from a conductive elastic material also described in more detail below. While there may be particular benefits of using one type of respiration sensor compared to another (eg, lower electromagnetic hysteresis), and except as explicitly stated by the particular context, either respiration sensor may be A respiration sensor is used interchangeably.

通常，呼吸传感器可以是区域性的。衬衫主体的不同的区(例如象限) 可由不同的传感器覆盖，允许“区域性”呼吸的监测和监控。当衬衫(其紧贴地配合到身体)随着穿用者的呼吸努力而膨胀和收缩时，通过在每个不同区中的导电油墨迹线和/或导电弹性材料的电阻的变化来检测区域呼吸(运动)。多个通常平行的导电油墨迹线包括在3和50个之间的平行迹线。通过以大致平行的方式在衬衫主体的整个区上布置多个(例如2、3、 4、5、6、7、8、9、10、11、12、13、14、15、16、17、18、19、20、25、 30、35个等)导电油墨迹线，由呼吸传感器感测可以是特定地鲁棒的；这些平行迹线中的每个连接(并行地)到区域性导电连接器(且在另一端上连接到基准，例如基准线)，有效地确定来自并行电阻的总电阻，例如R_总＝(每个迹线的总电阻的乘积)/(每个迹线的每个电阻的和)。Typically, respiration sensors can be regional. Different areas (eg quadrants) of the shirt body may be covered by different sensors, allowing monitoring and monitoring of "regional" respiration. Zones are detected by changes in the electrical resistance of conductive ink traces and/or conductive elastic material in each distinct zone as the shirt (which fits snugly to the body) expands and contracts with the wearer's breathing effort Breathing (movement). The plurality of generally parallel conductive ink traces includes between 3 and 50 parallel traces. By arranging multiple (eg 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, etc.) conductive ink traces, which may be specifically robust to be sensed by the breath sensor; each of these parallel traces is connected (in parallel) to a regional conductive connection resistor (and connected on the other end to a reference, such as a reference line), effectively determining the total resistance from the parallel resistors, eg_Rtotal = (the product of the total resistances of each trace)/(each of each trace sum of resistances).

在一些变形中，衬衫配置成检测来自四个区(例如前部/后部和胸部/ 腹部区；或胸部/腹部和左部/右部区，等等)的呼吸。在一些变形中，呼吸传感器包括感测八个区(前部/后部、胸部/腹部和左部/右部区)的八个呼吸传感器。通常，多个呼吸传感器可单独地布置在身体的前部或后部、上部或下部、右部或左部区中。也可确定多于八个区(例如将身体划分成另外的子部分)；区不需要是相同的尺寸。In some variations, the shirt is configured to detect respiration from four zones (eg, front/rear and chest/abdominal zones; or chest/abdominal and left/right zones, etc.). In some variations, the respiration sensor includes eight respiration sensors that sense eight zones (front/rear, thorax/abdominal, and left/right zones). Typically, multiple respiration sensors may be individually arranged in the front or rear, upper or lower, right or left regions of the body. It is also possible to define more than eight zones (eg dividing the body into further subsections); the zones need not be the same size.

多个通常平行的导电油墨迹线每个是可拉伸的迹线；导电油墨的拉伸一般改变电阻(检测拉伸和因而呼吸)。多个通常平行的导电油墨迹线可以以任何图案被印刷在主体的外部上。例如，迹线可被印刷为平行的直线、Z字形线、曲线，例如迹线可以以波状图案被印刷。通常，多个通常平行的导电油墨迹线可配置成当受验对象呼吸时通过迹线产生变化的电阻；例如，当衬衫被穿着时，线可在横向于患者身体(越过胸部)的方向上延伸。The plurality of generally parallel conductive ink traces are each stretchable traces; stretching of the conductive ink generally changes the resistance (detecting the stretching and thus breathing). A plurality of generally parallel conductive ink traces can be printed on the exterior of the body in any pattern. For example, the traces may be printed as parallel straight lines, zigzag lines, curved lines, eg, the traces may be printed in a wavy pattern. Typically, a plurality of generally parallel traces of conductive ink can be configured to create a varying resistance through the traces as the subject breathes; for example, when a shirt is being worn, the lines can be in a direction transverse to the patient's body (across the chest) extend.

如所提到的，多个呼吸传感器可包括基准线，每个通常平行的导电油墨迹线在通常平行的导电油墨迹线的与区域性导电连接器相对的端处连接到基准线。基准线可以是“地线”。基准线一般也连接到界面(且最终连接到检测由于呼吸而引起的线的电阻的变化的处理器)。As mentioned, the plurality of breath sensors may include reference lines, each generally parallel conductive ink trace connected to the reference line at an end of the generally parallel conductive ink trace opposite the regional conductive connector. The reference line can be "ground". A reference wire is also typically connected to the interface (and ultimately to a processor that detects changes in the wire's resistance due to breathing).

每个呼吸传感器可配置成使在形成呼吸传感器的多个通常平行的导电油墨迹线中的可变电阻平均。因此，非常小的电流或电压可施加在导电迹线两端以随着呼吸确定电阻的变化。导电迹线可通常被绝缘(例如被防止直接接触穿用者的皮肤和/或由于出汗而引起的短路等)。Each breath sensor may be configured to average the variable resistance among a plurality of generally parallel conductive ink traces forming the breath sensor. Therefore, a very small current or voltage can be applied across the conductive traces to determine the change in resistance with breathing. The conductive traces may generally be insulated (eg, protected from direct contact with the wearer's skin and/or short circuits due to perspiration, etc.).

本文所述的任何衬衫也可包括用户输入，例如在身体上的触摸点位置处的触摸点传感器，其配置成感测穿用者何时在触摸点位置处触摸衬衫。触摸点传感器可用作设备的输入和/或控制。例如，用户可“标记”当某事 (例如呼吸不足或其它事件)出现时的时间，或指示活动何时增加(例如锻炼等)或减少，或开始/停止/暂停等呼吸的记录和/或分析，或保存、传输、处理等所检测的区域性呼吸。可使用多个触摸点传感器。Any of the shirts described herein may also include user input, such as a touch point sensor at a touch point location on the body configured to sense when the wearer touches the shirt at the touch point location. Touch point sensors can be used as input and/or control of the device. For example, a user may "mark" the time when something (eg, hypopnea or other event) occurs, or indicate when activity increases (eg, exercise, etc.) or decreases, or starts/stops/pauses, etc. breathing recordings and/or Analyze, or save, transmit, process, etc. the detected regional respiration. Multiple touch point sensors can be used.

衬衫也可包括一个或多个额外的传感器，例如心率传感器。例如，衬衫可包括在配置成接触穿用者的皮肤的在主体的内表面上的导电油墨电极和从导电油墨电极延伸到模块界面的电极导电连接器。电极可用于检测心率等。可使用多个电极(例如电极对)。例如，导电油墨电极可位于衬衫的袖子(或两个袖子)上。The shirt may also include one or more additional sensors, such as a heart rate sensor. For example, a shirt may include conductive ink electrodes on an inner surface of the body configured to contact the wearer's skin and electrode conductive connectors extending from the conductive ink electrodes to the module interface. Electrodes can be used to detect heart rate, etc. Multiple electrodes (eg, electrode pairs) can be used. For example, the conductive ink electrodes can be located on the sleeve (or both sleeves) of a shirt.

衬衫也可包括在主体上的保持器(例如口袋)，其配置成保持传感器管理器单元与模块界面连接。The shirt may also include a retainer (eg, a pocket) on the body configured to retain the sensor manager unit interfaced with the module.

可被使用的其它传感器包括任何其它活动/运动传感器(例如加速度计)。其它传感器可以在衬衫上和/或直接连接到衬衫或连接到从传感器接收信号的处理器的部分。Other sensors that may be used include any other activity/motion sensor (eg accelerometer). Other sensors may be on the shirt and/or connected directly to the shirt or to the part of the processor that receives signals from the sensors.

区域性导电连接器一般包括在附接到主体的基底上的导电材料。基底可支持导电材料并可与衣服通过界面连接，使得导电油墨与形成连接器的导电材料电耦合。例如，基底可以是聚合材料。在一些变形(例如见附录 A)中，基底是Kapton。Regional conductive connectors generally include conductive material on a substrate attached to the body. The substrate can support the conductive material and can interface with the garment such that the conductive ink is electrically coupled with the conductive material forming the connector. For example, the substrate can be a polymeric material. In some variations (see for example Appendix A) the substrate is Kapton.

在本文还描述使用如上所述被配置的衬衫来感测区域性呼吸的方法。例如，检测区呼吸的方法可包括穿本文所述的任何衬衫，以及通过平行地布置在搜索的主体上的(一般非重叠的)不同区中的导电油墨迹线来接收/ 传输/存储/分析电阻的变化。Also described herein are methods of sensing regional respiration using a shirt configured as described above. For example, a method of detecting zone breathing may include wearing any of the shirts described herein, and receiving/transmitting/storing/analyzing via conductive ink traces arranged in parallel in (generally non-overlapping) different zones on the subject being searched for change in resistance.

在本文还描述配置成连续地监控穿用者的心电图(ECG)的衣服(例如衬衫和/或裤子)。例如，衬衫可包括：主体，其包括织物，其中主体被配置为膨胀和收缩以保持衬衫靠着穿用者的躯干的压缩衣服；第一组六个电传感器，该第一组六个电传感器以第一曲线布置在主体上，当衬衫被穿着时其越过穿用者的胸部的左胸部区延伸，其中每个电传感器包括被印刷在主体的内表面上的导电油墨电极；第二(冗余)组六个电传感器，该第二(冗余)组六个电传感器以相邻于第二曲线的第二曲线布置在主体上；从颈部区延伸并覆盖在第一组电连接器和第二组电连接器上面的主体的支持胸衣区(support harness region)；由印刷在主体的内表面上的导电油墨形成的右臂电极；以及由印刷在主体的内表面上的导电油墨形成的左臂电极；其中每个电传感器由从电传感器延伸到界面的导体连接到主体上的界面，以及此外其中该界面配置成与传感器管理器单元连接以检测来自电传感器、右臂电极和左臂电极中的每一个的电活动。Also described herein are garments (eg, shirts and/or pants) configured to continuously monitor a wearer's electrocardiogram (ECG). For example, a shirt may include: a body comprising a fabric, wherein the body is a compression garment configured to expand and contract to hold the shirt against the torso of the wearer; a first set of six electrical sensors, the first set of six electrical sensors Arranged on the body in a first curve extending across the left breast region of the wearer's chest when the shirt is being worn, wherein each electrical sensor includes a conductive ink electrode printed on the inner surface of the body; a second (redundant) A redundant) set of six electrical sensors, the second (redundant) set of six electrical sensors is arranged on the body with a second curve adjacent to the second curve; extending from the neck region and covering the first set of electrical connectors and a support harness region of the main body above the second set of electrical connectors; a right arm electrode formed by conductive ink printed on the inner surface of the main body; and a conductive ink printed on the inner surface of the main body forming a left arm electrode; wherein each electrical sensor is connected to the interface on the body by a conductor extending from the electrical sensor to the interface, and further wherein the interface is configured to interface with a sensor manager unit to detect from the electrical sensor, the right arm electrode and the Electrical activity of each of the left arm electrodes.

通常，这样的衬衫可提供在胸部(胸部区)上的多个电极，其可被连接(例如并行地)以充当12引线ECG的胸部电极的各个引线(例如V1 -V6)。装置可配置成即使当衣服在穿用者的身体上移动时存在电极的移位或运动，也鲁棒地检测信号。此外，衣服可以舒适地被保持在适当的位置上，且电极的位置可由衣服的主体的额外支持区(例如披肩/胸衣支持)被相对固定地保持，甚至其中穿用者的身体的曲率可以以其它方式防止在穿用者和电极之间的良好接触。Typically, such shirts may provide multiple electrodes on the chest (chest region), which may be connected (eg, in parallel) to serve as individual leads (eg, VI-V6) of the chest electrodes for a 12-lead ECG. The device may be configured to robustly detect signals even if there is displacement or movement of the electrodes as the garment moves over the wearer's body. Furthermore, the garment can be comfortably held in place, and the location of the electrodes can be held relatively securely by additional support areas of the body of the garment (eg shawl/brass support), even where the curvature of the wearer's body can be Good contact between the wearer and the electrodes is otherwise prevented.

在本文还公开了配置成在本文公开的衣服(例如衬衫)之上穿戴的支持衣服。支持衣服可包括配置成将衬衫上的传感器/电极推成与穿用者的胸部更好地啮合的支持结构。支持结构可以是可充气的并基于穿用者的性别和胸部解剖结构而配置。在一些情况下，支持结构是自行充气的。Also disclosed herein are support garments configured to be worn over the garments disclosed herein (eg, shirts). The support garment may include a support structure configured to push the sensors/electrodes on the shirt into better engagement with the wearer's chest. The support structure may be inflatable and configured based on the wearer's gender and thoracic anatomy. In some cases, the support structure is self-inflating.

本发明还涉及可拉伸导电迹线以及制造它们的方法。特别是，本文描述了可用作呼吸传感器和/或用作导电迹线的导电弹性带材料。这些导电弹性带可由浸渍有被允许(至少部分地或完全)干燥的导电油墨的这些可拉伸(例如弹性)材料形成，并可通过粘合剂、缝合等连接到衣服。与其它导电材料(包括导电油墨和导线)不同，这些导电弹性橡胶可机械地重复地被装载和卸载，并展示很少(如果有的话)电磁滞。The present invention also relates to stretchable conductive traces and methods of making them. In particular, conductive elastic tape materials that can be used as breath sensors and/or as conductive traces are described herein. The conductive elastic tapes may be formed from these stretchable (eg elastic) materials impregnated with conductive inks that are allowed to dry (at least partially or completely), and may be attached to clothing by adhesives, stitching, or the like. Unlike other conductive materials, including conductive inks and wires, these conductive elastic rubbers can be loaded and unloaded mechanically and repeatedly, and exhibit little, if any, electromagnetic hysteresis.

本文描述的装置(例如设备和系统，包括衣服)的类型的特定例子包括具有由在压缩衣服上的印刷导电油墨形成的传感器的生理参数监控衣服，传感器布置并配置成鲁棒地进行感测和可舒适穿戴。特别是，本文所述的衣服(例如衬衫、裤子、内衣)配置成允许使用呼吸传感器来鲁棒地感测一个或多个生理参数，该呼吸传感器直接连接、转移到或直接印刷在衣服上，并由导电迹线(其可以或可以不在衣服例如导线带材料上被加强) 连接到衣服的界面区，其可连接到分析单元，例如配置成测量、存储、处理和/或传输所记录的参数的微处理器。Specific examples of the types of devices (eg, devices and systems, including garments) described herein include physiological parameter monitoring garments having sensors formed from printed conductive inks on compression garments, the sensors being arranged and configured to robustly sense and Comfortable to wear. In particular, garments (eg, shirts, pants, underwear) described herein are configured to allow robust sensing of one or more physiological parameters using a respiration sensor that is directly attached to, transferred to, or printed directly on the garment, and connected by conductive traces (which may or may not be reinforced on the garment such as wire tape material) to the interface area of the garment, which may be connected to an analysis unit, eg configured to measure, store, process and/or transmit the recorded parameters microprocessor.

例如，本文描述了适合于连续地监控穿用者的区域性呼吸的衣服。用于监控呼吸的衬衫可包括：衬衫主体，其包括织物，其中主体被配置为膨胀和收缩以保持衬衫靠着穿用者的躯干的压缩衣服；多个呼吸传感器，该多个呼吸传感器布置在主体的不同区上，其中每个呼吸传感器包括：被印刷在主体的外部部分或导电弹性条上的导电油墨迹线，其中呼吸传感器连接到区域性导电连接器；以及位于主体上的界面(例如模块界面)，其中每个呼吸传感器的区域性导电连接器连接到界面，此外其中界面配置成与处理器(例如传感器管理器单元)连接以检测来自每个导电连接器的电阻。For example, garments suitable for continuously monitoring the regional respiration of a wearer are described herein. A shirt for monitoring respiration may include: a shirt body comprising a fabric, wherein the body is configured to expand and contract as a compression garment to hold the shirt against a wearer's torso; a plurality of breath sensors disposed at on a different area of the body, wherein each breath sensor includes: conductive ink traces printed on an outer portion of the body or a conductive elastic strip, wherein the breath sensor is connected to a regional conductive connector; and an interface on the body (e.g. module interface), wherein the regional conductive connectors of each respiration sensor are connected to the interface, and further wherein the interface is configured to interface with a processor (eg, a sensor manager unit) to detect resistance from each conductive connector.

通常，呼吸传感器可以是区域性的。衬衫主体的不同区(例如象限) 可由不同的传感器覆盖，允许“区域性”呼吸的监测和监控。当衣服(其紧贴地配合到身体)随着穿用者的呼吸努力膨胀和收缩时，区域呼吸(运动)由在每个不同区中的导电油墨迹线的电阻的变化来进行检测。Typically, respiration sensors can be regional. Different areas of the shirt body (eg, quadrants) can be covered by different sensors, allowing monitoring and monitoring of "regional" respiration. Zone breathing (motion) is detected by changes in the resistance of the conductive ink traces in each of the different zones as the garment (which fits snugly to the body) expands and contracts with the wearer's breathing effort.

本文所述的任何衣服也可被称为穿戴式电子设备。如所提到的，这些设备(衣服)可一般包括：压缩织物和在衣服上的至少一个可拉伸且导电油墨图案。导电油墨图案一般包括一层导电油墨(其本身可通过使导电油墨的多个层分层以形成最终厚度来形成)和一层(绝缘)粘合剂以及在这两层之间的中间区，其中导电油墨和弹性粘合剂例如在梯度区中部分地组合。中间区可以比导电油墨层更薄、大约一样厚、或更厚，而粘合剂层可以更厚。Any clothing described herein may also be referred to as a wearable electronic device. As mentioned, these devices (garments) may generally include: a compressed fabric and at least one stretchable and conductive ink pattern on the garment. The conductive ink pattern generally comprises a layer of conductive ink (which itself can be formed by layering multiple layers of conductive ink to form the final thickness) and a layer of (insulating) adhesive and an intermediate region between these two layers, Therein the conductive ink and the elastic adhesive are partially combined, for example, in the gradient region. The intermediate region can be thinner, about as thick, or thicker than the conductive ink layer, while the adhesive layer can be thicker.

例如，导电油墨图案可包括：导电油墨层，其具有：在大约40-60％之间的导电粒子；在大约30-50％之间的粘结剂；在大约3-7％之间的溶剂；以及在大约3-7％之间的增稠剂；在衣服上的弹性粘合剂层；以及在导电油墨和粘合剂之间的梯度区，梯度区包括导电油墨和粘合剂的非均质混合物，其中导电油墨的浓度从较接近导电油墨层的区到弹性粘合剂层下降。For example, a conductive ink pattern may include: a layer of conductive ink having: between about 40-60% conductive particles; between about 30-50% binder; between about 3-7% solvent and between about 3-7% thickener; an elastic adhesive layer on the garment; and a gradient zone between the conductive ink and the adhesive, the gradient zone comprising the non-conductive ink and the adhesive Homogeneous mixture in which the concentration of conductive ink decreases from a region closer to the conductive ink layer to the elastic adhesive layer.

通常，本文所述的压缩衣服可配置成在受验对象的身体表面上施加在大约3mm Hg和大约70mmHg之间的压力以允许衣服到受验对象的身体上的稳定和连续的定位。Generally, the compression garments described herein can be configured to exert between about 3 mm Hg and about 70 mmHg of pressure on the body surface of the subject to allow stable and continuous positioning of the garment on the subject's body.

导电油墨部分的成分一般可包括在如所提到的粘结剂、增稠剂和溶剂中的导电粒子。导电粒子可包括炭黑的粒子或下列项中的一个或多个：炭黑、石墨烯、石墨、银金属粉末、铜金属粉末或铁金属粉末、被涂覆有氧化物的云母(例如被涂覆有掺锑二氧化锡的云母)等。粘结剂一般包括无甲醛粘结剂，例如丙烯酸粘结剂。溶剂可以是例如丙二醇。增稠剂的例子是聚氨酯类增稠剂(polyurethanic thickener)。The components of the conductive ink portion may generally include conductive particles in binders, thickeners and solvents as mentioned. The conductive particles may include particles of carbon black or one or more of the following: carbon black, graphene, graphite, silver metal powder, copper metal powder or iron metal powder, mica coated with oxide (eg coated with Mica covered with antimony-doped tin dioxide), etc. Adhesives typically include formaldehyde-free adhesives, such as acrylic adhesives. The solvent can be, for example, propylene glycol. Examples of thickeners are polyurethane thickeners.

通常，可使用任何适当的粘合剂(例如弹性粘合剂)。例如，弹性粘合剂可包括热粘合剂水基胶，其是电绝缘的。在这些变形的任一个中，绝缘树脂可至少部分地位于导电油墨层之上。In general, any suitable adhesive (eg, elastic adhesive) can be used. For example, the elastic adhesive may include a thermal adhesive water-based glue, which is electrically insulating. In any of these variations, the insulating resin may be located at least partially over the conductive ink layer.

导电油墨图案可包括多层导电油墨。The conductive ink pattern may include multiple layers of conductive ink.

弹性粘合剂层的厚度可以比梯度区的厚度大，且梯度区的厚度可以与导电油墨的厚度大约相同或更大。例如，弹性粘合剂比中间(梯度)区比导电油墨的比可以是大约1.1比5(粘合剂)：0.8比1.2(中间区)：0.5比 1.2(导电油墨)。在一个例子中，导电油墨图案的油墨部分的厚度在大约 30-70μm之间，过渡区(梯度/中间区)的厚度在大约30-90μm之间，以及粘合剂(胶)区的厚度在大约100到200μm之间。The thickness of the elastic adhesive layer can be greater than the thickness of the gradient region, and the thickness of the gradient region can be about the same or greater than the thickness of the conductive ink. For example, the ratio of elastic binder to intermediate (gradient) zone to conductive ink may be approximately 1.1 to 5 (binder): 0.8 to 1.2 (mid zone): 0.5 to 1.2 (conductive ink). In one example, the thickness of the ink portion of the conductive ink pattern is between about 30-70 μm, the thickness of the transition region (gradient/intermediate region) is between about 30-90 μm, and the thickness of the adhesive (glue) region is between about 30-90 μm. Between about 100 and 200 μm.

通常，导电迹线的电阻率可以小于大约10千欧姆/平方。例如，体电阻率可以在大约0.2欧姆*cm到大约20欧姆*cm之间，以及薄层电阻率可以在大约100到10,000欧姆/平方(每平方欧姆)。在一个例子中，体电阻率被测量为11.5欧姆*cm，且薄层电阻率在1913欧姆/平方处。导电图案的电阻率可随着外加拉伸而改变。Typically, the resistivity of the conductive traces can be less than about 10 kiloohms/square. For example, the volume resistivity may be between about 0.2 ohm*cm and about 20 ohm*cm, and the sheet resistivity may be between about 100 and 10,000 ohms/square (per square ohm). In one example, the volume resistivity was measured to be 11.5 ohms*cm, and the sheet resistivity was at 1913 ohms/square. The resistivity of the conductive pattern can be changed with applied stretching.

通常，因而产生的导电油墨图案是极其可拉伸的，同时维持它们的电特性且没有断裂。例如，导电油墨图案可配置成拉伸到多达静止长度的 500％而不断裂。In general, the resulting conductive ink patterns are extremely stretchable, while maintaining their electrical properties and without breaking. For example, conductive ink patterns can be configured to stretch up to 500% of their resting length without breaking.

本文所述的任何导电油墨图案可被形成为传感器、迹线的全部或部分和/或作为电极。导电油墨图案可连接到另一(例如更刚性的)导电材料。例如，导电油墨图案可使用被形成为迹线的导电油墨图案或通过连接到也附接到衣服的导电线或导线来连接到传感器模块或传感器模块的界面。例如，如本文所述的设备(衣服)可包括耦合到衣服并在一端处连接到导电油墨图案的导电线。Any of the conductive ink patterns described herein can be formed as sensors, all or part of traces, and/or as electrodes. The conductive ink pattern can be connected to another (eg, more rigid) conductive material. For example, the conductive ink pattern may be connected to the sensor module or interface of the sensor module using the conductive ink pattern formed as traces or by connecting to conductive wires or wires that are also attached to clothing. For example, a device (garment) as described herein may include a conductive wire coupled to the garment and connected at one end to a pattern of conductive ink.

穿戴式电子设备可包括：衣服，其包括压缩织物；以及在具有小于10 千欧姆/平方的薄层电阻率的在衣服上的至少一个可拉伸且导电油墨图案，其中导电油墨图案可拉伸到多达至少大约200％而不断裂，并包括：导电油墨层，该导电油墨层具有：在大约40-60％之间的导电粒子；在大约 30-50％之间的粘结剂；在大约3-7％之间的溶剂；以及在大约3-7％之间的增稠剂；在衣服上的弹性粘合剂层；以及在导电油墨和粘合剂之间的梯度区，该梯度区包括导电油墨和粘合剂的非均质混合物，其中导电油墨的浓度从较接近导电油墨层的区到弹性粘合剂层下降；以及在导电油墨层的至少一部分之上的绝缘树脂。The wearable electronic device may include: a garment comprising a compressed fabric; and at least one stretchable and conductive ink pattern on the garment having a sheet resistivity of less than 10 kiloohms/square, wherein the conductive ink pattern is stretchable up to at least about 200% without breakage, and comprising: a conductive ink layer having: between about 40-60% conductive particles; between about 30-50% binder; between about 3-7% solvent; and between about 3-7% thickener; an elastic adhesive layer on the garment; and a gradient region between the conductive ink and the adhesive, the gradient The zone includes a heterogeneous mixture of conductive ink and adhesive, wherein the concentration of conductive ink decreases from a zone closer to the conductive ink layer to the elastic adhesive layer; and an insulating resin over at least a portion of the conductive ink layer.

穿戴式电子设备可包括：衣服，其包括压缩织物；在衣服上的至少一个可拉伸和导电油墨图案，其中导电油墨图案包括：导电油墨层，该导电油墨层具有：在大约40-60％之间的导电粒子；在大约30-50％之间的粘结剂；在大约3-7％之间的溶剂；以及在大约3-7％之间的增稠剂；在衣服上的弹性粘合剂层；以及在导电油墨和粘合剂之间的梯度区，梯度区包括导电油墨和粘合剂的非均质混合物，其中导电油墨的浓度从较接近导电油墨层的区到弹性粘合剂层下降；以及耦合到压缩织物并在一端区处电连接到导电油墨的导电线，其中导电线以正弦或Z字形图案沿着衣服延伸。导电线可被缝到压缩织物上和/或粘贴到压缩织物上。The wearable electronic device may comprise: a garment comprising a compressed fabric; at least one stretchable and conductive ink pattern on the garment, wherein the conductive ink pattern comprises: a layer of conductive ink having: at about 40-60% between about 30-50% binder; between about 3-7% solvent; and between about 3-7% thickener; elastic adhesive on clothing a mixture layer; and a gradient region between the conductive ink and the adhesive, the gradient region comprising a heterogeneous mixture of the conductive ink and the adhesive, wherein the concentration of the conductive ink ranges from a region closer to the conductive ink layer to the elastic bond and a conductive thread coupled to the compression fabric and electrically connected to the conductive ink at one end region, wherein the conductive thread extends along the garment in a sinusoidal or zigzag pattern. The conductive thread can be sewn and/or glued to the compression fabric.

如上面提到的，形成本文所述的任何装置(例如设备和系统，例如衣服)的方法可包括直接在织物上或间接地通过形成转移(transfer)并接着转移它来形成可拉伸导电油墨图案。例如，制造穿戴式电子设备衣服的方法可包括：靠着压缩织物放置包括可拉伸导电油墨图案的转移基底，其中导电油墨图案包括：导电油墨层，该导电油墨层具有：在大约40-60％之间的导电粒子；弹性粘合剂层；以及在导电油墨和粘合剂之间的梯度区，梯度区包括导电油墨和粘合剂的非均质混合物，其中导电油墨的浓度从较接近导电油墨层的区到弹性粘合剂层下降；以及将导电油墨图案从转移基底转移到压缩织物。As mentioned above, the method of forming any of the devices (eg, devices and systems, eg, clothing) described herein may include forming a stretchable conductive ink directly on the fabric or indirectly by forming a transfer and then transferring it pattern. For example, a method of making a wearable electronic device garment may include placing a transfer substrate including a stretchable conductive ink pattern against a compressed fabric, wherein the conductive ink pattern includes a conductive ink layer having: between about 40-60 % between conductive particles; an elastic adhesive layer; and a gradient region between the conductive ink and the adhesive, the gradient region comprising a heterogeneous mixture of conductive ink and adhesive, wherein the concentration of conductive ink varies from closer to The area of the conductive ink layer descends to the elastic adhesive layer; and the conductive ink pattern is transferred from the transfer substrate to the compression fabric.

如所提到的，导电油墨层包括：在大约40-60％之间的导电粒子；在大约30-50％之间的粘结剂；在大约3-7％之间的溶剂；以及在大约3-7％之间的增稠剂。As mentioned, the conductive ink layer comprises: between about 40-60% conductive particles; between about 30-50% binder; between about 3-7% solvent; Thickener between 3-7%.

方法还可包括将转移基底从导电油墨图案剥掉。转移基底可包括纸或塑料(例如聚氨酯)基底。在使用导电线的变形中，方法还可包括将导电线附接到压缩织物，其中导电线的一端电连接到导电油墨图案。转移基底因此可包括与导电油墨图案电通信的导电线。The method may also include peeling the transfer substrate away from the conductive ink pattern. The transfer substrate may comprise a paper or plastic (eg, polyurethane) substrate. In variations using conductive threads, the method may further include attaching the conductive threads to the compression fabric, wherein one end of the conductive threads is electrically connected to the conductive ink pattern. The transfer substrate can thus include conductive lines in electrical communication with the conductive ink pattern.

转移可以是热转移，例如转移可包括施加热以转移导电油墨图案和/ 或同时将它放置成靠着衣服(例如在衣服上熨它)。转移可包括施加从大约 130℃到大约300℃的热以将导电油墨图案转移到压缩织物。转移可包括将导电油墨图案从转移基底转移到压缩织物。The transfer may be thermal transfer, eg, the transfer may include applying heat to transfer the conductive ink pattern and/or while placing it against the garment (eg, ironing it on the garment). Transferring can include applying heat from about 130°C to about 300°C to transfer the conductive ink pattern to the compressed fabric. Transferring can include transferring the conductive ink pattern from the transfer substrate to the compressed fabric.

这些方法中的任一个方法可包括在放置在压缩织物上之前将导电油墨图案印刷在转移基底上。压缩织物可以在转移之前和/或期间处于松弛(未拉伸，例如平坦的/平滑的，但未拉伸)。Any of these methods may include printing the conductive ink pattern on the transfer substrate prior to placement on the compressed fabric. The compressed fabric may be relaxed (unstretched, eg flat/smooth, but not stretched) before and/or during transfer.

可通过以第一图案将导电油墨印刷在基底上、在第一图案之上将粘合剂印刷到基底上并形成在导电油墨和粘合剂之间的梯度区来将导电油墨图案印刷在转移基底上。The conductive ink pattern can be printed on the transfer by printing the conductive ink on the substrate in a first pattern, printing the adhesive on the substrate over the first pattern, and forming a gradient region between the conductive ink and the adhesive. on the base.

制造穿戴式电子设备衣服的方法可包括：将导体油墨的图案和弹性粘合剂印刷到基底上，使得导电油墨实质上与粘合剂一起延伸，其中导电油墨包括在大约40％和大约60％之间的导电粒子；以及形成在导电油墨和粘合剂之间的梯度区，梯度区包括导电油墨和粘合剂的非均质混合物，其中在梯度区中的导电油墨的浓度从较接近导电油墨层的区到弹性粘合剂层下降。基底可包括转移基底(例如纸、塑料等)。基底的表面可以是“不粘的”(例如上蜡的、密封的等)或以其它方式被制备成增强基底的转移(和移除)。基底可包括压缩织物。如上面提到的，导电油墨可包括：在大约40-60％之间的导电粒子；在大约30-50％之间的粘结剂；在大约3-7％之间的溶剂；以及在大约3-7％之间的增稠剂。A method of making a wearable electronic device garment may include printing a pattern of conductive ink and an elastic adhesive onto a substrate such that the conductive ink extends substantially with the adhesive, wherein the conductive ink is comprised between about 40% and about 60% conductive particles between; and a gradient region formed between the conductive ink and the binder, the gradient region comprising a heterogeneous mixture of the conductive ink and the binder, wherein the concentration of the conductive ink in the gradient region is from closer to the conductive ink The area of the ink layer descends to the elastic adhesive layer. The substrate may include a transfer substrate (eg, paper, plastic, etc.). The surface of the substrate may be "non-stick" (eg, waxed, sealed, etc.) or otherwise prepared to enhance transfer (and removal) of the substrate. The substrate may comprise a compressed fabric. As mentioned above, the conductive ink may include: between about 40-60% conductive particles; between about 30-50% binder; between about 3-7% solvent; Thickener between 3-7%.

在这些变形中的任一个中，粘合剂和/或导电油墨的图案可被丝网印刷。例如，印刷可包括将具有被配置为第一图案的开口的丝网放置到基底上以及将粘合剂涂在丝网之上。In any of these variations, the pattern of adhesive and/or conductive ink may be screen printed. For example, printing may include placing a screen with openings configured in a first pattern onto a substrate and applying an adhesive over the screen.

通常，导电油墨和/或粘合剂的粘度可被选择为使得它可被印刷到基底和/或织物上。例如，油墨(未固化)的粘度可以在大约60泊和大约200 泊之间，且未固化的粘合剂的粘度可以是类似的。粘度随着温度而降低；通常，粘度可以在大约15℃和大约38℃的温度之间的所指示的范围(工作范围)内。Typically, the viscosity of the conductive ink and/or adhesive can be selected such that it can be printed onto substrates and/or fabrics. For example, the viscosity of the ink (uncured) can be between about 60 poise and about 200 poise, and the viscosity of the uncured adhesive can be similar. Viscosity decreases with temperature; typically, viscosity may be within the indicated range (working range) between temperatures of about 15°C and about 38°C.

在一些变形中，印刷包括将粘合剂和/或导电油墨溅射到压缩织物上。In some variations, printing includes sputtering adhesive and/or conductive ink onto the compressed fabric.

通常，在粘合剂和导电油墨之间的梯度(中间)区可在印刷过程期间主动地或被动地形成。例如，形成梯度区可包括将导电油墨印刷到粘合剂上，同时粘合剂是足够流动的以允许导电油墨扩散到粘合剂的上部区内。可通过调节温度(例如加热或冷却)来增强/抑制油墨和/或胶的扩散。在一些变形中，可涂敷粘合剂和导电油墨的混合物(例如50/50粘合剂/油墨的混合物、60/40的混合物、70/30的混合物、40/60的混合物、30/70的混合物等)。Typically, the gradient (intermediate) region between the adhesive and the conductive ink can be formed actively or passively during the printing process. For example, forming the gradient region may include printing conductive ink onto the adhesive while the adhesive is sufficiently fluid to allow the conductive ink to diffuse into the upper region of the adhesive. Diffusion of inks and/or glues can be enhanced/inhibited by adjusting the temperature (eg, heating or cooling). In some variations, mixtures of adhesive and conductive ink may be applied (eg, 50/50 adhesive/ink mixture, 60/40 mixture, 70/30 mixture, 40/60 mixture, 30/70 mixture mixture, etc.).

制造穿戴式电子设备衣服的方法可包括：以第一图案将粘合剂印刷到压缩织物上，其中粘合剂当干燥时是粘性的；将导电油墨印刷到第一图案上；以及在导电油墨和粘合剂之间形成梯度区，梯度区包括导电油墨和粘合剂的非均质混合物，其中在梯度区中的导电油墨的浓度从较接近导电油墨层的区到弹性粘合剂层下降。A method of making a wearable electronic device garment may include: printing an adhesive in a first pattern onto a compressed fabric, wherein the adhesive is tacky when dry; printing a conductive ink on the first pattern; and in the conductive ink A gradient zone is formed between the gradient zone and the adhesive, the gradient zone comprising a heterogeneous mixture of conductive ink and adhesive, wherein the concentration of conductive ink in the gradient zone decreases from a zone closer to the conductive ink layer to the elastic adhesive layer .

通常，印刷导电油墨可包括印刷在3和20层之间的导电油墨。导电油墨可被印刷成使得导电油墨不直接接触压缩织物。方法还可包括将绝缘树脂印刷到导电油墨的部分之上。Typically, printed conductive inks may include between 3 and 20 layers of conductive ink printed. The conductive ink can be printed such that the conductive ink does not directly contact the compressed fabric. The method may also include printing an insulating resin over the portion of the conductive ink.

在任何所述的设备和方法中，粘合剂(“胶”)可以是热粘合剂水基胶，其为电绝缘的和在机械上可拉伸的。例如，可使用在市场上可买到的基于水的和电绝缘的织物粘合剂。In any of the apparatuses and methods described, the adhesive ("glue") may be a thermal adhesive water-based glue that is electrically insulating and mechanically stretchable. For example, commercially available water-based and electrically insulating fabric adhesives can be used.

如上面提到的，印刷粘合剂可包括将具有被配置为第一图案的开口的丝网放置到压缩织物上以及将粘合剂涂在丝网之上。类似地，印刷粘合剂油墨可包括将具有匹配第一图案的至少一部分的开口的丝网放置到压缩织物上以及涂导电油墨。如所提到的，印刷导电油墨可包括印刷具有在大约 40-60％之间的导电粒子、在大约30-50％之间的粘结剂、在大约3-7％之间的溶剂以及在大约3-7％之间的增稠剂的导电油墨。As mentioned above, printing the adhesive may include placing a screen with openings configured in the first pattern onto the compressed fabric and applying the adhesive over the screen. Similarly, printing the adhesive ink can include placing a screen with openings matching at least a portion of the first pattern onto the compressed fabric and applying the conductive ink. As mentioned, printing the conductive ink can include printing with between about 40-60% conductive particles, between about 30-50% binder, between about 3-7% solvent, and Conductive inks with between about 3-7% thickener.

通常，将粘合剂印刷到压缩织物上可包括将粘合剂溅射到压缩织物上；印刷粘合剂油墨可包括将导电油墨溅射到第一图案上。如也在上面所述的，形成梯度区可包括将导电油墨印刷到粘合剂上，同时粘合剂是足够流动的以允许导电油墨到粘合剂的上部区内的扩散。Typically, printing the adhesive onto the compressed fabric can include sputtering the adhesive onto the compressed fabric; printing the adhesive ink can include sputtering conductive ink onto the first pattern. As also described above, forming the gradient region may include printing the conductive ink onto the adhesive while the adhesive is sufficiently fluid to allow diffusion of the conductive ink into the upper region of the adhesive.

在本文还描述了穿戴式织物应变计量设备(例如在本文所述的导电弹性条或带传感器)。这些设备可包括：浸渍有导电材料的伸长长度的弹性织物，其中导电材料包括在导电材料的大约85％和99％之间的导电粒子，和粘结剂，其中粘结剂在导电材料的0.1％和15％之间；附接在浸渍有导电材料的伸长长度的弹性织物的第一端处的第一导电(例如金属)连接器；附接在浸渍有导电材料的伸长长度的弹性织物的第二端处的第二导电(例如金属)连接器；以及在浸渍有导电材料的伸长长度的弹性织物之上的覆盖物，其中覆盖物包括压缩织物。Also described herein are wearable fabric strain gauge devices (eg, the conductive elastic strip or tape sensors described herein). These devices may include: an elongated length of elastic fabric impregnated with a conductive material, wherein the conductive material comprises between about 85% and 99% of the conductive material of conductive particles, and a binder, wherein the binder is in the conductive material Between 0.1% and 15%; a first conductive (eg metal) connector attached at a first end of an elongated length of elastic fabric impregnated with conductive material; attached to an elongated length of conductive material impregnated a second conductive (eg, metal) connector at the second end of the elastic fabric; and a covering over the elongated length of elastic fabric impregnated with conductive material, wherein the covering includes a compression fabric.

可被配置为呼吸传感器或以其它方式可用于检测(例如它附接到的衣服的)拉伸的这些设备也可包括以Z字形或正弦图案缝到一段压缩织物内并电耦合到第一金属连接器的导电线。例如，衣服可包括以Z字形或正弦图案缝到第一段压缩织物内并电耦合到第一金属连接器的第一导电线和以 Z字形或正弦图案缝到第二段压缩织物内并电耦合到第二金属连接器的第二导电线。多段压缩织物可以是压缩织物的不同片的部分，或它们可以是形成覆盖物的相同压缩织物的部分。These devices, which may be configured as breath sensors or otherwise may be used to detect stretch (eg, of the garment to which it is attached) may also include being sewn into a length of compressed fabric in a zigzag or sinusoidal pattern and electrically coupled to a first metal Conductive wire of the connector. For example, a garment may include a first conductive thread sewn into a first length of compressed fabric in a zigzag or sinusoidal pattern and electrically coupled to a first metal connector and a zigzag or sinusoidal pattern sewn into a second length of compressed fabric and electrically A second conductive line coupled to the second metal connector. The sections of compression fabric may be parts of different sheets of compression fabric, or they may be parts of the same compression fabric forming the cover.

导电材料可由导电粒子的悬浮体形成，例如炭黑、石墨烯、石墨和被涂覆有氧化物的云母的粒子(或本文所述的任何其它导电粒子)。通常，存在比粘结剂多得多的导电粒子；在干燥状态中，导电粒子可以在导电材料的大约60％和99.9％之间(或大约在70％和99.9％之间、在80％和99.9％之间、在85％和99.9％之间、在90％和99.9％之间、在70％和99％之间、在80％和99％之间、在85％和99％之间、在90％和99％之间等)。粘结剂可以在0.1％和20％之间(或在0.1％和15％之间、在0.1％和12％之间、在0.1％和10％之间、在0.1％和7.5％之间、在0.1％和5％之间、在0.1％和2.5％之间、在0.1％和1％之间等、在1％和20％之间、在2％和20％之间、在5％和20％之间、在7.5％和20％之间等)。粘结剂可以是丙烯酸或基于水的聚氨酯。The conductive material may be formed from a suspension of conductive particles, such as particles of carbon black, graphene, graphite, and oxide-coated mica (or any other conductive particles described herein). Typically, there are much more conductive particles than binder; in the dry state, the conductive particles may be between about 60% and 99.9% of the conductive material (or between about 70% and 99.9%, between 80% and 80%) of the conductive material. Between 99.9%, between 85% and 99.9%, between 90% and 99.9%, between 70% and 99%, between 80% and 99%, between 85% and 99%, between 90% and 99%, etc.). The binder may be between 0.1% and 20% (or between 0.1% and 15%, between 0.1% and 12%, between 0.1% and 10%, between 0.1% and 7.5%, between 0.1% and 5%, between 0.1% and 2.5%, between 0.1% and 1%, etc., between 1% and 20%, between 2% and 20%, between 5% and between 20%, between 7.5% and 20%, etc.). The binder can be acrylic or water based polyurethane.

通常，这些设备可展示低电气和机械磁滞。例如，设备在伸长它的长度的大于两倍(大于2.5倍的长度、大于3倍的长度、大于4倍的长度等) 之后可展示小于5％(小于4％、3％、2％、1％、0.9％、0.5％、0.2％、0.1％等)的电磁滞。伸长长度的弹性织物在伸长它的长度的大于两倍之后可在小于大约2秒(小于1.5秒、小于1秒、小于0.8秒、小于0.6秒、小于0.5秒、小于0.4秒、小于0.3秒、小于0.2秒、小于0.1秒、小于0.05秒等)内返回到它的原始长度。Typically, these devices exhibit low electrical and mechanical hysteresis. For example, a device may exhibit less than 5% (less than 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.9%, 0.5%, 0.2%, 0.1%, etc.) hysteresis. The stretched length elastic fabric can be stretched more than twice its length in less than about 2 seconds (less than 1.5 seconds, less than 1 second, less than 0.8 seconds, less than 0.6 seconds, less than 0.5 seconds, less than 0.4 seconds, less than 0.3 seconds seconds, less than 0.2 seconds, less than 0.1 seconds, less than 0.05 seconds, etc.) back to its original length.

本申请还提供了以下方面：This application also provides the following aspects:

1)一种适合于监控穿用者的区域性呼吸的衣服，所述衣服包括：1) A garment suitable for monitoring the regional respiration of a wearer, the garment comprising:

衣服主体，其包括压缩织物，其中所述主体被配置为压缩衣服；a garment body comprising a compression fabric, wherein the body is configured as a compression garment;

多个呼吸传感器，所述多个呼吸传感器布置在所述主体的不同区上，其中每个呼吸传感器包括：浸渍有导电油墨的弹性带、在所述弹性带的每端处的电连接器以及包括压缩织物片的罩；以及a plurality of breath sensors disposed on different regions of the body, wherein each breath sensor includes an elastic band impregnated with conductive ink, an electrical connector at each end of the elastic band, and a cover comprising a sheet of compressed fabric; and

传感器模块界面，所述传感器模块界面位于所述主体上，其中每个呼吸传感器连接到所述传感器模块界面，此外其中所述模块界面配置成与传感器管理器单元连接以检测在电阻呼吸传感器中的变化。a sensor module interface, the sensor module interface being located on the body, wherein each respiration sensor is connected to the sensor module interface, further wherein the module interface is configured to interface with a sensor manager unit to detect a Variety.

2)如1)所述的衣服，其中所述多个呼吸传感器包括六个或更多呼吸传感器。2) The garment of 1), wherein the plurality of respiration sensors includes six or more respiration sensors.

3)如1)所述的衣服，其中所述多个呼吸传感器包括单独地布置在所述主体的前部或后部、上部或下部、右边或左边区中。3) The garment of 1), wherein the plurality of respiration sensors comprises individually disposed in the front or rear, upper or lower, right or left regions of the main body.

4)如1)所述的衣服，被配置为衬衫。4) The clothing according to 1), configured as a shirt.

5)如1)所述的衣服，其中所述呼吸传感器经由在附接到所述衣服主体的单独的压缩织物片上形成的缝合的Z字形连接器来连接到所述传感器模块界面。5) The garment of 1), wherein the breath sensor is connected to the sensor module interface via a stitched zigzag connector formed on a separate piece of compressed fabric attached to the garment body.

6)如1)所述的衣服，此外其中所述呼吸传感器被围在压缩织物的所述罩中并附接到所述衣服主体的表面。6) The garment of 1), further wherein the breath sensor is enclosed in the cover of compression fabric and attached to the surface of the garment body.

7)如1)所述的衣服，其中所述呼吸传感器配置成当受验对象呼吸时改变穿过所述传感器的电阻。7) The garment of 1), wherein the breath sensor is configured to change the resistance across the sensor as the subject breathes.

8)如1)所述的衣服，还包括基准线，所述多个呼吸传感器中的每个呼吸传感器在所述呼吸传感器的端部处连接到所述基准线。8) The garment of 1), further comprising a reference line to which each breath sensor of the plurality of breath sensors is connected at an end of the breath sensor.

9)如1)所述的衣服，还包括在所述衣服主体的内表面上的至少一个 ECG电极。9) The garment of 1), further comprising at least one ECG electrode on the inner surface of the garment body.

10)如1)所述的衣服，还包括由在所述衣服主体的内表面上的导电油墨材料形成的ECG电极。10) The garment of 1), further comprising an ECG electrode formed of a conductive ink material on the inner surface of the garment body.

11)如1)所述的衣服，还包括在所述衣服主体上的口袋，所述口袋配置成保持传感器管理器单元与所述传感器模块界面连接。11) The garment of 1), further comprising a pocket on the garment body, the pocket configured to hold a sensor manager unit interfaced with the sensor module.

12)如1)所述的衣服，其中所述多个呼吸传感器包括在所述衣服的左侧上的第一多个呼吸传感器和在所述衣服的右侧上的第二多个呼吸传感器，所述第一多个呼吸传感器被平行布置，所述第二多个呼吸传感器被平行布置。12) The garment of 1), wherein the plurality of breath sensors comprises a first plurality of breath sensors on a left side of the garment and a second plurality of breath sensors on a right side of the garment, The first plurality of respiration sensors are arranged in parallel and the second plurality of respiration sensors are arranged in parallel.

13)如1)所述的衣服，还包括在附接到所述衣服主体的单独的压缩织物片上形成的缝合的Z字形连接器，其中所述缝合的Z字形连接器包括以正弦或Z字形图案被缝到所述单独的压缩织物片内的多个绝缘导线，此外其中所述多个呼吸传感器中的每个呼吸传感器连接到在所述多个绝缘导线中的一个绝缘导线。13) The garment of 1), further comprising a stitched zigzag connector formed on a separate piece of compressed fabric attached to the garment body, wherein the stitched zigzag connector comprises a sine or zigzag The pattern is sewn to a plurality of insulated wires within the individual sheets of compressed fabric, and further wherein each breath sensor of the plurality of breath sensors is connected to an insulated wire of the plurality of insulated wires.

14)如1)所述的衣服，其中所述多个呼吸传感器中的每个呼吸传感器被围在包括所述压缩织物片的所述罩中并附接到所述衣服主体。14) The garment of 1), wherein each breath sensor of the plurality of breath sensors is enclosed in the cover comprising the sheet of compressed fabric and attached to the garment body.

15)如1)所述的衣服，其中每个呼吸传感器包括浸渍有导电油墨的所述弹性带和少于10％的粘结剂。15) The garment of 1), wherein each breath sensor comprises the elastic band impregnated with conductive ink and less than 10% adhesive.

16)一种用于监控穿用者的心电图(ECG)的衣服系统，所述衣服系统包括：16) A garment system for monitoring an electrocardiogram (ECG) of a wearer, the garment system comprising:

衣服主体，所述衣服主体包括压缩织物，其中所述衣服主体被配置为穿在躯干上的压缩衣服；a garment body comprising a compression fabric, wherein the garment body is configured as a compression garment to be worn on the torso;

第一组六个电传感器，所述第一组六个电传感器以第一曲线布置在所述衣服主体上，当所述衣服被穿着时所述第一组六个电传感器延伸越过穿用者的胸部的左胸部区，其中每个电传感器包括被印刷在所述主体的内表面上的导电油墨电极；a first set of six electrical sensors disposed on the garment body in a first curve extending across the wearer when the garment is worn a left thoracic region of the thorax, wherein each electrical sensor includes a conductive ink electrode that is printed on the inner surface of the body;

支持胸衣，所述支持胸衣配置成穿在所述第一组电传感器之上；a support bra configured to be worn over the first set of electrical sensors;

可膨胀支持结构，所述可膨胀支持结构配置成穿在所述支持胸衣和所述第一组电传感器之间；an expandable support structure configured to be worn between the support bra and the first set of electrical sensors;

右臂电极，所述右臂电极由印刷在所述衣服主体的内表面上的导电油墨形成；以及a right arm electrode formed from conductive ink printed on the inner surface of the garment body; and

左臂电极，所述左臂电极由印刷在所述衣服主体的内表面上的导电油墨形成；a left arm electrode formed of conductive ink printed on the inner surface of the garment body;

其中每个电传感器连接到传感器模块界面，所述传感器模块界面配置成将数据从所述电传感器传递到传感器管理器单元。Each of the electrical sensors is connected to a sensor module interface configured to communicate data from the electrical sensor to a sensor manager unit.

17)如16)所述的衣服系统，还包括以相邻于所述第二曲线的第二曲线布置在所述主体上的第二组六个电传感器。17) The clothing system of 16), further comprising a second set of six electrical sensors disposed on the body in a second curve adjacent to the second curve.

18)如16)所述的衣服系统，其中所述支持胸衣集成到所述衣服主体内。18) The garment system of 16), wherein the support bra is integrated into the garment body.

19)如16)所述的衣服系统，其中所述支持胸衣与所述衣服主体分离并配置成穿在所述衣服主体之上。19) The garment system of 16), wherein the support bra is separate from the garment body and is configured to be worn over the garment body.

20)如16)所述的衣服系统，其中所述支持胸衣包括由弹性区连接的刚性区。20) The garment system of 16), wherein the support bra includes rigid regions connected by elastic regions.

21)如16)所述的衣服系统，其中所述可膨胀支持结构是可充气的。21) The garment system of 16), wherein the expandable support structure is inflatable.

22)如16)所述的衣服系统，其中所述可膨胀支持结构是可自行充气的。22) The garment system of 16), wherein the expandable support structure is self-inflatable.

23)如16)所述的衣服系统，其中所述电传感器均包括：一层粘合剂；一层导电油墨，所述一层导电油墨具有：在大约40-60％之间的导电粒子、在大约30-50％之间的粘结剂、在大约3-7％之间的溶剂以及在大约3-7％之间的增稠剂；以及在所述导电油墨和所述粘合剂之间的梯度区，所述梯度区包括所述导电油墨和所述粘合剂的非均质混合物，其中导电油墨的浓度从较接近所述一层导电油墨的区到所述一层弹性粘合剂下降。23) The clothing system of 16), wherein the electrical sensors each comprise: a layer of adhesive; a layer of conductive ink, the layer of conductive ink having between about 40-60% conductive particles, between about 30-50% binder, between about 3-7% solvent, and between about 3-7% thickener; and between the conductive ink and the adhesive a gradient region between, said gradient region comprising a heterogeneous mixture of said conductive ink and said adhesive, wherein the concentration of conductive ink ranges from a region closer to said layer of conductive ink to said layer of elastic bonding dose decreased.

24)如16)所述的衣服，其中所述电传感器经由在附接到所述衣服主体的单独的压缩织物片上形成的缝合的Z字形连接器来连接到所述传感器模块界面。24) The garment of 16), wherein the electrical sensor is connected to the sensor module interface via a stitched zigzag connector formed on a separate piece of compressed fabric attached to the garment body.

25)如16)所述的衣服，还包括至少一个呼吸传感器，所述至少一个呼吸传感器包括浸渍有导电油墨的弹性带、在所述弹性带的每端处的电连接器以及包括压缩织物片的罩。25) The garment of 16), further comprising at least one breath sensor comprising an elastic band impregnated with conductive ink, an electrical connector at each end of the elastic band, and including a sheet of compressed fabric hood.

26)如16)所述的衣服，其中所述支持胸衣是吊带，并且所述可膨胀支持结构被依尺寸制造成用在男性胸部上。26) The garment of 16) wherein the support bodice is a harness and the expandable support structure is sized for use on a male breast.

27)如16)所述的衣服，其中所述支持胸衣是胸罩。27) The garment of 16), wherein the support bra is a bra.

28)如16)所述的衣服，其中所述可膨胀支持结构被依尺寸制造成用在女性胸部上。28) The garment of 16), wherein the expandable support structure is sized for use on a female breast.

29)一种适合于连续地监控穿用者的心电图(ECG)的衣服，所述衣服包括：29) A garment suitable for continuously monitoring a wearer's electrocardiogram (ECG), the garment comprising:

衣服主体，所述衣服主体包括织物，其中所述衣服主体被配置为压缩衣服以保持衬衫靠着穿用者的躯干；a garment body, the garment body comprising a fabric, wherein the garment body is configured to compress the garment to hold the shirt against the torso of the wearer;

第一组六个电传感器，所述第一组六个电传感器以第一曲线布置在所述衣服主体上，当所述衬衫被穿着时所述第一组六个电传感器延伸越过穿用者的胸部的左胸部区，其中每个电传感器包括被印刷在所述主体的内表面上的导电油墨电极；a first set of six electrical sensors arranged on the garment body in a first curve extending across the wearer when the shirt is being worn a left thoracic region of the thorax, wherein each electrical sensor includes a conductive ink electrode that is printed on the inner surface of the body;

第二组六个电传感器，所述第二组六个电传感器以相邻于所述第二曲线的第二曲线布置在所述衣服主体上；a second group of six electrical sensors, the second group of six electrical sensors being arranged on the garment body in a second curve adjacent to the second curve;

右臂电极，所述右臂电极由印刷在所述主体的内表面上的导电油墨形成；以及a right arm electrode formed from conductive ink printed on the inner surface of the body; and

左臂电极，所述左臂电极由印刷在所述主体的内表面上的导电油墨形成；a left arm electrode formed from conductive ink printed on the inner surface of the body;

30)一种穿戴式电子设备，所述设备包括：30) A wearable electronic device, the device comprising:

衣服，所述衣服包括压缩织物；以及garments comprising compressed fabrics; and

在所述衣服上的至少一个可拉伸且导电油墨图案，其中所述导电油墨图案包括：at least one stretchable and conductive ink pattern on the garment, wherein the conductive ink pattern comprises:

一层导电油墨，所述一层导电油墨具有：在大约40-60％之间的导电粒子；在大约30-50％之间的粘结剂；在大约3-7％之间的溶剂；以及在大约3-7％之间的增稠剂；a layer of conductive ink having: between about 40-60% conductive particles; between about 30-50% binder; between about 3-7% solvent; and Thickeners between about 3-7%;

在所述衣服上的一层弹性粘合剂；以及a layer of elastic adhesive on the garment; and

在所述导电油墨和所述粘合剂之间的梯度区，所述梯度区包括所述导电油墨和所述粘合剂的非均质混合物，其中导电油墨的浓度从较接近所述一层导电油墨的区到所述一层弹性粘合剂下降。A gradient region between the conductive ink and the binder, the gradient region comprising a heterogeneous mixture of the conductive ink and the binder, wherein the concentration of the conductive ink is from closer to the layer The area of conductive ink falls to the layer of elastic adhesive.

31)如30)所述的设备，其中所述弹性层的厚度大于所述梯度区的厚度，并且所述一层导电油墨的厚度小于所述弹性层的厚度。31) The apparatus of 30), wherein the thickness of the elastic layer is greater than the thickness of the gradient region, and the thickness of the layer of conductive ink is less than the thickness of the elastic layer.

32)如30)所述的设备，其中所述衣服配置成在受验对象的身体表面上施加在大约3mm Hg和大约70mmHg之间的压力以允许所述衣服到受验对象的身体上的稳定和连续的定位。32) The apparatus of 30), wherein the garment is configured to exert a pressure between about 3 mmHg and about 70 mmHg on the subject's body surface to allow stabilization of the garment to the subject's body and continuous positioning.

33)如30)所述的设备，其中所述导电粒子包括炭黑的粒子。33) The apparatus of 30), wherein the conductive particles comprise particles of carbon black.

34)如30)所述的设备，其中所述导电粒子包括下列项中的一个或多个的粒子：炭黑、石墨烯、石墨、银金属粉末、铜金属粉末或铁金属粉末。34) The apparatus of 30), wherein the conductive particles comprise particles of one or more of the following: carbon black, graphene, graphite, silver metal powder, copper metal powder, or iron metal powder.

35)如30)所述的设备，其中所述粘结剂包括丙烯酸粘结剂。35) The apparatus of 30), wherein the adhesive comprises an acrylic adhesive.

36)如30)所述的设备，其中所述溶剂包括丙二醇。36) The apparatus of 30), wherein the solvent comprises propylene glycol.

37)如30)所述的设备，其中所述增稠剂包括聚氨酯类增稠剂。37) The apparatus of 30), wherein the thickener comprises a polyurethane-based thickener.

38)如30)所述的设备，其中所述弹性粘合剂包括电绝缘的热粘合剂水基胶。38) The apparatus of 30), wherein the elastic adhesive comprises an electrically insulating thermal adhesive water-based glue.

39)如30)所述的设备，还包括至少部分地在所述一层导电油墨之上的绝缘树脂。39) The apparatus of 30), further comprising an insulating resin at least partially over the layer of conductive ink.

40)如30)所述的设备，其中所述导电油墨图案包括多层所述导电油墨。40) The apparatus of 30), wherein the conductive ink pattern comprises multiple layers of the conductive ink.

41)如30)所述的设备，其中所述导电迹线的电阻率小于大约10千欧/平方。41) The device of 30), wherein the electrical resistivity of the conductive traces is less than about 10 kiloohms/square.

42)如30)所述的设备，其中所述导电图案的电阻率随着外加拉伸而改变。42) The device of 30), wherein the resistivity of the conductive pattern changes with applied stretching.

43)如30)所述的设备，其中所述导电油墨图案配置成拉伸到静止长度的高达500％而不断裂。43) The device of 30), wherein the conductive ink pattern is configured to stretch up to 500% of the resting length without breaking.

44)如30)所述的设备，其中导电油墨图案被形成为传感器。44) The apparatus of 30), wherein the conductive ink pattern is formed as a sensor.

45)如30)所述的设备，其中所述导电油墨图案被形成为迹线。45) The apparatus of 30), wherein the conductive ink pattern is formed as traces.

46)如30)所述的设备，其中所述导电油墨图案被配置为电极。46) The device of 30), wherein the conductive ink pattern is configured as an electrode.

47)如30)所述的设备，还包括耦合到所述衣服并在一端处连接到所述导电油墨图案的导电线。47) The device of 30), further comprising a conductive wire coupled to the garment and connected at one end to the conductive ink pattern.

48)一种穿戴式电子设备，所述设备包括：48) A wearable electronic device, the device comprising:

在所述衣服上的具有小于大约10千欧/平方的薄层电阻率的至少一个可拉伸且导电油墨图案，其中所述导电油墨图案能够拉伸到高达至少大约 200％而不断裂，并包括：at least one stretchable and conductive ink pattern on the garment having a sheet resistivity of less than about 10 kohms/square, wherein the conductive ink pattern is capable of being stretched up to at least about 200% without breaking, and include:

在所述衣服上的一层弹性粘合剂；a layer of elastic adhesive on the garment;

在所述导电油墨和所述粘合剂之间的梯度区，所述梯度区包括所述导电油墨和所述粘合剂的非均质混合物，其中导电油墨的浓度从较接近所述一层导电油墨的区到所述一层弹性粘合剂下降；以及A gradient region between the conductive ink and the binder, the gradient region comprising a heterogeneous mixture of the conductive ink and the binder, wherein the concentration of the conductive ink is from closer to the layer a region of conductive ink descends to the layer of elastic adhesive; and

在所述一层导电油墨的至少一部分之上的绝缘树脂。an insulating resin over at least a portion of the layer of conductive ink.

49)如48)所述的设备，其中所述导电粒子包括下列项中的一个或多个的粒子：炭黑、石墨烯、石墨、银金属粉末、铜金属粉末或铁金属粉末。49) The apparatus of 48), wherein the conductive particles comprise particles of one or more of the following: carbon black, graphene, graphite, silver metal powder, copper metal powder, or iron metal powder.

50)如48)所述的设备，其中所述粘结剂包括丙烯酸粘结剂。50) The apparatus of 48), wherein the adhesive comprises an acrylic adhesive.

51)如48)所述的设备，其中所述溶剂包括丙二醇。51) The apparatus of 48), wherein the solvent comprises propylene glycol.

52)如48)所述的设备，其中所述增稠剂包括聚氨酯类增稠剂。52) The apparatus of 48), wherein the thickener comprises a polyurethane-based thickener.

53)如48)所述的设备，其中所述弹性粘合剂包括电绝缘的热粘合剂水基胶。53) The apparatus of 48), wherein the elastic adhesive comprises an electrically insulating thermal adhesive water-based glue.

54)如48)所述的设备，其中所述导电油墨图案被配置为电极。54) The device of 48), wherein the conductive ink pattern is configured as an electrode.

55)如48)所述的设备，还包括耦合到所述衣服并在一端处连接到所述导电油墨图案的导电线。55) The apparatus of 48), further comprising a conductive wire coupled to the garment and connected at one end to the conductive ink pattern.

附图的简要描述Brief Description of Drawings

在所附权利要求中特别地阐述了本发明的新颖特征。将通过参考下面阐述例证性实施方式的详细描述来取得对本发明的特征和优点的更好理解，其中本发明的原理被利用，且其附图：The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description setting forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings:

图1A示出被配置为呼吸监控衣服的衬衫的前视图。图1B是图1A的衬衫的前部和横向区的部分视图。图1C示出图1A和图1B的相同衣服的后视图。1A shows a front view of a shirt configured as a breath monitoring garment. Figure IB is a partial view of the front and lateral regions of the shirt of Figure IA. Figure 1C shows a rear view of the same garment of Figures 1A and 1B.

图1D、1E和1F分别示出类似于在图1A-1C中所示的衣服的、配置成测量区域性呼吸的另一衣服的前视图、前和横向视图和后视图。1D, 1E, and 1F show front, front and lateral views, and rear views, respectively, of another garment, similar to the garment shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, configured to measure regional respiration.

图2A是用于测量ECG的衣服(示出衬衫和裤子)的前视图。Figure 2A is a front view of a garment (shirt and pants shown) used to measure ECG.

图2B是图2A的衣服(衬衫和裤子)的后视图。Figure 2B is a rear view of the garment (shirt and pants) of Figure 2A.

图3A是用于测量ECG的衣服的另一变形的前视图，其中肢体引线位于衬衫上，例如不需要腿引线。例如，当运动应力测试被执行时，肢体引线常常放置在躯干上以避免人为现象，同时是能够走动的(臂引线在锁骨下移动，且腿引线在髂嵴内侧和之上)。图3B是图3A的衣服的后视图。3A is a front view of another variation of a garment for measuring ECG in which limb leads are on a shirt, eg, leg leads are not required. For example, when exercise stress testing is performed, limb leads are often placed on the torso to avoid artifacts while being ambulatory (arm leads move under the clavicle and leg leads medial and over the iliac crest). Figure 3B is a rear view of the garment of Figure 3A.

图4A和4B分别示出配置成检测ECG的衣服的前视图和后视图。4A and 4B show front and rear views, respectively, of a garment configured to detect ECG.

图5是特征化可拉伸导电油墨的一种变形的力与延长部分的关系的曲线图。Figure 5 is a graph of force versus extension characterizing a deformation of the stretchable conductive ink.

图6是特征化可拉伸导电油墨的一种变形的电阻的曲线图。Figure 6 is a graph characterizing the resistance of a variant of the stretchable conductive ink.

图7A、7B和7C分别示出配置成在睡眠期间被穿戴以监控受验对象的睡眠的衣服的前视图、侧视图和后视图。7A, 7B, and 7C show front, side, and rear views, respectively, of a garment configured to be worn during sleep to monitor a subject's sleep.

图8A和8B示出可被包括的衣领的前视图和后视图。8A and 8B show front and rear views of a collar that may be included.

图9示出适合于确定情绪效价的衣服(或多个衣服)的操作的示意图。9 shows a schematic diagram of the operation of a garment (or garments) suitable for determining emotional valence.

图10A-10E是从图9所示的示意图提供另外的细节的示意图。10A-10E are schematic diagrams providing additional detail from the schematic diagram shown in FIG. 9 .

图11是可从穿戴如本文所述的衣服的用户产生的健康状态的确定的图形图示。11 is a graphical illustration of a determination of health status that may be generated from a user wearing clothing as described herein.

图12是可从穿戴如本文所述的衣服的用户产生的健康状态分级/分析的图形图示。12 is a graphical illustration of a health status rating/analysis that may be generated from a user wearing clothing as described herein.

图13A和13B分别示出衣服的前视图和后视图。13A and 13B show front and rear views of the garment, respectively.

图14A和14B分别示出具有支持衣服的衣服的前视图和后视图。Figures 14A and 14B show front and rear views, respectively, of a garment with support garments.

图14C和14D分别示出可与本文所述的衣服一起使用的支持衣服的前视图和后视图。14C and 14D illustrate front and rear views, respectively, of a support garment that may be used with the garments described herein.

图15A和15B示出根据一些实施方式的可充气支持设备。图15C示出相对于女性胸部的可充气支持设备。15A and 15B illustrate an inflatable support device according to some embodiments. Figure 15C shows an inflatable support device relative to a female breast.

图16A和16B分别示出可与本文所述的衣服一起使用的支持衣服的前视图和后视图。16A and 16B illustrate front and rear views, respectively, of a support garment that may be used with the garments described herein.

图17A和17B示出根据一些实施方式的可充气支持设备。图17C示出相对于男性胸部的可充气支持设备。17A and 17B illustrate an inflatable support device according to some embodiments. Figure 17C shows an inflatable support device relative to a male chest.

图18A和18B分别示出具有支持衣服的衣服的前视图和后视图。Figures 18A and 18B show front and rear views, respectively, of a garment with support garments.

图18C-18E示出包括用于测量生理参数(例如ECG)的衣服(包括穿戴式支持胸衣和用于保持衣服中的电极靠着皮肤的支持结构)的一个系统。图18F和18G分别示出图18A的支持结构(可膨胀支持结构)的前视图和后视图。18C-18E illustrate a system including a garment for measuring physiological parameters such as ECG, including a wearable support bra and a support structure for holding electrodes in the garment against the skin. Figures 18F and 18G show front and rear views, respectively, of the support structure (expandable support structure) of Figure 18A.

图19A和19B示出裤子的前视图和后视图。图19C示出在本文公开的衣服之间的示例性连接。19A and 19B show front and rear views of the pants. Figure 19C shows an example connection between garments disclosed herein.

图20示出根据一些实施方式的裤子的配线图。20 shows a wiring diagram of pants according to some embodiments.

图21A示出根据一些实施方式的衣服的前面的配线图。图21B示出根据一些实施方式的衣服的背面的配线图。21A shows a wiring diagram of the front of a garment according to some embodiments. 21B shows a wiring diagram of the back of a garment according to some embodiments.

图22A示出如本文所述的衣服的另一例子，其包括传感器(不可见) 和附接到上腿和下腿以及在主体的右侧和左侧上的上臂和下臂的IMU。Figure 22A shows another example of a garment as described herein that includes sensors (not visible) and IMUs attached to the upper and lower legs and upper and lower arms on the right and left sides of the subject.

图22B和22C分别示出衣服(例如在图22A中所示的衣服)的另一变形的前视图和后视图，其具有布置在臂和腿上的IMU，但也包括在臂、腿和纽扣上的EMG电极。弹性织物可集成到如所示的压缩织物内，以进一步增强在EMG和受验对象的皮肤之间的接触。可在整个衣服上附接五个或更多IMU，包括沿着相应于不同的脊椎区的受验对象的背部，如图22D 所示。这可允许关于姿势反馈的姿势的检测，等等。Figures 22B and 22C show, respectively, front and back views of another variation of a garment, such as the garment shown in Figure 22A, having IMUs disposed on the arms and legs, but also including the arms, legs, and buttons on the EMG electrodes. An elastic fabric can be integrated into the compression fabric as shown to further enhance the contact between the EMG and the subject's skin. Five or more IMUs may be attached throughout the garment, including along the subject's back corresponding to different spinal regions, as shown in Figure 22D. This may allow detection of gestures for gesture feedback, and so on.

图23示出可被制造为如本文所述的传感器和/或电迹线的导电弹性条或带材料的一个部件。图23示出弹性带2301的一个例子。23 illustrates one component of a conductive elastic strip or tape material that may be fabricated as sensors and/or electrical traces as described herein. An example of theelastic band 2301 is shown in FIG. 23 .

图24-27示出制造如本文所述的导电弹性带的一种方法。在图24中，包括电导体(在这个例子中是分散在水中的炭黑)的悬浮体的溶液放置在容器中，以及在图25中，弹性材料(例如由织物和聚合材料形成的材料) 浸泡到悬浮液材料内，使得导电材料可被吸收到弹性材料的织物。在图26 中，在至少第一均匀层中覆盖弹性材料。在下文中，所涂覆的材料可被干燥，如图27所示。24-27 illustrate one method of making a conductive elastic tape as described herein. In Figure 24, a solution comprising a suspension of an electrical conductor (in this case carbon black dispersed in water) is placed in a container, and in Figure 25, an elastic material (such as a material formed from fabrics and polymeric materials) Soak into the suspension material so that the conductive material can be absorbed into the elastic material fabric. In Figure 26, the elastic material is covered in at least a first uniform layer. In the following, the coated material may be dried, as shown in FIG. 27 .

图28-30示出导电端子附接在如上所述形成的导电弹性材料的端部处。28-30 illustrate the attachment of conductive terminals at the ends of the conductive elastic material formed as described above.

图31示出可用于连接可拉伸织物的导线带的一个例子。Figure 31 shows an example of a wire tape that can be used to join stretchable fabrics.

图32示出如上面在图24-30中所示的形成的导电弹性带附接到被预先形成以包括例如在图32中示出的所附接的导线带。32 illustrates the attachment of a conductive elastic tape formed as shown above in FIGS. 24-30 to a wire tape preformed to include, for example, the attachment shown in FIG. 32 .

图33-34示出密封导电带的形成。33-34 illustrate the formation of a sealed conductive tape.

图35-36示出密封导电带(包括导电弹性材料)附接到织物(例如拉伸织物)内以形成衣服(例如衣服的呼吸传感器/拉伸传感器)。35-36 illustrate the attachment of a sealed conductive tape (including a conductive elastic material) into a fabric (eg, stretch fabric) to form a garment (eg, a breath sensor/stretch sensor for a garment).

图37-38示出固定到衣服内的导电弹性材料的最后版本的一个例子。Figures 37-38 show an example of a final version of the conductive elastic material secured into a garment.

图39A是穿过可拉伸导电油墨图案的一个例子的区段的扫描电子显微照相(SEM)，其示出导电油墨层和弹性粘合剂层，中间梯度区在这两者之间。Figure 39A is a scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a section through an example of a stretchable conductive ink pattern showing the conductive ink layer and the elastic adhesive layer with an intermediate gradient region in between.

图39B是穿过可拉伸导电油墨图案的一个例子的区段的另一SEM，其示出每个区/层的厚度。39B is another SEM through a section of an example of a stretchable conductive ink pattern showing the thickness of each region/layer.

图39C是如本文所述的导电油墨图案的另一变形，其包括粘合剂、梯度区和导电油墨。Figure 39C is another variation of a conductive ink pattern as described herein that includes an adhesive, gradient regions, and conductive ink.

图40A-40D是示出可拉伸导电油墨复合物(图案)的化学组分(例如在图40A中的碳、在图40B中的硫、在图40C中的硅和在图40D中的氧) 的分布的显微照相。在每个显微照相上的大箭头指示化学成分的视觉显示。Figures 40A-40D are diagrams showing chemical components of the stretchable conductive ink composite (pattern) (eg carbon in Figure 40A, sulfur in Figure 40B, silicon in Figure 40C, and oxygen in Figure 40D ) of the distribution of photomicrographs. The large arrows on each photomicrograph indicate the visual display of the chemical composition.

图41示出将可拉伸油墨图案印刷到基底上的一种方法。Figure 41 illustrates one method of printing a stretchable ink pattern onto a substrate.

图42A-42C示出被缝到基底(例如织物)内的导电线的例子；图42A 示出具有不同的间距和宽度(角度)的缝线的不同图案；图42B示出可连接到五个不同的传感器的五个平行导电线的例子。图42C示出单个导电线的例子。这些导电线可形成如本文所述的导线带材料(例如缝合的Z字形连接器)。Figures 42A-42C show examples of conductive threads stitched into a substrate (eg, fabric); Figure 42A shows different patterns of stitches with different pitches and widths (angles); Figure 42B shows that five Example of five parallel conductive lines for different sensors. Figure 42C shows an example of a single conductive line. These conductive threads can be formed into wire tape materials (eg, stitched zigzag connectors) as described herein.

图43A是可集成到本文所述的任何衣服内的SMS模块的示意图。43A is a schematic diagram of an SMS module that can be integrated into any of the garments described herein.

图43B是SMS模块(例如图43A所示的模块)的壳体的例子。Figure 43B is an example of a housing for an SMS module such as the module shown in Figure 43A.

图44A-44B示出包括浸渍有多个导电粒子的弹性条的衣服(呼吸感测衣服)的一个变形，弹性条被配置为用于检测呼吸的应变计量。分别地，图44A是前视图以及图44B是后视图。44A-44B illustrate one variation of a garment (breath-sensing garment) comprising elastic strips impregnated with a plurality of conductive particles, the elastic strips being configured as a strain gauge for detecting respiration. 44A is a front view and FIG. 44B is a rear view, respectively.

图45示出用于制造如在图44A-44B中所述的用于感测呼吸的衣服的一种方法。Figure 45 illustrates one method for making a garment for sensing breathing as described in Figures 44A-44B.

图46A和46B示出对于每个引线I、II、III、aVR、aVL和aVF，使用标准12引线ECG机器(图46A)和如本文所述的衣服(图46B)进行ECG 测量的并排比较。Figures 46A and 46B show a side-by-side comparison of ECG measurements using a standard 12-lead ECG machine (Figure 46A) and a garment as described herein (Figure 46B) for each of leads I, II, III, aVR, aVL, and aVF.

图47A示出使用包括呼吸传感器的衣服的呼吸的测量，呼吸传感器由如本文所述的形成的浸渍有导电粒子的弹性条形成。47A shows the measurement of respiration using a garment including a respiration sensor formed from an elastic strip impregnated with conductive particles formed as described herein.

图47B是使用参考系统(包括面罩的标准体积描记系统，呼吸通过该面罩被监控)和如在这里所述的呼吸监控衣服(“RR带系统”)计算的每分钟平均呼吸的比较，其显示在这两者之间的良好对应。Figure 47B is a comparison of mean breaths per minute calculated using a reference system (a standard plethysmographic system including a face mask through which breathing is monitored) and a breath monitoring garment as described herein ("RR belt system") showing A good correspondence between the two.

详细描述Detailed Description

通常，在本文描述了用于检测并监控生理参数(例如呼吸、心脏参数、睡眠、情绪状态等)的装置(例如衣服，包括但不限于衬衫、裤子等)。特别是，在本文描述了可拉伸导电传感器和连接器，其可包括可附接(例如缝合、粘贴等)或在一些变形中印刷到衣服(特别是包括压缩衣服)上的可拉伸导电油墨、弹性织物和迹线以形成传感器、导电迹线和/或触头。Generally, devices (eg, clothing, including but not limited to shirts, pants, etc.) for detecting and monitoring physiological parameters (eg, respiration, cardiac parameters, sleep, emotional states, etc.) are described herein. In particular, stretchable conductive sensors and connectors are described herein, which may include stretchable conductive sensors that can be attached (eg, sewn, pasted, etc.) or printed in some variations onto clothing, including compression clothing in particular. Inks, elastic fabrics and traces to form sensors, conductive traces and/or contacts.

标题为“PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING GARMENTS”且于2013 年9月11日提交的美国专利申请14/023,830(通过引用被并入本文)描述了示例性衣服，其中任一衣服可如本文所述的被修改。US Patent Application 14/023,830, entitled "PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING GARMENTS" and filed on September 11, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference, describes exemplary garments, any of which may be modified as described herein.

在本文所述的任何衣服可包括直接放置到衣服(例如衬衫、短裤或在穿戴式设备的任何其它部件即帽兜、袜子、手套等中)上或集成到衣服内的一个或多个传感器管理器系统(SMS)，如下面更详细描述的。SMS可包括电子板。与SMS的连接可由包括导线带材料的连接器(例如缝合的Z 字形连接器)产生，连接器可作为衣服的部分被包括。在一些变形中，可使用一段刚性材料(例如Kapton)，导电迹线附接到该一段刚性材料。Any of the garments described herein may include one or more sensor management placed directly onto the garment (eg, shirts, shorts, or in any other component of the wearable device (ie, hood, socks, gloves, etc.) or integrated into the garment Server System (SMS), as described in more detail below. The SMS may include an electronic board. The connection to the SMS may be made by a connector (eg, a stitched zigzag connector) comprising the wire tape material, which may be included as part of the garment. In some variations, a length of rigid material (eg, Kapton) may be used to which the conductive traces are attached.

集成到衣服内(与提供单独的设备(例如智能电话)相反)的SMS 可提供很多优点。例如，集成SMS可管理与不同传感器的较大数量的连接，并可处理信号并借助于单个迷你USB电缆来与电话通信(例如独立于所处理的信号的数量)。不考虑被包括在未来设备(例如衬衫、长及大腿的袜子、手套、短袜、帽兜等)中的传感器的数量，在SMS和传感器模块(例如电话)之间的连接可以总是基于单个5管脚USB连接，因而实质上减小从该设备到电话模块的母连接器和公连接器的尺寸。在一般配置中，SMS通过 UART(通用异步接收机-发射机)模块连接到公连接器，且公连接器通过另一UART和UART到USB模块(见所附示意图)与移动设备通信。SMS integrated into clothing (as opposed to providing a separate device such as a smartphone) can offer many advantages. For example, an integrated SMS can manage a larger number of connections to different sensors, and can process signals and communicate with the phone by means of a single mini-USB cable (eg, independent of the number of signals processed). Regardless of the number of sensors included in future devices (eg shirts, thigh high socks, gloves, socks, hoods, etc.), the connection between SMS and sensor modules (eg phone) may always be based on a single 5 pin USB connection, thus substantially reducing the size of the female and male connectors from the device to the phone module. In a typical configuration, the SMS is connected to a male connector through a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter) module, and the male connector communicates with the mobile device through another UART and a UART to USB module (see attached schematic).

集成SMS可放置在衣服上的不同位置上。例如，它可放置在肩胛之间的颈部的基部处、在大腿上的腰部区上、在臂、胸部上、或甚至在短袜、手套、帽兜等上。Integrated SMS can be placed in different positions on the garment. For example, it can be placed at the base of the neck between the shoulder blades, on the lumbar region on the thighs, on the arms, chest, or even on socks, gloves, hoods, and the like.

SMS也可配置成与设备的不同电话通信。如所提到的，集成SMS也可允许你有更多的连接(管脚)来连接到不同的传感器/输出。例如，加速度计可能需要5个管脚，如果你有存在于传感器模块(例如移动电话)中的SMS；集成到衬衫内的SMS可能需要更少的连接器，例如SMS可能只需要2个管脚。使用更多的传感器，在没有集成SMS的情况下，连接器的数量可能变得不可实行。SMS can also be configured to communicate with a different phone of the device. As mentioned, integrating SMS also allows you to have more connections (pins) to connect to different sensors/outputs. For example, an accelerometer might require 5 pins, if you have an SMS that resides in a sensor module (e.g. a mobile phone); an SMS integrated into a shirt might require fewer connectors, e.g. an SMS might only require 2 pins . With more sensors, the number of connectors may become impractical without integrating SMS.

通常，SMS可以是管理进出传感器的信号的模块(芯片)，并可充当在通信系统(从电话配置的传感器模块，等等)和传感器之间的界面。SMS 可管理它们之间的连接和接口。例如，以及集成SMS可包括与传感器的物理连接，并可管理信号被处理和信号在传感器与传感器模块和/或其它分析或控制部件之间进行发送的方式。SMS也可包括或可连接到复用器以在它所连接到的各种传感器之间交替读数。Typically, the SMS can be a module (chip) that manages the signals to and from the sensor, and can act as the interface between the communication system (sensor module configured from the phone, etc.) and the sensor. SMS manages the connections and interfaces between them. For example, and integrated SMS may include a physical connection to the sensor and may manage the manner in which signals are processed and transmitted between the sensor and the sensor module and/or other analysis or control components. The SMS may also include or be connectable to a multiplexer to alternate readings among the various sensors to which it is connected.

在一些变形中，SMS可向无源传感器或有源传感器提供适当的功率供应。SMS可通过例如USB端口的端口从移动系统获取功率。集成SMS可通过USB端口从一侧与传感器模块(例如被配置为传感器模块的通信系统 /电话等)通信。SMS可充当在传感器和传感器模块之间的接口或桥。In some variations, the SMS may provide the appropriate power supply to passive sensors or active sensors. The SMS may draw power from the mobile system through a port such as a USB port. The integrated SMS can communicate with the sensor module (eg a communication system/phone etc. configured as a sensor module) from one side via the USB port. The SMS can act as an interface or bridge between the sensor and the sensor module.

此外，所描述的任何集成SMS可配置成包括板上处理(例如预处理)，包括但不限于：放大、滤波、采样(采样速率的控制)等；一般基本预处理。集成SMS也可将来自一个或多个传感器的信号编码。在一些变形中， SMS可包括板上的微控制器。此外，以及集成SMS也可通常管理进/出任一或所有传感器的通信协议，并可进行模数转换(如果信号是模拟的)，并且也可在到达USB之前与USB的通信端口通信。例如，SMS可配置成将信号转换成UART到USB信号协议。Furthermore, any integrated SMS described may be configured to include on-board processing (eg, preprocessing) including, but not limited to: amplification, filtering, sampling (control of sampling rate), etc.; general basic preprocessing. Integrated SMS can also encode signals from one or more sensors. In some variations, the SMS may include an on-board microcontroller. In addition, and integrated SMS can also generally manage the communication protocol to/from any or all sensors, and can do analog to digital conversion (if the signal is analog), and can also communicate with the USB communication port before reaching the USB. For example, SMS can be configured to convert the signal to a UART to USB signal protocol.

此外或可选地，任一集成SMS可被配置为信号接收机/发射机。例如，集成到衣服内的SMS可适合于将并行信号转换成串行信号(以数据的顺序)。Additionally or alternatively, any integrated SMS may be configured as a signal receiver/transmitter. For example, SMS integrated into clothing may be adapted to convert parallel signals to serial signals (in the order of data).

如所提到的，集成SMS可放置在衣服上的任何位置处，例如在颈部区上或附近或在更外围处。虽然本文所述的SMS被称为“集成”SMS，这些 SMS可被包括在衣服上或中(例如在口袋或外壳中)，虽然在其它变形中，它不物理地连接/耦合到织物，但替代地放置在衣服上。因此，这些SMS 中的任一个可替代地被称为专用或特定SMS，而不是集成SMS(或除了集成SMS以外)。例如，SMS可放置在母连接器之下(容纳在母连接器内部)，作为衣服的部分。当你洗衣服时，SMS可与连接器和夹子一起被洗；管脚和SMS是防水的。As mentioned, the integrated SMS can be placed anywhere on the garment, such as on or near the neck region or more peripherally. While the SMSs described herein are referred to as "integrated" SMSs, these SMSs may be included on or in clothing (eg, in a pocket or shell), although in other variations it is not physically connected/coupled to the fabric, but Place on clothing instead. Accordingly, any of these SMSs may alternatively be referred to as dedicated or specific SMSs instead of (or in addition to) integrated SMSs. For example, the SMS can be placed under the female connector (accommodated inside the female connector) as part of the garment. When you do laundry, the SMS can be washed with the connector and clip; the pins and SMS are waterproof.

在一些变形中，SMS的连接器(例如管脚/端口)适合于抗水/防水。例如，所使用的管脚可产生防水的连接，例如具有仅在你啮合母管脚时才打开，要不然则是闭合的且防水的连接。In some variations, the connectors (eg pins/ports) of the SMS are adapted to be water/water resistant. For example, the pins used can create a watertight connection, such as having a connection that only opens when you engage the female pins, and is otherwise closed and watertight.

在这些集成SMS中的任一个中，SMS是衣服的一部分，并与衣服一起被穿戴；SMS模块可预先处理信号以使它们准备好转移。In either of these integrated SMS, the SMS is part of the garment and is worn with the garment; the SMS module can pre-process the signals to make them ready for transfer.

因此，在所描述的任何衣服中，可包括SMS(传感器管理系统)，其位于每个衣服上(板载的/专用的)，而不是与衣服分离，例如作为单独的传感器模块的部分，例如可被保持在衣服上的口袋中的通用智能电话，如前所述。每个衣服可具有SMS(芯片/微芯片)，其允许衣服有具有多个管脚(输入/输出)的连接器(母和公)，使得来自衣服(衬衫、长及大腿的袜子和附件，例如手套、短袜、帽兜等)中的所有传感器的数据可首先由 SMS处理，并接着通过与电话/通信模块的连接(例如少至1或2个管脚或更多)而被发送。通常，本文所述的衣服的一些传感器和部件可能单独地需要多个连接，且因此专用SMS可以是非常有用的。例如，IMU可能需要5个管脚，且除了其它传感器以外，多至20个IMU(或更多)也可被包括为衣服的部分。因此，专用SMS的使用可允许衣服管理大量数据连接 /触头传感器。Thus, in any of the garments described, an SMS (sensor management system) may be included that is located on each garment (onboard/dedicated), rather than separate from the garment, eg as part of a separate sensor module, eg A general-purpose smartphone that can be kept in a pocket on clothing, as previously described. Each garment can have an SMS (chip/microchip) which allows the garment to have a connector (female and male) with multiple pins (input/output), so that from garments (shirts, long and thigh socks and accessories, Data for all sensors in eg gloves, socks, hoods, etc. can be processed first by SMS and then sent over a connection to a phone/communication module (eg as few as 1 or 2 pins or more). In general, some sensors and components of the garments described herein may individually require multiple connections, and thus dedicated SMS can be very useful. For example, an IMU may require 5 pins, and up to 20 IMUs (or more) may be included as part of a garment, in addition to other sensors. Therefore, the use of a dedicated SMS may allow the garment to manage a large number of data connections/contact sensors.

传感器sensor

除了在通过引用被全部并入本文的14/023,830申请中所述的传感器，例如触摸点传感器、呼吸传感器、生物电传感器等以外，额外的传感器也可被包括在本文所述的任何衣服中。例如，衣服可包括一个或多个皮肤导电率传感器。用于测量皮肤导电率的传感器可由放置在手指(拇指、食指、中指、无名指和小指)的无论什么对的第三指骨的水平处的可拉伸导电油墨(见下文)的两个轮状环制成。在一些变形中，为了这个目的，衬衫的袖子具有在腰部水平处的集成延伸部分。皮肤导电率根据出汗水平而被测量为在两个所考虑的“电极”(轮状环)之间的电阻的倒数。In addition to the sensors described inapplication 14/023,830, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, such as touch point sensors, breath sensors, bioelectric sensors, etc., additional sensors may also be included in any of the garments described herein. For example, a garment may include one or more skin conductivity sensors. The sensor used to measure the skin conductivity can consist of two rings of stretchable conductive ink (see below) placed at the level of the third phalanx of whatever pair of fingers (thumb, index, middle, ring and little fingers) production. In some variations, the sleeves of the shirt have integrated extensions at waist level for this purpose. Skin conductivity is measured as the reciprocal of the resistance between the two considered "electrodes" (rings) according to the sweat level.

本文所述的装置的另一集成延伸部分包括完整的手套，其除了或代替皮肤导电率传感器以外还合并基于光纤的血氧定量法。光纤的使用也可允许其它类型的传感器的合并。此外，完整或部分手套可包括额外的传感器，例如加速度计、惯性测量单元(IMU)等。这样的基于手套的传感器可允许在特定的活动(例如玩乐器、打字写等)中的应用。手套或一副手套可配置成连接到其它衣服(例如衬衫等)或被形成为另一衣服的子区(例如具有手指区/手套的衬衫等)。Another integrated extension of the device described herein includes a complete glove that incorporates fiber optic-based oximetry in addition to or instead of a skin conductivity sensor. The use of optical fibers may also allow the incorporation of other types of sensors. Additionally, full or partial gloves may include additional sensors such as accelerometers, inertial measurement units (IMUs), and the like. Such glove-based sensors may allow application in certain activities (eg, playing a musical instrument, typing, etc.). A glove or pair of gloves may be configured to be attached to other garments (eg, a shirt, etc.) or formed as a sub-region of another garment (eg, a shirt with finger regions/gloves, etc.).

类似地，上面所述的手套是合并其它类型的传感器例如加速度计、惯性测量单元(IMU)、EEG电极等的短袜或帽兜延伸部分。这允许在特定的运动(例如足球)和活动(例如下棋)中的应用。Similarly, the gloves described above are sock or hood extensions incorporating other types of sensors such as accelerometers, inertial measurement units (IMUs), EEG electrodes, and the like. This allows applications in certain sports (eg football) and activities (eg chess).

生产过程production process

通常，本文所述的任何衣服的生产可包括构造衣服，例如传感器被保持与皮肤紧密和稳定地接触。因此，衣服的尺寸测定可能是非常精确的，特别是在下面的区域中：胸部(由于胸部和乳房的不同尺寸，而不考虑相同的身体尺寸)、腹部(同样的原因)、腋窝、前臂等。衣服除了由压缩材料制造以外还可因此被精确地配合/制造。设计过程还可包括衣服切割。In general, the production of any of the garments described herein may include constructing the garment such that the sensor is held in close and stable contact with the skin. Therefore, sizing of clothing can be very accurate, especially in the following areas: chest (due to different sizes of breasts and breasts, regardless of the same body size), abdomen (same reason), armpits, forearms, etc. . The garment can thus be precisely fitted/manufactured in addition to being made of compressed material. The design process can also include garment cutting.

在下文中，可接着通过例如导电油墨迹线的印刷和转移和/或绝缘来印刷本文所述的任何衣服。可由圆柱形机器(因为印刷更精确和更快)使用传热技术来执行印刷。例如，在织物的两侧上的转移在150℃下被执行15 秒钟。可选地，可通过下面简要讨论的3D印刷来印刷衣服。In the following, any of the garments described herein may then be printed by, for example, the printing and transfer and/or insulation of conductive ink traces. Printing can be performed by cylindrical machines (because printing is more accurate and faster) using heat transfer techniques. For example, the transfer on both sides of the fabric is performed at 150°C for 15 seconds. Alternatively, the garment may be printed by 3D printing as discussed briefly below.

在下文中，可应用绝缘(例如，当使用电容触摸点时，可使这样的点绝缘)。可通过热焊接确切地再现电极的形状的一层高质量聚氨酯膜来使电容触摸点的电极的内部区(即与皮肤接触)绝缘。绝缘层的尺寸可稍微大于电极的尺寸以允许完全的覆盖，因而避免生物电位的“横向”污染。In the following, insulation may be applied (eg, when capacitive touch points are used, such points may be insulated). The inner regions of the electrodes of the capacitive touch point (ie in contact with the skin) can be insulated by thermal welding a layer of high quality polyurethane film that exactly reproduces the shape of the electrodes. The dimensions of the insulating layer may be slightly larger than the dimensions of the electrodes to allow complete coverage, thus avoiding "lateral" contamination of the biopotential.

在较高的导电连接被使用的变形中，装置可包括较高导电基底和材料 (例如如本文所述的导线带材料(例如缝合的Z字形连接器))的添加。因此，形成过程可于是包括这些导线带材料连接器的应用，其可包括将导线(形成导线带材料)的端部连接到传感器和/或SMS部件。导线带材料可包括可被熔合、粘贴、缝合或连接到衣服的主体的压缩织物的基底。例如，一旦被定位，导线带材料(例如缝合的Z字形连接器)就可通过用于热焊接应用的高质量聚氨酯带来固定到织物。在一些变形中，不是导线带材料(或除了导线带材料以外)，可使用更刚性或半刚性的基底，例如 Kapton，电迹线和/或电路可被印刷到基底上。为了最大化运动的舒适，在 Kapton上的电子设备可被设计有单个层，因而最小化它的厚度。In variations in which higher conductive connections are used, the device may include the addition of higher conductive substrates and materials, such as wire tape materials as described herein (eg, stitched zigzag connectors). Thus, the forming process may then include the application of these wire tape material connectors, which may include connecting the ends of the wires (forming the wire tape material) to the sensor and/or SMS components. The wire tape material may comprise a base of compressed fabric that may be fused, glued, sewn or attached to the body of the garment. For example, once positioned, the wire tape material (eg, stitched zigzag connectors) can be secured to the fabric with high quality polyurethane tape for thermal welding applications. In some variations, instead of (or in addition to) the wire tape material, a more rigid or semi-rigid substrate may be used, such as Kapton, onto which the electrical traces and/or circuits may be printed. To maximize comfort in motion, the electronics on Kapton can be designed with a single layer, thus minimizing its thickness.

可接着缝合衣服。可通过传统过程来执行缝合操作，虽然在一些变形中，可避免在导电油墨、导线带材料或Kapton迹线之上进行缝合。The garment can then be sewn. The stitching operation can be performed by conventional procedures, although in some variations stitching over conductive ink, wire tape material, or Kapton traces can be avoided.

同时或在其后，可执行焊接，例如以连接导线带材料和/或包括较高导电迹线的额外(例如Kapton)基底的区，其具有印刷导电油墨传感器、电极和/或迹线。例如，可通过使用被高质量聚氨酯膜连续地覆盖的导电环氧树脂来执行在油墨迹线和Kapton端子之间的焊接。At the same time or thereafter, soldering may be performed, eg, to connect wire tape material and/or areas of additional (eg Kapton) substrates including higher conductive traces with printed conductive ink sensors, electrodes and/or traces. For example, soldering between the ink traces and the Kapton terminals can be performed by using a conductive epoxy continuously covered with a high quality polyurethane film.

在下文中，在一些变形中，半刚性衣领区可被附接，例如以固定并覆盖集成SMS模块和连接器。衣领可由采取用户的肩膀的形状的聚氨酯材料制成，并可通过热焊接通过具有被定制以配合在颈部区中的身体表面的板的转移机器进行涂敷。In the following, in some variations, a semi-rigid collar region may be attached, eg, to secure and cover the integrated SMS module and connector. The collar may be made of a polyurethane material that takes the shape of the user's shoulders and may be applied by heat welding through a transfer machine with panels tailored to fit the body surface in the neck region.

在一些变形中，形成衣服的方法还可包括例如由具有有限伸长的聚氨酯材料的条制成的“拉伸限制器”的添加。它们可通过热焊接被定位在长油墨迹线(例如呼吸迹线)的附近区域中的衣服的内部部分中，以便防止过分拉伸(例如在穿戴期间)，其可使迹线断裂或确定永久伸长，这由于功能和美学原因而必须被避免。为了增强它们的强度，它们可被定位成这两个接缝之间延伸。In some variations, the method of forming the garment may also include the addition of a "stretch limiter", eg, made from strips of polyurethane material having limited elongation. They can be positioned by heat welding in the inner portion of the garment in the vicinity of long ink traces (eg breathing traces) in order to prevent excessive stretching (eg during wear) which could break the traces or determine permanent Elongation, which must be avoided for functional and aesthetic reasons. To increase their strength, they can be positioned to extend between these two seams.

在一些变形中，可通过安装硅绳来生产衣服。为了在用户正穿着衣服和在穿上衣服时避免衣服及其传感器的拉伸，由硅制成的绳可应用(例如通过热焊接)于衣服的下边缘，在边缘周围延伸。这可允许穿用者在衣领和袖子被插入之后容易将衬衫从腋窝拉下到腰部，而不过分拉伸衣服。In some variations, garments can be produced by installing silicon cords. In order to avoid stretching of the garment and its sensors while the user is wearing the garment and while wearing the garment, a cord made of silicon can be applied (eg by thermal welding) to the lower edge of the garment, extending around the edge. This may allow the wearer to easily pull the shirt down from the armpit to the waist after the collar and sleeves have been inserted, without unduly stretching the garment.

如上面提到的，可完全或部分地通过3D印刷技术来制造本文所述的衣服。例如，可通过3D印刷来生产传感器和/或导电迹线和/或连接器。在一些变形中，织物(例如压缩衣服织物)可充当用于3D印刷的基底。在一些变形中，可通过3D印刷来产生或修改织物本身。因此，可通过转移和直接印刷(3D印刷)来制造衣服。在一个例子中，用于产生包括集成传感器(例如本文所述的集成传感器)的衣服的3D印刷机可包括至少三个喷嘴：一个喷嘴可适合于印刷压缩衣服织物；一个喷嘴可适合于印刷/插入可拉伸导电油墨；以及一个喷嘴可适合于印刷/插入传感器和/或电子设备。与可能需要在3D制造中(例如从线)编织织物、将电子设备和传感器印刷在织物上(或到基底上并接着转移到织物)、然后缝合织物的当前实施的方法相反，生产可基于来自人的精确个人测量来直接转到印刷线、油墨和电子设备，这可能是更准确和更快的。As mentioned above, the garments described herein may be manufactured in whole or in part by 3D printing techniques. For example, sensors and/or conductive traces and/or connectors can be produced by 3D printing. In some variations, fabrics (eg, compression garment fabrics) may serve as substrates for 3D printing. In some variations, the fabric itself can be created or modified by 3D printing. Therefore, clothes can be manufactured by transfer and direct printing (3D printing). In one example, a 3D printer for producing garments including integrated sensors, such as those described herein, may include at least three nozzles: one nozzle may be suitable for printing compression garment fabrics; one nozzle may be suitable for printing/ Insert stretchable conductive ink; and a nozzle may be suitable for printing/inserting sensors and/or electronics. In contrast to currently implemented methods that may require weaving the fabric in 3D manufacturing (eg from a thread), printing electronics and sensors on the fabric (or onto a substrate and then transferring to the fabric), and then sewing the fabric, production can be based on sources from Precise personal measurements of people come directly to printing lines, inks and electronics, which may be more accurate and faster.

材料Material

通常，本文所述的衣服可包括压缩织物以确保传感器与皮肤良好地永久接触。例如，衬衫的前面部分可以比身体的其余部分具有弹性织物的更低百分比(在5％和20％之间)，其可包括弹性织物的更高百分比(在15％和40％之间)。织物可以可拉伸到两路(一个方向)内，并可与相对于人体水平地放置的至少可拉伸侧定位在一起，可拉伸侧水平地拉伸比垂直地拉伸更多。通常，压缩织物可以是具有与如本文所述的压缩织物相关的材料特性的任何织物。例子包括材料，例如由弹性聚氨酯纤维(例如弹性蛋白纤维、莱克拉弹性纤维等)制成的织物。Typically, the garments described herein may include compression fabrics to ensure good permanent contact of the sensor with the skin. For example, the front portion of the shirt may have a lower percentage of elastic fabric (between 5% and 20%) than the rest of the body, which may include a higher percentage of elastic fabric (between 15% and 40%). The fabric can be stretchable in two ways (one direction) and can be positioned with at least the stretchable side lying horizontally relative to the body, the stretchable side being stretched more horizontally than vertically. In general, the compression fabric can be any fabric having material properties associated with compression fabrics as described herein. Examples include materials such as fabrics made of elastic polyurethane fibers (eg, elastin fibers, lycra elastic fibers, etc.).

如下面更详细讨论的，这些衣服中的任一个可包括在导电油墨之上/ 周围的可拉伸导电油墨和/或可拉伸绝缘体。导电油墨和绝缘体都可以拉伸到高达某个百分比X％可拉伸程度(例如高达5％可拉伸的、高达6％可拉伸的、高达7％可拉伸的、高达8％可拉伸的、高达9％可拉伸的、高达10％可拉伸的、高达11％可拉伸的、高达12％可拉伸的、高达13％可拉伸的、高达14％可拉伸的、高达15％可拉伸的、高达16％可拉伸的、高达17％可拉伸的、高达18％可拉伸的、高达19％可拉伸的、高达20％可拉伸的、高达21％可拉伸的、高达22％可拉伸的、高达23％可拉伸的、高达24％可拉伸的、高达25％可拉伸的、高达30％可拉伸的、高达35％可拉伸的、高达 40％可拉伸的、高达45％可拉伸的、高达50％可拉伸的等)。这也可被表示为多于X％可拉伸程度(例如多于5％可拉伸的、多于6％可拉伸的、多于 7％可拉伸的、多于8％可拉伸的、多于9％可拉伸的、多于10％可拉伸的、多于11％可拉伸的、多于12％可拉伸的、多于13％可拉伸的、多于14％可拉伸的、多于15％可拉伸的、多于16％可拉伸的、多于17％可拉伸的、多于18％可拉伸的、多于19％可拉伸的、多于20％可拉伸的、多于21％可拉伸的、多于22％可拉伸的、多于23％可拉伸的、多于24％可拉伸的、多于 25％可拉伸的、多于30％可拉伸的、多于35％可拉伸的、多于40％可拉伸的、多于45％可拉伸的、多于50％可拉伸的等)。可拉伸一般意指能够从起始长度/形状被拉伸(例如通过施加力，例如拉力)并返回到大约起始长度/形状。在一些变形中可此外或可选地意味着当变形力(从原始长度/形状伸长或变形)被施加(并最终被释放)时抵抗断裂。下面提供可拉伸导电油墨的例子和这样的油墨的特征。As discussed in more detail below, any of these garments may include a stretchable conductive ink and/or a stretchable insulator over/around the conductive ink. Both conductive inks and insulators can be stretched up to a certain percentage X% stretchable (e.g. up to 5% stretchable, up to 6% stretchable, up to 7% stretchable, up to 8% stretchable stretchable, up to 9% stretchable, up to 10% stretchable, up to 11% stretchable, up to 12% stretchable, up to 13% stretchable, up to 14% stretchable , up to 15% stretchable, up to 16% stretchable, up to 17% stretchable, up to 18% stretchable, up to 19% stretchable, up to 20% stretchable, up to 21% stretchable, up to 22% stretchable, up to 23% stretchable, up to 24% stretchable, up to 25% stretchable, up to 30% stretchable, up to 35% stretchable, up to 40% stretchable, up to 45% stretchable, up to 50% stretchable, etc.). This can also be expressed as more than X% stretchable (eg more than 5% stretchable, more than 6% stretchable, more than 7% stretchable, more than 8% stretchable more than 9% stretchable, more than 10% stretchable, more than 11% stretchable, more than 12% stretchable, more than 13% stretchable, more than 14% % stretchable, more than 15% stretchable, more than 16% stretchable, more than 17% stretchable, more than 18% stretchable, more than 19% stretchable , more than 20% stretchable, more than 21% stretchable, more than 22% stretchable, more than 23% stretchable, more than 24% stretchable, more than 25% stretchable, more than 30% stretchable, more than 35% stretchable, more than 40% stretchable, more than 45% stretchable, more than 50% stretchable, etc. ). Stretchable generally means capable of being stretched from an initial length/shape (eg, by applying a force, such as a pulling force) and returning to about the initial length/shape. In some deformations may additionally or alternatively mean resistance to fracture when a deformation force (elongation or deformation from the original length/shape) is applied (and eventually released). Examples of stretchable conductive inks and characteristics of such inks are provided below.

如所提到的，任何衣服也可包括用于较高导电路径的被附接或形成为衣服的部分的基底，例如Kapton膜。也可包括其它柔性穿戴式基底。任何衣服也可包括用于缝和热焊接的应用的一个或多个聚氨酯膜和带(例如高质量聚氨酯膜和带)。此外，任何衣服还可包括用于覆盖导电迹线/使导电迹线绝缘的电绝缘材料(例如聚酰亚胺材料等)，形成传感器的一部分，等等。As mentioned, any garment may also include a substrate, such as a Kapton film, for higher conductive paths to be attached to or formed as part of the garment. Other flexible wearable substrates may also be included. Any garment may also include one or more polyurethane films and tapes (eg, high quality polyurethane films and tapes) for seaming and thermal welding applications. Additionally, any garment may also include an electrically insulating material (eg, polyimide material, etc.) for covering/insulating the conductive traces, forming part of the sensor, and the like.

基底例如Kapton可固定到衣服上。例如，基底可由粘合剂等进行缝合和/或附接操作。基底可被保持在衣服的口袋或其它区中。如上面提到的，任何衣服可包括第二材料(例如比压缩衣服更少拉伸的布材料)的限制器 (例如拉伸限制器)。A substrate such as Kapton can be fastened to the garment. For example, the substrate may be stitched and/or attached by adhesive or the like. The substrate may be held in a pocket or other area of the garment. As mentioned above, any garment may include a limiter (eg, a stretch limiter) of a second material (eg, a cloth material that stretches less than a compression garment).

这些衣服中的任一个可以也或此外包括用于缝合和热焊接的应用的硅酮。Any of these garments may also or additionally include silicone for stitching and thermal welding applications.

可拉伸导电油墨Stretchable conductive ink

通常，本文所述的可拉伸导电油墨产品可由粘合剂(例如胶、例如丙烯酸、聚酰胺和其它粘合剂)形成，导电溶液的可印刷的混合物涂敷到粘合剂上。湿涂敷的导电溶液(其可为了方便被称为导电油墨，即使最终的导电油墨产品包括粘性材料层)一般作为一层被涂敷到这层粘合剂上，使得在粘合剂和湿涂敷的导电溶液之间的中间区形成。这个中间区对因而形成的导电油墨材料的导电和可拉伸特性可能很重要。中间区是梯度区，因为它限定粘合剂层和湿涂敷的导电溶液(导电油墨)的浓度梯度。这在下面示出和描述。Generally, the stretchable conductive ink products described herein can be formed from adhesives (eg, glues, such as acrylics, polyamides, and other adhesives) onto which a printable mixture of conductive solutions is applied. A wet-applied conductive solution (which may be referred to for convenience as a conductive ink, even though the final conductive ink product includes a layer of tacky material) is typically applied as a layer to the adhesive so that the adhesive and wet Intermediate regions are formed between the applied conductive solutions. This intermediate region may be important to the conductive and stretchable properties of the resulting conductive ink material. The middle zone is the gradient zone because it defines the concentration gradient of the adhesive layer and the wet-applied conductive solution (conductive ink). This is shown and described below.

可拉伸导电油墨(靠着粘合剂分层的湿涂敷的导电油墨)一般包括导电材料的百分比(例如大约/近似20％、25％、30％、35％、40％、45％、50％、 55％、60％、65％、70％)和生物相容粘结剂(例如无甲醛的丙烯酸粘结剂，例如基于水的丙烯酸粘结剂、基于水的聚氨酯等)、增稠剂(例如聚氨酯类增稠剂)和可选的保湿剂和/或溶剂(例如丙二醇)。如本文所述的可拉伸导电油墨通常满足最低导电率以及最低拉伸特性。可拉伸导电油墨也可以可选地包括在处理(例如1-丁醇)时消除空气/泡沫的消泡剂、催化剂(例如以帮助粘结剂(例如胺化合物或金属络合物)的交联)和可对产品的可印刷性和稳定性有帮助的额外的添加剂。Stretchable conductive inks (wet applied conductive inks layered against an adhesive) typically include a percentage of conductive material (eg about/approximately 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%) and biocompatible binders (such as formaldehyde-free acrylic binders such as water-based acrylic binders, water-based polyurethanes, etc.), thickening agents (eg, polyurethane-based thickeners) and optional humectants and/or solvents (eg, propylene glycol). Stretchable conductive inks as described herein generally meet minimum electrical conductivity as well as minimum stretch characteristics. Stretchable conductive inks may also optionally include defoamers to eliminate air/foam upon processing (eg 1-butanol), catalysts (eg to aid in the interleaving of binders such as amine compounds or metal complexes) (linker) and additional additives that can help with the printability and stability of the product.

在一个例子中，可拉伸导电油墨(和特别是湿涂敷的导电油墨部分) 由50％炭黑、完全无甲醛的40％丙烯酸粘结剂、5％丙二醇和5％聚氨酯类增稠剂形成。导电材料(炭黑)可以是微粒状的。炭黑可以是优选的，特别是与其它导电材料例如银或其它金属比较。其它导电材料可包括石墨烯、石墨、被涂覆的云母(例如被涂覆有氧化物的云母，例如掺锑二氧化锡等)等。In one example, the stretchable conductive ink (and especially the wet-coated conductive ink portion) is comprised of 50% carbon black, 40% acrylic binder completely formaldehyde free, 5% propylene glycol and 5% polyurethane based thickener form. The conductive material (carbon black) may be particulate. Carbon black may be preferred, especially compared to other conductive materials such as silver or other metals. Other conductive materials may include graphene, graphite, coated mica (eg, oxide-coated mica such as antimony-doped tin dioxide, etc.), and the like.

本文所述的导电油墨不仅是导电的，而且是可拉伸的，且因此可在压缩衣服上适当地起作用。此外，适合于形成本文所述的衣服的可拉伸导电油墨可以在生态上是适合的(例如具有低于100ppm的甲醛浓度)，并耐洗涤(在多次洗涤之后维持电和弹性特性)。The conductive inks described herein are not only conductive, but also stretchable, and thus function properly on compression garments. Furthermore, stretchable conductive inks suitable for forming the garments described herein may be ecologically suitable (eg, have a formaldehyde concentration below 100 ppm) and wash-resistant (maintain electrical and elastic properties after multiple washes).

实验研究确认本文所述的可拉伸导电油墨成分(包括在粘合剂和湿涂敷的导电油墨之间的中间梯度区的分层结构)是可拉伸的。图5和图6示出对印刷在如上所述的压缩织物上的导电油墨的样品进行的测试的初步结果。视频摄像机用于证明在延伸期间在油墨中没有发展裂缝(例如在多达 13mm的长度中的变化被检查)。导电率(例如电阻)随着外加力在大约 16千欧到2千欧之间变化，同时线性拉伸被观察到高达1.1N(例如在大约1.1N下一直拉伸到13mm而没有断裂)。通常，本文所述的可拉伸导电油墨可以在高达至少1N(例如高达至少2N、高达至少3N、高达至少4N、高达至少5N、高达至少6N等)的力下可拉伸的性能范围内和/或可拉伸到 (而没有断裂)多达至少5mm(例如多达至少6mm、多达至少7mm、多达至少8mm、多达至少9mm、多达至少10mm、多达至少11mm等)和/ 或可拉伸到高达外加拉伸力(以N为单位)与延伸长度(以mm为单位) 之比，例如在大约1N/mm左右而没有断裂。惊人地，在图5所示的实验中，所检查的导电迹线不显示高达几乎2N的任何断裂，这是可在使用/穿戴衣服时施加的合理的接近最大的力。宏(肉眼可见的)断裂和微断裂都是不明显的。Experimental studies confirm that the stretchable conductive ink compositions described herein, including the layered structure of the intermediate gradient region between the binder and the wet-applied conductive ink, are stretchable. Figures 5 and 6 show preliminary results of tests conducted on samples of conductive ink printed on compressed fabrics as described above. A video camera was used to demonstrate that no cracks developed in the ink during extension (e.g. changes in lengths up to 13mm were checked). Conductivity (eg, resistance) varied with applied force between about 16 kohms and 2 kohms, while linear stretch was observed up to 1.1 N (eg, stretched to 13 mm at about 1.1 N without breaking). Generally, the stretchable conductive inks described herein can be stretchable under a force of up to at least 1N (eg, up to at least 2N, up to at least 3N, up to at least 4N, up to at least 5N, up to at least 6N, etc.) /or can be stretched (without breaking) up to at least 5mm (eg, up to at least 6mm, up to at least 7mm, up to at least 8mm, up to at least 9mm, up to at least 10mm, up to at least 11mm, etc.) and/or Or it can be stretched up to the ratio of applied tensile force (in N) to extension (in mm), for example around 1 N/mm without breaking. Surprisingly, in the experiment shown in Figure 5, the conductive traces examined did not show any breakage up to almost 2N, which is a reasonably close to maximum force that can be applied when using/wearing the garment. Both macro (visible to the naked eye) fractures and micro fractures are inconspicuous.

通常，可拉伸导电油墨的电阻可取决于迹线的尺寸，包括厚度、长度等(其可在拉伸下改变)，并可在静止时和在预定拉伸力(或力/拉伸长度) 下低于大约5kOhm(例如小于大约4kOhm、小于大约3kOhm、小于大约 2kOhm等)。通常，电阻可以在几百欧到几百千欧的范围内。在图5和图 6中，所测试的可拉伸导电油墨在压缩衣服织物上被印刷到60mm的长度和大约10mm的宽度；八层油墨被涂敷以形成最终厚度(其可小于大约 2mm(例如大约1mm或更小))。In general, the resistance of a stretchable conductive ink can depend on the dimensions of the trace, including thickness, length, etc. (which can vary under stretching), and can be at rest and at a predetermined stretch force (or force/stretch length) ) below about 5 kOhm (eg, less than about 4 kOhm, less than about 3 kOhm, less than about 2 kOhm, etc.). Typically, the resistance can be in the range of several hundred ohms to several hundred kiloohms. In Figures 5 and 6, the tested stretchable conductive ink was printed on a compression garment fabric to a length of 60 mm and a width of approximately 10 mm; eight layers of ink were applied to form a final thickness (which may be less than approximately 2 mm ( For example about 1 mm or less)).

下面更详细地描述可用于形成在本文所述的这些衣服的任一个中的迹线、连接器和/或传感器的可拉伸导电油墨。Stretchable conductive inks that can be used to form traces, connectors, and/or sensors in any of these garments described herein are described in greater detail below.

系统system

本文所述的任何衣服可用作包括所连接(直接连接或无线地连接)的多个衣服的系统的部分。例如，以及上部身体衣服/设备可与下部身体衣服 /设备连接。来自位于身体的下部分的衣服(例如短裤、长至大腿的袜子、短袜等)上的传感器的信号可被传输到例如在上部衣服(例如衬衫等)上的一个或多个SMS。可产生穿过包括迹线的支持基底(例如Kapton)的连接，迹线可通过位于上部衣服的内部部分(例如上部衣服的下部褶边区) 中的连接器来连接。Any of the garments described herein may be used as part of a system that includes multiple garments connected (either directly or wirelessly). For example, and upper body garments/equipment may be connected to lower body garments/equipment. Signals from sensors located on clothing on the lower portion of the body (eg, shorts, thigh-high socks, socks, etc.) may be transmitted to one or more SMS, eg, on upper clothing (eg, shirts, etc.). Connections can be made through a support substrate (eg, Kapton) that includes traces that can be connected by connectors located in the interior portion of the upper garment (eg, the lower hem region of the upper garment).

通常，本文所述的衣服可包括由织物形成的主体。特别是，压缩织物材料是有用的。主体可包括位于衣服上的预定位置上的多个传感器。传感器可以在衣服的内部上(例如面向穿用者)，或它们可以在衣服的外部上。连接器可将传感器连接到一个或多个传感器管理器/可包括处理器的传感器模块(SMS)。SMS可直接传输或连接/耦合到用于记录/分析/传输所感测的数据的传感器管理器单元(SMU)，或它本身可执行这些功能中的一些或全部。通常，传感器可至少部分地由本文所述的可拉伸导电油墨结构形成(例如，如在本文使用的，“可拉伸导电油墨”结构可以指在本文所述的湿涂敷的导电油墨、粘合剂和在它们之间的梯度/中间区)。包括可拉伸导电油墨的传感器可包括触摸点(例如电容)传感器、皮肤电极传感器等。在本文还描述了至少部分地由导电弹性带(例如浸透在基部/粘结剂中的导电粒子的弹性织物，如在本文所述的)形成的传感器，其可形成应变计量或其它传感器。连接器可由可拉伸导电油墨和/或导电弹性带形成。在一些变形中，连接器由导线带材料形成(例如缝合的Z字形连接器)，其中上釉的导线以正弦/Z字形图案被缝到材料(例如压缩纤维)的条上，且带被应用于衣服的主体。在一些变形中，连接器可以是刚性或半刚性基底(例如Kapton)，电迹线和/或电路被涂敷到该基底上；基底可被附接和/或覆盖在织物例如压缩织物中，并附接到衣服的主体或直接附接到衣服的主体。Generally, the garments described herein may include a body formed from fabric. In particular, compressed textile materials are useful. The body may include a plurality of sensors located at predetermined locations on the garment. The sensors can be on the inside of the garment (eg, facing the wearer), or they can be on the outside of the garment. The connector may connect the sensor to one or more sensor managers/sensor modules (SMS) which may include a processor. The SMS may transmit directly or be connected/coupled to a Sensor Manager Unit (SMU) for recording/analyzing/transmitting sensed data, or it may itself perform some or all of these functions. Generally, a sensor may be formed at least in part from a stretchable conductive ink structure described herein (eg, as used herein, a "stretchable conductive ink" structure may refer to a wet-applied conductive ink, adhesive and gradient/intermediate zone between them). Sensors including stretchable conductive inks may include touch point (eg, capacitive) sensors, skin electrode sensors, and the like. Also described herein are sensors formed at least in part from conductive elastic tapes (eg, elastic fabrics of conductive particles impregnated in a base/binder, as described herein), which can form strain gauges or other sensors. The connector may be formed from stretchable conductive ink and/or conductive elastic tape. In some variations, the connectors are formed from wire tape material (eg, stitched zigzag connectors), where enameled wires are sewn to strips of material (eg, compressed fibers) in a sinusoidal/zigzag pattern, and the tape is applied on the main body of clothing. In some variations, the connector may be a rigid or semi-rigid substrate (eg Kapton) to which electrical traces and/or circuits are coated; the substrate may be attached and/or covered in a fabric such as a compression fabric, And attached to the body of the garment or directly to the body of the garment.

可如所述形成任何类型的衣服。例如，在本文描述了被配置为医疗设备或利用医疗设备的衣服，其包括监控设备、治疗设备或辅助设备。这些衣服的主体可由压缩纤维(完全或部分地)形成，且衣服可配合到身体，以帮助传感器牢牢地靠着受验对象的身体。在一些变形中，衣服(例如医疗设备)可包括额外的元件，例如皮带、缰绳、胸罩、披肩、胸衣等或类似物以帮助固定衣服的一部分靠着受验对象的身体。在一些变形中，衣服可包括在衣服的一部分上的可膨胀(例如可充气)支持结构以帮助保持或固定传感器(或多个传感器)靠着受验对象。可膨胀支持结构可与胸衣一起使用。胸衣可以是单独的，或它可集成到衣服内。Any type of garment can be formed as described. For example, garments configured as or utilizing medical devices, including monitoring devices, therapeutic devices, or auxiliary devices, are described herein. The body of these garments may be formed from compressed fibers (completely or partially), and the garment may be fitted to the body to help the sensor firmly rest against the subject's body. In some variations, the garment (eg, medical device) may include additional elements, such as straps, reins, bras, capes, bras, etc., or the like to help secure a portion of the garment against the subject's body. In some variations, the garment may include an expandable (eg, inflatable) support structure on a portion of the garment to help hold or secure the sensor (or sensors) against the subject. The expandable support structure can be used with the bra. The bra can be separate, or it can be integrated into the garment.

例如，在本文描述了配置成感测心电图(ECG)信号用于记录和/或分析的衣服。这样的衣服可配置成连接到穿用者(受验对象)的上体，并可在衬衫的形式中或可包括躯干覆盖。这些衣服可包括5个或更多电极，例如六个胸部电极和用于右臂、左臂和腿中的每个的三个或多个电极。可使用额外的电极。在一些变形中，胸部电极是可以是冗余的电极的对。For example, garments configured to sense electrocardiogram (ECG) signals for recording and/or analysis are described herein. Such garments may be configured to attach to the upper torso of the wearer (subject) and may be in the form of a shirt or may include torso coverage. These garments may include 5 or more electrodes, such as six chest electrodes and three or more electrodes for each of the right arm, left arm and leg. Additional electrodes may be used. In some variations, the chest electrodes are pairs of electrodes that may be redundant.

这些衣服中的任一个可以也或可选地包括一个或多个呼吸传感器。通常，这些呼吸传感器包括织物和/或基于导电油墨的应变计量。例如，应变计量可由本文所述的可拉伸导电油墨和/或本文所述的导电弹性带形成。在一个变形中，衣服包括10个ECG感测电极、2个呼吸电极(应变计量)。 ECG电极可位于衣服的胸部上，使得它们在标准12引线将被放置的位置上接触用户的皮肤。呼吸传感器可位于衣服上，使得压缩衣服当被穿时保持它们在受验对象的躯干上的剑突和脐高度附近靠着身体。传感器可由迹线例如具有铜线丝带和/或缝合的Z字形连接器的弹性带连接到SMS单元。衣服可包括衬衫(和一些变形，长至大腿的袜子)。Any of these garments may also or alternatively include one or more respiration sensors. Typically, these breath sensors include fabric and/or conductive ink based strain gauges. For example, the strain gauges may be formed from the stretchable conductive inks described herein and/or the conductive elastic tapes described herein. In one variation, the garment includes 10 ECG sensing electrodes, 2 breathing electrodes (strain gauges). The ECG electrodes can be located on the chest of the garment so that they touch the user's skin where standard 12 leads would be placed. The respiration sensor may be located on the garment such that the compression garments, when worn, hold them against the body near the height of the xiphoid and umbilicus on the subject's torso. The sensor may be connected to the SMS unit by traces such as elastic straps with copper wire ribbons and/or stitched zigzag connectors. Clothing may include shirts (and some variants, thigh-length socks).

在本文还描述了配置成测量呼吸(包括区域性呼吸)的衣服。例如，衣服可配置成包括由检测呼吸的压缩织物形成的衬衫部分(例如以允许所感测的信号的体积描记法)。装置还可包括检测简单的ECG信号的如上所述的电极(例如具有2个电极或单个引线或多个引线，例如3个引线、5 个引线、12个引线)。例如，可包括12个呼吸传感器(例如。如本文所述的导电弹性带应变计量)。呼吸传感器可被定位成在胸骨角、第三肋骨间隙、剑突、下肋骨边缘附近、在脐之上和在脐之下位于穿用者身上。可以有完全相同的(例如在穿用者的躯干的左侧/右侧)传感器。传感器可经由连接器例如缝合的Z字形连接器(例如其中使用绝缘/上釉的铜线丝以正弦图案缝条或管或压缩衣服织物)连接到一个或多个SMS单元。见例如示出12个呼吸传感器的图44A-44B。Also described herein are garments configured to measure respiration, including regional respiration. For example, a garment may be configured to include a shirt portion formed from a compressed fabric that detects breathing (eg, to allow plethysmography of the sensed signal). The device may also include electrodes as described above (eg with 2 electrodes or a single lead or multiple leads, eg 3 leads, 5 leads, 12 leads) to detect simple ECG signals. For example, 12 breath sensors (eg, conductive elastic band strain gauges as described herein) may be included. The respiration sensor may be positioned on the wearer at the angle of the sternum, the third intercostal space, the xiphoid process, near the edge of the lower ribs, above the umbilicus, and below the umbilicus. There may be identical (eg, on the left/right side of the wearer's torso) sensors. The sensors may be connected to one or more SMS units via connectors such as stitched zigzag connectors (eg, where insulated/glazed copper wire is used in a sinusoidal pattern of seams or tubes or compression garment fabric). See, eg, Figures 44A-44B showing 12 respiration sensors.

如本文所述的衣服也可被配置为感测睡眠失调的衣服，并可包括头罩部分以及躯干和/或裤子部分。这样的衣服可包括例如EEG电极(例如一个或多个)和因而ECG电极、呼吸传感器和一个或多个惯性质量单元 (IMU)以检测活动水平和基本运动。例如，衣服可包括21个EEG电极 (由可拉伸导电油墨形成，或可选地可使用标准医疗电极)、两个ECG电极(由可拉伸导电油墨形成)和2个呼吸传感器(由可拉伸弹性带形成) 以及五个IMU。EEG电极可被作为简化的10-20个系统位于头罩部分上，而ECG电极可位于衣服的右和左躯干部分上。呼吸传感器可定位成使得它们在剑突和脐附近被穿戴。IMU可位于下背部和肢体(例如在衬衫上的臂、在大腿上的腿)上。Garments as described herein can also be configured as sleep disturbance sensing garments and can include a hood portion as well as a torso and/or pants portion. Such garments may include, for example, EEG electrodes (eg, one or more) and thus ECG electrodes, respiration sensors, and one or more inertial mass units (IMUs) to detect activity levels and fundamental motion. For example, a garment may include 21 EEG electrodes (formed from stretchable conductive ink, or alternatively standard medical electrodes may be used), two ECG electrodes (formed from stretchable conductive ink), and 2 breath sensors (formed from stretchable conductive ink) Stretch elastic band formed) and five IMUs. EEG electrodes can be located on the headgear portion as a simplified 10-20 system, while ECG electrodes can be located on the right and left torso portions of the garment. Breath sensors can be positioned such that they are worn near the xiphoid process and umbilicus. IMUs can be located on the lower back and limbs (eg, arms on shirts, legs on thighs).

在本文还描述用作健身工具或辅助设备的衣服。例如，在本文描述了被配置为健身设备的衣服，其可包括用于检测身体状态和运动性能的传感器。这些衣服可通过感测和/或测量心率、呼吸、身体脂肪、运动、姿势和应力水平的指示器来监控身体状态(例如健康状态)。例如，健身衣服的一个变形可具有由压缩织物形成的主体，其具有两个ECG电极(例如由可拉伸导电油墨形成的电极)、一个呼吸传感器(例如由导电弹性条形成)和四个IMU。ECG电极可位于衣服中以被保持靠着右和左躯干区，呼吸传感器可位于衣服上以保持靠着剑突区，且IMU可位于下背部上，在每个前臂中有一个IMU，且在SMS中(例如在颈部区附近)有一个IMU。在一些变形中，装置也可包括在腰部、颈部和脐区处的身体脂肪传感器。身体脂肪传感器可以是电极(例如由可拉伸导电油墨形成)。Clothing for use as fitness tools or assistive devices is also described herein. For example, garments configured as fitness devices are described herein that may include sensors for detecting body state and athletic performance. These garments may monitor physical status (eg, fitness) by sensing and/or measuring indicators of heart rate, respiration, body fat, movement, posture, and stress levels. For example, one variation of a fitness garment may have a body formed from a compressed fabric with two ECG electrodes (eg, electrodes formed from stretchable conductive ink), a breath sensor (eg, formed from conductive elastic strips), and four IMUs . ECG electrodes can be located in the garment to be held against the right and left torso regions, respiration sensors can be positioned on the garment to be held against the xiphoid region, and IMUs can be located on the lower back, one in each forearm, and in There is an IMU in the SMS (eg near the neck area). In some variations, the device may also include body fat sensors at the waist, neck, and umbilicus. The body fat sensor may be an electrode (eg, formed from stretchable conductive ink).

健身衣服的另一变形(例如一般健身衣服)可被配置为衬衫以穿戴在上体上。如所提到的，这些衣服可用于监控一般健康状态，并可使用控制器来操作，控制器比较基准的数据以及评估基本健身技能例如协调、平衡、耐力、“呼吸”、强度、灵活性和反射。在一些变形中，衣服包括在上部分 (衬衫，例如上臂和下臂、左/右)中的至少三个(例如4)个IMU和在下部分(例如裤子/长至大腿的袜子，上腿和下腿，左/右)中的至少三(例如4)个IMU、呼吸传感器(在靠着脐区被穿的区中)。见例如图22A-22D。在图22B中所示的例子中，系统具有两个部分；用于检测姿势并监控健康的衬衫；以及可连接到衬衫或单独地连接到处理器的一条裤子。在图22B 中，衬衫2204和裤子2205包括被示为传感器的平行线的EMG传感器 2221。IMU2225也位于上腿和下腿、上臂和下臂处并沿着背部，以便检测姿势变化。弹性材料2231的带集成到压缩内，进一步帮助保持电极(例如 EMG 2221)靠着皮肤，如由较暗的区所示的。Another variation of fitness clothing (eg, general fitness clothing) may be configured as a shirt to be worn on the upper body. As mentioned, these garments can be used to monitor general fitness and can be operated using a controller that compares baseline data and assesses basic fitness skills such as coordination, balance, stamina, "breathing", strength, flexibility and reflection. In some variations, the garment includes at least three (eg, 4) IMUs in the upper portion (shirt, eg, upper and lower arms, left/right) and at least three (eg, 4) IMUs in the lower portion (eg, pants/thigh-length socks, upper leg and At least three (eg 4) IMUs in lower leg, left/right), respiration sensor (in the area pierced against the umbilicus). See, eg, Figures 22A-22D. In the example shown in Figure 22B, the system has two parts; a shirt to detect gestures and monitor health; and a pair of pants that can be attached to the shirt or separately to the processor. In Figure 22B,shirt 2204 andpants 2205 includeEMG sensors 2221 shown as parallel lines of sensors. TheIMU 2225 is also located at the upper and lower legs, upper and lower arms and along the back in order to detect posture changes. A band ofelastic material 2231 is integrated into the compression, further helping to hold the electrode (eg, EMG 2221 ) against the skin, as shown by the darker areas.

通常，任何衣服可使用处理器来操作/连接到处理器，处理器可存储、传输、压缩和/或分析所记录的数据。Generally, any garment can be operated/connected to a processor using a processor that can store, transmit, compress and/or analyze recorded data.

下面描述这些各种类型的衣服的例子。Examples of these various types of clothing are described below.

检测呼吸的衣服Clothes that detect breathing

衣服可适合于检测呼吸，且特别是区域性呼吸。这样的设备可在医疗职业人员请求时或由希望监控呼吸的任何人使用。呼吸监控设备可适合于呼吸的连续和准确的监控，包括在一个或多个区中的呼吸的监控。可使用在布置在衣服的不同区中布置的图案(例如“Z字形”图案)中的多个可拉伸导电油墨迹线来进行几个呼吸参数(下面描述)的完整和准确的测量，使得它们位于穿用者的躯干周围；可选地，在一些变形中，除了或代替可拉伸导电油墨迹线，还可使用导电弹性条(例如浸渍有导电材料的弹性条)。包括可拉伸导电呼吸传感器的长度的区可包括：衬衫的前部部分、衬衫的后部部分(背部)；衬衫的两个横向侧中的每个或任一个等。也可使用在这些区内的子区。如上所述的可拉伸导电呼吸传感器可具有随着拉伸稍微变化的电阻；这个特性可用于被穿戴在身体上时在传感器被拉伸同时检测和/ 或测量身体运动。Clothing may be suitable for detecting respiration, and especially regional respiration. Such a device may be used at the request of a medical professional or by anyone wishing to monitor breathing. The respiration monitoring device may be suitable for continuous and accurate monitoring of respiration, including monitoring of respiration in one or more zones. Complete and accurate measurements of several breathing parameters (described below) can be made using multiple stretchable conductive ink traces in a pattern (eg, a "zigzag" pattern) arranged in different regions of the garment such that They are located around the wearer's torso; alternatively, in some variations, conductive elastic strips (eg, elastic strips impregnated with conductive material) may be used in addition to or in place of the stretchable conductive ink traces. The region including the length of the stretchable conductive breath sensor may include: the front portion of the shirt, the rear portion (back) of the shirt; each or either of the two lateral sides of the shirt, and the like. Subregions within these regions can also be used. A stretchable conductive breath sensor as described above may have a resistance that varies slightly with stretch; this property may be used to detect and/or measure body motion while the sensor is stretched when worn on the body.

如下所述，在一些变形中，可测量四个或更多呼吸信号以确定局部化呼吸。例如。可通过将迹线的可变电阻(或多个迹线的平均值)分组来测量12个信号，迹线放置在下面的区域/区中：(1)前右上部(例如6个迹线)；(2)前左上部(例如6个迹线)；(3)前右下部(例如5个迹线)；(4) 前左下部(例如5个迹线)；(5)后右上部(例如6个迹线)；(6)后左上部(例如6个迹线)；(7)后右下部(例如5个迹线)；(8)后左下部(例如5个迹线)；(9)横向右上部(例如3个迹线)；(10)横向右下部(例如 5个迹线)；(11)横向左上部(例如3个迹线)；(12)横向左下部(例如5 个迹线)。基于拉伸敏感导电迹线和/或弹性条的布置，可通过对不同信号的分析来提取参数。例如，可通过将来自在每个区中的所有拉伸传感器的信号(例如1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8+9+10+11+12)相加来确定总潮气量的度量。可通过将来自上部区的信号(例如1+2+5+6+9+11)相加来确定胸腔潮气量的度量。可通过将来自下部(腹部)区的信号(例如3+4+7+8+10+12)相加来确定腹部潮气量的度量。可通过只将与右胸腔相关的区(例如1+5+9) 相加来确定胸腔呼吸区的度量；可通过只将与左胸腔相关的区(例如 2+6+11)相加来测量左胸腔的度量。可通过将来自右腹部区的信号(例如 3+7+10)相加来确定在右腹部区中/处的呼吸的测量，以及类似地，可通过将来自左腹部区的信号(例如4+8+12)相加来确定在左腹部区中/处的呼吸的度量。As described below, in some variations, four or more respiration signals may be measured to determine localized respiration. E.g. 12 signals can be measured by grouping the variable resistance of the traces (or the average of multiple traces), the traces are placed in the following areas/zones: (1) Front upper right (e.g. 6 traces) ; (2) Front left upper part (e.g. 6 traces); (3) Front right lower part (e.g. 5 traces); (4) Front left lower part (e.g. 5 traces); (5) Rear right upper part ( (e.g. 6 traces); (6) upper left rear (e.g. 6 traces); (7) lower right rear (e.g. 5 traces); (8) lower left rear (e.g. 5 traces); ( 9) lateral upper right (eg 3 traces); (10) lateral lower right (eg 5 traces); (11) lateral upper left (eg 3 traces); (12) lateral lower left (eg 5 traces) traces). Based on the arrangement of the stretch-sensitive conductive traces and/or elastic strips, parameters can be extracted by analysis of the different signals. For example, total tidal volume can be determined by summing the signals from all stretch sensors in each zone (eg, 1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8+9+10+11+12) metric. A measure of thoracic tidal volume can be determined by summing the signals from the upper region (eg, 1+2+5+6+9+11). A measure of abdominal tidal volume can be determined by adding the signals from the lower (abdominal) region (eg, 3+4+7+8+10+12). A measure of the thoracic breathing zone can be determined by adding only the zones associated with the right thorax (eg, 1+5+9); it can be measured by adding only the zones associated with the left chest (eg, 2+6+11) Measurements of the left ribcage. A measure of respiration in/at the right abdominal region can be determined by summing the signals from the right abdominal region (eg, 3+7+10), and similarly, can be determined by adding the signals from the left abdominal region (eg, 4+ 8+12) are added to determine a measure of respiration in/at the left abdominal region.

从信号的时间过程(例如总潮气量的信号)中，可确定、记录、测量和/或显示呼吸的时间参数例如呼吸频率(f)、吸气时间(Ti)、呼气时间(Te) 和/或占空比[Ti/(Ti+Te)](因为任一信号可在衣服上被检测到)。From the time course of the signal (eg of the total tidal volume), temporal parameters of respiration such as respiratory rate (f), inspiratory time (Ti), expiratory time (Te) and /or duty cycle [Ti/(Ti+Te)] (since either signal can be detected on clothing).

例如，图1A-1C示出用于检测和/或监控(包括连续监控)呼吸的衬衫的一个变形。在这些例子的任一个中，可互换地被称为设备或系统的装置可配置成连续和准确地监控呼吸。在图1A-3A中所示的衬衫是一般由四个部分组成的压缩衣服(衬衫)：(a1)1903前部和横向侧；(a2)1905后部 (背部)；(a3)1907右臂；(a4)1909左臂。这些部分在导电油墨、导电连接器(例如具有导电材料的Kapton和/或以Z字形图案缝合的导线)和绝缘材料的层例如通过转移过程来沉积之后被缝合在一起。For example, FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate one variation of a shirt used to detect and/or monitor (including continuously monitor) respiration. In any of these examples, what may be referred to interchangeably as a device or system may be configured to continuously and accurately monitor respiration. The shirt shown in Figures 1A-3A is a compression garment (shirt) generally consisting of four parts: (a1) 1903 front and lateral sides; (a2) 1905 rear (back); (a3) 1907 right arm ; (a4) 1909 left arm. The parts are sewn together after layers of conductive ink, conductive connectors (eg Kapton with conductive material and/or wires sewn in a zigzag pattern) and insulating material are deposited, for example by a transfer process.

通常，导电油墨迹线可用作传感器。在图1A和1B中，传感器是多个导电油墨迹线，其为可拉伸的迹线。导电油墨(包括导电油墨、粘合剂和梯度区)可用于形成导电迹线1919，如在本文所述的。这些设备中的任一个还可包括传感器管理器单元。传感器管理器单元1921可以是放置在与用于将传感器连接到处理器的接口连接的衣服上(例如在背部上)的处理器。处理器可以是例如智能电话或其它手持设备。装置可具有通信单元；这个通信单元可以是单独的或可与处理器集成在一起(和/或可包括它自己的专用处理器)。例如，通信单元还可放置在背部上并连接到接口。Often, conductive ink traces can be used as sensors. In Figures 1A and 1B, the sensor is a plurality of conductive ink traces, which are stretchable traces. Conductive inks (including conductive inks, adhesives, and gradient regions) can be used to formconductive traces 1919, as described herein. Any of these devices may also include a sensor manager unit. Thesensor manager unit 1921 may be a processor placed on the garment (eg, on the back) connected to the interface for connecting the sensor to the processor. The processor may be, for example, a smartphone or other handheld device. The apparatus may have a communication unit; this communication unit may be separate or may be integrated with the processor (and/or may include its own dedicated processor). For example, the communication unit can also be placed on the back and connected to the interface.

也可使用额外的传感器，包括运动传感器。例如，可包括三轴加速度计(单独地或例如嵌在通信系统中)。Additional sensors may also be used, including motion sensors. For example, a three-axis accelerometer may be included (either separately or, for example, embedded in a communication system).

通常，这些设备中的任一个可包括一个或多个穿用者输入，例如“触摸点传感器”。例如，可使用放置在臂上的两个电容触摸点1933、1935。触摸点传感器可包括由导电油墨图案制成的两个电极(例如一个在相应位置上的衣服的内表面上，另一个在外表面上)；在这两个导电电极图案之间的纺织品的分离层；以及沉积到内部导电油墨图案层上的绝缘层。连接迹线可被包括在外部电极和靠近颈部放置的端子点之间。Typically, any of these devices may include one or more wearer inputs, such as "touch point sensors." For example, twocapacitive touch points 1933, 1935 placed on the arm may be used. The touch point sensor may include two electrodes made of conductive ink patterns (eg one on the inner surface of the garment in respective locations and the other on the outer surface); a separating layer of textile between these two conductive electrode patterns ; and an insulating layer deposited onto the inner conductive ink pattern layer. Connection traces may be included between the external electrodes and terminal points placed close to the neck.

额外的传感器可包括一个或多个电极，例如检测心率的电极。例如，用于心率(HR)测量的由导电油墨制成的两个电极1941、1943可放置在衬衫的右臂和左臂的内表面上。这些电极可由导电连接器例如导电 (Kapton)迹线连接，导电迹线将HR电极连接到靠近颈部的端子点，如图1A和1C所示的。Additional sensors may include one or more electrodes, such as electrodes that detect heart rate. For example, twoelectrodes 1941, 1943 made of conductive ink for heart rate (HR) measurement can be placed on the inner surfaces of the right and left arms of a shirt. These electrodes may be connected by conductive connectors such as conductive (Kapton) traces that connect the HR electrodes to terminal points near the neck, as shown in Figures 1A and 1C.

通常，呼吸迹线可位于衬衫的主体的任何区中以检测由于在身体的那个部分中的呼吸而引起的运动(膨胀/收缩)。可通过将“Z字”形的导电油墨可拉伸迹线定位在衬衫的主体的不同区中(例如通过转移过程)来为穿用者的身体的各个区提供几个呼吸参数(见下文)的完整和准确的测量。例如，导电迹线和/或导电弹性条可位于衬衫的前部和两个横向侧上、衬衫的后部部分(背部)上和这些部分的各种子区中。In general, breathing traces can be located in any area of the body of the shirt to detect movement (inflation/contraction) due to breathing in that part of the body. Various regions of the wearer's body can be provided with several breathing parameters (see below) by positioning "zigzag" shaped conductive ink stretchable traces in different regions of the body of the shirt (eg, through a transfer process) complete and accurate measurements. For example, conductive traces and/or conductive elastic strips may be located on the front and both lateral sides of the shirt, on the rear portion (back) of the shirt, and in various sub-regions of these portions.

在图1A-1C中，八个信号由传感器管理器单元(处理器)测量为电压变化，其由平行地放置在下面的区域中的迹线的可变电阻测量确定：In Figures 1A-1C, the eight signals are measured by the sensor manager unit (processor) as voltage changes determined by variable resistance measurements of traces placed in parallel in the area below:

1.前部+横向右上(平行的5个迹线)。1. Front + lateral top right (5 traces in parallel).

2.前部+横向左上(平行的5个迹线)。2. Front + lateral top left (5 parallel traces).

3.前部+横向右下(平行的5个迹线)。3. Front + lateral bottom right (5 traces in parallel).

4.前部+横向左下(平行的5个迹线)。4. Front + Lateral Bottom Left (5 traces in parallel).

5.后部，右上(平行的6个迹线)。5. Rear, top right (6 traces in parallel).

6.后部，左上(平行的6个迹线)。6. Rear, upper left (6 traces in parallel).

7.后部，右下(平行的5个迹线)。7. Rear, lower right (5 traces in parallel).

8.后部，左下(平行的5个迹线)。8. Rear, lower left (5 traces in parallel).

所示的垂直迹线由导电油墨和/或导电弹性条制成，并构成在这8个区域中的总电阻的端子。这些呼吸传感器(呼吸传感器)连接到靠近颈部(在界面区处)定位的端子点。处理器或其它电路可用于检测/监控电阻。例如，在一些变形中，传感器管理器(处理器)可用于得到和/或存储、传输、分析、处理等上面列出的8个信号。处理器也可合并和分析、传输、处理和/ 或存储额外的信号，包括通过将单个信号的一个或多个组合求和而得到的信号。例如，如上面提到的：The vertical traces shown are made of conductive ink and/or conductive elastic strips and constitute the terminations for the total resistance in these 8 regions. These respiration sensors (breath sensors) are connected to terminal points located close to the neck (at the interface zone). A processor or other circuit can be used to detect/monitor the resistance. For example, in some variations, a sensor manager (processor) may be used to derive and/or store, transmit, analyze, process, etc. the eight signals listed above. The processor may also combine and analyze, transmit, process, and/or store additional signals, including signals obtained by summing one or more combinations of individual signals. For example, as mentioned above:

总数＝1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8Total = 1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8

胸腔信号＝1+2+5+6Chest signal = 1+2+5+6

腹部信号＝3+4+7+8Abdominal signal = 3+4+7+8

右胸腔信号＝1+5Right thoracic signal = 1+5

左胸腔信号＝2+6Left thoracic signal = 2+6

右腹部信号＝3+7Right abdominal signal = 3+7

左腹部信号＝4+8Left abdominal signal = 4+8

从总信号中的信号的时间过程中，可得到下面的呼吸时间参数：呼吸频率(f)、吸气时间(Ti)、呼气时间(Te)和/或占空比[Ti/(Ti+Te)]等。From the time course of the signal in the total signal, the following breathing time parameters can be obtained: breathing frequency (f), inspiratory time (Ti), expiratory time (Te) and/or duty cycle [Ti/(Ti+ Te)] and so on.

如上面提到的，这些信号可由处理器和/或通信单元存储、传输、分析等。As mentioned above, these signals may be stored, transmitted, analyzed, etc. by the processor and/or the communication unit.

图1D、1E和1F示出类似于在图1A-1C中所示的衣服的、包括区域性呼吸传感器的另一压缩衣服。Figures 1D, 1E and 1F illustrate another compression garment similar to the garment shown in Figures 1A-1C that includes regional respiration sensors.

如上面提到的，在一些变形中，呼吸/呼吸性传感器包括呼吸传感器，其为被处理以具有随着拉伸而改变的电阻、在循环加载中具有相对小(或可忽略的)机械和非常低的电磁滞的导电弹性条。这样的传感器可在本文被称为导电弹性条传感器或导电弹性应变计量。图23到图38示出制造并使用被配置为导电弹性条的呼吸传感器的一种变形的方法。在本文描述了导电弹性材料和制造并使用它们的方法。特别是，在本文描述了形成可用作在穿戴式衣服上(包括在特定的穿戴式拉伸(例如压缩织物)衣服中) 的传感器(例如拉伸或呼吸传感器)的部分的导电弹性材料的方法。可例如在包括呼吸或其它接触和/或拉伸传感器的任何衣服中使用本文所述的导电弹性材料。As mentioned above, in some variations, the respiration/breathing sensor includes a respiration sensor that is processed to have a resistance that changes with stretching, has relatively little (or negligible) mechanical and Conductive elastic strips with very low electromagnetic hysteresis. Such sensors may be referred to herein as conductive elastic strip sensors or conductive elastic strain gauges. Figures 23-38 illustrate a variant method of making and using a breath sensor configured as a conductive elastic strip. Conductive elastic materials and methods of making and using them are described herein. In particular, described herein are methods of forming conductive elastic materials that can be used as part of sensors (eg, stretch or breath sensors) on wearable garments, including in certain wearable stretch (eg, compression fabric) garments. method. The conductive elastic materials described herein can be used, for example, in any garment that includes breathing or other contact and/or stretch sensors.

本文所述的导电弹性材料可在它们被拉伸时改变电阻，并因此充当拉伸传感器。此外，这些材料在与其它可拉伸导电材料比较时可具有极好的机械和电特性，因为它们具有非常高的机械和电记忆。这意味着它们可被拉伸到例如多达原始静止长度的1.2倍(或在一些变形中：1.3倍、1.4倍、 1.5倍、1.6倍、1.7倍、1.8倍、1.9倍、2倍、2.1倍、2.2倍、2.3倍、2.4 倍、2.5倍、2.6倍、2.7倍、2.8倍、3倍、3.1倍等)并返回到相同的静止长度。拉伸的尺寸(长度、宽度等)可以是相同的。在一些变形中，材料也许在一个尺寸(例如长度)上比另一尺寸(例如宽度)更可拉伸。在拉伸的这个上限(例如原始长度的1.3倍，或在一些变形中：1.5倍、1.6倍、 1.7倍、1.8倍、1.9倍、2倍、2.1倍、2.2倍、2.3倍、2.4倍、2.5倍、2.6 倍、2.7倍、2.8倍、3倍、3.1倍等)之下，材料不展示相当大的磁滞，并将返回到原始静止长度。The conductive elastic materials described herein can change resistance when they are stretched and thus act as stretch sensors. Furthermore, these materials can have excellent mechanical and electrical properties when compared to other stretchable conductive materials because of their very high mechanical and electrical memory. This means that they can be stretched, for example, up to 1.2 times the original resting length (or in some variants: 1.3 times, 1.4 times, 1.5 times, 1.6 times, 1.7 times, 1.8 times, 1.9 times, 2 times, 2.1 times times, 2.2 times, 2.3 times, 2.4 times, 2.5 times, 2.6 times, 2.7 times, 2.8 times, 3 times, 3.1 times, etc.) and back to the same rest length. The dimensions of the stretch (length, width, etc.) can be the same. In some variations, the material may be more stretchable in one dimension (eg, length) than another dimension (eg, width). At this upper limit of stretching (eg 1.3 times the original length, or in some deformations: 1.5 times, 1.6 times, 1.7 times, 1.8 times, 1.9 times, 2 times, 2.1 times, 2.2 times, 2.3 times, 2.4 times, Below 2.5 times, 2.6 times, 2.7 times, 2.8 times, 3 times, 3.1 times, etc.), the material does not exhibit considerable hysteresis and will return to the original resting length.

类似地，材料可经历很少的(如果有的话)电磁滞，拉伸在拉伸的相对高的限制之下。例如，材料在被拉伸一直到它们的原始静止长度的1.2 倍(或在一些变形中：1.3倍、1.4倍、1.5倍、1.6倍、1.7倍、1.8倍、1.9 倍、2倍、2.1倍、2.2倍、2.3倍、2.4倍、2.5倍、2.6倍、2.7倍、2.8倍、 3倍、3.1倍等)之后可具有大致相同的导电率/电阻。此外，在具有拉伸的磁滞中的变化可以在该范围的至少一部分之上是线性的。因此，本文所述的材料随着使用展示非常小的电磁滞。此外，这些特性可以在一段长时间期间(例如在拉伸的很多百、千或十万周期内)可重复。Similarly, materials can experience little, if any, electrical hysteresis, with stretching under relatively high limits of stretching. For example, materials are stretched up to 1.2 times their original resting length (or in some deformations: 1.3 times, 1.4 times, 1.5 times, 1.6 times, 1.7 times, 1.8 times, 1.9 times, 2 times, 2.1 times , 2.2 times, 2.3 times, 2.4 times, 2.5 times, 2.6 times, 2.7 times, 2.8 times, 3 times, 3.1 times, etc.) can have approximately the same conductivity/resistance. Furthermore, the change in hysteresis with stretching can be linear over at least a portion of the range. Thus, the materials described herein exhibit very little electromagnetic hysteresis with use. Furthermore, these properties may be repeatable over a long period of time (eg, over many hundreds, thousands or hundreds of thousands of cycles of stretching).

最后，在从拉伸恢复时响应时间可以极其快。例如，材料可在少于5 秒(例如少于4秒、少于3秒、少于2秒、少于1秒等)内返回到初始性能测量(对于长度和电阻)。因此，电返回时间在(小于最大拉伸长度，例如原始长度的1.3倍、1.4倍、1.5倍、1.6倍、1.7倍、1.8倍、1.9倍、2 倍、2.1倍、2.2倍、2.3倍、2.4倍、2.5倍、2.6倍、2.7倍、2.8倍、3倍、 3.1倍等)整个拉伸范围内快于5秒。Finally, the response time can be extremely fast when recovering from stretching. For example, the material can return to the initial performance measurements (for length and resistance) in less than 5 seconds (eg, less than 4 seconds, less than 3 seconds, less than 2 seconds, less than 1 second, etc.). Therefore, the electrical return time is (less than the maximum stretched length, such as 1.3 times, 1.4 times, 1.5 times, 1.6 times, 1.7 times, 1.8 times, 1.9 times, 2 times, 2.1 times, 2.2 times, 2.3 times, 2.4 times, 2.5 times, 2.6 times, 2.7 times, 2.8 times, 3 times, 3.1 times, etc.) faster than 5 seconds over the entire stretch range.

材料的这些特性且特别是电特性看起来在甚至重复的拉伸循环期间从导电材料的减小的分子损坏产生。这可导致材料的寿命的长度的增加。此外，弹性特性(从拉伸返回)看起来由核心弹性材料驱动，导电材料(例如导电涂层)涂覆到该核心弹性材料。核心材料看起来要保持的是弹性特性，即使被涂覆(干燥)有导体的相对厚的涂层。These properties and especially the electrical properties of the material appear to arise from the reduced molecular damage of the conductive material during even repeated stretching cycles. This can lead to an increase in the length of the life of the material. Furthermore, the elastic properties (return from stretching) appear to be driven by a core elastic material to which a conductive material (eg, a conductive coating) is applied. What the core material appears to retain is the elastic properties even if it is applied (dried) with a relatively thick coating of conductors.

图23-38示出制造导电弹性材料的一种方法。简言之，如参考附图所示的，弹性材料且特别是弹性腰带型材料可如上所述被涂覆。图23示出弹性材料的一个例子。通常，弹性材料(例如弹性腰带)可由编织或编结的扁平弹性材料形成。编织的弹性织物可由织物覆盖。形成弹性织物和/或覆盖的材料可以是天然的(例如棉、羊毛等)或合成的(例如聚酯或其任何组合。例如，弹性材料例如图23所示的材料可由多孔/吸收材料例如棉形成，并可包括被编织或缝到覆盖材料内的额外(例如聚合)材料。23-38 illustrate one method of making a conductive elastic material. Briefly, as shown with reference to the drawings, elastic materials, and in particular elastic waistband-type materials, may be coated as described above. FIG. 23 shows an example of an elastic material. Typically, elastic materials, such as elastic waistbands, may be formed from braided or braided flat elastic materials. The woven elastic fabric can be covered with fabric. The material forming the elastic fabric and/or cover may be natural (eg cotton, wool, etc.) or synthetic (eg polyester or any combination thereof. For example, elastic materials such as those shown in Figure 23 may be made of porous/absorbent materials such as cotton formed, and may include additional (eg, polymeric) material woven or sewn into the cover material.

弹性材料在开始时可以是相对窄和薄的条或带。例如，带的宽度可以在大约0.1和3cm之间(具有大约1.5cm的优选厚度)。材料可包括被编织到织物上或其内的多组经纱(例如弹性纱)。The elastic material may initially be a relatively narrow and thin strip or band. For example, the width of the belt may be between about 0.1 and 3 cm (with a preferred thickness of about 1.5 cm). The material may include sets of warp yarns (eg, elastic yarns) woven into or into the fabric.

通常，通过将弹性材料且特别是吸收性或部分地吸收性的弹性材料首先涂覆(例如浸蘸、溅射、浸没等)到溶液中的导电粒子的悬浮液内来制造导电弹性材料。可使用任何适当的导电材料，包括但不限于炭黑(如在图24-26中所示的)、金属导电材料(例如金、银、银/氯化银、石墨烯、涂覆有氧化物的云母等)。导电材料可以是悬浮在溶液(例如水或酒精溶液) 中的导电粒子的混合物。溶液可包括碱或粘结剂以及导电粒子的溶液。例如，溶液可以在0.1-25％粘结剂(例如丙烯酸、基于水的聚氨酯等)和导电粒子的99.9％-75％溶液之间。Typically, conductive elastic materials are produced by first coating (eg, dipping, sputtering, immersing, etc.) an elastic material, and particularly an absorbent or partially absorbent elastic material, into a suspension of conductive particles in solution. Any suitable conductive material may be used, including but not limited to carbon black (as shown in Figures 24-26), metallic conductive materials (eg, gold, silver, silver/silver chloride, graphene, oxide coated of mica, etc.). The conductive material may be a mixture of conductive particles suspended in a solution (eg, water or alcohol solution). The solution may include a base or binder and a solution of conductive particles. For example, the solution can be between 0.1-25% binder (eg, acrylic, water-based polyurethane, etc.) and 99.9%-75% solution of conductive particles.

例如在图24中，悬浮在水中的炭黑的溶液被倾倒到塑料容器内。如图 25所示，然后通过将弹性带的两侧浸到溶液内并将它在溶液中从一侧移动到另一侧(左到右)来涂覆最初未涂覆的弹性材料。在图26中，得到整个带表面的均匀覆盖，如所示。所涂覆的带可接着被干燥，如在图27中所示的。例如，可通过施加热和/或空气(或真空)来干燥带。在图27中，所涂覆的带在对流烘箱中被干燥30分钟。For example, in Figure 24, a solution of carbon black suspended in water was poured into a plastic container. As shown in Figure 25, the initially uncoated elastic material was then coated by dipping both sides of the elastic band into the solution and moving it from side to side (left to right) in the solution. In Figure 26, uniform coverage of the entire belt surface is obtained, as shown. The coated tape can then be dried, as shown in FIG. 27 . For example, the belt can be dried by applying heat and/or air (or vacuum). In Figure 27, the coated tape was dried in a convection oven for 30 minutes.

一旦被干燥，这个核心弹性材料就可连接到导电端和/或添加到外部材料(一般由它将被涂敷到的相同的材料形成)用于附接到衣服。例如在图 28中，一对端子(被示为铜端子，虽然可使用任何导电端子)被附接，也在图29和30中示出。例如在图29中，通过切割铜材料(例如成长度为大约20mm的矩形)并在带的边缘处在导电弹性织物周围包裹端子材料(其一般不是弹性的)来形成铜端子。导电端子材料(例如铜)可以是弹性的或可具有被涂敷的弹性织物(导电弹性材料)以将它固定到导电弹性带，如所示。在图30中，工具3001(例如钳子)用于确认导电端子附接到粘合剂和因而导电弹性织物。Once dried, this core elastic material can be attached to the conductive ends and/or added to an outer material (generally formed from the same material to which it will be applied) for attachment to clothing. For example, in Figure 28, a pair of terminals (shown as copper terminals, although any conductive terminals may be used) are attached, also shown in Figures 29 and 30. For example, in Figure 29, copper terminals are formed by cutting a copper material (eg, into a rectangle about 20 mm in length) and wrapping the terminal material (which is generally not elastic) around a conductive elastic fabric at the edge of the tape. The conductive terminal material (eg, copper) may be elastic or may have an elastic fabric (conductive elastic material) coated to secure it to the conductive elastic tape, as shown. In Figure 30, a tool 3001 (eg, pliers) is used to confirm that the conductive terminals are attached to the adhesive and thus the conductive elastic fabric.

一旦端子被附接，弹性材料就可耦合到导线连接器，例如在图31中示出的预先制备的导线带材料。在图31中，使用被示为扭转的、上釉的(绝缘的)导线的一对扭转导线1010(虽然可使用多于两个导线)将导线带材料缝到织物的条内。导线以Z字形图案被缝到织物(如，压缩织物)的条内，且织物条可包括织物粘合剂或可配置成热涂敷到另一织物(例如衣服)，使得导电连接器可直接涂敷到织物而不必直接缝到织物内，以及提供导线的覆盖物。导线被缝进的织物一般是与它们被涂敷到的相同的材料(例如压缩衣服织物)。在一些变形中，绝缘导线的Z字形图案被缝进的织物(其可被称为涂敷器织物)的一侧包括织物粘合剂(包括热活化粘合剂)或被处理用于与织物粘合剂一起使用。实际上，导线的较长长度可提前被准备并被切割到对衣服的应用的需要。注意通常，导线带材料可用作电连接器，其将一个或多个传感器连接到本文所述的衣服的其它部分，包括数据模块和/或SMS部件。这个导线带材料可在本文被称为导线带材料或称为缝合的Z字形连接器。这个材料可有利地在较长长度中被准备并被切割成期望长度用于固定(例如粘附地固定)衣服和/或传感器。Once the terminals are attached, the elastomeric material can be coupled to the wire connector, such as the pre-prepared wire tape material shown in FIG. 31 . In Figure 31, a pair oftwisted wires 1010 shown as twisted, enamelled (insulated) wires are used (although more than two wires may be used) to stitch the wire tape material into the strips of fabric. The wires are sewn into strips of fabric (eg, compressed fabric) in a zigzag pattern, and the fabric strips may include a fabric adhesive or may be configured to be thermally applied to another fabric (eg, clothing) so that the conductive connectors can be directly Apply to fabric without having to sew directly into the fabric, as well as provide a covering for the wire. The fabric into which the wires are sewn is typically the same material to which they are applied (eg, compression garment fabric). In some variations, one side of the fabric into which the zigzag pattern of insulated wires is sewn (which may be referred to as an applicator fabric) includes a fabric adhesive (including a heat activated adhesive) or is treated for bonding with the fabric used with adhesive. In fact, longer lengths of wire can be prepared in advance and cut to the needs of the garment application. Note that in general, the wire tape material can be used as an electrical connector that connects one or more sensors to other parts of the garment described herein, including data modules and/or SMS components. This wire tape material may be referred to herein as wire tape material or as a stitched zigzag connector. This material may advantageously be prepared in longer lengths and cut to desired lengths for securing (eg adhesively securing) garments and/or sensors.

例如在图32中，导电弹性带放置在不包括导线的区中的导线带的热粘性胶结表面上，并连接到导电导线端。例如，如图33所示，导体(导线) 焊接到铜端子。For example, in Figure 32, a conductive elastic tape is placed on the thermally adhesive glued surface of the wire tape in the area that does not include the wire, and is connected to the conductive wire ends. For example, as shown in Figure 33, conductors (wires) are soldered to copper terminals.

一旦被涂敷到导电导线，弹性带就可被包在织物(例如绝缘织物，其可以与它被涂敷到的织物相同)内。在一些变形中，弹性带可被包在绝缘体材料中和/或涂覆在绝缘体内。在图34和35中，导电弹性带(包括触头) 的外侧用粘性薄纱带密封到大约33mm的宽度。薄纱(覆盖)带可通过例如热压(当使用热活化粘合剂时)来固定在弹性带之上，如图35所示。Once applied to the conductive wire, the elastic band can be wrapped within a fabric (eg, insulating fabric, which may be the same fabric to which it is applied). In some variations, the elastic band may be encased in and/or coated within an insulator material. In Figures 34 and 35, the outside of the conductive elastic band (including the contacts) is sealed to a width of approximately 33mm with adhesive tissue tape. The tissue (covering) tape can be secured over the elastic tape by, for example, heat pressing (when heat activated adhesive is used), as shown in FIG. 35 .

在下文中，包括导电弹性材料和Z字形导线的因而产生的带可被附接到衣服，例如压缩衣服。例如，图36示出一种变形，其中导电弹性织物的因而产生的组件固定到衣服以提供呼吸(呼吸)传感器。可通过热压(例如再次使用热活化织物粘合剂)来附接组件，如图36中所示。在例子中，最后的结果在图37和38中示出。图37示出衣服的内侧的视图(组件可如所示被附接在压缩衣服的内侧或外侧中)。图38示出相同衣服的外侧的视图。在图37和38中，衣服被配置为呼吸感测衬衫(例如T恤)。In the following, the resulting straps comprising conductive elastic material and zigzag wires may be attached to garments, such as compression garments. For example, Figure 36 shows a variation in which the resulting assembly of conductive elastic fabric is secured to a garment to provide a respiration (breathing) sensor. The components can be attached by heat pressing (eg, again using a heat activated fabric adhesive), as shown in FIG. 36 . In the example, the final results are shown in Figures 37 and 38. Figure 37 shows a view of the inside of the garment (components may be attached in the inside or outside of the compression garment as shown). Figure 38 shows a view of the outside of the same garment. In Figures 37 and 38, the garment is configured as a breath-sensing shirt (eg, a T-shirt).

因此，上面所述的导电弹性条可用作压缩衣服的部分。上面描述了制造并使用具有非常低的机械和电磁滞并因此可用作穿戴式压缩衣服的呼吸传感器的导电弹性材料的方法。这个导电弹性材料可用作呼吸/呼吸性传感器或用作连接器的部分。使用导电弹性材料的呼吸传感器可由浸渍有导电粒子(例如炭黑)的溶液和干燥(或至少部分地干燥)的弹性材料的条形成；导电连接器可附接到被浸渍的弹性材料的条的端部。在一些变形中，连接器可电连接到由上釉的(例如绝缘的)金属导电丝形成的导线带材料，金属导电丝以Z字形图案缝到织物例如压缩织物的条上。浸渍有导电粒子的弹性材料和/或导线带连接器材料可被包在织物材料(例如压缩织物材料)内。导线带的这个被包住的传感器和连接长度可接着被附接到如上所述的衣服(例如见图1A-1F)。Thus, the conductive elastic strips described above can be used as part of a compression garment. Described above are methods of making and using conductive elastic materials that have very low mechanical and electromagnetic hysteresis and are therefore useful as breath sensors for wearable compression garments. This conductive elastic material can be used as a breath/breath sensor or as part of a connector. A breath sensor using a conductive elastic material may be formed from a solution impregnated with conductive particles (eg, carbon black) and a strip of dried (or at least partially dried) elastic material; a conductive connector may be attached to the impregnated strip of elastic material. Ends. In some variations, the connector may be electrically connected to a conductor tape material formed of enamelled (eg, insulated) metallic conductive filaments sewn in a zigzag pattern to strips of fabric, such as compressed fabric. The elastic material impregnated with conductive particles and/or the wire tape connector material may be encased within a fabric material (eg, a compressed fabric material). This wrapped sensor and connection length of the wire tape can then be attached to a garment as described above (eg, see Figures 1A-1F).

例如，图44A-44B示出配置成使用多个浸渍有导电粒子的弹性条来测量呼吸的衣服的一个变形，弹性条被配置为应变计量。在图44A中，显示没有袖子的衣服，虽然袖子可被包括。衣服主体可由压缩衣服材料制成，应变计量传感器如所示附接到压缩衣服材料。呼吸传感器被配置为具有浸渍有导电材料(例如具有碱/胶结材料的炭黑溶液，如上所述)的弹性材料的伸长的长度的应变计量。浸透和/或涂覆的弹性材料条可于是具有附接到端区的导电金属端并可被包在材料中，例如与制造衣服的主体的相同或相似的压缩衣服织物材料。在图44A中，由导电弹性构件形成的六对水平布置的呼吸传感器4403布置在沿着躯干区的不同高度处(例如在胸骨角、第三肋骨间隙、剑突、下肋骨边缘附近、在脐之上和在脐之下)。缝合的Z 字形连接器4407(由单独压缩织物条形成，导线例如上釉的铜丝以正弦图案被缝到该压缩织物条上，然后涂敷到衣服的主体)用于将十二个传感器连接到SMS单元，如图44B所示，图44B示出图44A的衣服的背面。每个传感器可在两端处连接到在缝合的Z字形连接器中的不同导线，使得在导电弹性条的电特性中的变化也可由SMS检测。衣服还可包括额外的传感器。在图44A中，示出一对ECG电极4409、4409’，且每个电极经由缝合的Z字形连接器4407连接到SMS。For example, Figures 44A-44B illustrate one deformation of a garment configured to measure breathing using a plurality of elastic strips impregnated with conductive particles, the elastic strips being configured as strain gauges. In Figure 44A, the garment is shown without sleeves, although sleeves may be included. The garment body may be made of a compression garment material to which the strain gauge sensors are attached as shown. The breath sensor is configured as a strain gauge with an elongated length of elastic material impregnated with a conductive material (eg, a carbon black solution with an alkali/cement material, as described above). The impregnated and/or coated strip of elastic material may then have conductive metal ends attached to the end regions and may be encased in a material, such as the same or similar compression garment fabric material from which the body of the garment is made. In Figure 44A, six pairs of horizontally arrangedrespiration sensors 4403 formed of conductive elastic members are arranged at different heights along the torso region (eg, at the sternal angle, the third intercostal space, the xiphoid process, near the edge of the lower ribs, at the umbilicus above and below the navel). Stitched zigzag connectors 4407 (formed from individual compressed fabric strips to which wires such as enameled copper wires are sewn in a sinusoidal pattern and then applied to the body of the garment) are used to connect the twelve sensors To the SMS unit, as shown in Figure 44B, which shows the back of the garment of Figure 44A. Each sensor can be connected at both ends to a different wire in the stitched zigzag connector, so that changes in the electrical properties of the conductive elastic strip can also be detected by SMS. The garment may also include additional sensors. In Figure 44A, a pair ofECG electrodes 4409, 4409' are shown and each electrode is connected to the SMS via a stitchedzigzag connector 4407.

可如在图45中所示制造这些衣服，图45示出形成衣服的主体的三块织物(例如中央背部部分4419、右面板4421和左面板4423；因为呼吸传感器在右侧和左侧上是连续的，在应用传感器(箭头4431)之前，可首先将右面板和左面板缝到背部。如上面讨论的，这些不同的呼吸传感器可相应于可单独地检查的不同的区。These garments can be made as shown in Figure 45, which shows three pieces of fabric (eg,central back portion 4419,right panel 4421, and left panel 4423) forming the body of the garment; since the breath sensors are on the right and left Continuing, the right and left panels may first be sewn to the back prior to applying the sensors (arrow 4431). As discussed above, these different respiration sensors may correspond to different zones that may be examined individually.

测量心电图(ECG)的衣服Clothes for measuring an electrocardiogram (ECG)

在本文还描述可用于有效地和连续地监控心电图(ECG)信号的衣服。例如，衣服可适合于通过包括冗余迹线的对来测量信号，装置(例如衣服、控制/感测模块等)可在冗余迹线之间切换。在一些变形中，SMS和/或传感器模块可确定在检测ECG的特定的引线时使用在冗余的多个电极之间的哪组电极。图2A-2B、3A-3B和4A-4B示出配置成测量ECG的衣服。这些衣服中的每个包括冗余引线(两个或多个)，其中每个冗余引线可检测来自电极的信号，该电极可用于确定该引线的ECG信号。Also described herein are garments that can be used to effectively and continuously monitor electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. For example, a garment may be adapted to measure signals through pairs comprising redundant traces between which a device (eg, garment, control/sensing module, etc.) may be switched. In some variations, the SMS and/or sensor module may determine which set of electrodes between the redundant electrodes to use when detecting a particular lead of the ECG. 2A-2B, 3A-3B, and 4A-4B illustrate garments configured to measure ECG. Each of these garments includes redundant lead(s), where each redundant lead can detect a signal from an electrode that can be used to determine the lead's ECG signal.

用于检测ECG信号的电极可由本文所述的可拉伸导电油墨形成。在一些变形中，电极在衣服的一侧(例如内表面)上被印刷、涂敷或形成并适合于与受验对象的皮肤连续接触，以便测量ECG信号。电极可经由导电迹线(由例如可拉伸导电油墨和/或可拉伸导电油墨和基底(例如具有较高导电率迹线的Kapton)的组合形成)连接到SMS和/或传感器模块。SMS和 /或传感器模块可例如基于信号的质量来确定对ECG信号使用/存在哪个冗余迹线。Electrodes for detecting ECG signals can be formed from the stretchable conductive inks described herein. In some variations, electrodes are printed, coated or formed on one side of the garment (eg, the inner surface) and adapted to be in continuous contact with the subject's skin in order to measure ECG signals. The electrodes may be connected to the SMS and/or sensor module via conductive traces (formed, for example, from a stretchable conductive ink and/or a combination of stretchable conductive ink and a substrate (eg, Kapton with higher conductivity traces). The SMS and/or sensor module may determine which redundant trace to use/exist for the ECG signal, eg, based on the quality of the signal.

例如，在图3A-4B中，电极2103被形成为由位于12引线EKG的标准点上的油墨圆构成的一系列电极。在(将被穿在躯干上的)衣服上，电极可放置成使得当衣服被穿时，冗余的胸部电极(对)定位成相应于V1-V6 位置：For example, in Figures 3A-4B,electrodes 2103 are formed as a series of electrodes consisting of ink circles located on standard dots of a 12-lead EKG. On the garment (to be worn on the torso), the electrodes may be placed such that when the garment is worn, the redundant chest electrodes (pairs) are positioned to correspond to the V1-V6 positions:

表1：胸部电极的位置Table 1: Location of chest electrodes

电极electrode放置placeV1V1在胸骨的右边的第4个肋间空间4th intercostal space on the right side of the sternumV2V2在胸骨的左边的第4个肋间空间4th intercostal space on the left side of the sternumV3V3在V2和V4的中间in the middle of V2 and V4V4V4在锁骨间线的第5个肋间空间5th intercostal space at the interclavicular lineV5V5在与V4相同的水平处的后部腋前线Posterior anterior axillary line at the same level as V4V6V6在与V4和V5相同的水平处的中腋前线Anterior mid-axillary line at the same level as V4 and V5

类似地，引线可放置在衬衫上的其它位置处以测量RL、RA、LL和 LA引线(肢体引线)，其相应于：Similarly, leads can be placed at other locations on the shirt to measure RL, RA, LL, and LA leads (limb leads), which correspond to:

表2：肢体引线位置Table 2: Limb Lead Locations

电极electrode放置placeRLRL在脚踝之上和躯干之下的任何地方Anywhere above the ankle and below the torsoRARA在肩膀和肘之间的任何地方anywhere between shoulder and elbowLLLL在脚踝之上和躯干之下的任何地方Anywhere above the ankle and below the torsoLALA在肩膀和肘之间的任何地方anywhere between shoulder and elbow

图3A-3B示出位于躯干衣服的下边缘处的腿的肢体引线，其可被使用而甚至不穿单独的裤子。在图3A-3B和4A-4B中所示的衣服的肢体引线不包括冗余电极，然而它们可以包括。Figures 3A-3B show limb leads for legs located at the lower edge of the torso garment, which can be used without even wearing separate pants. The limb leads of the garment shown in Figures 3A-3B and 4A-4B do not include redundant electrodes, however they may.

在任一ECG感测衣服中，电极可保持靠着身体，用于通过衣服的结构，包括通过额外胸衣区2144(例如披肩区)，进行一致/不变的测量(甚至在运动期间)，如由图3A和4A中的阴影区所示。这个胸衣可被形成为支持 ECG胸部电极的区，其是相对更支持性的(例如施加压力/力)以保持胸部电极在身体上/靠着身体，甚至在呼吸和其它身体运动期间。例如，胸衣区可被形成为沿着胸骨线延伸的弹性紧身衣(例如宽度：在胸骨上2cm，在剑突线上4cm)，接着在剑突线的右侧和左侧上分离，接着在背面上，然后在脊髓上会聚并一直延伸到颈部，然后再次在颈部周围的右侧和左侧上分离，以最后在胸骨线上会聚。紧身衣的材料必须极其可延伸的。In either ECG sensing garment, the electrodes may be held against the body for consistent/invariant measurements (even during exercise) through the structure of the garment, including through the additional bodice area 2144 (eg, cape area), such as This is shown by the shaded area in Figures 3A and 4A. This bra can be formed to support the area of the ECG chest electrodes, which is relatively more supportive (eg, applying pressure/force) to keep the chest electrodes on/against the body, even during breathing and other body movements. For example, the bodice region may be formed as an elastic corset extending along the sternum line (eg width: 2cm on the sternum, 4cm on the xiphoid line), then separated on the right and left sides of the xiphoid line, then On the back, then converge on the spinal cord and extend all the way to the neck, then separate again on the right and left around the neck to finally converge on the sternum line. The material of the tights must be extremely stretchable.

电极和/或在(胸部)电极周围的区可包括帮助保持电极靠着胸部并且还可防止电极滑动的硅酮表面。例如，硅酮可沿着在两侧上的水平线一直到在中腋前线之外5cm，位于相应于胸衣/紧身衣的衬衫的内表面中。该硅酮可帮助确保油墨电极固定到所选择的位置且不随着患者的运动而移动。The electrodes and/or the area around the (chest) electrodes may include a silicone surface that helps hold the electrodes against the chest and also prevents sliding of the electrodes. For example, the silicone may be located in the inner surface of the shirt corresponding to the bodice/corset, along the horizontal line on both sides up to 5 cm beyond the mid-armpit front line. The silicone helps to ensure that the ink electrode is fixed in the selected location and does not move with the patient's movements.

如所提到的，电极包括相邻的冗余电极是特别有帮助的。所有电极(包括冗余电极)可连接到SMS和/或控制模块以检测ECG信号，且SMS和/ 或控制模块可决定使用哪个冗余信号(或在一些变形中，使用冗余信号，例如通过选择性滤波、平均化等，来提高总信号质量)。在一些变形中，可忽略未选择的冗余信号；在其它变形中，装置可配置成存储它用于以后的分析。两对(或多于2对)电极可具有可被存储、传输和/或处理的信号；关于要使用哪个冗余电极来产生ECG的决定可在以后做出。As mentioned, it is particularly helpful for the electrodes to include adjacent redundant electrodes. All electrodes (including redundant electrodes) can be connected to the SMS and/or control module to detect ECG signals, and the SMS and/or control module can decide which redundant signal to use (or in some variations, use redundant signals, such as by Selective filtering, averaging, etc., to improve overall signal quality). In some variations, the unselected redundant signal may be ignored; in other variations, the device may be configured to store it for later analysis. Two (or more) pairs of electrodes may have signals that may be stored, transmitted and/or processed; a decision as to which redundant electrode to use to generate the ECG may be made later.

睡眠监控衣服sleep monitoring clothes

还描述了配置成被穿戴以监控受验对象的睡眠的衣服。睡眠监控可通常用于测量睡眠运动、在睡眠期间的呼吸、体温(核心和区域性)、眼运动等。这样的指示器可用于确定睡眠阶段、睡眠质量、睡眠持续时间等。本文所述的任何衣服可适合于确定睡眠指示器，并可因此在睡眠时被穿戴。因此，这些衣服可以是舒适的并适合于由睡眠的人使用。Clothing configured to be worn to monitor a subject's sleep is also described. Sleep monitoring can be commonly used to measure sleep movements, breathing during sleep, body temperature (core and regional), eye movements, and the like. Such indicators can be used to determine sleep stage, sleep quality, sleep duration, and the like. Any of the garments described herein may be suitable for determining sleep indicators, and may therefore be worn while sleeping. Accordingly, these garments may be comfortable and suitable for use by sleeping persons.

例如在图7A中，示出衣服的前面，包括具有布置成确定EEG(在头兜的内表面上的头皮电极)、面部/眼部EMG(以检测眼睛运动)、鼻部热敏电阻(检测呼吸)和颏EMG(检测颌运动等)的传感器2209的头帽/ 兜2205。头兜可与衬衫2207成一整体或它可以单独地附接到衬衫2207。在任一衣服中，各种部件(例如衬衫、头兜、手套、裤子等)可以是可选的；可使用各个衣服或衣服组。衬衫可与上面所述的呼吸和/或ECG感测衣服类似或相同。在图7A和7B中，躯干区包括身体的前部和横向区的区域性呼吸传感器2225(可拉伸导电迹线)以及EGC电极2227(虽然不是所有V1-V6引线电极都被包括)。衣服还可包括裤子，其包括肢体引线2229 (用于ECG检测)和/或EMG传感器2219以检测腿运动/抽搐。全部或部分手套2231也可被包括并可测量在四肢(例如手指)处的血液氧合2217 (例如脉冲氧合)。For example, in Figure 7A, the front of the garment is shown, including features arranged to determine EEG (scalp electrodes on the inner surface of the head pocket), face/eye EMG (to detect eye movement), nasal thermistor (to detect Headgear/pocket 2205 ofsensors 2209 for breathing) and chin EMG (detecting jaw movement, etc.). The head pocket may be integral with theshirt 2207 or it may be attached to theshirt 2207 separately. In any garment, various components (eg, shirts, head pockets, gloves, pants, etc.) may be optional; individual garments or groups of garments may be used. The shirt may be similar or identical to the breathing and/or ECG sensing garment described above. In Figures 7A and 7B, the torso region includes regional respiration sensors 2225 (stretchable conductive traces) andEGC electrodes 2227 in the anterior and lateral regions of the body (although not all V1-V6 lead electrodes are included). The garment may also include pants that include limb leads 2229 (for ECG detection) and/or EMG sensors 2219 to detect leg movement/twitching. All or part of thegloves 2231 may also be included and may measure blood oxygenation 2217 (eg, pulse oxygenation) at the extremities (eg, fingers).

图7A-7C示出可被形成为如本文所述的并可包括用于确定睡眠参数的多个传感器的衣服的一个变形。例如在图7A中，示出衣服的前面，包括具有布置成确定EEG(在头兜的内表面上的头皮电极)、面部/眼部EMG (以检测眼睛运动)、鼻部热敏电阻(检测呼吸)和颏EMG(检测颌运动等)的传感器2209的头帽/兜2205。头兜可与衬衫2207成一整体或它可以单独地附接到衬衫2207。在任一衣服中，各种部件(例如衬衫、头兜、手套、裤子等)可以是可选的；可使用各个衣服或衣服组。衬衫可与上面所述的呼吸和/或ECG感测衣服类似或相同。在图7A和7B中，躯干区包括身体的前部和横向区的区域性呼吸传感器2225(可拉伸导电迹线)以及 EGC电极2227(虽然不是所有V1-V6引线电极都被包括)。衣服还可包括裤子，其包括肢体引线2229(用于ECG检测)和/或EMG传感器2219以检测腿运动/抽搐。全部或部分手套2231也可被包括并可测量在四肢(例如手指)处的血液氧合2217(例如脉冲氧合)。在图13A-21B中示出可用于睡眠监控的衣服的额外实施方式。7A-7C illustrate one variation of a garment that may be formed as described herein and may include a plurality of sensors for determining sleep parameters. For example, in Figure 7A, the front of the garment is shown, including features arranged to determine EEG (scalp electrodes on the inner surface of the head pocket), face/eye EMG (to detect eye movement), nasal thermistor (to detect Headgear/pocket 2205 ofsensors 2209 for breathing) and chin EMG (detecting jaw movement, etc.). The head pocket may be integral with theshirt 2207 or it may be attached to theshirt 2207 separately. In any garment, various components (eg, shirts, head pockets, gloves, pants, etc.) may be optional; individual garments or groups of garments may be used. The shirt may be similar or identical to the breathing and/or ECG sensing garment described above. In Figures 7A and 7B, the torso region includes regional respiration sensors 2225 (stretchable conductive traces) andEGC electrodes 2227 in the anterior and lateral regions of the body (although not all V1-V6 lead electrodes are included). The garment may also include pants that include limb leads 2229 (for ECG detection) and/or EMG sensors 2219 to detect leg movement/twitching. All or part of thegloves 2231 may also be included and may measure blood oxygenation 2217 (eg, pulse oxygenation) at the extremities (eg, fingers). Additional embodiments of garments that may be used for sleep monitoring are shown in Figures 13A-21B.

SMS和/或传感器模块可适合于处理和/或分析传感器输入并提供关于穿该衣服的个人的睡眠状态(或随着时间的过去的状态)的报告。The SMS and/or sensor module may be adapted to process and/or analyze sensor input and provide a report on the sleep state (or state over time) of the individual wearing the garment.

通常，这些设备可能对睡眠实验室或家庭睡眠实验室是有用的。它们可以例如以简化的方式记录通常被包括在多导睡眠图分析(包括呼吸)中的所有信号；只在衬衫的前部和横向部分、胸腔和腹部部分上，可能需要 4个象限来知道你有矛盾的运动。你有上部和下部是有帮助的，但有右部/ 左部也可以有帮助。在具有简化(例如2个电极和腰部和腿)配置的躯干的上部部分中的ECG的使用也是有帮助的。衣服的传感器可再次包括如上面讨论的冗余度以具有最好和最可靠的ECG。特别是，使用心率，其可能不需要完整的ECG。EMG记录(肌电图描记电极)可由可拉伸导电油墨形成，并可位于不同的位置上。例如在颏上，下部(肌肉)，其可能对在多导睡眠图MG中使用有帮助。此外，眼部EMG可能对REM和其它睡眠阶段的检测有帮助。如所提到的，热敏电阻(在鼻子的水平处的温度传感器) 可用于检测穿过鼻子的气流，类似于使用睡眠实验室所完成的。可在臂和腿上使用IMU(惯性测量单元)以检测肢体运动。而且，IMU 2235可位于衣服的背部上，这对检测患者的位置(翻转、仰卧、俯卧、侧卧等)是有帮助的，并可检测不安定。Typically, these devices may be useful in a sleep lab or home sleep lab. They can for example record in a simplified way all the signals normally included in polysomnography analysis (including respiration); only on the front and lateral parts of the shirt, thoracic and abdominal parts, it may take 4 quadrants to know you There are contradictory movements. It helps that you have upper and lower, but it can also help to have right/left. The use of ECG in the upper part of the torso with simplified (eg 2 electrodes and waist and legs) configuration is also helpful. The sensors of the clothing may again include redundancy as discussed above to have the best and most reliable ECG. In particular, using heart rate, which may not require a full ECG. EMG recordings (electrodes for electromyography) can be formed from stretchable conductive inks and can be located at various locations. For example on the chin, the lower part (muscles), which may be helpful for use in polysomnography MG. In addition, ocular EMG may be helpful for the detection of REM and other sleep stages. As mentioned, thermistors (temperature sensors at the level of the nose) can be used to detect airflow through the nose, similar to what is done using a sleep lab. IMUs (Inertial Measurement Units) can be used on the arms and legs to detect limb movements. Also, theIMU 2235 can be located on the back of the garment, which is helpful for detecting the patient's position (inverted, supine, prone, side, etc.) and to detect restlessness.

衣服支持结构和附件Garment Support Structures and Accessories

本文所述的任何衣服可包括额外的支持结构以帮助靠着身体固定传感器。这样的支持结构可以是可膨胀的，并可提高在本文公开的生理监控衣服和穿用者的皮肤之间的接触。例如，胸部解剖结构可防止在生理监控衣服上的传感器产生与患者的胸部的良好电接触，如本文所述的。可通常被称为胸衣的支持衣服可在生理监控衣服之上被穿着以提供压力来提高在衣服上的电极和穿用者的胸部之间的电接触。这些胸衣(支持衣服)可能对具有大胸肌的男性穿用者和具有大乳房的女性穿用者特别有用。支持衣服可包括吊带或领带，并可依尺寸被制造成保持(并施加力以保持)生理监控衣服的一部分(例如传感器/电极)靠着用户的身体。还描述了与这些设备集成在一起以施加力来保持在衣服上的传感器稳固地压在受验对象上的结构。这样的集成设备可被称为集成支持结构。在一些实施方式中，支持结构是自我膨胀结构。特别是，集成支持结构可以是可膨胀(包括可充气) 的元件。在图14-18中示出支持衣服和支持衣服的部分的例子。Any of the garments described herein may include additional support structures to help secure the sensor against the body. Such a support structure can be inflatable and can improve the contact between the physiological monitoring garment disclosed herein and the wearer's skin. For example, the anatomy of the chest may prevent sensors on the physiological monitoring garment from making good electrical contact with the patient's chest, as described herein. A support garment, which may be commonly referred to as a corset, may be worn over the physiological monitoring garment to provide pressure to improve electrical contact between electrodes on the garment and the wearer's chest. These bras (supportive garments) may be particularly useful for male wearers with large breasts and female wearers with large breasts. The support garment may include a sling or tie, and may be sized to hold (and apply force to hold) a portion of the physiological monitoring garment (eg, sensors/electrodes) against the user's body. Also described are structures integrated with these devices to apply a force to keep the sensors on the clothing firmly pressed against the subject. Such an integrated device may be referred to as an integrated support structure. In some embodiments, the support structure is a self-expanding structure. In particular, the integrated support structure may be an inflatable (including inflatable) element. Examples of support garments and portions of support garments are shown in Figures 14-18.

支持衣服(例如胸衣)可与本文所述的压缩衣服分离，且它们可完全或部分地集成到衣服内。支持衣服和/或集成支持结构(可膨胀支持结构) 可依尺寸被制造和成形为适合用户的解剖结构。例如，支持衣服和/或支持结构可设计成适合于穿用者的胸部解剖结构。支持衣服可基于穿用者的性别来依尺寸进行制造并成形。对于女性穿用者，支持衣服可设计成保持在患者的乳房之间的支持结构。在图14A-14D和15A-15C中示出可用于支持衣服的支持胸衣和支持结构的组合的例子。对于男性衣服穿用者，可使用支持吊带来代替胸衣。在图16A-16B和17A-17C中示出男性支持吊带和支持结构的例子。Support garments (eg, bras) may be separate from the compression garments described herein, and they may be fully or partially integrated into the garment. The support garment and/or integrated support structure (expandable support structure) can be sized and shaped to fit the user's anatomy. For example, the support garment and/or support structure can be designed to fit the anatomy of the wearer's chest. The support garment can be sized and shaped based on the gender of the wearer. For female wearers, the support garment may be designed to hold the support structure between the patient's breasts. Examples of combinations of support bras and support structures that may be used to support a garment are shown in Figures 14A-14D and 15A-15C. For male clothing wearers, support straps can be used in place of corsets. Examples of male support harnesses and support structures are shown in Figures 16A-16B and 17A-17C.

图14A-14B示出在图13A-13B中所示的生理监控衣服1401之上穿戴的来自图14C-14D的支持衣服1405。也可使用额外的支持结构(在这个例子中，集成到监控衣服1401或支持胸衣1405内)。在这个例子中，支持衣服被成形为胸衣或运动性胸罩型配置以保持第二支持结构1403牢牢地靠着穿用者的胸部和胸骨。图15A-15B示出可用于女性穿用者的可膨胀(例如可充气，包括自行充气)支持结构。在图15A-15B中在前视图和侧视图中在非膨胀和膨胀配置中示出支持结构。图15C示出与女性胸部啮合的图 15A的支持结构。所示支持结构是可充气的并被成形为与女性胸部啮合以牢牢地保持在智能衣服上的传感器靠着穿用者的胸部。Figures 14A-14B illustrate thesupport garment 1405 from Figures 14C-14D worn over thephysiological monitoring garment 1401 shown in Figures 13A-13B. Additional support structures may also be used (in this example, integrated intomonitoring garment 1401 or support bra 1405). In this example, the support garment is shaped into a bra or sports bra type configuration to hold thesecond support structure 1403 firmly against the wearer's chest and sternum. 15A-15B illustrate an inflatable (eg, inflatable, including self-inflating) support structure that may be used by a female wearer. The support structures are shown in non-expanded and expanded configurations in front and side views in Figures 15A-15B. Figure 15C shows the support structure of Figure 15A engaged with a female breast. The support structure shown is inflatable and shaped to engage the female breast to hold the sensor firmly on the smart garment against the wearer's breast.

图18A-18B示出在图13A-13B中所示的生理监控衣服之上穿戴的来自图16A-16B的支持衣服。图16A-16B示出具有在可由可拉伸材料制造出的并可包括维可牢的前部和可调节的背部材料中的可选的刚性材料的支持吊带1601。图17A-17B示出可用于女性穿用者的支持结构。在图17A-17B 中在前视图和侧视图中在非膨胀和膨胀配置中示出可膨胀支持结构。图 17C示出与男性胸部啮合的图17A的支持结构。Figures 18A-18B illustrate the support garment from Figures 16A-16B worn over the physiological monitoring garment shown in Figures 13A-13B. Figures 16A-16B illustrate asupport harness 1601 with optional rigid material in a front material that can be made of stretchable material and can include Velcro and an adjustable back material. 17A-17B illustrate a support structure that may be used with a female wearer. The expandable support structure is shown in the non-expanded and expanded configurations in front and side views in Figures 17A-17B. Figure 17C shows the support structure of Figure 17A engaged with a male breast.

在图17A-17B和15A-15B中示出的支持结构提供向内的力以将在生理监控衣服上的传感器压到身体的胸部上以提高在传感器和胸部之间的电接触。在一些实施方式中，支持结构可以是可膨胀的(包括但不限于可充气的)以提供接触监控衣服的期望结构。在一些实施方式中，支持结构可以是自行充气的。可在支持结构内使用自行充气材料，使得支持结构在被激活时自动充气。在一些情况下，自行充气材料可经由在支持结构内的泡沫材料和/或经由化学反应来完成。在一些情况下，化学反应可产生气体或可使支持结构膨胀以符合患者的胸部解剖结构的其它材料。在一些变形中，支持结构是可由压缩衣服和/或支持胸衣保持在适当的地方的局部垫或可压缩材料。The support structure shown in Figures 17A-17B and 15A-15B provides an inward force to compress the sensor on the physiological monitoring garment against the chest of the body to improve electrical contact between the sensor and the chest. In some embodiments, the support structure may be inflatable (including but not limited to inflatable) to provide a desired structure for contact monitoring garments. In some embodiments, the support structure may be self-inflating. A self-inflating material can be used within the support structure, such that the support structure automatically inflates when activated. In some cases, the self-inflating material may be accomplished via a foam material within the support structure and/or via a chemical reaction. In some cases, the chemical reaction can generate gases or other materials that can expand the support structure to conform to the patient's thoracic anatomy. In some variations, the support structure is a localized pad or compressible material that can be held in place by a compression garment and/or a support bra.

在一些实施方式中，由支持结构施加的压力可由用户选择。In some embodiments, the pressure exerted by the support structure is user selectable.

在一些实施方式中，支持衣服和支持结构可包括传感器和控制系统以向生理监控衣服提供期望压力水平。In some embodiments, the support garment and support structure may include sensors and control systems to provide a desired pressure level to the physiological monitoring garment.

支持衣服例，如胸衣、吊带、胸罩等，可包括维可牢、可调节吊带和其它可调节参数，使得穿用者可收紧胸衣，使得它提供期望配合和支持以提高胸部传感器/电极的电接触。Support garments such as bras, suspenders, bras, etc., may include Velcro, adjustable suspenders, and other adjustable parameters so that the wearer can tighten the bra so that it provides the desired fit and support to enhance the chest sensor/ electrical contact of the electrodes.

在一些实施方式中，支持衣服和支持结构可与生理监控衣服和/或外部计算设备电子地通信。In some embodiments, the support garment and support structure may be in electronic communication with the physiological monitoring garment and/or external computing device.

支持衣服可与本文公开的任一生理监控衣服一起使用。在一些实施方式中，支持衣服与具有如在图20-21中所示的配线的压缩衬衫和裤子一起使用。The support garment can be used with any of the physiological monitoring garments disclosed herein. In some embodiments, support garments are used with compression shirts and pants having wiring as shown in Figures 20-21.

现在返回到图18C-18E，包括被配置为如上所述的压缩衣服1801的感测设备的系统(例如用于检测ECG，如在2A-2B、3A-3B和4A-4B中所示的)可直接靠着患者的皮肤被穿戴。支持结构(例如垫子、可膨胀支持构件)1805可与感测设备1801的压缩衣服一起使用。支持结构可以位于中胸部区域之上，用于施加压力以保持集成到衣服的内表面上的电极在适当的位置上靠着皮肤。支持结构可以是可膨胀的(例如可充气的)以允许对各种用户体型具有舒适的和有效的使用。在一些变形中，额外的支持衣服 1811可用于帮助靠着皮肤固定电极(且在一些变形中是支持结构1805)。在图18D(前)和18E(后)中示出的支持衣服1811在这个例子中是具有在肩膀之上配合的一对吊带和可推靠感测设备的电极的中心区的胸衣。支持衣服可包括由相对弹性的区1817连接的相对刚性的区1815。图18F(前视图)和18G(侧视图，膨胀的)示出具有示例性尺寸的支持结构1805 的较大视图。支持结构可附接到感测衣服的外部或内部区，使得它不干扰来自电极的测量，但帮助保持它们压靠受验对象的胸部。在一些变形中，支持结构集成到胸衣(支持衣服)例如在图18D-18E中所示的胸衣内。Returning now to Figures 18C-18E, a system comprising a sensing device configured as acompression garment 1801 as described above (eg, for detecting ECG, as shown in 2A-2B, 3A-3B and 4A-4B) Can be worn directly against the patient's skin. A support structure (eg, cushion, expandable support member) 1805 may be used with the compression garment of thesensing device 1801 . A support structure may be positioned over the mid-thorax region for applying pressure to hold electrodes integrated on the inner surface of the garment in place against the skin. The support structure may be inflatable (eg, inflatable) to allow comfortable and efficient use for various user sizes. In some variations,additional support clothing 1811 may be used to help secure the electrodes (and in some variations the support structure 1805) against the skin. Thesupport garment 1811 shown in Figures 18D (front) and 18E (rear) is in this example a corset with a pair of straps that fit over the shoulders and a central area against which the electrodes of the sensing device can be pushed. The support garment may include relatively rigid regions 1815 connected by relativelyelastic regions 1817 . Figures 18F (front view) and 18G (side view, expanded) show larger views ofsupport structure 1805 with exemplary dimensions. A support structure can be attached to the outer or inner region of the sensing garment so that it does not interfere with measurements from the electrodes, but helps keep them pressed against the subject's chest. In some variations, the support structure is integrated into a bodice (support garment) such as the bodice shown in Figures 18D-18E.

衣服配线布置clothing wiring arrangement

各种配线布置可与本文公开的衣服一起使用。在图19-21中示出配线布置的例子。Various wiring arrangements can be used with the garments disclosed herein. Examples of wiring arrangements are shown in Figures 19-21.

图19A和19B示出裤子的前视图和后视图。图19C示出在本文公开的衣服之间(例如在衬衫和裤子之间)的示例性连接。例如，裤子和衬衫可以均包括具有六个或更多个极的连接器。一个连接器可具有公配置而另一连接器可包括母连接器。公和母连接器布置成彼此啮合。在图19B中所示的裤子包括公连接器，而在图13B中所示的衬衫包括母连接器。在一些实施方式中，公/母连接器可反转。19A and 19B show front and rear views of the pants. FIG. 19C shows an exemplary connection between garments disclosed herein (eg, between a shirt and pants). For example, pants and shirts may each include connectors with six or more poles. One connector may have a male configuration and the other connector may include a female connector. Male and female connectors are arranged to engage with each other. The pants shown in Figure 19B include male connectors, while the shirt shown in Figure 13B includes female connectors. In some embodiments, the male/female connectors are reversible.

图20示出根据一些实施方式的裤子的配线图。裤子包括在左腿上的用于测量穿用者的心跳读数的传感器和在右腿上的用于测量穿用者的心跳读数的传感器。所示裤子包括从传感器沿着裤子腿到公连接器的配线。20 shows a wiring diagram of pants according to some embodiments. The pants include a sensor on the left leg for measuring the wearer's heartbeat readings and a sensor on the right leg for measuring the wearer's heartbeat readings. The pant shown includes wiring from the sensor along the pant leg to the male connector.

图21A示出根据一些实施方式的衣服的前面的配线图。图21B示出根据一些实施方式的衣服的后面的配线图。所示ECG wsx是用于心跳读数、腰部、左侧的传感器。所示ECGwrx是用于心跳读数、腰部、右侧的传感器。所示ECG asx是用于心跳读数、臂、左侧的传感器。所示ECG asx是用于心跳读数、臂、右侧的传感器。所示TP fsxi是触摸点、前端位置、左侧、内部的。所示TP fsxe是触摸点、前端位置、左侧、外部的。所示TP fdxi 是触摸点、前端位置、右侧、内部的。所示TP fdxe是触摸点、前端位置、右侧、外部的。所示微连接具有用于压缩裤子CP连接的6极WP母连接器。所示ECG ndxl是用于心跳读数、颈部、右侧、n.1的传感器。所示ECG ndx2是用于心跳读数、颈部、右侧、n.2的传感器。所示ECG nsxl是用于心跳读数、颈部、左侧、n.1的传感器。所示ECG nsx2是用于心跳读数、颈部、左侧、n.2的传感器。所示E1s是用于心跳读数、胸部、上部、n.1 的传感器。所示Eli是用于心跳读数、胸部、下部、n.1的传感器。所示E2s 是用于心跳读数、胸部、上部、n.2的传感器。所示E2i是用于心跳读数、胸部、下部、n.2的传感器。所示E3s是用于心跳读数、胸部、上部、n.3 的传感器。所示E3i是用于心跳读数、胸部、下部、n.3的传感器。所示 E4s是用于心跳读数、胸部、上部、n.4的传感器。所示E4i是用于心跳读数、胸部、下部、n.4的传感器。所示E5s是用于心跳读数、胸部、上部、 n.5的传感器。所示E5i是用于心跳读数、胸部、下部、n.5的传感器。所示E6s是用于心跳读数、胸部、上部、n.6的传感器。所示E6i是用于心跳读数、胸部、下部、n.6的传感器。21A shows a wiring diagram of the front of a garment according to some embodiments. 21B shows a wiring diagram of the back of a garment according to some embodiments. ECG wsx shown are sensors for heartbeat readings, waist, left. ECGwrx shown is sensor for heartbeat readings, waist, right side. ECG asx shown is sensor for heartbeat readings, arm, left. ECG asx shown is sensor for heartbeat reading, arm, right side. TP fsxi shown is touch point, front position, left, inside. TP fsxe shown is touch point, front position, left, outside. TP fdxi shown is touch point, front position, right side, inside. TP fdxe shown is touch point, front position, right, outside. The microconnection shown has a 6-pole WP female connector for compression pants CP connection. The ECG ndxl shown is the sensor for heartbeat readings, neck, right, n.1. The ECG ndx2 shown is the sensor for heartbeat readings, neck, right side, n.2. ECG nsxl shown are sensors for heartbeat readings, neck, left, n.1. ECG nsx2 shown are sensors for heartbeat readings, neck, left, n.2. The E1s shown are sensors for heartbeat readings, chest, upper, n.1. Eli shown are sensors for heartbeat readings, chest, lower, n.1. E2s shown are sensors for heartbeat readings, chest, upper, n.2. The E2i shown is a sensor for heartbeat readings, chest, lower, n.2. The E3s shown are sensors for heartbeat readings, chest, upper, n.3. The E3i shown is a sensor for heartbeat readings, chest, lower, n.3. The E4s shown are sensors for heartbeat readings, chest, upper, n.4. The E4i shown is a sensor for heartbeat readings, chest, lower, n.4. The E5s shown are sensors for heartbeat readings, chest, upper, n.5. The E5i shown is a sensor for heartbeat readings, chest, lower, n.5. The E6s shown are sensors for heartbeat readings, chest, upper, n.6. The E6i shown is a sensor for heartbeat readings, chest, lower, n.6.

用于检测情绪的穿戴式系统Wearable system for detecting emotions

还描述了配置成确定穿用者的情绪状态的衣服。自我报告的情绪状态往往是不准确的、主观的和因此在使用上是有限的。可包括检测各种参数 (自愿和不自愿的参数)的传感器的衣服可用于确定受验对象的客观情绪状态。Garments configured to determine the emotional state of the wearer are also described. Self-reported emotional states are often inaccurate, subjective and therefore limited in use. Clothing, which can include sensors that detect various parameters, both voluntary and involuntary, can be used to determine the objective emotional state of the subject.

衣服可包括多个传感器(如下面所述和在图8A-8B中示出的)。图 8A-8B示出可作为衣服的部分被包括并包括多个传感器(其中任一传感器可被包括或省略)的衣领以检测指示穿用者的情绪状态的参数。传感器可包括例如：环境传感器(检测环境温度、湿度等)、用于视觉(包括亮度级 /强度)检测的摄像机、音频检测器(例如检测用户话音音量、音域等)。衣领还可包括在本文提到的并通过引用被合并的任何其它传感器(运动传感器、位置传感器、加速度传感器等)。此外，衣领可包括一个或多个输出 (触觉输出)以向穿用者提供输出，包括反馈。触觉输出可包括嗅觉(气味散发)输出、触觉输出(振动、捏等)等输出。在图8A-8B中所述和所示的衣领可被配置为情绪沟通接收器(ECR)。The garment may include multiple sensors (as described below and shown in Figures 8A-8B). 8A-8B illustrate a collar that may be included as part of a garment and include a plurality of sensors (any of which may be included or omitted) to detect parameters indicative of a wearer's emotional state. Sensors may include, for example, environmental sensors (to detect ambient temperature, humidity, etc.), cameras for visual (including brightness level/intensity) detection, audio detectors (eg, to detect user voice volume, vocal range, etc.). The collar may also include any other sensor (motion sensor, position sensor, acceleration sensor, etc.) mentioned herein and incorporated by reference. Additionally, the collar may include one or more outputs (tactile outputs) to provide outputs to the wearer, including feedback. Haptic output may include olfactory (odor emission) output, tactile output (vibration, pinching, etc.), and the like. The collar described and shown in Figures 8A-8B may be configured as an emotional communication receiver (ECR).

用于检测/监控情绪的任何衣服可包括ECR。ECR可位于在颈部周围。在图8A-8B中，ECR是衣领，其从背部延伸，在左和右大多角骨之上扩展，延伸到颈部的前横向左侧和右侧，而不在前面重新连接以便于头穿过“设备”的衣领“滑动”。在ECR(衣领)中的接受器可容纳通信/分析模块(传感器模块)并可包括连接器(例如母连接器和公连接器)以及传感器、触觉激活器和产生压力、振动、温度变化、拉紧和松弛输入、嗅觉输入等的机构。激活器的前侧还容纳引起气味和味道的激活器以及确定环境的质量的环境传感器。Any garment used to detect/monitor emotions may include ECR. The ECR can be located around the neck. In Figures 8A-8B, the ECR is the collar that extends from the back, over the left and right large horns, to the anterior lateral left and right sides of the neck, without reconnecting at the front for easy head wear "Slide" over the collar of the "device". The receptacle in the ECR (collar) can accommodate the communication/analytics module (sensor module) and can include connectors (eg female and male) as well as sensors, haptic activators and generating pressure, vibration, temperature changes, Mechanisms that tighten and relax input, olfactory input, etc. The front side of the activator also houses the activator that causes smell and taste and the environmental sensor that determines the quality of the environment.

ECR可将生理测量的所接收的讯息转换成在生理上体现的消息。作为例子，朋友可通过她的设备向设备的用户(穿用者)发送她的情绪状态作为度量：用户的ECR可通过将压力施加到他的肩膀来将讯息转换成感觉中枢消息，例如致意。用户可交换感觉中枢消息，例如触摸肩膀的致意、拥抱、推、爱抚、振奋、放松等，并有做出响应的选择，包括：i)忽略；ii)接受并回礼(使用他们自己的消息)；iii)拒绝(放电)。用户可选择如何接收在a)压力(宽)、b)压力(窄-小孔)、c)压力-消息(像莫尔斯电码)、 d)振动、e)温度变化等(包括组合)之间的消息。用户也可不接受“情绪”效价消息以保护她/他的隐私和/或可提供反馈以提高情绪解释语言的准确度。The ECR can convert physiologically measured received messages into physiologically embodied messages. As an example, a friend may send the user of the device (the wearer) her emotional state as a measure through her device: the user's ECR may convert the message into a sensory-centric message, such as a compliment, by applying pressure to his shoulders. Users can exchange sensory-centric messages, such as a shoulder touch, hug, push, caress, uplift, relax, etc., with options to respond, including: i) ignore; ii) accept and reciprocate (using their own message) ; iii) reject (discharge). User can choose how to receive messages between a) pressure (wide), b) pressure (narrow - small hole), c) pressure - message (like Morse code), d) vibration, e) temperature change, etc. (including combinations) messages between. The user may also not accept "emotional" valence messages to protect her/his privacy and/or may provide feedback to improve the accuracy of the emotion interpretation language.

用于检测、解释、转换、传递和感知情绪的系统(“设备”)Systems ("Devices") for detecting, interpreting, transforming, transmitting and perceiving emotions

例如，本文所述的衣服(包括衣领、衬衫等)可被配置为DITCRE衣服。图9-10E所示的示意图示出DITCRE可如何在衣服(包括如8A-8B图中所示的衣领)中实现。For example, the garments described herein (including collars, shirts, etc.) may be configured as DITCRE garments. The schematic diagrams shown in Figures 9-10E illustrate how DITCRE may be implemented in a garment (including a collar as shown in Figures 8A-8B).

适合于检测、推断和/或确定(得到)情绪状态并基于所得到的情绪状态而允许行动的衣服可用于控制反馈，其可能在培训、冥想或学习任务中是有用的，且它也可以在与其他人沟通中是有用的。因此，可通常随着时间的过去从由用户配戴的多个传感器的分析得到的所得到的情绪状态可用于提供输出。这样的沟通可以通常是更真实的和亲近的，部分地因为情绪状态的解释基于检测到的而不是排他地自我报告的参数以及不同的感测模态的使用。穿用者可选择他们想要何时沟通和/或想要沟通哪些情绪状态，以及特别是他们希望与谁沟通。任一衣服可包括由穿用者检测的一个或多个输出(例如触觉输出)，如上所述。例如，触觉编码可用于在甚至没有口头/书面讯息的情况下传递。例如，触觉编码可使用莫尔斯型电码被传输到穿用者/在穿用者之间传输。通常，触觉激活器可位于敏感度和情绪响应最大(在实验上对特定的用户确定，或通常根据用户的群体的确定)的身体区/位置上，以优化触觉激活器的位置。Clothing suitable for detecting, inferring and/or determining (obtaining) an emotional state and allowing action based on the obtained emotional state can be used for control feedback, which may be useful in training, meditation or learning tasks, and which may also be used in Useful in communicating with other people. Thus, the resulting emotional state, which may be derived from analysis of multiple sensors worn by the user, typically over time, may be used to provide an output. Such communication can often be more authentic and intimate, in part because the interpretation of emotional states is based on detected rather than exclusively self-reported parameters and the use of different sensory modalities. The wearer can choose when and/or which emotional states they want to communicate, and in particular with whom they wish to communicate. Any garment may include one or more outputs (eg, haptic outputs) detected by the wearer, as described above. For example, haptic coding can be used to deliver even without a verbal/written message. For example, haptic coding may be transmitted to/between wearers using Morse code. Typically, haptic activators can be located on body regions/locations where sensitivity and emotional response is greatest (determined experimentally for a particular user, or generally based on a population of users) to optimize haptic activator placement.

因此，本文所述的衣服可在沟通时(包括特别是在穿用者之间的特定沟通中)添加额外的尺寸。例如，身体“语言”可由传感器模块解释，并可渲染来自衣服的输出或来自衣服的讯息。衣服也可适合于提供反馈、可对穿用者有治疗影响的评论，包括识别和治疗抑郁等。Accordingly, the garments described herein may add additional dimension when communicating, including especially in specific communication between wearers. For example, the body "language" can be interpreted by the sensor module, and the output from the clothing or the information from the clothing can be rendered. The garment can also be adapted to provide feedback, comments that can have therapeutic implications for the wearer, including identifying and treating depression, and the like.

在使用中，这些衣服也可提供受验对象的情绪的解释以及富于表情的输出。例如，衣服可帮助在文化/语言当中解释。就像口头语言一样，非公开的讯息(手势、身体语言等)也可提供装置可使用的暗示，并表达为受验对象的输出的部分或由另一用户接收。In use, these garments can also provide interpretations of the subject's emotions and expressive output. For example, clothing can help explain in culture/language. Like spoken language, non-overt messages (gestures, body language, etc.) can also provide cues that the device can be used and expressed as part of the subject's output or received by another user.

如上面提到的，在图8A和8B中，衣领位于颈部周围，从背部延伸、在左和右大多角骨之上、并延伸到颈部的前横向左和右侧，而不在前面重新连接以便于头穿过衣领“滑动”。接收器可容纳传感器管理系统(SMS)、母连接器和/或公连接器以及：传感器(例如作为额外的参数(例如压力或放松的水平)评估用户的情绪的在左和右大多角骨之上的EMG传感器；作为额外的参数评估用户的情绪的嗅觉传感器；确定周围环境的质量、毒性的环境传感器等)；触觉激活器和产生压力、振动、温度-变化等的机构。这些传感器可传递用户或其他用户的情绪，可向用户传达放松和紧张输出作为“消息”或放松治疗。As mentioned above, in Figures 8A and 8B, the collar is located around the neck, extending from the back, over the left and right megalobes, and to the front lateral left and right sides of the neck, but not in the front Reconnect so that the head "slips" through the collar. The receiver may accommodate a sensor management system (SMS), female and/or male connectors, and: sensors (eg, as additional parameters (eg, level of stress or relaxation) between the left and right large horns to assess the user's mood) EMG sensors on the sensor; olfactory sensors that assess the user's mood as additional parameters; environmental sensors that determine the quality of the surrounding environment, toxicity, etc.); haptic activators and mechanisms that generate pressure, vibration, temperature-changes, etc. These sensors can convey the emotions of the user or other users, and can convey relaxation and tension outputs to the user as a "message" or relaxation therapy.

在一些变形中，衣服还包括：一个或多个嗅觉激活器(例如气味和臭味再现激活器)和放置在ECR的前左侧和前右侧上的味道激活器，作为传递用户或其他用户的情绪状态的额外手段；一个或多个摄像机(例如放置在ECR的右前侧或左前侧上)，其可适合于确定面部表情作为额外的参数以评估其他人情绪和/或评估环境。衣领还可包括扬声器以与周围的人共享音乐和消息。In some variations, the garment further includes: one or more olfactory activators (eg, odor and odor reproduction activators) and odor activators placed on the front left and front right sides of the ECR as a transmission to the user or other users additional means of emotional state; one or more cameras (eg placed on the front right or left front side of the ECR) that may be adapted to determine facial expressions as additional parameters to assess other people's emotions and/or to assess the environment. The collar may also include speakers to share music and messages with those around you.

ECR可通过前面所述的触摸点(在衣服上的有意触摸区)被连接并可被激活和管理。ECR可从传感器管理系统接收输入，包括被转换成两个或多个情绪效价或状态(例如8个情绪状态)的用户状态的评估。这样的状态的数量和分类可在未来改变。情绪效价的例子可包括：接受、愤怒、预料、厌恶、喜悦、害怕、悲哀和惊奇。情绪效价可被传递回给用户和/或第三方(如由用户控制的)。情绪效价可帮助用户更好地理解他们自己的情绪，并可帮助在共同共享的分类中将他们的情绪传递给他们的朋友。The ECR can be connected and activated and managed through the previously described touch points (intentional touch areas on the garment). The ECR may receive input from the sensor management system, including an assessment of the user's state translated into two or more emotional valences or states (eg, 8 emotional states). The number and classification of such states may change in the future. Examples of emotional valences may include: acceptance, anger, anticipation, disgust, joy, fear, sadness, and surprise. Emotional valence can be communicated back to the user and/or third parties (as controlled by the user). Emotional valence can help users better understand their own emotions and can help communicate their emotions to their friends in a shared category.

ECR可通常帮助将生理测量(例如ECG、皮肤导电率、EMG、呼吸等)和“评估”(例如面部表情、姿势、指手画脚、运动行为、语音音调、眼睛-睡眠或警觉、运动、行动等)转换成清楚地合格的情绪。EMG也可帮助通过语音、物理地体现的消息或视觉显示来传递那些情绪。作为例子，朋友可发送如由她的衣服测量的她的情绪状态：用户可将讯息转换成感觉中枢消息(例如致意，通过将压力施加到他的肩膀；发出描述她的情绪状态的触觉的气味或味道、描述她的情绪状态的颜色或她的情绪状态的音频或视觉描述)。用户可交换感觉中枢消息，例如触摸肩膀的致意、拥抱、推、爱抚、振奋、放松等，并可以做出对响应的选择。例如用户可忽略、接受并回礼(使用他们自己的消息)和/或拒绝(放电)。用户也可选择如何接收在a)压力(宽)、b)压力(窄-小孔)、c)压力-消息(莫尔斯电码型)、 d)振动、e)温度变化、f)音频描述、g)视觉描述等之间的消息。用户可控制讯息交换且可以选择不接受情绪消息以保护她/他的隐私。这个沟通模态(包括触觉的使用)识别出当传递情绪内容/上下文时其它模态(不限于听觉或视觉(口头/书面)模态例如触摸)可以是更有效的(或不同地有效的)。因此，所描述的任何衣服可将用户的生理测量转换成可理解的讯息，包括用户的情绪效价的讯息。用户可选择沟通数据的格式(例如触摸、音频、图形、图、数字等的不同格式)。例如，衣服可允许用户将用户的生理测量(情绪效价)转换成语音、生理地体现的消息或视觉显示(在前臂上、在眼镜上或在智能电话上的显示器或触摸屏)给其他用户。此外，衣服且特别是具有ECR的衣服可允许用户通过使它们能够提供关于数据评估、表示和通信的反馈来提高情绪-解释语言的准确度。ECR can often assist in combining physiological measurements (eg, ECG, skin conductivity, EMG, respiration, etc.) and "assessments" (eg, facial expressions, posture, gesticulation, motor behavior, voice pitch, eye-sleep or alertness, movement, action, etc.) Convert into clearly qualified emotions. EMG can also help convey those emotions through speech, physically embodied messages, or visual displays. As an example, a friend may send her emotional state as measured by her clothing: the user may convert the message into a sensory-centric message (eg compliments, by applying pressure to his shoulders; emitting tactile scents that describe her emotional state) or taste, color describing her emotional state or audio or visual description of her emotional state). The user can exchange sensory-centric messages, such as a shoulder touch, hug, push, caress, uplift, relax, etc., and can choose a response. For example the user may ignore, accept and return the gift (using their own message) and/or reject (discharge). The user can also choose how to receive in a) pressure (wide), b) pressure (narrow - small hole), c) pressure - message (Morse code pattern), d) vibration, e) temperature change, f) audio description , g) messages between visual descriptions, etc. The user can control the exchange of messages and can choose not to receive emotional messages to protect her/his privacy. This communication modality (including the use of touch) recognizes that other modalities (not limited to auditory or visual (oral/written) modalities such as touch) may be more effective (or differently effective) when conveying emotional content/context . Thus, any of the garments described can convert the user's physiological measurements into understandable information, including information of the user's emotional valence. The user may select the format of the communication data (eg different formats of touch, audio, graphics, graphs, numbers, etc.). For example, clothing may allow a user to translate the user's physiological measurements (emotional valence) into speech, physiologically embodied messages, or visual displays (displays or touchscreens on the forearm, on glasses, or on a smartphone) to other users. Additionally, clothing, and especially clothing with ECR, may allow users to improve the accuracy of emotion-interpreted language by enabling them to provide feedback on data evaluation, representation, and communication.

ECR系统也可充当自我提高系统(很像语音识别最高级的系统)：表达并传递他们的情绪的用户越多，情绪限制、描绘和沟通就越准确。此外，用户可激活系统并通过衣服上的触摸点与系统交互作用。ECR systems can also act as self-improvement systems (much like speech recognition superlatives): the more users express and communicate their emotions, the more accurately they can limit, delineate, and communicate their emotions. Additionally, the user can activate and interact with the system through touch points on the clothing.

可在各种上下文中使用ECR。例如，ECR可用作谎言检测器。一般，谎言检测器检测在不容易由有意识的头脑控制并可包括身体反应如皮肤导电率和心率的身体功能中的变化；它们还可考虑呼吸率、血压、毛细管扩张和肌肉运动。这些度量可指示来自撒谎的短期压力响应或对受验对象的重要性。问题产生，因为它们也与精神尝试和情绪状态相关；所以它们可被例如害怕、愤怒和惊奇影响。可用于用户的长期监控和培训/调节的本文所述的EDR系统可更好地区分开这样的响应与假象响应。ECR can be used in various contexts. For example, ECR can be used as a lie detector. Generally, lie detectors detect changes in bodily functions that are not easily controlled by the conscious mind and can include bodily responses such as skin conductivity and heart rate; they can also take into account respiration rate, blood pressure, telangiectasia and muscle movement. These measures may indicate short-term stress responses from lying or importance to the subject. Problems arise because they are also related to mental attempts and emotional states; so they can be affected by eg fear, anger and surprise. The EDR systems described herein, which can be used for long-term monitoring and training/adjustment of users, can better differentiate such responses from artifactual responses.

ECR也可用于安全评估，例如环境安全、检查空气(污染水平、毒性等)、水(不能饮用、不能游泳等)、土壤；检查位置，例如搜索在周围区域中的危险，例如在区域中的犯罪报告、雪崩、洪水、树倒下、有毒的区域；基于一天的时间、一年的时间等指示功能，例如重新发生的事件如游行等。ECR也可监控用户行为并提供关于这样的行为(例如吃、喝、物质滥用等)的数据/反馈。具有ECR的衣服也可帮助和/或提供关于旅行的反馈，例如驾驶(驾驶员行为、驾驶员的跟踪记录、周围的交通、道路的类型、天气条件)、飞行、航行或操作机器/车辆。ECR can also be used for safety assessments, such as environmental safety, checking air (pollution levels, toxicity, etc.), water (not drinking, not swimming, etc.), soil; checking locations, such as searching for hazards in the surrounding area, such as in the area Crime reports, avalanches, floods, fallen trees, toxic areas; indication functions based on time of day, time of year, etc., such as recurring events such as parades, etc. The ECR may also monitor user behavior and provide data/feedback on such behavior (eg, eating, drinking, substance abuse, etc.). Clothing with ECR may also aid and/or provide feedback on travel, such as driving (driver behavior, driver's track record, surrounding traffic, type of road, weather conditions), flying, sailing, or operating machines/vehicles.

最后，有或没有ECR的衣服可能对安全行动是有用的：a)紧急呼叫： 911、医生、GPS跟踪、家庭成员监控/跟踪、训练；b)提供相关信息：危险的类型、位置、用户的生理数据、用户的医疗和相关数据、用户的情绪数据、健康保险、财务状况等。衣服(有或没有ECR)也可以是更交互式的，提供关于健康(包括活动水平、吃等)或关于情绪健康状态的建议。Finally, clothing with or without ECR may be useful for safe operations: a) emergency calls: 911, doctors, GPS tracking, family member monitoring/tracking, training; b) providing relevant information: type of hazard, location, user's Physiological data, user's medical and related data, user's emotional data, health insurance, financial status, etc. Clothes (with or without ECR) can also be more interactive, offering advice on health (including activity levels, eating, etc.) or on emotional well-being.

如在图10A-10E中所述的，ECR可基于下列项中的一个或多个来执行测量和评估：生理(通过传感器来测量)信息、手势(例如在腰部上的IMU 和加速度计)、姿势(例如在模块、每个肩膀、中脊柱、下脊柱上的IMU)、运动行为(例如在每个脚踝和每个手腕上的IMU)、语音评估(例如记录话音)、面部表情(例如在自己的耳朵、前额和颈部上的传感器、其他人的视频摄像机)、气味或臭味(例如化学传感器)、EMG和/或EEG传感器和 /或环境的评估(例如温度传感器、污染传感器等)。As described in Figures 10A-10E, the ECR may perform measurements and assessments based on one or more of the following: physiological (measured by sensors) information, gestures (eg, IMU and accelerometer on the waist), Posture (e.g. IMU on modules, each shoulder, mid-spine, lower spine), motor behavior (e.g. IMU on each ankle and each wrist), speech assessment (e.g. recording speech), facial expressions (e.g. on own ears, sensors on forehead and neck, other people's video cameras), odors or odors (e.g. chemical sensors), EMG and/or EEG sensors and/or assessment of the environment (e.g. temperature sensors, pollution sensors, etc.) .

例如，图9概述可交互作用的一对用户，每个用户具有适合于情绪的检测、解释、转换、传递和感知的衣服。在图10A(检测器，包括感测设备)、图10B(传感器数据的解释以确定情绪效价)、图10C(致动器和通信，包括来自用户或使用类似设备的其他人的效价信息的输出)和图10D (反馈)中更详细描述了这些区域(标记为A-D)中的每个。For example, Figure 9 outlines an interactable pair of users, each user having clothing suitable for the detection, interpretation, transformation, transmission, and perception of emotion. In Figures 10A (detectors, including sensing devices), Figure 10B (interpretation of sensor data to determine emotional valence), Figure 10C (actuators and communications, including valence information from users or others using similar devices Each of these regions (labeled A-D) are described in more detail in Figure 10D (feedback).

这样的装置可对一般群体得到试用，所述一般群体包括对在他们的日常常规活动(行走、吃、工作、坐在他们的计算机的前面)期间监控他们的健康状态感兴趣的人以及也对想要在他们的训练或特定的活动期间监控他们的身体素质水平的运动员。参与者(用户)可能需要注册并填充与在医院或由专业运动员填充的列表类似的列表：参与者答复的问题越多，他们的评估就越准确。Such a device could be trialled for a general population that includes people interested in monitoring their health status during their daily routine (walking, eating, working, sitting in front of their computer) and also interested in Athletes who want to monitor their fitness level during their training sessions or specific activities. Participants (users) may need to register and populate lists similar to those filled in hospitals or by professional athletes: the more questions a participant answers, the more accurate their assessment will be.

图10E示出一种方法，其中情绪价可基于各种传感器而为特定的用户确定，并且还可包括特定的用户所特有的反馈。此外，图11和12用图形示出ECR可如何操作以从受验对象确定他们的实际情绪价或“健康状态”的总体估计(图11)。类似地，传感器可用于给用户提供总身体素质的指示器(图12)。这些图表可提供可以用图形显现的评估，如在图11和12 中所示的，提供人的健康状态或运动员的身体素质水平的快照。评估可基于多个参数(例如，其可在数量上改变，例如从8到20或更多，取决于在给定设备中的传感器的数量)。每个图形可提供：(1)基于所有参数的经调节的合成来合成用户的健康状态或身体素质水平的值；(2)合成整个群体的健康状态或身体素质水平的值(以绝对数量和数量的％给出)，使得用户将立即知道她是否高于或低于平均值。这个值在准确度上随着用户的数量增加而增加；(3)值可被调节以达到人特定的需要。例如，因为65岁以上的人的30％由于缺乏平衡而跌倒并受到伤害，70岁的人的平衡可以比40 岁的人被给予更高的相关性。类似地，自我识别的举重运动员的强度可以比网球运动员被给予更高的相关性，或超级铁人三项运动员的忍耐力比回转滑雪运动员被给予更高的相关性。用户可因此对于每一个参数使用这种图形输出来看到她的价值和总群体价值。用户可进一步研究每个参数的细节。例如，与群体的效率分数比较的效率分数；效率如何被计算；涉及计算的生物统计学；考虑在手边的当前技术水平的计算的准确度；医疗准确度，等等。FIG. 10E illustrates a method in which emotional valence may be determined for a particular user based on various sensors, and may also include feedback specific to the particular user. In addition, Figures 11 and 12 graphically illustrate how the ECR may operate to determine from subjects an overall estimate of their actual emotional valence or "state of health" (Figure 11). Similarly, sensors can be used to provide the user with an indicator of overall fitness (FIG. 12). These charts can provide assessments that can be visualized graphically, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, providing a snapshot of a person's state of health or an athlete's fitness level. The evaluation may be based on a number of parameters (eg, which may vary in number, eg, from 8 to 20 or more, depending on the number of sensors in a given device). Each graph may provide: (1) a composite of values for the user's health status or fitness level based on an adjusted composite of all parameters; (2) a composite of values for the health status or fitness level of the entire population (in absolute numbers and % of the quantity is given), so that the user will immediately know if she is above or below the average. This value increases in accuracy with the number of users; (3) the value can be adjusted to meet person-specific needs. For example, a 70-year-old's balance can be given a higher correlation than a 40-year-old because 30% of people over the age of 65 fall and are injured due to a lack of balance. Similarly, a self-identified weightlifter's strength can be given a higher correlation than a tennis player, or a super triathlete's endurance can be given a higher correlation than a slalom skier. The user can thus use this graphical output for each parameter to see her value and overall population value. The user can further study the details of each parameter. For example, an efficiency score compared to a population's efficiency score; how efficiency is calculated; biostatistics involving calculations; accuracy of calculations taking into account the current state of the art at hand; medical accuracy, etc.

选择提高给定参数(比如70岁人的平衡)的用户可被给予一列锻炼(跳绳、单腿站等)来完成它。触觉反馈可用于告诉用户她的平衡何时低于或高于平均值和/或提高指示和/或活动期的表现与最佳个人表现。A user who chooses to improve a given parameter (such as a 70-year-old's balance) may be given a list of exercises (jump rope, one-leg standing, etc.) to accomplish it. Haptic feedback can be used to tell the user when her balance is below or above average and/or to improve performance during instruction and/or active periods versus optimal personal performance.

在装置中的很多传感器和触觉致动器可能适合于允许用户当他们正锻炼时与其他用户沟通(例如通过音频、触觉或视觉消息)，以便最大化他们的效率，提高他们的执行。例如，a)对运动员在开始锻炼时有没有热身进行沟通；b)在完成锻炼时温度是否太冷；c)在执行锻炼时姿势或身体位置是否不适合；d)用户是否使他的肌肉超负荷；e)运动员在训练期期间有没有足够地推进。The many sensors and haptic actuators in the device may be adapted to allow users to communicate with other users (eg, through audio, haptic or visual messages) while they are exercising, in order to maximize their efficiency and improve their performance. For example, a) communicating whether the athlete was warmed up when starting the exercise; b) whether the temperature was too cold when finishing the exercise; c) whether the posture or body position was inappropriate when performing the exercise; d) whether the user overtook his muscles load; e) did the athlete propel adequately during the training session.

可拉伸导电油墨图案Stretchable conductive ink pattern

本文所述的任何装置可包括可拉伸导电油墨图案。通常，可拉伸导电油墨可具有范围从5％到200％的拉伸性，例如它可被拉伸它的静止长度的 2倍(200％)以上而不断裂。在一些例子中，可拉伸导电油墨可被拉伸到它的中性静止长度的3倍(300％)以上、4倍(400％)以上或5倍(500％) 以上。可拉伸导电油墨图案是导电的，具有低电阻率。例如，体电阻率可以在0.2和20ohms*cm之间(以及薄层电阻率在大约每平方米100到10,000 ohm之间)。导电率可取决于拉伸，虽然它可保持在上面所述的范围内(例如在0.2和20ohms*cm之间)。Any of the devices described herein can include a stretchable conductive ink pattern. Typically, a stretchable conductive ink can have a stretchability ranging from 5% to 200%, for example it can be stretched more than 2 times (200%) its resting length without breaking. In some examples, the stretchable conductive ink can be stretched to more than 3 times (300%), more than 4 times (400%), or more than 5 times (500%) of its neutral resting length. The stretchable conductive ink pattern is conductive with low resistivity. For example, the volume resistivity may be between 0.2 and 20 ohms*cm (and the sheet resistivity between approximately 100 and 10,000 ohms per square meter). The conductivity may depend on the stretch, although it may remain within the range described above (eg between 0.2 and 20 ohms*cm).

在结构上，本文所述的任何可拉伸导电油墨图案一般由绝缘粘合剂和导电油墨的特定组合制成。通常，可拉伸导电油墨图案包括第一(或底部) 层绝缘和弹性粘合剂和一导电油墨层，其中导电油墨包括在大约40％和大约60％之间的导电粒子(例如炭黑、石墨烯、石墨、银金属粉末、铜金属粉末或铁金属粉末等)和在绝缘弹性粘合剂与导电油墨层之间的梯度区或区。梯度区是导电油墨(例如导电油墨的导电粒子)和粘合剂的组合，其中油墨(例如导电粒子)的浓度可随着深度变化而改变。通常，梯度区可以是导电油墨(例如导电粒子)和粘合剂的混合物，其中在梯度区中的导电油墨的浓度可以小于在导电油墨层中的导电油墨的浓度。梯度区可以是导电油墨(粒子)的连续梯度，例如，它可以是非均质的或它可以是阶梯状梯度。Structurally, any of the stretchable conductive ink patterns described herein are generally made from a specific combination of insulating adhesive and conductive ink. Typically, the stretchable conductive ink pattern includes a first (or bottom) layer of insulating and elastic adhesive and a layer of conductive ink, wherein the conductive ink includes between about 40% and about 60% conductive particles (eg, carbon black, graphene, graphite, silver metal powder, copper metal powder or iron metal powder, etc.) and a gradient zone or zone between the insulating elastic binder and the conductive ink layer. A gradient region is a combination of a conductive ink (eg, conductive particles of conductive ink) and a binder, where the concentration of the ink (eg, conductive particles) can vary with depth. Typically, the gradient region may be a mixture of conductive ink (eg, conductive particles) and a binder, wherein the concentration of conductive ink in the gradient region may be less than the concentration of conductive ink in the conductive ink layer. The gradient region can be a continuous gradient of conductive ink (particles), for example, it can be heterogeneous or it can be a stepped gradient.

一般导电油墨，例如用于印刷电路和甚至柔性电路的导电油墨，不足够可拉伸来用于衣服，特别是包括不用于压缩衣服，并可能断裂或在使用时形成不连续线。惊人的是，导电油墨、梯度区和绝缘粘合剂的组合提供导电的且高度可拉伸/可伸长的导电油墨复合物。可如本文所述的被使用的导电油墨的成分通常包括：在大约40-60％之间的导电粒子；在大约30-50％之间的粘结剂；在大约3-7％之间的溶剂；以及在大约3-7％之间的增稠剂。此外，在绝缘粘合剂和导电油墨层之间的中间“梯度”区的使用也被发现是重要的。Generally conductive inks, such as those used in printed circuits and even flexible circuits, are not stretchable enough for use in clothing, especially including not for compression clothing, and may break or form discontinuous lines in use. Surprisingly, the combination of conductive ink, gradient regions and insulating adhesive provides conductive and highly stretchable/stretchable conductive ink composites. Compositions of conductive inks that can be used as described herein typically include: between about 40-60% conductive particles; between about 30-50% binder; between about 3-7% solvent; and between about 3-7% thickener. In addition, the use of an intermediate "gradient" region between the insulating adhesive and conductive ink layers has also been found to be important.

被使用并与粘合剂组合以形成导电油墨图案的导电油墨一般具有低毒性和低变应原性(例如低于100ppm的甲醛浓度)和对来自洗涤的损坏的抵抗性，包括在重复的洗涤循环之后的电和弹性特性的维持。The conductive inks used and combined with binders to form conductive ink patterns generally have low toxicity and low allergenicity (eg, formaldehyde concentrations below 100 ppm) and resistance to damage from washing, including during repeated washings. Maintenance of electrical and elastic properties after cycling.

图39C示出具有高度的伸长性或拉伸性的导电油墨图案(导电油墨复合物)的一个变形。在这个例子中，导电油墨图案被涂敷在基底1039(其可以是织物，包括形成压缩衣服或转移基底的压缩织物)上，并包括第一层电绝缘弹性粘合剂1021。导电油墨的外层1025通过中间梯度区1023与粘合剂层1021分离，中间梯度区1023是导电油墨和粘合剂的混合物，其中导电油墨的浓度从较接近导电油墨层1025的区到弹性粘合剂层1021下降。这个梯度区可被称为中间层，并可具有导电油墨与粘合剂的非均质混合/分布。可选的外绝缘体(例如未示出的绝缘树脂)也可被包括在导电油墨层之上。外导电油墨可由多层导电油墨形成。Figure 39C shows a variation of a conductive ink pattern (conductive ink composite) with a high degree of elongation or stretchability. In this example, a conductive ink pattern is applied to a substrate 1039 (which may be a fabric, including a compression fabric forming a compression garment or transfer substrate) and includes a first layer of electrically insulatingelastic adhesive 1021 . Theouter layer 1025 of the conductive ink is separated from theadhesive layer 1021 by anintermediate gradient region 1023, which is a mixture of conductive ink and adhesive, wherein the concentration of the conductive ink varies from the region closer to theconductive ink layer 1025 to the elastic adhesive layer. Themixture layer 1021 descends. This gradient region may be referred to as an intermediate layer and may have a heterogeneous mixing/distribution of conductive ink and adhesive. An optional outer insulator, such as an insulating resin not shown, may also be included over the conductive ink layer. The outer conductive ink may be formed from multiple layers of conductive ink.

例如，图39A和39B示出放置在两个铝支座之间的导电油墨图案的样品的电子显微照片(扫描式电子显微照片，SEM)。在图39A中，最低层 2805是粘合剂，相邻于该层并在该层之上的是梯度区2803，以及相邻于梯度区2803并在梯度区2803之上的是导电油墨2801。在这个例子中，额外的绝缘层(树脂2811)放置在导电油墨的顶部上。通常，导电油墨可由多层所涂敷的导电油墨形成。在图39A中，通过连续地涂敷5层来形成导电油墨层；这些层在显微照片中不是可见的。For example, Figures 39A and 39B show electron micrographs (scanning electron micrographs, SEM) of samples of conductive ink patterns placed between two aluminum supports. In Figure 39A, thelowest layer 2805 is adhesive, adjacent to and above this layer isgradient region 2803, and adjacent to and abovegradient region 2803 isconductive ink 2801. In this example, an additional insulating layer (resin 2811) is placed on top of the conductive ink. Typically, the conductive ink can be formed from multiple layers of applied conductive ink. In Figure 39A, the conductive ink layer is formed by applying 5 layers in succession; these layers are not visible in the photomicrograph.

在图39B中，电子显微照片用于量化层的厚度。在这个例子中，导电油墨层2801(区)具有大约50μm的厚度，梯度(过渡)区2803具有在大约之间40-80μm的厚度，以及胶2805具有大约150μm的厚度。In Figure 39B, electron micrographs were used to quantify the thickness of the layers. In this example, conductive ink layer 2801 (region) has a thickness of about 50 μm, gradient (transition)region 2803 has a thickness of between about 40-80 μm, andglue 2805 has a thickness of about 150 μm.

梯度区可以起作用来增强导电油墨的可拉伸性以及增强导电性的稳定性。导电性被上部区允许，同时所允许的高度的机械拉伸(由于粘合剂) 由下部层增强。在梯度区中发现的导电油墨和粘合剂的不完全混合看起来导致可重复地被拉伸并释放的结构和成分，同时保持导电性。注意，复合物的电阻率可随着拉伸而改变(通常随着拉伸而增加电阻率)，且这个特性可用于检测拉伸。The gradient region can function to enhance the stretchability of the conductive ink as well as enhance the stability of the conductivity. The electrical conductivity is allowed by the upper zone, while the allowed high degree of mechanical stretching (due to the adhesive) is enhanced by the lower layer. The incomplete mixing of conductive ink and binder found in the gradient region appears to result in structures and components that can be repeatedly stretched and released, while maintaining conductivity. Note that the resistivity of the composite can change with stretching (generally increasing resistivity with stretching), and this property can be used to detect stretching.

通常，可通过在导电油墨和粘合剂中的任一个完全干燥之前组合导电油墨和粘合剂来形成梯度区，允许它们组合以形成具有适当厚度的过渡区。油墨的成分(例如在大约40-60％之间的导电粒子；在大约30-50％之间的粘结剂；在大约3-7％之间的溶剂；以及在大约3-7％之间的增稠剂)可确定这个重叠(梯度)区的形成参数。图40A-40D显示可拉伸导电油墨图案 (复合物)的例子的成分分布的例子。在图40A中，碳被显示并在全部层中普遍存在，如对有机材料预期的。在图40C中，硅的分布集中在基底(塑料基底，导电油墨图案被制造在该基底上)的表面上并在导电油墨图案中扩散。类似地在图40D中，氧扩散在每个地方。相反，如图40B所示，硫集中在油墨但不是胶中。硫的梯度因此指示在形态上类似于胶在区域中从油墨到胶的逐渐过渡。这个区是梯度区域或区，其中非均质混合出现。Generally, the gradient region can be formed by combining the conductive ink and adhesive before either of the conductive ink and adhesive is completely dry, allowing them to combine to form a transition region of appropriate thickness. The composition of the ink (eg between about 40-60% conductive particles; between about 30-50% binder; between about 3-7% solvent; and between about 3-7% thickener) can determine the formation parameters of this overlapping (gradient) region. Figures 40A-40D show examples of component distributions for examples of stretchable conductive ink patterns (composites). In Figure 40A, carbon is shown and is ubiquitous in all layers, as expected for organic materials. In Figure 40C, the distribution of silicon is concentrated on the surface of the substrate (the plastic substrate on which the conductive ink pattern is fabricated) and diffused in the conductive ink pattern. Similarly in Figure 40D, oxygen diffuses everywhere. In contrast, as shown in Figure 40B, the sulfur is concentrated in the ink but not the glue. The gradient of sulfur thus indicates a gradual transition from ink to glue in a region that is morphologically similar to glue. This region is a gradient region or region in which heterogeneous mixing occurs.

在图39A-39B和40A-40C中，可拉伸导电油墨图案在油墨和粘合剂(连同外部绝缘树脂)被印刷到其上的聚酯纸的基底上形成。这个图案可接着被涂敷到衣服，使得它粘到衣服且基底(纸)可从油墨保留的地方被剥掉。粘合剂是高度弹性的并允许拉伸。导电油墨仅仅可以是稍微可拉伸的，但几乎不如粘合剂一样可拉伸，也许由于刚性金属粒子。中间区(其中粘合剂和导电油墨重叠)很重要。在这个区中的完全混合将使这个区变均匀，并可能减小导电率(因为粘合剂是绝缘的)；部分混合可保持拉伸性，同时保持导电性。In Figures 39A-39B and 40A-40C, a stretchable conductive ink pattern is formed on a substrate of polyester paper onto which the ink and adhesive (along with the outer insulating resin) are printed. This pattern can then be applied to the garment so that it sticks to the garment and the substrate (paper) can be peeled off where the ink remains. The adhesive is highly elastic and allows for stretch. Conductive inks can be only slightly stretchable, but not nearly as stretchable as adhesives, perhaps due to rigid metal particles. The middle zone, where the adhesive and conductive ink overlap, is important. Complete mixing in this zone will homogenize this zone and possibly reduce conductivity (since the adhesive is insulating); partial mixing can preserve stretchability while maintaining conductivity.

使导电油墨绝缘的外保护层，在需要时例如在形成导电迹线或使传感器或电极图案化时可被包括，虽然它可能例如中断电极的接触区。树脂(“底漆”)可以是不与导电油墨链接或混合的一层或多层绝缘材料。例如，树脂材料可以是绝缘的，并且也可帮助保护不遭遇洗涤的洗涤剂和流体(水) 以及保护免受刮擦等。在一些变形中，树脂是丙烯酸(例如丙烯酸树脂)。也可使用乙醛或丙烯酸(合成树脂)。可通过印刷来涂敷任何组分(例如导电油墨、粘合剂和树脂)。例如，图41示出用于将可拉伸导电油墨图案印刷到基底上的方法的例子。在图41中，第一掩模(“丝网”)301用于形成待涂敷到在丝网3001(不可见)之下的基底的粘合剂(电绝缘胶)的图案。例如，当直接涂敷到织物上时，粘合剂可在屏蔽过程中通过越过丝网拉“湿”粘合剂3005来被涂敷，使得它形成所示的图案。粘合剂的多次涂敷可被应用，或厚度否则可被调节(例如通过涂敷力、粘度和/或丝网开口尺寸)。在下文中，第二丝网(或相同丝网)可用于涂敷导电油墨的图案。导电油墨的多次涂敷可应用于实现期望厚度(一般小于粘合剂的厚度)。第二丝网可具有稍微小于用于粘合剂的图案的开口，或它们可以是相同的尺寸(或在一些变形中更大)。粘合剂和导电油墨可以是作共同延伸的。当涂敷到转移基底时，顺序可反转，使得导电油墨在粘合剂之前被涂敷到基底。如所提到的，绝缘树脂(例如保护层)可相邻于导电油墨层被涂敷。An outer protective layer insulating the conductive ink can be included if desired, for example when forming conductive traces or patterning sensors or electrodes, although it may for example interrupt the contact areas of the electrodes. The resin ("primer") may be one or more layers of insulating material that are not linked or mixed with the conductive ink. For example, the resinous material may be insulating, and may also help protect against washing detergents and fluids (water), as well as from scratches and the like. In some variations, the resin is acrylic (eg, acrylic). Acetaldehyde or acrylic (synthetic resin) can also be used. Any components (eg conductive inks, adhesives and resins) can be applied by printing. For example, Figure 41 shows an example of a method for printing a pattern of stretchable conductive ink onto a substrate. In Figure 41, a first mask ("screen") 301 is used to pattern the adhesive (electrically insulating glue) to be applied to the substrate under the screen 3001 (not visible). For example, when applied directly to fabric, the adhesive can be applied during the masking process by pulling "wet" adhesive 3005 across the screen so that it forms the pattern shown. Multiple coats of adhesive can be applied, or the thickness can otherwise be adjusted (eg, by application force, viscosity, and/or screen opening size). In the following, a second screen (or the same screen) can be used to apply the pattern of conductive ink. Multiple coats of conductive ink can be applied to achieve the desired thickness (generally less than the thickness of the adhesive). The second screen may have openings slightly smaller than the pattern used for the adhesive, or they may be the same size (or larger in some variations). The adhesive and conductive ink can be coextensive. When applying to the transfer substrate, the order can be reversed so that the conductive ink is applied to the substrate before the adhesive. As mentioned, an insulating resin (eg, a protective layer) can be applied adjacent to the conductive ink layer.

在本文所述的导电油墨结构的一些变形(例如，例如通过直接印刷和/ 或转移到织物而由导电油墨形成的迹线、传感器等)中，导电油墨包括导电粒子，例如炭黑、被涂覆的云母(例如涂覆有掺锑二氧化锡的云母)、石墨烯、石墨等。材料还可包括起作用来将被包含在油墨中的所有固体组分永久地粘合到织物的碱/粘结材料。这个粘结材料(粘结剂)可以是丙烯酸水碱，例如基于水的聚氨酯。导电油墨材料也可包括底漆，其增加在所涂敷的各种产品之间的粘附力和相容性并增加对洗涤过程的抵抗性。导电油墨可包括确保导电产品到织物的转移的粘合剂(例如胶，例如丙烯酸、聚酰胺等)。这些导电油墨中的任一个也可包括消除包含在产品中的空气和泡沫的消泡剂和允许粘结剂的完全交联的催化剂。额外的添加剂可被包括以增加产品的可印刷性和稳定性。也可包括使被包含在产品中的液体组分变稠的增稠剂。可通过如上所示的丝网印刷过程来得到因而产生的油墨材料的转移。例如，丝网印刷过程可包括丝网漏印框架类型(从24条导线一直到120条导线)，且转移支持膜，例如纸、卡纸板、聚酯、醋酸盐、反射器等。筛过的(screened)/涂敷的层的数量可以从1一直到50或更多。所涂敷的层的顺序可以是连续的(并在材料被转移时反转)。例如，底漆可被涂敷为倒数第二层，粘合剂是所形成的最后一层。可例如通过IR烤箱、热鼓风机或冷鼓风机来使导电油墨干燥。如上面提到的，这个油墨材料(包括粘合剂碱)可涂敷到任何适当的材料，包括例如棉、羊毛、尼龙、聚酯、聚酰胺、莱克拉、皮革(天然或合成)、塑料膜、ESD织物等。In some variations of the conductive ink structures described herein (eg, traces, sensors, etc., formed from the conductive ink by direct printing and/or transfer to fabric), the conductive ink includes conductive particles, such as carbon black, coated Coated mica (eg mica coated with antimony-doped tin dioxide), graphene, graphite, etc. The material may also include an alkali/bonding material that acts to permanently bond all solid components contained in the ink to the fabric. This bonding material (binder) can be an acrylic water base, such as a water based polyurethane. The conductive ink material may also include primers that increase adhesion and compatibility between the various products being applied and increase resistance to washing processes. Conductive inks may include adhesives (eg glues such as acrylic, polyamide, etc.) that ensure transfer of the conductive product to the fabric. Any of these conductive inks may also include defoamers to eliminate air and foam contained in the product and catalysts to allow complete crosslinking of the binder. Additional additives can be included to increase the printability and stability of the product. Thickening agents that thicken liquid components contained in the product may also be included. The resulting transfer of ink material can be obtained by a screen printing process as shown above. For example, the screen printing process can include screen stencil frame types (from 24 wires all the way up to 120 wires), and transfer support films such as paper, cardboard, polyester, acetate, reflectors, and the like. The number of screened/coated layers can range from 1 up to 50 or more. The order of the applied layers can be continuous (and reversed as the material is transferred). For example, the primer can be applied as the penultimate layer, with the adhesive being the last layer formed. The conductive ink can be dried, for example, by an IR oven, a hot blower, or a cold blower. As mentioned above, this ink material (including the binder base) can be applied to any suitable material including, for example, cotton, wool, nylon, polyester, polyamide, lycra, leather (natural or synthetic), plastic film, ESD fabric, etc.

油墨可转移以使用热压机来涂敷到衣服上，例如通过在从100℃一直到250℃的涂敷温度下在从5秒一直到50秒的涂敷时间期间施加从2巴一直到90巴的涂敷压力。最终聚合可由IR烤箱在从50℃一直到180℃的温度下执行(例如使用从0.lm/秒一直到5m/秒的运输机皮带速度)。The ink can be transferred for application to clothing using a hot press, for example by applying from 2 bar up to 90 bar during application times from 5 seconds up to 50 seconds at application temperatures from 100°C up to 250°C. bar of application pressure. Final polymerization can be performed by an IR oven at temperatures from 50°C up to 180°C (eg using conveyor belt speeds from 0.1m/sec up to 5m/sec).

如上面提到的，本文所述的导电油墨图案可以是任何适当的图案，包括迹线(例如连接在衣服上的各种元件)、传感器(例如触摸点传感器、拉伸/呼吸传感器)或电极(EEG传感器、ECG传感器、EMG传感器等)。当用作连接器时，它可与额外的导电连接器元件(包括但不限于导电线、缝合的Z字形连接器、在基底例如Kapton上形成的导电迹线)组合。导电油墨图案和额外的高度导电的材料的这样的组合可能在较长的长度上特别有用。在一些变形中，可拉伸导电油墨材料可在衣服将被拉伸很多的区中用作迹线或导体。As mentioned above, the conductive ink patterns described herein can be any suitable pattern, including traces (eg, various elements attached to clothing), sensors (eg, touch point sensors, stretch/breath sensors), or electrodes (EEG sensor, ECG sensor, EMG sensor, etc.). When used as a connector, it can be combined with additional conductive connector elements including but not limited to conductive threads, stitched zigzag connectors, conductive traces formed on a substrate such as Kapton. Such a combination of conductive ink patterns and additional highly conductive material may be particularly useful over longer lengths. In some variations, the stretchable conductive ink material can be used as traces or conductors in areas of the garment where the garment will be stretched a lot.

例如，图42A-42C示出被缝到形成衣服的织物上的导电线的例子，其可用于将由可拉伸导电油墨图案(具有粘合剂、梯度区和导电油墨)形成的电极、传感器或迹线连接到电源和/或感测模块。For example, Figures 42A-42C show examples of conductive threads sewn to fabrics forming garments that can be used to incorporate electrodes, sensors, or Traces connect to power and/or sense modules.

例如在图1A-1F、2A-2B、3A-3B等中，触摸点和将它们连接到传感器模块(传感器管理器)的迹线可由包括粘合剂层、中间梯度区和导电油墨层的可拉伸导电油墨复合物形成；迹线部分可例如使用保护树脂来进行绝缘。形成触摸点部分的电极可以相对大，连接迹线较小。迹线只需延伸一段短距离。触摸点传感器也对可能改变迹线的电阻率的衣服/迹线的拉伸稍微不敏感，因为来自传感器的信号是二进制信号，例如触摸或无触摸。类似地，可拉伸导电油墨迹线(被形成为迹线的复合物)可用于连接到EKG 电极。一般，用作迹线的导电油墨图案可一直延伸到30cm或更小(例如 25cm或更小等)，但是可使用更长的迹线。因此例如，由可拉伸导电油墨图案形成的导电迹线可长达25cm或比25cm长，宽度在2mm和高达10mm之间(在大约0.6到0.5mm之间的平均值)。长度可延伸，同时通过增加导电油墨图案的厚度而保持在目标导电率/电阻率。在一些变形中，保持长度短可能是合乎需要的。然而，呼吸传感器可实质上更长，并可例如多达22mm宽。For example, in Figures 1A-1F, 2A-2B, 3A-3B, etc., the touch points and the traces connecting them to the sensor module (sensor manager) can be made from a flexible material including an adhesive layer, an intermediate gradient region, and a conductive ink layer. A stretched conductive ink composite is formed; the trace portion may be insulated, eg, using a protective resin. The electrodes forming the touch point portion can be relatively large and the connecting traces small. The traces only need to extend a short distance. Touch point sensors are also slightly less sensitive to stretching of clothing/traces that may change the resistivity of the trace, since the signal from the sensor is a binary signal, such as touch or no touch. Similarly, stretchable conductive ink traces (formed as composites of traces) can be used to connect to EKG electrodes. Typically, conductive ink patterns used as traces can extend up to 30 cm or less (e.g., 25 cm or less, etc.), although longer traces can be used. Thus, for example, conductive traces formed from the stretchable conductive ink pattern may be up to 25 cm long or longer, with a width of between 2 mm and up to 10 mm (average between about 0.6 to 0.5 mm). The length can be extended while maintaining the target conductivity/resistivity by increasing the thickness of the conductive ink pattern. In some variations, it may be desirable to keep the length short. However, the respiration sensor may be substantially longer and may be, for example, up to 22mm wide.

在一些变形中，使用导电线或其它高导电率连接器，例如在图42A-42C 中所示的那些，可能是有用的。如上所述，这可用于形成缝合的Z字形连接器(也在本文被称为导线带材料)。在这个例子中，导电线以允许在缝的净方向上的一些拉伸的波浪形(例如Z字形、正弦等)图案被缝到衣服上。如上所述，呼吸(传感器)迹线可由可拉伸导电油墨图案形成以利用在导电油墨图案拉伸的情况下随着电阻率的变化的导电率的变化。在这个例子中，线的所缝的图案包括允许缝线随着织物稍微伸长的大约35-40度Z字形图案。在一些例子中，导电线是金属导电线。在每个转向点(在波浪形图案中)处形成的角度和图案的宽度可取决于所使用的纺织品。通常，纺织品的拉伸度越高，角度就越小。线的数量可改变；通常，可使用任何数量的线，例如取决于传感器的数量和需要被连接的它们的管脚。线一般直接被缝在衣服上。可通过在线上的外部涂层(例如硅酮、聚酯、棉等)和/ 或通过绝缘粘合剂层来得到线的电绝缘，如上所述。线连接器也可用作如上所述的转移的部分。例如，导电线可被缝到在与衣服相同的织物上制造的带上，并通过热过程例如使用粘合剂层而被转移到衣服。In some variations, it may be useful to use conductive wires or other high conductivity connectors, such as those shown in Figures 42A-42C. As mentioned above, this can be used to form a stitched zigzag connector (also referred to herein as wire tape material). In this example, the conductive thread is sewn to the garment in a wavy (eg, zigzag, sinusoidal, etc.) pattern that allows for some stretch in the net direction of the seam. As described above, breath (sensor) traces may be formed from a stretchable conductive ink pattern to take advantage of the change in conductivity with the change in resistivity as the conductive ink pattern is stretched. In this example, the sewed pattern of threads includes an approximately 35-40 degree zigzag pattern that allows the stitches to stretch slightly with the fabric. In some examples, the conductive wire is a metallic conductive wire. The angle formed at each turning point (in the wavy pattern) and the width of the pattern can depend on the textile used. Generally, the higher the stretch of the textile, the smaller the angle. The number of wires can vary; in general, any number of wires can be used, eg, depending on the number of sensors and their pins that need to be connected. The thread is generally sewn directly onto the garment. Electrical insulation of the wire can be obtained by an external coating on the wire (eg, silicone, polyester, cotton, etc.) and/or by an insulating adhesive layer, as described above. Wire connectors can also be used as part of the transfer as described above. For example, the conductive thread can be sewn to a tape made on the same fabric as the garment and transferred to the garment by a thermal process such as using an adhesive layer.

一个或多个导电线可直接涂敷到织物(例如压缩衣服)或转移(例如织物或其它材料的补片，其接着附接到衣服)。导电线可在被缝之前被绝缘 (例如上釉)。在一些变形中，导电线可在被缝到织物或其它基底上之前被分组。例如，多个(例如2、3、4、5等)线可被绝缘并缠绕在一起，然后被缝在基底例如压缩织物内。例如在一个变形中，装置包括具有IMU和两个EMG的衣服，其带有馈送到装置上的电路(例如微芯片)内的输入，包括在传感器模块/管理器上。可在相同电子“线”上操作部件，其中线是组合在一起用于穿过基底来缝的多个导电线。在一个例子中，两个微芯片可由4个导线制成的相同“线”操作，其中每个导线彼此电隔离。在缝材料时，缝线可由两组导线形成；一组在基底的顶部上而一组在基底之下，如从机械缝纫设备理解的；在一些变形中，由导电线形成的缝线可包括上导电线(或导电线组)和下导电线(或导电线组)，其中上导电线主要在上表面上，而下导电线主要在下表面上(但一个或任一个导电线可穿过基底以彼此啮合)。The one or more conductive threads may be applied directly to the fabric (eg, a compression garment) or transferred (eg, a patch of fabric or other material, which is then attached to the garment). Conductive threads can be insulated (eg glazed) before being sewn. In some variations, the conductive threads may be grouped before being sewn to a fabric or other substrate. For example, multiple (eg, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.) threads can be insulated and wound together, and then sewn into a substrate such as a compression fabric. For example, in one variation, the device includes a garment with an IMU and two EMGs with inputs fed into a circuit (eg, a microchip) on the device, included on the sensor module/manager. Components can be operated on the same electronic "thread", where a thread is a plurality of conductive threads grouped together for sewing through a substrate. In one example, two microchips can be operated from the same "wire" made of 4 wires, where each wire is electrically isolated from each other. When sewing material, the stitches may be formed from two sets of wires; one on top of the substrate and one below the substrate, as understood from mechanical sewing equipment; in some variations, the stitches formed from the conductive threads may include An upper conductive line (or group of conductive lines) and a lower conductive line (or group of conductive lines), wherein the upper conductive line is mainly on the upper surface and the lower conductive line is mainly on the lower surface (but one or either of the conductive lines may pass through the substrate to mesh with each other).

例如，导电线可包括由4个扭转和上釉(因此彼此电隔离)的导线制成的非常细(例如0.7毫米计量/厚度)的“导线”，其覆盖有粘结溶液(其为硅或基于水的)或由具有大约0.9毫米的总直径的包覆物保护。可直接在织物或基底上以波浪形(例如Z字形)图案、例如具有在Z字的腿之间的45到90度角的图案缝导电导线。在一些例子中，图案在材料(例如织物)的基底上形成并附接到衣服。例如，基底可以是织物的1cm到3cm 自粘带。For example, a conductive wire may comprise a very thin (eg 0.7 mm gauge/thickness) "wire" made of 4 wires twisted and glazed (and thus electrically isolated from each other) covered with a bonding solution (which is silicon or water-based) or protected by a wrap having an overall diameter of about 0.9 mm. The conductive wires may be sewn directly on the fabric or substrate in a wavy (eg, zigzag) pattern, eg, a pattern with a 45 to 90 degree angle between the legs of the zigzag. In some examples, the pattern is formed on a substrate of material (eg, fabric) and attached to the garment. For example, the substrate can be a 1 cm to 3 cm self-adhesive tape of fabric.

传感器管理器/模块Sensor Manager/Module

本文所述的任何装置(例如衣服)可包括在图43A中示意性示出的传感器管理器(SM或SMS)，其将衣服上的传感器(包括电极等)连接到处理器，在一些变形中包括智能电话或其它移动设备。传感器管理器可以是作为传感器化压缩衣服(例如衬衫)的部分的印刷电路板(PCB)，并可嵌入放置在衬衫背面上、例如刚好在颈部之下的钢性外壳(如图43B所示)内，如在图1B、2B、3B和4B中所示的。它主要负责收集并详述来自放置在衬衫周围的传感器的数据。Any of the devices (eg, clothing) described herein may include a sensor manager (SM or SMS), shown schematically in Figure 43A, that connects sensors (including electrodes, etc.) on the clothing to a processor, in some variations Including smartphones or other mobile devices. The sensor manager may be a printed circuit board (PCB) that is part of a sensorized compression garment (eg, a shirt), and may be embedded in a steel housing placed on the back of the shirt, eg, just below the neck (as shown in Figure 43B ) ), as shown in Figures 1B, 2B, 3B and 4B. It is primarily responsible for collecting and detailing data from sensors placed around the shirt.

如在图43A中所示的，形成传感器模块3201的PCB可包括布置在PCB 上的不同元件，例如微控制器3203(例如CY8C5微控制器(68管脚)) 和与电话模块3205(金属化钻头)的所有连接、紧身衣3211(被暴露的可焊接金属区域)和传感器3207、3209(与线的连接)。As shown in FIG. 43A, the PCB forming thesensor module 3201 may include various elements arranged on the PCB, such as a microcontroller 3203 (eg, a CY8C5 microcontroller (68 pins)) and a phone module 3205 (metallized) Drill) all connections, tights 3211 (exposed weldable metal areas) andsensors 3207, 3209 (connections to wires).

例如，来自传感器的电信号可由被缝到衬衫织物上或由相同材料制成的带子(例如补片)上的导电线携带。所有这些线都可到达SM PCB，并可使用连接器连接到它或缝/焊接在金属化钻头周围。与在这里所述的SMS 相反，SM架构(其中传感器直接连接到电话模块)将涉及相对高数量的管脚3205(例如对来自传感器的每个迹线/线有一个管脚)。这可限制传感器的数量和类型，并可危害系统稳定性。本文所述的架构允许使用可放置在SM PSB上的不同类型的连接(例如3207、3209)将来自传感器的迹线 (例如线)直接连接到微控制器。这样，所有传感器信号可由微控制器收集(聚集)，微控制器接着通过只使用两个管脚3205将经处理的数据传递到移动处理器(例如智能电话)模块，用于保持数字UART通信。这个解决方案不限制传感器的类型和数量。For example, the electrical signal from the sensor may be carried by a conductive thread sewn to a shirt fabric or to a tape (eg, a patch) made of the same material. All of these wires reach the SM PCB and can be connected to it using connectors or seamed/soldered around the metallized bits. In contrast to SMS as described here, an SM architecture (where the sensor is directly connected to the phone module) would involve a relatively high number of pins 3205 (eg, one for each trace/line from the sensor). This can limit the number and type of sensors and can compromise system stability. The architecture described herein allows traces (eg, wires) from sensors to be connected directly to the microcontroller using different types of connections (eg, 3207, 3209) that can be placed on the SM PSB. In this way, all sensor signals can be collected (aggregated) by the microcontroller, which then passes the processed data to the mobile processor (eg smartphone) module by using only twopins 3205 for maintaining digital UART communication. This solution does not limit the type and number of sensors.

如上面在图43A中所示的，这个示意图示出可被使用的移动处理器(例如智能电话)的母连接器。在这个例子中，传感器管理系统(SMS)可位于衣服中而不是在模块/电话上。因此，管脚的数量保持不变，即使传感器的数量在衣服或附件之间改变。例如，管脚的数量可通过使特定的SMS 适合于一般与不同的移动处理器(电话)一起工作来保持不变(例如在 10-15)。As shown above in Figure 43A, this schematic shows the female connector of a mobile processor (eg, a smartphone) that may be used. In this example, the sensor management system (SMS) may be located in the garment rather than on the module/phone. Therefore, the number of pins remains the same, even if the number of sensors changes between clothes or accessories. For example, the number of pins can be kept constant (eg at 10-15) by making a particular SMS suitable for working with different mobile processors (telephones) in general.

实验数据Experimental data

如上所述制造配置成监控生理参数(包括12引线ECG检测和呼吸) 的衣服。衣服的主体是压缩织物(由压缩织物材料形成)，且10个ECG电极(六个胸部，在每个臂上有一个，以及在每个腿上有一个)如在图2A 或3A所示的被定位。此外，包括当被穿戴时位于隔膜附近的由浸渍有导电粒子的弹性材料形成的呼吸传感器。衣服被穿在受验对象上，受验对象也在活动(应力)测试期间戴着用于测量12引线ECG的标准电极以及测量通过嘴和鼻塞的呼吸的面具。患者也在胸部的中间和衬衫之上的支持衣服(胸衣)中戴着支持设备(可充气的)，以帮助保持电极在适当的位置上靠着皮肤，即使在执行身体活动时。Garments configured to monitor physiological parameters, including 12-lead ECG detection and respiration, were fabricated as described above. The body of the garment is a compressed fabric (formed from a compressed fabric material) and 10 ECG electrodes (six chest, one on each arm, and one on each leg) as shown in Figure 2A or 3A been positioned. In addition, a breath sensor formed of an elastic material impregnated with conductive particles is included near the diaphragm when worn. Clothing was worn on the subject, who also wore standard electrodes for measuring 12-lead ECG and a mask for measuring breathing through the mouth and nasal obstruction during the activity (stress) test. The patient also wears a support device (inflatable) in a support garment (bra) in the middle of the chest and over the shirt to help keep the electrodes in place against the skin even when performing physical activities.

患者被请求抵抗阻力循环踩踏板，且测量使用标准12引线ECD和体积描记法被测量并与对具有如上所述的集成传感器的衣服产生的同时读数比较。不考虑在衣服之下戴着的(标准)ECG机器的标准引线之间的潜在干扰，本文所述的生理监控衣服与标准(控制)设备同等地或更好地运转。The patient is asked to cycle pedaling against resistance, and measurements are taken using standard 12-lead ECD and plethysmography and compared to simultaneous readings produced on garments with integrated sensors as described above. Regardless of potential interference between standard leads of a (standard) ECG machine worn under clothing, the physiological monitoring clothing described herein performs equally or better than standard (control) equipment.

例如，图48A(在左边)示出达到标准12引线ECG的六个引线(I、 II、III、aVR、aVL、aVF)和紧接着相邻于在图48B中的这些引线的使用如所述的衣服记录的六个引线的ECG。在对照(参考)设备和衣服之间存在良好的相应性。For example, Figure 48A (on the left) shows six leads (I, II, III, aVR, aVL, aVF) up to a standard 12-lead ECG and the use of these leads immediately adjacent to those in Figure 48B is as described The six-lead ECG of the garment was recorded. There is a good correspondence between control (reference) equipment and clothing.

也使用如在图47A中所示的呼吸传感器从衣服测量呼吸。衣服检测在基线之间的呼吸模式、工作负荷(抵抗增加的阻力踩踏板)中的可忽略的变化，并从自衣服测量(在腹部和胸腔处)的两个区恢复。比较在标准体积描记法和衣服之间进行并在图47B中示出。这两种技术都在被检查的每个时期期间测量每分钟大致相等的呼吸。Respiration was also measured from clothing using a respiration sensor as shown in Figure 47A. Clothes detect negligible changes in breathing patterns, workload (pedaling against increased resistance) between baselines, and recover from two zones measured from the clothing (at the abdomen and thorax). Comparisons were made between standard plethysmography and clothing and are shown in Figure 47B. Both techniques measure roughly equal breaths per minute during each epoch examined.

当特征或元件在本文被称为在另一特征或元件“上”时，它可直接在另一特征或元件上或中间特征和/或元件也可存在。相反，当特征或元件被称为“直接”在另一特征或元件“上”时，没有中间特征和/或元件存在。还将理解，当特征或元件被称为“连接”、“附接”或“耦合”到另一特征或元件时，它可直接连接、附接或耦合另一特征或元件或中间特征和/或元件可存在。相反，当特征或元件被称为“直接连接”、“直接附接”或“直接耦合”到另一特征或元件时，没有中间特征和/或元件存在。虽然关于一个实施方式被描述或示出，这样的描述或示出的特征和元件可应用于其它实施方式。本领域中的技术人员还将认识到，对“相邻于”另一特征布置的结构或特征可具有与相邻特征重叠或位于相邻特征之下的部分。When a feature or element is referred to herein as being "on" another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element or intervening features and/or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being "directly on" another feature or element, there are no intervening features and/or elements present. It will also be understood that when a feature or element is referred to as being "connected," "attached" or "coupled" to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element or intervening features and/or or elements may exist. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being "directly connected," "directly attached," or "directly coupled" to another feature or element, there are no intervening features and/or elements present. Although described or illustrated with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements such described or illustrated may be applied to other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that a structure or feature that is disposed "adjacent" to another feature may have portions that overlap or lie below an adjacent feature.

在本文使用的术语是为了仅描述特定的实施方式的目的，且并没有被规定为本发明的限制。例如，如在本文所述的，单数形式“一个(a)”、“一个(an)”和“该(the)”意欲也包括复数形式，除非上下文清楚地指示另外的情况。将进一步理解，术语“comprises(包括)”和/或“comprising (包括)”当在本说明书中使用时指定所陈述的特征、步骤、操作、元件和/或部件的存在，但并不排除一个或多个其它特征、步骤、操作、元件、部件和/或其组的存在。如在本文使用，术语“和/或”包括一个或多个相关的所列出的项目的任何和所有组合并可被缩写为“/”。The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. For example, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" when used in this specification designate the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not exclude a or the presence of multiple other features, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated as "/".

可在本文为了描述的容易而使用空间相对术语例如“在…之下”、“在.. 下”、“下部”、“在…之上”、“上部”等以描述一个元件或特征与如在附图中所示的另一元件或特征的关系。将理解，空间相对术语除了在附图中所描绘的方位以外还意欲包括在使用或操作中的设备的不同方位。例如，如果在附图中的设备反转，则被描述为在其它元件或特征之下”或“下面”的元件于是被定向在其它元件或特征“之上”。因此，示例性术语“在…之下”可包括之上和之下的方位。设备可以用相反的方式被定向(旋转90 度或在其它方位上)，且在本文使用的空间相对描述符被相应地解释。类似地，术语“向上”、“向下”、“垂直”、“水平”等在本文仅用于解释的目的，除非特别指示另外的情况。Spatially relative terms such as "under", "under", "lower", "over", "upper", etc. may be used herein for ease of description to describe an element or feature as relationship to another element or feature as shown in the drawings. It will be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "on" "Below" may include an orientation of above and below. The device may be oriented in the opposite manner (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, The terms "upward," "downward," "vertical," "horizontal," etc. are used herein for explanatory purposes only, unless specifically indicated otherwise.

虽然术语“第一”和“第二”可在本文用于描述各种特征/元件，这些特征/元件不应被这些术语限制，除非上下文指示另外的情况。这些术语可用于区分开一个特征/元件与另一特征/元件。因此，下面讨论的第一特征/ 元件可被称为第二特征/元件，且类似地，下面讨论的第二特征/元件可被称为第一特征/元件而不偏离本发明的教导。Although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various features/elements, these features/elements should not be limited by these terms unless the context dictates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature/element from another. Thus, a first feature/element discussed below could be termed a second feature/element, and, similarly, a second feature/element discussed below could be termed a first feature/element without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

如这里在说明书和权利要求中使用的，包括如在例子中使用的且除非另外明确地规定，所有数字可被理解为好像由词“大约”或“近似”作为开端一样，即使术语并不明确地出现。当描述幅度和/或位置时可使用短语“大约”或“近似”以指示所描述的值和/或位置在值和/或位置的合理预期范围内。例如，数值可具有是规定值(或值的范围)的+/-0.1％、规定值(或值的范围)的+/-1％、规定值(或值的范围)的+/-2％、规定值(或值的范围)的+/-5％、规定值(或值的范围)的+/-10％的值。在本文列举的任何数值范围意欲包括在其中包含的所有子范围。As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples and unless expressly stated otherwise, all numbers may be understood as if preceded by the word "about" or "approximately" even if the term is ambiguous appear. The phrases "about" or "approximately" may be used when describing magnitudes and/or locations to indicate that the described value and/or location is within a reasonably expected range of values and/or locations. For example, a numerical value may have +/- 0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/- 1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/- 2% of the stated value (or range of values) , +/- 5% of the specified value (or range of values), +/- 10% of the specified value (or range of values). Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all subranges subsumed therein.

虽然上面描述了各种例证性实施方式，可对各种实施方式做出任何数量的变化而不偏离如由权利要求所述的本发明的范围。例如，各种所述方法步骤被执行的顺序可常常在可选的实施方式中改变，且在其它可选的实施方式中一个或多个方法步骤可一起被跳过。在一些实施方式中可包括各种设备和系统实施方式的可选特征，而在其它实施方式中不包括。因此，前述描述主要为了示例性目的而被提供，且不应被解释为限制本发明的范围，如它在权利要求中阐述的。While various illustrative embodiments have been described above, any number of changes may be made to the various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. For example, the order in which the various described method steps are performed may often be changed in alternative embodiments, and in other alternative embodiments one or more method steps may be skipped altogether. Optional features of various device and system implementations may be included in some implementations, but not in other implementations. Accordingly, the foregoing description has been provided primarily for exemplary purposes, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, as it is set forth in the claims.

本文包括的例子和图示作为例证而不是限制示出主题可被实施的特定实施方式。如所提到的，其它实施方式可被利用并从那里得到，使得结构和逻辑替换和变化可被做出而不偏离本公开的范围。创造性主题的这样的实施方式在本文仅为了方便由术语“发明”单独地或共同地提及而并不意欲将本申请的范围自愿地限制任何单个发明或创造性概念，如果多于一个事实上被公开。因此，虽然在本文示出和描述了特定的实施方式，被计算来实现相同目的的任何布置可代替所示的特定实施方式。本公开意欲涵盖各种实施方式的任何和所有改动或变化。在审阅上面的描述时，在本文没有特别描述的上述实施方式和其它实施方式的组合，对本领域中的技术人员将是明显的。The examples and illustrations included herein are illustrative and not limiting of the specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. As mentioned, other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Such embodiments of inventive subject matter are referred to herein solely or collectively for convenience by the term "invention" only and are not intended to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept if more than one is actually public. Thus, although specific embodiments have been shown and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above-described embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the above description.