US20150241912A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20150241912A1
Application number: US14/187,144
Authority: US
Inventors: Farshad Farjami
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-02-21
Filing date: 2014-02-21
Publication date: 2015-08-27
Also published as: US9766655B2; US20150241913A1; US20150241914A1

Abstract

There is provided a wristband for attaching to a computer device, the wristband including a first end configured to attach to a first side of the computing device, a second end configured to attach to a second side of the computing device, a plurality of light sources visible on a surface of the wristband, a communication interface configured to receive signals from the computer device, and a circuitry configured to control the plurality of light sources, in response to the signals received from the computer device. The wristband may further include a memory configured to store a plurality of activation patterns for the plurality of light sources, and wherein the circuitry is further configured to activate one of the plurality of activation patterns, and turn on and off the plurality of light sources, according to the one of the plurality of activation patterns.

Description

BACKGROUND

Advances in technology have given people the ability to make faster and smaller computers. Mobile phones and computers can now be built to almost any size including the size of a common watch. Consumers are buying these tiny mobile phones and computers and utilizing them to help in their everyday lives. For example, consumers are now able to purchase mobile phones and computers that can be worn around their wrist like a watch. This gives consumers the ability to always have their mobile phones and computers accessible no matter the task that they are performing.

However, problems can occur when utilizing these wristwatch devices. For example, by building wristwatch devices small, it is often difficult to install batteries inside the wristwatch devices that can hold charges long enough to satisfy consumers' needs. As such, consumers are only able to utilize wristwatch devices for a short period of time before they need to be plugged in and recharged. As another example, these wristwatch devices are sold as a complete unit that includes both the wristband and the wearable computer. As such, consumers are not given the opportunity to customize their own wristwatch devices in a way that meets their needs or fashion.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to wristband accessories for wearable computers, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 presents a system for utilizing a wristband accessory with a wearable computer, according to one implementation of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 presents a first system illustrating a wristband accessory connected to a wearable computer, according to one implementation of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 presents a second system illustrating a wristband accessory connected to a wearable computer, according to one implementation of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 presents a third system illustrating a wristband accessory connected to a wearable computer, according to one implementation of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 presents a first example of a wristband accessory, according to one implementation of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 presents a second example of a wristband accessory, according to one implementation of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description contains specific information pertaining to implementations in the present disclosure. The drawings in the present application and their accompanying detailed description are directed to merely exemplary implementations. Unless noted otherwise, like or corresponding elements among the figures may be indicated by like or corresponding reference numerals. Moreover, the drawings and illustrations in the present application are generally not to scale, and are not intended to correspond to actual relative dimensions.

FIG. 1 presents a system for utilizing a wristband accessory with a wearable computer, according to one implementation of the present disclosure.System100 includescomputer device110, wristband130, andearpiece150.Computer device110 includesprocessor111,input device112,battery113,battery port114,memory115,connection mechanism116,display117,speaker118, microphone119, andcommunication interface120.Memory115 includeswristband application121, which is a software running onprocessor111 ofcomputer device110 and includescommunication module122. Wristband130 includesdevice charger131,processor132,circuitry133,battery134,battery port135,connection mechanism136,communication interface137,memory138,earpiece charger139, andlights140.Circuitry133 may controllights140 and charging ofbattery134.Memory138 includesactivation patterns142,identities143, andcharacters144. Earpiece150 includes communication interface151,speaker152, microphone153,attaching mechanism154,battery155, andbattery port156.

As illustrated inFIG. 1,system100 shows three different devices includingcomputer device110,wristband130, andearpiece150.Computer device110 may include any device, which has a computer processor and a communication interface and is capable of being attached to the wrist of a user. Wristband130 may include a device capable of connecting tocomputer device110 so thatcomputer device110 is secured to the wrist of the user, as illustrated inFIGS. 2-4. Finally,earpiece150 may include a device that is capable of being worn or placed in the ear of the user, so that the user can communicate hands free withcomputer device110 and/orwristband130.

Also illustrated inFIG. 1,computer device110 connects towristband130 usingconnection mechanism116 andconnection mechanism136, respectively, andearpiece150 attaches towristband130 usingattaching mechanism154. Each ofconnection mechanism116,connection mechanism136, and attachingmechanism154 may include, but are not limited to, a snap, a screw, an adhesive, a tie, or any other mechanism that can be used to connect one device to another device. Furthermore,FIG. 1 illustrates thatwristband130 utilizesconnection mechanism136 to connect toconnection mechanism116 ofcomputer device110, however, the present disclosure is not limited to bothwristband130 andcomputer device110 including connection mechanisms. In other implementations, only one ofcomputer device110 and wristband130 may include a connection mechanism. For example, in one implementation,wristband130 may include an adhesive asconnection mechanism136 that sticks tocomputer device110. As such, wristband130 can be utilized with a wide range of devices even if those devices were not specifically designed to be utilized withwristband130.

It should be noted that the implementation ofFIG. 1 illustratesconnection mechanism116 andcommunication interface120 ofcomputer device110, andconnection mechanism136 andcommunication interface137 ofwristband130 as separate components, however, the present disclosure is not limited to the implementation ofFIG. 1. For example, in one implementation,communication interface120 ofcomputer device110 may be built intoconnection mechanism116, andcommunication interface137 of wristband130 may be built intoconnection mechanism136. In such an implementation,computer device110 andwristband130 may communicate with each other through the connection ofconnection mechanism116 andconnection mechanism136.

As further illustrated inFIG. 1,wristband130 includesprocessor132 andmemory138.Processor132 may be configured to accessmemory138 to store received input or to execute commands, processes, or programs stored inmemory138, such asactivation patterns142,identities143, andcharacters144.Processor132 may correspond to a processing device, such as a microprocessor or similar hardware processing device, or a plurality of hardware devices. However, inother implementations processor132 refers to a general processor capable of performing the functions required of transmittingwristband130.Memory138 is a sufficient memory capable of storing commands, processes, and programs for execution byprocessor132.Memory138 may be instituted as ROM, RAM, flash memory, or any sufficient memory capable of storing a set of commands. In other implementations,memory138 may correspond to a plurality memory types or modules.

Also illustrated inFIG. 1,computer device110 includesprocessor111 andmemory115.Processor111 andmemory115 ofcomputer device110 may be similar toprocessor132 andmemory138 ofwristband138. For example,processor111 may be configured to accessmemory115 to store received input or to execute commands, processes, or programs stored inmemory115, such aswristband application121.Processor111 may correspond to a processing device, such as a microprocessor or similar hardware processing device, or a plurality of hardware devices. However, inother implementations processor111 refers to a general processor capable of performing the functions required ofcomputer device110.Memory115 is a sufficient memory capable of storing commands, processes, and programs for execution byprocessor111.Memory115 may be instituted as ROM, RAM, flash memory, or any sufficient memory capable of storing a set of commands. In other implementations,memory115 may correspond to a plurality memory types or modules.

It should be noted that whencomputer device110 and wristband130 are in communication with each other,computer device110 can utilizememory138 ofwristband130 andwristband130 can utilizememory115 ofcomputer device110. For example, whencomputer device110 is in communication withwristband130,processor115 ofcomputer device110 may be configured to accessmemory132 ofwristband130 to store received input or to execute commands, processes, or programs stored inmemory132. In one implementation,processor115 ofcomputer device110 accessesmemory132 ofwristband130 usingwristband application121. As such,computer device110 can utilizememory132 ofwristband130 in order to expand its own memory capabilities.

It should further be noted that the implementation ofFIG. 1 illustratesmemory132 as being installed inwristband130, however, the present disclosure is not limited tomemory132 being installed inwristband130. In one implementation,memory132 may be an external memory that can be inserted into and removed fromwristband130. For example, a user ofwristband130 may wish to add additional memory towristband130 that can be utilized by eitherwristband130 orcomputer device110. The user may then either add additional memory to an additional memory slot (not shown) inwristband130 or exchange the current memory inwristband130 with a memory that has a greater storage capacity. Furthermore, once the memory is removed fromwristband130, the user may plug that memory into an additional device, such as a computer, and either download programs, video, images, voice or any other data stored on the memory to the additional device or load programs video, images, voice or any other data on the memory from the additional device that can be utilized bywristband130 orcomputer device110.

As further illustrated inFIG. 1,memory115 ofcomputer device110 includeswristband application121.Wristband application121 may have come preloaded oncomputer device110, been downloaded and installed oncomputer device110 fromwristband130, or been downloaded and installed oncomputer device110 from another source. A user ofcomputer device110 can usewristband application121 to control and customizewristband130. For example, a user ofcomputer device110 may usewristband application121 to installactivation patterns142,identities143, andcharacters144 inmemory138 ofwristband130. As a second example, as discussed above,wristband application121 may be used bycomputer device110 to store additional processes and applications inmemory138 ofwristband130. In such an example,computer device110 can expand its own memory by utilizingmemory138 ofwristband130.

As further illustrated inFIG. 1,wristband application121 includescommunication module122.Communication module122 for communicating information or signals betweencomputer device110 andwristband130 usingcommunication interface120, for example, in response tocomputer device110 receiving a phone call or message, such as, but not limited to, a text message, an email, or any other type of message that can be transmitted between electronic devices. For example, in response tocomputer device110 receiving a phone call,communication module122 may transmit one or more signals towristband130 in order to trigger one ormore activation patterns142, a display of one ofidentities143, and/or a display one ofcharacters144 usinglights140 ofwristband130.

As further illustrated inFIG. 1,wristband130 includescircuitry133 that controls lights140.Lights140 may each correspond to a light-emitting-diode (LED) or any other type of light source visible on a surface ofwristband130. As such,circuitry133 may activatelights140 to turn on and off, control the intensity oflights140, and control the color oflights140. As will be explained in greater detail below,lights140 may be customized so thatcircuitry133 can activatelights140 according toactivations patterns142,identities143, andcharacters144 in response towristband130 receiving one or more signals fromcommunication module122 ofcomputer device110.

Activation patterns

142 can include different patterns for activating one or more oflights140, different intensities for the one or more oflights140 being activated, and/or different activation colors for the one or more oflights140 being activated. For example, a first activation pattern ofactivation patterns142 may specify that alllights140 onwristband130 to light up as blue when signals received fromcommunication module122 have been programmed to specify that a user's mom is callingcomputer device110. As another example, a second activation pattern ofactivation patterns142 may activate somelights140 onwristband130 to flash red when signals received fromcommunication module122 have been programmed to specify that an unknown number is calling. A user ofwristband130 can usewristband application121 oncomputer device110 to set or changeactivation patterns142 depending on the type of phone call or message received bycomputer device110.

Identities

143 may correspond to a phone book residing incomputer device130, which may also be loaded onwristband130 fromcomputer device110 usingwristband application121. As such,identities143 may include the names and phone numbers of contacts of a user ofcomputer device110.Communication module122 will then specify who is calling ormessaging computer device110 andwristband130 can useidentities143 to display the name or phone number of theperson using lights140. For example, ifcomputer device110 receives a phone call or a message,computer device110 may transmit the number of who is calling or who is messaging towristband130 usingcommunication module122.Wristband130 may then use the number and determine if the number corresponds to a contact fromidentities143. If the number does correspond to a contact fromidentities143, thenwristband130 may display the name of thecontact using lights140. Rather than transmitting the number,wristband130 may transmit a name to be displayed onwristband130 usinglights140. If the number does not correspond to a contact fromidentities143, thenwristband130 may just display thenumber using lights140.

Characters

144 may include a number of real or animated characters or objects that a user ofwristband130 can match to contacts inidentities143. If a contact fromidentities143 includes a character match fromcharacters144, thenwristband130 may display thecharacter using lights140 instead of the name or phone number of the contact. Furthermore, if the number that is transmitted bydevice110 towristband130 is not one of the contacts inidentities143,wristband130 may be configured to pick a random or selected character fromcharacters144 to display usinglights140.

Characters

144 may include alphabets, numerals, logos, cartoon characters, images, animations, etc., which can be selected using wristband application for being displayed usinglights140 onwristband130. A user may program the selection ofcharacters144, such that they are changed automatically after a predetermined amount of time or in response to an event. For example, lights144 may display a Laker's logo when an event indicates that Laker's has won a game. As another example, lights may display a name of a favorite sportsman, singer, etc.

It should be noted that the implementation ofFIG. 1 illustrates that each ofactivation patterns142,identities143, andcharacters144 are stored inmemory138 ofwristband130, however, the present disclosure is not limited to havingactivation patterns142,identities143, andcharacters144 stored inmemory138 ofwristband130. In one implementation, each ofactivation patterns142,identities143, andcharacters144 may be stored inmemory115 ofcomputer device110. In such an implementation,computer device110 may transmitcommunication module122 towristband130, wherecommunication module122 corresponds to an activation pattern, an identity, or a character that is to be displayed onwristband130 usinglights140. Still in another implementation, each ofactivation patterns132,identities143, andcharacters144 may be stored on an external device other thancomputer device110,wristband130, andearpiece150. In such an implementation,wristband130 may be in communication with the external device usingcommunication interface137.Wristband130 may then select and load an activation pattern, identity, or character from the external device depending oncommunication module122 transmitted fromcomputer device110.

As further illustrated inFIG. 1,wristband130 includesbattery134 andbattery port135.Battery134 may be the power source forwristband130. As such,battery134 may include, but is not limited to, an alkaline battery, a lithium ion battery, a mercury battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or any other type of power source capable of poweringwristband130. In one implementation,battery134 may be rechargeable usingbattery port135. In such an implementation, a battery charger may be plugged intobattery port135 and an external power source in order to chargebattery134, as illustrated inFIG. 2. In another implementation,battery134 may be replaceable. In such an implementation,battery134 may be removed fromwristband130 and replaced by a similar battery.

It should be noted thatbattery113 andbattery port114 ofcomputer device110, andbattery155 andbattery port156 ofearpiece150 are similar tobattery134 andbattery port135 ofwristband130, respectively. For example,battery113 may be the power source ofcomputer device110 and may be rechargeable usingbattery port114. As another example,battery155 may be the power source ofearpiece150 and may be rechargeable usingbattery port156. Furthermore, in one implementation, each ofbattery port114,battery port134, andbattery port156 may be designed so that the same battery charger interface can be used to recharge each ofbattery113,battery134, andbattery155, respectively. In such an implementation, each ofbattery port114,battery port134, andbattery port156 may include the same shape that match the battery charger that plugs into an external power source. In other words,battery port114,battery port134, andbattery port156 may have the same female receiving shape, such that they receive the same male battery charger input.

As further illustrated inFIG. 1,wristband130 includesdevice charger131 connected to or plugged intobattery port114 ofcomputer device110,e.g. device charger131 may be a male battery charger input that is plugged into a female receiver ofbattery port114 ofcomputer device110.Wristband130 may usedevice charger114 to either rechargebattery113 ofcomputer device110 or provide power tocomputer device110.Wristband130 can rechargebattery114 ofcomputer device110 or provide power tocomputer device110 either whenwristband130 is being recharged using a battery charger plugged intobattery port135, or whenwristband130 is not being recharged. As such,battery113 ofcomputer device110 can be recharged without plugging a separate battery charger intobattery port114 that requires a wall outlet. As a result, a user ofcomputer device110 can usecomputer device110 for longer periods oftime using battery134 ofwristband130.

Furthermore, in one implementation,computer device110 may utilize the same connection betweenbattery port114 anddevice charger131 to chargebattery134 ofwristband130. Also, in another implementation,computer device110 may utilize the connection betweenbattery port114 anddevice charger131 to provide power towristband130. In such an implementation,wristband130 may not requirebattery134 sincebattery113 ofcomputer device110 would powerwristband130.

It should further be noted that in one implementation,wristband device130 may include a light that indicates a charge level ofbattery113 ofcomputer device110 and/orbattery134 ofwristband134, as illustrated inFIG. 2. For example, the light may glow green when the batteries are near fully charged, the light glows yellow when the batteries are about half charged, and the light glows red when the batteries are almost out of charge. In another implementation, the light may be a bar indicating the battery level forbattery113 and/orbattery134. Furthermore, in one implementation,wristband130 may transmit signals tocomputer device110 that include a charge level ofbattery134 ofwristband130. In such an implementation,wristband130 may transmit the signals tocomputer device110 usingcommunication interface137 andcomputer device110 may display the charge level ofwristband130 usingwristband application121 ondisplay117. Also, in one implementation,computer device110 may display a charge level for bothbattery114 ofdevice110 andbattery134 ofwristband130 ondisplay117 usingwristband application121. In such an implementation,computer device110 may display the charge level whilewristband130 is rechargingbattery114.

It should be noted that the implementation ofFIG. 1 illustratesdevice charger131 as being separate fromcommunication interface137, however, the present disclosure is not limited todevice charger131 being separate fromcommunication interface137. In one implementation,device charger137 may include the components ofcommunication interface137, so thatwristband130 is able to communicate withcomputer device110 throughdevice charger131 ofwristband130 andbattery port114 ofcomputer device110 whendevice charger131 is plugged intobattery port114. For example, signals may be communicated via the wired connection established betweendevice charger131 andbattery port114. These signals may exchange data betweencomputer device110 andwristband130 using various data communication methods, such as pulse width modulation, or any other analog or digital data communications using one or more wireline connections.

Also illustrated inFIG. 1,wristband130 includesearpiece charger139.Earpiece charger139 works similarly todevice charger131; however,earpiece charger139 is utilized bywristband130 to rechargebattery155 ofearpiece150. As such,earpiece charger139 may be utilized similarly todevice charger131 and be plugged intobattery port156 ofearpiece150.

It should be noted that the implementation ofFIG. 1 illustrates attachingmechanism154 being separate frombattery port156; however, the present disclosure is not limited to attachingmechanism154 being separate frombattery port156. In one implementation, attachingmechanism154 may includebattery port156 and attach to earpiececharger139 ofwristband130. In such an implementation,battery155 ofearpiece150 will recharge whenearpiece150 is attached towristband130.

As further illustrated inFIG. 1,earpiece150 includesspeaker152 andmicrophone153. A user ofearpiece150 may be able to communicate withcomputer device110,wristband130 and/or a phone. As such,speaker152 andmicrophone153 ofearpiece150 may be utilized to replacespeaker118 andmicrophone119 of computer device110 (or a phone separate from computer device110) whenearpiece150 is activated. For example, during a phone call, a user ofearpiece150 may be able to hear the othercaller using speaker153 or may be able to speak to thecaller using microphone153. As another example, when sending a text message, a user may be able to speak the content of the text message intomicrophone153, so thatcomputer device110 can draft the text message.

It should be noted that the implementation ofFIG. 1 illustratesearpiece150 including bothspeaker152 andmicrophone153, however, the present disclosure is not limited to earpiece150 including bothspeaker152 andmicrophone153. In other implementations,earpiece150 may only include one ofspeaker152 andmicrophone153. For example, in one implementation,earpiece150 may only includespeaker152, and notmicrophone153. In such an implementation, a user ofcomputer device110 may utilizespeaker152 ofearpiece150 to listen to a caller oncomputer device110, however, the user would usemicrophone119 ofcomputer device110 to talk to the caller oncomputer device110. Further, in another implementation,computer device110 may not include a phone, andearpiece150 may connect to a phone device (not shown) separate fromcomputer device110. In such an event, the communications may be performed wirelessly and directly between wristband130 (and/or earpiece150) and the phone device (not shown), or the communications may be performed wirelessly or via wires and indirectly throughcomputer device110 between wristband130 (and/or earpiece150) and the phone device, wherecomputer device110 is in communication with both wristband130 (and/or earpiece150) and the phone device.

In the implementation ofFIG. 1, a user ofwristband130 may attachwristband130 tocomputer device110 usingconnection mechanism136 and/orconnection mechanism116, and attachearpiece150 towristband130 using attachingmechanism154. The user may then plugdevice charger131 ofwristband130 intobattery port114 ofcomputer device110, and plugearpiece charger139 ofwristband130 intobattery port156 ofearpiece150 so thatwristband130 recharges bothbattery113 ofcomputer device110 andbattery155 ofearpiece150.

Once the system has been setup by the user, the user may then usewristband application121 ofcomputer device110 toprogram wristband130 usingactivation patterns142,identities143, andcharacters144. As discussed above,computer device110 activates one ofactivation patterns143,identities143, andcharacters144 usingcommunication module122, wherecommunication module122 communicates signals fromcomputer device110 towristband130 in response tocomputer device110 receiving a phone call or message from an outside device. The message received bycomputer device110 from the outside device may include, but is not limited to, a text message, and email, or any other type of message that can be transmitted between different devices. Afterwristband130 receives signals fromcommunication module122 ofcomputer device110,processor132 ofwristband130 activateslights140 according to the one ofactivation patterns142,identities143, andcharacters144 usingcircuitry133.

The implementation ofFIG. 1 further includes a user ofwristband130 utilizingearpiece150. For example, when the user ofwristband130 receives a phone call oncomputer device110, the user may detachearpiece150 and utilizeearpiece150. Detachingearpiece150 fromwristband130 may causeearpiece150 to automatically detect thatearpiece150 has been detached fromwristband130 and turn on earpiece and/or establish a wireless connection, e.g. Bluetooth connection withcomputer device110 or a phone device that is receiving a call.

FIG. 2 presents a first system illustrating a wristband accessory connected to a wearable computer, according to one implementation of the present disclosure.System200 ofFIG. 2 includescomputer device210,wristband230,earpiece250,external power source270, andphone device280.Computer device210 includesconnection mechanism216aandconnection mechanism216b(collectively referred to as collection mechanisms216), display217,wristband application221, andbattery port214.Wristband230 includes device charger231,battery234,battery port235,clasp245, and charge light271.Earpiece250 includes attachingmechanism254. As further illustrated inFIG. 2,computer device210 includesfirst side223 andsecond side224, andwristband230 includesfirst end246 andsecond end247.

It should be noted with respect toFIG. 2,computer device210,battery port214, connection mechanisms216, display217,wristband application221,wristband230, device charger231,battery port235,earpiece250, and attachingmechanism254 correspond respectively tocomputer device110,battery port114,connection mechanism116,display117,wristband application121,wristband130,device charger131,battery port135,earpiece150, and attachingmechanism154 ofFIG. 1. It should further be noted that some features ofFIG. 1 are not illustrated inFIG. 2 for clarity purposes.

As illustrated inFIG. 2,wristband230 is connected tocomputer device210 using connection mechanisms216.First end246 ofwristband230 attaches tofirst side223 ofcomputer device210 usingconnection mechanism216a, andsecond end247 ofwristband230 attaches tosecond side224 ofcomputer device210 usingconnection mechanism216b. As discussed above, connection mechanisms216 may include, but are not limited to, snaps, screws, adhesives, ties, or any other mechanism that can be used to connectwristband230 tocomputer device210. Oncewristband230 is attached tocomputer device210, a user can wearcomputer device210 around his or her wrist.

It should be noted that the implementation ofFIG. 2 illustrateswristband230 being attached tocomputer device210 using connection mechanisms216 ofcomputer device210, however, as discussed above, the present disclosure is not limited towristband230 being attached tocomputer device210 using connection mechanisms that are only included oncomputer device210. In one implementation,wristband230 may be attached tocomputer device210 using connection mechanisms that are included onwristband230. In such an implementation, the connection mechanisms included onwristband230 may include, but are not limited to, snaps, screws, adhesives, ties, or any other mechanism that can be used to connectwristband230 tocomputer device210. Furthermore, in another implementation, bothwristband230 andcomputer device210 may include connection mechanisms that work together in order forwristband230 to attach tocomputer device210. For example,wristband230 may include screws that screw into bolts oncomputer device210.

As further illustrated inFIG. 2,wristband230 includesbattery234.Battery234 is indicated with dashed lines to indicate thatbattery234 is insidewristband230. In one implementation, as illustrated inFIG. 2,battery234 may extend almost the entire length ofwristband230. In such an implementation, the size ofbattery234 is maximized so thatbattery234 is able to powerwristband230 andcomputer device210 for longer periods of time. However, in another implementation,battery234 may not extend the length ofwristband230. For example,battery234 may only be provided on a single side ofwristband230, such as betweenclasp245 andcomputer device210.

As further illustrated inFIG. 2,wristband230 includes device charger231 plugged intobattery port214 ofcomputer device210. In one implementation,wristband230 is connected toconnection mechanism216asuch that device charger231 is hidden insidewristband230. In other words,connection mechanism216ais extended such thatwristband230 coversfirst side223,second side224 andbattery port214. In one implementation,battery port214 may be located on the same side asfirst side223 orsecond side224. As discussed above with regards toFIG. 1, each ofwristband230 andcomputer device210 may include a separate battery.Wristband230 may thus be used to provide power tocomputer device210 and/or recharge the battery insidecomputer device210, such as rechargingbattery113 ofcomputer device110 fromFIG. 1. As such, device charger231 is plugged intobattery port214 in order to provide power tocomputer device210 and/or recharge the battery insidecomputer device210.Wristband230 can recharge the battery insidecomputer device210 whilebattery234 ofwristband230 is being recharged using a battery charger plugged intobattery port235 ofwristband230 usingexternal power source270, whereexternal power source270 includes a power outlet or any other power source that may be used to rechargewristband230. Furthermore,wristband230 can provide power tocomputer device210 and/or recharge the battery insidecomputer device210 during normal use ofwristband230 andcomputer device210 whenwristband230 is not connected toexternal power source270.

As further illustrated inFIG. 2,wristband230 includesclasp245.Clasp245 includes a part ofwristband230 that can be used to both adjust a size ofwristband230 for a given user and/or lock andsecure wristband230 to that user. For example, clasp245 may include a series of holes lined up in a row so that a user can tightenwristband230 to his or her wrist and then place a rod inside one of the holes to securewristband230 to his or her wrist. As another example,wristband230 may come preset to fit the wrist of the user. In such an example, clasp245 may only include a clip that secureswristband230 to the user. A user would thus not be required to adjust the size ofwristband230 sincewristband230 would be sized to the correct size of the user.

It should be noted that in one implementation, as will be discussed in greater detail below with regards toFIG. 5, clasp245 further includes a switch. In such an implementation, the switch will be automatically be activated or deactivated when a user ofwristband230 secureswristband230 to his or her wrist. The switch may then causewristband230 to activate and/or transmit a signal tocomputer device210 to activatecomputer device210 depending on settings programmed by the user. For example, the switch may causewristband230 to transmit a signal tocomputer device210 causing display217 oncomputer device210 to turn on.Computer device210 may then further launchwristband application221 in response to the signal. As a second example, the switch may causewristband230 to transmit a signal tocomputer device210 causingcomputer device210 to update software applications loaded oncomputer device210, such as email or other messaging accounts. Also, as a third example, the signal transmitted from the switch may adjust an amount of power being provided fromwristband230 tocomputer device210. For example, whenclasp245 is closed, the switch may transmit a signal, such that power is provided bybattery234 tocomputer device210, and whenclasp245 is opened, the switch may transmit a signal, such that no power is provided bybattery234 tocomputer device210. As illustrated inFIG. 1,wristband130/230 may utilizecommunication interface137 in order to transmit signals tocomputer device110/210.

Also, as illustrated inFIG. 2,wristband230 includescharge light271. As discussed above inFIG. 1,wristband230 may include lights that indicate the charge level for bothbattery234 insidewristband230 and the battery insidecomputer device210. As such,wristband230 may activate different lights withincharge light271 depending on the power level of the two different batteries.

FIG. 2 further illustratesearpiece250 attached towristband230. Earpiece attaches towristband230 using attachingmechanism254, where attachingmechanism254 may include, but is not limited to, a snap, a screw, an adhesive, a tie, or any other mechanism that can be used to connectearpiece250 towristband230. Furthermore, attachingmechanism254 may include a battery port, such asbattery port156 ofearpiece150 fromFIG. 1, so thatwristband230 can recharge the battery insideearpiece250 whileearpiece250 is attached towristband230.Wristband230 may include a built-in compartment forearpiece250, such thatearpiece250 can be placed insidewristband230 partially or completely.

Further illustrated inFIG. 2 isphone device280. As discussed above in regards toFIG. 1, in one implementation,computer device210 may not include a phone, andearpiece250 may connect tophone device280 separate fromcomputer device210. In such an implementation, the communications may be performed wirelessly and directly between wristband230 (and/or earpiece250) andphone device280, or the communications may be performed wirelessly or via wires and indirectly throughcomputer device210 between wristband230 (and/or earpiece250) andphone device230, whereincomputer device210 is in communication with both wristband230 (and/or earpiece250) andphone device280.

It is noted that the implementation ofFIG. 2 only illustratescomputer device210 as includingwristband application221, however, the present disclosure is not limited toonly phone device210 includingwristband application221. In one implementation,phone device280 may also includewristband application221. In such an implementation,phone device280 is able to utilizewristband application221 to control and send signals towristband device230, and receive signals fromwristband device230, ascomputer device210 discussed above.

FIG. 3 presents a second system illustrating a wristband accessory connected to a wearable computer, according to one implementation of the present disclosure.System300 ofFIG. 3 includescomputer device310 andwristband330.Wristband330 includesconnection mechanism336. With regards toFIG. 3, it should be noted thatcomputer device310,wristband330, andconnection mechanism336 correspond respectively tocomputer device110,wristband130, andconnection mechanism136 ofFIG. 1. It should also be noted that some features fromFIG. 1 have been left out ofFIG. 3 for clarity purposes.

As illustrated in the implementation ofFIG. 3,wristband330 attaches tocomputer device310 usingconnection mechanism336.Connection mechanism336 inFIG. 3 works as a pocket inwristband330 thatcomputer device310 can fit inside. As such,wristband330 is able to surround all four sides ofcomputer device310 so thatcomputer device310 is secured insidewristband330. By havingconnection mechanism336 ofwristband330 act as a pocket for a computer device,wristband330 can be compatible to support different types of computer devices.

FIG. 4 presents a third system illustrating a wristband accessory connected to a wearable computer, according to one implementation of the present disclosure.System400 ofFIG. 4 includescomputer device410 andwristband430.Computer device410 includesdisplay417.Wristband430 includesconnection mechanism436aandconnection mechanism436b, which are collectively referred to as collection mechanisms436. With regards toFIG. 4, it should be noted thatcomputer device410,display417,wristband430, and connection mechanisms436 correspond respectively tocomputer device110,display117,wristband130, andconnection mechanism136 ofFIG. 1. It should also be noted that some features fromFIG. 1 have been left out ofFIG. 4 for clarity purposes.

As illustrated inFIG. 4,wristband430 now attaches tocomputer device410 using connection mechanisms436, whereconnection mechanism436ais situated on a first side ofwristband430 andconnection mechanism436bis situated on a second side ofwristband430. By having connections mechanisms436 included on each side ofwristband430,computer device410 does not have to specifically be designed for attachment towristband430 aswristband430 is a general wristband that can be used with a variety of computer devices. For example,wristband430 can be detached fromcomputer device410 and attached to a second computer device.

FIG. 5 presents a first example of a wristband accessory, according to one implementation of the present disclosure.Wristband530 ofFIG. 5 includeslights540aand lights540b, which are collectively referred to as lights540, andconnection mechanism536aandconnection mechanism536b, which are collectively referred to as collection mechanisms536.Wristband530 further includesclasp545, which includesswitch548. With respect toFIG. 5, it should be noted thatwristband530, connection mechanisms536, and lights540 ofFIG. 5 correspond respectively towristband130,connection mechanism136, andlights140 ofFIG. 1.

As illustrated inFIG. 5,wristband530 includesconnection mechanism536aon a first end andconnection mechanism536bon a second end. Connection mechanisms536 are utilized bywristband530 in order to attachwristband530 to a computer device, such as by attachingwristband130 tocomputer device110 ofFIG. 1. Furthermore, as discussed above, in some implementations, one or both of connection mechanisms536 may also include the necessary components needed to set up communications betweenwristband530 and a device and/or the exchange of power betweenwristband530 and the device. For example, and referring toFIG. 1, connection mechanisms536 may includedevice charger131 and/orcommunication interface137. In such an example,wristband130/530 is able to both transmit and receive communications to and fromcomputer device210 and rechargebattery113 ofcomputer device110 whenwristband130/530 is connected tocomputer device110.

As further illustrated inFIG. 5,wristband530 includeslights540aon a first end andlights540bon a second end. As discussed above, lights540 may include LEDs that can be activated using signals transmitted from a computer device, such ascomputer device110 fromFIG. 1. Lights540 may be programmed by a user to activate according to different activation patterns, activate to display an identity of a caller, or activate to display a character that corresponds to the identity of the caller. In this way, a user ofwristband530 is able to customizewristband530 depending on his or her own preferences.

As further illustrated inFIG. 5,wristband530 includesclasp545, which includesswitch548, such as a transistor. As discussed above,clasp545 may be used to both adjust a size ofwristband530 for a given user and/or lock andsecure wristband530 to that user. Furthermore, in the implementation ofFIG. 5,clasp545 includesswitch548.Switch548 may be configured to activate when a user ofwristband530 closes clasp545 so thatwristband530 and an attached device are secured to his or her wrist. Onceswitch548 has been activated by lockingclasp545,wristband530 may be configured to perform various functions.

For example, in one implementation, and as discussed above, activatingswitch548 may causewristband530 to transmit a signal to an attached computer device. The transmitted signal may cause the attached computer device to turn on, launch, and update software applications stored on the attached device. For example, the signal may cause the computer device to launch an email application so that the device automatically launches, updates, and displays the email application each time a user closesclasp545. For another example, the signal may cause the computer device to launch a wristband application, such aswristband application121 ofFIG. 1. A user can then customizewristband530 according to user preferences using the wristband application.

FIG. 6 presents a second example of a wristband accessory, according to one implementation of the present disclosure.Wristband630 ofFIG. 6 includesconnection mechanism636aandconnection mechanism636b, which are collectively referred to as connection mechanisms636, andlights640aand lights640b, which are collectively referred to as lights640. Furthermore,wristband630 includesflashlight641 andearpiece holder659. With regards toFIG. 6, it should be noted thatwristband630, connection mechanisms636, lights640, andflashlight641 correspond respectively towristband130,connection mechanism136,lights140 ofFIG. 1. As shown, in one implementation,flashlight641 is placed near or on the clasp, such thatflashlight641 can be used as a reading assistant whenflashlight641 is facing a reading surface with ahand wearing wristband630 is held on top of the surface or when the hand is rested on the little finger side shining light sideways on the surface.

As illustrated in the implementation ofFIG. 6,wristband630 includesflashlight630 andearpiece holder659. As discussed above,flashlight630 may include a light source, such as an LED.Earpiece holder659 may include a pouch built intowristband630 where a user ofwristband630 can store an earpiece, such asearpiece150 fromFIG. 1. In one implementation, a pouch may be attached towristband630 for storing an earpiece therein.) By includingearpiece holder659 built intowristband630, a user does not have to attach an earpiece to the outer perimeter ofwristband630 where it might be knocked off. Furthermore,earpiece holder659 may include the components necessary to recharge a battery in the earpiece while the earpiece is stored insideearpiece holder659.

It should be noted thatFIGS. 2-6 are just example implementations of wristbands that may be utilized with a computer device, however, the present disclosure is not limited to the implementations ofFIGS. 2-6. In other implementations, each of device charger, lights, connection mechanisms, earpiece charger, and earpiece holder may be arranged using a different arrangement. Furthermore, still in other implementations, the wristband may include more or less features than device charger, lights, connection mechanisms, earpiece charger, and earpiece holder.

From the above description it is manifest that various techniques can be used for implementing the concepts described in the present application without departing from the scope of those concepts. Moreover, while the concepts have been described with specific reference to certain implementations, a person of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of those concepts. As such, the described implementations are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. It should also be understood that the present application is not limited to the particular implementations described above, but many rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A wristband for attaching to a computer device, the wristband comprising:

a first end of the wristband configured to attach to a first side of the computer device;

a second end of the wristband configured to attach to a second side of the computer device;

a plurality of light sources visible on a surface of the wristband;

a communication interface configured to receive signals from the computer device; and

a circuitry configured to control the plurality of light sources, in response to the signals received from the computer device.

2. The wristband ofclaim 1, wherein the computer device includes a battery, and wherein the plurality of light sources receive power from the battery of the computer device.

3. The wristband ofclaim 1 further comprising a battery, wherein the plurality of light sources receive power from the battery of the wristband.

4. The wristband ofclaim 1, wherein at least one or more of the plurality of light sources change color, in response to the signals received from the computer device.

5. The wristband ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of light sources display a message, in response to the signals received from the computer device.

6. The wristband ofclaim 1, wherein the signals are generated in response to receiving an incoming call by the computer device.

7. The wristband ofclaim 1, wherein the signals are generated in response to receiving an incoming text message by the computer device.

8. The wristband ofclaim 1, wherein each of the plurality of light sources is a light-emitting-diode (LED).

9. The wristband ofclaim 1 further comprising:

a memory configured to store a plurality of activation patterns for the plurality of light sources;

wherein the circuitry is configured to select one of the plurality of activation patterns associated with the signals received from the computer device;

wherein the circuitry is further configured to activate the one of the plurality of activation patterns, and turn on and off the plurality of light sources, according to the one of the plurality of activation patterns.

10. The wristband ofclaim 1 further comprising a clasp disposed in between the first end of the wristband and the second end of the wristband, wherein the clasp has a switch that generates a wristband signal when the clasp is closed.

11. The wristband ofclaim 1, wherein the communication interface is a wireless interface supporting a wireless communication of the signals between the wristband and the computer device.

12. The wristband ofclaim 1, wherein the communication interface is a wired interface supporting a wired communication of the signals between the wristband and the computer device.

13. The wristband ofclaim 1, wherein the communication interface is further configured to send signals to the computer device.

14. A wearable computer device comprising:

a computer body, the computer body including a processor and a display; and

a wristband, the wristband including:

first end of the wristband configured to attach to a first side of the computer device;

a plurality of light sources visible on a surface of the wristband;

a communication interface configured to receive signals from the computer body; and

15. The wearable computer device ofclaim 14, wherein the computer body further includes a battery, and wherein the plurality of light sources receive power from the battery.

16. The wearable computer device ofclaim 14, wherein the wristband further includes a battery, and wherein the plurality of light sources receive power from the battery.

17. The wearable computer device ofclaim 14, wherein at least one or more of the plurality of light sources change color, in response to the signals received from the computer body.

18. The wearable computer device ofclaim 14, wherein the plurality of light sources display a message, in response to the signals received from the computer body.

19. The wearable computer device ofclaim 14, wherein the computer body generates the signals in response to receiving an incoming.

20. The wearable computer device ofclaim 14, wherein the computer body generates the signals in response to receiving an incoming text message.

21. The wearable computer device ofclaim 14, wherein each of the plurality of light sources include is a light-emitting-diode (LED).

22. The wearable computer device ofclaim 14, wherein the computer body further includes a software application for execution by the processor, and wherein the signals are generated in response to the software application issuing a command for controlling the plurality of light sources, and wherein the wristband further includes:

wherein the circuitry is configured to select one of the plurality of activation patterns associated with the signals received from the computer body;

23. The wearable computer device ofclaim 14, wherein the communication interface is a wireless interface supporting a wireless communication of the signals between the wristband and the computer body.

24. The wearable computer device ofclaim 14, wherein the communication interface is a wired interface supporting a wired communication of the signals between the wristband and the computer body.

25. The wearable computer device ofclaim 14, wherein the communication interface is further configured to send signals to the computer device.

26. The wearable computer device ofclaim 14, wherein the wristband further includes a clasp disposed in between the first end of the wristband and the second end of the wristband, wherein the clasp has a switch that generates a wristband signal when the clasp is closed.

27. The wearable computer device ofclaim 26, wherein the wristband is configured to communicate the wristband signal to the computer body.

28. The wearable computer device ofclaim 27, wherein the computer body is configured to turn on the display in response to receiving the wristband signal.

29. The wearable computer device ofclaim 27, wherein the computer body is configured to launch a software application in response to receiving the wristband signal.

30. The wearable computer device ofclaim 29, wherein the software application downloads information using a wireless network in response to be launched.