Electronic module with keyed connection to a wearable garment for monitoring physiological functions and method of use
First Claim
1. An electronics module connected to a plurality of sensors via a plurality of wires for use in a garment to monitor physiological functions, the electronics module comprising:
- a thin polymer battery;
a first thin, multilayer substrate placed on and electrically connected to the battery;
a plurality of thinned integrated circuits placed on the first substrate;
a second thin, multilayer substrate placed on an opposite side of the battery from the first substrate, the second substrate including an antenna patterned thereon and a first inductive coil patterned thereon for inductively recharging the battery and reprogramming the electronics module; and
an attachment mechanism for connecting the electronics module to the plurality of wires, whereinthe attachment mechanism is keyed to ensure a proper connection,the attachment mechanism is permanently installed in a pocket formed in the garment, andthe electronics module is programmed to select or deselect ones of the sensors.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A plurality of sensors are embedded in a form fitting garment similar to exercise togs such that the sensors are held in contact with or close proximity to the body. The sensors are connected via a plurality wires to an electronics module which is unintrusive being literally in its ultimate configuration the size of a credit card. A range of thickness, from 6 mm (6 credit cards) down to 1 mm or less, is possible for the module inclusive of a rechargeable lithium polymer battery. The electronics module can be easily removed for garment maintenance (laundering).
32 Citations
13 Claims
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1. An electronics module connected to a plurality of sensors via a plurality of wires for use in a garment to monitor physiological functions, the electronics module comprising:
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a thin polymer battery; a first thin, multilayer substrate placed on and electrically connected to the battery; a plurality of thinned integrated circuits placed on the first substrate; a second thin, multilayer substrate placed on an opposite side of the battery from the first substrate, the second substrate including an antenna patterned thereon and a first inductive coil patterned thereon for inductively recharging the battery and reprogramming the electronics module; and an attachment mechanism for connecting the electronics module to the plurality of wires, wherein the attachment mechanism is keyed to ensure a proper connection, the attachment mechanism is permanently installed in a pocket formed in the garment, and the electronics module is programmed to select or deselect ones of the sensors. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for monitoring physiological functions comprising:
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embedding a plurality of sensors in a garment; connecting a plurality of wires to the plurality of sensors; connecting an electronics module to the plurality of wires; and programming the electronics module to select or deselect ones of the sensors, the electronics module comprising; a thin polymer battery; a first thin, multilayer substrate placed on and electrically connected to the battery;
a plurality of thinned integrated circuits placed on the first substrate;a second thin, multilayer substrate placed on an opposite side of the battery from the first substrate, the second substrate including an antenna patterned thereon and a first inductive coil patterned thereon for inductively recharging the battery and reprogramming the electronics module; and an attachment mechanism for connecting the electronics module to the plurality of wires, wherein the attachment mechanism is keyed to ensure a proper connection, and the attachment mechanism is permanently installed in a pocket formed in the garment. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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Specification