as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2008/0132798 Al
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jun. 5, 2008
`Honget al.
`
`US 20080132798A1
`
`(54)
`
`WIRELESS HEADSETS AND WIRELESS
`COMMUNICATION NETWORKS FOR
`HEART RATE MONITORING
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors:
`
`Di-An Hong,Inverness, IL (US);
`Mark W. Cholewezynski,
`Wheaton, IL (US); Janice M.
`Danvir, Arlington Heights, IL (US);
`Krishna D. Jonnalagadda,
`Algonquin, IL (US); Francesca
`Schuler, Des Plaines, IL (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`PRASS & IRVING LLP
`
`2661 Riva Road, Bldg. 1000, Suite 1044
`ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401
`
`(73)
`
`Assignee:
`
`Motorola, Inc, Schaumburg, IL
`(US)
`
`(21)
`
`Appl.No.:
`
` 11/565,259
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Nov. 30, 2006
`
`Publication Classification
`
`61)
`
`Int. Cl.
`
`A6IB 5/024
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(52)
`
`(57)
`
`US. C1. occ ce ccceccencercene rene neneneeneeneeee 600/508
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A multi-functional wireless headset may include a heart rate
`sensing assembly configured to detect heart rate data of a
`wearer of the headset, and a wireless communication unit
`configured to communicate heart rate data to a gateway
`device.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`250
`
`001
`
`Apple Inc.
`APL1024
`U.S. Patent No. 8,652,040
`
`001
`
`Apple Inc.
`APL1024
`U.S. Patent No. 8,652,040
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 1 of 4
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`US 2008/0132798 Al
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`
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 1
`
`FIG. 2
`
`002
`
`002
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 2 of 4
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`US 2008/0132798 Al
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`
`
`FIG. 3
`
`003
`
`003
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 3 of 4
`
`US 2008/0132798 Al
`
`ye
`
`1410
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`i#2
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`400
`FIG. &
`
`004
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`004
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 5, 2008 Sheet 4 of 4
`
`US 2008/0132798 A1
`
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`

`US 2008/0132798 Al
`
`Jun. 5, 2008
`
`WIRELESS HEADSETS AND WIRELESS
`COMMUNICATION NETWORKSFOR
`HEART RATE MONITORING
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`[0001] The present invention is directed to wireless head-
`sets and wireless networks. Moreparticularly, the present
`invention is directed to wireless headsets and wireless com-
`
`munication networksfor use in heart rate monitoring.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Some conventionalheart rate monitors employ sen-
`[0002]
`sors that are worn without a chest strap. For example, some
`conventionalheart rate monitors are incorporated into a band,
`watch, or other device worn on a user’s wrist. Such devices
`typically require a user to press a keyor series of keys when
`it is desired to check heart rate. Some conventional monitors
`
`incorporate a sensor in a band that can be wrapped around a
`user’s finger. The sensor is then connected to a wristband or
`wristwatch, where the data from the sensor is processed and
`whereheart rate information is displayed.
`[0003] Another conventional heart rate monitor comprises
`an earlobe clip sensor. The sensor is wired to a separate device
`that processes data from the sensor and displays heart rate
`information.Still another conventional device includesa sen-
`sor incorporated in a device configured to be grasped by both
`hands. The data can be processed by the device, and heart rate
`information can be displayed by the device as well.
`[0004] Thus, it may be desirable to provide a reliable, wire-
`less heart rate monitor. It may be desirable to monitor heart
`rate at a body location that is not otherwise used during
`monitoring. For example, it may be desirable to avoid attach-
`ing sensors to the hands,
`legs, and chest during physical
`workouts.
`
`[0005] One example of a conventional device monitoring
`device is described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/
`
`0233051. The device incorporates an optical probe in an
`earpiece for measuring heart rate. The earpiece is wired to a
`portable device that can also be used to play music, such as a
`Walkmantape player.
`[0006]
`Itmay be desirable to provide a wireless headsetthat
`can be used for various audio functions, including audio
`function related to heart rate monitoring. It may be desirable
`to provide a wireless network for communicating heart rate
`data and providing audible and/or visual feedbackto the user.
`
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`[0007] According to various aspects of the disclosure, a
`multi-functional wireless headset may include a heart rate
`sensing assembly configured to detect heart rate data of a
`wearer of the headset, and a wireless communication unit
`configured to communicate heart rate data to a gateway
`device.
`
`Insomeaspectsofthe disclosure, a wireless headset
`[0008]
`may comprise an audio communication unit configured to
`output audio hearable by a wearer of the headset, at least one
`heart rate sensing assembly configured to detect heart rate
`data of the wearer, and a wireless communication unit con-
`figured to communicate heart rate data to a gateway device.
`[0009]
`Inaccordance with variousaspects ofthe disclosure,
`a wireless communication network may include a mobile
`device configured to wirelessly communicate with at least
`one device and a wireless headset. The headset may comprise
`
`an audio communication unit configured to output audio
`hearable by a wearer of the headset, at least one heart rate
`sensing assembly configured to detect heart rate data of the
`wearer, and a wireless communication unit configured to
`communicate the heart rate data to the mobile device. The
`network mayincludeatleast one auxiliary device configured
`to wirelessly communicate with the mobile device and/or the
`headset.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view ofa single-earpiece
`[0010]
`headset in accordance with exemplary aspects ofthe disclo-
`sure;
`FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a dual-earpiece
`[0011]
`headset in accordance with exemplary aspects ofthe disclo-
`sure;
`FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of sensor locations
`[0012]
`for heart rate detection in accordance with exemplary aspects
`of the disclosure;
`[0013]
`FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of a wireless com-
`munication networkin accordance with exemplary aspects of
`the disclosure; and
`[0014]
`FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a signal processing
`device for heart rate computing in accordance with exemplary
`aspects of the disclosure.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0015] An exemplary embodiment of a wireless headset
`110 is illustrated in FIG. 1. The wireless headset 110 may be
`associated with a mobile device and/or a wireless network, as
`described in more detail below.
`
`[0016] The wireless headset 110 may comprise a single
`earpiece 112 It should be appreciated the single earpiece 112
`shown in FIG. 1 is exemplary only and that other forms of
`single and dual headsets are encompassed bythe disclosure.
`[0017] The wireless headset 110 includesa heart rate sens-
`ing assembly 114 configured to detect heart rate data of a
`wearer of the headset 110. The sensing assembly 114 may
`comprise one or more heart rate sensors 116, such as, for
`example, photoplethysmograph (PPG) sensors. Positioning
`ofthe sensors 116 is discussed below in connection with FIG.
`3. The headset 110 mayinclude one or more additional bio-
`signal sensors (not shown), such as, for example, temperature
`and/or acoustic sensors, which may enhancethe accuracy of
`heart rate determination.
`
`[0018] The headset 110 may include a wireless communi-
`cation unit 118 configured to communicate heart rate data to
`a gateway device 130 and/or one or more auxiliary devices
`150. The gateway device 130 may comprise any mobile
`device, such as, for example, a mobile telephone, a personal
`digital assistant or personal information device, a pager, an
`mp3player, an iPod, or the like. The gateway device 130 may
`bea handheld device or it may be associated with a wristband,
`armband,or the like. The auxiliary device 150 may comprise
`a display, such as, for example, one that can be associated
`with an armbandor wristband and worn bythe user, or any
`other type of output device, for example, any device that can
`provide an audible and/or visual signal to the user.
`[0019] The gateway device 130 can receive the heart rate
`data directly from the headset 110 or via another wireless link
`(not shown). The wireless communication unit 118 may be
`configured to communicate via one or more wireless proto-
`cols, such as, for example, Bluetooth, ZigBee, and thelike.
`
`006
`
`006
`
`

`

`US 2008/0132798 Al
`
`Jun. 5, 2008
`
`[0020] The headset 110 mayinclude an audio communica-
`tion unit 120.
`
`[0021] The audio configuration unit 120 may output audio
`hearable by a user/wearer of the headset 1 10. For example,
`the audio unit 120 can selectively output user-selected audio
`such as, for example, music, sound associated with video,
`telephone communications,or the like.
`[0022]
`In some aspects, the headset 110 may include a
`processing unit 122. The processing unit 122 may be config-
`ured to determine a heart rate of the user/wearer based on the
`
`other type of output device, for example, any device that can
`provide an audible and/or visual signal to the user.
`[0030] The gateway device 230 can receive the heart rate
`data directly from the headset 210 or via anotherwireless link
`(not shown). The wireless communication unit 218 may be
`configured to communicate via one or more wireless proto-
`cols, such as, for example, Bluetooth, ZigBee, and thelike.
`[0031] The headset 210 mayinclude an audio communica-
`tion unit 220.
`
`[0032] The audio configuration unit 220 may output audio
`raw data stream from the sensor. In some aspects, the pro-
`hearable by a user/wearer of the headset 210. For example,
`cessing unit 122 is in the gateway device 130 or another
`the audio unit 220 can selectively output user-selected audio
`device (not shown). According to various aspects, a Petri-Net
`such as, for example, music, sound associated with video,
`may be used for distributed control of the gateway device
`telephone communications,or the like.
`monitoring of heart rate data and providing audible and/or
`[0033]
`In some aspects, the headset 210 may include a
`visual feedback of heart rate information to the user via the
`processing unit 222. The processing unit 222 may be config-
`ured to determineaheart rate of the user/wearer based on the
`headset 110, the gateway device 130, or an auxiliary device
`150.
`sensed heart rate data. In some aspects, the processing unit
`222 maybe in the gateway device 230 or another device (not
`shown). According to various aspects, a Petri-Net may be
`usedfor distributed control of the gateway device monitoring
`of heart rate data and providing audible and/or visual feed-
`back of heart rate information to the user via the headset 210,
`the gateway device 230, or an auxiliary device 250.
`[0034] According to various aspects, the processing unit
`222 may be configured to reduce motion artifacts attributable
`to movementof the wearer.
`
`[0023] According to various aspects, the processing unit
`122 maybe configured to reduce motionartifacts attributable
`to movementof the wearer.
`
`For example, the headset 110 may include one or
`[0024]
`more accelerometers (not shown) and/or one or more gyro-
`scopes (not shown) or otherinertial motion sensing devices
`capable of detecting motion of the user/wearer.
`[0025]
`Insomeaspects, the gateway device 130 and/or the
`auxiliary device 150 can output audible and/or visual notifi-
`cations, alerts, or warnings associated with the heart rate of
`the user as determined bythe processing unit 122. Similarly,
`the audio unit 120 can output audible notifications, alerts, or
`warnings associated with the heart rate of the user as deter-
`mined by the processing unit 122.
`[0026] Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary headset 210 in
`accordance with various aspects of the disclosure may
`include dual earpieces 212. It should be appreciated the dual
`earpiece 212 shown in FIG.2 is exemplary only and that other
`forms of single and dual headsets are encompassed by the
`disclosure.
`
`Oneor both of the earpieces 212 of the headset 210
`[0027]
`may comprise a heart rate sensing assembly 214 configured to
`detect heart rate data of a wearerofthe headset 21 0. Although
`FIG.2 illustrates both earpieces 212 having a sensing assem-
`bly 214, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that
`the headset 210 could include a sensing assembly 214 in only
`one of the earpieces 212.
`[0028] The sensing assembly 214 may comprise one or
`moreheart rate sensors 216, such as, for example, PPG sen-
`sors. Positioning of the sensors 216 is discussed below in
`connection with FIG. 3. The headset 210 may include one or
`more additional bio-signal sensors (not shown), such as, for
`example, temperature and/or acoustic sensors, which may
`enhancethe accuracyofheart rate determination.
`[0029] The headset 210 may include a wireless communi-
`cation unit 218 configured to communicate heart rate data to
`a gateway device 230 and/or one or more auxiliary devices
`250. The gateway device 230 may comprise any mobile
`device, such as, for example, a mobile telephone, a personal
`digital assistant or personal information device, a pager, an
`mp3player, an iPod,or the like. The gateway device 230 may
`bea handheld device or it may be associated with a wristband,
`armband,or the like. The auxiliary device 250 may comprise
`a display, such as, for example, one that can be associated
`with an armband or wristband and worn bythe user, or any
`
`For example, the headset 210 may include one or
`[0035]
`more accelerometers (not shown) and/or one or more gyro-
`scopes (not shown) or other inertial motion sensing devices
`capable of detecting motion of the user/wearer.
`[0036]
`Insomeaspects, the gateway device 230 and/or the
`auxiliary device 250 can output audible and/or visual notifi-
`cations, alerts, or warnings associated with the heart rate of
`the user as determined bythe processing unit 222. Similarly,
`the audio unit 220 can output audible notifications, alerts, or
`warnings associated with the heart rate of the user as deter-
`mined bythe processing unit 222.
`[0037] Referring to FIG.3, the heart rate sensors 116, 216
`maybe disposed on variousareas ofthe headset 110, 210 such
`that the heart rate sensors 116, 216 will be positioned sub-
`stantially at selected locations on or proximate the wearer’s
`ear in an attempt to optimize heart rate detection. According
`to various aspects, heart rate sensors may be positioned on the
`earpiece so as to detect heart rate data substantially from a
`portion 1116, 3116, 1216 of the ear other than the earlobe. In
`some aspects, one of the sensors may be positioned on the
`earpiece so as to detect heart rate data substantially from a
`region 2116, 2216 of the wearer other than the ear. Heart rate
`data can also be detected substantially at other portions 4116
`ofthe back ofthe ear. In various aspects, heart rate data can be
`measuredat an ear canal 5116 via direct contact PPG.
`
`For example, as shown in FIG.3, a stereo headset,
`[0038]
`for example, headset 210, may include two sensors associated
`with each earpiece 212 so as to detect heart rate data substan-
`tially at a portion 1216 of the ear or a region 2216 away from
`the ear. The sensors may be positioned on the headset 210 to
`face the front of the wearer’s ear, i.e., the surface of the ear
`facing away from the wearer’s head.It should be appreciated
`that the headset 210 may include twosensors associated with
`only one earpiece, one of the sensors associated with each
`earpiece, or one of the sensors associated with only one
`earpiece.
`
`007
`
`007
`
`

`

`US 2008/0132798 Al
`
`Jun. 5, 2008
`
`[0039] According to some aspects ofthe disclosure, amono
`headset, for example, headset 110, may include one or more
`of sensors positioned on the headset 110 so as to detect heart
`rate data substantially at a portion 1116 of the ear or a region
`2116 away from the ear. The sensors may be positioned on the
`headset 110 to face the front ofthe wearer’s ear. According to
`various aspects ofthe disclosure, amono headset may include
`one or more of sensors positioned on the headset 110 to face
`the back of the wearer’s ear and detect heart rate data sub-
`
`stantially at a portion 3116 of the back of theear.
`[0040] Referring now to FIG. 4, according to various
`aspects of the disclosure, a wireless communication network
`400, for example, a body area network, may include a mobile
`device 430 and a wireless headset 410. Although the wireless
`headset 410 is illustrated as a single-earpiece headset similar
`to the headset 110 describedin relation to FIG.1, it should be
`appreciated that the headset 410 may comprise a dual-ear-
`piece headset similar to the headset 210 described in relation
`to FIG. 2. The headset 410 and mobile device 430 are con-
`
`figured to wirelessly communicate with one another.
`[0041] The wireless headset 410 includesa heart rate sens-
`ing assembly 414 configured to detect heart rate data of a
`wearer of the headset 410. The sensing assembly 414 may
`comprise one or more heart rate sensors 416, such as, for
`example, PPG sensors. Positioning of the sensors 416 was
`discussed above in connection with FIG. 3. The headset 410
`
`may include one or more additional bio-signal sensors (not
`shown), such as, for example, temperature and/or acoustic
`sensors, which may enhancethe accuracyofheart rate deter-
`mination.
`
`[0042] The headset 410 may include a wireless communi-
`cation unit 418 configured to wirelessly communicate heart
`rate data to the mobile device 430 and/or one or more auxil-
`
`iary devices 450. The mobile device 430 may comprise a
`handheld device, such as, for example, a cellular telephone, a
`smartphone, a personal digital assistant or personal informa-
`tion device, a pager, an mp3 player, an iPod,or the like.
`[0043] The auxiliary device 450 may comprise a display,
`such as, for example, one that can be associated with an
`armbandor wristband and worn bytheuser, or any other type
`of output device, for example, any device that can provide an
`audible and/or visual signal to the user. The auxiliary device
`450 and/or the mobile device 430 may be configuredto dis-
`play information associated with the sensed heart rate data.
`The auxiliary device 450 may be configured to wirelessly
`communicate with the mobile device 430 and/or the headset
`
`410 via one or more wireless protocols, such as, for example,
`Bluetooth, ZigBee, andthelike.
`[0044] The mobile device 430 can receive the heart rate
`datadirectly from the headset 410 or via another wireless link
`(not shown). The wireless communication unit 418 may be
`configured to communicate with the mobile device 430 and/
`or the auxiliary device 450 via one or more wireless protocols,
`such as, for example, Bluetooth, ZigBee, andthe like.
`[0045] The headset 410 mayinclude an audio communica-
`tion unit 420. The audio configuration unit 420 may output
`audio hearable by a user/wearer of the headset 410. For
`example, the audio unit 420 can selectively output user-se-
`lected audio such as, for example, music, sound associated
`with video, telephone communications, or the like.
`[0046]
`Insomeaspects, the mobile device 430 may include
`a processing unit 422. The processing unit 422 may be con-
`figured to determine a heart rate of the user/wearer based on
`the sensedheart rate data. In some aspects, the processing unit
`
`422 maybein the headset 410. Accordingto various aspects,
`a Petri-Net may be usedfor distributed control of the mobile
`device monitoring of heart rate data and providing audible
`and/orvisual feedback ofheart rate information to the user via
`
`the headset 410, the mobile device 430, or the auxiliary device
`450.
`
`[0047] According to various aspects, the processing unit
`422 may be configured to reduce motion artifacts attributable
`to movementof the wearer.
`
`For example, the headset 410 may include one or
`[0048]
`more accelerometers (not shown) and/or one or more gyro-
`scopes (not shown) or other inertial motion sensing devices
`capable of detecting motion of the user/wearer.
`[0049]
`In someaspects, the mobile device 430 and/or the
`auxiliary device 450 can output audible and/or visual notifi-
`cations, alerts, or warnings associated with the heart rate of
`the user as determined bythe processing unit 422. Similarly,
`the headset 410 can output audible notifications, alerts, or
`warnings associated with the heart rate of the user as deter-
`mined bythe processing unit 422.
`[0050] The mobile device 430 may include a recordable
`medium 432, such as for example, ROM, RAM,oranystor-
`age device. The recordable medium 432 may include an
`application for heart rate monitoring. It should be appreciated
`that, alternatively or additionally, a recordable medium 432
`may be disposed on the headset 410 and/or the auxiliary
`device 450. The application may be commencedat the mobile
`device by a user via voice, data, text, or phrase selection.
`[0051]
`FIG. 4 also illustrates a second wireless communi-
`cation network 1400, for example, a body area network, may
`include a second mobile device 1430 and a second wireless
`
`headset 1410. Although the wireless headset 1410 is illus-
`trated as a dual-earpiece headset similar to the headset 210
`described in relation to FIG. 2, it should be appreciated that
`the headset 1410 may comprise a single-earpiece headset
`similar to the headset 110 describedin relation to FIG. 1. The
`
`headset 1410 and mobile device 1430 are configured to wire-
`lessly communicate with one another.
`[0052] The wireless headset 1410 may include a heart rate
`sensing assembly 1414 configured to detect heart rate data of
`awearerofthe headset 1410. The sensing assembly 1414 may
`comprise one or more heart rate sensors 1416, such as, for
`example, PPG sensors. Positioning of the sensors 1416 was
`discussed above in connection with FIG. 3. The headset 1410
`
`may include one or more additional bio-signal sensors (not
`shown), such as, for example, temperature and/or acoustic
`sensors, which may enhancethe accuracyofheart rate deter-
`mination.
`
`[0053] The headset 1410 may include a wireless commu-
`nication unit 1418 configured to wirelessly communicate
`heart rate data to the mobile device 1430 and/or one or more
`
`auxiliary devices 1450. The mobile device 1430 may com-
`prise a handheld device, such as, for example, a cellular
`telephone, a smartphone,a personal digital assistant or per-
`sonal information device, a pager, an mp3 player, an iPod, or
`the like.
`
`[0054] The auxiliary device 1450 may comprise a display,
`such as, for example, one that can be associated with an
`armband or wristband and worn bytheuser, or any other type
`of output device, for example, any device that can provide an
`audible and/or visual signal to the user. The auxiliary device
`1450 and/or the mobile device 1430 may be configured to
`display information associated with the sensed heart rate data.
`The auxiliary device 1450 may be configured to wirelessly
`
`008
`
`008
`
`

`

`US 2008/0132798 Al
`
`Jun. 5, 2008
`
`communicate with the mobile device 1430 and/or the headset
`1410 via one or more wireless protocols, such as,
`for
`example, Bluetooth, ZigBee, and thelike.
`[0055] The mobile device 1430 can receive the heart rate
`data directly from the headset 1410 or via another wireless
`link (not shown). The wireless communication unit 1418 may
`be configured to communicate with the mobile device 1430
`and/or the auxiliary device 1450 via one or more wireless
`protocols, such as, for example, Bluetooth, ZigBee, and the
`like.
`
`[0056] The headset 1410 may include an audio communi-
`cation unit 1420. The audio configuration unit 1420 may
`output audio hearable by a user/wearer of the headset 1410.
`For example, the audio unit 1420 can selectively output user-
`selected audio such as, for example, music, sound associated
`with video, telephone communications, or the like.
`[0057]
`In some aspects,
`the mobile device 1430 may
`includea processing unit 1422. The processing unit 1422 may
`be configured to determine a heart rate of the user/wearer
`based on the sensed heart rate data. In some aspects, the
`processing unit 1422 is in the headset 1410. According to
`various aspects, the processing unit 1422 may be configured
`to reduce motion artifacts attributable to movement of the
`wearer. For example, the headset 1410 may include one or
`more accelerometers (not shown) and/or one or more gyro-
`scopes (not shown) or otherinertial motion sensing devices
`capable of detecting motion of the user/wearer.
`[0058]
`In someaspects, the mobile device 1430 and/or the
`auxiliary device 450 can output audible and/or visual notifi-
`cations, alerts, or warnings associated with the heart rate of
`the user as determinedby the processing unit 1422. Similarly,
`the headset 1410 can output audible notifications, alerts, or
`warnings associated with the heart rate of the user as deter-
`minedby the processing unit 1422.
`[0059] The mobile device 1430 may include a recordable
`medium 1432, such as for example, ROM, RAM, or any
`storage device. The recordable medium 1432 mayinclude an
`application for heart rate monitoring. The application may be
`commenced at the mobile device by a user via voice, data,
`text, or phrase selection.
`[0060] The mobile device 1430 may be configuredto wire-
`lessly communicate with the mobile device 430 and/or the
`headset 410 via one or more wireless protocols, such as, for
`example, Bluetooth, ZigBee, and the like. Similarly, mobile
`device 430 may be configured to wirelessly communicate
`with the headset 1410 via one or more wireless protocols,
`such as, for example, Bluetooth, ZigBee, and the like.
`According to some aspects, the headsets 410, 1410 may be
`configured to wirelessly communicate with one another via
`one or more wireless protocols, such as, for example, Blue-
`tooth, ZigBee, and the like. Accordingto various aspects, the
`headset 1410 and/or the mobile device 1430 may be config-
`ured to wirelessly communicate with the auxiliary device 450
`via one or more wireless protocols, such as, for example,
`Bluetooth, ZigBee, and the like. It should be appreciatedthat
`the network 400 and second network 1400 can combine to
`
`form a wider network, thereby allowing multiple users to
`share data with each other, with a medicalpractitioner, and/or
`with any third party.
`[0061] Referring now to FIG.5, a block diagram 500 illus-
`trates a signal processing device for determining heart rate. A
`PPGsignal 502 is processed by a low pass filter 504. The
`resultant signal is then sent to two processing devices. A first
`processing device comprises a detection algorithm 506 exam-
`
`ining a first peak detection 508 and a second peak detection 5
`10. The output ofthe detection algorithm is then processed by
`a decision making algorithm 512 wherea heart rate determi-
`nation is made and subsequently output 514.
`[0062] The second processing device encountered by the
`output of the low pass filter 504 is a Fast Fourier Transform
`516 followed by a Fast Fourier Transform peak detection 518.
`The output of the Fast Fourier Transform peak detection 518
`is processed by the decision making algorithm 512 where the
`heart rate determination is made and then output 514.
`[0063]
`Inall cases, the heart rate determination output from
`the decision making algorithm 512 is also fed back to the
`detection algorithm 506, butis first processed by an adaptive
`windowing process 520. The adaptive windowing process
`520 dynamically alters the data window size depending on
`previous heart rate measurements and determinations and
`based on data quality.
`[0064]
`It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
`various modifications and variations can be made in the
`
`devices and methodsofthe present disclosure without depart-
`ing from the scope ofthe invention. Other embodiments ofthe
`invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
`consideration of the specification and practice of the inven-
`tion disclosed herein.It is intended that the specification and
`examples be considered as exemplary only.
`
`Whatis claimedis:
`
`1. A multi-functional wireless headset, comprising:
`a heart rate sensing assembly configured to detect heart rate
`data of a wearer of the headset; and
`a wireless communication unit configured to communicate
`heart rate data to a gateway device.
`2. The headset of claim 1, wherein the wireless communi-
`cation unit is configured to communicate via at least one
`wireless protocol.
`3. The headset of claim 1, where the heart rate sensing
`assembly comprises a photoplethysmograph sensing assem-
`bly.
`4. The headset of claim 1, further comprising at least one
`earpiece configured to be worn on an ear, the heart rate sens-
`ing assembly comprising at least one sensor on the earpiece.
`5. The headset of claim 4, wherein theat least one sensoris
`positioned on the earpiece so as to detect heart rate data from
`at least one ofa portion ofthe earother than the earlobe, an ear
`canal, and a region of the wearer other than the ear.
`6. The headset of claim 1, further comprising at least one
`inertial motion sensing device capable of detecting motion of
`the wearer, the detected motion being usable to reduce motion
`artifacts attributable to movement of the wearer from the
`detected heart rate data.
`
`7. The headset of claim 1, further comprising a processing
`unit configured to receive the detected heart rate data and
`determine a heart rate of wearer based on the heart rate data.
`
`8. A wireless headset, comprising:
`an audio communication unit configured to output audio
`hearable by a wearerof the headset;
`at least one heart rate sensing assembly configured to
`detect heart rate data of the wearer; and
`a wireless communication unit configured to communicate
`heart rate data to a gateway device.
`9. The headset of claim 8, wherein the wireless communi-
`cation unit is configured to communicate via at least one
`wireless protocol.
`
`009
`
`009
`
`

`

`US 2008/0132798 Al
`
`Jun. 5, 2008
`
`10. The headset of claim 8, where the heart rate sensing
`assembly comprises a photoplethysmograph sensing assem-
`bly.
`11. The headset of claim 8, further comprising at least one
`earpiece configured to be worn on an ear, the heart rate sens-
`ing assembly comprising at least one sensor on the earpiece.
`12. The headset of claim 11, wherein the at least one sensor
`is positioned on the earpiece so as to detect heart rate data
`from atleast one of a portion ofthe ear other than the earlobe,
`an ear canal, and a region of the wearer other than the ear.
`13. The headset of claim 8, further comprising at least one
`inertial motion sensing device capable of detecting motion of
`the wearer, the detected motion being usable to reduce motion
`artifacts attributable to movement of the wearer from the
`detected heart rate data.
`14. The headsetof claim 8, further comprising a processing
`unit configured to receive the detected heart rate data and
`determine a heart rate of wearer based on the heart rate data.
`
`15. A mobile device for monitoring heart rate of a user, the
`mobile device comprising:
`a handset configured to wirelessly communicate with a
`headset configured to be worn by the user; and
`a processing unit configuredto receive heart rate data from
`the headset and determine a heart rate of user based on
`the heart rate data.
`
`16. The mobile device of claim 15, further comprising a
`wireless headset, the wireless headset including at least one
`heart rate sensing assembly configured to detect the heart rate
`data.
`17. The mobile device of claim 16, wherein the headset
`includes an audio communication unit configured to output
`audio hearable by the user.
`18. The mobile device of claim 16, wherein the wireless
`headset further comprises at least one inertial motion sensing
`device capable of detecting motion ofthe wearer, the process-
`ing unit being configured to reduce motionartifacts attribut-
`able to movement of the wearer from the detected heart rate
`data.
`
`19. The mobile device of claim 15, wherein the handset
`comprises one of a cellular telephone, a smartphone, a per-
`sonal digital assistant, personal information device, a pager,
`an mp3 player, and an iPod, and wherein the handset com-
`municates with the headsetvia at least one wireless protocol.
`20. The mobile device of claim 15, further comprising an
`auxiliary device configured to wirelessly communicate with
`at least one of the handset and the headset, the auxiliary
`device being configured to display information associated
`with the heart rate data.
`
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