(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2012/0221254 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Aug. 30, 2012
`Kateraas et al.
`
`US 2012022.1254A1
`
`(54)
`
`DATA COLLECTION UNIT WITH
`INTEGRATED CLOSURE SYSTEMAND
`SENSOR HOUSING
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors:
`
`Espen D. Kateraas, Aliso Viejo,
`CA (US); Pedro J. Medelius,
`Merritt Island, FL (US)
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.:
`
`131505,699
`
`(22)
`
`PCT Fled:
`
`Nov. 5, 2010
`
`(86)
`
`PCT NO.:
`
`PCT/US2010/055647
`
`S371 (c)(1),
`(2), (4) Date:
`
`May 2, 2012
`
`(60)
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`Provisional application No. 61/272.812, filed on Nov.
`6, 2009, provisional application No. 61/282,012, filed
`on Dec. 2, 2009.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2011.01)
`G06F 9/00
`(2006.01)
`GOIP 5/00
`(2006.01)
`GOIK I3/00
`(2006.01)
`A6IB 5/024
`(52) U.S. Cl. .......................................................... 702/19
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A physical activity data collection unit includes one or more
`infrared sensors configured to provide an output indicative of
`a pulse rate of a user of the physical activity data collection
`unit, at least one temperature sensor configured to provide an
`output indicative of at least a body temperature of the user,
`and at least one accelerometer configured to provide an output
`indicative of movements of the user. The physical activity
`data collection unit can also include a microcontroller con
`figured to determine a pulse rate, a body temperature, and
`movement characteristics of the user of the data collection
`unit based on outputs from the one or more infrared sensors,
`the at least one temperature sensor, and the at least one accel
`erometer; determine a physical exertion level of the user
`based on one or more of the pulse rate, the body temperature,
`or the movement characteristics of the user, and store, in a
`memory, data indicative of the physical exertion level during
`a time period during which the physical exertion level
`exceeds a predetermined threshold. The physical activity data
`collection unit can also include a closure system configured to
`secure the data collection unit to a wrist of the user.
`
`TEMP
`22
`
`TRANSCEIVER
`26
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`IR3
`18
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`
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`
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`BATTERY
`28
`
`24
`
`HOUSING
`20
`
`MICROCONTROLLER
`40
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`Aug. 30, 2012
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`DATA COLLECTION UNIT WITH
`INTEGRATED CLOSURE SYSTEMAND
`SENSOR HOUSING
`
`0009 FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of a closure
`system for a data collection unit according to an exemplary
`disclosed embodiment.
`
`0001. This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
`Application No. 61/272.812, filed Nov. 6, 2009, the contents
`of which are incorporated herein by reference. This applica
`tion further claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application
`No. 61/282,012, filed Dec. 2, 2009, the contents of which are
`incorporated herein by reference.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`0002 This is a patent application relating to a sensor
`based device configured to monitor the physical activity level
`of an individual, collect data during periods of physical exer
`tion, and transmit the collected data to a data collection portal
`associated with a physical activity rewards allocation system
`and/or a physical activity tracking system.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`0003. One aspect of the disclosure includes a physical
`activity data collection unit that includes one or more infrared
`sensors configured to provide an output indicative of a pulse
`rate of a user of the physical activity data collection unit, at
`least one temperature sensor configured to provide an output
`indicative of at least a body temperature of the user, and at
`least one accelerometer configured to provide an output
`indicative of movements of the user. The physical activity
`data collection unit can also include a microcontroller con
`figured to determine a pulse rate, a body temperature, and
`movement characteristics of the user of the data collection
`unit based on outputs from the one or more infrared sensors,
`the at least one temperature sensor, and the at least one accel
`erometer; determine a physical exertion level of the user
`based on one or more of the pulse rate, the body temperature,
`or the movement characteristics of the user, and store, in a
`memory, data indicative of the physical exertion level during
`a time period during which the physical exertion level
`exceeds a predetermined threshold. The physical activity data
`collection unit can also include a closure system configured to
`secure the data collection unit to a wrist of the user.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`0004 FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a data
`collection unit according to an exemplary disclosed embodi
`ment.
`0005 FIG. 2 is a functional block level diagram of a data
`collection unit according to an exemplary disclosed embodi
`ment.
`0006 FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a data
`collection unit according to an exemplary disclosed embodi
`ment.
`0007 FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrammatic representations
`of closure systems for a data collection unit according to
`exemplary disclosed embodiments.
`0008 FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of a closure
`system for a data collection unit according to an exemplary
`disclosed embodiment.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`0010 FIG. 1 provides diagrammatic representation of a
`data collection unit according to an exemplary disclosed
`embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the disclosed data col
`lection unit 10 may be configured as a wearable article. In
`certain embodiments, for example, the data collection unit
`may be incorporated into an article wearable on an individu
`al’s wrist. Such an article would offer the advantage of being
`minimally intrusive, as most people are accustomed to wear
`ing articles fastened to the wrist. The wrist unit could be
`fashioned as a simple wristband stylized in various colors and
`patterns. The band may be adjustable, shockproof, and
`secured to the wrist using a hook and loop closure, a buckle
`closure, an elastic material requiring no separate closure
`device, or with any other Suitable fastening configuration.
`The band can be made from various materials including, for
`example, a waterproof material, neoprene, polymer, nylon,
`leather, metal, or any other wearable material.
`0011. In one embodiment, data collection unit 10 may be
`embedded into a small, self-contained wrist band 12. In such
`a configuration, there may be little or no external indication of
`the presence of the hardware components of the data collec
`tion unit. In other embodiments, the data collection unit may
`be incorporated into a watch, bracelet, heart rate monitor or
`other wearable article to provide added functionality to those
`devices. In addition to the wrist, the disclosed data collection
`unit may be positioned over any portion of a user's body (e.g.,
`the neck, chest, ankle, head, or thigh) that can provide Suitable
`access to the biological markers needed for monitoring the
`user's level of physical exertion. For example, the data col
`lection unit may be configured as or incorporated into shoe
`soles, ear clips, a necklace, ankle band, Sock, belt, glove, ring,
`Sunglasses, hat, helmet, cap, and/or a headband.
`0012 Data collection unit 10 includes a sensor array (in
`cluding one or more sensors) configured to monitor biologi
`cal markers that vary with the level of exertion of an indi
`vidual. The monitored biological markers may include, for
`example, pulse rate, body temperature, blood oxygen content,
`or any other suitable marker. Within the sensor array, each
`sensor may be configured to monitor only a single biological
`marker. Alternatively, an individual sensor in the array may be
`configured to monitor multiple biological markers.
`0013. In one embodiment, data collection unit 10 may
`include several sensors. These sensors may include any
`arrangement of one or more sensors capable of monitoring
`biological characteristics and/or movement associated with a
`user of data collection unit 10. In one exemplary embodiment,
`as shown in FIG.1, data collection unit 10 may include at least
`one infrared sensor 14, a temperature sensor 22, and/or an
`accelerometer 24.
`0014. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG.1, data
`collection unit 10 includes three infrared sensors 14, 16, 18.
`Suppliers of appropriate infrared transmitter/receivers
`include Vishay Semiconductors, among others.
`00.15 Each infrared sensor may be configured as a trans
`mitter/receiver capable of monitoring the oxygen content of
`blood passing through nearby blood vessels. Specifically,
`each infrared sensor can be configured to both emit infrared
`radiation into the body of the wearer of data collection unit 10
`and detect the level of infrared radiation received at the sen
`
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`sor. The wavelength of the emitted radiation can be selected
`according to the requirements of a particular application. In
`one embodiment, infrared sensors 14, 16, and 18 can be
`configured to emit infrared radiation in a wavelength range of
`about 650 nm to about 950 nm.
`0016. The difference between the emitted radiation level
`and the detected radiation level is characteristic of the amount
`of infrared radiation absorbed by the body and, especially, by
`oxygen-carrying blood. This sensed absorption level can be
`used to determine the pulse rate of the wearer of data collec
`tion unit 10. Particularly, the infrared absorption level may be
`affected by the expansion and contraction of nearby blood
`vessels and the oxygen content of blood passing through
`nearby vessels, which are both physical characteristics that
`vary together with heart rate. Thus, the rate of observed
`changes in infrared absorption characteristics of the body can
`enable a calculation of the wearer's heart rate.
`0017 While only one infrared sensor may be needed
`depending on the functional requirements of a particular
`embodiment, including two or more infrared sensors, or even
`three or more infrared sensors, can serve to increase the
`reliability of the data collected from these sensors. As illus
`trated in FIG.1, infrared sensors 14, 16, and 18 may be spaced
`apart from one another. In certain embodiments, these sensors
`may be located along a perimeter of a central housing 20 of
`data collection unit 10. Spacing infrared sensors 14, 16, and
`18 apart from one another can maximize the possibility that at
`least one sensor contacts the wearer's skin at all times, even
`during the movements associated with physical activities.
`0018. A power management scheme may be employed to
`lower the power requirements of infrared sensors 14, 16, and
`18. For example, the transmitter portion of each sensor may
`be pulsed at a predetermined duty cycle to conform to the
`power specifications of a particular configuration. In one
`exemplary embodiment, the infrared transmitters of sensors
`14, 16, and 18 can be pulsed using a 1% duty cycle at a rate of
`about 8 pulses per second.
`0019. Data collection unit 10 may also include a tempera
`ture sensor 22. Temperature sensor 22 may be configured to
`monitor the body temperature of the wearer of data collection
`unit 10 by measuring the temperature outside of housing 20
`and, for example, against the skin of the wearer. Additionally,
`temperature sensor 22 may be configured to measure the
`temperature inside housing 20. Using the difference between
`the temperature measurements from inside and outside of
`housing 20, it can be determined whether an observed tem
`perature change outside of the housing is likely attributable to
`atmospheric conditions or an actual change in body tempera
`ture of the wearer of data collection unit 10. While certain
`embodiments may include only one temperature sensor, other
`embodiments may include multiple temperature sensors in
`order to meet a desired set of operational characteristics (e.g.,
`monitoring body temperature from multiple locations on data
`collection unit 10; separate temperature sensors to monitor
`the temperature inside and outside of housing 20; etc.).
`0020 Temperature sensor 22 may include any suitable
`device for ascertaining the body temperature of an individual.
`For example, temperature sensor 22 may include a digital or
`analog device and may include thermocouples, diodes, resis
`tance temperature detectors (RTDs), or infrared detectors.
`Suitable temperature sensors may be obtained from various
`Suppliers, including Analog Devices Inc., Omega, or Texas
`Instruments. For certain types oftemperature sensors, contact
`with the individual’s skin may aid in obtaining accurate body
`
`temperature measurements. On the other hand, in certain
`instances where, for example, infrared sensors provide the
`primary mode of measuring body temperature, mere proxim
`ity to the individual’s skin may be sufficient to accurately
`determine body temperature of the user.
`0021 Additionally, data collection unit 10 may include an
`accelerometer 24 to monitor motion of data collection unit 10.
`In certain embodiments, accelerometer 24 includes only a
`single axis accelerometer configured to detect motion along
`one axis. Other embodiments, however, may include multiple
`accelerometers. In one exemplary embodiment, accelerom
`eter 24 may include a three-axis accelerometer, which
`includes three accelerometers arranged orthogonally with
`respect to one another. With Such an arrangement, accelerom
`eter 24 may be able to detect or monitor movements along
`three separate axes.
`0022. A three-axis accelerometer may be especially useful
`for the detection of movements associated with exercise and
`certain types of physical activity. Generally, most sports or
`types of physical activity produce a signature pattern of
`movements that can be detected using an accelerometer. In
`this way, accelerometer 24 can help confirm whether the
`wearer of data collection unit 10 is engaged in physical activ
`ity and, in certain cases, can help determine the type of sport
`or activity in which the wearer is engaged. Such sport or
`activity determination can be performed onboard data collec
`tion unit 10 or, alternatively or additionally, may be per
`formed in a server or other computing device located
`remotely from data collection unit 10.
`0023. Other embodiments of data collection unit 10 may
`include additional or different sensors. For example, data
`collection unit 10 may include a carbon dioxide detector,
`additional accelerometers, a breathing rate sensor, or any
`other type of sensor Suitable for monitoring physical activity
`levels.
`0024. In addition to the infrared sensors described above,
`the pulse of the wearer of data collection unit 10 may be
`ascertained using any other type of sensor Suitable for moni
`toring the wearer's heart rate. In one embodiment, for
`example, electro-cardiogram based technology may be incor
`porated into data collection unit 10.
`0025 Data collection unit 10 may also include a trans
`ceiver 26 for establishing communication with devices exter
`nal to data collection unit 10. To address power requirements,
`data collection unit 10 may also include a battery 28.
`0026 FIG. 2 provides a schematic, functional block level
`diagram of data collection unit 10, according to an exemplary
`disclosed embodiment. Within data collection unit 10, several
`sensed quantities can be provided to a microcontroller 40 for
`processing. For example, these sensed quantities may include
`outputs 30, 31, and 32 from infrared sensors 14, 16, and 18.
`respectively. Additionally, these sensed quantities may
`include temperature sensor outputs 33 and 34. Temperature
`output 33 may correspond to the temperature inside housing
`20, for example, and temperature output 34 may correspond
`to the observed temperature outside of housing 20. The
`sensed quantities may also include accelerometer outputs 35.
`36, and 37, each corresponding to a unique axis of movement.
`0027 Microcontroller 40 can store the data associated
`with the sensed quantities in a memory 50 in raw form or,
`alternatively, after processing. Further, the data relating to the
`sensed quantities can be transmitted to a remote location by
`transceiver unit 26.
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`0028. Any suitable microcontroller 40 may be included in
`data collection unit 40. In one embodiment, microcontroller
`40 includes a small microcontroller having dimensions of
`about 0.4 inches by 0.4 inches, or smaller. One suitable micro
`controller includes the PIC18F series of microcontroller
`manufactured by Microchip Inc. Preferably, microcontroller
`40 would exhibit low power characteristics and would require
`from about 10 microamps to about 50 microamps during
`normal operation and between 5 milliamps to about 20 mil
`liamps while transmitting data.
`0029 Microcontroller 40 of data collection unit 10 has
`several responsibilities. Among these responsibilities, micro
`controller 40 periodically collects data from the available
`sensors via an analog-to-digital converter 42. The frequency
`of data collection can be selected to meet the requirements of
`a particular application. In one embodiment, microcontroller
`40 may sample the data from the sensors at least once per
`second. Higher or lower sampling frequencies, however, may
`also be possible.
`0030 Microcontroller 40 may be configured with the abil
`ity for selecting from among multiple data sampling frequen
`cies depending on sensed conditions. For example, microcon
`troller 40 may be programmed to sample the sensor outputs
`slower than once per second (e.g., once per every 10 seconds)
`when microcontroller 40 determines that the user of the
`device is at rest or at a normal level of physical exertion.
`Similarly, microcontroller 40 may be configured to sample
`the sensor outputs more frequently (e.g., at least once per
`second) when the user's physical exertion level exceeds a
`predetermined threshold. In certain embodiments, and during
`periods of physical exertion, microcontroller 40 may collect
`sensor data up to five times per second, ten times per second,
`or even more, to ensure that rapidly changing quantities Such
`as pulse rate and blood oxygen, which may cycle on the order
`of 200 times per minute during periods of extreme physical
`exertion, can be accurately evaluated.
`0031 When appropriate, microcontroller 40 may also
`enter a rest state to conserve power. For example, when infra
`red sensors 14, 16, or 18 provide no pulse readings or accel
`erometer 24 registers no movements over a certain period of
`time, microcontroller 40 may determine that data collection
`unit 10 is not being worn. Under Such conditions, microcon
`troller 40 may slow the sensor Sampling period to once every
`thirty seconds, once every minute, or to another Suitable sam
`pling frequency. Additionally, microcontroller 40 may be
`configured to sample only a portion of the available sensors
`during times of physical inactivity or when data collection
`unit 10 is not being worn. In one embodiment, for example,
`once microcontroller 40 determines that the user is not wear
`ing data collection unit 10, microcontroller 40 may begin
`sampling the output oftemperature sensor 22 alone. In such a
`configuration, a perceived rapid change in temperature may
`indicate that data collection unit 10 is in use and may prompt
`the controller to “wake up' and restore full functioning data
`collection.
`0032 Microcontroller 40 may also be configured to
`sample data from only a portion of the available sensors
`during times of physical activity. For example, during certain
`activities or conditions, microcontroller 40 may recognize
`that one or more of the available sensors is providing data
`Suitable for recognizing and/or characterizing physical activ
`ity. Microcontroller 40 may also be configured to recognize
`when other sensors are providing data that would make rec
`ognizing and/or characterizing physical activity more diffi
`
`cult. For example, in certain situations, infrared sensors 14,
`16, or 18 may provide robust data from which accurate pulse
`readings may be determined while accelerometer 24 or tem
`perature sensor 22 may provide less robust data (e.g., low
`signal level, lower than average signal-to-noise ratio, inter
`mittent signal, etc.). In Such situations, microcontroller 40
`may determine a particular set of sensors to rely upon more
`heavily when choosing which sensors to sample and what
`sensor output to use (and how to use it) when analyzing data,
`capturing data, and/or transmitting data.
`0033 Microcontroller 40 can be configured to analyze the
`data collected from the sensors onboard data collection unit
`10. For example, data from infrared sensors 14, 16, 18 can be
`used to compare the transmitted infrared signal to the
`received infrared signal and calculate the blood oxygen Satu
`ration level via known algorithms. Microcontroller 40 may
`also be configured to calculate the pulse rate by monitoring
`the frequency of changes in the blood oxygen Saturation level.
`0034. As noted above, microcontroller 40 can be config
`ured to store raw or processed data in memory 50 included in
`data collection unit 10. Memory 50 may include any suitable
`storage unit including, for example, a Solid state non-volatile
`serial or parallel access memory. In certain embodiments, the
`memory may include a storage capacity of at least 32 MB.
`Suitable memory units include RAM, NVRAM, and Flash
`memory. It is also possible to use an internal microcontroller
`memory to store data, especially if microcontrollers are
`developed that include internal memory sizes greater than the
`currently available 64 kB sizes.
`0035. In the case that microcontroller 40 is configured to
`store raw data, microcontroller 40 may sample the outputs of
`the sensors onboard data collection unit 10 and simply store
`those values in memory 50. Those stored values can then later
`be downloaded from data collection unit 10 and processed
`using devices and/or systems external to data collection unit
`10.
`0036 While it is possible to store raw data collected from
`the sensor devices, microcontroller 40 may also be configured
`to process the data sampled from the sensors of data collec
`tion unit 10 prior to storage in memory 50. For example,
`microcontroller 40 may be configured to calculate pulse rate,
`temperature, acceleration and average each calculated value
`over periods of up to thirty seconds, sixty seconds, or more to
`remove noise and enhance accuracy of the readings. Micro
`controller 40 can be further configured to store these time
`averaged, filtered pulse rate/temperature/acceleration read
`ings at preselected intervals (e.g., once or twice per minute).
`Such a scheme may conserve memory and/or power
`resources yet still provide useful information. These pro
`cessed or conditioned data signals stored in memory, in cer
`tain cases, can even be more useful, as they may exhibit less
`noise and rapidly fluctuating values, which can detract from
`the reliability of the data.
`0037 Microcontroller 40 may be configured to condition
`the signals received from one or more of the sensors onboard
`data collection unit 10. During movement associated with
`physical activity, a significant amount of noise may be
`imparted to the signals generated by the onboard sensors.
`Such noise is especially prevalent in the data provided by the
`infrared sensors, which can be used to determine heart rate.
`Digital signal processing techniques may be employed to
`eliminate at least some of the noise from these signals and
`increase the accuracy of the heart rate calculation.
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`0038 Microcontroller 40 may also be configured to deter
`mine when the user is at rest and when the user is exercising.
`In addition to using this information to control the data col
`lection and storage rates, this information can be used, for
`example, in conjunction with a physical activity rewards allo
`cation system to provide rewards-based incentives to the user
`of data collection unit 10. That is, the user of data collection
`unit 10 may receive rewards in the form of merchandise,
`merchandise discounts, currency, and/or free or discounted
`services based on the amount of time the user spends exer
`cising and/or upon the level of physical exertion during exer
`cise. The information may also be used to track physical
`activity levels for purposes of assessing the physical activity
`profile of individuals. For example, the information may be
`tracked and used to determine the physical fitness, health, or
`well-being of private or public employees in order to provide
`worker incentives. Alternatively or additionally, this informa
`tion could be used by the insurance industry to set rates/
`premiums tailored to an individual or discounted for a group
`of individuals participating in a physical activity tracking
`program.
`0039 Microcontroller 40 can be configured to determine
`when the user's level of activity qualifies as exercise. For
`example, microcontroller 40 can assimilate one or more of the
`user's pulse rate, temperature, and acceleration levels into a
`exercise evaluation score. Comparing the exercise evaluation
`score with a predetermined threshold level (which may be
`unique to each individual user), microcontroller 40 can deter
`mine that the user is exercising when the exercise evaluation
`score exceeds the threshold.
`0040. The microcontroller's accuracy in determining the
`physical activity level or exertion level of a user can be refined
`according to any desired algorithm. In one embodiment, for
`example, microcontroller 40 may be configured to determine
`the relative reliability of the data provided by the sensors
`onboard data collection unit 10 and assign weighting factors
`(e.g., values between 0 and 1) to those outputs based on the
`perceived reliability of the data from each output. For
`example, if one of the infrared sensors is emitting a stable,
`oscillating output signal with a low noise level and another is
`emitting a noisy signal, then microcontroller 40 can assign a
`higher weighting factor to the higher quality signal and a
`lower weight to the noisy signal. In this way, microcontroller
`40 can minimize the effects of extraneous noise and low
`quality data and maximize the measurement reliability when
`high quality data output signals are available.
`0041 Microcontroller 40 can be programmed with a com
`mon baseline threshold for use with all users of the disclosed
`data collection unit 10. Alternatively, microcontroller 40 may
`be used to calculate and periodically update a unique thresh
`old determined for a specific user of a particular data collec
`tion unit. For example, as the user wears and uses data col
`lection unit 10 over a period of time, microcontroller 40 may
`“learn about the user by monitoring and storing quantities
`(e.g., heart rate, acceleration levels, and temperature) associ
`ated with periods during which the user is at rest and exercis
`ing. Using a predefined exercise threshold algorithm, the
`microcontroller can use this information to tailor the exercise
`threshold and store a new, updated exercise threshold based
`on the current fitness level of the user. The predefined algo
`rithm may be loaded into the microcontroller's operating
`instruction set upon manufacture and may be updated via
`download from a central server system.
`
`0042 Ultimately, microcontroller 40 can be configured to
`determine when the user's level of physical activity surpasses
`the exercise threshold. Once the user exceeds the exercise
`threshold, the microcontroller may start a timer that monitors
`the amount of time the user spends above the exercise thresh
`old. Further, via the sensed pulse rate, temperature, and accel
`eration levels measured, microcontroller 40 can determine
`and store a quantity that tracks the amount by which the user's
`physical activity exceeds the exercise threshold. This infor
`mation, together or separate from exercise time, may be used
`by microcontroller 40 or, more preferably, a remote rewards
`allocation system to determine a rewards quantity accrued by
`the user during each period of exercise. Alternatively or addi
`tionally, this information can be used by a physical activity
`tracking system to determine worker incentives or to set/
`adjust insurance rates/premiums.
`0043 Data collection unit 10 may also include a feedback
`element, including, for example, a display, light, audible
`speaker, or other Suitable sensory interface device. During
`periods when the user's physical activity exceeds the exercise
`threshold and qualifies for rewards accrual, microcontroller
`40 may activate the feedback element to indicate to the user
`that the exercise threshold has been exceeded and rewards are
`being accrued. For example, an LED may be included that
`blinks during periods of qualifying exercise. In other embodi
`ments, a speaker may emit an audible beep every few seconds
`during periods of qualifying exercise. In still other embodi
`ments, a rewards indicator may be projected on a display
`during qualifying exercise sessions. Such an embodiment
`would be especially useful where data collection unit 10 was
`incorporated into a watch or other type of device including a
`display.
`0044) Microcontroller 40 of data collection unit 10 may be
`configured to control transmission of data to one or more
`remote locations. In one embodiment, microcontroller 40 can
`activate transceiver 26, as illustrated in FIG.2, with a low duty
`cycle of less than about 1% to detect the presence of suitable
`data collection portals. A data collection portal can include
`any intended recipient of the data acquired by data collection
`unit 10. In one embodiment, a data collection portal may be
`associated with a physical activity rewards allocation system
`and may forward the data received from data collection unit
`10 to a central management facility that handles the operation
`of the rewards system. In another embodiment, the data col
`lection portal may be associated with a threshold exercise
`tracking system for purposes of determining the physical
`fitness, health, or well-being of private and public employees
`for worker incentives. The data collection portal may also be
`associated with an insurance rate/premium setting system
`that tailors rates or adjusts premiums based on the physical
`activity level of individuals and/or groups.
`0045. When data collection unit 10 detects a data collec
`tion portal (e.g., either through a wired or wireless data con
`nection) and communication is established, download of the
`data will commence, for example, after proper identification
`of the user and of the portal has been achieved. This may
`prevent eavesdropping by unauthorized parties. Identification
`of the user may include transmission of a unique code
`assigned to each data collection unit and/or user of the data
`collection unit. A user-selectable password can be used to
`allow data to be downloaded by the data collection portal. In
`other embodiments, passive identification of a user may dis
`place the need for password protected downloads. For
`example, the microcontroller may be configured to determine
`
`-11-
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`Masimo Ex. 1014
`IPR Petition - USP 10,942,491
`
`

`

`US 2012/022 1254 A1
`
`Aug. 30, 2012
`
`and store a biological signature of an authorized user of the
`data collection unit. Such a signature may be determined
`using the same array of sensors used monitor temperature,
`pulse rate, and acceleration levels. Alternatively, one or mor