Wearable computing device

Abstract

Some forms relate to wearable computing devices that include a “touch pad” like interface. In some forms, the example wearable computing devices may be integrated with (or attached to) textiles (i.e. clothing). In other forms, the example wearable computing devices may be attached directly to the skin of someone (i.e., similar to a bandage) that utilizes any of the example wearable computing devices. The example wearable computing devices include a flexible touch pad that may allow a user of the wearable computing device to more easily operate the wearable computing device. The example wearable computing devices described herein may include a variety of electronics. Some examples include a power supply and/or a communication device among other types of electronics.

1 . A wearable computing device, comprising:
 a flexible touch pad configured to be worn by a user, the flexible touch pad including a first transmission line; and   an integrated circuit mounted to the flexible touch pad, the integrated circuit configured to interpret contact with the flexible touch pad by sending a first electrical signal through the first transmission line and determining a localized change in impedance in the first transmission line.   
     
     
         2 . The wearable computing device of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible touch pad includes a second transmission line, and the integrated circuit interprets contact with the flexible touch pad by sending a second electrical signal through the second transmission line and determining a localized change in impedance in the second transmission line. 
     
     
         3 . The wearable computing device of  claim 1 , wherein the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal are each radio frequency signals. 
     
     
         4 . The wearable computing device of  claim 1 , wherein the first transmission line meanders back and forth from side to side over the flexible touch pad without crossing the first transmission line, and the second transmission line meanders back and forth from side to side over the flexible touch pad without crossing the second transmission line. 
     
     
         5 . The wearable computing device of  claim 4 , wherein the integrated circuit determines the localized change in impedance in the first transmission line using time domain reflectometry and determines the localized change in impedance in the second transmission line using time domain reflectometry. 
     
     
         6 . The wearable computing device of  claim 5 , wherein the first transmission line and the second transmission line cross each other at several locations. 
     
     
         7 . The wearable computing device of  claim 6 , wherein the first transmission line and the second transmission line are orthogonal to one another where the first transmission line and the second transmission line cross each other.