Modular Personal Network Systems and Methods

Abstract

Modular personal networks (MPNs) are disclosed that include multiple devices that may be worn, carried, or used in close proximity to a user. The devices communicate wirelessly. Devices include security circuitry that prevents them from being used in a different MPN once the user has configured them. Devices not designed for use within an MPN can be included in the network using a bridge device. Devices can be integrated into items of jewelry, such as earrings, rings, pendants, and bracelets. One item of jewelry, such as a bracelet, can support multiple replaceable modules with variable functions. Functions of the MPN can include communications, entertainment, medical monitoring, sports monitoring, personal organization, and games. Multiple users each with his or her own MPN can use them to collaborate in creation of music. An MPN can be used for mobile recognition and logging of wildlife.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An individual network component of a personal performance monitoring system, the individual network component comprising:
 a ring configured to be worn around a finger of an individual;   a heart rate sensor disposed in the ring; and   a wireless personal area network transceiver disposed in the ring,   wherein the ring is configured to wirelessly communicate via the wireless personal area network transceiver with other components of the personal performance monitoring system.   
     
     
         2 . The individual network component of  claim 1 , further comprising an accelerometer disposed in the ring. 
     
     
         3 . The individual network component of  claim 1 , further comprising a battery disposed in the ring. 
     
     
         4 . The individual network component of  claim 3 , wherein the battery is rechargeable. 
     
     
         5 . The individual network component of  claim 1 , wherein the ring is waterproof or water resistant. 
     
     
         6 . The individual network component of  claim 1 , wherein the ring is configured to appear as a typical item of jewelry by hiding an appearance of being an electronic device. 
     
     
         7 . The individual network component of  claim 1 , further comprising a memory disposed in the ring, the memory configured to store data from the heart rate sensor. 
     
     
         8 . The individual network component of  claim 1 , wherein the wireless personal area network transceiver is configured to communicate at a 2.4 GHz radio frequency. 
     
     
         9 . The individual network component of  claim 1 , wherein the wireless personal area network transceiver is configured to communicate using Bluetooth. 
     
     
         10 . The individual network component of  claim 1 , wherein the ring comprises metal. 
     
     
         11 . A ring comprising:
 a heart rate sensor configured to determine heart rate data of an individual wearing the ring;   a memory configured to store the heart rate data; and   a battery configured to power the ring,   wherein the ring is configured to be worn around a finger of the individual.   
     
     
         12 . The ring of  claim 11 , further comprising an accelerometer disposed in the ring, wherein the memory is configured to store data from the accelerometer. 
     
     
         13 . The ring of  claim 11 , wherein the battery is rechargeable. 
     
     
         14 . The ring of  claim 11 , wherein the ring is waterproof or water resistant. 
     
     
         15 . The ring of  claim 11 , wherein the ring is configured to appear as a typical item of jewelry by hiding an appearance of being an electronic device. 
     
     
         16 . The ring of  claim 11 , further comprising a wireless personal area network transceiver, wherein the ring is configured to wirelessly communicate via the wireless personal area network transceiver with an electronic device. 
     
     
         17 . The ring of  claim 16 , wherein the wireless personal area network transceiver is configured to communicate at a 2.4 GHz radio frequency. 
     
     
         18 . The ring of  claim 16 , wherein the wireless personal area network transceiver is configured to communicate using Bluetooth. 
     
     
         19 . The ring of  claim 11 , further comprising a user input device, wherein the user input device comprises a push button or a microphone. 
     
     
         20 . The ring of  claim 11 , wherein the ring comprises metal.