RU198362U1 - HEART ACTIVITY SENSOR INTEGRATED WITH WIRED HEADPHONES - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to medical technology, namely, a headset apparatus for monitoring cardiac activity. The headset device includes an earpiece and a heart rate measurement module. The headphone is designed to be placed in the user's ear, provides audio output and is connected to the headset controller via the headphone cable. The cardiac activity measurement module is included in the headset controller and is configured to perceive the user's cardiac activity, modulate the cardiac activity signal, and transmit the modulated heart activity signal to the receiving device. The receiver is configured to receive, demodulate, and display a cardiac signal. The cardiac activity measurement module is designed to be connected to the receiving device via the main cable. Inside the main cable there are two wires, one of which transmits a modulated cardiac signal to the receiving device. The cardiac activity measurement module is connected to the first electrode and the second electrode through respective wires. The first electrode wire runs inside the headphone cable. The first electrode is embedded in one earpiece so that when the earphone is located in the user's ear, the first electrode is in contact with the user's skin at a first location in the user's ear. The second electrode is located on the outer surface of the main cable and is configured to contact the user's skin at the second location. The second location is outside the user's ear. Provides a portable heart rate monitor that integrates the heart rate monitor with headphones or a headset, increasing reliability and usability. 19 p.p. cl, 8 dwg

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present utility model relates to portable heart activity monitors, portable heart rate monitoring systems, portable electrocardiography systems, and the like. In particular, this description relates to an apparatus that integrates a cardiac activity measuring device with headphones or a headset.

State of the art

[0002] Athletic activity is an important factor for many people in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It is considered useful to track and record cardiac activity data especially during exercise. There are many instruments designed to monitor the activity of the human heart. For example, the most common device is a heart rate monitor, including a chest strap with two electrical contacts that create contacts on the user's chest and include a monitor for measuring a person’s heart rhythm. This type of heart rate monitor is considered uncomfortable by many users.

[0003] Other heart rate monitors include light-based technology. These heart rate monitors typically include a light source and a light detector. The light emanating from the source and directed through the skin of the user is reflected back and is perceived by the light receiver. An optical heart rate monitor measures the speed of blood flow through a vein and calculates the heartbeat. Optical heart rate monitors are typically integrated into wearable accessories such as watches, bracelets and headphones. One well-known drawback of optical heart rate monitors is the inaccuracy in measuring a person’s heart rate, especially in motion.

[0004] Electrocardiography devices are more accurate, but they are usually bulky, limited in mobility, or require an additional device that is tightly attached to the user's chest. In addition, it was found that electrocardiography devices permanently attached to the user's chest are inconvenient to use. Accordingly, there is still a need to improve cardiac activity monitors, which will make them more reliable and convenient.

SHORT DESCRIPTION

[0005] This section presents aspects of a practical embodiment, which are described in more detail below in the Detailed Description and Examples of Embodiments sections. This brief description is not intended to identify key and essential features of the presented utility model and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the presented utility model. The implementation aspects of this utility model are designed to overcome at least some of the disadvantages known in the art.

[0006] One aspect of this utility model is an apparatus for monitoring cardiac activity. The device includes at least one earphone configured to fit in the user's ear and provide audio output; a cardiac activity monitor configured to measure human heart activity; heart activity signal modulator; a transmitter of a modulated heart activity signal to a receiver, in which the heart activity monitor is configured to connect between at least one earphone and a receiver, characterized in that the heart activity measuring unit includes at least a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode is integrated with at least one earphone so that when at least one earphone is placed in the user's ear, the first electrode in the first position makes contact with the skin in the auricle, in which the second electrode is installed in order to be in contact with the skin the user in the second position, the second position is different from the first position, and the second position is outside the user's ear.

[0007] One aspect of this utility model is a headset also known as a headphone. The headset consists of: at least one earphone configured to fit in the user's ear and providing audio output; a headset controller connected to at least one earphone and configured to pair with a receiver; a cardiac activity monitor built into the headset controller, which is configured to detect and measure a user's heart activity, producing an analog cardiac activity signal, modulating an analog cardiac activity signal to transmit a modulated cardiac activity signal to a receiver; and a main cable configured to interface the receiver with the headset controller; wherein, for measuring cardiac activity, at least a first electrode and a second electrode are used, where the first electrode is integrated with at least one earphone in such a way that when the earphone is in the user's ear, the first electrode is in contact with the user's skin in the first position in the ear wherein the second electrode is located on the outer surface of the main cable, the second electrode is adjusted to be in contact with the skin of the user in the second position, the second position is different from the first position, and the second position is outside the user's ear.

[0008] Additional details, advantages, and new features of examples of embodiments of the utility model will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art when considering this description and the accompanying drawings, or may be studied in the manufacture or operation of the examples. The goals and advantages of concepts can be realized and achieved with the help of methodologies, tools and combinations, which are especially noted in the attached formula of the utility model.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Practical, but not limiting embodiments of the utility model are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which similar elements are shown as links and in which:

[0010] Fig. 1 is a view illustrating a block diagram of a headset connected to a receiver through a cable;

[0011] Fig. 2A illustrates one practical embodiment of a main cable;

[0012] Fig. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a main cable;

[0013] In the figure. 3A shows a headset for sound reproduction and heart rate monitoring in accordance with one practical embodiment;

[0014] Fig. 3B shows a headset for audio reproduction and heart rate monitoring in accordance with another practical embodiment;

[0015] In the figure. 4 is a front view of a user illustrating one example of how a user can use a headset;

[0016] In the figure. 5A is a front view of a user illustrating another example of how a user can use a headset;

[0017] In the figure. 5B is a rear view of a user illustrating another example of how a user can use a headset;

[0018] In the figure. 6A is a front view of a user illustrating another example of how a user can use a headset;

[0019] Figure 6B is a rear view of a user illustrating another example of how a user can use a headset;

[0020] In the figure. 7A is a front view of a user illustrating another example of how a user can use a headset;

[0021] In the figure. 7B is a rear view of a user illustrating another example of how a user can use a headset;

[0022] In the figure. 8 is a front view of a user illustrating another example of how a user can use a headset.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF IMPLEMENTING A USEFUL MODEL

Introduction

[0023] The following detailed description of utility model options

includes links to the accompanying drawings, which are part of the detailed description. The approaches described in this section are not the prior art with respect to the utility model stated in the formula and cannot be included in the prior art by inclusion in this section. The drawings show illustrations in accordance with examples of practical embodiment. These examples, which are also referred to herein as “examples”, are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the subject. Options may be combined, other options may be used, or structural, logical and operational changes may be made without departing from the scope of what is claimed. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be construed in a limiting sense, and the scope is determined by the accompanying claims and their equivalents.

[0024] Examples of practical embodiments will be presented with reference to a headset or device for monitoring cardiac activity. This headset and device may be implemented using electronic equipment, computer software, or any combination thereof. The implementation of such examples in the form of hardware or software depends on the particular application and the design limitations imposed on the overall system. For example, an element or part of an element, or any combination of elements, can be implemented using a “data processor”, which includes one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, central processing units (CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), programmable by a user of gate arrays (PPVM), programmable logic integrated circuits (FPGAs), state machines, closed logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable equipment configured to perform various functions described in this description. Data processing may be performed by software, firmware or middleware (collectively referred to as “software”). The term "software" in a broad sense refers to instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software components, applications, software applications, software packages, objects, executable files, threads, procedures and functions of a software software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0025] Accordingly, in one or more embodiments, the functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. If the functions are implemented in software, they can be stored or encoded in the form of one or more instructions, or code on a non-readable readable medium. A computer-readable storage medium includes computer storage media. The storage medium may be any medium accessible by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such a machine-readable medium may comprise random access memory, random-access memory, read-only electrically erasable programmable memory, magnetic storage disk, solid state memory, or any other data storage device, combinations of the above types of computer-readable media, or any other medium that can be used to store executable code in the form of instructions or data structures that can be accessed by a computer.

[0026] For the purposes of this patent document, the terms "or" and "and" mean "and / or" unless otherwise indicated in the context of their use or expressly provided otherwise. The terms “consisting”, “consisting”, “includes” and “including” are used interchangeably and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the term “including” should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to.”

[0027] It should also be understood that the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another, but do not imply the required sequence of elements. For example, the first element can be called the second element, and, similarly, the second element can be called the first element, without going beyond the scope of this utility model. In addition, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as “connected” or “connected” or “paired” with another element, it can be directly paired or connected, or connected to another element or intermediate elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is called “directly on” or “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another element, there are no intermediate elements.

[0028] The term "receiving device" means any computing or electronic device with data processing and data transfer capabilities, including, but not limited to, a mobile device, cell phone, mobile phone, smartphone, Internet phone, user equipment, mobile terminal, tablet computer, laptop computer, desktop computer, workstation, thin client, personal digital assistant, multimedia player, navigation system, game console, wearable computer, smart watch, entertainment system, infotainment console, trip computer, bicycle computer, or virtual instrument reality.

[0029] The term "headphone" should be construed to mean any device that can be placed in or near the user's outer ear in order to output audio signals or reduce noise. The term “earphone” also means any or all of the following meanings or should be interpreted as meaning that one or more of the following elements are an element of the “earphone”: headphone, in-ear headphones, on-ear headphones, speaker, ear capsule, earbud, hearing aid and an acoustic device in the ear.

[0030] The term "headset" is to be understood as a device including at least one earphone, or a device including at least one earphone and microphone. Thus, the headset can be made with either a single earphone (mono) or a dual earphone (mono on both ears or stereo). The term “headphones” is used here to mean a pair of speakers or speakers that are attached close to the user's ears. Examples of headphones may be covering, boosting, ear capsule, or in-ear headphones. In-ear headphones are small headphones, sometimes also called headphones, that plug into the ear canal or fit into the outer ear. Although the options for this description are limited to wired headphones, those with technical skills will appreciate that the same or similar options can be implemented using wireless headphones or a wireless headset.

[0031] The term "clothing" is to be construed to mean any item of clothing worn on the user's body and in contact with the upper body of the user. Some examples of clothing include a T-shirt, T-shirt or pullover.

[0032] The term "heart activity" should be interpreted as meaning any vital, natural or biological activity of the human heart, including a heartbeat or electrical activity of the heart. The term "cardiac activity signal" means an analog signal characterizing the cardiac activity of the user. The term "data on cardiac activity" refers to any digital data characterizing the cardiac activity of the user. Some examples of a cardiac activity signal include, but are not limited to, an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal, a cardiac activity waveform, or a pulsed cardiac activity signal. Some examples of cardiac activity data include, but are not limited to, heart rate, heart rate per minute, heart rate variability, heart rate, or any other vital biometric data related to heart activity.

[0033] As indicated above, aspects of the implementation of this utility model provide a device for monitoring cardiac activity. In other words, variants of this utility model integrate a cardiac activity measurement unit into headphones or a headset. The activity of the heart’s measuring unit is typically tuned to sensitivity, detection or measurement of one or more cardiac activities of the user, creation of cardiac activity data and transmission of cardiac activity data to a receiving device, such as a mobile phone or server for further processing, recording to memory or output to the screen.

[0034] The cardiac activity measuring unit consists of at least two electrodes configured to directly connect to a user's body. One electrode is placed inside the ear canal or fitted into the outer ear of the consumer, and establishes reliable electrical contact with the skin. Another electrode can be placed on the chest or under the arm, in the armpit, on the neck, shoulder, or on the back of the consumer. The heart activity measuring module may further comprise one or more sensors connected to the electrodes and configured to measure electrical signals generated by the heart muscle, convert them to analog current, modulate the current signal, transmit a modulated signal to a receiver that can de-modulate the modulated signal and convert the signal into digital data of the cardiac activity of the user. The cardiac activity measuring unit can be connected to the receiver via cable, directly or indirectly. In some implementations, a cardiac activity measurement unit may be included in the headset controller.

Hardware Architecture

[0035] In the drawings, exemplary hardware architecture embodiments are described. The drawings are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments. Thus, the implementation examples discussed in this document should not be construed as limited to the specific illustrations presented in this document, and these implementation examples may include deviations and differ from the illustrations presented here.

[0036] In the figure. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a device 100 for monitoring cardiac activity connected to a receiving device 121, in accordance with one embodiment. Apparatus 100 may be at least part of an in-ear headset or headset. The device 100 comprises a left earphone (s) 104 and a right earphone (s) 106. A left earphone 104 includes or combines a conductive electrode 103. A right earphone 106 includes or integrates another wire electrode 105. Each of the electrodes 103 and 105 is configured for direct or indirect contact with the skin of the shell of each ear. Each of the electrodes 103 and 105 is part of a heart rate measuring unit.

[0037] Each of the headphones 104 and 106 is connected by respective cables to the headset controller 101 circled in the housing. The headset controller 101 consists of a headphone module 109 configured to route the first audio signal to the left speaker of the headphones 104 and the second audio signal to the right speaker of the headphones 106. The headset controller 101 may also consist of microphone module 108 with microphone 110. Microphone 110 is configured to capture a user's voice signal. The microphone module 108 is configured to process an audio signal or transmit (or activate transmitting) a voice signal to a receiving device 121. In some embodiments, the headset controller 101 and the apparatus 100 are two separate devices, but in other embodiments, the headset controller 101 may be part of the apparatus 100. In other implementations, the headset controller 101 is similar to the apparatus 100.

[0038] The first electrode 103 and the second electrode 105 are electrically connected to one input of the voltage comparator 111. The voltage comparator 111 is part of a heart activity measuring device. In some embodiments, the voltage comparator 111 also includes a voltage amplifier.

[0039] A third electrode 107 is also provided for making direct contact with a user's skin in a position other than the ears. For example, the third electrode 107 may come into contact with skin on the chest, neck, armpit, shoulder, or back of the user. The third electrode 107 is part of the unit for measuring cardiac activity. The third electrode 107 is connected to another input of the voltage comparator 111. The voltage comparator 111 is configured to determine the voltage difference between the first electrode 103 (or the second electrode 105) and the third electrode 107. The voltage difference characterizes or becomes at least part of the cardiac activity signal. For example, the voltage difference is associated with an ECG signal.

[0040] A signal representing the voltage difference from the output of the voltage comparator 111 is transmitted to the modem 113. The modem 113 may be a communication device configured to communicate one or more signals (ie, to transmit signals) to a receiving device 121 via a main cable 117. The modem 113 is configured to modulate a cardiac activity signal representing a voltage difference generated by a voltage comparator 111; as well as to generate a modulation signal. For example, a modulated cardiac activity signal may be the basis for cardiac activity data or related to an ECG signal. The modem 113 can be configured to transmit a modulated cardiac signal through connector 115 and a main cable 117 to a receiver 121. After receiving a modulated cardiac signal, a receiver 121 can de-modulate a cardiac signal to extract, create, or process a de-modulated cardiac signal activity representing cardiac activity data (e.g., ECG signal). The receiver 121 may also store a de-modulated cardiac activity signal representing cardiac activity data, process it, display it on the screen, and provide other operations. Receiver 121 may also process and display a de-modulated cardiac activity signal. For example, the receiver 121 may process a de-modulated cardiac activity signal to obtain heart activity data for later storage and display.

[0041] As indicated above, some examples of the receiver 121 include a smartphone, watch, bracelet or music player. Regardless of the implementation, the receiving apparatus 121 includes a connector 119, such as a 3.5 mm jack dialing, phone jack, audio jack, a universal serial bus (USB), or Apple's ^® Lightning connector. For simplicity, the block diagram in Fig. 1 does not show a common, negative, or ground wire connected to the headphones 104, 106, the microphone 110, and all other elements of the apparatus 100.

[0042] The main cable 117 may consist of four wires, including a left speaker wire of a headphone, a right speaker wire of a headphone, a ground wire (or common wire), and a microphone wire. The wire used to transmit the modulated signal is determined in accordance with the ability of the receiver 121 to demodulate the signal and process it.

[0043] One output of modem 113 is connected to one of the wires inside the main cable 117 to transmit a modulated signal containing heart activity data. Since the device 100 is designed to transmit an audio signal with frequencies from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, the modem 113 may use frequency modulation shifted above more than 20 kHz to avoid interference with the audio signal in the same wire. However, the modulation method depends on the capabilities of the receiver 121 and its ability to de-modulate and analyze the received signal.

[0044] Power for the voltage comparator 111 and modem 113 is supplied from the receiver 121 via the main cable 117. The device 100 can provide input voltage for powering the microphone 110. This voltage can also be used to power the voltage comparator 111 and modem 113 directly or through a voltage regulator 114. To improve the quality or in the absence of a microphone wire in the device 100, you can add an additional battery 123 to power the voltage amplifier 111 and modem 113, as well as other elements of the device 100.

[0045] In one embodiment, each connector 119 of the receiver 121 and the connector 115 of the apparatus 100 (headset) may be a standard 3.5 mm connector, which includes four contacts, abbreviated TRRS (tip, ring, ring and sleeve). These contacts connect the four wires of the main cable 117. For example, a contact tip for connecting the audio signal of the left ear, a first ring contact for connecting the audio signal of the right ear, a second ring contact for connecting the ground or negative wire, and a sleeve contact for connecting the microphone wire. Some smartphone manufacturers may use a different connection sequence. Music players can have only three TRS pins (tip, ring and sleeve). In addition, some mono headphones may have only two TS pins (tip and sleeve). Accordingly, technically educated people would note that the connectors 115, 119 and the main cable 117 can be adapted to any number of wires and contacts. For example, connector 119 may be designed to receive connectors with four (TRRS), three (TRS), and two (TS) pins. The main cable 117 is connected at one end to the connector 119. At the other end, the main cable 117 is connected to the apparatus 100 through the connector 115. In alternative embodiments, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) or micro-USB connector can be used in the connector 115 or the connector 119.

[0046] Fig. 2A illustrates one embodiment of the main cable 117. As shown in the figure, the main cable 117 includes four electrically conductive wires 221 insulated from each other and coated with an external insulating cord 219. The insulating cord 219 is coated with an electrically conductive layer 217. The electrically conductive layer 217 may include yourself a grid of several metal wires. The wire layer 217 is electrically connected to the headset controller 101. In some embodiments, the conductive layer 217 may be a third electrode 107. In other embodiments, a third electrode 107 may be connected to the conductive layer 217. The main cable 117 may have a sliding insulation 215 above the conductive layer 217. Insulation 215 can be used to prevent the wire layer 217 from touching parts of the user's body that are not involved in measuring the voltage potential for the purpose of monitoring heart activity. Insulation 215 also helps to establish contact of the third electrode 107 with a specific area of the user's body in order to detect the ECG signal described in this section. For example, skin contact can be made on the chest or under the arm, armpit or neck, shoulder or back.

[0047] Fig. 2B illustrates the cross section of the main cable 117. As shown in the figure, the main cable consists of four wires 207, 209, 211 and 213, insulated from each other and covered with an external insulating cord 203. The area between the wires can be filled with insulating material 205 or simply not filled with anything. The number of wires may vary depending on the purpose of the headset 101. The main cable 117 has an electrically conductive layer 201 above the insulation layer 203. The conductive layer 201 may be a third electrode 107 or connected to a third electrode 107. The conductive layer 201 may be on the outer surface of the main cable 117 along the entire length of the main cable 117. In other embodiments, the conductive layer 201 may be on the outer surface of the main cable 117 on a certain length that is less than the entire length of the main cable 117.

[0048] In other embodiments, the conductive layer 217 may be made of an electrically conductive polymer electrically connected to the headset controller 101. In still other embodiments, the conductive layer 217 may be a simple electrical wire wrapped around the insulation of the cable 219. Regardless of the material and technology, the principle According to a utility model, the cable remains unchanged: the cable connecting the headset to the receiving device must have an electrically conductive outer layer in order to establish electrical contact with human skin.

[0049] Fig. 3A shows a headset 300A for audio reproduction and heart rate monitoring in accordance with one embodiment. Fig. 3B shows a 300 V headset for audio reproduction and heart rate monitoring in accordance with another embodiment.

[0050] The left ear liner 311 and the right ear liner 321 are made of an electrically conductive material such as a polymer. This material may be soft, jelly-like, with low electrical resistance, and may be shaped for convenient insertion into the ear. The earbuds 311 and 321 are intended for direct contact with the skin of the user at the entrance to the ear canal, cavum concha or around the ear canal. Inserts 311 and 321 can be connected or used as electrodes 103 and 105 Fig. 1, adjacent to the skin inside the ear, and can conduct electrical potential or voltage. The liners 311 and 321 may be removable parts. The insert 311 can be attached to the conductive base 313 of the left earphone. The conductive base 313 is connected by a wire 315. A wire 315 is installed inside the left earphone and is also connected to the first headphone cable 317. The first headphone cable 317 is used to connect three wires: a negative or ground wire, an audio wire, and one wire 315 for measuring voltage the skin of the ear. The negative (or grounded) wire and audio wire can be used to transmit the first audio signal to the left earphone.

[0051] Similarly, the right ear can also be used to measure cardiac activity. Thus, the right earphone can be designed in the same way as the left earphone, as described above. This creates an additional measurement point, however, apparatus 100 may use only two electrodes in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the first earphone cable 317 is attached to the plug 329. The plug 329 also connects the second earphone cable 327 to the three wires for the right earphone, just like the first earphone cable 317 connects the left earphone. The right ear insert 321 is attached to an electrically conductive base 323 and connected to a wire 325. A wire 325 is connected through a cable of the right earphone 327 to a plug 329. The second earphone cable 327 is used to connect three wires: a negative or ground wire, a sound wire, and one wire 325 for measuring tension on the skin of the ear. The negative (or ground) wire and sound wire of cable 327 can be used to transmit the second sound signal to the right earphone. In other embodiments, a second headphone cable 327 is used to connect two wires: a negative (or ground) wire and an audio wire to transmit the second audio signal to the right earphone.

[0052] Inserts 311 and 321 are shown in FIG. 1 as electrodes 103 and 105, respectively, which are connected to one input of a voltage comparator 111. The earbuds 311 and 321 create reliable contact with the skin of the ear in and around the ear canal.

[0053] The headset controller 331 in FIG. 3A may represent headset controller 101 in Fig. 1. The headset controller 331 may include a microphone and volume control buttons and multi-function buttons. The main cable 333 may be an instance of the main cable 217, which is described above. The main cable 333 can connect the headset controller 331 to the audio jack 319. The main cable 333 has four wires and is coated with an electrically conductive layer 335. The electrically conductive layer 335 can cover the entire length of the cable according to the utility model or a certain part thereof. The headset controller 331 contains all the parts described in the housing 101 shown in Fig. 1. The conductive layer of the main cable 335 is electrically connected to the headset controller 331 and shown as electrode 107 in Fig. 1.

[0054] In another embodiment shown in Fig. 3B, the headset controller 341 is located between the earphone connected by a cable 347 with three wires inside, the same as in the headphone cable 327 in Fig. 3A, on the one hand. On the other hand, the headset controller 341 is connected to the plug 345 through the headphone cable 343. The headset controller 341 in Fig. 3B may be one of the options for controller 101 in Figure 1.

[0055] Cable 343 has at least four wires: a ground (or common negative) wire, a right earphone speaker wire, an additional microphone wire, and a wire connected to the conductive layer 351 via a plug 345. A plug 345 connects the left earphone via a two-wire cable 349 containing grounding or a common negative wire, and the right earphone through cables 343 and 347. The main cable 353, like the main cable 333, contains four wires: grounding or a common negative wire, the right and left wires of the headphones, and the wire for the microphone. A main cable 353 connects a plug 345 at one end with an audio plug at the other. Plug 345 also connects the conductive layer 351 to the headset controller 341 via cable 343.

[0056] In other embodiments, the headset controller 331 may not be present as shown in FIG. 3A or Fig. 3B. Probably, the headset controller 331 may not have a microphone and can be integrated with the 329 plug into one housing. Regardless of the embodiment, the principle of operation remains the same, the first electrode is connected to one or both headphones through the earmolds, and the other electrode is connected to the conductive layer 335 of the main cable 333.

[0057] In some embodiments, at least one of the wires of the main cable 333 or 353 may be configured to transmit cardiac activity data from the headset controller 331 or 341 to the receiver 121. The length of the conductive layer 335 or 351 is determined by the parameters of the method of wearing the headset. It can cover the entire length of the main cable 333 and 353 or part of it. In addition, as the industry is developing new connectors that can be used in the receiver, the headset can also be changed to match these new connectors. It is also possible to connect the output of the voltage comparator 111 shown in Fig. 1 directly through a special wire in cable 117. In this case, there is no need to use modem 113.

[0058] In further embodiments of the utility model, liners 311 and 321 can be connected through wires 315 and 325 to plug 329, where they are connected together and then connected through main cable 333 to device 121. Wire layer 335 can also be connected directly to the device 121 receivers through a separate wire. In this configuration, the headset controller 101 does not require a voltage comparator 111 and a modem 113. The receiver 121 can interpret the voltage signal between the electrode 103 (or the electrode 105) and the electrode 107 and generate cardiac activity data based on the voltage signal.

[0059] Regardless of the embodiments of the utility model, are the electrodes 103, 105, and 107 connected to the receiver via the main cable, or other means of transmitting the measured voltage between these electrodes to the receiver are used, or is the modulated signal transmitted through one of the existing wires to the receiver device, the principle of operation remains the same: one electrode is connected to one or both ears through the earbuds of the headphones, and the other electrode is connected to the conductive layer of the main cable. The resulting measured voltage between these points correlates with the ECG signal and can be interpreted by the logic embedded in the receiver or headset controller as cardiac activity data. Examples illustrating the use of a headset.

[0060] Fig. 4 shows a front view of a user 500, illustrating one example of how a user can use a headset in accordance with one embodiment. The earbuds are inserted into the right ear 401 and left ear 403, and are also connected to the headset controller 411 through the headphone cables 405 and 407. The headset controller 411 is connected to the main cable 417, the other end of which is connected to a receiving device, such as a smartphone or music player, into the pocket 421. The main cable 417 is installed under the clothes 409 through the collar of the clothes and makes direct contact with the skin on the chest 419 and the armpit 415. Next, the main cable 417 exits through the sleeve and is connected to the receiving device via the plug 413.

[0061] Tight clothing holds the main cable 417 with its conductive layer, snug against the body, making good electrical contact at many points: on the chest, armpit, and arm. This adds reliability to the connection, especially when a person is moving. An embodied cable with a conductive layer can be coated with insulation, for example a plastic tube, to reduce the area of contact with the skin, preventing the measurement of the voltage potential over too large a body area. For example, the contact area can be reduced to the area between points 419 and 415, or only to the area of the chest 419 or only at hand 415. It is also possible to adapt the main cable 417 to the receiver through the hole in the clothes inside the pocket to avoid tangling the main cable 417. The receiver can also be attached to the hand with a special girth or in another way on clothing or the body.

[0062] Fig. 5A shows a front view of a user 500, illustrating another example of how a user can use a headset in accordance with another embodiment. Fig. 5B shows a rear view of a user 500, illustrating another example of how a user can use a headset in accordance with another embodiment. These figures show that the armpit area can be used as one ECG measurement point and one or both ears as another ECG measurement point. Headphones, such as in-ear headphones, are inserted into the right ear 501 and the left ear 503, making the first ECG contact. The in-ear headphones 501 and 503 are connected to the headset controller 509 via the headphone cables 505 and 507, respectively. The main cable 513 with a conductive layer is installed under the clothes 506, passes through the armpit 511 and through the shoulder 512 returns back to the collar of the clothes. The main cable can be fixed on the collar of clothes 502 and 506 so that the main cable does not sag on hand in motion. The main cable 513 is connected to a receiving device 517 located in the pocket 515.

[0063] In the example shown in FIG. 5V, the main cable 523 can be passed from under the arm 511 along the blade 519, and attached to the back of the garment collar 521 to prevent the cable from sagging. The main cable 523 is connected to a receiving device 527 located in the back pocket 525. The receiving device 527 can also be attached to the belt using a special clip if the clothes do not have pockets.

[0064] In both examples in FIG. 5A and Fig. 5B, the main cable with the conductive layer makes reliable contact at hand 511 in order to measure cardiac activity. Another contact is established with at least one of the in-ear headphones 501 and 503.

[0065] Fig. 6A shows a front view of a user 600, illustrating another example of how a user can use a headset. Fig. 6B shows a rear view of a user 600, illustrating another example of how a user can wear a headset. As shown in these figures, in the background of the user 600, in-ear headphones are inserted into the left ear 601 and the right ear 603 and connected to the headset controller 605 located at the neck or chest area. The main cable 607 passes under the clothes through the collar and further on hand to the back. The main cable 607 is passed through a specially made hole for the cable 609 in clothes and is connected to the receiving device 611 located in the back pocket. The conductive layer main cable 607 establishes reliable electrical contact with the skin of the user around the chest 607 and armpit 608.

[0066] In another example, as shown in Fig. 6V, the main cable 613 with a wire layer can be drawn from the consumer’s chest over the shoulder to the back. Then the main cable 613 goes down and pulled out from under the clothes 617, where it connects to the receiving device 615 in the back pocket. The main cable 613 with a conductive layer makes good electrical contact with the skin of the consumer on the chest, over the shoulder, back.

[0067] Fig. 7A shows a front view of a user 700, illustrating another example of how a user can use a headset. Fig. 7B shows a rear view of a user 700 illustrating yet another example of how a user can use a headset. These figures illustrate a special option for attaching a headset for women. The headphone cables 701 and 703 are connected to the headset controller 705. The main cable 707 is pulled through the garment collar under the shoulder strap of the bra. The main cable 707 then passes at hand 709 and exits from the back 719 of the user. The main cable passes under the side strap of the bra 719 and continues downward under the arm 708. The bra holds the main cable tightly to the body and creates reliable electrical contact with its conductive layer. The main cable is then pulled through a specially made hole 713 located inside the side pocket 717 of the clothes and connected to the receiving device 715.

[0068] The receiver 715 can also be installed in various places, for example, in a clip attached to a belt or a telephone holster attached to a hand 711. For fastening to a holster, a cable according to a utility model running under the side straps of bra 719 exits through the sleeve clothes 721 and connected to the receiver 711. Alternatively, the main cable 719 can be carried on the back and out through a specially made hole 714 in the clothes and connected to the receiving device 712 located in the back pocket.

[0069] Fig. 8 shows a front view of a user 800, illustrating another example of how a user can use a headset. As shown in Fig. 8, the headphone cables 801 and 803 are connected to the headset controller 807. The main cable 811 is connected to the headset controller 807 and pulled through the clothes collar under the bra 806. The main cable with a conductive layer makes tight contact with the skin under the bra between points 805 and 809 on the chest. The main cable 810 passes back under the bra 806 and exits through the garment collar 812. The main cable is then connected to the receiver 813 located in the pocket 817 through the connector 815.

[0070] In addition, the main cable can be lowered down the body from under the bra 809 and pulled out from under the clothes 814. Then it is connected through the connector 815 to the receiver 813 located in the pocket 817.

[0071] For an ordinary person with technical skills, it is obvious that you can find other wearing options besides those already described. However, the principles of this embodiment remain the same: a heart activity monitor can be used with headphones when one electrical contact is installed in one or both ears and the other electrical contact is installed in a convenient location on the body, where the main cable from the conductive layers can fit to the body using existing clothing, bra or go handy.

[0072] Thus, an apparatus and headset for monitoring cardiac activity are described herein. Although the embodiments have been described with reference to specific examples of embodiments, it is fairly obvious that various modifications and changes can be made to these examples of embodiments without significant differences from the wider spirit and scope of the present application. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (26)

1. The device is a headset for monitoring cardiac activity, including: at least one earphone configured to be placed in the user's ear, providing audio output and connected to the headset controller via an earphone cable; a cardiac activity measuring module included in the headset controller and configured to perceive the user's cardiac activity, modulating a cardiac activity signal and transmitting a modulated cardiac activity signal to a receiver configured to receive, demodulate and display a cardiac activity signal, while the module for measuring cardiac activity is configured to connect to the receiving device through the main cable, inside of which at least two wires pass, one of which transmits a modulated signal of cardiac activity to the receiving device, wherein the cardiac activity measuring module is connected to at least the first electrode and the second electrode by means of corresponding wires, wherein at least the wire of the first electrode passes inside the earphone cable, in which the first electrode is integrated into one earphone so that when the earphone is located in the ear of the user, the first electrode is in contact with the skin of the user at a first location in the ear of the user, in which the second electrode is located on the outer surface of the main cable and is configured to contact the skin of the user at a second location, the second location is outside the user's ear. 2. The headset apparatus according to claim 1, in which the earpiece includes an elastic intra-ear insert and in which the first electrode is integrated with the elastic intra-ear insert. 3. The headset apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a first earphone and a second earphone, each earphone having an elastic earphone insert, and in which the first electrode is integrated or connected to the elastic earphone earpiece of the first earphone. 4. The headset apparatus according to claim 3, in which the elastic inner ear insert of the first earphone contains electrically conductive material. 5. The headset according to claim 4, in which the cable of the first earphone includes at least three wires insulated from each other, in which one of the three wires of the cable of the first earphone is the wire of the first electrode and the other two wires transmit the sound signal of the first earphone and in which the cable of the second earphone includes at least two wires insulated from each other, and transmitting the sound signal of the second earphone. 6. The headset apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the cardiac activity measuring module is connected to the first electrode, the second electrode and the third electrode, the third electrode being integrated into the second earphone so that when the earphone is located in the user's ear, the third electrode is in contact with the user's skin in the user's ear, the cardiac activity measuring module is connected to the third electrode via the wire of the third electrode, while the wire of the third electrode passes inside the cable of the second earphone. 7. The headset apparatus according to claim 6, in which each of the headphones contains an elastic earphone insert, in which the first electrode is integrated or connected to the elastic earphone insert of the first earphone and in which the third electrode is integrated or connected to the elastic earphone earpiece of the second earphone. 8. The headset apparatus according to claim 7, in which each of the elastic inner ear buds of the first earphone and the second earphone contains an electrically conductive material. 9. The headset according to claim 8, in which the cable of the first earphone includes at least three wires insulated from each other, in which one of the three wires of the first cable is the wire of the first electrode and the other two wires transmit the sound signal of the first earphone and in which the cable of the second earphone includes at least three wires insulated from each other, in which one of the three wires is the wire of the third electrode and the other two wires transmit the sound signal of the second earphone. 10. The headset apparatus according to claim 1, in which the role of the second electrode is performed by the conductive layer of the main cable located on the outer surface of the main cable. 11. The headset apparatus of claim 10, wherein the conductive layer is provided along the entire length of the main cable. 12. The headset apparatus of claim 10, in which the conductive layer is not along the entire length of the main cable. 13. The headset apparatus according to claim 1, in which the second electrode is located on the outer surface of the main cable so that when the user uses the headset, the second electrode is in contact with the skin in one or more of the following positions: user's chest, user's hand , user's armpit area, user's neck, user's shoulder, user's back. 14. The headset apparatus according to claim 1, including one earphone, in which the main cable includes a speaker wire of the headphone and a ground wire, one of which provides the transmission of a modulated signal of cardiac activity. 15. The headset apparatus according to claim 1, including a right earphone and a left earphone, in which the main cable includes a speaker wire of a first earphone, a speaker wire of a second earphone and a ground wire, one of which provides the transmission of a modulated cardiac activity signal. 16. The headset apparatus according to claim 1, in which the main cable includes a sliding electrical insulation, allowing the user to isolate parts of the second electrode from electrical contact with the skin of the user in places not intended for contact with the second electrode. 17. The headset apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the headset controller is located on the main cable. 18. The headset apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the headset controller is located on the cable of one of the headphones. 19. The headset apparatus according to claim 1, including one earphone, in which the headset controller includes a microphone configured to capture a user's voice signal, volume control buttons and a headset, while the main cable includes a headphone speaker wire, a ground wire and a microphone wire , one of which provides the transmission of a modulated signal of cardiac activity. 20. The headset apparatus according to claim 1, including a right earphone and a left earphone, in which the headset controller includes a microphone configured to capture a user's voice signal, volume control buttons and a headset, while the main cable includes a speaker wire of the first earphone, wire the dynamics of the second earphone, ground wire and microphone wire, one of which provides the transmission of a modulated signal of cardiac activity.

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