Inviza Corporation

Robert G Andosca

Todd Richard Christenson

Peeraya Nilwong

Theodore B Ziemkowski

Nicholas J Bicek

Marcus Taylor

Christopher H Bicek

Systems methods, and structures are provided that scavenge mechanical energy to provide electrical energy to a wearable, where the mechanical energy is scavenged by a bending-strain-based transducer that includes a non-resonant energy harvester. The bending-strain-based transducer also includes a sensor and/or a haptic device. The transducer may comprise a piezoelectric layer comprising a low-K piezoelectric material, such as aluminum nitride, which enables generation of higher voltage and power/energy output and/or a thinner transducer. Transducers in accordance with the present disclosure can be included in wearables for which large transducer thickness would be problematic, such as shoe insoles, midsoles or outsoles, garments, bras, handbags, backpacks, and the like.

Piezo-elements for wearable devices, including fitness trackers, smart watches and the like

Aspects of the present disclosure describe systems, methods, and structures that scavenge mechanical energy to provide electrical energy to a wearable, where the mechanical energy is scavenged by a bending-strain-based transducer that includes a non-resonant energy harvester. By employing a non-resonant energy harvester that operates in bending mode, more electrical energy can be generated that possible with prior-art energy harvesters. In some embodiments the bending-strain-based transducer also includes a sensor and/or a haptic device. Some transducers in accordance with the present disclosure comprise a piezoelectric layer comprising a low-K piezoelectric material, such as aluminum nitride, which enables generation of higher voltage and power/energy output and/or a thinner transducer. As a result, transducers in accordance with the present disclosure can be included in wearables for which large transducer thickness would be problematic, such as sole members (e.g., shoe insoles, midsoles or outsoles), garments, bras, handbags, backpacks, and the like.

Aspects of the present disclosure describe systems and methods that enable a user of a computing device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, etc.) to interact with a wearable device worn by the user. In one embodiment, the computing device provides a touchscreen-based graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI displays a three-quarter view of a plurality of icons arranged in a ring, where each of the icons is associated with a respective health/fitness parameter (e.g., heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, etc.). The GUI enables the user to interact with the wearable device through the computing device, via swiping gestures, presses of icons, and press-and-holds of the icons.

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Malden, MA, United States of America

Robert G Andosca