Google patents watch part that acts as both sensor and antenna
Google describes a wearable device where a single metal part on the outside serves two jobs at once. It acts as a sensor to read body data and as an antenna for wireless signals, using a special filter to keep the two types of signals from interfering with each other.
In the filing’s own words
A wearable computing device can include an integrated electrode capable of functioning as a biometric sensor and an external antenna. The device can include a housing defining a cavity and having an upper surface and a lower surface. The electrode can be located on a non-skin contacting portion of the housing. Further, a feed structure connects the electrode to circuitry located within the cavity. The circuitry can include communications circuitry and biometric circuitry. Additionally, a decoupling network is positioned between the electrode and the circuitry so that radiofrequency signals are received from the electrode to the communications circuitry and electrical signals are received from the electrode to the biometric circuitry. Such an approach allows for simultaneous operation of the biometric circuitry and the communications circuitry connected to the electrode.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A wearable computing device comprising: a housing defining a cavity and having an upper surface and a lower surface; an electrode located adjacent a non-skin contacting portion of the housing, wherein the electrode functions as a biometric sensor and an external antenna; a feed structure connecting the electrode to circuitry located within the cavity, the circuitry comprising communications circuitry and biometric circuitry; and a decoupling network positioned between the electrode and the circuitry so that radiofrequency signals are received from the electrode to the communications circuitry and electrical signals are received from the electrode to the biometric circuitry, wherein the electrode is separated from the housing by an electrostatic discharge (ESD) material, wherein the feed structure is surrounded by the ESD material between the housing and the electrode.
Facts
- Company
- Google (Google LLC)
- Official title
- Computing device having sensor with integrated antenna
- Patent number
- US12756416B2
- Application number
- 18401205
- Filed
- Dec 29, 2023
- Granted
- Oct 6, 2026
- Inventors
- 2
- Claims
- 18
Classified under
H04B 1/385 Electricity & electronicsMore from Google in Wearables
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.