Technical Field

[0001] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to the field of electronics, and more particularly to a technique for supplying electrical power to electronic devices.

Background of the Invention

[0002] In physiology, an action potential is a short-lasting event in which the electrical membrane potential of a cell rapidly rises and falls, following a consistent trajectory. Action potentials occur in several types of animal cells, called excitable cells, which include neurons, muscle cells, and endocrine cells, as well as in some plant cells. In neurons, action potentials play a central role in cell-to-cell communication. In other types of cells, their main function is to activate intracellular processes. In muscle cells, for example, an action potential is the first step in the chain of events leading to contraction. In beta cells of the pancreas, they provoke release of insulin.

[0003] Action potentials are generated by special types of voltage-gated ion channels embedded in a cell's plasma membrane. These channels are shut when the membrane potential is near the resting potential of the cell, but they rapidly begin to open if the membrane potential increases to a precisely defined threshold value. When the channels open, they allow an inward flow of sodium ions, which changes the electrochemical gradient, which in turn produces a further rise in the membrane potential. This then causes more channels to open, producing a greater electric current across the cell membrane. The process proceeds explosively until all of the available ion channels are open, resulting in a large upswing in the membrane potential. The rapid influx of sodium ions causes the polarity of the plasma membrane to reverse, and the ion channels then rapidly inactivate. As the sodium channels close, sodium ions can no longer enter the neuron, and they are actively transported out of the plasma membrane. Potassium channels are then activated, and there is an outward current of potassium ions, returning the electrochemical gradient to the resting state. After an action potential has occurred, there is a transient negative shift, called the afterhyperpolarization or refractory period, due to additional potassium currents.

[0004] In animal cells, there are two primary types of action potentials, one type generated by voltage-gated sodium channels, the other by voltage-gated calcium channels. Sodium-based action potentials usually last for under one millisecond, whereas calcium-based action potentials may last for 100 milliseconds or longer. In some types of neurons, slow calcium spikes provide the driving force for a long burst of rapidly emitted sodium spikes. In cardiac muscle cells, on the other hand, an initial fast sodium spike provides a "primer" to provoke the rapid onset of a calcium spike, which then produces muscle contraction.

[0005] In the human body, the rapid changes in voltage on the cell membrane produces electric fields, since E = -V V, where E is the electric field (expressed as a vector), V is the voltage, and -V Vis the gradient of the voltage, which is indicative of voltage changes in space. Electric fields produce electrical current in the human body, as J = (lI , where J is the current density and σ is the body's electrical conductivity. Some of electrical current is present in the human skin and is known in the art as electro galvanic current.

Brief Summary of Embodiments of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims at using the electrical current on a person's skin to provide electrical power to electronic devices, such as (but not limited to) laptop and tablet computers, cellular phones, media players, wrist watches, e-book readers, portable videogame consoles, and wrist watches. The present invention taps into an existing source of electrical power (the human body), thus reducing the need for batteries and decreasing the consumption of electrical energy produced by power stations and generators. The reduced need for batteries may decrease the use of the raw materials and components used for manufacturing traditional batteries.

[0007] Therefore, an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus for supplying electrical power to an electronic device. The apparatus comprises a pair of electrodes, a converter, and a distribution unit. The electrodes are configured for being joined to a user's skin and draw input electrogalvanic power therefrom. The converter is configured for receiving the electrogalvanic power and converting an input current and/or an input voltage of the input electrogalvanic power to an output current and/or an output voltage of an output power. The distribution unit is configured for receiving the output power and supplying the output power to the electronic device.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present invention, the converter comprises an amplifier and a transformer. The amplifier is configured for receiving the input electrogalvanic power and amplifying the input current and/or the input voltage to provide an amplified power. The transformer is configured for receiving the amplified power and transforming the amplified current and the amplified voltage to the output current and the output voltage, respectively.

[0009] In a variant, the apparatus includes a first switching unit between the electrodes and the amplifier, the first switching unit being configured for selecting any one of: directing the input electrogalvanic power to the amplifier; and directing the input electrogalvanic power to the transformer, thus bypassing the amplifier, such that the transformer is configured for transforming the input electrogalvanic power into the output power; or directing the input electrogalvanic power to the distribution unit, thus bypassing the amplifier and the transformer, such that the output power corresponds to the input electrogalvanic power.

[0010] In another variant, the apparatus includes a second switching unit between the amplifier and the transformer, the second switching unit being configured for selecting any one of: directing the amplifier power to the transformer; and directing the amplified power to the distribution unit, thus bypassing the transformer, such that the output power corresponds to the amplified power.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention the converter comprises a transformer and an amplifier. The transformer is configured for receiving the input electrogalvanic power and transforming the input current and the input voltage to a transformed current and transformed voltage, respectively, to provide a transformed power. The amplifier is configured for receiving the transformed power and amplifying the transformed current and/or the transformed voltage to provide the output power.

[0012] In a variant, the apparatus comprises a first switching unit between the electrodes and the transformer, the first switching unit being configured for selecting any one of: directing the input electrogalvanic power to the transformer; and directing the input electrogalvanic power to the amplifier, thus bypassing the transformer, such that the amplifier is configured for amplifying the input electrogalvanic power to provide the output power; and directing the input electrogalvanic power to the distribution unit, thus bypassing the transformer and the amplifier, such that the output power corresponds to the input electrogalvanic power.

[0013] In another variant, the apparatus comprises a second switching unit between the transformer and the amplifier, the second switching unit being configured for selecting any one of: directing the transformed power to the amplifier; and directing the transformed power to the distribution unit, thus bypassing the amplifier, such that the output power corresponds to the transformed power.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present inventions, the distribution unit comprises a first lead and a second lead, and a connector. The first lead and a second lead have proximal ends connected to the converter, the first lead and the second lead being configured for receiving the output power. The connector is connected to distal ends of the first lead and of the second lead, and is configured for connecting to the electronic device so as to provide electrical power to the electronic device.

[0015] Optionally, the distribution unit further comprising a node, a plurality of distal leads, and a plurality of connectors. The first lead and second lead have proximal ends connected to the converter and distal ends connected to the node, thus directing the output power to the node. Each distal lead is connected to the node and to a respective one of the connectors, thus directing the output power from the node to the connectors. Each connector is configured for connecting to a respective electronic device so as to provide electrical power to the respective electronic device. [0016] In a variant, the distribution unit comprises a first lead and a second, an emitter, and a receiver. The first lead and a second lead have proximal ends connected to the converter, the first lead and the second lead being configured for receiving the output power. The emitter is connected to distal ends of the first lead and the second lead and configured for: receiving the output power from the first lead and the second lead; generating an electromagnetic wave responsive to the output power; emitting the electromagnetic wave. The receiver is connected to the electronic device and configured for: receiving the electromagnetic wave; converting the electromagnetic wave into a power signal; and directing the power signal to the electronic device, so as to provide electric power to the electronic device.

[0017] Optionally, the emitter comprises a power switch, configured for being manipulated to turn the emitter on or off.

[0018] In another variant, the apparatus further comprises a control unit configured for controlling an operation of the converter, so as to regulate the output voltage and the output current, the control unit comprising a user interface configured for receiving an instruction form the user, the control unit being configured for operating the converter according to the instruction. The control unit may be further configured for controlling an operation of the distribution unit.

[0019] In a further variant, the apparatus further comprises a control unit configured for controlling an operation of the amplifier and/or of the transformer, so as to regulate the output voltage and the output current.

[0020] In yet another variant, the apparatus further comprises a control unit configured for controlling an operation of the first switch.

[0021] In yet a further variant, the apparatus further comprises a control unit configured for controlling an operation of the second switch.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present invention the apparatus further comprising a control unit configured for controlling an operation of the amplifier and/or of the transformer, so as to regulate the output voltage and the output current. [0023] Optionally, the apparatus comprises a control unit configured for controlling an operation of the first switch.

[0024] In a variant, the apparatus further comprises a control unit configured for controlling an operation of the second switch.

[0025] In some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus includes a flexible strap having a first surface and a second surface facing opposite directions. The electrodes are joined to or protrude from the first surface. The converter is located on the second surface or between the first surface and the second surface. The strap has an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the closed configuration the strap is bent to form a loop around a user's limb, such the first surface faces inward and the second surface faces outward, thus enabling contact between the electrodes and the surface limb. The strap comprises a disengageable locking mechanism configured for fastening the strap into the closed configuration thereof.

[0026] Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the features in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims attached hereto.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] The present invention, in accordance with one or more various embodiments, is described in detail with reference to the following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments of the invention. These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding of the invention and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability of the invention. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale. [0028] Some of the figures included herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention from different viewing angles. Although the accompanying descriptive text may refer to such views as "top," "bottom" or "side" views, such references are merely descriptive and do not imply or require that the invention be implemented or used in a particular spatial orientation unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0029] Figs. 1 and 2 are block diagrams illustrating different examples of an apparatus for using electric current from human skin and to power electronic devices, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0030] Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus of the present invention configured for powering one or more electronic devices by wire;

[0031] Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus of the present invention configured for wirelessly powering one or more electronic devices; and

[0032] Figs. 5-7 are schematic drawings illustrating an example of an arrangement which enables the joining of the apparatus of any of the preceding figures to the human body, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that the invention can be practiced with modification and alteration, and that the invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments of the Invention

[0034] From time-to-time, the present invention is described herein in terms of example environments. Description in terms of these environments is provided to allow the various features and embodiments of the invention to be portrayed in the context of an exemplary application. After reading this description, it will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art how the invention can be implemented in different and alternative environments. [0035] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All patents, applications, published applications and other publications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. If a definition set forth in this section is contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with a definition set forth in applications, published applications and other publications that are herein incorporated by reference, the definition set forth in this document prevails over the definition that is incorporated herein by reference.

[0036] Referring now to the drawings, Figs. 1 and 2 are block diagrams illustrating different examples of an apparatus 100 for using electric current from human skin and to power electronic devices, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] The apparatus 100 includes at least one pair of electrodes (electrodes 102 and 104 in the current example), a converter 106, and a distribution unit 108. The electrodes 102 and 104 are configured for being joined to a user's skin and draw electrogalvanic power therefrom. The converter 106 is configured for receiving the electrogalvanic power and converting the electrogalvanic current and/or electrogalvanic voltage to desired current and/or voltage, according to the requirements of a desired electronic device. The distribution unit 108 is configured for providing the power output from the converter 106 to one or more electronic devices.

[0038] The electrodes 102 and 104 are joined to the skin of user, in the manner user, for example in electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiography (ECG), and galvanic skin response measurements. Optionally, conductive gel is applied between each electrode and the skin. The electrodes 102 are joined to the converter 106 via an electric circuit. Electrogalvanic voltage (Vm) is formed between the electrodes and the electrogalvanic current (IIN) is conducted to the converter via the leads of the electrical circuit.

[0039] The converter 106 is designed for receiving the electrogalvanic power (voltage VIN and current Ii _N ), and converting the electrogalvanic power to output power having output voltage VOUT and output current Ιουτ, according to the requirements of an electronic device to be powered. The converter includes an amplifier 110 and a transformer 112.

[0040] In a first variant of the present invention, as illustrated in Fig. 1, the amplifier 110 receives and amplifies the electrogalvanic power to output amplified power (amplified current I _AMP and/or amplified voltage V _AMP )- It should be noted that, depending on the requirements of the electronic device, one, both, or none of voltage V _IN and current Ii _N are amplified. The transformer 112 receives and transforms the output power of the amplifier into output voltage V _OUT and output current Ιουτ· It should be noted that, depending on the requirements of the electronic device, I _AMP and V _AMP may or may not be transformed by the transformer. Optionally, a first pair of selector switches (114 and 116) located between the amplifier 110 and respective electrodes can be operated to select whether to bypass the amplifier or to bypass both the amplifier and the transformer. Optionally or additionally, a second pair of switches (118 and 120) located between the amplifier and the transformer can be operated to select whether to bypass the transformer.

[0041] In a second variant of the present invention, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the transformer 112 receives and transforms the electrogalvanic power into output voltage V _TR and output current I _TRN the amplifier 110. It should be noted that, depending on the requirements of the electronic device, Ii _N and Vi _N may or may not be transformed by the transformer. The amplifier 110 receives and amplifies the electrogalvanic power to output by the transformer 112 (transformed current I _TRN and/or transformed voltage V _TRN ). It should be noted that, depending on the requirements of the electronic device, one, both, or none of voltage V _TRN and current I _TRN are amplified. Though not depicted in Fig. 2, a system of switches similar to that depicted in Fig. 1 may be present. A first pair of selector switches located between the transformer and respective electrodes may be used to select whether to bypass the transformer or to bypass both the amplifier and the transformer. Optionally or additionally, a second pair of switches located between the transformer and the amplifier can be operated to select whether to bypass the amplifier.

[0042] The amplifier is powered by an external portable power source, such as lithium ion battery, a zinc-carbon battery, and/or an alkaline battery, for example. The amplifier may be any known type of amplifier. Non-limiting examples of amplifiers include operational amplifiers, transistor amplifiers, fully differential amplifiers, etc. Moreover, the amplifier may be a current amplifier, a transresistance amplifier, a transconductance amplifier, or a voltage amplifier.

[0043] The converter 106 may be constructed with discrete components, or may be in the form of an integrated circuit, as known in the art.

[0044] The distribution unit 108 receives the output power (output voltage and output power) from the converter 106, from the poles 122 and 124. The distribution unit 108 may include leads and connectors to provide power to the electronic devices by wire, or may include a wireless emitter and wireless receiver to wirelessly provide power to the electronic devices.

[0045] In some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus 100 includes a control unit 126. In a variant, the control unit is designed to control the operation of the converter 106 and thus to regulate the output voltage and output current. The converter may control the operation of the switches, of the amplifier, and of the transformer, so as to provide a desired output current and desired output voltage. In another variant, the control unit 126 controls the operation of the distribution unit 108, enabling a user to select whether to provide power by wire or wirelessly.

[0046] Optionally, the control unit 126 includes a user interface 128, configured for receiving instructions from a user. These instructions are used by the control unit to operate the converter 106 and/or the distribution unit 108 in a desired manner. For example, the user may instruct the control unit to operate the converter so as to output current and voltage matching the requirements of a desired electronic device. In another example, the user interface includes a memory module which stores a list of names of predetermined electronic devices, each name being associated with a predetermined voltage and current corresponding to the power requirements of the electronic device. The user interface may enable the user to select a desired electronic device to be powered. Once the electronic device is selected, the control unit operates the converter to provide the voltage and current associated with the selected electronic device. Optionally, the list may be updated directly by the user and/or via wireless or wired firmware downloads. In the case of firmware downloads, the distribution unit may communicate with a device that stores the firmware software and effect the download therefrom.

[0047] The user interface may include a display (e.g. plasma or liquid crystal display), and some input unit. The input unit may include buttons, or a keypad, for example. The display is configured for displaying information indicative of the mode of operation of the control unit selected by the user.

[0048] Reference is now made to Fig. 3, which is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus of the present invention configured for powering one or more electronic devices by wire.

[0049] In the example of Fig. 3, the apparatus 100 described above includes a distribution unit that provides power to one or more electronic devices by wire. The distribution unit includes a first lead 200 and a second lead 202 joined to and in electrical communication with the poles 122 and 124, respectively. A connector 204 receives the first and second lead at one end, and is configured for connecting to a single point of an electronic device so as to provide electrical power to the electronic device. The connector may be any kind of known connector, such as a USB connector, a 30-pin connector, or a lightning connector, for example.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present invention, the distribution unit includes a node 206, which receives the first lead 200 and the second lead 202 at one end, and includes a plurality of distal leads (generally 208) which are joined to respective connectors (generally 204). Each connector is of a different type, so as to enable power delivery to different types of devices.

[0051] The devices powered by the apparatus 100 may include any of an e-book reader 210, a media player 212, a mobile phone 214, a palmtop computer 216, a tablet computer 218, a laptop computer 220, a portable videogame console 222, and a wrist watch 224. In the case of the wristwatch, the apparatus 100 is integrated into the core body of the wrist watch, as wrist watches generally do not have power entry point. For example, the electrodes may be located of the rear surface of the wrist watch, followed by a layer for the converter and a further layer for the distribution unit.

[0052] Reference is now made to Fig. 4, which is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus of the present invention configured for wirelessly powering one or more electronic devices.

[0053] In the example, of Fig. 4, the apparatus 100 of the present invention has a distribution unit 108 configured for supplying power wirelessly. The distribution unit includes the leads 200 and 202 described above, an emitter 300, and a receiver 304. The leads 200 and 202 connect the output poles of the converter 106 to the emitter 300. The emitter 300 receives the output power signal from the converter 106 and, responsive to the power signal, the emitter 300 generates and emits an electromagnetic wave 302. The electromagnetic wave 302 is received by the receiver 304, which is connected to an electronic device 306. The receiver converts the electromagnetic wave 302 into a power signal, and sends the power signal to the electronic device 306, so as to provide electric power to the electronic device.

[0054] Optionally, the distribution unit may include both the wireless emitter-receiver arrangement and the wired lead-connector arrangement. Optionally, the emitter includes a power switch, enabling to user to turn the emitter on and off according to a user's desire. The instruction to turn the emitter on and off may be received by user interface described above, which in turn controls the power switch of the emitter according to the user instruction.

[0055] Reference is now made to Figs. 5-7, which are schematic drawings illustrating an example of an arrangement which enables the joining of the apparatus 100 of any of the preceding figures to the human body, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In Fig. 5, a cross sectional view of the apparatus 100 shows having a strap 400 in an open configuration. In Fig. 6, a cross sectional view of the apparatus 100 shows having a strap 400 in an open configuration. In Fig. 7, a perspective view of the apparatus 100 is provided, when the apparatus 100 is worn on a user's wrist. For the sake of simplicity, Figs. 5-7 do not depict the distribution unit 108. It should be understood, that the apparatus 100 depicted in Figs. 5-7 does include the distribution unit 108.

[0056] The apparatus 100 includes a flexible strap 400 having a first surface 400a and a second surface 400b. The first surface 400a is the surface which is to be in contact with the user's skin. The electrodes 102 and 104 are joined to or protrude from the strap's first surface 400a. The converter 106 is located either between the first and second surface, or on the second surface 400. Wires connecting the electrodes to the converter 106 are located within the strap 400 and traverse at least part of the strap 400.

[0057] The strap includes a disengageable locking mechanism, configured for fastening the strap into a closed configuration, when desired. For example the locking mechanism includes a first element 402 located on the first surface 400a and a second element 404 located on the second surface 400b. When brought into contact, the first element 402 and the second element 404 removably join to each other, as shown in Fig. 6. The first element 402 may include a plurality of hooks, and the second element 404 may include a plurality of loop, or vice-versa, forming a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 6, the strap 400 can be bent into a loop so that the first surface 400a faces inward, while the second surface 400b faces outward, thus achieving a closed configuration. In this manner, the strap can be worn around a user's limb. The strap may be worn around the user's wrist, as shown in Fig. 7, around a user's arm, or around a user's leg, for example.

[0059] As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, when worn around a user's limb, the electrodes 102 and 104 face inward to contact the user's skin, while the user interface faces outward to be visible and accessible to the user. As mentioned above, the user interface may include a display 500 and a plurality of buttons (generally 502).

[0060] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration for the invention, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the invention. The invention is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but the desired features can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical or physical partitioning and configurations can be implemented to implement the desired features of the present invention. Also, a multitude of different constituent module names other than those depicted herein can be applied to the various partitions. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0061] Although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

[0062] Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term "including" should be read as meaning "including, without limitation" or the like; the term "example" is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms "a" or "an" should be read as meaning "at least one," "one or more" or the like; and adjectives such as "conventional," "traditional," "normal," "standard," "known" and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.

[0063] A group of items linked with the conjunction "and" should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as "and/or" unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction "or" should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as "and/or" unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the invention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated.

[0064] The presence of broadening words and phrases such as "one or more," "at least," "but not limited to" or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of the term "module" does not imply that the components or functionality described or claimed as part of the module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of a module, whether control logic or other components, can be combined in a single package or separately maintained and can further be distributed across multiple locations.

[0065] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

[0066] Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.