WO2015066641A1

WO2015066641A1 - Wearable band assembly including a high-performance data streaming source

Info

Publication number: WO2015066641A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/063737
Authority: WO
Inventors: Armen CHIRCORIAN
Original assignee: Websistant, L.L.C.
Priority date: 2013-11-03
Filing date: 2014-11-03
Publication date: 2015-05-07

Abstract

A wearable band provides high-performance data streaming. The band includes a high performance memory system that provides high data rate streaming and high reliability. The band includes an interface for coupling streaming data output by the band to appropriate output devices.

Description

WEARABLE BAND ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A HIGH-PERFORMANCE DATA STREAMING SOURCE

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to commonly owned U.S.

Provisional Patent Application No. 61/899,282, filed November 3, 2013, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field

[0002] This application relates generally to wearable electronics and, more specifically but not exclusively, to a wearable band device that is a data streaming source.

Introduction

[0003] In the professional entertainment and audio-visual services field, a service provider (e.g., a disk jockey (DJ), a presenter, etc.) presents audio, video, other multi-media, or some combination thereof, to an audience. To this end, the service provider uses a dedicated computing system or a portable computer for storing the audio, video, or multimedia as digital data and for outputting the digital data via appropriate output devices (e.g., a speaker system and display devices). The service provider uses a dedicated computing system or a computer because a high volume of data content must be stored to meet the needs of the audience and because the streaming requirements associated with providing the content is very high. Moreover, system reliability is of essence, particularly given the cost of providing such services.

[0004] While more portable electronic storage devices could be used, these devices have one or more drawbacks. Portable electronic storage devices such as flash drives enable a user to physically move digital data files from one place to another. For example, a user may copy document files, photograph image files, music files, and the like from a computer onto a flash drive. Subsequently, the user can copy those files from the flash drive to another computer.

[0005] Other forms of portable electronic devices enable a user to generate or receive data. For example, a portable music player generates an audio stream that a user listens to via ear buds or headphones. Also, a user can use a cell phone or other similar device to receive audio and video data and output the data via a speaker and display screen. Conversely, a user can use a cell phone or other similar device that includes a microphone and camera to generate audio and video data and send the data via a wireless link to another electronic device.

[0006] Some electronic devices are incorporated in wearable articles. For example, an electronic watch may include a wireless transceiver that enables the electronic watch to communicate with a nearby cell phone or other similar device. Thus, the electronic watch may receive audio, picture, and text data from the nearby device via a wireless link and output audio, pictures, and text via a speaker and display. Conversely, the electronic watch may include a microphone, keyboard, and camera to generate audio, text, and picture data that is sent to the nearby device via a wireless link.

[0007] In practice, conventional portable electronic devices such as those described above are directed to the consumer market. Consequently, the data transfer capabilities and reliability of these devices is limited. For example, flash drives have a relatively low transfer rate. Moreover, flash drives are not particularly reliable and are subject to a limited number of read and write cycles. Also, the streaming capability of a cell phone is limited by the cellular network and, as such, the streaming performance of a cell phone and any associated electronic watch is relatively low. Accordingly, these conventional consumer devices are generally unsuitable for professional applications that require higher performance and reliability. SUMMARY

[0008] The following presents a simplified summary of some aspects of the disclosure to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated features of the disclosure, and is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of all aspects of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects of the disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present various concepts of some aspects of the disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. One or more aspects of the disclosure may be referred to herein simply as "some aspects." The terms "apparatus" and "device" may be used interchangeably herein.

[0009] The disclosure relates in some aspects to a wearable band with high-performance data streaming capabilities. For example, and without limitation, the band may take the form of a wristband, a cuff, a necklace, or other article than can be worn on a wrist, leg, neck, or any other suitable limb of a person or other animal.

[0010] The band includes a high performance memory system that provides high data rate streaming and high reliability. In some implementations, the memory system includes a solid state drive. Accordingly, the memory system provides reliable streaming at rates of 320 kilobytes per second (kB/s) and higher. Moreover, the memory system includes data integrity circuitry that prevents and/or correct data faults.

[0011] The band includes an interface for coupling streaming data output by the band to appropriate output devices. In some implementations, the interface includes a wire -based connector interface that couples streaming data to speaker systems, video display devices, and the like. In some implementations, the interface includes a wireless interface than transits streaming data to a remote device that, in turn, connects to speaker systems, video display devices, and the like.

[0012] In some aspects, a wearable band assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings herein includes: a housing defining an interior space; at least one strap attached to the housing; a processor circuit located within the interior space of the housing; a solid state drive located within the interior space of the housing, the solid state drive electrically coupled to the processor circuit; and a communication interface located at least partially within the interior space of the housing, the communication interface electrically coupled to the processor circuit.

[0013] These and other aspects of the disclosure will be more fully understood when considered with respect to the following detailed description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings, which follow. Other aspects, features, and implementations of the disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, upon reviewing the following description of specific implementations of the disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying figures. While features of the disclosure may be discussed relative to certain implementations and figures below, all implementations of the disclosure can include one or more of the advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, while one or more implementations may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used in accordance with the various implementations of the disclosure discussed herein. In similar fashion, while certain implementations may be discussed below as device, system, or method implementations it should be understood that such implementations can be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a simplified plan view of an embodiment of a wearable band assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings herein;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a simplified plan view of the housing of the wearable band assembly of FIG. 1 ;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a simplified perspective view of the housing of the wearable band assembly of FIG. 1 ;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a simplified end view of the housing of the wearable band assembly of FIG. 1 ;

[0018] FIG. 5 is another simplified perspective view of the housing of the wearable band assembly of FIG. 1 ; [0019] FIG. 6 is a simplified side view of the housing of the wearable band assembly of FIG. 1 ;

[0020] FIG. 7 is a simplified perspective view of an embodiment of a wearable band assembly;

[0021] FIG. 8 is a simplified exploded view of an embodiment of a housing of a wearable band assembly;

[0022] FIG. 9 is a simplified plan view illustrating an example of several internal components of an embodiment of a wearable band assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings herein;

[0023] FIG. 10 is a simplified block diagram illustrating another example of several internal components of an embodiment of a housing of a wearable band assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings herein;

[0024] FIG. 11 is a simplified perspective view of an embodiment of a wearable band assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings herein; and

[0025] FIG. 12 is a simplified side view of an embodiment of a wearable band assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0026] In accordance with common practice, the various features illustrated in the drawings are generally not drawn to scale. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings typically do not depict all of the components of a given apparatus or method. Finally, like reference numerals may be used to denote like features throughout the specification and figures. To avoid unnecessary repetition in cases where the same reference numeral is used in different figures, the reference numbers are not always discussed in the description of each of the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative and do not limit the scope of the disclosure. For example, based on the teachings herein one skilled in the art should appreciate that the various structural and functional details disclosed herein may be incorporated in an embodiment independently of any other structural or functional details. Thus, an apparatus may be implemented or a method practiced using any number of the structural or functional details set forth in any disclosed embodiment(s). Also, an apparatus may be implemented or a method practiced using other structural or functional details in addition to or other than the structural or functional details set forth in any disclosed embodiment(s). In some instances, well known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring such concepts.

[0028] FIGs. 1 - 8 illustrate, in various levels of detail, examples of a wearable band assembly. In FIG. 1, a band assembly 100 includes a housing 102, a first strap 104A, and a second strap 104B. As discussed in more detail below, the housing 102 is hollow and thereby defines an interior space for holding electronic circuitry (not shown in FIG. 1). In particular, this electronic circuitry includes a high performance and high reliability memory system such as a solid state drive (SSD).

[0029] Consequently, the band assembly 100 includes a personal data management system that provides the data transfer performance and reliability required by DJs and other professionals. Moreover, the data management system takes a form that is easily carried and is less susceptible to being misplaced or lost as compared to other types of storage devices.

[0030] The band assembly 100 includes mechanisms that enable the band assembly 100 to be worn by a user, thereby allowing the user to easily use the personal data management capabilities of the band assembly 100, while preventing the band assembly 100 from being easily misplaced or otherwise lost. For example, in FIG. 1, the first and second straps 104A and 104B are flexible, thereby enabling the band assembly 100 to be wrapped around a user's wrist, arm, ankle, leg, or neck. In addition, the distal end (i.e., the end furthest from the housing 102) of the second strap 104B includes an attachment mechanism 106 that is configured to releasably attach to the distal end (i.e., the end furthest from the housing 102) of the first strap 104A. Thus, the band assembly 100 can be secured to the user, while still enabling easy access to the personal data management capabilities of the band assembly 100.

[0031] In the example of FIG. 1, the attachment mechanism 106 includes a buckle that is configured to engage holes 108 in the first strap 104A. Other attachment mechanisms may be employed in other implementations. For example, and without limitation, attachment mechanisms such as clasps, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, and loop assemblies may be employed in different implementations.

[0032] The straps 104 A and 104B may be releasably attached or permanently attached to the housing 102 in different implementations. FIGs. 1 - 8 illustrate examples where straps (e.g., the straps 104A and 104B) are releasably attached to the housing 102.

[0033] The housing 102 includes a first attachment member 110A and a second attachment member HOB, each of which is configured to (e.g., shaped to) attach to a respective one of the first and second straps 104A and 104B. The first and second attachment members 110A and HOB are shown with more clarity in FIGs. 2 and 3, where the straps 104A and 104B have been removed.

[0034] The first strap 104 A includes a first attachment member 112A configured to (e.g., shaped to) attach to the first attachment member 11 OA, while the second strap 104B includes a second attachment member 112B configured to (e.g., shaped to) attach to the second attachment member HOB. For example, each attachment member 112A and 112B may take the form of a loop that wraps around a pin 114 (shown in FIGs. 2, 5, and 7) of a respective attachment member 11 OA or 110B.

[0035] FIG. 1 also illustrates that the housing 102 may include personalized markings 118 (e.g., on a cover for the housing). In this example, the personalized markings 118 indicate the name of a product "KUFF" and include a stylistic border. [0036] FIG. 2 illustrates that the housing 102 is fabricated to hold various electronic circuitry. In this example, the housing includes user output devices 232 and 234 (e.g., display devices), user input devices 236, 238, and 240 (e.g. switches), an indicator light 242, an electrical connector port 228, as well as fasteners 226. Additional aspects of such circuitry are discussed in more detail in conjunction with FIGs. 9 and 10.

[0037] FIG. 2 also illustrates an example where each of the attachments members 110A and HOB include wings 116 and a pin 114. Various mechanisms may be employed to enable an attachment member of a strap (e.g., the attachment member 112A or 112B) to attach to a respective attachment member 110A or 110B of the housing 102. In some implementations, the pin 114 is removable. For example, the pin 114 may be compressed or bent in various implementations to that the pin 114 can be removed from respective holes (not shown in FIG. 2) in inner sides of the wings 116 of the attachment members 110A and HOB. Other attachment mechanisms may be employed in other implementations. For example, and without limitation, attachment mechanisms such as clasps, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, and loop assemblies may be employed in different implementations.

[0038] FIGs. 3 and 4 illustrate an example where inner surfaces of the wings 116 of each attachment member 110A and HOB include holes 320 for pins as discussed above. In the example of FIGs. 3 and 4, the pins have been removed from the attachment members 110A and 110B to better show the holes 320. The holes 320 are best seen in FIG. 4.

[0039] The views of FIGs. 3 and 4 also illustrate structure that enables internal circuitry (not shown) to be inserted or removed from the housing 102. As indicated, an end 322 of the housing 102 defines an opening for a cover plate 324. Removal of the cover plate 324 thus enables access to the interior space (not shown) of the housing 102. FIG. 4 also shows that the housing 102 may include fasteners 326 (e.g., screws, bolts, clasps, etc) for securely holding the cover plate 324 to the main body of the housing 102.

[0040] The views of FIGs. 3 and 4 also illustrate an implementation of a wearable band assembly that includes a port 328 for accepting a connector of a wiring cable (not shown). Thus, the housing 102 may include a complementary connector (not shown) recessed at least partially within the housing 102 at the port 328. In this way, data may be output from internal circuitry (not shown) to an external system (not shown) such as an audio system (e.g., a public address (PA) system) and/or a video display system.

[0041] Finally, the views of FIGs. 3 and 4 illustrate that the housing 102 may include a light emitting diode (LED) 330. The LED 330 provides, for example, and without limitation, an indication of the status of the internal circuitry (not shown).

[0042] The views of FIGs. 5 and 6 further illustrate example implementations of wings 116 and pins 114 that may be incorporated into a housing 102. FIG. 5 is a perspective view where the pins 114 are not removed. FIG. 6 is a side view where the pins have been removed.

[0043] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a wearable band assembly 700. As in FIG. 2, a housing 702 includes at least one display device 742 and at least one user input device 744 located adjacent a top surface 708 of the housing 702. The housing 702 is similar in most other respects to the housing 102 of FIGs. 1 - 6. Thus, similar reference numbers in FIGs. 1 and 7 refer to similar features. For example, the wings 716, pin 714, and straps 704A and 704B of the housing 702 generally correspond to the wings 116, pin 114, and straps 104A and 104B of the housing 102.

[0044] A display device 742 may take different forms in different implementations. For example, and without limitation, a display device 742 may include one or more of: an LED display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an e-paper display, a touch screen, programmable LEDs, or some other suitable type of display.

[0045] A user input device 744 may take different forms in different implementations. For example, and without limitation, a user input device 744 may include one or more of: a key pad, one or more keys, a keyboard, a touch pad, a microphone, a motion sensor, a camera, or some other suitable input device.

[0046] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a housing 802 of a wearable band assembly 800 illustrating an example of how the housing 802 may be constructed from a top member 850 and a bottom member 852. Upon assembly, a circuit board 854 is placed within an interior space defined by the top and bottom members 850 and 852. The circuit board 854 includes a connector 858 for accepting and making electrical contact with a removable circuit board (e.g., including an SSD, a processor, and other electronic circuitry). The circuit board 854 may also include electronic circuitry (not shown). The circuit board 854 includes a connector 860 (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) connector) for connecting to an external device (e.g., a computer, a sound system, etc.). FIG. 8 also shows a battery 856 attached to the bottom member 852.

[0047] The housing 802 is similar in most other respects to the housing 102 of FIGs. 1 - 6 and the housing 702 of FIG. 7. Thus, similar reference numbers in FIGs. 1 - 8 refer to similar features. For example, the wings 816, fasteners 826, and port 828 of the housing 802 generally correspond to the wings 116, fasteners 126, and port 128 of the housing 102.

[0048] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a housing 902 of a wearable band assembly 900 where a top section of the housing 902 has been cut away (as represented by the dashed line) to illustrate a logic board 904 that is located within an interior space 906 of the housing 902. In this example, the logic board 904 includes a solid state drive (SSD) 908, a communication interface 910, a signaling bus 912 (e.g., one or more electrical paths), a battery 914, a processor circuit 916 (e.g., a processor chip), and a connector 918 by which the SSD 908 electrically connects to the processor circuit 916 and/or other components within the housing 902.

[0049] The SSD 908 stores a large amount of data, provides very high data transfer rates, and also provides data protection. For example, in various implementations, the data capacity of the SSD 908 may be 128 gigabytes (GB), 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 terabyte (TB), or higher. In various implementations, the data transfer rate of the SSD 908 may be 320 KB/s or higher. Furthermore, the SSD 908 may provide error detection and error detection on stored data. Thus, the SSD 908 provides the capacity, throughput, and reliability required by professional users. For example, a DJ may use a wearable band assembly incorporating the circuitry of FIG. 9 to stream music, video, playlists, graphics, and other content from the SSD 908 to one or more external devices (e.g., speaker systems, video screens, etc.). [0050] In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, the processor circuit (e.g., a processor) accelerates transfer rates into and out of the wearable band assembly 900 to achieve the high performance required for professional applications. In some

implementations, the processor circuit 916 converts mobile serial AT attachment (mSATA) SSD transfers to universal serial bus (USB) 3.0 transfers via USB attached small computer system interface (SCSI) protocol (UASP). UAS is a computer protocol used to move data to and from USB storage devices.

[0051] A processor that supports UAS can improve bus utilization through the use of streams in USB 3.0. Moreover, such a processor can store several commands and optimize the use of the storage media, thereby further improving transfer speed. Furthermore, by eliminating much of the round trip time between command phases (e.g., the round trip time is effectively hidden behind the queuing), transfer speed can be further improved. Thus, in some aspects, the processor switches the storage driver to a queuing model.

[0052] Moreover, by controlling the SSD 908 (e.g., an mSATA SSD) with the processor circuit 916, degradation of the SSD 908 can be mitigated. Consequently, a larger number of program-erase (P/E) cycles can be achieved as compared to the P/E cycles of conventional flash drives. For example, a difference of flash P/E degradation between the two can be between 10 - 20 years (assuming typical use).

[0053] Through the use of the disclosed techniques, high performance data transfers (e.g., streaming) may be achieved through the use of a wearable device. As one example, a transfer rate of more than 300 megabytes per second (MB/s) (e.g., greater than 500 MB/s) may be achieved into and out of the device. As one example, a transfer rate of between 300 MB/s and 600 MB/s may be achieved into and out of the device.

[0054] In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, a wearable device can include a tracking function whereby the relative proximity of the device and another device (e.g., a cell phone) can be tracked. This tracking may be accomplished, for example, via wireless technology (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.). [0055] Thus, upon determining that a user left the wearable device behind (e.g., if the distance between the devices exceeds a threshold distance), the wearable device can send a notification to a user's phone. This notification may be accomplished, for example, via wireless technology (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.). A reverse notification can also be done. In this case, the device can output an indication to a user if the device detects that the user left the phone behind.

[0056] The communication interface 910 may take different forms in different implementations. For example, the communication interface 910 may connect to an external cable to transmit content to and receive content from an external device (or external devices) connected to the external cable. As another example, the communication interface 910 may include a wireless transceiver that uses wireless signaling to transfer content to and from an external device (or external devices).

[0057] In the former case, the communication interface 910 may include a wired connector (not shown in FIG. 9) configured to connect to a corresponding connector of an external cable (not shown in FIG. 9). In this case, the communication interface 910 also may include circuitry (not shown) for processing signals received via the external cable, and for generating signals to be output via the external cable. Typically, such a communication interface 910 may include an electrical interface to an electrical cable or a fiber optic interface to a fiber optic cable. For example, and without limitation, the communication interface 910 may include a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a Thunderbolt interface, a firewire interface, or some other suitable type of interface.

[0058] In the case where the communication interface 910 includes a wireless transceiver, the communication interface 910 may transmit and receive radio frequency (RF) signals or optical (e.g., infrared) signals. For example, and without limitation, the communication interface 910 may include a Wi-Fi transceiver, a Bluetooth transceiver, a near field communication (NFC) transceiver, an infrared transceiver, or some other suitable type of transceiver. [0059] The battery 914 may take different forms in different implementations. For example, the battery may be a non-rechargeable battery or a rechargeable battery (e.g., a Lithium-Ion battery). In the latter case, the housing 902 may include circuitry (e.g., a wired power connector or wireless power coupling circuitry, not shown) for coupling charging energy to the battery 914.

[0060] The processor circuit 916 also may take different forms in different

implementations. For example, and without limitation, the processor circuit 916 may include a processor integrated circuit, a system on a chip (SoC), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a general purpose processor, a controller, or some other suitable type of processing circuit. In some implementations, the processor 916 includes or is coupled to a memory device that stores instruction code for controlling one or more operations of the processor 916. Thus, the processor 916 may be programmed with application code or other code to provide a desired type of functionality. For example, this functionality may enable a user to readily store content in the SSD 908 and retrieve content from the SSD 908 (e.g., through a series of commands input via an input device or a communication device).

[0061] FIG. 10 illustrates another example of circuitry 1002 than may be incorporated into a housing of a wearable band assembly. In this example, the circuitry 1002 includes a solid state drive (SSD) 1004, a communication interface 1006, a user input device 1008, a user output device 1010, a processor 1012, a battery 1014, and a signaling and power bus 1016.

[0062] In the example of FIG. 10, the SSD 1004 is shown as including flash memory 1018, a memory controller 1020, and a cache 1022. The memory controller 1020 functions to enable content transfers to and from the flash memory 1018 and to ensure data integrity. The cache 1022 functions to facilitate high data transfer rates to and from the flash memory 1018. Thus, the components of the SSD 1004 cooperate to provide the desired level of throughput and reliability.

[0063] The user input device 1008 may take various forms. For example, and without limitation, the user input device 1008 may include one or more of: a key pad, one or more keys, a keyboard, a touch pad, a microphone, a motion sensor, a camera, or some other suitable type of input device.

[0064] The user output device 1010 may take various forms. For example, and without limitation, the user output device 1010 may include one or more of: a speaker, a mechanical transducer, an LED display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an e-paper display, a touch screen, one or more programmable LEDs, or some other suitable type of output device.

[0065] The signaling and power bus 1016 consists of a series of electrically conductive paths or wires. In this way, power is provided to those components that need it. In addition, communication paths are provided to electrically couple components that need to send information to one another.

[0066] FIG. 10 also illustrates an example where the communication interface 1006 includes a connector 1024 for connecting to an external cable 1026 that is, in turn, connected to an external device 1028. As discussed herein, the external device 1028 is thus able to receive content (e.g., streaming data) from the SSD 1004 and/or store content into the SSD 1004.

[0067] The teachings herein also may be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, structure and functionality taught herein may be incorporated into various types of wearable articles (e.g., of various sizes and/or configurations) and into other types of articles.

[0068] In different implementations, a strap may be releasably attached to the housing or permanently attached to the housing. For example, and without limitation, in the former case, a strap may include a releasable attachment mechanism. For example, and without limitation, in the latter case, a strap may be integrated with or bonded to the housing.

[0069] In different implementations, a strap may be flexible or non-flexible. FIGs. 11 and 12 illustrate two other embodiments of wearable band assemblies constructed in accordance with the teachings herein that illustrate several of the above aspects.

[0070] FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a wearable band assembly 1102 that includes a strap 1104 that may be non-flexible. The strap 1104 includes a hinge 1106 and a lock mechanism 1108. Thus, upon unlocking the lock mechanism 1108, a user is able to open the strap 1104 (as indicated by the arrows) and insert his or her arm, etc, into the opened strap 1104. The user can then close the strap 1104 to wear the band assembly 1102. The strap 1104 may be attached to or integrated with a housing 1110 for holding an SSD (not shown) and other circuitry.

[0071] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a wearable band assembly 1202 that includes an open strap configuration 1204, with a first strap 1204 A and a second strap 1204B. The straps 1204A and 1204B may be flexible or non-flexible. To wear the band assembly 1202, a user inserts his or her arm, etc, into an opening 1206 between the first and second straps 1204 A and 1204B. The first and second straps 1204A and 1204B may be attached to or integrated with a housing 1208 for holding an SSD (not shown) and other circuitry.

[0072] A wearable band as taught herein may be constructed using a variety of components and materials. For example, and without limitation, in various embodiments a wearable band assembly may be made of or include a metallic material (e.g., gold, silver, platinum, etc.), a plastic material, a composite material (e.g., including complex carbon fibers, polymers, or other materials), a mineral (e.g., a gemstone), wood, some other material, or any appropriate combination of these materials. As another example, in different implementations, a strap may include (e.g., be constructed of) a flexible material or a non- flexible material.

[0073] Various accessories may be included with a wearable band assembly as taught herein. For example, such accessories may include extra straps (e.g., in different styles and colors), pendants in all different symbols and trends, as well as a custom silicon USB 3.0 male-to-male USB necklace for connecting the band assembly to any third party device or other computing device.

[0074] As used herein, the term "determining" encompasses a wide variety of actions. For example, "determining" may include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, a database or another data structure), ascertaining, and the like. Also, "determining" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), and the like. Also, "determining" may include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

[0075] Within the disclosure, the word "exemplary" is used to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation or aspect described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects of the disclosure. Likewise, the term "aspects" does not require that all aspects of the disclosure include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. The term

"coupled" is used herein to refer to the direct or indirect coupling between two objects. For example, if object A physically touches object B, and object B touches object C, then objects A and C may still be considered coupled to one another— even if they do not directly physically touch each other. For instance, a first die may be coupled to a second die in a package even though the first die is never directly physically in contact with the second die. The terms "circuit" and "circuitry" are used broadly, and intended to include both hardware implementations of electrical devices and conductors that, when connected and configured, enable the performance of the functions described in the disclosure, without limitation as to the type of electronic circuits, as well as software implementations of information and instructions that, when executed by a processor, enable the performance of the functions described in the disclosure.

[0076] References to elements herein using a designation such as "first," "second," and so forth do not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. Rather, these designations may be used herein as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more different elements or instances of an element. Thus, a reference to first and second elements does not mean that only two elements may be employed there or that the first element must precede the second element in some manner. Also, unless stated otherwise a set of elements may include one or more elements.

[0077] The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather "one or more." Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "some" refers to one or more. A phrase referring to "at least one of or "one or more of a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, "at least one of: a, b, or c" is intended to cover: a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; and a, b and c. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for" or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase "step for."

[0078] Accordingly, the various features associate with the examples described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings can be implemented in different examples and implementations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, although certain specific constructions and arrangements have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, such implementations are merely illustrative and not restrictive of the scope of the disclosure, since various other additions and modifications to, and deletions from, the described implementations will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the scope of the disclosure is only determined by the literal language, and legal equivalents, of the claims which follow.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A band assembly, comprising:

a housing defining an interior space;

at least one strap attached to the housing;

a processor circuit located within the interior space of the housing;

a solid state drive located within the interior space of the housing, the solid state drive electrically coupled to the processor circuit; and

a communication interface located at least partially within the interior space of the housing, the communication interface electrically coupled to the processor circuit.

2. The band assembly of claim 1 , wherein the processor circuit is configured to accelerate data transfers to and from the solid state drive.

3. The band assembly of claim 2, wherein the processor circuit is further configured to accelerate the data transfers by converting serial AT attachment (SAT A) data transfers to and from the solid state drive to universal serial bus (USB) transfers via a USB attached small computer system interface (SCSI) protocol (UASP).

4. The band assembly of claim 2, wherein the processor circuit is further configured to accelerate the data transfers by storing commands destined for the solid state drive.

5. The band assembly of claim 2, wherein the acceleration of the data transfers comprises transferring data at a rate of at least 300 megabytes per second.

6. The band assembly of claim 2, wherein the acceleration of the data transfers comprises transferring data at a rate of between 300 megabytes per second and 600 megabytes per second.

7. The band assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a display device electrically coupled to the processor circuit; and

a user input device electrically coupled to the processor circuit.

8. The band assembly of claim 7, wherein the display device and the user input device are located adjacent a top surface of the housing.

9. The band assembly of claim 1, wherein the communication interface comprises a wired connector.

10. The band assembly of claim 1, wherein the communication interface comprises a wireless transceiver.

11. The band assembly of claim 1 , wherein:

the at least one strap comprises a first strap and a second strap;

a first end of the first strap is attached to a first side of the housing; and

a first end of the second strap is attached to a second side of the housing.

12. The band assembly of claim 11, further comprising an attachment mechanism at a second end of the first strap, wherein the attachment mechanism is configured to releasably attach the second end of the first strap to a second end of the second strap.

13. The band assembly of claim 11, further comprising:

a first attachment mechanism at a second end of the first strap; and a second attachment mechanism at a second end of the second strap, wherein the first attachment mechanism is configured to releasably attach to the second attachment mechanism.

14. The band assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one strap comprises a flexible material.

15. The band assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one strap comprises a non- flexible material.

16. The band assembly of claim 1, wherein:

the housing comprises at least one first attachment member; and

the at least one strap comprises at least one second attachment member configured to releasably attach to the at least one first attachment member.

17. A band assembly, comprising:

housing means defining an interior space;

strap means attached to the housing;

processing means located within the interior space of the housing;

solid state drive means located within the interior space of the housing, the solid state drive means electrically coupled to the processing means; and

communication interface means located at least partially within the interior space of the housing, the communication interface means electrically coupled to the processing means.