DESC:The following specification particularly describes and ascertains the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:-

TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein relate to wearable devices and, more particularly, to a mechanism for customizing wearable devices.

BACKGROUND
[002] Wearable devices are gaining popularity as they are convenient in terms parameters such as but not limited to portability, and supported applications. For example, smart watches and dedicated fitness tracking devices are widely used nowadays.
[003] However, as the name implies, the wearable devices are expected to be wore by the user continuously. This might not be as easy as it may sound, and the convenience can vary based on different factors, under different circumstances. For example, in hot weather conditions, wearing the device continuously can become difficult, as the user may sweat and can experience itching and related irritations. Smart devices that are currently being used offer fewer options to customize working as well as features of the device.

OBJECT OF INVENTION
[004] An object of the embodiments herein is to dynamically determine different reference contexts in which a wearable device is operating.
[005] Another object of the embodiments herein is to adjust a strap of the wearable device, in length and width, according to a detected reference context.

SUMMARY
[006] In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides a method for automatically adjusting strap of a wearable device. Initially, a current context of the wearable device is determined, by the actuator device, wherein the current context is determined based on at least one real-time input pertaining to at least one parameter being monitored by at least one input device of the actuator device. Further, a reference context that matches the determined current context is determined, by the actuator device. Further, at least one action to be triggered, in response to the identified reference context, is selected by the actuator device, wherein the at least one action is adjusting at least one of length and width of the strap of the wearable device. Further, the selected action is executed by the actuator device.
[007] Embodiments further disclose an actuator device for automatically adjusting strap of a wearable device. The device includes a hardware processor and a non-volatile memory comprising instructions. The instructions in the non-volatile memory are configured to cause the hardware processor to determine a current context of the wearable device, by a context determination module of the actuator device, wherein the context determination module determines the current context based on at least one real-time input pertaining to at least one parameter being monitored by at least one input device of the actuator device. The context determination module further determines a reference context that matches the determined current context. An action triggering module of the actuator device then select at least one action to be triggered, in response to the identified reference context, wherein the at least one action is adjusting at least one of length and width of the strap of the wearable device. Further, the action triggering module executes the selected action.
[008] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[009] The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an actuator device attached to a wearable device, as disclosed in the embodiments herein;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting components of the actuator device, as disclosed in the embodiments herein; and
[0012] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram that depicts steps involved in the process of customizing wearable device, as disclosed in the embodiments herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0013] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0014] The embodiments herein disclose a mechanism for customizing strap of a wearable device. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 3, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an actuator device attached to a wearable device, as disclosed in the embodiments herein. The wearable device 101 can be any device that can be configured to be connected to the strap 102 and the actuator device 102 using at least one suitable interface. For example, the wearable device 101 can be a smart watch, or a fitness tracking device.
[0016] The strap 102 can be manufactured using a suitable material such as Electro Active Polymer (EAP) such that length and/or width of the strap 102 can be adjusted as per requirements, by the actuator device 103.
[0017] The actuator device 103 can be configured to collect at least one input required to identify a current context of the wearable device 101 based on at least one input collected in real-time. In an embodiment, the term ‘current context’ can refer to context of the wearable device 101, determined in terms of at least one real-time input pertaining to at least one parameter being monitored by the actuator device. The actuator device 103 can be further configured to identify at least one reference context that matches the determined current context of the wearable device 101. The actuator device 103 can be further configured to select at least one action corresponding to the determined reference context, and then trigger the determined action.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting components of the actuator device, as disclosed in the embodiments herein. The actuator device 103 includes an Input/Output (I/O) interface 201, a memory module 202, a context determination module 203, and an action triggering module 204.
[0019] The I/O interface 201 can be configured to communicate with at least one input device that can measure value of at least one parameter required to determine the current context of the wearable device. For example, the input device(s) can be sensor(s), which can be hosted by the wearable device 101 and/or the actuator device 103, and/or the strap of the wearable device 101. The I/O interface 201 can be further configured to collect input from at least one of the associated input devices, and feed the collected input to the context determination module 203.
[0020] The memory module 202 can be configured to store all data that is required to perform automatic adjustment of the strap, based on context of the wearable device. The memory module 202 can be configured to allow static data as well as dynamically collected data. For example, information pertaining to the reference contexts can be stored in the stored in the memory module 202. The memory module 202 can be further configured to possess information pertaining to at least one action to be triggered in response to the determined current context of the wearable device 101.
[0021] The context identification module 203 can be configured to identify a current context of the wearable device 101, based on the inputs collected in real-time. In an embodiment, the context identification module 203 identifies the current context by comparing the real-time input with the reference context(s). The context identification module 203 can be further configured to provide information pertaining to the determined current context, as input to the action triggering module 204.
[0022] The action triggering module 204 can be configured to select at least one action corresponding to the determined current context of the wearable device 101. In an embodiment, the action triggering module 204 selects the action(s) that matches the current context, based on the data stored in the memory module 202. The action triggering module 204 can be further configured to trigger the selected action, using suitable hardware and/or software means associated with it. In an embodiment, the action involves the triggering module 204 adjusting length and/or width of the strap, in response to the determined current context.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram that depicts steps involved in the process of customizing wearable device, as disclosed in the embodiments herein. Initially, a current context of the wearable device 101 is determined (302), based on at least one input collected in real-time. In various embodiments, the context can be pre-defined and can be at least one of a device context, a user context, a biological context, and environmental factors. The device context can refer to at least one of mode of the wearable device, applications running, device profiles, movement of the wearable device, battery condition, power, and notification from at least one of the connected devices and so on. The user context can refer to activities of the user such as but not limited to playing, driving, sleeping, and running. The biological context can refer to parameters such as but not limited to sweating, hyper tension, heart rate, and blood pressure. The environmental parameters can include humidity, temperature and so on.
[0024] Further, a reference context that matches the determined current context is determined (304). Further, the actuator device 103 selects (306) at least one action that matches the determined reference context. Further, the selected action is executed (308) by the actuator device 103. In an embodiment, executing the action can involve converting a mechanical energy resulting from occurrence of the current context identified, to corresponding electrical energy that powers execution of the selected action(s). The various actions in method 300 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 3 may be omitted.
[0025] The customizing feature allows the strap of the wearable device to be adjusted according to the determined current context of the wearable device 101. For example, assume that the current context refers to a physical activity such as exercising, running and so on, being performed by the user, and then the actuator device 103 can contract the strap around the wrist. Similarly, if the current context indicates that the wearable device 101 is to be used for measuring any health factor such as but not limited to blood pressure, and heart rate, the actuator device 103 can contract the strap around the wrist so that the measurements can be taken easily. In another example, if the current context is pertaining to weather conditions the wearable device is in, then the actuator device 103 can tighten/loosen the strap around the wrist to improve convenience of the user. In various embodiments, the actions can involve locking and/or unlocking of the wearable device 101, automatically, in response to at least one current context determined.
[0026] Consider the example in which the actuator device 103 adjusts the length and/width of the strap in response to an activity being performed by the user. Assume that the user is running. The wearable device and/or the actuator device and/or the strap can host at least a sensor that can measure the number of steps, and thereby speed of the user. The context determination module 203 can collect value of the step count and speed of the user, and identify that current context of the wearable device 101 can be matched with a reference context that indicates ‘User running’. Assume that a pre-defined action corresponding to the ‘User running’ reference context is tightening the strap, and then the action triggering module 204 generates signals to tighten the strap, to a desired extent.
[0027] Consider another example in which the actuator device 103 adjusts the length and/width of the strap in response to weather conditions the wearable device is in. The wearable device and/or the actuator device and/or the strap can host at least a sensor that can measure temperature of the environment the wearable device is in. The context determination module 203 can collect the temperature value, and identify that temperature value matches value of temperature in a ‘Hot condition’ reference context. Assume that a pre-defined action corresponding to the ‘Hot condition’ reference context is tightening the strap, and then the action triggering module 204 generates signals to tighten the strap, to a desired extent.
[0028] In an embodiment, action(s) that match a combination of current contexts also can be defined, and the actuator device 103 can trigger the action(s) upon detecting the matching current contexts. Consider an example in which the actuator device 103 adjusts the length and/width of the strap in response to two contexts i.e. weather conditions the wearable device is in, and the activity being performed by the user. The wearable device and/or the actuator device and/or the strap can host at least a sensor that can measure temperature of the environment the wearable device is in, and at least one another sensor that can collect value of at least one other parameter that indicates that the user is exercising. The context determination module 203 can collect the temperature value, and identify that temperature value matches value of temperature in a ‘Hot condition’ reference context. The context determination module 203 can further collect the value of the parameter that is related to the user activity, and identify that the current context also matches a reference context ‘User exercising’. Assume that a pre-defined action corresponding to the combination of the reference contexts ‘Hot condition’ and ‘User exercising’ is tightening the strap, then the action triggering module 204 generates signals to tighten the strap, to a desired extent.
[0029] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented through at least one software program running on at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the network elements. The network elements shown in Fig. 1 include blocks which can be at least one of a hardware device, or a combination of hardware device and software module.
[0030] The embodiments disclosed herein specify a mechanism for adjusting length and width of a strap of a wearable device, automatically, based on a context of the wearable device. The mechanism allows determination of a context of the wearable device and adjusting the strap accordingly, providing a system thereof. Therefore, it is understood that the scope of protection is extended to such a system and by extension, to a computer readable means having a message therein, said computer readable means containing a program code for implementation of one or more steps of the method, when the program runs on a server or mobile device or any suitable programmable device. The method is implemented in a preferred embodiment using the system together with a software program written in, for ex. Very high speed integrated circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL), another programming language, or implemented by one or more VHDL or several software modules being executed on at least one hardware device. The hardware device can be any kind of device which can be programmed including, for ex. any kind of a computer like a server or a personal computer, or the like, or any combination thereof, for ex. one processor and two FPGAs. The device may also include means which could be for ex. hardware means like an ASIC or a combination of hardware and software means, an ASIC and an FPGA, or at least one microprocessor and at least one memory with software modules located therein. Thus, the means are at least one hardware means or at least one hardware-cum-software means. The method embodiments described herein could be implemented in pure hardware or partly in hardware and partly in software. Alternatively, the embodiment may be implemented on different hardware devices, for ex. using a plurality of CPUs.
[0031] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims as described herein.
,CLAIMS:CLAIMS
What is claimed is:
1) A method for automatically adjusting strap of a wearable device, said method comprising:
determining a current context of the wearable device, by said actuator device, wherein the current context is determined based on at least one real-time input pertaining to at least one parameter being monitored by at least one input device of the actuator device;
determining a reference context that matches the determined current context, by said actuator device;
selecting at least one action to be triggered, in response to the identified reference context, by said actuator device, wherein the at least one action is adjusting at least one of length and width of the strap of the wearable device; and
executing said identified action, by said actuator device.
2) The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reference context is at least one of a device context, a user context, a biological context, and at least one environmental factor.
3) The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reference context is determined based on at least one parameter related to a device context, a user context, a biological context, and at least one environmental factor.
4) The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein adjusting at least one of length and width of the strap further comprises of converting a mechanical energy generated from the determined current context to an electrical energy that powers the identified action.
5) An actuator device for automatically adjusting strap of a wearable device, said device comprising:
a hardware processor;
a non-volatile memory comprising instructions, said instructions configured to cause said hardware processor to:
determine a current context of the wearable device, by a context determination module of said actuator device, wherein the context determination module determines the current context based on at least one real-time input pertaining to at least one parameter being monitored by at least one input device of the actuator device;
determine a reference context that matches the determined current context, by said context determination module;
select at least one action to be triggered, in response to the identified reference context, by an action triggering module of said actuator device, wherein the at least one action is adjusting at least one of length and width of the strap of the wearable device; and
executing said identified action, by said action triggering module.
6) The actuator device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the context determination module is configured to use at least one of a device context, a user context, a biological context, and at least one environmental factor, as the reference context.
7) The actuator device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the context determination module is configured to determine the current context of the wearable device, based on at least one parameter related to a device context, a user context, a biological context, and at least one environmental factor.
8) The actuator device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the action triggering module is configured to adjust at least one of the length and width of the strap by converting a mechanical energy generated from the determined current context to an electrical energy that powers the identified action.

Dated this 26th February, 2016
Signature:
Name of the Signatory: Dr. Kalyan Chakravarthy