DEVICE FOR PROVIDING ALERTS VIA ELECTRIC STIMULATION

[0001] This application is a Continuation of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/GB2014/052690 having International filing date of Sep. 4, 2014, which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/874,107 filed on Sep. 5, 2013, 61/874,219 filed on Sep. 5, 2013, and United Kingdom Patent Application Nos. 1315764.9 filed on Sep. 4, 2013, 1315765.6 filed on Sep. 4, 2013, and 1400225.7 filed on Jan. 7, 2014. The contents of the above applications are all incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein in their entirety.

[0002] This invention relates to a device for providing alerts relating to particular events to a user, and in particular for providing alerts in a discrete manner.

[0003] There are many users of devices such as mobile phones, mobile phone applications, electronic calendars etc. who require to be notified or alerted of events such as receiving a telephone call, text message or email message, or an imminent appointment. Known ways of communicating such alerts to a user include the communication device such as a mobile phone or computer producing sounds such as ringtones or message tones, or ‘silent alerts’ including visual indications such as banners or flashing lights, or causing the device to vibrate. However, even such silent alerts suffer from the problem that, whilst they may be less intrusive than sounds, they can still cause an unwanted disturbance or interruption in situations such as meetings or other social situations.

[0004] This invention aims to alleviate at least some of these problems.

[0005] Broadly, the invention provides a device for providing alert signals to a user, the device comprising electrodes arranged to contact the user's skin so as to deliver a low intensity electric shock to the user.

[0006] According to the present invention, there is provided a wearable device for providing alert signals to a user, the device being adapted to be secured adjacent the skin of the user and comprising a controller adapted to receive an alert instruction corresponding to an alert event, and at least one electrode arranged to be in contact with the skin in use of the device, the controller being arranged to actuate the electrode(s) to supply an alert signal in response to the alert instruction, the alert signal comprising at least one pulse to cause a sensation in the skin of the user, in which, in response to the alert instruction, the controller is configured to select one of a plurality of alert signals in dependence upon the alert event.

[0007] Preferably, the controller comprises a wireless receiver for receiving an alert instruction corresponding to an alert event from a remote device, preferably a mobile phone.

[0008] Preferably, each alert signal corresponds to one of a plurality of different alert events, and each alert signal varies from each other signal by a variation of at least one of: a pulse count, a pulse frequency, a pulse duration, and a pulse voltage. Alternatively the alerts may vary from each other by a combination with another type of alert stimulus such as a light, sound or vibration.

[0009] Thus the device may comprise a vibrating element actuable by the controller, such as are known in the art, and thus each alert signal may include a combination of at least one shock pulse and a vibration pulse in order to provide further selectable alert signal configurations. The device may also include other alert outputs actuable by the controller, such as a light or a speaker for providing further alert signal combinations.

[0010] Thus the device can alert the user to different events, such as receiving a call or text message, etc., by delivering a mild electric shock or sequence of shocks to the user. Thus the user may receive a silent and discrete notification which is undetectable by others, and is able to recognize the event being notified by the number, frequency or intensity of the shocks delivered by the device. The user may also recognize alerts by the combination of at least one shock with other stimuli such as vibrations, light or sounds. Thus the plurality of alerts may correspond to a vocabulary of commands or words which the user is able to understand.

[0011] In some embodiments, the device may be adapted to provide alerts at a plurality of alert levels, differing in characteristics such as type and intensity. These may be used to indicate urgency, whether for particular events or in order to escalate an alert in the absence of user response, say within a certain time. For example, a series of alerts may be provided, wherein an initial alert by discrete electric shock, if ignored by the user, may be followed by a larger shock, which, if further ignored by the user, may be followed by or a less discrete vibration or an audible alert. Alternatively, combinations of different types of alert may be used together or simultaneously to indicate urgency or escalation. In some embodiments, a series of de-escalating alerts may be used, wherein an initial ‘strong’ alert, for example an audio alert, may be followed by successive ‘weak’ alerts, say vibrations or shocks, so as to serve as a gentle and discrete reminder to the user of an alert outstanding.

[0012] Preferably, the device is configurable by or on behalf of the user to select an alert signal to correspond to a particular alert event, or to select a preconfigured set of signals corresponding to a set of events. Thus the user may choose a preferred sensation (or combination of sensations) to be associated with each event. Furthermore a user may select a preferred set of alerts. For example, a user with hearing impairment may select a set of alerts which do not include sounds.

[0013] The event may be an event which occurs on a wireless communication device such as a mobile device, for example a mobile phone, the event being a communication event such as receiving a call or message. The event may also be generated by a software application on the wireless communication device or other wireless enabled device such as a desktop or laptop computer, for example a calendar notification.

[0014] The device may include one or more sensors, for example environmental sensors such as a light sensor, an accelerometer, a gyro, or a GPS device, or physiological sensors such as a galvanic skin response sensor (GSR), heart rate monitor, etc. Preferably the electrodes may also serve as GSR plates.

[0015] Thus the device may provide alerts in relation to environmental events, such as proximity to a location, or in relation to physiological events such as a raised heart rate, or in relation to a combination of two or more of environmental, physiological and communication events. For example, the device may provide an alert comprising an instruction to take an action such as travel to a meeting, take a rest from an activity, or take exercise during a break between appointments, based on a combination of calendar information and information from the device sensors such as location and heart rate.

[0016] Furthermore the controller may select an alert signal in relation to an alert event in dependence upon an output of the one or more sensors. Thus the device may change the alert signals to be appropriate to a condition of the user such as the user's state of activity and/or physiological state such as heart rate. For example, when the sensor such as an accelerometer senses that the user is still, the controller may select ‘silent’ alerts such as shocks and/or vibrations, and when the sensor senses that the user is walking or running, the controller may select more intense alerts such as sounds or more intensive shocks. Sets of alert signals appropriate to various sensed conditions may be preconfigured or may be programmable by the user.

[0017] Conveniently the device is in the form of a wristband having a releasable strap. The pulse is of an intensity such that the wearer is aware of the sensation, but it is not uncomfortable. For example, the pulse may have a voltage of up to about 45V, preferably above about 20V, and a current of up to about 5 mA, preferably above about 1 mA. The pulse may have a duration of between about 0.2 and 1 us, and a repeat frequency of between about 1 and 100 Hz. Thus the intensity of the or each pulse causes a mild sensation similar to a light touch or tap. Any of the voltage, current, pulse duration and frequency may be variable.

[0018] In another aspect, the invention provides a wearable device for providing alert signals to user, the device being adapted to be secured adjacent the skin of the user and comprising at least one sensor for sensing a parameter relating to the condition of the user, a controller adapted to receive an alert instruction corresponding to an alert event, the controller being arranged to actuate the device to supply an alert signal to the user in response to the alert instruction, the controller being configured to select one of a plurality of alert signals in dependence upon the alert event and the sensed parameter.

[0019] In another aspect, the invention provides an alert system comprising: a wearable device for providing alert signals to a user; a translation module adapted to convert an alert event into an alert to be provided to a user of said wearable device in dependence on at least one user related factor.

[0020] Preferably, the system further comprises a user input device adapted to receive input from a user as to the manner in which an event is converted into an alert.

[0021] Preferably, the translation module is adapted to convert said alert event into an alert signal which are distinct combinations of shocks, vibrations, and/or sounds.

[0022] Preferably, the wearable device comprises alert comprises at least one electrode arranged to be in contact with the skin in use of the device for providing an alert stimulus; and said alert is said alert stimulus.

[0023] Preferably, the at least one user-related factor comprises: location; physiological state; movements; environment; activity; pre-set settings; user priorities.

[0024] Preferably the wearable device comprises the wearable device as described herein.

[0025] Further details relating to various aspects of the present invention are described in the following patent applications, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety:

• [0026] United Kingdom Patent Application No. 1315765.6, titled “Processing system and method”, filed Sep. 4, 2013;

[0027] United Kingdom Patent Application No. 1400225.7, titled “Processing system and method”, filed Jan. 7, 2014;

[0028] United Kingdom Patent Application No. 1315764.9, titled “Device for providing alerts”, filed Sep. 4, 2013;

[0029] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/874,107, titled “Intelligent Wristband and Life Management Environment” filed on Sep. 5, 2013;

[0030] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/874,219, titled “Life Management System”, filed on Sep. 5, 2013; and

four PCT applications filed on the same day as the present application by the same applicant titled “Processing system and method” (three applications with agent references P41407WO, P41407WO-01 and P43674WO), and “Wearable device” (agent reference P43675WO) respectively.

[0031] Any feature in any of the abovementioned documents may be combined with any feature described herein in any appropriate combination.

[0032] The invention extends to methods and/or apparatus substantially as herein described and/or as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] The invention also provides a computer program and a computer program product for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein, and a computer readable medium having stored thereon a program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein.

[0034] The invention also provides a signal embodying a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein, a method of transmitting such a signal, and a computer product having an operating system which supports a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein.

[0035] Any apparatus feature as described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. As used herein, means plus function features may be expressed alternatively in terms of their corresponding structure, such as a suitably programmed processor and associated memory.

[0036] Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some and/or all features in one aspect can be applied to any, some and/or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination.

[0037] It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention can be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently.

[0038] Furthermore, features implemented in hardware may generally be implemented in software, and vice versa. Any reference to software and hardware features herein should be construed accordingly.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, the wearable device may be in the form of a wristband 2 having a strap 3 with a releasable fastening such as hook and loop fasteners for attaching it to the user's wrist. The wristband 2 includes a pair of electrodes 4 which are positioned spaced apart on the inner surface 6 of the band 2 so as to be in contact with the user's skin. The electrodes 4 may for example take the form of stainless steel pads.

[0044] The band 2 is conveniently relatively thin, for example around 8 mm thick. The electrodes may be relatively small, for example about 5 mm in diameter, and spaced around 50 mm apart. The electrodes 4 may also serve as galvanic skin response (GSR) plates for measuring a physiological state of the wearer, for example having 16 bit resolution.

[0045] A vibrating element 8 such as is known in the art may be mounted inside the device for example adjacent one of the electrodes 4. The device may also include other outputs such as a speaker and a light.

[0046] A controller 10 is mounted inside the device, and includes a receiver for receiving wireless signals. The controller 10 is in communication with the electrodes 4 and each of the other output elements for actuating them according to a selected alert signal in response to receipt of an alert instruction.

[0047] The device 2 may also include a display panel 12 in which partly wraps around the outer surface 14 thereof, which may be a touch screen for receiving user inputs to control and/or interact with the device 2. The controller may be configured to receive inputs from the touch screen and from other sensors mounted in the device 2. The device 2 may for example include an ambient light sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a GPS device. The controller may include a wireless transmitter for transmitting output signals from the touch screen, sensors and from the electrodes. Further details relating to other aspects of the device, such as gesture detection, biotelemetry monitoring, physical activity monitoring, control and alerts (and combinations thereof) are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/874,107, titled “Intelligent Wristband and Life Management Environment,” filed on Sep. 5, 2013; and in a PCT application filed by the same applicant and on the same day as the present application titled “Wearable device”. All of these documents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. The technology and functionality of the device described in either of these documents may be incorporated into the device described herein.

[0048] The device 2 may also be used in conjunction with the system as described in United Kingdom Patent Application No. 1400225.7, titled “Processing system and method”, filed Jan. 7, 2014; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/874,219, titled “Life Management System”, filed on Sep. 5, 2013; either or both PCT applications filed by the same applicant and on the same day as the present application titled “Processing system and method”. All of these documents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0049] The controller is configured to actuate the electrodes by providing a stimulus pulse as shown in FIG. 2, or a sequence of such pulses. For example, each pulse is a square wave pulse 16. The pulse may have the following characteristics: U<=from 20 to 45V, I<=5 mA, active output time 0.20-1 us, repeat frequency f_repeat=1-100 Hz. All of these characteristics, or selected ones of them, may be variable. By varying the characteristics of the pulse or sequence of pulses, an alert signal corresponding to a particular alert event may be provided. For example: 5 impulses in a row with 1 us each impulse length and 1 s gap between impulses may correspond to an incoming call. This can be provided using a step up DC/DC converter with the controller output.

[0050] Referring also to FIG. 3, the controller may be in wireless communication with a device such as a mobile device 18, for example the user's mobile phone, which includes an Internet browser 20 and a software application 22 which provides calendar and/or email functionality. The mobile device 18 may further be in communication with an external information system (EIS) 23, which communicates with application 22 and/or browser 20.

[0051] The controller 10 is in communication with various sensors which may include an ambient light sensor 24, haptic driver 26, GSR sensor 28, gyro/accelerometer 30, altimeter 32 and optical skin reader 34, for receiving input signals from such sensors. The controller 10 is also in communication with various output elements for providing alert signals to the user, including a pulse generator 36, speaker 38, light 40 and vibrating element 42.

[0052] In use controller 10 receives alert instructions wirelessly from the mobile device 18. The instruction is to provide an alert signal corresponding to an alert event which needs to be notified to the user. The controller actuates the pulse generator 36 to provide a pulse or sequence of pulses to the electrodes 4 according to the alert signal which is required. The controller may also actuate one or more of the other output elements 38 to 42 to provide further alerts such as a vibration, sound, light or sequence of such alerts in combination with the pulse provided to the electrodes 4. The user thus receives an alert signal indicating a particular event.

[0053] The device may be programmable by the user, for example using a touch screen, to select an alert signal corresponding to any or each alert event. Various alert signals or sets of alert signals may be preconfigured for selection, or may be customized by the user, such as combinations of alerts, for example alternating electric shocks and vibrations to alert the user that they have received a new email. In one example, the device is programmable offline via a web portal connectable to device 2, the programmed instructions are subsequently downloaded to the device 2. Furthermore, a markup language is available to be used to facilitate programming of device 2. This may effectively take the form of a translation module which converts events, commands or words into alert signals which are distinct combinations of shocks, vibrations, sounds etc. The translation may be preset or personalized for the user. There may be a plurality of different preset vocabularies appropriate to different people or circumstances, such as signals without sounds for those that are hearing impaired.

[0054] The instruction may relate to an alert event generated by the software application which communicates with the EIS 23. The alert event may be a communication event on the mobile device, or a data event such as a calendar event. The alert event may further be a combination of such an event and a sensor event received from the controller, such as a location indication. In one example, alerts are generated from social media sources via the browser 20, application 22, and/or EIS 23.

[0055] The device may thus provide alerts to a user indicating a variety of situations. For example, where the current time and location of the user are known, and the time and location of the meeting are known, the travel time to the location may be calculated and the user may receive an alert indicating the need to begin travelling to the meeting. The user may further receive alerts relating to other environmental or physiological conditions or events.

[0056] The device may also provide different alert signals or sets of alert signals in dependence upon various conditions such as the user's sensed physiological state or movements or environment, or a combination of these. Thus if the user sitting still in a quiet room the controller may select alerts suitable for that situation, such as a low intensity or silent alert or a set of such alerts, whereas a user running along a busy street may receive higher intensity alerts. Furthermore, the type of alert may be modified in dependence upon various conditions such as the user's sensed physiological state or movements or environment, or a combination of these. For example, an electric shock alert may be provided rather than a sound alert if it is detected that the user is in a meeting, or an alert may comprise multiple alerts, sounds, vibrations etc. if the event is considered to have a high priority (e.g. incoming email from your patent attorney). The user may set such priorities and the associated alerts (for example, using the markup language) so as to customise the device, or the priorities and associated alerts may be pre-set, or the device may learn the relative priorities of various events over time based upon a user's reaction to same or similar events.

[0057] Generally, embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features:

• [0058] Using small electric shocks (“eVibra”) to alert a user about events (events such as pending calendar items, biometrics such as high heart rate, or alerts from one user to another user)
• [0059] Using eVibra sequences for such alerts
  • [0060] Example:
    • [0061] Define shock:
      • [0062] Name shock
      • [0063] Set shock frequency
      • [0064] Set shock duration
      • [0065] Set voltage
    • [0066] Define shock alert
      • [0067] <name 1>, <time 1>, <name 2>, <time 2>, <name 3> . . .
• [0068] Using mechanical vibrations (“Vibra”) sequences for such alerts
  • [0069] Example:
    • [0070] Define Vibra:
      • [0071] Name Vibra
      • [0072] Set Vibra frequency
      • [0073] Set Vibra duration
      • [0074] Set amplitude
    • [0075] Define Vibra alert
      • [0076] <name 1>, <time 1, <name 2>, <time 2>, <name 3> . . .
• [0077] Using combinations of eVibra and Vibra for such alerts
• [0078] Using one user interface (e.g. mobile phone or browser) to set such eVibra and/or Vibra (combinations) for another device (e.g. a wearable device)
• [0079] Combining biometric data with data such as calendar, email or social network information to generate combined alerts
• [0080] Using combined alerts to trigger eVibra and/or Vibra (combination) alerts
• [0081] Allowing users to create custom eVibra and/or Vibra sequences for such alerts via, for example, a markup language.

[0082] It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

[0083] Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.

[0084] Reference numerals appearing in the claims are by way of illustration only and shall have no limiting effect on the scope of the claims.