GB2464359A

GB2464359A - Automatic signalling device

Info

Publication number: GB2464359A
Application number: GB0907443A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Carlile
Original assignee: RECOLLEX Ltd
Current assignee: RECOLLEX Ltd
Priority date: 2008-07-19
Filing date: 2009-04-30
Publication date: 2010-04-21
Also published as: WO2010010332A1; GB0907443D0; GB0813294D0

Abstract

An automatic signalling device 1 comprising a writing surface 2, one or more programmable timers 4 and signalling means 5 operatively connected to the timer, wherein the signalling means is arranged to alert, in use, a user to a statement written on the writing surface in response to a signal from the timer. The signalling means may be a visual or audio alarm unit and may be remote from the rest of the unit.

Description

AUTOMATIC SIGNALLING DEVICE

This invention relates generally to an automatic signalling device, for example to remind a user of a required action. More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to such a device and associated method for alerting a user of the need to carry out one or more tasks at a predetermined time.

Automatic signalling means incorporated within electronic devices are known. Such devices include desktop and/or portable computers, mobile telephones and the like. All of these devices require the user to set an alarm, which may include a description of the task to be carried out. In use, the alarm is signalled at the predetermined time which alerts the user to check the device and read the description entered.

However, one problem with such devices is that their design is not appropriate for some individuals, for example the elderly. Moreover, these devices are not generally designed specifically for this purpose and so their functionality and/or interface design is not ideal.

It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide an improved automatic signalling device, for example which at least mitigates the problems with known devices.

It is a more specific, non-exclusive object of the invention to provide an automatic signalling device which is easy to use and flexible in its operation.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an automatic signalling device comprising a writing surface, a programmable timer and signalling means operatively connected to the timer, wherein the signalling means is arranged to alert, in use, a user to a statement written on the writing surface in response to a signal from the timer.

By providing a writing surface associated with the signalling means, the device may be used by individuals who have difficulty manipulating and/or understanding known devices.

For the avoidance of doubt, the term "programmable timer" as used herein refers to a device which may be set to provide a signal to the signalling means, e.g. after a predetermined or programmed time interval and/or at a specific predetermined or programmed time. Moreover, the term statement may refer to any written phrase or word, such as a task, or even to a sketch or representation, e.g. that may be used to remind the user of a particular fact or task.

The device may further comprise a timepiece operatively connected to or including the timer, wherein the timer may be programmable to send the signal when the timepiece registers a predetermined time or when a predetermined time lapse is measured by the timer. The programmable timer and/or timepiece could, for example, comprise an electronic timer or clock and/or it may include or consist of a mechanical device such as a mechanical watch or stopwatch.

The signalling means preferably includes an indicator, but more preferably two or more indicators, each of which may be configured or arranged to alert, in use, a user to a statement written on one of two or more writing surfaces or on one of two or more locations, for example predetermined locations, of the writing surface. The or each indicator may comprise a light, for example a light emitting diode or other illuminating device. The timer is preferably programmable to send two or more signals to the signalling means, e.g. each of which corresponds to one of two or more predetermined is times or time intervals and/or wherein each signal is arranged to activate a respective one of the indicators.

The timer may comprise two or more timers each of which may be independently programmable to send one or more of the signals to the signalling means, in which case the two or more timers may be synchronised, e.g. with each other or with a master timer or timepiece or clock. The timers and/or timepiece or clock may be analogue or digital.

The or each timer may be set or programmed by reference to the time at which they must send the signal or may be set by reference to the length of time remaining until an alarm must be triggered.

This arrangement is advantageous since a single device may be used to remind a user of multiple tasks, for example throughout the day.

The signalling means, for example the or each indicator, may comprise a display means, for example a digital or analogue display, e.g. for displaying the current time and/or programmed time or times and/or day and/or date or dates or the remaining time interval or intervals. The display means may comprise a light emitting diode display means, a vacuum fluorescent display means or, more preferably, a liquid crystal display means.

Preferably, the display means is configured to display the predetermined time or time interval when the timer is programmable to send the signal at a predetermined time or after a predetermined time interval. For example, the display means may be configured to display each predetermined time or time interval associated with each of the aforementioned two or more signals. More preferably, the display means comprises two or more display panels, wherein each display panel can be located adjacent a respective indicator and can be configured to display the time or time interval associated with the adjacent indicator.

The signalling means may advantageously include one or more alarm units, which may be remote alarm units and may be audible, e.g. speakers and/or visual and/or vibratory.

The alarm units may be mechanically or electrically connected to the timer and/or associated or connected to the whiteboard. However, the or each alarm unit is preferably wireless and/or the or each signal received by the alarm units may be an electromagnetic signal, for example an infrared signal, a radio signal and/or a Bluetooth�. For example, the timer may be operatively connected to a transmitter and/or the signalling means, e.g. the or each remote alarm unit, may comprise a receiver. The transmitter may be arranged to send the or each signal to the receiver or one or all of the receivers.

The writing surface may comprise a surface configured to be written on using a writing utensil with removable writing substance or fluid. The device may further comprise a writing utensil, for example a pen, e.g. a marker pen. The writing surface preferably comprises a colour which contrasts the colour of the writing substance or fluid, e.g. ink, of the writing utensil. Preferably, the writing surface comprises a light colour, e.g. substantially white. The device may comprise a substantially white plastics material which may be glossy and may comprise the writing surface, e.g. a white board. In such a case, the writing utensil may comprise one of a number of colours such as red, green or blue but preferably the writing utensil is substantially black. Alternatively, the writing surface may comprise a dark surface, e.g. substantially black, and the writing utensil may comprise writing substance which is substantially white.

A second aspect of the invention provides a control unit comprising a programmable timer for use in the automatic signalling device described above.

A third aspect of the invention provides a signalling module for use in a signalling device as described above, the module comprising a connection means, a programmable timer and signalling means operatively connected to the timer, wherein the signalling means is arranged to alert, in use, a user to a statement written on a writing surface connected to the module by the connection means in response to a signal from the timer.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a disposable module for use with a signalling device as described above and/or with a signalling module as described above, the disposable module comprising the writing surface. The disposable module may comprise a pad of paper.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a remote alarm unit for use with an automatic signalling device as described above and/or with an automatic signalling module according to the third aspect of the invention, the unit comprising an alarm means operatively connected to a receiver, wherein the alarm means is arranged to alert, in use, a user when a wireless signal is received by the receiver from a transmitter operatively connected to the timer of the device or module.

A further aspect of the invention provides a method of reminding a person, e.g. to carry out one or more tasks, the method comprising the steps of writing a statement on a is writing surface, programming a timer to send a signal to signalling means operatively connected to the timer at a predetermined time or when a predetermined time interval has passed and alerting a user using the signalling means to the statement written on the writing surface in response to the signal from the timer.

The method may further comprise writing two or more statements on the writing surface and/or programming the timer or two or more timers to send two or more signals, each of which may correspond to a respective statement and/or time or time interval, to the signalling means, e.g. to respective indicators which may be associated with a respective writing surface or location of the writing surface.

Preferably, the method further comprises reviewing the writing surface or surfaces to assess which statement corresponds to the timer or alert or signal. The method may also comprise carrying out or undertaking a task associated with or described by the statement. More preferably, the method includes removing the statement from the writing surface or location of the writing surface, e.g. by means of a remover such as an eraser or piece of cloth, for example to enable a new statement to be written upon the writing surface or location of the writing surface, e.g. in relation to the timer or alert or signal.

The method may be carried out on a device as described above and/or may include any other combination of steps associated with any one of the optional features of the device.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of an automatic signalling device according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic of a system incorporating the device of Figure 1 and including a remote signalling unit; Figure 3 is a plan view of an automatic signalling device according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a side view of the device of Figure 3 with the stand in an extended condition; Figure 5 is a similar view to Figure 4 with the device in an upright orientation for hanging on a wall; and Figure 6 is a similar view to Figures 4 and 5 with the device in a horizontal orientation for placing on a substrate.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown an automatic signalling device 1 which includes a glossy white plastics panel 10 with a writing surface 2, a control unit (not shown) which is electronically connected to and controls a timepiece 3, five programmable timers 4 and signalling means 5. The timers 4 are vertically aligned and spaced from one another with an adjacent portion 20 of the writing surface 2 arranged to

have a statement 21 written thereon.

The timepiece 3 includes a time display 30 and a day and/or date display 31, both of which are liquid crystal display panels in this embodiment. Each timer 4 includes a time display unit 40, which is also a liquid crystal display panel in this embodiment. Each timer 4 also includes an hour selection button 41, a minute selection button 42 and a pair of frequency selection buttons 43, 44 each with an associated light emitting diode 43a, 44a.

The hour and minute selection buttons 41, 42 permit the user to select the appropriate hour and minute, respectively, for the reminder alarm to be activated. One frequency selection button 43 permits the user to specify that the alarm is to be applied every day and the second frequency selection button 44 permits the user to specify that the alarm is only to be applied to the current day.

Whilst not shown in the drawings, the main displays 30, 31 may also advantageously incorporate additional functions. For example, the displays 30, 31 may include input means such as buttons for toggling through, e.g. programming menus. In such a case, it may be desirable to protect such functions by a PIN number. In the cases where the main displays 30, 31 provide such additional functionality, the device 1 may be simplified by removing any one or all of the aforementioned individual buttons 41, 42, 43, 44 and/or the associated light emitting diodes 43a, 44a. In fact, the individual display units 40 may also be omitted to further simplify the device 1.

The signalling means 5 incorporates a light emitting diode 6 and a remote audible alarm unit 7 arranged to alert a user to one of the statements 21 written on the writing surface 2 is in response to a signal from one of the timers 4. The control unit (not shown) includes a transmitter (not shown) which transmits a radio frequency signal 50 from a transmitting antenna 51 to a receiving antenna 70 electronically connected to a receiver (not shown) within the alarm unit 7. The signalling means 5 could also be configured to cause the time shown on the time display unit 40 to flash or for a backlight to be illuminated when the alert is activated, which would function as an indicator as it is configured to alert directly a user to the statement 21 written on the adjacent writing surface portion 20.

The device 1 also includes a writing utensil in the form of a pen 8 connected to the bottom right hand corner of the plastics panel 10 by a string 80. The pen 8 includes removable writing fluid or ink so that the statements 21 may be removed after the task has been carried out. In some embodiments, the pen 8 is detachably mounted to the device 1 and/or the writing surface 2 and in others the pen includes a wiper, e.g. a sponge wiper, to remove the statements 21 and/or clean the writing surface 2.

In use, each timer 4 may be set to activate the signalling means 5 for a single day or every day.

The following sequence could be used to set an alarm to sound for one day only: i. Write a task to be undertaken in appropriate writing surface portion 20 with the marker pen 8; ii. Click hour button 41 to set hour -this will run through 1-12 am to 1-12 pm; iii. Whenever an hour, minute or alarm set button is pressed the display 40 will illuminate, and remain illuminated for a reasonable amount of time (e.g. 8 seconds) iv. Click minute button 42 to set the minute -this will start at 00 and run through at 5 minute intervals (e.g. 05, 10, 15) until it returns to 00.

v. Press the "Today" alarm set button 44 -the light 44a above the button will illuminate and remain illuminated until the signalling means 5 is activated while the hour and minute buttons 41, 42 will be immobilised and will no longer function until either the alarm sounds or the "Today" button 44 is pressed a second time to turn the signalling means 5 and light 44a off; vi. At the time of the alarm a buzzer will sound through the audible alarm unit 7 for a length of time, using an appropriate pattern and the light behind the display 40 will illuminate while the light above the "Today" button 44 will flash; vii. The alarm unit 7 will continue to sound until turned off by the user (using a pattern is similar to a normal alarm clock) and if not turned off within a certain time (e.g 30 minutes) it will turn itself off; viii. The user will turn off the alarm noise by pressing any button 41,42,43,44 on that specific timer 4; the alarm will stop immediately upon the button 41, 42, 43, 44 being pressed; the "Today" button 44 will stop flashing and will not illuminate; all buttons 41, 42, 43, 44 will then be immobilised for a period of 10 seconds and the display 40 itself will remain illuminated for that 10 second period; ix. After 10 seconds that timer 4 can then be set again; x. The user (not shown) will wipe off the statement 21 for that day and write a new statement 21 corresponding to a task to be undertaken.

Similarly, the same sequence is used to set the alarm to sound every day, except that the "Every Day" selection button is used instead of the "Today" selection button and there is no need to set the timer 4 again after it has sounded. Moreover, as mentioned above, the device 1 may include hidden functionality. Whilst not wishing to be limited to such functionality, it is envisaged that one embodiment might allow one user, e.g. a carer for the elderly, to program the reminders using the hidden functionality, which is preferably only accessible using a secure PIN. In such a case, the patient would be given limited control over the device, e.g. wherein he or she is only able to turn the alarm off but not to alter the programmed alarms.

A second embodiment is shown in Figures 3 to 6, which includes a housing unit on which a plurality of timers are located.

The front surface 110 of the housing unit is made of a material which allows the user to write notes upon it with a pen or similar instrument. This could be a whiteboard: a panel covered with white, glossy plastic or even glass for writing on with erasable markers. The user would then be able to make notes with a standard water-based marker, or other instrument, and then simply wipe off old notes with a cloth or similar instrument.

Alternatively, there are several others surface materials that could be used, for example, certain other plastics, metals or even paper that could be torn off and replaced for each new day of use.

It is envisaged that the dimensions of the housing unit must be large enough to enable the user to write sufficient notes upon it in a size to enable those notes to be easily legible.

For these purposes, a length of 50cm, breadth of 40cm and depth of 5cm should be sufficient.

However, where the embodiment is used within a communal area for the benefit of many individuals, the dimensions of the housing unit would be significantly larger. Alternatively, the dimensions of the housing unit could also be significantly smaller than those given above where the portability of the embodiment is important.

Although, it is envisaged that the housing unit will be rectangular in shape, it is entirely feasible that other shapes could be used.

A plurality of timers 112 is located upon the surface of the housing unit. The timers can either be set by reference to the time on which they are expected to signal an alarm or alternatively by the length of time remaining until that alarm must be signalled.

The timers can either be digital or analogue. Where an analogue clock face or 12 hour digital display is used for a timer, there should be an added facility to distinguish between AMandPMI16.

In order for a timer to become functional, there should be a facility to set that specific timer. One method would be a push button 118 that must be pressed next to each timer.

To allow the user to see that an alarm has been set, a light or L.E.D. 114 next to the timer could be used. Alternatively, or in conjunction with the light, a noise could be emitted from a speaker 122 within the housing unit to notify the user.

Next to each timer, there should be an appropriate amount of empty space 110 on which the user can write notes. This should be of sufficient size for the user to write a task that needs to be undertaken in a sufficiently large size so it can be easily read by those with poor eye-sight.

A digital display or analogue clock 120 to show the current time could be positioned at some place on the surface of the housing unit. This may also show the present day and date. All timers 112 will be synchronised to the time upon the display 120.

Where a timer is set for a specific time, and that time is reached, the user will be notified of the alarm by the emission of sound from a speaker 122 from within the housing unit. A light or L.E.D. 124 could also notify the user of the alarm. Alternatively, the user could be notified by other means, for example, a vibration of the housing unit.

is In conjunction with the above alarms, the housing unit could also send a signal by means of wireless technology, such as Bluetooth, infra-red or zigbee, to an outside receiver that would notify the user via an audible, visual, vibrating or other alert. The transmitter 126 would be contained within the electronic circuitry located within the housing unit. It could send out a signal upon the timers 112 being set or upon the time set upon the timers 112 being reached. Alternatively, the transmitter 126 could send this signal via a cable connecting the housing unit with a separate outside receiver. Additionally or alternatively, the device 1 may include a further alarm unit, audible or otherwise, mounted to it in place of or in addition to the remote audible alarm unit 7.

The embodiment will need to be powered by a connection to the mains electrical supply. It could also be battery powered.

As illustrated in Figure 2, the housing unit can be placed horizontally on a surface 128. It can be attached vertically to a wall or other object 132. Alternatively, the housing unit can be placed on a stand to increase the ease on which it can be written upon 130.

Thus the skilled person will understand that at least one embodiment of this memory aid alarm device is a vast improvement on simple calendars and notepads used by the elderly. The alarm notifications provide the user with a timely reminder of when tasks must be undertaken.

Each part of the embodiment is designed to meet the capabilities and limitations of the older user; the timer and whiteboard are both familiar to them. It is this familiarity that ensures the embodiment is more accessible to the anticipated user than existing functions on mobile phones and computers that are not appropriate for the physical, cognitive and social factors common with aging.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations of the embodiments and their features described above are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, one or more of the displays 30, 40 may include and/or be in the form of a light emitting diode display, a vacuum fluorescent display or any other suitable display means. The timers 4 may be arranged to set and/or display a time interval rather than a specific time. In such cases, the timers 4 may also be arranged to display elapsed time or the time remaining.

Moreover, a simple book could be used as the writing surface with the timers being located on a separate housing unit; by ordering the notes sequentially, the user would understand which task to undertake upon notification that a timer has been triggered without having to visit the housing unit. Accordingly, the scope should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An automatic signalling device comprising a writing surface, a programmable timer and signalling means operatively connected to the timer, wherein the signalling means is arranged to alert, in use, a user to a statement written on the writing surface in response to a signal from the timer.
2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the signalling means comprises an indicator configured to alert, in use, a user to a statement written on the writing surface.
3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the device comprises two or more indicators, wherein each indicator is configured to alert, in use, a user to a statement written on one of two or more locations of the writing surface or on one of two or more writing surfaces of the device.
4. Device according to claim 3, wherein the timer is programmable to send two or more different signals to the signalling means, each signal being arranged to activate a respective one of the indicators.
5. Device according to claim 4, wherein the timer is programmable to send each signal at a respective predetermined time or after a respective predetermined time interval.
6. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the indicator or at least one of the indicators comprises a light emitting diode.
7. Device according to any preceding claim further comprising a display means.
8. Device according to claim 7 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the display means comprises the indicator.
9. Device according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the display means is configured to display the current time.
10. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the timer is programmable to send the signal at a predetermined time or after a predetermined time interval, the display means being configured to display the predetermined time or time interval.
11. Device according to claim 10 when dependent on claim 5, wherein the display means is configured to display each predetermined time or time interval.
12. Device according to claim 11, wherein the display means comprises two or more display panels, each panel being located adjacent a respective indicator and being configured to display the time or time interval associated with the adjacent indicator.
13. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the display means comprises a liquid crystal display means.
14. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein the signalling means comprises one or more alarm units.
15. Device according to claim 14, wherein the or each alarm unit comprises an audible alarm unit.
16. Device according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the or each alarm unit comprises a remote alarm unit.
17. Device according to claim 16, wherein the or each alarm unit is wireless.
18. Device according to claim 17, wherein the timer is operatively connected to a transmitter which cooperates with a receiver operatively connected to the alarm unit.
19. Device according to claim 18, wherein the or each signal comprises an electromagnetic signal sent, in use, from the transmitter to the receiver.
20. Device according to claim 19, wherein the electromagnetic signal is a radio frequency signal.
21. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein the timer comprises a timepiece operatively, wherein the timer is programmable to send the signal when the timepiece registers a predetermined time.
22. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein the timer is programmable to send the or each signal at a respective predetermined time or after a respective predetermined time interval.
23. Device according to any preceding claim further comprising a control unit which includes or incorporates the timer.
24. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein the writing surface is configured to be removably written on using a writing utensil with removable writing fluid.
25. Device according to claim 24 further comprising the or a writing utensil.
26. Device according to any preceding claim further comprising a substantially white plastics material which includes the writing surface.
27. An automatic signalling module for use in an automatic signalling device according to any preceding claim, the module comprising a connection means, a programmable timer and signalling means operatively connected to the timer, wherein the signalling means is arranged to alert, in use, a user to a statement written on a writing surface connected to the module by the connection means in response to a signal from the timer.
28. A remote alarm unit for use with an automatic signalling device according to any one of claims 1 to 26 and/or with an automatic signalling module according to claim 27, the unit comprising an alarm means operatively connected to a receiver, wherein the alarm means is arranged to alert, in use, a user when a wireless signal is received by the receiver from a transmitter operatively connected to the timer of the device or module.
29. A method of reminding a person to carry out one or more tasks, the method comprising the steps of:writing a statement on a writing surface;programming a timer to send a signal to signalling means operatively connected to the timer at a predetermined time or when a predetermined time interval has passed; and alerting a user using the signalling means to the statement written on the writing surface in response to the signal from the timer.
30. Method according to claim 29 further comprising the step of writing a further statement on the writing surface or on a further writing surface and programming the timer to send a further signal to the signalling means to alert a user to the furtherstatement.
31. Method according to claim 29 or claim 30, wherein the alerting step comprises illuminating an indicator of the signalling means which is adjacent the statement.
32. Method according to any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the alerting step comprises activating an audible alarm.
33. Method according to any one of claims 29 to 32 further comprising the step of reviewing the writing surface or surfaces to assess which statement corresponds to the alert.
34. Method according to any one of claims 29 to 33 further comprising the step of io removing the statement from the writing surface.
35. Method according to claim 34, wherein the removal step comprises rubbing the surface with an eraser or a cloth.
36. An automatic signalling device substantially as described herein and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
37. An automatic signalling module substantially as described herein and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
38. Method substantially as described herein.