AU2010100893A4 - A portable electronic memory assistance device - Google Patents

A portable electronic memory assistance device Download PDF

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Publication number
AU2010100893A4
AU2010100893A4 AU2010100893A AU2010100893A AU2010100893A4 AU 2010100893 A4 AU2010100893 A4 AU 2010100893A4 AU 2010100893 A AU2010100893 A AU 2010100893A AU 2010100893 A AU2010100893 A AU 2010100893A AU 2010100893 A4 AU2010100893 A4 AU 2010100893A4
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Australia
Prior art keywords
assistance
portable electronic
user
applications
memory
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AU2010100893A
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Mike Birrell
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Individual
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Individual
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    • GPHYSICS
    • G16INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16HHEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
    • G16H10/00ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data
    • G16H10/60ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
    • G16H10/65ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records stored on portable record carriers, e.g. on smartcards, RFID tags or CD

Description

TITLE: A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC MEMORY ASSISTANCE DEVICE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to portable electronic memory assistance devices and in particular to systems and methods for providing assistance to users who suffer memory loss and will be described with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In this specification unless the contrary is expressly stated, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge; or known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned. Many people, particularly those of older age, suffer from memory loss. This typically starts as early memory loss with the person forgetting simple things such as appointments, phone numbers, addresses and the like. In some instances the condition deteriorates into Alzheimer's or the like. Some prior art memory assistant devices offer a single memory function which may assist the user with one particular aspect or area of memory loss, however, a separate device is typically required for each aspect. For example, the user may have a device that reminds them to take particular medication at predetermined intervals, however, that device would be unable to display a record of the user's medical history. As such the user would require multiple devices which increases the likelihood of devices being misplaced, lost, stolen or simply overwhelming the user, A further disadvantage is that the devices typically provide a single reminder function for their entire useful life and this function cannot be changed to take advantage of new technology or inventions. This results in the user needing to purchase multiple new devices which can be costly and unaffordable for many users. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The preferred embodiment of the present invention overcomes or ameliorates at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least provides a useful alternative. According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a portable electronic memory assistance device including: a memory for storing information including a plurality of assistance applications; 1 a display for displaying at least a portion of the information stored on the memory; and a user interface for allowing the user to input information into and retrieve information from each of the assistance applications. Preferably at least a plurality of the assistance applications runs simultaneously on the portable electronic memory assistance device. Preferably the user can selectively activate or deactivate one or more of the assistance applications. Preferably the user can selectively activate or deactivate one or more of the assistance applications only if they are authorised to do so. Preferably additional assistance applications can be installed onto the portable electronic memory assistance device. Preferably the additional assistance applications are downloaded from the Internet. Preferably the user purchases the additional assistance applications for a fee. Preferably the fee is paid to the website host. Preferably assistance applications stored in the memory can be removed from the portable electronic memory assistance device. Preferably assistance applications stored in the memory can be selectively removed from the portable electronic memory assistance device by a user only if they are authorised to do so. Preferably the display is a touch screen display. Preferably the touch screen display provides the user interface to the user. Preferably assistance applications stored in the memory can be updated upon the release of a new version of the assistance application. Preferably the portable electronic memory assistance device includes a mobile phone. Preferably the memory assistance applications are chosen from one or more of the following: calendar; memo; alarm; medication alarm; reminder alarm; information storage; emergency phone call dialler; a GPS tracker and the like. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of providing a portable electronic memory assistance device, the method including the steps of: 2 providing a memory for storing information including a plurality of assistance applications; providing a display for displaying at least a portion of the information stored on the memory; and providing a user interface for allowing the user to input information into and retrieve information from each of the assistance applications. Preferably the method includes the step of simultaneously running at least a plurality of the assistance applications on the portable electronic memory assistance device. Preferably the method includes the step of the user selectively activating or deactivating one or more of the assistance applications. Preferably the method includes the step of the user selectively activate or deactivate one or more of the assistance applications only if they are authorised to do so. Preferably the method includes the step of installing additional assistance applications onto the portable electronic memory assistance device. Preferably the method includes the step of downloading the additional assistance applications from the Internet. Preferably the method includes the step of the user purchasing the additional assistance applications for a fee. Preferably the method includes the step of paying the fee to the website host. Preferably the method includes the step of removing assistance applications stored in the memory from the portable electronic memory assistance device. Preferably the method includes the step of selectively removing assistance applications stored in the memory from the portable electronic memory assistance device by a user only if they are authorised to do so. Preferably the method includes the step of providing is a touch screen display. Preferably the method includes the step of providing the touch screen display as the user interface to the user. Preferably the method includes the step of updating the assistance applications stored in the memory upon the release of a new version of the assistance application. Preferably the method includes the step of including a mobile phone within the portable electronic memory assistance device. 3 Preferably the method includes the step of choosing the memory assistance applications from one or more of the following: calendar; memo; alarm; medication alarm; reminder alarm; information storage; emergency phone call dialler; a GPS tracker and the like. Throughout the specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and other variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers of steps. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a portable electronic memory assistance device according to the invention shown in the form of an application on an Iphone; Figure 2 shows the assistance applications of the device of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows the calendar application of the device of Figure 1; and Figure 4 shows the Iphone logo for the device of Figure 1. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION According to the preferred embodiment of the invention there is provided a portable electronic memory assistance device that includes a memory for storing information including a plurality of assistance applications. The device includes a display for displaying at least a portion of the information stored on the memory and a user interface for allowing the user to input information into and retrieve information from each of the assistance applications. The device is typically used by a user to assist in remembering details which might otherwise be forgotten. As such at least a plurality of the assistance applications run simultaneously on the portable electronic memory assistance device. In this embodiment the user can selectively activate or deactivate one or more of the assistance applications. In some embodiments it is advantageous to only allow the user to selectively activate or deactivate one or more of the assistance applications only if they are authorised to do so. This will prevent a user from accidentally deactivating one of the assistance applications. In this embodiment the portable electronic memory assistance device is in the form of a smart phone such as an Iphone or Blackberry and additional assistance applications can be installed onto the smart phone via the Internet or by connecting the smart phone to a personal computer. 4 Additional assistance applications can be provided through a website via download or alternatively they may be part of an application store such as Apple Itunes or the Blackberry Application Store. In some embodiments the additional assistance application are free but in other embodiments users pay a fee for each additional assistance application they wish to download and install. In some embodiments users pay a time based fee for use of the assistance applications and in other embodiments the user simply pays a one off fee. Typically the fee is paid to the website host or the managing authority of the particular application store. In some embodiments the entire or at least a portion of the fee paid by the user is allocated and paid to the developer or provider of the additional assistance application. It is preferred that assistance applications stored in the memory can be removed from the portable electronic memory assistance device if, for example, they are no longer required. In some instances it is preferable to ensure that only authorised users can remove assistance applications so as to ensure that such applications are not removed accidentally by the user. In the case of a smart phone such as the Iphone, the display is a touch screen display and the touch screen display provides the user interface to the user. In the preferred embodiment the device can access the Internet periodically to determine whether any of the assistance applications have been updated with newer versions. If a new version of the assistance application is available then the assistance applications currently stored in the memory can be updated upon the release of a new version of the assistance application. While it is preferred that the portable electronic memory assistance device is or includes a mobile phone it would be understood that this need not be the case and other devices such as notebooks, netbooks, palm devices and the like could also be used in embodiments of the invention. The preferred embodiment of the invention provides at least the following memory assistance applications: calendar; memo; alarm; medication alarm; reminder alarm; information storage; emergency phone call dialler; a GPS tracker and the like. Embodiments of the invention also extend to methods of providing a portable electronic memory assistance device. The method includes the steps of. providing a memory for storing information including a plurality of assistance applications; providing a display for displaying at least a portion of the information stored on the memory; and providing a user interface for allowing the user to input information into and retrieve information from each of the assistance applications. A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. 5 Referring to Figure 1 there is a shown a portable electronic memory assistance device in the form of an Iphone 101. As would be understood the Iphone includes a memory for storing information including a plurality of applications including the assistance applications. The Iphone 101 includes a display for displaying the application when activated by the user. The device includes a user interface in the form of a touch screen 102 for allowing the user to input information into and retrieve information from each of the assistance applications. Figure 2 shows the plurality of assistance applications that are concurrently running on the device 101. The user can selectively activate or deactivate one or more of the assistance applications so that only the applications required run on the device. It is possible to password protect the activation or deactivation of the applications to ensure that a user who may not accidentally or unintentionally deactivate a required assistance application. As described, the present device 101 is in the form of an Iphone. The assistance applications as a package may be downloaded by the user from the Itunes store. The user may also download additional assistance applications as they become available or as existing assistance applications are updated. The assistance application may be free or may require payment by the user. The assistance applications are stored in the memory of the device 101 and can be removed from memory should they no longer be required. It is preferred that only authorised users can remove assistance applications so as to ensure that such applications are not removed accidentally by the user. As would be understood, the Iphone provides mobile telephone communication functionality and this allows the assistance applications to take advantage of this service. As shown in Figure 2, the preferred embodiment includes the following applications: a calendar assistance application 201; an alarm assistance application 202 ; a note taker assistance application 203; a find phone assistance application 204; a medical notes assistance application 205; and an emergency contact assistance application 206. As would be understood suitable additional assistants of a variety of different functions can be added as required by the user. The assistance applications as shown in Figure 2 are shown when the device is activated. The planner or calendar assistant can assist in helping a user plan their day without the fear of forgetting appointments so long as these are entered into the assistance application. The planner assistance application 201 once set up would reflect a life with lots of activities and events and the structure that it restores will have a marked effect on their feeling of wellbeing. Family will also be more relaxed knowing that the sufferer will function better in routine times and also be able to have assistance in times of crisis. A typical set up is as shown in Figure 3. 6 The note taker of memo assistance application 203 allows a user to record a verbal or written memo so as to quickly retain thoughts or facts that may be lost. The alarm assistance application 202 can act as a medication alarm that can be set to remind people to take tablets a various times during the day. The alarm can be set up and locked by a medial professional to ensure the user cannot accidentally forget to program the alarm. The alarm can also act as a reminder alarm to remind the user to recharge the phone at night. The medical notes assistance application 205 acts as a demographic file to store important information such as the user's name, next of kin, medication list, allergies, Medicare number, bank account details and the like. The emergency contact assistance application 206 actuates when a user touches the icon to phone a predetermined range of phone numbers to call for assistance. In the preferred embodiment the number of phone numbers that can be called is up to five phone numbers to obtain assistance. If the first number on the list receives no answer the assistance application proceeds to the next number until the call is answered. In some instances the final number called is the emergency number "000", the police, the ambulance service or the like. The find phone assistance application 204 uses the GPS signal provided by the phone along with mobile phone tracking data to locate the phone and/or user if they become lost. This function can be accessed by going to an online website. In most embodiments this feature is used for advanced stages of memory loss. Figure 4 shows the icon that is used to activate the assistance application device once installed on an Iphone. As would be understood preferred embodiments of the invention provide a collection of assistance applications and tools that assist people with memory decline to maintain better function in daily life. Embodiments of the invention assist users with the loss of retention of information and memories, the loss of organizational skills and the loss of security. Embodiments of the invention can be used not only with users with memory deterioration but also with users that have other mental disabilities such as those that have acquired brain injury or Aspergers disorder. Any commercial processor may be used to implement the embodiments of the invention either as a single processor, serial or parallel set of processors in the system. Examples of commercial processors include, but are not limited to MercedTM, PentiumTM, Pentium 7 JITM, XeonTM, Celeron TM, Pentium PrOTM, EfficeonTM, Athlon, AMD, Intel CentrinoTM, Intel Core DUOTM, Intel Core 2 DuoTM, Intel CentrinoTM, Intel XeonTM and the like. Display screens may be segment display screen, analogue display screens, digital display screens, CRTs, LED screens, Plasma screens, liquid crystal diode screens, and the like. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. 8

Claims (5)

1. A portable electronic memory assistance device including: a memory for storing information including a plurality of assistance applications; a display for displaying at least a portion of the information stored on the memory; and a user interface for allowing the user to input information into and retrieve information from each of the assistance applications.
2. A portable electronic memory assistance device according to claim 1 wherein at least a plurality of the assistance applications runs simultaneously on the portable electronic memory assistance device.
3. A portable electronic memory assistance device according to claim 2 wherein the user can selectively activate or deactivate one or more of the assistance applications.
4. A portable electronic memory assistance device according to claim 3 wherein the memory assistance applications are chosen from one or more of the following: calendar; memo; alarm; medication alarm; reminder alarm; information storage; emergency phone call dialler; a GPS tracker and the like.
5. A system and method for providing a portable electronic memory assistance device substantially as herein described with reference to the attached drawings. 9
AU2010100893A 2010-08-16 2010-08-16 A portable electronic memory assistance device Ceased AU2010100893A4 (en)

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20190197631A1 (en) * 2015-10-02 2019-06-27 Not So Forgetful. LLC Apparatus and system for providing reminders and recommendations, storing personal information, memory assistance and facilitating related purchases through an interconnected social network

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20190197631A1 (en) * 2015-10-02 2019-06-27 Not So Forgetful. LLC Apparatus and system for providing reminders and recommendations, storing personal information, memory assistance and facilitating related purchases through an interconnected social network
US11341583B2 (en) * 2015-10-02 2022-05-24 Not So Forgetful, LLC Apparatus and system for providing reminders and recommendations, storing personal information, memory assistance and facilitating related purchases through an interconnected social network
US11763396B2 (en) * 2015-10-02 2023-09-19 Not So Forgetful Llc Apparatus and system for providing reminders and recommendations, storing personal information, memory assistance and facilitating related purchases through an interconnected social network

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