GB2477371A

GB2477371A - Vibrating device alerting user to predetermined sounds

Info

Publication number: GB2477371A
Application number: GB1017965A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert John Hancock
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-09-10
Filing date: 2010-10-25
Publication date: 2011-08-03
Anticipated expiration: 2030-10-25
Also published as: GB2483636A; GB201015058D0; GB2477371B; GB201017965D0

Abstract

A awareness device comprises a strap 10 for placing about a person, a controller 12 adapted for wireless communication with the strap 10 for controlling operation of the strap, means for receiving and identifying one or more pre-programmed sounds, and vibration means 18 mounted within the strap. In use, a predetermined strap vibration is actuated in response to identification of an associated pre-programmed sound. The receiving means may be a microphone 54 and the vibrating means may be transducers 18 spaced along the strap. The transducers may be located in a neoprene enclosure 14, 16 disposed in a fabric sleeve 32, which may be fastened using hook and loop material 34. The controller may be programmable and include a keypad 46, display screen 48 and power switch and indicator. The microphone and/or controller may be mounted to the device, or the controller may be mounted on a belt. The device may be a sleeve with two straps, see figure 4. A method of identifying a sound is also provided. The device may be placed on the arm like a bracelet, or on the neck like a collar.

Description

TITLE: AWARENESS DEVICE The present invention relates to an awareness device and particularly but not exclusively to an awareness device for assisting the deaf or hard of hearing.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

It is known to provide hearing aids that assist the deaf or hard of hearing. For example, a conventional hearing aid is essentially an electroacoustic device, typically worn within or behind the ear, which amplifies and modulates sound for the user.

More advanced amplification devices can be attached, for example, to the teeth. A problem with such a device is that when the user is distant from the source of a sound, for example, a telephone, doorbell, or pet, then it may be difficult, if not impossible, for the user to establish whether or not a sound is being emitted, and if so, where from.

Attempts to solve this problem include mounting a hearing assistant on a strap that is worn around the neck of the user or clipped to an item of their clothing. Upon detection of a sound or noise by a microphone, the hearing assistant vibrates or produces a visual display of warning text, alerting the user to the emitted sound. The user may then respond accordingly, for example, by adjusting his conventional hearing aid or moving closer to the source of the sound. A problem with this arrangement, notably for vibratory alerts, is that the presence of clothing can reduce the effectiveness of the alert. Furthermore, it is difficult, if not impossible, for the user to quickly identify the source of the sound and to establish whether or not a reaction is required. This problem is exacerbated when multiple sounds occur, for example, in quick succession.

It is an object of the invention to provide an awareness device which reduces or substantially mitigates these problems.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a awareness device comprising at least one strap for placing about a person, a controller adapted for wireless communication with the or each strap for controlling operation of the strap, means for receiving and identifying one or more pre-programmed sounds, and vibration means mounted within the strap, in use, a pre-determined strap vibration being actuated in response to identification of an associated pre-programmed sound.

Advantageously, the awareness device is capable of being programmed with a number of sounds. These sounds can then be easily identified by the user, by interpretation of vibrations in the strap, which are specific to a particular pre-programmed sound.

The vibration means may include a plurality of transducers in the strap. The transducers may be spaced along the length of the strap. This enables the vibration of a particular transducer to be sensed by a user and associated with a particular sound.

At least one microphone may be mounted to the strap or controller. Two microphones may be mounted to the strap in spaced relationship, in use, the microphones being on opposite sides, for example, of the neck of a person wearing the strap. This enables sounds to be more effectively picked up on both sides of the user.

The strap may include a neoprene enclosure disposed within a fabric sleeve. The fabric sleeve may be provided in desired colours, for example, bright colours or even flesh coloured to obscure the strap.

Hook and eye fastener may be disposed at opposite ends of the strap for fastening the strap, in use. Ideally, the strap should be worn adjacent the skin for maximum effect, for example, as a collar, headband or bracelet.

The controller may have a user interface enabling the programming of the controller for sounds to be recognised. The user interface may include a keypad and visual display screen.

The user interface may also include a power switch and power indicator light.

A belt clip may be attached to the rear of the controller enabling the controller to be conveniently attached to the body in close proximity to the strap.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an awareness sleeve comprising an awareness device according to the first aspect of the invention mounted to an elongate sleeve element for wearing about an arm or wrist.

The awareness sleeve may include an awareness device having two straps which are spaced apart from each other along the sleeve element.

The controller element may be attached to the sleeve element. This all-in-one' construction is advantageous for minimising the impact of the awareness sleeve upon the user's selection of clothing.

A microphone extension may be provided for varying the position of the or each microphone about the awareness device or user. This reduces the effect of clothing on the sensitivity of the microphone since there is consequently little or no clothing to muffle the microphone.

The microphone extension may be a flexible tether mounted to the controller at a proximal end and a clip mounted to the tether at the distal end, one of the at least one microphones being disposed on the clip. The tether in particular enables the user to place the microphone outside of their clothing for unobstructed sound reception, for example, near the cuff of a shirt.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of identifying a sound using an awareness device according to the first aspect of the invention, comprising placing the strap about a person, programming the awareness device to recognise a particular sound and to actuate the vibration means in response to that sound.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of identifying a sound using an awareness sleeve according to the second aspect of the invention, comprising placing the strap about a person, programming the awareness device to recognise a particular sound and to actuate the vibration means in response to that sound.

Advantageously, the awareness device can be programmed to effectively listen for a number of sounds and to produce individual vibration patterns, each associated with a particular noise, using the different transducers in the strap

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective exploded view of a strap of an awareness device of the first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 shows a front view of a controller of the awareness device; Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the controller of Figure 3; and Figure 4 shows a view of an awareness sleeve of the second aspect of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Refening firstly to Figures 1 and 2, an awareness device includes a strap 10 for placing about a person, ideally against the skin, for example, as a collar around a persons' neck, as a headband or a bracelet, and a controller 12, adapted for wireless communication with the strap 10. The purpose of the awareness device is to identify pre-programmed sounds and to alert a user to the sounds by vibration of a specific part of the strap 10.

As shown in Figure 1, the strap 10 includes an enclosure made from upper and lower strips of neoprene 14, 16. A plurality of piezo transducers 18 are mounted within the enclosure and are set into apertures 20 spaced along the length of the enclosure.

Conductive fabric tracks 22 extend along the length of the enclosure and provide power and control signals to the piezo transducers 18. In the arrangement shown there are eight piezo transducers. A transceiver member 24 is provided on the lower strip of neoprene 16 for sending and receiving control signals to and from the controller 12.

An activation chip 26 for energising the transducers is disposed intermediate the transceiver member 28 and transducers 18 along the strap 10. Two batteries 28 are mounted to opposite ends of the lower strip of neoprene. The batteries supply the transceiver member 24 in use. A fabric sleeve 32 is adapted to cover the enclosure and to provide the strap 10 with a pleasant appearance in any desired colour. Press studs (not shown) are provided for attaching the fabric sleeve 32 to the enclosure. Hook and eye fastener 34, for example Velcro RTM, is provided at the ends of the strap 10 to enable it to be fastened, for example, around a persons' neck or wrist.

Turning now to Figures 2 and 3, the controller 12 includes a plastics casing having a front portion 36 forming a user interface and a rear portion 38. A clip 40 is attached to the rear portion 38 for attaching the controller 12 to a belt or the like. A printed circuit board 42 is contained within the programmer housing and is connected to a main on/off switch 44, a keypad 46, a visual display 48, a USB port 50, an aerial 52, and a microphone 54. Apertures are provided in the face of the first portion 36 for receiving the keypad 46, the on/off switch 44 and a screen 56 which protects the visual display 48. A circular frame 58 is mounted in a circular aperture 60 in the front portion 36, to the upper right hand side as viewed, for receiving the on/off switch 44. A rechargeable battery 62 is disposed behind the printed circuit board 42 for powering the controller 12. A battery power light indicator 63 is provided for the user on the front portion 36 of the casing to indicate the amount of power remaining in the rechargeable battery 62. The colour of the indicator 63 changes according to the amount of power remaining.

A USB connector can be plugged into the USB port 50 at the bottom of the casing, as viewed, for charging the rechargeable battery 62. The USB port 50 also enables connection to a computer for backing up the sounds that have been programmed into the controller. This is particularly advantageous if the awareness device becomes damaged or lost. The set of sounds stored on the computer can simply be downloaded onto the controller once the awareness device has been repaired or replaced.

In use, the strap 10 is placed about a person in proximity to their skin, for example, around a person's wrist and fastened in place using the hook and eye fastener 30.

To programme the awareness device, a number on the numerical keypad is selected and pressed. The number is then displayed on visual display and a prompt is given for depression of a key 61 "Yes or No". If "Yes" is selected, then the device will listen through the microphone for a sound to be associated with the appropriate number. For example, a doorbell chime may be sounded and the controller 12 will record the sound and associate it with the particular number. Thereafter, sounding of the doorbell chime will cause actuation of one or more transducers within the strap which are associated with the selected and associated number on the keypad.

The number of available sounds that can be recorded using the awareness device is limited by virtue of the number of transducers and their discreet positioning within the strap 10.

Upon detection of a sound by the microphone 54, the sound recording is passed directly to the printed circuit board 42 for processing, and if appropriate, a signal is sent to the receiver part of the transceiver member 24. When a signal is received by the transceiver member 24, the activation chip 26 is energised, which actuates the transducer 18 corresponding to the particular sound. Typically, the transmission protocol may be radio frequency, although other suitable wireless technologies may be used, for example, Bluetooth RTM or Wi-fi.

It is envisaged that the strap may include one of more microphones for receiving sound. In such an arrangement, the transceiver member on the strap transmits a signal conesponding to the sound to the printed circuit board for processing. One or more transducers are subsequently activated, as described above. The transducers may be arranged on the same strap as the microphone or on an additional strap positioned elsewhere about the person. The alert device is versatile in that several straps may be used effectively with a single controller.

Refening lastly to Figure 4, an awareness sleeve is indicated generally at 64. The awareness sleeve 64 enables the user to wear an awareness device as described earlier about a wrist or arm. The awareness sleeve is typically worn under clothing for discreetness and comfort.

The awareness sleeve includes two straps 66 mounted at opposite ends of a sleeve element 68 and a controller 70 mounted to or within the sleeve element 68. A microphone extension 72 extends from the controller 70 and is in communication with the printed circuit board therein. The microphone extension 72 comprises a cord 74 connected to the controller 70. At the free end of the cord 74, a microphone 76 is mounted to a clip 78. The microphone extension 72 is useful for placing the microphone 76 outside of clothing, where it can pick up sound free from obstruction.

In this arrangement, although only four transducers 80 are provided on each strap 66.

The straps 66 and controller 70 interact in the same way as described above with reference to the strap 10 and controller 12. Again, a hook and eye fastener 82 is provided at the ends of the sleeve to enable it to be fastened around a person's arm or wrist.

One or more straps or awareness sleeves may be used interchangeably in combination with a controller for maximum versatility, according to the type or fit of clothing worn. For example, if a woman is wearing a sleeveless evening gown with a high neck, she might wear a strap about her neck. A man wearing a long sleeved shirt however might prefer to use an awareness sleeve on each arm, with the microphone extension clipped onto a shirt cuff.

Once a person wearing the strap or sleeve has developed familiarity with the positioning of the vibrations about their body, they can easily identify a particular sound by association of the vibration with that particular sound. The controller can also be re-programmed at any time in order to re-associate a particular set of transducer vibrations with a particular sound, thus enabling the most common sounds to be associated with the more easily identifiable vibrations. Extremely important sounds, such as fire alarms, can be associated with vibration of, for example, all of the transducers, thereby maximising the alert to the person wearing the strap or sleeve.

The awareness device/sleeve is particularly useful for deaf and partially deaf people, and provides them with the ability to effectively hear and respond to a number of pre-programmed everyday sounds.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An awareness device comprising at least one strap for placing about a person, a controller adapted for wireless communication with the or each strap for controlling operation of the strap, means for receiving and identifying one or more pre-programmed sounds, and vibration means mounted within the or each strap, in use, a pre-determined strap vibration being actuated in response to identification of an associated pre-programmed sound.
2. An awareness device as claimed in claim 1, in which the vibration means includes a plurality of transducers in the or each strap.
3. An awareness device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the transducers are spaced along the length of the or each strap.
4. An awareness device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising at least one microphone for receiving sound.
5. An awareness device as claimed in claim 4, in which the or each microphone is mounted to the controller or the or each strap.
6. An awareness device as claimed in claim 5, in which two microphones are mounted to the strap in spaced relationship, in use, the microphones being on opposite sides of the neck of a person wearing the strap.
7. An awareness device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the strap includes a neoprene enclosure.
8. An awareness device as claimed in claim 7, in which the neoprene enclosure is disposed within a fabric sleeve.
9. An awareness device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which hook and eye fastener is disposed at opposite ends of the strap for fastening the strap, in use.
10. An awareness device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the controller has a user interface enabling the programming of sounds to be recognised.
11. An awareness device as claimed in claim 9, in which the user interface includes a keypad and visual display screen.
12. An awareness device as claimed in claim 9, in which the user interface includes a power switch and power indicator light.
13. An awareness device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a belt clip is attached to the rear of the controller.
14. An awareness device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, in which the controller is mounted to one of the or each straps.
15. An awareness sleeve comprising an awareness device as claimed in any preceding claim mounted to an elongate sleeve element for wearing about an arm.
16. An awareness sleeve as claimed in claim 14, in which the awareness device has two straps which are spaced apart from each other along the sleeve element.
17. An awareness sleeve as claimed in claim 15 when dependent on claims 1 to 12, in which the controller is mounted to the sleeve element.
18. An awareness sleeve as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17 when dependent on claim 4, further comprising a microphone extension for varying the positioning of the or each microphone about the awareness device.
19. An awareness sleeve as claimed in claim 18, the microphone extension having a flexible tether mounted to the controller at a proximal end and a clip mounted to the tether at the distal end, one of the at least one microphones being disposed on the clip.
20. A method of identifying a sound using an awareness device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising placing at least one strap about a person, programming the awareness device to recognise a particular sound and to actuate the vibration means in response to that sound.
21. A method as claimed in claim 20, in which the or each strap is worn as a collar or headband.
22. A method as claimed in claim 20, in which the or each strap is worn as a bracelet.
23. A method of identifying a sound using an awareness sleeve as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 19, comprising placing at least one strap about a person, programming the awareness device to recognise a particular sound and to actuate the vibration means in response to that sound.
24. An awareness device substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.
25. An awareness sleeve substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings Amendments to the Claims have been filed as followsCLAIMS1. An awareness device comprising at least one strap for placing about a person, a controller adapted for wireless communication with the or each strap for controlling operation of the strap, means for receiving and identifying one or more pre-programmed sounds, and vibration means mounted within the or each strap, the vibration means including a plurality of transducers in the or each strap, in use, a pre-determined strap vibration being actuated in response to identification of an associated pre-programmed sound.2. An awareness device as claimed in claim 1, in which the transducers are spaced along the length of the or each strap.3. An awareness device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one microphone for receiving sound.4. An awareness device as claimed in claim 3, in which the or each microphone CO is mounted to the controller or the or each strap.co 20 5. An awareness device as claimed in claim 4, in which two microphones are C\J mounted to the strap in spaced relationship, in use, the microphones being on opposite sides of the neck of a person wearing the strap.6. An awareness device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the strap includes a neoprene enclosure.7. An awareness device as claimed in claim 6, in which the neoprene enclosure is disposed within a fabric sleeve.8. An awareness device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which hook and eye fastener is disposed at opposite ends of the strap for fastening the strap, in use.9. An awareness device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the controller has a user interface enabling the programming of sounds to be recognised.10. An awareness device as claimed in claim 9, in which the user interface includes a keypad and visual display screen.11. An awareness device as claimed in claim 9, in which the user interface includes a power switch and power indicator light.12. An awareness device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a belt clip is attached to the rear of the controller.13. An awareness device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, in which the controller is mounted to one of the or each straps.14. An awareness sleeve comprising an awareness device as claimed in any preceding claim mounted to an elongate sleeve element for wearing about an arm.15. An awareness sleeve as claimed in claim 14, in which the awareness device C') has two straps which are spaced apart from each other along the sleeve Q 20 element.16. An awareness sleeve as claimed in claim 15 when dependent on claims 1 to 11, in which the controller is mounted to the sleeve element.17. An awareness sleeve as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16 when dependent on claim 3, further comprising a microphone extension for varying the positioning of the or each microphone about the awareness device.18. An awareness sleeve as claimed in claim 17, the microphone extension having a flexible tether mounted to the controller at a proximal end and a clip mounted to the tether at the distal end, one of the at least one microphones being disposed on the clip.19. A method of identifying a sound using an awareness device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising placing at least one strap about a person, programming the awareness device to recognise a particular sound and to actuate the vibration means in response to that sound.20. A method as claimed in claim 19, in which the or each strap is worn as a collar or headband.21. A method as claimed in claim 19, in which the or each strap is worn as a bracelet.22. A method of identifying a sound using an awareness sleeve as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 18, comprising placing at least one strap about a person, programming the awareness device to recognise a particular sound and to actuate the vibration means in response to that sound.23. An awareness device substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.24. An awareness sleeve substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings r C") 0') c'J