GB2537818A

GB2537818A - Handheld devices and systems

Info

Publication number: GB2537818A
Application number: GB1506664.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William Gatherer Donald
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-04-20
Filing date: 2015-04-20
Publication date: 2016-11-02
Also published as: GB201506664D0

Abstract

A handheld device, the device comprises a band for attaching the device to one or more digits of a user; and a tether, which is connected to said band, for attaching the device to the wrist of the user, wherein the band incorporates a unit comprising one or more of the following: one or more sensors, a light source, and camera. Also claimed is a handheld system with a handheld device with a band attached to one or more digits with one or more of a sensor, light source and camera, a computer on the wrist of the user and a tether for connecting the device to the computer. The sensors may be used for medical tested, e.g. for glucose levels, pH or temperature of an area of a patient. The camera may be used for amateur filmmaking.

Description

Handheld Devices and Systems

Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to handheld devices attachable to one or more digits of a user.

zo Background to the Invention

The prior art known to the applicant comprises powered handheld devices which are held by a user to improve the practicality of an activity. Examples of these devices include torches, sensors and cameras. These devices are used widely across a number of technical fields. Two typical fields of use are medicine and engineering, e.g. during an examination of a patient where a device comprising a torch, camera and/or sensor helps a medically qualified person to diagnose or treat a patient, or during construction of a building where a handheld device as described helps an engineer to assess the progress or requirements of a build.

However, these existing devices are often cumbersome and take up the use of at least one of a user's hands. This is, at best, frustrating and, at worst, hazardous for a user who ideally requires the use of both hands to carry out a procedure effectively and safely. Even where a device is attachable to a part of a user's body or clothing, there is a risk that the device will fall off and cause damage or become damaged itself.

Embodiments of the invention seek to improve the practicality and safety of handheld devices.

Summary of the Invention

In a first broad independent aspect, the invention provides a handheld device, the device comprising a band for attaching the device to one or more digits of a user; and a tether, which is connected to said band, for attaching the device to the wrist of the user; wherein the band incorporates a unit comprising one or more of the following: one or more sensors, a Light source, and camera.

is This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides a device which is more safely attached to the hand/wrist of a user to avoid or minimise the risk of the device falling off the hand of the user and causing damage. At the same time the device also frees the hand of the user to carry out other tasks whilst the device is attached to the user's hand and functioning. The device therefore provides improved safety and practicality.

Preferably, the unit extends lengthwise along a section of the user's digit such that, in use, the unit does not protrude beyond the edge of the user's digit. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it minimises the obstruction of the device to other tasks that the user carries out Because the device does not protrude beyond the edge of the user's digit, the user can work naturally without need to be aware of an increase in width or Length of their digit.

Preferably, the tether is configured to transmit information and the tether is connected to a separate powered device located on the wrist of the user; wherein information obtained by said device is transmitted to said separate powered device via said tether. As the tether is configured to transmit information and is connected to a separate powered device Located on the wrist of the user, information can be transmitted from the device to the separate powered device whilst the device is in use, without the need to connect the device to a computer before or after use. Information obtained by the device can therefore be processed, stored or displayed 'on the fly'. Transmitting information via the tether also allows the size of the device to be minimised so that the device causes minimal obstruction to the tasks of the user.

Preferably, the device further comprises a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting information obtained by said device to said separate powered device. The wireless transmitter provides a means for quickly and effectively transmitting information obtained by the device to a separate remote device for processing and/or storing of the obtained information. The wireless transmitter also avoids the need for the tether to be configured to transmit information.

Preferably, means for processing and storing information obtained by the device and means for powering the device are located remotely from the band. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it minimises the size of the band because the means for is processing and storing information and means powering the device are not Located on the band. This configuration also improves the safety of the device because the number of electrical components Located on the band, which is attached to the digit of a user, is minimised. This configuration is also especially advantageous when the device is located in a cavity or orifice of patient in a medical situation. Locating the processing storage and powering means remotely from the band also allows these components to be repaired or replaced whilst the band is in use.

Preferably, the tether is a fibre optic tether. Providing a fibre optic tether improves the immunity of the device to electromagnetic interference. The tether is also nonconductive which improves the safety of the device. Data security is also improved, which is especially

important in the medical field.

Preferably, the device is optically powered. This configuration is advantageous because it improves the immunity of the device to electromagnetic interference and is nonconductive thereby improving the safety of the device.

Preferably, the device further comprises one or more ports suitable for coupling the device with a separate computer or memory store. The one or more ports allow the device to be paired with a computer or memory store so that the information obtained by the unit of the band can be transferred and then processed and/or stored.

Preferably, the unit comprises one or more sensors which are configured to detect a number of physiological conditions. The one or more sensors which are configured to detect a number of physiological conditions allow the sensor to be used in a medical capacity for medical testing. For example, the glucose level, pH or temperature of an area of a patient, in the vicinity of the device, can be determined.

Preferably, said unit is at least partially enclosed in a hermetic seal. This configuration protects the internal components of the device and improves safety to the user and also a patient where the device is used in a medical capacity.

In a second broad independent aspect, the invention provides a handheld system, the system comprising: * a handheld device comprising a band for attaching the device to one or more digits of a user; wherein the band incorporates a unit comprising one or more of the following: one or more sensors, a light source, and camera; * a computer located on the wrist of the user, wherein the computer comprises processing means for processing information obtained by said unit; and * a tether for connecting said device to said computer.

This system is particularly advantageous because it provides a system, held entirely on the body of a user, which is more safely attached to the hand of a user, to avoid or minimise the risk of the device falling off the hand of the user. The use of a separate computer not Located on the body of the user is not required. The tether allows the device to be connected to the computer so that the device is further prevented from falling off the hand of a user. The system also frees the hand of the user to carry out other tasks whilst the device is attached and functioning. The system therefore provides improved safety and practicality.

Preferably, the tether is configured to transmit information; whereby information obtained by said device is transmitted to said computer via said tether. This configuration is

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particularly advantageous because information can be transmitted and received between the device and computer so that the information can be processed or viewed on the computer.

Preferably, the device and computer comprise means for wirelessly communicating with one another. The wireless transmitter provides a means for quickly and effectively transmitting information obtained by the device to a separate remote device for processing and/or storing of the obtained information. The wireless transmitter also avoids the need for the tether to be configured to transmit information.

Preferably, the computer comprises means for powering the device and storing information obtained by the device. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it minimises the size of the band because the means for processing and storing information and the means powering the device are located remotely on the band. This configuration also improves the safety of the device because the number of electrical components Located on the band is minimised, which is especially advantageous when the device is Located in a cavity or orifice of a patient in a medical situation. Locating the processing storage and powering means remotely from the band also allows these components to be repaired or replaced whilst the band is in use.

Preferably, the computer further comprises a display for displaying information obtained by said device. The display allows a user to view information obtained by the device whilst the device is in use. Where the unit of the band comprises a camera, the one or more images captured by the camera are transmitted to the display so that the user can view the images captured by the camera.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a plan view of a device of an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a plan view of a device of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3A shows a plan view of a device of a second alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 38 shows a plan view of a device of a third alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3C shows a plan view of a device of a fourth alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4A shows a perspective view of a device incorporating a plurality of sensors and light source.

Figure 48 shows a perspective view of a device incorporating a plurality of sensors, a light source, and a camera.

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 1.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

A handheld device is shown in Figure 1 and is referenced generally as 10. The handheld device comprises a band 11 for attaching the device 10 to one or more digits of a user. The device 10 further comprises a tether 12 which is connected to the band 11 and is attached to the wrist of a user, i.e. at the base of the user's hand 5. The tether 12 prevents or minimises the risk of the device 10 falling off the hand 5 of the user.

The band 11 incorporates a unit 13 which, in Figure 1, comprises a plurality of sensors, such as 14 and 15, a Light source and a camera. In Figure 1, the light source and camera are both Located in the same housing 16. The device 10 thereby provides a means for illuminating and/or sensing and/or recording an area in which the user's digit is located or towards which the user's digit is pointed. The device 10 of Figure 1 does each of these, but any combination of the components may be provided or, alternatively, only one of the components may be provided. The device 10 allows the user to carry out separate tasks without the need to grip a device such as a standard torch or camera. It also provides a device which can be inserted into tight spaces so that the user can obtain information from spaces which conventional devices may not be able to reach whilst the user is working. The device 10 is seen as particularly applicable in the medical field, where a medically qualified person may insert one or more of their digits, which is attached to the device 10, into a cavity or orifice of a patient for diagnosis or to facilitate treatment. The device 10, which may comprise one or more sensors and/or a light source and/or a camera, assists the user in his assessment. For instance, the device 10 may comprise a light source and a camera so that the user can obtain one or more images of the inside of a cavity in order to improve the user's ability to assess the wellbeing of a patient. Sensors may also be provided in another embodiment to allow the user to obtain information such as a cell count or presence of a particular bacterium in the cavity or orifice of a patient in which the user's digit is or has been inserted. Another example of use of the device 10 is in gynaecology, to allow a medically qualified person to test conditions such as the pH level of a patient's vagina.

is The device 10 is also applicable to engineering to aid an engineer where the one or more sensors, light source and/or camera incorporated in the unit 13 can assist an engineer in his duties. For example, the one or more sensors may comprise a beam, of ultraviolet light or similar, to determine the distance between the user's digit and another object. Alternatively, or in conjunction with the one or more sensors or a camera unit, a light source is provided to illuminate a working area.

The device 10 is also applicable to filmmaking, especially amateur filmmaking, as the device 10 can record one or more images of a view from the hand of a user. This may be particularly advantageous when filming sporting events because the device 10 leaves the user's hand free to carry out a separate task whilst one or more images are recorded. The device 10 may also be applicable to many other fields related or unrelated to those discussed.

In the figures, the device 10 is attached to the forefinger of a user's right hand, referenced as 5. However, in alternative embodiments, which are not shown in the figures, the device can be attached to any digit of a user's left or right hand and to either an individual digit or multiple digits at one time, e.g. the device 10 could be attached to the forefinger and middle finger of the user's hand 5. Where the device 10 is configured to be attached to more than one digit, the band 11 is of a size sufficient to surround multiple digits. In

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preferred embodiments, the band may be elasticated to tightly grip onto the circumference of a user's finger.

In a preferred embodiment, the unit 13 extends lengthwise along a section of the users digit such that the unit 13 does not protrude beyond the edge of the user's digit.

Preferably the unit 13 is elongate but, in an alternative embodiment, the unit 13 is not elongate but nevertheless does not extend beyond the edge of the user's digit The unit device 10 also has a minimised height so that the device 10 causes minimal obstruction to the activities of the user.

In the embodiment of Figure 1, the tether 12 comprises a strap, comprising a material which is sufficiently flexible to minimise obstruction to movement of the user's hand. The strap 12 preferably comprises textiles or plastics material, which is placed around the user's hand 5. However, in an alternative embodiment, shown in Figure?, the tether 12 comprises a cable which is configured to transmit information. The tether 12 is preferably connected to a separate, powered device 17, such as a watch (see Figure 2), which is Located on the wrist of the user. Information obtained by the device 10 is transmitted by the tether 12 to the separate, powered device 17 so that the information can be processed, displayed and/or stored by the powered device 17. The powered device 17 preferably comprises a smart-device such as a smart-watch, which incorporates a computer capable of processing information obtained by the device 10 and a display configured to display the obtained information. In a further preferred embodiment, the tether 12 is a fibre optic tether in order to minimise the risk of or avoid electromagnetic interference to the device 10. A fibre optic tether 12 is also nonconductive, which improves the safety of the device 10. Data security is also improved by a fibre optic tether 12. Even more preferably the device 10 is optically powered to further improve the safety and reliability of the device 10.

In another alternative embodiment, shown in Figure 3A, the device 10 comprises a wireless transmitter 18 for wirelessly transmitting information obtained by the device 10 to a separate device such as the separate powered device 17. The unit 13 also comprises a sensor 25. The sensor 25 may be a Light sensor or configured to sense one or more physiological conditions. Where the sensor 25 is configured to sense one or more physiological conditions, the sensor 25 may incorporate a region comprising a reagent In the embodiment shown in Figure 3B, the unit 13 comprises a light source 21 and a camera 22, wherein the Light source 21 and camera 22 are positioned adjacent one another on the band 11. Positioning the Light source 21 and camera 22 in this way minimises the height of the device 10 to cause minimal obstruction to the activities of the user. The device 10 of Figure 3C comprises a unit 13 incorporating a light source and/or camera 21/22, two sensors 26 and 27, and a wireless transmitter 18.

In the embodiments of Figures 3A to 3C, the tether 12 is the same as that shown in Figure 1. However, a tether 12 configured to transmit information may also be provided in an alternative embodiment so that information can be transmitted via a wired connection as well as wirelessly, for example where the wired connection transmits information to a powered device 17 located on the wrist of a user and the wireless transmitter 18 transmits information to a separate computer or memory store.

Preferably, the means for processing and storing the information obtained by the device 10 and the means for powering the device 10 are Located remotely from the device 10 so that the safety of the device is improved. Remotely Locating the processing, storing and powering means minimises the risk of electric shock to the user or to another person, such as a patient where the device 10 is configured to be inserted into a cavity or orifice of the patient In one embodiment, the processing storing and powering means are Located on the separate powered device 17 and the tether 12 acts as a power cable as well as a cable for transmitting data to be processed and/or stored.

Figure 4A shows an embodiment wherein the device 10 comprises a unit 13 incorporating a number of sensors, such as 19, 15, and 20, and a Light source 21. The unit 13 is secured to a band 11 which slides over the digit of a user. In a preferred embodiment the band 11 comprises a material with sufficient elasticity to allow the band 11 to grip the digit of a user as the band 11 is attached. In an alternative embodiment, the band 11 comprises a strap which is secured around the digit of the user. The tether 12 extends from the rear of the unit 13 towards the wrist of the user, on which a separate powered device such as a smart-watch may be attached. The sensors 19, 15 and 20 may, in another embodiment, be arranged around the circumference of the band 11. I0

Figure 4B shows an embodiment of the device 10 comprising a unit 13 incorporating a number of sensors, 19, 15, and 20, a light source 21 and a camera 22. The camera 22 is configured to record one or more images of a view from the user's digit.

The Light source 21 of the device 10 preferably comprises one or more Light emitting diodes (LEDs).

In further alternative embodiments, the unit 13 incorporates other components such as a motor (e.g. for being in communication with the one or more sensors and providing a vibration to the user when the one or more sensors detect a particular indicator).

The unit 13 of the device 10 may, in one embodiment, comprise a housing 16 (see Figure 1) which accommodates a number of the components described so that components can be substituted into the same device depending on the needs of the user.

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the band 11 of the device 10 which comprises a unit 13 incorporating a number of components. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the unit 13 incorporates two sensors 23 and 24, and a light source 21. As described above, the band 11 preferably has a height and configuration which is minimised to reduce the obstruction to the user and improve practicality.

In one embodiment, which is not shown in the figures, the device 10 further comprises one or more ports for coupling the device 10 with a separate computer or memory store so that information obtained by the device 10 can be uploaded. The one or more ports preferabLy comprise Universat Serial Bus (USB) ports so that the device 10 can be coupled to a separate computer or memory store using a conventional USB connecting cable. In another embodiment, the device 10 may also comprise a rechargeable power supply, which is capabte of being charged via connection of the device to a power source through the one or more ports.

In a further embodiment the unit 13 of the band 11 is at least partially enclosed in an hermetic seat. This improves the safety of the device 10 to a user (or recipient in a medical situation) and also minimises the risk of damage to the device 10.

Claims

II1. A handheld device, the device comprising a band for attaching the device to one or more digits of a user; and a tether, which is connected to said band, for attaching the device to the wrist of the user; wherein the band incorporates a unit comprising one or more of the following: one or more sensors, a light source, and camera.
2. A handheld device according to claim 1, wherein the unit extends lengthwise along a section of the user's digit such that, in use, the unit does not protrude beyond the edge of the user's digit.
3. A handheld device according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the tether is configured to transmit information and the tether is connected to a separate powered device Located on the wrist of the user; wherein information obtained by said device is transmitted to said separate powered device via said tether.
4. A handheld device according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the device further comprises a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting information obtained by said device to said separate powered device.
5. A handheld device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein means for processing and storing information obtained by the device and means for powering the device are located remotely from the band.
6. A handheld device according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the tether is a fibre optic tether.
7. A handheld device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device is optically powered.
8. A handheld device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device further comprises one or more ports suitable for coupling the device with a separate computer or memory store.
9. A handheld device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the unit comprises one or more sensors which are configured to detect a number of physiological conditions.
10. A handheld device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said unit is at least partially enclosed in a hermetic seal.
11. A handheld device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
12. A handheld system, the system comprising: * a handheld device comprising a band for attaching the device to one or more digits of a user; wherein the band incorporates a unit comprising one or more of the following: one or more sensors, a Light source, and camera.; * a computer located on the wrist of the user, wherein the computer comprises processing means for processing information obtained by said unit; and * a tether for connecting said device to said computer.
13. A handheld system according to claim 12, wherein the tether is configured to transmit information; whereby information obtained by said device is transmitted to said computer zo via said tether.
14. A handheld system according to claim 12, wherein the device and computer comprise means for wirelessly communicating with one another.
15. A handheld system according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the computer comprises means for powering the device and storing information obtained by the device.
16. A handheld system according to any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the computer further comprises a display for displaying information obtained by said device.
17. A handheld system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.