GB2605381A - Wearable device and a screen for a wearable device - Google Patents

Abstract

A wearable device 14 comprises a processor (18,fig.2) and a screen 28 configured to receive a user input. The processor is configured to determine that a pre-determined event has occurred, such as a fall, and activates a check-in timer in response thereto. The check-in timer is cancellable by interaction of the user with a pre-designated contact zone 33 of the screen 28. The device 14 may further comprise at least one conductive pin 29 associated with the pre-determined contact zone 33 of the screen 28. The conductive pin 29 may be formed from copper. The screen 28 may include two contact zones 33 each having a conductive pin 29 and each positioned at an edge of the screen 28. The check-in timer may be cancelled by user interaction with each of the pre-designated contact zones 33 of the screen 28. In another aspect, a screen 28 for a wearable device 14 comprises a cover 27 formed from a non-conductive material and at least one conductive pin 29 projecting towards the cover, wherein contact of a user’s finger, a stylus or other appendage with the cover 27 in the region 33 of the conductive pin 29 causes a change in capacitance.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No G132104450.8 RTM Date:13 July 2022 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Apple, iPhone, Samsung, iPad, Amazon Fire, Microsoft Surface Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo

WEARABLE DEVICE AND A SCREEN FOR A WEARABLE DEVICE

FIELD

This invention relates to a wearable device and a screen for a wearable device. BACKGROUND In Great Britain alone there are 6 million lone workers, 9 million outdoor sports people, 11.5 million over 65's and over 11 million with limiting long term illness, impairment or disability. All of these people will at some point (and often on a daily basis) take part in a solitary activity in which they could potentially be at risk of accident or emergency. Lone workers and outdoor sports people are frequently injured when engaging in activities where they are alone. The injury can be exacerbated if the injured person cannot contact the appropriate emergency services. In these situations, the delay incurred by the time taken for the injured person to be discovered by someone capable of helping or contacting the emergency services can have severe or fatal consequences.

One of the most frequent causes of injury in all demographics is as a result of falls. Injuries can range from twisted or broken ankles all the way through to catastrophic head or spinal injuries. In the case of any immobilising injury, it is vital that the injured person receives help without delay. Depending on the nature of the injury, it may not be possible for the injured person to summon help themselves, even if they do have access to communication means, i.e., a smart phone, satellite phone or GPS beacon.

Seeking to address this issue, W02019/086849 describes a check-in process that results in an emergency signal being sent to a designated contact if a user of a wearable device does not check-in within a predetermined time window. The check-in process may be triggered by determining that the user has fallen.

It is important that a user makes a deliberate and conscious effort to check-in. Inadvertent check-in, i.e., by performing a gesture or screen interaction by mistake could result in an emergency protocol being cancelled and an emergency signal not being sent to a designated contact or emergency services.

It is against this background that the present invention has arisen.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the invention provides a wearable device, the wearable device comprising a screen and control circuitry configured to determine that an event of a pre-determined category of event has occurred, the control circuitry being further configured to activate a check-in timer function upon determination of occurrence of an event of the pre-determined category of events, wherein the check-in timer function is cancellable by interaction of the user with a pre-designated contact zone of the screen.

Wearable devices according to aspects and embodiments of the present invention provide users with a level of confidence when carrying out hazardous or isolated activities. This is provided by knowledge that an alert signal will be sent to a designated emergency contact should a check-in action not be performed on the wearable device within a designated time window. Ease of performing the check-in action is vital but, on the other hand, it is important that the check-in action is not performed inadvertently. Aspects and embodiments of the present invention require that the user of the wearable device consciously and deliberately performs a pre-determined interaction with a pre-determined contact zone of the screen to perform the check-in action. This reduces the risk of the user inadvertently performing the check-in process when in reality they require emergency assistance.

In one embodiment, the wearable device further comprises at least one conductive pin, wherein each of the at least one electrode is associated with a pre-designated contact zone of the screen.

In one embodiment, the at least one conductive pin is formed from copper.

In one embodiment, the screen is a touch sensitive screen formed from polycarbonate.

In one embodiment, the screen comprises two pre-designated contact zones, wherein each pre-designated contact zone is positioned at an edge of the screen. In one embodiment, the screen comprises a longitudinal dimension and a lateral dimension and each pre-designated contact zone is positioned at an extreme of the longitudinal dimension.

In one embodiment, the check-in timer is cancellable by simultaneously interacting with each of the pre-designated contact zones of the screen. In another embodiment, the check-in timer is cancellable by interacting with one pre-designated contact zone and then the other pre-designated contact zone.

In one embodiment, the check-in timer is cancellable by maintaining contact with at least one of the pre-designated contact zones for at least a threshold time period.

In one embodiment, the check-in timer is cancellable by contacting the screen at a first of the pre-designated contact zones and maintaining contact with the screen while performing a sliding action to a second of the pre-designated contact zones. In one embodiment, the check-in timer may be cancelled if the time taken to slide a finger, stylus, or other appendage from the first of the pre-designated contact zones to the second of the pre-designated contact zones is less than a threshold time.

An aspect of the invention provides a screen for a wearable device, the screen comprising a cover formed from a non-conductive material and at least one conductive pin projecting towards the cover, wherein contact of a user's finger, a stylus or other appendage with the cover in the region of the conductive pin causes a change in capacitance.

In one embodiment the cover of the screen is formed from polycarbonate.

In one embodiment, the conductive pin is formed from copper.

In one embodiment the screen comprises a longitudinal dimension and a lateral dimension and the conductive pin is positioned beneath the cover at an extreme of the longitudinal dimension.

In one embodiment the conductive pin comprises a pair of conductive pins and each of the pair of conductive pins is positioned beneath the cover at opposite extremes of the longitudinal dimension.

An aspect of the invention provides a method of cancelling a check-in timer function for a wearable device, the method comprising: determining that the wearable device is being worn or carried by a user; monitoring for occurrence of an event of a predetermined category of events; determining that an event of the pre-determined category of events has occurred; in response to the determining, activating a check-in timer function; cancelling the check-in timer function in response to determination of a change in capacitance of a capacitive touch screen.

In one embodiment the change in capacitance is determined from a contact of a user's finger, a stylus, or other appendage with the screen in the region of a conductive pin.

In another embodiment the change in a capacitance is determined from a contact of a user's fingers, a stylus or other appendages with the screen in at least two regions associated with respective conductive pins.

In yet another embodiment the change in capacitance is determined in response to movement of a user's finger, stylus, or other appendage from a first pre-designated contact zone of the screen to a second pre-designated contact zone of the screen while maintaining contact with the screen.

DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. They are meant to be exemplary illustrations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

It shall be noted that those skilled in the art will readily recognize numerous adaptations and modifications which can be made to the various embodiments of the present invention which will result in an improved invention, yet all of which will fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 shows a system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary wearable device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIGs. 3A and 3B shows embodiments of a screen for a wearable device according to aspects of the invention.

DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments of the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

Detailed reference will now be made to one or more potential embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated in the figures.

FIG. 1 shows a system 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The system 10 comprises a mobile communications device 12, i.e., a smartphone, and a wearable device 14, i.e., a wrist band. The wearable device 14 is in communication with the mobile communications device 12. This is preferably realised via a wireless communication module in the wearable device 14 that communicates with a corresponding communication module in the mobile communications device 12. Possible wireless communications protocols include Bluetooth 0 and ANT+. Communication between the wearable device 14 and mobile communications device may also be realised over a wired communication or other wireless communications protocol.

While the wearable device 14 of embodiments of the invention is described by way of reference to a wrist band, it will be appreciated that the wearable device 14 may also be in the form of any other wearable device that can be attached to the body or clothing of a user. For example, the wearable device 14 may be in the form of a ring to attach the wearable device 14 to a finger or thumb of a person, a strap or belt to attach the wearable device 14 to the arm, leg or waist of the user, or a headband to attach the wearable device 14 to the head of a person. In other embodiments, the wearable device 14 may comprise a clip for attaching to clothing worn by the user.

The mobile communications device 12 is any type of electronic device that can communicate wirelessly with a network node and/or with another handheld device in a cellular, computer, and/or mobile communications system. Examples of a mobile communications device 12 include smartphones, (e.g. Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, etc.), tablet computers (e.g. Apple iPad, Samsung Note, Amazon Fire, Microsoft Surface, etc.), wireless devices capable of machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, wearable electronic devices, and any other handheld device that is capable of accessing a network. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosed embodiments may include any number of handheld devices.

Mobile communications devices 12 may store and transmit code (composed of software instructions) and data using machine-readable media, such as non-transitory machine-readable media, (e.g. machine-readable storage media such as magnetic disks, optical disks, read only memory (ROM), flash memory devices, and phase change memory), and transitory machine-readable transmission media (e.g. electrical, optical, acoustical, or other forms of propagated signals, such as carrier waves or infrared signals).

Mobile communications devices can include hardware such as one or more processors coupled to one or more other components, such as non-transitory machine-readable media to store code and/or data, user input/output (I/O) devices, (e.g. a keyboard, a touchscreen, and/or a display), and network connections, e.g. an antenna, to transmit code and/or data using propagating signals. The coupling of the processor(s) and other components is typically through one or more buses and bridges (also referred to as bus controllers). Thus, a non-transitory machine-readable medium of a given electronic device typically stores instructions for execution on processor(s) of that electronic device. One or more parts of an embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented using different combinations of software, firmware, and/or hardware.

Mobile communications devices 12 can estimate the geographic location of the mobile communications device 12 and/or wearable device 14 from global positioning system (GPS) signals. However, the embodiments are not limited to using GPS signals to estimate a geographic location of the mobile communications device 12 and/or wearable device 14. Instead, any method known, being developed, or not yet developed may be used by the mobile communications device to estimate its geographic location.

The mobile communications device 12 can be enabled to access a network by using the communications circuitry and the antenna elements as configured in accordance with the selected communications resources. Accordingly, the mobile communications device 12 can be optimized for local service providers, bands, protocols, frequencies, and/or to comply with local laws or regulations. For example, antenna elements of the mobile communications device 12 can be separately and/or collectively addressable to optimize access to a local wireless network. In particular, software can implement various loading and tuning routines for automatically switching the antenna elements to form various antenna types for connection to a communications network.

The wearable device 14 of embodiments of the invention is shown in more detail in FIG. 2. The wearable device comprises a housing 16 that receives a processor 18, a wireless communications module 20, vibration means 22, non-volatile memory 24 and battery 26. A touch screen 28 sits atop the housing 16 and is configured to receive user input, as described below. At least one accelerometer 30 and gyroscope 32 may also be mounted within the housing. The wearable device 14 is attachable to the user's wrist by way of a strap 34.

The housing 16 is formed from a solid plastic (i.e., ABS, HDPE, etc.) material that houses the electronics of the wearable device 14. The housing 16 comprises a recess within which control circuitry is mounted. The control circuitry connects all the electronic components of the wearable device 14.

Control circuitry may be based on any suitable processing circuitry such as processing circuitry based on one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, etc. In some embodiments, control circuitry executes instructions for data collection and transfer processes stored in memory (i.e., storage). In some embodiments, control circuitry may include communications circuitry suitable for allowing communication between a wearable device 14 and mobile communications device 12. Communications circuitry may include a cable modem, an integrated services digital network (ISDN) modem, a digital subscriber line (DSL) modem, a telephone modem, or a wireless modem for communications with other equipment. Such communications may involve the Internet or any other suitable communications networks or paths.

The processor 18 controls each of the other components of the wearable device 14. For example, the processor interprets G force data received from the accelerometer 30 and converts user interaction with the touch screen 28 into instructions that can be interpreted and acted upon by other components of the wearable device 14.

The wireless communications module 20 allows the wearable device 14 to communicate with an external mobile communications device 12 and/or to connect to a wireless network, either directly or through the mobile communications device 12.

The vibration means 22 comprise at least one vibration motor that is activated by the processor 18 in response to G force measurements received by the accelerometer 30. In one embodiment, the vibration means 22 comprise a pair of linear vibration motors that are mounted within the housing 16 of the wearable device 14 so as to provide a strong, and very noticeable vibration feedback to the user when the check-in period of embodiments of the invention is activated.

The non-volatile memory 24 may be flash memory, random-access memory, read-only memory, or any other suitable memory), hard drives, optical drives, or any other suitable fixed or removable storage devices (e.g., DVD recorder, CD recorder, video cassette recorder, or other suitable recording device). The non-volatile memory stores pre-set threshold values relating to threshold G values and time periods. It also stores G force measurements taken by the accelerometer 14. Furthermore, the non-volatile memory 24 stores instructions for each of the components of the wearable device 14. Memory (e.g., Storage may include one or more of the above types of storage devices. For example, the hub (100) may include a hard drive and a secondary storage device. Storage may be used to store various types of data described herein, user preferences or profile information, or other data used in operating the wearable device 14. Nonvolatile memory may also be used (e.g., to launch a boot-up routine and other instructions).

The battery 26 of the wearable device 14 may be charged by either a wireless or wired battery charger. In some embodiments, a charging cradle may be used to receive the wearable device 14 therein and to charger the battery 26.

The touch screen 28, as shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B, is capacitive to enable touch interaction with the user. The user can tap, swipe, hold their finger, etc. on the touch screen 28 to perform one of a number of actions. In some embodiments, any user interaction with the touch screen 28 may perform the same action, i.e., executing the check-in process described above. In other embodiments, each possible user interaction with the touch screen 28 is programmed to perform a different action. The screen comprises an outer cover form polycarbonate (27), or any other nonconductive material and may comprise two raised projections, or pins (29), one located at each end of the longitudinal dimension of the screen (28). The pins (29) may be electrically connected to one another by way of a wire (31), or other electrical connection, or they may be separately connected to the processor (18). The pins (29) each provide a pre-designated contact zone (33) of the screen (28) where contact of the user's finger, a stylus, other appendage with the screen (28) causes a change in capacitance. It will be appreciated that the number and position of the pre-determined contact zones may be varied while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

The wearable device 14 may comprise a single unit that encapsulates an accelerometer 30 and gyroscope 32. The accelerometer 30 is configured to receive standard force of gravity (G) measurements in each of a x, y and z axis. The gyroscope 32 is configured to determine the orientation of the wearable device. This is needed to assign measured G force measurements to each of the x, y and z axes.

Fall Detection The wearable device 14 is designed as an event driven device tailored for fall detection. Fall detection is determined through a combination of use of an accelerometer to identify a high G event and the method described below to provide a high confidence determination that a fall event has occurred. Once a fall event has been determined, a check-in process is activated. The check-in process of embodiments of the invention is described in more detail below.

Check-in The user, i.e., the person being monitored using the system 10 first sets a predetermined interval called a "check-in-period" for the wearable device 14. The check-in-period may be set directly on the wearable device 14 or by way of app executed by the mobile communications device 12 and then sent by the mobile communications device 12 to the wearable device 14. The check-in-period may be set manually by the user entering a specific duration for the check-in-period or automatically as a result of selecting an activity type. For example, if the user selects mountaineering as the activity, the check-in-period may be shorter than if the user selects walking as the activity. The duration for the check-in-period may also be automatically set based on other parameters such as the location of the wearable device 14, i.e., as determined by GPS, or certain content of a user profile, i.e., as represented by metadata.

The check-in-period may be activated manually by the user, or automatically. In the case of manual activation of the check-in-period, the user may tap, swipe or hold a finger on the touch screen 26 to start a countdown timer representative of the checkin-period. The user may also perform a pre-determined gesture or movement of the wearable device to start the check-in-period. In the case of automatic activation of the check-in-period, the countdown time may be started in response to occurrence of a specific event. For example, the user may remove the wearable device 14 from a charging cradle, cross a virtual threshold, or start moving after selecting an activity representative of a sporting event.

Once the check-in-period has been activated, the countdown timer counts down to zero unless the user performs a pre-determined action to stop the check-in-period before it expires. Upon expiry of the check-in-period, the vibration means 22 activates to alert the user of the need to check-in during a pre-determined window. The touch screen 26, or a separate LED, may also illuminate to alert the user of the need to check-in. The vibration means 22 may vibrate continuously at the start of the predetermined window until such time the user either performs a check-in action or the pre-determined window expires. The vibration means 22 may also vibrate periodically during the pre-determined window or until such a time the user, or an emergency responder, performs the check-in action.

The check-in action involves interaction of the wearer of the wearable device 14 with the screen 26. Embodiments of the present invention disclose various ways of interacting with an exemplary user wearable device 14 to perform a check-in action. As described above, the wearable device (14) may comprise one, two or more conductive pins (29) positioned beneath the polycarbonate cover (27), each conductive pin (29) defining a pre-determined contact zone of the polycarbonate cover (27). In one example, tapping the polycarbonate cover (27) in a single pre-determined contact zone performs the check-in action. In another example, tapping the polycarbonate cover (27) in two, or more, pre-determined contact zones at the same time performs the check-in action. In another example, tapping the polycarbonate cover (27) in two, or more, pre-determined contact zones one after the other performs the check-in action. In another example, holding a finger, stylus, or other appendage in contact with one or more pre-determined contact zones either at the same time or one after the other for a threshold duration performs the check-in action. The threshold duration may be from 1 to 30 seconds. In another example, sliding a finger, stylus, or other appendage from one pre-determined contact zone to another pre-determined contact zone performs the check-in action.

The above actions may also be performed to commence monitoring of sensors of the wearable device (14) for a fall event. In addition, the above actions may also be performed to commence a countdown timer upon elapsing of which the predetermined check-in window is commenced.

If the user does not check-in within the predetermined window, the processor causes the vibration means to increase the vibration frequency and/or change one or more other vibration characteristics to make the vibration more noticeable to the user. Optionally, the processor, via the wireless communication module of the wearable device 14, may cause the mobile communications device 12 to also start vibrating and sound an alarm. This will continue for the duration of a further predetermined time window until the user performs the check-in activity using the wearable vibration means 14.

If there is still no response after the further predetermined time window, the processor requests that the mobile communications device 12 sends an emergency alarm signal to either: emergency contacts (i.e., a subset of the list of contacts stored on the mobile communications device 12 which have been designated as emergency contacts); or a dedicated emergency call centre.

The emergency alarm signal can be sent in a number of different forms chosen by the user. It is not limited to one form. Examples of forms that the emergency alarm signal can take include: an automatic phone call from the mobile communications device 12 to one or more emergency contact(s) -this can allow the emergency contact(s) to hear what is going on in the vicinity of the user, for example if the mobile communications device 12 is automatically placed on loudspeaker mode. The app running on the mobile communications device 12 can also play a prerecorded message to inform the emergency contact(s) that the user has not checked in.

a notification containing the current GPS coordinates of the user, derived from a GPS location detection means of the mobile communications device 12 -preferably via messaging system based in the same app as that installed on the user's mobile communications device 12.

an SMS text message containing the current GPS coordinates of the user, derived from a GPS location detection means of the mobile communications device 12 for example, if the emergency contact does not have the same app as that installed on the user's mobile communications device 12.

The notification or SMS message contains a link to a website where the GPS coordinates of the user's mobile communications device 12 can be viewed on a map.

It will be appreciated that notifications or SMS messages sent from the mobile communications device 12 to the emergency contact(s) are not required to transmit is GPS co-ordinates but may simply inform the emergency contact that the user has not checked in. The emergency alarm signal may require the emergency contact to confirm they have received the alert. Some information (e.g., GPS coordinates) may not be transmitted until the emergency contact has confirmed receipt of the alert. An example includes the emergency contact being prompted to access a website. Upon clicking the link to the website on the emergency contact's device, or perhaps clicking a further link on the website, the emergency contact can confirm receipt of the alert and be sent further information relating to the individual's location and/or identity.

The emergency contact / dedicated emergency call centre can then assess the situation and alert the emergency services if required. The emergency contact / dedicated emergency call centre may be provided with information about the activity the user was engaged in at the time of the transmission of the emergency alarm signal, along with, for example, medical information of the user, allergies of the user and / or the user's blood type. This information may have been entered by the user and stored on a storage means of the mobile communications device 12 for retrieval by emergency contact! dedicated emergency call centre in the case of an emergency. Alert

The user may perform a predetermined touch pattern on the touch screen 28 (e.g., hold a finger on the touch screen 28 for a predetermined number of seconds! perform multiple taps in quick succession), and the mobile communications device 12 can be configured to enter an emergency mode upon receiving a signal from the wearable device corresponding with detection of said predetermined touch pattern by the wearable device 14. The same can be achieved by the user performing a predetermined gesture that is recognised by the gyroscope 32.

In this mode, the mobile communications device 12 sends out an emergency signal to the emergency contacts and / or emergency services along with the user's location, medical history, etc. which has been stored on a storage means of the mobile communications device is 12. Optionally, the mobile communications device 12 may connect a live telephone call between the user and the emergency services. The predetermined touch pattern can be set by a user as desired, and the feature can be turned on or off via a setting menu within the app.

As discussed above, the user may perform a predetermined gesture, e.g., tapping the user's hand on a surface or body part several times, or by performing an interaction with the touch screen 28 to check-in. When the user checks-in, the emergency alert is cancelled.

Fake call The user may perform a predetermined touch pattern on the touch screen 28 (e.g., hold a finger on the touch screen 28 for a predetermined number of seconds! perform multiple taps in quick succession), and the mobile communications device 12 can be configured to simulate a received call on the mobile communications device 12. The predetermined touch pattern can be set by a user as desired, and the feature can be turned on or off via a setting menu within the app. The same can be achieved by the user performing a predetermined gesture that is recognised by the gyroscope 32.

Find my phone The user may perform a predetermined touch pattern on the touch screen 28 (e.g., hold a finger on the touch screen 28 for a predetermined number of seconds / perform multiple taps in quick succession), and the mobile communications device 12 can be configured to activate an alarm on the mobile communications device 12 to assist the user in locating the mobile communications device 12 if it has become lost. The predetermined touch pattern can be set by a user as desired, and the feature can be turned on or off via a setting menu within the app. The same can be achieved by the user performing a predetermined gesture when the wearable vibration means comprises an accelerometer or gyroscope 32 The same applies the other way round. The user may activate a feature on an app residing on the mobile electronics device 12 to assist in locating the wearing device 14 should it become lost.

Alert me Through user settings, the mobile communications device 12 can be configured to send an activation signal to the wearable vibration means 14 upon receipt of a phone call, text message or email by the mobile communications device 12 to alert the user. In embodiments where the wearable vibration means 14 comprises a light, this can be configured to illuminate or flash as a further method of alerting the user (also selectable via user setting).

Selective caller In the above, a subset of the contacts on the mobile communications device 12 can be selected as designated contacts for which the "Alert me" vibration and / or illumination alerts are activated. Specific contacts can be added or removed from the designated contacts list via a user settings menu within the app.

SOS function The SOS function may be activated in a user setting menu within the app. A number of predetermined touch patterns to activate the SOS mode are pre-set in the app. Examples of predetermined touch patterns for activation include five clicks of the touch sensitive input sensor in quick succession, or a five second hold sustained touch on the touch sensitive input sensor or by way of a pre-determined gesture. If a predetermined touch pattern or gesture for activation is detected the wearable vibration means 14 sends a signal to the mobile communications device 12 and an emergency mode is activated. Once the emergency mode is activated the mobile is communications device 12 will vibrate until the emergency mode is deactivated (this feature is optional, and an option to turn off is available in a user settings menu within the app).

The option to deactivate the emergency mode using the wearable device 14 is available by inputting a further predetermined touch pattern to the touch sensitive input sensor or by performing a further predetermined gesture. The emergency mode stays active until it is deactivated, either through the wearable vibration means 14 or the app.

Notifications A notifications function is enabled in a user setting menu within the app. The user may set which alerts they want to be notified of and for what period of time (i.e., only calls from "Boss" or "Mum" for the next two hours / only emails from "work account" for the next 30 minutes). When enabled, all other alerts will be "silenced", i.e., they will not cause a notification to appear on the mobile communications device 12.

If any of the set notifications / alerts are set off in that given time period the wearable vibration means 14 will vibrate at the same time as the mobile communication device's normal alert function (e.g., ringing, vibrating, etc.). If any "silenced" alerts are received neither the wearable vibration means 14 nor the mobile communications device 12 will respond.

Activity / movement detector The accelerometer means in the mobile communications device 12 can be used to detect whether the user is moving. If the user is detected to have stopped moving for a certain period of time when they have indicated (from within the app) that they should be moving, the emergency procedure stated in "Check-In" is put into place. The feature can be turned off via the settings menu so that the "Check-In" procedure is not erroneously activated while the user is performing an activity where a lack of movement is required.

The above embodiments are exemplary only, and other possibilities and alternatives within the scope of the appended claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (20)

1. CLAIMSWhat is claimed is: 1. A wearable device comprising a screen and control circuitry configured to determine that an event of a pre-determined category of event has occurred, the control circuitry being further configured to activate a check-in timer function upon determination of occurrence of an event of the pre-determined category of events, wherein the check-in timer function is cancellable by interaction of the user with a pre-designated contact zone of the screen.
2. 2. A wearable device according to claim 1 further comprising at least one conductive pin, the at least one conductive pin is associated with a pre-designated contact zone of the screen.
3. 3. A wearable device according to claim 2, wherein the at least one conductive pin is formed from copper.
4. 4. A wearable device according to any preceding claim, wherein the screen is a touch sensitive screen formed from polycarbonate.
5. 5. A wearable device according to any preceding claim, wherein the screen comprises two pre-designated contact zones, wherein each pre-designated contact zone is positioned at an edge of the screen.
6. 6. A wearable device according to any preceding claim, wherein the screen comprises a longitudinal dimension and a lateral dimension and each pre-designated contact zone is positioned at an extreme of the longitudinal dimension.
7. 7. A wearable device according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the check-in timer is cancellable by simultaneously interacting with each of the pre-designated contact zones of the screen.
8. 8. A wearable device according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the check-in timer is cancellable by interacting with one pre-designated contact zone and then the other pre-designated contact zone.
9. 9. A wearable device according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the check-in timer is cancellable by maintaining contact with at least one of the pre-designated contact zones for at least a threshold time period.
10. 10.A wearable device according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the check-in timer is cancellable by contacting the screen at a first of the pre-designated contact zones and maintaining contact with the screen while performing a sliding action to a second of the pre-designated contact zones.
11. 11.A wearable device according to claim 6, wherein the check-in timer may be cancelled if the time taken to slide a finger, stylus, or other appendage from the first of the pre-designated contact zones to the second of the pre-designated contact zones is less than a threshold time.
12. 12.A screen for a wearable device, the screen comprising a cover formed from a non-conductive material and a conductive pin projecting towards the cover, wherein contact of a user's finger, a stylus or other appendage with the cover in the region of the conductive pin causes a change in capacitance.
13. 13.A screen according to claim 12, wherein the cover is formed from polycarbonate.
14. 14.A screen according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the conductive pin is formed from copper.
15. 15.A screen according to any of claim 12 to 14, wherein the screen comprises a longitudinal dimension and a lateral dimension and the conductive pin is positioned beneath the cover at an extreme of the longitudinal dimension.
16. 16.A screen according to claim 15, wherein the conductive pin comprises a pair of conductive pins and each of the pair of conductive pins is positioned beneath the cover at opposite extremes of the longitudinal dimension.
17. 17. A method of cancelling a check-in timer function for a wearable device, the method comprising: determining that the wearable device is being worn or carried by a user; monitoring for occurrence of an event of a pre-determined category of events; determining that an event of the pre-determined category of events has occurred; in response to the determining, activating a check-in timer function; cancelling the check-in timer function in response to determination of a change in capacitance of a screen according to any of claims 12-16.
18. 18.A method according to claim 17, wherein the change in capacitance is determined from a contact of a user's finger, a stylus, or other appendage with the screen in the region of a conductive pin.
19. 19.A method according to claim 17, wherein the change in a capacitance is determined from a contact of a user's fingers, a stylus or other appendages with the screen in at least two regions associated with respective conductive pins.
20. 20.A method according to claim 17, wherein the change in capacitance is determined in response to movement of a user's finger, stylus, or other appendage from a first pre-designated contact zone of the screen to a second pre-designated contact zone of the screen while maintaining contact with the screen.