GB2623311A

GB2623311A - Beacon device

Info

Publication number: GB2623311A
Application number: GB2214916.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dzhienbaev Alexander; Walker Steve
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-10-10
Filing date: 2022-10-10
Publication date: 2024-04-17
Also published as: GB202214916D0

Abstract

A beacon device 10 comprises: a housing 12 having a metallic plate 14 located on an outer surface thereof; a metallic protrusion 18 located in an aperture 20 in the housing, the metallic protrusion being in thermal contact with a temperature sensor 22 located within the housing; a Bluetooth(RTM) transmitter 24; and a controller 26 configured to determine via the temperature sensor that the temperature of the metallic plate has decreased at a rate greater than a predetermined value, the controller in response thereto, outputting at least one alert. The alert may be an audible or visual alert, or a transmission to a linked device. The beacon may comprise a buoyant material 46 to prevent it from sinking if dropped in water. The beacon may be configured to be attached to a wearable item. The beacon may generate an alert upon a person falling into water.

Description

TITLE

Beacon Device

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Examples of the disclosure relate to a beacon device. Some relate to a Bluetooth beacon device.

BACKGROUND

Any activity involving water, particularly deep water, such as sailing can involve particular risks and/or dangers.

It is desirable, for example, to enhance safety of participants in such activities, particularly children partaking in such activities.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a Bluetooth beacon device comprising: a housing; a metallic plate located on an outer surface of the housing and comprising a metallic protrusion located in an aperture in the housing, wherein the metallic protrusion is in thermal contact with a temperature sensor located within the housing; a Bluetooth transmitter; and a controller configured to determine, with the temperature sensor, that the temperature of the metallic plate has decreased at a rate greater than a predetermined value and to control, based at least in part on determining that the temperature of the metallic plate has decreased at a rate greater than the predetermined value, output of at least one alert.

In some examples, controlling output of at least one alert comprises controlling transmission of an alert to at least one linked device via the Bluetooth transmitter.

In some examples, the device comprises a speaker and wherein controlling output of at least one alert comprises controlling output of an audible alert using the speaker.

In some examples, the device comprises at least one light and wherein controlling output of at least one alert comprises controlling output of a visual alert using the at least one light.

In some examples, the housing comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, the metallic plate located on the upper portion, and wherein the controller is located in a watertight space created between the upper and lower portions.

In some examples, the device comprises buoyant material located on the housing and configured to prevent the device from sinking if the device is dropped into water.

In some examples, the device comprises a backplate configured to be attached to a wearable item.

In some examples, the backplate comprises a protrusion and the housing comprises a corresponding recess, and wherein the housing and backplate are configured to be attached together by locating the protrusion in the recess and turning the housing and backplate relative to one another.

In some examples, the protrusion and recess are configured to lock the housing and backplate in position when the housing and backplate are rotated relative to one another.

In some examples, the backplate comprises a magnet and the housing comprises a magnet sensor configured to be proximate the magnet when the backplate and housing are attached, and wherein the controller is configured to determine, with the magnet sensor, if the magnet is removed from the magnet sensor and to control, based at least in part on determining that the magnet is removed from the magnet sensor, output of at least one alert.

In some examples, controlling output of at least one alert based at least in part on determining that the magnet is removed from the magnet sensor comprises controlling transmission of at least one alert to at least one linked device via the Bluetooth transmitter.

In some examples, the device comprises a speaker and wherein controlling output of at least one alert based at least in part on determining that the magnet is removed from the magnet sensor comprises controlling output of an audible alert using the speaker.

In some examples, the device comprises at least one light and wherein controlling output of at least one alert based at least in part on determining that the magnet is removed from the magnet sensor comprises controlling output of a visual alert using the at least one light.

In some examples, controlling output of at least one alert comprises controlling transmission of an alert to at least one linked device via the Bluetooth transmitter, and wherein the alert is configured to cause the at least one linked device to log the position of the at least one linked device when the alert is received by the at least one linked device.

In some examples, the controller is configured to determine, with the temperature sensor, that the temperature of the metallic plate has decreased at a rate greater than the predetermined value to a temperature value that is outside of a predetermined range from an ambient temperature and to control, based at least in part on determining that the temperature of the metallic plate has decreased at a rate greater than the predetermined value to a temperature value that is outside of a predetermined range from an ambient temperature, output of the at least one alert.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a method comprising: manufacturing a Bluetooth beacon device as described herein According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments, there is provided a method comprising: using a Bluetooth beacon device as described herein.

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims.

While the above examples of the disclosure and optional features are described separately, it is to be understood that their provision in all possible combinations and permutations is contained within the disclosure. It is to be understood that various examples of the disclosure can comprise any or all of the features described in respect of other examples of the disclosure, and vice versa. Also, it is to be appreciated that any one or more or all of the features, in any combination, may be implemented by/comprised in/performable by an apparatus, a method, and/or computer program instructions as desired, and as appropriate.

The description of a function and/or action should additionally be considered to also disclose any means suitable for performing and/or configured to perform that function and/or action.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 shows an example of a beacon device; FIG. 2 shows an example of a beacon device; FIG. 3 shows an example of a beacon device; FIG. 4 shows an example of a beacon device; FIG. 5 shows an example of a beacon device; FIG. 6 shows an example of a beacon device; FIG. 7 shows an example of a beacon device; FIG. 8 shows an example of a beacon device; and FIG. 9 shows an example of a controller.

The figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and views of the figures can be shown schematically or exaggerated in scale in the interest of clarity and conciseness. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures can be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid explication. Similar reference numerals are used in the figures to designate similar features. For clarity, all reference numerals are not necessarily displayed in all figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figures generally illustrate examples of a beacon device 10.

In examples, the beacon device 10 can be considered a short-range beacon device 10. In some examples, the beacon device 10 can be considered a Bluetooth beacon device 10.

In examples, the beacon device 10 comprises: a housing 12; a metallic plate 14 located on an outer surface 16 of the housing 12 and comprising a metallic protrusion 18 located in an aperture 20 in the housing 12, wherein the metallic protrusion 18 is in thermal contact with a temperature sensor 22 located within the housing 12; a transmitter 24, which may be considered a short-range transmitter 24 and/or a Bluetooth transmitter 24; and a controller 26 configured to determine, with the temperature sensor 22, that the temperature of the metallic plate 14 has decreased at a rate greater than a predetermined value and to control, based at least in part on determining that the temperature of the metallic plate 14 has decreased at a rate greater than the predetermined value, output of at least one alert 28.

In examples, short-range can be considered a range of less than 250 meters. In some examples, short-range can be considered a range of less than 100 meters In some examples, short-range can be considered a range of less than 50 meters.

In examples, a beacon device can be considered a device, comprising one or more sensors, that is configured to provide one or more outputs, such as one or more alerts 28, if one or more criteria/conditions are fulfilled by information obtained by the one or more sensors.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a beacon device 10. In the example of FIG. 1 the beacon device 10 is a Bluetooth beacon device.

Various features referred to during the discussion of a FIG. can be found in one or more of the other FIGS. The example of FIG. 1 shows a front face of the Bluetooth beacon device 10. In examples, the front of the Bluetooth beacon device 10 can be considered the end of the Bluetooth beacon device 10 that is visible in use, for example, when the Bluetooth beacon device is attached to a wearable item of a user.

Additionally, or alternatively, the back of the Bluetooth beacon device 10 can be considered the portion of the Bluetooth beacon device 10 configured to allow the Bluetooth beacon device 10 to be attached to a wearable item of a user.

The Bluetooth beacon device 10 can have any suitable shape, and/or size, and/or form.

In the illustrated example, the Bluetooth beacon device 10 is substantially cylindrical in form and comprises an extended portion or flange at a lower portion of the Bluetooth beacon device 10. That is, in the illustrated example, the flange is towards the back end of the Bluetooth beacon device 10.

In the example of FIG. 1, the Bluetooth beacon device 10 comprises: a housing 12; a metallic plate 14 located on an outer surface 16 of the housing 12 and comprising a metallic protrusion 18 located in an aperture 20 in the housing 12, wherein the metallic protrusion 18 is in thermal contact with a temperature sensor 22 located within the housing 12; a Bluetooth transmitter 24; and a controller 26 configured to determine, with the temperature sensor 22, that the temperature of the metallic plate 14 has decreased at a rate greater than a predetermined value and to control, based at least in part on determining that the temperature of the metallic plate 14 has decreased at a rate greater than the predetermined value, output of at least one alert 28.

Accordingly, in examples, the Bluetooth beacon device 10 is configured to determine, via the sudden/rapid variation in temperature, if the device 10 has been immersed in water, and to output at least one alert 28.

The housing 12 can comprise any suitable housing 12. For example, the housing 12 can have any suitable shape, size and/or form.

In the illustrated example, the housing 12 is substantially cylindrical in nature and comprises a flange towards the rear portion of the housing 12.

In examples, the housing 12 can be made from any suitable material or materials. For example, the housing 12 can be made from any suitable robust material that is suitable for long term exposure to marine conditions. For example, the housing 12 can be made from any suitable material suitable for long term exposure to water, and/or salt, and/or temperature variation, and/or ultraviolet, and/or shock, and/or water ingress and so on.

In some examples, the housing 12 comprises an upper portion 40 and a lower portion 42 configured to be connected together and various other features of the Bluetooth beacon device 10 are located in and/or on the housing 12.

In examples, the metallic plate 14 is located on the upper portion 40 and the controller 26 is located in a watertight space 44 created between the upper and lower portions 40, 42.

Accordingly, in examples, the housing comprises an upper portion 40 and lower portion 42, the metallic plate 14 located on the upper portion 40, and wherein the controller 26 is located in a watertight space 44 created between the upper and lower portions 40, 42.

By way of example, reference is made to the example of FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the Bluetooth beacon device 10. In examples, the Bluetooth beacon device 10 illustrated in the example of FIG. 6 can be the Bluetooth beacon device 10 of FIG. 1.

In the example of FIG. 6, the housing 12 comprise an upper portion 40 and a lower portion 42 configured to be brought together to create a watertight space 44 in which the controller 26, and other water sensitive elements, can be located.

In examples, watertight can be considered to mean that water cannot readily pass into the space. In examples, watertight can be considered to mean that water will be prevented from entering into the space under normal use. In examples, watertight can be considered to mean that water will be prevented from entering into the space when the Bluetooth beacon device 10 is immersed in water, for example for a predetermined period of time.

Referring again to the example of FIG. 1, in examples, the metallic plate 14 can have suitable shape, size and/or form.

For example, the metallic plate 14, which can be considered a metallic insert component, can have any suitable shape, and/or size, and/or form to transfer a temperature differential to a temperature sensor 22.

In examples, the metallic plate 14 can be considered a metallic thermal transfer plate.

In examples, the metallic plate 14 can have any suitable shape, and/or size and/or form to allow a sudden change of temperature at the surface of the Bluetooth beacon device 10, for example caused by the device 10 being immersed in cold water, to be quickly and efficiently transferred to the temperature sensor 22 within the housing 12.

In the example of FIG. 1, the metallic plate 14 has the form of a portion of a ring.

In examples, the metallic plate 14 can be considered a plate as it has a width and length that are many times the depth of the plate. Accordingly, in examples, the metallic plate 14 can be considered a plate as it is thin compared to its width and length.

In examples, the metallic plate 14 is located on an outer surface 16 of the housing 12 such that the metallic plate will be in contact with the external environment of the Bluetooth beacon device 10 and, therefore, will be sensitive to changes in temperature of the external environment of the Bluetooth beacon device 10.

The metallic plate 14 can be located on an outer surface 16 of the housing 12 in any suitable way. For example, the metallic plate 14 can be bonded to the outer surface 16 of the housing 12 using epoxy to ensure seal.

In the illustrated example, the metallic plate is located on an upper surface of the housing 12.

In examples, the metallic protrusion can have any suitable shape, size, and/or form. For example, the metallic protrusion can have any suitable shape, size and/or form to be in thermal contact with both the metallic plate 14 and the temperature sensor 22.

In examples, the metallic protrusion is integrated with the metallic plate 14 and can, therefore, be considered to be part of the metallic plate 14 and vice versa.

In examples, the metallic protrusion 18 passes through an aperture 20 in the housing 12 to allow the metallic protrusion 18 to be in thermal contact with the temperature sensor 22 located in the housing 12.

In examples, any suitable aperture 20 can be used. For example, any suitable aperture 20 configured to allow the metallic protrusion 18 to pass through the housing 12, but to prevent water ingress through the aperture when the metallic protrusion 18 is located in the aperture 20, can be used.

Accordingly, in examples, the form of the aperture 20 is coordinated with the form of the metallic protrusion to prevent water ingress into the Bluetooth beacon device 10.

FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the Bluetooth beacon device 10 of FIG.6 but from a different viewpoint.

In the example of FIG. 7, the metallic protrusion 18, on the underside of the metallic plate 14, can be seen. In the illustrated example, the metallic protrusion 18 is generally cuboid in shape.

In addition, in the example of FIG. 7, the aperture 20 in the upper portion 40 of the housing 12 can also be seen. The aperture 20 is configured to locate and hold the metallic protrusion, and therefore metallic plate 14, in place and also to prevent water ingress.

The metallic protrusion 18 can, for example, also be seen in the example of FIG. 6 and the aperture 20 can, for example, also be seen in the example of FIG. 8.

Returning to the discussion of FIG. 1, in examples, the metallic plate 14 and metallic protrusion 18 can be formed from any suitable material or materials. For example, the metallic plate 14 and metallic protrusion 18 can be formed from any material having good thermal conductivity, for example any suitable metal.

In examples, the metallic plate 14 and metallic protrusion 18 can be formed from aluminium.

As used herein, a first component can be considered to be in thermal contact with a second component if a temperature change at the first component is transferred, and therefore detectable by, the second component.

For example, the metallic plate 14 and metallic protrusion 18 can be considered to be in thermal contact with the temperature sensor 22 because a change in temperature of the metallic plate 14, such as when the metallic plate is brought into contact with cold water, is transferred to the temperature sensor 22, and is therefore detectable by the temperature sensor 22.

In examples, as the metallic plate 14 and metallic protrusion 18 are formed from metallic materiaffs) having good thermal conductivity, any change in temperature of the metallic plate 14 is quickly and efficiently transferred to the temperature sensor 22 where it can be detected.

In examples, the Bluetooth transmitter 24 can comprise any suitable Bluetooth transmitter or transmitters.

For example, the Bluetooth transmitter 24 can comprise any suitable transmitter and/or antenna configured to transmit information using any suitable Bluetooth protocol.

In examples, the Bluetooth transmitter 24 can be a short-range transmitter and can operate using any suitable short-range protocol.

The controller 26 can comprise any suitable controller. For example, the controller 26 can be a controller as described in relation to FIG. 9.

In examples, the temperature sensor 22 can comprise any suitable temperature sensor or sensors 22. For example, the temperature sensors 22 can comprise any suitable temperature sensor 22 configured to allow a determination that the temperature of the metallic plate 14 has decreased at a rate greater than a predetermined value.

For example, the temperature sensor 22 can comprise an analogue or digital SMT Temp sensor on PCB.

As discussed above, in examples, the controller 26 is configured to determine, with the temperature sensor 22, that the temperature of the metallic plate 14 has decreased at a rate greater than a predetermined value.

Any suitable predetermined value can be used. For example, the predetermined value can comprise a rate of change of plus or minus 10%, relative to ambient temperature, over one second.

In examples, the predetermined value can be use adjustable. That is, in some examples, a user can adjust the predetermined value to increase or decrease the sensitivity of the beacon device 10.

In examples, the controller 26 is configured to receive information from the temperature sensor 22, the information indicative of the temperature of the metallic plate 14 and the controller 26 is configured to process the received information to determine the rate of change of the temperature of the metallic plate 14.

In examples, the controller 26 is configured to control, based at least in part on determining that the temperature of the metallic plate 14 has decreased at a rate greater than the predetermined value, output and at least one alert 28.

In some examples, the controller 26 is configured to determine, with the temperature sensor 22, that the temperature of the metallic plate 14 has decreased at a rate greater than the predetermined value to a temperature value that is outside of a predetermined range from an ambient temperature and to control, based at least in part on determining that the temperature of the metallic plate 14 has decreased at a rate greater than the predetermined value to a temperature value that is outside of a predetermined range from an ambient temperature, output of the at least one alert 28.

In examples, any suitable predetermined range and/or ambient temperature value(s) can be used.

In some examples, the ambient temperature value is determined by the beacon device 10.

The ambient temperature can be real-time. In examples, the ambient temperature can be considered the present temperature of the device 10.

For example, the ambient temperature value can be determined as a temperature at which the beacon device 10 remains stable.

For example, the ambient temperature value can be determined as a temperature at which the beacon device 10 remains at, or within a range of, for an amount of time, such as an amount of time in the range 10 seconds to 5 minutes.

For example, the predetermined range can be in the range plus or minus 20% to plus or minus 5% of the ambient temperature.

For example, the predetermined range can be plus or minus 20% of the ambient temperature. For example, the predetermined range can be plus or minus 15% of the ambient temperature. For example, the predetermined range can be plus or minus 10% of the ambient temperature. For example, the predetermined range can be plus or minus 5% of the ambient temperature.

The at least one alert 28 can have any suitable form or forms.

That is, in examples, the controller 26 can be configured to control output of the at least one alert having any suitable form or forms.

In examples, the at least one alert 28 can have at least one visual component and/or at least one audible component and/or at least one information component.

In some examples, controlling output of at least one alert 28 comprises controlling transmission of an alert 28 to at least one linked device via the Bluetooth transmitter 24.

For example, controlling output of at least one alert 28 can comprise controlling transmission of an alert 28 to at least one linked device via the Bluetooth transmitter to alert at least one user of the at least one linked device.

For example, in examples where the rate of change of temperature of the metallic plate 14 indicates that the Bluetooth beacon device 10 has been immersed in cold water, the alert 28 transmitted to at least one linked device via the Bluetooth transmitter 24 is configured to alert at least one user of the at least one linked device that a user to whom the Bluetooth beacon device 10 was attached has fallen into water.

In some examples, controlling output of at least one alert 28 comprises controlling transmission of an alert 28 to at least one linked device via the Bluetooth transmitter, and wherein the alert 28 is configured to cause the at least one linked device to log the position of the at least one linked device when the alert is received by the at least one linked device.

In examples, any suitable linked device or devices can be used. For example, any suitable personal device or devices of a user such as a mobile telephone, a tablet, a laptop, a personal computer, and so on can be used.

For example, any suitable device configured to self-locate and log the position of the at least one linked device when the alert 28 is received from the Bluetooth beacon device 10 can be used.

In some examples, the device 10 comprises a speaker 32 and wherein controlling output of the at least one alert 28 comprised controlling output of an audible alert using the speaker 32.

Any suitable speaker 32 can be used. In examples, the speaker 32 can be located in the watertight space 44 with the controller 26.

In some examples, the device 10 comprises at least one light 36 and wherein controlling output of at least one alert 28 comprises controlling output of a visual alert using the at least one light.

Any suitable light or lights can be used. For example, any suitable high intensity SMT-LEDs to provide status and alert feedback can be used.

In examples, the Bluetooth beacon device 10 can comprise one or more lenses, such as one or more Fresnel lenses, configured to operate with the at least one light 36.

See, for example, FIG. 6.

In some examples, the Bluetooth beacon device 10 comprises buoyant material 46 located on the housing 12 and configured to prevent the device 10 from sinking if the device 10 is dropped into water.

Any suitable buoyant material attached and/or located in and/or configured on the housing 12 in any suitable way can be used.

For example, any suitable buoyant material 46 that will cause the Bluetooth beacon device 10 to float if dropped into water can be used.

In some examples, the buoyant material 46 can comprise open cell foam. In some examples, the buoyant material can comprise closed cell polyethylene.

The buoyant material can comprise any suitable shape, size and/or form.

In some examples, the buoyant material 46 is configured and/or shaped to be located in the underside of the Bluetooth beacon device 10.

By way of example, reference is made to the example of FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the Bluetooth beacon device of FIG. 1 in which the underside of the device 10 is visible.

In the example of FIG. 2, the buoyant material 46, in the form of foam inserts, can be seen.

In the example of FIG. 2, the buoyant material 46 is located in the underside of the flange and configured to prevent the Bluetooth beacon device 10 from sinking if dropped into water.

The buoyant material 46 can, for example, also be seen in FIGS. 4, 6, 7 and 8.

Returning to the discussion of FIG. 1, in some examples, the Bluetooth beacon device 10 comprises a backplate 48 configured to be attached to a wearable item.

The backplate 48 can have any suitable shape, size and/or form. For example, the backplate 48 can have any suitable form to allow the backplate 48 to securely attach the Bluetooth beacon device 10 to a wearable item.

In examples, the backplate 48 is configured to be stuck onto the wearable item and is attachable/detachable from the housing of the Bluetooth beacon device 10 to allow the housing of the Bluetooth beacon device 10 and the backplate to be separable.

The backplate 48 can comprise any suitable material or materials. In examples, the backplate can be made from any suitable plastic, for example molded ABS.

By way of example, reference is made to the example of FIG. 2.

In the example of FIG. 2, the backplate 48 can be seen. In the illustrated example, the backplate 48 is substantially circular in nature and comprises a number of protrusions on its rear surface to assist in attaching the backplate 48 to a wearable item.

The backplate 48 can, for example, also be seen in the examples of FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.

In some examples, the backplate 48 comprises a protrusion and the housing 12 comprises a corresponding recess 52, and wherein the housing 12 and backplate 48 are configured to be attached together by locating the protrusion 50 in the recess 52 and turning the housing 12 and backplate 48 relative to one another.

In examples, the protrusion 50 and corresponding recess 52 can have any suitable shape, size and/or form.

For example, the protrusion 50 and corresponding recess 52 can have any suitable shape, size, and/or form to allow the backplate 48 and the housing 12 to be attached together by locating the protrusion 50 in the recess 52 and turning the housing 12 and backplate 48 relative to one another.

In examples, the recess 52 is configured to allow the protrusion 50 to be inserted into the recess 52 but to prevent the protrusion 50 from being retracted from the recess 52 once the protrusion 50 has been turned relative to the recess 52, for example by a quarter turn.

In some examples, the protrusion 50 and recess 52 are configured to lock the housing 12 and backplate 48 in position when the housing 12 and backplate 48 are rotated relative to one another.

In some examples, the protrusion 50 and recess 52 form a bayonet type connection.

By way of example, reference is made to the examples of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 shows another exploded view of a Bluetooth beacon device 10 of FIG. 6 from a different viewpoint.

In the example of FIG. 6, the backplate 48 and protrusion 50 can be seen. Similarly, in the example of FIG. 7, the corresponding recess 52 in the lower portion 42 of the housing 12 can be seen.

Returning to the discussion of FIG. 1, in some examples, the backplate 48 comprises a magnet 54 and the housing 12 comprises a magnet sensor configured to be proximate the magnet 54 when the backplate 48 and housing 12 are attached, and wherein the controller 26 is configured to determine, with the magnet sensor, if the magnet 54 is removed from the magnet sensor and to control, based at least in part on determining that the magnet 54 is removed from the magnet sensor, output of at least one alert 28.

Any suitable magnet or magnets 54 can be used and can be configured in any suitable way such that the magnet 54 is proximate the magnet sensor when the housing 12 and backplate 48 are attached.

In examples, the magnet 54 is located and/or mounted in a central portion of the backplate 48 and the magnet sensor is located at a central portion in the lower part of the housing 12 such that when the backplate 48 is engaged with the housing 12 the magnet 54 is proximate/adjacent the magnet sensor.

Any suitable magnet sensor can be used.

For example, any suitable magnet sensor configured to determine whether a magnet 54 is proximate the magnet sensor can be used.

In examples, the controller 26 is configured to receive information from the magnet sensor configured to allow a determination as to whether the magnet 54 is proximate/adjacent the magnet sensor and to determine if the magnet 54 has been removed from the magnet sensor.

See, for example, the example of FIG. 2 in which the magnet 54 can be seen in a central portion of the backplate 48.

In some examples, controlling output of at least one alert 28 based at least in part on determining that the magnet 54 is removed from the magnet sensor comprises controlling transmission of at least one alert 28 to at least one linked device via the Bluetooth transmitter 24.

In some examples, controlling output of at least one alert 28 comprises controlling transmission of an alert 28 to at least one linked device via the Bluetooth transmitter 24 and wherein the alert 28 is configured to cause the at least one linked device to log the position of the at least one linked device when the alert 28 is received by the at least one linked device.

Controlling transmission of at least one alert 28 to at least one linked device via the Bluetooth transmitter 24 can be as described above.

In some examples, the Bluetooth beacon device 10 comprises a speaker 32 and wherein controlling output of at least one alert 28 based at least in part on determining that the magnet 54 is removed from the magnet sensor comprises controlling output of an audible alert using the speaker 32.

Controlling output of an audible alert can be as described above.

In some examples, the Bluetooth beacon device 10 comprises at least one light 36 and wherein controlling output of at least one alert 28 based at least in part on determining that the magnet 54 is removed from the magnet sensor comprises controlling output of a visual alert using the at least one light 36.

Controlling output of a visual alert can be as described above.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the Bluetooth beacon device 10 of the example of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the Bluetooth beacon device 10 of the example of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the Bluetooth beacon device 10 of the example of FIG. 1.

In the example of FIG. 6, various components of the Bluetooth beacon device can be seen.

In Fig. 6 the uppermost components are to the right of the FIG. and the lowermost components are to the left of the FIG. In the example of FIG. 6 the Bluetooth beacon device 10 comprises a fascia and the metallic plate 14 configured to be located on the upper portion 40 of the housing 12, with the metallic protrusion 18 of the metallic plate located in the aperture 20.

In Fig. 6, the Bluetooth beacon device 10 also comprises a Fresnel lens VDU 60 underneath the upper portion 40 of the housing 12.

In the example, of FIG. 6, the Bluetooth beacon device 10 comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) comprising a temperature sensor 22, a Bluetooth transmitter 24, a controller 26, a speaker 32, and a light 36.

In examples the PCB comprises at least one of: control devices and temperature sensing paraphernalia, power management, high intensity SMT-LED's (multicolour) to provide status and alert feedback, an LED configured to provide an intermittent display of status, an audio device, for example a micro-piezo speaker or comparable low-power unit, configured to generate a high intensity siren, a battery system with charging access, or lifetime sealed battery, a local area communication chip, for example Bluetooth, configured to communicate between the beacon device 10 and linked mobile phones, tablets, computers or other onboard equipment capable of receiving local area communication and alert data, a magnetic sensing chip linked to a magnet insert in the mounting substrate.

In FIG. 6, the Bluetooth beacon device also comprises an 0-ring seal 62, buoyant material 46 and a backplate 54.

FIGs 7 and 8 show further exploded views of the Bluetooth beacon device 10 of FIG. 6 from different viewpoints.

Examples of the disclosure provide a Bluetooth beacon device 10 for use during, for example, sailing. In some examples, the device 10 is securely mounted by the user prior to sailing commencement.

If the device 10 is immersed in water, the sudden variation in temperature is logged by the device 10, triggering an audible and visual alert, and Bluetooth alert on linked peripherals.

The alert will trigger a warning sound, image, vibration, and so on linked peripheral devices, for example on a linked app.

The alert will also utilize phone GPRS to generate a log of real-world position when the alert is logged, providing useful location data for crew or search and rescue teams.

In examples, the enclosure of the device 10 has an integral mechanism to provide an alert if the device 10 is accidentally, or intentionally removed during the duration of a trip.

This is particularly advantageous if the device 10 is donned by younger participants or in adverse weather conditions. The anti-tamper facility will raise the alarm (audible, visual, and/or linked device) if the device 10 is removed from its retaining system whilst still in an active safety mode.

In examples, there is provided a method comprising, manufacturing a Bluetooth beacon device 10 as described herein.

In examples, there is provided a method comprising: using a Bluetooth beacon device 10 as described herein.

Examples of the disclosure are advantageous and/or provide one or more technical benefits.

For example, examples of the disclosure provide for a Bluetooth beacon device that can quickly, and efficiently, determine that it has been immersed in water and provide an alert. For example, when attached to a wearable item of a user the Bluetooth beacon device can quickly, and efficiently, determine that a person wearing the wearable item has fallen into water and provide an alert.

For example, examples of the disclosure provide for a Bluetooth beacon device that can provide an alert if it is accidently or deliberately removed from a wearable item without authorization.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a controller 26 suitable for use in an apparatus, such as a Bluetooth beacon device 10. Implementation of a controller 26 may be as controller circuitry. The controller 26 may be implemented in hardware alone, have certain aspects in software including firmware alone or can be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

As illustrated in FIG. 9 the controller 26 may be implemented using instructions that enable hardware functionality, for example, by using executable instructions of a computer program 68 in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor 64 that may be stored on a computer readable storage medium (disk, memory etc.) to be executed by such a processor 64.

The processor 64 is configured to read from and write to the memory 66. The processor 64 may also comprise an output interface via which data and/or commands are output by the processor 64 and an input interface via which data and/or commands are input to the processor 64.

The memory 66 stores a computer program 68 comprising computer program instructions (computer program code) that controls the operation of the apparatus when loaded into the processor 64. The computer program instructions, of the computer program 68 provide the logic and routines that enables the apparatus to perform the methods illustrated in the accompanying FIGS and/or described herein. The processor 64 by reading the memory 66 is able to load and execute the computer program 68.

The apparatus comprises: at least one processor 64; and at least one memory 66 including computer program code the at least one memory 66 and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor 64, cause the apparatus at least to perform: at least part of at least one method described herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the computer program 68 may arrive at the apparatus via any suitable delivery mechanism 72. The delivery mechanism 72 may be, for example, a machine readable medium, a computer-readable medium, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a record medium such as a Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) or a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) or a solid-state memory, an article of manufacture that comprises or tangibly embodies the computer program 68. The delivery mechanism may be a signal configured to reliably transfer the computer program 68. The apparatus may propagate or transmit the computer program 68 as a computer data signal.

Computer program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following or for performing at least a part of at least one method described herein.

The computer program instructions may be comprised in a computer program, a non-transitory computer readable medium, a computer program product, a machine readable medium. In some but not necessarily all examples, the computer program instructions may be distributed over more than one computer program.

Although the memory 66 is illustrated as a single component/circuitry it may be implemented as one or more separate components/circuitry some or all of which may be integrated/removable and/or may provide permanent/semi-permanent/ dynamic/cached storage.

Although the processor 64 is illustrated as a single component/circuitry it may be implemented as one or more separate components/circuitry some or all of which may be integrated/removable. The processor 64 may be a single core or multi-core processor.

References to 'computer-readable storage medium', 'computer program product', 'tangibly embodied computer program' etc. or a 'controller', 'computer', 'processor' etc. should be understood to encompass not only computers having different architectures such as single /multi-processor architectures and sequential (Von Neumann)/parallel architectures but also specialized circuits such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application specific circuits (ASIC), signal processing devices and other processing circuitry. References to computer program, instructions, code etc. should be understood to encompass software for a programmable processor or firmware such as, for example, the programmable content of a hardware device whether instructions for a processor, or configuration settings for a fixed-function device, gate array or programmable logic device etc. Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature whether that function or those functions are explicitly or implicitly described.

The term 'comprise' is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use 'comprise' with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to "comprising only one..." or by using "consisting".

In this description, the wording 'connect', 'couple' and 'communication' and their derivatives mean operationally connected/coupled/in communication. It should be appreciated that any number or combination of intervening components can exist (including no intervening components), i.e., so as to provide direct or indirect connection/coupling/communication. Any such intervening components can include hardware and/or software components.

As used herein, the term "determine/determining" (and grammatical variants thereof) can include, not least: calculating, computing, processing, deriving, measuring, investigating, identifying, looking up (for example, looking up in a table) a database or another data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, "determining" can include receiving (for example, receiving information), accessing (for example, accessing data in a memory), obtaining and the like. Also, " determine/determining" can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term 'example' or 'for example' or 'can' or 'may' in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus 'example', 'for example', 'can' or 'may' refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example.

Although examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not.

The term 'a', 'an' or the' is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a/an/the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use 'a', 'an' or 'the' with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of 'at least one' or 'one or more' may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning.

The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and also to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described.

The above description describes some examples of the present disclosure however those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of possible alternative structures and method features which offer equivalent functionality to the specific examples of such structures and features described herein above and which for the sake of brevity and clarity have been omitted from the above description. Nonetheless, the above description should be read as implicitly including reference to such alternative structures and method features which provide equivalent functionality unless such alternative structures or method features are explicitly excluded in the above description of the examples of the present disclosure.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance it should be understood that the Applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon.

I/we claim:

Claims

CLAIMS1. A Bluetooth beacon device comprising: a housing; a metallic plate located on an outer surface of the housing and comprising a metallic protrusion located in an aperture in the housing, wherein the metallic protrusion is in thermal contact with a temperature sensor located within the housing; a Bluetooth transmitter; and a controller configured to determine, with the temperature sensor, that the temperature of the metallic plate has decreased at a rate greater than a predetermined value and to control, based at least in part on determining that the temperature of the metallic plate has decreased at a rate greater than the predetermined value, output of at least one alert.
2. A Bluetooth beacon as claimed in claim 1, wherein controlling output of at least one alert comprises controlling transmission of an alert to at least one linked device via the Bluetooth transmitter.
3. A Bluetooth beacon device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the device comprises a speaker and wherein controlling output of at least one alert comprises controlling output of an audible alert using the speaker.
4. A Bluetooth beacon device as claimed in claim 1,2 or 3, wherein the device comprises at least one light and wherein controlling output of at least one alert comprises controlling output of a visual alert using the at least one light.
5. A Bluetooth beacon device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, the metallic plate located on the upper portion, and wherein the controller is located in a watertight space created between the upper and lower portions.
6. A Bluetooth beacon device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises buoyant material located on the housing and configured to prevent the device from sinking if the device is dropped into water.
7. A Bluetooth beacon device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a backplate configured to be attached to a wearable item.
8. A Bluetooth beacon device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the backplate comprises a protrusion and the housing comprises a corresponding recess, and wherein the housing and backplate are configured to be attached together by locating the protrusion in the recess and turning the housing and backplate relative to one another.
9. A Bluetooth beacon device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the protrusion and recess are configured to lock the housing and backplate in position when the housing and backplate are rotated relative to one another.
10. A Bluetooth beacon device as claimed in any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the backplate comprises a magnet and the housing comprises a magnet sensor configured to be proximate the magnet when the backplate and housing are attached, and wherein the controller is configured to determine, with the magnet sensor, if the magnet is removed from the magnet sensor and to control, based at least in part on determining that the magnet is removed from the magnet sensor, output of at least one alert.
11. A Bluetooth beacon device as claimed in claim 10, wherein controlling output of at least one alert based at least in part on determining that the magnet is removed from the magnet sensor comprises controlling transmission of at least one alert to at least one linked device via the Bluetooth transmitter.
12. A Bluetooth beacon device as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the device comprises a speaker and wherein controlling output of at least one alert based at least in part on determining that the magnet is removed from the magnet sensor comprises controlling output of an audible alert using the speaker.
13. A Bluetooth beacon device as claimed in claim 10, 11 or 12, wherein the device comprises at least one light and wherein controlling output of at least one alert based at least in part on determining that the magnet is removed from the magnet sensor comprises controlling output of a visual alert using the at least one light.
14. A Bluetooth beacon device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein controlling output of at least one alert comprises controlling transmission of an alert to at least one linked device via the Bluetooth transmitter, and wherein the alert is configured to cause the at least one linked device to log the position of the at least one linked device when the alert is received by the at least one linked device.
15. A Bluetooth beacon device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to determine, with the temperature sensor, that the temperature of the metallic plate has decreased at a rate greater than the predetermined value to a temperature value that is outside of a predetermined range from an ambient temperature and to control, based at least in part on determining that the temperature of the metallic plate has decreased at a rate greater than the predetermined value to a temperature value that is outside of a predetermined range from an ambient temperature, output of the at least one alert.
16. A method comprising: manufacturing a Bluetooth beacon device as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 15.
17. A method comprising: using a Bluetooth beacon device as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 15.