US20190261313A1 - Mobile vibratory alert device, system, and method - Google Patents
Mobile vibratory alert device, system, and method Download PDFInfo
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- US20190261313A1 US20190261313A1 US16/216,812 US201816216812A US2019261313A1 US 20190261313 A1 US20190261313 A1 US 20190261313A1 US 201816216812 A US201816216812 A US 201816216812A US 2019261313 A1 US2019261313 A1 US 2019261313A1
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Definitions
- the present disclosure relates generally to mobile communication and more particularly to vibratory alerting in response to reception of a message in environments where a user's hearing and/or tactile sense may be degraded due to hearing protection, loud ambient noise levels, or both.
- Mobile communication devices are in widespread usage, particularly in the form of “smart” cellular telephone devices. It is common for such devices to have a “silent” ring mode where, upon receiving a message, or an indication of an incoming phone call, a vibration motor is activated to cause the device to vibrate. Typically in such cases no audible alert (i.e. ringing) is used, although both can be used together if selected by the user of the device.
- a common design goal with such devices is, generally, to reduce their size and weight, subject to other design choices such as, for example, display size. This tends to limit the efficacy of vibration devices, leading to people not noticing when the device is vibrating under many conditions.
- a smartphone carried in a user's pocket while operating a motor vehicle in traffic can result in insufficient vibration and distraction such that the user may not notice the smartphone vibrating in response to an incoming phone call.
- the vibrations of machinery and construction activities can mask the vibration of a typical smartphone vibration motor completely so that the user does not get alerted to incoming communications.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vibratory alert system in accordance with some embodiments.
- FIG. 2 is a block schematic diagram of a communication device and a vibration alert accessory in accordance with some embodiments.
- FIG. 3 is a graph chart of a several exemplary vibration patterns to be used by a vibration alert accessory in accordance with some embodiments.
- FIG. 4 is a table for storing vibration pattern identifiers and a corresponding vibration pattern data for use by a vibration accessory in accordance with some embodiments.
- FIG. 5 is system diagram of a push to vibrate alert system in accordance with some embodiments.
- FIG. 6 is a system diagram showing geo-fencing of a vibration alert application in accordance with some embodiments.
- FIG. 7 is a message analysis diagram for a vibration alert application used in a communication device in accordance with some embodiments.
- FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method of analyzing messages received by a communication device using a vibration alert application in accordance with some embodiments.
- FIG. 9 is a graph chart showing vibration patterns using different magnitudes of vibration in accordance with some embodiments.
- FIG. 10 is a system diagram of a vibration alert system that provides orientation and guidance to a user in accordance with some embodiments.
- FIG. 11 is a system diagram of an alert system for logging alerting activity and user acknowledgements of users associated with an organization in accordance with some embodiments.
- Embodiments as disclosed herein solve the problems associated with the prior art by use of a vibration accessory that can be coupled to a communication device that includes a vibration alert application.
- the vibration accessory being separate from the communication device and not subject to size constraints used in the design of the communication device by the manufacturer of the communication device uses a much stronger vibration motor that that used in communication devices to generate vibrations having substantially more amplitude than is possible with conventional vibration motor used in communication devices.
- Some embodiments include a vibration alert system that comprises a vibration accessory having a local wireless interface circuit, a controller coupled to the local wireless interface circuit, a memory coupled to the controller, and a vibration motor controlled by the controller.
- the system further includes a communication device having a local wireless interface circuit that establishes a local wireless link with the local wireless interface circuit of the vibration accessory, and a wide area radio communication transceiver.
- the communication device receives messages over the wide area radio communication transceiver and transmits alert messages to the vibration accessory via the local wireless link.
- the vibration accessory in response, controls the vibration motor according to a vibration pattern selected from a plurality of vibration patterns where the vibration pattern is selected based on a category of the alert message transmitted to the vibration accessory by the communication device.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vibratory alert system 100 in accordance with some embodiments.
- the system includes a communication device 102 and a vibration alert accessory 104 .
- the communication device is capable of communicating, via radio signals, with a communications infrastructure 106 such as a cellular network or other wide area radio communications network (e.g. trunked two-way radio) using an appropriate wide area radio channel 110 with a wide area radio transceiver contained in the communication device 102 .
- the communication device 102 can be a smartphone, or similar communication device that is capable of storing and executing program code (i.e. software).
- the communication device can be a portable two-way radio device (i.e. uses a half-duplex, “always on” communication modality).
- the communication device contains circuitry to perform conventional communication and computation functions, and input and output functions, as is common in communication devices presently offered for sale.
- the communication device 102 contains a vibration alert application 112 , which is a program that can be instantiated and executed by the communication device 102 , and causes the communication device 102 to perform functions, operations, and behaviors in accordance with the teachings herein.
- the communication device 102 and the vibration alert accessory 104 are communicatively linked.
- the link 108 can be a wired link, such as through an audio jack or port of the communication device 102 , a serial connection such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB), or other similar wired connections.
- USB Universal Serial Bus
- the communication device 102 can generate audio signals of certain frequencies as control signals that can be decoded by the vibration alert accessory 104 .
- the link 108 can be achieved using a local wireless radio protocol, such as, for example, a wireless link in accordance with the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) specification no. 802.11 (known in industry as “WiFi”), or 802.15 (e.g. the protocol commonly known by the tradename “BlueTooth”), or other similar low power, low range radio communication protocols.
- IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
- the vibration alert accessory 104 can have an identifier that is shared with the communication device 102 so that the communication device 102 and vibration alert accessory 104 can identify each other in wireless communications.
- the identifier can be, for example, the media access control (MAC) address of each device's respective network interface circuit, as is known.
- MAC media access control
- the vibration alert accessory 104 is not subject to the design constraints (e.g. low weight, thin or small volume) of the communication device 102 , it uses a more robust vibration system than can be placed in communication devices, which obviates the need for a larger communication device 102 that does incorporate such a vibration system. Accordingly, the vibration alert accessory 104 can produce vibrations having amplitude on the order of 5-10 times or more than that of a typical vibration motor used in communication devices.
- the vibration alert accessory 104 can include a clip 105 on an external portion of a housing of the vibration alert accessory 104 so that it can be clipped onto a user's clothing in a place that will help ensure the user/wearer feels vibrations produced by the vibration alert accessory 104 .
- Other form factors can be employed as well, where, for example, the vibration alert accessory can be formed into a helmet or as a bracelet or anklet, for example.
- the communication device 102 upon receiving a message (i.e. call alert, voice communication, short message system or “text” message, etc.), transmits an alert message to the vibration alert accessory 104 over link 108 (either wired or wireless).
- a message i.e. call alert, voice communication, short message system or “text” message, etc.
- the communication device 102 analyzes the received message to determine a category or other classification of the message and selects or indicates a corresponding alert pattern to be used by the vibration alert accessory 104 , and indicates the category in the alert message sent via link 108 .
- the vibration alert accessory 104 upon receiving the vibration alert message, carries out the vibration alert in accordance with the indicated category or classification, using the corresponding vibration pattern.
- the vibration alert message can indicate an immediate emergency, prompting the user to take action.
- the vibration alert accessory 104 can include a user input means, such as a button 107 , to indicate that the user has detected the alert.
- the vibration alert accessory 104 can, upon receiving such user input, can transmit an indication of the input to the communication device 102 so that the vibration alert application can make note that the user has acknowledged the alert.
- the communication device 102 can, in response, transmit an indication of the user's acknowledgement of the alert to an administrator server 114 or other similar entity to record the user's acknowledgment of the alert.
- the administrative server 114 can be a backend server operated by an entity with which the user of the communication device 102 is associated, and can be connected to the wide are radio communications network 106 via a wide area data network 116 such as, for example, the Internet.
- the vibration pattern is preselected by the user according to its level of priority and per contact name or groups of contacts.
- FIG. 2 is a block schematic diagram 200 of a communication device 204 and a vibration alert accessory 202 in accordance with some embodiments.
- the communication device 204 includes general computing circuitry that can operate an operating system such as, for example, that known by the trade name “Android,” by Google, Inc.
- the computing circuitry can include internal memory and connector means for accepting external memory such as, for example, a memory card.
- the communication device 204 can execute a vibration alert application 203 that can be installed in the communication device 204 .
- the application 203 allows the communication device 204 to interact with the vibration alert accessory 202 over a communication channel 212 , which can be wired or wireless.
- the vibration alert accessory 202 includes a battery 206 for providing power to circuitry in the vibration alert accessory 202 , including a communication interface 210 , a controller 208 , a vibration motor 216 and a motor driver circuit 214 .
- the controller includes memory that contains vibration pattern data 209 .
- the communication device 204 receives a communication intended for the user of the communication device 204 , it transmits a vibration alert message to the vibration alert accessory 202 over the communication channel 212 .
- the vibration alert message is received by the communication interface 210 and provided to the controller 208 .
- the controller can determine which of a plurality of vibration patterns to use, based on the contents of the vibration alert message, and select an appropriate or corresponding pattern from the vibration pattern data 209 .
- the patterns can specify variations in magnitude of the vibrations, as well as variations in time (e.g. duty cycle).
- the controller 208 controls the driver circuit 214 to cause the motor 216 to create vibration in accordance with the selected pattern.
- the vibration motor 216 can employ an eccentric cam which, upon being rotated by the motor, creates vibration, as is known.
- the vibration alert accessory 202 can also include a user input means, such as a button 218 to acknowledge the vibration alert. Upon pressing the button 218 , the controller 208 can control the driver 214 to cease rotation of the vibration motor 216 to conserve battery energy.
- the controller 208 can generate an acknowledgment message that is sent to the communication device 204 over the communication channel 212 for use by the vibration alert application 203 .
- the acknowledgement occurs when the user answers the voice call or text using the communication device 204 .
- input via the button 218 , or operation of the communication device 204 in response to a vibration alert, can be taken by the application 203 as an acknowledgement of the alert. If the user answers the call or otherwise operates the communication device in response to the alert, the application 203 will send a message to the vibration alert accessory 202 to cease the vibration alert.
- the battery 206 can be a rechargeable battery that can be removed and charged in a separate charger, or charged by connecting the vibration alert accessory 202 to a charger, either by wire or by wireless coupling (e.g. inductive charging).
- the battery can consist of multiple non-rechargeable alkaline cells.
- the controller 208 can periodically send battery status messages to the vibration alert application 203 to be displayed on the communication device 204 so that the user can see the charge remaining in the battery 206 .
- FIG. 3 is a graph chart 300 of several exemplary vibration patterns to be used by a vibration alert accessory in accordance with some embodiments.
- the horizontal axis 302 represents time, increasing to the right, and the vertical axis 304 represents vibration magnitude, increasing toward the top.
- the magnitude can be expressed in terms of acceleration relative to Earth gravity, g.
- a typical smartphone vibration motor can produce an acceleration of about one g.
- the vibration motor of the vibration alert accessory can produce an acceleration of at least five g, meaning five times more acceleration than Earth gravity.
- the magnitude of the vibrations, for rotary-based vibration motors is dependent on the mass of the eccentric cam and the rotational velocity at which the vibration motor spins the eccentric cam.
- the vibratory system can include a mass that is linearly oscillated back and forth along an axis.
- a toroidal permanent magnet can be mounted on a rod with biasing springs on either side to urge the toroidal magnet into a center of the rod. Windings of opposing polarities can be wound around respective halves of the rod, allowing the toroidal magnet to move inside the windings. By passing current through one of the windings a magnetic field is created that causes the toroidal magnet to move.
- that magnitude of the magnetic force acting on the toroidal magnet can be varied, allowing different magnitude (i.e. force) of the vibration of the toroidal magnet.
- the toroidal magnet can be thus caused to oscillate back and forth on the rod in a way that allows independent control of magnitude and frequency of the oscillations.
- the patterns can be periodic, and repeated one or more times by the vibration alert accessory.
- exemplary pattern 306 during a first portion 314 a series of pulses 318 occur where, in each pulse, the vibration motor is turned from an off state to an on state at a selected amplitude. Then during a second portion 316 no pulses occur and the vibration motor remains off.
- the pattern can repeat portions 314 and 316 .
- the vibration pattern can be repeated for a preselected period of time or until a user input is received indicating acknowledgement of the vibration alert.
- the number of pulses can be varied for other patterns to be used for other alerts.
- a user can give priority to various contacts in an address book on the user's communication device. Contacts can be given a priority from 1 to 4, which can correspond to vibration patterns using 1 to 4 pulses in portion 314 .
- Pattern 308 shows an example of a pattern similar to that of pattern 306 , but with more pulses having shorter duration per pulse, and possibly at a different amplitude.
- Pattern 310 shows an example of one long pulse followed by an off period.
- Pattern 312 utilizes ramp up 322 and ramp down 324 segments, and a constant amplitude portion 325 . During the ramp up and ramp down segments 322 , 324 the vibration amplitude increases over time and decreases over time, respectively.
- the vibration is continuous, but the magnitude is periodically varied from times of relatively high magnitude 326 and times of relatively lower magnitude 328 .
- Other patterns can exist that change over time. For example, a vibration alert can start with a relatively low magnitude and ramp up in magnitude until receiving an acknowledgement input from the user.
- patterns can be mixed; for example, a ramp can be followed by a series of pulses.
- vibration alert application on the communication device can allow a user to select vibration patterns for various categories (a particular contact in the user's address book can be considered to be a category). In some embodiments the vibration alert application on the communication device can allow a user to create vibration patterns which can be stored and assigned to a category by the user.
- FIG. 4 is a table 400 for storing vibration pattern identifiers and corresponding vibration pattern data for use by a vibration accessory in accordance with some embodiments.
- the table 400 can be stored, for example, in the vibration alert accessory, and can included preset patterns as well as user-specified patterns.
- the table 400 is stored only in the communication device, and upon receiving a message, the communication device can send the vibration pattern data to the vibration alert accessory in the alert message.
- Each entry in the table includes a vibration pattern identifier 402 and corresponding vibration pattern data 404 .
- the vibration pattern data can be used by the controller of the vibration alert accessory to drive the motor so that it vibrates in correspondence to the vibration pattern data.
- the communication device when the communication device receives a message, the communication device can determine the vibration pattern to be used and send only the vibration pattern identifier in the alert message. The vibration alert accessory can then use the vibration pattern identifier to locate the corresponding vibration pattern data in the table 400 .
- the table 400 can include preset patterns 406 that are programmed into the table upon manufacture of the vibration alert accessory, as well as user specified or created patterns 408 .
- FIG. 5 is system diagram of a push to vibrate alert system 500 in accordance with some embodiments.
- a vibration alert application program can provide a “push to talk” (PTT) functionality.
- the communication devices can be designed to have a dedicated PTT button that is mechanically actuated by a user to activate transmission, as is well known.
- PTT functionality allows a user at a first communication device 502 using the vibration alert application 504 to provide an input such as, for example, a “press” or touch input at graphical representation of a button 506 .
- a PTT button can be provided on the device 502 , in accordance with conventional two-way radio communication.
- the first communication device 502 Upon pressing the graphical button 506 , or the mechanical PTT button when the first communication device 502 is designed as a portable two-way radio device, the first communication device 502 turns on its microphone to receive speech from the user of the first communication device 502 , which is transmitted in real, or near-real time to a second communication device 514 .
- the speech signal can go from the first communication device 502 to a communication system 510 , as indicated by signal 508 .
- the communication system 510 re-transmits the signal to the second communication device 514 as indicated by signal 512 .
- the second communication device plays the received speech over a loudspeaker or other audio component of the second communication device 514 .
- the second communication device 514 while receiving the signal 512 , can also record the signal to allow some playback of the content of the signal 512 .
- the volume of the loudspeaker of the second communication device 514 is loud enough to be heard by a user of the second communication device 514 (assuming the user is near enough) without having to hold the second communication device 514 to the second user's ear (e.g. like a phone).
- the second communication device 514 can produce a conventional audible alert, however, since the user may be located in a noisy area, or may be wearing hearing protection.
- the second communication device 514 can send an alert message 518 to an associated vibration alert accessory 522 , indicating a vibration pattern.
- the second communication device 514 can also provide a visual alert 516 to further indicate the incoming message.
- when the first and second communication devices are near enough to each other they can signal each other directly, without need for the infrastructure of the communication system 510 .
- the communication devices 502 , 514 can include a message analyzer function that analyzes the content of the message to determine if there is an indication of a special condition that requires a special alert. For example, if the received message is a speech message, as in a PTT voice signal, the message analyzer can include a voice analyzer that determines whether the speaker's voice indicates stress or commands.
- the user of the first communication device 502 can see a condition which presents an imminent threat to the user of the second communication device 514 , and using the PTT function can yell “LOOK OUT!”
- the emphatic nature of the speech can be detected by the message analyzer of the second communication device 514 and in response, the second communication device 514 can send an alert message 518 to the vibration alert accessory that corresponds to an imminent danger so that the user of the second communication device 514 can survey the situation and take appropriate action.
- the message analyzer can examine the contents of a received text message for code words or commands that require special alerts, and indicate such in the alert message sent to the vibration alert accessory.
- FIG. 6 is a system diagram showing geo-fencing 600 of a vibration alert application in accordance with some embodiments.
- a communication device 601 is shown in a first location 602 that is out of a geo-fenced region 606 .
- the geo-fenced region 606 is a geographically defined region, such as, for example, a construction site. Outside of the geo-fenced region the vibration alert application can be configured to not send alert messages to the associated vibration alert accessory.
- the geo-fenced region can be defined by a location coordinate and a distance (i.e. defining a circle where the distance is the radius of the circle).
- the geo-fenced region 606 can be defined by a polygon having a plurality of vertices, each defined by a coordinate location.
- the coordinates can be given, for example, in latitude and longitude.
- the communication device 601 can include a satellite positioning receiver to receive positioning signals 612 from positioning satellites 610 to determine its location, as is known.
- the vibration alert application on the communication device 601 can request location updates from the satellite positioning receiver, and compare the present location of the communication device 601 to the geo-fenced region 606 .
- the vibration alert program can determine that the communication device 601 is in the geo-fenced region 606 and commence sending alert messages to the vibration alert accessory.
- the vibration alert application can detect that the communication device 601 is out of the geo-fenced region and cease sending alert messages. By essentially turning on alert messaging only in selected geo-fenced regions, battery life of the vibration alert accessory can be prolonged. In some embodiments, entry and exit into and out of geo-fenced regions can be recorded by the vibration alert application.
- FIG. 7 is a message analysis diagram 700 for a vibration alert application 702 used in a communication device in accordance with some embodiments.
- a message 704 is received by the vibration alert application 702 , some initial processing can be performed at block 706 to determine what kind of message is being received.
- the message can be, for example, a voice message such as a PTT message containing speech, or the message can be text.
- other types of messages can be received, such as, for example, incoming phone call pages from a cellular phone network.
- FIG. 7 addresses voice and text messages, and those skilled in the art will understand that the same principles can be adapted to other types of messages.
- a voice message 708 is analyzed by a voice analyzer function 712 , which can look for voice characteristics that indicate, for example, stress in the speaker's voice, an indication of imminent danger, or other conditions that can dictate that special alerting is used.
- a voice analyzer function 712 can look for voice characteristics that indicate, for example, stress in the speaker's voice, an indication of imminent danger, or other conditions that can dictate that special alerting is used.
- an appropriate alert i.e. vibration pattern
- the alert selected can correspond to a category of the received message, such as who it is from, whether it is work related or personal related, or a special alert type, and so on.
- the alert selection function 714 upon selecting an appropriate alert, forms an alert message that is provided to the transceiver 720 for transmission to the vibration alert accessory, which implements a vibration pattern in correspondence with that selected by the alert selection function 714 .
- a text message 710 can be analyzed by a text analyzer 716 , which can look at the source of the text message, as well as the content of the text message. Generally the source of the text message will dictate the category of the alert unless some special words or a code appear in the text massage that dictate a special alert be used.
- an alert selection function 718 selects the appropriate vibration pattern to be used in alerting the user and forms an alert message which is provided to the transceiver 720 for transmission to the vibration alert accessory.
- FIG. 8 is a flow chart 800 of a method of analyzing messages received by a communication device using a vibration alert application in accordance with some embodiments.
- the vibration alert application is executing on the communication device, and has verified that the vibration alert accessory is present and has established a link with the vibration alert accessory.
- the method 800 commences monitoring signals (messages) received at the communication device.
- the method 800 proceeds to step 806 where the message is analyzed based on its type, source, and possible content. For example, if the message received indicates a stress situation, such as if the message is a voice message and the speaker appear to be shouting then a special alert type may be indicated.
- the method 800 can look for other conditions, such as the presence of commands or code words in the message (text or voice).
- the method 800 selects and sends the appropriate alert and vibration pattern for the alert to the vibration alert accessory.
- the method can allow the user to acknowledge the alert by, for example, pressing an acknowledgement button on the vibration alert accessory while it is vibration or playing the selected vibration pattern.
- the method 800 can be modified in accordance with other teachings disclosed herein, such as by, in step 804 , determining a location of the communication device and only proceeding when the communication device is located within a designated geo-fenced alerting region. Likewise, the method 800 can be set to commence only during specified times, such as during work hours.
- FIG. 9 is a graph chart 900 showing vibration patterns using different magnitudes of vibration in accordance with some embodiments.
- the vertical axis 902 represents vibration magnitude, increasing in the upwards direction. Magnitude can be expressed, for example, as the force generated by the rotation of the eccentric mass by the vibration motor, which can be controlled by the rotational velocity (expressed in revolutions per minute, for example). Since the vibration alert accessory can use a larger vibration motor than is used in portable communication devices, the magnitude of the vibrations produced by the vibration alert accessory are much larger, up to an order of magnitude larger in some cases.
- the horizontal axis 904 represents time, increasing to the right. The vibration pattern can commence for a first interval 914 at a first magnitude 908 .
- the amplitude can be lowered to magnitude 910 for a second interval 916 rather than ceasing vibration (e.g. as in FIG. 3 ).
- the different magnitudes 908 , 910 can be repeated in first and second intervals 914 , 916 , respectively.
- the magnitude can be ramped down by slowing the vibration motor to a halt.
- chart 900 shows an example of modulating the vibration magnitude over time where the magnitude is varied between non-zero values (i.e. the motor is not turned off, as in pulsing patterns).
- FIG. 10 is a system diagram of a vibration alert system 1000 that provides orientation and guidance to a user, in accordance with some embodiments.
- a vibration alert accessory 1001 is employed in a form factor that allows a user to perceive direction and orientation, such as, for example, in a helmet.
- the vibration alert accessory 1001 includes a controller 1002 that is coupled to a communications interface 1004 , which can be a local wireless network radio communications interface (e.g. IEEE 802.11 or 802.15).
- the controller 1002 can receive messages from an associated communication device 1016 via signals 1018 received by the communications interface 1004 .
- the controller 1002 is further coupled to orientation components 1006 which can include an electronic compass 1008 and a tilt sensor 1010 .
- the compass can be oriented in a known orientation with respect to the apparatus (i.e. helmet) in which it is mounted so as to allow the controller to determine the direction in which the apparatus in oriented (i.e. in which direction the user is looking).
- the tilt sensor 1010 can comprise a three dimensional array (i.e. three mutually perpendicular axes) of micro-electromechanical switches having various resistances so as to indicate the direction of gravity and other acceleration, and therefore the tilt orientation of the apparatus in which the vibration alert accessory 1001 is disposed can be determined.
- the communication device 1016 can include location determining components (e.g. satellite positioning receiver system), so that the location of the user can be determined.
- the controller 1002 is further coupled to a plurality of vibrator motors, including a first vibrator motor 1014 and a second vibrator motor 1012 .
- the first vibrator motor 1014 can be mounted on a right side of the apparatus in which the vibration alert accessory 1001 is housed, and the second vibration motor can be mounted on a left side of the apparatus in which the vibration alert accessory 1001 is housed.
- the communication device 1016 can receive messages 1020 indicating such a danger or other situation to which the user's attention is to be drawn.
- the message 1020 can include location information indicating a location of the danger or other thing to which the user's attention is to be drawn.
- the communication device 1016 can form an alert message 1018 that is sent to the vibration alert accessory 1001 .
- the alert message 1018 can indicate the location of the danger (i.e. coordinates), as well as the user's present position as determined by the communication device 1016 , which can be used by the controller 1002 to determine the user's orientation with respect to the danger and the direction of the danger from the user's position. Accordingly, the controller can then activate the vibration motor closest to the direction of the danger to indicate to the user the direction of the danger.
- the controller can adjust the vibration of the plurality of the vibration motors accordingly, increasing and decreasing the vibration amplitude of each vibration motor in correspondence with their orientation to the danger. That is, the vibration motor 1012 , 1014 closest to the direction of the danger can have the highest vibration magnitude, while the vibration motor 1012 , 1014 farthest from the direction of the danger can have the smallest, or no vibration magnitude, and this can be changed based on position, location, and orientation input from the communication device 1016 , and the orientation components 1006 .
- the communication device 1016 can periodically or continuously update the vibrational alert accessory as to the user's present position so that the controller can, in real time, adjust the vibrations of the first and second vibrator motors 1012 , 1014 to indicate the orientation of the thing to which the user/wearer's attention is to be drawn is located with respect to the user's present position and orientation.
- alerting can be used, for example, in construction sites, firefighting settings, military settings, and so on.
- a person in need of medical attention can activate a medical alert which results in the person's location being transmitted to an on-site medic.
- the medic's headgear, using directionally oriented vibration of vibration motors such as vibration motors 1012 , 1014 , can be silently directed to the person in need of aid.
- the identification and location of the situation to which attention is to be drawn can be determined, for example, by on-site personnel who can use their respective communication device to enter information indicating the direction, and/or location of the danger. That information can be then propagated to a plurality of others in the vicinity of the danger for use in vibration alerting to indicate orientation, location, and so on.
- the multiple vibration motors 1012 , 1014 can be used to guide the user in conditions where visibility may be compromised. For example, the position and orientation of the user can be used to alert the user towards the direction of an exit from a building in a firefighting situation.
- FIG. 11 is a system diagram of an alert system 1100 for logging alerting activity and user acknowledgements of alerts by users associated with an organization in accordance with some embodiments.
- a plurality of users such as a first user 1102 and a second user 1104 are associated with an organization (e.g. a construction operation, public safety, military, security, etc.).
- the users 1102 , 1104 can be located within a region 1106 that can be, in some embodiments, a geo-fenced region, although it is not necessary that the user's be in a geo-fenced region in all embodiments.
- An administration entity 1108 can operate in a supervisory role and provide alerts to user 1102 , 1004 , etc. in region 1106 , or which are otherwise affiliated with the organization.
- an alert message 1110 can be provided 1112 to the administration entity 1108 for propagation to the users.
- the alert can indicate some urgent matter as described with reference to previous figures.
- the administrative entity 1108 can send a message through a network 1114 to a wide area radio communications site 116 , which can transmit the message to the users.
- a transmitted message 1118 can be received by user 1102 .
- the transmitted message can include information, as well as an indication of a preferred alert pattern to be used.
- the communication device used by a user receiving the message 1118 can process the message upon receiving it, and determine what form of alerting to use. When a strong vibration alert is needed (e.g. for urgent messages), the user's communication device will enable an associated vibration alert accessory to create a vibratory alert.
- user 1102 can respond to the message by reading or listening to the user's communication device, or by simply pressing a button at the vibration alert accessory. Once the user acknowledges the alert (e.g. by pressing a button, answering a call, etc.). The user's acknowledgement indicates the user received the alert. An acknowledgment message 1120 can then be generated by each user who has acknowledged the message as received, and sent back to the administration entity 1108 .
- the alerts may or may not be vibration alerts.
- the communication device used by a user can generate an audible alert and/or a low magnitude vibration alert.
- the communication device can then form a vibration alert message that is transmitted to the vibration alert accessory associated with the communication device and worn or carried by the user.
- the vibration alert accessory associated with the communication device and worn or carried by the user.
- battery life of the vibration alert accessory can be prolonged.
- the user can acknowledge the alert at either the communication device or the vibration alert accessory, and an acknowledgement message can be transmitted back to the administration entity.
- the administration entity 1108 can maintain a record 1122 of all alerts and individual acknowledgements received.
- a column 1124 can correspond to the first user 1102
- a second column 1126 can correspond to the second user 1104 .
- a record can be kept of, for example, an alert being sent 1128 , along with a time stamp 1130 indicating when the alert was sent.
- an acknowledgment entry 1134 can indicate that the user acknowledged the alert (with or without a timestamp and with or without the acknowledging user's location).
- the administrative entity 1108 can send a message to user's nearby the non-acknowledging user to interact with the non-acknowledging user, which can prompt the non-acknowledging user to then acknowledge the alert, or prompt those checking on the non-acknowledging user to seek assistance if, for example, the non-acknowledging user is in need of assistance.
- the records 1122 can be used, in some embodiments, to reduce insurance costs. Since the organization can show alerting and acknowledgement compliance, the organization may be entitled to a discount on liability insurance.
- the record 1122 can also be used to show compliance with regulations, such as when the vibration alert device is disposed in a safety article (e.g. high visibility vest, hard hat/helmet, etc.), indicating, by the acknowledgements, that the users are using their safety gear in which the vibration alert accessory is disposed.
- a safety article e.g. high visibility vest, hard hat/helmet, etc.
- Embodiments such as those disclosed herein provide the benefit of providing tactile alerting that is more likely to be sensed by a user when, for example, wearing heaving work clothing, or in locations where there is substantial acoustic noise that would tend to mask the vibration alert of conventional communication devices.
- vibration alert For example, heavy equipment on construction sites generate vibrations that can propagate acoustically and through the ground so as to be felt by persons in proximity to such equipment and machines.
- a communication device carried, for example, in a pocket, and set on “silent mode” to vibrate in response to incoming messages and calls can go undetected due to the ambient conditions masking the vibration of the communication device.
- a vibration alert accessory can use a stronger vibration means than is found in communication devices, and can be paired with a communication device to provide high magnitude vibrations that are more likely to be sensed by the user.
- the design goals of mobile communication devices such as small overall volume/size, and weight can be accommodated while still accomplishing alerting and notification in conditions that tend to mask the vibration/notification built into the mobile communication device.
- special alerting can be used when necessary to draw users' attention dangers or other messages that require urgent attention.
- a includes . . . a”, “contains . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element.
- the terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein.
- the terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within 0.5%.
- the term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically.
- a device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.
- processors such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, customized processors and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and unique stored program instructions (including both software and firmware) that control the one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the method and/or apparatus described herein.
- processors or “processing devices” such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, customized processors and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and unique stored program instructions (including both software and firmware) that control the one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the method and/or apparatus described herein.
- FPGAs field programmable gate arrays
- unique stored program instructions including both software and firmware
- any reference to software or other code is not to be construed as referring to any abstract idea which generally merely describes the intended function of the actual software. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, that software can be designed in a wide variety of alternative implementations to achieve the same general functions.
- An embodiment can be implemented as a computer-readable storage medium having computer readable code stored thereon for programming a computer (e.g., comprising a processor) to perform a method as described and claimed herein.
- Examples of such computer-readable storage mediums include, but are not limited to, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and a Flash memory.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for providing vibration alerts to a user of a communication device uses a vibration alert application executing on the communication device that analyzes messages received by the communication device to select a corresponding vibration pattern to be used in alerting the user. An indication of the vibration pattern is transmitted to a vibration alert accessory having multiple vibration elements and that is communicatively linked with the communication device. The vibration alert accessory controls the vibration elements to perform the indicated vibration pattern.
Description
- This application is a continuation of, and claims the benefit of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/837,215, and through that application claims the benefit of provisional patent application No. 62/042,364 filed Aug. 27, 2014, the entirety of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
- The present disclosure relates generally to mobile communication and more particularly to vibratory alerting in response to reception of a message in environments where a user's hearing and/or tactile sense may be degraded due to hearing protection, loud ambient noise levels, or both.
- Mobile communication devices are in widespread usage, particularly in the form of “smart” cellular telephone devices. It is common for such devices to have a “silent” ring mode where, upon receiving a message, or an indication of an incoming phone call, a vibration motor is activated to cause the device to vibrate. Typically in such cases no audible alert (i.e. ringing) is used, although both can be used together if selected by the user of the device.
- A common design goal with such devices is, generally, to reduce their size and weight, subject to other design choices such as, for example, display size. This tends to limit the efficacy of vibration devices, leading to people not noticing when the device is vibrating under many conditions. For example, a smartphone carried in a user's pocket while operating a motor vehicle in traffic can result in insufficient vibration and distraction such that the user may not notice the smartphone vibrating in response to an incoming phone call. In louder environments, such as construction sites, where communication can be crucial at times, the vibrations of machinery and construction activities can mask the vibration of a typical smartphone vibration motor completely so that the user does not get alerted to incoming communications.
- Accordingly, there is a need for a method and apparatus for providing vibratory alerts in a way that overcomes the masking effects of ambient conditions without interfering with the generally desirable design goals of mobile communication devices.
- In the accompanying figures like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, together with the detailed description below, and are incorporated in and form part of the specification to further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention and explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.
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FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vibratory alert system in accordance with some embodiments. -
FIG. 2 is a block schematic diagram of a communication device and a vibration alert accessory in accordance with some embodiments. -
FIG. 3 is a graph chart of a several exemplary vibration patterns to be used by a vibration alert accessory in accordance with some embodiments. -
FIG. 4 is a table for storing vibration pattern identifiers and a corresponding vibration pattern data for use by a vibration accessory in accordance with some embodiments. -
FIG. 5 is system diagram of a push to vibrate alert system in accordance with some embodiments. -
FIG. 6 is a system diagram showing geo-fencing of a vibration alert application in accordance with some embodiments. -
FIG. 7 is a message analysis diagram for a vibration alert application used in a communication device in accordance with some embodiments. -
FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method of analyzing messages received by a communication device using a vibration alert application in accordance with some embodiments. -
FIG. 9 is a graph chart showing vibration patterns using different magnitudes of vibration in accordance with some embodiments. -
FIG. 10 is a system diagram of a vibration alert system that provides orientation and guidance to a user in accordance with some embodiments. -
FIG. 11 is a system diagram of an alert system for logging alerting activity and user acknowledgements of users associated with an organization in accordance with some embodiments. - Those skilled in the field of the present disclosure will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
- The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. The details of well-known elements, structure, or processes that would be necessary to practice the embodiments, and that would be well known to those of skill in the art, are not necessarily shown and should be assumed to be present unless otherwise indicated.
- Embodiments as disclosed herein solve the problems associated with the prior art by use of a vibration accessory that can be coupled to a communication device that includes a vibration alert application. The vibration accessory, being separate from the communication device and not subject to size constraints used in the design of the communication device by the manufacturer of the communication device uses a much stronger vibration motor that that used in communication devices to generate vibrations having substantially more amplitude than is possible with conventional vibration motor used in communication devices. Some embodiments include a vibration alert system that comprises a vibration accessory having a local wireless interface circuit, a controller coupled to the local wireless interface circuit, a memory coupled to the controller, and a vibration motor controlled by the controller. The system further includes a communication device having a local wireless interface circuit that establishes a local wireless link with the local wireless interface circuit of the vibration accessory, and a wide area radio communication transceiver. The communication device receives messages over the wide area radio communication transceiver and transmits alert messages to the vibration accessory via the local wireless link. The vibration accessory, in response, controls the vibration motor according to a vibration pattern selected from a plurality of vibration patterns where the vibration pattern is selected based on a category of the alert message transmitted to the vibration accessory by the communication device.
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FIG. 1 is a block diagram of avibratory alert system 100 in accordance with some embodiments. The system includes acommunication device 102 and avibration alert accessory 104. The communication device is capable of communicating, via radio signals, with acommunications infrastructure 106 such as a cellular network or other wide area radio communications network (e.g. trunked two-way radio) using an appropriate widearea radio channel 110 with a wide area radio transceiver contained in thecommunication device 102. Thecommunication device 102 can be a smartphone, or similar communication device that is capable of storing and executing program code (i.e. software). In some embodiments the communication device can be a portable two-way radio device (i.e. uses a half-duplex, “always on” communication modality). In general, the communication device contains circuitry to perform conventional communication and computation functions, and input and output functions, as is common in communication devices presently offered for sale. - The
communication device 102 contains avibration alert application 112, which is a program that can be instantiated and executed by thecommunication device 102, and causes thecommunication device 102 to perform functions, operations, and behaviors in accordance with the teachings herein. Thecommunication device 102 and thevibration alert accessory 104 are communicatively linked. In some embodiments thelink 108 can be a wired link, such as through an audio jack or port of thecommunication device 102, a serial connection such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB), or other similar wired connections. Using an audio port wired connection, thecommunication device 102 can generate audio signals of certain frequencies as control signals that can be decoded by thevibration alert accessory 104. - In some embodiments the
link 108 can be achieved using a local wireless radio protocol, such as, for example, a wireless link in accordance with the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) specification no. 802.11 (known in industry as “WiFi”), or 802.15 (e.g. the protocol commonly known by the tradename “BlueTooth”), or other similar low power, low range radio communication protocols. Thevibration alert accessory 104 can have an identifier that is shared with thecommunication device 102 so that thecommunication device 102 andvibration alert accessory 104 can identify each other in wireless communications. The identifier can be, for example, the media access control (MAC) address of each device's respective network interface circuit, as is known. - Because the
vibration alert accessory 104 is not subject to the design constraints (e.g. low weight, thin or small volume) of thecommunication device 102, it uses a more robust vibration system than can be placed in communication devices, which obviates the need for alarger communication device 102 that does incorporate such a vibration system. Accordingly, thevibration alert accessory 104 can produce vibrations having amplitude on the order of 5-10 times or more than that of a typical vibration motor used in communication devices. Thevibration alert accessory 104 can include aclip 105 on an external portion of a housing of thevibration alert accessory 104 so that it can be clipped onto a user's clothing in a place that will help ensure the user/wearer feels vibrations produced by thevibration alert accessory 104. Other form factors can be employed as well, where, for example, the vibration alert accessory can be formed into a helmet or as a bracelet or anklet, for example. - Briefly, the
communication device 102, upon receiving a message (i.e. call alert, voice communication, short message system or “text” message, etc.), transmits an alert message to thevibration alert accessory 104 over link 108 (either wired or wireless). In some embodiments thecommunication device 102 analyzes the received message to determine a category or other classification of the message and selects or indicates a corresponding alert pattern to be used by thevibration alert accessory 104, and indicates the category in the alert message sent vialink 108. Thevibration alert accessory 104, upon receiving the vibration alert message, carries out the vibration alert in accordance with the indicated category or classification, using the corresponding vibration pattern. The different vibration patterns allow the user to determine the general nature of the incoming message received by thecommunication device 102 without having to look at thecommunication device 102. In some embodiments the vibration alert message can indicate an immediate emergency, prompting the user to take action. In some embodiments thevibration alert accessory 104 can include a user input means, such as abutton 107, to indicate that the user has detected the alert. Thevibration alert accessory 104 can, upon receiving such user input, can transmit an indication of the input to thecommunication device 102 so that the vibration alert application can make note that the user has acknowledged the alert. Thecommunication device 102 can, in response, transmit an indication of the user's acknowledgement of the alert to anadministrator server 114 or other similar entity to record the user's acknowledgment of the alert. Theadministrative server 114 can be a backend server operated by an entity with which the user of thecommunication device 102 is associated, and can be connected to the wide areradio communications network 106 via a widearea data network 116 such as, for example, the Internet. In another embodiment, the vibration pattern is preselected by the user according to its level of priority and per contact name or groups of contacts. -
FIG. 2 is a block schematic diagram 200 of acommunication device 204 and avibration alert accessory 202 in accordance with some embodiments. Thecommunication device 204 includes general computing circuitry that can operate an operating system such as, for example, that known by the trade name “Android,” by Google, Inc. The computing circuitry can include internal memory and connector means for accepting external memory such as, for example, a memory card. Accordingly, thecommunication device 204 can execute avibration alert application 203 that can be installed in thecommunication device 204. Theapplication 203 allows thecommunication device 204 to interact with thevibration alert accessory 202 over acommunication channel 212, which can be wired or wireless. Thevibration alert accessory 202 includes abattery 206 for providing power to circuitry in thevibration alert accessory 202, including acommunication interface 210, acontroller 208, avibration motor 216 and amotor driver circuit 214. The controller includes memory that containsvibration pattern data 209. When thecommunication device 204 receives a communication intended for the user of thecommunication device 204, it transmits a vibration alert message to thevibration alert accessory 202 over thecommunication channel 212. The vibration alert message is received by thecommunication interface 210 and provided to thecontroller 208. The controller can determine which of a plurality of vibration patterns to use, based on the contents of the vibration alert message, and select an appropriate or corresponding pattern from thevibration pattern data 209. The patterns can specify variations in magnitude of the vibrations, as well as variations in time (e.g. duty cycle). Once the vibration pattern is selected, thecontroller 208 controls thedriver circuit 214 to cause themotor 216 to create vibration in accordance with the selected pattern. Thevibration motor 216 can employ an eccentric cam which, upon being rotated by the motor, creates vibration, as is known. Thevibration alert accessory 202 can also include a user input means, such as abutton 218 to acknowledge the vibration alert. Upon pressing thebutton 218, thecontroller 208 can control thedriver 214 to cease rotation of thevibration motor 216 to conserve battery energy. In some embodiments, upon the user acknowledging the alert by, for example, pressing thebutton 218, thecontroller 208 can generate an acknowledgment message that is sent to thecommunication device 204 over thecommunication channel 212 for use by thevibration alert application 203. In some embodiments the acknowledgement occurs when the user answers the voice call or text using thecommunication device 204. Thus, input via thebutton 218, or operation of thecommunication device 204, in response to a vibration alert, can be taken by theapplication 203 as an acknowledgement of the alert. If the user answers the call or otherwise operates the communication device in response to the alert, theapplication 203 will send a message to thevibration alert accessory 202 to cease the vibration alert. - The
battery 206 can be a rechargeable battery that can be removed and charged in a separate charger, or charged by connecting thevibration alert accessory 202 to a charger, either by wire or by wireless coupling (e.g. inductive charging). In some embodiments, the battery can consist of multiple non-rechargeable alkaline cells. Thecontroller 208 can periodically send battery status messages to thevibration alert application 203 to be displayed on thecommunication device 204 so that the user can see the charge remaining in thebattery 206. -
FIG. 3 is agraph chart 300 of several exemplary vibration patterns to be used by a vibration alert accessory in accordance with some embodiments. Thehorizontal axis 302 represents time, increasing to the right, and thevertical axis 304 represents vibration magnitude, increasing toward the top. The magnitude can be expressed in terms of acceleration relative to Earth gravity, g. A typical smartphone vibration motor can produce an acceleration of about one g. In some embodiments, the vibration motor of the vibration alert accessory can produce an acceleration of at least five g, meaning five times more acceleration than Earth gravity. The magnitude of the vibrations, for rotary-based vibration motors, is dependent on the mass of the eccentric cam and the rotational velocity at which the vibration motor spins the eccentric cam. - In some embodiments the vibratory system can include a mass that is linearly oscillated back and forth along an axis. For example, a toroidal permanent magnet can be mounted on a rod with biasing springs on either side to urge the toroidal magnet into a center of the rod. Windings of opposing polarities can be wound around respective halves of the rod, allowing the toroidal magnet to move inside the windings. By passing current through one of the windings a magnetic field is created that causes the toroidal magnet to move. Thus, by varying the magnitude of the current, that magnitude of the magnetic force acting on the toroidal magnet can be varied, allowing different magnitude (i.e. force) of the vibration of the toroidal magnet. By alternating the energizing of the coils, the toroidal magnet can be thus caused to oscillate back and forth on the rod in a way that allows independent control of magnitude and frequency of the oscillations.
- Four exemplary vibration patterns, 306, 308, 310, 312, 313 are shown. Many other such patterns can be formed in accordance with the teachings herein. The patterns can be periodic, and repeated one or more times by the vibration alert accessory. In
exemplary pattern 306 during a first portion 314 a series ofpulses 318 occur where, in each pulse, the vibration motor is turned from an off state to an on state at a selected amplitude. Then during asecond portion 316 no pulses occur and the vibration motor remains off. The pattern can repeatportions portion 314.Pattern 308 shows an example of a pattern similar to that ofpattern 306, but with more pulses having shorter duration per pulse, and possibly at a different amplitude.Pattern 310 shows an example of one long pulse followed by an off period.Pattern 312 utilizes ramp up 322 and ramp down 324 segments, and aconstant amplitude portion 325. During the ramp up and ramp downsegments high magnitude 326 and times of relativelylower magnitude 328. Other patterns can exist that change over time. For example, a vibration alert can start with a relatively low magnitude and ramp up in magnitude until receiving an acknowledgement input from the user. Likewise, patterns can be mixed; for example, a ramp can be followed by a series of pulses. - As mentioned various combinations of pulse length, ramp length, amplitude, and pattern period can be used to create unique vibration patterns, which can be assigned to different categories of incoming messages. Both the duty cycle and vibration magnitude can be modulated in various ways to create unique patterns that can be discerned though tactile sensation by a user wearing the vibration alert accessory. In some embodiments the vibration alert application on the communication device can allow a user to select vibration patterns for various categories (a particular contact in the user's address book can be considered to be a category). In some embodiments the vibration alert application on the communication device can allow a user to create vibration patterns which can be stored and assigned to a category by the user.
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FIG. 4 is a table 400 for storing vibration pattern identifiers and corresponding vibration pattern data for use by a vibration accessory in accordance with some embodiments. The table 400 can be stored, for example, in the vibration alert accessory, and can included preset patterns as well as user-specified patterns. In some embodiments the table 400 is stored only in the communication device, and upon receiving a message, the communication device can send the vibration pattern data to the vibration alert accessory in the alert message. Each entry in the table includes avibration pattern identifier 402 and correspondingvibration pattern data 404. The vibration pattern data can be used by the controller of the vibration alert accessory to drive the motor so that it vibrates in correspondence to the vibration pattern data. In some embodiments when the communication device receives a message, the communication device can determine the vibration pattern to be used and send only the vibration pattern identifier in the alert message. The vibration alert accessory can then use the vibration pattern identifier to locate the corresponding vibration pattern data in the table 400. In some embodiments the table 400 can includepreset patterns 406 that are programmed into the table upon manufacture of the vibration alert accessory, as well as user specified or createdpatterns 408. -
FIG. 5 is system diagram of a push to vibratealert system 500 in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments a vibration alert application program can provide a “push to talk” (PTT) functionality. In some embodiments the communication devices can be designed to have a dedicated PTT button that is mechanically actuated by a user to activate transmission, as is well known. PTT functionality allows a user at afirst communication device 502 using thevibration alert application 504 to provide an input such as, for example, a “press” or touch input at graphical representation of abutton 506. Alternatively, a PTT button can be provided on thedevice 502, in accordance with conventional two-way radio communication. Upon pressing thegraphical button 506, or the mechanical PTT button when thefirst communication device 502 is designed as a portable two-way radio device, thefirst communication device 502 turns on its microphone to receive speech from the user of thefirst communication device 502, which is transmitted in real, or near-real time to asecond communication device 514. The speech signal can go from thefirst communication device 502 to acommunication system 510, as indicated bysignal 508. Thecommunication system 510 re-transmits the signal to thesecond communication device 514 as indicated bysignal 512. As thesignal 512 is being received at thesecond communication device 514 the second communication device plays the received speech over a loudspeaker or other audio component of thesecond communication device 514. Thesecond communication device 514, while receiving thesignal 512, can also record the signal to allow some playback of the content of thesignal 512. Under normal conditions the volume of the loudspeaker of thesecond communication device 514 is loud enough to be heard by a user of the second communication device 514 (assuming the user is near enough) without having to hold thesecond communication device 514 to the second user's ear (e.g. like a phone). Thesecond communication device 514 can produce a conventional audible alert, however, since the user may be located in a noisy area, or may be wearing hearing protection. Thesecond communication device 514 can send analert message 518 to an associated vibration alert accessory 522, indicating a vibration pattern. Thesecond communication device 514 can also provide avisual alert 516 to further indicate the incoming message. In some embodiments, when the first and second communication devices are near enough to each other, they can signal each other directly, without need for the infrastructure of thecommunication system 510. - In some embodiments the
communication devices first communication device 502 can see a condition which presents an imminent threat to the user of thesecond communication device 514, and using the PTT function can yell “LOOK OUT!” The emphatic nature of the speech can be detected by the message analyzer of thesecond communication device 514 and in response, thesecond communication device 514 can send analert message 518 to the vibration alert accessory that corresponds to an imminent danger so that the user of thesecond communication device 514 can survey the situation and take appropriate action. In some embodiments the message analyzer can examine the contents of a received text message for code words or commands that require special alerts, and indicate such in the alert message sent to the vibration alert accessory. -
FIG. 6 is a system diagram showing geo-fencing 600 of a vibration alert application in accordance with some embodiments. Acommunication device 601 is shown in afirst location 602 that is out of a geo-fencedregion 606. The geo-fencedregion 606 is a geographically defined region, such as, for example, a construction site. Outside of the geo-fenced region the vibration alert application can be configured to not send alert messages to the associated vibration alert accessory. The geo-fenced region can be defined by a location coordinate and a distance (i.e. defining a circle where the distance is the radius of the circle). In some embodiments the geo-fencedregion 606 can be defined by a polygon having a plurality of vertices, each defined by a coordinate location. The coordinates can be given, for example, in latitude and longitude. Thecommunication device 601 can include a satellite positioning receiver to receivepositioning signals 612 from positioningsatellites 610 to determine its location, as is known. For example, the vibration alert application on thecommunication device 601 can request location updates from the satellite positioning receiver, and compare the present location of thecommunication device 601 to the geo-fencedregion 606. When thecommunication device 601 moves fromposition 602, as indicated byarrow 604, to position 608 inside the geo-fencedregion 606, the vibration alert program can determine that thecommunication device 601 is in the geo-fencedregion 606 and commence sending alert messages to the vibration alert accessory. If thecommunication device 601 is then moved out of the geo-fencedregion 606, the vibration alert application can detect that thecommunication device 601 is out of the geo-fenced region and cease sending alert messages. By essentially turning on alert messaging only in selected geo-fenced regions, battery life of the vibration alert accessory can be prolonged. In some embodiments, entry and exit into and out of geo-fenced regions can be recorded by the vibration alert application. -
FIG. 7 is a message analysis diagram 700 for avibration alert application 702 used in a communication device in accordance with some embodiments. As amessage 704 is received by thevibration alert application 702, some initial processing can be performed atblock 706 to determine what kind of message is being received. The message can be, for example, a voice message such as a PTT message containing speech, or the message can be text. Furthermore, other types of messages can be received, such as, for example, incoming phone call pages from a cellular phone network. For the purpose of discussion here, the example ofFIG. 7 addresses voice and text messages, and those skilled in the art will understand that the same principles can be adapted to other types of messages. - A
voice message 708 is analyzed by avoice analyzer function 712, which can look for voice characteristics that indicate, for example, stress in the speaker's voice, an indication of imminent danger, or other conditions that can dictate that special alerting is used. Once analyzed, an appropriate alert (i.e. vibration pattern) is selected byalert selection function 714. The alert selected can correspond to a category of the received message, such as who it is from, whether it is work related or personal related, or a special alert type, and so on. Thealert selection function 714, upon selecting an appropriate alert, forms an alert message that is provided to thetransceiver 720 for transmission to the vibration alert accessory, which implements a vibration pattern in correspondence with that selected by thealert selection function 714. - Likewise, a
text message 710 can be analyzed by atext analyzer 716, which can look at the source of the text message, as well as the content of the text message. Generally the source of the text message will dictate the category of the alert unless some special words or a code appear in the text massage that dictate a special alert be used. Once the text message is analyzed, analert selection function 718 selects the appropriate vibration pattern to be used in alerting the user and forms an alert message which is provided to thetransceiver 720 for transmission to the vibration alert accessory. -
FIG. 8 is aflow chart 800 of a method of analyzing messages received by a communication device using a vibration alert application in accordance with some embodiments. At thestart 802, the vibration alert application is executing on the communication device, and has verified that the vibration alert accessory is present and has established a link with the vibration alert accessory. Instep 804 themethod 800 commences monitoring signals (messages) received at the communication device. When a message is received, themethod 800 proceeds to step 806 where the message is analyzed based on its type, source, and possible content. For example, if the message received indicates a stress situation, such as if the message is a voice message and the speaker appear to be shouting then a special alert type may be indicated. Instep 808 themethod 800 can look for other conditions, such as the presence of commands or code words in the message (text or voice). Instep 810 themethod 800 selects and sends the appropriate alert and vibration pattern for the alert to the vibration alert accessory. Instep 812 the method can allow the user to acknowledge the alert by, for example, pressing an acknowledgement button on the vibration alert accessory while it is vibration or playing the selected vibration pattern. Themethod 800 can be modified in accordance with other teachings disclosed herein, such as by, instep 804, determining a location of the communication device and only proceeding when the communication device is located within a designated geo-fenced alerting region. Likewise, themethod 800 can be set to commence only during specified times, such as during work hours. -
FIG. 9 is agraph chart 900 showing vibration patterns using different magnitudes of vibration in accordance with some embodiments. Thevertical axis 902 represents vibration magnitude, increasing in the upwards direction. Magnitude can be expressed, for example, as the force generated by the rotation of the eccentric mass by the vibration motor, which can be controlled by the rotational velocity (expressed in revolutions per minute, for example). Since the vibration alert accessory can use a larger vibration motor than is used in portable communication devices, the magnitude of the vibrations produced by the vibration alert accessory are much larger, up to an order of magnitude larger in some cases. Thehorizontal axis 904 represents time, increasing to the right. The vibration pattern can commence for afirst interval 914 at afirst magnitude 908. At the end ofinterval 914, the amplitude can be lowered tomagnitude 910 for asecond interval 916 rather than ceasing vibration (e.g. as inFIG. 3 ). Thedifferent magnitudes second intervals interval 918 the magnitude can be ramped down by slowing the vibration motor to a halt. Thus, chart 900 shows an example of modulating the vibration magnitude over time where the magnitude is varied between non-zero values (i.e. the motor is not turned off, as in pulsing patterns). -
FIG. 10 is a system diagram of avibration alert system 1000 that provides orientation and guidance to a user, in accordance with some embodiments. Avibration alert accessory 1001 is employed in a form factor that allows a user to perceive direction and orientation, such as, for example, in a helmet. Thevibration alert accessory 1001 includes acontroller 1002 that is coupled to acommunications interface 1004, which can be a local wireless network radio communications interface (e.g. IEEE 802.11 or 802.15). Thecontroller 1002 can receive messages from an associatedcommunication device 1016 viasignals 1018 received by thecommunications interface 1004. Thecontroller 1002 is further coupled toorientation components 1006 which can include anelectronic compass 1008 and atilt sensor 1010. The compass can be oriented in a known orientation with respect to the apparatus (i.e. helmet) in which it is mounted so as to allow the controller to determine the direction in which the apparatus in oriented (i.e. in which direction the user is looking). Thetilt sensor 1010 can comprise a three dimensional array (i.e. three mutually perpendicular axes) of micro-electromechanical switches having various resistances so as to indicate the direction of gravity and other acceleration, and therefore the tilt orientation of the apparatus in which thevibration alert accessory 1001 is disposed can be determined. Thecommunication device 1016 can include location determining components (e.g. satellite positioning receiver system), so that the location of the user can be determined. Thecontroller 1002 is further coupled to a plurality of vibrator motors, including afirst vibrator motor 1014 and asecond vibrator motor 1012. Thefirst vibrator motor 1014 can be mounted on a right side of the apparatus in which thevibration alert accessory 1001 is housed, and the second vibration motor can be mounted on a left side of the apparatus in which thevibration alert accessory 1001 is housed. Thus, the user can not only be alerted as to an imminent danger, but also the orientation of the danger relative to the user's present position and orientation. Thecommunication device 1016 can receivemessages 1020 indicating such a danger or other situation to which the user's attention is to be drawn. Themessage 1020 can include location information indicating a location of the danger or other thing to which the user's attention is to be drawn. Thecommunication device 1016 can form analert message 1018 that is sent to thevibration alert accessory 1001. Thealert message 1018 can indicate the location of the danger (i.e. coordinates), as well as the user's present position as determined by thecommunication device 1016, which can be used by thecontroller 1002 to determine the user's orientation with respect to the danger and the direction of the danger from the user's position. Accordingly, the controller can then activate the vibration motor closest to the direction of the danger to indicate to the user the direction of the danger. This process can be ongoing as the user changes position and orientation, the controller can adjust the vibration of the plurality of the vibration motors accordingly, increasing and decreasing the vibration amplitude of each vibration motor in correspondence with their orientation to the danger. That is, thevibration motor vibration motor communication device 1016, and theorientation components 1006. Thecommunication device 1016 can periodically or continuously update the vibrational alert accessory as to the user's present position so that the controller can, in real time, adjust the vibrations of the first andsecond vibrator motors vibration motors multiple vibration motors 1012, 1014 (and others, if present), can be used to guide the user in conditions where visibility may be compromised. For example, the position and orientation of the user can be used to alert the user towards the direction of an exit from a building in a firefighting situation. -
FIG. 11 is a system diagram of analert system 1100 for logging alerting activity and user acknowledgements of alerts by users associated with an organization in accordance with some embodiments. A plurality of users such as afirst user 1102 and asecond user 1104 are associated with an organization (e.g. a construction operation, public safety, military, security, etc.). Theusers region 1106 that can be, in some embodiments, a geo-fenced region, although it is not necessary that the user's be in a geo-fenced region in all embodiments. Anadministration entity 1108 can operate in a supervisory role and provide alerts touser region 1106, or which are otherwise affiliated with the organization. For example, analert message 1110 can be provided 1112 to theadministration entity 1108 for propagation to the users. The alert can indicate some urgent matter as described with reference to previous figures. Theadministrative entity 1108 can send a message through anetwork 1114 to a wide arearadio communications site 116, which can transmit the message to the users. Thus a transmittedmessage 1118 can be received byuser 1102. The transmitted message can include information, as well as an indication of a preferred alert pattern to be used. The communication device used by a user receiving themessage 1118 can process the message upon receiving it, and determine what form of alerting to use. When a strong vibration alert is needed (e.g. for urgent messages), the user's communication device will enable an associated vibration alert accessory to create a vibratory alert. In response,user 1102 can respond to the message by reading or listening to the user's communication device, or by simply pressing a button at the vibration alert accessory. Once the user acknowledges the alert (e.g. by pressing a button, answering a call, etc.). The user's acknowledgement indicates the user received the alert. An acknowledgment message 1120 can then be generated by each user who has acknowledged the message as received, and sent back to theadministration entity 1108. The alerts may or may not be vibration alerts. In some embodiments, for non-urgent alerts, the communication device used by a user can generate an audible alert and/or a low magnitude vibration alert. If the user does not acknowledge the alerting by the communication device within a preselected period of time, the communication device can then form a vibration alert message that is transmitted to the vibration alert accessory associated with the communication device and worn or carried by the user. By avoiding using the vibration alert accessory for non-urgent alerts in this manner, battery life of the vibration alert accessory can be prolonged. The user can acknowledge the alert at either the communication device or the vibration alert accessory, and an acknowledgement message can be transmitted back to the administration entity. - The
administration entity 1108 can maintain arecord 1122 of all alerts and individual acknowledgements received. For example, acolumn 1124 can correspond to thefirst user 1102, and asecond column 1126 can correspond to thesecond user 1104. In each column a record can be kept of, for example, an alert being sent 1128, along with atime stamp 1130 indicating when the alert was sent. Similarly anacknowledgment entry 1134 can indicate that the user acknowledged the alert (with or without a timestamp and with or without the acknowledging user's location). In the event that user does not acknowledge an alert, theadministrative entity 1108 can send a message to user's nearby the non-acknowledging user to interact with the non-acknowledging user, which can prompt the non-acknowledging user to then acknowledge the alert, or prompt those checking on the non-acknowledging user to seek assistance if, for example, the non-acknowledging user is in need of assistance. - The
records 1122 can be used, in some embodiments, to reduce insurance costs. Since the organization can show alerting and acknowledgement compliance, the organization may be entitled to a discount on liability insurance. Therecord 1122 can also be used to show compliance with regulations, such as when the vibration alert device is disposed in a safety article (e.g. high visibility vest, hard hat/helmet, etc.), indicating, by the acknowledgements, that the users are using their safety gear in which the vibration alert accessory is disposed. - Embodiments such as those disclosed herein provide the benefit of providing tactile alerting that is more likely to be sensed by a user when, for example, wearing heaving work clothing, or in locations where there is substantial acoustic noise that would tend to mask the vibration alert of conventional communication devices. For example, heavy equipment on construction sites generate vibrations that can propagate acoustically and through the ground so as to be felt by persons in proximity to such equipment and machines. A communication device carried, for example, in a pocket, and set on “silent mode” to vibrate in response to incoming messages and calls can go undetected due to the ambient conditions masking the vibration of the communication device. A vibration alert accessory, however, can use a stronger vibration means than is found in communication devices, and can be paired with a communication device to provide high magnitude vibrations that are more likely to be sensed by the user. As such, the design goals of mobile communication devices such as small overall volume/size, and weight can be accommodated while still accomplishing alerting and notification in conditions that tend to mask the vibration/notification built into the mobile communication device. Furthermore, by analyzing incoming messages by source and content, special alerting can be used when necessary to draw users' attention dangers or other messages that require urgent attention.
- In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings.
- The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.
- Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”, “having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.
- It will be appreciated that some embodiments may be comprised of one or more generic or specialized processors (or “processing devices”) such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, customized processors and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and unique stored program instructions (including both software and firmware) that control the one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the method and/or apparatus described herein. Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could be used.
- The use of “software,” and other references to code herein, are to be construed as referring to the physical configuration of a physical media, such as, for example, electronic media (both active and passive), optical media, magnetic media, and so on, which can be read (i.e. transferred) to electronic media in a processor or other computational structure for logic operations to produce output that is also used to configure physical media and/or drive other circuitry connected to the processor, accordingly. The physical configuration of the media is specified by design to cause the processor to provide an output according to its physical design as a collection of circuitry and circuit components. As such, any reference to software or other code is not to be construed as referring to any abstract idea which generally merely describes the intended function of the actual software. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, that software can be designed in a wide variety of alternative implementations to achieve the same general functions.
- An embodiment can be implemented as a computer-readable storage medium having computer readable code stored thereon for programming a computer (e.g., comprising a processor) to perform a method as described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage mediums include, but are not limited to, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and a Flash memory. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such software instructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.
- The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as part of the original disclosure, and remain so even if cancelled from the claims during prosecution of the application, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter. Furthermore, subject matter not shown should not be assumed to be necessarily present, and that in some instances it may become necessary to define the claims by use of negative limitations, which are supported herein by merely not showing the subject matter disclaimed in such negative limitations.
Claims (6)
1. A vibration alert accessory, comprising:
a first vibration motor mounted on a first side of the vibration alert accessory;
a second vibration motor mounted on a second side of the vibration alert accessory;
an orientation component that indicates an orientation of the vibration alert accessory;
a communication interface;
a controller coupled to the communication interface, orientation component, and first and second vibration motors;
wherein the communication interface receives an alert message indicating a vibration pattern; and
wherein, the alert message includes an indication of an alerting location to which the user's attention is to be drawn, the vibration alert accessory indicates a direction of the alerting location from a present location by vibrating the first and second vibration motors at different magnitudes based on the orientation of the vibration alert accessory as indicated by the orientation component.
2. The vibration alert accessory of claim 1 , wherein the orientation component comprises a compass.
3. The vibration alert accessory of claim 1 , wherein the orientation component comprises a tilt sensor.
4. The vibration alert accessory of claim 1 , wherein the alert message includes a location of a danger and a present location of the vibration alert accessory.
5. The vibration alert accessory of claim 4 , wherein the controller is configured to control vibration of the first and second vibration motors to indicate a direction of the danger from the present location of the vibration alert accessory relative to the location of the danger.
6. The vibration alert accessory of claim 5 , wherein the controller is configured to adjust the vibration of the first and second motors as the orientation of the vibration alert accessory changes as indicated by the orientation component.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US16/216,812 US20190261313A1 (en) | 2014-08-27 | 2018-12-11 | Mobile vibratory alert device, system, and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201462042364P | 2014-08-27 | 2014-08-27 | |
US14/837,215 US10154473B2 (en) | 2014-08-27 | 2015-08-27 | Mobile vibratory alert device, system, and method |
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Also Published As
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US20160192325A1 (en) | 2016-06-30 |
US10154473B2 (en) | 2018-12-11 |
US20160058658A1 (en) | 2016-03-03 |
US20160066297A1 (en) | 2016-03-03 |
US10264551B2 (en) | 2019-04-16 |
US9549393B2 (en) | 2017-01-17 |
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