WO2006066342A1 - A portable alarm device for providing alert indications - Google Patents
A portable alarm device for providing alert indications Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2006066342A1 WO2006066342A1 PCT/AU2005/001949 AU2005001949W WO2006066342A1 WO 2006066342 A1 WO2006066342 A1 WO 2006066342A1 AU 2005001949 W AU2005001949 W AU 2005001949W WO 2006066342 A1 WO2006066342 A1 WO 2006066342A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- alert
- arrangement
- indication
- events
- event
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
- G08B21/18—Status alarms
- G08B21/24—Reminder alarms, e.g. anti-loss alarms
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
- A61J7/04—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers
Definitions
- THIS INVENTION relates to a portable alarm device for providing alert indications at preset times for prearranged events, and in particular but not limited thereto, the device is arranged to provide alert indications at preset times for taking water.
- Water is recommended to replace fluid loss. Drinking water is desirable for a number of other reasons. It helps to detoxify the body, increases energy and awareness, and promotes healthy skin. It also assists all the body organs to function properly. Lack of water or other appropriate fluid causes dehydration with corresponding ill effects. For best effect, fluid should be taken at regular intervals.
- the present invention resides in a portable alarm device for providing alert indications at preset times for prearranged events.
- the device comprises a real time clock, an alert indication arrangement, an alert setting arrangement for selectively setting a time or times corresponding to an event or respective events, and a processor unit arranged to monitor the real time clock and being programmable to activate the alert indication arrangement to provide an alert indication at a or each selectively set time.
- the events may relate to times for taking fluid and/or medication, and/or to proceed to meetings, or the like.
- the device further comprises a selection arrangement for selecting activity modes corresponding to respective event types, and the processor unit is programmed to automatically set alert activation times according to an event type program.
- the activity modes may correspond to the following event types:
- the selection arrangement may includes a manual selection mode for manually selecting times for other event types such as times to take medication and/or times to proceed to meetings, or the like.
- the device may have a storage of alert indications and the processor unit is programmed to apply a user selected alert indication for indicating alerts.
- the alert indication arrangement may provide the alert indication in the form of an audio and/or visual and/or sensory indication.
- the audio indication is selectable from a range of sounds mimicking water sound such as falling rain, water fall, stirring of ice , etc., bird songs and animal sounds.
- the alert indication arrangement may also have visual indication arranged to indicate a volume of fluid to be drunk.
- the device has a radio receiver tunable to receive any of a number of radio channels, and a changeover switch arranged to be automatically switched to allow the audio indication to be heard during activation of the alert indication arrangement.
- the device is preferably powered by a rechargeable power source and may have a charging arrangement for connection to an external power source for charging the rechargeable power source.
- the device is thus a form of a small personal alarm which periodically alerts the user to the need to drink a prescribed amount of fluid at predetermined intervals. It can also be used as an alert for other purposes, e.g. when to take medication or attend meetings.
- the real time clock is preferably a 24 hour digital clock.
- the device may have a connector for connection to headphones.
- the processor unit can be programmed to set times for adults and/or teenagers. It can cater not only for normal circumstances but also special circumstances, notably high activity (such as sport, dance or labouring) and hot weather.
- the device can be arranged to cater for people who might want alerts for other purposes, such as medication or attending meetings. Also for this reason, it includes both a clock and a small radio receiver with earphone.
- the radio may be used for example by joggers or power walkers - people who have a particularly high need for regular fluid intake.
- the device can thus be arranged for entertainment, timekeeping and general purpose monitoring as well as its primary function, i.e. maintaining good health.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic block circuit diagram illustrating certain components of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention
- Figure 2 is a top perspective view of the device shown in Figure 1
- Figure 3 is a bottom view of the device shown in Figure 1.
- DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to the drawings and initially to Figure 1 there is shown a block circuit diagram of an embodiment of the portable alarm device 10 according to the present.
- the device 10 has a real time clock 12 , a microprocessor unit 14 arranged to monitor the real time clock 12 and an alert arrangement 16 arranged to provide alert indications at times set by a user.
- the alert arrangement 16 has a speaker 32 connected to a volume controllable amplifier 34, a vibrator 36 and a LED indicator 38.
- Operation of the processor unit 14 is controlled by a software program 40.
- the program 40 has programmed activation times for different event types which can be selected through a selection arrangement 18.
- the selection arrangement 18 is provided for a user to select any of five different modes of events.
- This arrangement has a number of keys 20 to 30.
- the key 20 is for setting a cold weather mode and the key 22 is for setting a hot weather mode.
- the key 24 is used to cancel a currently set mode.
- the key 26 is for a manual setting mode in which the user can manually set alert times for certain events.
- the keys 28 and 30 are provided for selection of respective high and low activity events.
- the device 10 has a storage unit 42 in which different sounds are stored and a display unit 44 for displaying the time, radio station channel currently tuned at, selected mode and indication relevant to the volume of fluid to be taken.
- the device 10 is powered by a rechargeable battery 46 supplying power to a power supply circuit 48.
- a battery charging circuit 50 is incorporated so that the battery 46 can be recharged by an external power source 52.
- the radio receiver 54 When the radio receiver 54 is turned on, audio signals can be heard through the speaker 32 or a set of ear phones 56 connected to an audio out connector 58.
- the first function for fluid intake, is programmed by a formula which has three variables: the activity level for a normal adult by selecting key 28 or 30, ambienttemperature, and the amount of fluid intake required for good hydration.
- the activity level and temperature can each be assigned two values: low or high.
- the key 22 is for toggling between low and high.
- the device 10 can be programmed to operate in four modes: 1. Average adult - low activity - cold weather
- Mode 1 is two litres a day and mode 2 is more.
- Mode 3 is one litre an hour and mode 4 is more.
- a single toggle switch can be arranged to cycle through those modes so that the user can select whichever of the four modes is appropriate. All these modes are linked to a 24 hour clock 12 and the processor unit
- Mode 5 provides the option to set the device 10 for alerting at specific times required. There are up to 24 independent signals available, programmed by pressing the key 26 (see Figure 2) for mode 5 and then using the mode 5 clock (see Figure 3) on the reverse side (see below under Procedure for Setting the Alert).
- the two monitoring functions - fluid intake and general purpose monitoring - can operate simultaneously.
- the radio 54 operates independently of the monitoring functions though from the same power source 46.
- the device 10 may be in the form of a wrist watch or a small portable device which can be carried in a pocket, like a calculator.
- This form of the device 10 has a casing 70 with a front face 72 as shown in Figure 2 and a rear face 74 as shown in Figure 3.
- the casing 70 is preferably in various sporting colours.
- the display unit 44 has a display interface 45 arranged on the front face 72.
- the display interface 45 has a 24 hour clock display 61 along with the following icons: graphic elements 62 representing sun and cloud to denote hot and cold conditions a graphic element 64 representing a glass to denote the amount of fluid to be drunk - the figure in this icon is the number of glasses to be drunk, decreasing during the day.
- the weather icons 62 may appear on their own or with the letters SP denoting sports or other high activity use.
- modes 1-4 when activated are shown as follows:
- Cloud SP i.e. cool conditions and high activity, requiring 1 litre per hour
- Sun SP i.e. hot conditions and high activity, requiring 1.25 litres per hour
- the total intake for each day is divided in equal portions over a 12 hour period.
- the audio alert for fluid intake (modes 1-4) will be a choice of water sounds, e.g. falling rain or the stirring of ice cubes.
- the audio alert for other purposes (mode 5) will be a choice between different types of birdsong or animal sound.
- a power ON/OFF switch 96 which is used to toggle the device 10 on and off, and radio
- the ON/OFF switch 98 which is used to toggle the radio 54 on and off.
- a radio tuning button 99 is provided on the front face 72 (see Figure 2) of the device 10 for the user to press for selecting a desired radio channel.
- the processor unit 14 is programmed with a simple procedure for setting alerts. The device 10 is set with the following steps:
- Switching the device 10 on (this could be at the beginning of each day, unless the user chooses to keep the device 10 on permanently) Selecting the desired mode, from 1 to 4 (the default value is 1) - Selecting the preferring type of alert signal, which may be either a sound from nature (two types), a vibration or a small flashing blue light. For other personal needs (mode 5)
- Selecting the preferring type of alert signal which may be either a sound from nature (two types), a vibration or a small flashing blue light.
- Mode 5 can be cancelled at any time by pressing the Cancel button 24 on and holding down for 4-5 seconds.
- the device 10 At the set times the device 10 generates an alert which may be either a sound from nature from the speaker 32, a silent vibration by the vibrator 36 or a small flashing blue light from the LED 38.
- the sound from nature may be either a water sound (modes 1-4) or birdsong or animal sound (mode 5) - in each case the user is able to choose a preferred sound.
- the processor unit 14 controls an override circuit 86 to switch a changeover switch 88 so that only the audio alert signal is produced at the speaker 32.
- the device 10 in generating the audio signal for an alert overrides the signal from the radio 54 and would return to allow the radio 54 to be heard once the Cancel button 24 has been pressed.
- the small flashing blue light 38 is intended especially for night use but may also be useful for other situations, e.g. an afternoon sleep when even the vibration signal might be intrusive.
- the alert signals each last approximately 30 seconds then repeat at 5 minute intervals for up to 20 minutes, at which time they stop and the letters F/L are produced at the display interface 45 signalling Fluid Low.
- the alert relates to fluid intake
- F/L1 means the user should drink one glass
- F/L2 means two glasses should be drunk and so on. This message remains until switched off by the user.
- the user should: drink the recommended amount of fluid, (or in mode 5, for example, take the necessary medication) press the Cancel button 24 to show that this has been done, rebalancing the clock by deleting the water level consumed.
- a clock setting panel 88 which has time adjustment switches 92 and 94 for respectively adjusting the time shown on the time indicator 61 , and connector 102 for connection to the output line from a battery charger 50.
- a earphone connector 104 is included for connection to an ear phone set 56.
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- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Emergency Management (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electric Clocks (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2004907340 | 2004-12-24 | ||
AU2004907340A AU2004907340A0 (en) | 2004-12-24 | Fluid intake meter |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2006066342A1 true WO2006066342A1 (en) | 2006-06-29 |
Family
ID=36601277
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/AU2005/001949 WO2006066342A1 (en) | 2004-12-24 | 2005-12-21 | A portable alarm device for providing alert indications |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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WO (1) | WO2006066342A1 (en) |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2253537A (en) * | 1991-01-29 | 1992-09-09 | Samsung Electronics Co Ltd | Apparatus and method for managing memos |
WO1996002046A1 (en) * | 1994-07-08 | 1996-01-25 | Smithkline Beecham Corporation | Reminder device |
WO1998049659A2 (en) * | 1997-04-25 | 1998-11-05 | Sekura Ronald D | Prescription compliance device and method of using device |
WO2001050434A1 (en) * | 2000-01-03 | 2001-07-12 | Anoushirvan Mohammadzadeh | Medication reminder system |
WO2003063754A1 (en) * | 2002-01-30 | 2003-08-07 | Glaxo Group Limited | Compliance aid |
WO2003092576A2 (en) * | 2002-04-29 | 2003-11-13 | Glaxo Group Limited | Alerting system |
WO2003107291A2 (en) * | 2002-06-16 | 2003-12-24 | Cruitt Staniey L | Portable programmable medical alert device |
-
2005
- 2005-12-21 WO PCT/AU2005/001949 patent/WO2006066342A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2253537A (en) * | 1991-01-29 | 1992-09-09 | Samsung Electronics Co Ltd | Apparatus and method for managing memos |
WO1996002046A1 (en) * | 1994-07-08 | 1996-01-25 | Smithkline Beecham Corporation | Reminder device |
WO1998049659A2 (en) * | 1997-04-25 | 1998-11-05 | Sekura Ronald D | Prescription compliance device and method of using device |
WO2001050434A1 (en) * | 2000-01-03 | 2001-07-12 | Anoushirvan Mohammadzadeh | Medication reminder system |
WO2003063754A1 (en) * | 2002-01-30 | 2003-08-07 | Glaxo Group Limited | Compliance aid |
WO2003092576A2 (en) * | 2002-04-29 | 2003-11-13 | Glaxo Group Limited | Alerting system |
WO2003107291A2 (en) * | 2002-06-16 | 2003-12-24 | Cruitt Staniey L | Portable programmable medical alert device |
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