WO2010010332A1 - Dispositif de signalisation automatique - Google Patents

Dispositif de signalisation automatique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010010332A1
WO2010010332A1 PCT/GB2009/001791 GB2009001791W WO2010010332A1 WO 2010010332 A1 WO2010010332 A1 WO 2010010332A1 GB 2009001791 W GB2009001791 W GB 2009001791W WO 2010010332 A1 WO2010010332 A1 WO 2010010332A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
timer
signal
signalling
writing surface
writing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2009/001791
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Robert Carlile
Original Assignee
Recollex Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Recollex Limited filed Critical Recollex Limited
Publication of WO2010010332A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010010332A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43LARTICLES FOR WRITING OR DRAWING UPON; WRITING OR DRAWING AIDS; ACCESSORIES FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43L1/00Repeatedly-usable boards or tablets for writing or drawing
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42DBOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D5/00Sheets united without binding to form pads or blocks
    • B42D5/003Note-pads
    • GPHYSICS
    • G04HOROLOGY
    • G04GELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G11/00Producing optical signals at preselected times
    • GPHYSICS
    • G04HOROLOGY
    • G04GELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G13/00Producing acoustic time signals
    • G04G13/02Producing acoustic time signals at preselected times, e.g. alarm clocks
    • GPHYSICS
    • G04HOROLOGY
    • G04GELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G13/00Producing acoustic time signals
    • G04G13/02Producing acoustic time signals at preselected times, e.g. alarm clocks
    • G04G13/026Producing acoustic time signals at preselected times, e.g. alarm clocks acting at a number of different times
    • GPHYSICS
    • G04HOROLOGY
    • G04GELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G15/00Time-pieces comprising means to be operated at preselected times or after preselected time intervals
    • G04G15/006Time-pieces comprising means to be operated at preselected times or after preselected time intervals for operating at a number of different times
    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08BSIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/18Status alarms
    • G08B21/24Reminder alarms, e.g. anti-loss alarms

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to an automatic signalling device, for example to remind a user of a required action. More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to such a device and associated method for alerting a user of the need to carry out one or more tasks at a predetermined time.
  • Automatic signalling means incorporated within electronic devices are known. Such devices include desktop and/or portable computers, mobile telephones and the like. All of these devices require the user to set an alarm, which may include a description of the task to be carried out. In use, the alarm is signalled at the predetermined time which alerts the user to check the device and read the description entered.
  • an automatic signalling device comprising a writing surface, a programmable timer and signalling means operatively connected to the timer, wherein the signalling means is arranged to alert, in use, a user to a statement written on the writing surface in response to a signal from the timer.
  • the device may be used by individuals who have difficulty manipulating and/or understanding known devices.
  • the term "programmable timer” as used herein refers to a device which may be set to provide a signal to the signalling means, e.g. after a predetermined or programmed time interval and/or at a specific predetermined or programmed time.
  • the term statement may refer to any written phrase or word, such as a task, or even to a sketch or representation, e.g. that may be used to remind the user of a particular fact or task.
  • the device may further comprise a timepiece operatively connected to or including the timer, wherein the timer may be programmable to send the signal when the timepiece registers a predetermined time or when a predetermined time lapse is measured by the timer.
  • the programmable timer and/or timepiece could, for example, comprise an electronic timer or clock and/or it may include or consist of a mechanical device such as a mechanical watch or stopwatch.
  • the signalling means preferably includes an indicator, but more preferably two or more indicators, each of which may be configured or arranged to alert, in use, a user to a statement written on one of two or more writing surfaces or on one of two or more locations, for example predetermined locations, of the writing surface.
  • the or each indicator may comprise a light, for example a light emitting diode or other illuminating device.
  • the timer is preferably programmable to send two or more signals to the signalling means, e.g. each of which corresponds to one of two or more predetermined times or time intervals and/or wherein each signal is arranged to activate a respective one of the indicators.
  • the timer may comprise two or more timers each of which may be independently , programmable to send one or more of the signals to the signalling means, in which case the two or more timers may be synchronised, e.g. with each other or with a master timer or timepiece or clock.
  • the timers and/or timepiece or clock may be analogue or digital.
  • the or each timer may be set or programmed by reference to the time at which they must send the signal or may be set by reference to the length of time remaining until an alarm must be triggered.
  • This arrangement is advantageous since a single device may be used to remind a user of multiple tasks, for example throughout the day.
  • the signalling means for example the or each indicator, may comprise a display means, for example a digital or analogue display, e.g. for displaying the current time and/or programmed time or times and/or day and/or date or dates or the remaining time interval or intervals.
  • the display means may comprise a light emitting diode display means, a vacuum fluorescent display means or, more preferably, a liquid crystal display means.
  • the display means is configured to display the predetermined time or time interval when the timer is programmable to send the signal at a predetermined time or after a predetermined time interval.
  • the display means may be configured to display each predetermined time or time interval associated with each of the aforementioned two or more signals.
  • the display means comprises two or more display panels, wherein each display panel can be located adjacent a respective indicator and can be configured to display the time or time interval associated with the adjacent indicator.
  • the signalling means may advantageously include one or more alarm units, which may be remote alarm units and may be audible, e.g. speakers and/or visual and/or vibratory.
  • the alarm units may be mechanically or electrically connected to the timer and/or associated or connected to the whiteboard.
  • the or each alarm unit is preferably wireless and/or the or each signal received by the alarm units may be an electromagnetic signal, for example an infrared signal, a radio signal and/or a Bluetooth®.
  • the timer may be operatively connected to a transmitter and/or the signalling means, e.g. the or each remote alarm unit, may comprise a receiver.
  • the transmitter may be arranged to send the or each signal to the receiver or one or all of the receivers.
  • the writing surface may comprise a surface configured to be written on using a writing utensil with removable writing substance or fluid.
  • the device may further comprise a writing utensil, for example a pen, e.g. a marker pen.
  • the writing surface preferably comprises a colour which contrasts the colour of the writing substance or fluid, e.g. ink, of the writing utensil.
  • the writing surface comprises a light colour, e.g. substantially white.
  • the device may comprise a substantially white plastics material which may be glossy and may comprise the writing surface, e.g. a white board.
  • the writing utensil may comprise one of a number of colours such as red, green or blue but preferably the writing utensil is substantially black.
  • the writing surface may comprise a dark surface, e.g. substantially black, and the writing utensil may comprise writing substance which is substantially white.
  • a second aspect of the invention provides a control unit comprising a programmable timer for use in the automatic signalling device described above.
  • a third aspect of the invention provides a signalling module for use in a signalling device as described above, the module comprising a connection means, a programmable timer and signalling means operatively connected to the timer, wherein the signalling means is arranged to alert, in use, a user to a statement written on a writing surface connected to the module by the connection means in response to a signal from the timer.
  • a fourth aspect of the invention provides a disposable module for use with a signalling device as described above and/or with a signalling module as described above, the disposable module comprising the writing surface.
  • the disposable module may comprise a pad of paper.
  • a fifth aspect of the invention provides a remote alarm unit for use with an automatic signalling device as described above and/or with an automatic signalling module according to the third aspect of the invention, the unit comprising an alarm means operatively connected to a receiver, wherein the alarm means is arranged to alert, in use, a user when a wireless signal is received by the receiver from a transmitter operatively connected to the timer of the device or module.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a method of reminding a person, e.g. to carry out one or more tasks, the method comprising the steps of writing a statement on a writing surface, programming a timer to send a signal to signalling means operatively connected to the timer at a predetermined time or when a predetermined time interval has passed and alerting a user using the signalling means to the statement written on the writing surface in response to the signal from the timer.
  • the method may further comprise writing two or more statements on the writing surface and/or programming the timer or two or more timers to send two or more signals, each of which may correspond to a respective statement and/or time or time interval, to the signalling means, e.g. to respective indicators which may be associated with a respective writing surface or location of the writing surface.
  • the method further comprises reviewing the writing surface or surfaces to assess which statement corresponds to the timer or alert or signal.
  • the method may also comprise carrying out or undertaking a task associated with or described by the statement.
  • the method includes removing the statement from the writing surface or location of the writing surface, e.g. by means of a remover such as an eraser or piece of cloth, for example to enable a new statement to be written upon the writing surface or location of the writing surface, e.g. in relation to the timer or alert or signal.
  • Figure 1 is a plan view of an automatic signalling device according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 is a schematic of a system incorporating the device of Figure 1 and including a remote signalling unit;
  • Figure 3 is a plan view of an automatic signalling device according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 4 is a side view of the device of Figure 3 with the stand in an extended condition
  • Figure 5 is a similar view to Figure 4 with the device in an upright orientation for hanging on a wall;
  • Figure 6 is a similar view to Figures 4 and 5 with the device in a horizontal orientation for placing on a substrate.
  • an automatic signalling device 1 which includes a glossy white plastics panel 10 with a writing surface 2, a control unit (not shown) which is electronically connected to and controls a timepiece 3, five programmable timers 4 and signalling means 5.
  • the timers 4 are vertically aligned and spaced from one another with an adjacent portion 20 of the writing surface 2 arranged to have a statement 21 written thereon.
  • the timepiece 3 includes a time display 30 and a day and/or date display 31 , both of which are liquid crystal display panels in this embodiment.
  • Each timer 4 includes a time display unit 40, which is also a liquid crystal display panel in this embodiment.
  • the hour and minute selection buttons 41 , 42 permit the user to select the appropriate hour and minute, respectively, for the reminder alarm to be activated.
  • One frequency selection button 43 permits the user to specify that the alarm is to be applied every day and the second frequency selection button 44 permits the user to specify that the alarm is only to be applied to the current day.
  • the main displays 30, 31 may also advantageously incorporate additional functions.
  • the displays 30, 31 may include input means such as buttons for toggling through, e.g. programming menus. In such a case, it may be desirable to protect such functions by a PIN number.
  • the device 1 may be simplified by removing any one or all of the aforementioned individual buttons 41 , 42, 43, 44 and/or the associated light emitting diodes 43a, 44a. In fact, the individual display units 40 may also be omitted to further simplify the device 1.
  • the signalling means 5 incorporates a light emitting diode 6 and a remote audible alarm unit 7 arranged to alert a user to one of the statements 21 written on the writing surface 2 in response to a signal from one of the timers 4.
  • the control unit includes a transmitter (not shown) which transmits a radio frequency signal 50 from a transmitting antenna 51 to a receiving antenna 70 electronically connected to a receiver (not shown) within the alarm unit 7.
  • the signalling means 5 could also be configured to cause the time shown on the time display unit 40 to flash or for a backlight to be illuminated when the alert is activated, which would function as an indicator as it is configured to alert directly a user to the statement 21 written on the adjacent writing surface portion 20.
  • the device 1 also includes a writing utensil in the form of a pen 8 connected to the bottom right hand corner of the plastics panel 10 by a string 80.
  • the pen 8 includes removable writing fluid or ink so that the statements 21 may be removed after the task has been carried out.
  • the pen 8 is detachably mounted to the device 1 and/or the writing surface 2 and in others the pen includes a wiper, e.g. a sponge wiper, to remove the statements 21 and/or clean the writing surface 2.
  • each timer 4 may be set to activate the signalling means 5 for a single day or every day.
  • the alarm unit 7 will continue to sound until turned off by the user (using a pattern similar to a normal alarm clock) and if not turned off within a certain time (e.g 30 minutes) it will turn itself off; viii.
  • the user will turn off the alarm noise by pressing any button 41 , 42, 43, 44 on that specific timer 4; the alarm will stop immediately upon the button 41, 42, 43, 44 being pressed; the "Today” button 44 will stop flashing and will not illuminate; all buttons 41 , 42, 43, 44 will then be immobilised for a period of 10 seconds and the display 40 itself will remain illuminated for that 10 second period; ix. After 10 seconds that timer 4 can then be set again; x. The user (not shown) will wipe off the statement 21 for that day and write a new statement 21 corresponding to a task to be undertaken.
  • the device 1 may include hidden functionality. Whilst not wishing to be limited to such functionality, it is envisaged that one embodiment might allow one user, e.g. a carer for the elderly, to program the reminders using the hidden functionality, which is preferably only accessible using a secure PIN. In such a case, the patient would be given limited control over the device, e.g. wherein he or she is only able to turn the alarm off but not to alter the programmed alarms.
  • a second embodiment is shown in Figures 3 to 6, which includes a housing unit on which a plurality of timers are located.
  • the front surface 110 of the housing unit is made of a material which allows the user to write notes upon it with a pen or similar instrument.
  • the dimensions of the housing unit must be large enough to enable the user to write sufficient notes upon it in a size to enable those notes to be easily legible. For these purposes, a length of 50cm, breadth of 40cm and depth of 5cm should be sufficient.
  • the dimensions of the housing unit would be significantly larger.
  • the dimensions of the housing unit could also be significantly smaller than those given above where the portability of the embodiment is important.
  • housing unit will be rectangular in shape, it is entirely feasible that other shapes could be used.
  • a plurality of timers 112 is located upon the surface of the housing unit.
  • the timers can either be set by reference to the time on which they are expected to signal an alarm or alternatively by the length of time remaining until that alarm must be signalled.
  • the timers can either be digital or analogue. Where an analogue clock face or 12 hour digital display is used for a timer, there should be an added facility to distinguish between AM and PM 116.
  • a timer In order for a timer to become functional, there should be a facility to set that specific timer.
  • One method would be a push button 118 that must be pressed next to each timer.
  • a light or L.E.D. 114 next to the timer could be used.
  • a noise could be emitted from a speaker 122 within the housing unit to notify the user.
  • a digital display or analogue clock 120 to show the current time could be positioned at some place on the surface of the housing unit. This may also show the present day and date. All timers 112 will be synchronised to the time upon the display 120.
  • a timer is set for a specific time, and that time is reached, the user will be notified of the alarm by the emission of sound from a speaker 122 from within the housing unit.
  • a light or L. E. D. 124 could also notify the user of the alarm.
  • the user could be notified by other means, for example, a vibration of the housing unit.
  • the housing unit could also send a signal by means of wireless technology, such as Bluetooth, infra-red or zigbee, to an outside receiver that would notify the user via an audible, visual, vibrating or other alert.
  • the transmitter 126 would be contained within the electronic circuitry located within the housing unit. It could send out a signal upon the timers 112 being set or upon the time set upon the timers 112 being reached. Alternatively, the transmitter 126 could send this signal via a cable connecting the housing unit with a separate outside receiver.
  • the device 1 may include a further alarm unit, audible or otherwise, mounted to it in place of or in addition to the remote audible alarm unit 7.
  • the embodiment will need to be powered by a connection to the mains electrical supply. It could also be battery powered.
  • the housing unit can be placed horizontally on a surface 128. It can be attached vertically to a wall or other object 132. Alternatively, the housing unit can be placed on a stand to increase the ease on which it can be written upon 130.
  • this memory aid alarm device is a vast improvement on simple calendars and notepads used by the elderly.
  • the alarm notifications provide the user with a timely reminder of when tasks must be undertaken.
  • Each part of the embodiment is designed to meet the capabilities and limitations of the older user; the timer and whiteboard are both familiar to them. It is this familiarity that ensures the embodiment is more accessible to the anticipated user than existing functions on mobile phones and computers that are not appropriate for the physical, cognitive and social factors common with aging.
  • one or more of the displays 30, 40 may include and/or be in the form of a light emitting diode display, a vacuum fluorescent display or any other suitable display means.
  • the timers 4 may be arranged to set and/or display a time interval rather than a specific time. In such cases, the timers 4 may also be arranged to display elapsed time or the time remaining.
  • Preferred embodiments of this invention are devised principally for the older user in mind. For example corresponding advantages derive from avoiding complex handwriting recognition software that stores the messages in an internal memory.
  • Upon a whiteboard or other space the individual writes on using ink or some other substance that will remain there until physically wiped off.
  • Individual timers and LCDs can be present for each and every reminder. Multiple separate timers are provided on the housing unit. This removes the added level of complication where the user has one set of buttons to set multiple different alarms.
  • the user of these embodiments will know exactly what timer they are setting as it is the timer that relates solely to that reminder (and is positioned directly to the left of it).
  • the present process for setting an individual timer is as simple as possible e.g. press hour button, press minute button, set alarm.
  • These preferred embodiments have 3 separate buttons - one for each function.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif de signalisation automatique qui comprend une surface d’écriture, une minuterie programmable et des moyens de signalisation connectés en fonctionnement à la minuterie, les moyens de signalisation étant agencés pour alerter, durant l’utilisation, un utilisateur d’une instruction sur la surface d’écriture en réponse à un signal de la minuterie.
PCT/GB2009/001791 2008-07-19 2009-07-20 Dispositif de signalisation automatique WO2010010332A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0813294.6 2008-07-19
GBGB0813294.6A GB0813294D0 (en) 2008-07-19 2008-07-19 Housing unit with a plurality of timers and a surface which can be written upon
GB0907443.6 2009-04-30
GB0907443A GB2464359A (en) 2008-07-19 2009-04-30 Automatic signalling device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2010010332A1 true WO2010010332A1 (fr) 2010-01-28

Family

ID=39737364

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2009/001791 WO2010010332A1 (fr) 2008-07-19 2009-07-20 Dispositif de signalisation automatique

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (2) GB0813294D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2010010332A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150363866A1 (en) * 2014-06-16 2015-12-17 Amazon Technologies, Inc. Electronic Device For Re-Ordering Items
EP4091949A1 (fr) * 2014-10-13 2022-11-23 Avery Dennison Retail Information Services LLC Minuteries utilitaires dans une imprimante pour la fraîcheur des aliments

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2954529B1 (fr) * 2009-12-23 2012-08-24 Pierre Charrie Dispositif aide-memoire destine notamment aux personnes agees.

Citations (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4074251A (en) * 1976-05-03 1978-02-14 Creely William G Appointment reminders
US4868800A (en) * 1988-11-23 1989-09-19 Amihadar Arber Advanced date warning system
WO2003001305A1 (fr) * 2001-06-21 2003-01-03 Olga Kain Aide-memoire assiste electroniquement
WO2004062940A2 (fr) * 2003-01-15 2004-07-29 Remigiusz Swierczek Bloc-notes

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS54114058A (en) * 1978-02-24 1979-09-05 Sharp Corp Electronic apparatus
JPH065526B2 (ja) * 1984-06-11 1994-01-19 シャ−プ株式会社 スケジュ−ル管理装置における入力方法
US5525958A (en) * 1993-07-30 1996-06-11 Texas Instruments Incorporated Electronic appointment organizer with paper pad for providing handwritten information correlated to appointments
US20040085225A1 (en) * 2002-11-05 2004-05-06 Wilson Alison D. Methods and apparatus to monitor the inventory of a food storage unit
US20090033472A1 (en) * 2007-08-03 2009-02-05 Majid Fotuhi Memory board device for home or organizational use and use thereof

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4074251A (en) * 1976-05-03 1978-02-14 Creely William G Appointment reminders
US4868800A (en) * 1988-11-23 1989-09-19 Amihadar Arber Advanced date warning system
WO2003001305A1 (fr) * 2001-06-21 2003-01-03 Olga Kain Aide-memoire assiste electroniquement
WO2004062940A2 (fr) * 2003-01-15 2004-07-29 Remigiusz Swierczek Bloc-notes

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150363866A1 (en) * 2014-06-16 2015-12-17 Amazon Technologies, Inc. Electronic Device For Re-Ordering Items
US10373234B2 (en) * 2014-06-16 2019-08-06 Amazon Technologies, Inc. Electronic device for re-ordering items
EP4091949A1 (fr) * 2014-10-13 2022-11-23 Avery Dennison Retail Information Services LLC Minuteries utilitaires dans une imprimante pour la fraîcheur des aliments

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0907443D0 (en) 2009-06-10
GB2464359A (en) 2010-04-21
GB0813294D0 (en) 2008-08-27

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