WO2016026056A1 - Method and system for providing situational awareness using a wearable device - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for system for facilitating situational awareness via wearable devices is provided. A communicatively linked server is configured to receive and evaluate situational information, and execute a response when the situational information satisfies a predetermined condition. The response may include transmitting an alert signal to one or more wearable devices when the situational information satisfies an alert criterion. Wearable devices may collect data from local sensors and transmit the data to a server for evaluation and response. Various applications are disclosed including monitoring of industrial systems, air traffic control, worker safety, assisting security guards, pass holder fraud prevention, crop and pest monitoring, and monitoring health and safety of a set of persons.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING SITUATIONAL AWARENESS USING A WEARABLE DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention pertains to the field of wearable devices and in particular to methods and systems for providing situational awareness using one or more wearable devices.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Organizations have computer information systems that collect and process data in real time. In many cases this data is best utilized by communicating it to members of the organization in real time so it can be acted on.

[0003] For example, the information systems used by an organization may only send information to stationary computers, and then this information is manually relayed to remote workers by people operating the stationary computers.

[0004] Organizations may also have complex operational workflows and procedures that can affect operational costs, productivity and the safety of human workers. The implementation and updating of operational workflows may be slow, prone to communication errors, and therefore come at a great expense. Operational workflows may also lack sufficient reinforcement resulting in workers reverting back to previous methods for performing tasks. Conventional methods for collecting and processing data surrounding the updated workflow may also not be timely and can be tedious to collect, resulting in undue delays before a determination can be made as to its success.

[0005] Therefore there is a need for methods and systems that at least partially addresses one or more of the above limitations.

[0006] This background information is provided to reveal information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for providing situational awareness using one or more wearable device.

[0008] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for facilitating situational awareness, the method comprising: receiving situational information, evaluating the situational information, and executing a response when the situational information satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0009] The response may comprise transmitting an alert signal to one or more wearable devices, wherein the predetermined condition may comprise a predetermined alert criterion.

[0010] The response may comprise triggering a response routine, wherein the predetermined condition may comprise a predetermined criterion.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is Provided a server for facilitating situational awareness, the server comprising: a client communication module configured to receive situational information; and a processor coupled to the client communication module and configured to evaluate the situational information, and execute a response when the situational information satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for facilitating situational awareness, the system comprising: one or more wearable devices configured to collect situational information from one or more associated sensors local to each wearable device; and a server communicatively coupled to the one or more wearable devices, the server configured to receive the situational information from the one or more wearable devices, evaluate the situational information, and execute a response when the situational information satisfies a predetermined condition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0013] Figure 1 illustrates a situational awareness system provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2(a) is a flow chart illustrating a method for facilitating situational awareness through an alert signal, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0015] Figure 2(b) is a flow chart illustrating a method for facilitating situational awareness through a response routine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 illustrates a situational awareness system comprising a database, and communicatively coupled to third party system integration, provided in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 illustrates situational awareness system comprising a distributed server architecture, provided in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5 illustrates a situational awareness system comprising a distributed server and database architecture for facilitating data store synchronization, provided in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 6 illustrates a functional block diagram of a server, provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 7 illustrates the functional block diagram of a wearable device, provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating an initialization routing between a wearable device and a server, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating event processing by the server, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method for facilitating situational awareness comprising database access, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method for polling sensors with a server, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 12 is a flow chart illustrating a method for a third party system to retrieve data from wearable devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 13 is another embodiment of a situational awareness system coupled to an industrial control system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0027] Figure 14 is a flow chart illustrating method for polling data with a third party system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The present invention provides situational awareness using wearable devices. Such wearable devices comprise, for example, wristbands incorporating audio outputs or vibrating mechanisms, head mounted devices incorporating video displays, or other attire or wearable into which a computer is incorporated. The incorporated computer generally comprises at least wireless communication electronics for communicating with a server via a wireless network link, an output for providing discernible or tangible alert to a wearer, and logic circuitry, for example in the form of a microprocessor executing software or firmware instructions, or other hardware executing predetermined logical operations. A server or set of servers wirelessly communicates with the wearable devices to trigger operation thereof, and/or to provide data thereto for conveying to a wearer, and/or to receive data therefrom, such as user input and/or sensor input gathered by the wearable device.

[0029] Although various aspects of the present invention relate to a system and method of providing situational awareness generally, other aspects of the present invention relate to a system and method applied for providing situational awareness in a particular application context, for example as described in the following examples and embodiments set forth herein.

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention provide a system that helps execute and manage an organizational workflow, including the monitoring of human workflow execution in real time.

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention enable third party integration and can communicate over a wireless network to a wearable device that is worn on the body. The integration may be performed at least in part by appropriately configuring computing devices through programming of same, and may be facilitated via a software platform. Examples of wearable devices comprise network enabled wristwatch computers or network enabled head- mounted-display computers and various other computer devices that are worn or placed on the body during active use and can be networked wirelessly. [0032] Embodiments of the present invention comprise an appropriately configured networked server and appropriately configured networked wearable devices. Configuration may involve the installation of one or more applications. The server is configured so as to enable control of either a single wearable device or a fleet of wearable devices. The server can be communicatively connected to these one or more wearable devices through a wireless network.

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention may comprise predetermined criteria for alert signals, which when satisfied are sent to wearable devices. Alert signals can communicated to a user through an alert component on the wearable device, and may comprise for example, texts or images, vibration, sound, light, taste (when the device is worn in the mouth), and smell by emitting a pre-loaded compound.

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention allow third party developers to send information to the server application through an application programming interface. The server application can then send this information to wearable devices that are worn by workers. This information can either be sent to an individual wearable device, a group of wearable devices, or all wearable devices on the network. An application running on the wearable devices may be configured to recognize when a piece of information is acknowledged by the worker wearing the wearable device, and provide acknowledgement of receipt back to the server. The server may be configured to store a record of some or substantially all information passed through the system into a database, including whether or not acknowledgement was confirmed.

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention allow third party developers to query situational information adjacent and through the wearable devices, via the server from an application programming interface. Examples of information it can query comprises location data of devices, activity data of the worker, vital data of the worker such as heart rate, or any other data that the sensors of the wearable device can detect. The server may also be configured to collect sensor information from the wearable devices automatically and periodically and store a history of this information in a database for some or all of the wearable devices. [0036] Embodiments of the present invention may also use the sensor information collected from the wearable devices to determine environmental conditions, and then send preprogrammed information that is linked to those conditions.

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention may involve creation of a master- slave relationship between a server application and one or more wearable devices so that the server application has full control of the wearable devices. Examples of control that can be exerted on the wearable devices from the server is the ability to activate a display screen to display visual information, transmit sound through an audio output devices such as a speaker, initiate an internal vibrator, activate sensors and retrieve data collected by them, and other functionality that the wearable device is capable of, or via a combination of functionalities to increase the detectability of the alert.

[0038] Embodiments of the present invention may monitor active user inputs for confirming receipt or acknowledgement of an alert signal, as well as for specific responses to an alert signal. The user inputs may comprise for example, a physical movement gesture by a user of the wearable device.

[0039] Embodiments of the present invention may comprise a script logic interpreter that enables external applications to inject custom logic into the system through an application programming interface for the purpose of interpreting and acting on situational information in real time. The script interpreter can process and evaluate individual events or multiple logical actions, to help execute or modify workflows for a process.

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention may comprise machine readable code which when executed, triggers workflows, dispatches information to users of wearable devices, prompts users for input, and monitors for acknowledgements, confirmations, or indications that the workflow tasks have progressed.

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention may comprise monitoring a user wearing a wearable device as they progress through a workflow process in real time, and measuring discrepancies between the actual result and the expected result, as well as evaluate workflow execution accuracy.

[0042] Embodiments of the present invention may comprise a system to analyze and identify patterns in large volumes of historical and real-time data gathered from various sensors or wearable devices. The analysis can create triggers based on custom pre-determined trends, thresholds and formulas that can be listened for by the script interpreter. Triggers can initiate the sending alert signals or response routines to wearable devices.

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention can analyze historical data for accuracy of workflow execution, as well as workflow output, and provide suggestions as to how to alter programmed workflows to increase operational efficiency.

[0044] Embodiments of the present invention may comprise a single server communicatively coupled to one or more wearable devices, to command and monitor each of the wearable devices.

[0045] Embodiments of the present invention may comprise a plurality of servers each communicatively coupled to one or more wearable devices, wherein a particular wearable device may be monitored or controlled by any of the plurality of servers.

[0046] Embodiments of the present invention may comprise a plurality of servers communicatively coupled to a plurality of databases, and operable to store and synchronize their data stores through the plurality of databases in real time.

[0047] Wearable devices may be communicatively coupled to a server via a wireless network link, such as through cellular network supporting data communication via Short Message Service (SMS), Internet Protocol (IP) datagram's, or the like, an IEEE 802.11 type network, a Bluetooth™ wireless network, or the like, or a combination thereof.

Situational Awareness System

[0048] Figure 1 illustrates a situational awareness system 100 provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A server 102 is communicatively coupled to one or more wearable devices 120 and optionally one or more sensors 110 or inputs (not shown). The server 102 may send alerts, queries, and/or data relevant to the alerts to the wearable devices 120. The inputs may correspond to the output provided by other computer systems or equipment, or user inputs, operator inputs, or the like (not shown). In some embodiments, some or all of the sensors 110 or inputs may be incorporated into some or all of the wearable devices 120. The coupling to the wearable devices 120 is typically via wireless data link. Data is provided from any or all of the wearable devices 120, sensors 110, and inputs, to the server 102. In some embodiments, the data may comprise situational data, responses, or queries. The server 102 then evaluates the data, for example against a predetermined condition, and may execute a response based on the data. In some embodiments, the response comprises transmitting an alert signal to the wearable devices 120 if data from the sensors 110, wearable devices 120, or inputs satisfy an alert criterion. In other embodiments, the response may comprise triggering a response routine if the data received from the wearable devices 120, sensors 110, or inputs, satisfy a predetermined criterion.

[0049] Figure 2(a) is a flow chart illustrating a method 200 for facilitating situational awareness through an alert signal that may be executed for example, with the system 100 of Figure 1. At step 202, the server 102 receives situational information, for example, from any of sensors 110, wearable devices 120, or inputs. At step 204, the server 102 then evaluates the received situational information, for example, by comparing it to a predetermined alert criterion. If the situational information satisfies the predetermined alert criterion, then at step 206, the server 102 then transmits an alert signal to one or more wearable devices 120. In certain embodiments, upon receipt of the alert signal with one or more wearable devices 120, the method 200 may further comprise at step 208, emitting an output with the one or more wearable devices 120 to a user thereof.

[0050] Figure 2(b) is a flow chart illustrating a method 250 for facilitating situational awareness through a response routine that may be executed for example, with system 100 of Figure 1. At step 252, the server 102 receives data from one or more wearable devices 120, sensors 110, or inputs. The data may, for example, be collected by the one or more wearable devices 120 through one or more associated sensors 110 local to the wearable devices 120. At step 254, the server 102 evaluates the received data. This may comprise, for example, comparing the received data against a predetermined criterion. If the data satisfies the predetermined criterion, at step 256, the server 102 may then trigger a response routine.

[0051] For example, the response routine may comprise user programmable dynamic response scripting, such as a textual or visual programming language, and can be accessible by the server 102 binary. In certain embodiments, the response scripting is stored and executed at the wearable device 120 during runtime (e.g. upon satisfaction of the predetermined criterion). In this way, a user of the wearable device 120 may be able to modify the response behaviour without needing to access the source code at the server 102. In embodiments comprising a plurality of servers 102, the response script may be replicated to all servers 102 in a cluster, and/or downloaded to all connected wearable devices 120.

[0052] Figure 3 illustrates another system 300 provided in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The system 300 is similar to the system 100 in Figure 1, but further comprises a database 130 communicatively coupled to the server 102. The server can also optionally communicatively couple to a third party system 140.

[0053] In operation, the server 102 may receive data from the sensors 110, wearable devices 120, and/or database 130. Data from the database 130, for example, may correspond to historical data of a particular wearable device 120 user or client. The server 102 then processes the data to determine whether an alert should be sent to the wearable device 120 user, or whether a response routine should be triggered. For example, if the data satisfies a predetermined alert criterion, an alert signal may be transmitted to one or more wearable devices 120. If the data satisfies a predetermined condition, a response routine may be executed by the server 102.

[0054] In certain embodiments, the server 102 may also store data that it receives or processes into database 130 for historical analysis, and recall data from the database 130 in subsequent processing, or for transmittal to wearable devices 120. Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method 1000 for facilitating situational awareness using a third party system and database that can be executed with the system 100 of Figure 3, for example. At step 1010, the third party system 140 transmits a request to the server 102, for example, an Application Program Interface (API) call. At step 1020, the server 102 receives the request from the third party system 140. At step 1030, the server 102 determines whether it needs to retrieve data from the database 130 according to the request. If yes, the server 102 at step 1040 makes a database call to database 1030 to retrieve requested data. If no, the server 1070 proceeds to send a response back to the third party system 140. If the sever 102 at step 1040 makes a database call, then at step 1050 it further determines whether it needs to process retrieved data from database 1030. If yes, then at step 1060 it proceeds to process the retrieved data, and at step 1070 sends a response back to the third party system 140 comprising the processed data.

[0055] In certain embodiments, sensors 110 may comprise Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which may communicate with the server 102 via standardized protocols such as Message Queue Telemetry Transport (MQTT), Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP), and so forth. The server 102 can interact with the sensors 110 to collect and/or poll data from the sensors 110, and also write data to the sensors 110 when they comprise suitable devices. Figure 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method 1100 for polling sensors 110 with server 102 that can be executed for example, with the system 100, 300 of Figures 1 and 3. At step 1110, the server 102 polls the sensors 110 for real time or collected data. At step 1120, the server 102 stores the data, for example, at server 102 or database 130. At step 1130, the server 102 determines whether it should send the data to wearable devices 120. If no, then at step 1140, the sever 102 ends the method at step 1140. If yes, the server 102 determines whether it should load data at step 1150. If yes, then at step 1160 the server 102 retrieves the data, for example, from database 130. The server 102 then determines whether it should process the data at step 1170, and if yes, processes the data at step 1180. The server 102 then proceeds to send a response to wearable device 120 comprising either processed or unprocessed data, at step 1190.

[0056] In certain embodiments, the server 102 may further coordinate with the third party system 140 in order to process the received data. The third party system 140 may comprise, for example, integration platforms, enterprise resource management systems, workflow planning systems, workflow execution systems, data analytics systems, and other third party software systems.

[0057] In certain embodiments, the third party system 140 can also communicate with the server 102, for example via a dynamic scripting module (not shown) or using a Representational State Transfer (REST) based API-based approach, to retrieve data or send alerts to specific wearable devices 120. Figure 12 is a flow chart illustrating a method 1200 for third party system 140 to retrieve data, for example, with the system 100 of Figure 3, according to an embodiment. At step 1210, the third party system 140 requests data from the server 102. At step 1220, the server 102 interprets the request from the third party system 140, for example using a dynamic scripting module. At step 1230, the server 102 loads data from the database 130 or wearable devices 120, according to the request. At step 1240, the server 102 translates the loaded data, for example, using a dynamic scripting module. At step 1250, the server 102 sends a response to the third party system 140 comprising the translated data. [0058] In certain embodiments, the third party system 140 may comprise an industrial control system, which further comprises an industrial server and sensors. Figure 13 illustrates another embodiment of a situational awareness system 1300, comprising a server 102 communicatively coupled to wearable devices 120, for example via Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and to a third party system 140 comprising an industrial control system. As shown in Figure 13, the industrial control system may be communicatively coupled to server 102 via Open Platform Communication Unified Architecture (OPC-UA) specifications, and further comprises an industrial server 142 coupled to a plurality of sensors 144.

[0059] Figure 14 is a flow chart illustrating a method 1400 for third party system 140 to poll data, for example, with the system 1300 of Figure 13, according to an embodiment. At step 1410, the third party system 140 sends a data request to server 102. At step 1420, the server 102 interprets the data request. At step 1430, the server 102 polls data from wearable devices 120. The polled data may comprise real time data from each of the wearable devices, or previously collected data. At step 1440, the server 102 translates the polled data, and at step 1450 delivers the translated data back to the third party system 140.

[0060] Figure 4 illustrates a distributed server system 400 provided in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The system 400 comprises a plurality of servers including a first server 102a and a second server 102b. The first server 102a is communicatively coupled to a first wearable device 120a and a second wearable device 120b. The second server 102b is also communicatively coupled to the first wearable device 102a and the second wearable device 102b. The first server 102a may receive data from any of the first and second wearable devices 120a, 120b, and may transmit an alert signal or trigger a response routine based on the received data. The second server 102b may also receive data from any of the first and second wearable devices 120a, 120b, and may transmit an alert signal or trigger a response routine based on the received data. For example, if the communicative link between the first server 102a and the first wearable device 120a is poor (e.g. out of range or poor reception), the system 400 may instead rely on the link between the first wearable device 120a and the second server 102b to perform operations. In this way, overall versatility of the system may be improved.

[0061] Upon activation, wearable devices 120a, 120b will seek to connect with servers 102a, 103b. For example, wearable device 120a when activated may scan the network by using a UDP broadcast. Servers 102a, 102b will respond to the scan by providing wearable device 120a their respective addresses. Wearable device 120a may also scan the network using a network scan, which would return the physical address of each machine on the network; servers 102a, 102b may have a pre-determined address that would be recognized by wearable device 120a. Upon scanning the network, wearable device 120a would have an address list of servers 102a, 102b that it may access. In certain embodiments, each wearable device 120 will seek to connect to all servers 102 on its address list upon scanning.

[0062] The distributed server system 400 of figure 4 may also be used to relay messages from a third party system (not shown) to a particular wearable device 120 through different servers 102. For example, a third party system may wish to send a message to wearable device 120b via server 102a. However, if server 102a is not connected to wearable device 120b, it may communicate to server 102b to determine whether it is connected to wearable device 120b. If server 102b is connected to wearable device 120b, server 102a will relay the message from third party system to server 102b for delivery to wearable device 120b. In this way, servers 102a, 102b may cooperatively interact in order to transmit data between third party systems (or each other) and wearable devices 120a, 120b under various circumstances. In certain embodiments, messages sent between a third party system, servers 102a, 102b, and wearable devices 120a, 120b, will be coded with a message identifier in order to track and prevent duplicate delivery of messages or alerts. For example, wearable device 120b may maintain a list of the message identifiers previously processed, and would only alert the user with messages comprising a new message identifier.

[0063] Further, as the first and second servers 102a, 102b are communicatively intercoupled, processing functions may also be accordingly allocated or split between them. For example, the first server 102a may receive and process a first portion of data from the first wearable device 120a, while the second server 102b may receive and process a second portion of data from the first wearable device 102a. The first and second servers 102a, 102b may then co-operatively or collaboratively reconcile the processed data and determine whether an alert or response routine should be triggered, or whether further actions should be initiated.

[0064] In certain embodiments, the distributed server system 400 in Figure 4 may alert a wearable device 120a, 120b, and also inter-consolidate data between servers 102a, 102b, upon a satisfaction of a predetermined condition. For example, the predetermined condition may be a number of times wearable device 120b leaves the wireless range of one or both servers 102a, 102b. Upon wearable device 120b leaving the range of servers 102a, 102b the predetermined number of times, servers 102a, 102b may inter-consolidate data collected from wearable device 120b, and send an alert to wearable device 120b. The alert may comprise a message that the wearable device 120b is exiting the range of servers 102a or 102b, and may lose communication.

[0065] Figure 5 illustrates a distributed server and database system 500 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The system 500 comprises a first server 102a coupled to a first database 130a, a second server 102b coupled to a second database 130b, and a third server 102c coupled to a third database 130c. Each of the first, second, and third databases 130a, 130b, 130c are further communicatively coupled to each other. As will be discussed below, this system 500 may facilitate the storage and synchronization of events for data analysis and auditing purposes.

[0066] For example, servers 102a, 102b, 102c may monitor and store "events". An event may comprise, for example, a request from a third party system to alert a particular wearable device 120, a location report or situational data received from a wearable device 120, or any desirable parameter retrievable from a particular wearable device 120, sensors (not shown) or other server. Upon servers 102a, 102b, 102c identifying an event, it may store the event in one of databases 130a, 130b, 130c. Events stored in databases 130a, 130b, 130c may then by synchronized such that each contains the events of the other databases 130a, 130b, and 130c.

[0067] In one embodiment, each time one of servers 102a, 102b, 102c detects an event, it would store it into corresponding database 130a, 130b, 130c, respectively. The event would then be forwarded to, or synchronized between databases 130a, 130b, 130c such that they all contain the event. Servers 102a, 102b, 102c may also maintain a log (or queue) of each detected event, and forward/synchronize it at a later time in the case of connectivity issues between databases 130a, 130b, 130c. The event may also be marked with a unique identifier, in order to prevent duplicate events from being stored.

[0068] Figure 6 is a functional block diagram of a server 102, provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The server 102 comprises: a client communication interface module (CCI) 540, an inter-server communication interface module (SCI) 520, a third party communication interface module (TCI) 510, an event processor (EP) 530, and a data processor (DP) 550. [0069] CCI 540 is configured to facilitate communication with clients or devices of the system, including sensors 110, wearable devices 120, and other inputs. CCI 540 may receive data from wearable devices 120, or deliver payloads to wearable devices 120. Prior to receiving data, or to delivering payload to a wearable device, the server 102 may undergo an initialization or authentication routine, as will be discussed further below.

[0070] SCI 520 facilitates communication between multiple servers on the same deployment. Referring to Figure 4 for example, respective SCI modules of the first server 102a and the second server 102b may permit inter-server communications between the first and second servers 102a, 102b such that information or data may be passed between them to increase system versatility and robustness.

[0071] TCI 510 facilitates communications between third party systems, for example, consumer, commercial, or industrial systems. Third party systems 140 may thus be integrated to communicate with server 102 and/or sensors 110 and wearable devices 120 coupled to the server 102. For example, a third party system 140 may be configured to receive or poll data from sensors 110 and/or wearable devices 120 through the server 102 via TCI 510.

[0072] EP 530 is configured to receive data from the communication interfaces (e.g. TCI 510, CCI 540, SCI 520), interpret the data, and send request or payloads through the communication interfaces. For example, EP 530 ma receive data from sensors 110 and/or wearable devices 120 via CCI 540, determine whether a predetermined alert criterion is satisfied, and send an alert signal back to the associated wearable device 120 through CCI 540. As another example, a third party system 140 may push a payload to the server 102 intended for a wearable device 120 associated with a particular client. EP 530 of the server 102 will interpret the pushed payload and prepare it for delivery to the particular client via CCI 540.

[0073] DP 550 stores and processes data collected by server 102. This may include sensor data, payload data, and other data supplied by a third party system 140. For example, data trends and pattern recognition could be used to make future predictions.

[0074] In one embodiment, DP 550 may apply statistical analysis in order analyze data trends and pattern recognition of wearable devices 120. In the context of a heart-rate monitoring during a workflow for example, a baseline or reference set of data may be first established through a training set which monitors workers' heart-rates during the course of a particular workflow. A set of rules may then be created based on the training set; for example, the rules may note an average variance in heart-rate during a particular task. The rules may be embedded in a dynamic scripting module (not shown), and compared against incoming data from wearable devices 120. For example, if the data retrieved from a particular wearable device 120 indicates that its user's heart-rate is exceeding the expected variance for a particular task, an alert may be sent to that user to investigate their condition. Other rules may also be created and added to a rules engine (not shown) for analyzing data from wearable devices 120.

[0075] Figure 7 is a functional block diagram of a wearable device 120, provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The wearable device 120 comprises a communication interface (CI) module 610, an event processor and scripting engine (EPSE) 620, a sensor processor (SP) 630, an alert component 640, and sensor 650. Although shown as separate modules, in certain embodiments, EPSE 620 and SP 630 may be deployed as a single module executed on a single processer. CI 610 is configured to interface with server 102 to send and receive data. When the wearable device 120 is first powered on, it may undergo an initiation routine before a connection to the server 102 is established, as will be discussed in further detail below. EPSE 620 is configured to process payloads received, for example, from the server 102 or a third party system 140. Payloads may comprise, for example, commands for an alert, a vibration, a message, a response routine, or a script. A vibrate command may simply trigger the alert component 140 of the wearable device 120 to vibrate in a user defined pattern. A message command may be a simple message for conveying to a user of the wearable device 120, such as a text display, or a request to add an item to a task list. SP 630 is configured to control and/or perform operations related to sensors 650 associated with the wearable device 120. For example, SP 630 may poll sensors 650 to gather data for a response to be sent back to the server 102 or a third party system 140. This may include GPS location, temperature, air quality parameters, which may be polled and included into the payload. Alert component 640 may comprise a display, a light, a motor, or any suitable mechanical or electrical component suitable to deliver an alert to the wearable device 120 user.

[0076] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating operation of wearable device 120, according to an embodiment. At step 810, when wearable device 120 is powered on it undergoes an initialization routine. At step 820, CI 610 connects to the server 102, for example, through a predefined server IP address by opening a TCP connection. After a connection is formed, at step 830, it may receive a payload from the server 102, and sends to EP 620 at step 840. At step 850, the connection between CI 610 and server 102 is held until it is terminated by the server 102 by a forced disconnection or time-out (Step 860). The procedure then loops back to step 820. In some embodiments, a pending payload is provided to the CI 610 (at step 830) at certain times in which it reconnects to the server 102. In a certain embodiments, the payload queue may be purged when the wearable device 120 first powers on (Step 810) to prevent over queuing, and thus step 830 may be omitted during the first iteration.

[0077] Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method 900 for processing a payload according to an embodiment of the present invention. The payload, for example, may be sent from a server 102, to wearable device 120, to be processed by EP 620 of wearable device 120. At step 910, a payload is received by EP 620. At step 920, EP 620 determines whether the payload comprises a vibrate command, and if yes, vibrates the device at step 930. If no, then at step 940, EP 620 determines whether the payload comprises a message, and if yes, displays the message at step 950. If no, then at step 960 the EP 620 determines whether the payload comprises a script, and if yes, runs the script at step 970. At step 980, the EP 620 gathers sensor data, for example through sensors 650, and then at step 990, sends a response to server 102 including the gathered sensor data.

[0078] Aspects of the invention will now be described with reference to specific examples. It will be understood that the following examples are intended to describe embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

EXAMPLES

Monitoring Systems

[0079] Embodiments of the present invention may be configured to monitor productivity of operational procedures. For example, critical thresholds or time-sensitive information may be used to generate alerts, to improve workplace productivity and safety. For the purpose of a clearer explanation, but not a collectively exhaustive application, an example of such an application is presented below, in order to provide workplace monitoring.

[0080] Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the system 100, 300 may be applied to the mining sector to connect critical alerts from a payload management system to workers wearing wearable devices 120, according to an embodiment. For example, large open-pit mines use a number of shovel trucks to extract rocks after blasting. These massive shovels contain reinforced steel teeth, which can break off at times and cause subsequent problems in the payload management process. If a shovel tooth ends up in the crusher, it can halt production and cause safety concerns while removing the jammed tooth.

[0081] Embodiments of the present invention may be configured to facilitate the communication of productivity- sensitive information, to reach the appropriate workers on site no matter where they are. For example, and with reference to Figures 1 and 3, server 102 may be able to detect a broken tooth, such as through sensors 110 or adjacent wearable devices 120. The server 102 may then immediately communicate this information to workers wearing a wearable device 120 through a display or audible alert in order to take the appropriate action. Alternatively, the wearable device 120 may collect the situational data information relating to a broken tooth, and promptly send it to the server 102. The server 102, may then evaluate the situational data, and if appropriate, trigger a communication alert to any worker(s) wearing wearable devices 120 that should be alerted. Since a wearable device 120 increases the effective delivery of information, the appropriate workers can receive this information without carrying cumbersome technologies, such as an iPad™ or 2-way radio.

Predictive Analytics System

[0082] Embodiments of the present invention may be configured to facilitate predictive analytics. For example, the server 102 may first engage in a "training phase" where it collects information from wearable devices 120 to establish a reference set of data. The server 102 may then engage in a "detection phase" whereby it continuously gathers data from wearable devices 120, and it compares it to the reference data to warn the user of a potential trend or danger.

[0083] In one embodiment, the server 102 enters the training phase by first gathering data from wearable devices 120 to develop a reference set of statistics during a particular event, process, or workflow (i.e. a training set). For example, the training set may comprise data indicating a user's average heart rate to be between 70-80 bpm when inside a moving vehicle. After the reference set of statistics has been established, the server 102 may enter into a detection phase by monitoring wearable devices 120 during the same event, process, or workflow, and compare it to the reference set of statistics. For example, if a user's heart-rate satisfies a certain threshold derived from the reference set of statistics, the server 102 may predict an impending danger, and warn the user by alerting the associated wearable device 120. The threshold may comprise, for example, a standard deviation derived from a normal distribution of the reference set of statistics.

[0084] One example in the airport logistics sector is to connect the alerts from their predictive analytics systems to air-traffic controllers. There are existing predictive analytics systems that help air-traffic controllers do their job. For the purpose of a clearer explanation, but not a collectively exhaustive application, an example of how predictive analytics systems can be enhanced to help air-traffic controllers avoid runway incursions by connecting these systems to wearable devices worn by workers is explained below, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0085] Aircraft logistics employees, for example, generally need to monitor several aircrafts while having their attention focused onto the monitor display in front of them. The predictive analytics system for runway incursions will generate alerts when they believe there is a threat. This may include time-sensitive information that needs to be acted upon as quickly as possible.

[0086] In order to best gather the attention of this worker, a wearable device 120 can be used. For example, the wearable device 120 may comprise a wristband for producing vibrations on a wrist of a user, or may comprise a pair of glasses having an integrated display screen to gain a user's attention and prompt immediate action.

Worker Safety Procedures

[0087] Embodiments of the present invention may be configured to facilitate worker safety procedures. For example, wearable devices 120 can allow for contextual information to be delivered to a worker from a remote server 102 or database 130. One example in the oil and gas sector is the delivery of safety protocols to workers prior to performing a particular task. By setting up contextual cues, such as connecting to a wireless Service Set Identifier (SSID), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons or geofencing using a local or global positioning system, workers can be prompted with a set of procedures that the company has created. For the purpose of a clearer explanation, but not a collectively exhaustive application, an example of the present technology may be applied to confined spaces is presented below. [0088] Industrial sites have many confined spaces, and air quality in the oil and gas sector can be a workplace hazard. Referring to Figure 1 for example, a wearable device 120 worn by a worker may detect when the worker is approaching a confined space. The wearable device 120 may then send this situational data to server 102 which evaluates the positional data of the worker relative to the environmental layout. The server 102 may then transmit data to the wearable device 120 including a "checklist" whereby they will acknowledge and communicate back to the server 102 that they have completed each appropriate task. Upon receipt of the completed "checklist", the server 102 may further send a confirmation back to the wearable device 120 to permit the worker to continue. In this way, a company can effectively deliver information to a worker and ensure that preventative measures are taken.

[0089] In certain embodiments, a record of this transaction, may be further stored in database 130 of Figure 3, for example. In some embodiments, this transactional data may then be later retrieved by server 102, and used in real-time evaluation with concurrent incoming situational data in subsequent operations. Storage of transactional information provides an audit trail for companies who want to ensure their workers are following policy.

Security

[0090] Embodiments of the present invention may involve application in the enterprise security sector. Such embodiments may be configured to deliver alerts from motion sensing or computer vision monitoring systems. For example, the system 100 may be configured to detect motion or an object in a location and alert security guards sitting at a computer station. For the purpose of a clearer explanation, but not a collectively exhaustive application, an example of such an application is presented below, in order to assist in communicating such information to security guards.

[0091] Referring to Figure 3 for example, motion sensor information may be sent from sensors 110 to server 102. The server 102 may evaluate the motion sensor information, or send it to a third party system 140 such as a computer vision monitoring system for evaluation. Upon evaluation, server 102 would send appropriate information or confirmation to a wearable device 120, for example worn by a nearby security guard. Some embodiments may be configured to assist the developers of such motion sensor and computer vision monitoring systems in configuring their systems to send such information. An example of this information is a text message from server 102 to wearable device 120 displaying the location where the motion was detected, or an image of the person detected in a secure area by computer vision captured by sensors 110. This allows the security guard with the wearable device 120 to receive and respond to the information discretely and hands free.

[0092] Further, the wearable device 120 may be configured to transmit an acknowledgement of an alert to the server 102 to indicate that a security guard is en route to investigate. Information received by server 102 can also be recorded in the database 130 for future auditing or used to communicate to other security guards wearing other wearable devices 120, or at a stationary computer, that they are responding to the alert.

Fraud Prevention

[0093] Embodiments of the present invention may be configured to facilitate fraud prevention in ski resort management or similar environments. For the purpose of a clearer explanation, but not a collectively exhaustive application, one application to help ski resorts with fraud prevention is described below.

[0094] For example, ski resorts may have pictures of all ski pass holders along with information about the ski pass holder. Ski resort employees may check ski passes against this information to detect when a ski pass holder should be permitted past a checkpoint, unauthorized area, or paid access area.

[0095] Referring to Figure 3, one embodiment of the present invention may comprise scanning or reading the ski pass of a person passing through a checkpoint with sensors 110. The scanned information can then be sent to the server 102, which could then retrieve a picture of the ski pass holder stored in database 130, and then send the picture on file for the ski pass holder to one or more wearable devices 120 associated with employees at the checkpoint. For example, the wearable device 120 may comprises a head mounted display inside glasses or ski goggles worn by staff of the ski resort. The employee could then compare the picture on their wearable device 120 to the person passing through the checkpoint to determine if they are indeed the registered owner of the ski pass, and permitted past the checkpoint.

Agriculture [0096] Embodiments of the present invention may be applied to agriculture and crop maintenance. For the purpose of a clearer explanation, but not a collectively exhaustive application, an application of the present technology to assist farmers in maintaining better control and response over their crops when a threat to crop health occurs is described below.

[0097] Referring to Figure 3, sensors 110 may include sensors that detect problems with crops, and can detect potential bug infestations early on before they become unmanageable. In some cases these infestations can spread very rapidly so it is important that they are dealt with in a timely manner. In one embodiment, the sensors 110 may detect a crop problem, and transmit this situational information to server 102. The server can then evaluate the situational information, and transmit an alert to a wearable device 120 associated with a worker in the field or farm attendant, or trigger an appropriate response routine.

[0098] In another embodiment, a third party system 140 may include their own proprietary sensors (not shown) that can detect crop information including bug infestations. Upon receiving this information, the third party system 140 can evaluate this information, and send the information to the server 102, which in turn sends an alert to a farm attendant wearing a wearable device 120, which may be in the form of a network enabled wristwatch. Embodiments of the present invention may be configured to transmit an alert to a wearable device 120, or trigger a response routine, upon satisfying a predetermined condition, such as conditions indicative of a potential pest problem.

Health & Safety

[0099] Embodiments of the present invention may be applied to a number of health and safety applications. For example, sensors 110 or wearable devices 120 may monitor a number of physiological conditions including: heart rate, oxygen intake, vital statistics, eyelid movement, breathing patterns, body motion, rapid acceleration, body temperature, and so forth. This information may then be sent to server 102 or third party system 140 for evaluation, and in turn, an alert or response routine may be sent to the wearable device 120 if appropriate. For the purpose of a clearer explanation, but not a collectively exhaustive application, one such example to help ensure a safer work environment is described below.

Referring to Figure 3, in one embodiments of the present invention, the system 100 is configured to periodically query the activity data of all wearable devices 120 communicatively coupled to server 102. The queries may be set up by a third party developer through third party system 140 (for example using server 102's third party communication interface module (TCI) 510. A query request may be sent by third party system 140 to server 102, which in turn queries all wearable devices 120 communicatively coupled to server 102. Wearable devices 120, in turn, would send current or collected situational data to server 102, which in turn may evaluate the data or relay it back to the third party system 140 initiating the query request. An analysis may then be applied to the retrieved data to determine if one or more workers wearing wearable devices 120 have experienced extreme acceleration or deceleration, such as through an extreme collision or vehicle crash. If extreme acceleration is detected, server 102, or an external application via third party system 140 may then be configured to push an alert to the wearable device 120 on the worker, for example through the server 120's TCI interface module 510; the alert may request an acknowledgement from the user of the wearable device 120 that they are ok. The external application, may then query the server 102 to determine if the worker has acknowledged the alert. If there is no acknowledgement, then another alert could be sent to a different worker nearby the non responding worker, to inform them to check that worker.

[00100] In certain embodiments, the server 102 may comprise a script interpreter that periodically queries one or more wearable devices 120 communicatively coupled to the server 102, via a custom subroutine. Upon sending a query, wearable devices 120 would send situational data to the server 102, which in turn evaluates the data, for example, by applying logic to the data. The data may be compared to a predetermined criterion, and if satisfied, the server 102 would push an alert to the relevant wearable device 120. The alert may prompt the user to respond by indicating that they are not ill or injured. If the user of the wearable device 120 fails to respond to the alert within a predetermined time, the server 120 could send another alert to another user of a wearable device 120 to notify them that the non-responding user is potentially injured. Alternatively, the server 102 may initiate a response routine, for example, which may contact authorities or emergency services, to notify them of the presence of a non-responding user that is potentially injured.

[00101] For example, if extreme acceleration was detected at one of the wearable devices 120 by the custom subroutine running on the server 102 or third party system 140, an alert could be pushed to the user of the wearable device 120 asking for an acknowledgement that they are ok. Extreme acceleration may be indicative of a collision or high speed impact causing injury to the user of the wearable device 120. If no acknowledgement is made, the server 120 can then send another alert to a different worker to inform them to check on the first worker.

Dynamically Scheduled Notifications

[00102] Embodiments of the present invention may be applied to providing scheduled or real-time notifications. For the purpose of a clearer explanation, but not a collectively exhaustive application, an application of the present technology to assist in providing notifications is described below.

[00103] Referring to Figure 1, for example, the system 100 can preemptively schedule notifications for workers wearing the wearable device 120 based on time of day and location, or alter schedules based on real-time events that occur across an organization. One example is a "Zero-Harm" safety initiative. The server 102 can send periodic safety tips to members of an organization wearing wearable devices 120 that are relevant to the worker's role and current task. This may include sending information by referencing their employee profile, schedule and current location. The frequency of safety alerts send by the server 102 to wearable devices 120 may also be increased or decreased according the frequencies of reported injuries or historical information gathered in database 130.

Worker Behavior Modification

[00104] Embodiments of the present invention may be applied to providing worker behavior modification, for example, through executing a variable rewards procedure. For the purpose of a clearer explanation, but not a collectively exhaustive application, an application of the present technology to assist in providing worker behavior modification is described below.

[00105] Referring to Figure 1, for example, the server 102 may be configured with custom subroutines for dispatching scheduled questions or notifications to workers using a wearable device 120. A worker may respond to the question via the wearable device 120, which in turn transmits the response back to the server 102. If the server 102 determines the worker made an appropriate response, the server 102 may provide a reward to the worker, for example, through a notification that an arbitrary amount of money was added to their paycheck. Accordingly, the system 100 may be configured to modify worker behavior through variable rewards. Remote Healthcare Assistance

[00106] Embodiments of the present invention may be applied to providing remote healthcare monitoring and assistance. For the purpose of a clearer explanation, but not a collectively exhaustive application, an application of the present technology to assist in providing remote healthcare assistance is described below.

[00107] Referring to Figure 1, the server 102 can send queries to patients wearing wearable devices 120 according to programmed subroutines that detect unusual patient behavior. For example, the wearable devices 120 may detect the distance a patient wanders from a reference point such as their bed, room, or home. The wearable device 120 may also detect the amount of time the patient stays dormant in a certain area, the time the patient is engaged in a certain activity, and other physiological patient data, to help determine whether the patient is ill or injured.

[00108] For example, if a patient spends an inordinate amount of time in the kitchen without moving, the server 102 could trigger a query to the wearable device 120 of the patient to check on their condition. If the patient does not respond to the query, the server 102 could then notify a caregiver to check up on the patient, or execute a response routine for emergency services.

[00109] In addition to detecting anomalies in behavior, in other embodiments, the server 102 can periodically or continuously monitor patient vitals and detect increased anxiety. For example, when a patient is detected to have increased anxiety through data received from the wearable device 120, the server 102 can send a pre-programmed set of messages to the wearable device 120 that may help calm the patient; these messages could be a visually display, an audible message, a smell, a familiar poem, a story, a song, or set of questions that trigger lucidity.

[00110] In certain embodiments, the server 102 can control the wearable device 120 to deliver standardized medical tests, including but not limited to a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test for cognitive impairment, or a 10-point depression test. The results of the test may then be sent back from the wearable device 120 to the server 102. Delivering these outside a hospital setting, with a higher frequency and at random or scheduled times may help medical practitioners track progress and measure drug efficacy on the patient. [00111] In certain embodiments, the server 102 can send reminders to patients through their wearable devices 120 for taking their medication. The server 102 may also follow up with the patient to confirm whether they indeed took their medication. Additionally, the server 102 can sense readings and states of networked appliances within the patient's home through sensors 110 or wearable devices 120. In one example, if a patient has a stove turned on and leaves the room, the server 102 can send a message to a patient's wearable device 120 and ask them "did you remember to turn off the stove?

Operational Procedure Training

[00112] Embodiments of the present invention may be applied to implementing and improving operational procedures and workflows, and assist with worker training. For the purpose of a clearer explanation, but not a collectively exhaustive application, an application of the present technology to assist in designing or improving operational procedures and workflows, is described below.

[00113] Referring to Figure 1, for example, an organization can design a workflow procedure and execute it using system 100 in real time by instructing a worker wearing a wearable device 120 through a set of directional messages and questions sent from the server 102. Each message may require the worker respond or confirm completion of the related task in the message, before a subsequent message is sent. The system 100 may also, through server 102, monitor the efficiency of the implemented procedure through successive iterations.

[00114] In certain embodiments, the system 100 can also help with worker training. For example, after a new worker using wearable device 120 has undergone a predetermined number of workflows, they server 102 may stop or reduce the frequency of messages guiding the worker throughout specific tasks of the workflow. The predetermined number of workflows may be chosen according to what would normally be required for a worker to be self-sufficient in completing a particular task.

[00115] In certain embodiments, the system 100 can further monitor how workers may follow a workflow or specific procedure through wearable devices 120, including potential variances in the intended procedure and the actual execution of the procedure. Situational information relevant to the procedure may be collected by wearable devices 120, and sent to server 102 to evaluate and compare this information against key performance indicators. The server 102 may highlight certain criteria or extreme variations based on the expected execution, and present them to a system analyst for review. In this way, the system 100 facilitates improvement of workflows to increase efficiency and/or safety.

Ski Patrol Alerts

[00116] Embodiments of the present invention may be applied to improving situational awareness for ski patrollers, such as providing ski patrol alerts. For the purpose of a clearer explanation, but not a collectively exhaustive application, an application of the present technology to situational awareness for ski patrollers, is described below.

[00117] For example, ski patrollers often drive loud snowmobiles and may not hear handheld radios or audible noises when in transit. Referring to the system 100 in Figure 1, a ski patroller wearing a wearable device 120 may receive an alert via an alternative form of alert, such as a text display, a vibration, a glowing light, smell, or any other suitable form of alert which could gather the user's attention. In some embodiments, the wearable device 120 may cycle through a plurality of different types of alerts, until the user becomes aware of the alert and responds to it. By providing a suitable form of alert to a user, the system 100 can allow ski patrollers achieve a faster response time. In other embodiments, the system 100 may utilize sensors 110 comprising motion detectors and computer vision monitoring systems to identify when a skier is out of bounds, send data to the server 102 indicating an out of bound skier, which in turn sends an alert to a ski patroller wearing a wearable device 120 to inform them of an out of bounds skier.

Parking Enforcement

[00118] Embodiments of the present invention may be applied to providing situational awareness to parking enforcers and providing parking enforcement. For the purpose of a clearer explanation, but not a collectively exhaustive application, an application of the present technology to parking enforcement, is described below.

[00119] Referring to Figure 1, for example, a parking enforcement organization may use system 100 to sense or monitor vehicles that are illegally parked or located in an unauthorized spot. The system 100 may utilize sensors 110 that comprise parking or motion sensors to detect a parking violation; when a parking violation is detected, sensors 110 can transmit this information to the server 102, which may evaluate this information, and send and alert to a parking attendant wearing a wearable device 120 such that they may inspect the violation. The parking attendant may then report, ticket, or tow the car as appropriate. Accordingly, the system 100 may provide real-time awareness of potential parking infractions to improve parking enforcement efficiency.

Remote Hosting Maintenance

[00120] Embodiments of the present invention may be applied to providing situational awareness to data center operational staff, such as for remote hosting maintenance. For the purpose of a clearer explanation, but not a collectively exhaustive application, an application of the present technology assist in remote hosting maintenance, is described below.

[00121] Referring to Figure 1 for example, a data center may utilize system 100 to monitor suitable physical or environmental changes through sensors 110, or incoming data through other electronic means. This information can be sent to server 102, which in turn may evaluate the information, such as comparing it to a predetermined criterion. If the predetermined criterion is satisfied, the server 102 can send an alert to staff wearing wearable device 120 so that the staff member may respond immediately and accordingly.

[00122] It will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, it is within the scope of the invention to provide a computer program product or program element, or a program storage or memory device such as a solid or fluid transmission medium, magnetic or optical wire, tape or disc, or the like, for storing signals readable by a machine, for controlling the operation of a computer according to the method of the invention and/or to structure some or all of its components in accordance with the system of the invention.

[00123] Additionally, acts associated with a method as described herein may be implemented by a computer or system of computers, for example a server in association with computers integrated within wearable devices and communicatively coupled to the server.

[00124] Acts associated with the method described herein can be implemented as coded instructions in a computer program product. In other words, the computer program product is a computer-readable medium upon which software code is recorded to execute the method when the computer program product is loaded into memory and executed on the microprocessor of the wireless communication device.

[00125] Acts associated with the method described herein can be implemented as coded instructions in plural computer program products. For example, a first portion of the method may be performed using one computing device, and a second portion of the method may be performed using another computing device, server, or the like. In this case, each computer program product is a computer-readable medium upon which software code is recorded to execute appropriate portions of the method when a computer program product is loaded into memory and executed on the microprocessor of a computing device.

[00126] Further, each step of the method may be executed on any computing device, such as a personal computer, server, PDA, or the like and pursuant to one or more, or a part of one or more, program elements, modules or objects generated from any programming language, such as C++, Java, PL/1, or the like. In addition, each step, or a file or object or the like implementing each said step, may be executed by special purpose hardware or a circuit module designed for that purpose.

[00127] It is obvious that the foregoing embodiments of the invention are examples and can be varied in many ways. Such present or future variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for facilitating situational awareness, the method comprising: receiving situational information, evaluating the situational information, and executing a response when the situational information satisfies a predetermined condition.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein executing the response comprises transmitting an alert signal to one or more wearable devices, and the predetermined condition comprises a predetermined alert criterion.

3. The method of claim 2 further comprising emitting an output with the one or more wearable devices upon receiving the alert signal.

4. The method of claim 2 further comprising sending a query to the one or more wearable devices to request the situational information.

5. The method of claim 2 wherein the situational information is received from a first wearable device, and the alert signal is transmitted to a second wearable device adjacent the first wearable device.

6. The method of claim 2 wherein the situational information is received from sensors proximate to a first wearable device, and the alert signal is transmitted to the first wearable device.

7. The method of claim 2 wherein the situational information is received from a first wearable device, and the alert signal is transmitted to the first wearable device, the method further comprising: waiting to receive an acknowledgement from the first wearable device, and sending a second alert signal to a second wearable device upon failure to receive the acknowledgement from the first wearable device.

8. The method of claim 2 wherein the alert signal comprises a first form, the method further comprising waiting to receive an acknowledgement from the one or more wearable devices, and sending a second alert signal having a second form to the one or more wearable devices upon failure to receive the acknowledgement.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the situational information is received from one or more wearable devices.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein the situational information is received from sensors proximate to one or more wearable devices.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein evaluating the situational information comprises comparing the situational information to statistical data, and the predetermined condition is satisfied upon the situational information meeting a known variance of the statistical data.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein the predetermined condition is determined according to previously collected situational data.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein the method further comprises determining a normal distribution from previously collected situational information, and satisfaction of the predetermined condition comprises meeting or exceeding a standard deviation from the normal distribution.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein the situational information comprises positional data from a first wearable device, and the predetermined condition is satisfied if the position of the first wearable device is substantially similar after a predetermined time.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein the situational information comprises positional data from a first wearable device, and the predetermined condition is satisfied if the position of the first wearable device is near a prohibited location.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein executing the response comprises triggering a response routine, and the predetermined condition comprises a predetermined criterion.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the response routine comprises dynamic response scripting executed on one or more wearable devices.

18. A computer readable medium having recorded thereon statements and instructions for execution by a processor to carry out the method of any one of of claims 1 to 17.

19. A server for facilitating situational awareness, the server comprising: a client communication module configured to receive situational information; and a processor coupled to the client communication module and configured to evaluate the situational information, and execute a response when the situational information satisfies a predetermined condition.

20. The server of claim 19 wherein executing the response comprises transmitting an alert signal to one or more wearable devices through the client communication module, and the predetermined condition comprises a predetermined alert criterion.

21. The server of claim 19 wherein the situational information is received from one or more wearable devices.

22. The server of claim 19 wherein executing the response comprises triggering a response routine, and the predetermined condition comprises a predetermined criterion.

23. The server of claim 22 wherein the response routine comprises dynamic response scripting executed by the processor.

24. A system for facilitating situational awareness, the system comprising: one or more wearable devices configured to collect situational information from one or more associated sensors local to each wearable device; and a server communicatively coupled to the one or more wearable devices, the server configured to receive the situational information from the one or more wearable devices, evaluate the situational information, and execute a response when the situational information satisfies a predetermined condition.

25. The system of claim 24 wherein executing the response comprises transmitting an alert signal from the server to the one ore more wearable devices, and the predetermined condition comprises a predetermined alert criterion.

26. The system of claim 25 wherein the situational information is received by the server from a first wearable device, and the alert signal is transmitted by the server to a second wearable device adjacent the first wearable device.

27. The system of claim 25 wherein the situational information is received by the server from a first wearable device, and the alert signal is transmitted by the server to the first wearable device, and wherein the server is further configured to wait for an acknowledgement from the first wearable device, and to send a second alert signal to a second wearable device upon failure to receive the acknowledgement from the first wearable device.

28. The system of claim 24 wherein the one or more wearable devices are further configured to emit an output upon receiving the alert signal.

29. The system of claim 24 wherein executing the response comprises triggering a response routine, and the predetermined condition comprises a predetermined criterion.

30. The system of claim 26 wherein the response routine comprises dynamic response scripting executed by the server.