WO2021084076A1

WO2021084076A1 - Time apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2021084076A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/080524
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul PÄLLIN
Original assignee: 21Stsense Oü
Priority date: 2019-10-31
Filing date: 2020-10-30
Publication date: 2021-05-06
Also published as: EP4052099A1; GB201915835D0

Abstract

There is disclosed an apparatus for wearing by a user. The apparatus comprises a plurality of output zones arranged on the apparatus. Each of the output zones is arranged to provide an output signal which can be sensed by skin of the user. A controller of the apparatus is configured to actuate the plurality of output zones in a manner so as to give the user a perception of passing time over a time period.

Description

TIME APPARATUS

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for providing a user with a perception or sense of time.

Background

Timepieces such as watches are known. A user can tell the time by reading either a digital or analogue indication of the time on a face of the timepiece.

Summary

According to a first aspect disclosed herein, there is provided an apparatus for wearing by a user, comprising: a plurality of output zones arranged on the apparatus, each of the output zones arranged to provide an output signal which can be sensed by skin of the user; and a controller configured to actuate the plurality of output zones in a manner so as to give the user a perception of passing time over a time period.

According to some examples, the controller is configured to actuate one or more of the plurality of output zones continuously over the time period. According to some examples, the apparatus comprises a plurality of regions of output zones spaced apart on the apparatus.

According to some examples, each region of output zones comprises an array of output zones.

According to some examples, each array comprises a linear array. According to some examples, each array is arranged to indicate a different unit of time.

According to some examples, the apparatus comprises one or more of: an array of output zones arranged to indicate hours; an array of output zones arranged to indicate minutes; an array of output zones arranged to indicate seconds; an array of output zones arranged to indicate split-seconds.

According to some examples, within each array of output zones there is a spacing of at least 6mm between each output zone.

According to some examples, within each array of output zones there is a spacing of between 1cm and 1.5cm between each output zone.

According to some examples, the controller is configured to actuate the plurality of output zones in a manner so as to alter a subjective sense of time of the user.

According to some examples, the controller is configured to actuate the plurality of output zones in a manner so as to speed up the subjective sense of time of the user.

According to some examples, the controller is configured to actuate the plurality of output zones in a manner so as to slow down the subjective sense of time of the user. According to some examples, the controller is configured to actuate the plurality of output zones in a manner so as to alter the subjective sense of time of the user in a gradual manner.

According to some examples, the controller is configured to actuate the plurality of output zones in a manner so as to alter the subjective sense of time of the user in a gradual manner between a defined start time and a defined end time.

According to some examples, the output signal provided by each output zone comprises one or more vibration signals. According to some examples, the output signal provided by each output zone comprises one or more electrical discharges.

According to some examples, each output zone comprises an electrode.

According to some examples, the apparatus is constructed and arranged to be one or more of: wrist-worn; ankle-worn; neck-worn; finger-worn, waist-worn.

According to some examples, the apparatus comprises an inner surface that is constructed and arranged to be worn against the user's skin and on which the plurality of output zones is located, and an outer surface that is on an opposite side to the inner surface. According to some examples, the apparatus is constructed and arranged such that it provides no visual indication of time.

According to a second aspect, there is provided an apparatus that is constructed and arranged to provide a user with a perception of passing time using sensory substitution. According to some examples, the apparatus provides no visual indication of passing time.

According to a third aspect there is provided a method comprising: using sensory substitution to provide a user with a perception of passing time. Brief Description of the Drawings

To assist understanding of the present disclosure and to show how embodiments may be put into effect, reference is made by way of example to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows schematically an apparatus according to an example; Figure 2 shows schematically an apparatus according to an example.

Figure 3 shows schematically an apparatus according to an example. Figure 4 shows schematically an apparatus according to an example.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus (or device) and method for providing a user with a perception or sense of time. More particularly the apparatus may provide a sense of passing time (rather than just time at an instant). In examples the apparatus is configured to send safe and discreet electrical signals to nerves of a user's skin. More particularly, in examples it may be considered that the perception of passing time is provided by use of sensory substitution. Sensory substitution is a known technique of translating one sense to another or new sense using "brain plasticity" (the brain's ability to adapt to a changing environment). A well-known example of sensory substitution is BrainPort^®, a device that converts camera pixels into electrical signals on to the tongue of a subject to aid the subject with orientation, mobility and object recognition. So far, there are not many real world use cases of sensory substitution due to the high data throughput that is required to mimic complex senses (such as vision and hearing). The present disclosure identifies that time is an ideal use case for sensory substitution. Time is one-dimensional, thus needs only a small bandwidth, yet is central to our experience of living.

There are several mechanisms in the brain to construct an idea of time. Humans can understand a sequence of events and rough duration. However, currently a user's perception of time is many orders of magnitude lower than that of artificial clocks in terms of precision. Time is involved in nearly everything humans do - movement, speech, goal oriented behaviour, decision making etc. - these are all guided by time to at least some degree. The present disclosure identifies that improving humans' sense of time would lead to a significantly improved understanding of the world and ability to operate in it.

Timepieces such as watches can give a user an accurate read-out of time or the passing of time, however they require a user to look at the timepiece. This can be inconvenient, for example if the user is holding something which prevents them from turning their wrist to look at their watch, or they do not want to be seen to be checking the time (for example during a meeting). Vibrating wristwatches are known, which can for example provide a vibrating alarm function. Such devices may be used by people with impaired hearing who cannot hear an alarm clock. However such devices only give a user an alert at the point in time that the alarm goes off, for example to cause a user to wake-up at 7a.m. Such devices do not give a user a perception of passing of time, rather they just create an alert at a specific instant. Thus some known vibrating wristwatches do provide a user with information of time at an instant. Typically a single vibrating actuator is provided in the known vibrating wristwatches, which provides time information in an encoded fashion, for example 2 buzzes for 2.00 a.m. and 10 buzzes for 10 a.m. etc. It will be appreciated that it can be quite time consuming for the encoded time to be read out, and it can easily be misunderstood by the wearer (e.g. if the wearer miscounts the number of buzzes). Also the wearer needs to press a button for the encoded time to be provided, which may be inconvenient or even not possible in some circumstances. Thus such known vibrating wristwatches do not provide a continuous output indicative of passing time.

An example of an apparatus or device according to an example is shown in Figure 1. In examples the apparatus (or device) 100 is constructed and arranged to be worn on or proximate to a user's skin. The apparatus 100 comprises a substrate or main body portion 102. The substrate 102 comprises at least one region 104, 106, 108 and 110 constructed and arranged to provide a sensory output to a wearer of the apparatus 100. In the example of Figure 1 each of the at least one regions comprises an array of sensory output zones or nodes or actuators. In the example of Figure 1 the at least one region comprises a first region 104 which comprises a plurality of output zones 112; a second region 106 which comprises a plurality of output zones 114; a third region 108 which comprises a plurality of output zones 116; and a fourth region 110 which comprises a plurality of output zones 118. (It will be understood that the { } brackets are to show which output zones belong to which array, and the brackets are not part of the apparatus design). It will be understood that each of the output zones is arranged to provide an output signal which can be sensed by the user. More particularly it will be understood that each of the output zones is arranged to provide an output signal which can be sensed by skin of the user. In other words it may be considered that each of the output zones is arranged to provide an output signal to skin of the user. The user can sense the signal that has been output to the user's skin. In the example of Figure 1 it may be considered that each output region comprises a plurality of output zones arranged in an array or a row.

The at least one region 104, 106, 108, 110 may be considered to comprise a set of regions. In examples, each region is configured for representing or indicating a different unit of time. For example and with respect to Figure 1, first region 104 is configured to indicate hours; second region 106 is configured to indicate minutes; third region 108 is configured to indicate seconds; and fourth region 110 is configured to indicate split-seconds (e.g. hundredths of a second). It will of course be understood that this is by way of example and that different arrangements may be provided in different examples. For example some arrangements may omit some of the regions or output zones where such accuracy is not required. For example the seconds or split seconds output zones may be omitted. In some examples fewer or more output zones may be provided in each region. For example in the "minutes" region 106, twelve (rather than sixty) output zones could be provided, which would give a user accuracy to the nearest five minutes. Additionally or alternatively the accuracy to nearest minute could be provided by employing additional encoding, for example by using several output zones simultaneously. In some examples in the "hours" region 104, twenty four output zones could be provided to represent a 24 hour clock. Other examples may additionally or alternatively have regions configured to indicate days, months or years etc. In some examples multiple time scales could be simultaneously displayed on a single region (e.g. split-seconds and hours in a single region).

In some examples each zone (e.g. zone 112, 114, 116, 118) is configured to output an electrical discharge, or in other words an electric shock or signal (which would be a small electric shock), to a user's skin. In some examples a strength of current used is 0.1mA or about 0.1mA. In some examples the electrical discharge is provided by an electrode (which forms an output zone) which is arranged to be in contact with the wearer's skin.

In some examples each output zone (e.g. output zones in arrays 112, 114, 116, 118) is configured to provide a haptic or vibratory sensation or signal to a user's skin. Any one or more of the following may be used to provide the vibratory feedback: linear actuator(s); eccentric rotating mass motor(s); piezoelectric transducer(s); or other methods for generating vibration. In some examples, output zones would convey signal via heat or cold receptors in the skin, activating them with thermoelectric components. Thus in some examples it may be considered that the output zones comprises one or more thermoelectric components.

Thus it may be considered that each output zone is arranged to provide an output signal (e.g. electrical discharge and/or vibration and/or thermoelectric output) which can be sensed by a user (i.e. wearer) of the apparatus.

The output zones are configured to be fired or actuated in a manner that indicates a passing of time to a user of the apparatus 100. In some examples, each output zone within a region is arranged to be actuated sequentially as time passes. For example within region 104 there are twelve output zones 112. So, by way of example, at 12p.m. a first output zone 112 is actuated, at 1p.m. a subsequent output zone 112 in the region 104 is actuated, and so on. Likewise at 12p.m. a first output zone 114 in region 106 is actuated, at 12.01p.m. a subsequent output zone 114 in region 106 is actuated, and so on. Therefore it may be considered that the apparatus 100 is constructed and arranged such that different zones or locations on the apparatus 100 are actuated as time passes. That is in examples the time is represented by firing or actuation of a particular output zone amongst the plurality of output zones. It will be appreciated that this is advantageous over the known vibrating wristwatches described above, in which a single electrode is used to provide encoded information of time. For example in the example of Figure 1, actuation of just the specific output zone designated for 7a.m. (e.g. the seventh output zone in hours region 104) could be actuated to signify that the time is 7a.m., whereas the prior art wristwatch would need to actuate the single electrode seven times (or some other relatively complicated encoding pattern) to provide this information.

According to some examples an output zone is continually actuated (or continually "on") until the subsequent output zone needs to be actuated. For example at 12p.m. the first output zone in region 104 may be actuated, as explained above. The first output zone will then remain actuated or on, until the subsequent output zone is actuated at 1p.m. For example where the output zone provides a vibratory sensation, then that vibratory sensation will be provided by the first output zone for 1 hour between 12p.m. and 1p.m. The same concept applies for minutes, seconds, split-seconds etc. Thus a user is given a continuous sense or perception of time or passing time, rather than just an indication of a point in time. At any moment, the user will have full information regarding current time, and will not have to set an alarm or press a button on the device in order to get this information.

Over time, and through brain plasticity, a user will learn to associate the sensory outputs provided by the apparatus 100 with the actual time. Thus in some examples there may be a training period or a training phase during which a user learns the associations between the sensory outputs and the actual time. Initially, a user may learn to use the sensory outputs for telling time via conscious action. For example the user may consciously observe the location of actuated zones and translate that to time knowledge by knowing the time meaning of each zone. Over time, the user would also learn subconscious use. Because in some examples the time information is always available and the signal is always present, the brain tries to predict the signal and associate it with everything else the brain is aware of, and in the process learns to associate the new signal with time. That is in some examples, the device is configured so that as long as the device is "on" or powered, it will be providing sensory output via the output zones.

In some examples, the apparatus 100 is configured such that the strength of the sensory outputs is adjustable. For example during the training phase the strength of the sensory outputs may be set relatively high. Over time, and as the user becomes used to the sensations, then the strength can be reduced. In some examples, over time the strength of the sensory output can be reduced to such an extent that it is almost imperceptible or unnoticed by the user, albeit still providing the perception of time. That is the sensory outputs may be considered equivalent to background noise. Therefore the user may constantly be conscious or aware of the time, without having to specifically think about the time and/or look at a timepiece. Likewise, the strength of the sensory outputs can be increased by a user if required. In some examples the strength of the sensory outputs is not adjusted over time, nevertheless the user becomes so accustomed to the sensory output that it is not distracting or uncomfortable (again, by way of analogy, the sensory outputs become the equivalent of background noise).

In some examples the strength of the sensory outputs may adjust over the course of a day. For example a user may be able to set alarms whereby the strength of the sensory output will increase at the time of the alarm.

According to some examples, the apparatus 100 is constructed and arranged to modulate the one or more sensory outputs, so as to alter a user's subjective sense of time. That is in some examples the apparatus 100 is able to spoof or fool a user in to thinking that time is passing more quickly or more slowly than it actually is. In some examples it may be considered that the device becomes a "master clock" for the brain. By providing an always present and reliable time signal the device may become the main source of "truth" for time information for the brain. Once this has happened, changing a speed of time output by the device may also change the user's subjective sense of time, as explained in more detail below.

In one example the apparatus is constructed and arranged to modulate the output zones so that one or more sensory outputs is provided in a manner that is configured to speed up a user's subjective sense of time. For example the output zones 112, 114, 116, 118 may be actuated in a manner (e.g. a sequence) more quickly than they would be if they were indicating the actual passage of time. By way of example only and with reference to Figure 1, the output zones 116 representative of seconds may take less than 60 seconds to complete a full cycle (e.g. each of the sixty output zones could be actuated sequentially every 0.9 seconds instead of every second, in order to speed up subjective sense of time by 10%).

In one example the apparatus is constructed and arranged to modulate the one or more sensory outputs in a manner that is configured to slow down a user's subjective sense of time. For example the output zones 112, 114, 116, 118 may be actuated in a manner (e.g. a sequence) more slowly than they would be if they were indicating the actual passage of time. By way of example only and with reference to Figure 1, the output zones 116 representative of seconds may take longer than 60 seconds to complete a full cycle (e.g. each of the sixty output zones could be actuated sequentially every 1.1 seconds instead of every second, in order to slow down subjective sense of time by 10%).

The ability of the apparatus 100 to speed-up or slow-down a user's perception of time may have many practical applications. For example, such functionality could be used to lessen the effects of jet lag. Jet lag occurs when a person's circadian clock does not agree with local time. Human circadian clocks are not 100% confident - they use any reliable signal (e.g. light, food, activity) to resynchronize. The apparatus 100 can provide a more reliable time signal for the body and become a "master clock" for resynchronization. For example, when travelling to a destination location that is ahead in time from the origin location, then the apparatus 100 could be used to speed up the user's perception of time before reaching the destination (e.g. during the flight), so that the user's body clock is more closely synchronized with the local time on arrival. Likewise, when travelling to a destination location that is behind in time from the origin location, then the apparatus 100 could be used to slow down the user's perception of time before reaching the destination (e.g. during the flight), so that the user's body clock is more closely synchronized with the local time on arrival.

According to some examples the apparatus 100 is constructed and arranged to alter the user's subjective sense of time in a gradual manner. So for example over an eight hour flight the user's subjective sense of time may be gradually brought in to line (either by speeding up or slowing down the subjective sense of time) with the destination time. In some examples the apparatus 100 is constructed and arranged to alter the user's subjective sense of time in a gradual manner between a defined start time and a defined end time. So for example for an eight hour flight the defined start time may be at take-off (t = 0), and the defined end time may be the expected landing time (t = 8 hrs). Of course, such values are adaptable and the user could select the defined start and end times to suit.

The ability to speed-up or slow-down a user's subjective sense of time may also be useful in other contexts. For example, people may be more productive and get more work done when their sense of time is speeded because the brain's cognitive processing abilities will have quickened. In a 2010 study by Allen and Wearden, subjects' sense of time was speeded up by using an audio signal of 5Hz clicks, and an increase in cognitive abilities was measured. By analogy, it is like speeding up a processor clock frequency of a computer. Accordingly, a user could cause the apparatus to speed up their subjective sense of time so that they work more efficiently. On the other hand, some people do not work well under time pressure. Such people could cause the apparatus 100 to slow down their subjective sense of time to alleviate the feeling of time pressure.

Another situation where modifying a sense of time may be useful is to modify the subjective duration of events or a situation. A pleasant situation can be made to last subjectively longer by speeding up the sense of time, or an unpleasant one shorter by slowing down subjective sense of time.

The apparatus 100 could also help to adjust users' sleep patterns. For example, some people like to wake up early in the morning and work most productively at that time - such people are often referred to as "morning larks". On the other hand, some people work best at night - such people are often referred to as "night owls". Unfortunately for night owls, the world, such as the working world, is based around morning larks (for example most people are expected to have already commuted and to be at work by 9a.m.). By way of example a night owl could use the apparatus 100 to speed up their subjective sense of time in the evenings, to fool their body in to thinking it is later than it actually is so that they can begin sleeping earlier than they usually would. During sleep, the apparatus 100 could then begin to bring the user's body back in to synchronization with the actual time.

A morning lark could likewise use the apparatus in the opposite fashion, to keep themselves awake longer at night. For example such a user could use the apparatus 100 to slow down their subjective sense of passing time in the evening or night. This could be useful, for example, for a morning lark who needs to work a night-shift.

The apparatus 100 may also comprise further functionality. In one example the further functionality comprises a stop-watch function. For example this enables the user to time events. This could be particularly useful, for example, when cooking and it may otherwise be inconvenient to need to regularly look at a timer. This may also be convenient when undertaking sporting activity or wanting to time a sporting activity.

In some examples the apparatus 100 may be used as a "brain-operated stopwatch" where the apparatus is still presenting regular time information but the user remembers the start time and can determine duration by mentally subtracting the start time from the end time. Advantageously no button presses are needed. One successful test example involved a participant making pancakes while doing other chores in the kitchen. The pancakes needed 55 seconds on each side. It was easy to observe the pancake start time mentally, do other activities with no regard for the pancakes for 50 seconds and then return to flip the pancake in perfect time.

As mentioned briefly above, the apparatus 100 is constructed and arranged to be worn on or proximate a user's body. In some examples the apparatus 100 is constructed and arranged to be worn against a user's skin. In such examples the user may also be termed a wearer of the apparatus 100.

In some examples the apparatus 100 is constructed and arranged to be worn around a user's wrist. In such an example the substrate 102 may be formed of a flexible material, enabling the substrate 102 to conform to a shape of the user's wrist. The substrate 102 may in some examples be formed of an elastic material. This enables the substrate 102 to account for different wrist sizes. As shown in Figure 1 the apparatus 100 comprises clasp portions 120 and 122, which enable first end 124 of the apparatus 100 to be joined to second end 126 of the apparatus 100. In other examples Velcro^® may be used as the fastener.

In another example the substrate 102 may be rigid or semi-rigid. For example the substrate 102 may be in a rigid or semi-rigid circular shape, like a bracelet or bangle. The substrate may also be part circular in shape in some examples, like a horseshoe or crescent. For example the substrate 102 may be made of a plastic such as high-density polyethylene or nylon.

These options give designers great flexibility in how the apparatus 100 will look and feel. For example the apparatus 100 may be designed to look like a traditional timepiece such as a wristwatch. The apparatus 100 could equally be designed in a manner that hides its function as a timepiece - for example externally the apparatus 100 could resemble a piece of jewellery like a bracelet as mentioned above. The apparatus also does not necessarily have to be wrist-worn. For example the apparatus 100 could equally be worn around a user's ankle (like an ankle bracelet), around a user's neck (like a necklace or "choker"), or around a user's finger or thumb (like a ring), or around a user's waist like a belt, to name a few. Thus in at least some examples the apparatus 100 is constructed and arranged to be worn by a user. Thus in at least some examples the apparatus 100 is not an implant and can be removed by the user whenever the user wishes.

The example of Figure 1 schematically shows what an inside surface 128 of the apparatus 100 resembles, in an example. By "inside surface" is meant the surface that is in contact with or faces a user's skin. Figure 2 schematically shows an example of such an apparatus 200 (in Figure 2 reference numerals designating an equivalent item to Figure 1 are in 200 series rather than 100 series) when the apparatus is in a circular fashion like a bracelet or ring. The apparatus 200 has an inside surface 228 and an outside surface 230.

In some examples a width W of the apparatus is in a range of 3cm to 5cm. In some examples the width W is 4cm or about 4cm. Some further aspects will now be described, according to some examples.

The apparatus 100 comprises a power source 132. The power source 132 may be a battery. For example the battery may be a lithium battery. In some examples the battery 132 is rechargeable. A port is shown at 134. The port 134 may be a USB port or a micro-USB port, for example. The port 134 may allow connection of the apparatus 134 to an external apparatus such as a computing device (e.g. PC, smartphone, or tablet), and/or to a mains electrical socket. Thus via port 134 the apparatus 100 may be able to transmit and receive information from the external apparatus, and/or be charged. A transmitter is schematically shown at 136, and a receiver is schematically shown at 138, which may be present according to some examples. . By means of transmitter 136 and receiver 138, the apparatus 100 is able to wirelessly transmit and receive information with an external apparatus (e.g. via WiFi^® or Bluetooth^®).

The apparatus 100 comprises a controller or microcontroller 140. The controller 140 comprises a memory 142 and a processor 144. The controller 140 is configured to control operations of the apparatus 100 e.g. the timing and/or strength of actuation of the sensory output zones 112, 114, 116, 118.

A display is schematically shown at 146. In some examples the display is part of the apparatus 100. In other examples the display 146 is comprised in an apparatus external from the apparatus 100. The display 146 is configured to display a user interface 148. In some examples the user interface 148 provides a read-out of the actual time, for example in digital or analogue form. This may be useful while a user is training to use the apparatus 100 in the sensory substitution manner intended (e.g. while the user's brain plasticity is updating). In other examples the apparatus 100 does not comprise a display. This may make manufacture simpler and decrease the costs of manufacture, as well as making the apparatus 100 particularly lightweight. In some examples the apparatus 100 provides no visual indication of time.

Via the user interface 148 one or more functionalities of the apparatus 100 may be controlled. For example via user interface 148 a user may control the functionality of speeding up or slowing down the user's subjective sense of time, as described above. In some examples via user interface 148 a user can adjust the power of the sensory outputs of the device. In some examples the display 146 is a touchscreen display. In some examples the apparatus 100 comprises one or more inputs, such as button or buttons 150. The buttons 150 may in some examples be physical hardware buttons. In other examples the buttons 150 may be comprised in user interface 148. The buttons 150 could for example enable functionality such as one or more of: starting and stopping a stopwatch function; selectively increasing and decreasing the power of the sensory output of the device; altering the speed of actuation of the output zones so as to alter the user's perception of passing time (e.g. by speeding up or slow down the sequential actuation of the output zones).

Figure 3 schematically shows a further example apparatus, in this case apparatus (or device) 300. It will be understood that aspects of the example of Figure 3 can be combined with aspects of Figures 1 and 2 and vice versa in any way, unless specifically stated otherwise.

The apparatus 300 comprises a substrate 302. In examples, substrate 302 is a flexible substrate. In some examples the substrate 302 may be considered a flexible membrane. An array of output zones is located on the substrate 302. In the example of Figure 3 the array of output zones comprises an array of electrodes. That is in some examples it may be considered that each output zone comprises an electrode. In the example of Figure 3 there is a first output zone region (or row or column) 306; a second output zone region 308; and a third output zone region 310. In the example of Figure 3 each output zone region 306, 308, 310 comprises a series of output zones (e.g. electrodes) arranged in a linear fashion. In the example of Figure 3 each output zone region 306, 308, 310 comprises twelve electrodes arranged in a linear fashion. For example output zone region 306 may be considered to comprise electrodes 312; output zone region 308 may be considered to comprise electrodes 314; and output zone region 310 may be considered to comprise electrodes 316. By way of example, in Figure 3 output zone region 306 is arranged to indicate hours; output zone region 308 is arranged to indicate minutes; and output zone region 310 is arranged to indicate seconds. Thus, using the example of Figure 3, the twelve output zones 312 can indicate to the user which hour it is; output zones 314 can indicate minutes to within five minute accuracy, and output zones 316 can indicate seconds to within 5 second accuracy.

A circuit board is schematically shown at 339. In the example of Figure 3 the circuit board 339 is placed on the opposite side of the substrate 302 from the output zones (hence why the circuit board is illustrated in phantom). The circuit board 339 comprises a controller or microcontroller 340 configured for controlling the actuation of the output zones. In this example the controller 340 comprises a memory 342 and a processor 344. A power source is schematically shown at 332. The power source may for example comprise a battery, as previously described. Each output zone is conductively connected to the circuit board 339, for example with a wire or a conductive track. For clarity the conductive connections are not shown in Figure 3. In some examples the conductive connections comprise conductive tracks that are printed on to the substrate 302.

According to some examples each output zone (e.g. electrode) is a square. According to some examples each output zone is a square of 3mm x 3mm (or about 3mm x 3mm). According to some examples, within each output zone region 306, 308, 310, a spacing X between each output zone is between 1 and 1.5cm (or between about 1 and 1.5cm). This spacing is found to enable a wearer of the apparatus 300 to clearly discriminate between output zones that are being actuated. According to some examples, a minimum value of X is 6mm. That is in some examples X is equal to or greater than 6mm. According to some examples, each output zone region (or array) is separated by a distance Y. In one example Y is 10mm or about 10mm.

Figure 4 shows apparatus 300 once flexed in to a circular (or oval) shape for wearing by a user. In the example of Figure 4, the circuit board 339 is located on an outer surface of the substrate 302, and the output zones are located on an inner surface of the substrate 302 (i.e. so that the output zones are oriented to face and/or be in contact with the user's skin). In Figure 4 only output zones 310 are visible due to perspective of the image. In some examples the substrate 302 is covered with a cover 303, for example to make a wearable strap. In some examples a fabric material is used for the cover 303. In other examples a metallic material (e.g. a series of links) is used for the cover 303. Where a metallic cover is used, the output zones may be insulated from the metallic cover. In some examples the output zones are covered (e.g. enclosed) by the cover 303, so that the output zones are not in direct contact with the wearer's skin. In such examples the cover material and thickness is selected so that the user can still feel the output from the output zones through the cover material. In some examples cut-outs are provided in the cover 303 so that the output zones can be in direct contact with the wearer's skin. In some examples the circuit board 339 is also covered with a cover 341. For example cover 341 may comprise a plastic cover.

In some examples a fastener is provided for fastening the apparatus 300 (e.g. around a wearer's wrist). For example, a clasp may be provided for connecting the two ends of the substrate 302. In another example Velcro^® may be used. In some examples the apparatus 300 is fixed in its circular or oval shape in a permanent or semi-permanent manner e.g. like a bracelet or bangle. In some examples the substrate 302 and/or cover 303 comprise an elastic material e.g. so that it can be slipped over a user's wrist. In some examples the apparatus may be referred to as a neuro-electric bracelet.

Confidential development testing of examples of the apparatus 100, 300 showed that the apparatus 100, 300 can improve human performance. In particular, the apparatus 100, 300 can help to improve reaction times and accuracy. One test involved computer game players ("gamers") playing games while wearing the apparatus 100, 300. The gamers chosen for this testing were from a "serious amateur" category - having played many thousands of hours, participating at local or regional tournaments, and competing online. Testing on serious gamers reduces the impact of random fluctuation between gaming rounds since their high skill level is already relatively stable. The general methodology for the testing was as follows:

40 minutes warm-up until performance plateaued

40 minutes gameplay without the apparatus 100, BOO • 15 minutes baseline establishment wearing the apparatus 100, BOO (with that time, warm-up effect entirely exhausted)

• 40 minutes performance tests while wearing the apparatus 100, 300 (1% time acceleration / minute, max 150% acceleration rate).

One test was conducted with the game "Counter-Strike:Global Offensive" (CS:GO). CS:GO testing was conducted in a special player performance testing mode. In this mode targets appear in random locations, to be hit as quickly ("time to hit") and accurately as possible. Targets are shot at until hit. "Time to hit" metrics reflects the reaction time while accuracy relies on both the focus and the reaction time.

Results showed performance improvements while wearing the apparatus 100, 300 of:

• Average time to hit improvement: 13.1%

• Average accuracy improvement: 30,6%

Another test was conducted where the gamers played Mortal Kombat.

Special performance testing / practice mode was played with a bot, executing 6 different strikers, each of which requires a different blocking move to defend against. The goal is to block as many as possible. Successful blocking involves recognizing the move the bot is executing, and reacting with a certain button and joystick combination. Results showed performance improvements while wearing the apparatus 100, 300 of:

• Blocking ratio improvement in "regular" (time not speeded up or slowed down) mode of the apparatus: 50%

• Blocking ratio improvement in "timetravel" (time speeded up) mode of the apparatus: 81.5%

It will be appreciated that over time, examples of the apparatus 100, 300 enable a user to have constant awareness or sense of time and the passing of time, without having to look for a visual indicator such as on a watch face. Unlike with a traditional watch a user can discreetly check on the time in a business meeting, in an airport with hands full of luggage etc., without having to look at a watch. A user can also ignore the sense of time; just like other senses it fades to the background when not relevant. Furthermore, the apparatus 100, 300 can help improve human efficiency. Once a training period of the apparatus 100, 300 has been completed, encoding of time is simple and readily understood by the user, and does not require a complex or long encoding pattern.

It will be understood that according to some examples the apparatus is constructed and arranged to provide a user with a perception of passing time using sensory substitution. It will also be understood that there is provided a method comprising using sensory substitution to provide a user with a perception of passing time. According to some examples the method is non-therapeutic.

It will be understood that the processor or processing system or circuitry referred to herein may in practice be provided by a single chip or integrated circuit or plural chips or integrated circuits, optionally provided as a chipset, an application- specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), digital signal processor (DSP), graphics processing units (GPUs), etc. The chip or chips may comprise circuitry (as well as possibly firmware) for embodying at least one or more of a data processor or processors, a digital signal processor or processors, baseband circuitry and radio frequency circuitry, which are configurable so as to operate in accordance with the exemplary embodiments. In this regard, the exemplary embodiments may be implemented at least in part by computer software stored in (non-transitory) memory and executable by the processor, or by hardware, or by a combination of tangibly stored software and hardware (and tangibly stored firmware).

Reference is made herein to data storage for storing data, such as memory. This may be provided by a single device or by plural devices. Suitable devices include for example a hard disk and non-volatile semiconductor memory (including for example a solid-state drive or SSD).

Although at least some aspects of the examples described herein with reference to the drawings comprise computer processes performed in processing systems or processors, the invention also extends to computer programs, particularly computer programs on or in a carrier, adapted for putting the invention into practice. The program may be in the form of non-transitory source code, object code, a code intermediate source and object code such as in partially compiled form, or in any other non-transitory form suitable for use in the implementation of processes according to the invention. The carrier may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, the carrier may comprise a storage medium, such as a solid-state drive (SSD) or other semiconductor-based RAM; a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a semiconductor ROM; a magnetic recording medium, for example a floppy disk or hard disk; optical memory devices in general; etc.

The examples described herein are to be understood as illustrative examples of embodiments of the invention. Further embodiments and examples are envisaged. Any feature described in relation to any one example or embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features. In addition, any feature described in relation to any one example or embodiment may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the examples or embodiments, or any combination of any other of the examples or embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described herein may also be employed within the scope of the invention, which is defined in the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for wearing by a user, comprising: a plurality of output zones arranged on the apparatus, each of the output zones arranged to provide an output signal which can be sensed by skin of the user; and a controller configured to actuate the plurality of output zones in a manner so as to give the user a perception of passing time over a time period. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to actuate one or more of the plurality of output zones continuously over the time period.

S. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a plurality of regions of output zones spaced apart on the apparatus.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein each region of output zones comprises an array of output zones. 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each array comprises a linear array.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein each array is arranged to indicate a different unit of time.

7. The apparatus according to any of claims 4 to 6, comprising one or more of: an array of output zones arranged to indicate hours; an array of output zones arranged to indicate minutes; an array of output zones arranged to indicate seconds; an array of output zones arranged to indicate split-seconds.

8. The apparatus according to any of claims 4 to 7, wherein within each array of output zones there is a spacing of at least 6mm between each output zone.

9. The apparatus according to any of claims 4 to 8, wherein within each array of output zones there is a spacing of between 1cm and 1.5cm between each output zone.

10. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the plurality of output zones in a manner so as to alter a subjective sense of time of the user.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the plurality of output zones in a manner so as to speed up the subjective sense of time of the user.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the plurality of output zones in a manner so as to slow down the subjective sense of time of the user. 13. The apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the plurality of output zones in a manner so as to alter the subjective sense of time of the user in a gradual manner. 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the plurality of output zones in a manner so as to alter the subjective sense of time of the user in a gradual manner between a defined start time and a defined end time.

15. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the output signal provided by each output zone comprises one or more vibration signals. 16. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the output signal provided by each output zone comprises one or more electrical discharges.

17. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 16, wherein each output zone comprises an electrode.

18. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the apparatus is constructed and arranged to be one or more of: wrist-worn; ankle-worn; neck-worn; finger-worn, waist-worn. 19. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the apparatus comprises an inner surface that is constructed and arranged to be worn against the user's skin and on which the plurality of output zones is located, and an outer surface that is on an opposite side to the inner surface. 20. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 19, wherein the apparatus is constructed and arranged such that it provides no visual indication of time. 21. An apparatus for wearing by a user, the apparatus constructed and arranged to provide a user with a perception of passing time using sensory substitution. 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the apparatus provides no visual indication of passing time.

23. A method comprising: using sensory substitution to provide a user with a perception of passing time.