U.S. patent application number 14/242627 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-15 for smart watch.
The applicant listed for this patent is Khalid Al-Nasser. Invention is credited to Khalid Al-Nasser.
Application Number | 20150015502 14/242627 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50635771 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150015502 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Al-Nasser; Khalid |
January 15, 2015 |
SMART WATCH
Abstract
A smart watch is provided. The smart watch includes a band unit,
a network unit, a display unit and a control unit. The band unit is
configured to be worn on a user's wrist. The smart watch includes a
band unit that is capable of being worn on a user and includes a
wrist band layer disposed on the band unit, an image capture device
disposed on the band unit, a power source coupled to the image
capture device, a memory coupled to the image capture device, and a
motion detector coupled to the memory. The smart watch includes a
network unit located in the band unit and communicates wirelessly
with at least one of a portable network device and a server and a
display unit being coupled to the power source, and a control unit
that includes a processor and coupled to the memory, the power
source, the display unit, and the network unit, the control unit
receiving information from the image capture device, and the motion
detector and storing information in the memory.
Inventors: |
Al-Nasser; Khalid; (Riyadh,
SA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Al-Nasser; Khalid |
Riyadh |
|
SA |
|
|
Family ID: |
50635771 |
Appl. No.: |
14/242627 |
Filed: |
April 1, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14088894 |
Nov 25, 2013 |
8725842 |
|
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14242627 |
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61845322 |
Jul 11, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/173 ; 368/10;
455/41.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 2250/12 20130101;
G06F 2203/0339 20130101; G04G 21/08 20130101; G06Q 50/01 20130101;
G04G 21/04 20130101; G06F 1/1698 20130101; G06F 3/04883 20130101;
G04B 47/00 20130101; G04G 17/08 20130101; G06F 3/041 20130101; G04G
21/025 20130101; H04N 5/225 20130101; G06F 1/163 20130101; H04M
2250/52 20130101; G06F 1/1686 20130101; G06F 3/03547 20130101; H04W
4/80 20180201; H04M 1/7253 20130101; G06Q 10/109 20130101; G06F
21/31 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/173 ;
455/41.1; 368/10 |
International
Class: |
G04G 21/08 20060101
G04G021/08; G04G 17/08 20060101 G04G017/08; G06F 3/041 20060101
G06F003/041; G04B 47/00 20060101 G04B047/00; H04N 5/225 20060101
H04N005/225; H04W 4/00 20060101 H04W004/00 |
Claims
1. A smart watch comprising: a band unit that is capable of being
worn on a user and is comprised of a wrist band layer disposed on
the band unit, a power source, a memory and a motion detector
coupled to the memory; a network unit located in said band unit and
communicates wirelessly with at least one of a first portable
network device and a server; a display unit being coupled to the
power source; and a control unit that is comprised of a processor
and coupled to the memory, the power source, said display unit, and
said network unit, and said motion detector, wherein the control
unit is configured to receive an input data from at least one of
said band unit and the first portable network device; wherein the
control unit is configured to recognize at least one of the user's
handshake of the band unit and another user's handshake of the
first portable device, and wherein the control unit is configured
to exchange a social information with the first portable network
device.
2. The smart watch of claim 1, wherein at least one of said wrist
band layer comprises at least one touchpad that can be used as a
mouse or controller, wherein the at least one touchpad is located
at each side of the display unit.
3. The smart watch of claim 2, wherein the at least one touchpad is
configured to recognize at least one of a predetermined number of
finger pressures, times of touches, and touch-contact time.
4. The smart watch of claim 2, wherein said at least one touchpad
functions as a home button command in response to one touch with
one figure input, functions as a select button command in response
to two touch with one figure input, and functions as a
scroll/cancel button command in response to three times touches
with one figure input.
5. The smart watch of claim 1, wherein the display unit comprises a
plurality of screens, at least one of said screens being visible to
the user.
6. The smart watch of claim 1, wherein said network device
comprises a computer program that is configured to update an input
information which is received by said smart watch, and wherein the
input information from the smart watch includes all of a distance
information the user has walked, budget, list of groceries and a
kind of food the user has eaten.
7. The smart watch of claim 1, wherein said network device is
coupled to said server; said smart watch contains a source of
indicia for said network device; and said smart watch is an
universal key for a plurality of network devices where each of the
network devices is configured to authorize a use of the smart watch
as the universal key based on a communication of the source of
indicia.
8. The smart watch of claim 1, wherein said network unit includes
at least one of a Near Field Communication device and a Bluetooth
device.
9. A method of operating a smart watch having a band unit, a
control unit, a network unit, and a display unit, and configured to
be worn on a user's wrist, the method comprising: receiving an
input from said band unit of said smart watch or data from a first
portable network device; determining, by said control unit, whether
the input or the data are of a predetermined input; communicating,
by said network unit, with at least one of the first portable
network device, a second portable network device, and a server via
a wireless communication channel; and displaying, by said display
unit, a message, and exchanging a social information with the first
portable network device, wherein said band unit comprises, a power
source, a memory, and a motion detector coupled to the memory, and
said control unit comprises a processor, and wherein the
predetermined input includes at least one of the user's handshake
of the band unit and another user's handshake of the first portable
device.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: receiving by said
processor the data from a plurality of network devices; determining
whether the data are a predetermined type of data; if the received
data are predetermined type of data, communicating by said network
unit a source of indicia saved in the memory with the plurality of
network devices; and if the plurality of network devices are
configured to authenticate the contents of the indicia, using said
smart watch as an universal key for the plurality of network
devices.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the plurality of network
devices include a door and an automobile.
12. The method of claim 9, further comprising: determining whether
the input or the data are for a NFC device; determining whether a
second NFC device is detected; if the second NFC device is
detected, transferring the input or the data to the second NFC
device; if the second NFC device is not detected, determining
whether the input or the data are for a Bluetooth device; and if
the Bluetooth device is detected, transferring the input or the
data to the Bluetooth device.
13. The method of claim 9, further comprising: changing a password
on first portable network device; sending the changed password to
the smart watch; and displaying the changed password on the smart
watch.
14. The smart watch of claim 1, wherein the display unit is
configured to display a message.
15. The smart watch of claim 1, the display unit comprises a
plurality of screens.
16. The smart watch of claim 1, wherein at least one of the screens
is configured to display notification and updates from an
email.
17. The smart watch of claim 1, wherein the control unit is
configured to calculate a budget history based on the information
the smart watch received.
18. The smart watch of claim 1, further comprising an image capture
device disposed on the band unit.
19. The smart watch of claim 7, wherein the plurality of network
devices include a door and an automobile.
20. A smart watch comprising: a band unit that is capable of being
worn on a user and is comprised of a wrist band layer disposed on
the band unit, a power source, a memory, and a motion detector
coupled to the memory; a network unit located in said band unit and
communicates wirelessly with at least one of a first portable
network device and a server; a display unit being coupled to the
power source; and a control unit that is comprised of a processor
and coupled to the memory, the power source, said display unit, and
said network unit, and said motion detector, wherein the control
unit is configured to receive an input data from at least one of
said band unit and the first portable network device; wherein the
control unit is configured to recognize at least one of the user's
handshake of the band unit and another user's handshake of the
first portable device, wherein the control unit is configured to
exchange a social information with the first portable network
device, wherein the display unit comprises a plurality of screens,
and wherein at least one of the screens is configured to display a
notification and updates from an email.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to mobile computing in general and to
portable devices such as a smart watch and to the interface
application necessary to work with a smart phone or other computer
type hardware.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The background of the Invention section is merely to present
the context of the disclosure and the known problems and
difficulties of the prior art. However, the statements herein are
not admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.
[0003] In today's environment, there are difficulties in personal
motivation, organization and social connections. In particularly,
as a very mobile society, interconnection with others is
imperative. However, many of the prior art devices and systems
requires a very knowledgeable user base with sufficient learning
time to acclimate themselves to the operability of a new device,
the facilities and features of the device, and the interfacing of
the device with other computer and computer-type systems, such as a
smart phone and computer systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This invention relates to smart watch located on a wrist
band that shows the user his or her daily tasks, notifies the user
accordingly and records the user's performance based upon
completion of those tasks. It also in one presently preferred
embodiment monitors personal attributes of the user such as the
user's calories, walking steps, location and time elapsed on
certain tasks and the performance quality of the task using in a
preferred embodiment features comprised of Near Field Communication
connector or Bluetooth connector, a visible screen, and a motion
detector such as a triple axis accelerometer. Smart watch provides
an intuitive and user-friendly interface for interconnecting user's
daily activities with computing devices, which include a smart
phone.
[0005] In one very specific embodiment, the apparatus for smart
watch includes a wrist band unit configured to be worn on a user's
wrist and being comprised of a housing, a wrist band layer, a power
source, an image capture device, a memory, and a motion detector.
Smart watch also include a network unit located in the wrist band
unit housing and configured to wirelessly communicate with at least
one of a portable network device and a server, a display unit
located in the wrist band unit housing and coupled to the wrist
band layer, and a control unit also located in the wrist band unit
housing and comprised of a processor and coupled to the display
unit and the network unit.
[0006] The wrist band layer in this very specific embodiment
includes a touchpad configured to perform a predetermined function
in response to a first predetermined input. The first predetermined
input includes at least one of a predetermined number of finger
pressures, times of touches, and touch-contact time. For example,
the touchpad functions as a home button command in response to one
touch with a one figure input; functions as a select button command
in response to two touches with one figure input; and functions as
a scroll/cancel button command in response to three touches with a
one figure input.
[0007] The display unit in a preferred embodiment is preferably,
rotatably attached to the wrist band unit. The display unit
includes an orientation sensor.
[0008] The wrist band unit further includes in the very specific
embodiment a signature barcode, a protective removable cover, and a
memory connector. The image capture device can be a scanner.
[0009] The display unit in the very specific embodiment includes a
plurality of selectively visible screens. One of the screens
denoted the home screen is normally visible to the user and the
user can change the screens by the user's touch on the display in a
predetermined direction.
[0010] The network device in the very specific embodiment includes
a computer program that is configured to update an input
information from the smart watch. The input information from the
smart watch includes a distance information the user walked,
calories the user has burned, a kind of food the user has eaten,
and a profile of a person the user has met.
[0011] The network device is coupled to the server. The smart watch
contains a source of indicia for the network device and the smart
watch is used as a key for the network device when the network
device authorizes a use of the key based on a communication of the
source of indicia.
[0012] According to one example of a specific embodiment of the
invention, a method of operating a smart watch configured to be
worn on a user's wrist, includes receiving an input from a wrist
band unit of the smart watch or a signal from a first portable
network device, determining, by a control unit, whether the input
or the signal is a predetermined type, communicating, by a network
unit, with at least one of the first portable network device, a
second portable network device, and a server via a wireless
communication channel, and displaying a message. The wrist band
unit includes an image capture device, a memory and a motion
detector, and the control unit includes a processor.
[0013] The input from the wrist band unit includes a recognition of
the user's motion, wherein the processor determines whether the
user's motion is one of a number of predetermined motions, wherein
the network unit communicates with the second portable network
device including a smart phone where the second portable network
device is configured to calculate the number of motions and sends a
result back to the smart watch, and wherein the smart watch
displays the message reflecting the result.
[0014] The image capture device scans a signature barcode of the
first portable network device and saves the signature barcode
information in the memory, wherein the processor determines whether
the second portable network device is detected and if detected, the
network unit communicates with the second portable network device
so as to send the signature barcode information, and wherein the
second portable network device sends the barcode information to the
server and the server authenticates the barcode information and if
authenticated adds a user of the first portable network device as a
friend.
[0015] The processor receives a Near Field Communication signal
from the first portable device and the processor receives a
predetermined input including a handshake motion from the wrist
band unit or a password signal from the first portable device. The
network unit communicates certain predetermined information
including information on a business card, photographs, and
electronic files with the first portable device.
[0016] The processor receives a signal from the first portable
network device and determines whether the signal is a predetermined
type of signal, in which case the network unit communicates a
source of indicia saved in the memory with the first portable
network device. If the first portable network device authenticates
the contents of the indicia, the smart watch is used as a key.
[0017] If the processor loses a signal from the first portable
network device for more than a predetermined time, either the smart
watch or the first portable network device sends a warning
notification to the server, and in certain cases the server resets
a password for the smart watch. The predetermined time can vary
depending on the user's setting. For example, the predetermined
time can be 10 hours or 2 days.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the message is displayed either
in a barcode or a QR code format.
[0019] Also in a preferred embodiment, the image capture device
scans a barcode for food and according to a predetermined setting,
either the smart watch or the second portable network device
calculates calories of the food, and wherein either the smart watch
or the second portable network device displays the calorie
information and communicates with either the second portable
network device or the smart watch correspondingly to update the
user's calorie information.
[0020] The processor receives the signal from the first portable
network device and determines the type of inputs, and the network
unit communicates with the first portable network device according
to a predetermined setting of the type of input signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the components of one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of a wrist band that is
usable with the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the wrist band
depicted in FIG. 2A, but depicting a cover over one end;
[0024] FIG. 2C is a plan view of the wrist band depicted in FIG.
2A;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a front elevational, expanded, layout view of the
wrist band;
[0026] FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are front perspective views of the wrist
band that shows a rotation of the display panel with respect to
wrist band;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a wrist band that
includes a home button function when the user touches the wrist
band with his finger;
[0028] FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C are screen shot a variety of selectable
outputs of the smart watch display;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a general schematic table of exemplary blocks,
referred to as "acti-blocks," which are updated in real time and
displayed on the screen of smart phone;
[0030] FIG. 8 is a specific schematic flowchart of an input and
interface subroutine that is used to direct the flow or transfer of
information received by smart watch;
[0031] FIG. 9 is a table of signal types used for various
input/output devices;
[0032] FIG. 10 is a specific schematic flowchart of a subroutine
used to scan a barcode for food, calculate calories, and update an
associated acti-block and the smart watch;
[0033] FIG. 11 is a specific schematic flowchart of the subroutine
for recognizing and recording motion of the user and storing the
result;
[0034] FIG. 12 is a specific schematic flowchart of a subroutine to
read, recognize, manage and transmit identifying signature barcode
and QR code data from one smart watch (e.g. 100) to a second smart
watch (e.g. 200) (See, e.g. FIG. 1)
[0035] FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of the components of a
second embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0036] FIG. 14 is a specific schematic flowchart of a subroutine to
communicate with another NFC (Near Field Communications)
device;
[0037] FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of different components
that can be linked and joined to a smart watch;
[0038] FIG. 16 is a specific schematic flowchart of a subroutine to
manage lost communications between a plurality of devices;
[0039] FIG. 17 is a specific schematic flowchart of a subroutine
used to change a password of a smart watch and to communicate the
changed password to other units; and
[0040] FIG. 18 is a schematic flowchart of a subroutine to display
a message.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0041] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the
present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the
like elements throughout the several views. In this regard, the
present embodiments may have different forms and should not be
construed as being limited to the descriptions set forth herein.
Accordingly, the embodiments are merely described below, by
referring to the figures, to explain aspects of the present
description. Terms used herein are for descriptive purposes only
and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The terms
"comprises" and/or "comprising" are used to specify the presence of
stated elements, steps, operations, and/or components, but do not
preclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements,
steps, operations, and/or components. The terms "first," "second,"
and the like may be used to describe various elements, but do not
limit the elements. Such terms are only used to distinguish one
element from another. These and/or other aspects become apparent
and are more readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the
art from the following description of embodiments of the present
invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0042] With reference now to FIG. 1, there is depicted a block
diagram of two independent computing devices "10" and "20," and two
smart watches 100 and 200 that are presented for only exemplary and
explanatory purposes as similar pairs of computing device 10 and
smart watch 100, and computing device 20 and smart watch 200. For
the purposes of this application, a "computing device" is to be
interpreted broadly as including among others standard personal
computers, smart phones, notebooks, tablets, "iPod", "iPad",
similar Android or iOS devices, and user interface devices.
Obviously, more than two independent computing devices can be
employed in accordance with the present invention.
[0043] Smart watches 100 and 200, are now described in greater
detail in which the same units digits and tens digits are used to
identify the same components in each smart watch 100 or 200.
However, only smart watch 100 is described further herein, but it
is understood that smart watches 200 have the same type of
components that are identified by the same units digits and tens
digits.
[0044] Smart watch 100 is comprised of a wrist band unit 110,
designed to be worn on the wrist of a user. Wrist band unit 110 is
described in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 2-5 and comprised
of a wrist band 111 made of any flexible material, preferably a
polymer plastic, but could also include a standard plastic,
leather, and a shaped metal band or linked metal band. Wrist band
unit 110 is comprised of a wrist band layer (not shown). Wrist band
layer can include an LED layer and/or a touchpad layer. Wrist band
unit 110 can also be comprised of a touchpad/screen layer. In some
embodiments, wrist band 111 can have a length adjustable feature.
For example, each ends of wrist band 111 can include a conventional
detachable metal block (not shown) or a conventional magnetic block
(not shown) to adjust the length.
[0045] Wrist band unit 110 also comprises a conventional power
source 112. Power source 112 is preferably a conventional,
rechargeable secondary battery. Alternatively, power source 112 can
be a conventional solar battery, or can be a combination of the
two.
[0046] Additionally, wrist band unit 110 includes a conventional
barcode scanner and/or a QR scanner 113, a signature barcode 114
that identifies a particular smart watch 100 and has a protective
removable cover 115, and a conventional USB terminal 116.
[0047] Operationally, wrist band unit 110 is connected to a network
unit 120 that is comprised of a wireless and/or Bluetooth
communications transceiver unit 122 and a NFC (Near Field
Communication) unit 124. In general, network unit 120 is a
communication unit that can wirelessly communicate with smart phone
10 preferably using Bluetooth because of its relatively longer
range. Network unit 120 can also communicate with another wrist
band unit, such as second smart watch unit 200, preferably by using
an NFC device because of its relatively limited range.
[0048] For conventional practical reasons, network unit 120
utilizes high frequency electromagnetic radiation, but it is also
possible to use, for example, a line-of-sight mechanism such as
infrared signals (as used in many television remotes), or to use
sonar or lower frequency radiation. In addition, in an alternative
embodiment, communications unit can include a unit for wirelessly
accessing the Internet, or other communication network, and/or to a
satellite.
[0049] Smart watch 100 also includes a display unit 130 mounted on
wrist band 111 and a control unit 140, also preferably mounted on
wrist band 111. Display unit 130 can be a conventional LCD or LED
display, and can include a touchpad or panel. Control unit 140
includes a processor 142 programmed and connected to deliver
commands and receive information from display unit 130, network
unit 120 and wrist band unit 110.
[0050] With reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 3, 4, and 5, smart watch
100 is depicted in greater detail in a presently preferred
embodiment. Wrist band 111 comprises a central, preferably flexible
or segmented arcuate section 150 and two end sections 152 and 154.
End sections 152 and 154 in a preferred embodiment are normally
spaced apart when wrist band unit 110 is not being worn on the
wrist of the user, but are attachable to one another and maintained
in contact by some means, such as a magnetic coupling in a
presently preferred embodiment, but could also be attached by a
mechanical linkage assembly. In order to permit end sections 152
and 154 to meet together so that wrist band unit 110 can be placed
on the wrist of a user, end sections 152 and 154 are hinged to
central portion 150 with hinges 156 and 158, as depicted in FIG.
2C.
[0051] Wrist band end section 152 is comprised of an insulated
magnetic unit (not shown). Wrist band end 154 includes a memory
unit 116, as described above with respect to FIG. 1. Wrist band end
section 152 permits a direct mechanical connection of memory unit
116 to, for example a computer (not shown), or a charger (not
shown), or through a converter cable (not shown) to a smart phone.
Wrist band end section 154 is also coupled to a electrically
connectable Universal Serial Bus (USB) terminal 160 that together
with memory unit 116 is preferably a conventional flash drive.
Memory unit 116 stores computer programs, such as those depicted in
FIGS. 10-12, 14, 16 and 17, as well as stores certain data and
information generated in smart watch 100 or received by smart watch
100 as an input. As discussed below, such data includes biographic
data about the user, information needed to couple with computing
device 100, social information, and task and calendar information.
Most of this information is stored in memory 116 and is generated
in or forwarded by computing device 10 such as a smart phone to
smart watch 100. An example of information generated in smart watch
100 and stored in memory 116 is motion information generated by
motion detectors 118 and 119. Wrist band unit 110 includes a
plurality of notification lights 182, 184, 186, and 188 which
display certain statuses of a routine that smart watch 100 is
executing. For example, when smart watch 100 receives a NFC signal,
one of the notification lights 182, 184, 186, and 188 can blink to
notify the user of the receipt of the NFC signal. Wrist band unit
110 also includes an ON/OFF switch 181 as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0052] Insertable over end 154 is a magnetic permeable or magnetic,
metallic USB cover 164 (See FIG. 2B). Metallic USB cover 164 when
applied or attached over end 154 provides a base for a magnetic
coupling of end 154 with end 152, which is also made of a permeable
magnetic or magnetic material. In alternative embodiments, cover
164 can be connected to end 154 by a strap or line, or by a hinged
connection.
[0053] Display unit 130 is preferably centrally located on a
central section of wrist band 111, as depicted in FIG. 2A. Mounted
to wrist band 111 on either side of display unit 130 are a pair of
conventional accelerometers or motion detection units 118 and 119,
as depicted in FIG. 3, that provides an output of arm movement
information (distance, velocity, and acceleration). Display unit
130 is preferably rectangular in shape and is rotatably attached to
watch band 111 (see FIGS. 4A-4C). The user can rotate the
rectangular display 90 degrees. An orientation sensor (not shown)
can also be used to display the information in either a landscape
format or a portrait format. Such an orientation sensor is
conventional and can be linked to the position of watch band 111 or
to the rotational position of display unit 130.
[0054] Wrist band unit 110 can also be comprised of a
touchpad/screen layer. With reference now to FIG. 5, such touchpad
is configured to function as a reset/home button. The reset/home
button is programmed to perform a desired task by a predetermined
input. An exemplary of such predetermined input includes a number
of finger pressures, a number of touches, and touch time. For
instance, FIG. 5 demonstrates that a wrist band functions as a home
button when the user touches the wrist band with his or her finger.
When the user taps the touchpad located on wrist band 111 once with
one finger 2000, then the input functions as a "select button"
command. For example, when the user taps the touchpad located on
wrist band 111 twice with one finger 2000, then the input functions
as a "home button" command. When the user taps the touchpad located
on wrist band 111 thrice or three times with one finger 2000, then
the input functions as a "scroll/cancel" command. Two touchpads
(not shown) can be located on wrist band 111 on each side of
display unit 130. Each of the two touchpads can be used as a mouse
or a controller. When the smart watch 100 is wirelessly coupled to
a network device such as a computer, TV, and video game, the user
can touch and control at least one of the touchpads so that the
user can use the touchpads to provide extra information to smart
watch 100. These examples of the present invention have been
disclosed for illustrative purposes only. One of ordinary skill in
the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and
substitutions are possible, without departing from the spirit of
the invention.
[0055] With reference now to FIGS. 6A-6C, display unit 130 has a
home screen 170 and a plurality of a first, a second, a third, and
a fourth dependent screens 172, 174, 176, and 178, which are
displayed depending upon the function being performed or by the
user switching manually between them. In this embodiment, four
dependent screens are depicted, but the total number of the
dependent screens is not limited thereto. One home screen 170 and
four dependent screens 172, 174, 176, and 178 forms a cross-shaped
interface or User Plus Interface (UPI).
[0056] From FIGS. 6A-6C, solid lines around a screen refer to the
status of the screen that is currently visible on display unit 130.
Dashed lines around a screen refer to the status of the screen as
being currently invisible to the user. For example, according to
FIG. 6A, home screen 170 is depicted being surrounded by solid
lines, and thus home screen 170 is a current screen that the user
can see on display unit 130. The plurality of dependent screens
172, 174, 176, and 178 are depicted being surrounded by dashed
lines and thus such dependent screens 172, 174, 176, and 178 are
invisible or hidden on a current mode. The user can swipe his or
her finger on the current screen either vertically or horizontally
in one of the indicated directions of arrows 170A to switch from
the current screen to one of the other screens.
[0057] Home screen 170 shows various factors including time, date
and weather. First dependent screen 172 can show a distance the
user has run or calories the user has burned. As the user wearing
smart watch 100 walks, first dependent screen 172 shows an animated
running man icon 172A. The animated running man icon can be
programmed to show a running animation corresponding to the user's
walking speed.
[0058] Second dependent screen 174 can display an audio player.
Display unit 130 can be comprised of either a touchpad or a touch
screen to receive an input from the user. For example, when display
unit 130 is comprised of a touchpad, the user can tap the screen
with one finger to play or pause the audio player.
[0059] Third dependent screen 176 is configured to show a list of
schedules. A current schedule 176A can appear larger than a
previous schedule 176B. Third dependent screen 176 can be
configured to display a list of other various activities including
performances the smart watch 100 has operated.
[0060] Fourth dependent screen 178 is configured to display
notification and any recent updates from a acti-block 214 (see FIG.
7). For example, fourth dependent screen 178 includes an e-mail
icon 178A. When the user touches e-mail icon 178A, fourth dependent
screen 178 shows the e-mails the user has received.
[0061] When the user desires to switch a screen from home screen
170 to first dependent screen 172, the user can touch and drag his
finger from left to right on display unit 130. After the user
switches the screen, first dependent screen 172 becomes visible,
and the other screens 170, 174, 176, and 178 become invisible or
hidden, as depicted in FIG. 6B. The user can return back to home
screen 170 by dragging his finger on display unit 130 in a
direction of arrow 172B. Display unit 130 can be configured to
include a setting that switches a pending screen to either home
screen 170 or any specific dependent screens 172, 174, 176, and
178. For example, display unit 130 can be configured to switch
screens according to the type of inputs by fingers. If the user
taps the screen twice with two fingers, then display unit 130 can
switch the screen back to home screen 170. If the user taps the
screen thrice or three times with three fingers, then display unit
130 can switch the screen to third dependent screen 176. If the
user taps the screen four times with three fingers, then display
unit 130 can switch the screen to fourth dependent screen 178.
Although the exemplary of the present screen displays of the
invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those
skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications,
additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from
the scope and spirit of the invention.
[0062] In summary, to switch modes of home screen 170, the user
drags his or her finger from top downwardly on display unit 130 and
obtains second dependent screen 174A, as depicted in FIG. 6C.
Second dependent screen 174 becomes visible, and other screens 170,
172, 176, and 178 become hidden or invisible. The user can return
back to home screen 170 by dragging his finger on display unit 130
in a direction of arrow 174A. For example, in a preferred
embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 6A, different screen can be
selected from a pending screen by swiping either vertically or
horizontally in a direction of an arrow 170A.
[0063] With reference now to FIG. 7, a diagrammatic illustration of
an interface screen between smart phone 10 and smart watch 100 (see
FIG. 1) is illustrated. An interface of acti-block computer program
includes a plurality of buttons on the screen of computing device
10. Acti-block computer program provides a Social Network Service
which is a platform to build social networks or social relations
among people who, for example, share interests, activities,
backgrounds, or real-life connections. FIG. 7 depicts a user
interface of acti-block computer program screen on computing device
10 such as a smart phone or iPod. Acti-block computer program
interface includes a logo and home page button 202, a biographic
information button 204, a photo album button 206, a message button
208, a grouping information button 210, a notification button 212,
acti-block 214, and a statistics button 216, a status update button
218, and control panel tab 220.
[0064] Logo and home page button 202 shows a logo of a company and
when pushed or tapped by the user, switches the screen to a home
screen. Biographic information button 204 includes a link to a
profile information of the user. Photo album button 206 has a link
to a plurality of photographs and photographic information that the
user or his or her friends have uploaded or shared. Message button
208 is conventionally configured to send and receive a message to a
friend.
[0065] Grouping information button 210 includes conventional
algorithms based on tags or common factors. For example, when the
user updates his profile or photos, he or she can create and update
related tags as well. If the user is interested in a basketball
game, grouping information button 210 can display any relevant
information related to the basketball game as a result of a search
based on the tags. Posting updates button 210 shows any updates the
user or the user's friends made recently. Notification button 212
shows any new message from another compatible user, an email
invitation, a listing of friends, and updates on comments.
Acti-block 214 is configured to update data according to inputs
from smart watch 100. Acti-block 214 is configured to have a
calendar-like function which displays dates.
[0066] Acti-block 214 is configured to be connected and be updated
by activities of smart watch 100. For example, if the user wearing
smart watch 100 runs 4 miles, then the distance information
received from smart watch 100 is transferred to computing device 10
and acti-block 214 is updated with such information automatically.
In this way, acti-block 214 can contain any activity information
received from smart watch 100. Such activity information can
contain calories, kind of food the user had, budget, list of
groceries, profile of friends the user met and any other activities
conducted on daily bases. For example, the user can scan several
items the user bought with a help of a scanner disposed in smart
watch 100 and smart watch 100 can calculates the price of the items
bought and deduct the price of the items from the predetermined
monthly budget. Thus, smart watch 100 can calculate and transfer
the information to the acti-block computer program such that the
actiblock computer program can display the information such as
remaining available funds for the month. Statistics button 216 is
configured to show statistics of activities performed in the
acti-block computer program. For instance, statistics button 216
can show the calories the user burned for the last one month, a
distance the user has walked for the last one month or a monthly
budget history calculating and displaying a budge surplus and
deficit based on the information the smart watch 100 scanned.
Status update button 218 shows any new updates. Control panel tab
220 can be configured to create new tabs according to the user's
needs such that the user can control and organize his events. A
support tab 222 can be configured to display any contact
information of the user's friends, any help message, problem
reports or the like in a conventional manner.
[0067] According to a predetermined setting, smart watch 100 can
transfer information either to another smart watch 200 (see FIG. 1)
or to computing device 10. With reference now to FIG. 8, a
subroutine for determining where to transfer input information is
depicted. The subroutine begins at a start terminal 310 and
proceeds to a step 320 where input information and data to smart
watch 100 is obtained. From step 320, the process proceeds to a
decision step 330 where it is determined if the type of input is
for an NFC device. If the input is for an NFC device, then the
program proceeds to a decision step 340 where a determination is
made if a second NFC device is detected, such as smart watch 200
(FIG. 1). If it is not detected, then the program repeatedly loops
to the top of decision step 340 until the second NFC device is
detected. However, if decision step 340 determines that an
appropriate NFC device is detected, than the program proceeds to
step 350 in which the information is transferred to the second NFC
device, and then the program terminates in terminal 360. However,
if decision step 330 determines that the input is not for an NFC
device, then the program branches to a decision step 370 where it
is determined if the type of input is for a Bluetooth device. If
the input is for a Bluetooth device, then the program proceeds to a
decision step 380 where a determination is made if a Bluetooth
device is detected, such as computing device 10 (FIG. 1). If it is
not detected, then the program repeatedly loops to the top of
decision step 380 until the Bluetooth device is detected. However,
if decision step 380 determines that an appropriate Bluetooth
device is detected, then the program proceeds to step 390 in which
the information is transferred to the Bluetooth device, and then
the program terminates in terminal 360. It can be predetermined
whether the type of input is for a Bluetooth device or for a NFC
device as demonstrated in FIG. 8.
[0068] With reference now to FIG. 9, there is presented a table 390
listing the type of wireless inputs and outputs to and from smart
watch 100 using either Bluetooth or NFC signals as an exemplary. In
general, Bluetooth signals are used when there is a greater
distance involved, such as from smart watch 100 to a computing
device 10, such as a smart phone. NFC signals are used where the
distance is relatively small, such as from one smart watch 100 to
another smart watch 200 in close proximity thereto (see FIG. 1).
Table 390 shows that a GPS signal and information can be sent from
smart phone 10 to smart watch 100 and from smart watch 100 to smart
phone by a Bluetooth signal. Similarly, Bluetooth signals are sent
to and received by smart watch 100 to carry barcode and QR code
information, and/or motion information detected from smart watch
100. On the other hand, business card stored in memory unit 162 can
be communicated upon command to a nearby smart watch, such as smart
watch 200 by NFC signals.
[0069] With reference now to FIG. 10, a subroutine for calculating
caloric consumption is depicted. The subroutine begins at a start
terminal 410 and then proceeds to a process step 412 to scan a
barcode of food that a user will be ingesting. Should the computing
capacity at the smart watch be limited, the computing process can
be executed at computing device 10 instead of or in addition to
that at smart watch 100. The subroutine proceeds to a decision step
414 where it is determined if the user has preset smart watch 100
to calculate the calories of the food. If the setting is preset in
that way, then the subroutine proceeds to process step 416 in which
a calculation of the total calories consumed is made. From step 416
the subroutine then determines in process step 418 the amount of
calories burned through exercise by using information about the
exercise that is stored on smart watch 100. In process step 420,
the calorie information is sent to computing device 10 in a smart
phone 10. In step 422, the acti-block 214 (see FIG. 7) that
contains cumulative calorie information is updated, and the
subroutine ends at termination terminal 424.
[0070] If in decision step 414 it is determined that there is no
setting that the calculation is executed on smart watch, then the
program branches to a second decision step 426 where it is
determined if a smart phone 10 is present. If it is found that
there is no smart phone 10 present, then the program loops back to
the top of decision step 414. If there is a smart phone 100
present, then the program proceeds to a process step 428 where a
calculation of the total amount of calories of the selected food is
made at smart phone 10. The program proceeds to process steps 430
and then 432 where the caloric information in the smart phone is
updated, and also sent to smart watch 100, respectively. Then
before exiting the subroutine at termination terminal 570, the
program updates first dependent screen 172 (See FIGS. 6A, 6B, and
6C) on smart watch 100 in step 434.
[0071] With reference now to FIG. 11, a subroutine is disclosed to
determine how much exercise a user has had. The subroutine begins
in start terminal 510 and proceeds to a process step 620 where the
motion of a user is recognized and a determination is made as to
what type of motion it is. In the present embodiment, the motions
being tracked are those of the wrist on which smart watch 100 is
being worn. But because motion of the wrist and arm of the user
will be in synchronization with other motions of the body of the
user, such as in running or walking, a fairly accurate
determination can be made as to the type of motion being done. For
example, by determining the velocity and acceleration of an arm
being swung, it can be determined if the user is walking or
running. Since the distance can be determined by motion detectors
118 and 119 (by double integrating the measured acceleration), and
using the elapsed time, the speed of motion can be determined and
the amount of calories, for example, can be determined. Thus, the
program proceeds from process step 520 to a decision step 530 where
it is determined if the detected motion is one of a predetermined
type of motion. If it is not, then the program loops back to the
top of step 520 and awaits the recognition of a motion of the user.
If the detected motion is of a predetermined type, the program
branches to process step 540 where a calculation of the number of
motions is made. The subroutine then proceeds to process step 550
and then process step 560 where the motion information is sent to
smart phone 10 where the number of steps taken are calculated and
the information stored, respectively. From step 560 the subroutine
terminates in termination terminal 570.
[0072] With reference now to FIGS. 12 and 13, a process of
transferring social information between a first user of a smart
watch (e.g. 100) to a second user of a smart watch (e.g. 200), as
depicted in FIGS. 1 and 13, is depicted in the disclosed subroutine
and hardware block diagram. The social information can be for
example information that is contained on a business card. This
would include such information as name, title, business or company
name, business address, business telephone and facsimile numbers,
email address, Skype name and Instant Messenger name. This
information is stored in a signature barcode 114 or in smart watch
memory unit 162 through an earlier input operation from smart phone
10 or other computer connection. It can also be obtained from a
social media network web sites such as Facebook, Linkin, and
Twitter.
[0073] The subroutine of FIG. 12 begins in start terminal 610 and
proceeds to step 620 where the signature barcode 214 of smart watch
200 (of the presumed second user) is read by the barcode scanner
113 of smart watch 100 of the first user. Then the program proceeds
to process step 630 wherein the signature barcode information is
saved on first smart watch 100. From step 630, the program proceeds
to a decision step 640 wherein it is determined if the computing
device 10 of the first user can be found. If no smart phone 10 can
be found, the program loops back to the beginning of step 630. If a
smart phone 10 is detected, the program proceeds to process step
650 where the signature barcode information is sent to computing
device 10 of the first user. Then the program proceeds to process
step 660 wherein the barcode information is sent to the server 700
(FIG. 13). From server 700, the new "friend" is added to one or
more appropriate social networks, or a network provided by the
present invention. From step 660, the program proceeds to process
step 670 and then to termination terminal 680. In process step 670
server 700 verifies and authenticates the information and adds the
second smart phone user 200 to the smart watch of the friend.
[0074] The schematic of a hardware configuration that illustrates
the operation of the subroutine in FIG. 12 is depicted in FIG. 13.
Barcode scanner 113 of the first user reads the signature barcode
214 of the smart watch 200 of the second user through a scanning
process. First smart watch 100 is connected through a Bluetooth
connection to the smart phone 10 of the first user, which in turn
is connected by an internet connection (e.g. a wireless connection)
to a server 700. Server 700 uploads the information to a designate
web site. Obviously, server 700 is representative and could include
other well known alternatives, such as cloud computing.
[0075] With reference now to FIG. 14, a subroutine that implements
a level of security is depicted. The subroutine starts in start
terminal 710 and proceeds to a decision step 720 where the presence
of an NFC (Near Field Communications) device is determined. An NFC
device is one that communicates to another NFC device using weak
electromagnetic radiation and the NFC protocol over a very short
distance from actual touching to a few inches. A smart phone uses
NFC to communicate such information as business cards, photographs,
and small files to another smart phone. If an NFC device is
detected, the program branches to a second decision step 730 which
inquires if the NFC device detects a predetermined signal. One such
signal can be a password or predetermined gestures such as
handshake. If an NFC device is not detected, the program loops back
to the top of decision step 720 to await the receipt of an
indication that an NFC device is present. In a similar manner, if a
predetermined signal is not detected in decision step 730, the
program loops back to the top of decision step 730. If a
predetermined signal is detected, the program proceeds to a process
step 740 where a predetermined function is performed. An example of
such a function would be to check that a transmitted password is
acceptable and to allow communication between the two devices. From
process step 740 the program exits the subroutine through a
termination terminal 750.
[0076] A multi-use for a smart watch 100 utilizing the same or
universal key or password for several different types of devices is
depicted in FIG. 15. Smart watch 100 is bidirectionally connected
using Bluetooth to a smart phone 10, which could in alternative
embodiments also be a general purpose, programmed computer system.
In addition, smart watch 100 is bidirectionally connected using
NFC, a scanner or Bluetooth to one of several types of
transceivers. For example, smart watch is shown connected to a
transceiver 810 that operates a door, to a transceiver 820 that
controls several functions of an automobile (e.g. rolling down the
windows, starting the car, or turning on the heat or air
conditioner), and to a transceiver 830 that controls the operation
of a copier. Thus, each of these devices can be controlled by a
single smart watch code. Each of transceivers 810, 820, and 830 is
bidirectionally connected using wireless network to a server 30,
which is also bidirectionally connected using Bluetooth to smart
phone 10. The user can use smart watch 100 as an universal key for
several different types of devices. In a case that the user lost
smart watch 100, the user can change the password for smart watch
100 on server 30.
[0077] With reference now to FIG. 16, a subroutine for monitoring a
smart watch is depicted. The subroutine begins in a start terminal
910 and immediately goes to a decision step 920 that determines the
time from the last status signal to the present and determines if a
signal from smart watch is more than a predetermined amount. If the
minimum time since the last signal is longer than a predetermined
amount, the program proceeds to a process step 930 in which
computing device 10 or smart watch 100 sends a warning signal to a
server. The program then proceeds to a process step 940 in which
the user's password is reset or changed, and then to termination
terminal.
[0078] With reference to FIG. 17, a subroutine for voluntarily or
manually changing a password is depicted. The subroutine begins in
a start terminal 1010 and immediately goes to a decision step 1020
where a user has voluntarily changed a password on smart phone 10.
The program then proceeds to a process step 1030 in which start
phone 10 sends the changed password to smart watch 100. From step
1030 the program proceeds to a process step 1040 in which the user
is given an opportunity to display the new password in a
pre-determined manner, such as a barcode or a QR code. The program
then terminates in a termination terminal 1050. Thus, smart watch
100 can display a barcode or a QR code on display unit 130 so that
the barcode scanner 213 of another smart watch 200 can read and
scan the barcode or QR code on the smart watch's 100 display panel.
According to the present invention, smart watch 100 does not need
to carry a physical barcode or QR code.
[0079] According to a predetermined setting, smart watch 100 can
transfer information either to another smart watch 200 (see FIG. 1)
or computing device 10. With reference now to FIG. 18, a subroutine
for general procedure for operating a smart watch is depicted. The
subroutine begins at a start terminal 1110 and proceeds to a step
1120 where the processor receives an input from a wrist band unit
of the smart watch or a signal from a first portable network
device. From step 1120, the process proceeds to a decision step
1130, where control unit 140 (FIG. 1) determines whether the input
or the signal is a predetermined type. From step 1130, the process
proceeds to a communication step 1140, where a network unit
communicates with at least one of the first portable network
devices, a second portable network device, and a server via a
wireless communication channel. From step 1140, the process
proceeds to a displaying step 1150, where the display unit 130
displays a message. From step 1150, the process proceeds to end
terminal 1160.
[0080] It is to be understood that the exemplary embodiments
described herein are that for presently preferred embodiments and
thus should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for
purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within
each embodiment should typically be considered as available for
other similar features or aspects in other embodiments.
* * * * *