U.S. patent application number 14/736206 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-01 for personal items network, and associated methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Apple Inc.. Invention is credited to Burl W. Amsbury, Paul Jonjak, Adrian F. Larkin, Curtis A. Vock, Perry Youngs.
Application Number | 20150281811 14/736206 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29549717 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150281811 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vock; Curtis A. ; et
al. |
October 1, 2015 |
PERSONAL ITEMS NETWORK, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS
Abstract
A personal items network, comprising a plurality of items, each
item having a wireless communications port for coupling in network
with every other item, each item having a processor for determining
if any other item in the network is no longer linked to the item,
each item having an indicator for informing a user that an item has
left the network, wherein a user may locate lost items. A method
for locating lost personal items, comprising: linking at least two
personal items together on a network; and depositing one or both of
time and location information in an unlost item when one of the
items is lost out of network.
Inventors: |
Vock; Curtis A.; (Boulder,
CO) ; Amsbury; Burl W.; (Boulder, CO) ;
Jonjak; Paul; (Lafayette, CO) ; Larkin; Adrian
F.; (Essex, GB) ; Youngs; Perry; (Boulder,
CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Apple Inc. |
Cupertino |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
29549717 |
Appl. No.: |
14/736206 |
Filed: |
June 10, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14222855 |
Mar 24, 2014 |
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14736206 |
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13761829 |
Feb 7, 2013 |
8688406 |
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14222855 |
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12428186 |
Apr 22, 2009 |
8374825 |
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13761829 |
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11647042 |
Dec 28, 2006 |
7552031 |
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12428186 |
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10601208 |
Jun 20, 2003 |
7174277 |
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11647042 |
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10297270 |
Dec 4, 2002 |
8280682 |
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PCT/US01/51620 |
Dec 17, 2001 |
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10601208 |
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60323601 |
Sep 20, 2001 |
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60285032 |
Apr 19, 2001 |
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60261359 |
Jan 13, 2001 |
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60259271 |
Dec 29, 2000 |
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60257386 |
Dec 22, 2000 |
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60256069 |
Dec 15, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/870.07 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/1118 20130101;
A63B 2220/30 20130101; H04L 43/04 20130101; H04W 4/027 20130101;
A61B 5/721 20130101; G01G 23/3728 20130101; G01S 19/00 20130101;
G01L 1/22 20130101; A01K 29/005 20130101; A61B 2560/0242 20130101;
H04W 76/14 20180201; A63B 69/004 20130101; A61B 2562/166 20130101;
G07C 1/10 20130101; G08B 5/36 20130101; A61B 5/02438 20130101; A61B
5/1114 20130101; G08G 9/00 20130101; A61B 5/22 20130101; G01G 19/44
20130101; G01P 15/00 20130101; A61B 5/4866 20130101; A63F 13/798
20140902; G01P 15/0891 20130101; A61B 5/1122 20130101; A61B 5/681
20130101; A61B 5/6833 20130101; A61B 5/7242 20130101; A61B 2503/04
20130101; A42B 3/046 20130101; A61B 5/112 20130101; A61B 5/1112
20130101; A61B 2560/0285 20130101; A63B 69/26 20130101; A63B
2220/40 20130101; G01P 3/50 20130101; H04Q 9/00 20130101; H04M
1/7253 20130101; H04Q 2209/40 20130101; A61B 2503/10 20130101; G08G
1/20 20130101; A63B 2225/50 20130101; A61B 5/0022 20130101; G06Q
10/08 20130101; A61B 2560/0456 20130101; A63B 2208/12 20130101;
G06F 19/00 20130101; H05K 5/0247 20130101; A61B 5/0816 20130101;
A63B 2220/50 20130101; G01G 23/00 20130101; G01P 15/18 20130101;
G06F 11/3089 20130101; A63B 69/16 20130101; H04L 43/00 20130101;
A61B 2560/0214 20130101; G01L 1/16 20130101; G16Z 99/00 20190201;
H04W 4/02 20130101; A61B 5/14532 20130101; G01C 21/16 20130101;
A61B 2560/0412 20130101; G07C 1/24 20130101; G01L 1/04 20130101;
G01P 3/00 20130101; A61B 5/1117 20130101; A61B 5/14542 20130101;
G01P 1/127 20130101; A61B 5/0002 20130101; A61B 5/6807 20130101;
A63B 69/0028 20130101; G01B 21/16 20130101; H04W 4/33 20180201;
A43B 3/0005 20130101; A63B 24/00 20130101; G01S 1/08 20130101; A61B
5/1113 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04Q 9/00 20060101
H04Q009/00 |
Claims
1.-20. (canceled)
21. Apparatus comprising: a housing for attachment to a wrist; at
least one movement sensor positioned at least partially within the
housing and operative to generate real-time movement data of the
wrist during activity; and a wireless communication component
operative to wirelessly transmit the real-time movement data.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the at least one movement
sensor comprises an accelerometer comprising a sensitivity axis
aligned with a length of the wrist when the housing is attached to
the wrist.
23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the housing comprises an
adhesive bandage.
24. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the housing comprises an
article of clothing.
25. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the apparatus is a
watch.
26. Apparatus comprising: a movement monitoring device comprising
at least one of a global positioning system (GPS) sensor and an
accelerometer, wherein the at least movement monitoring device
generates movement data based on the at least one of the GPS sensor
and the accelerometer; an attachment mechanism for attaching the
movement monitoring device to a person; a processor configured to
translate the movement data into performance metrics for a physical
activity; and a wireless communication port for wirelessly
transmitting the performance metrics to at least one external
device.
27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the attachment mechanism
comprises an adhesive bandage.
28. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the attachment mechanism
comprises an article of clothing.
29. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the attachment mechanism is
operative to attach the movement monitoring device to a wrist.
30. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the physical activity is a
sporting activity.
31. A detection system for use on a vehicle, the system comprising:
one or more receiver devices operative to: wirelessly receive first
sensor data indicative of a physical characteristic of a person
riding the vehicle at a particular time; and receive second sensor
data indicative of a vehicular characteristic of the vehicle
substantially at the particular time; and a processor operative to
make a determination based at least in part on the first sensor
data indicative of the physical characteristic of the person riding
the vehicle and the second sensor data indicative of the vehicular
characteristic of the vehicle.
32. The detection system of claim 31, wherein the processor is
operative to make a determination of at least one of: performance
of the person within the vehicle based at least in part on the
first sensor data indicative of the physical characteristic of the
person riding the vehicle and the second sensor data indicative of
the vehicular characteristic of the vehicle; and a particular
activity being performed by the person riding the vehicle based at
least in part on the first sensor data indicative of the physical
characteristic of the person riding the vehicle and the second
sensor data indicative of the vehicular characteristic of the
vehicle.
33. The detection system of claim 32, wherein the system further
comprises a transmitter device operative to communicate the
determination to a device external to the system.
34. The detection system of claim 31, wherein the vehicle comprises
one of: a motorized vehicle; a human-powered vehicle; and an
animal.
35. The detection system of claim 31, wherein: the one or more
receivers is operative to wirelessly receive third sensor data
indicative of an event characteristic of an event space in which
the person is riding the vehicle; and the processor is operative to
make a determination based at least in part on the first sensor
data indicative of the physical characteristic of the person riding
the vehicle, the second sensor data indicative of the vehicular
characteristic of the vehicle, and the third sensor data indicative
of the event characteristic of the event space.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of application Ser. No.
10/601,208 filed Jun. 20, 2003, which is a continuation of
application Ser. No. 10/297,270 filed Dec. 4, 2002, which claims
priority to PCT Application No. PCT/US01/51620, filed Dec. 17, 2001
and to the following six U.S. provisional applications: U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/256,069, filed Dec. 15, 2000; U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/257,386, filed Dec. 22, 2000; U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/259,271, filed Dec. 29, 2000; U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/261,359, filed Jan. 13, 2001; U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/285,032, filed Apr. 19, 2001; and
U.S. Application No. 60/323,601, filed Sep. 20, 2001. The foregoing
applications are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to sensing systems monitoring
applications in sports, shipping, training, medicine, fitness,
wellness and industrial production. The invention specifically
relates to sensing and reporting events associated with movement,
environmental factors such as temperature, health functions,
fitness effects, and changing conditions.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The movement of objects and persons occurs continuously but
is hardly quantified. Rather, typically only the result of the
movement is known (i.e., object X moved from point A to point B;
or, person Y ran to the store). Advances in technology have
provided some quantification of movement. For example, GPS products
now assist in determining the location of golf carts, vehicles and
persons.
[0004] However, the detail of movement, minute to minute, second to
second, is still not generally determinable in the prior art. For
example, the movement of tangible objects typically involves (a)
the shipment or carrying of goods and (b) electro-mechanical or
motorized apparatus (e.g., planes, trains, automobiles, robots).
The exact movements of such objects, and the conditions that they
are subjected to, from point to point, are only qualitatively
known. By way of example, a package is moved from location to
location through delivery services like FEDERAL EXPRESS or UPS;
however what occurred during transportation, and what transpired to
the package, is anyone's guess. Occasionally, an object within the
package is broken, indicating that the package experienced
excessive abuse; but whose fault it is, or how or when it happened,
are not known. What environments the package experienced is also
not readily known.
[0005] The movement of persons, on the other hand, typically
involves-human-powered transportation, e.g., facilitated by biking,
a wheelchair, or a motorized vehicle, e.g., a car. Body movement
involved in transportation is subjected to many forces, some of
which are dangerous. But the prior art does not provide for this
knowledge; there is no effective way, currently, to efficiently
quantify human movement. In sports, physical fitness, and training,
precise information about movement would assist in many ways. By
way of example, how effective a hand strike is in karate or boxing
is, today, only qualitatively known. Quantitative feedback would be
beneficial.
[0006] It is, accordingly, one feature of the invention to provide
systems and methods addressing the afore-mentioned difficulties. A
further feature of the invention is to provide methods and devices
to quantify movement in a number of applications. Another feature
of the invention is to monitor and report meaningful environment
information such as temperature and humidity. These and other
features will be apparent in the description that follows.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Movement Monitoring Devices
[0007] In one aspect, the invention provides a movement monitor
device ("MMD") including an adhesive strip, a processor, a
detector, and a communications port. In another aspect, two or more
of the processor, port and detector are combined in a single
application specific integrated circuit ("ASIC"). In one aspect the
detector is an accelerometer, and preferably an accelerometer
embedded into silicon within the ASIC. In other aspects, the
detector is one of a strain gauge, force-sensing resistor, and
piezoelectric strip. In still another aspect, the MMD includes a
battery. In the preferred aspect of the invention, the MMD and
battery are packaged in a protective wrapper. Preferably, the
battery is packaged with the MMD in such a way that it does not
"power" the MMD until the wrapper is removed. Preferably, the MMD
includes a real time clock so that the MMD tags "events" (as
hereinafter defined) with time and/or date information.
[0008] In yet another aspect, the MMD with adhesive strip
collectively take a form similar to an adhesive bandage. More
particularly, the adhesive strip of the invention is preferably
like or similar to the adhesive of the adhesive bandage; and the
processor (or protective wrapper) is embedded with the strip much
the way the cotton is with the adhesive bandage. Preferably, a soft
material (e.g., cotton or cloth) is included to surround the
processor so as to (a) soften contact of rigid MMD components with
a person and/or (b) protect the processor (and/or other components
of the MMD). In still another aspect, the battery is also coupled
with the soft material. In still another aspect, the processor and
other elements of the MMD are combined into a single system-on-chip
integrated circuit. A protective cover may surround the chip to
protect the MMD from breakage.
[0009] In one aspect, one MMD of the invention takes a form similar
to a smart label, with an adhesive substantially disposed with the
label, e.g., on one side of the label. The adhesive strip of this
MMD includes all or part of the back of the label with adhesive or
glue permitting attachment of the label to other objects (or to a
person).
[0010] In still another aspect, the MMD of the invention takes the
form of a rigid monolithic that attaches to objects through one of
known techniques. In this aspect, the device has a processor,
communications port, and detector. A battery is typically included
with the MMD. The MMD is attached to objects or persons by one of
several techniques, including by glue or mechanical attachment
(e.g., a pin or clip). An MMD of this aspect can for example exist
in the form of a credit card, wherein the communications port is
either a contact transponder or a contactless transponder. The MMD
of one aspect includes a magnetic element that facilitates easily
attaching the MMD to metal objects.
[0011] In operation, the MMD of the invention is typically
interrogated by an interrogation device ("ID"). The MMD is
responsive to the ID to communicate information within the MMD and,
preferably, over secure communications protocols. By way of
example, one MMD of the invention releases internal data only to an
ID with the correct passwords and/or data protocols. The ID can
take many forms, including a cell phone or other electronic device
(e.g., a MP3 player, pager, watch, or PDA) providing communications
with the MMD transmitter
[0012] However, in another aspect, the MMD communicates externally
to a remote receiver ("RR"). The RR listens for data from the MMD
and collects that data for subsequent relay or use. In one aspect,
the MMD's communications port is a one-way transmitter. Preferably,
the MMD communicates data from the MMD to the RR either (a) upon
the occurrence of an "event" or (b) in repeated time intervals,
e.g., once every ten minutes. Alternatively, the MMD's
communication port is a transceiver that handshakes with the RR to
communicate data from the MMD to the RR. Accordingly, the MMD
responds to data requests from the RR, in this aspect. In still
another aspect, the RR radiates the MMD with transponder
frequencies; and the MMD "reflects" movement data to the RR.
[0013] Accordingly, the communications port of one aspect is a
transponder responsive to one or more frequencies to relay data
back to an ID. By way of example, these frequencies can be one of
125 kHz and 13.56 MHz, the frequencies common with "contactless"
RFID tags known in the art. In other aspects, communications
frequencies are used with emission power and frequencies that fall
within the permissible "unlicensed" emission spectrum of part 15 of
FCC regulations, Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations. In
particular, one desirable feature of the invention is to emit low
power, to conserve battery power and to facilitate use of the MMD
in various environments; and therefore an ID is placed close to the
MMD to read the data. In other words, in one aspect, wireless
communications from the MMD to the ID occurs over a short distance
of a fraction of an inch to no more than a few feet. By way of
example, as described herein, one ID of the invention takes the
form of a cell phone, which communicates with the MMD via one or
more secure communications techniques. Data acquired from the MMD
is then communicated through cellular networks, if desired, to
relay MMD data to end-users.
[0014] Or, in another aspect, the ID has a larger antenna to pick
up weak transmission signals from a MMD at further distances
separation.
[0015] In another aspect, the communications port is an infrared
communications port. Such a port, in one aspect, communicates with
the cell phone in secure communication protocols. In other aspects,
an ID communicates with the infrared port to obtain the data within
the MMD.
[0016] In yet another aspect, the communications port includes a
transceiver. The MMD listens for interrogating signals from the RR
and, in turn, relays movement "event" data from the MMD to the RR.
Alternatively, the MMD relays movement "event" data at set time
intervals or when the MMD accumulates data close to an internal
storage limit. In one aspect, thereby, the MMD include internal
memory; and the MMD stores one or more "event" data, preferably
with time-tag information, in the memory. When the memory is nearly
full, the MMD transmits the stored data wirelessly to a RR.
Alternatively, stored data is transmitted to an IR when
interrogated. In a third alternative, the MMD transmits stored data
at set intervals, e.g., once per 1/2 hour or once per hour, to
relay stored data to a RR. Other transmission protocols can be used
without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0017] In still another aspect, data from the MMD is relayed to an
ID through "contact" communication between the ID and the
communications port. In one aspect, the MMD includes a small
conductive plate (e.g., a gold plate) that contacts with the ID to
facilitate data transfer. Smart cards from the manufacturer GEMPLUS
may be used in such aspects of the invention.
[0018] In one aspect, the MMD includes a printed circuit board
"PCB"). A battery--e.g., a 2032 or 1025 Lithium coin cell--is also
included, in another aspect of the invention. To make the device
small, the PCB preferably has multilayers--and two of the internal
layers have a substantial area of conducting material forming two
terminals for the battery. Specifically, the PCB is pried apart at
one edge, between the terminals, and the battery is inserted within
the PCB making contact and providing voltage to the device. This
advantageously removes then need for a separate and weighty battery
holder.
[0019] In another aspect, the PCB has first and second terminals on
either side of the PCB, and a first side of the battery couples to
the first terminal, while a clip connects the second side of the
battery to the second terminal, making the powered connection. This
aspect advantageously removes the need for a separate and weighty
battery holder.
[0020] In still another aspect, a terminal is imprinted on one side
of the PCB, and a first side of the battery couples to that
terminal A conductive force terminal connects to the PCB and the
second side of the battery, forming a circuit between the battery
and the PCB.
[0021] By way of background for transponder technology, the
following U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference: U.S.
Pat. No. 6,091,342 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,541,604.
[0022] By way of background for smart card and smart tag
technology, the following U.S. patents are incorporated herein by
reference: U.S. Pat. No. 6,151,647; U.S. Pat. No. 5,901,303. U.S.
Pat. No. 5,767,503; U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,773; U.S. Pat. No.
5,671,525; U.S. Pat. No. 6,043,747; U.S. Pat. No. 5,977,877; and
U.S. Pat. No. 5,745,037.
[0023] By way of background for adhesive bandages, the following
U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No.
5,045,035; U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,917; U.S. Pat. No. 5,633,070; U.S.
Pat. No. 4,812,541; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,612,265.
[0024] By way of background for pressure and altitude sensing, the
following U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference: U.S.
Pat. No. 5,178,016; U.S. Pat. No. 4,317,126; U.S. Pat. No.
4,813,272; U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,016; U.S. Pat. No. 4,694,694; U.S.
Pat. No. 4,911,016; U.S. Pat. No. 3,958,459.
[0025] By way of background for rotation sensors, the following
U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No.
5,442,221; U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,098; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,699.
Magnetorestrictive elements are further discussed in the following
patents, also incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No.
5,983,724 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,621,316.
[0026] In accord with one aspect of the invention, the
communications port is one of a transponder (including a smart tag
or RFID tag), transceiver, or one-way transmitter. In other
aspects, data from the MMD is communicated off-board (i.e., away
from the MMD) by one of several techniques, including: streaming
the data continuously off-board to get a real-time signature of
data experienced by the MMD; transmission triggered by the
occurrence of an "event" as defined herein; transmission triggered
by interrogation, such as interrogation by an ID with a
transponder; transmission staggered in "bursts" or "batches," such
as when internal storage memory is full; and transmission at
predetermined intervals of time, such as every minute or hour.
[0027] In one preferred aspect of the invention, the
above-described MMDs are packaged like an adhesive bandage.
Specifically, in one aspect, one or more protective strips rest
over the adhesive portion of the device so as to protect the
adhesive until the protective strips are removed. The strips are
substantially stick-free so that they are easily removed from the
adhesive prior to use. In another aspect, a "wrapper" is used to
surround the MMD; the wrapper for example similar to wrappers of
adhesive bandages. In accord with one preferred aspect, the battery
electrically couples with the electronics of the MMD when the
wrapper is opened and/or when the protective strips are removed. In
this way, the MMD can be "single use" with the battery energizing
the electronics only when the MMD is opened and applied to an
object or person; the battery power being conserved prior to use by
a decoupling element associated with the wrapper or protective
strips. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that other
techniques can be used without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0028] The MMDs of the invention are preferably used to detect
movement "metrics," including one or more of airtime, speed, power,
impact, drop distance, jarring and spin. WO9854581A2 is
incorporated herein by reference as background to measuring speed,
drop distance, jarring, impact and airtime. U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,157,898, 6,151,563, 6,148,271 and 6,073,086, relating to spin and
speed measurement, are incorporated herein by reference. In one
aspect, the detector and processor of the MMD collectively detect
and determine "airtime," such as set forth in U.S. Pat. No.
5,960,380, incorporated herein by reference. By way of example, one
detector is an accelerometer, and the processor analyzes
acceleration data from the accelerometer as a spectrum of
information and then detects the absence of acceleration data
(typically in one or more frequency bands of the spectrum of
information) to determine airtime. In another aspect, the detector
and processor of the MMD collectively detect and determine drop
distance. By way of example, one drop distance detector is a
pressure sensor, and the processor analyzes data from the pressure
sensor to determine changes in pressure indicating altitude
variations (a) over a preselected time interval, (b) between a
maximum and minimum altitude to assess overall vertical travel,
and/or (c) between local minimums and maximums to determine jump
distance. By way of a further example, a drop distance detector is
an accelerometer, and the processor analyzes data from the
accelerometer to determine distance, or changes in distance, in a
direction perpendicular to ground, or perpendicular to forward
movement, to determine drop distance.
[0029] In one preferred aspect, the accelerometer has "free fall"
capability (e.g., with near zero hertz detection) to determine drop
distance (or other metrics described herein) based, at least on
part, on free fall physics. This aspect is for example useful in
detecting dropping events of packages in shipment.
[0030] In another aspect, the detector and processor of the MMD
collectively detect and determine spin. By way of example, one
detector is a magnetorestrictive element ("MRE"), and the processor
analyzes data from the MRE to determine spin (rotation per second,
number of degrees, and/or degrees per second) based upon the MME's
rotation through the earth's magnetic fields. By way of a further
example, another detector is a rotational accelerometer, and the
processor analyzes data from the rotational accelerometer to
determine spin. In another aspect, the detector and processor of
the MMD collectively detect and determine jarring, power and/or
impact. By way of example, one detector is an accelerometer, and
the processor analyzes data from the accelerometer to determine the
jarring, impact and/or power. As used herein, jarring is a function
a higher power of velocity in a direction approximately
perpendicular to forward movement (typically in a direction
perpendicular to ground, a road, or a floor). As used herein, power
is an integral of filtered (and preferably rectified) acceleration
over some preselected time interval, typically greater than about
`/2 second. As used herein, impact is an integral of filtered (and
preferably rectified) acceleration over a time interval less than
about`/2 second. Impact is often defined as immediately following
an "airtime" event (i.e., the "thump" of a landing).
[0031] In one aspect, the MMD continuously relays a movement metric
by continuous transmission of data from the detector to a RR. In
this way, a MMD attached to a person may beneficially track
movement, in real time, of that person by recombination of the
movement metrics at a remote computer. In one aspect, multiple MMDs
attached to a person quantify movement of a plurality of body parts
or movements, for example to assist in athletic training (e.g., for
boxing or karate). In another aspect, multiple MMDs attached to an
object quantify movement of a plurality of object parts or
movements, for example to monitor or assess different components or
sensitive parts of an object. For example, multiple MMDs can be
attached to an expensive medical device to monitor various critical
components during shipment; when the device arrives at the
customer, these MMDs are interrogated to determine whether any of
the critical components experienced undesirable conditions--e.g., a
high impact or temperature or humidity.
[0032] By way of background for moisture sensing, the following
U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No.
5,486,815; U.S. Pat. No. 5,546,974; and U.S. Pat. No.
6,078,056.
[0033] By way of background for humidity sensing, the following
U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No.
5,608,374; U.S. Pat. No. 5,546,974; and U.S. Pat. No.
6,078,056.
[0034] By way of background for temperature sensing, the following
U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No.
6,074,089; U.S. Pat. No. 4,210,024; U.S. Pat. No. 4,516,865; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,088,836; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,955,980.
[0035] In accord with further aspects of the invention, the MMD
measures one or more of the following environmental metrics:
temperature, humidity, moisture, altitude and pressure. These
environmental metrics are combined into the MMD with a detector
that facilitates the monitoring of movement metrics such as
described above. For temperature, the detector of one aspect is a
temperature sensor such as a thermocouple or thermister. For
altitude, the detector of one aspect is an altimeter. For pressure,
the detector of one aspect is a pressure sensor such as a surface
mount semiconductor element made by SENSYM.
[0036] In accord with one aspect, a MMD monitors one or more
movement metrics for "events," where data is acquired that exceeds
some predetermined threshold or value. By way of example, in one
aspect the detector is a triaxial accelerometer and the processor
coupled to the accelerometer seeks to determine impact events that
exceed a threshold, in any or all of three axes. In another aspect,
a single axis accelerometer is used as the detector and a single
axis is monitored for an impact event. In another example, the
detector and processor collectively monitor and detect spin events,
where for example it is determined that the device rotated more
than 360 degrees in 1/2 second or less (an exemplary "event"
threshold). In still another aspect, the detector is a force
detector and the processor and detector collectively determine a
change of weight of an object resting on the MMD over some
preselected time period. In one specific object, the invention
provides for a MMD to monitor human weight to report that weight,
on demand, to individuals. Preferably, such a MMD is in a shoe.
[0037] In one aspect, the movement metric of rotation is measured
by a MMD with a Hall effect detector. Specifically, one aspect of
the Hall effect detector with a MMD of the invention monitors when
the MMD is inverted. In one other aspect, the Hall effect detector
is used with the processor to determine when an object is inverted
or rotated through about 180 degrees. An "event" detected by this
aspect can for example be one or more inversions of the MMD of
about 180 degrees.
[0038] In still another aspect, the MMD has a MRE as the detector,
and the MMD measures spin or rotation experienced by the MRE.
[0039] In one aspect, a plurality of MMDs are collated and packaged
in a single container, preferably similar to the cans or boxes
containing adhesive bandages. Preferably, in another aspect, MMDs
of the invention are similarly programmed within the container. By
way of example, one container carries 100 MMDs that each respond to
an event of "10 g's." In another example, another container carries
200 MMDs that respond to an event of "100 g's." Packages of MMDs
can be in any suitable number N greater than or equal to two;
typically however MMDs are packaged together in groups of 50, 100,
150, 200, 250, 500 or 1000. A variety pack of MMDs are also
provided, in another aspect, for example containing ten 5 g MMDs,
ten 10 g MMDs, ten 15 g MMDs, ten 20 g MMDs, ten 25 g MMDs, ten 30
g MMDs, ten 35 g MMDs, ten 40 g MMDs, ten 45 g MMDs, and ten 50 g
MMDs. Another variety package can for example include groups of
MMDs spaced at 1 g or 10 g intervals.
[0040] In one preferred aspect, the MMD of the invention includes
internal memory. Preferably the memory is within the processor or
ASIC. Event data is stored in the memory, in accord with one
aspect, until transmitted off-board. In this way, the MMD monitors
and stores event data (e.g., an "event" occurrence where the MMD
experiences 10'gs). Preferably, the event data is time tagged with
data from a real-time clock; and thus a real time clock is included
with the MMD (or made integral with the processor or ASIC). A
crystal or other clocking mechanism may also be used.
[0041] In one aspect, the MMD is programmed with a time at the
initial time of use (i.e., when the device is powered). In one
other aspect, the MMD is packaged with power so that real time
clock data is available when the product is used. In this aspect,
therefore, a container of MMDs will typically have a "stale" date
when the MMD's battery power is no longer usable. In one aspect,
the MMD has a replaceable battery port so that a user can replace
the battery.
[0042] The invention has certain advantages. A MMD of the invention
can practically attach to almost anything to obtain movement
information. By way of example, a MMD of the invention can attach
to furniture to monitor shipping of furniture. If the furniture
were dropped, an impact event occurs and is recorded within the
MMD, or transmitted wirelessly, with an associated time tag. When
the furniture is damaged prior to delivery, a reader (e.g., an ID)
reads the MMD to determine when the damage occurred--leading to the
responsible party who may then have to pay for the damage. In a
further example, if furniture is rated to "10 g's", a MMD
(programmed and enabled to detect 10 g events) is attached to the
furniture when leaving the factory, so that any 10 g event before
delivery is recorded and time-stamped, again leading to a
responsible party. Similarly, in other aspects, devices of the
invention are attached to packages (e.g., FED EX or UPS shipments)
to monitor handling. By way of example, fragile objects may be
rated to 5 g; and an appropriately programmed MMD of the invention
is attached to the shipment to record and time-tag 5 g events. In
another aspect, fragile objects that should be maintained at a
particular orientation (i.e., packages shipped within "This Side
Up" instructions) are monitored by a MMD detecting inversions of
about 180 degrees, such as through a Hall Effect detector.
[0043] In one aspect, the MMD includes a tamper proof detector that
ensures the MMD is not removed or tampered with once applied to an
object or person, until an authorized person removes the MMD. In
one aspect, the tamper proof detector is a piezoelectric strip
coupled into or with the adhesive strip. Once the MMD is powered
and applied to an object or person, a quiescent period ensues and
the MMD continually monitors the tamper proof detector (in addition
to the event detector) to record tampering activity. In the case of
the piezoelectric strip, removal of the MMD from a person or object
after the quiescent period provides a relatively large voltage
spike, indicating removal. That spike is recorded and time stamped.
If there are more than one such records (i.e., one record
represents the final removal), then tampering may have occurred.
Since date and time are tagged with the event data, the tamper time
is determined, leading to identify the tampering person (i.e., the
person responsible for the object when the tamper time was
tagged).
[0044] In one aspect, the invention provides an ID in the form of a
cell phone. Nearly one in three Americans use a cell phone.
According to the teachings of the invention, data movement
"metrics" are read from a MMD through the cell phone. Preferably,
data communicated from the MMD to the cell phone is made only
through secure communications protocols so that only authorized
cell phones can access the MMD. In one specific aspect, MMD events
are communicated to a cell phone or cellular network, and from that
point are relayed to persons or additional computer networks for
use at a remote location.
[0045] Miniature tension or compression load cells are used in
certain aspects of the invention. By way of example, a MMD
incorporating such cells are used in measuring and monitoring
tension and/or compression between about fifty grams and 1000 lbs,
depending upon the application. In one aspect, the MMD generates a
warning signal when the load cell exceeds a preselected
threshold.
[0046] In accord with the invention, several advantages are
apparent. The following lists some of the non-limiting movement
events monitored and captured by select MMDs of the invention, in
accord to varied aspects of the invention: [0047] impact or "g's"
experienced by the MMD that exceed a predetermined threshold, e.g.,
10 or 50 g's [0048] accumulated or integrated rectified
acceleration experienced by the MMD over a predetermined time
interval [0049] rotations experienced by the MMD in increments of
90 degrees, such as 90, 180, 270, 360 degrees, or multiples thereof
[0050] frequency-filtered, rectified, and low-pass filtered
acceleration detecting impact events, by the MMD, exceeding
thresholds such as 5, 10, 20, 25, 50 and 100 g's, preferably after
an airtime event [0051] rotational velocities experienced by the
MMD exceeding some preselected "degrees per second" or "revolutions
per minute" threshold [0052] airtime events experienced by the MMD
exceeding 1/4, 1/3, or 1/2 second, or multiples thereof [0053]
speed events experienced by the MMD exceeding miles per hour
thresholds of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 mph (those skilled in the art
should appreciate that other "speed" units can be used, e.g.,
km/hour, m/s or cm/s) [0054] drop distance events experienced by
the MMD exceeding set distances such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 50
and 100 feet (or inches, centimeters or meters) [0055] altitude
variation events between maximum and minimum values over a daily
time interval [0056] jerk variations proportional to V.sup.n or
.differential..sup.nV/.differential..sup.nt, where V is velocity in
a direction perpendicular to movement along a surface (e.g.,
ground), where n is some integer greater than or equal to 2, and
where t is time
[0057] The above movement events may be combined for a variety of
metrics useful to users of the invention. For example, in one
aspect, altitude variations are used to accurately gauge caloric
burn through the variations. Such information is particularly
useful for mountain bikers and in mountain sports.
[0058] The invention of one aspect provides a quantizing
accelerometer that detects one or more specific g-levels in a
manner particularly useful as a detector in a MMD of the
invention.
[0059] There are thus several applications of the invention,
including the monitoring of movement for people, patients,
packages, athletes, competitors, shipments, furniture, athletes in
training (e.g., karate), and industrial robotics. The benefits
derived by such monitoring can be used by insurance companies and
manufacturers, which, for example, insure shipments and packages
for safe delivery to purchasers. Media broadcasters, including
Internet content providers, can also benefit by augmenting
information associated with a sporting event (e.g., airtime of a
snowboarder communicated in real time to the Internet, impact of a
football or soccer ball during a game, boxing glove strike force
during a fight, tennis racquet strike force during a match). The
MMD of the invention is small, and may be attached to practically
any object--so ease of use is clearly another advantage. By way of
example, an MMD can be mounted to the helmet or body armor of each
football player or motocross competitor to monitor movement and
jerk of the athlete. In such applications, data from the MMD
preferably transmits event data in real time to a RR in the form of
a network, so that MMD data associated with each competitor is
available for broadcast to a scoreboard, TV or the Internet. Other
advantages should be apparent in the description within.
Event Monitoring Devices
[0060] The invention also provides certain sensors and devices used
to monitor and report temperature, humidity, chemicals, heart rate,
pulse, pressure, stress, weight, environmental factors and
hazardous conditions.
[0061] In one aspect, the invention provides a event monitor device
("EMD") including an adhesive strip, a processor, a detector, and a
communications port. In another aspect, two or more of the
processor, port and detector are combined in a single application
specific integrated circuit ("ASIC"). In one aspect the detector is
an humidity or temperature sensor, and preferably that detector is
embedded into silicon within the ASIC. In other aspects, the
detector is one of an EKG sensing device, weight-sensing detector,
and chemical detector. In still another aspect, the EMD includes a
battery. In the preferred aspect of the invention, the EMD and
battery are packaged in a protective wrapper. Preferably, the
battery is packaged with the EMD in such a way that it does not
"power" the EMD until the wrapper is removed. Preferably, the EMD
includes a real time clock so that the EMD tags "events" with time
and/or date information.
[0062] In yet another aspect, the EMD with adhesive strip
collectively take a form similar to an adhesive bandage. More
particularly, the adhesive strip of the invention is preferably
like or similar to the adhesive of the adhesive bandage; and the
processor is embedded with the strip much the way the cotton is
with the adhesive bandage. Preferably, a soft material (e.g.,
cotton or cloth) is included to surround the processor so as to (a)
soften contact of rigid EMD components with a person and/or (b)
protect the processor (and/or other components of the EMD). In
still another aspect, the battery is also coupled with the soft
material. In still another aspect, the processor and other elements
of the EMD are combined into a single system-on-chip integrated
circuit. A protective cover may surround the chip to protect the
EMD from breakage.
[0063] In one aspect, one EMD of the invention takes a form similar
to a smart label, with an adhesive substantially disposed with the
label, e.g., on one side of the label. The adhesive strip of this
EMD includes all or part of the back of the label with adhesive or
glue permitting attachment of the label to other objects (or to a
person).
[0064] In still another aspect, the EMD of the invention takes the
form of a rigid monolithic that attaches to objects through one of
known techniques. In this aspect, the device has a processor,
communications port, and detector. A battery is typically included
with the EMD. The EMD is attached to objects or persons by one of
several techniques, including by glue or mechanical attachment
(e.g., a pin or clip). An EMD of this aspect can for example exist
in the form of a credit card, wherein the communications port is
either a contact transponder or a contactless transponder. The EMD
of one aspect includes a magnetic element that facilitates easily
attaching the EMD to metal objects.
[0065] In operation, the EMD of the invention is typically
interrogated by an ID. The EMD is responsive to the ID to
communicate information within the EMD and, preferably, over secure
communications protocols. By way of example, one EMD of the
invention releases internal data only to an ID with the correct
passwords and/or data protocols. The ID can take many forms,
including a cell phone or other electronic device (e.g., a MP3
player, pager, watch, or PDA) providing communications with the EMD
transmitter
[0066] However, in another aspect, the EMD communicates externally
to a RR. The RR listens for data from the EMD and collects that
data for subsequent relay or use. In one aspect, the EMD's
communications port is a one-way transmitter. Preferably, the EMD
communicates data from the EMD to the RR either (a) upon the
occurrence of an "event" or (b) in repeated time intervals, e.g.,
once every minute or more. Alternatively, the EMD's communication
port is a transceiver that handshakes with the RR to communicate
data from the EMD to the RR. Accordingly, the EMD responds to data
requests from the RR, in this aspect. In still another aspect, the
RR radiates the EMD with transponder frequencies; and the EMD
"reflects" the data to the RR.
[0067] Accordingly, the communications port of one EMD is a
transponder responsive to one or more frequencies to relay data
back to an ID. By way of example, these frequencies can be one of
125 kHz and 13.56 MHz, the frequencies common with "contactless"
RFID tags known in the art. In other aspects, communications
frequencies are used with emission power and frequencies that fall
within the permissible "unlicensed" emission spectrum of part 15 of
FCC regulations, Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations. In
particular, one desirable feature of the invention is to emit low
power, to conserve battery power and to facilitate use of the EMD
in various environments; and therefore an ID is placed close to the
EMD to read the data. In other words, in one aspect, wireless
communications from the EMD to the ID occurs over a short distance
of a fraction of an inch to no more than a few feet. By way of
example, as described herein, one ID of the invention takes the
form of a cell phone, which communicates with the EMD via one or
more secure communications techniques. Data acquired from the EMD
is then communicated through cellular networks, if desired, to
relay EMD data to end-users. Or, in another aspect, or sensitive or
directional antenna is used to increase the distance to detect data
of the EMD.
[0068] In another aspect, the communications port is an infrared
communications port. Such a port, in one aspect, communicates with
the cell phone in secure communication protocols. In other aspects,
an ID communicates with the infrared port to obtain the data within
the EMD.
[0069] In yet another aspect, the communications port includes a
transceiver. The EMD listens for interrogating signals from the RR
and, in turn, relays "event" data from the EMD to the RR.
Alternatively, the EMD relays "event" data at set time intervals or
when the EMD accumulates data close to an internal storage limit.
In one aspect, thereby, the EMD include internal memory; and the
EMD stores one or more "event" data, preferably with time-tag
information, in the memory. When the memory is nearly full, the EMD
transmits the stored data wirelessly to a RR. Alternatively, stored
data is transmitted to an IR when interrogated. In a third
alternative, the EMD transmits stored data at set intervals, e.g.,
once per 1/2 hour or once per hour, to relay stored data to a RR.
Other transmission protocols can be used without departing from the
scope of the invention.
[0070] In still another aspect, data from the EMD is relayed to an
ID through "contact" communication between the ID and the
communications port. In one aspect, the EMD includes a small
conductive plate (e.g., a gold plate) that contacts with the ID to
facilitate data transfer. Smart cards from the manufacturer GEMPLUS
may be used in such aspects of the invention.
[0071] In one aspect, the EMD includes a printed circuit board
"PCB"). A battery--e.g., a 2032 or 1025 Lithium coin cell--is also
included, in another aspect of the invention. To make the device
small, the PCB preferably has multilayers--and two of the internal
layers have a substantial area of conducting material forming two
terminals for the battery. Specifically, the PCB is pried apart at
one edge, between the terminals, and the battery is inserted within
the PCB making contact and providing voltage to the device. This
advantageously removes then need for a separate and weighty battery
holder. Flex circuit boards may also be used.
[0072] In another aspect, the PCB has first and second terminals on
either side of the PCB, and a first side of the battery couples to
the first terminal, while a clip connects the second side of the
battery to the second terminal, making the powered connection. This
aspect advantageously removes then need for a separate and weighty
battery holder.
[0073] In still another aspect, a terminal is imprinted on one side
of the PCB, and a first side of the battery couples to that
terminal. A conductive force terminal connects to the PCB and the
second side of the batter, forming a circuit between the battery
and the PCB.
[0074] In accord with one aspect of the invention, the
communications port is one of a transponder (including a smart tag
or RFID tag), transceiver, or one-way transmitter. In other
aspects, data from the EMD is communicated off-board (i.e., away
from the EMD) by one of several techniques, including: streaming
the data continuously off-board to get a real-time signature of
data experienced by the EMD; transmission triggered by the
occurrence of an "event" as defined herein; transmission triggered
by interrogation, such as interrogation by an ID with a
transponder; transmission staggered in "bursts" or "batches," such
as when internal storage memory is full; and transmission at
predetermined intervals of time, such as every minute or hour.
[0075] In one preferred aspect of the invention, the
above-described EMDs are packaged like an adhesive bandage.
Specifically, in one aspect, one or more protective strips rest
over the adhesive portion of the device so as to protect the
adhesive until the protective strips are removed. The strips are
substantially stick-free so that they are easily removed from the
adhesive prior to use. In another aspect, a "wrapper" is used to
surround the EMD; the wrapper being similar to existing wrappers of
adhesive bandages. In accord with one preferred aspect, the battery
electrically couples with the electronics of the EMD when the
wrapper is opened and/or when the protective strips are removed. In
this way, the EMD can be "single use" with the battery energizing
the electronics only when the EMD is opened and applied to an
object or person; the battery power being conserved prior to use by
a decoupling element associated with the wrapper or protective
strips. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that other
techniques can be used without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0076] In one aspect, the EMD continuously relays an environmental
metric (e.g., temperature, humidity, or chemical content) by
continuous transmission of data from the detector to a RR. In this
way, a EMD attached to a person or object may beneficially track
conditions, in real time, of that person or object by recombination
of the environmental metrics at a remote computer. In one aspect,
multiple EMDs attached to a person or object quantify data for a
plurality of locations, for example to monitor sub-parts of an
object or person.
[0077] In accord with further aspects of the invention, the EMD
measures one or more of the following environmental metrics:
temperature, humidity, moisture, altitude and pressure. For
temperature, the detector of one aspect is a temperature sensor
such as a thermocouple or thermister. For altitude, the detector of
one aspect is an altimeter. For pressure, the detector of one
aspect is a pressure sensor such as a surface mount semiconductor
element made by SENSYM.
[0078] In accord with one aspect, an EMD monitors one or more
metrics for "events," where data is acquired that exceeds some
predetermined threshold or value. By way of example, in one aspect
the detector is a temperature sensor and the processor coupled to
the temperature sensor seeks to determine temperature events that
exceed a threshold. In another aspect, a humidity sensor is used as
the detector and this sensor is monitored for a humidity event
(e.g., did the EMD experience 98% humidity conditions). In another
example, the detector and processor collectively monitor stress
events, where for example it is determined that the EMD attached to
a human senses increased heart rate of over 180 beats per minute
(an exemplary "event" threshold). In still another aspect, the
detector is a chemical (or pH) detector and the processor and
detector collectively determine a change of chemical composition of
an object connected with the EMD over some preselected time
period.
[0079] In one aspect, a plurality of EMDs are collated and packaged
in a single container, preferably similar to the cans or boxes
containing adhesive bandages. Preferably, in another aspect, EMDs
of the invention are similarly programmed within the container. By
way of example, one container carries 100 EMDs that each respond to
an event of "5 degrees" variation from some reference temperature.
In another example, another container carries 200 EMDs that respond
to an event of "90 degrees" change absolute. Temperature sensors
may be programmed to determine actual temperatures, e.g., 65
degrees, or changes in temperature from some reference point, e.g.,
10 degrees from reference.
[0080] Packages of EMDs can be in any suitable number N greater
than or equal to two; typically however EMDs are packaged together
in groups of 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 500 or 1000.
[0081] In one preferred aspect, the EMD of the invention includes
internal memory. Preferably the memory is within the processor or
ASIC. Event data is stored in the memory, in accord with one
aspect, until transmitted off-board. In this way, the EMD monitors
and stores event data (e.g., an "event" occurrence where the EMD
experiences 100 degree temperatures). Preferably, the event data is
time tagged with data from a real-time clock; and thus a real time
clock is included with the EMD (or made integral with the processor
or ASIC). In one aspect, the EMD is programmed with a time at the
initial time of use (i.e., when the device is powered). In one
other aspect, the EMD is packaged with power so that real time
clock data is available when the product is used. In this aspect,
therefore, a container of EMDs will typically have a "stale" date
when the EMD's battery power is no longer usable. In one aspect,
the EMD has a replaceable battery port so that a user can replace
the battery.
[0082] The invention has certain advantages. An EMD of the
invention can practically attach to almost anything to obtain event
information. By way of example, an EMD of the invention can attach
to patients to track health and conditions in real time and with
remote monitoring capability.
[0083] In one aspect, the EMD includes a tamper proof detector that
ensures the EMD is not removed or tampered with once applied to an
object or person, until an authorized person removes the EMD. In
one aspect, the tamper proof detector is a piezoelectric strip
coupled into or with the adhesive strip. Once the EMD is powered
and applied to an object or person, a quiescent period ensues and
the EMD continually monitors the tamper proof detector (in addition
to the event detector) to record tampering activity. In the case of
the piezoelectric strip, removal of the EMD from a person or object
after the quiescent period provides a relatively large voltage
spike, indicating removal. That spike is recorded and time stamped.
If there are more than one such records (i.e., one record
represents the final removal), then tampering may have occurred.
Since date and time are tagged with the event data, the tamper time
is determined, leading to identify the tampering person (i.e., the
person responsible for the object when the tamper time was
tagged).
[0084] In one aspect, the invention provides an ID in the form of a
cell phone. Nearly one in three Americans use a cell phone.
According to the teachings of the invention, data event "metrics"
are read from an EMD through the cell phone. Preferably, data
communicated from the EMD to the cell phone is made only through
secure communications protocols so that only authorized cell phones
can access the EMD. In one specific aspect, EMD events are
communicated to a cell phone or cellular network, and from that
point are relayed to persons or additional computer networks for
use at a remote location.
[0085] In accord with the invention, several advantages are
apparent. The following lists some of the non-limiting events
monitored and captured by select EMDs of the invention, in accord
to varied aspects of the invention:
[0086] absolute or relative temperatures
[0087] heart rate or other fitness characteristics
[0088] stress characteristics
[0089] humidity or relative humidity
[0090] fitness or patient health characteristics
[0091] The invention will next be described in connection with
preferred embodiments. In addition to those described above,
certain advantages should be apparent in the description which
follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0092] FIG. 1 shows a monitor device (e.g., a "MMD" or "EMD") and
receiver (ID or RR) constructed according to the invention;
[0093] FIG. 1A shows an alternative monitor device of the
invention, and in data communication with a receiver via "contact"
transponder technology;
[0094] FIG. 2 shows a front view of one monitor device of the
invention and formed with an adhesive strip and padding to soften
physical connection to persons or objects;
[0095] FIG. 2A shows a cross-sectional top view of the monitor
device and strip of FIG. 2;
[0096] FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional top view of one monitor
device of the invention integrated with (a) a battery and (b)
protective non-stick strips over the adhesive strip, all enclosed
within a protective wrapper;
[0097] FIG. 2C shows a front view of the monitor device of FIG. 2B,
without a protective wrapper;
[0098] FIG. 2D shows an alternative monitor device of the invention
and integrated directly with the adhesive strip to ensure detector
contact;
[0099] FIG. 2E shows one monitor device of the invention used to
detect and/or track heart rate, in accord with the invention;
[0100] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view (not to scale) of one
monitor device of the invention for integrating a battery with a
printed circuit board;
[0101] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional top view of part of the monitor
device of FIG. 3;
[0102] FIG. 3B shows an operational view of the monitor device of
FIG. 3, with a battery inserted between layers of the printed
circuit board;
[0103] FIG. 3C shows a cross-sectional view (not to scale) of one
monitor device of the invention for integrating a battery with a
printed circuit board;
[0104] FIG. 3D shows an operational view of the monitor device of
FIG. 3C, with a battery attached to sides of the underlying printed
circuit board;
[0105] FIG. 3E shows an operational view of another monitor device
of the invention, with a battery attached to one side of the
underlying printed circuit board;
[0106] FIG. 3F shows one battery attachment mechanism, including
batteries, for use with a monitor device of the invention;
[0107] FIG. 3G shows the mechanism of FIG. 3F without the
batteries;
[0108] FIGS. 4 and 4A illustrate one technique for powering a
monitor device, in accord with the invention;
[0109] FIGS. 5 and 5A illustrate one monitor device integrated
within a label, in accord with the invention;
[0110] FIG. 6 shows a monolithic monitor device constructed
according to the invention for attachment to an object by way of
mechanical attachment;
[0111] FIG. 7 shows one monitor device of the invention used to
monitor patient health characteristics;
[0112] FIG. 7A shows a system of the invention used to monitor
pulse characteristics for patient health, with the device of FIG.
7;
[0113] FIG. 7B shows an alternative monitor device of the invention
used to monitor respiratory behavior such as with the system of
FIG. 7A;
[0114] FIG. 8 illustrates application of a plurality of MMDs, of
the invention, to athletes to facilitate training and/or to provide
excitement in broadcast media;
[0115] FIG. 8A illustrates real time data acquisition,
reconstruction and display for data wirelessly transmitted from the
MMDs of FIG. 8;
[0116] FIG. 8B illustrates a television display showing data
generated in accord with the teachings of the invention;
[0117] FIG. 8C shows a one MMD applied to a human first in accord
with the invention;
[0118] FIG. 9 shows a flow-chart illustrating "event" based and
timed sequence data transmissions between a monitor device and a
receiver, in accord with the invention;
[0119] FIG. 10 shows a sensor dispensing canister constructed
according to the invention;
[0120] FIG. 10A shows an array of sensors arranged for mounting
within the canister of FIG. 10;
[0121] FIG. 10B shows one sensor of the array of sensors of FIG.
10A;
[0122] FIG. 10C shows an interface between one sensor and a base
assembly in the canister of FIG. 10;
[0123] FIG. 10D shows an operational disconnect of one sensor from
the base assembly in FIG. 10C;
[0124] FIG. 10E schematically illustrates canister electronics and
a sensor as part of the canister of FIG. 10;
[0125] FIG. 10F illustrates imparting time-tag information to a
sensor through a canister such as in FIG. 10;
[0126] FIG. 10G shows one receiver constructed according to the
invention;
[0127] FIG. 10H shows one receiver in the form of a ski lift ticket
constructed according to the invention;
[0128] FIG. 10I shows one ticket sensor constructed according to
the invention;
[0129] FIG. 11 schematically shows an electrical logic and process
flow chart for use with determining "airtime" in accord with the
invention;
[0130] FIG. 12 schematically shows a state machine used in
association with determining airtime in association with an
algorithm such as in FIG. 11;
[0131] FIG. 13 graphically shows accelerometer data and
corresponding process signals used to determine airtime in accord
with preferred embodiments of the invention;
[0132] FIG. 14 and FIG. 14A shows a state diagram illustrating
one-way transmission protocols according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0133] FIG. 15 schematically illustrates functional blocks for one
sensor of the invention;
[0134] FIG. 16 schematically illustrates functional blocks for one
display unit of the invention;
[0135] FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of one sensor housing
constructed according to the invention, for use with a sensor such
as a monitor device;
[0136] FIG. 18 illustrates a sensor, such as a MMD, within the
housing of FIG. 17;
[0137] FIG. 19 shows a top perspective view of another housing
constructed according to the invention, for use with a sensor such
as a MMD and for mounting to a vehicle;
[0138] FIG. 20 shows one vehicle and vehicle attachment bracket to
which the housing of FIG. 19 attaches;
[0139] FIG. 21 shows another vehicle and vehicle attachment bracket
to which the housing of FIG. 19 attaches;
[0140] FIG. 22 shows a bottom perspective view of the housing of
FIG. 19;
[0141] FIG. 23 shows a bracket constructed according to the
invention and made for attachment between the housing of FIG. 19
and a vehicle attachment bracket;
[0142] FIG. 24 shows a top element of the housing of FIG. 19;
[0143] FIG. 25 shows a bottom element of the housing of FIG.
19;
[0144] FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of one housing constructed
according to the invention;
[0145] FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of a top portion of the
housing of FIG. 26;
[0146] FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of a bottom portion of the
housing of FIG. 27;
[0147] FIG. 29 shows a perspective view of one monitor device
constructed according to the invention for operational placement
within the housing of FIG. 26;
[0148] FIG. 30 shows a mounting plate for attaching monitor devices
to flat surfaces in accord with one embodiment of the
invention;
[0149] FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of the plate of FIG. 30
with a monitor device coupled thereto;
[0150] FIG. 32 shows an end view of the plate and device of FIG.
31;
[0151] FIG. 33 shows, in a top view, a low-power, long life
accelerometer sensor constructed according to the invention;
[0152] FIG. 34 shows a cross-sectional view of one portion of the
accelerometer sensor of FIG. 33, illustrating operation of the
moment arm quantifying g's in accord with the invention;
[0153] FIG. 35 shows a circuit illustrating operation of the
accelerometer sensor of FIG. 33;
[0154] FIG. 36 illustrates a runner speedometer system constructed
according to the invention;
[0155] FIG. 37 illustrates an alternative runner speedometer system
constructed according to the invention;
[0156] FIG. 38 illustrates data capture and analysis principles for
determining speed with the system of FIG. 37;
[0157] FIG. 39 illustrates one sensor for operation with a shoe in
a speedometer system such as described in FIG. 37;
[0158] FIG. 40 shows another runner speedometer system of the
invention, including a GPS sensor;
[0159] FIG. 41 shows a biking work function system constructed
according to the invention;
[0160] FIG. 42 shows one race-car monitoring system constructed
according to the invention;
[0161] FIG. 43 shows one data capture device for operation with a
racecar in a race monitoring system such as shown in FIG. 42;
[0162] FIG. 44 shows one crowd data device for operation with
spectators in a race monitoring system such as shown in FIG.
42;
[0163] FIG. 45 shows one body-armor incorporating a monitor device
in accord with the invention;
[0164] FIG. 46 shows one system for measuring rodeo and/or bull
riders in accord with other embodiments of the invention;
[0165] FIG. 47 shows a representative television display of a bull
and rider configured with a system monitoring characteristics of
the bull and/of rider, in accord with the invention;
[0166] FIG. 48 shows one EMD of the invention utilizing flex strip
as the "PCB" in accord with the invention;
[0167] FIG. 49 depicts one computerized gaming system of the
invention;
[0168] FIG. 50 schematically shows one flow chart implanting game
algorithms in accord with the invention;
[0169] FIG. 51 shows one speed detection system for a ski resort in
accord with the invention;
[0170] FIG. 52 shows one bar code reader suitable for use in the
system of FIG. 51;
[0171] FIG. 53 shows one monitor device constructed according to
the invention and incorporating a GPS receiver;
[0172] FIG. 54 shows a system suitable for use with the device of
FIG. 53;
[0173] FIG. 55 shows an infant monitoring system constructed
according to the invention;
[0174] FIG. 56 schematically shows a flow chart of operational
steps used in the system of FIG. 55;
[0175] FIG. 57 shows one MMD of the invention used to gauge patient
weight;
[0176] FIG. 58 shows a weight monitoring system constructed
according to the invention;
[0177] FIG. 59 shows another weight monitoring system of the
invention;
[0178] FIG. 60 shows a force-sensing resistor suitable for use in
the weight monitoring systems of FIG. 58 and FIG. 59 and in the MMD
of FIG. 57;
[0179] FIG. 61 shows one weight-sensing device in the form of a
shoe or shoe insert, in accord with the invention;
[0180] FIG. 62 illustrates fluid cavities suitable for use in a
device of FIG. 61;
[0181] FIG. 63 shows a wrestling performance monitoring system
constructed according to the invention;
[0182] FIG. 64 shows a representative graphic output from the
system of FIG. 63;
[0183] FIG. 65 shows a surfing event system according to the
invention;
[0184] FIG. 66 shows a Green Room surfing event system according to
the invention;
[0185] FIG. 67 shows a personal item network constructed according
to the invention;
[0186] FIG. 68 shows a communications interface between a computer
and one of items of FIG. 67;
[0187] FIG. 69 illustrates electronics for one of the items within
the network of FIG. 67;
[0188] FIG. 70 and FIG. 71 show an electronic drink coaster
constructed according to the invention;
[0189] FIG. 72 shows a package management system of the invention;
and
[0190] FIG. 73 shows a product integrity tracking system of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0191] FIG. 1 shows a monitor device 10 constructed according to
the invention. Device 10 can for example operate as a MMD or EMD
described above. Device 10 includes a detector 12, processor 14,
communications port 16, and battery 18. Preferably, device 10 also
includes solid-state memory 20. Memory 20 can be integral with
processor 14 (or other element of device 10, including port 16), or
a stand-alone element within device 10. As a MMD, for example,
detector 12 senses movement experienced by device 10 and generates
signals indicative of that movement. Processor 12 then processes
the signals to extract desired movement metrics, as described
herein. Typically, when the movement metrics exceed a predetermined
threshold, processor 12 stores data as an "event" within memory 20.
Events are also preferably tagged with time information, typically
date and time, as provided by clock 22.
[0192] As an EMD, for example, detector 12 senses temperature
experienced by device 10 and generates signals indicative of
temperature (either absolute, or relative). Processor 12 then
processes the signals to extract desired data. Preferably, data
such as temperature are time tagged with date and/or time
information so that a limited recording is made of environmental
conditions.
[0193] Communications port 16 communicates event data from device
10 to a receiver 24 as wireless data 30a. Port 16 typically
performs such communications in response to commands from processor
14. Communications port 26 receives wireless data 30a for use
within receiver 24. If desired, communications port 26 can also
communicate with port 16 to transmit wireless data 30b to device
10. In such an embodiment, ports 16, 26 are preferably
radio-frequency, infrared or magnetically-inductive transceivers.
Alternatively, port 26 is a transmitter that interrogates device
10; and port 16 is a transponder that reflects event data to
receiver 24. In one preferred embodiment, receiver 24 is part of
the circuitry and packaging of a cell phone, which relays events
(e.g., a movement event) to a remote storage facility. In other
embodiments, receiver 24 is part of the circuitry and packaging of
a MP3 player, pager, watch, or electronic PDA. Receiver 24 may
connect with headphones (not shown) to provide information to a
user and corresponding to "event" data.
[0194] Data communication between device 10 and receiver 24 is
preferably "secure" so that only a receiver with the correct
identification codes can interrogate and access data from device
10. In such a mode, receiver 24 is an interrogation device ("ID");
and wireless communications 30a, 30b between ports 16, 26 can be
through one of several electromagnetic communications spectrums,
including radio-frequencies, microwave frequencies, ultrasound or
infrared. However, communications between device 10 and receiver 24
can also be one way, e.g., wireless data 30a from device 10 to
receiver 24; and in such an embodiment receiver 24 preferably
understands the communications protocols of data 30a to correctly
interpret the data from device 10. Receiver 24 in this embodiment
"listens" for data transmitted from device 10. Receiver 24 thus may
function as a remote receiver ("RR") stationed some distance (e.g.,
tens or hundreds of feet or more) from device 10.
[0195] FIG. 1A shows an alternative communication scheme between
device 10' and receiver 24'. Like numbered items in FIG. 1A have
like functions as in FIG. 1; except that in FIG. 1A, ports 16', 26'
function to transfer data from device 10' to receiver 24' as a
"contact" transponder. Device 10' and receiver 24' are separate
elements, though they appear immediately adjacent. A conductive pad
17 with port 16' facilitates communication with port 26' via its
conductive pad 19. Accordingly, event data from device 10'
transfers data to receiver 24' without "wireless" data 30 (FIG. 1),
but rather through the circuit formed between device 10' and
receiver 24' when contact is made between pads 17, 19, as shown in
FIG. 1A.
[0196] A monitor device 10, 10' of the invention preferably
includes an adhesive strip that provides for convenient attachment
of the device to an object or person. As shown in FIG. 2, one such
device 10'' is shown coupled to adhesive strip 32 for just this
purpose. Strip 32 is preferably flexible so as to bend and attach
device 10'' to nearly any surface shape. Strip 32 includes an
adhesive 34 that bonds strip 32 to a person or object, such that
device 10'' attaches to that person or object in a substantially
fixed location. FIG. 2 also shows that device 10'' preferably
resides adjacent to padding 36, to protect device 10'' from
physical harm and to provide a cushion interface between device
10'' and a person or object. Padding 36 can for example be cotton
or other soft material; and padding 36 can be made from soft
material typically found with adhesive bandages of the prior art.
Device 10'' preferably includes a protective housing 11 (FIG. 2A)
surrounding integrated circuits to protect the circuits from
breakage.
[0197] FIG. 2A shows a top cross-sectional view of monitor device
10'' and strip 32. As illustrated, strip 32 is a flexible such that
it can conform to a surface (e.g., curved surface 37) for
attachment thereto. Adhesive 34 is shown covering substantially all
of the back of strip 32 to provide for complete attachment to
surface 37. Though padding 36 is not required, it preferably
encapsulates device 10'' to provide for optimum protection for
device 10'' when attached to surface 37. Note that padding 36 also
protects surface 37 from scratching by any rigid elements of device
10'' (e.g., battery 18, FIG. 1). Those skilled in the art should
appreciate that padding 36 can be formed partially about device
10'' to achieve similar goals and without departing from the scope
of the invention; for example, padding 36 can reside adjacent only
one side of device 10''.
[0198] Those skilled in the art should appreciate that two or more
of elements 14, 16, 18, 22 (FIG. 1) can be, and preferably are,
integrated within an ASIC. Further, in one preferred embodiment,
the detector 12 is also integrated within the ASIC as a solid-state
accelerometer (e.g., using MEM technology). However, detector 12
can be a stand-alone element such as a piezoelectric strip, strain
gauge, force-sensing resistor, weight sensor, temperature sensor,
humidity sensor, chemical sensor, or heart rate detector.
[0199] FIG. 2B shows one monitor device 10z, with battery 18z,
coupled within a protective wrapper 27. Protective non-stick strips
29 are also shown to cover adhesive (e.g., adhesive 34, FIG. 2) on
adhesive strips 32z until device 10z is operatively used and
applied to a person or object. Preferably, wrapper 27 and non-stick
strips 29 are similar in design to the wrapper and strips of a
common adhesive bandage. Accordingly, users of device 10z
intuitively know how to open and attach device 10z to an object or
surface (e.g., surface 37, FIG. 2A)--by opening wrapper 27,
removing device 10z by pulling adhesive strip 32z from wrapper 27,
and then removing non-stick strips 29 so that adhesive strips 32z
are exposed for application to the object or surface. FIG. 2C
illustrates device 10z in a back view with wrapper 27 removed,
showing fuller detail of non-stick strips 29 covering and
protecting the underlying adhesive (e.g., adhesive 34, FIG. 2) on
strip 32z.
[0200] A device 10 can also integrate directly with the adhesive
strip, as shown in FIG. 2D. Specifically, device 10'' of FIG. 2D
couples directly with adhesive strip 32'. In addition, there is no
padding with device 10''--as in certain circumstances it is
desirable to have optimal fixation between device 10'' and strip
32'. A housing 11' preferably protects device 10'' from breakage.
In one example, when the detector of device 10'' is an
accelerometer, direct coupling between device 10'' and strip 32'
provides for more accurate data capture of accelerations of the
object to which strip 32' is adhered. As such, adhesive 34'
preferably extends across the whole width of strip 32', as shown,
such that device 10'' is tightly coupled to the object adhered to
by strip 32'.
[0201] FIG. 2E shows one heart-rate monitor 10w constructed
according to the invention. Like device 10, 10'', device 10w
preferably couples directly with an adhesive strip 32w with
adhesive 34w. Monitor 10w includes a heart rate detector 12w that
may for example detect EKG signals. By way of background, the
following heart rate monitoring patents are incorporated herein by
reference: U.S. Pat. No. 4,625,733; U.S. Pat. No. 5,243,993; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,690,119; U.S. Pat. No. 5,738,104; U.S. Pat. No.
6,018,677; U.S. Pat. No. 3,807,388; U.S. Pat. No. 4,195,642; and
U.S. Pat. No. 4,248,244. Two electrodes 15 electrically coupled to
detector 12w with monitor 10w via conductive paths 13. Electrodes 5
couple with human skin when adhesive strip 32w is applied to the
skin such that electro-magnetic pulses from the heart are detected
by detector 12w. By way of example, detector 12w of one embodiment
detects potential differences between electrodes 15 to determine
heart rate. Once heart rate is detected, information is passed to
other sections to process and/or retransmit the data as wireless
data 17 to a remote receiver. For example, data from detector 12w
may be transmitted to processor and/or communications port 14w,
16w; from there, data may be relayed off-board. In one embodiment,
wireless data 17 is a signal indicative of the existence of heart
rate--so that monitor 10w may be used in patient safety to warn of
patient heart failure (i.e., the absence of a heart rate may mean
that a patient went into cardiac arrest). In another embodiment,
wireless data 17 is a signal indicative of actual heart rate, e.g.,
100 beats per minute, such that monitor 10w may be used in fitness
applications. Monitor 10w thus provides an alternative to "strap"
heart rate monitors; users of the invention stick on monitor 10w
via adhesive strip 32w to monitor heart rate in real time. Data 17
may be captured by a receiver such as a watch to display the data
to the wearing user. Monitor 10w can also be used in patient
monitoring applications, such as in hospitals, so that patient
health is monitored remotely and efficiently. By way of example, a
monitor 10w may be attached to each critical care patient so that a
facility (e.g., a hospital) can monitor each patient at a single
monitoring location (i.e., at the location receiving signals
17).
[0202] As an alternative heart rate monitor, device 10 of FIG. 1
has a detector in the form of a microphone. Processor 12 then
processes microphone detector data to "listen" for breathing sounds
to report breathing--or not breathing--as a health metric.
[0203] The invention also provides for efficiently integrating
battery 18 with a monitor device. FIG. 3 illustrates one technique,
wherein the monitor device (e.g., device 10) includes a printed
circuit board ("PCB") 40 that forms the back-plane forming the
electrical interconnectivity with elements 42 (elements 42 can for
example be any of items 12, 14, 16, 20, 22, FIG. 1). PCB 40 of FIG.
3 is a multi-layer board, as illustrated by layer line 44. Between
two layers 46a, 46b, PCB 40 is manufactured with two opposing
terminals 48a, 48b. Terminals 48a, 48b can for example be copper
tracks in PCB 40, or copper with gold flash to facilitate good
electrical connection. FIG. 3A shows a top view of one terminal 48a
with layer 46a, illustrating that terminal 48a is typically larger
than other tracks 50 within PCB 40. Accordingly, terminal 48a is
large enough to form good electrical connection with a battery
inserted between layers 46, such as shown in FIG. 3B. Specifically,
FIG. 3B shows PCB 40 separated between layers 46, and a battery 52
inserted therebetween, to make powered connection to PCB 40 and its
elements 42. For purposes of clarity, only part of PCB 40 is shown
in FIG. 3B, and none of elements 42 are shown. Layers 46a, 46b may
separated by prying layers 46 apart. Battery 52 can for example be
a Li coin cell battery known in the art.
[0204] FIG. 3C shows another PCB 40' for use with a monitor device
of the invention; except, in FIG. 3C, terminals 48a', 48b' are on
opposing sides of PCB 40', as shown. PCB 40' can be a single layer
board, or multi-layer board. Batteries 52' are coupled to PCB 40'
as shown in FIG. 3D; and held to PCB 40' by end clip 54. FIG. 3D
illustrates clip 54 as a stand-alone element 54-A; and
alternatively as element 54-B holding batteries 52' in place to PCB
40'. End clip 54 slides over PCB 40' and batteries 52' as
illustrated by arrow 56. End clip 54 is preferably conductive to
complete the circuit to power PCB 40' (at a contact point with PCB
40') and its elements 42 for use as monitor device.
[0205] Battery attachment to PCB 40'' can also be made as in FIG.
3E, where battery (or batteries) 52'' is attached to one side of
PCB 40''. To make overall circuit connectivity, battery 52''
connects to terminal 48a'', and end clip 54' makes connection with
terminal 48b'', as shown. A contact point with PCB 40'' can be made
to complete desired circuit functions. End clip 54 is thus
preferably conductive to complete the circuit to power PCB 40'' and
its elements 42 for use as a monitor device.
[0206] The battery integrations with PCBs of FIGS. 3D and 3E
provide for simple and secure ways to mount batteries 52 within a
package. Specifically, a housing 56 made to surround PCB 40 abuts
end clip 54 and PCB 40, as shown, to secure the monitor device for
use in varied environments, and as a small package. Housing
configurations are shown and described in greater detail below.
[0207] FIG. 3F shows another PCB 60 for use with a monitor device
of the invention. A battery 62 couples to PCB 60, as shown, and a
connecting element 64 completes the circuit between battery 62 and
PCB 60 to power the monitor device. Preferably, element 64 is
tensioned to help secure battery 62 to PCB 60. FIG. 3G shows PCB 60
and element 64 coupled together and without battery 62. A terminal
66 (similar to terminals 48) is also shown in FIG. 3G to contact
with one side of battery 62.
[0208] FIG. 4 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention,
not to scale, where packaging associated with a monitor device
"powers" the device upon removal of the packaging. Specifically, in
FIG. 4, one monitor device 70, with adhesive strips 72, is shown
with a protective wrapper 74 and non-stick strips 76: One non-stick
strip 76a has an extension 77 that electrically separates device 70
and a battery 78 so as to prevent electrical contact therebetween.
Non-stick strip 76a is preferably thin, such as paper coated with
non-stick material. Once strip 76a is removed by a user, connecting
element 80 forces battery 78 to contact monitor device 70, thereby
powering the device. In this way, battery power is conserved until
monitor device 70 is used operationally. Element 80 can for example
take the form of element 64, FIG. 3G. FIG. 4A shows monitor device
70 with wrapper 74 and non-stick strips 76 removed; as such,
element 80 forces battery 78 to device 70 to make electrical
contact therewith, powering device 70. Those skilled in the art
should appreciate that changes can be made within the above
description without departing from the scope of the invention,
including a monitor device with a single non-stick strip (instead
of two) that has an extension to decouple the battery from device
70 until the strip is removed. Alternatively, the wrapper can
couple with the extension to provide the same feature; so that when
the wrapper is removed, the monitor device is powered.
[0209] FIG. 5 shows a monitor device 82 formed within a label 84.
Instead of adhesive strips, device 82 is disposed within label 84
for attachment, as above, to objects and persons. Label 84 has an
adhesive 86 over one side, and preferably a non-stick strip 88
covering adhesive 86 until removed. For purposes of illustration,
strip 88 is not shown in contact with adhesive 86, though in fact
adhesive 86 is sandwiched in contact between strip 88 and label 84.
Device 82 and label 84 provide an alternative to the monitor
devices with adhesive strips described above, though with many of
the advantages. FIG. 5A shows a front view of device 82, with
adhesive 86 covering the one side of label 84, and with strip 88
shown transparently in covering adhesive 86 until removed.
[0210] FIG. 6 shows a monolithic monitor device 90 constructed
according to the invention. A rigid outer housing 92 surrounds PCB
94 and internal elements 96 (e.g., elements 10-22, FIG. 1), which
provide functionality for device 90. A magnetic element 98 couples
with device 90 so that device 90 is easily attached to metal
objects 100. Accordingly, device 90 is easily attached to, or
removed from, object 100. Those skilled in the art should
appreciate that alternative mechanical attachments are possible to
couple device 90 to object 100, including a mechanical pin or
clip.
[0211] The MMDs of the invention operates to detect movement
"metrics." These metrics include, for example, airtime, speed,
power, impact, drop distance, jarring and spin; typically one MMD
detects one movement metric, though more than one metric can be
simultaneously detected by a given MMD, if desired (potentially
employing multiple detectors). The MMD detector is chosen to
provide signals from which the processor can interpret and
determine the desired metric. For example, to detect airtime, the
detector is typically one of an accelerometer or piezoelectric
strip that detects vibration of an object to which the MMD is
attached. Furthermore, the MMD of the invention preferably monitors
the desired metric until the metric passes some threshold, at which
time that metric is tagged with time and date information, and
stored or transmitted off-board. If the MMD operates within a
single day, only time information is typically tagged to the
metric.
[0212] By way of example, if the detector is an accelerometer and
the MMD is designed to monitor "impact" (e.g., acceleration events
that are less than about 1/2 second)--and yet impact data is not
considered interesting unless the MMD experiences an impact
exceeding 50 g's--the preferred MMD used to accomplish this task
would continuously monitor impact and tag only those impact events
that exceed 50 g's. The "event" in this example is thus a "50 g
event." Such a MMD is for example useful when attached to
furniture, or a package, in monitoring shipments for rough
treatment. The MMD might for example record a 50 g event associated
with furniture shipped on Oct. 1, 2000, from a manufacturer in
California, and delivered on Oct. 10, 2000 to a store in
Massachusetts. If an event stored in MMD memory indicates that on
Oct. 5, 2000, at 2:30 pm, the furniture was clearly dropped,
responsibility for any damages can be assessed to the party
responsible for the furniture at that time. Accuracy of the time
tag information can be days, hours, minutes and even seconds,
depending on desired resolution and other practicalities.
[0213] Accordingly, data from such a MMD is preferably stored in
internal memory (e.g., memory 20, FIG. 1) until the data are
retrieved by receiver 24. In the example above, the interrogation
to read MMD data occurs at the end of travel of the MMD from point
A to point B. Multiple events may in fact occur for a MMD during
travel; and multiple events are usually stored. Alternatively, a
MMD may communicate the event at the time of occurrence so long as
a receiver 24 is nearby to capture the data. By way of example, if
each FEDEX truck contained a receiver integrated with the truck,
then any MMD contained with parcels in the truck can transmit
events to the receiver at the occurrence of the event.
[0214] In another application, one or more monitor devices are
attached to patients in a hospital, and one or more receivers are
integrated with existing electronics at the hospital (e.g., with
closed circuit television, phone systems, etc.). In operation,
these device are for example used to detect "events" that indicate
useful information about the patients--information that should be
known. If for example the monitor device has a Hall Effect detector
that detects when the device is inverted, then a device attached to
the collar bone (or clothing) of a patient would generate an
"event" when the patient falls or lays down. An impact detector may
also be used advantageously, to detect for example a 10 g event
associated with a patient who may have fallen. Accordingly, monitor
devices applied to patients in hospitals typically transmit event
data at occurrence, so that in real time a receiver relays
important medical information to appropriate personnel.
[0215] Movement devices of the invention can also transmit movement
or other metrics at select intervals. If for example "impact" data
is monitored by a MMD, then the MMD can transmit the maximum impact
data for a selected interval--e.g., once per minute or once per
five minutes, or other time interval. In this way, a MMD applied to
a patient monitors movement; and any change in movement patterns
are detected in the appropriate time interval and relayed to the
receiver. A MMD may thus be used to inform a hospital when a
patient is awake or asleep: when asleep, the MMD transmits very low
impact events; when awake, the MMD transmits relatively high impact
events (e.g., indicating that the patient is walking around).
[0216] FIG. 7 shows one monitor device 120 constructed according to
the invention. Similar to device 10'' of FIG. 2 with regard to the
adhesive bandage features of the device, device 120 has a detector
in the form of a piezoelectric strip 122 disposed with the adhesive
strip 124 (and, preferably, padding 121). Strip 124 has adhesive
125 such as described above so that device 120 is easily attached
to a human; e.g., to human arm 130. In operation, as shown by
schematic 130 of FIG. 7A, bending of strip 124 also bends
piezoelectric strip 122, generating voltage spikes 123 detected by
device processor 126. Device 120 may thus operate to detect the
heart pulse of a person: the tiny physical perturbation of
piezoelectric strip 122 caused by arterial pressure changes is
detected and processed by device 120 as movement metric 127, which
is then transmitted by port 129 to remote receiver(s) 132 as
wireless data 133. The pulse data 127, over time, is usefully
reconstructed for analytical purposes, e.g., as data 134 on display
136, and may indicate stress or other patient condition that should
be known immediately. By way of example, an "event" determined by
device 120 based on movement metric 127 can be the absence or
variation of a pulse, perhaps indicating that the patient died or
went into cardiac arrest. It is clear that if arm 130 moves, the
voltage signal generated by piezoelectric detector 122 may swamp
any signal from the patient's pulse; however, since pulse data is
detected at approximately 50 to 250 times per second, the
underlying signal can be recovered, particularly after arm 130
ceases movement. Device 120 can include an A/D converter and/or
voltage-limiting device 121 to facilitate measurement of voltage
signals 123 from piezoelectric strip detector 122. A battery 138
such as a Lithium coin cell can be used to power device 120.
[0217] Device 120 may alternatively detect patient movement to
provide real time detection of movement of a person or of part of
that person. For example, such a device 120 may be used to monitor
movement of an infant (instead of arm 150) or other patient.
[0218] Note that the application of a monitor device 120 as
described in FIG. 7 and FIG. 7A can be expanded to detect
respiratory behavior of a patient. FIG. 7B shows a simplified
schematic of one device 120' with a longer piezoelectric strip
detector 122'. Detector 122' circumferentially extends, at least
part way, around the chest 150 of a patent; and movement of chest
150 during breathing generates voltage variations (e.g., similar to
variations 133, FIG. 7) in response to physical perturbations of
detector 122'. Similar to pulse rate and pulse strength, therefore,
device 120' detects respiratory rate and/or strength. Pulse rate is
determined by signal frequencies associated with movement metric
127; and pulse strength is determined by magnitudes associated with
movement metric 127. Note that strip detector 122' may be attached
about chest 150 by one of several techniques, including by an
adhesive strip (not shown) such as described above. A strap or
elastic member 152 may be used to surround chest 150 to closely
couple detector 122' to chest 150.
[0219] Devices such as device 120 or 120' have additional
application such as for infant monitoring. Attaching such a device
to the chest (instead of arm 150) of an infant to monitor
respiration, pulse and/or movement provides a remote monitoring
tool and may prevent death by warning the infant's parents. A
monitor device 10w, FIG. 2E, may alternatively be used in such an
application. Specifically, if for example a monitor device of the
invention is attached to chest 150 of a child, processor 126
searches for "events" in the form of the absence of pulse,
respiration and/or movement data. The device may thus track pulse
or respiratory rate to synch up to the approximate frequency of the
rate. When the device detects an absence in the repetitive signals
of the pulse or respiratory rate, the device sends a warning
message to an alarm for the parents. A system suitable for
application with such an application is discussed in more detail in
FIGS. 55 and 56.
[0220] Data transmissions from a monitor device of the invention,
to a receiver, typically occur in one of three forms: continuous
transmissions, "event" transmissions, timed sequence transmissions,
and interrogated transmissions. In continuous transmissions, a
monitor device transmits detector signals (or possibly processed
detector signals) in substantially real time from the monitor
device to the receiver. Data reconstruction at the receiver, or at
a computer arranged in network with, or in communication with, the
receiver, then proceeds to analyze the data for desired
characteristics. By way of example, by attaching multiple monitor
devices to a person, all transmitting real-time data signals to the
receiver, a reconstruction of that person's activity is
determined.
[0221] Consider for example FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, a plurality of MMDs
150 are attached to person "A" and person "B". As shown, person A
is engaged in karate training with person B. Data from MMDs 150
"stream" to a remote receiver, such as to the reconstruction
computer and receiver 152 of FIG. 8A. Each MMD 150 preferably has a
unique identifier so that receiver 152 can decode data from any
given MMD 150. MMDs are placed on persons A, B at appropriate
locations, e.g., on each foot and hand, head, knee, and chest; and
receiver 152 associates data from each MMD 150 with the particular
location. As data streams from MMD 150 to receiver 152, data is
reconstructed such as shown in plots 154 and 156. Data plot 154
shows exemplary data from MMD 150a on the first 160 of person A,
and data plot 156 shows exemplary data from MMD 150b on the head
162 of person B. Each plot 154, 156 are shown in FIG. 8A as a
function of time 164. Other data plots for other sensors 150 (e.g.,
for illustrative sensors 2, 3, 4) are not shown, for purposes of
clarity.
[0222] Data plots 154, 156 have obvious advantages realized by use
of the MMDs of the invention. For example, plot 154 illustrates
several first "strikes" 166 generated by person A on person B, and
data plot 156 illustrates corresponding blows 168 to the head of
person B. Data 154, 156 may for example be used in training, where
person B learns to anticipate person A more effectively to soften
or eliminate blows 168.
[0223] Data plots 154, 156 have further advantages for broadcast
media; specifically, data 154, 156 may be simultaneously relayed to
the Internet or television 170 to display impact speed and
intensity for blows given or received by persons A, B, and in real
time, to enhance the pleasure and understanding of the viewing
audience (i.e., viewers of television, and users of the Internet).
Moreover, MMDs of the invention remove some or all of the
subjectivity of impact events: a blow to an opponent is no longer
qualitative but quantitative. By way of example, the magnitude of
strikes 166 and blows 168 are preferably provided in the data
streamed from MMDs 150, indicating magnitude or force of the blow
or strike. Data 154, 156 thus represents real time movement metric
data, such as acceleration associated with body parts of persons A,
B. Data 154, 156 may thereafter be analyzed, at receiver 152, to
determine "events", such as when data 154, 156 indicates an impact
exceeding 50 g's (or other appropriate or desired measure).
[0224] FIG. 8B illustrates a representative display on television
157, including appropriate event "data" 159 generated by a MMD
system of the invention. Data 159 can for example derive from
receiver 152, which communicates the appropriate event data 159 to
the broadcaster for TV 157. Such event data 159 can include
magnitude or power spectral density of acceleration data generated
by MMDs 150. Data 159 is preferably displayed in an easy to
understand format, such as through bar graphs 161, each impact
detected by one or more MMDs 150 (in certain instances, combining
one or more MMDs as data 159 can be useful). Bar graphs 161
preferably indicate magnitude of the impact shown by data 159 by
peak bar graph element 161a on TV 157.
[0225] Those skilled in the art should appreciate that any number
of MMDs 150 may be used for applications such as shown in FIG. 8.
In boxing, for example, it may be appropriate to attach one MMD 150
per fist. One useful MMD in this application is for example monitor
device 10 of FIGS. 2, 2D. That is, such a device is easily attached
to the boxer's first 158a or wrist 158b and, if desired, prior to
applying gloves and wrapping 158c, as shown in FIG. 8C. The device
can alternatively be placed with wrapping 158c--making the device
practically unnoticeable to the boxer. Preferably, MMD 10''' of
FIG. 8C includes an accelerometer (as the MMD detector) oriented
with a sensitivity axis 158d as shown; axis 158d being
substantially aligned with the strike axis 158e of first 158a. Data
from the MMD wirelessly transmits through the gloves and wrapping
to receiver 152. Alternatives are also suitable, for example
applying the MMDs to the boxer's wrapping or glove. A MMD can also
be integrated within the boxing glove, if desired. In the event
that the detector of the MMD is an accelerometer, then the
sensitive axis of the accelerometer is preferably arranged along a
strike axis of the boxer.
[0226] Data acquired from MMDs in sports like boxing and karate are
also preferably collated and analyzed for statistical purposes.
Data 154, 156 can be analyzed for statistical detail such as:
impacts per minute; average strike force per boxer; average punch
power received to the head; average body blow power; and peak
striking impact. Rotational information may also be derived with
the appropriate detector, including typical wrist rotation at
impact, a movement metric that may be determined with a spin
sensor.
[0227] Other than continuous transmissions, such as illustrated in
FIG. 8, data from monitor devices of the invention also occur via
one of "event" transmissions, timed sequence transmissions, and/or
interrogated transmissions. FIG. 1 illustrates how interrogated
transmissions preferably function: e.g., receiver 24 interrogates
device 10 to obtain metrics. Event transmissions according to
preferred embodiments are illustrated as a flow chart 170 of FIG.
9. Timed sequence transmissions according to preferred embodiments
are also illustrated within flow chart 170 of FIG. 9. In FIG. 9,
flow chart 170 begins in step 172 by powering the monitor
device--either by inserting the battery, turning the device on, or
removing a wrapper (or by similar mechanism) to power the device at
the appropriate time. Once powered, the monitor device monitors
detector signals, in step 174, for metrics such as movement,
temperature and/or g's. By way of example, to measure airtime or
impact, the device processor monitors an accelerometer for the
movement metric of acceleration. Step 176 assesses the metric for
"events" such as airtime or "impact" (or, for example, for an event
such as when temperature exceeds a certain threshold, or an event
such as when humidity decreases below a certain threshold).
Typically, though not required, all events are not reported, stored
or transmitted. Rather, as shown in step 178, events that meet or
pass a preselected threshold are reported. By way of example, is an
airtime event greater than 1/2 second--a magnitude deemed
interesting by snowboarders? If so, such an event may be reported.
If not, an airtime event of less than 1/2 second is not reported,
and decision "No" from 178 is taken. If the event exceeds some
threshold, decision tree "Yes" from 178 sends the event data to the
communications port (e.g., communications port 26, FIG. 1) in step
180. The communications port then transmits the event to a receiver
(e.g., receiver 24, FIG. 1) in step 182. As an alternative,
decision tree Yes.sub.2 sends the event data to memory such that it
is stored for later transmission, in step 184. The Yes.sub.2
decision tree is used for example when a receiver is not presently
available (e.g., when no receiving device is available to listen to
and capture data transmitted from the monitor device). Eventually,
however, event data is transmitted off-board, in step 186, such as
when memory is full (a receiver should be available to capture the
event data before memory becomes full) or when the monitor device
is scheduled to transmit the data at a preselected time interval
(i.e., a timed sequence transmission). For example, event data
stored in memory may be transmitted off board every five minutes or
every hour; data captured within that time interval is preferably
stored in memory until transmission at steps 180 and 182.
[0228] Note that timed sequence transmission of event data
approaches "continuous" transmission of movement metric data for
smaller and smaller timed sequence transmissions. For example, if
data from the monitor device is communicated off-board each second
(or less, such as each one tenth of a second), then that data
becomes more and more similar to continuously transmitted data from
the detector. Indeed, if sampling of the detector occurs at X Hz,
and timed transmissions also occur at X Hz, then "continuous" or
"timed sequence" data may be substantially identical. Timed
sequence or event data, therefore, provides for the opportunity to
process the detector signals, between transmissions, to derive
useful events or to weed out noise or useless information.
[0229] FIG. 10 shows a sensor-dispensing canister 200 constructed
according to the invention. Canister 200 is shown containing a
plurality of sensor 202. A lid 204 may be coupled with canister 200
to enclose sensors 202 within canister 200, as desired. Each of
sensors 202 can for example be a monitor device such as described
above; however canister 200 can be used for other battery-powered
sensors. Although canister 200 is shown with two-dozen sensors 202,
a larger or smaller number of sensors may be contained within its
cavity 200a. As described in more detail below, canister 200
preferably contains one or both of (a) canister electronics and (b)
a base assembly. Lid 204 preferably functions as a switch, to power
the canister electronics when lid 204 is open, and to cause
canister electronics to sleep when lid 204 is closed.
[0230] FIG. 10A shows sensors 202 with base assembly 206, and, for
purposes of clarity, without the rest of canister 200. Each of
sensors 202 is shown with a monitor device 202a and an adhesive
strip 202b; however, canister 200 may be used with other sensors
(i.e., sensors that are not MMDs or EMDs) without departing from
the scope of the invention. FIG. 10B illustrates one sensor 202 in
the preferred embodiment, and also illustrates a Mylar battery
insulator strip 208 that keeps the sensor battery from touching its
contact or terminal (not shown) within monitor device 202a. Strip
208 can for example serve as the "non-stick" strip or extension 77
discussed above in connection with FIG. 4. Strip 208 preferably
couples to base assembly 206 such as shown in FIG. 10C.
Accordingly, when a user removes a sensor 202 from canister 200,
strip 208 remains with base assembly 206--and is no longer in
contact with sensor 202--and the monitor device's internal battery
powers the device for use with its intended application, as shown
in FIG. 10D.
[0231] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, a canister
200' (e.g., similar to canister 200 but with internal electronics)
has its own battery 210, micro-controller 212, sensor time tag
interface 214a, and real time clock 216 (collectively the "canister
electronics"), as shown in FIG. 10E. With such an embodiment, a
sensor 202' for use with canister 200' has a mating time tab
interface 214b. In addition to time tag interface 214b, sensor 202'
has a clock 218, processor 220, battery 222, detector 224 and
communications port 226. In operation, sensor 202' is generally not
powered by battery 222 until removed from canister 200', as
described above. Accordingly, real time clock information (e.g.,
the exact date and time) cannot be maintained within sensor 202'
while un-powered (i.e., so long as insulator strip 208' prevents
battery 222 from powering sensor 202') since clock 218 and other
electronics require power to operate. However, in FIG. 10E, the
advantage provided by the canister electronics is that time tag
information from real time clock 216 is imported to sensor 202'
through interfaces 214a, 214b after battery 222 powers device 202a'
but before interfaces 214a, 214b disconnect so that sensor 202' can
be used operationally. As such, in the preferred embodiment shown
in FIG. 10F, interface 214a takes the form of flex cable 230 that
remains attached between canister electronics and device 202a'
until flex cable 230 extends to its full length, whereinafter
sensor 202' disconnects from cable 230. Time tag relay 214b of
device 202a', FIG. 10F, thus takes the form of a plug (not shown)
to connect and alternatively disconnect with flex cable 230. In
FIG. 10F, canister electronics (e.g., elements 210, 212, 216) are
disposed within base assembly 206' and therefore flex cable 230
appears to extend only to base assembly 206' when in fact cable 230
extends to canister electronics disposed therein. When a user
removes sensor 202' from canister 200', device 202a' is powered
when strip 208', held with base assembly 206' (or electronics
therein) disconnects from sensor 202'; and at that time clock 218
is enabled to track real time. Before flex cable 230 disconnects
from sensor 202', time and/or data information is communicated
between interfaces 214a, 214b to provide the "real" time to sensor
202' as provided by clock 216. Once real time is provided to sensor
202', clock 218 maintains and tracks advancing time so that sensor
202' can tag events with time and/or date information, as described
herein.
[0232] One advantage of sensor canister 200' is that once used, it
may be reused by installing additional sensors within the cavity.
In addition, one canister can carry multiple monitor devices, such
as 100 MMDs that each respond to an event of "10 g's." In another
example, another canister carries 200 MMDs that respond to an event
of "100 g's." A canister of MMDs can be in any suitable number that
meets a given application; typically however sensors within the
canister of the invention are packaged together in groups of 50,
100, 150, 200, 250, 500 or 1000. A variety pack of MMDs can also be
packaged within a canister, such as a canister containing ten 5 g
MMDs, ten 10 g MMDs, ten 15 g MMDs, ten 20 g MMDs, ten 25 g MMDs,
ten 30 g MMDs, ten 35 g MMDs, ten 40 g MMDs, ten 45 g MMDs, and ten
50 g MMDs. Another variety package can for example include groups
of MMDs spaced at 10 g intervals. EMDs can also be packaged in
variety configurations within canisters 200, 200'.
[0233] Canisters 200, 200' can also function to dispense one or a
plurality of receivers. Specifically, each of elements 202 of FIG.
10 may alternatively be a receiver such as receiver 24 of FIG. 1.
In this way, a plurality of receivers may be dispensed and powered
as described above. FIG. 10G shows one receiver 231 constructed
according to the invention. Receiver 231 has a communications port
232, battery 233 and indicator 234. Receiver 231 can further
include processor 235, memory 236 and clock 237, as a matter of
design choice and convenience such as to implement functionality
described in connection with FIGS. 10G, 10H. Receiver 231 can for
example be dispensed as one of a plurality of receivers--as an
element 202, 202' dispensed from canisters 200, 200' above. In
operation, battery 233 powers receiver 231 and receiver 231
receives inputs in the form of wireless communications (e.g., in
accord with the teachings herein, wireless communications can
include known transmission protocols such as radio-frequency
communication, infrared communication and inductive magnetic
communication) from a sensor such as a MMD. Communications port 232
serves to capture the wireless communications data such that
indicator 234 re-communicates appropriate "event" data to a person
or machine external to receiver 231. Specifically, in one
embodiment, receiver 231 operates to relay very simple information
regarding event data from a movement device. If for example a MMD
sends event data to receiver 231 that reported the MMD experienced
an airtime event of five seconds, and it was important that this
information was known immediately, then receiver 231 is programmed
(e.g., through processor 235) to indicate the occurrence of that
five-second airtime event through indicator 234. Such data may also
be stored in memory 236, if desired, until a person or machine
requiring the data acquires it through indicator 234. By way of
another example, receiver 231 can take the form of a ski lift
ticket 238 shown in FIG. 10H. Lift ticket 238 is thus a receiver
with an indicator 239 in the form of a LED. Lift ticket 238 is
preferably made like other lift tickets, and may for example
include bar code 240, indicating that a person purchased the ticket
for a particular day, and ticket connecting wire 241 to couple
ticket 238 to clothing. Lift ticket 238 may beneficially be used
with a MMD having a speed sensor detector; and that MMD reports (by
wireless communication) speed "events" that exceed a certain
threshold, e.g., 40 mph. Lift ticket receiver 238 captures that
event data and reports it though indicator 239. A person wearing
lift ticket receiver 238 with a speed sensing MMD will thus be
immediately known by the ski lift area that the person skis
recklessly, as a lift operator can view the speeding violation
indicator LED 239. Alternatively, indicator 239 is itself a
wireless relay that communicates with a third receiver such as a
ski ticket reader currently used to review bar code 240. Lift
ticket receiver 238 can further include circuitry as in monitor
device 10 of FIG. 1 so that it responds to wireless requests for
appropriate "event data," such as speed violation data. As such,
indicator 239 may take the form of a transmitter relaying requested
event data to the third receiver, for example. Event data may be
stored in memory 236 until requested by the third receiver
interrogating lift ticket receiver 238.
[0234] Preferably, canisters 200' imparts a unique ID to the
dispensed electronics--e.g., to each sensor or receiver taken from
canister 200'--for security reasons. More particularly, in addition
to communicating a current date and time to the dispensed
electronics, canister 200' also preferably imparts a unique ID code
which is used in subsequent interrogations of the dispensed
electronics to obtain data therein. Therefore, data within a
monitor device, for example, cannot be tampered with without the
appropriate access code; and that code is only known by the party
controlling canister 200' and dispensing the electronics.
[0235] FIG. 10G and FIG. 10H illustrate certain advantages of the
invention. First, receivers in the form of lift tickets 238 may be
packaged and dispensed to power the lift ticket upon use. Lift
tickets are dispensed by the thousands and are sometimes stored for
months prior to use. Accordingly, battery power may be conserved
until dispensed so that internal electronics function when used by
a skier for the day. Further, tickets 238 monitor a user's
performance behavior during the day to look for offending events:
e.g., exceeding the ski resort speed limit of 35 mph; exceeding the
jump limit of two seconds; or performing an overhead flip on the
premises. Whatever the monitor device is set to measure and
transmit as "events" may be visually displayed (e.g., a LED or LCD)
at indicator 234 or re-transmitted to read the offending
information. Receiver 231 may incorporate transponders as discussed
above to facilitate the indicator functionality, i.e., to relay
data as appropriate.
[0236] Batteries used in the above MMDs and devices like the lift
ticket can benefit by using paper-like batteries such as set forth
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,522, incorporated herein by reference. Such
batteries provide flexibility in several of the monitor devices
described herein. Powering such batteries when dispensing a sensor
or receiver still provides advantages to conserve battery power
until the sensor or receiver is used. A device battery 18 of FIG. 1
can for example be a paper-like battery or coin cell.
[0237] FIG. 1OI shows yet another sensor 231' constructed according
to the invention. Like receiver 231, sensor 231' preferably
conforms to a shape of a license ticket, e.g., a ski lift ticket.
However sensor 231' does not couple to a separate monitor device;
rather, sensor 231' is a stand-alone device that serves to monitor
and gauge speeding activity. Like other sensors of the invention,
an "event" is generated and communicated off-board (i.e., to a
person or external electronics) when sensor 231' exceeds a
pre-assigned value. Typically, that value is a speed limit
associated with the authority issuing sensor 231' (e.g., a resort
that issues a ski lift ticket). Sensor 231' is preferably dispensed
through one of the "power on" techniques described herein, such as
by dispensing sensor 231' from a canister 200, 200'. Typically,
when sensor 231' detects a speeding event, (a) data is communicated
off-board (e.g., sensor 231' generates a wireless signal of the
speed violation), and/or (b) a visual indicator is generated to
inform the authority (e.g., via a ski lift operator of the ski lift
area) of the violation. In case (a), indicator 234' may for example
be a communications port such as port 16, FIG. 1; in the case (b),
indicator 234' may for example be an LED or other visual indicator
that one can visually detect to learn of the speeding violation.
Indicator 234' of one embodiment is a simple LED that turns black
(ON), or alternatively white (OFF), after the occurrence of a
speeding event. A quick visual review of sensor 231' thus informs
the resort of the speeding violation.
[0238] Sensor 231' also has a battery 233' that is preferably
powered when sensor 231' is dispensed to a user (e.g., to a
snowboarder at a resort). Optionally, position locater 243 is
included with sensor 231' to track earth location of sensor 23';
processor 235' thereafter determines speed based upon movement
between locations over a time period (e.g., distance between a
first location and a second location, divided by the time
differential defined by arriving at the second location after
leaving the first location, provides speed). Clock 237' provides
timing to sensor 231'. Optionally, memory 236' serves one of
several functions as a matter of design choice. Data gathered by
sensor 231' may be stored in memory 236'; such data may be
communicated off-board during subsequent interrogations. As
discussed above, data may also be communicated off-board at the
occurrence of a speeding "event." As an alternative, indicator 234'
may be a transponder RFID tag to be read by a ticket card reader.
In one embodiment, on slope transmitters irradiate sensor 231' with
a signal that reflects to determine Doppler speed; that speed is
imparted to sensor memory 236' and reported to the resort.
[0239] Preferably, sensor 231' operates in "low power" mode.
Position locater 243 in one preferred embodiment is a GPS receiver.
GPS receiver and processor 243, 235' for example collectively
operate to make timed measurements of earth location so as to
coarsely measure speed. For example, by measuring earth location
each five seconds, and by dividing the distance traveled in those
five seconds by five seconds, a coarse measure of speed is
determined. Other timed measurements could be made as a matter of
design choice, e.g., 1/2, 1, 15, 20, 25, 30 or 60 seconds. By
taking fewer measurements, and by reducing processing, battery
power is conserved over the course of a day, as it is preferable
that the ticket determines speeding violations for at least a full
day, in Winter. Finely determining speed at about one-second
intervals is useful in the preferred embodiment of the
invention.
[0240] Memory 236' may further define location information relative
to one or more "zones" at a resort, such that speed may be assigned
to each zone. In this manner, for example, a resort can specify
that ski run "X" (of zone "A") has a speed limit of 35 mph, while
ski run "Y" (of zone "B") has a speed limit of 30 mph. Speeding
violations within any of zones A or B are then communicated to the
resort. The advantage of this feature of the invention is that
certain slopes or mountain areas permit higher speeds, and yet
other slopes (e.g., a tree skiing area) do not support higher
speeds. The resort may for example specify speed limits according
to terrain. GPS receiver 243 determines earth position--which
processor 235' determines is within a particular zone--and speed
violations are then determined relative to the speed limit within
the particular zone, providing a more flexible system for the ski
resort.
[0241] Position locater 243 of another embodiment is an altimeter,
preferably including a solid-state pressure sensor. Altimeter 243
of one embodiment provides gross position information such as the
maximum and minimum altitude on a ski mountain. For a particular
resort, maximum and minimum altitude approximately correspond to a
distance of "Z" meters, the distance needed to traverse between the
minimum and maximum altitude. Processor 235' then determines speed
based upon dividing Z by the time between determining the minimum
and maximum altitudes. Fractional speeds may also be determined. If
for example a particular skier traverses between a maximum altitude
and half-way between the minimum and maximum altitudes, then
processor 235' determines speed based upon dividing Z/2 by the time
between determining (a) the maximum altitude and (b) the midpoint
between the minimum and maximum altitudes.
[0242] As discussed above, one MMD of the invention includes an
airtime sensor. FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 collectively illustrate the
preferred embodiment for determining and detecting airtime in
accord with the invention. A MMD configured to measure airtime
preferably uses an accelerometer as the detector; and FIG. 11
depicts electrical and process steps 250 for processing
acceleration signals to determine an "airtime" event. FIG. 12
illustrates state machine logic 280 used in reporting this airtime.
By way of example, FIG. 12 shows that motion is preferably
determined prior to determining airtime, as airtime is meaningful
in certain applications (e.g., wakeboarding) when the vehicle
(e.g., the wakeboard) is moving and non-stationary.
[0243] More particularly, FIG. 11 depicts discrete-time signal
processing steps of an airtime detection algorithm. Acceleration
data 252 derive from a detector in the form of an accelerometer.
Two pseudo-power level signals 266a, 272a are produced from data
252 by differentiating (step 254), rectifying (step 256), and then
filtering through respective low-pass filters at steps 266 or 272.
More particularly, a difference signal of data 252 is taken at step
254. The difference signal for example operates to efficiently
filter data 252. The difference signal is next rectified,
preferably, at step 256. Optionally, a limit filter serves to limit
rectified data at step 258. Rectified, limited data may be
resealed, if desired, at step 260. The limiting and resealing steps
258, 260 help reduce quantization effects on the resolution of
power signals 266a, 272a. Filtering at steps 266, 272 incorporate
different associated time constants, and feed binary hysteresis
functions with different trigger levels, to produce "power" signals
266a, 272a.
[0244] More particularly, data from step 260 is bifurcated along
fast-signal path 262 and slow-signal path 264, as shown. In path
262, a low pass filter operation (here shown as a one pole, 20 Hz
low pass filter) first occurs at step 266 to produce power signal
266a. Two comparators compare power signal 266a to thresholds, at
step 268, to generate two signals 270 used to identify possible
takeoffs and landings for an airtime event. In path 264, a low pass
filter operation (here shown as a one pole 2 Hz low pass filter)
first occurs at step 272 to produce power signal 272a. Three
comparators compare power signal 272a to thresholds, at step 274,
to generate three "confidence" signals 276 used to assess
confidence of takeoffs and landings for an airtime event. Finally,
a state machine 280, described in more detail in FIG. 12, evaluates
signals 270, 276 to generate airtime events 278.
[0245] Those skilled in the art should appreciate that the airtime
detection scheme of FIG. 11 also may be used for other detectors,
such as those in the form of piezoelectric strips and microphones,
without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0246] FIG. 12 schematically shows state machine logic 280 used to
report and identify airtime events, in accord with the invention.
State machine 280 includes several processes, including determining
motion 282, determining potential takeoffs 284 (e.g., of the type
determined along path 262, FIG. 11), determining takeoff
confirmations 286 (e.g., of the type determined along path 264,
FIG. 11), determining potential landings 288 (e.g., of the type
determined along path 262, FIG. 11), and determining landing
confirmations 290 (e.g., of the type determined along path 264,
FIG. 11). Logic flow between processes 282, 284, 286, 288, 290
occurs as illustrated and annotated according to the preferred
embodiment of the invention.
[0247] In summary, the relative fast signal from fast-signal path
262, FIG. 11, isolates potential takeoffs and potential landings
from data 252 with timing accuracy (defined by filter 266) that
meets airtime accuracy specifications, e.g., 1/100.sup.th of a
second. The drawback of detections along path 262 is that it may
react to accelerometer signal fluctuations that do not represent
real events, which may occur with a ski click in the middle of an
airtime jump by a skier. This problem is solved by confirming
potential takeoffs and landings with confirmation takeoffs and
landings triggered by a slower signal, i.e., along path 264. The
slower signal 272a is thus used to confirm landings and takeoffs,
but is not used for timing because it does not have sufficient time
resolution.
[0248] An accelerometer signal described in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 is
preferably sensitive to the vertical axis (i.e., the axis
perpendicular to the direction of motion, e.g., typically the
direction of forward velocity, such as the direction down a hill
for a snowboarder) to produce a raw acceleration signal (i.e., data
252, FIG. 11) for processing. Other accelerometer orientations can
also be used effectively. The raw acceleration signal may for
example be sampled at high frequencies (e.g., 4800 Hz) and then
acted upon by the algorithm of FIG. 11. With a stream of
accelerometer data, the algorithm produces an output stream of
time-tagged airtime events.
[0249] FIG. 13 graphically shows representative accelerometer data
300 captured by a device of the invention and covering an airtime
event 302. Event 302 occurs between takeoff 304 and landing 306,
both determined through the algorithm of FIG. 11. Data representing
power signals 266a and 272a are also shown. A ski click 310
illustrating the importance of signals 266a, 272a shows how the
invention prevents identification of ski click 310 as a landing or
second takeoff.
[0250] Data transmission from a sensor (e.g., a MMD) to a display
unit (e.g., a receiver) is generally at least 99.9% reliable. In
the case of one-way communication, a redundant transmission
protocol is preferably used to cover for lost data transmissions.
Communications are also preferably optimized so as to reduce
battery consumption. One way to reduce battery consumption is to
synchronize transmission with reception. The "transmission period"
(the period between one transmission and the next), the size of the
storage buffer in sensor memory, and the number of times data is
repeated (defining a maximum age of an event) are adjustable to
achieve battery consumption goals.
[0251] A state diagram for transmission protocols between one
sensor and display unit, utilizing one-way transmission, is shown
in FIG. 14 and FIG. 14A. FIG. 14 and FIG. 14A specifically show the
operational state transitions for the sensor (chart 273) and
display unit (chart 274) with respect to transmission protocols, in
one embodiment of the invention. The numerical times provided in
FIG. 14 are illustrative, without limitation, and may be adjusted
to optimize performance. As those skilled in the art should
appreciate, alternative protocols may be used in accord with the
invention between sensors and receivers. With reference to FIG. 14
and FIG. 14A, the display unit is generally in a low power mode
unless receiving data, to conserve power in the display unit. To
accomplish this, transmissions between the sensor and display unit
are synchronized such that the display unit knows when the sensor
can next transmit. When the sensor has no data to transmit, there
preferably is no transmission; however, synchronization is still
maintained by short transmissions. Synchronization need not be
performed at each transmission period, but preferably at a suitably
spaced multiple of the transmission period. The period between
synchronization-only transmissions is then determined by the amount
of clock drift between the display unit and the sensor unit. The
sync-only transmission may include the power up sequence and the
sync byte, such that the display unit maintains sync with sensor
transmissions. The transmission period is preferably selectable by
software for both the sensor and the display unit.
[0252] By way of example, one sensor unit is monitor device 10 of
FIG. 1, and one display unit is receiver 24 of FIG. 1. When the
sensor and receiver function as a pair, the sensor unit preferably
has an identification (ID) number communicated to the display unit
in transmission so that the display unit only decodes data from one
particular sensor.
[0253] Preferably, the display unit determines the sync pattern for
sensor transmissions by active listening until receipt of a
synchronization or data transmission with the matching sensor ID.
Once a valid transmission from the matching sensor is received, the
display unit calculates the time of the next possible transmission
and controls the display unit accordingly. When the sensor is a MMD
used to determine airtime, and the sensor does not necessarily have
a real time clock; data sent to the display unit includes airtime
values with time information as to when the airtime occurred. As
this sensor does not necessarily maintain a real time clock, the
time information sent from the sensor is relative to the packet
transmission time. Preferably, the display unit, which has a real
time clock, will convert the relative time into an absolute time
such that airtime as an event is tagged with appropriate time
and/or date information.
[0254] The amount of data communicated between the sensor and
display unit varies. By way of example, for typical skier and
snowboarder operation, an airtime event covering the 0-5 second
range with a resolution of 1/100.sup.th second is generally
adequate. The coding of such airtime events can use nine data bits.
Ten bits allow for measurement of up to approximately ten seconds,
if desired. For an age, where the resolution of age is one second
(i.e., a time stamp resolution) and the maximum age of a repeat
transmission is fifteen seconds, four bits are used. Data
transmission also typically has overhead, such as startup time,
synchronization byte, sensor ID used to verify correct sensor
reception, a product identifier to allow backwards compatibility in
future receivers, a count of the number of data items in the
packet, and, following the actual data, a checksum to gain
confidence in the received data. This overhead is approximately six
bytes in length. To reduce the effect of overhead, stored data in
the sensor is preferably sent in one message. An airtime event for
example can be stored in the sensor until transmitted with the
desired redundancy, after which it is typically discarded. Thus,
the number of airtime events included in a transmission depends
upon the number of items still in the sensor's buffer (e.g., in
memory 20, FIG. 1). When the buffer is empty, there is, generally,
no data transmission.
[0255] A typical data transmission can for example include:
<P/up> <Sync> <Sensor ID> <Product ID>
<Count> [<Age> <Airtime>] <Checksum>.
<P/up> is the power-up time for the transmitter. A character
may be transmitted during power up to aid the transmitter startup,
and help the receiver start to synchronize on the signal. The
<Sync> character is sent so that the receiver can recognize
the start of a new message. <Sensor ID> defines each sensor
with a unique ID number such that the display unit can selectively
use data from a matching sensor. <Product ID> defines each
sensor with a product ID to allow for backward compatibility in
future receivers. <Count> defines how many age/airtime values
are included in a message. The <Age> field provides the age
of an associated airtime value, which may be used by the display
unit to identify when an airtime is retransmitted. <Airtime>
is the actual airtime value. <Checksum> provides verification
that the data was received correctly.
[0256] A sensor's buffer length should accommodate the maximum
number of airtime jumps for the duration of retransmissions. By way
of example, transmissions can be restricted so that no more than
one jump every three seconds is recognized; and retransmissions
should generally finish within a selected time interval (e.g., six
seconds). Therefore, this exemplary sensor need only store two
airtime events at any one time. The buffer length is preferably
configurable, and can for example be set to hold four or more
airtime events.
[0257] Transmission electronics within the sensor and display units
may use a UART, meaning that data is defined in byte-sized
quantities. As those skilled in the art understand, alternative
transmission protocols can utilize bit level resolution to further
reduce transmission length.
[0258] By way of example, consider an airtime event of 1.72
seconds, occurring 2.1 seconds before start of transmission. In
accord with FIG. 14 and FIG. 14A, the transmitted data would be as
follows:
[0259] <P/up> <Sync> <Sensor ID> <Product
ID> <Count> [<Age> <Airtime> ]
<Checksum> <0xAA> <0xAD>
<0x12><0x01><0x01><0x02><0x158><0x21>
[0260] Assuming that the age and airtime data are combined into two
bytes, and that <P/up> is one byte in length, the entire
packet is eight bytes in length. At a transmission speed of 1200
baud, a typical transmission speed between a sensor and receiver,
the eight bytes takes 67 ms to transmit. Assuming sequential
transmission periods of 500 ms, the transmission duty cycle is
13.4% for a single jump.
[0261] Those skilled in the art should appreciate that alternatives
from the above-described protocols may be made without departing
from the scope of the invention. In one alternative, pseudo random
transmissions are used between a sensor and receiver. If for
example two sensors are together, and transmitting, the
transmissions may interfere with one another if both transmissions
synchronously overlap. Therefore, in situations like this, a pseudo
random transmission interval may be used, and preferably randomized
by the unique sensor identification number <Sensor ID>. If
both the display unit and the sensor follow the same sequence, they
can remain in complete sync. Accordingly, a collision of one
transmission (by two adjacent sensors) will likely not occur on the
next transmission. In another alternative, it may also be
beneficial for the receiver to define a bit pattern for the
<Sync> byte that does not occur anywhere else in the
transmitted data, such as used, for example, with the HDLC bit
stuffing protocol. In another alternative, it may be beneficial to
use an error correction protocol, instead of retransmissions, to
reduce overall data throughput. In still another alternative, a
more elaborate checksum is used to reduce the risk of processing
invalid data.
[0262] In still another alternative, a "Hamming Code" may be used
in the transmission protocol. Hamming codes are typically used with
continuous streams of data, such as for a CD player, or for the
system described in connection with FIG. 8; however they are not
generally used with event or timed sequence transmissions described
in connection with FIG. 14. Nevertheless, Hamming codes may make
the data paths more robust. The wireless receiver in the display
unit may take a finite time in start-up before it can receive each
message. Since a further goal of the transmission protocol is
generally to reduce the overall number of transmissions from the
sensor, it may be beneficial to add additional data to the
transmission and send it fewer times rather than to retransmit data
several times. For example, rather than sending all buffered
airtime values with each transmission, two data items can be sent,
together with a count of airtimes in the sensor buffer, and a sum
of the airtimes. If the display unit misses one airtime (e.g.,
determined by the count value), it can use the sum value received
and the summation of the airtimes it has previously received to
determine the missing airtime. A similar scheme can be used for age
values so as to determine the time of the missing airtime.
[0263] The display unit receiver is typically in the physical form
of a watch, pager, cell phone or PDA; and, further, receivers also
typically have corresponding functionality. By way of example, one
receiver is a cell phone that additionally functions as a receiver
to read and interpret data from a MMD. Furthermore, a display unit
is preferably capable of receiving and displaying more than one
movement metric. As such, data packets described above preferably
include the additional metric data, e.g., containing both impact
and airtime event data. Display units of the invention preferably
have versatile attachment options, such as to facilitate attachment
to a wrist (e.g., via a watch or Velcro strap for over clothing), a
neck (e.g., via a necklace), or body (e.g., by a strap or
belt).
[0264] Sensors such as the monitor devices described above, and
corresponding display unit receivers, preferably have certain
characteristics, and such as to accommodate extreme temperature,
vibration and shock environments. One representative sensor and
receiver used to determine airtime in action sports can for example
have the following non-limiting characteristics: sensor attaches to
a flat surface (e.g., to snowboard, ski, wakeboard); sensor stays
attached during normal aggressive use; display unit attachable to
outside of clothing or gear; waterproof; display unit battery life
three months or more; sensor battery life one week or more of
continuous use; on/off functionality by switch or automatic
operation; characters displayed at data unit visible from a minimum
of eighteen inches; minimum data comprehension time for data
minimum of 0.5 second; last airtime data accessible with no
physical interaction; one second maximum time delay for display of
airtime data after jump; displayed data readable in sunlight;
displayed data includes time and/or date information of airtime;
user selection of accumulated airtime; display unit provides real
time information; display unit operable with a maximum of two
buttons; physical survivability for five foot drop onto concrete;
scratch and stomp resistant; no sharp edges; minimum data precision
1/30.sup.th second; minimum data accuracy 1/15.sup.th second;
minimum data resolution 1/100.sup.th second; minimum data
reliability 999/1000 messages received; algorithm performance less
than one percent false positive and less then two percent false
negative indications per day; and temperature range minimum of -10
C-60 C.
[0265] Those skilled in the art should appreciate that the above
description of communication protocols of "airtime" between sensor
and receiver can be applied to monitor devices sensing other
metrics, e.g., temperature, without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0266] By way of example, FIG. 15 shows functional blocks 320, 322,
324, 326, 328, 330 of one sensor of the invention. The sensor's
algorithm analyses signals from an internal detector and determines
an event such as airtime. This event information is stored and made
ready for transmission to the display unit. FIG. 16 shows
functional blocks 332, 334, 336, 338, 340, 342, 344 of one display
unit of the invention. Transmission protocols between functional
blocks 326, 332 ensure that data is received reliably. The internal
detector of the sensor of FIG. 15 for example is an accelerometer
oriented to measure acceleration in the Z direction (i.e.,
perpendicular to the X, Y plane of motion). Signals generated from
the detector are sampled at a suitable frequency, at block 320, and
then processed by an event algorithm, at block 322. The algorithm
applies filters and control logic to determine event, e.g., the
takeoff and landing times for airtime events. Event data such as
airtime is passed to the data storage at block 324. Data is stored
to meet transmission protocol requirements; preferably, data is
stored in a cyclic buffer, and once all data transmissions are
performed, the data is discarded. Transmission can be performed by
a UART, at block 326, where data content is arranged to provide
sufficient robustness. Power control at block 328 monitors signal
activity level to determine if the sensor should be in `operating`
mode, or in `sleep` mode. Sleep mode preserves the battery to
obtain a greater operative life. While in sleep mode, the processor
wakes periodically to check for activity. Timing and control at
block 330 maintains timing and scheduling of software
components.
[0267] With regard to FIG. 16, receiver message handler at block
332 performs data reconstruction and duplication removal from
transmission protocols. Resulting data items are sent to data
management and storage at block 334. Stored data ensures that the
user can select desired information for display, at block 336. The
display driver preferably performs additional data processing, such
as in displaying Total Lists (e.g., values representing cumulative
of a metric), Best lists (e.g., values representing the best or
highest or lowest metric), and Current Lists (e.g., values
representing latest metric). These lists are filled automatically,
but may be cleared or reset by the user. Buttons typically control
the display unit, at block 338. Button inputs by users are scanned
for user input, with corresponding information passed to the user
interface/menu control block 344. The display driver of block 336
selects and formats data for display, and sends it to the
receiver's display device (e.g., an LCD). This information may also
include menu items to allow the user select, or perform functions
on, stored data, or to select different operation modes. A real
time clock of block 340 maintains the current time and date even
when the display is inactive. The time and date is used to time
stamp event data (e.g., an airtime event). Timing and control at
block 342 maintains timing and scheduling of various software
components. User interface at block 344 accepts input from the
button interface, to select data items for display. A user
preferably can scroll through menu items, or data lists, as
desired.
[0268] FIG. 17 shows one housing suitable for use with a monitor
device (e.g., a MMD) of the invention. The housing is shown with
three pieces: a top element 362, a bottom element 364, and an
o-ring 366. As shown in FIG. 18, elements 362, 364 form a
watertight seal with o-ring 366 to form an internal cavity that
contains and protects sensor electronics 368 (e.g., detector 12,
processor 14, communications port 16 of FIG. 1) disposed within the
cavity. Batteries 370 power sensor electronics 368, such as
described in connection with FIGS. 3F, 3G. In combination, the
housing is preferably small, with volume dimensions less than about
35 mm.times.15 mm.times.15 mm. Generally, one dimension of the
housing is longer than the other dimensions, as illustrated; though
this is not required.
[0269] FIG. 19 shows an alternative housing 372 suitable for use
with a sensor (e.g., a MMD) of the invention. Housing 372 is shown
with three pieces: a top element 374, a bottom element 376, and an
o-ring 378. As above, elements 374, 376 form a watertight seal with
o-ring 378 to form an internal cavity that contains and protects
sensor electronics disposed therein. FIG. 19 also shows housing 372
coupled to sensor bracket 380. A mating screw 382 passes through
housing 372, as shown, and through sensor bracket 380 for
attachment to a vehicle attachment bracket. FIG. 20 illustrates one
vehicle attachment bracket 390; FIG. 21 illustrates another vehicle
attachment bracket 400. Mating screw 382 preferably has a large
head 382a so that human fingers can efficiently manipulate screw
382, thereby attaching and detaching housing 372 from the vehicle
attachment bracket, and, thereby, from the underlying vehicle.
Screw 382 also preferably clamps together elements 374, 376, 378 at
a single location to seal sensor electronics within housing
372.
[0270] Bracket 390 of FIG. 20 attaches directly to vehicle 392.
Vehicle 392 is for example a sport vehicle such as a snowboard,
ski, wakeboard, or skateboard. Vehicle 392 may also be part of a
car or motorcycle. A surface 394 of vehicle 392 may be flat; and
thus bracket 390 preferably has a corresponding flat surface so
that bracket 390 is efficiently bonded, glued, screwed, or
otherwise attached to surface 394. Bracket 390 also has screw hole
396 into which mating screw 382 threads to, along direction
399.
[0271] FIG. 21 shows one alternative vehicle attachment bracket
400. Bracket 400 has an L-shape to facilitate attachment to bicycle
frame 398. Frame 398 is for example part of a bicycle or mountain
biking sports vehicle. A seat 402 is shown for purposes of
illustration. Bracket 400 has a screw hole 404 into which mating
screw 382 threads to, along direction 406. Sensor outline 408
illustrates how housing 372 may attach to bracket 400.
[0272] Brackets 380, 390, 400 illustrate how sensors of the
invention may beneficially attach to sporting vehicles of
practically any shape, and with low profile once attached thereto.
The brackets of the invention preferably conform to the desired
vehicle and provide desired orientations for the sensor within its
housing. By way of example, L-shaped bracket 400 may be used to
effectively orient a sensor to bike 398. If for example the sensor
includes a two-axis accelerometer as the detector, with sensitive
axes 410, 412 arranged as shown, then vehicle vibration
substantially perpendicular to ground (i.e., ground being the plane
of movement for the vehicle, illustrated by vector A) may be
detected in sensor orientations illustrated by attachment of
housing 372 to attachments 390, 400 of FIGS. 20 and 21,
respectively. In addition, such an arrangement provides for
mounting the sensor to a vehicle with a low profile extending from
the vehicle.
[0273] Vehicle attachment brackets (and sensor brackets) are
preferably made with sturdy material, e.g., Aluminum, such that,
once attached to a vehicle (e.g., vehicle 390 or 398), the
vibration characteristics of the underlying vehicle transmit
through to the housing attached thereto; the sensor within the
housing may then monitor movement signals (e.g., vibration of the
vehicle, generally generated perpendicular to "A" in FIG. 20 and
FIG. 21) directly and with little signal loss or degradation.
[0274] FIG. 22 shows housing 374 from a lower perspective view, and
specifically shows sensor bracket 380 configured with back
connecting elements 376a of housing element 376. FIG. 23 further
illustrates bracket 380. FIG. 24 further illustrates element 374,
including screw hole 374a for mating screw 382, and in forming part
of the cavity 374b for sensor electronics. FIG. 25 further
illustrates element 376, including screw aperture 376b for mating
screw 382. Elements 376, 374 may optionally be joined together via
attachment channels 377, with screws or alignment pins.
[0275] FIG. 26 shows one housing 384 for a monitor device of the
invention. Housing 384 is preferably made from mold urethane and
includes a top portion 384a and bottom portion 384b. An o-ring (not
shown) between portions 384a, 384b serves to keep electronics
within housing 384 dry and free from environmental forces external
to housing 384. FIG. 27 shows the inside of top portion 384a; FIG.
28 shows the inside of bottom portion 384b; and FIG. 29 shows one
monitor device 386, constructed according to the invention, for
operational placement within housing 384. Portions 384a, 384b are
clamped together by screw attachment channels 388. In FIG. 29,
device 386 includes batteries 389a, 389b used to power a
radio-frequency transmitter 390 and other electronics coupled with
PCB 391. Data from device 386 is communicated to remote receivers
through antenna 392. When transmitter 390 is a 433 MHz transmitter,
for example, antenna 392 is preferably coil-shaped, as shown,
running parallel to the short axis 393 of PCB 391 and about 4.5 mm
above the non-battery edge 394 of PCB 391. Coil antenna 392 is
preferably about 15 mm long along length 392a and about 5.5 mm in
diameter along width 392b; and coil antenna 392 is preferably made
from about 20 turns 392c of enameled copper wire. Antenna 392 may
be coupled to housing 384 via protrusions 385. The o-ring between
portions 384a, 384b may be placed on track 386.
[0276] FIG. 30, FIG. 31 and FIG. 32 collectively illustrate one
mounting system for attaching monitor devices of the invention to
objects with flat surfaces. FIG. 30 shows a plate 396 that is
preferably injection molded using a tough metal replacement
material such as the Verton.TM.. Plate 396 is preferably
permanently secured to the flat surface (e.g., to a ski or
snowboard) with 3M VHB tape or other glue or screw. Skis, bicycles,
and other vehicles use a corresponding shaped plate that accepts
the same sensor. FIG. 31 shows plate 396 in perspective view with a
monitor device 397 of the invention. FIG. 32 shows an end view
illustrating how plate 396 couples with device 397, and
particularly with a lower portion 397a of device 397.
[0277] FIG. 33 shows a top view of a long-life accelerometer sensor
420 constructed according to the invention. Sensor 420 can for
example be a MMD. Accelerometer sensor 420 includes a PCB 422, a
processor 424 (preferably with internal memory 424a; memory 424a
may be FLASH), a coin cell battery 426, a plurality of
g-quantifying moment arms 428a-e, and communications module 430.
PCB 422 has a matching plurality of contacts 432a-e, which
sometimes connect in circuit with corresponding moment arms 428a-e.
In one embodiment, module 430 is a transponder or RFID tag with
internal FLASH memory 430a. The five moment arms 428a-e and
contacts 432a-e are shown for illustrative purposes; fewer arm and
contacts can be provided with accelerometer sensor, as few as one
to four or more than five.
[0278] Battery 426 serves to power sensor 420. PCB 422 and
processor 424 serve to collect data from accelerometer(s) 428a-e
when one or more contact with contacts 432a-e. Communications
module 430 serves to transmit data from sensor 422 to a receiver,
such as in communications ports 16, 26. Operation of accelerometer
sensor 420 is described with discussion of FIG. 34.
[0279] In illustrative example of operation of sensor 420, moment
arm 428d moves in direction 434a when force moves arm 428d in the
other direction 434b. Once arm 428d moves far enough (corresponding
to space 436), then arm 428d contacts contact 432d. At that point,
a circuit is completed between arm 428d, processor 424 and battery
426, such as through track lines 438a, 438b connecting,
respectively, contact 432d and arm 428d to other components with
PCB 422. A certain amount of force is required to move arm 428d to
contact 432d; arm 428d is preferably constructed in such a way that
that force is known. For example, arm 428d can be made to touch
contact 432d in response to 10 g of force in direction 434a. Other
arms 428a-c, 428e have different lengths (or at least different
masses) so that they respond to different forces 434 to make
contact with respective contacts 432. In this way, the array of
moment arms 428 quantize several g's for accelerometer 100.
[0280] In the preferred embodiment, processor 424 includes A/D
functionality and has a "sleep" mode, such as the "pic" 16F873 by
MICROCHIP. Accordingly, accelerometer sensor 422 draws very little
current during sleep mode and only wakes up to record contacts
between arms 428 and contacts 432. The corresponding battery life
of accelerometer sensor 422 is then very long since the only
"active" component is processor 424--which is only active for very
short period outside of sleep mode. Communications module is also
active for just a period required to transmit data from sensor
420.
[0281] Processor 424 thus stores data events for the plurality of
moment arms 428. By way of example, moment arms 428a-e can be made
to complete the circuit with contacts 432 at 25 g (arm 428e), 20 g
(arm 428d), 15 g (arm 428c), 10 g (arm 428b) and 5 g (arm 428a),
and processor 424 stores results from the highest g measured by any
one arm 428. For example, if the accelerometer sensor experiences a
force 434b of 20 g, then each of arms 428e, 428d, 428c and 428b
touch respective contacts 432; however only the largest result (20
g for arm 428b) needs to be recorded since the other arms (428e-c)
cannot measure above their respective g ratings. Longer length arms
428 generally measure less force due to their increased
responsiveness to force. Those skilled in the art should appreciate
that arms 428 can be made with different masses, and even with the
same length, to provide the same function as shown in FIGS. 33 and
34.
[0282] Data events from arms 428 may be recorded in memory 424a or
430a. If for example communications-module 430 is a transponder or
RFID tag, with internal FLASH memory 430a, then data is preferably
stored in memory 430a when accelerometer sensor 420 wakes up; data
is then off-loaded to a receiver interrogating transponder from
memory 430a. Alternatively, processor 424 has memory 424a and event
data is stored there. Module 430 might also be an RF transmitter
that wirelessly transmits data off-board at predetermined
intervals.
[0283] FIG. 35 shows a circuit 440 illustrating operation of
accelerometer sensor 420. Processor 424 is minimally powered by
battery 426 through PCB 422, and is generally in sleep mode until a
signal is generated by one or more moment arms 428 with
corresponding contacts 432. Each arm and contact combination 428,
432 serve to sense quantized g loads, as described above, and to
initiate an "event" recording at processor 424, the event being
generated when the g loads are met. Processor 424 then stores or
causes data transmission of the time tagged g load events similar
to the monitor device and receiver of FIG. 1.
[0284] FIG. 36 shows a runner speedometer system 450 constructed
according to the invention. A sensor 452 is located with each
running shoe 454. For purpose of illustration, shoes 454A, 454B are
shown at static locations "A" and "B", corresponding to sequential
landing locations of shoes 454. In reality, however, shoes 454 are
not stationary while running, and typically they do not
simultaneously land on ground 456 as they appear in FIG. 36. Sensor
452A is located with shoe 454A; sensor 452B is located with shoe
454B. Sensors 452 may be within each shoe 454 or attached thereto.
Sensors 452A, 452B cooperatively function as a proximity sensor
configured to determine stride distance 461 between sensors 452,
while running. One or both of sensors 452 have an antenna 458 and
internal transmitter (not shown). A sensor 452 can for example be a
monitor device such as shown in FIG. 1, where detector 12 is the
proximity sensor and the transmitter is the communications port 16.
Receiver 462 is preferably in the form of a runner's watch with an
antenna 466 and a communications port (e.g., port 26, FIG. 1) to
receive signals from sensor(s) 452. Receiver 462 also preferably
includes a processor and driver to drive a display 468. Receiver
462 can for example have elements 14, 18, 20, 22, 16 of device 10
of FIG. 1. Receiver 462 preferably provides real time clock
information in addition to other functions such as displaying speed
and distance data described herein.
[0285] In the preferred embodiment, sensors 452 internally process
proximity data to calculate velocity and/or distance as "event"
data, and then wirelessly communicate the event data to receiver
462. Alternatively, proximity data is relayed to receiver 462
without further calculation at sensors 452. Calculations to
determine distance or velocity performed by a runner using shoes
454 can be accomplished in sensor(s) 452 or in receiver 462, or in
combination between the two. Distance is determined by a maximum
separation between sensors 452 for a stride; preferably, that
maximum distance is scaled by a preselected value determined by
empirical methods, since the maximum distance between sensors 452A,
452B determined while running is not generally equal to the actual
separation 461 between successive foot landings (i.e., while
running, only one of shoes 454 is on the ground at any one time
typically, and so the maximum running separation is less than
actual footprint separation 461--the scaling value accounts for
this difference and calibrates system 450).
[0286] Velocity is then determined by the maximum stride distance
(and preferably scaled to the preselected value) divided by the
time associated with shoe 454 impacting ground 456. An
accelerometer may be included with sensor 452 to assist in
determining impacts corresponding to striking ground 456, and hence
the time between adjacent impacts for shoe positions A and B.
Events may be queued and transmitted in bursts to receiver 462;
however events are typically communicated at each occurrence.
Events are preferably time tagged, as described above, to provide
additional timing detail at receiver 462.
[0287] FIG. 37 shows an alternative runner speedometer system 480
constructed according to the invention. A sensor 482 is located
with one running shoe 484. For purpose of illustration, shoe 484 is
shown at two distinct but separate static locations "A" and "B",
corresponding to successive landing locations of shoe 484. In
reality, shoe 484 is not stationary while running, and also does
not simultaneously land at two separate locations A, B on ground
486 as it appears in FIG. 37. Shoe 484 can correspond to the left
or right foot of a runner using system 480. Sensor 482 is located
with shoe 484; it may be within shoe 484 or attached thereto.
Sensor 482 has an accelerometer oriented along axis 490, direction
490 being generally oriented towards the runner's direction of
motion 491. Sensor 482 has an antenna 488 and internal transmitter
(not shown). Sensor 482 can for example be a monitor device such as
shown in FIG. 1, where detector 12 is the accelerometer oriented
with sensitivity along direction 490, and the transmitter is the
communications port 16. Sensor 482 transmits travel or acceleration
data to receiver 492. Receiver 492 is preferably in the form of a
runner's watch with an antenna 496 and a communications port (e.g.,
port 26, FIG. 1) to receive signals from sensor 482. Receiver 492
also preferably includes a processor and driver to drive a display
498. Receiver 492 can for example have elements 14, 18, 20, 22, 16
of device 10 of FIG. 1. Receiver 492 preferably provides real time
clock information in addition to other functions such as displaying
speed and distance data described herein.
[0288] In one embodiment, sensor 482 transmits continuous
acceleration data to receiver 492; and receiver 492 calculates
velocity and/or distance based upon the data, as described in more
detail below. Sensor 492 thus operates much like a MMD 150
described in FIG. 8, and receiver 492 processes real time feeds of
acceleration data to determine speed and/or distance. In the
preferred embodiment, however, sensor 482 internally processes
acceleration data from its accelerometer(s) to calculate velocity
and/or distance as "event" data; it then wirelessly communicates
the event data to receiver 492 as wireless data 493. Events are
preferably queued and transmitted in bursts to receiver 492;
however events are typically communicated at each occurrence (i.e.,
after each set of successive steps from A to B). Events are
preferably time tagged, as described above, to provide additional
timing detail at receiver 492.
[0289] Generally, sensor 482 calculates a velocity and/or distance
event after sensing two "impacts." Impacts 500 are shown in FIG.
38. Each impact is detected by the sensor's accelerometer; when
shoe 484 strikes ground 486 during running, a shock is transmitted
through shoe 484 and sensor 482; and sensor 482 detects that impact
500. An additional accelerometer in sensor 482, oriented with
sensitivity perpendicular to motion direction 491, may also be
included to assist in detecting the impact; however even one
accelerometer oriented along motion direction 490 receives jarring
motion typically sufficient to determine impact 500.
[0290] Alternatively, sensor 482 calculates velocity and/or
distance between successive low motion regions 502. Regions 502
correspond to when shoe is relatively stationary (at least along
direction 491) after landing on ground 486 and prior to launching
into the air.
[0291] Once impact 500 or low motion region 502 is determined
within sensor 482, sensor 482 integrates acceleration data
generated by its internal accelerometer until the next impact or
low motion region to determine velocity; a double integration of
the acceleration data may also be processed to determine distance.
Preferably, data from the sensor accelerometer is processed through
a low pass filter. Preferably, that filter is an analog filter with
a pole of about 50 Hz (those skilled in the art should appreciate
that other filters can be used). However, generally only velocity
is calculated within sensor 482; and distance is calculated in
receiver 492 based on the velocity information and time T between
impacts 500 (or low motion regions 502) of sensor 482. Preferably,
velocity is only calculated over the time interval T.sub.i between
each impact 500. Velocity may alternatively be calculated over an
interval that is shorter than T, such that runner velocity is
scaled to velocity over the lesser interval. The shorter interval
is useful in that acceleration data is sometimes more consistent
over the shorter interval, and thus much more appropriate as a
scalable gauge for velocity. Given the short time of T, very little
drift of accelerometer data occurs, and velocity may be determined
sufficiently. T.sub.i is typically less than about one second, and
is typically about 1/2 second or less.
[0292] Briefly, the processor within sensor 482 samples
accelerometer data within each "T" period, or portion of the T
period, and integrates that data to determine velocity. The initial
velocity starting from each impact 500 (or low motion region 502)
is approximately zero. If A, represents one sample of accelerometer
data, and the sampling rate of the processor is 200 Hz (i.e.,
preferably a rate higher than the low pass filter), then
A.sub.i/200 represents the velocity for one sample period ( 1/200
second) of the processor. Data 504 illustrates data A, over time t.
Since T (in seconds)*200 samples=x samples are taken for each
period T, then the sum of all of the A.sub.i/200 for each of the x
samples, divided by the number x, determines average velocity over
period T. For integrations over a period that is less than T, fewer
samples (less than x) are used to calculate velocity.
[0293] Sensor 482 calculates and transmits its velocity data to
receiver 492. Velocity data V.sub.1 corresponds to period T.sub.1,
velocity data V.sub.2 corresponds to period T.sub.2, and so on.
Generally, because of processing time, sensor 482 in this example
transmits V.sub.1 in period T.sub.2, transmits V.sub.2 during
period T.sub.3, and so on. Receiver 492 averages V.sub.i, over
time, and communicates the average to the runner in useful units,
e.g., 10 mph or 15 kmph.
[0294] Note that if only one accelerometer is provided with each
shoe 484, then calibration of velocity Vi may be made for sensor
452 by calibration against a known reference, e.g., by running
after a car or running on a treadmill. More particularly, since the
accelerometer is oriented in various ways during a period T, other
than along direction 491, then errors are induced due to the
acceleration of gravity and other forces. However, since V.sub.i is
reported sequentially to receiver 492, a correction factor may be
applied to these velocities prior to display on display 498. By way
of example, if one runner substantially maintains his shoes 484
level, such that accelerometers in sensors 492 maintain a constant
orientation along direction 491 during period T, then the reported
V.sub.i reasonably approximates actual velocity over that period.
However if the runner points his shoes with toe towards ground 486,
during period T, then only a component of the detected acceleration
vector is oriented along direction 491. However, by calibrating
system 480 against a known reference, a substantially true velocity
for each period T may be obtained. Moreover, shoe sensor 482 can
have a different adjustment factor applied for different gaits
(e.g., jogging or running, as shoe orientations during period T may
vary for different gaits).
[0295] Generally, a calibration for velocity is made at least once
for each shoe using the invention, to account for variations in
electronic components and other effects. Calibration also adjusts
for the gait of the runner in orienting the accelerometer relative
to ground 486. Preferably, like several of the MMDs described
herein, a battery powers sensor 482; and that battery can be
replaced once depleted. Implanting the MMD within shoe 484 is
beneficial in that a fixed orientation, relative to direction 491,
is made at each landing.
[0296] To alleviate the problems associated with acceleration
errors, one preferred sensor 482' for a shoe 484' is shown in FIG.
39. Sensor 482' is shown in a side cross sectional view (not to
scale); and motion direction 491' of the runner is shown in
relation to accelerometer orientation axes 506a, 506b and ground
486'. Shoe 484' is shown flat on ground 486' and generally having a
sole orientation 487 also at angle .theta. relative to
accelerometer axis 506a. Sensor 482' has at least a two-axis
accelerometer 510 (or, alternatively, a three axis accelerometer,
with the third axis oriented in direction 506c) as the sensor
detector, with one axis 506a oriented at angle .theta. relative to
ground 486' (and hence relative to shoe sole 487 on ground 486').
Angle .theta. is chosen, preferably, such that accelerometer axis
506a maximally orients along axis 491' while the runner runs.
Specifically, since during a period T the toe of shoe 484' tips
towards ground 486' while running, then angle .theta. approximately
orients that accelerometer such that its sensitive axis 506a is
parallel with axis 491' for at least part of period T.sub.i. Angle
.theta. can be approximately forty-five degrees. Other angles are
also suitable; for example an angle .theta. of zero degrees is
described in connection with FIG. 37, and other angles up to about
seventy-five degrees may also function sufficiently. Axis 506b is
preferably oriented with sensitivity perpendicular to orientation
506a. Data from accelerometer 510 is communicated to low pass
filter 511 and then to processor 512 where it is sampled as data
A.sub.i, a, b, c (a, b, c representing the two or three separate
axes 506a-c of sensitivity for accelerometer 510). Data A.sub.i, a,
b, c is then used to (a) determine impacts 500 (and/or low motion
regions 502), as above, and (b) determine V; based upon A.sub.i, a,
b, c for any given period T.sub.i (or for any part of a period T).
Errors in V.sub.i are corrected by processing the several
components A.sub.i, a, b, c of the acceleration data. If for
example data A.sub.i, a is "zero" for part of period T, then either
the shoe is at constant velocity, or stopped; or if A.sub.i, a is
"one" then it is substantially oriented with the toe greatly tipped
towards ground 486', such that that accelerometer reads the
acceleration due to gravity only. Data A.sub.i, b may be used to
determine which physical case it is, and to augment the whole
A.sub.i data stream in determining V.sub.i.
[0297] Once processor 512 determines V.sub.i for period T.sub.i,
then communications port 514 transmits V.sub.i to the user's watch
receiver (e.g., receiver 492, FIG. 37) as wireless data 515. The
watch receiver calculates a useful runner speed, e.g., 15 km/hour,
and displays that to the user. Battery 516 powers sensor 482'.
[0298] Note that the systems of FIG. 36, 37, 39 provide other
benefits associated with upward or downward movement and work
functions. Such upward or downward movement, when determined,
defines a change of potential energy that may be reported as work
or caloric burn. For example, accelerometer 510 can include
multiple axes, such that angle .theta. may be determined. By
knowing vertical climb, even over short distances, a work function
is created. An inclinometer or angle measurement may also be
integrated into such systems, and work functions may also be
determined on a hill. Certain MMDs of the invention include for
example speed detectors (e.g., accelerometers or Doppler radar
devices) to determine speed. By using the hill angle for the upward
or downward movement, with speed, another work function is created
associated with the climb or descent. Such a work function can add
to caloric consumption calculations in fitness or biking
applications. Such inventions are also useful in determining
whether the climb occurred on a hill or on stairs, also assisting
the work function calculation.
[0299] There are several advantages of the invention of FIGS.
36-39. The prior art such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,052,654,
incorporated by reference, describes a calculating pedometer; but
the system does not automatically calculate speed and distance as
the invention does. Another patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,955,667, also
incorporated herein by reference, requires the use of a tilt sensor
or other mechanism that determines the angular orientation of
accelerometers relative to a datum plane. The invention does not
require tilt sensors or the continual determination of the angle of
the accelerometers relative to a fresh datum plane.
[0300] FIG. 40 shows one runner speedometer system 520 constructed
according to the invention. System 520 includes a GPS monitor
device 522, accelerometer-based monitor device 524, and wrist
instrument 526. Device 522 is similar to device 10 of FIG. 1 except
detector 12 is a GPS chipset receiving and decoding GPS signals.
Device 522 has a processor (e.g., processor 12, FIG. 1) that
communicates with the chipset detector to determine speed and/or
distance. Speed and/or distance can be accurately determined
without knowing absolute location, as in the GPS sensors of the
prior art. Speed and/or distance information is then wirelessly
communicated, via its communications port, to wrist instrument 526
as wireless data 531. Instrument 526 is preferably a digital watch
with functionality such as receiver 24, FIG. 1. Preferably, device
522 clips into clothing pocket of the runner's shirt 530. As
described above, system 520 includes one or two accelerometer-based
devices 524 in runner shoes 532. Device(s) 524 in shoe(s) 532
augment GPS device 522 to improve speed and/or distance accuracy of
system 520; however either device 522, 524 may be used without the
other. Together, however, system 520 preferably provides
approximately 99% or better accuracy (for speed and/or distance)
under non-obscured sky conditions. Wrist instrument 526 collates
data from GPS device 522 and accelerometer device(s) 524 to provide
overall speed and distance traveled information, as well as desired
timing and fitness data metrics.
[0301] System 520 thus preferably has at least one MMD 524 attached
to, or within, runner shoe 532; MMD 524 of the preferred embodiment
includes at least one accelerometer arranged to detect forward
acceleration of runner 525. A processor within MMD 524 processes
the forward acceleration to determine runner speed. Additional
accelerometers in MMD 524 may be used, as described herein, to
assist in determining speed with improved accuracy. In the
preferred embodiment, MMD 524 wirelessly transmits speed as
wireless data 527 to wrist instrument 526, where speed is displayed
for runner 525. System 520 providing speed from a single MMD 524
can provide speed accuracy of about 97%. To improve accuracy, a
second MMD 524 (not shown) is attached to, or placed within, a
second shoe 532; the second MMD 524 also determining runner speed.
Speed information from a second shoe 532b is thus combined with
speed information from shoe 532a to provide improved speed accuracy
to runner 525; for example, the two speeds from shoes 532a, 532b
are averaged. System 520 providing speed from a pair of MMDs 524
can provide speed accuracy of better than 97%.
[0302] System 520 works as a runner speedometer with MMD 524 (or
multiple MMDs 524, one in each shoe 532). However, to improve
accuracy of speed delivered to runner 525, a GPS chip device 522 is
attached to clothing 530 of runner 525. Device 522 may for example
be placed within a pocket of clothing 530, the pocket being in the
shoulder region so that device 522 has a good view of the sky.
Device 522 processes successive GPS signals to determine a speed
based upon successive positions. System 520 utilizing device 522
thus provides enhanced speed to runner 525 when using device 522.
Speed from device 522 is communicated to wrist instrument 526 where
it is displayed for runner 525. Preferably, instrument 526 uses
speed from device 522 when speed data is consistent and
approximately similar to speed data from MMD 524. Instrument 526
alternatively combines speed data from device 522 and device 524 to
provide a composite speed. If device 522 is obscured, so GPS
signals are not available, then system 520 provides speed to runner
525 solely from MMD 524 (or multiple MMDs 524, one in each shoe).
As an alternative, device 522 can be integrated within a pocket in
a hat worn by runner 525, such that device 522 again has an
un-obscured view of the sky.
[0303] FIG. 41 shows a computerized bicycle system 540 constructed
according to the invention. In use, system 540 determines caloric
burn or "work" energy expended, among other functions described
herein. System 540 includes fore/aft tilt sensor 542 and speed
sensor 544; sensors 542, 544 determine then wirelessly transmit
bicycle tilt information and speed information, respectively, and
as wireless data 545, to receiver and display 546. A processor (not
shown) in receiver and display 546 combines data from sensors 542,
544 to determine elevation change, and, hence, work energy (e.g.,
change of potential energy); receiver and display 546 then displays
work energy to a user of bicycle system 540. Work energy may be
converted to caloric burn, in one embodiment of the invention.
Sensor 542 may include a small gyroscope or an electrolytic type
tilt device, known in the art, as the detector for measuring
bicycle tilt. Speed sensor 544 is readily known in the art; however
the combination of speed sensor 544 with other sensors of FIG. 41
provides new and useful data accord with the invention.
[0304] System 540 can additionally include crank torque measurement
sensor 548. Sensor 548 preferably includes a strain gauge connected
with bicycle crank 550 to measure force applied to pedals 552 and
wheels 554. Preferably, a sensor 548 is applied to each pedal so
that system 540 determines the full effort applied by the cyclist
on any terrain. Sensor(s) 548 accumulate, process and transmit
tension data to receiver and display 546. System 540 can
additionally include tension measurement sensor 556 used to measure
tension of chain 558. Sensor 556 similarly accumulates, processes
and transmits tension data to receiver and display 546. Device 546
preferably includes processing and memory elements (e.g., similar
to receiver 231, FIG. 10G) to accumulate and process data from one
or more of sensors 542, 544, 548, 556 in the desired way for a user
of system 540.
[0305] As alternatives to system 540, without departing from the
scope of the invention, those skilled in the art should appreciate
that (1) sensor 542 may be combined with either of sensor 544 or
receiver 546; (2) sensors 542 and 544 may communicate through
electrical wiring instead of through wireless communications; (3) a
GPS sensor providing earth location and altitude may instead
provide the data of sensors 542, 544 for system 540; and (4)
receiver and display 546 may instead be a watch mounted to a user's
wrist. Preferably, system 540 includes memory, e.g., within
receiver and display 546, that stores gradient information
associated with a certain ride on terrain, and then provides a
"trail difficulty" assessment for the stored data. Maximum and
minimum gradients are also preferably stored and annotated in
memory for later review by a user of system 540.
[0306] FIG. 42 shows a system 600 constructed according to the
invention. System 600 is particularly useful for application to
spectator sports like NASCAR. System 600 in one application thus
includes an array of data capture devices 602 coupled to racecars
604. A data capture device 602 may for example be a monitor device
as described herein, with one or a plurality of detectors to
monitor movement metrics. As described below, data capture devices
602 preferably have wireless transmitters connected with antennas
to transmit wireless data 606 to listening receivers 608. Receivers
608 can take the form of a computer relay 608a and/or a crowd data
device 608b, each of which is described below. In the preferred
embodiment, data capture devices 602 communicate wireless data 606
to computer relay 608a; and computer relay 608a relays select
wireless data 610 to a plurality of crowd data devices 608b.
However, data capture devices 602 can directly relay wireless data
606 to crowd data devices 608b, if desired, and as a matter of
design choice. Crowd data devices 608b are provided to spectators
612 during a sporting event, such as a NASCAR race of racecars 604
on racetrack 605. Devices 608b may be rented, sold or otherwise
provided to spectators 612, such as in connection with ticketing to
access racetrack 605, and to sit in spectator stands 616. Data
devices 608b may also be modified personal data devices or cell
phones enabled to interpret wireless data 606 and/or 610 for
display of relevant information to its owner-spectator. Access to
data 606, 610 in this manner is preferably accomplished
contractually such that the cell phones or data devices have
encoded information necessary to decode wireless data 606 and/or
610.
[0307] Wireless data 606 can for example be at 2.4 GHz since data
capture device 602 may be sufficiently powered from racecars 604.
Wireless data 610 can for example be unlicensed frequencies such as
433 MHz or 900-928 MHz, so that each crowd data device 608b may be
powered by small batteries such as described herein in connection
with receivers for monitor devices. Wireless data 610 can further
derive from cellular networks, if desired, to communicate directly
with a crowd data device. Wireless link 606 and 610 can encompass
two way communications, if desired, such as through wireless
transceivers.
[0308] Computer relay 608a may further provide data directly to a
display scoreboard 614 so that spectators 612 may view scoreboard
614 for information derived by system 600. Scoreboard 614 may for
example be near to spectator stand 616.
[0309] FIG. 43 shows one data capture device 602' constructed
according to the invention. Device 602' may be attached to car 604'
or integrated with car 604'. For purposes of illustration, car 604'
is only partially shown, with wheels 605 and body 607. Preferably,
device 602' is integrated with existing car electronics 618. For
example, car electronics 618 typically include a speedometer and
tachometer, and other gauges for fuel and overheating. Device 602'
thus preferably integrates and communicates with car electronics
618, as illustrated by overlapping dotted lines between items 602'
and 618. Device 602' also communicates desired metric information
to spectators 612 (either directly or through computer relay 608a).
Device 602' thus includes a wireless transmitter 620 and antenna
622 to generate wireless data 606'.
[0310] Data relayed to spectators 612 can be of varied format.
Device 602' can for example be a MMD with a detector providing
acceleration information. Acceleration data in the form of "g's"
and impact is one preferred data communicated to spectators 612
through wireless data 606'. Car 604' may in addition have
accelerometers as part of car electronics; and device 602'
preferably communicates on-board acceleration data as wireless data
606'. Device 602' and car electronics 618 can for example include a
speedometer, accelerometer, tachometer, gas gauge, spin sensor,
temperature gauge, and driver heart rate sensor. An on-board
computer can further provide position information about car 604'
position within the current race (e.g., 4.sup.th out of fifteen
racecars). Accordingly, device 602' collects data from these
sensors and electronic sources and communicates one or more of the
following information as wireless data 606': racecar speed, engine
revolutions per minute, engine temperature, driver heart rate, gas
level, impact, g's, race track position, and spin information. As
described in connection with the monitor devices above, data 606'
may be continually transmitted or transmitted at timed sequence
intervals, e.g., every minute. Data 606' may also be transmitted
when an event occurs, e.g., when a major impact is reported by a
device 602' (e.g., in the form of a MMD) such as when car 604'
experiences a crash. A spin sensor also preferably quantifies
rollover rate, acceleration and total rotations (e.g., four flips
of the car is 1440 degrees).
[0311] FIG. 44 shows one crowd data device 608b' constructed
according to the invention. Device 608b' in one embodiment is a
cell phone constructed and adapted to interpret information from
wireless data 606' (or data 610). Device 608b' can also be a
receiver such as receiver 24 of FIG. 1. Device 608b' preferably
includes a display 621 to display metrics acquired from information
within wireless data 606' (and/or data 610). Communications port
623 and antenna 624 capture data 606' and/or 610. An internal
processor decodes and drives display 621. On-Off button 628 turns
device 608b' on and off. Car selector button 630 provides for
selecting which car 604' to review data from. Data mode button 632
provides for selecting which data to view from selected car
604'.
[0312] Data captured by device 608b' may be from one car or from
multiple cars 604. Car selection button 630 can be pressed to
capture all data 606' from all cars, or only certain data from one
car, or variants thereof. In one embodiment, the update rate
transferred as wireless data 606' from any car 604' to any crowd
data device is about one second; and so each device generally
acquires data from one car at any one time and "immediately" (i.e.,
within about one second) acquires data from another car if selected
by button 630. Alternatively, all data 606' from all cars 604 are
communicated and captured to each device 608b'. This alternative
mode however uses more data bandwidth to devices 608b'.
[0313] Accordingly, users of crowd data device 608b' may view
performance and data metrics from any car of choice during a race.
Currently, spectators only have a vague feel for what is actually
happening to a car at a race between multiple cars 604. With the
invention, a spectator can monitor her car of choice and review
data personally desired. One spectator might for example be
interested in the driver heart rate of one car; one other spectator
might for example be interested in the speed of the lead car; yet
another spectator might for example be interested in the
temperature of the top four cars; most spectators are concerned
about which car is the lead car. In accord with the invention, each
spectator may acquire personal desired data in near real time and
display it on individual crowd data devices in accord with the
invention. Data captured from system 600 can further be relayed to
the Internet or to broadcast media through computer relay 608a, if
desired, so that performance metrics may be obtained at remote
locations and, again, in near real time.
[0314] The invention also provides for displaying certain data at
display scoreboard 614. Computer relay 608a may in addition connect
to race officials with computers that quantify or collate car order
and other details like car speed. Such data can be relayed to
individuals through crowd data devices 608b or through scoreboard
614, or both.
[0315] System 600 may be applied to many competitive sports. For
example, when the data capture device is like a MMD, system 600 can
be applied to sports like hockey, basketball, football, soccer,
volleyball and rodeos. A MMD in the form of an adhesive bandage,
described above, is particularly useful. Such a MMD can for example
be applied with football body armor or padding, as illustrated in
FIG. 45. FIG. 45 shows a football player's padding 650 with a MMD
652. MMD 652 can be applied external to padding 650, though it is
preferably constructed internally to padding 650. MMD 652 operates
like a data capture device 602 of system 600 (FIG. 42). MMD 652 can
for example capture and relay impact information to spectators of a
football game, where each of the players wears body armor or
padding such as padding 650, to provide performance metrics for all
players and to individual spectators. Impacts from blows between
players may then be obtained for any player for relay to any
spectator or user of the Internet according to the teachings of the
invention. Device 652 can alternatively include other detectors,
e.g., heart-rate detectors, to monitor fitness and tiredness levels
of athletes in real time; preferably, in this aspect, MMD 652
attaches directly to the skin of the player.
[0316] Likewise, a MMD of the invention is effectively used in
rodeo, as shown in FIG. 46. Preferably one MMD 654 attaches to the
saddle 656 of the animal 658 ridden in the rodeo (or to the horn of
a bull, or to a rope attached to the animal), and one MMD 660
attaches to the rider 662 on animal 658. Each MMD generates a
signal, similar to signals 154, 156 of FIG. 8A. As such, data from
each MMD 654, 660 can be compared to the other to assess how well
rider 662 rides in saddle 656. This comparison may be beneficially
used in judging, removing subjectivity from the sport. For example,
by attaching MMD 660 with the pant-belt 662A of rider 662, if
signals from MMDs 654, 660 collate appropriately, then rider 662 is
efficiently riding animal 658. Of course, one MMD 654 or 660 can
also be used beneficially to report metrics such as impact to the
audience.
[0317] FIG. 47 shows a representative television or video monitor
display 678 of a bull 670 and bull rider 672, as well as a
plurality of MMDs 674A-D attached thereto to monitor certain
aspects of bull and rider activity, in accord with the invention.
Display 678 also includes a graphic 676 providing data from one or
more of MMDs 674 so that a view of display 678 can review movement
metric content associated bull and/or rider activity. In exemplary
operation, MMD 674A is attached to back rope 680 so as to monitor,
for example, rump bounce impacts and frequency; MMD 674B is
attached to rider rope 682 so as to monitor, for example, loosening
of the grip of rider 672 onto bull 670; MMD 674C is attached to
bull horn 684 so as to monitor, for example, bull head bounce and
frequency; and MMD 674D is attached to rider 672 so as to monitor,
for example, rider bounce and frequency, and impact upon being
thrown from bull 670. A sensor (not shown) may also attach to the
rider's foot or boot, if desired. MMDs 674 can for example be
coupled to a reconstruction computer and receiver 152 of FIG. 8A,
so as to process multiple MMDs 674 and to report meaningful data to
a television, scoreboard and/or the Internet. Data collected from
MMDs 674 in one embodiment are collated and stored in a database so
as to characterize bull strength and throwing efficiency over time.
For example, by looking at magnitude and frequency of acceleration
data from MMD 674C over time for a particular bull provides detail
as to how the bull behaves over time. Professional bull riding
media can then better gauge which bulls to use for which riders and
events.
[0318] Those skilled in the art should also appreciate that MMDs
674 can include different detectors providing data desired by
sports media. For example, if the MMD contains a linear
accelerometer, linear motion forces are reported; if the MMD
contains a rotational accelerometer, rotational forces are
reported. These MMDs may be placed on various parts of bull 670 or
rider 672, such as on the body and head. Data from MMDs may be
relayed to television, scoreboards and/or the Internet. Data
collated on the Internet preferably includes bull and rider
performance summaries.
[0319] FIG. 48 shows one EMD or MMD 684 constructed according to
the invention. EMD or MMD 684 has specific advantages as a
"wearable" sensor, similar to MMD 10'', FIG. 2. EMD or MMD 684
utilizes "flex strip" 688 (known in the art) to mount mini-PCBs 686
(devices 686 can also be silicon chips) directly thereto. As a
whole, EMD or MMD 684 can "wrap" about objects and persons to
fulfill the variety of needs disclosed herein. By way of example,
EMD or MMD 684 is useful for comfortable attachment to the rodeo
rider 662, FIG. 46, such as to monitor and report "impact" events.
Another such EMD or MMD 684 may be attached to a bull or rider to
monitor and report heartbeat. In one embodiment, a Kapton flex
circuit 688 connects battery 690 to the PCBs 686, and PCBs 686 to
one other, so as to flexibly conform to the shape of the underlying
object or body. In one option, EMD or MMD 684 is all housed
high-density foam or similar flexible housing 694; this can
maximize the EMD or MMD's protection and allow it to be worn close
to the object of body. For example, such an EMD or MMD 684 may be
worn on the torso of a person, where accurate g-levels seen by the
body can be measured. In one embodiment, battery 690 is a plastic
Lithium-ion power cell that has a malleable plastic case with any
variety of form factor. Other batteries may also be used, in accord
with the invention.
[0320] The invention of one preferred embodiment employs data taken
from monitor devices such as described above and applies that data
to video games, arcade games, computer games and the like
(collectively a "game") to "personalize" the game to real ability
and persons. For example, when a monitor device is used to capture
airtime (and e.g., heart rate) of a snowboarder, that data is
downloaded to a database for a game and used to "limit" how a game
competitor plays the game. In this way, a snowboard game player can
compete against world-class athletes, and others, with some level
of realism provided by the real data used in the game.
[0321] More particularly, one missing link in the prior art between
video games and reality is that one a person can be great at a
video game and relatively poor at a corresponding real sport (e.g.,
if the game is a snowboard game, the player may not be a good
snowboarder; if the game is a car race, the person may not be a
good race car driver; and so on). With performance metrics captured
as described herein, the data is applied such that an entirely new
option is provided with games. As known in the art, games take the
form of PLAYSTATION, SEGA, GAMEBOY, etc.
[0322] In operation the invention of the preferred embodiment works
as follows. Individuals use a monitor device to measure one or more
performance metrics in real life. Data from the monitor devices are
then downloaded into a game (or computer running the game) for
direct use by the game. Data used in the game may be averaged or it
may be the best score for a particular player. By way of example,
when the performance metric is "airtime", the option applied to the
game allows the game player (typically a teenager) to measure a
certain number of airtimes, in real life, and download them into
the game so that the air the game player `catches` during the game
corresponds to his real airtime (e.g., best airtime, average
airtime, etc.). Data used in games can be collated and interpreted
in many ways, such as an individual's best seven airtimes of a day
or a personal all time record for an airtime jump.
[0323] The effect of the invention applied to games is that game
users are somewhat restricted in what they can do. In a ski game,
for example, a kid that does not have the natural athletic ability
to do flips will not, if the option is selected, be permitted to
perform flips in a game. Competitions within games then become far
more real. If a kid catches only one second of airtime, on average,
then it is unlikely that he can catch three seconds of airtime like
Olympic athletes; accordingly, when the gaming option is selected,
those kids will not be permitted within the game to throw airtime
(and corresponding tricks that require like airtimes) of three
seconds or higher, for example. The game restricts them to doing
tricks that could actually be completed in their normal
airtime.
[0324] There would of course still be elements making the game
unrealistic, and fun. The invention applied to games does however
add a measure of realism to the games. For example, limiting a game
to airtime may restrict movements to certain types, e.g., one flip
instead of two. This is one example of how the invention applied to
games makes the game much more real. Another gaming option is to
permit the gaming user to expand their current real performance by
some percentage. For example, a gaming user can instruct the game
to permit 100% performance boost to his real data in competitions
in the game. In this way, the gaming user knows how far off his
real performance is from gaming performance. If for example it
takes a 120% performance boost to beat a well-known Olympic
athlete, then she knows (at least in some quasi-quantitative
measure) how much harder she will need to work (i.e., 20%) to
compete with the Olympic athlete.
[0325] Similar limitations to the games may be done with other
metrics discussed herein, including drop distance, speed and
impact, heart rate and other metrics. For example, by acquiring
"impact" data through a MMD of the invention, it is known how much
impact a particular athlete achieves during a jump or during a
particular activity. By way of example, by collecting impact data
from a boxer or karate athlete, it is roughly known the magnitude
of impacts that that person endures. Such limitations are applied
to games, in accord with other embodiments of the invention.
Accordingly, a video game competitor may be limited to actions that
he or she can actually withstand in real life. Spin rates too can
limit the game in similar ways.
[0326] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, data from
monitor devices applied to persons are downloaded as performance
metrics into games. These metrics become parameters that are
adhered to by the player if the gaming option is selected within
the game. The ability to play the game, and the moving of the
correct buttons, joystick or whatever, is thus linked to the real
sport. By way of example, PLAYSTATION has a `world championship`
for the games. In accord with the invention, game players may now
compete with their ability tied to competitions within the game,
making it much more realistic on the slopes, vert ramp or other
game obstacle.
[0327] In accord with one embodiment, systems like system 600 are
also effectively applied to "venues" like skateparks. The data
capture devices (preferably in the form of MMDs) are applied to
individual users of the venue, e.g., skateboarders. Data acquired
from the users are transmitted to a computer relay that in turn
connects directly to game providers or Internet gaming sources. The
venues are thus linked to games. Resorts with venues such as
terrain parks are thus incentivized to make their venue part of the
gaming world, where kids play in their park in synthesized video,
and then actually use the venue to acquire data for use with the
game. By tying competitors together from real venues to gaming, a
real venue and a game venue become much more alike. Stigmas
associated with playing games may also be reduced because gaming is
then tied to reality and kids can participate in meaningful ways,
both at the venue and within the game. Kids can then compete based
upon real ability at both the game and in real life.
[0328] FIG. 49 shows one network gaming system 700 constructed
according to the invention. System 700 operates to collect data
from one or more monitor devices 702, such as through an Internet
connection 703 with multiple home users of devices 702. A server
704 collates performance data and relays parameters to games. By
way of example, server 704 relays these parameters to a computer
game 705 through Internet connection 706. Game 705 includes a real
personal data module 708 that stores parameters from server 704.
Users of computer game 705 may select an option to invoke the
parameters of module 708, thereby limiting the game as described
above.
[0329] As an alternative, users of devices 702 may directly
download game parameters to computer game 705, as through a local
data link 710. Users may also type game parameters directly into
module 708. In either case, computer game 705 has real limiting
functions to gaming actions via the invention. Preferably server
704 controls the download of data to computer game 705 so that data
is controlled and collated in a master database for other uses and
competitions.
[0330] System 700 can further network with an arcade game 720 in a
similar manner, such as through Internet connection 718. Real
performance data is again stored in real personal data module 722
in game 720 (or at the computer controlling game 720) so that users
have restrictions upon play. User ID codes facilitate storing and
accessing data to a particular person. In this way, users of arcade
games can access and limit their games to real data associated with
their skill. Competitions between players at arcade games, each
with their own real personal data in play, increase the
competitiveness and fairness of game playing.
[0331] FIG. 50 illustrates a simplified flow chart of game
operation such as described above. A start of a game maneuver
starts at step 730. A start may be initiated by a joy stick action,
or button action, for example. Prior to performing the action, the
game compares the desired game maneuver with real personal data, at
step 732. At step 734, a comparison is made to determine whether
the requested maneuver is within preselected limits (e.g., within a
certain percentage from real personal data) related to the real
personal data. If the answer is yes, then the game performs the
maneuver, at step 736. If the answer is no, then the game modifies,
restricts or stops the maneuver, at step 738.
[0332] FIG. 51 shows one speed detection system 800 constructed
according to the invention. System 800 includes a ticket reader 802
for each ski lift 804. For example, reader 802-1 covers ski lift
804-1 to read tickets of persons riding ski lift 804-1; reader
802-2 covers lift 804-2 to read tickets of persons riding lift
804-2. Lift 804-1 carries persons (e.g., skiers and snowboarders)
between locations "A" and "B"; lift 804-2 carries persons from
locations "C" to "D". These persons travel (e.g., by ski or
snowboard) from location B to A by approximate distance B-A, from
location B to C by approximate distance B-C, from location D to A
by approximate distance D-A, and from location D to C by
approximate distance D-C.
[0333] Approximate distances B-A, B-C, D-A, D-C are stored in
remote computer 806. Specifically, computer 806 has memory 808 to
store distances B-A, B-C, D-A, D-C. Computer 806 and readers 804
preferably communicate by wireless data 810-1, 810-2; thus computer
806 preferably has antenna 812, and associated receiver and
transmitter 814, to facilitate communications 810. Computer 806
further has a processor 816 to process data and to facilitate
control of computer 806.
[0334] A representative reader 802' is shown in FIG. 52. Reader
802' has an antenna 820 and transmitter/receiver 822 to facilitate
communications 810' with computer 806. Among other functions,
reader 802' reads ski lift tickets such as ticket 826 of a person
riding lifts 804 via a scan beam 807. Ticket 826 usually includes a
bar code 828 read by reader 802'.
[0335] In operation, a ticket 826 is read each time for persons
riding lifts 804. A time is associated with when the ticket is read
and logged into computer 806. When that ticket 826 again is read,
e.g., either at lift 804-1 or 804-2, a second reading time is
logged into computer 806. Processor 816 of computer 806 then
determines speed based upon (a) the two reading times, (b) the
approximate lift time for the appropriate lift 804, and (c) the
distance traveled (i.e., one of distances B-A, B-C, D-A, D-C). For
example, suppose a person enters lift 804-1 at 9 am exactly and
enters lift 804-2 at 9:14 am. Suppose lift 804-1 takes ten minutes,
on average, to move a rider from A to B. Accordingly, this person
traveled distance B-C in four minutes. If distance B-C is two
miles, then that person traversed distance B-C with a speed of 30
mph. If the resort where system 800 is installed sets a maximum
speed of 25 mph for the mountain 801, then that person exceeded the
speed and may be expelled from the resort. Note further that the
resort may specify speed zones, corresponding to each of the paths
B-A, B-C, D-A, D-C. If for example path B-A has a wide path, then a
speed may be set at 30 mph. A person successively repeating lift
804-1 may thus be checked for speeds exceeding 30 mph. If on the
other hand path D-A has a lot of trees, then a speed of 20 mph may
be set; and a rider who rides lift 804-2 and arrives at lift 804-1
can be checked for violations along route D-A.
[0336] When a ski lift 804 stops, then additional time is added to
that person's journey. A feedback data mechanism tracking lift
movement can augment data in computer 806 to adjust skier speed
calculations on dynamic basis.
[0337] Note that system 800 serves to replace or augment sensor
231' of FIG. 10I. Since sensor 231' independently determines speed,
then reader 802 may for example read sensor 231' to see whether
speeds were exceeded for one or more zones. Sensor 231' may instead
have a visual indicator which is triggered when a person exceeds a
speed limit in any of zones for B-A, B-C, D-A, D; and a human
operator sees the indicator when there is a violation.
[0338] As shown in FIG. 53, one monitor device 840 of the invention
incorporates a GPS receiver chip 842 to locate device 840. Device
840 is preferably integrated with an adhesive strip such as
discussed in FIG. 2. Device 840 also preferably "powers on" when
opened and dispensed, such as shown in FIGS. 4 and 10. In
operation, device 840 is generally applied to persons or objects to
assess, locate and log "events". By way of example, by attaching
device 840 to a new computer shipped to a retailer, an impact event
may be recorded and stored in memory 846 by an accelerometer
detector 844, as described above, and a location associated with
the impact event is also stored, as provided by GPS chip 842. As
such, for example, the exact amount of damage received by the
computer, as well as the exact location of where the damage
occurred, is stored in memory 846. As described herein, other
detectors 844 may be used to generate "events" (e.g., a spin event,
or an airtime event, temperature, humidity, flip-over events, etc.)
in conjunction with GPS chip 842. Data in memory 846 is relayed to
a receiver 850 having data access codes of device 840.
Alternatively, data is communicated to receiver 850 by wireless and
timed-sequence transmissions. Communications ports 852, 854
facilitate data transfers 860 between device 840 and receiver 850.
Transfers 860 may be one way, or two-way, as a matter of design
choice. A clock 862 may be incorporated into device 840 to provide
timing and/or real-time clock information used to time tag data
events from one or both of detector 844 and GPS chip 842. As above,
a battery 864 serves to power device 840. A processor 848 serves to
manage and control device 840 to achieve its functionality.
[0339] FIG. 54 shows a system 866 suitable for use with a device
840, or with other MMDs or EMDs disclosed herein. System 866 has
particular advantages in the shipping industry, wherein a device
865 (e.g., device 840, or one or more EMDs or MMDs) attaches to a
package 867 (or to the goods 868 within package 867) so that system
866 can monitor data associated with shipment of goods and package
868, 867. Multiple devices 865 may be attached to package 867 or
goods 868 as needed or required to obtain the data of interest.
Certain data determined by device 865, during shipment, include,
for example, impact data or g's, temperature, data indicating being
inverted, humidity and other metrics. In sum, one or more of these
data are wirelessly communicated, as wireless data 863, to an
interrogation device reader 869 to assess the data corresponding to
shipment conditions and/or abuse of package 867 and/or goods 868.
Data 863 preferably includes "time tag" data indicating when a
certain "event" occurred, e.g., when goods 868 experienced a 10 g
event. Preferably, data from reader 869 is further relayed to a
remote database 871 so that system 866 may be operated with other
similar systems 866 so as to monitor a large amount of packages and
goods shipments at different locations. Damaged goods can for
example be evaluated by any reader 869 and recorded into a common
database 871 by the controlling company.
[0340] The invention of FIG. 54 thus has certain advantages.
Companies that ship expensive equipment 868 have an incentive to
prove to the receiver that any damage incurred was not the result
of faulty packaging 867 or unsatisfactory production and assembly.
Also, shipment insurers want to know when and where damage occurs,
so that premiums may be adjusted appropriately or so that evidence
may be offered to encourage the offending party to improve handling
procedures.
[0341] The monitor devices of the invention have further
application in medicine and patient health. One monitor device 870
of the invention is shown in FIG. 55. Specifically, device 870
attaches to a baby's body 872 (e.g., to a baby's chest, throat,
leg, arm, buttocks or back) to monitor movement such as respiratory
rate, pulse rate, or body accelerations. Device 870 of the
preferred embodiment synchronizes to repetitive movements (e.g.,
pulse rate or respiratory rate) and generates an "event" in the
absence of the repetitive movements. Device 870 can for example be
device 10w, FIG. 2E, facilitating easy placement on the infant by
the adhesive strip (which is also beneficially sterilized) to
measure heart rate as an event. Device 870 can alternatively be a
monitor device using a microphone to detect "breathing" as a health
metric for the infant. Regardless of the metric, the event reported
by device 870 is preferably communicated immediately as wireless
signals 874 to a remote monitor 876, with an antenna 878 to receive
signals 874. Monitor 876 is preferably portable so as to be carried
with the infant's parents. Monitor 876 generates an audible or
visual alarm when an event is received from signals 874. Device 870
seeks to address the very realistic concern of parents relative to
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or other illnesses. Device 870
preferably relays a warning event data to alarm monitor 876 within
seconds of detecting trouble with the infant. For example, if
device 870 detects the absence of heart rate or breathing, the
alarm at monitor 876 is made in near real time.
[0342] Like other monitor devices herein, device 870 has a detector
870a to detect the desired metric. For purposes of illustration,
other elements such as the device's communications port and
processor are not shown, though reference may be made to FIG. 1 to
construct device 870. In one embodiment, detector 870a is a
piezoelectric element that generates a voltage signal at every
pulse or breath of baby 872, such as shown and described in FIG.
7-7B. Detector 870a may alternatively be an accelerometer arranged
to sense accelerations of the infant's chest (or other body
portion); and thus chest (or other body portion) accelerations are
used to determine the repetitive signal (or simply movement or
absence of movement). Preferably, the sensitive axis of the
accelerometer is perpendicular to baby body 872. For example, such
an accelerometer can be used to sense accelerations of the baby's
chest, rising and falling. In still another embodiment, detector
870a is a force-sensing resistor or electro-resistive element
generating signals responsive to force or weight applied to device
870. Such a device is useful to sense when baby body 872 rolls onto
device 870. Yet another detector 870a is a Hall Effect detector;
that detector within device 870 detects when baby body 872 inverts,
that is when the baby rolls over. A roll over event is one
particular event of interest by parents; and in this embodiment, a
warning signal 874 is generated at each roll over. Detector 870a
can alternatively be a microphone; and the device's processor
processes the sound data to detect recurring audible data
indicative of breathing sounds.
[0343] Preferably, device 870 is integrated with an adhesive strip
880; and device 870 and strip 880 form an adhesive bandage monitor
device such as described above in connection with FIGS. 2-2D, 8C.
Device 870 and strip 880 are also preferably packaged so as to
"power on" when dispensed or used. A wrapper such as described in
FIGS. 4-4A may be used; or preferably device 870 and wrapper 880
dispense from a canister 200, 200' such as described above in FIGS.
10-10F. In this way, device 870 is conveniently dispensed and
applied to baby body 872, and without contamination and germs.
[0344] Those skilled in the art should appreciate that device 870
may also attach to the infant in a variety of places depending on
the parent's desire. Device 870 may for example attach to the back
or bottom of the infant, and generate an event for every time the
infant rolls over.
[0345] FIG. 56 shows a flowchart of steps associated with applying
and using one monitor device according to the invention. At start
884, the device is unwrapped and/or dispensed from a container. The
device is then applied to a baby's body, preferably as an adhesive
bandage package, in step 886. Once applied, the device synchronizes
to baby body movement (such as repetitive movements associated with
pulse or respiratory rate), breathing sounds or heart rate, in step
888. The device then searches for "events" in the form of the
absence of repetitive signals, indicating for example the danger of
an absence of pulse, heart rate or respiration, in step 890. In
step 892, the monitor device generates a wireless signal as a
warning; that signal is received at a remote receiver at step 894.
Once received, remote receiver generates an audible alarm (e.g., a
buzzer sounds) or visible alarm (e.g., an LED is lit), in step 896.
Preferably, steps 890-896 occur in less than one or several seconds
(e.g., less than five or ten or fifteen seconds). Once the alarm
occurs, a parent checks the infant (step 898) to determine whether
the alarm is real and, if needed, to administer aid. If for some
reason the alarm was incorrect, the remote receiver is reset (step
898) and the monitor device continues to assess distressing
situations to generate events.
[0346] As an alternative, the detector of the monitor device (FIG.
55) is a temperature (or alternatively a humidity) detector, and
the alarm monitor merely tracks infant temperature for worried
parents; such a device is useful for sick infants in particular.
The temperature sensor can be coupled with other detectors (e.g.,
heart rate) to provide multiple functions, if desired.
[0347] The MMDs and EMDs of the invention thus have several other
advantages. They may be used discretely and safely as medical
diagnostic and monitoring detectors. With appropriate detectors,
EMDs of the invention can for example provide for portable,
wireless pulse oxymeters or blood glucose monitors. With the
appropriate detectors in MMDs, rehabilitation clinicians would be
able to quantitatively monitor metrics such as limb movement and
balance. EMDs equipped with certain detectors may find use as real
time, remote and inexpensive pH monitors and blood gas
monitors.
[0348] One MMD 900 of the invention and useful in medical
applications is shown in FIG. 57. MMD 900 is similar to device 10
of FIG. 1, but in addition (or alternatively) has a detector 902
that senses weight. Detector 902 for example is a force sensing
resistor or electro-resistive device. Preferably, MMD 900 is
applied to one or more locations at the bottom of a human foot 906
via attachment with adhesive strips 908. Those skilled in the art
should appreciate that MMD 900 can alternatively be located at
other locations on the human body. On the occurrence of an "event",
MMD 900 generates wireless signals 910 for receipt at a remote
receiver 912, here shown in the form of a watch with antenna 914.
Watch 912 is generally worn by the person having foot 906.
[0349] MMD 900 is preferably in the form of a MMD 10z of FIGS.
2B-2C, though with a weight sensing detector. In operation, MMD 900
is first calibrated: all the weight of person with foot 906 is
applied to MMD 900 so that detector 902 is calibrated to that
entire weight. Alternatively, a separate weight simply calibrates
MMD 900. Thereafter, MMD 900 generates "events" corresponding to
fractions of the entire weight that the person with foot 906
applies to MMD 900. For example, one MMD 900 generates wireless
data 910 each time MMD 900 experiences at least one-fourth the
entire weight; that data 910 is converted and displayed on receiver
912, as shown. In this way, when a cast is applied to a person, MMD
900 may be applied under foot, so that the person may obey doctor's
orders to put no more than 1/4 weight on foot 906, for example. As
an alternative, MMD 900 is already calibrated to certain weights,
e.g., 200 lbs, 180 lbs, etc. A pre-calibrated MMD 900 may then be
applied to 200 lbs persons to generate events as needed. For
example, an MMD 900 is used effectively to generate an event, to
inform the person, that 1/2 or 3/4 of the person's entire weight is
on one foot.
[0350] A weight sensing MMD may also take the form of MMD 920, FIG.
58. Here, MMD 920 has an array of detectors 922. Detectors 922 may
be force sensing resistors or other weight sensitive elements.
Detectors 922 collectively and electrically couple to processor
924. Other elements (not shown) connect with processor 924, e.g., a
communications port and battery, such as monitor device 10 of FIG.
1. In operation, MMD 920 senses weight applied to foot 930 while
walking or standing. Over time, MMD 920 ascertains the actual
weight of the person of foot 930. Once weight is determined, MMD
920 relays weight information to a remote receiver, e.g., watch 940
with antenna 940a, via wireless signals 942. Receiver 940 displays
pertinent data, e.g., what fractional weight is applied onto foot
930.
[0351] In this way, a person may track his or her weight at any
time. MMD 920 and receiver 940 may also communicate two-way, so
that watch 940 queries MMD 920 for weight data, thereby conserving
battery power. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that MMD
and receiver 920, 940 may be configured differently and still be
within the scope of the invention. In one embodiment, MMD 920 is
integrated with a shoe pad insert to fit into any shoe.
Alternatively, MMD 920 is integrated directly into a shoe, as shown
in FIG. 59. Detector 922 may also have fewer or more detectors
depending upon design placement of detectors relative to foot 930;
that is, a single detector can be used to measure weight if
arranged to accurately detect all or part of a person's weight. In
such a configuration, MMD 920 may take the form of an adhesive
bandage monitor device with a single detector and applied to the
sole of a foot, as shown in FIG. 57. Preferably, weight is
calibrated prior to use (e.g., when shoe is lifted off the ground)
so that weight is determined relatively. In another embodiment,
selectively positioning elements 922 to high impact areas of foot
930 (e.g., at the ball and heel of foot 930), the invention
monitors impact and improper walking or running events so as to
provide corrective feedback to users or doctors.
[0352] FIG. 59 shows a shoe-based weight sensing system 950
constructed according to the invention. System 950 has one or more
weight sensing detectors 952 coupled to a processing section 954
(and, as a matter of design choice, other components such as shown
in device 10 of FIG. 1)--all arranged with a shoe 956 (or within an
insert for shoe 956). In operation, shoe 956 generates wireless
signals 958 for a remote receiver (e.g., watch 940, FIG. 58) to
inform the person wearing shoe 956 of his or her weight or weight
loss. By integrating a transceiver and antenna 959 with processing
section 954, the remote receiver interrogates shoe 956 for weight
information. In this way, health conscious persons can wear shoe
956 and learn of their weight at any desired time. Such a shoe 956
is for example useful in determining weight loss. By way of
example, a runner may use shoe 956 to determine weight loss in
ounces, informing the runner that he or she should drink
replacement water. Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment, a
runner first calibrates his or her weight prior to a race; then
system 950 reports weight loss relative to the calibrated weight.
Those skilled in the art should appreciate that alternatives from
the foregoing may be achieved without departing from the scope of
the invention.
[0353] FIG. 60 shows one force-sensing resistor 960 suitable for
use with the systems and/or MMD of FIGS. 57-59. Resistor 960
includes resistive material 962 and interdigitated contacts 964A,
964B; material 962 forms an electrical path between contact 964A
and contact 964B. In operation, a force applied to resistor 960
increases the conductivity in the path between contacts 964A, 964B.
By measuring resistance or conductance between contacts 964A, 964B,
the applied force onto resistor 960 is known. Typically, resistor
960 is calibrated so that a particular resistance translates into
and applied force; as such, a processor such as processor 954 or
924 may be used to monitor and report force at any given time. In
one embodiment, force is reported to users in pounds, providing a
typically used weight designation for such users.
[0354] Preferably, resistor 960 includes flexible polymers as
active spring agents as the sensing element for loading conditions.
Such polymers provide load-sensing resistors with enhanced
performance and with preferable mechanical characteristics.
[0355] FIG. 61 shows another weight sensing device 970 constructed
according to the invention. Device 970 is formed of a shoe 972 and
includes a fluid cavity 974 that displaces and pressurizes with
applied force--a force such as provided by a user wearing shoe 972.
A pressure sensor 976A coupled with cavity 974, through a small
conduit 975, measures pressure. A processor (e.g., processor 954,
924 above) coupled with sensor 976A monitors pressure signals and
converts the signals to weight. As above, preferably device 970 is
calibrated such that a particular pressure corresponds to a
particular weight. Preferably, and for increased accuracy, cavity
974 does not completely displace away from any portion of cavity
974 when a user applies weight to cavity 974 while wearing shoe
972.
[0356] As an alternative to a single cavity 974, cavity 974 can
also be made up of separate fluid cells, as exemplified by sections
974A, 974B, 974C, and 974D, and multiple sensors 976A, 976B. In
this embodiment, cavity membrane walls 978 separate sections 974A,
974B, 974C, 974D; optionally two or more of sections 974A, 974B,
974C, 974D have an individual pressure sensor monitoring pressure
of the particular section, such as sensor 976A for section 974D and
sensor 976B for section 974C. This embodiment is particularly
useful in providing highly accurate weight sensing for a user of
shoe 972. Each fluid cell 974A-D may for example have differing
pressurization characteristics to manage the overall weight
application of a human foot. For example, cells 974B, 974C may be
formed with higher pressure cavities as they are, respectively,
under the ball or heel of the foot and likely have to accommodate
higher pressures (i.e., higher applied weight to those sections).
In either event, a processor connected to the several pressure
sensors 976A, 976B beneficially determines weight as a combination
of different pressures of the different fluid cells. Alternatively,
a single pressure sensor 976A may be used to sequentially measure
pressure from various fluid cells 974A-D; and the processor (not
shown) then determines weight based upon the several
measurements.
[0357] Those skilled in the art should appreciate that the number
of cells 974A-D, and the number of sensors 976A, 976B, are a matter
of design choice and do not depart from the scope of the invention;
more or fewer cells 974 or sensors 976 may be used without
departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art
should also appreciate that a shoe insert can alternatively house
cavity 974 (and/or sections 974A, 974B); for example, shoe 972 can
for example be a shoe insert instead of a shoe--constructed and
arranged such that a user applies weight on cavity 974 in use.
[0358] A weight-sensing device of the invention, for example as set
forth in FIG. 61 may benefit from additional information such as
temperature, as fluid pressure characteristics vary with
temperature. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention, an
additional detector is integrated with the processor to monitor
temperature. As such, a device 970 for example can include one or
more pressure detector 976 and a temperature detector (not shown),
both of which input data to the processor for processing to
determine weight applied to cavity 974 (or sections 974A-D).
[0359] FIG. 62 shows an alternative arrangement of fluid sections
974' (e.g., shown as fluid sections 976', 1000, 1004) integrated
with a shoe insert 972'. Preferably, sections 974' are integrated
within insert 972', though FIG. 62 shows sections 974' external to
insert 972' for purposes of illustration. In operation, a user
stepping on insert 972' pressurizes the various sections 974'--and
a processor (not shown) determines weight based upon pressure data
from pressure sensors 976' connected with the various sections
974'. Higher pressure areas 1000 and lower pressure areas 1002 are
then preferably measured by separate pressure sensors 976'. One or
more pressure conduits 1004 may be used to couple like-pressure
areas so that a single sensor 976' monitors a single like-sensor
area.
[0360] The invention thus has several advantages in regard to
weight loss, monitoring and human fitness. In accord with the above
invention, a user of a weight monitoring system or device disclosed
herein can review his or her weight at nearly any time. Runners
using such a system and device to know their hydration loss;
chiropodists may wish to monitor weight distribution over a
patient's feet; and athletic trainers may wish to analyze weight
distribution and forces. The invention of these figures assists in
these areas. In making these measurements, force-sensing resistors
may be used; but strain gauge pressure sensors in the shoe may also
be used. Preferably, in such embodiments, the bottom surface of the
foot is covered by sensors, as weight is not often evenly
distributed. Accordingly, a single sensor may not encompass a
preferred arrangement, and therefore multiple sensors are preferred
in the sole of the shoe (or in a shoe insert), with the results of
all sensors summed or combined to a single "weight" answer. In one
embodiment, only a portion of the foot need to be covered, covering
a certain percentage of the overall weight; and that percentage is
scaled to a user's full weight. Weight and compression forces
monitored in a shoe or shoe insert, in accord with the invention,
can further assist in gauging caloric and/or physical effort.
[0361] FIG. 63 shows a professional wrestling rink system 1100
constructed according to the invention. System 1100 has a rink 1102
within which professional wrestlers compete (oftentimes
theatrically). Adjacent rink 1102 are tables 1104 and chairs 1106,
sometimes used in conjunction with rink 1102 (e.g., items 1104 and
1106 are sometimes used to smash over a wrestler as part of a
performance). A plurality of sensors (e.g., MMDs or EMDs) 1108 are
placed (attached, stuck to, etc.) throughout rink, table and/or
chairs 1102, 1104, 1106. For example, in one preferred embodiment a
plurality of MMD sensors 1108 are placed under rink canvas 1110,
such as at positions marked "X", so as to report "impact" of
wrestlers in rink 1102. MMD sensors 1108 may also be placed on one
or more of the corner posts 1112 or ropes 1114--used to form rink
1102. Sensors 1108 are shown illustratively in a few positions
about items 1102, 1104, 1106, 1110, 1112, 1114 for purposes of
illustration--when in reality such sensors 1108 would be difficult
to see, or would be hidden from view (for example, sensors 1108 are
preferably under canvas 1110).
[0362] Data from sensors 1108 typically include information such as
impact, as described above. Events associated with "impact" are
communicated wirelessly to a receiving computer 1120 as wireless
data 1122. Data 1122 for example includes digital data representing
impact data received at any of sensors 1108 when wrestlers hit
canvas 1110, move ropes 1114, or hit post 1112. Receiving computer
1120 preferably has an antenna 1124 and communications port 1126 to
receive data 1122. Computer 1120 typically re-processes and then
retransmits data 1122 to a media site 1129, such as television,
scoreboard or the Internet, so that viewers may see data 1122
associated with wrestling at rink 1102. Since wrestling in and
about rink 1102 is often based on choreographed action, computer
1120 preferably includes a data manipulation section 1130 which
post processes data 1122 in predetermined ways. For example,
section 1130 may apply an exponential or quadratic function to data
1122 so that, in effect, and by way of example, a 25 g impact on
canvas 1110 is reported as a 25 g impact, but a 50 g impact on
canvas 1110 is reported as a 1000 g impact.
[0363] Section 1130 may also manipulate data for a particular
player. For example, FIG. 64 shows a representative television
display 1131 that includes data from system 1100. FIG. 53 also
shows representative wrestlers 1132 in rink 1102. In a preferred
embodiment, one or more sensors 1108 are also placed on wrestlers
1132, such as shown, to monitor events such as impact received
directly on wrestlers 1132. In one embodiment, sensors 1108 of FIG.
64 are of the form of an adhesive bandage MMD, described above. In
another embodiment, sensors 1108 are integrated into the waistband
of the wrestler; this has advantages as being close to the
wrestler's center of gravity and is thus more representative of
total impact received by a particular wrestler.
[0364] Data from computer 1120 is thus reported to a media
destination 129 such as television so that it may be displayed to
audience members. FIG. 64 shows one exemplary data display 1134
overlaid with the actual wrestling performance--for television
display 1131--and showing impact data in "qualitative" bar scales.
Display 1134 may include qualitative wording such as shown. Display
1134 also preferably includes an advertiser overlay 1136 promoting
a certain brand; typically that advertiser pays for some or all of
the content provided for by system 1100 and shown in display
1134.
[0365] Thus, FIGS. 63 and 64 demonstrate benefits in which the TV
viewer desires to see information such as a display of forces
acting on wrestlers in real- or near real-time; the data being
presented in graphical or numeric form and with a range of possible
analyses performed on the forces such as latest, largest average
and total. These forces typically act in at least two planes i.e.
from the side and from the front or back, though the invention may
also take account of forces in all three planes. Typically, the
forces of interest are those acting on the main mass (torso) of the
wrestler, while flailing feet and arms are not generally as
important as body slams. The system of the invention thus resolves
forces on individuals and can detect the force of collision between
two wrestlers.
[0366] In the preferred embodiment, at least one sensor 1108
attached to ropes 1114 preferably takes the form of a long thin
sensor (e.g., 0.5''.times.3'') with a short piece wire (e.g., 3'')
protruding from one end to function as the antenna. This sensor's
electronics utilizes a small low power accelerometer as the sensing
detector, and incorporates a simple gain block, a small micro
controller such as Microchips' PIC 12LC672, and a small low power
transmitter such as RFMs' RX6000 or RF Solutions' TX1. These
electronics mount on flex circuit (e.g., as shown in FIG. 48) to
allow for the excessive bending forces likely to be encountered.
The power source is preferably a single small (thinnest available)
lithium cell.
[0367] In the preferred embodiment, at least one sensor 1108
attached to posts 1112 incorporates a gas pressure sensor as the
detector; such a sensor is incorporated into the cushions
protecting the corner posts 1112 and thus registers an increase
reading as the wrestlers collide with the posts Alternatively, such
a sensor may be incorporated directly into a cushion attached to
post 1112; preferably such a cushion is airtight. FIG. 61 shows one
fluid-based pressure sensor that may be configured to such an
application as the cushion with post; gas may for example replace
the fluid or gel of FIG. 61. In an alternative configuration,
sensors 1108 integrated with the posts 1112 may include strain
gauges as the detector. Mounted directly to the posts 1112, these
sensors indicate the forces acting on the post as the wrestlers
impact the posts 1112. In another alternative, a post sensor may
include vibration or accelerometer detector so that the sensor 1108
determines impact forces.
[0368] In one embodiment, at least one of the sensors attached to
ropes 1114 include extension detectors (or LVDT devices) at the
points where the ropes are mounted. Sensors 1108 with strain gauges
may also be used. Sensors attached to ropes 1114 preferably detect
"rope deflection" as a reported metric.
[0369] In one embodiment, sensors 1108 in the floor incorporate
piezoelectric cables mounted as an interlocking grid attached to
the underside of the floor. For example, such cables connect the
"x" locations of FIG. 63. In such a configuration, only one sensor
1108 may be needed to monitor floor impact as all cables act as a
single "detector" for a MMD sensor 1108. Floor or canvas sensors
1108 may also incorporate strain gages attached in an array on the
underside or around the perimeter at points where the floor 1110 is
suspended. Vibration sensors and accelerometers may alternatively
be used as the detector in any floor-monitoring sensor 1108.
[0370] FIG. 65 shows one surfing application for a MMD 1140 of the
invention. MMD 1140 of one preferred embodiment includes an
accelerometer detector (e.g., as in MMD 10 above) and MMD 1140
determines "G's" for big bottom turns. On-board signal processing
for example preferably determines the location of a big bottom turn
and records an "event" associated with the number of G's in the
turn. G's may also be reported for other locations. One difficulty
with such measurements is that there may be many larger G forces
surfboard 1146 from flips, kicks and other actions; however the
invention solves this difficulty by filtering out such actions. In
one embodiment, the processor within MMD 1140 monitors the low
frequency component of the accelerometer detector to determine the
difference in the peaks and troughs of sinusoidal movement, so that
MMD 1140 reports wave size and height over time.
[0371] One MMD 1140 may also gauge the power of a wave landing on
top of the surfer 1142. Such a MMD 1140 preferably includes a
pressure detector to determine pressure within water 1144 when a
wave lands on surfboard 1146 and on surfer 1142. A "maximum
pressure" event is then reported by MMD 1140.
[0372] Another MMD 1140 includes an inclinometer or other angle
determination detector to determine and report angle of the
surfboard 1146; for example a maximum angle is reported for a given
run or day.
[0373] Data from any particular metric (e.g., g's in a turn, angle
of surfboard, pressure under water) provided by MMD 1140 is
preferably reported wirelessly to a watch worn by surfer 1142;
however such data may also be displayed on a display integrated
with surfboard 1146 or directly with sensor 1140, such as shown
with an airtime sensor in U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,380, incorporated
herein by reference. In the form of a wristwatch, one MMD of the
invention includes a pressure sensor housed in the watch; the MMD
watch then reports the maximum pressure events without need of a
separate MMD 1140 mounted to surfboard 1146 (or integrated
therein).
[0374] In one preferred embodiment, MMD 1140 includes a speed
detector (such as a Doppler module or accelerometers as discussed
herein or in U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,380) so that surfer speed is
reported to surfer 1142. Preferably, in this embodiment, distance
traveled is also reported; by way of example the receiver of data
from MMD 1140 (e.g., a digital watch) converts speed to distance by
multiplying speed by a time duration traveled over that speed. FIG.
66 shows MMD 1140' including a Doppler module that radiates energy
1150, as shown, to determine whether the rider of surfboard 1146'
is within the "Green Room"--i.e., within a wave 1152. Preferably,
such a MMD 1140' also includes a speed sensor which indicates that
board 1146' is in motion so that the time duration of riding within
the Green Room is determined accurately.
[0375] FIG. 67 shows a personal network system 1300 constructed
according to the invention. System 1300 keeps track of personal
items, such as cell phone 1302, car keys 1304, wallet or purse
1306, personal data assistant 1308, digital watch 1309, and/or
personal computer 1310. Additional, fewer or different personal
items can be tracked in system 1300, at the selection of a user of
system 1300. For example, a user can set up system 1300 to keep
track of cell phone 1302 and keys 1304 only. Briefly, each personal
item of FIG. 67 includes a network transceiver: cell phone 1302 has
transceiver 1302a, car keys 1304 has transceiver 1304a, wallet or
purse 1306 has transceiver 1306a, data assistant 1308 has
transceiver 1308a, watch 1309 has a transceiver 1309a, and computer
1310 has transceiver 1310a. Each transceiver 1302a, 1304a, 1306a,
1308a, 1309a, 1310a communicates with every other transceiver
substantially all the time via a wireless link 1320. Those skilled
in the art appreciate that each transceiver 1302a, 1304a, 1306a,
1308a, 1309a, 1310a include an antenna to receive and communicate
data on link 1320. In the preferred embodiment, each transceiver
1302a, 1304a, 1306a, 1308a, 1309a, 1310a only maintains
communications with any other transceiver over a selected distance,
e.g., 100 feet, herein identified as the Network Distance. For
example, cell phone transceiver 1302a maintains communications with
every other transceiver 1304a, 1306a, 1308a, 1309a, 1310a so long
as cell phone 1302 is within the Network Distance of every other
device 1304, 1306, 1308, 1309, 1310. However, for example, once
cell phone 1302 is separated by keys 1304 by more than the Network
Distance, then cell phone 1302 ceases communications with keys 1304
but maintains communications with other items 1306, 1308, 1309,
1310 (assuming items 1306, 1308, 1309, 1310 are within the Network
Distance from cell phone 1302).
[0376] In one preferred embodiment, each transceiver 1302a, 1304a,
1306a, 1308a, 1309a, 1310a includes a Bluetooth microchip and
transceiver known in the art. Bluetooth transceivers only maintain
a communication link (at a frequency of about 2.4 GHz in the ISM
band) over a short range, e.g., 50 feet, and are not generally
suitable for longer communication distances.
[0377] Optionally, one or more of transceivers 1302a, 1304a, 1306a,
1308a, 1309a, 1310a are instead transponders; and at least one of
items 1302a, 1304a, 1306a, 1308a, 1309a, 1310a provide excitation
energy to the transponders to "reflect" data along link 1320 to
provide the functionality described herein. Those skilled in the
art should appreciate that items 1302a, 1304a, 1306a, 1308a, 1309a,
1310a may incorporate other technology, such as transmitters, to
facilitate like functionality. That is, not every item 1302, 1304,
1306, 1308, 1309, 1310 needs to transmit and receive data on link
1320. For example, wallet 1306 can include a transmitter instead of
a transceiver to provide data about itself on link 1320; and other
items 1302, 1304, 1308, 1309, 1310 can use wallet data to know
whether it is in the network or not (even though wallet 1306 does
not know whether other items 1302, 1304, 1308, 1309, 1310 are in
the network). Transponders can provide like functionality for
certain items 1302, 1304, 1306, 1308, 1309, 1310 as a matter of
design choice.
[0378] Wireless link 1320 includes information about time and items
in the network; preferably the information also includes location
information. For example, data 1320 informs each item 1302-1310
that every other item is still within the network, and, thus, that
one or more items have not moved to beyond the Network Distance. If
one item--e.g., keys 1304--leaves the network so that item 1304 no
longer communicates on link 1320, every other item 1302, 1306,
1308, 1310 knows that item 1304 is no longer linked and data is
stored on every other item 1302, 1306, 1308, 1310 indicating a time
when item 1304 left the network. Preferably, the stored data in
every other item also includes where the network was when keys 1304
disappeared.
[0379] In the simplest embodiment, each of items 1302-1310 includes
a corresponding indicator 1302b-1310b; each of indicators
1302b-1310b can for example be a LED, LCD, buzzer or vibrator. When
any of items 1301-1310 are "lost" from the network--e.g., one item
moves beyond the Network Distance--then the indicator in one or
more of the other items tells the user of system 1300 that an item
has "left". That person can then expend effort to location the lost
item. By way of example, each of indicators 1302b-1310b may provide
a beep, sound or vibration to provide the user with knowledge of a
lost item 1302-1310.
[0380] In a more complex embodiment, data stored on any item
1302-1310 indicating the loss of any item within network 1300 is a
"cookie" of information detailing when and where an item left the
network. In this way, a user of system 1300 can locate and find the
lost item by reviewing cookies in any other item. By way of
example, consider a network 1300 made from keys 1304, wallet 1306,
digital watch 1309 and cell phone 1302--items commonly carried by a
male business person. In the preferred embodiment, this person
would designate items 1302, 1304, 1306, 1309 as being "in network"
(such as described below in connection with FIG. 68)--and system
1300 thereafter monitors items 1302, 1304, 1306, 1309 so that the
person can keep track of items 1302, 1304, 1306, 1309. If for
example this person leaves his cell phone 1302 in a restaurant,
then items 1304, 1306, 1309 know this occurred and inform him of
the time, and preferably the location, of when cell phone 1302 was
lost. Thus for example, watch 1309 can light an LED (as indicator
1309b) that an item is lost; item 1304 can indicate (through a LCD
indicator 1304b) that cell phone 1302 was lost in cell area
corresponding to downtown Boston at 15:15 pm. Specifically, in one
embodiment, cell phone 1302 provides "location" information of at
least a cell area; and cell phone 1302 provides "time" information
by its real time clock (those skilled in the art appreciate that
keys 1304, digital watch 1309 or any other item can also include a
real time clock as a matter of design choice). Accordingly, link
1320 has location and time information updated to each item 1304,
1306, 1309. In leaving his cell phone at the restaurant, keys 1304,
wallet 1306. watch 1309 receive "cookie" deposited in internal
memory indicating when and where cell phone 1302 left the network
of items 1302, 1304, 1306, 1309. Accordingly, the person reviews
data in either of items 1304, 1306, 1309 to learn of where he left
his cell phone. Note that if he then lost item 1304, he may also
learn something of when item 1304 left the smaller network of items
1304, 1306, 1309 depending upon time and location data available.
Those skilled in the art appreciate that cell phone technology
enables more precise location information of where a cell phone is;
and preferably this information will be provided to network system
1300 so that more precise location information is available to all
network items. GPS receiver chips may also be incorporated into any
of items 1302-1310 to provide the location information as described
herein in connection with system 1300.
[0381] Users of system 1300 "program" which items are in the
network preferably through a personal computer interface, shown in
FIG. 68. In FIG. 68, a personal computer 1312 connects with a
transceiver controller 1314 to program a network transceiver 1316a
(representative of any transceiver 1302a, 13014a, 1306a, 1308a,
1309a, 1310a, for example). Controller 1314 preferably includes a
transceiver that wirelessly communications with transceiver 1316a
via a data control link 1321. Computer 1312 provides security and
ID information so that items networked in system 1300 are secure
relative to other users with other networks. By way of example,
computer 1312 may provide an password key that is only known and
used by items of network 1300; so that other items of other
networks does not communicate on link 1320.
[0382] Note that a "wallet" or "purse" do not generally have
electronics associated therewith, to provide the functionality
described above. Therefore, in the preferred embodiment, a
transceiver 1306a is "attached" to a wallet or purse to provide the
underlying electronics. By way of example, such a transceiver takes
the form of a credit card inserted into the wallet or purse. FIG.
69 illustrates one non-electronic item 1340, e.g., a wallet 1306,
attached to a transceiver 1340a suitable for construction as an
attachment like a smart card. Transceiver 1340a can for example
include a Bluetooth microchip 1324a or alternatively a transmitter
or transponder 1324b. A GPS receiver 1322 can alternatively be
included with transceiver 1340a. An antenna 1326, if needed,
provides for communication along link 1320, FIG. 67. An LCD or LED
data interface provides data and/or warnings to users reviewing
item 1340 (and specifically transceiver 1340a). A user interface
1340c permits access to and/or modification of data or
functionality of transceiver 1340a. A real time clock 1330
preferably provides time data for time stamping "lost" item
information onto network link 1320, so that a user would know when
item 1340 (or other items) were lost. In the preferred embodiment,
a cookie memory stores "events" associated with lost items--e.g., a
cell phone was lost at GPS coordinates X,Y at noon, providing
obvious benefit in finding the lost item.
[0383] FIG. 70 and FIG. 71 show an electronic drink coaster 1400
constructed according to the invention. Internal electronics 1402
sense the weight of a drink 1404 on coaster 1400 to automatically
inform a restaurant or bar, via wireless signals 1406 to a
restaurant or bar receiver 1408, that the customer needs a drink or
refill. In one embodiment, a customer can also place an order from
coaster 1400. Liquid (e.g., beer) 1410 may be used to calibrate
electronics 1402 so that electronics 1402 knows when glass 1412 is
full or empty, to report the information as data 1406.
[0384] FIG. 71 shows a top plan view of coaster 1400, including
customer order or calibration buttons 1410a, 1410b. Electronics
1402, typically internal to coaster 1400, include a weight detector
1420, communications port 1422, processor 1424, and antenna 1426;
electronics 1402 are similar in design to many of the MMDs or EMDs
described herein. Weight detector 1420 detects weight on coaster
1400; and processor 1422 decides how to use the weight information
in a meaningful way. By way of example, processor 1422 knows the
approximate weight of glass 1412 onto weight detector 1420, and
once glass 1412 is filled with beer it also knows when glass 1412
is empty--creating one reporting event to bar receiver 1408, if
desired. Users of coaster 1400 can also select inputs to coaster
electronics 1402 so as to place orders, wirelessly, to restaurant
receiver 1408. For example, a user of coaster 1400 can order
"another beer" by pressing button 1410a. Other order functions can
of course be included with coaster 1400, including an LED 1430 that
provides the status of orders, sent to coaster 1400 via receiver
1408.
[0385] FIG. 72 shows a package management system 1500, and sensor
1502, of the invention. Sensor 1502 (e.g., a MMD or EMD described
herein) may be integrated directly with a shipping label 1504 for
attachment to a box or envelope to ship products, goods or other
material. Sensor 1502 includes an integrated circuit 1502A, a
communications port 1502B and a battery 1502C to communicate data
(e.g., impact, temperature, humidity) experienced by label 1504 to
external devices. By way of example, a remote receiver 1508 may be
used to interrogate or read data from sensor 1502. In the preferred
embodiment, sensor 1502 also includes a unique package identifier
(e.g., like a bar code) so as to identify label 1504 and the goods
associated therewith. A receiver 1508 linked to a transportation
channel of label 1504 (e.g., a transportation channel traveled by a
shipping truck 1510) may then communicate with sensor 1502, e.g.,
via wireless link 1505, to determine whether label 1504 is in the
correct channel. Accordingly, sensor 1502 helps track label 1504
and may further prevent theft of packages linked to label 1504
since the wireless system may automatically determine inappropriate
location of label 1504. A remote wireless relay tower 1512 may
communicate with receiver 1508 so as to manage and track label 1504
movement and location during shipment. The invention may augment or
even replace manual scanning of labels for shipping packages; the
invention may also prevent theft of packages by automatically
identifying inappropriate packages in shipment channels.
[0386] In the preferred embodiment, a dispenser 1514 may contain
several labels similar to label 1504; dispenser preferably issues
label 1504 in a manner similar to canister 200, FIG. 10, so as to
"power on" label 1504 with an internal time stamp. A location code
and/or time code are thus preferably communicated from dispenser
1514 to sensor 1502 when label 1504 issues 1516 from dispenser
1514.
[0387] FIG. 73 shows a product integrity tracking system 1600 of
the invention. One or more sensors 1602 (e.g., each of the sensors
being a MMD or EMD) attach to a customer product 1604. Preferably,
sensors 1602 "stick" to product 1604 similar to MMDs or EMDs'
discussed herein. Product 1604 may be any product of value,
including, for example, medical devices, computers, furniture and
pharmaceuticals (in the case of pharmaceuticals, sensors 1604 may
for example attach to packaging containing the pharmaceuticals, or
be arranged adjacent to product 1604, such as indicated by sensor
1602A). Typically, product 1604 initiates shipment along a shipping
channel at the customer facility 1610 (e.g., a plant or
laboratory). The company of facility 1610 may for example
independently attach sensors 1602 to product 1604. A shipping
channel may for example include a separate shipping company such as
FED EX with a truck 1612. At the conclusion of travel, product 1604
reaches its destination 1614 (e.g., a place controlled by the
customer of the company of facility 1610). At destination 1614,
sensors 1604 are read through wireless link 1619 by an
interrogating device 1620 so as to see how product 1604 fared
during travel. The shipping company may have persons 1622 to take
the reading or this may occur automatically at destination 1614.
Data acquired from sensor 1602 may for example include impact (or
"acceleration information") and temperature, each preferably with a
time stamp help track event occurrences (e.g., an acceleration
event greater than 10 g's at 9:10 AM, Monday). Multiple sensors
1602 provide for detecting event occurrences at different locations
on product 1604. This is particularly useful for complex medical
devices that may have a relatively sturdy base and a fragile
robotic arm, each with different performance specifications (e.g.,
each with a maximum load allowance); sensors 1602 may thus each
attach to separate area of product 1604 so that product integrity
information 1619 may be determined for multiple locations. Data
from device 1620 may communicate automatically, via link 1621, and
back to facility 1610 through network 1630 (e.g., the Internet) and
through a firewall 1632 so as to communicate product integrity
information, in near real-time, to the company of product 1604. In
this way, this company may better manage its brand integrity of
product 1604 during shipment. If a damaging event occurred to
product 1604, during shipment, that company will learn about it and
may ship a replacement product (or move to refurbish product
1604).
* * * * *