U.S. patent application number 17/366627 was filed with the patent office on 2021-11-04 for personal monitoring system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jack C. HUNTER. Invention is credited to Jack C. HUNTER.
Application Number | 20210345069 17/366627 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005725026 |
Filed Date | 2021-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210345069 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HUNTER; Jack C. |
November 4, 2021 |
PERSONAL MONITORING SYSTEM
Abstract
Systems and methods for improved personal monitoring systems and
devices include the provision of sensor data from a personal
monitoring device to a server system. The sensor device is provided
to the server system at a first rate and subsequently analyzed by
the server system. If the server system determines that a
particular condition is met based on the sensor data the server
system transmits a reconfiguration message to the personal
monitoring device that causes the personal monitoring device to
automatically begin providing data at a second rate. Among other
things, the condition resulting in generation and transmission of
the reconfiguration message may include a location-based condition
(e.g., crossing a geographic boundary), a change in an
environmental condition (e.g., temperature or air quality), or a
movement-based condition (e.g., an acceleration indicative of a
fall or collision).
Inventors: |
HUNTER; Jack C.; (Boone,
NC) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HUNTER; Jack C. |
Boone |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005725026 |
Appl. No.: |
17/366627 |
Filed: |
July 2, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16717688 |
Dec 17, 2019 |
11057741 |
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17366627 |
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62780652 |
Dec 17, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 4/38 20180201; H04W
4/029 20180201; H04W 4/021 20130101; H04W 4/027 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 4/029 20060101
H04W004/029; H04W 4/38 20060101 H04W004/38; H04W 4/02 20060101
H04W004/02; H04W 4/021 20060101 H04W004/021 |
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method for device power management
comprising: receiving sensor data from a computing device;
receiving a low power indicator, wherein the low power indicator
indicates a low power condition at the computing device; and
transmitting a request for requested sensor data, wherein, when the
request is received by the computing device, the computing device
transmits the requested sensor data.
2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the sensor
data is periodically received at a first rate, the
computer-implemented method further comprising: transmitting a
reconfiguration message, wherein, when received by the computing
device, the reconfiguration message causes the computing device to
transmit the sensor data periodically at a second rate; and
receiving the sensor data periodically from the computing device at
the second rate.
3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the sensor
data is periodically provided at a first rate, the
computer-implemented method further comprising: transmitting a
reconfiguration message, wherein, the reconfiguration message
includes an identifier assigned to a sensor associated with the
sensor data and a value corresponding to a second rate, and
wherein, when received by the computing device, the reconfiguration
message causes the computing device to transmit the sensor data
periodically at the second rate; and receiving the sensor data
periodically from the computing device at the second rate.
4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein at least one
of the sensor data and the requested sensor data includes biometric
data.
5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein at least one
of the sensor data and the requested sensor data includes
environmental data.
6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein at least one
of the sensor data and the requested sensor data includes movement
data.
7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein at least one
of the sensor data and the requested sensor data includes location
data.
8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the sensor
data is receiving periodically before receiving the low power
notification, and wherein the sensor data is not received
periodically while the low power condition persists at the
computing device.
9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the sensor
data is receiving periodically before receiving the low power
notification, and wherein the sensor data is not received
periodically while the low power condition persists at the
computing device, the computer-implemented method further
comprising: receiving an indicator corresponding to alleviation of
the low power condition; and resuming receipt of the sensor data
periodically from the computing device after receiving the
indicator.
10. A computer-implemented method for device power management
comprising: transmitting sensor data to a computing system;
detecting a low power condition; transmitting a low power indicator
responsive to detecting the low power condition, wherein, when
received by the computing system, the low power indicator causes
the computing system to be reconfigured to request sensor data;
receiving a request for requested sensor data from the computing
system; and transmitting the requested sensor data.
11. The computer-implemented method of claim 10, wherein the
periodic sensor data is periodically transmitted at a first rate,
the computer-implemented method further comprising: receiving a
reconfiguration message indicating a second rate; and transmitting
the sensor data periodically at the second rate in response to
receiving the reconfiguration message.
12. The computer-implemented method of claim 10, wherein the sensor
data is provided periodically at a first rate, the
computer-implemented method further comprising: receiving a
reconfiguration message indicating a second rate, wherein the
reconfiguration message includes an identifier assigned to a sensor
associated with the periodic sensor data and a value corresponding
to a second rate; and transmitting the sensor data periodically at
the second rate in response to receiving the reconfiguration
message.
13. The computer-implemented method of claim 10, wherein at least
one of the sensor data and the requested sensor data includes
biometric data.
14. The computer-implemented method of claim 10, wherein at least
one of the sensor data and the requested sensor data includes
environmental data.
15. The computer-implemented method of claim 10, wherein the sensor
data is transmitted periodically before detecting the low power
condition, and wherein the sensor data is not transmitted
periodically while the low power condition persists.
16. The computer-implemented method of claim 10, wherein the sensor
is transmitted periodically before detecting the low power
condition, wherein the sensor data is not transmitted periodically
while the low power condition persists, and wherein the
computer-implemented method further comprises: determining the low
power condition has been alleviated; transmitting an indicator
corresponding to alleviation of the low power condition; and
resuming transmission of the sensor data periodically responsive to
determining the low power condition have been alleviated.
17. The computer-implemented method of claim 10, further
comprising: receiving an input from a user; and transmitting a
communication corresponding to the input to a device, wherein, when
received by the device, the communication activates a function of
the device.
18. A computing device comprising: one or more data processors; and
a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing
instructions which, when executed by the one or more data
processors, cause the one or more data processors to perform
operations including: receiving sensor data from a user computing
device; receiving a low power indicator, wherein the low power
indicator indicates a low power condition at the user computing
device; and transmitting a request for requested sensor data,
wherein, when the request is received by the computing device, the
user computing device transmits the requested sensor data.
19. The computing device of claim 18, wherein receiving the sensor
data from the user computing device includes receiving the sensor
data periodically until receiving the low power indicator but not
receiving the sensor data while the low power condition persists at
the user computing device, and wherein the operations further
include: receiving an indicator corresponding to alleviation of the
low power condition; and resuming receiving the sensor data
periodically from the user computing device after receiving the
indicator.
20. The computing device of claim 18, wherein the sensor data
includes at least one of biometric data or environmental data.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This continuation application is related to and claims
priority to "U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/717,688 filed Dec.
17, 2019 entitled "Personal Monitoring System," which claims
priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) from U.S. Patent Application
No. 62/780,652, filed Dec. 17, 2018, entitled "Personal Monitoring
System", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems, methods,
and devices for facilitating personal monitoring. Among other
things, implementations of the present disclosure include personal
monitoring devices and associated computing systems for
communicating with the personal monitoring devices and receiving
and processing data from the personal monitoring devices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Personal tracking systems generally enable a remote user to
determine the location or similar details regarding a user of a
personal tracking device. Such systems have many applications
including general monitoring of children, the disabled, the
elderly, or other similar individuals and identification and
reporting of emergency situations. Among other things, such systems
may provide the monitored individual with a greater degree of
autonomy (e.g., versus being in a constantly and more directly
monitored environment, such as a nursing home) while simultaneously
providing the caretaker with the peace of mind that any potentially
hazardous situations that may arise will be quickly identified and
addressed.
[0004] Conventional tracking and monitoring systems often require a
tradeoff between functionality, device format, and battery life.
So, for example, small, energy efficient monitoring devices are
often have limited functionality, such as the amount and type of
data they provide. Conversely, more sophisticated and feature-heavy
monitoring devices often require a larger device or a device
requiring more power. In light of the foregoing, there is a need
for a personal monitoring system having sophisticated features and
functionality without significant impact to the form or life of the
personal monitoring device.
[0005] It is with the foregoing in mind, among other things, that
aspects of the present disclosure were conceived and developed.
SUMMARY
[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method of
tracking devices is provided. The method includes receiving sensor
data at a first computing device from a second computing device at
a first rate. The first computing device then determines whether
the sensor data indicates a reconfiguration condition. In response
to determining that the sensor data indicates a reconfiguration
condition, the first computing device generates and transmits a
reconfiguration message to the second computing device, the
reconfiguration message configured to automatically cause the
second computing device to begin providing sensor data at a second
rate different than the first rate.
[0007] In another aspect of the present disclosure, another method
of tracking computing devices is provided. The method includes
periodically transmitting sensor data at a first rate from a first
computing device to a second computing device. The method further
includes receiving a reconfiguration message from the second
computing device at the first computing device in response to the
sensor data. In response to the reconfiguration message, the first
computing device begins periodically transmitting sensor data at a
second rate different than the first rate.
[0008] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a system
for tracking computing devices is provided. The system includes one
or more hardware processors configured by machine-readable
instruction to receive sensor data from a computing device at a
first rate. The instructions further cause the one or more hardware
processors to determine that the sensor data indicates a
reconfiguration condition. The instructions further cause the one
or more hardware processors to generate and transmit a
reconfiguration message to the computing device, the
reconfiguration message configured to automatically cause the
computing device to begin providing sensor data at a second rate
different than the first rate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of
the present disclosure set forth herein will be apparent from the
following description of particular implementations of those
inventive concepts, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It
should be noted that the drawings are not necessarily to scale;
however the emphasis instead is being placed on illustrating the
principles of the inventive concepts. Also, in the drawings the
like reference characters may refer to the same parts or similar
throughout the different views. It is intended that the
implementations disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative
rather than limiting.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a system diagram illustrating an example
operational environment for implementations of the present
disclosure including a personal monitoring device and a server
system;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example
implementation of the personal monitoring device of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example power
system of the personal monitoring device of FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an isometric illustration of a first example
personal monitoring device according to the present disclosure;
[0014] FIGS. 5A and 5B are front and rear views, respectively, a
second example personal monitoring device according to the present
disclosure;
[0015] FIGS. 6A and 6B are front and rear views, respectively, of a
third example personal monitoring device according to the present
disclosure;
[0016] FIGS. 7A-7C are front, side, and rear views, respectively,
of a fourth example personal monitoring device according to the
present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an example method of
transmitting sensor data from a personal monitoring device
according to the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an example method of
receiving and processing data sensor data at a server from a
personal monitoring device in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an example method of
low power operation of a personal monitoring in accordance with the
present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating an example method of
operating a server in conjunction with a personal monitoring
device;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating an example method of
processing a request for sensor data from a remote computing
device; and
[0022] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a computing system that may be
used to implement aspects of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The present disclosure is directed to methods, systems, and
devices for personal monitoring. Among other things,
implementations of the present disclosure include a personal
monitoring device in communication with a server system that
receives and processes sensor data (such as, but not limited to,
location and acceleration data) from the personal monitoring
device. The server system is also accessible by a remote computing
device (such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer) such
that a user of the remote computing device can, among other things,
access and evaluate the sensor data provided by the personal
monitoring device or be alerted when the sensor data provided by
the personal monitoring device indicates the occurrence of certain
events.
[0024] Although a wide range of example applications are discussed
herein, in one specific example, the personal monitoring device may
be provided to a child such that the personal monitoring device
periodically provides the location of the child to the server
system. A parent operating the remote computing device can
subsequently access the location data to determine the location of
their child. In such implementations, the server system may also be
configured to transmit an alert or other notification to the remote
computing device in the event the child exits a defined area, is
within proximity of a particular location, or otherwise meets a
location-related criteria. In another example implementation, the
personal monitoring device may be used by an elderly person and
configured to transmit acceleration and location data when an
accelerometer of the personal monitoring device measures
acceleration above a threshold indicative of a fall. In such
implementations, the personal monitoring device and server system
may automatically initiate a call to an emergency contact or
emergency service, automatically transmit a notification to the
remote computing device, or take other similar steps to initiate
assistance for the user of the personal monitoring device.
[0025] In implementations of the present disclosure, the personal
monitoring device is generally configured to have relatively simple
and limited functionality. For example, while the personal
monitoring device may measure and store sensor data, processing of
the sensor data to determine whether monitoring conditions (e.g.,
leaving a geographic area, a fall, etc.) have been met is generally
handled by the server system. Moreover, personal monitoring devices
in accordance with the present disclosure may also include
functionality to modify sensor sampling rates or to operate in
low-power modes in order to preserve battery charge.
[0026] The foregoing aspects of the present disclosure, among
others, are now provided in further detail with reference to the
figures.
A. System Overview
[0027] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a network environment
100 for implementing aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in
FIG. 1, the network environment 100 includes a personal monitoring
device 102 in communication with a server system 104 over a network
108. The network environment 100 further includes a remote device
106 in communication with the server system 104 over a network 110,
and an external computer system 116 in communication with the
server system 104 over a network 112. The server system 104 may
also include or be in communication with one or more data sources,
such as data store 118.
[0028] For simplicity, the network environment 100 of FIG. 1 is
illustrated as including a single instance of each environmental
element. However, it should be appreciated that the network
environment 100 is intended merely as a basic example to illustrate
aspects of the present disclosure. More generally, network
environments in accordance with the present disclosure may include
one or more of any of the network elements illustrated in FIG. 1.
So, for example, implementations of the present disclosure may
connect any number of personal monitoring devices 102 to any number
of remote computing devices 106 via any number of server systems
104. Moreover, while illustrated as individual blocks, each element
may instead be distributed over multiple systems or devices. For
example, each of the server system 104 and the data store 118 may
be distributed across multiple computing devices or systems, such
as in a cloud computing environment.
[0029] Personal monitoring device 102 is generally a wearable or
otherwise portable computing device including one or more sensors
including, for example and without limitation, location-based
sensors, movement-based sensors, environmental sensors, and the
like. During operation, the personal monitoring device 102 collects
data from its onboard sensors and transmits the sensor data to the
server system 104. In certain implementations, the personal
monitoring device 102 may be a device intended to be worn or
carried by a child, elderly person, or other individual who, due to
age, mental state, or other condition, may require periodic or
constant monitoring.
[0030] The server system 104 in turn processes and stores the data,
such as in data store 118. As described herein in further detail,
processing the sensor data received from the personal monitoring
device 102 includes may include a wide range of functions. Among
other things, processing the sensor data may include determining
whether the personal monitoring device 102 is within or outside of
particular location or environment or whether movement data from
the personal monitoring device 102 indicates that a user may have
fallen, been struck by a vehicle, etc. In response, the server
system 104 may, among other things and without limitation, transmit
reconfiguration messages to the personal monitoring device 102,
transmit alerts or notifications to the remote computing device
106, or perform similar responsive actions.
[0031] The server system 104 may also provide access to the
collected sensor data regardless of whether a reportable event has
occurred. For example, a parent, guardian, or similar user may
access data collected by the server system using the remote
computing device 106. The remote computing device 106 may be a
smart phone, laptop, tablet, desktop computer, or any other similar
computing device and may access the data on the server system 104
using an application, program, web browser, etc. executed on the
remote computing device 106. In some implementations, the server
system 104 may generate and provide graphs, tables, maps, or other
representations of the collected sensor data for presentation on
the remote computing device 106.
[0032] In addition to presenting collected sensor data, the remote
computing device 106 may be used to communicate with the server
system 104 to configure or otherwise establish rules and
corresponding actions to be taken by the server system 104. Each
rule may generally include one or more conditions related to
location, environment, or other parameter measurable by the
personal monitoring device 102. When the one or more conditions are
met, the server system 104 may then execute an action such as, but
not limited to, generating and transmitting an alert or
notification to the personal monitoring device 102 and/or the
remote computing device 106, initiating a call or communication
link between the personal monitoring device 102 and/or the remote
computing device 106, transmitting an alert or notification to a
third-party (e.g., a caretaker, teacher, healthcare professional,
or similar individual), transmitting a message to the personal
monitoring device 102 to modify operation of the personal
monitoring device 102, or other similar actions. Specific but
non-limiting examples of such functionality are provided
herein.
[0033] To facilitate the various functions provided by the server
system 104, the server system 104 may access or otherwise
communicate with one or more external computer systems 116. Such
computing systems may include, without limitation,
mapping/geolocations systems (e.g., for accessing map information
over which collected sensor data may be overlaid), weather data
systems (e.g., to access various air quality metrics), payment
systems, communication systems, social media systems, ride sharing
systems, etc.
[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 1, each of the personal monitoring
device 102, the remote computing device 106, and the external
computer system 116 is communicatively coupled to the server system
104 by a respective network 108, 110, 112. Although illustrated as
separate networks, the networks 108, 110, and 112 may instead
correspond to a single, broader network, such as the Internet. More
generally, the networks 108, 110, and 112 represent any suitable
communication connection to the server system 104. Similarly, each
network 108, 110, 112 may use any suitable communication medium or
protocol and, in particular, may be implemented using wired,
wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless connections.
[0035] The personal monitoring device 102 is also illustrated as
being connected to the remote computing device 106 by a network
114. Similar to the networks 108-112, the network 114 may be any
suitable network using any suitable communication protocol.
Nevertheless, in at least certain implementations, the network 114
may be a cellular network that enables cellular communication
between the personal monitoring device 102 and the remote computing
device 106.
[0036] In certain implementations, any of the personal monitoring
device 102, the server system 104, and the remote computing device
106 may store and maintain information and data for a particular
user of the personal monitoring device 102 over time. Such data may
include data collected from the personal monitoring device 102, but
also additional personal and health information provided by users
of the personal monitoring device 102, users of the remote
computing device 106 or other individuals, such as doctors or
similar medical professionals. As such data is collected it may be
analyzed to generate various statistics and trends for a given
user. For example and without limitation, such statistics may
include the amount of time a user has spent in particular
environmental conditions and the total exposure of the user to
various pollutants/particles over time. Based on such information,
alerts or warnings may be generated and transmitted to the user of
the personal monitoring device 102 or individuals associated with
the user.
B. Example Personal Monitoring Device
[0037] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example
implementation of the personal monitoring device 102. As
illustrated, the personal monitoring device 102 includes one or
more processors 202, one or more memories 204, and other similar
computing components. During operation, the processor 202 executes
instructions stored in the memory 204 to control the other
components and to process data, as described below in further
detail.
[0038] The personal monitoring device 102 includes a location
sensor 206 for measuring a position of the personal monitoring
device 102 and, by extension, a location of a user of the personal
monitoring device 102. In one implementation, the location sensor
206 may be a global positioning system (GPS) unit configured to
periodically measure the current position of the personal
monitoring device 102. The location sensor 206 may be further
configured to provide additional information based on the collected
position information. For example and without limitation, such
information may include speed information (e.g., current speed,
average speed) and distance information (e.g., total distance
travelled, distance travelled from a waypoint or similar
location).
[0039] The personal monitoring device 102 may also include one or
more other sensors, collectively indicated in FIG. 2 as a sensor(s)
208, for measuring other conditions associated with the personal
monitoring device 102. For example and without limitation, the
sensor 208 may be configured to measure conditions of the
environment (e.g., temperature, air quality, etc.) within which the
personal monitoring device 102 is disposed or physical changes to
the personal monitoring device 102 (e.g., movement, acceleration,
etc.).
[0040] In one specific implementation, the sensor 208 may include
one or more sensors directed to measuring air quality. Such
implementations may be useful to monitor individuals with various
health-related conditions that may be triggered or exacerbated by
poor air quality including, for example and without limitation,
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a suppressed or
otherwise compromised immune system, air-borne allergies, asthma,
and the like. Example air quality-related sensors that may be used
in implementations of the present disclosure include, without
limitation, one or more of a PM2.5 (or other particulate) sensor, a
temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, and any
of a number of chemical sensors. Examples of such chemical sensors
include, without limitation, sensors for measuring one or more of
volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen
oxides (NOx), hydrogen sulfide (H.sub.2S), and other chemicals that
may be indicative of air quality.
[0041] In addition to or instead of air quality-related sensors,
the sensor 208 may also include other environmental sensors, such
as light sensors/photodetectors and/or one or more sensors adapted
to measure movement of the personal monitoring device. Such sensors
may include, for example, one or more of an accelerometer and a
gyroscope. The movement sensors may be configured to generally
track and facilitate recording movement of the personal monitoring
device 102 and, as a result, may be used to interpret and analyze
movement of the user of the personal monitoring device 102.
[0042] The personal monitoring device 102 may also include at least
one communications unit 210 to facilitate communication between the
personal monitoring device 102 and one or more external devices.
While the communications unit 210 generally facilitates
communication with the server system 104, the communications unit
210 may also facilitate communication with various other external
devices including, without limitation, one or more of another
instance of the personal monitoring device; one or more wearable
sensors; a laptop, tablet, smart phone or other computing device
(including the remote computing device 106); a cellular
communications system; or any other device that supports such
communication. The communications unit 210 may be configured to
communicate and support one or more communication protocols. Such
protocols may include, without limitation, one or more of
Bluetooth.RTM. (including Bluetooth.RTM. Low-Energy), Wi-Fi,
cellular (e.g., 3G or 4G cellular), near-field communication (NFC),
or any other similar communication protocols. It should also be
noted that while described primarily herein as being capable of
wireless communication, the communications unit 210 may further
include one or more ports to support wired communication, such as a
universal serial bus (USB) connection.
[0043] The personal monitoring device 102 may further include one
or more input/output (I/O) units 212 to facilitate interaction with
a user of the personal monitoring device 102. With respect to
inputs received from the user, such inputs are processed by the
processor 202 and used to initiate execution of instructions stored
in the memory 204 or to otherwise control operation of the personal
monitoring device 102. In one example implementation, the I/O unit
212 may include physical buttons and/or "virtual" buttons (e.g.,
buttons or icons presented on a display of the personal monitoring
device102). In the latter case, the I/O unit 212 may include, at
least in part, a touchscreen and, as a result, may be at least
partially integrated with aspects of an output or display device
(not shown) of the personal monitoring device 102. In other
implementations, the input devices may additionally or
alternatively include various other input mechanisms including,
without limitation, one or more of a microphone, a switch, a rotary
dial, or any other similar input mechanism.
[0044] The I/O unit 212 may include a display configured to display
information to a user of the personal monitoring device 102. In
certain implementations, the display may include a liquid crystal
display (LCD) or light-emitting diode (LED) screen that may be
controlled or otherwise receive instructions from the processor 202
to display different information and data. Such data and
information may include, among other things, current readings from
one or more sensors of the sensor module, menus to navigate the
various features of the personal monitoring device, time and date
information, context-specific graphics and animations, and any
other data available to or otherwise presentable by the personal
monitoring device.
[0045] The I/O unit 212 may also include various output devices to
facilitate various forms of output to a user in response to
instructions from the processor 202. For example and without
limitation, output devices of the personal monitoring device 102
may include a speaker through which audible tones may be played to
alert or otherwise notify a user of various events or a vibration
motor or similar haptic device to generate vibrations or other
haptic outputs in response to various events. To facilitate the
operation of such output devices, the I/O unit 212 may further
include other electronic components, such as but not limited to
digital-to-analog converters, to convert digital signals from the
processor 202 to analog outputs of the output devices.
[0046] The personal monitoring device 102 further includes a power
system 214 that generally provides power to the processor 202 and
other components of the personal monitoring device 102.
[0047] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the
power system 214 in further detail. In general, the power system
214 may include a battery 306 or other power source and associated
circuitry for managing charging and discharging of the battery to
power components of the personal monitoring device 102. While
various batteries types may be used, in at least certain
implementations, the battery 306 is a rechargeable lithium ion
(Li-ion) battery. Functionality of the power system 214 may
generally be controlled by a power controller 302 in communication
with the processor 202 of the personal monitoring device 102.
However, in certain implementations, functionality of the power
controller 302 may be performed by the processor 202 directly.
[0048] The power system 214 further includes a battery
charger/discharger 304 adapted to monitor and control both charging
of the battery 306 and distribution of power from the battery 306
to various components of the personal monitoring device 102. The
battery charger/discharger 304 may facilitate charging of the
personal monitoring device 102 in various ways. For example, in
certain implementations, charging may be performed by plugging the
personal monitoring device 102 into a wall outlet, computing
device, or other power source. In other implementations, the
personal monitoring device 102 may be charged by, among other
things, inserting the personal monitoring device 102 into a docking
station that in turn is plugged in to a power source, by inductive
or other wireless charging methods, by a kinetic self-charging
system that charges the battery 306 in response to movement of the
personal monitoring device 102, or by solar cells (not shown)
incorporated into the personal monitoring device 102. It should be
appreciated that any of the foregoing charging methods may be used
alone or in combination to provide power to the personal monitoring
device 102.
[0049] As further illustrated in FIG. 3, the power system 214 may
further include various components for modifying the power provided
by the battery 306 via the battery charger/discharger 304. Although
other arrangements are possible, the example of FIG. 3 includes
circuitry for providing power at three separate voltages (1.8V,
3.3V and 5.0V) to accommodate various components of the personal
monitoring device 102. More specifically, the power system 214
includes a regulator 308 for providing 3.3V and each of a buck
converter 310 and a boost converter 312 for providing 1.8V and
5.0V, respectively.
[0050] Implementations of the present disclosure may include
various features and functionality to balance battery life and
functionality of the personal monitoring device 102. In general,
such power management features include power management modes
executable by the processor 202 of the personal monitoring device
102 to selectively activate and deactivate various components of
the personal monitoring device 102 and/or to modify operation of
the personal monitoring device 102 and its components to conserver
power.
[0051] The personal monitoring device 102 may be configured to
operate and transition between one or more power modes, each of
which may correspond to a different level of functionality and
power consumption (e.g., a "high" or "normal power mode" and one or
more "low" or modified power modes). In certain implementations of
the present disclosure, such power management techniques may be
used to extend the charge of the battery 306 of the personal
monitoring device 102 such that the personal monitoring device 102
may operate in a low or reduced power mode for a month or longer on
a single charge.
[0052] Various components of the personal monitoring device 102 may
generate heat and/or be impacted by the heat generated by other
devices. Accordingly, the components of the personal monitoring
device 102 may be arranged specifically to effectively manage heat
flow. In one example, the personal monitoring device 102 may
include one or more heat sinks or similar heat transfer elements to
passively direct heat away from the internal components of the
personal monitoring device 102. Such heat transfer elements may
extend, at least in part, to an exterior surface of the personal
monitoring device 102 to facilitate heat removal to the surrounding
environment.
[0053] As another example, a temperature sensor (or other sensors
that may be affected by heat generated by other components of the
personal monitoring device 102) may be specifically located
relative to other heat generating components. For example, the
temperature sensor may be located on an outer edge of the personal
monitoring device 102 opposite other heat generating components of
the personal monitoring device 102. In other implementations,
heat-sensitive sensors may be embedded in thermal insulation to
thermally isolate such sensors from heat sources of the personal
monitoring device 102.
[0054] Power management techniques according to the present
disclosure may include, without limitation, modifying operation of
sensors and other components of the personal monitoring device 102
based on their respective power consumption. For a sensor of the
personal monitoring device 102, modifying the operation of the
sensor may include, among other things, modifying a sampling rate
of the sensor, activating or deactivating the sensor, modifying how
frequently data is retrieved from the sensor, and the like. For
communication-related components of the personal monitoring device
102 (such as those discussed above in the context of the
communication unit 210), modifying operation may include, among
other things, changing the frequency with which data is transmitted
using a particular communication method or selectively
enabling/disabling particular communication components (e.g., a
cell chip). The operation of still other components of the personal
monitoring device 102 may also be modified to conserve power. For
example, the operation of a display of the personal monitoring
device 102 may be modified by, among other things, controlling the
frequency with which the display is used, the brightness/intensity
of the display, and the duration for which the display is
illuminated in response to an input received from the user. In
certain modes, activation of the display may require input (e.g., a
button press, swipe of the display, voice activation, facial
recognition, or similar activity) to activate the display. The
foregoing are simply examples of ways in which operation of
components of the personal monitoring device 102 may be modified to
conserve power and should be viewed as non-limiting examples.
[0055] In one example power management approach, the personal
monitoring device 102 may automatically vary the rate at which
samples are collected based on the movement speed of the personal
monitoring device 102. To do so, the processor 202 may receive
information from one or more of an accelerometer (other movement
sensor) or a GPS unit (or similar location sensor) and determine to
determine the movement speed of the user. The processor 202 may
then scale the sampling rate of one or more of the sensors based on
the speed of the user. As a result, the sensors operate at a
relatively low sampling rate when the user is stationary or
relatively stationary. As the user's movement increases, the user
may be transitioning between environments more rapidly. To ensure
that changes between such environments are properly captured, the
sampling rate may be increased. In a similar method of power
management, the personal monitoring device may enter a sleep or
standby mode if the personal monitoring device 102 has not been
moved or if movement of the personal monitoring device 102 is below
a movement threshold for a particular amount of time. For example,
if the personal monitoring device 102 has not been moved for
approximately 5 minutes (or any other suitable time period), the
processor 202 may automatically enter into a sleep/standby mode in
which sampling for one or more sensors of the personal monitoring
device 102 is significantly reduced (e.g., every 5 minutes or
longer).
[0056] It should also be appreciated that different sensors may be
managed differently depending on their relative power consumption
characteristics. So, for example, relatively low power consumption
sensors (such as barometric pressure sensors, CO sensors,
temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and accelerometers) may be
configured to operate at all times in a particular mode. In
contrast, relatively high power consumption components (e.g., PM2.5
sensors, GPS sensors, and VOC sensors) may be configured to
selective operate based on the current power mode or other factors.
For example, such high power consumption sensors may collect data
every ten minutes while stationary but increase sampling to every
30 seconds or more frequently when the personal monitoring device
102 is in motion.
[0057] Regarding communication, different methods of communication
supported by the personal monitoring device 102 may be selectively
activated and deactivated to control power consumption. In one
example implementation, one or more communication units may be
activated only if contacted by/paired with another device. For
example, the personal monitoring device 102 may be configured to
communicate and transmit data to a smart phone or similar computing
device via an app or other software. While the personal monitoring
device 102 may "listen" for pairing requests from such computing
devices, the personal monitoring device 102 may only fully activate
the corresponding communication unit/functionality in response to
receiving such a request. In other implementations, certain
communication units/functionality may only be activated in response
to direct activation/deactivation commands from the user.
C. Example Personal Monitoring Device Form Factors and Features
[0058] FIGS. 4-7C illustrate different, non-limiting examples of
personal monitoring devices in accordance with the present
disclosure. Although each example device may be discussed as having
a certain form factor and/or feature set, such device
characteristics are provided merely as examples and, as a result,
implementations of personal monitoring devices in accordance with
the present disclosure are not to be limited to the specific
example devices illustrated in FIGS. 4-7C and discussed below.
[0059] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a first personal monitoring
device 400 in accordance with the present disclosure. Although
other form factors are possible, the personal monitoring device 400
is generally in the form of a wearable dongle or similar device
that may easily worn by a user or attached to an accessory of the
user. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the personal
monitoring device 400 has a substantially square profile having a
diagonal dimension of about 3 inches or less and a thickness of
approximately 1 inch or less. It should be appreciated that the
shapes and dimensions discussed herein are provided merely as an
example and other configurations are possible and fully
contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0060] The personal monitoring device 400 includes a housing 402
containing the various components of the personal monitoring device
400. Among other things, the housing 402 couples to and supports a
display 404. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the display 404 may occupy
substantially one full side of the housing 402. As further
illustrated, the housing 402 may define at least one opening 406 to
permit air to enter the personal monitoring device 400. As noted
above, such air may then be sampled and analyzed by various sensors
disposed within the personal monitoring device 400. The analysis by
the sensors may be used for various purposes including, without
limitation, providing air quality metrics to a user of the personal
monitoring device 400, logging and/or mapping of air quality within
a particular location, monitoring environmental conditions that may
be potentially harmful to the user, and the like. The housing 402
may further define various other openings and voids for other
purposes. For example and without limitation, such openings may
include ports for charging and/or transmitting data to or from the
personal monitoring device 400, cavities for housing various
sensors (e.g., photoelectric sensors or temperature sensors), and
vents for facilitating air flow through the personal monitoring
device 400 to aid in heat transfer and cooling of device
components.
[0061] The personal monitoring device 400 may include a loop or
similar attachment feature 408 for coupling the personal monitoring
device 400 to another item or surface. For example, the attachment
feature 408 may be adapted to receive a string, strap, clip, or
similar feature of a piece of clothing or an accessory such that
the personal monitoring device 400 may be worn or otherwise made
easily portable. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the attachment feature
408 may be an integral loop formed into the housing 402 of the
personal monitoring device 400. In other implementations, the
attachment feature 408 may be selectively removable from the
housing 402. In still other implementations, the attachment feature
408 may be a structural element on a face of the personal
monitoring device 400, such as a groove or protrusion, configured
to be received by a mating structural element of an item or
surface.
[0062] The personal monitoring device 400 may generally be designed
to withstand various environmental conditions and to meet various
performance metrics. Without limitation, the personal monitoring
device 400 may be designed to meet various metrics regarding water
resistance/water proofing, corrosion resistance, ultraviolet light
resistance, heat/cold resistance, drop/impact resistance, ingress
protection, and the like. Various techniques may be used to meet
such requirements including, without limitation, applying one or
more coatings to portions of the personal monitoring device 400,
insulating and/or sealing portions of the personal monitoring
device 400, including filtration elements within the personal
monitoring device 400, and the like.
[0063] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate another example personal
monitoring device 500 in the form of a key fob or similarly sized
device. The personal monitoring device 500 is intended to
illustrate a basic feature set that may be used in conjunction with
systems according to the present disclosure. The personal
monitoring device 500, similar to the personal monitoring device
400 of FIG. 4, may be configured to be readily attached to a key
ring, backpack, or similar article for easy access.
[0064] Although the form and features of the personal monitoring
device 500 may vary, the personal monitoring device 500 may be
relatively small (e.g., approximately 2.5 inches by approximately 1
inch by approximately 0.75 inches) and may include a durable,
waterproof housing 502. Although illustrated as having an integral
loop as an attachment feature 504, the personal monitoring device
500 may include any suitable mechanism for attaching the personal
monitoring device 500 to an article of clothing or accessory.
[0065] Similar to other personal monitoring devices discussed
herein, the personal monitoring device 500 is designed to collect
and transmit location, movement, and/or environmental data to a
server (e.g., server system 104 of FIG. 1) and to facilitate
two-way communication with one or more users of remote computing
devices (e.g., remote computing device 106 of FIG. 1), such as a
smart phone or similar computing device of a parent or guardian. To
facilitate such functionality, the personal monitoring device 500
may include one or more sensor units for measuring location (e.g.,
a GPS module), movement (e.g., an accelerometer), and/or
environmental conditions (e.g., an air quality sensor and/or a
thermometer); one or more communication units (e.g., a 4G module);
and suitable electronics for powering and controlling such
units.
[0066] Regarding construction, the personal monitoring device 500
may be made from metal, plastic, or any other suitable material.
The personal monitoring device 500 is preferably made of a material
that is sufficiently durable to withstand both the regular forces
and impacts associated with a user wearing the personal monitoring
device 500, but also abnormal impacts that may arise in an
accident/collision or similar situation. The personal monitoring
device 500 is also preferably made from a material that is
substantially resistant to wear, corrosion, or similar degradation
(e.g., ultraviolet degradation), and is preferably waterproof to
further protect internal components from damage.
[0067] To further protect the personal monitoring device 500 from
ingress of moisture or other chemicals, the personal monitoring
device 500 be entirely self-contained and lack any ports or similar
access points. In such implementations, communication with the
personal monitoring device 500 may be entirely wireless. Similarly,
the personal monitoring device 500 may include a wireless (e.g.,
inductive) charging unit (including, e.g., a wireless charging
plate 518, as shown in FIG. 5B) to enable charging of the personal
monitoring device 500 without relying on a port or similar opening
that may permit ingress of fluid or other matter.
[0068] Although the specific buttons/inputs included in the
personal monitoring device 500 may vary, the specific
implementation illustrated in FIGs. SAand 5B includes two call
buttons 506, 508, labelled "L1" and "L2", respectively. The call
buttons 506, 508 may each be programmed or otherwise configured to
automatically dial a specific phone number, such as the phone
number of a parent or emergency contact, in response to being
pressed. In other words, the personal monitoring device 500 may
include preprogrammed phone numbers associated with each of the
call buttons 506, 508 such that when pressed, the personal
monitoring device 500 dials the preprogrammed number to initiate a
call (e.g., using an internal communications module implementing
4G, cellular, Wi-Fi or other communications). As illustrated, the
personal monitoring device 500 may also include a speaker and
microphone 510 and associated volume buttons 512, 514 for
facilitating communication when a call is established. In certain
implementations, the speaker and microphone 510 may be covered with
a hydrophobic mesh (not shown, or otherwise include a similar form
of waterproofing), thereby maintaining ingress protection for the
personal monitoring device 500.
[0069] As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the personal monitoring device
500 may also include an emergency call button 516. Similar to the
call buttons 506, 508, the emergency call button 516 may cause the
personal monitoring device 500 to automatically dial and establish
a call with a preprogrammed phone number; however, the emergency
call button 516 may be specifically configured to dial a phone
number associated with emergency services (e.g., 9-1-1), a
third-party dispatch and monitoring service, or similar
services.
[0070] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a third example personal
monitoring device 600, which has a form factor of an electronic
reader or similar device. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the personal
monitoring device 600 includes a housing 602, a display 604, an
input pad 606, speakers 608A, 608B, and a microphone 610. As
further illustrated in FIG. 6B, the personal monitoring device 600
further includes an emergency call button 612, a wireless charging
pad 614, and vents 616.
[0071] Although the specific form and dimensions of the personal
monitoring device 600 may vary, in at least certain
implementations, the housing 602 may be relatively thin (e.g., less
than about 0.25 inches) such that it can be readily stored in in a
wallet, purse, binder, backpack, or similar item.
[0072] To improve overall battery life, in at least some
implementations, the display 604 may be a low power display, such
as an electronic ink display.
[0073] The input pad 606 may be a touchpad or similar input device
for controlling and providing input to the personal monitoring
device 600. In certain implementations, the input pad 606 may be
replaced or supplemented by other input devices such as, but not
limited to, one or more buttons, directional pads, scroll wheels,
or similar input devices. The personal monitoring device 600 may
also include additional buttons disposed elsewhere on the housing
602 to provide additional functionality. For example and without
limitation, such functionality may include dialing predefined phone
numbers (similar to the call buttons 506, 508 of the personal
monitoring device 500 of FIGS. 5A and 5B), controlling volume of
the personal monitoring device 600, or performing similar
functions. As illustrated in FIG. 6B, the personal monitoring
device 600 may also include a dedicated emergency call button 612,
similar to the emergency call button 516 of the personal monitoring
device 500 of FIGS. 5A and 5B.
[0074] Similar to the personal monitoring device 500 of FIGS. 5A
and 5B, the personal monitoring device may include one or more
speakers 608A, 608B and a microphone 610 for facilitating
voice-based communication, such as with a remote computing device.
The speakers 608A, 608B and microphone 610 may also be used as
alternative or additional output and input devices for receiving
information from and providing input to the personal monitoring
device 600. For example and among other things, the speakers 608A,
608B may be used to provide audio signals or alerts to a user in
response to a change in the user's location, a change in the user's
environment, or other similar event. As another example, the
microphone 610
[0075] As illustrated in FIG. 6B, the personal monitoring device
600 may include one or more vents 616 to facilitate airflow within
the housing 602. Such airflow may be used, for example, to provide
air to be sampled and analyzed by one or more air quality sensors
(not shown) disposed within the housing 602. The vents 616 may also
be arranged and configured to facilitate cooling and ventilation of
heat-generating components within the housing 602.
[0076] FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate a fourth example personal monitoring
device 700 having a form factor akin to a smartphone or similar
mobile device. As illustrated in FIG. 7A, which is a front view of
the personal monitoring device 700, the personal monitoring device
700 may include a housing 702 supporting a display 704, which may
be a touchscreen display. The personal monitoring device 700 may
further include additional physical buttons to enable input to the
personal monitoring device 700. For example and without limitation,
the personal monitoring device 700 includes a "home" button 706
that may be used for various purposes including returning to a main
menu of a user interface executed by the personal monitoring device
700. As shown in FIG. 7C, which is a rear view of the personal
monitoring device 700, the personal monitoring device 700 may also
include an emergency call button 708 and a wireless charging plate
710, similar to those of the previously discussed example devices.
Although not illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7C, the personal monitoring
device 700 may further include one or more speakers and a
microphone for facilitate audio input and output. Referring to FIG.
7B, which is a side view of the personal monitoring device 700, the
personal monitoring device 700 may include vents or similar
openings 712 to facilitate air exchange between the surrounding
environment and an internal volume of the personal monitoring
device 700. As previously discussed the openings 712 may be used to
facilitate sampling by air quality sensors and/or to facilitate
cooling of internal components of the personal monitoring device
700.
[0077] In addition to the foregoing features and functions
described in the context of FIGS. 4-7C, personal monitoring devices
in accordance with the present disclosure may also include or
support other features and functions. Such features and functions
may include, without limitation, GPS navigation, generation and
transmission of preset text-based messages (e.g., SMS messages,
emails, etc.), alarm clock functionality, storage and editing of
contact lists, and blocking of messages and calls received from
device or numbers not included in a contact list, or any other
features and functions described herein.
D. Variable Sampling Rate and Power Conservation Functions
[0078] In certain implementations of the present disclosure, the
personal monitoring device 102 may have a variable rate at which
sensor data is sampled and provided to the server system 104. Among
other things, a variable rate may be useful in conserving power and
extending battery life of the personal monitoring device 102. For
example, while the personal monitoring device 102 is within a
defined environment, the personal monitoring device 102 may be
configured to sample and transmit sensor data at a first sample
rate. However, if the personal monitoring device 102 exits the
defined environment, the sampling rate may be automatically changed
to a second sampling rate such that the personal monitoring device
102 reports sensor data more frequently.
[0079] In general, control of the sampling rate of the personal
monitoring device 102 is based, at least in part, on communications
received from the server system 104 in response to sensor data
provided by the personal monitoring device 102. In one specific
example, the personal monitoring device 102 may transmit location
data to the server system 104 at a first sampling rate. The server
system 104 then analyzes the location data to determine if one or
more location-based conditions are met. Such conditions may
include, among other things and without limitation, the location
data indicating that the personal monitoring device 102 is
within/outside of a defined area, within/outside of a defined
proximity to a geographic area or feature, within/outside of a
defined proximity relative to another computing device or person,
and the like. In response to determining the location-based
condition is met, the server system 104 may then transmit a
reconfiguration message to the personal monitoring device 102 that
causes the personal monitoring device 102 to begin sampling at a
second sampling rate different than the first sampling rate. So,
for example, while a child user of the personal monitoring device
102 is on school property, the personal monitoring device 102 may
have a first, relatively low sampling rate (e.g., once every ten
minutes). However, if the personal monitoring device 102 is
subsequently moved off of school property, the personal monitoring
device 102 may have a second, higher sampling rate to permit closer
monitoring of the child's movement.
[0080] The foregoing process is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, which
provide methods 800, 900 for implementing variable sampling rates
from the perspective of the personal monitoring device 102 and the
server system 104, respectively.
[0081] Referring first to FIG. 8, the personal monitoring device
102 begins operation at a first sampling rate. To do so, the
personal monitoring device 102 samples sensor data from one or more
sensor of the personal monitoring device 102 (operation 802) and
transmits the sampled sensor data to the server system 104
(operation 804). The personal monitoring device 102 may then
periodically check if a reconfiguration message has been received
from the server system 104 (operation 806). If a reconfiguration
message has not been received, the personal monitoring device 102
continues to provide sensor data at the current sampling rate
(operations 802, 804). If, on the other hand, a reconfiguration
message has been received, the personal monitoring device 102
updates its sampling rate according to the reconfiguration message
(operation 808) before continuing to sample and provide sensor data
to the server system 104 at the updated sampling rate. Notably,
while illustrated in FIG. 8 as occurring after transmission of
sensor data to the server system 104, the operation of checking for
reconfiguration messages (operation 806) and updating the sampling
settings of the personal monitoring device 102 (operation 808) may
also occur in parallel with or as a separate routine from general
sampling and transmission by the personal monitoring device
102.
[0082] Referring now to the method 900 of FIG. 9, the server system
104 receives sensor data from the personal monitoring device 102
(operation 902). The server system 104 then determines whether the
received sensor data meets a condition for reconfiguring the
personal monitoring device 102 by changing a sample rate of the
personal monitoring device 102 (operation 904). If not, the server
system 104 continues to receive and process sensor data form the
personal monitoring device 102 at the current sampling rate. If the
sample rate change condition is met, however, the server system 104
transmits a reconfiguration message to the personal monitoring
device 102 including an indication of a new sampling rate
(operation 906). When received by the personal monitoring device
102, the reconfiguration message causes the personal monitoring
device 102 to updates its current configuration to begin sampling
sensor data at the rate specified in the reconfiguration
message.
[0083] In certain implementations, the sensor data provided by the
personal monitoring device 102 (e.g., in operations 802 and 804 of
FIG. 8) and received and analyzed by the server system 104 (e.g.,
in operations 902 and 904) can be any sensor data that may be
collected by sensors of the personal monitoring device 102 and may
include sensor data from one or more sensors of the personal
monitoring device 102. The sensors from which the sensor data is
obtained may include, without limitation, location-based sensors or
location-based sensor systems (e.g., a GPS systems), motion-based
sensors (e.g., an accelerometer), environmental sensors (e.g., a
thermometer or an air quality sensors), or any other sensor that
may be included in the personal monitoring device 102. In
implementations in which sensor data is collected from multiple
sensors, the personal monitoring device 102 may sample each sensor
or groups of sensors at different sampling rates. In such
implementations, each sampling rate may be independently modified
or configurable by messages received from the server system
104.
[0084] In certain implementations, the sensor data provided to the
server system 104 may correspond to the sensor for which the server
system 104 reconfigures the sampling rate. For example, the server
system 104 may receive location data from the personal monitoring
device 102 at a first sampling rate and the server system 104 may
transmit a reconfiguration message to the personal monitoring
device 102 to provide location data at a second sampling rate.
However, in other implementations, the type of sensor data received
and processed by the server system 104 may be different than the
type of sensor data for which the sampling rate is modified by the
server system 104. For example, the sensor data collected and
processed by the server system 104 may include environmental (e.g.,
air quality) or movement (e.g., acceleration) data. Although the
server system 104 may decide to update sampling rates based on the
environmental or movement data, the updated sampling rate may be
that of a location sensor. In one example of such an
implementation, the server system 104 may determine when a user of
the personal monitoring device 102 enters an area with poor air
quality based on sensor data provided by an air quality sensor of
the personal monitoring device 102, but may then transmit a message
to the personal monitoring device 102 that increases a sampling
rate of a location sensor of the personal monitoring device
102.
[0085] It should also be noted that while the personal monitoring
device 102 may be configured to provide sensor data on a periodic
basis to the server system 104, the personal monitoring device 102
may further be configured to receive and process requests for
sensor data from the server system 104. As discussed below in the
context of FIG. 12, in at least certain implementations, such
requests may be in response to requests from a remote computing
device (such as the remote computing device 106) received by the
server system 104.
[0086] As noted above in operation 806 of method 800 and operation
906 of method 900, implementations of the present disclosure
include the exchange of reconfiguration messages between the server
system 104 and the personal monitoring device 102. In general and
among other things, reconfiguration messages sent by the server
system 104 cause the personal monitoring device 102 to modify a
sampling rate of the monitoring device 102. Reconfiguration
messages may be transmitted using any suitable communication
protocol and may have any suitable message format. In certain
implementations, the reconfiguration messages may include a
sampling rate indicator corresponding to the new sampling rate. The
sampling rate indicator may be a numerical value directly
corresponding to the new sampling rate, e.g., a number expressed in
a number of samples per minute or time between samples. As another
example, the value contained in the reconfiguration may be
correlated to a sampling rate. So, for example and without
limitation, a "1" may indicate a sampling rate of 10 seconds
between samples, a "2" may indicate a sampling rate of a minute
between samples, and a "3" may indicate a sampling rate of five
minutes between samples.
[0087] In implementations in which the personal monitoring device
102 includes multiple sensors, the reconfiguration message may also
include an indicator identifying the particular sensor or groups of
sensors to be reconfigured in response to the reconfiguration
message. For example, each sensor of the personal monitoring device
102 may be assigned an index (e.g., "1" for the location sensor,
"2" for the accelerometer, etc.). The reconfiguration message may
then include a first character indicating the sensor to be
reconfigured and a second character indicating how the sensor is to
be reconfigured. So, for example and using the foregoing example
indices, a message with content "23" would reconfigure the
accelerometer of the personal monitoring device 102 to provide data
at a rate of once per every five minutes.
[0088] The foregoing examples of reconfigurations messages are
merely intended to provide one example of reconfiguration messages
according to implementations of the present disclosure.
Nevertheless, the foregoing example is an efficient approach to
facilitating communication between the personal monitoring device
102 and the server system 104. More generally, however,
communication between the personal monitoring device 102 and the
server system 104 use any suitable message format, protocol,
communication medium, etc.
[0089] As noted above, in at least certain implementations, power
management of the personal monitoring device 102 may include
modifying the frequency with which data is transmitted from the
personal monitoring device 102 to the server system 104 and/or
whether the personal monitoring device 102 periodically transmits
data to the server system 104 or only transmits data in response to
a request from the server system 104.
[0090] An example of the latter approach is provided in FIGS. 10
and 11. More specifically, FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a
method 1000 for operating the personal monitoring device 102 in a
low power mode from the perspective of the personal monitoring
device 102. Similarly, FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a
method 1100 for operating the personal monitoring device 102 in a
low power mode from the perspective of the server system 104.
[0091] Referring first to FIG. 10, the personal monitoring device
102 begins in a normal operating mode. More specifically, the
personal monitoring device 102 samples sensor data at a current
sampling rate (operation 1002) and then transmits the collected
sensor data to the server system 104 for processing, storage,
analysis, etc. (operation 1004).
[0092] As the personal monitoring device 102 collects and transmits
the sensor data, it may generally monitor the remaining charge left
in a battery 306 (shown in FIG. 3) or similar energy storage device
of the personal monitoring device 102 to determine when the power
level drops below a particular threshold (operation 1006). Although
the specific threshold may vary, in at least certain
implementations, the personal monitoring device 102 may be
considered to have low power when the battery charge is below 50%,
below 40%, below 30%, below 25%, below 10%, or below any other
suitable threshold.
[0093] While the power level of the power source for the personal
monitoring device 102 remains above the low power level, the
personal monitoring device 102 may continue to collect and transmit
sensor data at the current sampling rate (e.g., by repeating
operations 1002 and 1004). When a low power condition is met,
however, the personal monitoring device 102 may transition into a
low power mode in which the personal monitoring device 102 stops
continuous transmission of sensor data to the server system 104 and
instead only provides sensor data upon request.
[0094] To do so, the personal monitoring device 102 may transmit a
"low power" notification to the server system 104 (operation 1008).
The low power notification generally indicates to the server system
104 that the personal monitoring device 102 will no longer be
transmitting sensor data to the server system 104 and that the
server system 104 must now submit requests to the personal
monitoring device 102 to receive sensor data from the personal
monitoring device 102.
[0095] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the personal monitoring device
102 may poll for or otherwise wait for data requests from the
server system 104 (operation 1010) and periodically check whether
the low power condition has been alleviated (operation 1014), such
as by charging of the personal monitoring device 102. If a data
request is received, the personal monitoring device 102 samples the
corresponding sensor data and transmits the sensor data to the
server system 104 (operation 1012). After responding to a request
from the server system 104, the personal monitoring device 102 may
revert to checking the device power condition (operation 1014) and
waiting/checking for requests from the server system (operation
1010). When the low power condition is alleviated, the personal
monitoring device 102 may transmit a corresponding notification to
the server system (operation 1016) before returning to normal
operation in which the personal monitoring device 102 periodically
samples and transmits sensor data to the server system 104 at the
current sampling rate.
[0096] FIG. 11 illustrates a similar method 1100 for low-power
operation of a personal monitoring device, such as the personal
monitoring device 102, from the perspective of a server system,
such as the server system 104 of FIG. 1.
[0097] The method 1100 first includes the server system 104
receiving a notification from the personal monitoring device 102
that the personal monitoring device 102 has entered into a low
power mode (operation 1102).
[0098] Subsequently, the server system 104 may determine whether
the server system 104 has received a request for sensor data from
the personal monitoring device 102 has been received (operation
1104). Such a request for sensor device may be received, for
example, from a remote computing device, such as the remote
computing device 106 of FIG. 1, or may be internally
generated/initiated by the server system 104. While waiting for a
request, the server system may also determine whether the server
system 104 has received a notification from the personal monitoring
device 102 indicating that normal operation of the personal
monitoring device 102 has been restored (e.g., due to the personal
monitoring device 102 being charged).
[0099] In response to receiving a request for sensor data, the
server system 104 may generated and transmit a request for the
sensor data to the personal monitoring device 102 (operation 1106).
The server system 104 may then receive the requested sensor data
from the personal monitoring device (operation 1108) and may then
store and/or transmit the received sensor data. For example, the
server system 104 may store the received sensor data in a data
source of the server system 104 or otherwise accessible to the
server system 104. In addition to or instead of storing the
received sensor data, the server system 104 may also transmit the
received sensor data to a remote computing device, such as the
remote computing device 106, which may or may not be the same
device from which a request is received in operation 1102.
[0100] The foregoing process may be repeated until a notification
is received indicating that personal monitoring device 102 has
exited the low power state and returned to normal operation
(operation 1112). More specifically, in response to receiving such
a notification, the server system 104 may similarly return to
normal operation (operation 1114), which, in certain
implementations may include the server system 104 receiving and
processing sensor data periodically provided by the personal
monitoring device, such as described above in the method 900 of
FIG. 9.
E. On-Demand Sensor Data Retrieval
[0101] As noted above, the server system 104 may be configured to
receive and process data requests from other computing devices,
such as the remote computing device 106. FIG. 12 illustrates an
example method 1200 directed to the processing of such requests.
The method 1200 begins by the server system 104 receiving a request
for data from the remote computing device 106 (operation 1202). In
response, the server system 104 generates and transmits a request
for the corresponding sensor data to the personal monitoring device
(operation 1204) and subsequently receives the requested data from
the personal monitoring device (operation 1206). The server system
104 may then transmit the requested data to the remote computing
device for presentation to a user of the remote computing device
(operation 1208).
[0102] In one specific implementation, a parent or similar user of
the remote computing device 106 may transmit a request to the
server system 104 for the current location and environmental
readings from a personal monitoring device 102 associated with a
child. Such a request may be submitted, for example, through an
app, portal, website, or other software executed on the remote
computing device 106. In response to the request, the server system
104 generates and transmits a second request message to the
personal monitoring device 102, which then provides the requested
location and environmental data to the server system 104. The
server system 104 then transmits the sensor data to the remote
computing device 106 for presentation to the user of the remote
computing device 106.
[0103] The method of FIG. 12 illustrates on-demand retrieval of
live sensor data from the personal monitoring device, however, in
at least certain implementations, the server system 104 may also be
configured to provide historical sensor data to the remote
computing device 106. In certain implementations, such sensor data
may include the actual data values collected by the server system
104 from the personal monitoring device 102; however, in other
implementations, the sensor data provided for presentation via the
remote computing device 106 may include a summary of historical
data.
[0104] Data may be presented via the remote computing device 106 in
any suitable manner. However, in at least one example
implementation, sensor data provided by the personal monitoring
device 102 may be displayed or otherwise overlaid on a map or
similar graphic indicating the location of the personal monitoring
device 102. Such a map or graphic may be displayed, for example, by
a user interface of an app, website, or program executed by the
remote computing device 106. To the extent the remote computing
device 106 is paired or associated with multiple personal
monitoring devices, similar indicators or graphics may also be
included for each personal monitoring device. In other
implementations, the sensor data may be presented in tabular,
graphical, or similar format that may include historical trends of
the sensor data.
F. Additional Features and Functionality
i. Environmental Mapping
[0105] In addition to the foregoing functionality, personal
monitoring devices according to the present disclosure may be used
to provide what is referred to herein as environmental mapping. In
general, environmental mapping refers to the process of correlating
location and sensor data to provide high-resolution maps including
or overlain with air quality or other similar environmental
information. For purposes of the following discussion, air quality
is used as an example of environmental conditions that may be
mapped, however, it should be appreciated that air quality is
provided merely as an example and other environmental conditions
may be mapped in a similar fashion.
[0106] To provide environmental mapping, a server or similar
central computing system (e.g., server system 104 of FIG. 1)
collects data from multiple personal monitoring devices (e.g.,
personal monitoring device 102 of FIG. 1) and, in particular,
sensor readings from environmental sensors of such devices that
further include location data. In addition to the data collected
from the personal monitoring devices, additional data from mapping,
weather, or other similar services (e.g., from external computing
system 116 of FIG. 1) may also be integrated into the system to
supplement the data collected from the personal monitoring
devices.
[0107] Based on the data collected by the server system, a data set
may be generated that correlates various air quality metrics with
geographic locations. Such a data set may then be used to generate
maps or other graphical representations of the air quality metrics.
For example, the data set may be used to generate one or more map
overlays that provide a heat-map or similar visualization of the
collected air quality data.
[0108] In one example application, the data set may be used to
provide a graphical user interface in which a dynamically navigable
map can be overlain with one or more of PM2.5, pollen, VOC, CO,
temperature, humidity, or other such information. A user of the
interface may selectively toggle one or more of the overlays to
visually display the corresponding metric. The user may also be
able to select a specific location or area and receive detailed
information regarding environmental conditions in the identified
location.
[0109] In certain cases, the data set may be accessible, such as
through a web service or one or more application programmer
interfaces (APIs), for integration into other mapping and
environmental applications. One example of such an application is a
real estate application or website. Such a website may access and
retrieve the environmental mapping data set to provide
environmental information for homes and neighborhoods to supplement
pricing, school, taxation, valuation, and similar information that
is conventionally.
ii. Advanced User Alerts and User Profiles
[0110] As previously discussed, implementations of the present
disclosure may include systems configured to generate and transmit
alerts in response to certain events measured by sensors of
personal monitoring devices. For example, in response to measuring
an environmental condition (e.g., pollutant levels), movement
(e.g., acceleration associated with a fall), or location that
indicates an emergency or potential emergency situation, a server
system in communication with the personal monitoring device and/or
the personal monitoring device itself may transmit alerts or
initiate calls with other remote systems and devices. More
generally, such alerting mechanisms include detecting an event or
environmental condition and, in response to identifying the event
of condition, performing a corresponding action.
[0111] In some implementations of the present disclosure, a
multi-level alert and notification mechanism may be implemented.
Such a system may include, for example, varying responses based on
a severity of an event or condition detected by the personal device
or server system. In certain implementations, the personal
monitoring device or server system may also be configured to
provide a range of responses that escalate unless the user of the
personal monitoring device demonstrates responsiveness by providing
an acknowledgement (e.g., by swiping or touching the screen of the
device, by issuing a voice command, by pressing a button, or by any
other suitable input to the device) within a corresponding time
period.
[0112] The thresholds used to identify potentially harmful
conditions or events and the corresponding responses may be
modified based on characteristics of the user of the personal
monitoring device. Such characteristics may be provided to or
otherwise made available to the personal monitoring device, such as
by a cloud-based storage system. For example, the personal
monitoring device of a user with a respiratory disease may be
configured to have lower thresholds associated with air quality
and/or more elevated responses when air quality/pollutant
thresholds are exceeded as compared to a personal monitoring device
for a user without a respiratory condition or with a less severe
respiratory condition. As another example, the device of an elderly
user may be configured to have a similar lower threshold or
elevated response for fall-related events, e.g., as measured based
on acceleration of the personal monitoring device.
[0113] It should be appreciated that the environmental conditions
and events may correspond to any parameter measurable by the
personal monitoring device. Moreover, the thresholds for detecting
conditions and events may be based on any of absolute measurements,
relative measurements, average measurements (e.g., average
measurements over time), absolute changes in measurements, relative
changes in measurement, or any other measurable change in a
parameter measureable by the personal monitoring device.
[0114] Although other implementations are possible, the following
description provides an illustrative example of a multi-level
response implementation in which actions in response to a
particular condition or event are gradually increased until and
unless such actions are acknowledged by a user of the personal
monitoring device. A similar arrangement of escalating actions may
be used, for example, in conjunction with different thresholds for
a particular parameter measureable by the personal monitoring
device. The following example actions may be implemented in
combination or individually in any personal monitoring device or
system according to the present disclosure and for any parameter
measurable by the personal monitoring device. Moreover, the actions
discussed below are merely exemplary and other actions are
possible.
[0115] With the foregoing in mind, the example implementation of an
action and response system is generally described below as being
divided into action levels, with the personal monitoring device and
associated system initiating elevating actions as the action level
increases. As previously noted, in one implementation the
transition between action levels generally occurs after a certain
time has elapsed at a particular action level without the personal
monitoring device receiving an acknowledgement from the user. The
time between each action level may vary and may, in certain
instances, be based on or otherwise customized based on the user of
the personal monitoring device.
[0116] At a first action level of the example case, an initial
warning may be provided to a user via one of the output mechanisms
of the personal monitoring device. For example, such a warning may
be provided in the form of an audible tone or a vibration produced
by suitable output mechanisms of the personal monitoring device.
Assuming the user has not acknowledged the initial warning, the
personal monitoring device may transition to a subsequent, higher
action level in which the output from the personal monitoring
device is intensified (e.g., the volume and/or duration of the
audible tone or the intensity of the vibration is increased, an
audio message may be played to try and get the user's attention,
etc.). If the user still fails to respond, the action level may
again be elevated, such as by playing audio messages at a volume or
intensity directed to alerting passersby.
[0117] If acknowledgement is still not received by the personal
monitoring device, the personal monitoring device may initiate a
remote communication. For example, the personal monitoring device
may generate and send an email, a text message, or similar
notification to various recipients. Such recipients may include one
or more predefined contacts (e.g., parents, guardians, caretakers,
or other individuals) or a monitoring service associated with the
personal monitoring device. In certain implementations, the
personal monitoring device may subsequently contact emergency
services, such as by calling 911, in the event the action level is
again elevated.
[0118] In addition to the previously discussed functions and
applications, personal monitoring devices and systems described
herein may be configured to provide various other functions. As
evidenced by the following examples, such functions may include but
are not limited to additional health and safety-related
applications. More generally, the personal monitoring devices and
associated systems herein may be used in applications requiring a
compact, energy efficient, and highly flexible sensor and
communication platform. Accordingly, the following examples should
be regarded as non-limiting applications of the personal monitoring
device and associated system.
[0119] With reference to the network environment 100 of FIG. 1, in
certain implementations of the present disclosure, the server
system 104 may be configured to generate and transmit alerts on
behalf of the personal monitoring device 102 and, in particular, in
response to a user of a personal monitoring device 102 in response
to sensor data received from the personal monitoring device 102. In
certain implementations, the sensor data may include location data
indicating that a user of the personal monitoring device 102 has
entered an area, exited an area, is within a certain distance of a
location, is outside of a certain distance from a location, and the
like. In other implementations, the sensor data may include
environmental data indicating that user is within an environment in
which one or more conditions (e.g., temperature, air quality, etc.)
is over a threshold, below a threshold, or otherwise outside of a
particular range. In still other implementations, the sensor data
may indicate that movement of the user of the personal monitoring
device 102 exceeds a predetermined limit (e.g., high acceleration
or deceleration in response to a fall or collision).
[0120] More generally, the server system 104 may generate and
transmit an alert to the personal monitoring device 102, one or
more remote computing devices (such as the remote computing device
106), or take other alert actions in response to a predetermined
condition being met. In certain implementations, at least some of
the conditions for which alerts are generated may be universally
applied to all personal monitoring devices. However, at least some
conditions may also be dynamically generated and/or specifically
tailored to each user of a personal monitoring device. Accordingly,
the server system may store information that includes particular
alert conditions for each personal monitoring device user and
respective actions to be taken in the event an alert condition is
met. Among other things, such actions may include generating and
transmitting alerts to the personal monitoring device, generating
and transmitting messages to reconfigure the personal monitoring
device, generating and transmitting alerts to the personal
monitoring device, contacting emergency services, and the like. For
purposes of the present disclosure, the information defining the
conditions under which actions are to be taken by the server system
for a personal monitoring device and the particular actions to be
taken by the server system when such conditions are met are
generally referred to as a user profile. Each condition and action
combination included in a given user profile is referred to herein
as a user profile entry. It should be noted, however, that the user
profile may be generated, formatted, and structured in any suitable
way, provided the information contained within the user profile may
be used to determine when sensor data received from the personal
monitoring device indicates an alert is to be generated and
transmitted. Once generated, each user profile may be stored in the
server system 104 or in a data store 118 accessible by the server
system 104.
[0121] A given user profile may include multiple entries
corresponding to a particular metric. For example, a user profile
may have entries covering increasing levels of a pollutant, with
each entry including a corresponding level of action to be taken.
As another example, different actions may be initiated in response
to the personal monitoring device measuring different levels of
acceleration. So, a simple text message may be generated in
response to a first level of acceleration measured by the personal
monitoring device indicating a light contact or collision, but an
emergency service may immediately contacted in response to a second
level of acceleration indicative of a severe fall or similar
traumatic event.
[0122] User profiles in accordance with the present disclosure may
be generated in various ways. For example, in certain
implementations, a user of the remote computing device 106 may log
onto a web-based portal, app, or similar interface hosted by the
server system 104 and add entries to a user profile for a
particular personal monitoring device, each entry specifying one or
more conditions and one or more actions to be taken when the one or
more conditions are met. For example and without limitation, in the
case of environmental data, the user of the remote computing device
106 may specify particular values or ranges for air quality
metrics, temperature, and the like and identify recipients of
alerts or calls when the values or ranges are met. In the case of
location data, the user of the remote computing device 106 may
define geographic areas or geographic boundaries and actions to be
taken when a user of the personal monitoring device 102
exits/enters the identified areas or crosses the geographic
boundaries. In other implementations, the user of the remote
computing device 106 may identify a location or landmark and
specify a radius from the location or landmark. An alert may then
be generated when the user of the personal monitoring device 102
crosses the radius. In still other implementations, the user of the
remote computing device 106 may select particular classes of
geographic features (e.g., bodies of water, highways, industrial
facilities, types of stores, etc.) and a radius or distance within
which an alert will be generated.
[0123] In certain implementations, a user profile may be based, in
part, on data, such as health and safety standards, medical
recommendations, or geographic data, provided by a third-party. For
example, the user profile may include conditions and actions
related to environmental exposure levels as determined by an
environmental agency, health and safety organization, or other
similar entity that provides data regarding exposure limits and
safety. Similarly, map data may be used to identify potentially
hazardous geographic features, landmarks, or locations from which
user profile entries may be generated. Third party data used to
generate user profile entries may also include user profiles or
data collected from other personal monitoring devices. For example,
the user profile for a user of a first personal monitoring device
may be used to generate a user profile for a user of a second
personal monitoring device having similar characteristics (e.g.,
age, medical conditions, etc.).
iii. Clinical Trial Data Collection
[0124] Personal monitoring devices described herein may be used to
provide improved data collection and environmental exposure
information during clinical trials. For example, participants in a
trial for a drug or medical device may each be provided with a
personal monitoring device such that environmental exposure,
activity, and location information may be collected for each
participant. Such information may be collected from each personal
monitoring device by a server system and subsequently included in
the clinical data for the trial. Doing so may more effectively
determine the efficacy of the drug, device, or treatment being
tested and may provide additional insights regarding potential
effects related to environmental exposure, personal activity, and
the like. Although applications including environmental monitoring
may be particularly useful for trials related to
respiratory-related conditions, the personal monitoring devices may
be used more broadly in any application in which the location,
environmental exposure, movement patterns, or other similar data
for a participant may be a factor in the efficacy of a particular
treatment.
iv. Family Supervision
[0125] As previously discussed, certain applications of the present
disclosure may be related to monitoring and supervision of family
members or similar individuals. For example, a parent may provide a
personal monitoring device to a child and configure the personal
monitoring device (e.g., using the remote computing device 106 of
FIG. 1) to provide warnings or alerts to the parent based on the
conditions measured by the personal monitoring device. For example,
the parent may configure the personal monitoring device to provide
warnings or alerts based on, among other things, the location of
the child, environmental conditions around the child, and the like.
In certain implementations, parents may also be able to send text,
voice, video, or other messages to the personal monitoring device
for display on the device's screen or playback using an audio
output of the personal monitoring device.
v. Traffic Flow Monitoring
[0126] As noted, personal monitoring devices in accordance with the
present disclosure generally include location-based sensors, such
as GPS units, as movement sensors, such as accelerometers. To the
extent a user of the personal monitoring device has the device
while travelling in a vehicle, the GPS and accelerometer
information collected by the personal monitoring device may be
provided to a server (e.g., server system 104 of FIG. 1) or a
similar computing system for purposes of analyzing traffic flow
patterns and/or similar travel information. For example and without
limitation, such information may be used to determine approximate
travel times between locations.
vi. Device Location and Tethering
[0127] In certain applications, a user of the personal monitoring
device may assign/associate the personal monitoring device to one
or more remote computing devices, such as smart phones or tablets.
Once associated, the distance between the two devices may be
monitored. In certain implementations, such monitoring may include
determining the location of each device and calculating a distance
between the two. Alternatively or in addition to calculating a
distance between the devices, the association between the devices
may include establishing a communication link (such as a Bluetooth
link) between the devices.
[0128] Once the personal monitoring device is associated with a
remote computing device, the personal monitoring device may be
virtually "tethered" to the remote computing device. Once tethered,
alerts or warning may be issued to either device in response to a
distance between the devices being exceeded. In implementations in
which the distance between the devices is calculated, for example,
an alert or warning may be issued to either device when the
distance exceeds a preconfigured distance (e.g., 100 yards, 500
yards, etc.). Similarly, when the devices are tethered by a
communication link, an alert or warning may be issued when the
communication link is broken, e.g., by exceeding the range of the
communication link.
[0129] The foregoing techniques have various applications. For
example, a user may tether their personal monitoring device to
their mobile phone to facilitate tracking of their devices. More
specifically, by tethering their mobile device with their personal
monitoring device, the user may be alerted if they leave a location
with only their personal monitoring device or only their mobile
device and leave the other device behind.
[0130] In another example, a parent may tether their mobile phone
to personal monitoring devices for each of their children. Each of
the parent and the child may then receive warnings or alerts when
the tether is broken or exceeds a particular distance. In certain
implementations, the parent may be able to configure different
tethers for each child. For example, older children may be given a
longer tether while younger children may be given a shorter tether.
Similarly, different warning and alert severities may be assigned
to different distances. So, for example, a gentle buzzing or
audible alert may be issued when a child exceeds a first distance
from the parent, but a call between the remote computing device of
the parent and the personal monitoring device of the child may be
initiated if the child exceeds a second distance from the
parent.
vii. Exercise and Fitness Tracking
[0131] Accelerometer, GPS, and other similar data generated by the
personal monitoring device may also be used to provide exercise and
fitness tracking functionality for the user of the personal
monitoring device. Among other things, the personal monitoring
device may measure and provide fitness-related metrics such as a
step count or a distance travelled over a given time period. In
certain implementations, the personal monitoring device may also be
configured to pair with and receive data from one or more biometric
or fitness-related sensors, such as a heart rate monitor, smart
watch, or additional fitness tracking device and to provide such
data to the server system for additional processing.
viii. Panic Button/Preset Number
[0132] As noted above in the example devices of FIGS. 4A-7C, the
personal monitoring device may include panic button or similar
functionality that automatically contacts a specified recipient.
For example, the personal monitoring device may include a button
(either physical or virtual) that, when pressed, automatically
transmits a message or attempts to connect with the recipient. In
certain implementations, the personal monitoring device may use a
cellular chip to contact 911 or similar emergency services. Once
connected, the personal monitoring device may allow for two-way
voice communication. Although emergency services are envisioned as
one possible recipient contacted in response to activation of the
panic button, it should be appreciated that any suitable recipient
(such as a caretaker, parent, medical professional, or other
individual) may be contacted in response to activation of the panic
button.
ix. Fall/Crash Alert and Related Functionality
[0133] The personal monitoring device may be configured to
automatically perform certain functions, such as contacting
particular individuals or emergency services, in response to an
accelerometer of the device measuring acceleration that exceeds
certain thresholds and indicates a fall, crash, or other
potentially traumatic event. More specifically, the personal
monitoring device may be programmed with movement thresholds
corresponding to a user falling, being in an automobile accident,
or other similar events. When such events are detected, the
personal monitoring device may call or send a message to a
predetermined contact, which may include 911 or other emergency
services.
[0134] The foregoing functionality may also be performed, at least
in part, by the server system to which the personal monitoring
device provides sensor data. For example, in certain
implementations, the personal monitoring device may be configured
to automatically transmit a message to the server system when an
acceleration threshold is exceeded. In response, the server system
may take various actions including such as issuing a corresponding
alert or warning to remote computing devices associated with the
personal monitoring device. Such alerts or warnings may include the
location of the event and other similar information. Alternatively,
the server system may facilitate opening a line of communication
between the personal monitoring device and the remote computing
device, such as by initiating a phone call or text message exchange
between the devices.
[0135] In still other implementations, the server system may
automatically transmit various messages to the personal monitoring
device in response to being notified of a potential fall or crash.
In a first example, the server system may automatically generate
and transmit a message requesting current location data (or any
other sensor data) from the personal monitoring device. In another
example, the server system may automatically generate and transmit
a reconfiguration message that causes the personal monitoring
device to increase the frequency at which the personal monitoring
device provides sensor data such as, but not limited to, location
data.
x. Integration with Smart Devices
[0136] The personal monitoring device may be configured to pair
with, communicate with, and/or control various smart devices. Such
smart devices may include, without limitation, smart lighting
systems, appliances, security systems, digital assistants, and the
like. In one specific implementation, the personal monitoring
device may be used as an input device for such other smart devices.
In such implementations, the personal monitoring device may receive
inputs from the user (including, without limitation, button
presses, touchscreen inputs, and voice commands) and transmit such
inputs to the other smart devices. The personal monitoring device
may also be configured to receive messages from such devices, which
may then be displayed on the display of the personal monitoring
device.
xi. Payment Features
[0137] The personal monitoring device may include functionality for
facilitating payments. For example, credit card or other payment
information may be stored in the personal monitoring device. The
personal monitoring device may then be able to wirelessly connect
to and communicate with point-of-sale or payment terminals to
facilitate payment for goods and services.
xii. Weather/Environmental Station
[0138] While described herein as primarily a mobile and wearable
personal monitoring device, it should be appreciated that the
personal monitoring device may also be configured to be operated as
a weather or environmental station that collects and provides
environmental and weather data. Such data may be collected, for
example, using temperature, air quality, or other
environment-related sensors of the personal monitoring device and
provided to the server system for further processing or provision
to one or more weather-related external computer systems.
xiii. Identifying Mode of Transportation
[0139] Personal monitoring devices according to the present
disclosure may provide each of location data (e.g., GPS data) and
movement data (e.g., accelerometer data) to a server system. In
addition to identify the location of personal monitoring devices
and the occurrence of certain events (e.g., falls, entering and
exiting geographic areas, changes in environ mental conditions,
etc.), the server system may use information received from the
personal monitoring device to identify a mode of transportation
associated with the personal monitoring device. Identifying a mode
of transportation may be useful, for example, in determining
whether a user of the personal is involved in an accident while in
a car, riding a bike, or on foot such that appropriate emergency
services may be contacted and an alert with a suitable severity may
be transmitted to caregivers or other individuals associated with
the user.
[0140] To identify a mode of transportation, data corresponding to
the user's location and acceleration may be received by the server
from the personal monitoring device of the user. Based on the
location data, the server may determine the user's speed, which may
be used to narrow possible modes of transportation. For example, if
the location data indicates that the user is travelling at speeds
in excess of 20 miles/hour, the server may assume that the user is
cycling, in a car, or using some form of vehicle. Location data may
also be used to narrow possible modes of transportation based on
the user's location. For example, if a user's location indicates
that they are on a freeway, it is likely that the user is in a
vehicle. Similarly, if a user is located in a park or similar area
with only limited roads, the server may assume the user is more
likely on foot or using a lower speed vehicle, such as a
bicycle.
[0141] In addition to location data, the server may analyze
acceleration data to further determine the user's mode of
transportation. For example, in an urban setting, a user's speed
and location may be similar whether they are in an automobile or
riding a bicycle and, as a result, speed and location may be
insufficient to clearly determine the user's mode of
transportation. In such situations, the server may further consider
acceleration data (e.g., as collected using an accelerometer
incorporated into devices of the present disclosure) to facilitate
further distinction. For example and without limitation, at least
certain distinctions may be made by the server based on the user's
average acceleration over a certain time period, with larger
vehicles generally exhibiting slower acceleration than smaller
vehicles. Alternatively, the server may examine an acceleration
profile of the user to determine the mode of transportation. Such
examination may include comparing the user's acceleration to
templates, curves, or similar data associated with different modes
of transportation and stored at the server.
[0142] In certain implementations, mode of transportation
information may be used to subsequently identify potentially
hazardous conditions and to generate corresponding alerts. For
example, data received from a personal monitoring device may
indicate that a user of the device was travelling in a car that was
subsequently parked. Subsequently, temperature data from the
personal monitoring device may be collected and monitored to
determine if conditions within the car (e.g., heat) exceed safe
levels and, if so, a corresponding alert may be issued to a
caregiver, emergency services, etc.
xiv. Deviation from Routine Activity
[0143] Implementations of the present disclosure may also include
functionality for monitoring deviations from routine activity. For
example, sensor data collected from a personal monitoring device of
a user may be processed by the server system to generate a
behavioral profile for the user. The behavioral profile may
include, among other things, travel patterns and times for the user
(e.g., commutes, routes to/from school). The behavioral profile may
also include location and time information corresponding to common
locations for the user at different times of the day. So, for
example, the behavioral profile may specify that a user of a
personal monitoring device is generally within a certain radius of
a school or similar building from around 8:00 am to around 3:00 pm
on typical weekdays.
[0144] To the extent sensor data received from the personal
monitoring device indicates a deviation from a behavioral profile
of a user, an alert may be generated and transmitted to a caretaker
or other individual. For example, if a child deviates from their
typical route to or from school or leaves school during normal
hours, an alert may be generated and transmitted to a parent.
Alerts may also be generated if aspects of the user's behavior
other than route or location change. For example, an alert may be
generated if the sensor data indicates that a child has entered a
vehicle when the child normally walks or rides a bike, regardless
of the route taken.
G. Example Computing System
[0145] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a
computing device or computer system 1300 which may be used in
implementing the embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed
above. In particular, the computing device of FIG. 13 is one
embodiment of the server system 104 or the remote computing device
106 illustrated in FIG. 1 or a computing device that otherwise
performs one of more of the operations described above. The
computer system (system) includes one or more hardware processors
1302-1306. Processors 1302-1306 may include one or more internal
levels of cache (not shown) and a bus controller 1322 or bus
interface unit to direct interaction with the processor bus 1312.
Processor bus 1312, also known as the host bus or the front side
bus, may be used to couple the processors 1302-1306 with the system
interface 1314. System interface 1314 may be connected to the
processor bus 1312 to interface other components of the system 1300
with the processor bus 1312. For example, system interface 1314 may
include a memory controller 1318 for interfacing a main memory 1316
with the processor bus 1312. The main memory 1316 typically
includes one or more memory cards and a control circuit (not
shown). System interface 1314 may also include an input/output
(I/O) interface 1320 to interface one or more I/O bridges (e.g. I/O
bridge 1324) or I/O devices with the processor bus 1312. One or
more I/O controllers and/or I/O devices may be connected with the
I/O bus 1326, such as I/O controller 1328 and I/O device 1330, as
illustrated.
[0146] I/O device 1330 may also include an input device (not
shown), such as an alphanumeric input device, including
alphanumeric and other keys for communicating information and/or
command selections to the processors 1302-1306. Another type of
user input device includes cursor control, such as a mouse, a
trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating direction
information and command selections to the processors 1302-1306 and
for controlling cursor movement on the display device.
[0147] System 1300 may include a dynamic storage device, referred
to as main memory 1316, or a random access memory (RAM) or other
computer-readable devices coupled to the processor bus 1312 for
storing information and instructions to be executed by the
processors 1302-1306. Main memory 1316 also may be used for storing
temporary variables or other intermediate information during
execution of instructions by the processors 1302-1306. System 1300
may include a read only memory (ROM) and/or other static storage
device coupled to the processor bus 1312 for storing static
information and instructions for the processors 1302-1306. The
system set forth in FIG. 13 is but one possible example of a
computer system that may employ or be configured in accordance with
aspects of the present disclosure.
[0148] According to one embodiment, at least some of the above
methods and techniques described herein may be performed by
computer system 1300 in response to processor 1304 executing one or
more sequences of one or more machine-readable instructions
contained in main memory 1316. These instructions may be read into
main memory 1316 from another machine-readable medium, such as a
storage device. Execution of the sequences of instructions
contained in main memory 1316 may cause processors 1302-1306 to
perform the process steps described herein. In alternative
embodiments, circuitry may be used in place of or in combination
with the software instructions. Thus, embodiments of the present
disclosure may include both hardware and software components.
[0149] A machine readable medium includes any mechanism for storing
or transmitting information in a form (e.g., software, processing
application) readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). Such media
may take the form of, but is not limited to, non-volatile media and
volatile media. Non-volatile media includes optical or magnetic
disks. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory
1316. Common forms of machine-readable media may include, but are
not limited to, magnetic storage media; optical storage media;
magneto-optical storage media; read only memory (ROM); random
access memory (RAM); erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and
EEPROM); flash memory; or other types of media suitable for storing
electronic instructions.
[0150] Embodiments of the present disclosure include various
operations, which are described in this specification. The
operations may be performed by hardware components or may be
embodied in machine-executable instructions, which may be used to
cause a general-purpose or special-purpose processor programmed
with the instructions to perform the operations. Alternatively, the
operations may be performed by a combination of hardware, software,
and/or firmware.
[0151] Various modifications and additions can be made to the
exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of
the present invention. For example, while the embodiments described
above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention
also includes embodiments having different combinations of features
and embodiments that do not include all of the described features.
Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to
embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations
together with all equivalents thereof.
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