| JP60143800 | APPARATUS FOR COUNTING TIME OF GAME OF GO (SHOGI) |
| WO/2003/007088 | TIME INDICATOR AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME |
| JP03053190 | GUIDE SYSTEM AND ITS DEVICE |
SEMPEL, Adrianus (building 44, AE Eindhoven, NL-5656, NL)
WESTERINK, Joanne, H., D., M. (building 44, AE Eindhoven, NL-5656, NL)
STUT, Wilhelmus, J., J. (building 44, AE Eindhoven, NL-5656, NL)
VAN PIETERSON, Liesbeth (building 44, AE Eindhoven, NL-5656, NL)
KRAVTSOVA, Natasha (building 44, AE Eindhoven, NL-5656, NL)
BERGMAN, Anthonie, H. (building 44, AE Eindhoven, NL-5656, NL)
SEMPEL, Adrianus (building 44, AE Eindhoven, NL-5656, NL)
WESTERINK, Joanne, H., D., M. (building 44, AE Eindhoven, NL-5656, NL)
STUT, Wilhelmus, J., J. (building 44, AE Eindhoven, NL-5656, NL)
VAN PIETERSON, Liesbeth (building 44, AE Eindhoven, NL-5656, NL)
KRAVTSOVA, Natasha (building 44, AE Eindhoven, NL-5656, NL)
| CLAIMS: 1. A note sheet (1) for reminding a user of an activity to be performed, the note sheet (1) comprising: a hand-writeable surface (2); a user-activable timer (4); and - a user alert device (3) arranged to be activated when the timer (4) expires. 2. A note sheet (1) according to claim 1, further comprising re-adherable strip of adhesive (5) for temporarily attaching the note sheet (1) to an object. 3. A note sheet (1) according to any preceding claims, being thin and flexible and exhibiting a paper-like feel. 4. A note sheet (1) according to any preceding claims, wherein the timer (4) is adapted to expire after a predetermined period of time from activation of the timer (4). 5. A note sheet (1) according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined period of time is user-selectable from a plurality of predetermined periods of time. 6. A note sheet (1) according to either of claim 4 or 5, wherein the predetermined period of time is user-selectable by actuating different sections (EAl -EA6, CA1-CA6, SCl- SC6, PC1-PC6, CC1-CC6, EC1-EC6, RC1-RC6) of the note sheet (1). 7. A note sheet (1) according to any preceding claims, wherein the timer (4) comprises an actuation area (EAl -EA6, CA1-CA6) and a detector (6) for detecting the electrical resistivity of a track (27, 37) of predetermined length positioned between the actuation area (EAl -EA6, CA1-CA6) and the detector (6), the timer (4) is adapted to be activated by initiating a change of the track electrical resistivity at the actuation area (EAl -EA6, CA1-CA6),, and the timer (4) is adapted to expire following detection of a predetermined electrical resistivity of the track (27, 37) by means of the detector. 8. A note sheet (1) according to claim 7, wherein the track (27) comprises an electrically conducting material degradable to a non-conducting material, and the timer (4) is adapted to be activated by exposing the activation area (EA1-EA6) to a degrading medium. 9. A note sheet (1) according to either of claim 7 or 8, wherein the actuation area (CAl -C A6) comprises a container filled with a fluid, the track (37) is adapted to absorb the fluid, and the timer (4) is adapted to be activated by punctuating the container such that the fluid leaks out into the track (37). 10. A note sheet (1) according to any preceding claims, wherein the timer (4) comprises an electrical circuit having an openable/clo sable conductive path (7, 81-86) acting as an electrical contact (SC1-SC6, PC1-PC6, CC1-CC6, EC1-EC6, RC1-RC6) of the timer (4), the timer (4) is adapted to be activated by opening or closing the electrical contact (SC1-SC6, PC1-PC6, CC1-CC6, EC1-EC6, RC1-RC6), andthe timer (4) is adapted to expire following detection of change of the electrical contact (SC1-SC6, PC1-PC6, CC1-CC6, EC1-EC6, RC1-RC6). 11. A note sheet (1) according to claim 10, wherein the electrical contact (SC1-SC6) comprises an area of a scratchable, electrically conducting material, and the timer (4) is adapted to be activated by scratching away the material, thereby opening the electrical contact (SC1-SC6). 12. A note sheet (1) according to any one of claim 10 or 11, wherein the electrical contact (PC1-PC6) comprises two separated electrically conducting layers, and the timer (4) is adapted to be activated by depressing the electrical contact (PC1-PC6) such that the two layers are brought into contact with each other, thereby closing the electrical contact (PC 1-PC6). 13. A note sheet (1) according to any one of claim 10 to 12, wherein the electrical contact (CC1-CC6) comprises a container filled with a fluid, and the timer (4) is adapted to be activated by punctuating the container such that the fluid leaks out, thereby closing the electrical contact (CC1-CC6). 14. A note sheet (1) according to any one of claim 10 to 13, wherein the electrical contact (EC1-EC6) comprises a self- inflating element, and the timer (4) is adapted to be activated by exposing an opening (71-76) of the self- inflating element to air, thereby closing or opening the electrical contact (EC1-EC6) following the self-inflating element having increased to a predetermined volume. 15. A note sheet (1) according to any one of claim 10 to 14, wherein the path (81-86) is an electrically resistive path provided over at least a portion of the note sheet, and the timer (4) is adapted to be activated by rupturing the electrically resistive path acting as the electrical contact (RC1-RC6), thereby opening the electrical contact (RC1-RC6). |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a note sheet for reminding a user of an activity to be performed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
Paper notes, such as Post-it notes, are widely used for writing down short notes, phone numbers, messages and the like. Usually, the notes are then adhesively fixed to an arbitrary mounting area, visible to a person to which they are intended to function as a reminder. Often, these paper notes are utilized to remind a user of an activity to be performed. As long as the amount of notes is not too extensive, he or she can likely keep up with the activities, managing to perform them in due time. However, in our ever increasing pace of living, the amount of reminders seem to constantly increase, why one is likely to have difficulties keeping track of them all. In order to assist in organizing activities to be performed, numerous electronic reminders have been introduced on the market. WO 2005/071606, for instance, discloses an apparatus comprising a smart card and a user alert device such as an alarm or flashing light to alert a user at a predetermined time prior to performance of an activity. The apparatus of WO 2005/071606 requires a microprocessor in order to compose and activate an alert, and composing and activation of the alert additionally requires programming of the apparatus.
Consequently, this solution although effective is rather expensive and complicated. The smart card is virtually limited to one user, activities must be electronically provided, and to be cost- effective the smart card needs to be utilized for a long period of time. The apparatus of WO 2005/071606 thus lacks the flexibility of one-time use, as the cost of the apparatus is significant in comparison to, for instance, Post-it notes.
Consequently, there is a need for an improved simple reminder solution of assisting a user in keeping up with deadlines of activities to be performed, which reminder after a single use may be disposed of. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a reminder solution of the type mentioned by way of introduction, in which the above related drawbacks are eliminated wholly or at least partly. According to the invention, a note sheet for reminding a user of an activity to be performed is provided, which note sheet comprises a hand-writeable surface, a user- activable timer, and a user alert device arranged to be activated when the timer expires.
With the provision of a note sheet in accordance with the present invention, a simple reminder solution is presented which enables a user to in an improved manner keep up with deadlines of activities to be performed. Due to the solution being provided on a fairly inexpensive note sheet, the sheet may be disposed of after a single use. Additionally, due to the note sheet being adapted for single use, activities may even be passed on to others to whom they may concern. Furthermore, due to the note sheet comprising a hand-writeable surface, activities may easily be written down by hand without the need for programming of the sheet electronically. Not the least, due to the note sheet comprising a user-activable timer and a user alert device, the note sheet in accordance with the present invention may function to alert a user at a desired time. The note sheet produces an alert either visibly and/or audibly, which prompts a user hearing or seeing the alert to carry out an activity or to prepare for carrying out the activity. In order to in a simple manner temporarily attach the note sheet to an object, for instance a wall or refrigerator, the note sheet preferably comprises a re-adherable strip of adhesive. Alternatively, the note sheet may comprise for instance Velcro or magnets for attachment, should that be preferred for the implementation in mind. The note sheet is furthermore preferably thin and flexible, exhibiting a paper-like feel, such that the note sheet is easy to store, handle and dispose.
To enable provision of a user alert at a desired time, the timer is preferably adapted to expire after a predetermined period of time from activation of the timer, for instance 3 days. When the timer expires, the user alert is activated, thereby prompting a user to carry out an activity or to prepare for carrying out the activity at the requested time. Furthermore, a predetermined period of time is preferably user-selectable from a plurality of predetermined periods of time. With the plurality of available predetermined time options, an arbitrary number of selectable periods of time are provided for the user to choose from in a simple manner. Selection of a predetermined period of time may be carried out by actuating different sections of the note sheet in a variety of ways. For instance, the timer may comprise an actuation area and a detector for detecting the electrical resistivity of a track of predetermined length positioned between the actuation area and the detector. The timer is adapted to be activated by initiating a change of the track electrical resistivity at the actuation area, and furthermore adapted to expire following detection of a predetermined electrical resistivity of the track by means of the detector. Accordingly, the time it takes the timer to expire from activation may be defined based on the length of the track and a detected resistivity change of the track by the detector. Additionally, the timer may trigger a countdown value, whereby the timer expires when the countdown value expires. Consequently, the note sheet may provide a user alert in a simple manner at the time the timer expires.
The track may for instance comprise an electrically conductive material degradable to a non-conducting material, with the timer being adapted to be activated by exposing the actuation area to a degrading medium. With the implementation of such a solution, the timer may be activated by exposing an actuation area representing the desired period of time, to air. The time it takes for the timer to expire and subsequently provide a user alert is affected by the time it takes the track to degrade from an electrically conductive material to a non-conducting material.
Alternatively, the activation area may comprise a container filled with a fluid which the track is adapted to absorb, with the timer being adapted to be activated by punctuating the container such that the fluid leaks out into the track. According to this solution, the timer may be activated by punctuating an actuation area representing the desired period of time. The time it takes the fluid to diffuse along the track affects the time it takes for the timer to expire, and consequently the time for prompting the user alert.
In addition to solutions relying on the length of a track and a change of its resistivity for the timer to expire, the timer of the note sheet may in other embodiments comprise an electrical circuit having an openable/closable conductive path acting as an electrical contact of the timer. The timer is adapted to be activated by opening or closing the electrical contact, and furthermore adapted to expire following detection of change of the electrical contact. With the provision of electrical circuits which are openable/closable in this manner, the timer of the note sheet may consequently be activated with the change of state of the electrical contact. In order to support a time option of for instance a week, activation of the timer preferably triggers a countdown value, whereby the timer expires when the countdown value expires. The electrical contact may for instance comprise an area of a scratchable, electrically conducting material, with the timer being adapted to be activated by scratching away the material, thereby opening the electrical contact. With this solution implemented on the note sheet, the timer may be activated by the user simply scratching off the conducting material at an area representing the desired time for the user alert. Thereby, as the timer expires, the user alert is activated.
Alternatively, the electrical contact may comprise two separated electrically conducting layers, with the timer being adapted to be activated by depressing the electrical contact such that the two layers are brought into contact with each other, thereby closing the electrical contact. Accordingly, the user is enabled to activate the timer and subsequently the user alert, by simply choosing to depress an area representing the desired alert time.
Yet another alternative is for the electrical contact to comprise a container filled with a fluid, with the timer being adapted to be activated by punctuating the container such that the fluid leaks out, thereby closing the electrical contact. With the provision of containers filled with fluid in this manner, the user may easily choose the desired alert time by punctuating the corresponding container, thereby activating the timer and, preferably, a corresponding countdown value. Thereby, as the timer expires, the user alert is activated.
As a further alternative, the electrical contact may comprises a self-inflating element, with the timer being adapted to be activated by exposing an opening of the self- inflating element to air, thereby closing or opening the electrical contact following the self- inflating element having increased to a predetermined volume. According to this solution, a user may easily expose a self- inflating element to air, by for instance peeling off a peel opening of the electrical contact representing the desired period of time. When the self- inflating element reaches a predetermined volume, the timer is activated in that the electrical contact is closed. Alternatively, reaching the predetermined volume may open rather than close the electrical contact, depending on the design of the electrical circuit. As the state of the contact changes, the timer is activated to subsequently, when it expires, activate the user alert at the desired time. Furthermore, the openings exposing the respective self-inflating elements to air may be of various sizes. Thereby, the size of an opening may, additionally to a countdown value, affect the time it takes the timer to expire.
Yet another alternative is for the path to be an electrically resistive path provided over at least a portion of the note sheet, with the timer being adapted to be activated by rupturing the electrically resistive path acting as the electrical contact, thereby opening the electrical contact. Accordingly, the user may easily tear a piece of the note sheet representing the desired alert time off, to thereby activate the timer and, preferably, a corresponding countdown value. Thereby, the corresponding alert time is activated as the timer expires. Other aspects, benefits and advantageous features of the invention will be apparent from the following description and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of non- limiting examples.
Figure 1 shows an exemplifying note sheet in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates the timer of Figure 1 in greater detail, in accordance with a first embodiment.
Figure 3 illustrates the timer of Figure 1 in greater detail, in accordance with a second embodiment. Figure 4 illustrates the timer of Figure 1 in greater detail, in accordance with a third embodiment.
Figure 5 illustrates the timer of Figure 1 in greater detail, in accordance with a fourth embodiment.
Figure 6 illustrates the timer of Figure 1 in greater detail, in accordance with a fifth embodiment.
Figure 7 illustrates the timer of Figure 1 in greater detail, in accordance with a sixth embodiment.
Figure 8 illustrates the timer of Figure 1 in greater detail, in accordance with a seventh embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CURRENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the following detailed description, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, it is to be understood that features of the different embodiments are exchangeable between the embodiments and may be combined in different ways, unless anything else is specifically indicated. It may also be noted that, for the sake of clarity, the dimensions of certain components illustrated in the drawings may differ from the corresponding dimensions in real- life implementations of the invention.
Figure 1 illustrates an exemplifying note sheet 1 for reminding a user of an activity to be performed in accordance with the present invention. The note sheet 1 is although not restricted thereto thin and flexible, exhibiting a paper-like fell. It is for instance made of paper, foil, textile, cotton, thin bendable metal etc, or combinations thereof. The note sheet 1 comprises a handwritable surface 2, onto which a user may write down one or several activities of which he or she, or even someone else, needs to be reminded. The note sheet 1 illustrated in Figure 1 furthermore comprises a re-adherable strip of adhesive 5 for temporarily attaching the note sheet 1 to an arbitrary object such as for instance a notice board (not shown). For practical reasons, the re-adherable strip of adhesive 5 is preferably arranged on the backside of the note sheet 1, i.e. on the opposite side of the handwritable surface 2. Note that the present invention is not restricted to attachment through an adherable strip of adhesive 5, the note sheet 1 may likewise be temporarily attached by means of for instance Velcro or magnets.
In order to implement a reminder function, the note sheet 1 furthermore comprises a user alert device 3 comprised in a timer 4, which timer 4 is adapted to expire after a predetermined period of time from activation. Different embodiments of the timer 4 will be described in further detail in Figures 2 to 8. Note that the manner in which the different components of the timer 4 are connected in the Figures merely are exemplifying and not restricting. Furthermore, the arrangement of the timer 4 in relation to the handwritable surface 2 and the user alert device 3 may vary, and layers of the timer 4 may be arranged in any manner considered appropriate for the application. Figure 2 illustrates an exemplifying timer 4 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The user alert device 3 comprised in the timer 4 is here implemented as a thin, flexible OLED (organic light emitting diode) layer incorporated into the note sheet 1. Other implementations may comprise light emitting units such as (side- emitting) LEDs with diffusers, typically being less than 1 mm thick, area's with electro- luminescence (EL) light emitting units, or audio emitting units providing for instance a beep functionality. The OLED 3 is connected to a thin and flat power source 9. Flexible paper-like batteries using a paper layer containing the electrolyte as the separator between the anode and cathode may for instance be used as the power source 9, as these are easy and cheap to manufacture due to being produced using printing machines, as well as environmentally friendly due to easy disposal. Another option may be to use a thin-film battery such as the NanoEnergy battery from Front Edge technology (California), composed of solid-state thin films.
The OLED 3 is furthermore connected to a detector 6 comprising appropriate elements such as for instance resistivity sensors, for detecting electrical resistivity at an input 601 of the detector 6. Ending at the detector input 601 is a track 27 of a predetermined length comprising an electrically conducting material degradable to a non-conducting material. For instance calcium may be used, which may degrade to calcium oxide when exposed to oxygen or water. The track 27 is embedded between non-permeable substrate layers (not shown) for protection from external air. In the exemplifying embodiment, degradation of the track 27, i.e. change of the electrical resistivity of the track 27, is initiated through exposure to air, which initiates degradation along the track 27. Note however, that other feasible degradation alternatives are likewise possible. The track 27 is provided over a portion of the timer 4 comprising an arbitrary number of actuation areas EA1-EA6, each limited by a tear line 21. The arrangement of the actuation areas EA1-EA6 in relation to one another, as well as in relation to the detector 6, OLED 3 and power source 9, is merely exemplifying, and other options are of course feasible. Furthermore are the tear lines 21 between the actuation areas EA1-EA6 merely exemplifying, and other applicable alternatives are naturally covered by the scope of the present invention. The actuation areas EA1-EA6 represent different user-selectable predetermined periods of time. Preferably, each area is labeled with its corresponding time option. The actuation areas EA1-EA6 of Figure 2 are exposure areas, which are individually selectable in that the corresponding exposure area may be torn off at its tear line 21, thereby exposing the track 27 to air. The track 27 is arranged across the exposure areas EA1-EA6 in such a manner that selection of the respective areas result in different remaining lengths of the track 27 to the detector 6. Selection of the respective exposure areas consequently results in different times it takes degradation to reach the end of the track 27, i.e. the detector input 601. The first to sixth exposure areas EA1-EA6 may for instance represent the reminder options 6 days, 5 days, down to 1 day, respectively. Alternatively, the exposure areas may for instance range from 12 hours down to 2 hours, respectively. Note that the time intervals between the different exposure areas EA1-EA6 need not to be equal; the predetermined time it takes degradation to reach the end of the track 27 may be arbitrary defined based on how the track 27 is arranged by the designer of the note sheet 1.
In use, a user writes down an activity on the note sheet 1 and activates the reminder function by selecting one of the exposure areas EA1-EA6. Selection is carried out by tearing off the corresponding exposure area by its tear line 21, thereby exposing the track 27 to air. When degradation of the track 27 reaches the input 601 of the detector 6, a predetermined electrical resistivity of the track 27 is detected, whereby the timer 4 expires and subsequently the OLED 3 is activated. According to the embodiment of Figure 2, the time it takes for degradation of the track 27 to reach the input 601 of the detector 6, is equivalent to the predetermined period of time corresponding to the selected exposure area. Alternatively however, detection of a predetermined electrical resistivity of the track 27 at the input 601 may initiate a countdown function, whereby the timer expires when the countdown expires. A countdown operation may for instance be achieved utilizing a chip with NE555 functionality.
At activation of the OLED 3, the OLED 3 emits light, thereby providing a user alert to carry out the activity or to prepare for carrying out the activity written down on the note sheet 1. There are infinite options with regards to emission schemes; light may be continuously emitted or provided as flashing light, and various light intensities may be used as well as different colors. Furthermore, a snooze function may be implemented, causing the OLED 3 to repeatedly switch off and on.
After use, the note sheet 1 may be disposed of. In order to be able to switch off the OLED 3 after use, means for disconnecting the battery 9 may be provided (not shown). For instance, a tear line or a scratachable area may be arranged across a connection to the battery 9, which when torn or scratched by the user disconnects the battery 9 from the OLED 3.
In Figure 3, a second exemplifying embodiment of a timer 4 is shown. With the exception of characteristics of the actuation areas and tracks leading to the detector 6, the timer 4 of this second embodiment is similar to the timer 4 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 2, and description of corresponding elements and functionality is hence omitted.
The timer 4 of this second embodiment likewise comprises an OLED 3 connected to a power source 9 and a detector 6. Ending at detector input 601 are tracks 37 of predetermined lengths of absorbing material adapted to absorb fluid, embedded between protecting layers (not shown) in the note sheet 1. The arrangement of the tracks 37 is merely exemplifying, rather than restricting. In the exemplifying embodiment, change of the electrical resistivity of the tracks 37 is initiated through exposure to fluid, which may diffuse along the tracks 37. The tracks 37 are provided over a portion of the timer 4 comprising an arbitrary number of actuation areas CA1-CA6, each connected to a respective track 37. The actuation areas CA1-CA6 of Figure 3 are container areas, each comprising a container filled with a fluid. The container areas CA1-CA6 are individually selectable in that a container may be punctuated such that the fluid leaks out into the corresponding track 37 and changes the electrical resistivity as it diffuses along the track 37. As can be seen in Figure 3, the tracks 37 have different lengths. Selection of the respective container areas CA1-CA6 consequently results in different times it takes the fluid to reach the end of the track 37, i.e. the detector input 601. To assist in detection, a Wheatstone bridge may for instance be utilized.
In use, a user writes down an activity on the note sheet 1 and activates the reminder function by selecting one of the container areas CA1-CA6. Selection is carried out by punctuating the corresponding container, to thereby allow fluid to leak out into the corresponding track 37. When the fluid in the track 37 reaches the input 601 of the detector 6, a predetermined electrical resistivity of the track 37 is detected, whereby the timer 4 expires. With that, the OLED 3 is activated, providing a user alert for the written down activity. Note that the amount of fluid in the respective containers as well as the thickness of the respective tracks 37 may vary, which in addition to the length of the tracks 37 may influence the time it takes the fluid to diffuse to the input 601 of the detector 6.
In Figure 4, a third exemplifying embodiment of a timer 4 is shown. The timer 4 of this third embodiment is similar to the timers 4 of the first and second embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3, and description of corresponding elements and functionality is hence omitted.
The timer 4 of the third embodiment likewise comprises an OLED 3 connected to a power source 9. The OLED 3 is furthermore connected to a countdown circuit 8 comprising appropriate elements enabling for different countdown values to be activated. The countdown circuit 8 is integrated in a conductive circuit embedded in the note sheet 1, which circuit comprises a conductive path 7, which in turn is branched into an arbitrary number of selective conductive paths 701-706. Arranged between the conductive path 7 and each selective path 701-706 is a respective electrical contact SC1-SC6 comprising electrically conducting material, for instance aluminum foil. Each respective electrical contact is initially closed to maintain the electrical circuit in a conductive state. The electrical contacts SC1-SC6 of Figure 4 are scratchable contacts, which are individually selectable in that the conductive material may be scratched away, thereby opening the corresponding contact. Each selective path 701-706 is connected to a respective input 801-806 of the countdown circuit 8, and the inputs are adapted to detect opening of the corresponding scratchable contact SC1-SC6. Selection of the respective scratchable contacts consequently results in different inputs 801-806 detecting a change of state of the corresponding contact, whereby each input 801-806 triggers a different countdown value corresponding to the period of time associated with the selected contact SC1-SC6.
In use, a user writes down an activity on the note sheet 1 and activates the reminder function by selecting one of the scratchable contacts SC1-SC6. Selection is carried out by scratching off the corresponding conducting material, thereby opening the corresponding contact. Detection of change of state is registered by the corresponding input 801-806 of the countdown circuit, thereby activating a corresponding countdown value for the timer 4. When the countdown value expires, the timer 4 expires, whereby the OLED 3 is activated and starts emitting light.
In Figure 5, a fourth exemplifying embodiment of a timer 4 is shown. With the exception of characteristics of the electrical contacts, the timer 4 of this fourth embodiment is similar to the timer 4 of the third embodiment shown in Figure 4, and description of corresponding elements and functionality is hence omitted. The timer 4 of this fourth embodiment likewise comprises an OLED 3 connected to a power source 9 and a countdown circuit 8 integrated in a conductive circuit comprising a conductive path 7 and selective conductive paths 701-706. Arranged between the conductive path 7 and each selective path 701-706 is a respective electrical contact PCl- PC6 comprising two separated electrically conducting layers (not shown). Each respective electrical contact is initially open to maintain the electrical circuit in a non-conductive state, for instance by the two electrically conducting layers being separated by a non-conductive penetratable material. The electrical contacts PC1-PC6 of Figure 5 are pressure contacts, which are individually selectable in that the corresponding contact may be depressed such that the two electrically conducting layers are brought into contact, thereby closing the corresponding contact. Each selective path 701-706 is connected to a respective input 801- 806 of the countdown circuit 8, and the inputs are adapted to detect closure of the corresponding pressure contact PC1-PC6. Selection of the respective pressure contacts consequently results in different inputs 801-806 detecting a change of state, whereby each input triggers a different countdown value corresponding to the time associated with the selected contact PC 1-PC6.
In use, a user writes down an activity on the note sheet 1 and activates the reminder function by selecting one of the pressure contacts PC1-PC6. Selection is carried out by depressing with for instance a pencil the corresponding contact such that the two separated electrically conducting layers are brought into contact, thereby closing the corresponding contact. Detection of change of state of the contact is registered by the corresponding input 801-806 of the countdown circuit, thereby activating a corresponding countdown value for the timer 4. When the countdown value expires, the timer 4 expires, whereby the OLED 3 is activated. In Figure 6, a fifth exemplifying embodiment of a timer 4 is shown. With the exception of characteristics of the electrical contacts, the timer 4 of this fifth embodiment is similar to the timer 4 of the third and fourth embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5, and description of corresponding elements and functionality is hence omitted. The timer 4 of this fifth embodiment likewise comprises an OLED 3 connected to a power source 9 and a countdown circuit 8 integrated in a conductive circuit comprising a conductive path 7 and selective conductive paths 701-706. Arranged between the conductive path 7 and each selective path 701-706 is a respective electrical contact CCl- CC6 comprising a container filled with fluid. Each respective electrical contact is initially open to maintain the electrical circuit in a non-conductive state, i.e. "dry state", in which the fluid is separated from the paths 701-706. The electrical contacts CC1-CC6 of Figure 6 are container contacts, which are individually selectable in that a contact may be punctured such that the fluid leaks out, representing a "wet state". The fluid leaks out into the corresponding path 701-706, thereby, due to the fluid being electrically conductive, closing the corresponding contact. Each selective path 701-706 is connected to a respective input 801- 806 of the countdown circuit 8, and the inputs are adapted to detect closure of the corresponding container contact CC1-CC6. Selection of the respective container contacts consequently results in different inputs 801-806 detecting a change of state, whereby each input triggers a different countdown value corresponding to the period of time associated with the selected contact CC 1 -CC6.
In use, a user writes down an activity on the note sheet 1 and activates the reminder function by selecting one of the container contacts CC1-CC6. Selection may be carried out by puncturing the corresponding container such that the electrically conductive fluid leaks out, thereby closing the corresponding contact. Detection of change of state of the contact is registered by the corresponding input 801-806 of the countdown circuit, thereby activating a corresponding countdown value for the timer 4. When the countdown value expires, the timer 4 expires, whereby the OLED 3 is activated.
Figure 7 illustrates an exemplifying timer 4 in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention. With the exception of characteristics of the electrical contacts, the timer 4 of this sixth embodiment is similar to the timer 4 of the third to fifth embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 6, and description of corresponding elements and functionality is hence omitted.
The timer 4 of this sixth embodiment likewise comprises an OLED 3 connected to a power source 9 and a countdown circuit 8 integrated in a conductive circuit comprising a conductive path 7 and selective conductive paths 701-706. Arranged between the conductive path 7 and each selective path 701-706 is a respective electrical contact ECl- EC6 comprising an embedded self-inflating element, for instance placed next to two separated conductive layers (not shown). The electrical contacts are hence initially open to maintain the electrical circuit in a non-conductive state. The electrical contacts EC1-EC6 of Figure 7 are exposure contacts, which are individually selectable in that a user may expose an opening 71-76 of an electrical contact to air to initiate inflation of the corresponding self- inflating element, such that the layers are brought together, thereby closing the corresponding contact as the self- inflating element reaches a predetermined volume. The openings 71-76 may for instance be peel openings, easily peelable by a user. Each selective path 701-706 is connected to a respective input 801-806 of the countdown circuit 8, and the inputs are adapted to detect closure of the corresponding container contact EC1-EC6. Selection of the respective exposure contacts consequently results in different inputs 801-806 detecting a change of state of the contact, whereby each input triggers a different countdown value corresponding to the period of time associated with the selected contact EC1-EC6.
In use, a user writes down an activity on the note sheet 1 and activates the reminder function by selecting one of the exposure contacts EC1-EC6. Selection may be carried out by initiating inflation of the corresponding self- inflating element by exposing its opening 71-76 to air, thereby closing the corresponding contact as the self- inflating element reaches a predetermined volume as explained above. Detection of change of state is registered by the corresponding input 801-806 of the countdown circuit 8, thereby activating a corresponding countdown value for the timer 4. When the countdown value expires, the timer 4 expires, whereby the OLED 3 is activated.
Alternatively to the exposure contacts EC1-EC6 initially being open, they may on the contrary be closed. This solution is for instance feasible with provision of self- inflating elements sandwiched between two conductive layers. The contacts EC1-EC6 would then initially be closed, and a self- inflation of an element to a predetermined volume could cause opening of the corresponding contact rather than closure.
Optionally, the sizes of the openings 71-76 vary between the different exposure contacts EC1-EC6. In that manner, the period of time for self- inflation varies, which additionally to a countdown value may influence the time it takes the timer 4 to expire.
Figure 8 illustrates an exemplifying timer 4 in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention. With the exception of characteristics of the electrical contacts and paths leading to countdown circuit 8, the timer 4 of this seventh embodiment is similar to the timer 4 of the third to sixth embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 7, and description of corresponding elements and functionality is hence omitted.
The timer 4 of the seventh embodiment likewise comprises an OLED 3 connected to a power source 9 and a countdown circuit 8 comprising appropriate elements enabling for various countdown values to be activated. The countdown circuit 8 is integrated in an arbitrary number of conductive paths 81-86 embedded in the note sheet 1, for instance in a thin carbon layer (not shown). The paths 81-86, each provided over at least a portion of the note sheet 1, are electrically resistive and each path is initially a closed electrical circuit. Arranged somewhere along each resistive path 81-86 is a respective electrical contact RCl- RC6, each limited by a tear line 21. Delimitation by tear lines 21 is as previously stated merely exemplifying, and other applicable alternatives are naturally covered by the scope of the present invention. The electrical contacts RC1-RC6 of Figure 8 are rupture contacts, which are individually selectable in that a rupture contact may be torn off at its corresponding tear line 21, thereby breaking the e.g. carbon layer resulting in opening of the corresponding resistive path 81-86. Alternatively, the electrical contacts may be arranged such that folding rather then tearing opens the contacts.
Each resistive path 81-86 is connected to a respective input 811-816 of the countdown circuit 8, and the inputs are adapted to detect opening of the corresponding rupture contact RC1-RC6. Selection of the respective rupture contacts consequently results in different inputs 811-816 detecting a change, whereby each input triggers a different countdown value corresponding to the period of time associated with the selected contact RC1-RC6.
In use, a user writes down an activity on the note sheet 1 and activates the reminder function by selecting one of the rupture contacts RC1-RC6. Selection may be carried out by tearing off the corresponding rupture contact by its tear line 21, thereby opening the corresponding contact. Detection of change is registered by the corresponding input 811-816 of the countdown circuit 8, thereby activating a corresponding countdown value for the timer 4. When the countdown value expires, the timer 4 expires, whereby the OLED 3 is activated. Consequently, as have been discussed in the foregoing, a note sheet 1 in accordance with the present invention represents an improved simple reminder solution of assisting one in keeping up with deadlines of activities to be performed, which note sheet after a single use may be disposed of. Although the invention has been discussed in relation to different embodiments, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several further alternatives are possible. For example, the features of the different embodiments discussed above may naturally be combined in many other ways. Note, for instance, that although only one user alert device 3 is implemented in the above described embodiments, the present invention is not restricted thereto. The note sheet 1 may likewise comprise a plurality of devices 3, should that be preferred by the designer.
Also, the present timers may be used also in other applications or products than the described note sheet with the hand-writable surface, for instance in vouchers, tickets, etc. Also, provisions of the timers per se are envisaged.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several such alternatives similar to those described above could be used without departing from the spirit of the invention, and all such modifications should be regarded as a part of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.
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