BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to devices, systems, and methods to manage time.

2. Background of the Art

[0002] Time management is a critical skill for a multitude of personal and professional activities. In some aspects, the present disclosure addresses the need for effective time management.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] In aspects, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for managing time for a user. The apparatus may include a substantially optically passive and substantially kinetically inert housing having an interior volume; a signal emitter disposed in the interior volume, the signal emitter generating primarily a vibratory signal; and a controller controlling the signal emitter. The controller may be programmed to operate the signal emitter in at least a pace mode.

[0004] Examples of certain features of the disclosure have been summarized rather broadly in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the contributions they represent to the art may be appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the user of the claims appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] For a detailed understanding of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description of the embodiments, taken in conj unction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements have been given like numerals, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a time management device in accordance with the present disclosure that uses pressure pulses;

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a time management device in accordance with the present disclosure that uses emitters distributed in a band;

FIG. 3 is a graph showing illustrative methodologies for selecting stimulus strength in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a time management device in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view of the Fig. 4 embodiment; and

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a time management device in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown one embodiment of a pulse module 10 according to the present disclosure. The module 10 includes a band 12 and a pulser 14. The module 10 may be secured to a user, which may be a human or non-human. When activated, the module 10 applies a signal, which may be a pulse. The signal may be a generally silent vibration.

[0007] The band 12 may be sized to surround a human or animal limb. The band 12 may be elastic or inelastic. The band 12 may have a fixed dimension or an adjustable dimension. The band 12 may be made of one or more of metals, plastics, natural materials such as leather, ceramics, or composites. In some embodiments, the band 12 is connected to the pulser 14 at a location offset from a contact surface 15 of the pulser 14. By moving the connection point away from the contact surface 15, the band 12 may be able to better press the pulser 14 against a body surface 17 (e.g., skin) of the user.

[0008] The pulser 14 emits a predetermined signal to a selected location of the body of the user. In one embodiment, the signal is primarily felt by the user and is not heard by the user. Parameters such as amplitude, duration of a pulse, and / or frequency of the signal may be varied or selected to obtain the desired response. Thus, for instance, the strength of the signal can be varied by adjusting one or more of the amplitude, duration, and the frequency. In one arrangement, the pulser 14 emits a pressure pulse to a surface of the body of the user. For example, the pressure pulse may be applied to a skin of the user. The emitter includes a housing 16 that has opposing ends that connect to the band 12 and an interior chamber 22.

[0009] A signal generator 30 is positioned in the interior chamber 22 and is configured to apply a desired signal to the user. The signal may be a vibration or pressure that is continuous or pulsed. The signal generator 30 includes a power source 28, a processor 32, a signal emitter 34, and a pressure applying member 36. The power source 30 may be one or more batteries, a capacitor, or any other energy storage device. The pressure applying member 36 may directly contact the skin or body of the user. For example, the pressure applying member 36 may be a wall of the housing 16. The pressure applying member 36 may also be a button or membrane attached to the housing 16.

[0010] In the embodiment shown, the signal emitter 34 may be an electrically activator vibrator that rotates an eccentrically arranged weight to generate a motion that can be felt by the user. The pressure applying member 36 may be a portion of the housing 16 or a separate element that moves relative to the housing 16. In some embodiments, the pulser 14 may include a printed circuit board (not shown). The signal emitter 34 may be fixed to the printed circuit board or can move relative to the printed circuit board. For example, the processor 32 may be fixed to the printed circuit board and the signal emitter 34 may be fixed to an inner surface of the housing 16. In this arrangement, the signal emitter 34 "floats" relative to the printed circuit board because it move relative to the printed circuit board. Suitable electrical connectors (not shown) may be used to transmit signals from the printed circuit board to the signal emitter 34. In some embodiments, an intermediate vibration conducting layer (not shown) may be used to convey the signals to the user. Such a layer may be formed of a pliant material such as an elastomer.

[0011] The processor 32 and signal emitter 34 cooperate to pulse the pressure applying member 36 at a desired frequency. The processor 32 may be a microprocessor (digital) and / or an electrical circuit (analog). In one embodiment the signal emitter 34 may be a solenoid that generates a magnetic field at a desired frequency. In response to the generated magnetic field, the pressure applying member 36 moves (pulse). In embodiments, the processor 32 may be pulse the pressure applying member 36 in a frequency range between about fifty-five pulses per minute to about eight-five pulses per minute. In other embodiments, the signal emitter 34 may be an electric motor.

[0012] In still other embodiments, the signal emitter 34 may include a piezoelectric body. For example, a piezoelectric buzzer may be used as the signal emitter 34. The piezoelectric buzzer may vibrate at a desired frequency. It should be noted that there are two different frequencies in such an embodiment. The first frequency is the frequency of vibration {e.g., 60HZ). The second frequency is the frequency at which the vibration is imparted to the user {e.g., one vibration event per second). Thus, in a non-limiting embodiment, the piezoelectric buzzer may vibrate at 60HZ for one-tenth of a second every second. Depending on the signal emitter 34, the signal generator 30 may include a power inverter to convert DC power to AC power.

[0013] The signal generator 30 may include electrical peripherals such as a power switch 40 to energize and de-energize the signal generator 30 and a tuner switch 42. The tuner switch 42 may be used to reprogram the processor 32 to provide a desired operating pulse frequency and / or to increase or decrease (adjust) a strength of the pulse. An electrical peripheral is any energy consuming component that does not need to operate when the signal emitter 34 is generating a vibration.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the signal generator 30 may include an acoustic isolator (not shown) that at least partially encloses the signal emitter 34. The acoustic isolator may be used to ensure that the signal emitter 34 applies the signal (pulses) without creating any perceptible sounds.

[0015] Referring now to Fig. 2, there is shown an end view of a pulse module

10. In this embodiment, the band 12 and the pulser 14 may be constructed in the form of a conventional wristwatch. The pulser 14 may include a signal generator 150 that is figured to apply a desired signal (e.g., pressure, electrical signal, etc.) that is continuous or periodic / pulsed. Parameters such as amplitude and frequency of the signal may be varied or selected to obtain the desired response. However, the signal generator 150 is positioned in the band 12. As shown, the signal generator 150 may have one or more distributed vibrating elements 152. The vibrating elements 152 may be connected to the pulser 14 via an electrical conductor (not shown) embedded in the band 12. Moreover, the signal generator 150 may be incorporated into a clasp or buckle (not shown) that is associated with the band 12. Thus, the signal generator 150 may be considered as being external to the housing 16 of the pulser 14.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the pulser 14 may include a timer (not shown). The timer, which may be programmable, may be set to operate the pulser 14 for a fixed or adjustable duration of time. Alternatively or additionally, the timer may be programmed to operate the pulser 14 after a fixed or adjustable amount of time has expired. In still other embodiments, the signal may be "ramped" up and or down. That is, the signal may begin by being indiscernible and gradually increase in strength. This arrangement may help make the signal less intrusive and distracting. The signal may also gradually ramp down in strength.

[0017] It should be understood that the Fig. 1 - 2 embodiments are only illustrative in nature and that the features shown there in may be modified and / or supplemented. For example, in certain embodiments the modules may be constructed to appear as ornamental jewelry such as a bracelet. Also, in certain embodiments, the modules may be formed to appear as wrist watches. In such embodiments, the modules may include circuitry or hardware (e.g., clock face, digital display, analog display) for keeping and displaying time, operating as a stop watch, etc.

[0018] Referring now to Fig. 3, there is shown non-limiting illustrative methodologies for applying the signal in a pulsed fashion. Fig. 3 illustrates a graph 240 having time along the x-axis and signal strength along the y-axis. In one illustrative methodology is shown by signal 242. The signal strength is selected at a tactile level 244, which allows the user to feel the signal. That is, the user is always conscious of a tactile signal. However, the value or magnitude of the signal 242 is selected to be lower than the audio level 246. Thus, the user cannot hear the signal 242. It should be appreciated that the width or duration of each pulse 242 can also be varied as shown by relatively longer pulse 243. Thus, the strength of the pulse 242 can be controlled by controlling the amplitude, frequency, and or the duration. As used herein, a signal is considered inaudible if the signal has a strength of less than 20 decibels with respect to the user. Twenty decibels is roughly equivalent to whispering or a ticking of a watch. Thus, an inaudible signal is one that cannot be heard but can be felt.

[0019] In embodiments, the pulse module 10 may be used to assist users that are taking tests. For example, many tests that are administered to individuals are timed. Therefore, time management may be helpful to perform well on these tests. Also, the test protocols for these tests may discourage the use of any devices that make a distracting visual and /or audible signal. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be useful for pacing a user during a test to increase the likelihood that the user allocates the appropriate amount of time for each question and therefore has the opportunity to answer more questions.

[0020] Referring to Fig. 4, there is shown one embodiment of a module 10 configured for pacing a user. The module 10 may include a housing 300, a vibrator 310, a controller 320, and a battery 330. A strap 340 may be used to secure the module 10 onto a wrist of a user. The module 10 includes a signal strength switch 350 that controls the amplitude or strength of the signal generated by the vibrator 310. The signal strength switch 350 may be used to select the appropriate signal strength as shown in Fig. 3; i.e., the signal is tactile and not audible. The module 10 also includes a timer select switch 360 that controls the frequency of the signal generated by the vibrator 310.

[0021] The timer select switch 360 may be used to set the controller 320 to a desired operating mode. As shown, the timer select switch 360 has four modes, which is illustrative and not limiting. The fours modes may be: (1) a pulse frequency of one pulse per sixty seconds; (2) a pulse frequency of one pulse per ninety seconds; (3) a pulse frequency of one pulse per one-hundred twenty seconds; and (4) a pulse frequency of variable pulses every fifteen minutes. Thus, the first three modes may be considered pace mode because the signals only provide a relative time duration reference. That is, the user only knows the amount of time that has passed between two signals.

[0022] The fourth mode is an elapsed time mode. The variable pulses may be order to assist in identifying how much cumulative time has passed relative to a start point. For example, the first variable pulse may be one pulse, which is generated after fifteen minutes. The second variable pulse may be two pulses, which is generated after thirty minutes. The third variable pulse may be three pulses, which is generated at forty five minutes. When the fourth mode is configured to track elapsed time over an hour, the fourth variable pulse resets to one pulse after one hour. The mode 4 may also be used by persons as a reminder to correct or maintain a particular habit. For example, users may use mode 4 to remind themselves to not slouch, to periodically blink, or to check on emails or other periodic task.

[0023] It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the pace mode may be merged with an elapsed time mode. Thus, a two-minute pace mode may be combined with a mode that emits a variable signal every twenty minutes. Thus, the user has both a pace signal and an elapsed time signal.

[0024] In one illustrative use, the user may have to take a thirty minute test. If the test has thirty questions, then the user may select the first mode. If the test has twenty questions, then the user may select the second mode. If the test has fifteen questions, then the user may select the third mode. However, it is not necessary that the user select a time sequence that allocates the same time for each question. For example, if the test has thirty questions, then the user may select the second mode. In this mode, the user is seeking to ensure that no single question absorbs a significantly disproportionate amount of time. Also, some tests may have easy questions at the beginning and harder questions toward the end. In such a situation, the user may switch modes during the test.

[0025] In another illustrative use, the user may have one hour to take an essay type of test. The user may select mode 4 for such a test. This may allow the user to allocate time to read the question, outline an answer, and then write the essay.

[0026] The mode 4 may also be useful for any individual that seeks to conduct an activity according to a preset pace. For example, teachers, therapists, meeting moderators, public speakers, and sales persons, are illustrative of individuals that may need to accomplish a task or tasks within a preset amount of time. The mode 4 may be useful for such individuals in pacing their activities to ensure that the tasks are completed within the allocated time.

[0027] Referring now to Fig. 5, there is sectionally the Fig. 4 embodiment of the module 10. As discussed above, the module 10 may include a housing 300, a vibrator 310, a controller 320, and a battery 330. [0028] The housing 300 may be formed to have optically passive exterior surfaces 301 during operation in an operating mode. By "optically passive," it is meant that these surfaces and any parts attached to these surfaces, at best, reflect light from an exterior source (a source outside of the housing 300), but does not emit light (e.g. electromagnetic waves) and does not allow any light from within the housing 300 to escape while the vibrator 310 is in any of the operating modes. In contrast, a display (e.g., an LED light) is an "optically active" exterior surface. Thus, digital watches that display time are "optically active." In some embodiments, all the exterior surfaces 301 are "optically passive." In other embodiments, only selected exterior surfaces 301 are "optically passive." Further, the exterior surface 301 is "kinetically inert." As is known, kinetic energy is the energy associated with a moving object. Thus, by "kinetically inert," it is meant that the exterior surface 301 and any parts fixed to the exterior surface do not move while the vibrator 310 is in any of the operating modes. An analogy watch that has one or more moving hands has a "kinetically active" surface.

[0029] The housing 300 may be optically active and kinetically active during a programming mode. A programming mode is when a user turns the device off or on and / or selects any of the operating modes.

[0030] In one arrangement, the housing 300 has a casing 302, a cover 303, and a base 304. In embodiments, the materials of making up the components of the housing 300 may be selected to provide a contrast in the modulus of elasticity. The casing 302 and the cover 303 may be formed of a relatively rigid material selected to prevent human perceptible sounds made by the vibrator 310 from escaping the housing 300. The base 304 may be formed of a material that is more flexible that the material of the casing 203. For example, the base 304 may be formed of an elastomer. In other embodiments, the arrangement is reversed. That is, the base 304 is formed of a material that has a modulus of elasticity that is greater than that of the casing 302 and the cover 303. The modulus of elasticity of the housing 300 should be varied and arranged as needed to direct the energy released by the vibrator 310 downward into the body of the user as opposed to outward into the ambient air, which can create noise. Thus, the base 304 acts as "energy window" and the remainder of the housing 300 acts as an "energy wall." [0031] Also, the vibrator 310 may be positioned to contact the base 304. It should be appreciated that in this arrangement, the energy from the vibrator 310 may be directly imparted to the base 304. However, because of the contrast in the modulus of elasticity, the base 304 attenuates this energy as it reaches the remainder of the housing 300. Thus, during operation, the motion of the vibrator 310 will displace or deform the base 304, which will then be felt by the user. Optionally, the interior 305 of the housing 300 may be partially or completely filled by a sound isolation material.

[0032] In another arrangement, the housing may be formed of a relatively soft material as opposed to a hard plastic or a metal. In embodiments, the housing may be formed of a synthetic or natural rubber or another pliant material that can be molded over the signal generator 30 (Fig. 1). For the present disclosure, a pliant material is a material having a Young's Modulus of less that 1 (10 ⁹ N/m ² , GPa). The pliancy will allow the vibrations to be effectively transferred to the user's body while absorbing the energy that would otherwise be transmitted as sound. It should be noted that such an arrangement will allow the electrical components to be molded into the body. The signal generator may be fixed to a printed circuit board or float free of the printed circuit board by being positioned elsewhere in the body.

[0033] In some embodiments, all of the exterior surfaces of the housing 300 are optically passive and kinetically inert. In other embodiments, the housing 300 is substantially optically passive and substantially kinetically inert. By substantially, it is meant that only the surfaces not in contact with the body of the sure are optically passive and kinetically inert. For example, only the outer surface of the cover 303 and outer side surfaces of the casing 302 are optically passive and kinetically inert. In still other embodiments, the housing 300 may be partially optically passive and partially kinetically inert. For example, only the outer surface of the cover 303 are optically passive and kinetically inert.

[0034] The vibrator 310 may be any device that imparts an oscillatory movement. The oscillations may be primarily parallel 312 to a skin surface 370 of the user. Alternatively, the oscillations may be primarily orthogonal 314 to the skin surface 370 of the user. In Fig. 6, there is shown a variant, wherein the vibrator 310 is positioned in an opening 309 in the casing 302. Thus, in the Fig. 6 embodiment, there is no base 304. However, optionally a pliant layer may be applied to the surfaces of the vibrator 310 that may contact the skin 370 of the user.

[0035] It should be understood that all of the time durations listed above are merely illustrative. Thus, any number of modes and any value of time durations may be used for the pacing / timer operation; e.g., 30 seconds, three minutes, eight minutes, twenty minutes, thirty minutes, one hour, etc. Also, any variable pattern may be used to identify how much time has passed; e.g. decreasing counts instead of increasing counts (four pulses, three pulses, two pulses, one pulse), different signal patterns, etc.

[0036] In some embodiments, the battery 330 is replaceable. In other embodiments, the batter 330 may be rechargeable using a using a suitable power port 332.

[0037] In embodiments, the controller may be programmed to optimize batter power. In one arrangement, the controller, which may include a microprocessor, may be programmed with a low power mode wherein that de-energizes one, some, or all peripheral energy consuming components during operation. Additionally, the controller may be programmed to be interrupt driven such that power supplied on for the periods of time during operation. Additionally, motor may be drive using pulse width modulation (PWM) to obtain vibration level at lower power levels. Also, the controller may be programmed to minimize leakage currents by disabling inputs and outputs when possible.

[0038] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be constructed in forms other than devices to be strapped on a limb using a band. For example, the module may be held in a hand or attached to a cushion or other surface that is to be placed in intimate contact with the user, which may be a human or non-human. The module may include a shell formed of a pliant material that allows the signals generated by the emitter to be felt by the user.

[0039] In aspects, the teachings of the present disclosure may be used to develop instruction modules for tutoring individuals.

[0040] The methods may include: studying actual tests; preparing simulated test questions based on the study of actual tests; determining a desired pace for answering test questions; setting a pacing device to emit a signal at a desired interval; instructing at least one student to adjust the pacing device to emit the signal at a non-disruptive intensity; and instructing the at least one student to take the test questions while operating the pacing device. Determining an average pace, and setting the interval and a value less than the average pace.

[0041] In certain embodiments for managing nausea suffered by human users, the pressure applying component may be positioned to apply signal to a location intermediate the groove between the two large tendons of a human wrist. Parameters such as amplitude and frequency of the signal may be varied or selected to obtain the desired response. In certain fields, this location is referred to as "the P6 point." Parameters such as amplitude and frequency of the signal may be varied or selected to obtain the desired response.

[0042] Embodiments of the present disclosure include using the disclosed devices to manage stress. In one non-limiting method, a heart rate of the user is estimated during a time when the user is not experiencing stress. In one embodiment, the heart rate is the "rest" heart rate, that is when the user is awake, but not physical exerting and does have an elevated heart rate. In embodiments, the heart rate is selected as the rate for applying the signal because the heart rate is felt throughout nearly the entire body. The heart rate is both common to nearly all users, but can is also specific to a particular user. That is, most human users have a rest heart rate between sixty and ninety beats per minute. But individual heart rates can vary considerably within that rate. Moreover, the heart rate has a frequency that can be better perceived by a user. In other embodiments, the breathing rate (i.e., breaths per minute) may also be used.

[0043] Next, the pulse module is programmed to emit a signal at a rate approximate to or less than the estimated rest heart rate. In one embodiment, the programmed rate is within about ten percent of the estimated heart rate. In another embodiment, the programmed rate is no greater than the estimated heart rate. In some situations, it may be adequate that the programmed rate is only lower than the heart rate when encountering a stress event.

[0044] After programming the pulse module, the user may be conditioned with the module. For conditioning, the user should be engaging in a relaxation activity wherein the user experiences a relaxation response. Illustrative relaxation activities include, but are not limited to, reading a book, watching television, surfing the web, mediating, performing breathing exercises, performing yoga, painting, and like relaxation activities. In some instances, the user selects an activity that induces an "alpha wave" relaxation response. To begin conditioning, the module may be secured to the user and then engages in the relaxation activity. The module may be positioned to apply the signal applied directly to the skin of the user at an extremity such as the wrists or ankles. The module may be operated anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more. In some methods, the conditioning may be repeated on a daily or nearly daily basis to condition the user to associate the signal with a relaxation response.

[0045] The user may then use the pulse module when a stress inducing situation is encountered. This stress inducing situation may cause the user to have one or more stress responses. The user activates the module. The module applies the signal to the body of the user. Due to the conditioning, the signal causes the user to at least subconsciously associate the signal to a physical and / or mental state existing during a relatively stress-free environment. Thus, the user's physical and /or mental state is induced to a lower magnitude of the stress response.

[0046] While the foregoing disclosure is directed to the one mode embodiments of the disclosure, various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is intended that all variations within the scope of the appended claims be embraced by the foregoing disclosure.