BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to

"wearable" communication technology and, more particularly, to a bracelet capable of communicating in a non-audible manner in order to warn the wearer of moving dangers nearby.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0002] There are many environments where enhancing worker safety is desirable. Examples include construction sites in which pedestrian workers and heavy eguipment may be

simultaneously moving and commingling within a common space. Other examples exist in military applications, where foot soldiers and eguipment must co-occupy a location where a loud ambient noise level may interfere with the awareness by each of surrounding risks. People and heavy, moving vehicles in these environments do not consistently interact in predictable ways as they do in other environments (e.g. on the street with defined lanes/roads for vehicles, sidewalks and crosswalks for pedestrians, stop signs, stop lights, etc.). Most

construction vehicles include an audible safety warning that provide a sharp and distinctive beeping noise while operating in reverse, since it is in this direction that the vehicle operator has the least visibility and individuals in the area are at the greatest risk. Generally, a "back-up beeper" or an observer is required by OSHA for earthmoving vehicles with an obstructed view to the rear and no one on the ground to help guide the driver. Alarms are typically loud because

manufacturers do not know the ambient noise level where the machines will be used.

[0003] The relevant OSHA regulation is 29 CFR Part

1926.601(b) (4) which requires "a reverse signal alarm audible above surrounding noise level", but only when the motor vehicle has "an obstructed view to the rear" . The

determination of the noise level is left to the employer.

However, because equipment is moved from place to place, the loudest alarms are often selected to overcome the maximum ambient noise or activity of common environments. However, even with such warnings ms these back-up alarms can themselves become either routine or part of the background noise such that even the audible warnings may be unheard or ignored.

Back-up beepers are criticized by the public and in scientific literature due to concern that people become habituated to the ubiquitous noise, diminishing any effectiveness. Brains are not adapted for dealing with the repetitive and persistent sound of back-up beepers, but more towards natural sounds that dissipate. As such, the dangers of individuals being struck by construction vehicles, forktrucks, and similar and related accidents, are all too common.

[0004] Consequently, in order to gain the attention or otherwise communicate discretely with a person at risk in such an environment a system of nonauditory, tactile communication activated only in the proximity when sensing a risk is

reguired .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is a general object of the present invention to provide a non-audible communication system adapted for

discrete personal use in communication with vehicles that pose a particular and distinct risk.

[0006] It is a feature of the present invention to provide wearable communication device adaptable for use bracelets, as well as with other wearable safety gear, such as hard hats, vests, or other future safety wearable items, and a system for communicating therewith, that is capable of delivering a non- audible indicia in response to incoming signals.

[0007] Briefly described according to the present

invention, a wearable signal notification device supports a proximity warning device that activates when identifying a back-up alarm within an identified risk proximity. The

wearable device may be configured as a wrist band, but may also be adapted for use in other wearable safety gear, such as hard hats, vest or other further safety wearable items. When a signal is received by the band, a vibratory motion is imparted to the band. The signal may be generated upon identification of a sound within an identified tone or freguency used by a backup alarm of a truck or other piece of moving equipment. When the tone or frequency is within an identified noise level, or determined to be increasing so to suggest the truck or other piece of equipment is moving toward a user, the band will generate a vibratory tactile alarm. By reinforcing the back-up audible alarm on the moving equipment with vibration to a user, potential dangers will be better recognized when the wearer is in a risk area of the moving vehicle .

[0008] Such reenforcement may result in prevention of a wearer ignoring an alarm signal due to habituation within the ambient environment.

[0009] Additional nonverbal communication to the wearer may further include differentiation in vibratory strength or pattern as an indicating of differences in either the type of risk or distance where the risk is presented relative to the bracelet .

[0010] It is therefore an advantage of the present

invention to provide a new and improved wearable signal notification device and system that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

[0011] It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide an inaudible signal notification means for people in environments where audible alarms may be inappropriate, infeasible or ineffective.

[0012] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a wearable signal notification device that is waterproof, durable, and elastic and is thus suitable for use in strenuous physical activities.

[0013] Yet another advantage of the present invention is to alert users that a signal is being received by a mobile device without the need for the user to be in contact with the mobile device .

[0014] Still another advantage of the present invention is to incorporate an inaudible wireless notification device into a system for receiving notification of incoming signals.

[0018] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the

accompanying drawings .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are

identified with like symbols, and in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a remote

communication bracelet according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 2a is an exemplary block diagram for the system for use therewith;

[0019] FIG. 2b is an exemplary electrical schematic for operation thereof;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a schematic view according to the

preferred embodiment of the present invention which remote communication bracelet is shown in use;

[0021] FIG. 4 is a top plan view according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention which remote communication bracelet is shown in use; and

[0022] FIG. 5 is an block diagram outlining a general operation of the preferred embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein

depicted within the Figures.

1._ Detailed Description of the Figures

[0024] Referring now to FIG. 1, an article of the present invention is shown in the form of a notification signal device, generally noted as 10, in which a wireless

communication receiver mechanism 12 is provided. As shown in conjunction with an exemplary preferred embodiment, an

attachment band 14 allows for the notification signal device 10 to be wearable. It should be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the relevant art, in light of the present teachings, that the receiver mechanism may alternately be incorporated in otherwise conventional safety gear, such as hard hats, vest, goggles or the like, or further still be incorporated into other further safety wearable items. The attachment band 14 is formed of a generally toroid shaped, waterproof, elastic strap member that is intended to attach to a user by circumscribing a user' s limb such as to be in physical communication with the user. While FIG. 1 shows the band 14 attached about the wrist of a user, it should be understood that such an intended wearing position is merely exemplary and one having ordinary skill in the relevant art, in light of the present disclosure, would consider other wearing positions as being within the range of eguivalents of the present invention. By way of example, and not as a limitation, such other wearing positions may include wearing about a user's ankle, placement in a user's pocket, attachment to a user's belt, or other similar alternate positions. As such, it should also be considered within the range of eguivalents of the present invention that the band 14 be broadly defined as any attachment mechanism that functions to allow the wireless communication receiver mechanism 12 to be worn, carried or otherwise remain with the user.

[0025] Referring now in conjunction with FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b, inside the housing of the wireless communication receiver mechanism 12 is contained a microphone 20, a signal analyzer 40 and a mechanism for non-audible communication 60.

[0026] The microphone 20 provides an audio intake device to acguire ambient sound within a range about a wearer. The microphone 20 may be a conventional magnetic style. In a preferred embodiment the use of a solid state elctret microphone 22 may be provided utilizing a permanently

polarized piece of dielectric material, analogous to a

permanent magnet. Such an electret microphone may be an electrostatic capacitor-based microphone, which eliminates the need for a polarizing power supply by using a permanently charged material. In a preferred embodiment an electret microphones may use PTFE plastic, either in film or solute form, to form the electret. It should be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the relevant art, in light of the present teachings, such a configuration should be broadly construed within a broad scope of functional eguivalents and could include, inter alia, a MEMS microphone, etc.

[0027] The signal analyzer 40 receives a sound input 24 from the microphone 22 for determination of a specific

acoustic recognition. For purposes of the description, a running example is introduced whereby the signal analyzer 40 is provided to detect a vehicle back-up alarm generate by an approaching piece of moving eguipments such as a truck, an excavator, or a fork lift for the express purpose of alerting nearby workers that the vehicle is approaching their location. Clearly, it will be understood that the teachings are

extensible to implementation in detectors for a variety of other uses. If the acoustic input signal is identified as a selected pure-tone sound, it is then tracked to determine the identified sound is of a sufficient and increasing volume such as to indicate movement toward the user. Backup alarms

typically produce 1000 Hz pure tone beeps at between 97-112 decibels. If the sound input is identified as a 1000Hz pure tone, then the indication of a backing vehicle is determined. It should be understood that

[0028] As shown in conjunction with FIG. 2b, the ambient audio signal is sense for the 1000Hz signal by the electret microphone 22. A small 3.3V battery 26 (i.e., CR2032 coin cell or the like) with capacitor Cl (28) for a clean power supply. The microphone output 24 goes through capacitor C2 to couple only the AC waveform , thereby eliminating any DC offsets. A 1000 Hz bandpass filter 42 is created with Op-Amp Ul and R2, R3, C3, C4, and R4. This is a resonant circuit that would be calculated to be 1000Hz center freguency. When the "beep" resonates with this part of the circuitry, the Op-Amp will send out a sine wave at 1000 Hz. The output of the Op-Amp is electrically smoothed out by C5. Except for a small

charging and discharging window of time, C5 will turn on Ql, which in turn powers the vibratory motor. When the 1000Hz signal goes away, C5 drains, Ql turns off, and the vibration motor turns off.

[0029] While the above description is provided for an analog circuit embodiment in a basic form, it should be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the relevant art, in light of the present teachings, such a configuration should be broadly construed within a broad scope of functional equivalents and could include, inter alia, the us of a micro controller between the Op-amp and Q1 with some

programmability (e.g., to add a series of small pulses to the motor, or to save battery and only listen for the backup signal 1/10 of the time, etc.) . Additionally, a narrower band filter may be utilized to eliminate more frequencies, such as to accommodate the circuit actuation at 900 Hz, but with more in depth circuitry to allow to identify acoustic signals within 10 Hz of 1000 Hz. Such a range in specifications may further incorporate a means for tuning or setting the final circuit specification.

[0030] The mechanism for non-audible communication 60 may be any mechanism that causes vibration or other physical stimulus perceivable by the user. It is further envisioned that a visual mechanism, such as a modulated illumination, may be further actuated in conjunction with such vibration. While it is understood that the use of portable, personal mounted audible alarms may also be used in conjunction with non- audible alarming, it is felt that in the conditions and under the circumstances where the present invention is intended to be used that physical stimulus would provide benefits

particular adapted to the environments of intended use. In either variant the alarm is actuated by a communication circuit module, a battery, and a user interface. While it is intended that the non-audible communication mechanism would include a vibration imparting mechanism for vibrating against the wrist of a wearer when activated, it should be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the relevant art, in light of the present teachings, that additional non-vibratory

mechanisms may be additionally or alternately utilized, such as, for example, a visual lighting mechanism such as one or more light emitting diodes. An antenna is connected to the communication circuit module, and while it is preferred that the antenna is an onboard antenna, the use of an antenna that extends from the inner band is possible, though not preferred. This antenna receives short range signals such as Bluetooth® or radio band signals. The communication circuit module may contain embedded logic configured to detect wireless signals within a predetermined freguency range and strength. While the use of such Bluetooth® or radio band signals is intended to be sufficient and exemplary, it should be understood that a variety of wireless communication mechanisms are capable of being used with the present invention. Referring to TABLE 1, a number of various types of wireless communication mechanisms are listed showing advantages, disadvantages and sensing

mechanisms of each.

Table 1.

Type Advantages Disadvantages Sensing method

Infrare Detects object or person

Good for long Accuracy issues with

d: presence by heat energy distance in fog. heavy snow and rain.

passive radiation .

Good for long Environmental concerns Emits laser beam to

Infrare

distance in fog. affecting accuracy ground. Detects reduced d:

Measures vehicle include temperature, time of reflection by active

speed. dust, and water sprays. objects in path.

Detects change in

Capacit Compact and easy

Needs clean environment. capacitance due to object ive to install.

in detection zone. All objects trigger

alarm. Temperature,

humidity, air turbulence, Detects change in time-

Ultraso

Compact and easy target surface of-flight reflection due nic - to install. smoothness, target size, to object in detection pulse

angle of incidence, and zone,

external noise sources

cause accuracy problems.

All objects trigger the Measures time-of-flight

Radar : of a pulse that is

Compact and easy alarm. Snow and ice

transmitted and then pulsed to install. buildup and angle of

reflected off of objects incidence accuracy issue. in detection zone.

Compact and easy Detects a frequency shift

Cannot detect stopped

Radar: to install. in generated signal due objects. Snow and ice

Doppler Measures vehicle to object in detection buildup issues.

speed. zone .

Generally short range. No

RFID: Inexpensive and range information. A nonpowered tag detects passive easy to install. generated radio signal.

Orientation sensitivity.

RFID: Longer range than Requires battery in tag. A battery-powered tag detects generated radio active passive RFID. Orientation sensitivity.

signal .

A receiver detects satellite signals and

Accurate; covers Only works on the triangulates position,

GPS

wide areas. surface . transmits location to other vehicles/personnel via radio.

Video Operator must observe Vehicle operator monitors

Simplicity . monitor. Limited field of objects in blind spots on cameras view. cab-mounted monitor.

Detects change in Earth's

Magneti Accuracy issues when

Compact and easy magnetic field when c : metallic objects in

to install. objects enter detection passive field.

zone .

A transmitter provides a

Magneti Great accuracy Only receiver in

marker signal. A receiver c : over short detection zone triggers

measures signal strength active distances . alarms .

and provides alarms.

[0031] Upon detection of an incoming wireless signal, the communication chip's embedded logic activates an alert circuit causing the vibrator to vibrate the housing. In this way the bracelet provides both tactile feedback to a user whenever a signal of predetermined type is received. Alternately or additionally, the illumination of LED' s may also be engaged as well . [0032] In all parts of the invention the wearable article is an attachment mechanism containing the communication and alert electronics. If using a connection band or strap, the band may further provide an aesthetic appearance bracelet. Though the precise material, shape, and size can vary to suit the aesthetic desires of consumers, it is important that the band is durable and can accommodate differently sized users.

2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

[0033] Referring now in conjunction with FIG. 3-5, a wearable signal notification device according to the present invention is shown in use in which a wearable signal

notification devices supports a proximity warning device that activates upon proximity with a particularized risk. The particularized risk shown herein is proximity to a piece of moving construction or military eguipment operating within the same location as pedestrian cohorts, but such an examples should be interpreted as exemplary and not limiting in that the targeted risk may be specific and particularly associated with a target activity generally, and not merely limited to those risks associated with construction sites. Whatever the intended environment, when a signal is received by the band, a vibratory motion is imparted to the band. The band 12 is connected to and circumscribes a user's wrist. The user may deactivate the communication signal though actuation of a control mechanism, shown herein as a user contacting a control button 16. It should be obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the relevant art and in light of the present

teachings that such control mechanisms may vary within a broad range of eguivalents of the present invention, and may include any number of interface mechanisms such as membrane buttons or other actuation implements within a variety of design

selections as long as the control buttons allow for activation and deactivation of communication with another device 10.

When an acoustic signal 18 within the target freguency range is received by the band 10, a vibratory motion is imparted to the band and felt by the wearer.

[0034] The signal 18 may be generated by a backup alarm of a truck or other piece of moving eguipment 80. The signal is intended to be transmitted in a sufficiently short effective distance "L" that the microphone 20 in the band 10 will recognize the risk 80 when the wearer is in a risk area of the moving vehicle 80. It is intended that such is to provide a nonverbal communication to the wearer, and can included differentiation in vibratory strength or pattern as an

indicating of differences in either the type of risk or distance where the risk is presented relative to the bracelet.

[0035] It is intended that such as to provide a nonverbal commination to the wearer, and can included differentiation in vibratory strength or pattern as an indicating of differences in either the intended message to be communicated, or

differences in the source of the intended message. Additional controls allow for the user to transmitted a terminating signal back to the eguipment hazard so as to shut off

operation of the eguipment and thereby prevent hazard to the pedestrian. Further still, feedback signals may additionally include a message by the wearer or otherwise providing a response or an acknowledgment to the sender.

[0036] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the invention to precise forms disclosed and, obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments are chosen and described in order to best explain principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and its various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that a scope of the invention be defined broadly by the

Drawings and Specification appended hereto and to their eguivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is limited only by the following claims.