WO2007124608A2

WO2007124608A2 - Device and method for mobile electronic data detection, display, and evaluation

Info

Publication number: WO2007124608A2
Application number: PCT/CH2007/000200
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andreas Hieronymi
Original assignee: Andreas Hieronymi
Priority date: 2006-04-27
Filing date: 2007-04-27
Publication date: 2007-11-08
Also published as: WO2007124608A3; WO2007124608B1; CH698848B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for mobile electronic data detection, evaluation, and display. The inventive device helps the user detect, evaluate, and optionally train selected domains, is subdivided into hardware (detection device) and software (evaluation device, configuration device), and comprises at least one storage unit (table) and an input key. Each storage unit (table) can be randomly occupied by a function, e.g. counting, keeping time, or scoring. Data is retrieved by pressing the respective input keys. The date and time of detection are also stored. Simple intermediate results can be displayed directly on a display by means of control keys. The data can be transmitted to a personal computer for evaluation and configuration purposes. The detection device can be embodied in the form of an autonomous hand-held device or an emulation for a conventional electronic device that is equipped with adequate keys and software, e.g. a PDA, mobile phone, wristwatch, or personal computer.

Description

Apparatus and method for mobile electronic data acquisition, presentation and evaluation

The present invention relates to a device and a method for mobile electronic data acquisition, display and evaluation.

Mobile electronic devices for data acquisition, display and evaluation have found widespread use in recent years, especially mobile phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant) and notebooks. Specialized devices have also found a market for individual applications in the population, such as calculators, stop watches, heart rate monitors and digital music players.

As part of this trend, the population has become accustomed to simplify life with the help of small mobile devices. Previous devices were mainly used in the areas of work, communication, scheduling, entertainment and sports. The object of the present invention is to present a device and a method, which are intended to serve above all in one: the control and change of one's own behavior. The possibilities of the application are wide and lie among other things in the ranges sport, work and health. Healthcare costs are rising steadily. It is well known that much of the cost could be reduced if it were easier for people to adopt beneficial behaviors and habits and let go of inappropriate ones. In short, to shape their behavior according to their wishes. People often make an effort to put intentions into action and stay tuned. Together with the manifold requirements of everyday life, for example, goals of therapy and therapy Forget training plans quickly. The clients' self-confidence and motivation for behavioral changes are decreasing. Often, after just a few days, it is difficult to remember what and how long you have performed and what effects the exercises have shown. That's why sometimes lists, tables, or weekly logs are kept - not just to capture effects, but also because you've noticed that writing already has a positive effect ("What you measure is what you get"). Could a new electronic device or new software possibly make a decisive contribution to making trainings and therapies more effective, showing success more quickly, and thereby increasing motivation and commitment?

Even with previous means, the described object can be addressed. However, the prior art has many disadvantages. The paper and pencil methods lack among other things automatic evaluations and feedback possibilities. Stopwatches usually allow only one or two parallel measurements and usually have no possibility of automatic logging and subsequent evaluation of the measured time intervals. Conventional hand counters - which are used, for example, to count disembarkers or in traffic counts - do not have automatic logging of the measuring times. In addition, for many cases of behavioral change, both time logs and frequencies of exercises and ratings of states should be recorded. Previous specialized input devices do not allow this variety of functions. As will be shown, multi-functional devices such as PDAs and mobile phones are not always suitable for everyday use. Also, they are not suitable for all population areas because of the more complicated handling, for example, some older people, small children or physically disabled people are overwhelmed with these devices. Devices such as stopwatch and handheld meter show that the ease and speed of handling is of great importance for everyday use. The inventive device meets this need of the user to a great extent. In the first place, this relates to the inventive handset, furthermore also Emulations of the device for traditional mobile devices such as mobile phones or PDAs.

It is an object of this invention to provide a novel apparatus and method for mobile electronic data collection, display and evaluation that solves the above problems. In particular, the device and method should meet the diverse needs of behavior modification and control, simplify operation, speed up entry, and thereby increase user acceptance. Furthermore, the device and method should better assist the user in achieving his goals through feedback and reminder functions. Individually customizable target areas, parameters, thresholds and feedback mechanisms are designed to give the device specific and targeted support. This can be prepared and accompanied by a specialist or take place in the sense of self-management and self-coaching single-handedly. The architecture and operation of the device should be optimized to allow longer periods of acquisition without charging the battery or changing batteries.

By using the device z. B. Answers to the following questions can be found more easily: On how many days per month do I have a headache? What is my average daily curve in terms of energy, concentration and tension? How many times and when did I do the back exercises last month that my physiotherapist recommended? Did the exercises each lead to a better body feeling? What is the effect of morning jogging on my energy level and stress resistance during the day? How many minutes or hours after taking the drug do I feel any significant improvement? How strongly do movement and sleep quality relate to me? How many times have I been interrupted by phone calls at work today? And when are the peak times? How much time did I invest in one of the three ongoing projects this week? How many hours do mine have Employees at the market stall today? ^• Following a therapy session: How often did I feel so "happy" this week, rather in the morning, at lunch or in the evening, during work or at leisure, and when was I particularly miserable or stressed? This week, I've been through the 3-minute relaxation that I learned in the stress management class: was my stress level lower in days I did it more often than if I did not do it? Selectable areas of behavior and experience are recorded, where the experience can include both states and events of one's own person (such as experienced emotions, pain, etc.) as well as situation characteristics of the outside world such as the current environment of the action (home, office, leisure) , Situation qualities (time pressure, hectic pace, good team climate) or climatic observations (weather, heat, hair dryer, high air pressure etc.). Based on the settings in the device can not Timed, but also situational rules and feedback mechanisms are used. Environmental features such as weather, pollen and ozone can be synchronized via the data transmission interface or over the air with the data obtained by the person. This is valuable, among other things, to clarify possible connections.

According to the present invention, these objects are achieved by a hand-held device according to claim 1, as well as by its use and by the thus enabled method according to claim 8 for mobile electronic detection, evaluation and display of data from freely selectable areas or electronic support of Monitoring or change processes. Further advantageous embodiments are also evident from the dependent claims and the description.

The invention offers numerous advantages over the prior art. The user has the ability to control or train multiple (eg six) selected areas, most conventional mobile devices allow for only one area during the same time period. A log is kept of all events, which subsequently differentiated Evaluations allowed, most conventional devices have no logs of actions. The (eg six) selected areas can be selected according to the current goals of the person freely selectable with different functions (eg counting, time measuring, rate), this selection - or programming - of the functions is not available in conventional devices. The areas to be recorded are freely selectable; Previous devices are partially usable only for narrowly limited areas, for example as a pain protocol or for the detection of calories. The device not only gives the user the ability to record data, but also to receive evaluations and further feedback at any time, as well as make differentiated settings and evaluations via a personal computer. The user has the free choice of various input devices to use the system, either the specially optimized handheld device can be used or an existing mobile device such as mobile phone or PDA. However, the handset according to the invention has various advantages: the handling is preying simpler, the operation is faster, incorrect inputs are reduced. The operating time of the device is significantly longer because no high performance controller is required. Since the device is not used otherwise, the stored data is anonymous. Since the standard version of the device has no transmitter, there is no electrosmog and the device can also be used in areas where mobile phones may not be used - eg in certain means of transport and hospitals. The handset is reduced to the mentioned functions and can therefore be produced more cheaply. For companies, clinics, trainers and therapists, the handheld devices offer the advantage that they can be set very easily and the user for courses etc. can be temporarily delivered. Because the handset is intuitive to use, it eliminates the tedious training time required by other devices such as cell phones and PDAs.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below by way of examples. The examples of the embodiments are illustrated by the following enclosed figures: FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an inventive device

Handset;

Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating data processing;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of interfaces of the handset to other electronic devices;

Figure 4 shows a representation of the handset together with an external control unit;

FIG. 5 schematically shows the process flow of a method for the electronic support of monitoring or change processes.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a hand-held device according to the invention. The handset 1 consists of a housing that includes, among other things, six input keys 2. The input keys are used to record events. The data obtained are stored in memory units (tables) in the device. The memory units can optionally have different functions (counter, group counter, timer, timer, evaluator, selector, number input, text input). Three control buttons 3 (view button, results button and menu button) allow various activities: A button (view button) changes the display presentation. A second key (results key) calculates intermediate results of the detected inputs. A third key (menu key) allows you to assign functions to the memory units (tables), set time and date, display the last entered entry, delete (undo) the last entry, reset (reset) a storage unit (table). The selection keys 4 are used to scroll the display and to select the answer in the case of stepped answer options.

A display 5 is used for user communication and display of Evaluations. The device has six light-emitting diodes 6 next to the input buttons for signaling inputs, further via three light-emitting diodes 6 (eg in the colors green, yellow and red) above the display. These can be used in different ways, eg. Reminder of an exercise (including display text) or as information on the current goal achievement (example: green = behavior is in the "green area", yellow = behavior is in the border area, red = behavior is in the "red area", the self-imposed goal was not achieved). An acoustic signal generator 7 can be used to remember activities or as a signal when reaching a state. The power socket 8 allows the power supply of the device and / or charging a battery. The data transmission interface 9 allows transmission of data to a data processing system and the external configuration of settings of the handset. The

Data transmission interface can be realized by means of memory card (e.g., SD card), cable (e.g., Universal Serial Bus [USB], serial interface [RS232]) or wireless transmission technologies (e.g., Infrared [IR], Bluetooth, ZigBee). The transmission process is controlled by software. A fastening device 10 allows attachment of the handset and prevents e.g. a slip away. The fastening device may e.g. be realized in the form of an eyelet, a band or a clip.

2 shows a diagram for illustrating the data processing. The illustrated handset comprises six memory units (tables). Possible steps in the overview: By means of the control and selection keys different functions 11 (eg counter or timer, evaluator or selector) can be assigned to the memory units (tables) 12, via the input keys 2 data are entered into the memory units by pressing the control keys 3 results are displayed on the display 6.

A memory unit can thus be used in an application as a normal counter, in a later application, it can be used for example as a timer. The following eight functions are available Available: counter, group counter, timer, timer, evaluator, selector, number input, text input. The counter increases by 1 with each entry (examples: number of exercises done, number of cigarettes smoked). The group counter groups inputs that are entered within a certain time interval (eg 30 seconds) (example: number of series of force exercise per time interval grouped: 2, 4, 3, 1, ...). The timer allows the detection of a time interval (example: duration of sports activities within one week). The timer counts backwards for a preset period of time and then emits a tone signal. The evaluator is used to evaluate conditions entered on a preset scale (example: strength of current pain on a scale of 1 to 5). The selector provides preset choices, of which the appropriate one is selected by pressing (examples: answering a question with five choices, choosing the current workout [stamina, strength, agility].) The number input function allows you to enter the Data as digits and special characters (examples: 82.5 [kg]; 4.3 [km running distance]).) The text input function allows you to enter letters using the selection keys (eg to record brief statements about situations, eg an indication of the snack: banana). A default memory contains the factory default assignments from the functions to the input keys (example: A = counter, B = evaluator, C = evaluator, D = timer, E = timer, F = counter) Software, the assignments of functions to the storage units (tables) can be adapted to the needs of the user If necessary, all six memory units can be set as counters. Also, a password can be stored and displayed for each storage unit and enter key (eg, "Exercise 1,""Pain," or "Sports.") Thresholds and other rules can be stored for each storage unit, allowing individual feedback on the inputs as well as adaptive ones Feedback (with increasing performance, a more demanding scale is applied and appropriate feedback is displayed.) The threshold values and rules can be adopted as default settings or, for example, obtained from the Internet and edited via a personal computer. The handset comprises six input keys (in the illustration with the

Letters A, B, C, D, E and F written on). By pressing a

Event key A is stored in a memory unit A belonging to the input key A (which is set as a counter according to the example), the date and the current time and the counter value increased by 1. By pressing a control button

(Results key) while an enter key is active, a corresponding mathematical calculation is performed, taking also into account the function (e.g., counter) of the associated memory unit. The result is shown on the display.

3 shows a representation of interfaces of the handset to other electronic devices. For further processing and detailed analysis, the acquired data can be transferred from the handset 1 to a personal computer (or more generally: data processing system) 21 where the data is read out by software and converted into clear evaluations (e.g., charts, graphics). The software is responsible for the data transfer and the creation of evaluations. Further, the software is used to conveniently configure the detection device. This includes, among other things, the assignment of the input keys as well as the setting of the reminder functions and threshold values.

For the transmission of data to the personal computer and the configuration of the detection device, an interface is needed. This can be realized by means of memory cards (eg SD card), cables (eg Universal Serial Bus [USB], serial interface [RS232]) or wireless transmission technologies (eg infrared [IR], Bluetooth, ZigBee). The transmission process is controlled by software. Instead of recording the data via the mobile handset, alternative forms of input can be selected: the detection device is simulated in software - the data is recorded and evaluated on the personal computer 21. As a detection device, a personal digital assistant ( PDA) 22, a mobile phone 23 or a wristwatch 24 are used, which with appropriate software are equipped. For evaluation, the data is transferred to a personal computer.

FIG. 4 shows an illustration of the handset together with an external operating unit. The external operating unit 31 has at least one key which allows a simplified input of the data. The external control unit can be worn, for example, on the wrist or keychain. The transmission of data from the external control unit 31 to the handset 1 via radio or via cable.

5 shows schematically the process flow of a method for electronic support of monitoring or change processes. By means of software and / or hardware goals are determined by parameters, the start of the project prepared and supported. By means of the display, LEDs and / or sound signals, the systematic implementation is facilitated as well as the reporting of over- and under-thresholds. Settings may be regulated by the user or the software itself situational. The achievement of the set goals is confirmed, the entire process is logged and can be evaluated according to pre-defined criteria.

[List of reference numbers]

1 handset

2 input buttons 3 control buttons

4 selection buttons

5 display

6 LEDs

7 acoustic signal transmitter 8 supply socket

9 Data transmission interface

10 fastening device

11 functions

12 storage units (tables) 21 personal computer (data processing system)

22 Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)

23 mobile phone

24 wristwatch

31 External electronic control unit

Claims

claims

1. handset (1) for mobile electronic detection, evaluation, display and feedback of data from freely selectable areas of behavior and experience, characterized in that it

• includes at least one memory unit (table) (12),

• a microcontroller with time element for processing and processing the data as well as for calculating threshold values and for time- and situation-controlled feedback

• at least one input key (2) with a programmable function for recording events and their time, duration, frequency, intensity, type or quality,

At least one control key (3) for evaluating and manipulating the data,

• a display (5) for user communication and display of evaluations and user-specific feedback,

And a communication interface (9) for programming and setting the handset and for transmitting data to a data processing system.

2. Hand instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises six programmable memory units (tables) (12), six input keys (2), two control keys (3), three selection keys (4), a graphics-capable display (5), nine light-emitting diodes ( 6), an acoustic signal generator (7), a

Supply socket (8), a data transmission interface (9) and a fastening device (10).

3. Hand tool according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that it

• has additional memory units (tables) whose contents can be accessed via the control and selection keys, • sensors for measuring one or more states,

• a transmitter for communication with external transmitters / receivers

• has a GSM module for mobile data communication,

Having a vibrator for delivering a vibrating alarm,

A sound generator for emitting an acoustic alarm, a device for voice recording and reproducing,

• has a device for radio and music reproduction,

• has an electronic pedometer.

4. Hand tool according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that it

• additional memory units (tables) whose contents are accessible via the control and selection keys,

• sensors for measuring the conditions of electrical skin resistance, pulse temperature, humidity, light intensity and / or movement, • a Zig-Bee transmitter for communication with external

Transmitters / receivers, namely with a sensor sleeve with send function or a wristwatch with special input keys,

• has a GSM module for mobile data communication,

A vibrator for delivering a vibrating alarm, a sound generator for emitting an audible alarm,

• has a voice recording and reproducing device,

• has a device for radio and music reproduction,

• has an electronic pedometer.

5. Hand tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is integrated with its functions as a software application in another electronic device, namely in a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) (22), a mobile phone (23), a wristwatch (24 ) or in a personal computer (21).

6. Hand tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes software, by means of which the evaluation of the collected data is ensured.

7. Hand tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes an external electronic control unit (31) which is connected via radio or cable to the device (1), said associated control unit at least one key to the simplified

Input of data.

8. A method for mobile electronic detection, evaluation and display of data from freely selectable areas, characterized in that a plurality of memory units (tables) (12) in a handset freely selectable functions (11) counter, group counter, timer, timer, evaluator, Selector, number input or text input are assigned that data obtained via input keys (2) are stored on the handset in its storage units, and the data via control buttons (3) are evaluated on the handset and displayed on a display (6).

9. A method for electronic support of monitoring or change processes, characterized in that by means of software and / or hardware of a handset targets determined by target areas and parameters and entered into the storage units of the handset to prepare for the start of a project and support , monitored by display, light-emitting diodes and / or audio signals both the systematic implementation is reported as well as exceeding and falling below thresholds, settings are regulated by the user or the software itself situational and demand-dependent, the achievement of the set goals confirmed, the entire Process is logged and evaluated according to predefined criteria.

10. Use of a hand-held device according to one of claims 1 to 7 for mobile electronic detection, evaluation and display of data from freely selectable areas or for the electronic support of monitoring or change processes.