SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND PORTABLE DEVICES FOR UPDATING USER INFORMATION

A system and method for updating user information includes a first device with first circuitry. The first circuitry is configured to generate motion data of the first device, and receive time-stamped location data of the first device from at least one communication device based on the generated motion data. The first circuitry is further configured to generate time synchronized user data based on the time-stamped location data and device data of the first device, and transmit the time synchronized user data. The system further comprises a second device communicably coupled to the first device. The second device comprises second circuitry configured to receive the time synchronized user data and update the user information based on the time synchronized user data.

FIELD OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

An example embodiment of the present invention generally relates to indoor positioning systems, and more particularly relates to a system, method, and portable device for updating user information.

BACKGROUND

In a multi-storied building having many rooms and corridors, it may be difficult to locate and find a person. In present days, even though everybody may carry a smartphone, it may be difficult to communicate with the person in an urgent situation. For example, while walking in a big building, an elderly person may suddenly suffer a medical emergency (e.g. stroke). It may be time consuming to locate the elderly person and take him/her for treatment. Considering the time factor taken for locating him/her, it may even turn fatal. In such cases, continuous monitoring of people and recording information about their movements in some central location may mitigate mishaps. In conventional healthcare facilities, doctors write medical information, for example, diagnosis and prescribed drugs in a medical record. Keeping track of prescription, patient information, test reports, schedules etc. is difficult and cumbersome for patients as well as doctors. Also, present wearable bands or smart watches may only transmit health parameters to remote computers, where the doctors may remotely address the patients. Accordingly, there is a need for a more efficient and cost-effective system for updating user information.

SUMMARY

A system, method, and portable device are provided in accordance with an example embodiment described herein for updating user information.

In one aspect, a system for updating user information is disclosed. The system comprises a first device comprising first circuitry and a second device comprising second circuitry, communicably coupled to the first device. The first circuitry is configured to generate motion data of the first device; receive time-stamped location data of the first device from at least one communication device, based on the generated motion data; generate time synchronized user data based on the time-stamped location data and device data of the first device; and transmit the time synchronized user data. The second circuitry is configured to receive the time synchronized user data; and update the user information based on the time synchronized user data.

In another aspect, a portable device is disclosed. The portable device comprises circuitry configured to generate motion data of the portable device; receive time-stamped location data of the portable device from at least one communication device, based on the generated motion data; generate time synchronized user data based on the time-stamped location data and device data of the portable device; and transmit the time synchronized user data to a server device for update of user information.

In yet another aspect, a method for updating user information is disclosed. The method comprises generating by a first device, motion data of the first device; receiving by the first device, time-stamped location data of the first device from at least one communication device based on the generated motion data; generating by the first device, time synchronized user data, based on the time-stamped location data and device data of the first device; and updating by a second device, the user information based on the time synchronized user data.

According to some embodiments, the time-stamped location data comprises geolocation data of the first device and timestamp data associated with the geolocation data.

According to some embodiments, the device data comprises device identifier data of the first device and profile data of a user associated with the first user device.

According to some embodiments, the profile data of the user comprises one or more of name, age, sex, health insurance number, address, medical history of the user.

According to some embodiments, the second circuitry is further configured to store the user information, wherein the user information corresponds to an electronic medical record of a user of the first device.

According to some embodiments, the time synchronized user data comprises geolocation data of the first device, timestamp data associated with the geolocation data, device identifier data of the first device, and profile data of a user of the first device.

According to some embodiments, the first device is a wearable device.

According to some embodiments, the communication device is an RFID transponder.

According to some embodiments, the second device is a database server.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Further, the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.

Definitions

The term “portable device” may be used to refer to any user accessible device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a portable computer, and the like that is portable in itself or as a part of another portable object.

The term “polling” may be used to refer to a communication technique by which a computer or an electronic device checks if any peripheral devices are ready to connect to the computer or the electronic device

The term ‘device identifier data’ may be used to refer to data associated with a device to identify the device.

The term ‘unique identifier’ may be used to refer to unique signal transmitted by a device, which signifies identity and authenticity of the device.

The term ‘pre-selected distance’ may be used to refer to a region around a device, in which the device may connect with one or more other device/systems.

End of Definitions

A system, method and portable device are provided herein in accordance with an example embodiment for updating user information. In some example embodiments, the system, method and portable device provided herein may also be used for locating a user within premises of an organization or a facility.

FIG. 1illustrates an exemplary scenario of updating user information, in accordance with one or more example embodiments. In the exemplary scenario100ofFIG. 1, a user carrying a first user device101may be present in Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) department of a healthcare facility, for example, a hospital103. In the exemplary scenario100ofFIG. 1, a user information updating system may be implemented in the hospital103only as an example of the many applications of the user information updating system, including any facility or organization with people who moved within and outside of it.

The user may be a patient and the like who may be stationary or in motion with respect to the hospital103. The first user device101may communicate with an electronic device109to transmit required information. There may be a plurality of communication devices (105c-105f), each may be configured to continuously transmit a unique identifier for polling. In some example embodiments, the plurality of the communication devices (105c-105f) may include radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders. The plurality of communication devices (105c-105f) may be configured for continuous polling to detect if the first user device101is within a pre-selected distance (PSD) corresponding to each communication device. The pre-selected distance (PSD) may be determined by an administrator of the user information updating system or may be set automatically by the user information updating system itself. Each of the plurality of communication devices (105c-105f) may also be configured to initiate a communication with the first user device101when the first user device101is within the pre-selected distance (PSD) corresponding to each communication device. For example, as shown in scenario100ofFIG. 1, the first user device101may communicate with a communication device (e.g. communication device105a) placed in the ENT department of the hospital103. The communication device105amay check if the first user device101is within a pre-selected distance (PSD)107corresponding to the communication device105a, and may establish a communication with the first user device101when the first user device101comes within the pre-selected distance (PSD)107. In some example embodiments, the plurality of communication devices (105c-105f) may be placed in different sections or areas of the hospital103and each of the plurality of communication devices (105c-105f) may correspond to a particular section or area of the hospital103, where. it is placed. In some example embodiments, different sections or areas may include billing counter, emergency ward, medicine window and the like.

In some example embodiments, a controller may control the plurality of communication devices (105c-105f), the controller may define the coordinates of the particular section or area associated with each of the plurality of communication devices (105c-105f). The controller may also issue the unique identifier to each of the plurality of communication devices (105c-105f), and control the continuous polling of the plurality of communication devices (105c-105f). The first user device101may determine identity and authenticity of each of the plurality of communication devices (105c-105f) based on the unique identifier.

In some example embodiments, each of the plurality of communication devices (105c-105f) may include a processor, a non-transitory memory and a communication interface. Additional, fewer, or different components may also be possible. In one or more example embodiments, the communication interface may be one or more transceivers. The plurality of communication devices (105c-105f) may connect with the controller via the communication interface through wired or wireless communication network or any combination of wired and wireless communication networks including Wi-Fi, ZIGBEE, SCADA, Bluetooth, NFC and the like. The processor may be configured to receive the unique identifier corresponding to each of the plurality of communication devices (105c-105f) from the controller and encrypt the same. The non-transitory memory may be configured to store the encrypted unique identifier. The processor of each of the plurality of communication devices (105c-105f) may be further configured to detect presence of the first user device101when it is within the pre-selected distance (PSD). (e.g. processor of the communication device105amay detect presence of the first user device101when the first user device101comes within the PSD107). The processor may send time-stamped location data and the encrypted unique identifier (e.g. unique identifier corresponding to communication device105a) to the first user device101via the communication interface. The processor may transmit the encrypted unique identifier separately or with the time-stamped location data.

FIG. 2illustrates a schematic block diagram of a user information updating system, in accordance with one or more example embodiments. The user information updating system ofFIG. 2may comprise the first user device101, the electronic device109and a user information database207. As shown in the block diagram200ofFIG. 2, the first user device101may be communicatively coupled to the electronic device109via a communication network205. The first user device101may comprise first circuitry configured to perform different functionalities. The electronic device may comprise second circuitry to carry out functionalities required for working of the user information updating system. The terms “user information updating system” and “system” may be used to refer to the user information updating system depicted in the block diagram200ofFIG. 2, and may be used interchangeably hereinafter. The system may comprise one or more physical packages (for example, chips) including materials, components and/or wires on a structural assembly (for example, a baseboard). The structural assembly may provide physical strength, conservation of size, and/or limitation of electrical interaction for component circuitry included thereon.

In some example embodiments, the first user device101may be a portable device, such as a healthcare-wrist band, a health and wellness card, a smart watch and the like. The first user device101may be configured to be wearable or handheld. The first user device101may contain device data, utilized by the system ofFIG. 2to identify the first user device101. In one or more example embodiments, the electronic device209may be a database server. In one or more alternative or additional embodiments, the electronic device209may also be a wireless device, same as the first user device101, daisy-chained with the first user device101for purposes of communicating information.

In some example embodiments, the communication network205may be wired, wireless, or any combination of wired and wireless communication networks. The wired network may include a Local Area Network (LAN), a Metro Area Network (MAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN) and the like. Further, the wireless network may include satellite network such as cellular (for example, 4G, 3G, CDMA, WCDMA, and the like.), Wi-Fi, internet, or the like. The user information database207. may store information about the user, such as name, age, sex, health insurance number, address, medical history, and the like.

The user information database207may be a master database stored in a format that facilitates updating, maintenance, and development. For example, data in the master database may be in an Oracle spatial format or other spatial format, such as for development or production purposes. The Oracle spatial format or development/production database may be compiled into a delivery format, such as a geographic data files (GDF) format. The data in the production and/or delivery formats may be compiled or further compiled to form user database products or databases, which may be used in end user information updating devices or systems.

The first circuitry may comprise at least one processor, at least one memory, a communication interface and a sensor unit. Additional, fewer, or different components may also be possible. The processor may be embodied in a number of different ways, similar to a processor401as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 4. For example, the processor of the first user device101may be embodied as one or more of various hardware processing means such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing element with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing circuitry including integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. The memory of the first user device101may be non-transitory and may include, for example, one or more volatile and/or non-volatile memories, similar to a memory403as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 4. For example, the memory may be an electronic storage device (for example, a computer readable storage medium) comprising gates configured to store data (for example, bits) that may be retrievable by a machine (for example, a computing device like the processor). The communication interface of the first user device101may comprise input interface and output interface for supporting communications to and from the first user device101. The communication interface may be any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive and/or transmit data to/from a communications device in communication with the first user device101, similar to a communication interface407as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 4. The sensor unit of the first user device101may comprise one or more sensors, similar to a sensor unit405as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 4. The one or more sensors may be configured to find location of the first user device, to detect movements of the first user device101when the first user device is moved from one location to another and the like.

The second circuitry may comprise processing means and communication means. For example, the processing means may comprise one or more processors configured to process requests received from the first user device101. The processing means may fetch user information from the user information database207and transmit the same to the first user device101in a format suitable for use by the first user device101. In some alternative embodiments, the second circuitry may be configured to store user information. Accordingly, further in some another example embodiments, the user information may also be stored in the first user device101. In some example embodiments, the electronics device109may control transmission of contextual data from the first user device101to one or more devices/systems, as described in communication diagram700ofFIG. 7. The contextual data may include one or more of personal data of the user of the first user device101or the user information.

FIG. 3illustrates a flowchart illustrative of a method according to example embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, blocks of the flowcharts support combinations of means for performing the specified functions and combinations of operations for performing the specified functions for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that one or more blocks of the flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems which perform the specified functions, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

FIG. 3illustrates a flowchart depicting steps in a method300for updating user information, according to an example embodiment of the present invention. The method300may comprise at310, generating motion data of the first user device101. The method300may comprise, at320, receiving time-stamped location data of the first user device101based on the generated motion data, from at least one communication device (e.g. the communication device105a). The time-stamped location data may comprise geolocation data of the first user device101and timestamp data associated with the geolocation data. The method300may further comprise, at330, generating by the first user device101, time synchronized user data, based on the time-stamped location data and device data of the first user device101. The time synchronized user data may comprise geolocation data of the first user device101, timestamp data associated with the geolocation data, device identifier data of the first user device101, and profile data of the user of the first user device101. The device data may comprise device identifier data of the first user device101and profile data of a user associated with the first user device101. The profile data of the user may comprise one or more of name, age, sex, health insurance number, address, medical history of the user. The method300may further comprise, at340, updating by the electronic device109, the user information based on the time synchronized user data. At this step, the electronic device109may receive the time synchronized user data from the first user device101which may be communicably coupled to the electronic device. The user information may correspond to an electronic medical record of the user associated with the first user device101. Hereinafter, the terms “device identifier data” and “first user device identification data” may be interchangeably used to refer to device identifier data of the first user device101.

Additionally, various other steps not shown inFIG. 3may also be included in the method300. For example, the method300may further comprise receiving a unique identifier corresponding to the at least one communication device (e.g. the communication device105a). The method300may further comprise sending device data of the first user device101to the at least one communication device (e.g. the communication device105a). The first user device101may authenticate the at least one communication device (e.g. the communication device105a) based on the received unique identifier. Likewise, the device data may be used by the at least one communication device (e.g. the communication device105a). for identifying the first user device101

In an example embodiment, a system (e.g., the system ofFIG. 2) for performing the method ofFIG. 3above may comprise a processor configured to perform some or each of the operations (310-340) described above. The processor may, for example, be configured to perform the operations by performing hardware implemented logical functions, executing stored instructions, or executing algorithms for performing each of the operations. Alternatively, the system may comprise means for performing each of the operations described above. In this regard, according to an example embodiment, examples of means for performing operations310-340may comprise, for example, the processor and/or a device or circuit for executing instructions or executing an algorithm for processing information as described above.

Implementation of example embodiments disclosed herein may be explained, with reference to the exemplary scenario100ofFIG. 1, as follows. When the user reaches the ENT department of the hospital103and the first user device101comes within PSD107of the communication device105aplaced in the ENT department, the communication device105amay communicate with the first user device101. On building connection with the first user device101, the communication device105amay share its unique identifier with the first user device101. The sensor unit of the first user device101may detect movement of the first user device101(i.e. movement of the user). On detection of movement of the user, the processor of the first user device101may actuate the communication interface of the first user device101and may receive unique identifier of the communication device105avia the communication interface. The processor of the first user device101may further send device data of the first user device101to the communication device105a. On exchange of the unique identifier and the device data between the first user device101and the communication device105a, the first user device101may receive time stamped location data of the first user device. The processor of the first user device101may generate time synchronized user data based on the time-stamped location data and device data of the first user device101. The processor of the first user device101may further transmit the time synchronized user data to the electronic device109. On receiving the time synchronized user data, processing means of the electronic device109may update the user information based on the time synchronized user data.

FIG. 4illustrates a block diagram view of a portable device400, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The portable device400may comprise circuitry required for specific functionalities of the portable device400. The circuitry may comprise at least one processor401, at least one memory403, a sensor unit405, a communication interface407, and a user interface409. Additional, fewer, or different components may also be possible.

In some example embodiments, the portable device400may be embodied as a chip or chip set. In other words, the portable device400may comprise one or more physical packages (for example, chips) including materials, components and/or wires on a structural assembly (for example, a baseboard). The structural assembly may provide physical strength, conservation of size, and/or limitation of electrical interaction for component circuitry included thereon. The portable device400may therefore, in some cases, be configured to implement an example embodiment of the present invention on a single “system on a chip.” As such, in some cases, a chip or chipset may constitute a means for performing one or more operations for providing the functionalities described herein.

The at least one memory403may be non-transitory and may include, for example, one or more volatile and/or non-volatile memories. For example, the memory403may be an electronic storage device (for example, a computer readable storage medium) comprising gates configured to store data (for example, bits) that may be retrievable by a machine (for example, a computing device like the processor). The memory403may be configured to store information, data, content, applications, instructions, or the like, for enabling the apparatus to carry out various functions in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. For example, the memory403could be configured to buffer input data for processing by the processor. Additionally, or alternatively, the memory403could be configured to store instructions for execution by the processor.

The processor401(and/or co-processors or any other processing circuitry assisting or otherwise associated with the processor401) may be in communication with the memory403via a bus for passing information among components of the portable device400. The processor401may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory403or otherwise accessible to the processor401. Additionally, or alternatively, the processor401may be configured to execute hard coded functionality. As such, whether configured by hardware or software methods, or by a combination thereof, the processor401may represent an entity (for example, physically embodied in circuitry) capable of performing operations according to an embodiment of the present invention while configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when the processor401is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA or the like, the processor401may be specifically configured hardware for conducting the operations described herein. Alternatively, as another example, when the processor401is embodied as an executor of software instructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processor401to perform the algorithms and/or operations described herein when the instructions are executed. The processor401may include, among other things, a clock, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and logic gates configured to support operation of the portable device400.

The sensor unit405may comprise one or more sensors. The one or more sensors may be configured to capture data of the portable device400. In some example embodiments, the one or more sensors may include position sensors such as the GNSS sensor, e.g. GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou signals or the like, motion sensor such as accelerometer, magnetic field sensors such as a magnetometer and/or compass, orientation sensor such as a gyroscope, luminosity sensor, image sensor such as a camera and the like. In some example embodiments, the one or more sensors may capture data of the portable device400such as but not limited to motion of the portable device400, speed, acceleration, location, heading direction of the portable device400and the like. In some example embodiments, the one or more sensors may capture the data in real-time.

The communication interface407may comprise input interface and output interface for supporting communications to and from the portable device400. The communication interface407may be any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive and/or transmit data to/from a communications device in communication with the portable device400. In this regard, the communication interface407may include, for example, an antenna (or multiple antennae) and supporting hardware and/or software for enabling communications with a wireless communication network. Additionally or alternatively, the communication interface407may include the circuitry for interacting with the antenna(s) to cause transmission of signals via the antenna(s) or to handle receipt of signals received via the antenna(s). In some environments, the communication interface407may alternatively or additionally support wired communication. As such, for example, the communication interface407may include a communication modem and/or other hardware and/or software for supporting communication via cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), universal serial bus (USB) or other mechanisms.

The user interface409may provide output to the user and, in some embodiments, to receive an indication of a user input. As such, the user interface409may include a display and, in some embodiments, may also include a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touch screen, touch areas, soft keys, one or more microphones, a plurality of speakers, or other input/output mechanisms. The display may include a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Light Emitting Diode display (LED), an Organic LED, and Amorphous LED, or a plasma screen. The display may be configured to display summarized or detailed information. In one embodiment, the processor401may comprise user interface circuitry configured to control at least some functions of one or more user interface elements such as a display and, in some embodiments, a plurality of speakers, a ringer, s and/or the like. The processor401and/or user interface circuitry comprising the processor401may be configured to control one or more functions of one or more user interface elements through computer program instructions (for example, software and/or firmware) stored on the memory403accessible to the processor401. In some example embodiments, the user interface409may be embodied as a touch screen display. The user interface409may comprise one of a resistive type or a capacitive type touch surface as the user interface409.

FIG. 5illustrates a flowchart illustrative of a workflow, according to example embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, blocks of the flowcharts support combinations of means for performing the specified functions and combinations of operations for performing the specified functions for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that one or more blocks of the flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems which perform the specified functions, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

FIG. 5illustrates a flowchart depicting workflow500of the portable device400, in accordance with one or more example embodiments. At step510, the sensor unit411may detect movement of the portable device400and may generate motion data. On receiving motion data from the sensor unit411, the processor401may enable the communication interface407for data exchange with one or more external devices or systems. The memory403may store received/generated information. At step520, the processor401may receive time stamped location data of the portable device400from at least one communication device, through the communication interface407based on the generated motion data. At step530, the processor401may generate time synchronized user data based on the time-stamped location data and device data of the portable device400. The memory403may further store device data of the portable device400. At step540, the processor401may transmit the time synchronized user data to a server device, through the communication interface407, for update of user information. In some additional example embodiments, the processor401may download updated user information and may store the same in the memory403. The user interface409may enable a user of the portable device400to view the updated user information.

Additionally, various other steps not shown inFIG. 5may also be included in the workflow500. For example, the processor401may receive a unique identifier corresponding to the at least one communication device through the communication interface407. The processor401may send device data of the portable device400to the at least one communication device. The processor401may authenticate the at least one communication device based on the received unique identifier. Likewise, the device data may be used by the at least one communication device for identifying the portable device400.

FIGS. 6A and 6Billustrate diagrammatic views of time-stamped location data selection, in accordance with one or more example embodiments. In diagram600aofFIG. 6A, the user (also the first user device101carried by the user) may move from PSD607acorresponding to communication device605ato607bcorresponding to communication device605b. The processor of the first user device101may be configured to analyze signal strengths of signals transmitted by each of the communication devices (605a,605b). When user device101moves from the PSD607ato607b, the processor of the first user device101may compare signal strength of each signal associated with those communication devices (605a,605b). If signal strength of the signal associated with the communication device605ais more than that associated with the communication device605b, the processor may consider the signal associated with the communication device605a. As shown in bar diagram600bofFIG. 6B, the signal associated with the communication device605amay exhibit a signal strength of 4.25 units, while the signal associated with the communication device600bmay exhibit a signal strength of 2.5 units. However, if the signals associated with both the communication devices (605a,605b) are of same strength, the processor of the first user device102may communicate with a historic signal strength database and may retrieve information regarding historic trends of the signals. In this check, the processor may select the signal with progressively increasing signal strength and reject the signal with progressively decreasing signal strength.

FIG. 7illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a communication diagram, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The communication diagram700ofFIG. 7depicts communication among the first user device101, the electronic device109and a second user device703over a communication network705, similar to the communication network205. The electronic device109may actuate connection between the first user device101and the second user device703based on a trigger event. In some example embodiments, the trigger event may be one of a distance proximity event or a manual actuation event. The connection between the first user device101and the second user device709may be triggered based on the distance proximity event when the user carrying the first user device101comes physically within a threshold distance of the second user device709. The threshold distance may be set by the administrator. The electronic device109may receive location data of the first user device101and may determine whether the first user device is within the threshold distance. If the first user device101is within the threshold distance, the electronic device109may determine identity of each of the first user device101and the second user device703and may send a notification to each of the user devices (101and703) on successful identification of the devices (101and703). The electronic device109may identify the first user device101based on the first user device identification data, as depicted in the method300illustrated inFIG. 3. Likewise, identification of the second user device703may be based on electronic device authentication data of the second user device703. Further, the devices (101and703) may automatically initiate communication with each other. Once communication between the first user device101and the second user device703is established, the electronic device109may be communicated by both the user devices (101and703) regarding the successful communication. The second user device703may include a display device configured to display the contextual data. The display device may include a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Light Emitting Diode display (LED), an Organic LED, and Amorphous LED, or a plasma screen In some example embodiments, the second user device703may include any of the at least one communication device (105a-105f).

In some example embodiments, the first user device101and the second user device703may be connected through a communication network different from a communication network through which the first user device101and the second user device703may be connected to the electronic device109.

In one or more example embodiments, the first user device101may communicate with more devices/systems other than the second user device703for transmitting the contextual data, and the electronic device109may control transmission of the contextual data to those devices/systems. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, apart from controlling transmission of contextual data between two or more devices/systems, the electronic device109may transmit contextual data (e.g. updated user information) to the first user device101or the second user device703or any third party devices through a communication interface805, as depicted in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 8.

FIG. 8illustrates block diagram view of the electronic device109, according to one or more example embodiments. The electronic device109may include a processing means such as at least one processor801, a storage means such as at least one memory803, and a communication means such as at least one communication interface805. The processor801may retrieve computer program code instructions that may be stored in the memory803for execution of the computer program code instructions.

The processor801may be embodied in a number of different ways, similar to the processor401. Additionally or alternatively, the processor801may include one or more processors capable of processing large volumes of workloads and operations to provide support for big data analysis. In an example embodiment, the processor801may be in communication with a memory803via a bus for passing information among components of electronic device109. The memory803may be non-transitory and may include, for example, one or more volatile and/or non-volatile memories, similar to the memory403. The communication interface805, similar to the communication interface407, may provide an interface for accessing various features and data stored in the electronic device109. In some example embodiments, the processor801may be configured to authenticate connection of the first user device101with other devices/systems, and notify the first user device101and the other devices/systems once the connection is authenticated. Further, the processor801may maintain a database within the memory803corresponding to each device (e.g. the first user device101). whose connection with any other device may be authenticated by the processor801. The processor801may retrieve necessary data from the database to determine which device needs to connect to with other devices, as well as whether threshold distance criterion for each device has been met, geolocation coordinates of devices that need to connect to other devices, and the like. The processor801may further be configured to determine contextual data for the devices that are connected at a point in time. In some example embodiments, the processor801may correlate time-dependent contextual data associated with the devices. For example, contextual data associated with a device at 10:00 am of a day may be different from contextual data associated with the same device at 5:00 pm of the same day. In these embodiments, the memory803may store the contextual data determined by the processor801.

FIG. 9illustrates a flowchart illustrative of a method according to example embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, blocks of the flowcharts support combinations of means for performing the specified functions and combinations of operations for performing the specified functions for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that one or more blocks of the flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems which perform the specified functions, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

FIG. 9illustrates a flowchart depicting steps in a method900for controlling transmission of the contextual data, according to an example embodiment of the present invention. At step910, the method900may include receiving location data of the first user device101. As described in previous embodiments, the first user device101may include sensor unit that may capture location data of the first user device101. The location data may indicate a location of the first user device101. The method may further include, at step920, obtaining connection data corresponding to a connection between the first user device101and at least one second user device (e.g.703) and time data associated with the connection data, based on the location data. The method may comprise, at step930, determining the contextual data corresponding to the first user device101, based on the time data associated with the connection data. The method may further comprise, at step940, controlling transmission of the contextual data from the first user device101to the at least one second user device, based on the connection data. As mentioned in the previous embodiments, the contextual data may include one or more of personal data of a user of the first user device101or electronic medical record data of the user. The at least one second device may comprise a display device configured to display the contextual data.

Additionally, various other steps not shown inFIG. 9may also be included in the method900. For example, the method900may further comprise actuating connection between the first user device101and the at least one electronic device based on a trigger event. The trigger event may be one of a distance proximity event or a manual actuation event. The method900may further include receiving first user device identification data of the first user device101and authenticating the first user device101for connection with the at least one electronic device, based on the first user device identification data and the location data. The step of authenticating the first user device101for connection with the at least one electronic device based on the location of the first user device may indicate the first user device101being within a threshold distance from the at least one electronic device. The method900may further comprise communicating a notification associated with the connection data to each of the first user device101and the at least one electronic device.

In an example embodiment, a system or an apparatus (e.g., the electronic device109) for performing the method ofFIG. 9above may comprise a processor configured to perform some or each of the operations (910-940) described above. The processor may, for example, be configured to perform the operations by performing hardware implemented logical functions, executing stored instructions, or executing algorithms for performing each of the operations. Alternatively, the system may comprise means for performing each of the operations described above. In this regard, according to an example embodiment, examples of means for performing operations910-940may comprise, for example, the processor and/or a device or circuit for executing instructions or executing an algorithm for processing information as described above.

FIG. 10is a diagram of exemplary components of a mobile station1000(e.g., handset or part thereof) capable of operating in the system ofFIG. 2, according to one embodiment. Generally, a radio receiver is often defined in terms of front-end and back-end characteristics. The front-end of the receiver encompasses all of the Radio Frequency (RF) circuitry whereas the back-end encompasses all of the base-band processing circuitry. Pertinent internal components of the telephone include a Main Control Unit (MCU)1003, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP)1005, and a receiver/transmitter unit including a microphone gain control unit and a speaker gain control unit. A main display unit1007provides a display to the user in support of various applications and mobile station functions that offer automatic contact matching. An audio function circuitry1009includes a microphone1011and microphone amplifier that amplifies the speech signal output from the microphone1011. The amplified speech signal output from the microphone1011is fed to a coder/decoder (CODEC)1013.

A radio section1015amplifies power and converts frequency in order to communicate with a base station, which is included in a mobile communication system, via antenna1017. The power amplifier (PA)1019and the transmitter/modulation circuitry are operationally responsive to the MCU1003, with an output from the PA1019coupled to the duplexer1021or circulator or antenna switch, as known in the art. The PA1019also couples to a battery interface and power control unit1020.

The encoded signals are then routed to an equalizer1025for compensation of any frequency-dependent impairments that occur during transmission though the air such as phase and amplitude distortion. After equalizing the bit stream, the modulator1027combines the signal with a RF signal generated in the RF interface1029. The modulator1027generates a sine wave by way of frequency or phase modulation. In order to prepare the signal for transmission, an up-converter1031combines the sine wave output from the modulator1027with another sine wave generated by a synthesizer1033to achieve the desired frequency of transmission. The signal is then sent through a PA1019to increase the signal to an appropriate power level. In practical systems, the PA1019acts as a variable gain amplifier whose gain is controlled by the DSP1005from information received from a network base station. The signal is then filtered within the duplexer1021and optionally sent to an antenna coupler1035to match impedances to provide maximum power transfer. Finally, the signal is transmitted via antenna1017to a local base station. An automatic gain control (AGC) can be supplied to control the gain of the final stages of the receiver. The signals may be forwarded from there to a remote telephone which may be another cellular telephone, other mobile phone or a land-line connected to a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), or other telephony networks.

Voice signals transmitted to the mobile station1001are received via antenna717and immediately amplified by a low noise amplifier (LNA)1037. A down-converter1039lowers the carrier frequency while the demodulator1041strips away the RF leaving only a digital bit stream. The signal then goes through the equalizer1025and is processed by the DSP705. A Digital to Analog Converter (DAC)1043converts the signal and the resulting output is transmitted to the user through the speaker1045, all under control of a Main Control Unit (MCU)1003—which can be implemented as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) (not shown).

The MCU1003receives various signals including input signals from the keyboard1047. The keyboard1047and/or the MCU703in combination with other user input components (e.g., the microphone1011) comprise a user interface circuitry for managing user input. The MCU1003runs a user interface software to facilitate user control of at least some functions of the mobile station1001to provide machine learning of physical dividers. The MCU1003also delivers a display command and a switch command to the display1007and to the speech output switching controller, respectively. Further, the MCU1003exchanges information with the DSP1005and can access an optionally incorporated SIM card1049and a memory1051. In addition, the MCU1003executes various control functions required of the station. The DSP1005may, depending upon the implementation, perform any of a variety of conventional digital processing functions on the voice signals. Additionally, DSP1005determines the background noise level of the local environment from the signals detected by microphone1011and sets the gain of microphone1011to a level selected to compensate for the natural tendency of the user of the mobile station1001.

The CODEC1013includes the ADC1023and DAC1043. The memory1051stores various data including call incoming tone data and is capable of storing other data including music data received via, e.g., the global Internet. The software module could reside in RAM memory, flash memory, registers, or any other form of writable computer-readable storage medium known in the art including non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. For example, the memory device1051may be, but not limited to, a single memory, CD, DVD, ROM, RAM, EEPROM, optical storage, or any other non-volatile or non-transitory storage medium capable of storing digital data.

An optionally incorporated SIM card1049carries, for instance, important information, such as the cellular phone number, the carrier supplying service, subscription details, and security information. The SIM card1049serves primarily to identify the mobile station1001on a radio network. The card1049also contains a memory for storing a personal telephone number registry, text messages, and user specific mobile station settings.

In this way, example embodiments of the present invention result in update of time-stamped, synchronized information regarding movements of a user through different areas of a facility, such as a healthcare facility, thus aid in providing new information to the healthcare facility regarding movements of the user within premises of the healthcare facility. The present invention provides information about precise location of the user in healthcare facility premises. For example, the present invention enables monitoring of movements of a psychiatric patient in a hospital. Thus, the present invention aids in tracking the psychiatric patient in the hospital and provides assistance to authority of the hospital to ensure that the psychiatric patient is in authorized room. Moreover, the present invention may aid in immediately locating an elderly person fallen in some corner of the hospital and admitting the elderly person in emergency ward in time, thus saving a life. Whenever the user putting on a wearable device (e.g. the first user device101) visits a healthcare centre, the wearable device may be connected wirelessly to a smart device (having display provision) of the healthcare centre and medical information related to the user may be shared with the user, doctors and health insurance providers. In case the healthcare facility recommends any diagnostic test according to schedule of the user based upon contextual data captured as per the user's schedule, the electronic device may send contextual data to a laboratory for communicating with the user for the prescribed test. In this way, the contextual data in various nodes of a network may benefit several human parties in that network, who may require that contextual data to perform specific tasks or decide on additional ones.