Method, system and wireless device for monitoring protective headgear based on power data

A wireless device includes a sensor module that generates sensor data in response to motion of protective headgear, wherein the sensor data includes acceleration data. A device processing module includes an event processing module that analyzes the sensor data to generate power data that represents power of impact imparted to the protective headgear and that generates event data that includes the power data. A short-range wireless transmitter transmits a wireless signal that includes the event data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to wireless communication devices and further to protective headgear.

2. Description of Related Art

As is known, wireless communication devices are commonly used to access long range communication networks as well as broadband data networks that provide text messaging, email services, Internet access and enhanced features such as streaming audio and video, television service, etc., in accordance with international wireless communications standards such as 2G, 2.5G, 3G and 4G. Examples of such networks include wireless telephone networks that operate cellular, personal communications service (PCS), general packet radio service (GPRS), global system for mobile communications (GSM), and integrated digital enhanced network (iDEN).

Many wireless telephones have operating systems that can run applications that perform additional features and functions. Apart from strictly wireless telephony and messaging, wireless telephones have become general platforms for a plethora of functions associated with, for example, navigational systems, social networking, electronic organizers, audio/video players, shopping tools, and electronic games. Users have the ability to choose a wireless telephone and associated applications that meet the particular needs of that user.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,539,935, 6,589,189, 6,826,509, 6,941,952, 7,570,170 and published US Patent Application number 2006/0189852 describe systems that attach accelerometers to a protective helmet, either on the exterior of the helmet itself, or on the surface of the pads forcing sensors into direct contact with the wearer's head. Some use a single sensor (1, 2 or 3 axis), while others use sensors positioned at various locations on the head or helmet. An example is U.S. Pat. No. 6,826,509 that describes a specific orientation of the accelerometer's axis with respect to the skull of the wearer and describes a method that estimates the point of impact contact, the direction of force applied, and the duration of an impact in terms of its acceleration. The method of calculating these parameters applies an error-minimizing scheme that “best fits” the array of accelerometer inputs. The common goal of all such systems is to determine if an impact event has exceeded a threshold that would warrant examining the individual involved for signs of a concussion and possible removal from the activity. Some systems combine the impact threshold information with some form of follow-up physiological evaluation such as memory, eye sight, balance, or awareness tests. These tests purportedly determine if a concussion has occurred and provide some insight into its severity. Another goal of some systems is to provide information about the impact event that may be helpful in diagnosis and treatment, such as a display of the point of impact, direction, and duration of an acceleration overlaid on a picture of a head.

The disadvantages of conventional approaches will be evident to one skilled in the art when presented the disclosure that follows.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1presents a pictorial representation of a system for monitoring protective headgear in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, a handheld communication device110, such as a smart phone, digital book, netbook, personal computer with wireless data communication or other wireless communication device includes a wireless transceiver for communicating over a long range wireless network such as a cellular, PCS, CDMA, GPRS, GSM, iDEN or other wireless communications network and/or a short-range wireless network such as an IEEE 802.11 compatible network, a Wimax network, another wireless local area network connection or other communications link. Handheld communication device110is capable of engaging in wireless communications such as sending and receiving telephone calls and/or wireless data in conjunction with text messages such as emails, short message service (SMS) messages, pages and other data messages that may include multimedia attachments, documents, audio files, video files, images and other graphics. Handheld communication device110includes one or more processing devices for executing other applications and a user interface that includes, for example, buttons, a display screen such as a touch screen, a speaker, a microphone, a camera for capturing still and/or video images and/or other user interface devices.

A wireless device120is mounted in or otherwise coupled to a piece of protective headgear30. The wireless device120includes a sensor module that generates sensor data in response to an impact to the protective headgear30. Wireless device120further includes a short-range wireless transmitter that transmits a wireless signal, such as a radio frequency (RF) signal, magnetic signal, infrared (IR) signal or other wireless signal that includes data, such as event data16or other data that indicates, for example, data pertaining to an impact on the protective headgear. The short-range wireless transmitter can be part of a transceiver that operates in conjunction with a communication standard such as 802.11, Bluetooth, ZigBee, ultra-wideband, an RF identification (RFID), IR Data Association (IrDA), Wimax or other standard short or medium range communication protocol, or other protocol.

While protective headgear30is styled as a football helmet, the present invention can be implemented in conjunction with other protective headgear including a hat, headband, mouth guard or other headgear used in sports, other headgear and helmets worn by public safety or military personnel or other headgear or helmets.

Adjunct device100includes a housing that is coupleable to the handheld communication device110via a communication port of the handheld communication device110. The adjunct device100includes a short-range wireless receiver that receives a wireless signal from the wireless device120that includes data, such as event data16. The short-range wireless receiver of adjunct100can also be part of a transceiver that operates in conjunction with a communication standard such as 802.11, Bluetooth, ZigBee, ultra-wideband, Wimax or other standard short or medium range communication protocol, or other protocol. In particular, the short-range wireless receiver of adjunct device100is configured to receive the event data16or other data generated by wireless device120.

Adjunct device includes its own user interface having push buttons20, sound emitter22and light emitter24that optionally can emit audio and/or visual alert signals in response to the event data16. As with the user interface of wireless device120, the user interface of adjunct device100can similarly include other devices such as a touch screen or other display screen, a thumb wheel, trackball, and/or other input or output devices. While shown as a plug-in module, the adjunct device100can be implemented as either a wireless gateway or bridge device or a case or other housing that encloses or partially encloses the handheld communication device100.

In operation, event data16is generated by wireless device120in response to an impact to the protective headgear30. The event data16is transmitted to the adjunct device100that transfers the event data16to the handheld communication device110either wirelessly or via the communication port of the handheld communication device110. The handheld communication device110executes an application to further process the event data16to, for example, display a simulation of the head and/or brain of the wearer of the protective headgear30as a result of the impact.

The further operation of wireless device120, adjunct device100and handheld communication device100, including several optional implementations, different features and functions spanning complementary embodiments are presented in conjunction withFIGS. 2-24that follow.

FIGS. 2 and 3present pictorial representations of handheld communication device110and adjunct device100in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 2, adjunct device100and handheld communication device110are decoupled. Handheld communication device110includes a communication port26′ and adjunct device100includes a mating plug26for coupling the adjunct device100to the communication port26′ of handheld communication device110. In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication port26′ and plug26are configured in conjunction with a standard interface such as universal serial bus (USB), Firewire, or other standard interface, however, a device specific communication port such as an Apple iPod/iPhone port, a Motorola communication port or other communication port can likewise be employed. Further, while a physical connection is shown, a wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth link, 802.11 compatible link, an RFID connection, IrDA connection or other wireless connection can be employed in accordance with alternative embodiments.

As shown inFIG. 3, adjunct device100is coupled to the handheld communication device110by plug26being inserted in communication port26′. Further, adjunct device100includes its own communication port28′ for coupling, via a mating plug28, the adjunct device100to an external device25, such as a computer or other host device, external charger or peripheral device. In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication port28′ and plug28are configured in conjunction with a standard interface such as universal serial bus (USB), Firewire, or other standard interface, however, a device specific communication port such as an Apple iPod/iPhone port, a Motorola communication port or other communication port can likewise be employed.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the adjunct device passes signaling between the external device25and the handheld communication device110including, for instance, charging signals from the external connection and data communicated between the handheld communication device110and the external device25. In this fashion, the external device can communicate with and/or charge the handheld communication device with the adjunct device100attached, via pass through of signals from plug28to communication port26′. It should be noted however, that while communication ports28′ and26′ can share a common physical configuration, in another embodiment of the present invention, the communication ports28′ and26′ can be implemented via different physical configurations. For example, communication port26′ can be implemented via a device specific port that carries USB formatted data and charging signals and communication port28′ can be implemented via a standard USB port. Other examples are likewise possible.

In an embodiment of the present invention, when the adjunct device100is coupled to handheld communication device110, the adjunct device100initiates communication via the communication port26′ to determine if an application is loaded in the handheld communication device110—to support the interaction with the adjunct device100. Examples of such applications include a headgear monitoring application or other application that operates in conjunction with the adjunct100. If no such application is detected, the adjunct100can communicate via communication port26′ to initiate a download of such an application directly or to send the browser of the handheld communication device110to a website store at a remote server or other location where supporting applications can be browsed, purchased or otherwise selected for download to the handheld communication device110.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, when a supporting application is loaded in handheld communication device110, the handheld communication device110initiates communications via the communication port26′ to determine if an adjunct device100is coupled thereto or whether or not an adjunct device has never been coupled thereto. If no such adjunct device100is detected, the application can instruct the user to connect the adjunct device100. Further, the application can, in response to user selection and/or an indication that an adjunct device has not been previously coupled to the handheld communication device110, automatically direct a browser of the handheld communication device110to a website store at a remote server or other location where a supporting adjunct devices100can be selected and purchased, in order to facilitate the purchase of an adjunct device, via the handheld communication device110.

In a further embodiment, the application maintains a flag that indicates if an adjunct device100has previously been connected. In response to an indication that an adjunct device has not been previously coupled to the handheld communication device110, the application can automatically direct a browser of the handheld communication device110to a website store at a remote server or other location where a supporting adjunct devices100can be selected and purchased, in order to facilitate the purchase of an adjunct device, via the handheld communication device110.

FIG. 4presents a schematic block diagram of a wireless device120and adjunct device100in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, wireless device120includes short-range wireless transceiver130coupled to antenna138, processing module131, sensor module132and memory133. While not expressly shown, wireless device120can include a replaceable battery for powering the components of wireless device120. In the alternative, wireless device120can include a battery that is rechargeable via an external charging port, for powering the components of wireless device120. In addition, the wireless device120can be powered in whole or in part via any electromagnetic or kinetic energy harvesting system, such as an electromagnetic carrier signal in a similar fashion to a passive RF tag or passive RFID device, via a piezoelectric element that generates a voltage and current in response to an impact event and/or via capacitive storage of a charge sufficient to power the wireless device120for short intervals of time, such as during an event window. Adjunct device100includes short-range wireless transceiver140coupled to antenna148, processing module141, user interface142and memory143, device interface144, and battery146. The processing modules131and141control the operation of the wireless device120and adjunct device100, respectively and provide further functionality described in conjunction with, and as a supplement to, the functions provided by the other components of wireless device120and adjunct device100.

As discussed in conjunction withFIGS. 1-4, the short-range wireless transceivers130and140each can be implemented via a transceiver that operates in conjunction with a communication standard such as 802.11, Bluetooth, ZigBee, ultra-wideband, RFID, IrDA, Wimax or other standard short or medium range communication protocol, or other protocol. User interface142can contain one or more push buttons, a sound emitter, light emitter, a touch screen or other display screen, a thumb wheel, trackball, and/or other user interface devices.

The processing module131can be implemented using a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions that are stored in memory, such as memory133. Note that when the processing module131implements one or more of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory storing the corresponding operational instructions may be embedded within, or external to, the circuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry. Further note that, the memory module133stores, and the processing module131executes, operational instructions corresponding to at least some of the steps and/or functions illustrated herein.

The memory module133may be a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device that stores digital information. While the components of wireless device120are shown as being coupled by a particular bus structure, other architectures are likewise possible that include additional data busses and/or direct connectivity between components. Wireless device120can include additional components that are not expressly shown.

Likewise, the processing module141can be implemented using a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions that are stored in memory, such as memory143. Note that when the processing module141implements one or more of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory storing the corresponding operational instructions may be embedded within, or external to, the circuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry. Further note that, the memory module143stores, and the processing module141executes, operational instructions corresponding to at least some of the steps and/or functions illustrated herein.

The memory module143may be a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device that stores digital information. While the components of adjunct device100are shown as being coupled by a particular bus structure, other architectures are likewise possible that include additional data busses and/or direct connectivity between components. Adjunct device100can include additional components that are not expressly shown.

As shown, the adjunct device includes a battery146that is separate from the battery of the handheld communication device110and can supply power to short-range wireless transceiver140, processing module141, user interface142, memory143, and device interface144in conjunction with a power management circuit, one or more voltage regulators or other supply circuitry. By being separately powered from the handheld communication device110, the adjunct100can operate even if the battery of the handheld communication device is discharged.

Device interface144provides an interface between the adjunct device100and the handheld communication device110and an external device25, such as a computer or other host device, peripheral or charging unit. As previously discussed in conjunction withFIGS. 1-4, the housing of adjunct device100includes a plug, such as plug26, or other coupling device for connection to the communication port26′ of the handheld communication device110. In addition, the housing of adjunct device100further includes its own communication port, such as communication port28or other coupler for connecting to an external device25. Device interface144is coupled to the communication port28that operates as a charging port. When adjunct device100is connected to an external source of power, such as external device25, device interface144couples a power signal from the external power source to charge the battery146. In addition, the device interface144couples the power signal from the external power source to the communication port of the handheld communication device110to charge the battery of the handheld communication device. In this fashion, both the handheld communication device110and the adjunct device100can be charged at the same time or staged in a priority sequence via logic contained in the adjunct device110that, for example, charges the handheld communication device110before the adjunct device100or vice versa. Further, the handheld communication device110can be charged while the devices are still coupled—without removing the adjunct device100from the handheld communication device110.

While the battery146is separate from the battery of the handheld communication device110, in an embodiment of the present invention, the device interface144is switchable between an auxiliary power mode and a battery isolation mode. In the battery isolation mode, the device interface144decouples the battery146from the battery of the handheld communication device110, for instance, to preserve the charge of battery146for operation even if the battery of the handheld communication device110is completely or substantially discharged. In the auxiliary power mode, the device interface144couples the power from the battery146to the handheld communication device110via the communication port to charge the battery of the handheld communication device110. In this fashion, the user of the handheld communication device110at or near a discharged state of the handheld communication device battery could opt to draw power from the battery146. In an embodiment of the present invention, signaling from user interface142could be used to switch the device interface144between the battery isolation mode and the auxiliary power mode. Alternatively or in addition, signaling received from the handheld communication device via the communication port, or remotely from wireless device120, could be used to switch the device interface144between the battery isolation mode and the auxiliary power mode.

Device interface144includes one or more switches, transistors, relays, or other circuitry for selectively directing the flow of power between the external device25, the battery146, and the handheld communication device110as previously described. In addition, the device interface144includes one or more signal paths, buffers or other circuitry to couple communications between the communication port of the adjunct device110and the communication port of the handheld communication device110to pass through communications between the handheld communication device110and an external device25. In addition, the device interface144can send and receive data from the handheld communication device110for communication between the adjunct device100and handheld communication device110.

FIG. 5presents a pictorial representation of a system for monitoring protective headgear in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, an embodiment is presented that includes elements that have been previously described in conjunction withFIG. 1and are referred to by common reference numerals. In this embodiment however, protective headgear30includes a plurality of wireless devices120that are designated as (120,120′ . . . ). Each of the wireless devices (120,120′ . . . ) is capable of operating independently and generating event data (16,16′ . . . ) in response to the motion the corresponding sensor modules of the respective wireless devices (120,120′ . . . ).

In operation, event data (16,16′ . . . ) is generated by wireless devices (120and/or120′ . . . ) in response to an impact to the protective headgear30. The event data (16,16′ . . . ) is transmitted to the adjunct device100that transfers the event data (16,16′ . . . ) to the handheld communication device110via the communication port of the handheld communication device110. The communication device executes an application to further process the event data (16,16′ . . . ) to display a simulation of the head of the wearer of the protective headgear30as a result of the impact. The presence of multiple wireless devices (120,120′ . . . ) with a corresponding plurality of separate sensor modules132allow more comprehensive modeling of the impact by the protective headgear monitoring application.

FIG. 6presents a schematic block diagram of a sensor module132in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, sensor module132includes an accelerometer200, a gyroscope202and a device interface204and generates sensor data206that includes both linear acceleration data and rotational acceleration data. The accelerometer200can include a piezoresistive accelerometer, piezoelectric accelerometer, capacitive accelerometer, a quantum tunneling accelerometer, a micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer or other accelerometer. In operation, accelerometer200is coupled to the protective headgear30and responds to acceleration of the protective headgear along a plurality of translational axes and generates linear acceleration data that indicates the acceleration of the protective headgear along 1, 2 or 3 axes such as an x axis, y axis and z axis. Similarly, gyroscope202responds to acceleration of the protective headgear along a plurality of axes such as a roll axis, pitch axis and yaw axis and wherein the rotational acceleration data indicates the acceleration of the protective headgear along the plurality of axes. Gyroscope202can be implemented via a vibrating element gyroscope, a MEMS gyroscope or other gyroscopic sensor.

The device interface204includes device drivers for selectively driving the accelerometer200and/or gyroscope202and an analog to digital convertor for generating sensor data206in response to analog signaling generated by the accelerometer200and gyroscope202. While shown as a separate device, the functionality of device interface204can be included in the accelerometer200and/or the gyroscope202.

The use of both an accelerometer and a gyroscope in each sensor module (referred to as a pad) removes the need for a large number of pads. This is partly accomplished by providing both linear and angular acceleration output, and can further be aided by constraining the interpretation of sensor outputs to be consistent with a physical model of the system—which may include the helmet, neck bones and musculature, skull, cerebral fluid, and brain. While only one sensor pad is required when coupled with the physical model of the head, adding multiple sensor pads allows us to account for some types of measurement and modeling errors.

FIG. 7presents a schematic block diagram of a processing module131in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, device processing module131includes an event detection module220and an event processing module222. The event detection module220and event processing module222can each be implemented as independent or shared hardware, firmware or software, depending on the implementation of processing module131. The event detection module220analyzes the sensor data206and triggers the generation of the event data in response to detection of an event in the sensor data206.

While some prior art systems judge impact merely based on acceleration, acceleration alone does not tell the whole story. For example, quickly striking a sensor pad with a ballpoint pen can generate acceleration values in the 200 to 300 G range excess of 100 G's for a short time, but this type of impact would hardly be considered dangerous. This type of analysis does not fully account for mass or momentum. Impact measurement is more about energy dissipation rates, or power and/or peak power, potential applied in an oscillating fashion, that is delivered to the head during an impact event. In an embodiment of the present invention, the event processing module222analyzes the sensor data206to generate event data16that include power data that is calculated based on a function of velocity data and acceleration data as a function of time.

For example, consider the example where the sensor module132includes a three-axis accelerometer and a three axis gyroscope and wherein sensor data206is represented by an acceleration vector A(t), where:
A(t)=({umlaut over (x)}1, {umlaut over (x)}2, {umlaut over (x)}3)
And where,

{umlaut over (x)}ιis the linear acceleration along the ith axis.

It should be noted that acceleration, A(t), referred above, is raw acceleration from all sources (including gravitational acceleration) and not simply acceleration due to an impact event, exclusive of gravitational acceleration. The quantity a(t,) a calibrated event acceleration, which removes the acceleration of gravity, may be defined as follows:
a(t)=A(t)C−G(t)
Where: G(t) expresses the pull of gravity on the accelerometer, and C is a matrix containing static linear calibration values for each axis of the accelerometer. It should also be understood that the linear calibration matrix C could be replaced by a non-linear function or by a table of values expressing a linear, non-linear function, or non-static calibration.

As shown above, the direction of gravity can be used to more accurately calculate all acceleration dependent values. The starting direction of gravity, G(to) at time to, from the 3-axis accelerometer during a quiescent period, can be used to calculate the direction of gravity throughout an impact event using the 3-axis gyroscope as follows:
φ(t)=∫w(t)dt

Where φ(t) represents the change in orientation over the integral (in polar coordinates). The angular acceleration aa(t), can be determined based on
aa(t)=∂/∂t[w(t)]
where w(t) is calibrated angular velocity from the gyroscope202. The direction of gravity G(t) can be found based on:
G(t)=G(to)+rect[φ(t)]

High-g accelerometers may not be sensitive enough to accurately determine the direction of gravity, so a low-g sensor can be employed. On the other hand, expected impact events may exceed the range of a low-g sensor, necessitating a high-g sensor. In an embodiment of the invention, accelerometer200includes both a low-g accelerometer, a high-g accelerometer. The low-g accelerometer portion of accelerometer200can be employed to determine the direction of gravity as follows. Sensor data is organized into windows with defined start and end times. Sample windows start when the accelerometer200and gyroscope202are simultaneously quiescent. The sample windows continue when one or more threshold events occur, and end when the gyroscope202and accelerometer200are simultaneously quiescent a second time. Note the end of one sample window may act as the start of another.

In this embodiment, the low-g portion of accelerometer200accurately indicates its orientation with respect to gravity only during quiescent or near quiescent periods, which by definition occur at the start and end of a sample window. If we take G(to) to be the average orientation of the low-g sensor at the window start, this term in combination with the calibrated gyro output w(t), can be used to calculate the orientation of gravity throughout the sample window. In a similar fashion, the calculated orientation of gravity at the end of the window, can be compared to the measured value with the difference being used for error detection and correction.

A number of tests for quiescence may be employed. A simple test is when a predetermined number of consecutive samples of the low-g portion of accelerometer200have an average norm, n(t), that is approximately equal to 1 g where
n(t)=|a(t)|

For example, a quiescent state is indicated where a consecutive number of samples satisfy the condition:
1−e<n(t)<1+e

where e represents a tolerance.

Other more robust tests may be employed, for example, where all sensors and all axes must be simultaneously quiescent, as dynamically determined according to some test of statistical significance, whose individual estimated statistics meet one or more criteria, such as the norm of the estimated statistics of the low-g sensor not exceeding 1+e.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the event detection module220analyzes the sensor data by generating aggregate acceleration data from the sensor data206and comparing the aggregate acceleration data to an acceleration threshold. Event detection module220determines an event window that indicates an event time period that spans the event to≦t≦tf, based on comparing the aggregate acceleration data to an acceleration threshold. The event detection module220triggers the generation of the event data16by the event processing module222, based on this event window. In particular, the event detection module220triggers the event processing module222to begin generating the event data16after the event window ends. The event processing module222generates the event data16by analyzing the sensor data206corresponding to the event window determined by the event detection module220.

Considering again the example where the sensor module132includes a three-axis accelerometer and a three axis gyroscope and wherein sensor data206includes a vector B of translational acceleration and angular velocity, where:
B=({umlaut over (x)}1, {umlaut over (x)}2, {umlaut over (x)}3, {dot over (θ)}1, {dot over (θ)}2, {dot over (θ)}3)

The event detection module220generates an aggregate acceleration and aggregate angular velocity as, for example, the norm of the vector B, and determines the event window t1≦t≦t2, as the time period where |B|≧Ta, where Tarepresents an aggregate threshold. It should be noted that while a single aggregate threshold212is described above, two different thresholds could be employed to implement hysteresis in the generation of the event window. Further while the vector norm is used as a measure of aggregate acceleration and angular velocity, a vector magnitude, or other vector or scalar metrics could be similarly employed. In addition, while event processing module222is described as being implemented in the processing module131of the wireless device120, in a further embodiment of the present invention, the event detection module220can trigger the generation of event data16that merely includes the sensor data206during the time window and the functionality of event processing module222can be implemented in conjunction with a processing device of the handheld communication device110in conjunction with the protective headgear monitoring application.

A portion of the total energy generated at impact is not easily calculated from accelerometer data—that portion which produces no bulk motion, and instead is dissipated within the helmet's structure or mechanically transferred to objects or surfaces in contact with the helmet. So long as no structural limit of the helmet is exceeded, such impact energy can be ignored. Consider the example where a helmet is in contact with the ground and the impact produces no motion of the helmet.

That portion of impact energy producing motion, perhaps violent motion of the helmet, is of great interest from a personal injury standpoint. Energy of motion, or kinetic energy, is calculable from accelerometer data. The rate at which kinetic energy is imparted and then dissipated, or power, is a consistent indicator of the potential for brain injury from an impact event.

In an embodiment of the present invention, power data can be determined based on a calculation of the mechanical power corresponding to an impact event. The mechanical power P(t) represents a rate of force applied through a distance and over an event window t1≦t≦t2, and where force is calculated as the product of mass, m, and acceleration as follows:

P⁡(t)=m⁢∂∂t⁡[a⁡(t)⁢∫∫t1t2⁢a⁡(t)⁢ⅆt⁢ⅆt]=m⁡[a⁡(t)⁢v⁡(t)]
Mass in this case is the estimated mass of the entire system including the head and the protective headgear, and where the velocity v(t) can be found based on:

This form of event data16more closely represents power of impact to the protective headgear.

In other embodiments, power data, different from mechanical power can be employed in favor of other power-related data that is not strictly dependent on the mass of the head helmet system. As previously discussed, the mechanical power can be expressed as:
P(t)=m[+a(t)v(t)]
The mass m can be expressed in terms of the volume u and average density d of the head and helmet system as:
m=du

Power data can be based on a power diffusion q(t) expressed as follows:

Considering that the average density of the head helmet system is a constant, the power diffusion q(t) is proportional to a related power diffusion term Q(t) that is calculated as:

Expressing the kinetics of an impact based on either of the power diffusion terms q(t) or Q(t) allows the power data to be computed without accounting for the mass of the entire system, providing a normalized metric useful in assessing the severity of an impact event. While power has been described above in linear-translational terms, it is possible to develop power metrics in rotational-torsional terms. Any of the power terms P(t), q(t), Q(t), previously described in terms of only linear (translational) motion can be calculated instead in terms of rotational motion or a combination of linear and rotational motion. For example, rotational kinetics, such as the quantity β(t) presented below, can be a factor in assessing the potential for brain injury and can, in particular, be considered either alone or in combination with translational kinetics.
β(t)=aa(t)w(t)

It follows that the event data16can include a(t), v(t), x(t), q(t), Q(t), aa(t), w(t), φ(t), β(t), along with similar quantities, any intermediate calculations or raw data used to calculate any of these quantities. In particular a(t), v(t), x(t), q(t), Q(t), aa(t), w(t), φ(t), β(t) and other measured or calculated quantities can be employed in a number of useful ways. Such as applying individual or compound thresholds to determine if an injury event may have occurred, or in preparing useful simulations and displays, involving animations and/or color maps to express impact severity or to provide educational displays to increase awareness among coaches, players, medical personnel and parents in a sports setting, and to others in the context of law enforcement, industrial applications, and other uses of protective headgear30. In particular event data16can also include a system status such as a battery status, low battery indicator, system ready indicator, system not ready indicator or other status.

It should also be noted that event data16can include merely an alarm indication in a failsafe mode of operation. For example in circumstances where an event window begins, however due to low power, a fault condition or other error, particular values of a(t), v(t), x(t), q(t), Q(t), aa(t), w(t), φ(t) cannot be calculated or are deemed to be unreliably calculated due to an internal error detection routine, the event data16can merely include an alarm signal that is sent to adjunct device100to trigger an alarm in the handheld communication device110of a potential high impact event that cannot be analyzed. Further, event data16can include periodic status transmissions or other transmission to the adjunct device100indicating that the wireless device120is operating normally. In the absence of receiving one or more such periodic transmissions, the adjunct device100can trigger an alarm indicating that a wireless device has failed to check in and may be out of range, out of battery power or otherwise in a non-operational state.

FIG. 8presents a graphical representation of aggregate acceleration data as a function of time in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the line210represents an example of aggregate acceleration data as a function of time. When the line210first exceeds the acceleration threshold212at time t1, the event detection module220detects the beginning of an event. The event window214is determined based on when the aggregate acceleration next falls below the acceleration threshold212at time t2.

As discussed in conjunction withFIG. 7, an event window is determined, for example, based on the time period between two quiescent periods. The event detection module220triggers the generation of the event data16by the event processing module222, based on this event window. For example, the event detection module220triggers the event processing module222to begin generating the event data16during the event window and triggers transmitting the event data16either during the event window or after the event window ends. The event processing module222generates the event data16by analyzing the sensor data206corresponding to the event window determined by the event detection module220.

FIG. 9presents a schematic block diagram of a wireless device121in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention andFIG. 10presents a schematic block diagram of a sensor module232in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Wireless device121includes many common elements of wireless device120that are referred to by common reference numerals and can be used in place of wireless device120in any of the embodiments described therewith. Wireless device121includes a sensor module232that includes a device interface205that operates in a similar fashion to device interface204, yet further generates a wake-up signal234. Wireless device121includes a power management module134that selectively powers the short-range transmitter/transceiver130, the processing module131and optionally memory133in response to the wake-up signal. This saves power and extends battery life of wireless device121.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the sensor module232generates the wake-up signal234when an acceleration signal from the accelerometer200and/or the angular velocity from the gyroscope202compares favorably to a signal threshold. Considering again the example where the sensor module132includes a three-axis accelerometer and a three axis gyroscope and wherein sensor data206is represented by an aggregate acceleration angular velocity vector B, where:
B=({umlaut over (x)}1, {umlaut over (x)}2, {umlaut over (x)}3, {dot over (θ)}1, {dot over (θ)}2, {dot over (θ)}3)
The device interface205includes hardware, software or firmware that generates an aggregate acceleration as, for example, the norm of the vector B, and generates wake-up signal234in response to event where |B| first exceeds Ts, where Tsrepresents a signal threshold. In an embodiment the signal threshold Ts=Ta, however other values can be employed. For example, a value of Ts=Ta−k, can be employed to provide a more sensitive value of the wake-up signal and further to trigger wake-up of the components of the wireless device121prior to the beginning of the event window. It should also be noted that a wake-up signal234can be generated based on the end of a quiescent period as described in conjunction withFIG. 7.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the device interface205directly monitors the outputs of the accelerometer200and/or gyroscope202. In this case, device interface205generates the sensor data206only in response to the wake-up signal234. In this fashion, the sensor data206is only generated, when needed. In another embodiment, device interface generates sensor data206continuously and generates wake-up signal234based on an analysis of the sensor data206. While the device interface205has been described in the example above as using an aggregate of all the acceleration components to generate a wake-up signal, in a further embodiment, the device interface205may only monitor a limited subset of all axes of linear and rotational acceleration in order to wake-up the device. In this fashion, only some limited sensor functionality need be powered continuously—saving additional power.

While described above in terms of the use of accelerometer200or gyroscope202as the ultimate source of sensor data for the wake up signal, in another embodiment of the present invention, the wake-up signal is generated by a separate wake-up sensor, such as a kinetic senor, piezoelectric device or other device that generates a wake-up signal in response to the beginning of an impact event.

FIG. 11presents a schematic block diagram of a power management module134in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As described in conjunction withFIGS. 9-10, power management module134selectively powers the short-range transmitter/transceiver130, the processing module131and optionally memory133in response to the wake-up signal. Power management module generates a plurality of power signals135for powering these devices when triggered by the wake-up signal234.

As shown, the power management module134further generates an additional power signal135for powering the sensor module232and optionally increased the power generated in response to the wake-up signal234. In the example where device interface205operates with limited functionality prior to generation of the wake-up signal234, the power is increased to sensor module232in order to power the devices necessary to drive the full range of sensors and further to generate sensor data206. This can include selectively powering an analog to digital converted included in device interface205, only in response to the wake-up signal234.

FIG. 12presents a pictorial representation of a system for monitoring protective headgear in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, a system is shown that operates in conjunction with any of the embodiments presented in conjunction withFIGS. 1-11. In this embodiment however, the adjunct device100and handheld communication device operate to monitor a plurality of protective headgear30. Event data (16,16′ . . . ) from any of the plurality of protective headgear (30,30′ . . . ) are received and used by a protective headgear monitoring application of handheld communication device110. In operation, the application processes the event data (16,16′ . . . ) to, for example, display a simulation of the head and/or brain of the wearer of the protective headgear30and/or30′ as a result of an impact.

FIG. 13presents a pictorial representation of a system for monitoring protective headgear in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As previously described, the wireless device120can automatically generate event data16in response to the detection by the wireless device120of an event. In this fashion, event data16can be pushed to an adjunct device100. In this embodiment however, the wireless device120receives a polling signal112transmitted by adjunct device110. In response to the polling signal112, the wireless device120generates a wireless signal that contains either event data16, a system status such as a battery status, system ready indicator, other status or other data.

For example, a parent watching a football game in the stands notices a blow to the helmet of their child. The parent launches a protective headgear monitoring application of the handheld communication device110that causes adjunct device100to emit the polling signal112. The wireless device120responds to polling signal112by generating a wireless signal that is transmitted back to adjunct device100. The polling signal can include event data16. In this fashion, the event data16can be generated and or transmitted by wireless device120on demand from the user of the handheld communication device110.

As mentioned above, other types of data can be transmitted by wireless device120in response to the polling signal112. In another example, the wireless device120can monitor its remaining battery life and transmit battery life data to the adjunct device100in response to the polling signal112. In this fashion, the user of handheld communication device110can easily monitor battery life of one or more wireless devices120and charge them when necessary—such as prior to a game or other use of protective headgear30. While battery life is described above in a pull fashion, a low battery indication from a wireless device120can also be pushed to the adjunct device100, even in circumstances where other event data is pulled from the wireless device120.

In a further example, the wireless device120can emit a location beacon or other signal in response to the polling signal112to aid the user of handheld communication device120in locating the protective headgear30. In this embodiment, the protective headgear monitoring application of handheld communication device110can include an equipment location software module that, for example presents a special screen that allows the user to monitor the signal strength and/or the directionality of the location signal, to assist the user in homing in on the location of the protective headgear30. In this embodiment, the wireless device120, adjunct device100and/or handheld communication device100includes one or more of the functions and features described in the U.S. Published Application number 2011/021047, entitled “SYSTEM AND WIRELESS DEVICE FOR LOCATING A REMOTE OBJECT”, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

FIG. 14presents a schematic block diagram of a handheld wireless device110in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Handheld communication device110includes long range wireless transceiver module306, such as a wireless telephony receiver for communicating voice and/or data signals in conjunction with a handheld communication device network, wireless local area network or other wireless network. Handheld communication device110also includes a device interface310for connecting to the adjunct device100on either a wired or wireless basis, as previously described. In particular, the device interface310includes a communication port that receives the event data16,16′ . . . from one or more wireless devices120coupled to one or more protective headgear30,30′ . . . via an adjunct device100connected to the communication port.

In addition, handheld communication device300includes a user interface312that include one or more pushbuttons such as a keypad or other buttons, a touch screen or other display screen, a microphone, speaker, headphone port or other audio port, a thumbwheel, touch pad and/or other user interface device. User interface312includes the user interface devices ascribed to handheld communication device110.

Handheld communication device110includes a processing module314that operates in conjunction with memory316to execute a plurality of applications including a wireless telephony application and other general applications of the handheld communication device and other specific applications such as the protective headgear monitoring described in conjunction withFIGS. 1-13.

The processing module314can be implemented using a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions that are stored in memory, such as memory316. Note that when the processing module314implements one or more of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory storing the corresponding operational instructions may be embedded within, or external to, the circuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry. Further note that, the memory module316stores, and the processing module314executes, operational instructions corresponding to at least some of the steps and/or functions illustrated herein.

The memory module316may be a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device that stores digital information. While the components of handheld communication device110are shown as being coupled by a particular bus structure, other architectures are likewise possible that include additional data busses and/or direct connectivity between components. Handheld communication device110can include additional components that are not expressly shown.

As previously described, event data16is generated by wireless device120in response to an impact to the protective headgear30. The event data16is transmitted to the adjunct device100that transfers the event data16to the handheld communication device110, either wirelessly or via the communication port of the handheld communication device110. The handheld communication device110executes an application to further process the event data16to, for example, display a simulation of the head and/or brain of the wearer of the protective headgear30as a result of the impact. Further details regarding the simulation of the impact event are presented in conjunction withFIG. 15that follows.

FIG. 15presents a schematic block diagram of a processing module314in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular processing module314executes an event simulation module that processes the event data (16,16′ . . . ) to generate simulation display data226that animates the impact to the protective headgear30. The user interface312includes a display device that displays the simulation display data226. The event simulation module can be included in the protective headgear monitoring application executed by processing module314of the handheld communication device110. The protective headgear monitoring application can be implemented as an article of manufacture that includes a computer readable medium or as other instructions that, when executed by a processing device cause the processing device to implement the functions described herein in conjunction with the other components of the handheld communication device110. As previously described the protective headgear monitoring application can be an “app” that is downloaded to the handheld communication device110via the long range wireless transceiver module306, a wireless local area network connection or other wired or wireless link.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the event simulation module224models a human head that simulates the head of the wearer of the protective headgear (30,30′ . . . ), the shock absorbing capabilities of the protective headgear (30,30′ . . . ) a human skull and/or brain that simulates the skull and brain of the wearer of the protective headgear (30,30′ . . . ). For example, the event simulation module224can implement a bulk system model, a lumped parameter system module or other model that accounts for the mass of the head and how its movement is constrained by the joints and musculature the neck. This model allows the event simulation module to account for the way forces and movements are distributed in a bulk way; showing for example, how energy is dissipated over the surface of the brain. The event simulation module can further include a second, more complex model, such as a finite element model or a distributed parameter model that simulates sub-surface displacements/injury to brain matter. In this fashion, power, velocity and/or displacement data either received as event data16or calculated locally in response to event data16that includes sensor data206corresponding to an event can be used to simulate the impact.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the simulation display data226includes graphics and video animation to visually communicate the nature and potential extent of the injury caused by an impact event. A depiction of the brain can be animated, showing the entire impact event. Power, velocity and/or other event data16are used to drive the animation, while a color map is applied to the surface of the brain to indicate points of high energy dissipation. The simulation display data226can also show possible brain impact with the skull as well as the deformation of brain matter as predicted by the second, more complex model.

In addition, to simply providing an animation, the event simulation module224can generate an alarm event signal as part of the simulation display data226. This alarm event signal can be generated when the event simulation module224either receives event data16regarding any impact that indicates the alarm event directly, or alternatively when the event simulation module224determines that an impact has occurred with sufficient force as a cause a possible injury. For example the event simulation module224can compare a peak power to an injury threshold and generate the alarm event signal when the peak power exceeds an injury threshold. In the alternative, the event simulation module can analyze the results of the brain or head modeling and determine a potential injury situation and trigger the alarm event signal in response to such a determination. The alarm event signal is used to trigger a visual alarm such as a warning light, banner display or display message and/or an audible alarm such as a tone, alarm sound, buzzer or other audible warning indicator. While the description above includes a single threshold, multiple thresholds can be employed to determine alarm events of greater or lesser severity. Different responses to the alarm event signal can be employed, based on the severity of the alarm event.

In addition to generating a local alarm, the alarm event signal, the event data (16,16′ . . . ) and/or the simulation display data226can be sent by the handheld communication device110to a remote monitoring station via the wireless telephony transceiver module206. In this fashion, the event data (16,16′ . . . ) and/or the simulation display data226can be subjected to further analysis at a remote facility such as hospital, doctor's office or other remote diagnosis or treatment facility in conjunction with the diagnosis and treatment of the wearer of the protective headgear (30,30′ . . . ) that was the subject of the impact. It should be noted that the transmission of a wireless signal including the event data (16,16′ . . . ) and/or the simulation display data226can be either triggered automatically in response to the alarm event signal or triggered manually in response to an indication of the user of the handheld communication device110, via interaction with the user interface312.

FIG. 16presents a pictorial representation of a system for monitoring protective headgear in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. While many of the prior descriptions of the present invention contained herein focus on functions and features ascribed to an adjunct device operating in conjunction with a handheld communication device, the functions and features of the adjunct device/handheld communication device combination can be implemented in an enhanced handheld communication device that includes structure and functionality drawn from an adjunct device, such as adjunct devices100. Handheld communication device300presents such a device that includes a handheld communication device portion having the standard components of a handheld communication device and an adjunct portion that adds the components necessary to provide the additional functions and features of the adjunct device100. In summary, handheld communication device300includes the structure and functionality of any of the embodiments of handheld communication device110and adjunct device100to interact with one or more wireless devices120included in one more articles or protective headgear30.

FIG. 17presents a schematic block diagram of a handheld wireless device300in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Handheld communication device includes similar elements to handheld communication device110that are referred to by common reference numerals. In addition, handheld communication device300includes a short range wireless transceiver module304that operates in a similar fashion to short range wireless transceiver140to provide a device interface to interact with one or more wireless devices120, to receive event data (16,16′ . . . ) and to transfer this event data to processing module314for further analysis.

FIG. 18presents a pictorial representation of a screen display350in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, screen display350is shown of simulation display data226in accordance with a particular example. In this example, screen display250includes a frame360of video animation that visually communicates the nature and potential extent of the injury caused by an impact event. A depiction of the brain and skull is animated, showing a particular video frame of the entire impact event. A series of graphical overlays outline regions of high energy dissipation on the surface of or internal to the brain. In this diagram different regions are indicates as to the intensity of energy dissipation based on lines of different styles, however, regions of different colors can likewise be used to provide greater visual contrast.

In addition to the video animation, the simulation display data226provides a visual indication of an alarm event by displaying the text, “Alarm event detected!” and further an indication of the level of impact and its possible effect, “Impact level 4: Possible concussion”. An interactive portion of the screen display350can be selected by the user to initiate the process of contacting a monitoring facility such as hospital, doctor's office or other remote diagnosis or treatment facility.

FIG. 19presents a pictorial representation of a screen display352in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, an example of a follow-up screen is presented in response to the selection by the user to contact a monitoring facility described in conjunction withFIG. 18. In particular, screen display352allows the user to select the type of information to be sent to the monitoring facility. In the example shown, the user can select event data, such as event data (16,16′ . . . ) and/or a full simulation, such as simulation display data226or other simulation results to be transmitted to the remote facility. While not expressly shown, the event data and simulation data can be accompanied by information that identifies the user of the handheld communication device, the wearer of the protective headgear that was the subject of the impact event, other identifying data such as address information, physician information, medical insurance information and/or other data. An interactive portion of the screen display352can be selected by the user to either store the selected data or used to initiate the transmission of the selected data to a monitoring facility such as hospital, doctor's office or other remote diagnosis or treatment facility.

FIG. 20presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, a method is shown for use in conjunction with one or more functions and features described in conjunction withFIGS. 1-19. In step400, sensor data is generated, via a sensor module, in response to motion of protective headgear, wherein the sensor module includes an accelerometer and a gyroscope and wherein the sensor data includes linear acceleration data and rotational velocity data. In step402, event data is generated in response to the sensor data. In step404, a wireless signal that includes the event data is transmitted via a short-range wireless transmitter.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the wireless signal is transmitted to an adjunct device that is coupled to a handheld communication device for processing of the event data by the handheld communication device. The accelerometer responds to acceleration of the protective headgear along a plurality of axes and the linear acceleration data indicates the acceleration of the protective headgear along the plurality of axes. In addition, the gyroscope responds to angular velocities of the protective headgear along a plurality of axes and the rotational velocity data indicates the velocity of the protective headgear along the plurality of axes.

FIG. 21presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, a method is shown for use in conjunction with one or more functions and features described in conjunction withFIGS. 1-20. In step410, sensor data is generated, via a sensor module, in response to motion of protective headgear. In step412, the sensor data is analyzed to detect an event in the sensor data. In step414, event data is generated in response to the sensor data when triggered by detection of the event in the sensor data. In step416, a wireless signal that includes the event data is transmitted via a short-range wireless transmitter.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the wireless signal is transmitted to an adjunct device that is coupled to a handheld communication device for processing of the event data by the handheld communication device. Step412can include generating aggregate acceleration data from the sensor data; comparing the aggregate acceleration data to an acceleration threshold; and determining an event window that indicates an event time period based on the comparing of the aggregate acceleration data to the acceleration threshold. Step414can be triggered based on the event window, such as after the event window ends and the event data can be generated in step414in response to the sensor data corresponding to the event window.

FIG. 22presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, a method is shown for use in conjunction with one or more functions and features described in conjunction withFIGS. 1-21. In step420, sensor data that includes acceleration data is generated via a sensor module, in response to an impact to the protective headgear. In step422, sensor data is analyzed to generate power data that represents power of impact to the protective headgear. In step424, event data is generated that includes the power data. In step426, a wireless signal that includes the event data is transmitted, via a short-range wireless transmitter.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the wireless signal is transmitted to an adjunct device that is coupled to a handheld communication device for processing of the event data by the handheld communication device. Step422can include generating velocity data and the event data is generated in step424to further include the velocity data. Step422can include generating displacement data and the event data is generated in step424to further include the displacement data.

FIG. 23presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, a method is shown for use in conjunction with one or more functions and features described in conjunction withFIGS. 1-22. In step430, a wake-up signal and sensor data that includes acceleration data are generated, via a sensor module, in response to an impact to the protective headgear. In step432, a short-range transmitter and a device processing module are selectively powered in response to the wake-up signal. In step434, event data is generated in response to the sensor data via the device processing module, when the device processing module is selectively powered. In step436, a wireless signal that includes the event data is transmitted, via the short-range wireless transmitter, when the short-range transmitter is selectively powered.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the wireless signal is transmitted to an adjunct device that is coupled to a handheld communication device for processing of the event data by the handheld communication device. The first sensor data can be generated in response to the wake-up signal. The first wake-up signal can be generated when an acceleration signal compares favorably to a first signal threshold or by a kinetic sensor, etc.

FIG. 24presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, a method is shown for use in conjunction with one or more functions and features described in conjunction withFIGS. 1-23. In step440, first event data that includes power data that represents power of impact to the protective headgear is received, via a device interface of the handheld communication device. In step442, the event data is processed to generate simulation display data that animates the impact to the protective headgear. In step444, the simulation display data is displayed via a display device of the handheld communication device.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the device interface includes a communication port that receives the event data from a first wireless device coupled to the protective headgear via an adjunct device connected to the communication port. The device interface can includes an RF transceiver that receives the event data from a first wireless device coupled to the protective headgear. The event data can be received from a plurality of wireless devices coupled to the protective headgear. The event data can further include velocity data that represents velocity of impact to the protective headgear and/or displacement data that represents displacement of impact to the protective headgear.

Step442can include modeling at least one of: shock absorbing capabilities of the protective headgear, a human head that simulates a head of a wearer of the protective headgear, and a human brain that simulates a brain of the wearer of the protective headgear. The simulation display data can animate the impact to the protective headgear by animating at least one of: the protective headgear, the human head, the human skull and the human brain.

The method can further include generating an alarm event signal in response to the event data and presenting, via the user interface, at least one of: an audible alarm or a visual alarm in response to the alarm event signal. In addition, the method can include transmitting, via a wireless telephony transceiver of the handheld communication device and in response to the alarm event signal, at least one of: the event data, and the simulation display data.

While the description above has set forth several different modes of operation, the devices described here may simultaneously be in two or more of these modes, unless, by their nature, these modes necessarily cannot be implemented simultaneously. While the foregoing description includes the description of many different embodiments and implementations, the functions and features of these implementations and embodiments can be combined in additional embodiments of the present invention not expressly disclosed by any single implementation or embodiment, yet nevertheless understood by one skilled in the art when presented this disclosure.

In preferred embodiments, the various circuit components are implemented using 0.35 micron or smaller CMOS technology and can include one or more system on a chip integrated circuits that implement any combination of the devices, modules, submodules and other functional components presented herein. Provided however that other circuit technologies including other transistor, diode and resistive logic, both integrated or non-integrated, may be used within the broad scope of the present invention. Likewise, various embodiments described herein can also be implemented as software programs running on a computer processor. It should also be noted that the software implementations of the present invention can be stored on a tangible storage medium such as a magnetic or optical disk, read-only memory or random access memory and also be produced as an article of manufacture.

Thus, there has been described herein an apparatus and method, as well as several embodiments including a preferred embodiment. Various embodiments of the present invention herein-described have features that distinguish the present invention from the prior art.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed invention may be modified in numerous ways and may assume many embodiments other than the preferred forms specifically set out and described above. Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all modifications of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.