A wearable safety beacon watch and method of use

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wearable safety beacon watch and method of use thereof. In one form, the wearable safety beacon watch comprises a case having an outer surface with a watch face defined therein and an opposed inner surface interconnected by at least one side edge extending therebetween; at least one strap for fastening the case to a limb of a user; at least one light source positioned on any one of the watch face and the at least one side edge, said at least one light source configured to emit at least one visual signal in an emergency situation or upon receiving a manual command.

Description

A WEARABLE SAFETY BEACON WATCH AND METHOD OF USETECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a wearable safety beacon watch and method of use thereof.BACKGROUND

[0002] Various types of emergency locator beacons are carried by aircraft, ships, vehicles, hikers and cross-country skiers. In case of an emergency, such as the aircraft crashing, the ship sinking or the hiker or cross country skier becoming lost, isolated or injured, the beacon is deployed to enable search and rescue teams to quickly find the emergency and render aid.

[0003] However, problems in general with emergency locator beacons, particularly personal emergency locator beacons worn by an individual, are that they require: the individual to actively take the beacon with him or her; the individual to activate the beacon in an emergency, which may not be possible because the beacon cannot be reached, or the individual is impaired; and the beacon to transmit a visible or receivable emergency signal.

[0004] Emergency locator beacons are especially necessary in tactical scenarios including operational missions and training (such as military and naval missions), where risks faced by personnel are dynamic and serious.

[0005] In tactical scenarios, it may be inappropriate for personnel to use typical emergency locator beacons to alert search and rescue teams as this may compromise security and personnel safety by alerting adversaries to their presence.

[0006] Additionally, traditional search and rescue methods like emitting beacon lighting are counterproductive in tactical scenarios as they may compromise security by alerting adversaries to the presence and intentions of personnel.

[0007] As an illustrative example, if personnel become injured overboard during a covert, nighttime maritime operation, using a head lamp or reflective strips on clothing to alert search and rescue operations can also alert adversaries to the presence of personnel and can further alert adversaries to entire operations. Similarly, if search and rescue teams use beacon lighting, they can inadvertently alert adversaries to their presence.

[0008] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the commongeneral knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention provide a wearable safety beacon watch and methods of use thereof, which may at least partially address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wearable safety beacon watch comprising: a case having an outer surface with a watch face defined therein and an opposed inner surface interconnected by at least one side edge extending therebetween; at least one strap for fastening the case to a limb of a user; at least one light source positioned on any one of the watch face and the at least one side edge, said at least one light source configured to emit at least one visual signal in an emergency situation or upon receiving a manual command.

[0011] Advantageously, the safety beacon watch is positioned on a limb of a user making it readily accessible in a variety of situations. Furthermore, by being fastened to the user by a strap, the safety beacon watch is unlikely to become lost or inaccessible during an emergency situation. Additionally, the at least one light source may advantageously alert aerial and ground search and rescue personnel to the presence and position of a user. Furthermore, the emission of the at least one visual signal in response to an emergency situation may enable the raising of an alert, even in scenarios in which the user is unable to manually raise an alert, such e.g., when the user has been seriously injured or needs to be discrete in raising an alert.

[0012] As indicated above, the safety beacon watch of the present invention is intended to be worn by individuals on their limbs to provide an accessible and readily worn beacon. It will therefore be convenient to describe the watch with reference to this example application. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the watch is capable of broader applications and may be adapted to another form of wearable personal item, such as, e.g., a head band, a lanyard, a chest strap, a ring or an earring.

[0013] As used herein, the term “emergency situation” may refer to a situation that may compromise the health and / or safety of a person.

[0014] As used herein, the term “limb” may refer to an extremity of a person. In some instances, the “limb” may refer to an arm or a leg of a person. In other instances, the “limb” mayrefer to a digit of a person. Preferably, limb refers to the wrist of a person.

[0015] As indicated, the safety beacon watch comprises a case having an outer surface with a watch face defined therein or thereon and an opposed inner surface interconnected by at least one side edge extending therebetween.

[0016] The case may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable materials or materials. The case may be of unitary construction or may be formed from two or more case pieces, typically the latter.

[0017] Generally, the case may be formed from material or materials capable of withstanding harsh conditions. For example, the case may be formed from durable material or materials that are substantially shock resistant, high and / or low temperature resistant, pressure resistant and waterproof. The case may be formed from plastic and / or metal material or materials.

[0018] The case may have any suitable profile shape. For example, the case may have a circular, oval, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal or octagonal profile shape. Typically, the outer and inner surfaces of the case may be circular, oval or rectangular in shape.

[0019] Generally, at least the outer surface of the case may be sized to accommodate a watch face therein or thereon.

[0020] In some embodiments, the outer surface may be rounded having a convex curvature.

[0021] In other embodiments, the outer surface may be substantially flat.

[0022] Typically, the outer surface may have a central crystal or transparent cover defined therein covering the watch face. The central crystal or transparent cover may be centrally positioned within the outer surface.

[0023] In some embodiments, the outer surface may be defined by a bezel of the case and the central crystal or transparent cover. The bezel may be an annular ring extending about a periphery of the outer surface and may be independently rotatable relative to the case and the central crystal, or transparent cover. The bezel may include one or more indicia or markings.

[0024] The central crystal, or transparent cover, may be formed from polyurethane, acrylic glass, mineral glass, or sapphire glass. Preferably, the central crystal, or transparent cover is formed from sapphire glass.

[0025] In some embodiments, the outer surface may include a cyclops configured tomagnify a position, or portion, of the watch face.

[0026] As indicated, the outer surface includes a watch face defined therein. The watch face may be of any suitable size, shape and configuration. Generally, the watch face may be of a same shape as the outer surface and / or central crystal, or transparent cover.

[0027] In some embodiments, the watch face may be a digital watch face.

[0028] In other embodiments, the watch face may be an analogue watch face.

[0029] In some embodiments, the watch face may be configured to display additional nontime information, such as, e.g., the date, a temperature, a moon phase, a tourbillon and / or user data.

[0030] The user data may include heart rate, oxygen saturation, body temperature and the like. The user data may be identified using one or more sensors positioned on the wearable safety beacon watch. The one or more sensors will be described in detail later.

[0031] The watch face may be customisable by the user. In embodiments where the watch face is digital, the watch face may be customisable via the wearable safety beacon watch. In alternate embodiments, the watch face may be customisable via an associated application using an associated mobile device such as a laptop or smart phone.

[0032] In some embodiments, the outer surface may further include a protective cover. The protective cover may be positioned atop the outer surface for protecting the outer surface from accidental or environmental damage. The protective cover may be formed from any suitable material or materials, such as, e.g., polyurethane or acrylic. Preferably, the protective cover is transparent to allow a watch face to be visible therethrough.

[0033] The opposed inner surface may be of the same size as the outer surface or smaller, typically the same size.

[0034] In some embodiments, the inner surface may be substantially planar.

[0035] In other embodiments, the inner surface may include one or more curves or contours defined therein for complementing the limb of the user.

[0036] In some embodiments, the inner surface or a part or portion thereof may be detachable from the case for access to the watch internals. Typically, the inner surface or part or portion thereof may be mechanically fastened to the case with one or more mechanical fasteners and may be detached by removing the one or more mechanical fasteners.

[0037] In other embodiments, the inner surface may include a recessed portion defined therein with a cover for receiving one or more batteries therein. The one or more batteries may power ordinary functions of the watch or at least the at least one light source, preferably the latter.

[0038] In preferred such embodiments, the watch may include two power supplies including an internal battery accommodated within the case for powering ordinary operations of the watch and one or more batteries for powering operation of the at least one light source. Advantageously, a separate and dedicated power supply for the at least one light source may ensure the at least one light source is always fully powered in an emergency situation.

[0039] Any suitable type of battery may be used that has the following properties: durability; cycle durability; and charge / discharge efficiency. Typically, a battery type may be selected that may provide a run time of at least 20 hours. In alternate embodiments, the battery may be replaced when it has been discharged.

[0040] In some embodiments, the batteries may be rechargeable batteries.

[0041] As indicated, at least one side edge extends between the outer surface and the opposed inner surface.

[0042] In some embodiments, the at least one side edge may be curved defining a circular case.

[0043] In other embodiments, the at least one side edge may include a plurality of side edges defining the case shape. For example, in embodiments in which the case is rectangular, the at least one side edge may include four side edges. Likewise, in embodiments in which the case is pentagonal, hexagonal or octagonal, the case may include five, six or eight side edges, respectively.

[0044] In preferred embodiments, at least the inner surface and the at least one side edge may be of unitary construction.

[0045] As indicated, the safety beacon watch includes at least one strap for fastening the case to a limb of a user.

[0046] The at least one strap may be connected to opposed lugs extending from opposite sides of the case.

[0047] In some embodiments, the watch may include two straps configured to beconnectable together as is known in the art to fasten the watch to the limb of the user.

[0048] In some embodiments, the at least one strap may be adjustable to lengthen or shorten the at least one strap for fitting different sized limbs.

[0049] As indicated, the wearable safety beacon watch includes at least one light source, said at least one light source, positioned on any one of a watch face and at least one side edge of the wearable safety beacon watch and configured to emit at least one visual signal in an emergency situation or upon receiving a manual command.

[0050] The at least one light source may include a light emitting diode (LED), a laser, or a flashlamp, preferably an LED.

[0051] The at least one light source may be positioned on the case of the wearable safety beacon watch, preferably on the at least one side edge of the case.

[0052] In some embodiments, a plurality of light sources may be positioned about the at least one side edge of the case, preferably in a spaced arrangement about the at least one side edge.

[0053] In preferred embodiments, the watch may include three light sources positioned evenly about the at least one side edge, preferably 3 LEDs.

[0054] In other embodiments, the at least one light source may be positioned about the outer periphery of the watch face or about the bezel of the watch, preferably forming the bezel of the watch.

[0055] In such embodiments, the at least one light source may be positioned within or atop the bezel.

[0056] In some such embodiments, the at least one light source may include a plurality of discrete light sources arranged about the bezel in a spaced arrangement, preferably evenly spaced.

[0057] In other such embodiments, the at least one light source may be arcuately or circularly shaped to extend at least partially about the bezel, preferably entirely.

[0058] Advantageously, an arcuately or circularly shaped light source may facilitate the positioning of a larger light source thereby increasing the light emitted from the at least one light source and providing greater brightness.

[0059] In some embodiments, the watch may include four light sources positioned evenly about the at least one side edge and a plurality of discrete light sources arranged about the bezel in an evenly spaced arrangement.

[0060] In other embodiments, the watch may include three light sources evenly spaced about the bezel.

[0061] As indicated, the at least one light source may emit at least one visual signal, preferably a light signal.

[0062] The at least one visual signal may include one or more flashing lights, constant lights or coloured lights, or any combination thereof.

[0063] In some embodiments, the at least one visual signal may be of a wavelength or wavelengths that are in the visible spectrum. In this regard, the visual signal may be of a wavelength of between about 400nm and 780nm.

[0064] In other embodiments, the at least one visual signal may of an infrared wavelength. For example, the at least one visual signal may have a wavelength of between about 780nm and 1000pm.

[0065] The at least one visual signal of an infrared wavelength may advantageously enable users wearing the safety beacon watch to attract attention from relevant people in a covert manner. For example, during tactical scenarios, it may be advantageous to avoid the use of visible light which may otherwise alert adversaries to the presence of a user. Instead in such scenarios, it may be desirable for the at least one visual signal to be of a non-visible wavelength, such as, for example, infrared wavelength.

[0066] Generally, the at least one visual signal may be emitted at a substantially uniform wavelength.

[0067] The at least one visual signal may preferably include a plurality of individual LEDs. The plurality of LEDs may be configured to emit light of the same wavelength. Conversely, the plurality of LEDs may be configured to emit light at different wavelengths. Preferably, the plurality of LEDs emit light at wavelengths falling within infrared and visible light wavelengths. The plurality of LEDs may be configured to operate together.

[0068] The at least one visual signal may be configured to operate intermittently. For example, the at least one visual signal may be configured to pulse at intervals. In one such embodiment, the at least one visual signal may be configured to emit light in an alert patternsuch as, e.g., SOS, i.e. , 3 short pulses, 3 long pulses and 3 short pulses. In such embodiments, the alert pattern may be configured to be repeated continuously.

[0069] In other such embodiments, the at least one visual signal may be configured to operate constantly.

[0070] As indicated, the at least one visual signal is configured to be emitted in an emergency or upon receiving a manual command. In relation to the latter, the at least one visual signal may be selectively activated by way of at least one controller in the form of a button, switch, dial, lever or the like positioned on the watch.

[0071] In some embodiments, the at least one visual signal may be selectively activated by depressing a single button.

[0072] In other embodiments, the at least one visual signal may be selectively activated by depressing and holding a single button for a short period of time, such as, e.g., 5 sec.

[0073] In yet other embodiments, the at least one visual signal may be selectively activated by simultaneously or sequentially depressing two or more buttons.

[0074] In yet further embodiments, the at least one visual signal may be selectively activated by simultaneously or sequentially depressing and holding two or more buttons for a short period of time, such as, e.g., 5 sec.

[0075] Generally, the at least one visual signal may be selectively activated by depressing and holding a single button or simultaneously or sequentially depressing two or more buttons to prevent the at least one visual signal from being inadvertently activated.

[0076] In some embodiments, the at least one visual signal may be adjusted with the at least one controller.

[0077] For example, in some such embodiments, the single button may be toggled to adjust the at least one visual signal function, such as, e.g., switching from a flashing to constant visual signal or between white light and infrared light.

[0078] In other such embodiments, the two or more buttons may be depressed to adjust a function of the at least one visual signal.

[0079] In some embodiments, the watch face may include a touch screen enabling a user to selectively activate and control a function of the at least one visual signal by interacting with the touch screen.

[0080] In other embodiments, the at least one visual signal may be controlled automatically. This automatic control will be described in detail later.

[0081] The watch may include one or more sensors, typically housed within the case of the watch.

[0082] The one or more sensors may include an accelerometer, gyroscope, oximetry sensor, bio-impedance sensor, magnetometer, heart rate monitor; skin temperature sensors, gesture sensors, camera, and / or ultra violet sensors.

[0083] The one or more sensors may be configured to generate data. The one or more sensors may be configured to generate data relating to the user and / or the environment.

[0084] In some embodiments, the one or more sensors may generate data pertaining to a body temperature and heart rate of a user.

[0085] In some embodiments, the one or more sensors may generate data pertaining to an environment and experiences of the user. For example, the one or more sensors may generate data pertaining to the acceleration and velocity of the user to determine whether the user has fallen or been involved in an accident.

[0086] It will be understood that the one or more sensors are durable and able to operate in a variety of extreme conditions such as high altitude, low pressure and the like with high accuracy and precision.

[0087] In some embodiments, the watch may include at least one memory for storing data generated by the one or more sensors.

[0088] In some such embodiments, the at least one memory may function as a “black-box.” It is envisaged that the data from the one or more sensors contained in the at least one memory may be retrieved and reviewed by third parties following a serious injury or death of a user. The skilled addressee will appreciate that the at least one memory may be especially useful to assist with apportionment of liability for example where the user was required to work in harsh and / or unsafe environments.

[0089] In some embodiments, the watch may include at least one GNSS antenna. The GNSS antenna may be configured to receive radio waves from artificial satellites for determining positional coordinates of the watch. The GNSS antenna may preferably be a GPS antenna.

[0090] The watch may further include a GNSS receiver associated with the at least oneGNSS antenna for receiving output from the antenna, preferably a GPS receiver.

[0091] Like with the one or more sensors, positional data generated by the at least one GNSS antenna may be stored in the at least one memory.

[0092] In some embodiments, the watch may include a communications system. The communications system may include a transmitter. The communications system may further include a receiver. Preferably, the communications system includes a transceiver.

[0093] The communications system may be housed within the case of the watch.

[0094] In preferred embodiments, the communications system may include a wireless communications module, such as, e.g., a wireless network interface controller, such that the watch may wirelessly connect to an external device via a wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi (WLAN) communication, Satellite communication, RF communication, infrared communication, or Bluetooth™).

[0095] In use, the watch may be polled by an external device via the communications system. Likewise, the watch may periodically or upon request transmit data stored in the at least one memory to an external device via the communications system.

[0096] In preferred embodiments, the watch may include one or more processors and the at least one memory. The processors may include multiple inputs and outputs coupled to electronic components of the watch.

[0097] The one or more processors and the at least one memory may form part of the controller.

[0098] The watch may include software configured to be run on the controller. The software may be interactive.

[0099] In some embodiments, the user may interact with the software using the controller to control functionality of the watch, including the at least one visual signal.

[0100] The controller may be in communication with the one or more sensors and may be configured to activate the at least one visual signal when an emergency situation is detected.

[0101] An emergency situation may be determined when the one or more sensors return data deviating from acceptance parameters. For example, in embodiments in which the one or more sensors include accelerometers, if the accelerometer returns an acceleration reading outside normal parameters and indicative of a fall, the controller may subsequently activate theat least one visual signal.

[0102] In some embodiments, the user may interact with the controller via the software to set or adjust the parameters.

[0103] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of visual signalling, said method including: providing a wearable safety beacon watch according to a first aspect; and fastening a case of the wearable safety beacon watch to a limb of a user, wherein, in an emergency situation or upon receiving a manual command, at least one light source positioned on any one of a watch face and at least one side edge of the wearable safety beacon watch emits at least one visual signal.

[0104] The method may include one or more features or characteristics of the wearable safety beacon watch as hereinbefore described.

[0105] The fastening of the case of the wearable safety beacon watch to the limb of the user may include using one or more straps. Preferably, the watch includes two straps which are fastened to the limb of the user.

[0106] The two straps may be adjusted to lengthen or shorten for fitting different sized limbs.

[0107] The visual signal may be emitted upon receiving a manual command. For example, the user may depress a single button to activate the visual signal.

[0108] In alternate embodiments the visual signal may be emitted in an emergency situation. In such embodiments, the safety beacon watch may include one or more sensors configured to generate data.

[0109] In such embodiments, it is envisaged that the user or a third party may interact with a controller to define acceptable sensor parameters. When the sensors generate data falling outside of these acceptable parameters, the visual signal may be emitted.

[0110] In this manner, the visual signal can be emitted without requiring the user to depress a button. The skilled addressee will appreciate that such operation is especially advantageous in situations where the user may be unable to depress a button such as following injury to the user.

[0111] The visual signal may be displayed such that it is visible to search and rescue teams. For example, the visual signal may be an infrared light visible from 5km to allow search andrescue teams equipped with infrared cameras to detect the visual signal, and in turn the user, from a distance.

[0112] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0113] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0114] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0115] Figure 1 is a plan view of a wearable safety beacon watch according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0116] Figure 2 is a flow chart showing steps in the method of using the wearable safety beacon watch to emit at least one visual signal according to an embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0117] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a safety beacon watch (100)

[0118] Referring to Figure 1, the wearable safety beacon watch (100) includes: a case (110) having an outer surface (112) with a watch face (120) defined therein and an opposed inner surface (114) interconnected by a side edge (116) extending therebetween; straps (130; i.e., at least one strap) for fastening the case (110) to a wrist (i.e., a limb) of a user; and three lights (140; i.e., at least one light source) positioned about a bezel (160) extending about a periphery of the outer surface (112) for emitting at least one visual signal in an emergency or upon receiving a manual command. The three lights (140) are evenly spaced about the bezel (160).

[0119] The case (110) is formed from plastic and / or metal materials.

[0120] The case (110) has a circular profile shape. The outer surface (112) and inner surface (114) of the case (110) are circular in shape.

[0121] The outer surface (112) of the case (110) is sized to accommodate the watch face (120) therein.

[0122] The outer surface (112) is rounded having a convex curvature.

[0123] The outer surface (112) includes a central crystal or transparent cover (150) defined therein covering the watch face (120). The central crystal or transparent cover (150) is centrally positioned within the outer surface (112). The central crystal or transparent cover (150) is formed from sapphire glass.

[0124] The watch face (120) is of the same shape as the central crystal or transparent cover (150), that is, the watch face (120) is circular. The watch face (120) is an analogue watch face.

[0125] The opposed inner surface (114) is of the same size as the outer surface (112). The opposed inner surface (114) is substantially planar.

[0126] The opposed inner surface (114) includes a recessed portion defined therein with a cover for receiving one or more batteries therein. The one or more batteries power ordinary functions of the watch (100) and the three lights (140).

[0127] As indicated, the safety beacon watch (100) includes strap (130) for fastening the case (110) to a wrist of a user.

[0128] The straps (130) include two straps connected to lugs (170) extending from opposite sides of the case (110).

[0129] The straps (130) are connectable together as is known in the art to fasten the watch (100) about the wrist of the user, such as for e.g., with a buckle.

[0130] The three lights (140) are light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned evenly spaced about the bezel (160).

[0131] Each of the lights (140) is arcuately shaped and configured to emit an infrared wavelength light signal (i.e. , at least one visual signal).

[0132] The three lights (140) are configured to operate together

[0133] As indicated, the light signal is configured to be emitted in an emergency or upon receiving a manual command. In relation to the latter, the light signal is selectively activated by way of at least one controller in the form of button (180) positioned on the watch (100).

[0134] The watch (100) further includes one or more sensors housed within the case (110).

[0135] The one or more sensors include one or more of an accelerometer, gyroscope, oximetry sensor, bio-impedance sensor, magnetometer, heart rate monitor; skin temperature sensors, gesture sensors, camera, and / or ultra violet sensors.

[0136] The one or more sensors are configured to generate data. The one or more sensors are configured to generate data relating to the user and / or the environment. For example, the one or more sensors may generate data pertaining to the acceleration and velocity of the user to determine whether the user has fallen or been involved in an accident.

[0137] The watch (100) includes at least one memory for storing data generated by the one or more sensors.

[0138] The at least one memory functions as a “black-box.” As an illustrative example, it is envisaged that the data from the one or more sensors contained in the at least one memory is retrieved and reviewed by third parties following a serious injury or death of a user. The skilled addressee will appreciate that the at least one memory will be especially useful to assist with apportionment of liability for example where the user was required to work in harsh and / or unsafe environments.

[0139] The watch (100) includes at least one GNSS antenna. The GNSS antenna is configured to receive radio waves from artificial satellites for determining positional coordinates of the watch. The GNSS antenna is a GPS antenna.

[0140] The watch (100) further includes a GNSS receiver associated with the at least one GNSS antenna for receiving output from the antenna, preferably a GPS receiver.

[0141] Positional data generated by the at least one GNSS antenna is stored in the at least one memory.

[0142] The watch includes a communications system. The communications system includes a transceiver. The communications system is housed within the case (110) of the watch (100).

[0143] In use, the watch (100) can be polled by an external device, such as, e.g., an external computer, via the communications system. The watch (100) also periodically transmits data stored in the at least one memory to an external device via the communications system.

[0144] The watch (100) includes one or more processors and the at least one memory. The processors include multiple inputs and outputs coupled to electronic components of the watch (100).

[0145] The one or more processors and the at least one memory form part of the controller.

[0146] The watch (100) includes software configured to be run on the controller. The software is interactive.

[0147] The user interacts with the software using the controller to control operation of the watch (100), including the three lights (140).

[0148] The controller is in communication with the one or more sensors and is configured to activate the lights (140), when an emergency situation is detected.

[0149] An emergency situation is determined when the one or more sensors return data deviating from accepted parameters. The user can interact with the controller via the software to set or adjust the parameters.

[0150] As an illustrative example, in embodiments in which the one or more sensors include accelerometers, if the accelerometer returns an acceleration reading outside normal parameters and indicative of a fall, the controller subsequently activates the at least one visual signal.

[0151] A method (200) of using the watch (100) as shown in Figure 1 is now described in detail with reference to Figure 2.

[0152] At step 210, the wearable safety beacon watch (100) of Figure 1 is provided.

[0153] At step 220, the case (110) of the wearable safety beacon watch (100) is fastened about a wrist of the user.

[0154] The watch (100) is fastened using straps (130) and a typical fastening device such as a buckle.

[0155] At step 230, the at least one visual signal is emitted from the three lights (140) positioned about the bezel (160) of the case (110) of the watch (100) in response to an emergency situation or upon receiving a manual command.

[0156] The at least one visual signal is an infrared light signal emitted by the plurality of lights (140).

[0157] The light signal can be selectively emitted by depressing button (180).

[0158] Conversely, the light signal can be emitted when an emergency situation is determined based on the data collected by the one or more sensors.

[0159] In use, the visual signal is displayed such that it is visible to search and rescue teams. For example, the visual signal as an infrared light may be visible from up to 5km to allow search and rescue teams equipped with infrared cameras to detect the visual signal, and in turn the user, from a distance. Advantageously, the use of infrared light may prevent inadvertent discovery of a user by adversaries. In this regard, search and rescue teams may operate an infrared camera in order to locate the infrared light emitted from the watch and covertly rescue the user.

[0160] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0161] Reference throughout 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 invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0162] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A wearable safety beacon watch comprising: a case having an outer surface with a watch face defined therein and an opposed inner surface interconnected by at least one side edge extending therebetween; at least one strap for fastening the case to a limb of a user; at least one light source positioned on any one of the watch face and the at least one side edge, said at least one light source configured to emit at least one visual signal in an emergency situation or upon receiving a manual command.

2. The wearable safety beacon watch of claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of the case further includes a central crystal or transparent cover defined therein covering the watch face.

3. The wearable safety beacon watch of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the watch face is a digital watch face.

4. The wearable safety beacon watch of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the watch face is an analogue watch face.

5. The wearable safety beacon watch of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one light source includes a light emitting diode (“LED”), a laser or flashlamp.

6. The wearable safety beacon watch of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one light source is positioned about the at least one side edge of the case in a spaced arrangement.

7. The wearable safety beacon watch of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one light source includes a plurality of light sources.

8. The wearable safety beacon watch of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one light source includes three LEDs positioned evenly about the at least one side edge of the case.

9. The wearable safety beacon watch of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one light source includes three LEDs positioned about an outer periphery of the watch face.

10. The wearable safety beacon watch of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one light source includes three LEDs positioned about a bezel of the watch.

11. The wearable safety beacon watch of claim 10, wherein the three LEDs are arranged about the bezel in an evenly spaced arrangement.

12. The wearable safety beacon watch of any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the at least onevisual signal includes one or more flashing lights, constant lights, coloured lights or any combination thereof.

13. The wearable safety beacon watch of claim 12, wherein the at least one visual signal is of a visible light wavelength or of an infrared wavelength.

14. The wearable safety beacon watch of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the at least one visual signal is configured to be emitted intermittently.

15. The wearable safety beacon watch of claim 14, wherein the at least one visual signal is configured to be emitted in pulsed intervals.

16. The wearable safety beacon watch of claim 15, wherein the pulsed intervals correspond to an alert pattern.

17. The wearable safety beacon watch of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the manual command includes one of depressing and holding a single button and depressing and holding two or more buttons.

18. The wearable safety beacon watch of claim 17, wherein the two or more buttons are simultaneously or sequentially depressed.

19. The wearable safety beacon watch of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the watch further includes one or more sensors for generating data relating to the user and the environment and wherein, responsive to the one or more sensors collecting data indicating of the emergency situation, the at least one visual signal is activated.

20. A method of visual signalling, said method including: providing a wearable safety beacon watch according to any one of claims 1 to 19; and fastening a case of the wearable safety beacon watch to a limb of a user, wherein, in an emergency situation or upon receiving a manual command, at least one light source positioned on any one of a watch face and at least one side edge of the wearable safety beacon watch emits at least one visual signal.

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