System and method for supporting focus of a person

Abstract

A system for supporting focus of a user on activities related to a cognitive task, the system comprising a user-wearable device having at least one sensor sensing the user, a control unit for collecting and analysing sensor data of the at least one sensor, and at least one notification element for giving feedback to the user based on the analysis of the sensor data. The control unit is configured to collect and analyse sensor data of the at least one sensor indicative of a physical output related to the cognitive task. The control unit is configured to determine if the user is performing the cognitive task based on the collected and analysed sensor data. The control unit is configured to notify the user through the at least one notification element about the user's status with regard to performing the cognitive task. The user obtains a positive feedback while performing the task.

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SUPPORTING FOCUS OF A PERSON

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates to a system for supporting focus of a person on activities related to cognitive tasks. The system preferably comprises one of a wristwatch, a wrist band or a finger ring.

[0005] PRIOR ART

[0006] Modern work is highly language oriented, including reading, writing and thinking. The performance in such work directly depends on the cognitive focus with respect to the work, wherein distraction directly results in an interruption of generation of desired output of the work.

[0007] Consequently, focus is a central issue in modern work life. Focus can be facilitated or improved with diverse measures: Work environments with a low level of distraction, structuring the work by dividing time into focus time and breaks, using the mute feature of digital notifications, and, last but not least, medication and drugs.

[0008] The concept of work already starts in school with homework or work done in class. In school, focus is a sensitive topic, as children first have to learn strategies on how to keep focus. In addition, concentration spans of children are shorter than those of adults due to the development of the brain.

[0009] Focus also depends on neurodiversity. ADHD, i.e., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a psychic disorder where one of the symptoms is a reduced ability to focus. A significant share, about 5%, of all children have diagnoses with ADHD. Being able to focus on an activity and a task at hand, for example concentrating on homework and handwriting, is an essential element of the education curriculum and vital for learning.

[0010] Current treatment options encompass medication or personal assistance. Both treatment methods are very costly and can be intrusive to daily life. Furthermore, medication can have side-effects and is thus not seen positively by many parents.

[0011] Typically, treatment methods are supported by various self-monitoring techniques. However, in the case of ADHD, self-monitoring is challenging for children precisely because they are easily distracted. Adhering and employing such methods can be very challenging for children.

[0012] Technological advances can support children to train their ability to focus or to apply selfmonitoring methods. Smartphone or wearable applications intent to support users to regain focus by regular or randomized reminders, either visually or by vibration. However, such reminders may not be provided at the most effective moment. In addition, a reminder has the effect of a distraction as well, which may lead to a loss of focus instead of focusing on the task.

[0013] Current technical solutions to support regaining focus employ timed notifications to remind to focus, which in itself can distract.

[0014] Other applications and systems intent to employ motion detection to identify hyperactive behaviour or other off-task activities. These systems have the drawback that they only cover certain modes of a distracted state. They are, for example, not effective for users suffering from ADHD without Hyperactivity, also known as ADD. Also, girls with ADHD often don’t display it in obvious hyperactive behaviours.

[0015] In some applications a more generic attention level, concentration level or fatigue level is computed and displayed. However, this is not necessarily a good indicator how well the user is focused on the activity, especially not in cases of highly cognitive activities.

[0016] US 2012 / 244503 A1 describes a wristband to alert a user at defined intervals over a period of use or on demand. However, this might be a too long deadtime before reminding the user. On the other hand, the randomized reminder may also distract the user and thus have a detrimental effect.

[0017] US 2021 / 350921 A1 describes a system and method utilizing a wearable device to collect data generated to user’s kinaesthetic movement. The system analysis the data and provides insights to an observer in the form of a report. US 10 234 936 B2 describes a system of a wearable sensor device that displays a biometric index. This system focuses on monitoring of attention level and workload sensing.

[0018] US 2022 / 304604 A1 discloses a system including a wearable device equipped with motion sensors and optionally a location or GPS tracker. This system focuses on the hyperactive behaviour of a child, giving immediate feedback on the behaviour.

[0019] US 2011 / 0128151 A1 discloses an attention assistance device with features that help maintain a user's focus on a given task. The device gives the user feedback when an activity is interrupted for a defined period.

[0020] US 2024 / 022618 A1 describes a system for detecting meeting participant inattentiveness during an online meeting.

[0021] US 2014 / 0370471 A1 shows a device for focusing a user's attention for an individual who loses focus during an activity. Reminder prompts are randomized within a selected time frame.

[0022] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0023] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved system and an improved method for supporting focus of a person on activities related to cognitive tasks.

[0024] This object is achieved with a system with the features according to claim 1 and a method with the features of claim 13.

[0025] The inventive system for supporting focus of a user on activities related to a cognitive task comprises a user-wearable device having at least one sensor sensing the user, a control unit for collecting and analyzing sensor data of the at least one sensor, thereby monitoring the user, and at least one notification element for giving feedback to the user based on the analysis of the sensor data. The user-wearable device is configured to be arranged on the user at a hand being used for performing the cognitive task or at arm being used for performing the cognitive task. The at least one of the at least one sensor is a motion sensor, preferably an IMU sensor (IMU = Inertial measurement unit, The control unit is configured to collect and analyze sensor data of the at least one sensor indicative of a physical output related to the cognitive task. The control unit is configured to determine if the user is performing the cognitive task based on the collected and analyzed sensor data. The monitoring includes or consists of monitoring specific activities related to the cognitive work, namely at least one of writing, typing and moving a computer mouse. The control unit is configured to notify the user through the at least one notification element about the user's status with regard to performing the cognitive task. The control unit is configured to notify the user on a permanent basis as long as the user is performing the cognitive task, thereby giving positive feedback as long as no interruption in performing the cognitive task occurs.

[0026] The inventive method for supporting focus of a user on activities related to a cognitive task, comprises the steps of sensing the user with at least one sensor of a user-wearable device, the user-wearable device being arranged on the user at a hand being used for performing the cognitive task or at arm being used for performing the cognitive task, wherein at least a motion sensor is used, collecting and analysing sensor data of the at least one sensor using a control unit, wherein specific activities related to the cognitive work are monitored, namely at least one of writing, typing and moving a computer mouse, and giving feedback to the user based on the analysis of the sensor data, wherein the control unit notifies the user on a permanent basis as long as the user is performing the cognitive task, thereby giving positive feedback as long as no interruption in performing the cognitive task occurs.

[0027] According to the invention, the control unit collects and analyses sensor data of the at least one sensor indicative of a physical output related to the cognitive task. The control unit determines if the user is performing the cognitive task based on the collected and analysed sensor data and the control unit notifies the user through the at least notification element about the user's status with regard to performing the cognitive task.

[0028] The inventive system and method monitor the user in order to find out, if he or she is working on the task or not. If the sensor data obtained from the user are corresponding to sensor data which would be typical for this type of task, the controller determines that the task is still performed. The user will receive positive feedback, preferably with a non-disturbing message. The message may be an illustration, an animation, a light, a sound or another type of information. If the sensor data obtained from the user are not corresponding to sensor data which would be typical for this type of task, the controller determines that the task is not performed any more. In some embodiments, this information will be given to the user as well.

[0029] The inventive system and method preferably enhance focusing on a cognitive task due to their monitoring the output of the cognitive work in order to detect distraction and to disrupt the user only when needed. This results in a precise digital intervention with minimal distractive side-effects, resulting in an improved efficiency of the intervention. The monitoring includes or consists of monitoring some specific activities related to the cognitive work, namely at least one of writing, typing and moving a computer mouse. In preferred embodiments, the monitoring includes determining the intensity of performing the task, for example by determining the writing speed.

[0030] For example, sensor data from a user having to write an essay or to answer questions in a written exam, are obtained by sensing the user while he writes by hand or on a keyboard. The obtained sensor data are analysed. This can be done, for example, by comparing them with experience values of other users and / or the same user by defining the range within the sensor data can move before being considered to be within / without a focused range.

[0031] The experience data may be empirical data already obtained in similar or identical situations this user or other users have been in. Artificial intelligence may be used for improving the data set used for analysing the newly obtained data. The empirical data may be categorized as data of situations where users are focused in performing the cognitive task and where they are not. Data showing the track of losing the focus can also be categorised to enable an early recognition of the time when the user starts to lose focus.

[0032] In very preferred embodiments, the notification of performance, i.e. the positive feedback, stops and / or the notification of none-performance, i.e. the negative feedback, is given with a time-delay. This enables the user to find his focus within a certain time. This also ensures that the user is not disturbed too early by negative feedback.

[0033] In some embodiments, this time-delay is automatically adjusted. It is preferably individually adjusted based on empirical data gained from the individual user or it is generally adjusted by the controller, for example depending on the type of task, the time of day when the task is performed, the expected time it may take to fulfill the task, the age of the user or other parameters which may influence the performance of the user.

[0034] In addition or alternatively, the time-delay is manually adjustable.

[0035] Preferably, the start and / or end of the activity, i.e. , the period for performing the cognitive task, is well defined. Preferably, the start and end are input variants (variables) which can preferably be defined by the user or the supervisor of the user.

[0036] In some embodiments, the system provides some support which enables the user to start with the task. Preferably, the system performs a start-sequence, which shows the tools needed to perform the task. In addition or alternatively, the start-sequence suggests an exercise enabling the user to focus on the beginning task, such as a breathing exercise and / or a body posture and / or a movement exercise.

[0037] The end of the task can be signalised with a feedback as well, preferably a positive or a feel-good feedback, such as an image of a flower.

[0038] Preferably, the feedback given during performance of the task informs about the progress made, such as a growing flower or plant, a growing tree or an active hourglass.

[0039] Preferably, the system control comprises a sequence which uses a start and / or an end of a task to provide additional feedback, which supports and / or motivates the user.

[0040] Preferably, the activity has a clearly defined start and end point. In some embodiments, the start and end of the activity are determined by user input. In addition or alternatively, the start and end of the activity are determined by external triggers via a communication interface. In addition or alternatively, the start and end of the activity are determined by algorithms running continuously on the system and / or they are determined via a schedule.

[0041] Depending on the embodiments, the input can be given manually, electronically, by gestures or voice or in a different way.

[0042] The user-wearable device is configured to be arranged on the user at a user's hand being used for performing the cognitive task or at a user's arm being used for performing the cognitive task. Preferably, the device is arranged on the dominant hand. Being arranged on a hand or arm, especially on a wrist or on at least one finger, the movement of the hand or arm can be detected to find out if the user is writing or typing and therefore working on the task.

[0043] Preferably, not only the fact that the finger, hand or arm is moved is detected but also the way it is moved or the velocity it is moved. This gives indications if the user is really writing or typing or moving a computer mouse or if he is just moving the hand in a hyperactive way or if he is performing movements which are not typical when writing or typing or moving a computer mouse. The detection of the movement may even be such that the controller can distinguish between using a keyboard or a computer mouse for working or for gaming.

[0044] In preferred embodiments, the user-wearable device is a wristwatch, a wrist band or a finger ring. Preferably, it is a user-wearable smart device, most preferred being able to be connected to the internet. User-wearable means that it is wearable on the user’s body and not only just portable by the user.

[0045] Preferably, a movement of a hand or an arm being used for performing the cognitive task is sensed and the sensor data of this movement is analysed. Preferably, the finger, hand or arm is the preferred finger, hand or arm of the user, i.e. , the hand he uses most for writing or typing or moving the computer mouse. When a user uses different hands for different tasks, for example he uses the left hand to write and the right hand to move the computer mouse, the user-wearable device is worn on the hand which is dominantly used while performing the specific task.

[0046] Any type of sensors can be used giving indication of the performance of the user. In some embodiments, different types of sensors are used, such as motion sensors, temperature sensors and sensors measuring the pulse rate. At least one of the at least one sensor is a motion sensor, preferably an IMU sensor (IMU = Inertial measurement unit). IMU sensors measure and report a body's specific force, angular rate and sometimes orientation of the body by using a combination of accelerometers, gyroscopes and sometimes magnetometers.

[0047] The at least one notification element is preferably at least one of an optical message displayed by the user-wearable device, a light generated by the user-wearable device, a vibration of the user-wearable device, a sound generated by the user-wearable device, an optical message displayed by a device being external to the user-wearable device, a light generated by a device being external to the user-wearable device, a vibration generated by a device being external to the user-wearable device, and a sound generated by a device being external to the user-wearable device.

[0048] In some embodiments, the system contains of separate unit, wherein one unit is the userwearable device, another unit is the controller, and a third unit is the notification device, wherein the units are configured to communicate with each other. Preferably, the userwearable device comprises the control unit, wherein the notification device is part of the user-wearable device as well or it is a separate unit. Preferably, at least one of the at least one notification device is part of the user-wearable device, or all notification devises are part of the user-wearable device. Especially light and sound notifications can be performed with devices being separate from the user-wearable device as well. Even the temperature of the device can be changed, a fan can be activated or stopped in order to notify the user or a tactile notification other than a vibration can be given. The odour may change as well, for example by using a fragrance generator.

[0049] In some embodiments, the notification to the user is given continuously while he is working on the task, i.e. he is notified on a permanent bases that he is doing well since he is performing the task.

[0050] For example, music is playing while he is working. This is preferred for users which can concentrate better while listening to music. When the user has lost focus, the music stops or is getting louder or gets quieter or is even switched off, depending on the individual user and / or on the user's settings. Instead of music, another sound can be provided as well. The sound may be even noise. The same applies for example for light. A light on the userwearable device or in a separate light source is shining during focused time and will get lighter or darker or is even switched off, when the focus is lost. In some embodiments, the colour on the display of the watch or on other parts of the watch can change. A positive feedback may be a green screen, a negative feedback may be a red screen. A positive feedback may also be an hourglass or another symbol, which shows that the goal and therefore the end of the task is approaching continuously. The other ways of notification mentioned above can alternatively or additionally be used in a similar way.

[0051] In other embodiments, the notification to the duly working user is the absence of a specific external sensory stimulus, and the sensory stimulus is given when he loses or has lost the focus. For example, this can be done with light and sound.

[0052] Notifying the user that he is doing well, i.e., on a permanent basis while he is working on the task, gives the user positive feedback. Notifying the user when he has lost focus maybe less preferred since he receives negative feedback. However, depending on the individual user and on his disease, positive or negative feedback will lead to the better result.

[0053] Preferably, the system provides both, positive and negative feedback, wherein the user can preferably choose which one he prefers or if he prefers both. The last can be performed for example be giving positive and negative feedback by using different notification elements (also called notification channels).

[0054] Preferably, the controller comprises a programming with pre-set parameters specific for at least one or more activities and one or more monitoring modes.

[0055] The determination if the user is performing is preferably based on pre-set rules to deduce task adherence metrics.

[0056] The system is preferably configurable. Preferably, it is configurable for different activities and / or for monitoring modes for managing start, end, interruption and feedback to the user.

[0057] Preferably, there are input routines within an app for user customization.

[0058] Preferably, the method includes additional steps in its programming, the steps comprise establishing baseline task adherence metrics and / or identification of deviations from baseline metrics and comparing deviations to pre- or user-set thresholds.

[0059] Preferably, the method includes additional steps for rule-based notification comprising pre- or user-set rules to trigger notifications of the same or of different types, wherein the rules are preferably based on one or several threshold crossings and frequency thereof.

[0060] Preferably, status information is submitted to the programming, i.e. the controller, via a user interface or another electronic communication interface.

[0061] Further embodiments of the invention are laid down in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the following with reference to the drawings, which are for the purpose of illustrating the present preferred embodiments of the invention and not for the purpose of limiting the same. In the drawings,

[0063] Figure 1 shows a user performing a cognitive task while wearing an inventive system for supporting his focus;

[0064] Figure 2 shows a top view of the system of figure 1 before use;

[0065] Figure 3 shows the system of figure 2 when the user's movement have stopped longer than an expected period;

[0066] Figure 4 shows the system of figure 2 notifying the user that he has lost focus;

[0067] Figure 5 shows an algorithm performed in the inventive system of figure 2;

[0068] Figure 6 shows an inventive application (APP) in a first variant;

[0069] Figure 7 shows an inventive application (APP) according to a user's choice;

[0070] Figure 8 shows an inventive application (APP) in a second variant;

[0071] Figure 9 shows the system of figure 1 in use when the user is starting a task;

[0072] Figure 10 shows the system of figure 9 when the user is performing his task;

[0073] Figure 11 shows the system of figure 9 when the user has almost reached the end of the task;

[0074] Figure 12 shows the system of figure 9 when the user has completed the task;

[0075] Figure 13 shows the system of figure 1 in another variant of displaying feedback during performance of the task; Figure 14 shows the system of figure 13 when the task is completed;

[0076] Figure 15 shows the system of figure 1 in a first variant to support the user before the task is started; and

[0077] Figure 16 shows the system of figure 1 in a second variant to support the user before the task is started.

[0078] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0079] The first embodiment described below gives positive feedback during performing the task and negative feedback when the user already has interrupted his performance.

[0080] Figure 1 shows a boy sitting at a desk and writing by hand a text, maybe an essay or answers in an examination. This means he is performing a cognitive task. The boy wears an inventive system for supporting his focus on his activities related to his cognitive task. In this embodiment, the system is a wristwatch. However, it can also be a ring or a wrist band or any other suitable user-wearable item.

[0081] Figures 2 to 4 show top views of this wristwatch in different statuses during the activity of the boy. The wristwatch 1 comprises a case with a digital display 10, at least one operating button 11 and a strap 12 for fixing the watch to the boy’s wrist. The display 10 is preferably a touch screen and / or the device can be operated by using the buttons 11. The buttons are just an option. The inventive wristwatch 1 does not need buttons.

[0082] Figure 2 shows the starting status of the device. By tipping on the expression “Start” on the touch screen or by activating one of the buttons 11 , the focus supporting device is started. As will be described in more detail later on in this text, the watch detects with its at least one sensor, preferably with at least one IMU sensor, the movement of the hand of the boy when he is writing.

[0083] A controller arranged within the watch 1 collects and analyses the data of the IMU sensor. If the controller determines based on his analysis that the boy is still focused and working, the watch may remain quiet, but it may give a positive feedback. The positive feedback may be a special colour on the display 10 of the watch, such as green when performance of the task is still active.

[0084] In case the boy stops with his movements, the watch is still, thereby maybe still giving the positive feedback, but it measures the time of non-movement. This is shown in figure 3. The reason for the non-movement may be that the boy is thinking without writing, this means he is still focused. Or maybe his focus is drifting but he may be able to find back to his focus by himself shortly.

[0085] When a defined time expired, the watch 1 now notifies the boy about his status so that the boy can restart the activity. The watch 1 is giving a negative feedback. This notification can be made with one or more elements or channels. In this example, the watch displays a message on its screen, as can be seen in figure 4. The case in which the watch also vibrates is shown in figure 4 with the lines 13.

[0086] Figure 5 shows an inventive algorithm performed with the inventive system. Sensor data, such as data of at least one accelerometer and at least one gyroscope and stored data, such as handedness, individual base line calibration and thresholds, such as individually calibrated classification thresholds for different activities, are preprocessed and filtered in the controller. A Human Activity Recognition Algorithm, which enables to detect the movement of a human person, is performed with these filtered data. In addition, a Pen Stroke Counter counting the strokes of the pen held by the user, here the boy, is activated as well. The results of the Human Activity Recognition Algorithm as well as the result of the Pen Stroke Counter are stored in a Storage for Performance Analysis. The results of the Human Activity Recognition Algorithm and the stored data mentioned above are used in a Feedback Triggering Algorithm so that a signal which triggers feedback is generated based on the result of this last algorithm.

[0087] The Preprocessing and Filtering step is especially used for noise removal within the set of sensor data, for adaptation of handedness and for individual baseline calibration. Such preprocessing and filtering are for example described in O. D. Lara and M. A. Labrador, "A Survey on Human Activity Recognition using Wearable Sensors," in IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 1192-1209, Third Quarter 2013, doi: 10.1109 / SURV.2012.110112.00192.

[0088] The Human Activity Recognition Algorithm is a machine learning based classification algorithm such as a random forest or artificial neural network. The Pen Stroke Counter is based on a peak-counting algorithm, counting in particular the peaks in the accelerometer sensor signal due to a pen hitting the paper or fingers hitting a keyboard. A hit can be understood as a very strong acceleration for a very short time, which therefore is detectable as spikes in accelerometer data.

[0089] The Feedback Triggering Algorithm is based on evaluation of different criteria, such as time passed since last activity, typical intensity of the activity and previous, individual user behavior. It has internal states such as waiting times. The Feedback Triggering Algorithm can learn from previous performance recognition and analyses sequences.

[0090] Figure 6 shows a first application (APP) which can be performed with the inventive system, for example the wristwatch shown in figures 1 to 4.

[0091] When an activity is started by the user, here the boy, the system is manually or automatically started. The activity of the boy, i.e. the movement of his hand, produces a signal. The sensors capture data of the movement of the hand. The algorithm, preferably the Human Activity Recognition Algorithm, analyzes the data. When no interruption in the activity output is detected, positive feedback is given until the end of activity is reached, i.e. the cognitive task is completed. The activity is then finished, and the application stops. The wristwatch will wait for the next task to be accomplished.

[0092] As long as the task is not completed, this main loop will restart in producing activity signals, capturing the sensor data, analyzing the data and giving positive feedback to the user.

[0093] When in one of these loops an interruption of the activity is detected, the following data captured by the sensors will still be analyzed by the algorithm. When the activity is restarted, positive feedback will be given and the main loop, which was described above, restarts again. When the activity has not restarted, the APP checks if the notification condition is reached. For example, a predefined time has passed since the last activity was detected. If the notification condition has not been reached yet, e.g. the time passed is shorter than the predefined time limit, the steps of sensors capture data and the algorithm analyzing are fulfilled in a minor loop. When the notification condition is reached, e.g. the time limit is reached, negative feedback is given to the user. During the performance time of the minor loop, the wristwatch may display the waiting status, as shown in figure 3.

[0094] In figure 7, the user decided that he does not want to receive positive feedback. Most of the steps are identical with the APP shown in figure 6 and they will therefore not be explained again. Reference is made to the description of figure 6. The difference lies in the notification given to the user. In figure 6, positive feedback was given as long as no interruption took place. In figure 7, no feedback is given as long as no interruption occurs. The user is only notified when there is an interruption and only after the notification condition is reached. Feedback can be reminding feedback or negative feedback as shown in figure 6 or it can be any type of feedback which is not considered to be negative by the user. Not shown, but in some embodiments present, is a discrete or unobtrusive notification during the intermediate period, when there is an interruption of the activity, but the notification condition is not reached yet. This discrete notification can for example be the message on the display as shown in figure 3.

[0095] Another application (APP) is shown in figure 8. The main loop is the same as in the APP according to figure 6. Reference is therefore made to this description. There is positive feedback as long as no interruption occurs. Contrary to the APP of figure 6, there is no negative feedback at all in the APP according to figure 8. When an interruption occurs, the minor loop will be performed, and no feedback is given until the activity end is reached. This activity end can be a predefined duration for this performing a task. This can be for example the duration of a school lesson or of an exam or of a time during a lesson given by the teacher or by the user for performing a special task. It can also be useful for users sensitive to negative feedback to avoid increasing stress and to focus on the encouraging element of feedback.

[0096] A minimal viable inventive system may comprise:

[0097] A simple wristwatch, wherein no feature requires a server or another app. The wristwatch is focused on handwriting. The wristwatch is preferably a smartwatch. It is equipped with at least one sensor, with compute power, and with interactive notification elements (channels) such as vibration and sound. The device is worn by the user on his dominant hand, producing the output of the activity. Preferably, the device has one or more buttons to start and stop the activity monitoring. This can be physical buttons or virtual buttons on a screen. After triggering the activity monitoring the device uses preferably an IMU (inertial measurement unit) sensor to measure the movements of the dominant hand. An algorithm on the device analyses continuously the sensor data. The algorithm recognizes when the user stops performing the intended activity. Upon recognition of stopping the intended activity, a notification timer is automatically started. If the user returns to performing the intended activity before the notification timer ends, the device will continue analyzing the sensor data. If the user does not return to performing the intended activity by the end of the notification timer, the user will be notified.

[0098] A more sophisticated version of the inventive system (herein called Gold Version) may comprise all features of the minimal viable version and includes in addition at least one or more of the following extensions of the watch functionalities:

[0099] - different learning modes such as a predefined learning schedule (e.g. the pomodoro technique);

[0100] - different user interfaces (III) modes, for example for notifications, visuals and others; and

[0101] - at least one companion portal for parents, teachers, teachings assistants etc., preferably as an APP and / or as a webpage.

[0102] The companion portal preferably includes one or more of the following features:

[0103] - an easy to grasp III so that child and parent can jointly assess adherence, progress or other relevant key performance indicators (KPIs);

[0104] - the ability of remote configuration of the app;

[0105] - a development tracking;

[0106] - the ability to trigger the start of the activity remotely;

[0107] - a configurable schedule;

[0108] - notification of the assisting person;

[0109] - parent I child interaction (i.e., parents can send children positive feedback and children can respond);

[0110] - a user access management system, i.e. an assistant can get access to a child’s watch data;

[0111] - a reward system for the child. For example, an avatar where new cloth, hats etc. can be chosen upon good performance, or the reward system is linked, e.g. via an interface, to an external application or platform such as a game, wherein the reward may be in form of tokens or coins that can be used in these games

[0112] The enhanced system preferably includes a cloud and a user login.

[0113] In some embodiments, the parents can send a message or feedback to the watch which then will be shown on the display or given to the user in another way. Alternatively or in addition, the parents may send a feedback by changing the light in the room where the user is present. Other ways to send feedback can be used as well. The system accompanies the user during the execution of the task, giving him different types of feedback. The system may also confirm the start and the end of the task, and it may help the user to prepare everything he needs during the performance of the task. Figures 9 to 16 show some according embodiments.

[0114] Figures 9 to 12 show a wristwatch which shows that the user is performing his task.

[0115] In Figure 9 the display 10 of the wristwatch 1 motivates the user to start the task. In addition to a text, a seedling of a plant is shown. In some embodiments, only a text is shown or only an image, which may progress while the task is performed.

[0116] In figure 10, the task is progressing. The user is motivated with the text "keep going" and / or with the growing plant. The text and the image may be displayed together or only one of them is displayed.

[0117] Figure 11 shows the situation when the task has progressed or is almost completed. Once again, the text "almost there" and the almost developed plant are shown together or separately.

[0118] In Figure 12, the user has completed the task. The plant, which has grown from the seedling, is now blooming and the text "well done!" confirms that the task was successfully completed.

[0119] In figures 13 and 14, instead of a plant, an hourglass is shown. The moving sand of the hourglass gives a feed to the user so that he can estimate his performance. In some embodiments the sand is a reference for the time used. In other embodiments, the sand is a reference about the percentage of completed or non-completed task.

[0120] In figures 15 and 16, the system supports the user in his preparation of the task. For example, a writing tool is displayed or a book the user may need. This helps the user to prepare and arrange in advance every tool he will, or he may need during performance of the task. Depending on the user or the system, images and / or text is displayed in order to assist the user. In preferred embodiments, the message is displayed until the user has confirmed that the specific tool shown is ready for use.

[0121] The inventive system assists a user to focus on a cognitive task without disturbing the person while the person performs the task.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A system for supporting focus of a user on activities related to a cognitive task, the system comprising a user-wearable device having at least one sensor sensing the user, a control unit for collecting and analysing sensor data of the at least one sensor, thereby monitoring the user, and at least one notification element for giving feedback to the user based on the analysis of the sensor data, wherein the user-wearable device is configured to be arranged on the user at a hand being used for performing the cognitive task or at arm being used for performing the cognitive task, and wherein at least one of the at least one sensor is a motion sensor, preferably an IMU sensor (IMU = Inertial measurement unit), characterized in that the control unit is configured to collect and analyse sensor data of the at least one sensor indicative of a physical output related to the cognitive task and in that the control unit is configured to determine if the user is performing the cognitive task based on the collected and analysed sensor data, in that the monitoring includes or consists of monitoring specific activities related to the cognitive work, namely at least one of writing, typing and moving a computer mouse, and in that the control unit is configured to notify the user through the at least one notification element about the user's status with regard to performing the cognitive task, and in that the control unit is configured to notify the user on a permanent basis as long as the user is performing the cognitive task, thereby giving positive feedback as long as no interruption in performing the cognitive task occurs.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the control unit is configured to notify the user about the user's status with a time-delay.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the time-delay is manually adjustable.

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the system comprises inputmeans for entering a start variable and an end variable defining a period for performing the task.

5. The system of any one of claim 1 to 4 wherein the user-wearable device is a wristwatch, a wrist band or a finger ring.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the user-wearable device comprises the control unit.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the user-wearable device comprises at least one of the at least one notification element.

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein at least one of the at least one notification element is separate from the user-wearable device.

9. The system of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the at least one notification element is at least one of an optical message displayed by the user-wearable device, a light generated by the user-wearable device, a vibration of the user-wearable device, a sound generated by the user-wearable device, an optical message displayed by a device being external to the user-wearable device, a light generated by a device being external to the user-wearable device, a vibration generated by a device being external to the user-wearable device, and a sound generated by a device being external to the user-wearable device.

10. The system of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the control unit is configured to notify the user when the user is not performing the cognitive task.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the control unit is configured to notify the user when the user is performing the cognitive task and / or when the user is not performing the cognitive task upon the users input into the system.

12. The system of any one of claims 10 and 11 wherein the control unit is configured to give, upon the user's choice, notification to the user when he is performing the task and / or when he is not performing the task.

13. A method for supporting focus of a user on activities related to a cognitive task, the method comprising the steps ofsensing the user with at least one sensor of a user-wearable device, the userwearable device being arranged on the user at a hand being used for performing the cognitive task or at arm being used for performing the cognitive task, wherein at least a motion sensor is used, collecting and analysing sensor data of the at least one sensor using a control unit, and giving feedback to the user based on the analysis of the sensor data, characterized in that the control unit collects and analyses sensor data of the at least one sensor indicative of a physical output related to the cognitive task, wherein specific activities related to the cognitive work are monitored, namely at least one of writing, typing and moving a computer mouse, and in that the control unit determines if the user is performing the cognitive task based on the collected and analysed sensor data and in that the control unit notifies the user through the at least notification element about the user's status with regard to performing of the cognitive task, wherein the control unit notifies the user on a permanent basis as long as the user is performing the cognitive task, thereby giving positive feedback as long as no interruption in performing the cognitive task occurs.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the control unit notifies the user about the user's status with a time-delay.

15. The method of any one of claims 13 or 14 wherein a movement of a hand or an arm being used for performing the cognitive task is sensed and the sensor data of this movement is analysed.

Images