A wearable

Abstract

A wearable device for improving connectivity between users, in which the device comprises: a haptic driver and a haptic actuator; a power source; location means; communication means; in which the device can receive signals and / or transmit signals indicative of location, and in which the haptic driver is configured to cause the haptic actuator to produce vibrations or other touch- based feedback indicative of the location of another such device.

Description

[0001] P13598PC01

[0002] A WEARABLE

[0003] Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a wearable with improved connectivity within, for example, densely populated environments.

[0005] It is known to be difficult for people to remain in contact with friends and families whilst within a festival environment. People are usually reliant on mobile devices to maintain contact and to share locations with friends and family at festivals; however, the limited battery life and limited phone signal and data can result in people losing contact.

[0006] There is therefore a need for a device which provides for improved connectivity between users.

[0007] Prior Art

[0008] CN116158742 discloses a low power device for intelligently collecting vital sign and behavioural data of a wearer. The device comprises: a low power processor, and a peripheral component coupled to the low power processor. The peripheral component comprises: a sensor, a UWB module, and a battery. The battery is used for providing electric energy for the low-power consumption device for intelligently collecting vital sign and behaviour data of the wearer. The sensor is used for collecting state information of a wearer. The low-power-consumption processor is used for driving all peripheral components, acquiring sensor data according to a set frequency and transmitting the sensor data to the UWB module. The UWB module is used for sending UWB positioning messages and carrying the sensor data to be sent in the UWB positioning messages when the sensor data to be uploaded are needed.

[0009] CN218830660 discloses a portable personnel positioning label comprising a positioning label shell, an alarm button and a signal processing system. The alarm button is fixed on the front surface of the positioning label shell, and an induction area is arranged below the alarm button in the shell. The induction area has a gradually inoxidizing coating, response layer and isolation layer. The response layer is provided with a strain gauge sensor. The strain gauge sensor passes through the data signal line connection and is located by the signal processing system.

[0010] CN218603653 discloses a UWB navigation bracelet comprising a wrist strap body and a body spare fixed on the wrist strap body. The body spare includes a body casing containing the UWB positioning tag, the RFID induction chip, the MCU controller, the memory and the rechargeable battery. The navigation indication display module is arranged on the upper P13598PC01 surface of the body casing, and the voltage-controlled sensor switch and the rechargeable battery charging interface are arranged on the lower surface of the body casing. The MCU controller is connected with the UWB positioning tag. The memory, the navigation indication display module and the voltage-controlled sensor provide information and signal interaction. The UWB positioning tag is used for periodically sending a UWB signal to a UWB positioning base station, and the UWB positioning base station receives the UWB signal and then sends a feedback signal to the MCU controller. The memory is connected with the MCU controller and is used for storing visitor personal basic information, visitor road sign node navigation information, walking path fence management information and authorized space entry information of preset information; the navigation indication display module is connected with the MCU controller and used for receiving a control signal of the MCU controller and displaying navigation information on the navigation indication display module. The voltage-controlled sensor switch is connected with the MCU controller and the rechargeable battery, after wearing the bracelet, under the extrusion of pressure, the voltage-controlled sensor switch works, and the switch-on switch rechargeable battery supplies power to the UWB positioning tag, the MCU controller, the storage and the navigation indication display module. of the Invention

[0011] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a wearable device for improving connectivity between users, in which the device comprises: a haptic driver and a haptic actuator; a power source; location means; communication means; in which the device can receive signals and / or transmit signals indicative of location, and in which the haptic driver is configured to cause the haptic actuator to produce vibrations or other touch-based feedback indicative of the location of another such device.

[0012] The device may be configured as an inter-person, social event communication device,

[0013] Navigation instructions can be provided in the absence of a visual display.

[0014] The device may combine GNSS, LoRa, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.

[0015] Wi-Fi capability means, for example, that if a GPS signal is not available then location tracking may still be possible. Location tracking without the need for cellular signal may be possible.

[0016] The device may comprise: a geomagnetic sensor; P13598PC01 an ISM / LoRA antenna.

[0017] In addition to location information, the device may be configured to receive / transmit signals / messages to allow communication between devices.

[0018] A device may provide a combination of directional vibration, variable intensity, and patternbased feedback. This allows users not only to sense how close they are and the direction they should move, but also to receive different feedback patterns depending on the type of haptic message being sent.

[0019] Navigation instructions (e.g. heading and / or proximity) could, for example, be provided by vibrations. The vibrations may be variable in response to proximity and / or heading. For example the frequency of vibrations may be increased / decreased depending on how close to a required heading the device is pointing; e.g. getting faster as the heading is closer to that which is required. The user can then move around (e.g. rotate) until the vibrations peak.

[0020] In some embodiments a single haptic driver is provided. In other embodiments multiple drivers are provided. Multiple drivers could, for example, be located to help with directionality e.g. vibrate at the left / / right / top / bottom of a device to indicate movement towards the left, right etc.

[0021] Each device may have a unique ID. The haptic feedback may be paired with this identifier (which may, for example be shown in a companion app), so users know exactly who they are locating.

[0022] A device may be pre-configurable with one or more pre-defined actions; for example: sending / requesting an indication of (current and / or live) location; sending a distress signal; sending a pre-determined message.

[0023] The device may comprise surface for allowing a user to input information. For example a top surface may be configured as a capacitive or resistive touch panel to receive signals by touching / tapping. Different touch / tap / impact sequences may be used to input different instructions e.g.: two taps = convey location ; three taps = time to go home ; four taps = send distress signal.

[0024] The device may comprise a switch / button which could be used for functions. In some embodiments the switch / button could be used to send a distress signal (for example if the switch / button is pressed / tapped and held for a certain period of time).

[0025] In some embodiments a distress signal can only be sent via the button. This could, for example, be triggered by a 3-second hold or three taps. P13598PC01

[0026] A companion app may be provided. The app may allow configuration of the device to provide required actions in response to inputs.

[0027] A companion app may also provide information relating to a general location. For example, for a festival or amusement park a location a map may be provided with points of interest (e.g. different stages or different rides), layouts, timings etc. This could allow, for example, a message to be sent to members of a group to meet at a certain point (either now or at a selected time in the future). All users in the group then receive navigation instructions to the point via the haptic feedback.

[0028] Devices may be configurable with different modes. The modes may be set / configured using a companion app. Different modes may, for example, include: festival; skiing; hiking; cycling / biking; amusement park.

[0029] A “compass mode” may also be provided which may, for example, allow a user to:

[0030] Find their way back to the closest friend or the largest cluster of group members in one place.

[0031] Or, alternatively, select a specific friend via an app and then locate them through directional haptic feedback and proximity gauge vibrations.

[0032] This would allow navigation without constantly checking their phone.

[0033] In some embodiments, none of the haptic messages convey a user’s current location. To check someone’s location this would therefore need to be done via an accompanying app.

[0034] A group of devices may be established, each with a unique ID.

[0035] A mesh network may be established between multiple devices.

[0036] It may be possible to transmit / receive signals via devices in a group and also (securely) via devices not in a group, which may help to extend range.

[0037] The device (e.g. a wristband) may act as a beacon. It can communicate location data (e.g. via Bluetooth and / or in certain modes, LoRa / GPS / Wi-Fi for extended range). That data may then be synced with an app. Group members can see each other’s positions and use map navigation and / or haptic guidance to meet up.

[0038] Importantly, in some embodiments, if a user’s mobile phone dies, the wristband continues transmitting their location independently (via LoRa / GPS). This allows them, for example, to still P13598PC01 send and receive haptic feedback messages, trigger SOS alerts, and use a compass mode for navigation. The only feature they would lose is access to a map view on their phone; but the core safety and group connectivity functions remain intact.

[0039] The focus of the present invention is event-based connectivity, simplified interactions, and group location sharing, rather than broad smartwatch functionality.

[0040] A device may primarily communicate locally with its wearer’s mobile phone via BLE or Wi-Fi, which then handles cloud updates to synchronize data with other users’ mobile phones.

[0041] Direct wristband-to-wristband communication is also possible: for short ranges, BLE or UWB mesh allows nearby wristbands to relay haptic messages, SOS alerts, and relative location within tens of meters. For long-range communication: up to ~3 km in open environments, the wristband can use its LoRa module to directly transmit low-bandwidth data, including simple haptic alerts like 2-3 vibration pulses, SOS signals, or location updates, even if the user’s phone is dead. When these messages are relayed through the mesh to a wristband paired with a live phone, the information is then synced to the cloud, making it visible on the other people in the group’s phones, enabling map updates, notifications, and alerts to remain current across the network.

[0042] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a wearable device for improving connectivity between users, in which the device comprises: a processor; a user activated switch; a haptic feedback vibration motor; and a power source configured in use to provide power to the processor and the haptic feedback vibration motor, in which the processor is configured in use, on operation of the user activated switch to emit signals and / or transmit messages to one or more further wearable device(s), and in which the processor, on receipt of signals or messages from a further wearable, is configured in use to activate the haptic feedback vibration motor to notify the user of receipt of the signals and / or messages.

[0043] The power source is preferably a flexible battery, such as for example a lithium ion battery.

[0044] The wearable device preferably further comprises a strap configured in use to mount the device on an arm of a user. The strap is preferably adjustable to accommodate individual user’s limbs.

[0045] In one embodiment, the wearable device comprises a unit comprising the processor, the user activated switch, the haptic feedback vibration motor and the power source. The strap may be P13598PC01 releasably mounted on the unit. For example, the strap may be sprung clip mounted on the unit.

[0046] The strap may be releasably mounted to opposing side portions of the unit. For example, the strap is sprung clip may be mounted to opposing side portions of the unit.

[0047] The unit preferably comprises a rear face configured in use to be positioned adjacent a limb of a user, and an opposed front face, and side portions extending therebetween. In one embodiment, the user activated switch is located at or adjacent the front face or a side portion of the unit.

[0048] The unit may have a substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0049] The power source may be rechargeable.

[0050] The device will be charged via a single-pin magnetic charger. Alternatively or additionally devices may be charged via USB-C, a 3-pin magnetic charger, or wirelessly, for example.

[0051] The processor may be configured for Bluetooth connectivity

[0052] According to a further aspect, there is provided a network comprising a plurality of wearable device as herein described. Each wearable device is preferably configured in use to activate, on activation of the user activated switch, the haptic feedback vibration motors of the other wearable devices in the network.

[0053] In use, a user may operate the user activated switch which sends a signal or message to wearables worn by their friends or family. Once received, the haptic feedback vibration motors of the wearables worn by their friends of family vibrate notifying them of the received signal or message, enabling them to identify the location of their friend.

[0054] The wearable device of the present invention can be used by people to effectively transmit message and to locate each other in areas with poor phone signal and data, such as for example at festivals. Furthermore, the wearable device reduces the reliance of a user to use their mobile phones.

[0055] The network may further comprise one or more relay boosters configured in use to improve connectivity between wearable devices. P13598PC01

[0056] In one embodiment, the plurality of wearable devices may be configured in use to provide a mesh network, therefore enabling each device to relay signals or messages to predetermined devices.

[0057] In some embodiments the device uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and / or Ultra-Wide Radio Frequency (UWRF) technology.

[0058] The PCB may include a BLE chip, a processor, and optionally space reserved for an RFID chip (to allow for potential future development), along with a flexible lithium battery and a haptic feedback sensor, for example.

[0059] BLE and UWRF provide around 240 metres of coverage.

[0060] Range-extending solutions like Bluetooth or cellular signal boosters may be provided. This may require permanent infrastructure at event sites.

[0061] Some embodiments comprise a communication system that uses one or more of or combines GPS, LoRa, Wi-Fi, GNSS and BLE. With LoRa handling long-range communication a range of up to 3km in open environments, which could be useful for large-scale outdoor events.

[0062] Some embodiments may comprise one or more of the following:

[0063] Geomagnetic sensor - for orientation and heading detection.

[0064] ISM / LoRA Antenna to transmit and receive signals.

[0065] Haptic driver - use vibration patterns and waveforms to convey information to a user.

[0066] A Near-Field Communication chip (NFC chip or NFC chipset).

[0067] GNSS antenna - for precise location tracking.

[0068] 2-in-1 GNSS / Wi-Fi antenna.

[0069] Dual-band Wi-Fi antenna.

[0070] LoRa + Wi-Fi + GNSS Module - providing compact, integrated long-range and location services P13598PC01

[0071] Low power Wi-Fi / GNSS scanner + LoRa transceiver - optimised for minimal power draw and reliable performance.

[0072] Linear battery charger - to manage efficient recharging of the onboard power source.

[0073] A 6-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit).

[0074] Microcontroller (MCU) with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity.

[0075] Some embodiments may comprise one or more of the following components (provided as examples):

[0076] • BMM150 Geomagnetic sensor - for orientation and heading detection.

[0077] A low-power and low noise 3-axis digital geomagnetic sensor. Provide absolute spatial orientation and motion vectors with high accuracy and dynamics.

[0078] • Embedded 2dBi 868MHz Ceramic Patch Antenna - optimised for LoRa performance.

[0079] ISM / LoRA Embedded Antenna - designed for use in the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) radio frequency bands, specifically for LoRa (Long Range) wireless communication systems. Designed to operate within the ISM frequency bands to efficiently send and receive LoRa signals, ensuring optimal range and reliability.

[0080] A type of antenna that is used in wireless systems to transmit and receive signals.

[0081] • Haptic driver - to provide discreet, non-intrusive feedback to users.

[0082] Haptic / Tactile feedback (or haptics) is the use of advanced vibration patterns and waveforms to convey information to a user or operator.

[0083] A haptic driver is an electronic component, specifically a dedicated chip, that controls a haptic actuator to create tactile feedback. It receives signals from a microcontroller and translates them into precise electrical patterns to operate an actuator, such as a vibration motor or a piezo element, which then generates vibrations or other forces that a user can feel.

[0084] • Multi-purpose MFC transceiver - enabling future integration of cashless payments, ticketing, social / medical info sharing. P13598PC01

[0085] A multi-function chip (MFC) I multi-chip module (MOM) / chiplet which bundle multiple functions into a single package may be provided. A packaging technology that combines multiple integrated circuits, allowing for enhanced functionality and space efficiency.

[0086] • GNSS antenna - for precise location tracking.

[0087] A GNSS antenna is a specialized radio antenna designed to receive weak satellite signals from constellations like GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS to determine a user's precise location on Earth.

[0088] • Type 2DT LoRa + Wi-Fi + GNSS Module - providing compact, integrated long-range and location services.

[0089] A geolocation module which provides LoRa, low-power GNSS, and Wi-Fi passive scanning capabilities for indoor and outdoor tracking applications.

[0090] • Low power Wi-Fi / GNSS scanner + LoRa transceiver - optimised for minimal power draw and reliable performance.

[0091] The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and the broad reach of cellular services provide relatively easy means of determining the geographic position of devices. However, those come with coverage and performance gaps that can be supplemented or, in some cases, replaced by the growing reach of Wi-Fi networks.

[0092] • Linear battery charger - to manage efficient recharging of the onboard power source.

[0093] A linear battery charger regulates charge voltage and current by dissipating excess energy as heat through a linear regulator, typically a pass transistor, to control the voltage and current delivered to the battery.

[0094] • BMI270 6-axis smart IMU - for motion sensing and context awareness.

[0095] A 6-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) is an electronic sensor module that measures both linear acceleration and angular velocity in a 3D space, giving a comprehensive understanding of an object's six degrees of freedom (three linear and three rotational). It typically combines a 3-axis accelerometer to detect linear motion (like thrust, sway, and heave) and a 3-axis gyroscope to measure rotational motion (like pitch, roll, and yaw).

[0096] A 6-axis IMU (inertial measurement unit) featuring a 3-axis digital accelerometer and a 3-axis digital gyroscope. P13598PC01

[0097] • ESP32-S3 Series 2.4GHz Wi-Fi + BLE SoC module - handling Bluetooth communication and system control.

[0098] A powerful, low-power microcontroller (MCU) System-on-Chip (SoC) with integrated 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity.

[0099] Integrated 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 b / g / n) and Bluetooth 5 (LE) for wireless communication.

[0100] It uses its internal Wi-Fi and BLE radio modules to send and receive data to and from other devices, networks, and the internet.

[0101] • 2-in-1 GPS / Galileo / BeiDou & Dual-Band Wi-Fi Ceramic Loop Antenna - ensuring strong and reliable signal acquisition across multiple GNSS constellations and Wi-Fi bands.

[0102] Two separate antenna feeds in a single antenna structure.

[0103] Embodiments may comprises one or more of:

[0104] • BMM150 Geomagnetic sensor - for orientation and heading detection.

[0105] A low-power and low noise 3-axis digital geomagnetic sensor. Provide absolute spatial orientation and motion vectors with high accuracy and dynamics.

[0106] • Embedded 2dBi 868MHz Ceramic Patch Antenna - optimised for LoRa performance.

[0107] ISM / LoRA Embedded Antenna - designed for use in the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) radio frequency bands, specifically for LoRa (Long Range) wireless communication systems. Designed to operate within the ISM frequency bands to efficiently send and receive LoRa signals, ensuring optimal range and reliability.

[0108] A type of antenna that is used in wireless systems to transmit and receive signals.

[0109] • Haptic driver - to provide discreet, non-intrusive feedback to users.

[0110] Haptic / Tactile feedback (or haptics) is the use of advanced vibration patterns and waveforms to convey information to a user or operator.

[0111] A haptic driver is an electronic component, specifically a dedicated chip, that controls a haptic actuator to create tactile feedback. It receives signals from a microcontroller and translates them into precise electrical patterns to operate an actuator, such as a vibration motor or a piezo element, which then generates vibrations or other forces that a user can feel. P13598PC01

[0112] • Multi-purpose MFC transceiver - enabling future integration of cashless payments, ticketing, social / medical info sharing.

[0113] • NFC (Near-Field Communication chip) enabling future integration of cashless payments, ticketing, social / medical info sharing etc.

[0114] A multi-function chip (MFC) / multi-chip module (MOM) / chiplet which bundle multiple functions into a single package may be provided. A packaging technology that combines multiple integrated circuits, allowing for enhanced functionality and space efficiency.

[0115] • GNSS antenna - for precise location tracking.

[0116] A GNSS antenna is a specialized radio antenna designed to receive weak satellite signals from constellations like GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS to determine a user's precise location on Earth.

[0117] • Type 2DT LoRa + Wi-Fi + GNSS Module - providing compact, integrated long-range and location services.

[0118] A geolocation module which provides LoRa, low-power GNSS, and Wi-Fi passive scanning capabilities for indoor and outdoor tracking applications.

[0119] • Low power Wi-Fi / GNSS scanner + LoRa transceiver - optimised for minimal power draw and reliable performance.

[0120] The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and the broad reach of cellular services provide relatively easy means of determining the geographic position of devices. However, those come with coverage and performance gaps that can be supplemented or, in some cases, replaced by the growing reach of Wi-Fi networks.

[0121] • Linear battery charger - to manage efficient recharging of the onboard power source.

[0122] A linear battery charger regulates charge voltage and current by dissipating excess energy as heat through a linear regulator, typically a pass transistor, to control the voltage and current delivered to the battery.

[0123] • BMI270 6-axis smart IMU - for motion sensing and context awareness.

[0124] A 6-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) is an electronic sensor module that measures both linear acceleration and angular velocity in a 3D space, giving a comprehensive understanding of an object's six degrees of freedom (three linear and three rotational). It typically combines a 3-axis accelerometer to detect linear motion (like thrust, sway, and heave) and a 3-axis gyroscope to measure rotational motion (like pitch, roll, and yaw). P13598PC01

[0125] A 6-axis I MU (inertial measurement unit) featuring a 3-axis digital accelerometer and a 3-axis digital gyroscope.

[0126] • ESP32-S3 Series 2.4GHz Wi-Fi + BLE SoC module - handling Bluetooth communication and system control.

[0127] A powerful, low-power microcontroller (MCU) System-on-Chip (SoC) with integrated 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity.

[0128] Integrated 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 b / g / n) and Bluetooth 5 (LE) for wireless communication.

[0129] It uses its internal Wi-Fi and BLE radio modules to send and receive data to and from other devices, networks, and the internet.

[0130] • 2-in-1 GPS / Galileo / BeiDou & Dual-Band Wi-Fi Ceramic Loop Antenna - ensuring strong and reliable signal acquisition across multiple GNSS constellations and Wi-Fi bands.

[0131] Two separate antenna feeds are provided in a single antenna structure.

[0132] Combinations of components can be used to optimise the device’s functional range and reliability and also provide the possibility for expanded features in payments, access control, social interaction, and safety monitoring.

[0133] In some embodiments the device has deliberately limited functionality. For example the device may not have any voice functionality (it is not a cell phone).

[0134] The device may be restricted to haptic feedback when providing location information. In some embodiments additional information may be provided, for example a display may be provided to show directions and / or distance.

[0135] Embodiments of the present invention may, for example, be provided as a wristband, watch, tag or the like.

[0136] Further particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combination other than those explicitly set out in the claims. P13598PC01

[0137] The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.

[0138] Example embodiments are described below in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

[0139] Accordingly, while embodiments can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the example embodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate.

[0140] The terminology used herein to describe embodiments is not intended to limit the scope. The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are singular in that they have a single referent, however the use of the singular form in the present document should not preclude the presence of more than one referent. In other words, elements referred to in the singular can number one or more, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, items, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, items, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0141] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0142] Detailed Description of Figures

[0143] Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective front view of a wearable device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0144] Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective rear view of the wearable device of Figure 1. P13598PC01

[0145] Figure 3 shows a schematic illustration of an exploded front view of the wearable device of Figure 1.

[0146] Figure 4 shows a schematic illustration of an exploded rear view of the wearable device of Figure 1.

[0147] The wearable device 2 comprises a unit 4 releasably attached to a strap 6 for extending around a limb (preferably an arm) of a user. The unit 4 comprises a rear face 8 to be positioned adjacent skin of a user and an opposed front face 10 with side portions 12 extending therebetween. The unit 4 further comprises a user activated switch (not shown). The unit 4 defines a cavity within which a processor 14, a haptic feedback vibration motor 16; and a power source 18 are received. The power source 18 is configured in use to provide power to the processor 14 and the haptic feedback vibration motor 16.

[0148] The processor 14 is configured in use, on operation of the user activated switch to emit signals and / or transmit messages to one or more further wearable device(s).

[0149] The processor 14, on receipt of signals or messages from a further identical wearable device, is configured in use to activate the haptic feedback vibration motor 16 to notify the user of receipt of the signals and / or messages.

[0150] The power source 18 is a flexible battery, such as for example a lithium-ion battery.

[0151] In use, the user mounts the wearable device on their limb (preferably arm) and adjusts the strap 6 accordingly. The user may operate the user activated switch which sends a signal or message to wearable devices worn by their friends or family. Once received, the haptic feedback vibration motors 16 of the wearables worn by their friends of family vibrate notifying them of the received signal or message, enabling them to identify the location of their friend.

[0152] The wearable device of the present invention can be used by people to effectively transmit message and to locate each other in areas with poor phone signal and data, such as for example at festivals. Furthermore, the wearable device reduces the reliance of a user to use their mobile phones.

[0153] The network may further comprise one or more relay boosters configured in use to improve connectivity between wearable devices.

[0154] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a device 102 formed according to a further embodiment. The device is designed as a multifunctional wearable platform that enables reliable communication, precise location tracking, and user interaction across large outdoor environments. The technical P13598PC01 architecture integrates multiple communication and sensing technologies, with each component contributing to a modular and future-proof system.

[0155] The unit 104 of the device 102 comprises an external casing 105 formed as a two-part shell 105a, 105b. The casing 105 houses a PCB board 120 and a battery 122. In this embodiment the unit has no visual display.

[0156] Figure 7 illustrates a printed circuit board (PCB) 220 suitable for use with a device formed in accordance with the present invention.

[0157] Components

[0158] • BMM150 Geomagnetic Sensor - Provides orientation and heading detection, enabling the device to accurately determine direction of movement and support navigation features.

[0159] • Helical Coil Antenna (868 MHz) - Optimised for LoRa, this compact antenna ensures long-range, low-power connectivity, with communication distances of up to 3 km in open environments.

[0160] • DRV2605LDGS Haptic Driver - Delivers discreet tactile feedback to users, allowing for non-intrusive alerts, notifications, and interactive features without requiring a display.

[0161] • ST25R3918 NFC Transceiver - Enables near-field communication for information sharing and secure transactions, supporting use cases such as cashless payments, ticketing, and access control.

[0162] • Type 2DT LoRa + Wi-Fi + GNSS Module - A compact, integrated solution combining long-range communication, satellite positioning, and Wi-Fi functionality. Optimised for minimal energy consumption, it enables continuous scanning and reliable communication while preserving battery life, forming the backbone of the communication system.

[0163] • BQ25157 Linear Battery Charger / Power Management IC - Manages safe and efficient charging of the internal power source while regulating system power, ensuring extended device uptime during events.

[0164] • BMI270 6-Axis Smart IMU - Provides motion sensing and context awareness, enabling the device to interpret user activity (e.g., walking, running, orientation changes) as well as user gestures for interactive control.

[0165] • ESP32-S3 Series 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi + BLE SoC Module - Serves as the system controller while handling Bluetooth Low Energy communication for short-range connectivity with smartphones and other devices.

[0166] • 2-in-1 GNSS & Dual-Band Wi-Fi Ceramic Loop Antenna - Ensures strong and reliable reception across multiple GNSS constellations; supporting GPS, Galileo, and P13598PC01

[0167] BeiDou for robust, global navigation capabilities and Wi-Fi frequency bands, improving accuracy and connectivity.

[0168] Overall System Function

[0169] Together, these components enable a wearable device that supports long-range communication (LoRa), short-range connectivity (BLE / Wi-Fi), precise multi-constellation GNSS tracking, NFC-based information exchange and payments, and intuitive haptic interaction.

[0170] The architecture is modular, allowing expansion into additional use cases such as access control, digital payments, health / safety monitoring, and enhanced social engagement at events. This combination results in a robust and scalable platform, optimised for usability in large-scale outdoor environments such as festivals, sports events, and adventure activities.

[0171] These components provide a powerful, modular, and future-proof platform.

[0172] The battery may, for example, be a LiPo battery.

[0173] The wristband acts as a beacon. It communicates location data via Bluetooth or in certain modes, LoRa / GPS / Wi-Fi for extended range. That data is then be synced with an app. Group members can see each other’s positions and use map navigation and / or haptic guidance to meet up.

[0174] If a user’s mobile phone dies, the wristband continues transmitting their location independently (via LoRa / GPS). This allows them to still send and receive haptic feedback messages, trigger SOS alerts, and use a compass mode for navigation. The only feature they would lose is access to a map view on their phone; but the core safety and group connectivity functions remain intact.

[0175] The device primarily communicates locally with its wearer’s mobile phone via BLE or Wi-Fi, which then handles cloud updates to synchronize data with other users’ mobile phones.

[0176] Direct wristband-to-wristband communication is also possible: for short ranges, BLE or UWB mesh allows nearby wristbands to relay haptic messages, SOS alerts, and relative location within tens of meters. For long-range communication: up to ~3 km in open environments, the wristband can use its LoRa module to directly transmit low-bandwidth data, including simple haptic alerts like 2-3 vibration pulses, SOS signals, or location updates, even if the user’s phone is dead. When these messages are relayed through the mesh to a wristband paired with a live phone, the information is then synced to the cloud, making it visible on the other people in the P13598PC01 group’s phones, enabling map updates, notifications, and alerts to remain current across the network.

[0177] Figures 8 to 11 show top, bottom, end and side views of a unit 304 formed in accordance with the present invention.

[0178] The unit 304 comprises a casing 305 which houses a PCB. The casing may, for example, be approximately 44mm x 22mm. Figures 12 to 14 show a PCB 420 formed according to a further embodiment.

[0179] The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

Claims

P13598PC01CLAIMS1. A wearable device for improving connectivity between users, in which the device comprises: a haptic driver and a haptic actuator; a power source; location means; communication means; in which the device can receive signals and / or transmit signals indicative of location, and in which the haptic driver is configured to cause the haptic actuator to produce vibrations or other touch-based feedback indicative of the location of another such device.

2. A wearable device for improving connectivity between users, in which the device comprises: a processor; a user activated switch; a haptic feedback vibration motor; and a power source configured in use to provide power to the processor and the haptic feedback vibration motor, in which the processor is configured in use, on operation of the user activated switch to emit signals and / or transmit messages to one or more further wearable device(s), and in which the processor, on receipt of signals or messages from a further wearable, is configured in use to activate the haptic feedback vibration motor to notify the user of receipt of the signals and / or messages.

3. A wearable device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the power source is a flexible battery.

4. A wearable device as claimed in claim 3, in which the flexible battery is a lithium-ion battery.

5. A wearable device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a strap configured in use to mount the device on an arm of a user.

6. A wearable device as claimed in claim 5, in which the wearable device comprises a unit comprising the processor, the user activated switch, the haptic feedback vibration motor and the power source, and in which the strap is releasably mounted on the unit.

7. A wearable device as claimed in claim 6, in which the strap is sprung clip mounted on the unit.P13598PC018. A wearable device as claimed in claim 7, in which the strap is sprung clip mounted to opposing side portions of the unit.

9. A wearable device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the wearable device comprises a unit comprising the processor, the user activated switch, the haptic feedback vibration motor and the power source, and in which the unit comprises a rear face configured in use to be positioned adjacent a limb of a user, and an opposed front face, and side portions extending therebetween, and in which the user activated switch is located at or adjacent the front face or a side portion of the unit.

10. A wearable device as claimed in claim 9, in which the unit has a substantially rectangular cross-section.

11. A wearable device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the power source is rechargeable.

12. A wearable device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the processor has Bluetooth connectivity.

13. A network comprising a plurality of wearable device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, in which each wearable device is configured in use to activate, on activation of the user activated switch, the haptic feedback vibration motors of the other wearable devices in the network.

14. An inter-person, social event communication device, the device combines GNSS, LoRa, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.

15. A device according to claim 14, comprising: a geomagnetic sensor; an ISM / LoRA antenna; and a haptic driver.

16. A device according to claim 14 or claim 15, comprising a multi-function chip.

17. A device according to any of claims 14 to 16, comprising a GNSS antenna.

18. A device according to any of claims 14 to 17, comprising a Wi-Fi antenna.P13598PC0119. A device according to any of claims 14 to 18, comprising a 6-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit).

20. A device according to any of claims 14 to 19, comprising a microcontroller (MCU) with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity.

21. A device according to any of claims 14 to 20, comprising an onboard power source.

22. A device according to any preceding claim in combination with a companion app.

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