GB2452024A

GB2452024A - Reminder alarm for packing items in luggage

Info

Publication number: GB2452024A
Application number: GB0714562A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Faiz Zishaan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-07-26
Filing date: 2007-07-26
Publication date: 2009-02-25
Also published as: GB0714562D0

Abstract

A travel packing assisting system comprises alarm means for communicating a warning signal to a user which is specific to one or more articles to be packed; and a controller which during a period preceding a user's change of location triggers the communication of said signal to a user of said system in order to remind a user to pack said article. The alarm may be incorporated in a item to be packed. The triggering event may be due usage of the item such as removal of a battery charger or change in electrical supply, changes in roaming status of a wireless communication device, changes in a time zone. The trigger may be due to a pressure or light sensor.

Description

Travel Packing Assisting System

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to the field of travel packing assisting systems.

Background to the Invention

In a technologically developed society, the modern traveller does more than pack his/her clothes and toiletries, the following articles are often atso intended to be packed before the * **. traveller changes location: *SS.

* Game consoles (for example hand-heLd game consoLes); * Toys; * Watches /clocks; *..S * Music players; ** S. : * . * Binoculars; * Cameras; * Camcorders; * Two-way radios; * Organisers; * Personnel digital assistants (PDAs); * DVD players (for example portable DVD players); * Television (portable /hand-held); * Laptop; * Computer peripherals such as mice; * MP3 /MP4 players; * Headsets; * Road angels (for the detection of speed cameras etc); * Global positioning systems (GPS); * Bike computers; * Golf computers; * Fitness watches; * Shavers; * Electric games, puzzles; * Electric instruments such as keyboards; and * Dictaphones.

Many of these articles incorporate batteries which require charging through a separate charger which will constitute an extra article for a traveller to remember to pack.

Summary of the Invention

:... In its broadest independent aspect, the invention provides a travel packing assisting system **I.

comprising means for communicating a warning signal to a user which is specific to one or more articles to be packed; and a controller which during a period preceding a user's change of location triggers the communication of said signal to a user of said system in *.I * order to remind a user to pack said article. S.. S * **S.

In a subsidiary aspect in accordance with the invention's broadest independent aspect, said means for communicating is integrated in a portable article. It aLlows the article itself to be heard and located prior to for example leaving a hotel room. It also allows the system to operate without any fixed and/or wall mounted components.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the system further comprises a detector for detecting that an article is in a travelling mode of use. This allows the system to be configured or at least partly configured automatically without requiring the user and/or traveller to necessarily initiate the operation of the travel packing assisting system.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said detector operates in conjunction with means for detecting changes in time zone settings. This configuration allows the system to detect a travelling mode when for example a user enters a new time into his or her mobile device such as a mobile phone. This system would also for exampLe notice an automatic clock change which may be facilitated by a wireless network through a control communication channel with a portable article.

The system may for example cause a user interface to be opened up on the screen of a user for a user to confirm whether or not he /she is in a travelling mode. If he /she inputs a signat representative of a travelling mode, the system then asks for inputting hotel room departure dates and times for the alarm signal to be triggered. If the user inputs a signal representative of the user not being in a travelling mode, then the system shuts down until the next change of travelling mode is detected.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said system incorporates a portable article with means for roaming in wireless networks; and said detector operates in conjunction with said means for detecting changes in roaming status. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the system to be readily integrated into existing wireless portable articles such as a mobile phone which already responds to changes in roaming conditions. Once again in this configuration, the system may optionally open up a user interface to allow a *5,* :. user to select the Level and times of assistance required.

* Is. 25 In a further subsidiary aspect, the invention provides a system which incorporates two portable articles; one of said articles being a mobile battery powered article and the second :::: being a charger for said mobile battery powered article; wherein said detector is configured to detect when said charger is separated from said mobile battery powered article. This form of detection will also allow the system to be configured. It is particularly advantageous because it may operate automatically without requiring the user to drive the system.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said system incorporates a portable article in the form of a charger; and means for activating said system by unplugging said charger. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the initiation of the system to be triggered automatically or at least in part automatically by detecting an action which is typical of the packing process.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said system incorporates a powered article and said detector is configured to detect changes in electrical supply. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it would allow the detection of a change in voltage for example which occurs when a portable article is plugged in during travelling to a destination with a different level of voltage. The system is particularly advantageous because it may be readily incorporated into a mobiLe device since many already incorporate means for automatically changing between voltages. By monitoring the change in voltage, the system may readily be initiated or may be automatically configured.

In a further subsidiary aspect, such system incorporates a portable article and said detector is configured to detect changes in information formats. The term "information format" is to be interpreted broadly and may for example include changes in formats which have national characteristics such as PAL and/or NTSC.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said system incorporates a portable article and said detector is configured to detect audible signals such as words and compares said signals against pre- . determined signals which are stored on a recording medium. This feature is particularly *S..

advantageous because it would allow the system to be potentially initiated automatically ... 25 by detecting key words which are associated with the departure from a particular location.

Key words may be for example: translations, depart, arrive, ftight, train, taxi etc. In a further subsidiary aspect, said system incorporates a portable article and said detector * is a light detector. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it would allow an article to sense when it is packed. In a subsidiary aspect, the detector may be configured to detect complete darkness or a level of darkness associated with the inside of a packed closed suitcase which would indicate that the article is packed. If a form of light is detected, the system may still trigger the warning signal so that a user remembers to pack the article.

In a further subsidiary aspect, saki system incorporates a portable article and said detector is a pressure detector. This may take the form of a compression detector in order to allow the article to sense that it must have been packed. This would therefore allow the automatic warning signal to be switched off in such conditions. Alternatively, if no pressure threshold is reached, the article will assume that it has not been packed and will therefore cause through its controller a warning signal to be sounded.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the invention provides a system which incorporates a portable article with a button which upon actuation causes a warning signal to be repeated after a pre-determined period of time. This would allow the user to select the option of requesting the system to remind him /her again at a later time.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said system incorporates a powered portable article with a switch for switching the article ON and/or OFF with powering means for generating a warning signal which operates when said article is not switched on. This configuration may take the form of an energy backup so that the warning signal may be sounded even if the unit is switched off.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said system incorporates a portable article and means for receiving instructions for controlling the timing of the warning signal generation dependent upon a location. This would allow the system to determine that a user is in a .* particular hotel which would have a particular check-out time in order to remind the user **..

at the most appropriate moment in order to meet the check-out time having packed the :.,. 25 article.

S S..

In a further subsidiary aspect the invention provides a database of travel specific information and means to hold the access of check-in /out times, contact numbers, airline ** *5 * S * * confirmation numbers, and/or any other appropriate tourist information.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the system operates at network or satellite Level once roaming of a user is detected in which case the network could then send out a signal for example: a text, voice or multimedia message with the appropriate reminder instead of it being generated in the unit it5elf.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the system operates through networking so that a laptop, for example, can automatically set an alarm on a mobiLe or watch.

In a further subsidiary aspect, any portable article operating in conjunction with the system incorporates means for receiving alarm instructions from another device such as a PC.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the system operates automatically once a portable article has been switched on.

Description

The following illustrates a travel packing assisting system also referred to as "Pack-Me": Pack Me -sets reminder to pack unit and accessories (chargers, cables, powerpacks, antennas, cards, accessories, etc.) once function triggered, e.g. change in: Being switched on * time zone (whether manually or through radio, satellite, PC synchronisation roaming status * voLtage change *::::* format change e.g. PAL-NSTC) * if charger unplugged (e.g. on way to holiday, meeting etc.) (This feature could be 25 switched off when in home territory, but useful for daily checkins into different hotels *S. etc)

* Monitoring key words, e.g. translations, depart, arrive, flight, train, taxi, etc. S...

r* :* * Placed in a place without light (ie packed) * Under compression (in luggage) * Manual switch off rapid set through hard or soft button as a convenient countdown timer Pack-me could be user configured to provide additional checklists of items to remember e.g. passports, insurance, medical information, Could provide a remind again' function similar to snooze on an alarm clock.

Could be toaded with a database of hotel chains and their check in/out times, contact numbers, airline confirmation numbers.

Note "pack me" could operate at network level, eg GSM, or satellite once roaming user detected in which case the network could send out a text or voice message with the appropriate reminder instead of it being generated in the unit.

CouLd incorporate battery, energy back up so the alarm works even if unit switched off.

Possibility of networking. A laptop, for example, can automatically set alarm on mobile or watch which you are more likely to have with you at all times. Likewise, all devices with Pack-me can receive alarm instructions from another device, eg P.C.

Possible uses: Games consoles, esp hand helds Toys Watches/clocks * *.I Music players * Binoculars, Cameras, Camcorders 2wayradios Organisers PDAs DVD players (e.g. portable) * TVs (e.g. portable/hand held) Laptop Computer peripherals (mice) etc MP4 players Headsets Road angels (detect speed cameras etc) GPS systems Bike computers Golf computer Fitness watches Shavers Electric games, puzzles etc Electric instruments, key boards etc. * * * I.. *eS. * * **.* * * * *S*

S ***

S **.. * S S. ** S. * S 5

Claims

1. A travel packing assisting system comprising means for communicating a warning signal to a user which is specific to one or more articles to be packed; and a controller which during a period preceding a user's change of location triggers the communication of said signal to a user of said system in order to remind a user to pack said article.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein said means for communicating is integrated in a

portable article.

3. A system according to either of the preceding claims, further comprising a detector for detecting that an article is in a travelling mode of use.

4. A system according to claim 3, wherein said detector operates in conjunction with means for detecting changes in time zone settings.

5. A system according to either of the preceding claims, wherein said system incorporates a portable article with means for roaming in wireless networks; and said detector operates in conjunction with means for detecting changes in roaming status.

:.

6. A system according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein said system incorporates two * *s portable articles; one of said articles being a mobile battery powered article and the second a.',.

being a charger for said mobile battery powered article; wherein said detector is configured to detect when said charger is separated from said mobile battery powered article. a..

7. A system according to any of cLaims 3 to 6, wherein said system incorporates a portable article in the form of a charger and means for activating said system by unplugging said * * charger.

8. A system according to any of claims 3 to 7, wherein said system incorporates a powered article and said detector is configured to detect changes in electrical supply. I0

9. A system according to any of claims 3 to 8, wherein said system incorporates a portable article and said detector is configured to detect changes in information formats.

10. A system according to any of claims 3 to 9, wherein said system incorporates a portable article and said detector is configured to detect audible signats such as words and compare said signals against predetermined signals which are stored on a recording medium.

11. A system according to any of claims 3 to 10, wherein said system incorporates a portable article and said detector is a light detector.

12. A system according to any of claims 3 to 11, wherein said system incorporates a portable article and said detector is a pressure detector.

13. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said system incorporates a portable article with a button which upon actuation causes a warning signal to be repeated after a predetermined period of time.

14. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said system incorporates a powered portable article with a switch for switching the article ON and/or OFF with powering means for generating a warning signal which operates when said article is not :. switched on. * *** * . *

15. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said system incorporates a ... 25 portable article and means for receiving instructions for controlling the timing of the *. warning signal generation dependent upon a location. * *.*

16. A travel packing assisting system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference * * to any appropriate combination of the accompanying text.