GB2640631A

GB2640631A - Configuring a wearable device for a specific user

Info

Publication number: GB2640631A
Application number: GB2405876.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Euan Murray Bowen David
Original assignee: Head Impact Trauma Ltd
Current assignee: Head Impact Trauma Ltd
Priority date: 2024-04-26
Filing date: 2024-04-26
Publication date: 2025-11-05
Also published as: WO2025224261A1; GB202405876D0

Abstract

A wearable device for coupling to headwear worn by a specific user comprises an motion sensor for detecting an motion change experienced by the user, and a notification component for providing a notification when a detected motion exceeds a threshold. In an embodiment, the motion is acceleration and the sensor is an accelerometer The threshold is set at a standard threshold value 401, input data indicative of at least one cognitive characteristic it received 402, and the threshold acceleration is updated to a specific user threshold value based on the cognitive data 403. The cognitive characteristic may be the balance or memory of the user. In another embodiment a notification is provided when an acceleration exceeds a threshold, the threshold is set to a specific user threshold, and the specific user threshold is updated in response to a detected acceleration change exceeding the threshold. The device may be used during sporting activity for identifying a risk of concussion or brain injury.

Description

CONFIGURING A WEARABLE DEVICE FOR A SPECIFIC USER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to configuring a wearable device for a specific user. In particular, the wearable device is for coupling to headwear to be worn by the specific user, and for outputting a notification, e.g. a visual notification, when the wearable device detect an acceleration change, e.g. caused by a head impact, greater than a threshold acceleration.

BACKGROUND

It has become increasingly common to monitor and track various aspects of individual performance and condition in different types of sporting activity. For instance, with ever-increasing knowledge of the risks surrounding head impacts, various devices have been devised for detecting high impacts experienced by an individual, particularly to their head, when the individual is participating in sporting activity, e.g. rugby, soccer, gridiron football, horse riding/racing, cycling, skiing, etc. In one example, a device is embedded into, or otherwise attached to, headwear or headgear -such as a helmet, headguard, headband, or mouthguard -worn by the individual or user when participating in the sporting activity. The device may include an accelerometer for measuring an acceleration experienced by the individual's head and, if the acceleration exceeds a certain threshold value, then there is deemed to be a risk of brain injury and appropriate notification of the head impact is generated upon the impact being detected. Brain injury can relate to concussion, sub concussion and cognitive changes, either short or long term, experienced by the user.

Some devices may include a visual indicator that is configured to provide a visual indication or notification to those in the vicinity of the individual when such an impact has occurred, e.g. a lighting arrangement arranged to switch on when such an impact is detected.

Devices may alternatively or additionally include audio and/or haptic feedback generators that are configured to activate upon certain head impacts being experienced. Devices may further alternatively or additionally include a wireless transmitter for sending a notification signal offboard the device, e.g. to a mobile device such as a smartphone.

There is a need to ensure that accurate and relevant determinations of brain injury risk for different individuals is performed. It is against this background to which the present invention is set.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention advantageously discloses a method and system for ensuring that accurate and relevant determinations of severity of head impact are performed for different individuals using a head-mounted impact detection device, or wearable device, that monitors movement of the individual's head using an accelerometer, e.g. during sporting activity. In particular, the invention is advantageous in that threshold values of monitored head acceleration change -indicative of head impact severity -against which brain injury is determined are tailored to be relevant to a specific individual person. The invention recognises that a number of factors influence what level of head impact force causes a brain injury risk for a specific individual. The invention therefore beneficially incorporates such different factors into an individual determination of an acceleration change threshold -or impact force threshold -to be used for monitoring head impacts for an individual. Specifically, such thresholds are beneficially determined based on acquired data indicative of cognitive functioning, e.g. balance, memory, etc., of the individual person to be monitored. The invention further beneficially recognises that cognitive functioning of a user can vary during participation in sporting activity, for instance over the course of a single session (e.g. single match), or separate sessions within a defined time period (e.g. two matches within a couple of days or a week), and the acceleration change threshold is advantageously adjusted accordingly. These are other benefits of the invention will be discussed, and will become apparent, in the following description.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of configuring a wearable device for a specific user, the wearable device being for coupling to headwear to be worn by the specific user. The wearable device may comprise an accelerometer configured to detect an acceleration change experienced by the specific user's head when the headwear is being worn by the specific user. The wearable device may include a notification component configured to provide a notification. The wearable device may be configured to cause the notification component to provide the notification when the detected acceleration change exceeds a threshold acceleration.

The method may comprise, at a mobile computing device: setting the threshold acceleration to be a standard threshold value; monitoring input data indicative of at least one cognitive characteristic of the specific user; updating the threshold acceleration to be a specific user threshold value, wherein updating the threshold acceleration comprises adjusting the standard threshold value based on the monitored input data; and sending a control signal to control the wearable device to set the threshold acceleration to be the specific user threshold value.

The method may comprise determining a cognitive characteristic score based on the monitored input data. The method may comprise updating the threshold acceleration based on the cognitive characteristic score.

If the cognitive characteristic score is less than a defined value, then the specific user threshold value may be less than the standard threshold value.

The specific user threshold value may be dependent on a difference between the cognitive characteristic score and the defined value.

If the difference is less than a first difference value, then the specific user threshold value may be the standard threshold value minus a first adjustment value. If the difference is greater than the first difference value, then the specific user threshold value may be the standard threshold value minus a second adjustment value. The second adjustment value may be greater than the first adjustment value.

If the cognitive characteristic score is greater than the defined value, then the specific user threshold value may be equal to the standard threshold value.

The method may, comprise, at the mobile device and prior to the step of monitoring input data, initiating a baseline test for determining the at least one cognitive characteristic of the specific user. Initiating the baseline test may include outputting, via the mobile device, one or more prompts to the specific user.

The specific user may be scored according to their performance on the baseline test. Scoring lower than a certain level, e.g. prescribed score, may constitute failing the baseline test. Failing the baseline test may result in the threshold acceleration value being reduced.

The step of monitoring input data may be initiated in response to the baseline test being initiated. The step of monitoring input data may be performed for a duration of the baseline test.

The at least one cognitive characteristic may include balance. The step of monitoring input data may comprise measuring, using a gyroscope of the mobile computing device when the mobile computing device is coupled to the specific user, angular velocity of the mobile computing device, the angular velocity being indicative of balance of the specific user.

Angular velocity may be measured for the duration of the baseline test to provide an indication of balance.

Outputting the one or more prompts may comprise communicating, via an output of the mobile computing device, an instruction to the specific user to adopt a certain body position. Optionally, the body position may comprise standing on only one foot, with the specific user having their eyes closed. Further optionally, the output of the mobile device may be a visual output or an audio output.

The at least one cognitive characteristic may include memory. Initiating the baseline test may comprise outputting, via an output of the mobile computing device, a memory sequence. Outputting the one or more prompts may comprise outputting prompts for user input in response to the memory sequence. The step of monitoring user input may comprise receiving, via an input of the mobile computing device, input data from the specific user in response to the prompts for user input, the input data being indicative of memory of the specific user.

The memory sequence may comprise one or more visual or audio elements to be subsequently selected in order via input by the specific user.

The at least one cognitive characteristic may include one or more of: a sustained attention metric; a brain processing speed metric; a working memory metric; and a motor control metric.

The method may comprise determining the standard threshold value based on at least one physical characteristic of the specific user. The at least one physical characteristic may include one or more of: gender or sex; age; and fitness level.

The method may comprise determining the standard threshold value based on a type of sporting activity to be undertaken.

The notification component may comprise a visual indicator configured to provide a visual indication. Optionally, the visual indicator may comprise one or more light emitting diodes.

The notification component may comprise a wireless transmitter configured to transmit a wireless notification signal off-board the wearable device. Optionally, the wireless notification signal may be transmitted to the mobile computing device.

The notification component may comprise a wireless transmitter. The method may comprise, at the mobile computing device: receiving a wireless notification signal from the wearable device, the wireless notification signal indicating that the acceleration change detected by the accelerometer has exceeded the specific user threshold value; in response to receiving the wireless notification signal, updating the threshold acceleration to be an updated specific user threshold value; and sending a further control signal to control the wearable device to set the threshold acceleration to be the updated specific user threshold value.

Updating the threshold acceleration may comprise reducing the specific user threshold value by a defined amount to obtain the updated specific user threshold value.

Updating the threshold acceleration may comprise: initiating a further baseline test for determining the at least one cognitive characteristic of the specific user; in response to the further baseline test being initiated, monitoring input data indicative of the at least one cognitive characteristic of the specific user for the duration of the further baseline test, wherein updating the threshold acceleration may comprise adjusting the specific user threshold value based on the monitored input data to obtain the updated specific user threshold value; and sending a further control signal to control the wearable device to set the threshold acceleration to be the updated specific user threshold value.

If the specific user fails the further baseline test, or obtains a test score below a prescribed score in the further baseline test, then updating the threshold acceleration may comprise reducing the specific user threshold value. Optionally, the reduction may be by a prescribed amount. Further optionally, the reduction may be determined based on the acceleration change detected by the accelerometer.

If a score of the specific user in the further baseline test is less than, and optionally at least a prescribed amount less than, a score of the specific user in the baseline test, then updating the threshold acceleration may comprise reducing the specific user threshold value. Optionally, the reduction may be based on a difference between the scores of the baseline and further baseline tests, e.g. the greater the difference, the greater the reduction.

The method may comprise, at the wearable device, in response to detecting, using the accelerometer, that the acceleration change has exceeded the specific user threshold value, updating the threshold acceleration to be an updated specific user threshold value. Optionally, updating the threshold acceleration may comprise reducing the specific user threshold value by a defined amount to obtain the updated specific user threshold value.

The threshold acceleration may be a cumulative threshold acceleration. The wearable device may be configured to cause the notification component to provide the notification when cumulative detected acceleration changes over time exceed the cumulative threshold acceleration.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of using a wearable device configured for a specific user. The wearable device is for coupling to headwear to be worn by the specific user. The wearable device may comprise an accelerometer configured to detect an acceleration change experienced by the specific user's head when the headwear is being worn. The wearable device may comprise a notification component configured to provide a notification. The wearable device may be configured to cause the notification component to provide the notification when the detected acceleration change exceeds a threshold acceleration. The method may comprise, at the wearable device: receiving, from a mobile computing device, a control signal to control the wearable device to set the threshold acceleration to be a specific user threshold value; detecting, using the accelerometer, that the acceleration change experienced by the specific user's head has exceeded the specific user threshold value, and outputting, using the notification component, the notification in response to the detected acceleration change exceeding the specific user threshold value; and in response to the detected acceleration change exceeding the specific user threshold value, updating the threshold acceleration to be an updated specific user threshold value.

Updating the threshold acceleration may comprise, at the wearable device, reducing the specific user threshold value by a defined amount to obtain the updated specific user threshold value.

Updating the threshold acceleration may comprise, at the wearable device: transmitting, to the mobile computing device, a wireless notification signal indicating that the acceleration change detected by the accelerometer has exceeded the specific user threshold value; and receiving, from the mobile computing device, a further control signal to set the threshold acceleration to be the updated specific user threshold value.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium storing instructions thereon that when executed by one or more processors cause the one or more processors to perform a method as defined above.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a system. The system comprises a wearable device for a specific user, the wearable device being for coupling to headwear to be worn by the specific user. The wearable device may comprise an accelerometer configured to detect an acceleration change experienced by the user's head when the headwear is being worn. The wearable device may comprise a notification component configured to provide a notification. The wearable device may be configured to cause the notification component to provide the notification when the detected acceleration change exceeds a threshold acceleration.

The system comprises a mobile computing device that may be configured to: set the threshold acceleration to be a standard threshold value; monitor input data indicative of at least one cognitive characteristic of the specific user; update the threshold acceleration to be a specific user threshold value, wherein updating the threshold acceleration comprises adjusting the standard threshold value based on the monitored input data; and send a control signal to control the wearable device to set the threshold acceleration to be the specific user threshold value.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of configuring a wearable device for a specific user. The wearable device is for coupling to headwear to be worn by the specific user. The wearable device may comprise a motion sensor configured to detect a change in motion experienced by the specific user's head when the headwear is being worn. The wearable device may include a notification component configured to provide a notification. The wearable device may be configured to cause the notification component to provide the notification when the detected motion change exceeds a threshold motion change. The method may comprise, at a mobile computing device: setting the threshold motion change to be a standard threshold value; monitoring input data indicative of at least one cognitive characteristic of the specific user; updating the threshold motion change to be a specific user threshold value, wherein updating the threshold motion change comprises adjusting the standard threshold value based on the monitored input data; and sending a control signal to control the wearable device to set the threshold motion change to be the specific user threshold value.

The change in motion may be rotational motion of the user's head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a wearable device in accordance with an example of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a helmet and the wearable device of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows the components of a system in accordance with an example of the invention, the system including the wearable device of Figure 1 and a mobile computing device; Figure 4 shows the steps of a method performed by the mobile computing device of Figure 3 in accordance with an example of the invention; and, Figure 5 shows the steps of a method performed by the wearable device of Figure 3 in accordance with an example of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Individuals may wear different types of headwear or headgear during different types of sporting activity. The headwear may be worn for various reasons, including to protect the individual's head from injury from impacts suffered while participating in the sporting activity. For instance, helmets including a hard outer shell may be worn in sports such as gridiron football and cycling. Softer shell head guards may be worn in sports such as rugby.

Other types of headgear that may be worn by individuals while participating in sporting activity include headbands, to keep hair out of the way, and mouthguards, to protect an individual's teeth and mouth.

A device or apparatus for monitoring or tracking various aspects of an individual's performance or condition may be coupled (physically or mechanically) to such sports headwear. In one example, the device may be attached, e.g. by means of a clip, to headgear such as a headband or helmet. In another example, the device may be embedded into a hole or gap formed in headgear such as a (soft or hard shell) helmet.

The particular attaching mechanism or technique may be dependent on the type of helmet or the type of sport. For instance, in a contact sport such as rugby then it will not be permitted to have a device attached to an outer part of a rugby headguard for reason of safety of both the individual wearing the headguard and the other players on the field of play.

A known device or apparatus for coupling to sports headwear is an impact detection device -or, simply, a wearable device -that detects a severity of impacts experienced by an individual wearing the headwear while participating in sporting activity. The known device may include a housing or casing with electronic components housed therein. The housing needs to be able to protect the components housed therein, but also needs to be suitable for incorporation into headgear from a safety point of view. The housing may therefore be formed from a flexible material, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

Figures 1(a) and 1(b) illustrate perspective and side exploded views of a wearable device, arrangement or apparatus 10. The device 10 is for wearing by a user or individual during (participation in) sporting activity. The wearable device 10 is for embedding in, or for otherwise being attached to, headwear or headgear worn by the user when performing the sporting activity, e.g. a helmet, head guard, headband, mouthguard, etc. The device 10 is therefore to be coupled to the sports headgear in a suitable manner.

The device 10 includes an outer housing or casing (component) 101 that houses a printed circuit board (PCB) 102 with several electronic components therein. That is, the PCB 102 is inside the housing 101, i.e. the housing 101 encapsulates the PCB 102. In the illustrated example, the housing 101 is of generally circular cross-sectional shape, and in general may have rounded edges. In the illustrated example, the housing 101 is formed from first/upper and second/lower parts/halves 101a, 101b that are brought together and attached to encase the PCB 102 therein. The housing 101 is formed from a flexible, waterproof material. In the described example, the housing 101 is formed from TPU. The device 10 may have a clipping mechanism (not shown) on an outer part of the housing if it is to be clipped onto sports headwear. On the other hand, if the device 10 is to be embedded into sports headwear, then no such clipping mechanism is needed. Instead, a suitable hole may be formed in the headwear into which the device 10 is received and secured in an appropriate manner.

The PCB 102 may be a double-sided (upper and lower outer layers) or two-layer PCB.

Alternatively, the PCB 102 may be a multi-layer PCB. By multi-layer PCB is meant a PCB having more than two layers. An accelerometer, e.g. a tri-axle accelerometer, and visual indication means (not shown in Figure 1), e.g. one or more LEDs, are arranged on the PCB 102. The PCB 102 may also include further electronic components, as will become apparent in the description below.

In use, the accelerometer of the wearable device 10 monitors changes in acceleration experienced by a user's head when the wearable device 10 is worn by the user (during sporting activity) by coupling/attaching the device 10 to headgear worn by the user. A relatively sudden change in acceleration, of sufficient magnitude, can be indicative that the user has experienced/suffered an impact, either directly to the head, or to another part of the body such that there is a sudden movement, e.g. a whiplash effect. When an acceleration change above a certain threshold level is recorded/detected -corresponding to an impact of a certain force being experienced -the wearable device 10 is configured to cause the visual indication means to change in a manner that provides a visual indication. For instance, in the described example the LED/lighting arrangement is caused to illuminate to indicate that an impact above a certain level has been experienced. The LEDs are arranged in the wearable device 10 such that they are visible to people in the vicinity of the user that is wearing the headgear and wearable device 10.

Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of headwear that may be worn by an individual or user on their head during sporting activity. In particular, Figure 2 shows a side view of a helmet 20, where the wearable device 10 is attached at a rear side of the helmet 20, e.g. by a clipping mechanism. The wearable device 10 may be attached to the helmet 20 such that a side of the PCB 102 on which the LEDs are located face outwards away from the helmet 20. It will be understood that the wearable device 10 may alternatively be attached at a different location on the helmet 20. In the illustrated example, the helmet is a cycling helmet; however, different types of sports headwear may have the wearable device 10 attached thereto. Furthermore, the wearable device 10 may alternatively be embedded into sports headwear instead of being attached thereto. This may be the case for contact sports such as rugby, gridiron football, soccer, etc., where embedding the device into headwear protects the wearer and other participants from coming into contact with the device.

Figure 3 illustrates a system 30 in accordance with examples of the invention. The system 30 includes the wearable device 10. The system 30 also includes a mobile computing device (or, simply, mobile device) 32, e.g. a smartphone. The wearable device 10 is configured to communicate wirelessly with the mobile device 32 via a wireless communication network 34, e.g. the Internet. As such, the wearable device 10 includes a transceiver (or separate transmitter and receiver) 103 configured to transmit and receive wireless signals. The mobile device 32 also includes a transceiver (or separate transmitter and receiver) 321 configured to transmit and receive wireless signals. The wearable device may include further components. The wearable device 10 includes the accelerometer 104 for measuring acceleration change as outlined above. These may include a battery 105, e.g. a coin cell battery, for powering various components of the device 10. These may include a satellite navigation antenna 106, e.g. a GPS (Global Positioning System) antenna, for monitoring geographical location of the user. These may include a gyroscope 107 for monitoring angular velocity or orientation of the user. These may also include a visual indicator component, such as one or more LEDs (light emitting diodes) 108, which may be visible external to the wearable device 10 and may be illuminated when the detected acceleration change by the accelerometer 104 exceeds the threshold value.

When the wearable device 10 detects an impact above the certain threshold level, the wearable device 10 may be configured to transmit a notification or warning signal to the mobile device 32. The mobile device 32 may in particular have a specific/dedicated software application ('app') 322 -e.g. downloaded from a central server or the Cloud, such as from the Apple® App Store -that is configured to process such a notification signal.

The app 322 may be configured to store details of wireless signals received from the wearable device 10, e.g. in relation to the number and/or severity of detected impacts experienced by a user.

As outlined above, the wearable device 10 is configured to detect when an impact above a certain threshold level of force occurs. The threshold level is set such that detected impacts above said level correspond to a risk of brain injury for the user. When the threshold level is exceeded/breached, the user and/or others in the vicinity of the user are alerted so that appropriate action may be taken, e.g. the user is assessed by a medical professional prior to continuing participation in the sporting activity.

It is therefore crucial that the threshold level is set at an appropriate level such that impacts that correspond to a brain injury risk are alerted to the relevant parties. However, there are various factors that can influence what level of impact may result in a brain injury risk for a specific person. It is also the case that it is not desirable to set a threshold impact level to be a lowest level at which a brain injury risk occurs across different types of people. This is because if a notification or warning signal is generated -such that a medical examination is required prior to a user being allowed to return to sporting activity participation -for impact levels below which there is an actual brain injury risk for said user, then this can lead to frustration and unnecessary absence from sporting activity participation.

Examples of the invention beneficially provide an approach in which a threshold acceleration or force level for the wearable device above which a brain injury risk is determined is set to be specific to a specific user. The threshold level for a specific user depends not only on physical characteristics of the user, but also on cognitive characteristics of the user, as will be explained below. The invention beneficially recognises that an appropriate threshold force level for a specific user may not be static, i.e. it may change over time as a result of various factors. In one specific example, a user who has experienced a head impact of a certain force may be more susceptible to a brain injury risk from head impacts at a lower force level for a period of time after the initial head impact. In such cases, it may therefore be appropriate to reduce a threshold level of force at which a visual, or other, indication is initiated during said period of time. In this way, example of the invention beneficially reduce brain injury risks for a specific user.

Figure 4 shows the steps of a method 40 performed by the system 30 to configure the wearable device 10 for a specific user. The method 40 may further include steps of reconfiguring the wearable device 10 for the specific user during or after use of the wearable device 10 by the specific user.

At step 401, the method 40 involves setting a threshold acceleration -above which a warning or notification signal, e.g. a visual signal from LEDs of the wearable device 10, is triggered -to be a standard threshold value. This setting step is performed at the mobile device 32. The standard threshold value may be a default value that is common to any user of the wearable device 10. Such a default value may be stored in memory of the mobile device 32. The default value may be ascertained from literature and/or testing. In a non-limiting example, the default value may be approximately 60 G, i.e. 60 times the acceleration of gravity.

The standard threshold value may alternatively depend on one or more physical characteristics of the specific user. For instance, the standard threshold value may depend on the sex or gender of the specific user, and or the age of the specific user. A higher (standard) threshold value may be appropriate for a man than for a woman, for instance. Also, a lower (standard) threshold value may be appropriate for an older person compared to a younger person. The standard threshold value may depend on a fitness level of the specific user. For instance, it may be appropriate for a fitter person to have a higher (standard) threshold value than a less fit person. In this context, fitness level may be defined in any suitable manner. For instance, this could be based on body mass index (BMI) of a user, a weight of the user, a frequency with which a user performs physical/sporting activity, a type of sporting activity typically undertaken by the user, etc, or any combination of these. The standard threshold value may additionally or alternatively depend on a type of sporting activity to be undertaken. In particular, the type of impacts, e.g. relative direction, typical duration, part of the body typically receiving the impact, experienced during different sporting activity may influence what the appropriate (standard) level for the threshold value is. The standard threshold value may furthermore depend on the type, condition and/or extent of equipment to be used by an individual undertaking a certain sporting activity. Certain sports may periodically update rules, regulations or guidelines in connection with head impacts, e.g. acceptable G force impacts, required recovery period, etc., and the standard threshold value may be updated in dependence on such rule updates.

The app 322 on the mobile device 32 may be configured to allow for creation of a user profile associated with a specific user. In particular, a user may be prompted to input various physical (or other) characteristics of the specific user, such as one or more of the characteristics/factors/parameters outlined above, that is to use the wearable device 10, via appropriate input means of the mobile device, e.g. touchscreen. Once the various characteristics have been input, the app 322 or mobile device 32 may retrieve/determine a standard threshold value that is appropriate for, or corresponds to, the characteristic profile of the specific user. This determination may for instance be performed via a lookup table stored in the memory of the mobile device 32 or which is retrievable from a central storage location, the Cloud. The standard threshold value may be set automatically, or the user may be prompted to confirm the standard threshold value recommended by the system 30.

Once the standard threshold value has been set/determined, the method 40 involves adjusting the standard threshold value in a manner that is appropriate to the specific user that is to wear the wearable device 10 during sporting activity. In particular, the adjustment is performed based on one or more (current) cognitive characteristics of the specific user.

To determine current cognitive functioning of the specific user for this purpose, the specific user may be required to undertake one or more cognitive tests via interaction with the mobile device 32. These may be referred to as baseline tests or app baseline tests. This is described in greater detail below.

At step 402, the method involves, at the mobile device 32, monitoring, measuring or acquiring input data indicative of at least one cognitive characteristic of the specific user. In some examples, the specific user may interact with the mobile device 32, e.g. via the app 322, to initiate a baseline test to determine one or more aspects of cognitive functioning of the specific user. This may involve making a selection via a touchscreen 323 of the mobile device 32. When the baseline test is initiated, the input means of the mobile device 32 may be configured to monitor inputs from the specific user, either directly or indirectly. The relevant monitoring/measuring means may be configured to Wake up' or activate, from a sleep or deactivated state, upon the baseline test being initiated, in order to monitor relevant user inputs. The monitoring means may in certain examples be a gyroscope 324 of the mobile device 32 or the touchscreen 323 of the mobile device 32, as will be discussed below.

In some examples, the cognitive characteristic or function of the specific user that is being monitored is balance, e.g. how steady or unsteady the specific user is in an upright/standing position, such as standing on one leg. The balance of an individual may indicate how susceptible the individual is to brain injury risk or what level of head impact / acceleration change results in a brain injury risk to the user. An indication of balance may be provided by the gyroscope 324 of the mobile device 32. In particular, the gyroscope 324 is configured to measure the angular velocity or orientation (of the mobile device 32), which can be used as an indication of a user's balance when the user is holding, or is otherwise coupled to, the mobile device 32.

In a baseline test in which user balance is to be used to adjust the standard/default threshold value of acceleration change, upon initiation of the baseline test, e.g. via selection in the app 322, the mobile device 32 may prompt the user, e.g. via a display of the mobile device 32, to position the mobile device 32 in a certain manner suitable for undertaking a measurement indicative of balance using the gyroscope 324. For instance, the mobile device 32 may prompt the user to hold the mobile device 32 relatively still or stationary in one hand. The mobile device 32 may prompt the user, e.g. via the display or via speakers of the mobile device 32, to adopt a certain body position suitable for undertaking the balance measurement. For instance, the mobile device 32 may prompt the user to stand on one leg during the balance measurement. The balance measurement may be performed for a defined time duration, e.g. a defined number of seconds, such as 5s, 10s, 20s, 30s, etc., or any other suitable time duration. The balance measurement may commence automatically, or the user may be prompted to confirm, e.g. via interaction with the mobile device 32, when they are ready for the balance measurement to commence, e.g. once they have adopted a suitable body position and/or once the mobile device 32 has been positioned correctly relative to the user. The gyroscope 324 monitors the angular velocity or orientation of the mobile device 32 -and, by proxy, the user -for the time duration, in one or more directions, and determines an indication of the user's balance based on the monitored angular velocity or orientation.

In some examples, the cognitive characteristic or function of the specific user that is being monitored is memory, e.g. short-term memory. The memory of an individual may indicate how susceptible they are to brain injury risk. In one specific example, following an impact to the head of a certain level, an individual's short-term memory may be (temporarily) affected/reduced. It is also the case that, following a head impact of a certain level, an individual's brain injury risk from subsequent head impacts -even of a lower level of force - occurring in a period of time after the initial head impact, e.g. hours, days, etc., may rise significantly. A measure of an individual's short-term memory can therefore be used to indicate when an individual's brain injury risk -possibly from lower levels of head impact - is raised, and this can be used to adjust the impact threshold value of the wearable device 10 in an appropriate manner.

In a baseline test in which user memory, e.g. short-term memory, is to be used to adjust the standard/default threshold value of acceleration change, upon initiation of the baseline test, e.g. via selection in the app 322, the mobile device 32 may prompt the user, e.g. via the display of the mobile device 32, to undertake a memory test from which the individual's memory can be assessed. This may involve the user performing a number of defined tasks, via interaction with the mobile device 10. In one example, the user may be presented, via the mobile device display (e.g. part of the touchscreen 323), a sequence of characters, shapes, images, etc., and the user may then be prompted to select the characters, shapes, images, etc., e.g. via the mobile device touchscreen, in the order in which they appeared in the sequence. It will be understood that this is one of many examples of memory tasks, or other cognitive tasks, that may be used for the present purposes.

Examples of further cognitive characteristics that may be monitored for use in updating/adjusting the standard/default threshold value of acceleration change include sustained attention, executive function, processing speed, working memory and motor control. Where sustained attention is to be used to adjust threshold values, the specific user may complete tasks in which they are required to detect specific stimuli, e.g. visual stimuli, presented at infrequent intervals in amongst several other stimuli. The detection may be via user input into a touchscreen of the mobile device. Task complexity can be increased by asking the specific user to detect sequences of stimuli, rather than a single stimulus. Executive function relates to processes that control other aspects of cognition in order to efficiently solve problems individuals are faced with. Processing speed provides an indication of the brain's ability to receive stimuli and how it can integrate and respond to them. Assessments of processing speed require rapid completion of tasks such as matching symbols with digits, or connecting number and letter sequences (e.g. trail making tasks). Monitoring processing speed may involve monitoring a speed (and accuracy) of input by the specific user, e.g. via a mobile device touchscreen, in response to games/tasks such as the ones mentioned above. Working memory refers to the brain's ability to retain small amounts of information so that it is readily accessible. A reading span task is a commonly used test to assess verbal working memory. The specific user is required to read several sentences aloud and remember the final word of each sentence in the correct order. Monitoring of this cognitive characteristic (as part of the baseline test) may therefore involve material being provided via the mobile device display screen for the user to read out and remember, and a microphone of the mobile device being configured to receive audio signals indicative of the specific user's voice for processing as to the accuracy and/or speed of the user's response to the provided material. Motor control is the regulation of both conscious, subconscious and involuntary movements. Oculomotor control (i.e. the adjustments required to maintain focus on objects at various distances and directions from the eye) is a useful parameter in the context of motor function. Near point of convergence measures the closest point to which an individual can focus on an object before double vision occurs. It is assessed by positioning a shape at the end of a graded ruler in front of participants' eyes and recording the distance at which the object goes out of focus.

Referring again to Figure 4, at step 403 the method 40 involves the mobile device 32 updating, adjusting or changing the threshold acceleration to be a specific user threshold value. In particular, updating the threshold acceleration comprises adjusting the standard threshold value based on the monitored, measured or acquired input data indicative of one or more cognitive characteristics of the user. The threshold value may be adjusted in any suitable manner. For instance, the threshold value may be adjusted -specifically, reduced -to reflect an increased brain injury risk of the specific user (compared to a standard or default concussion risk level, e.g. for the specific user's physical characteristics). This difference in brain injury risk of the specific user relative to a standard risk level may be permanent or temporary. For instance, as outlined above, for a period of time following a head impact, an individual user may be at increased risk of concussion as a result of lower-magnitude head impacts. The initial head impact may affect short-term memory of the individual on a temporary basis, e.g. for a period of hours or days. In this case, the acceleration threshold value may be reduced temporarily during the increased brain injury risk period. On the other hand, a permanent adjustment/reduction of the threshold value may be appropriate for a specific user who has a reduced level of short-term memory or reduced level of balance (compared to a standard level).

In some examples, the threshold value may be adjusted by different amounts. In particular, the level of threshold value adjustment may depend on the monitored cognitive characteristic or function level of the specific user. In some cases, a cognitive characteristic score may be determined based on the monitored input data indicative of the cognitive characteristic. For instance, when memory is the cognitive characteristic being considered, the specific user may be awarded a score based on their performance in the memory task that they undertake, where a higher score may indicate better performance in the memory task. In one example, if the determined cognitive characteristic score is greater than a defined score, then the threshold value may be determined to remain at the standard threshold value. On the other hand, if the determined cognitive characteristic score is less than the defined score, then the threshold value may be reduced from the standard threshold value to a specific user threshold value, where the reduction may be by a defined amount. In examples, there may be intervals or bands of cognitive characteristic scores associated with certain threshold values.

More generally, it may be that the specific user threshold value is determined based on a difference between the cognitive characteristic score and a defined value. For instance, if the difference is less than a first value, then the specific user threshold value may be determined to be equal to the standard threshold value. If the difference is greater than the first value, then the specific user threshold value may be determined to be the standard threshold value minus a first adjustment value. If the difference is greater than a second value, which is greater than the first value, then the specific user threshold value may be determined to be the standard threshold value minus a second adjustment value, which is greater than the first adjustment value, and so on. A multiplier may be applied to the first adjustment value to obtain the second adjustment value.

The specific user may undertake a (specific) baseline test on multiple occasions over time. For instance, the specific user may undertake a baseline test to set an initial specific user threshold value, e.g. when the wearable device is to be used by the specific user for the first time. The specific user may then undertake the baseline test again at a future point in time, where a difference between the scores obtained in the baseline tests may be used to adjust the initial specific user threshold value to a different value. The specific user may be prompted to take the baseline test for a second time if a head impact of a certain level is experienced, e.g. above -or just below -the (current) specific user threshold value.

In an example, if the specific user has taken a cognitive baseline test and scores lower than the original score, i.e. the score in a previous baseline test, then the baseline score may be lowered to that lowest score. The threshold acceleration value may then be adjusted (lowered) based on said (lowest) score. In some examples, the baseline test score is in the form of acceleration / G force values. In some of such examples, the threshold acceleration value may be adjusted to be the score obtained during the (current) baseline test.

In one illustrative example, the threshold acceleration may be set at a given value, e.g. 60 G. During use, the specific user may experience an acceleration just below the given value, e.g. 55 G. The specific user may be prompted, via the mobile device, to undertake a (subsequent) baseline test in view of the relatively severe head impact, or the user may simply choose to undertake a baseline test of their own volition in view of the impact. If the user scores below a certain level -or fails the test if it is scored according to a pass/fail assessment -then the threshold acceleration may be lowered from the given value. In one example, the threshold acceleration may be lowered to the acceleration of the received impact that prompted the user to retake the baseline test, i.e. to 55 G in the described example. In some examples, if the baseline test is failed by a significant amount, then the threshold acceleration may be lowered to a value less than the experienced acceleration, i.e. lowered to a value less than 55 G in the above example.

In another illustrative example, the threshold acceleration may be set at a given value, e.g. 60 G. During use, the specific user may experience an acceleration above the given value. The specific user may be prompted, via the mobile device, to undertake a (subsequent) baseline test. If the user scores below a certain level -or fails the test if it is scored according to a pass/fail assessment -then the threshold acceleration may be lowered from the given value, e.g. by a prescribed amount, such as 5 G. In another illustrative example, the threshold acceleration may be set at a given value, e.g. 60 G. During use, the specific user may experience an acceleration above the given value, e.g. 70 G. The specific user may be prompted, via the mobile device, to undertake a (subsequent) baseline test. If the user scores above a certain level -or passes the test if it is scored according to a pass/fail assessment -then the threshold acceleration may be increased from the given value. This could be by a prescribed amount, e.g. 5 G. Alternatively, the threshold could be increased to an average of the current threshold value and the acceleration value experienced during the head impact. So, in an example where the threshold acceleration is 60 G and the experienced acceleration value is 70 G, then the threshold acceleration may be increased to 65 G. Returning to Figure 4, at step 404 the method 40 involves the mobile device 32, via the transceiver 321, sending a control signal to the wearable device 10, specifically to be received by the transceiver 103 of the wearable device 10. The control signal includes an instruction for the wearable device 10 to set the threshold acceleration -that is used to determine when to output a notification/warning signal -to be equal to the specific user threshold value determined as described above at the mobile device 32. The wearable device 10 is then ready to be used by the specific user.

In use, as described above, the specific user wears a helmet or other headgear during sporting activity, with the wearable device 10 attached, or otherwise coupled, to the helmet/headgear. During sporting activity, the accelerometer 104 of the wearable device 10 monitors changes in acceleration experienced by the specific user's head, which is used as a proxy for monitoring when the specific user experiences a head impact. The wearable device 10 may monitor/track other parameters. For instance, the wearable device 10 may track orientation using the gyroscope 107 and/or geographical location using the GPS 106. The wearable device 10 may be connected to (i.e. in wireless communication with) the mobile device 32 during the sporting activity, either continuously or intermittently, and the wearable device 10 may be configured to transmit data collected by some or all of the various components of the wearable device 10 (accelerometer 104, GPS 106, gyroscope 107, etc.) to the mobile device 32.

When the accelerometer 104 measures an acceleration change greater than, or equal to, the specific user threshold value, then in the described example the wearable device 10 is configured to cause the one or more LEDs 108 to illuminate. The wearable device 10 may additionally, or alternatively, transmit a notification or warning signal to the mobile device 32, which may in turn then output a notification or warning signal, e.g. audio and/or visual.

In some examples, upon the specific user threshold value being exceeded, the wearable device 10 monitors movement of the specific user for a defined period of time (immediately after the threshold has been exceeded). This may be beneficial when the specific user is undertaking sporting activity in which they may be remote from other people for some of the time, e.g. during an off-road cycling event, to ensure that after a head impact the specific user is still able to continue (and has not been knocked unconscious, for instance).

This movement may be monitored using the gyroscope 107 and/or the GPS antenna 106, for instance. The defined period of time may be any suitable value, e.g. a defined number of seconds, such as 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 45 seconds, 60 seconds, etc. If the specific user is detected to move (by a sufficient/certain amount) within the defined period, then no further action in this regard may be taken. On the other hand, if no movement of the specific user is detected in the defined period of time, then an emergency signal may be transmitted by the wearable device 10 offboard the device 10. This emergency signal may be sent to one or more emergency contacts of the specific user, in particular a defined device, e.g. smartphone, of the emergency contact. The emergency signal may include the geographical location of the specific user, the severity of the head impact, etc. After a head impact in which the specific user threshold value is exceeded, the specific user may be able to reset the wearable device 10, e.g. to turn off the LEDs 108. In some examples, the specific user may be required to be checked by a medical professional before being permitted to continue with the sporting activity. In such cases, it may not be possible to reset the wearable device 10, e.g. switch off the LEDs 108, until this check has been performed.

In some examples, the specific user may (be required to) undertake a further baseline test prior to resuming/continuing with the sporting activity. That is, the specific user threshold value being exceeded may be regarded as indicating that a further baseline test needs to be undertaken by the user. This further baseline test may be similar or the same as the type of test outlined above, in particular to assess/determine a cognitive characteristic of the specific user. The specific user's performance in the baseline test may be compared to their performance in the baseline test undertaken prior to undertaking the sporting activity, or at least prior to the detected head impact above the specific user threshold value of impact. This may be performed via a comparison of scores obtained by the specific user during the respective baseline tests. If the scores are the same, or within a defined distance/amount of one another, then the specific user may be permitted to continue with the sporting activity, e.g. the wearable device 10 may be reset in order to permit continuing sporting activity. Indeed, data indicative of the baseline test comparison, along with data indicative of the head impact from the wearable device 10, may be stored by the mobile device 32, either at the mobile device 32 itself or at a central (Cloud) server accessible by the mobile device 32.

Even if the cognitive characteristic score of the specific user for the subsequent -post head impact -baseline test is within the defined or allowable range of the initial -pre head impact -baseline test score, the specific user threshold value may nonetheless be reduced from its current or initial value for subsequent sporting activity performed by the specific user for a certain period of time, e.g. for the remainder of the session or for a number of days afterwards. This is because the brain injury risk for a given individual in the immediate aftermath of a (first) head impact is greater upon experiencing a (second) impact (shortly after the first). As such, the threshold G force corresponding to the boundary of brain injury risk may reduce for a period of time after an initial head impact. In examples of the invention, therefore, the specific user threshold value may be reduced, e.g. by a defined amount, for a defined period of time after the specific user experiences a G force (head impact) of magnitude greater than the threshold acceleration (equal to the specific user threshold value). In some examples, this occurs when the cognitive functioning/characteristic of the specific user after the head impact is within a defined tolerance of the cognitive functioning/characteristic of the specific user prior to the head impact, e.g. via comparison of baseline test scores before and after the head impact.

If the subsequent baseline test score differs by more than the defined amount from the initial baseline test score, then one or more actions may be taken. The mobile device 32 may output a recommendation that medical assistance should be sought or an examination by a medical professional should be performed before the specific user returns to the sporting activity. The mobile device 32 may output a recommendation that the specific user should refrain from sporting activity, e.g. the specific type of sporting activity being undertaken, for a certain period of time, e.g. a number of days.

In some examples, the specific user may be permitted to return to sporting activity (immediately) even when their baseline test score has reduced by more than a certain amount. In such examples, the specific user threshold value may be reduced by a certain level, e.g. more than when the specific user's post-impact baseline test score is still within a tolerance of their pre-tolerance score, prior to the specific user returning to the sporting activity. In other examples in which the specific user is not permitted to undertake the sporting activity for a period of time after the head impact, e.g. hours, days, etc., the specific user threshold value may still be reduced for their return to sporting activity after the period of time has elapsed in cases in which there is an ongoing increased brain injury risk for the specific user.

Some or all data collected by the wearable device 10, e.g. accelerometer data, GPS data, gyroscope data, etc., may be stored temporarily on the wearable device 10, for instance until the wearable device 10 is within a certain range of the mobile device 32, at which point the data stored on the wearable device 10 may be transferred or transmitted to the mobile device 32, and then optionally deleted from the wearable device 10. In some other examples, data collected by the wearable device 10 may be transmitted directly to a central storage (Cloud) server from the wearable device 10.

Figure 5 summarises the steps of a method 50 performed by the wearable device 10 in accordance with examples of the invention. At step 501, the method involves receiving a control signal from the mobile computing device 32. In particular, the control signal includes an instruction for the wearable device 10 to set the threshold acceleration to be a specific user threshold value. The specific user threshold value may be determined as described above.

At step 502, the method 50 involves detecting, using the accelerometer 104, that the acceleration change experienced by the specific user's head has exceeded the specific user threshold value. The method may involve outputting a notification in response to the detected acceleration change exceeding the specific user threshold value. The notification may include a visual notification using the LEDs 108. Alternatively, or in addition, the notification may include a wireless notification signal being sent off-board the wearable device 10, e.g. to the mobile computing device 32.

At step 503, the method 50 involves, in response to the detected acceleration change exceeding the specific user threshold value, updating the threshold acceleration to be an updated specific user threshold value. This may involve the wearable device 10 automatically reducing the specific user threshold value by a defined amount to obtain the updated specific user threshold value. Alternatively, this may involve transmitting, to the mobile computing device 32, a wireless notification signal indicating that the acceleration change detected by the accelerometer has exceeded the specific user threshold value. In such a case, this updating step may then involve receiving from the mobile computing device 32, a further control signal to set the threshold acceleration to be the updated specific user threshold value. The updated specific user threshold value may be determined as described above, e.g. based on the user's performance in a (further) baseline test.

Many modifications may be made to the described examples without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

In the above-described examples, a threshold acceleration (G force) value is described that, when breached during use of the wearable device, causes the wearable device to output a notification, e.g. a visual notification. This may be referred to as a singular threshold acceleration value in the sense that a single head impact event of G force greater than the threshold is needed in order for the notification to be generated. In different examples, a 'cumulative threshold acceleration value' may be included, in addition to, or alternatively from, the singular threshold value. In such examples, the wearable device (accelerometer) may monitor head impacts experienced by the user over time and, if the cumulative severity (G force) of the detected impacts exceeds the cumulative threshold acceleration value then the notification is generated / triggered / output. The cumulative threshold may be adjusted using the same methods / approaches described above. The cumulative threshold will typically be greater than the singular threshold. In one purely illustrative example, the singular threshold is (initially) set at 60 G and the cumulative threshold is (initially) set at 300 G. In some examples, only head impacts experienced in a defined time window (into the past) are taken into account when determining whether the cumulative threshold has been breached. For instance, this time window may be a defined period of days, weeks or months. Head impacts experienced longer ago than the length of the time window may not be included in the calculation of cumulative G force.

In the above-described examples, a notification is output by a wearable device based on a linear G force experienced by a user, as measured by an accelerometer, exceeding a (singular or cumulative) threshold value, i.e. force in a linear direction. The wearable device may alternatively or additionally monitor rotational G force (rotations per second) with reference to a rotational threshold value. The rotational threshold value may be adjusted using the same methods / approaches described above for acceleration change. The rotations per second may be monitored using any suitable sensor, or combination of sensors, of the wearable device, e.g. gyroscope, accelerometers. Separate thresholds for singular and cumulative rotations per second may be implemented. In this way, the wearable device may be regarded as including one or more motion sensors for monitoring motion of the user's head as a result of head impacts, where the head motion may be (linear) acceleration representative of G force, or may be rotational motion of the user" head, and where the motion sensors can include one or more of an accelerometer, gyroscope, etc.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method of configuring a wearable device fora specific user, the wearable device being for coupling to headwear to be worn by the specific user, the wearable device comprising: an accelerometer configured to detect an acceleration change experienced by the specific user's head when the headwear is being worn; and, a notification component configured to provide a notification, wherein the wearable device is configured to cause the notification component to provide the notification when the detected acceleration change exceeds a threshold acceleration, the method comprising, at a mobile computing device: setting the threshold acceleration to be a standard threshold value; monitoring input data indicative of at least one cognitive characteristic of the specific user; updating the threshold acceleration to be a specific user threshold value, wherein updating the threshold acceleration comprises adjusting the standard threshold value based on the monitored input data; and, sending a control signal to control the wearable device to set the threshold acceleration to be the specific user threshold value.
2. A method according to Claim 1, comprising determining a cognitive characteristic score based on the monitored input data, and updating the threshold acceleration based on the cognitive characteristic score.
3. A method according to Claim 2, wherein if the cognitive characteristic score is less than a defined value, then the specific user threshold value is less than the standard threshold value.
4. A method according to Claim 3, wherein the specific user threshold value is dependent on a difference between the cognitive characteristic score and the defined value.
5. A method according to Claim 4, wherein if the difference is less than a first difference value then the specific user threshold value is the standard threshold value minus a first adjustment value, and if the difference is greater than the first difference value then the specific user threshold value is the standard threshold value minus a second adjustment value, wherein the second adjustment value is greater than the first adjustment value.
6. A method according to any previous claim, comprising, at the mobile device and prior to the step of monitoring input data, initiating a baseline test for determining the at least one cognitive characteristic of the specific user, wherein initiating the baseline test includes outputting, via the mobile device, one or more prompts to the specific user.
7. A method according to Claim 6, wherein the step of monitoring input data is initiated in response to the baseline test being initiated, and wherein the step of monitoring input data is performed for a duration of the baseline test.
8. A method according to any previous claim, wherein the at least one cognitive characteristic includes balance, and wherein the step of monitoring input data comprises measuring, using a gyroscope of the mobile computing device when the mobile computing device is coupled to the specific user, angular velocity of the mobile computing device, the angular velocity being indicative of balance of the specific user.
9. A method according to Claim 8 when dependent on Claim 7, wherein angular velocity is measured for the duration of the baseline test to provide an indication of balance.
10. A method according to Claim 8 or Claim 9 when dependent on Claim 6, wherein outputting the one or more prompts comprises communicating, via an output of the mobile computing device, an instruction to the specific user to adopt a certain body position; optionally, wherein the body position comprises standing on only one foot and closed eyes; further optionally, wherein the output of the mobile device is a visual output or an audio output.
11. A method according to any previous claim, wherein the at least one cognitive characteristic includes memory, wherein initiating the baseline test comprises outputting, via an output of the mobile computing device, a memory sequence, and outputting the one or more prompts comprises outputting prompts for user input in response to the memory sequence, and wherein the step of monitoring user input comprises receiving, via an input of the mobile computing device, input data from the specific user in response to the prompts for user input, the input data being indicative of memory of the specific user.
12. A method according to Claim 11, wherein the memory sequence comprises one or more visual or audio elements to be subsequently selected in order via input by the specific user.
13. A method according to any previous claim, wherein the at least one cognitive characteristic includes one or more of: a sustained attention metric; a brain processing speed metric; a working memory metric; and a motor control metric.
14. A method according to any previous claim, wherein the notification component comprises one or more of: a visual indicator configured to provide a visual indication; optionally, wherein the visual indicator comprises one or more light emitting diodes; a wireless transmitter configured to transmit a wireless notification signal off-board the wearable device; optionally, wherein the wireless notification signal is transmitted to the mobile computing device.
15. A method according to any previous claim, wherein the notification component comprises a wireless transmitter, and wherein the method comprises, at the mobile computing device: receiving a wireless notification signal from the wearable device, the wireless notification signal indicating that the acceleration change detected by the accelerometer has exceeded the specific user threshold value; in response to receiving the wireless notification signal, updating the threshold acceleration to be an updated specific user threshold value; and, sending a further control signal to control the wearable device to set the threshold acceleration to be the updated specific user threshold value.
16. A method according to Claim 15, wherein updating the threshold acceleration comprises reducing the specific user threshold value by a defined amount to obtain the updated specific user threshold value.
17. A method according to Claim 15, wherein updating the threshold acceleration comprises: initiating a further baseline test for determining the at least one cognitive characteristic of the specific user; in response to the further baseline test being initiated, monitoring input data indicative of the at least one cognitive characteristic of the specific user for the duration of the further baseline test, wherein updating the threshold acceleration comprises adjusting the specific user threshold value based on the monitored input data to obtain the updated specific user threshold value; and, sending a further control signal to control the wearable device to set the threshold acceleration to be the updated specific user threshold value.
18. A method according to Claim 17, wherein if the specific user fails the further baseline test, or obtains a test score below a prescribed score in the further baseline test, then updating the threshold acceleration comprises reducing the specific user threshold value; optionally, wherein the reduction is by a prescribed amount; further optionally, wherein the reduction is determined based on the acceleration change detected by the accelerometer.
19. A method according to Claim 17 when dependent on Claim 6, wherein if a score of the specific user in the further baseline test is less than, and optionally at least a prescribed amount less than, a score of the specific user in the baseline test, then updating the threshold acceleration comprises reducing the specific user threshold value; optionally, wherein the reduction is based on a difference between the scores of the baseline and further baseline tests.
20. A method according to any previous claim, the method comprising, at the wearable device, in response to detecting, using the accelerometer, that the acceleration change has exceeded the specific user threshold value, updating the threshold acceleration to be an updated specific user threshold value; optionally, wherein updating the threshold acceleration comprises reducing the specific user threshold value by a defined amount to obtain the updated specific user threshold value.
21. A method according to any previous claim, wherein the threshold acceleration is a cumulative threshold acceleration, wherein the wearable device is configured to cause the notification component to provide the notification when cumulative detected acceleration changes over time exceed the cumulative threshold acceleration.
22. A method of using a wearable device configured for a specific user, the wearable device being for coupling to headwear to be worn by the specific user, the wearable device comprising an accelerometer configured to detect an acceleration change experienced by the specific user's head when the headwear is being worn; and, a notification component configured to provide a notification, wherein the wearable device is configured to cause the notification component to provide the notification when the detected acceleration change exceeds a threshold acceleration, the method comprising, at the wearable device: receiving, from a mobile computing device, a control signal to control the wearable device to set the threshold acceleration to be a specific user threshold value; detecting, using the accelerometer, that the acceleration change experienced by the specific user's head has exceeded the specific user threshold value, and outputting, using the notification component, the notification in response to the detected acceleration change exceeding the specific user threshold value; and, in response to the detected acceleration change exceeding the specific user threshold value, updating the threshold acceleration to be an updated specific user threshold value.
23. A system, comprising: a wearable device for a specific user, the wearable device being for coupling to headwear to be worn by the specific user, the wearable device comprising: an accelerometer configured to detect an acceleration change experienced by the user's head when the headwear is being worn; and, a notification component configured to provide a notification, wherein the wearable device is configured to cause the notification component to provide the notification when the detected acceleration change exceeds a threshold acceleration; and, a mobile computing device configured to: set the threshold acceleration to be a standard threshold value; monitor input data indicative of at least one cognitive characteristic of the specific user; update the threshold acceleration to be a specific user threshold value, wherein updating the threshold acceleration comprises adjusting the standard threshold value based on the monitored input data; and, send a control signal to control the wearable device to set the threshold acceleration to be the specific user threshold value.
24. A method of configuring a wearable device for a specific user, the wearable device being for coupling to headwear to be worn by the specific user, the wearable device comprising: a motion sensor configured to detect a change in motion experienced by the specific user's head when the headwear is being worn; and, a notification component configured to provide a notification, wherein the wearable device is configured to cause the notification component to provide the notification when the detected motion change exceeds a threshold motion change, the method comprising, at a mobile computing device: setting the threshold motion change to be a standard threshold value; monitoring input data indicative of at least one cognitive characteristic of the specific user; updating the threshold motion change to be a specific user threshold value, wherein updating the threshold motion change comprises adjusting the standard threshold value based on the monitored input data; and, sending a control signal to control the wearable device to set the threshold motion change to be the specific user threshold value.
25. A method according to Claim 24, wherein the change in motion is rotational motion of the user's head.