GB2615246A

GB2615246A - Prayer or meditation indication system

Info

Publication number: GB2615246A
Application number: GB2306165.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sahban Abduljalil
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-04-26
Filing date: 2023-04-26
Publication date: 2023-08-02
Anticipated expiration: 2043-04-26
Also published as: GB2615246B; GB202306165D0; WO2024224032A1

Abstract

A prayer or meditation indication system 10 for indicating when a user 14 is meditating or praying. The system comprises a user device 12 including a wrist band, a temperature sensor, and a wireless transmitter supported by the wrist band. The system comprises an indicating device 16 including a wireless receiver 22 and indicator 20 for producing a visual and/or audible indication when a determination means is configured to determine user-temperature data is at or above a threshold. Threshold may be variable. The indicator may comprise a counter which may measure durations of time. The user may choose between three predetermined durations of time or durations may be user-defined. The temperature sensor may measure periodically, periods may match the set durations of time. The indicator may be one of a globe (120,fig.2), bird (220,fig.3) or electronic display. The determination means may be housed within the user device or the indicating device. A method of use of the prayer or meditation indication system is also claimed.

Description

Prayer or Meditation Indication System The present invention relates to a prayer or meditation indication system, and to a method of indicating prayer or meditation. In particular, the invention relates to the counting and encouragement of Islamic prayers.

It can be desirable for a person to count a number of prayers which have been prayed. This may be particularly important for Muslims, who may wish to recite a certain number of prayers or to know how many prayers have been recited. For example, a Muslim may wish to repeat "Tasbih" or "Dhikr" a certain number of times, or to know how many times this has been repeated. Other prayers may be considered.

Similar may apply for other religions, such as in Christianity, and in meditation, such as when repeating mantras.

However, it can be challenging to remember the number of prayers, mantras or other words or phrases repeated when focussing on prayer or meditation.

Prayer beads have been used to help count prayers. However, this requires a person to 15 keep count of the beads as prayers are recited, and a person may forget to do so. Additionally, prayer beads may cause a distraction from prayer.

It would be desirable to provide an automatic means for a person to count a number of prayers recited or mantras meditated.

Additionally, it would be desirable to encourage prayer and/or meditation, particularly to 20 encourage children and younger people to pray and/or meditate.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a prayer or meditation indication system for indicating when a user is meditating or praying, the system comprising: a user device including a wrist band for being worn at a wrist of a user, a temperature sensor supported by the wrist band configured to measure a temperature of the user at the wrist when the wrist band is worn at the wrist to produce user-temperature data, and a wireless transmitter supported by the wrist band; an indicating device including a wireless receiver for receiving data from the wireless transmitter, and an indicator for producing a visual and/or audible indication; and a determination means configured to determine whether the user-temperature data is at or above a threshold value; the system configured so that, when the determination means determines that the user-temperature data is at or above the threshold value, the indicator produces a visual and/or audible indication, and, when the determination means determines that the user-temperature data is below the threshold value, the indicator does not produce a visual and/or audible indication.

It has been determined that, when a person prays or meditates, the person's temperature increases. This includes the person's temperature at the wrist. As such, this increase in temperature can be utilised to determine when a user is praying or meditating, or at least in a deeply prayerful or meditative state. An indicator can thus be triggered, which can be used to indicate that the user is praying or meditating, as well as possibly being useful to count the number of prayers or mantras repeated, or to encourage prayer or meditation.

Some users may wish visualise the system as operating via a flow of energy in a spiritual 15 sense. In this sense, energy from the Earth enters the user's body during meditation or prayer. The energy is transferred to the wrist band, which transfers the energy to the indicator, causing the visual and/or audible indication.

Preferably, the indicator may comprise a counting device configured to count and having a display for displaying counting to the or another user, the visual indication being 20 produced by the display displaying counting. The counting device and display may allow the user to count the number of prayers or mantras.

Additionally, the counting device may be configured to count durations of time. Assuming that the repetition of a prayer or mantra takes a certain duration of time, by the counting device counting in that duration, at least an approximate count of prayers or mantras 25 repeated in the meditative or prayerful state can be provided.

Optionally, each duration of time may be not equal to one second. Although one second may provide a suitable duration of time for some users to say one prayer or mantra, it will be appreciated that other users may repeat prayers or mantras more slowly or more quickly, or repeat longer or shorter prayers or meditations. As such, the duration of time of the counting is not necessarily one second.

Preferably, the system may include a user control and the counting device may be configured to operate on a plurality of settings, each setting causing the counting device to count in a different duration of time, the user control configured to change between said settings so that the user can adjust the duration of time of each count of the counting. This allows the user to adjust the system according to their speed of repetition of prayers or mantras.

For example, there may be three settings, a slow, normal, and fast speed. The normal 5 speed may be one second, the fast speed may be half a second, and the slow speed may be two seconds. However, other durations will be appreciated.

Beneficially, the temperature sensor may be configured to measure the temperature of the user periodically.

Advantageously, the temperature sensor may be configured to measure the temperature 10 of the user at intervals equal or substantially equal to said duration. This allows for an accurate count of the number of prayers or meditations, whilst minimising the number of measurements required.

In a preferable embodiment, the threshold value may be variable. For example, users' temperatures may vary, and so the system may be able to adapt to different user's 15 temperature. The user may be able to record a base-line temperature using the device, and the system may predict a threshold value based on this base-line temperature.

Optionally, the indicator may comprise a globe, the visual indication being produced by the globe rotating.

Additionally or alternatively, the indicator may comprise a bird model configured to make 20 a noise and/or move, the visual indication being produced by the bird model making a noise and/or moving. The noise making may be a song, such as a bird song or similar. The bird moving may simulate flapping or simple rotation.

Advantageously, the indicator may comprise an electronic display and a video playing device, the visual and/or audible indication being produced by the electronic display 25 displaying a video played by the video playing device.

Beneficially, the indicator may comprise an electronic display and a videogame playing device, the visual and/or audible indication being produced by the electronic display displaying a videogame played by the videogame playing device.

Activation of a video or videogame can be used to encourage or reward users to pray or 30 meditate, particularly young users.

Optionally, the user device may include the determination means, the determination means configured to produce threshold-reached data when the determination means determines that the temperature data is at or above a threshold value, the wireless transmitter configured to transmit the threshold-reached data, and the wireless receiver configured to receive the threshold-reached data, the indicating device configured so that the indicator produces the visual and/or audible indication when the threshold-reached data is received by the wireless receiver.

Additionally or alternatively, the user device may be configured to produce below-threshold data when the determination means determines that the temperature data is below the threshold, the wireless transmitter configured to transmit the below-threshold data, and the wireless receiver configured to receive the below-threshold data, the indicating device configured so that the indicator stops producing the visual and/or audible indication when the below-threshold data is received by the wireless receiver.

As such, it may only be necessary to transmit the threshold-reached data once via the 15 transmitter, and the below-threshold data once via the transmitter, reducing a power requirement for the user device.

Additionally or alternatively, the indicating device may include the determination means, the wireless transmitter configured to transmit the temperature data and the wireless receiver configured to receive the temperature data for being used by the determination 20 means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of indicating prayer or meditation, the method comprising: a) providing a prayer or meditation indication system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims; b) a user wearing the user device so that the user device measures a temperature of the user at the wrist; c) the user meditating or praying so that the temperature of the user at the wrist increases to or above the threshold value; d) the indicator produces the visual and/or audible indication; e) the user not meditating or praying so that the temperature of the user at the wrist falls below the threshold value; and f) the indicator not producing the visual and/or audible indication.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a representation of a first embodiment of a prayer or meditation indication system; Figure 2 shows a representation of a second embodiment of a prayer or meditation indication system; Figure 3 shows a representation of a third embodiment of a prayer or meditation indication system; and Figure 4 shows a representation of a fourth embodiment of a prayer or meditation indication system.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is shown a first embodiment of a prayer or meditation indication system 10 comprising a user device 12, worn on a user 14, and an indicating device 16.

The user device 12 comprises a wrist band or bracelet which is for being worn at a wrist of the user 14. For example, the wrist band may extend all of the way around the wrist of the user 14, and may be secured in place by a strap having a fastening. The fastening may be hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro (RTM), a buckle, clip, latch, or similar.

The user device 12 comprises a temperature sensor supported by the wrist band. The temperature sensor may be any kind of temperature sensor, and is preferably one adapted to measuring temperature at the skin. The temperature sensor may be integrated into the wrist band or may be removable therefrom. The temperature sensor is electronic, and is adapted to producing user-temperature data.

The user device 12 additionally includes a wireless transmitter supported by the wrist band. The wireless transmitter may be an antenna, for example. In particular, this may be a short-range wireless transmitter, such as a Bluetooth (RTM) antenna or WiFi (RTM) antenna. The wireless transmitter is adapted to transmitting the user-temperature data from the temperature sensor and/or to transmitting other data based on the user-temperature data via wireless signals 18.

The wrist band further includes an electrical power source for powering at least the temperature sensor and the wireless transmitter. The power source may comprise a battery, in particular a rechargeable battery.

The user device 12 may include any additional circuitry or electronic components for facilitating the extraction of the user-temperature data from the temperature sensor and providing it to the wireless transmitter for transmission. For example, the user device 12 may include a processor and/or a data-storage device.

The prayer or meditation indication system 10 further includes an indicating device having an indicator 20 and a wireless receiver 22.

The indicator 20 is for producing a visual and/or audible indication. In the first embodiment, the indicator 20 comprises a counting device or a counter. The counting device is configured to count and has a display 22 for displaying counting. The visual indication is produced by the display 22 displaying counting.

The counting device may have a processor including counting and/or timing means or a 10 counting and/or timing circuit, to enable counting. The counting device may also include a data storage device.

The counting device is configured to count durations or increments of time. As such, the counting device may be similar to a timer, except that the durations of time are not necessarily a second, minute, hour or any other conventional unit of time.

The counting device may be programmable by the user 14 so that the duration of time which is counted is variable. For example, the counting device may have a plurality of settings, each setting causing the counting device to count in a different duration of time. The indicating device 16 may include a user control to change between settings, or the user device 12 may include a user control to change between settings and the selected setting transmitted to the indicating device 16.

For example, the counting device may be configured to count in three different durations of time. There may be a longer duration of time for individuals who pray more slowly, a normal duration of time for individuals who pray at a more typical speed, and a shorter duration of time for individuals who pray more quickly. The normal duration of time may be equal to one second or substantially one second Alternatively, the indicator 20 or user device 12 may include a data entry field for entering a specific user-defined duration of time. The counting device would then count in said user-defined duration of time.

The counting device includes a display 22 for displaying the counting to the user 14. This 30 may be an electronic or electrical display 22, although it will be appreciated that mechanical counting displays may also be considered. The display 22 would show the number of the count. The display 22 may be adapted to display 22 any number. For example, in Figure 1 the display 22 is shown as displaying up to four digits.

The wireless receiver 22 is for receiving data from the wireless transmitter. The wireless 5 receiver 22 may similarly be a short-range wireless receiver 22, and may be an antenna such as a Bluetooth (RTM) antenna or (RTM) antenna.

The indicating device 16 preferably includes an electrical power source for powering at least any one of the counting device, display 22, and wireless receiver 22, if necessary. The power source may be a battery, for example, although it will be appreciated that a mains power supply may be used and so the indicating device 16 may include a power plug or socket.

The system 10 further includes a determination means, determination circuit, or determinator configured to determine whether the user-temperature data is at or above a threshold value.

The determination means may be either part of the user device 12, or the indicating device 16.

In the instance that the determination means is part of the user device 12, the determination means may be or may be part of the processor of the user device 12, and a threshold data value may be stored on the data-storage device of the user device 12.

In the instance that the determination means is part of the indicating device 16, the determination means may be or may be part of the processor of the indicating device 16, and a threshold data value may be stored on the data-storage device of the indicating device 16.

In use, a user 14 may wear the user device 12 on their wrist by securing the wrist band 25 in place around their wrist. The temperature sensor is therefore positioned to measure the temperature of the user 14 at the wrist.

The user 14 may then start praying or meditating, and may repeat a prayer or mantra.

When praying or meditating, the user's temperature increases slightly. This includes the user's temperature at the wrist. For example, the detectable temperature rise may be 30 one or two degrees Celsius.

The temperature sensor measures the user's temperature at the wrist and produces user-temperature data. If the determination means is at the user device 12, the determination means compares the user-temperature data to the threshold data value. When the user-temperature data is at or above the threshold data value, the determination means produces threshold-reached data. In other words, the determination means indicates that the measured temperature of the user 14 is at or above the threshold data value. The threshold-reached data is provided to the wireless transmitter which then transmits this.

The threshold-reached data is received by the wireless receiver 22, which then initiates 10 the counting device. The counting device begins counting in increments of the duration of time, which may have been selected by the user 14. The display 22 displays a number of the count.

The temperature sensor continues to measure the temperature at the wrist to produce user-temperature data. The temperature sensor may carry out the measurements periodically. An interval at which the temperature sensor carries out measurements, and/or which the determination means determines the user-temperature data, may be carried out at the same duration as that at which the counting device counts. In the event that the duration at which the counting device counts is variable by the user 14 at the indicating device 16, the indicating device 16 may transmit the selected duration to the user device 12 so that the temperature sensor may carry out measurements at intervals of the selected duration.

The wireless transmitter may transmit the threshold-reached data to the indicating device 16 every time this is produced by the determination means, and therefore the indicator 20 may continue to count only so long as threshold-reached data is being received. Once threshold-reached data is no longer received, for example after said duration of no longer receiving threshold-reached data, then the counting device may stop counting. The display 22 may maintain the static result of the count on the display 22.

The determination means may produce below-threshold data when it determines that the user-temperature data is below the threshold value. The wireless transmitter may transmit the below-threshold data and the wireless receiver 22 may receive the below-threshold data. As such, the indicating device 16 may be programmed so that the counting device continues to count having received the threshold-reached data and until it receives the below-threshold data. This may prevent or reduce a requirement to continue to transmit threshold-reached data, reducing a power requirement of the user device.

As shown in Figure 1, the display 22 is displaying the number 33, since 33 durations have occurred since the indicating device 16 received threshold-reached data and until the indicating device 16 no longer receives threshold-reached data and/or it receives below-threshold data. This corresponds to the repetition of 33 prayers or mantras, if repeating the prayer or mantra at a rate of once per duration. Therefore, the user 14 is able to know how many prayers or mantras have been repeated, whilst in a state of prayer or meditation.

Alternatively, if the determination means is part of the indicating device 16, the transmitter may transmit the user-temperature data to the indicating device 16 to be determined by the determination means. If the determination means determines that the received user-temperature data is at or above the threshold-reached data, it will produce threshold-reached data to activate the counting device. The determination means may then produce threshold-reached data until it determines that the received user-temperature data is below the threshold value, and/or may produce below-threshold data once it determines that the received user-temperature data is below the threshold value. The counting device may count until it no longer receives threshold-reached data, or until it receives below-threshold data, as described previously.

It will be appreciated that the threshold data value may be variable. For example, the user device 12 may be configured to record a baseline temperature of the user 14 via the temperature sensor. The user 14 may wear the user device 12 in a non-meditative state, and use a user control to instruct the user device 12 to take baseline temperature data. This baseline temperature data may be transmitted to the indicating device 16 in the instance that the determination means is part of the indicating device 16. The baseline temperature data may be used to create the threshold value. Alternatively, the user device 12 may automatically record a baseline temperature upon activation of the user device 12 and detection that the temperature sensor is recording a temperature close to an expected value of a baseline temperature. Alternatively, the user 14 may manually enter a preferred baseline temperature data or a preferred threshold value.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a second embodiment of a prayer or meditation indication system 110. The second embodiment is similar or identical to the first embodiment, except that in the second embodiment, the indicator 120 of the indicating device 116 may comprise a globe, a visual indication being produced by the globe rotating.

The indicating device 116 of the second embodiment also includes a wireless receiver 122. The indicating device 116 further includes an electrical motor which is configured to rotate the globe. The globe is rotatably mounted, for example on an axle or bearing. The indicating device 116 includes a power source to power the electrical motor and/or any other necessary components.

In use, the globe is rotated by the electrical motor when the determination means determines that the user-temperature data is at or above the threshold data value and produces threshold-reached data. The electrical motor may no longer cause the globe to rotate when the determination means no longer produces threshold-reached data and/or produces below-threshold data, as per the first embodiment.

The globe may include a light emitting element and/or sound emitting element to produce light and/or sound to accompany the rotation.

Although in Figure 2 the wireless receiver 122 is shown as external to the globe, it may be incorporated therein.

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a third embodiment of a prayer or meditation indication system 210. The second embodiment is similar or identical to the second embodiment, except that in the third embodiment, the indicator 220 of the indication device 216 may comprise a bird model. A visual indication may be produced by the bird model moving. An audible indication may be produced by the bird model making a sound, such as to mimic a bird song or playing another song.

The bird model is preferably mounted to a pedestal. The bird model may include an actuator or motor for moving the bird model or part of the bird model. For example, the bird model and/or the pedestal may rotate, or the wings of the bird model may move relative to the rest of the model to simulate flapping. To facilitate playing a song, the indication device 216 may include an audio emitting device, such as a speaker, and a data storage device, to store the song.

Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown a fourth embodiment of a prayer or meditation 30 indication system 310 which is similar or identical to the second and/or third embodiment except that the indicator 320 of the indication device 316 comprises an electronic display and a video playing device and/or a videogame playing device.

When the determination means determines that the user-temperature data is at or above the threshold data value and produces threshold-reached data, the video playing device 5 may play a video. For example, the video playing device may play a film or movie. The video may be pre-selected by the user 14.

Once the determination means no longer produces threshold-reached data and/or produces below-threshold data, the video may be stopped. Alternatively, the video may be continued for its actual duration once the threshold-reached data has been produced for a predetermined amount of time and/or the below-threshold data has been produced after a predetermined amount of time.

Similarly, when the determination means determines that the user-temperature data is at or above the threshold data value and produces threshold-reached data, the videogame playing device may play a videogame. The videogame may be pre-selected 15 by the user 14.

Similarly, once the determination means no longer produces threshold-reached data and/or produces below-threshold data, the videogame may be stopped. Alternatively, the videogame may be continued for its actual duration once the threshold-reached data has been produced for a predetermined amount of time and/or the below-threshold data has been produced after a predetermined amount of time.

The video and/or videogame thus acts a reward to encourage prayer and/or meditation.

The counting device may be provided in addition to the indicator of the second, third and fourth embodiments.

It is therefore possible to provide a prayer or meditation indication system. A user-worn device measures the temperature of a user and activates an indicator once it detects that the user's temperature has reached and/or exceeded a threshold, since this indicates that the user is meditating. The indicator may count a number of prayers or mantras repeated by the user and/or may provide some other kind of visual and/or audio display to indicate that the user is praying or meditating, or to provide a reward and encouragement for meditating or praying.

The words 'comprises/comprising' and the words 'having/including' when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

Claims 1 A prayer or meditation indication system for indicating when a user is meditating or praying, the system comprising: a user device including a wrist band for being worn at a wrist of a user, a temperature sensor supported by the wrist band configured to measure a temperature of the user at the wrist when the wrist band is worn at the wrist to produce user-temperature data, and a wireless transmitter supported by the wrist band; an indicating device including a wireless receiver for receiving data from the wireless transmitter, and an indicator for producing a visual and/or audible indication; and a determination means configured to determine whether the user-temperature data is at or above a threshold value; the system configured so that, when the determination means determines that the user-temperature data is at or above the threshold value, the indicator produces a visual and/or audible indication, and, when the determination means determines that the user-temperature data is below the threshold value, the indicator does not produce a visual and/or audible indication.
2 A prayer or meditation indication system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the indicator comprises a counting device configured to count and having a display for displaying counting to the or another user, the visual indication being produced by the display displaying counting.
3. A prayer or meditation indication system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the counting device is configured to count durations of time.
4. A prayer or meditation indication system as claimed in claim 3, wherein each duration of time is not equal to one second.
A prayer or meditation indication system as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, further comprising a user control, and the counting device being configured to operate on a plurality of settings, each setting causing the counting device to count in a different duration of time, the user control configured to change between said settings so that the user can adjust the duration of time of each count of the counting.
6. A prayer or meditation indication system as claimed in claim 5, wherein there are three settings.
7 A prayer or meditation indication system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the user periodically.
8 A prayer or meditation indication system as claimed in claim 7 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the user at intervals equal or substantially equal to said duration.
9. A prayer or meditation indication system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the threshold value is variable.
10. A prayer or meditation indication system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the indicator comprises a globe, the visual indication being produced by the globe rotating.
11. A prayer or meditation indication system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the indicator comprises a bird model configured to make a noise and/or move, the visual indication being produced by the bird model making a noise and/or moving.
12. A prayer or meditation indication system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the indicator comprises an electronic display and a video playing device, the visual and/or audible indication being produced by the electronic display displaying a video played by the video playing device.
13 A prayer or meditation indication system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the indicator comprises an electronic display and a videogame playing device, the visual and/or audible indication being produced by the electronic display displaying a videogame played by the videogame playing device.
14 A prayer or meditation indication system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user device includes the determination means, the determination means configured to produce threshold-reached data when the determination means determines that the user-temperature data is at or above a threshold value, the wireless transmitter configured to transmit the threshold-reached data, and the wireless receiver configured to receive the threshold-reached data, the indicating device configured so that the indicator produces the visual and/or audible indication when the threshold-reached data is received by the wireless receiver.
A prayer or meditation indication system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the user device is configured to produce below-threshold data when the determination means determines that the user-temperature data is below the threshold, the wireless transmitter configured to transmit the below-threshold data, and the wireless receiver configured to receive the below-threshold data, the indicating device configured so that the indicator stops producing the visual and/or audible indication when the below-threshold data is received by the wireless receiver.
16. A prayer or meditation indication system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the indicating device includes the or another determination means, the wireless transmitter configured to transmit the temperature data and the wireless receiver configured to receive the temperature data for being used by the determination means.
17. A method of indicating prayer or meditation, the method comprising: a) providing a prayer or meditation indication system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims; b) a user wearing the user device so that the user device measures a temperature of the user at the wrist; c) the user meditating or praying so that the temperature of the user at the wrist increases to or above the threshold value; d) the indicator produces the visual and/or audible indication; e) the user not meditating or praying so that the temperature of the user at the wrist falls below the threshold value; and f) the indicator not producing the visual and/or audible indication.