GB2632314A

GB2632314A - Impact sensing device

Info

Publication number: GB2632314A
Application number: GB2311893.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Emery Christopher; Michael Hayes Jonathan
Original assignee: Impact Detect Ltd; Swindell & Pearson Ltd
Current assignee: Impact Detect Ltd; Swindell & Pearson Ltd
Priority date: 2023-08-02
Filing date: 2023-08-02
Publication date: 2025-02-05
Also published as: GB202311893D0; GB2632314A8

Abstract

An impact sensing device for identifying impacts using analysis of detected movements. The device can enter a reduced power saving mode where the impact sensing device continues to detect motion and identify impacts. The reduced power saving mode may be a reduced sampling rate of movement measurements which conserves power and/or a sleep mode. The device may be used within vehicles to, for example, detect and report crashes or worn by a user to, for example, detect a fall or monitoring contact sports. The device may enter different modes through comparing detected movements to threshold levels.

Description

TITLE

Impact Sensing Device

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Examples of the disclosure relate to an impact sensing device. Some relate to impact sensing devices that can be used within vehicles or worn by a user.

BACKGROUND

Impact sensing devices can be used to detect potential injuries to people. For instance, if a person is wearing an impact sensor this could be used to detect a fall and/or could be used to monitor for repeated impacts such as may be incurred playing contact sports. Impact sensing devices could also be used in vehicles to detect and report crashes and other impacts.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure there is provided an impact sensing device comprising means for: configuring the impact sensing device in an impact sensing mode wherein in the impact sensing mode the impact sensing device is arranged to analyse detected movements to identify possible impacts; determining that the impact sensing device is to exit the impact sensing mode and enter a reduced power mode; arranging the impact sensing device to enter the reduced power mode; and continuing to analyse detected movements to identify possible impacts while the impact sensing device is being arranged to enter the reduced power mode.

The means may be for determining that the impact sensing device is to exit the impact sensing mode and enter a reduced power mode based on the analysis of the detected movements.

Arranging the impact sensing device to enter a reduced power mode may comprise configuring one or more filters for the reduced power mode.

The means may be for analysing detected movements after the one or more filters have been configured for the reduced power mode and enabling the reduced power mode to be entered based on the analysis of the detected movement.

The means may be for enabling the impact sensing device to enter the reduced power mode if the movements detected after the one or more filters have been configured for the reduced power mode are below a threshold.

The means may be for enabling the impact sensing device to remain in an impact sensing mode if the movements detected after the one or more filters have been configured for the reduced power mode are above a threshold.

The detected movements may be detected using one or more sensors.

The one or more sensors may comprise a microelectromechanical device.

The impact sensing device may be configured in the reduced power mode a sampling rate of the one or more sensors is reduced compared to the impact sensing mode.

The means may be for determining that the sensing device is to exit the impact mode if the analysis of the detected movements indicates that no impacts have been detected within a threshold time interval.

The means may be for enabling the impact sensing device to exit the reduced power mode and enter an impact sensing mode wherein the sensing device is configured to exit the reduced power mode in response to a trigger event and the trigger event could be at least one of: a timing event from an internal clock; a timing event for a communication system.

The means may be for storing information relating to any detected impacts.

The means may be enabling information relating to detected impacts to be transmitted to an external device.

The impact sensing device may be configured to be attached to a vehicle.

The impact sensing device may be configured to be worn by a user.

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure there is provided a method comprising: configuring the sensing device in an impact sensing mode wherein in the impact sensing mode the impact sensing device is arranged to analyse detected movements to identify possible impacts; determining that the impact sensing device is to exit the impact sensing mode and enter a reduced power mode; arranging the impact sensing device to enter the reduced power mode; and continuing to analyse detected movements to identify possible impacts while the impact sensing device is being arranged to enter the reduced power mode.

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure there is provided a computer program which, when executed by an impact sensing device enables the impact sensing device to perform: configuring the sensing device in an impact sensing mode wherein in the impact sensing mode the impact sensing device is arranged to analyse detected movements to identify possible impacts; determining that the impact sensing device is to exit the impact sensing mode and enter a reduced power mode; arranging the impact sensing device to enter the reduced power mode; and continuing to analyse detected movements to identify possible impacts while the impact sensing device is being arranged to enter the reduced power mode.

While the above examples of the disclosure and optional features are described separately, it is to be understood that their provision in all possible combinations and permutations is contained within the disclosure. It is to be understood that various examples of the disclosure can comprise any or all of the features described in respect of other examples of the disclosure, and vice versa. Also, it is to be appreciated that any one or more or all of the features, in any combination, may be implemented by/comprised in/performable by an apparatus, a method, and/or computer program instructions as desired, and as appropriate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 schematically shows an impact sensing device; FIG. 2 shows an example method that can be implemented by an impact sensing device; FIG. 3 shows a more detailed example method that can be implemented by an impact sensing device; and FIG. 4 shows an example controller that can be used in an impact sensing device.

The figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and views of the figures can be shown schematically or exaggerated in scale in the interest of clarity and conciseness. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures can be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid explication. Corresponding reference numerals are used in the figures to designate corresponding features. For clarity, all reference numerals are not necessarily displayed in all figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to an impact sensing device that could be used in vehicles or could be arranged to be worn by a user. The impact sensing device is configured to use minimal power while still accurately reporting impacts. The impact sensing device can make efficient use of power by switching between one or more impact sensing modes and one or more reduced power modes as appropriate. Maximizing the amount of time spent in a reduced power mode can enable a non-rechargeable power source to be used in the impact sensing device.

Fig. 1 schematically shows an impact sensing device 101 according to examples of the invention. In the example of Fig. 1 the impact sensing device 101 comprises a controller 103, a storage memory 105, sensors 107, a power source 109 and a transceiver 111. Only components that are refereed to in the following description are shown in Fig.1. The impact sensing device 101 could comprise additional components that are not shown in Fig. 1. For instance, the impact sensing device 101 could comprise additional components such as capacitors, resistors, inductors, crystals or any other suitable component or combination of components.

The controller 103 can comprise any means for controlling the impact sensing device 101. The controller 103 can comprise a microcontroller or any other suitable type of controller. An example of a controller 103 that could be used is shown schematically in Fig. 4.

The controller 103 can be configured to control the functions performed by the impact sensing device 101. The controller 103 can be configured to control the sensors 107 for example the controller 103 can control the sampling rate of the sensors 107. The controller 103 can be configured to control the transceiver 111, for example the controller 103 can be configured to activate the transceiver at certain time to receive incoming signals and can be configured to enable transmission of outgoing signals.

The controller 103 can be configured to write to, and read from, the memory storage 105.

The controller 103 can be configured to receive input signals from the sensors. The controller can be configured to analyse these signals using any suitable algorithms or processes. The analysis of these algorithms can be used to determine if an impact has occurred.

The memory 105 can comprise any suitable means for storing data. The memory can comprise a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. The controller 103 can be configured to enable data to be stored in the memory 105. The data could comprise data obtained from analysing signals from the sensors 107 and/or any other suitable type of data. For example, the data could comprise an indication of whether an impact has been detected and an indication of the timing of the impact or non-impact.

The sensors 107 can comprise any suitable means that can be configured to detect movement, accelerations or impacts. The sensors 107 can comprise microelectromechanical devices or any other suitable means. The sensors 107 can comprise an inertia measurement unit.

In the example of Fig.1 the sensors 107 comprise a gyroscope 107-A, an accelerometer 107-B and a magnetometer 107-C. The accelerometer 107-B could be a three-axis accelerometer, a six-axis accelerometer or any other suitable type of accelerometer. Other types of sensors 107 and/or combinations of sensors could be used in other examples. In the example of Fig. 1 the gyroscope 107-A, accelerometer 107-B and magnetometer 107-C are shown separately. In some examples different types of sensors 107 could be packaged together for instance a gyroscope and accelerometer could be packaged together.

The types of sensors 107 that are used might depend on the intended use for the impact sensing device 101. For instance, if the impact sensing device 101 is to be used in a vehicle the sensors 107 might need to withstand higher forces than if the impact sensing device 101 is used to monitor impacts for a person playing contact sports.

The sensors 107 that are used can be selected to withstand large accelerations. The sensor that are used can be selected to withstand high G-forces.

The impact sensing device 101 is configured so that the output signals from the sensors 107 are provided to the controller 103. This can enable the controller 103 to process and/or analyse the signals from the sensors 107. This could be used to determine if an impact has occurred, to determine if the impact sensing device 101 should be switched between different modes of operation or for any other suitable purpose.

The impact sensing device 101 also comprises a power source 109. The power source can comprise a battery or any other suitable source of electrical energy. The power source 109 can be a non-rechargeable power source. The power source 109 can be configured to provide power to the respective components of the impact sensing device 101.

The impact sensing device 101 also comprises a transceiver 111. The transceiver 111 can enable wireless communication between the impact sensing device 101 and one or more external devices. The transceiver 111 can be configured to use any suitable communications protocol. In some examples the transceiver 111 can be configured to use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Other protocols could be used in other examples.

The impact sensing device 101 can be housed within a protective packaging 113. The protective packaging 113 is indicated by the dashed lines in Fig. 1. The protective packaging 113 can seal the impact sensing device 101 and protect the components from fluid ingress. The packaging 113 can restrict access to the power source 109 so that non-rechargeable power sources 109 are used.

The impact sensing device 101 can be used for different applications. In some applications the impact sensing device 101 could be for use in a vehicle. The impact sensing device 101 could be installed or otherwise attached to an appropriate part of the vehicle. This could enable information relating to impacts of the vehicle to be collected and reported as needed.

In some applications the impact sensing device 101 could be for use in a wearable device. For instance, the impact sensing device 101 could be attached to an item of clothing or attached to strap that can then be attached to an appropriate part of a user's body. In some examples the impact sensing device 101 could be provided within earbuds or other devices that could be worn in a user's ear. This can enable falls or other types of impacts to be detected. For instance, it can enable the impacts incurred during contact sports to be detected.

The impact sensing device 101 can be configured in different modes of operation. The different modes of operation can have different energy requirements.

The impact sensing device 101 can have an impact sensing mode. In the impact sensing mode the impact sensing device 101 is arranged to analyse the detected movements to identify possible impacts. The detected movements can be detected by the sensors 107. In an impact sensing mode the one or more sensors 107 can be controlled to operate with a first sampling rate. The first sampling rate can be high enough to ensure that impacts are accurately detected.

The impact sensing device 101 can also have at least one reduced power mode. In the reduced power mode the one or more sensors 107 can be controlled to operate with a second sampling rate. The second sampling rate can be lower than the first sampling rate so that the sensors 107 and the controller 103 use less power in the reduced power mode than in the impact sensing mode. The sensors 107 can still be configured to detect movement and provide some output signals to the controller 103. In the reduced power mode the controller 103 can be configured to analyse the outputs from the sensor 107 to determine if the impact sensing device 101 should exit the reduced power mode and enter an impact sensing mode.

In the reduced power mode the amount of processing performed by the controller 103 can be reduced. For instance, in the reduced power mode the seniors 107 have a reduced sampling rate and so generate less data in a time interval. The controller 103 will therefore have less data to process when the impact sensing device 101 is in a reduced power mode.

In some examples the impact sensing device 101 could have more than one reduced power mode. The different educed power modes could be categorized by different sampling rates for the sensors. For instance, a first reduced power mode could be a sleep mode in which the impact sensing device 101 makes a reduced number of measurements within a given time period and a second reduced power mode could be a deep sleep mode in which the impact sensing device makes even fewer measurements within a given time period.

The use of the reduced power modes enables the power in the power source 109 to be conserved. Through efficient use of these modes can enable an impact sensing device 101 to last for over a year depending on the size of the power source 109 and the amount the impact sensing device 101 is used. This can make the impact sensing device 101 suitable for use in vehicles or other applications.

Fig. 2 shows an example method that can be used to control an impact sensing device 101 switching from an impact sensing mode to a reduced power mode.

The method comprises, at block 201, configuring the impact sensing device 101 in an impact sensing mode. In the impact sensing mode the impact sensing device 101 is arranged to analyse detected movements to identify possible impacts. The movements can be detected by the sensors 107 of the impact sensing device 101.

At block 203 the method comprises determining that the impact sensing device 101 is to exit the impact sensing mode and enter a reduced power mode. This determination can be made based, at least in part, on the analysis of the detected movements. For instance, if detected movements are above a threshold then it can be determined that the impact sensing device 101 is to remain in an impact sensing mode. However if the detected movements are below a threshold then it can be determined that the impact sensing device 101 is to exit the impact sensing mode and enter a reduce power mode.

The detected movement being above a threshold can indicate that the impact sensing device 101 is currently moving. For instance, it could indicate that a vehicle comprising the impact sensing device 101 is moving or that the impact sensing device 101 is currently being worn by a user. In these circumstances it can be appropriate for the impact sensing device 101 to continue to monitor for impacts because there is a reasonable expectation that one could occur. However, if the detected movement is below a threshold the this can indicate that the impact sensing device 101 is not currently moving. For instance, it could indicate that a vehicle comprising the impact sensing device 101 is not moving or that the impact sensing device 101 is not currently being worn by a user. In these circumstances it can be appropriate for the impact sensing device 101 to reduce the monitoring for impacts because there is a lower expectation that one could occur.

In some examples it can be determined that the impact sensing device 101 is to enter the reduced power mode if no impacts are detected within a threshold time interval.

At block 205 the method comprises arranging the impact sensing device 101 to enter the reduced power mode. Arranging the impact sensing device 101 to enter a reduced power mode comprises configuring one or more filters for the reduced power mode. The filters are for filtering signals from the sensors 107. Changing the configuration of the filters changes which signals pass through the filter and are analysed by the controller 103. The filter settings for the reduced power mode can be higher than the filer settings for an impact sensing mode.

At block 207 the method comprises continuing to analyse detected movements to identify possible impacts while the impact sensing device 101 is being arranged to enter the reduced power mode. In some examples the impact sensing device 101 will continue to analyse detected movements after the one or more filters have been configured for the reduced power mode. The impact sensing device 101 will enter the reduced power mode based on the analysis of the detected movement. The impact sensing device 101 will enter the reduced power mode if the movements detected after the one or more filters have been configured for the reduced power mode are below a threshold. Conversely, if the movements detected after the one or more filters have been configured for the reduced power mode are above a threshold then the impact sensing device 101 will not enter the reduced power mode. If the impact sensing device 101 does not enter the reduced power mode it can remain in an impact sensing mode.

When the impact sensing device 101 is configured in the reduced power mode the impact sensing device 101 is configured to user less power compared to the impact sensing mode. In the reduced power mode a sampling rate of the one or more sensors is reduced compared to the impact sensing mode. The sampling rate is the rate at which the sensors 107 generate data.

Once the impact sensing device 101 has been configured in a reduced power mode it can be possible to reconfigure the impact sensing device 101 back in an impact sensing mode. Any suitable trigger event can be used to wake up the impact sensing device 101 from the reduced power mode and cause it to be reconfigured in an impact sensing mode. For example, the trigger event could be a timing event from an internal clock. The internal clock could be a clock of the controller 103 or any other suitable component of the impact sensing device 101. In some examples the trigger event could be a timing event for a communication system. For instance, if the impact sensing device 101 is connected to a communications network, such as a BLE network, the impact sensing device 101 can be configured to wake up and transmit a signal at regular intervals. The regular intervals could be every two seconds or any other suitable interval.

If the impact sensing device 101 detects any impacts then information relating to these impacts can be stored in the memory 105 and/or can be transmitted to an external device using the transceiver 111.

Fig. 3 shows a more detailed example method that can be used to control an impact sensing device 101 switching from an impact sensing mode to a reduced power mode.

At block 301 the impact sensing device 101 is configured in a sleep mode. The sleep mode can be a reduced power mode. In the sleep mode or other reduced power mode the sensors 107 can have a reduced sampling rate. In the sleep mode or other reduced power mode the controller 103 might not do any analysis or processing of signals from the sensors 107. Other components of the impact sensing device 101 can also be configured in lower power arrangements.

At block 303 a wake-up signal is detected. The wake-up signal can be a trigger event that causes the impact sensing device 101 to determine whether to enter an impact sensing mode. The trigger event could be a timing event from an internal clock. The timing event could be an indication that a predetermined time interval has expired.

This could enable the impact sensing device 101 to wake up and monitor for impacts at regular, predetermined intervals. Other trigger events could be used to provide a wake-up signal in other examples, for example a communication protocol could require that the impact sensing device 101 wakes up at regular intervals.

In some examples the trigger event can occur when the sensors 107 have collected enough data for analysis by the controller 103. The data collected during the reduced power mode can be used to determine if the impact sensing device 101 is moving or not. The timing of the trigger events can be controlled based on the sampling rate of the sensors 107 and the data needed for analysis so that the trigger events occur when enough data has been collected.

At block 305 the impact sensing device 101 analyses movement that has been detected by the sensors 107. The signals from the sensors 107 can be provided to the controller 103 to enable the signals to be analysed. The input signals can be filtered by the controller 103, or any other suitable means, before they are analysed.

The analysis of the signals can determine whether the movement that has been detected is sufficient to exit the reduced power mode and enter an impact sensing mode or if the impact sensing device 101 should remain in the reduced power mode.

The controller 103 can be configured to analyse the movement detected by the sensors 107. At block 307 the output of the analysis of the movement can be used to determine whether movement of the impact sensing device 101 is above a threshold.

If, at block 307, it is determined that the movement is below a threshold then the impact sensing device 101 will not enter an impact sensing mode and will return to the sleep mode, or other reduced power mode, and the process will return to block 301. If the movement is below a threshold this can indicate that there is a low chance of an impact and the impact sensing device 101 can remain in the sleep mode or other reduced power mode. For instance, if the impact sensing device 101 is used within a vehicle then the threshold for the movement could be set so as to distinguish between the vehicle being stationary and the vehicle moving. If the impact sensing device 101 is used in a wearable device then the threshold for the movement could be set so as to distinguish between a user wearing the wearable device and a user not wearing the wearing device.

If at block 307, it is determined that the movement is above a threshold then the impact sensing device 101 will proceed to block 309 and begin to enter an impact sensing mode. At block 309 the impact sensing device 101 is configured to monitor for an impact. In order to enable the impact sensing device 101 to monitor for an impact the sensors 107 can be configured with an increased sampling rate. The increased sampling rate can enable the sensors 107 to collect more sensors. The controller 103 can be configured to receive and process the signals from the sensors 107. Any filters can also be configured for the impact sensing mode.

At block 311 another wake-up signal is detected. The wake-up signal can be a trigger event that indicates that sufficient information has been collected by the sensors 107 for analysis. In some examples the wake-up signal could be provided in response to a timing event from an internal clock, an indication from a communication network or protocol or any other suitable event. The wake-up signal at block 311 could be used to wake-up the controller 103 or to wake-up any other suitable part of the impact sensing device 101. Keeping the controller 103 or other parts of the impact sensing device 101 in a sleep or reduced power configuration until the wake-up signal 311 is detected can reduce the power consumption of the impact sensing device 101.

At block 313 the signals from the sensors 107 are filtered to determine a possible impact has been detected. For example, it can be determined if an acceleration or deceleration above a predetermined threshold has been detected.

If, at block 313, a possible impact has been detected the method proceeds to block 315 and an impact detect algorithm is applied to the signals from the sensors 107. The impact detect algorithm can be performed by controller 103 of the impact sensing device 101. The impact detect algorithm can enable movements such as accelerations or decelerations in different axis to be analysed to enable impacts to be detected.

At block 317 the output of the impact detect algorithm is analysed to determine if the movement is above an impact threshold. This gives an indication of whether an impact has been detected.

If, at block 317, it is determined that the movement is above the threshold then this can be registered as an impact event. The process proceeds to block 319 and data relating to the impact event can be stored. The data can be stored in the memory 105. Any relevant data relating to the impact event can be stored. This can include the timing of the event, the movement and acceleration and deceleration on respective axis, or any other suitable data.

In some examples the data relating to the impact event could also be transmitted to an external device. The data relating to the impact event could be transmitted at regular intervals, whenever an impact event is detected, or at any other suitable time.

Once the impact event has been registered the process returns to block 309 and the sensors 107 can be used to monitor for impact again.

If, at block 317, it is determined that the movement is not above the threshold then this indicates that no impact event has occurred. As no impact event has occurred there is no need to store any data or transmit and information to an external device and so the process can return to block 309 and the sensors 107 can be used to monitor for impact again. In some examples data indicating that no impact event has occurred for a specific time interval could be stored.

If, at block 313, a possible impact has not been detected the method proceeds to block 321. At block 321 the impact sensing device 101 is configured for a sleep or other reduced power mode. At block 321 filters, and any other suitable components of the impact sensing device 101, can be configured for a sleep mode or other suitable reduced power mode.

The impact sensing device is configured to continuously analyze movement to enable possible impacts to be detected even when entering the reduced power mode. After the filters, or other components of the impact sensing device 101 are configured for the sleep mode, or other reduced power mode, then at block 323 the impact sensing device 101 analyses movement that has been detected by the sensors 107. The signals from the sensors 107 can be provided to the controller 103 to enable the signals to be analysed. The input signals can be filtered by the controller 103, or any other suitable means, before they are analysed. The filter settings as configured at block 321 could be used.

At block 325 the output of the analysis of the movement can be used to determine whether movement of the impact sensing device 101 is above a threshold.

If, at block 323, it is determined that the movement is below a threshold then the impact sensing device 101 will enter the sleep mode, or other reduced power mode and the process will return to block 301.

If at block 323, it is determined that the movement is above a threshold then the impact sensing device 101 will not enter the sleep mode or other reduced power mode.

Instead the method proceeds to block 315 and the impact detect algorithm is performed on the signals that were detected while the impact sensing device 101 was being configured for the reduced power mode.

The example invention therefore provides an impact sensing device 101 with very efficient power usage. By enabling the impact sensing device 101 to continue for monitoring for impacts while it is being configured in to a reduced power mode the impact sensing device 101 can spend less time in an impact sensing mode thereby providing more efficient power usage. Also the controller 103 only needs to be woken up after the sensors 107 have collected sufficient data. This also leads to reduced power usage. The reduced power usage means that the power source 109 of the impact sensing device 101 can last for a long time. For instance, a power source 109 in an impact sensing device 101 for use in a vehicle could last for one to two years and a power source 109 in an impact sensing device 101 that is worn by a user could last for several months.

Fig. 4 schematically shows an example controller 103 that can be used in an impact sensing device 101.

The controller 103 can be implemented as controller circuitry. The controller 103 can be implemented in hardware alone, have certain aspects in software including firmware alone or can be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

As illustrated in Fig. 4 the controller 103 can be be implemented using instructions that enable hardware functionality, for example, by using executable instructions of a computer program 405 in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor 401 that may be stored on a computer readable storage medium (disk, memory etc.) to be executed by such a processor 401.

The controller 401 comprises a processor 401 and a memory 403.

The processor 401 is configured to read from and write to the memory 405. The processor 401 may also comprise an output interface via which data and/or commands are output by the processor 401 and an input interface via which data and/or commands are input to the processor 401.

The memory 403 is configured to store a computer program 405 comprising computer program instructions (computer program code) that controls the operation of the controller 103 or impact sensing device 101 when loaded into the processor 401 The computer program instructions, of the computer program 405, provide the logic and routines that enables the controller 103 or impact sensing device 101 to perform the methods illustrated in the accompanying Figs. The processor 401 by reading the memory 403 is able to load and execute the computer program 401.

The controller 103 or impact sensing device 101 comprises: at least one processor 401; and at least one memory 403 including computer program code the at least one memory 403 and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor 401, cause the controller 103 or impact sensing device 101 at least to perform: configuring 201 the impact sensing device 101 in an impact sensing mode wherein in the impact sensing mode the impact sensing device 101 is arranged to analyse detected movements to identify possible impacts; determining 203 that the impact sensing device 101 is to exit the impact 30 sensing mode and enter a reduced power mode; arranging 205 the impact sensing device 101 to enter the reduced power mode; and continuing 207 to analyse detected movements to identify possible impacts while the impact sensing device 101 is being arranged to enter the reduced power mode.

As illustrated in Fig. 4, the computer program 405 can arrive at the controller 103 or impact sensing device 101 via any suitable delivery mechanism 407. The delivery mechanism 407 can be, for example, a machine readable medium, a computer-readable medium, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a record medium such as a Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) or a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) or a solid-state memory, an article of manufacture that comprises or tangibly embodies the computer program 405. The delivery mechanism 407 can be be a signal configured to reliably transfer the computer program 405. The controller 103 or the impact sensing device 101 can propagate or transmit the computer program 405 as a computer data signal.

The computer program 405 can therefore comprise, computer program instructions for causing a controller 103 or impact sensing device to perform at least the following or for performing at least the following: configuring 201 the impact sensing device 101 in an impact sensing mode wherein in the impact sensing mode the impact sensing device 101 is arranged to analyse detected movements to identify possible impacts; determining 203 that the impact sensing device 101 is to exit the impact sensing mode and enter a reduced power mode; arranging 205 the impact sensing device 101 to enter the reduced power mode; and continuing 207 to analyse detected movements to identify possible impacts while the impact sensing device 101 is being arranged to enter the reduced power mode.

The computer program instructions can be comprised in a computer program 405, a non-transitory computer readable medium, a computer program product, a machine readable medium. In some but not necessarily all examples, the computer program instructions can be distributed over more than one computer program 405.

Although the memory 403 is illustrated as a single component/circuitry it can be implemented as one or more separate components/circuitry some or all of which may be integrated/removable and/or may provide permanent/semi-permanent/ dynamic/cached storage.

Although the processor 401 is illustrated as a single component/circuitry it can be implemented as one or more separate components/circuitry some or all of which may be integrated/removable. The processor 401 can be a single core or multi-core processor.

References to 'computer-readable storage medium', 'computer program product', 'tangibly embodied computer program' etc. or a 'controller', 'computer', 'processor' etc. should be understood to encompass not only computers having different architectures such as single /multi-processor architectures and sequential (Von Neumann)/parallel architectures but also specialized circuits such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application specific circuits (ASIC), signal processing devices and other processing circuitry. References to computer program, instructions, code etc. should be understood to encompass software for a programmable processor or firmware such as, for example, the programmable content of a hardware device whether instructions for a processor, or configuration settings for a fixed-function device, gate array or programmable logic device etc. The blocks illustrated in the accompanying Figs may represent steps in a method and/or sections of code in the computer program 405. The illustration of a particular order to the blocks does not necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks and the order and arrangement of the block may be varied. Furthermore, it may be possible for some blocks to be omitted.

The term 'comprise' is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use 'comprise' with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to "comprising only one..." or by using "consisting".

In this description, the wording 'connect', 'couple' and 'communication' and their derivatives mean operationally connected/coupled/in communication. It should be appreciated that any number or combination of intervening components can exist (including no intervening components), i.e., so as to provide direct or indirect connection/coupling/communication. Any such intervening components can include hardware and/or software components.

As used herein, the term "determine/determining" (and grammatical variants thereof) can include, not least: calculating, computing, processing, deriving, measuring, investigating, identifying, looking up (for example, looking up in a table, a database or another data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, "determining" can include receiving (for example, receiving information), accessing (for example, accessing data in a memory), obtaining and the like. Also, " determine/determining" can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term 'example' or 'for example' or 'can' or 'may' in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus 'example', 'for example', 'can' or 'may' refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example.

Although examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not.

The term 'a', 'an' or 'the' is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a/an/the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use 'a', 'an' or 'the' with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of 'at least one' or 'one or more' may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning.

The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and also to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described.

The above description describes some examples of the present disclosure however those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of possible alternative structures and method features which offer equivalent functionality to the specific examples of such structures and features described herein above and which for the sake of brevity and clarity have been omitted from the above description. Nonetheless, the above description should be read as implicitly including reference to such alternative structures and method features which provide equivalent functionality unless such alternative structures or method features are explicitly excluded in the above description of the examples of the present disclosure.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance it should be understood that the Applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon.

I/we claim:

Claims

CLAIMS1. An impact sensing device comprising means for: configuring the impact sensing device in an impact sensing mode wherein in the impact sensing mode the impact sensing device is arranged to analyse detected movements to identify possible impacts; determining that the impact sensing device is to exit the impact sensing mode and enter a reduced power mode; arranging the impact sensing device to enter the reduced power mode; and continuing to analyse detected movements to identify possible impacts while the impact sensing device is being arranged to enter the reduced power mode.
2. An impact sensing device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the means are for determining that the impact sensing device is to exit the impact sensing mode and enter a reduced power mode based on the analysis of the detected movements.
3. An impact sensing device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein arranging the impact sensing device to enter a reduced power mode comprises configuring one or more filters for the reduced power mode.
4. An impact sensing device as claimed in claim 3 wherein the means are for analysing detected movements after the one or more filters have been configured for the reduced power mode and enabling the reduced power mode to be entered based on the analysis of the detected movement.
5. An impact sensing device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the means are for enabling the impact sensing device to enter the reduced power mode if the movements detected after the one or more filters have been configured for the reduced power mode are below a threshold.
6. An impact sensing device as claimed in any of claims 4 to 5 wherein the means are for enabling the impact sensing device to remain in an impact sensing mode if the movements detected after the one or more filters have been configured for the reduced power mode are above a threshold.
7. An impact sensing device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the detected movements are detected using one or more sensors.
8. An impact sensing device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the one or more sensors comprise a microelectromechanical device.
9. An impact sensing device as claimed in any of claims 7 to 8 wherein when the impact sensing device is configured in the reduced power mode a sampling rate of the one or more sensors is reduced compared to the impact sensing mode.
10. An impact sensing device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the means are for determining that the sensing device is to exit the impact mode if the analysis of the detected movements indicates that no impacts have been detected within a threshold time interval.
11. An impact sensing device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the means are for enabling the impact sensing device to exit the reduced power mode and enter an impact sensing mode wherein the sensing device is configured to exit the reduced power mode in response to a trigger event and the trigger event could be at least one of: a timing event from an internal clock; a timing event for a communication system.
12. An impact sensing device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the means are for storing information relating to any detected impacts.
13. An impact sensing device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the means are enabling information relating to detected impacts to be transmitted to an external device.
14. An impact sensing device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the impact sensing device is configured to be attached to a vehicle.
15. An impact sensing device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14 wherein the impact sensing device is configured to be worn by a user.
16. A method comprising: configuring the sensing device in an impact sensing mode wherein in the impact sensing mode the impact sensing device is arranged to analyse detected movements to identify possible impacts; determining that the impact sensing device is to exit the impact sensing mode and enter a reduced power mode; arranging the impact sensing device to enter the reduced power mode; and continuing to analyse detected movements to identify possible impacts while the impact sensing device is being arranged to enter the reduced power mode.
17. A computer program which, when executed by an impact sensing device enables the impact sensing device to perform: configuring the sensing device in an impact sensing mode wherein in the impact sensing mode the impact sensing device is arranged to analyse detected movements to identify possible impacts; determining that the impact sensing device is to exit the impact sensing mode 20 and enter a reduced power mode; arranging the impact sensing device to enter the reduced power mode; and continuing to analyse detected movements to identify possible impacts while the impact sensing device is being arranged to enter the reduced power mode.