This is a system, similar to the Jawbone UP or
perhaps
the Motorola MOTOACTV (will post links to both),
which consists of 3 devices: GPS & Blueooth enabled
smartphone w/associated app, active NFC
&Blueooth-
equipped lapel pin, and passive NFC*-equipped ring.
Using Bluetooth to sync with
your
GPS-enabled
smartphone, the lapel pin knows when you are at
home or someplace else, and detects when your
hand
is brought up in close proximity to your face.
Whenever you are someplace else, it tells the ring to
constrict tightly around your finger whilst gently
vibrating to remind you not to touch your face.
It works using a somewhat complicated, yet
elementary, process. The Ring consists of 3 primary
parts: passive NFC chip, constriction motor, and
vibration motor. The lapel pin consists of 2 primary
parts: Bluetooth radio and active NFC transmitter.
Your smartphone is 'brain' of the whole operation.
Using a free downloadable app, it maintains a
Bluetooth connection with the lapel pin. Using the
built-in GPS, the smartphone detects when you
leave
your home. When you leave the home, it activates
the
NFC transmitter in the lapel pin. When the passive
NFC
chip in the ring is brought within range of the lapel
pin, the constriction and vibration motors in the
ring
are activated to remind you not to touch your face.
Useful during Flu season, the rings should be
inexpensive enough due to the passive, low tech
involved in their manufacture to wear one on each
hand if necessary.
One other neat function of the ring is that is also
useful for fitness types. It can log the number of
curls (lifting dumbbells), pushups, pullups,
situps/crunches (place the lapel pin on your knee).
A passive NFC ring can also be useful for many
common household functions. Install an active NFC
device in light switches and faucets to enable
hands-free activation. Install one on your front door
for a new hands-free method of unlocking and
opening the door, which is great when carrying an
armload of groceries.
*NFC = Near Field Communication. Will post a link to
it,
as well.