PRAYER RUG, SYSTEM, AND METHOD TO DETERMINE PROGRESSION IN PRAYER

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a prayer rug (3) configured to determine a progression in prayer of a user, wherein the prayer rug (3) comprises a plurality of sensors (421, 4421, 4441), wherein the plurality of sensors comprises a first group of sensors (42), and wherein the plurality of sensors comprises a second group of sensors (44) . The present invention also relates to a method for determining a progression in prayer of a user, and to a system and a computer program product configured therefor.

Description

Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of data analysis. More particularly, it relates to a prayer rug configured to determine a progression in prayer of a user by means of a sensor. The present invention also relates to a system comprising the prayer rug configured to determine the progression in prayer of a user, and to a method and a computer program product therefor.

Background

[0002] Praying is an important tenet of most religions. As such, it forms an important part of people's lives around the world. Praying may involve following a specific, defined sequence of movements. For example, in some forms, praying may involve a person repeatedly standing upright, followed by prostration allowing the forehead to touch the surface underneath. It may be of advantage to use a prayer rug or mat when praying in this case. A prayer rug may be of further advantage in protecting a user from cold, moisture, and/or mechanical wear, especially on the knee joints, while praying on the ground, for example.

[0003] Further, a defined number of repetitions of the specific movements may be needed to be performed for each prayer session. The number of repetitions performed may define, at least in part, a progression in prayer of the user. A relevant consideration may then be to keep track of the progression in prayer. Different methods may be used to keep track of the progression in prayer. For example, a smartphone application may be used. Alternatively, an interface may be provided directly in the prayer rug that may allow the user to update their progression in the display. However, either of these solutions may involve breaking the prayer and updating the data in the application that may not be ideal.

[0004] Automatically recording the progression in prayer is also known and may be more advantageous. US 11,432,671 B2 discloses a smart prayer rug including a display screen, one or more pressure sensors, and one or more proximity sensors. The prayer rug may also include one or more speakers. The pressure sensors are configured to sense a change in pressure applied at a number of pressure points and output pressure information. The proximity sensors are configured to sense a distance an object is away from the one or more proximity sensors. The prayer rug is part of a system comprising a processor that may determine a prayer posture from the received pressure and proximity information and that may generate an alert if the determined prayer posture is detected as being incorrect.

[0005] While the solution presented in the prior art is useful, it may also have some disadvantages. A particularly relevant disadvantage may be the complexity and difficulty of use of the system.

Summary

[0006] The present invention seeks to overcome or at least alleviate the shortcomings and disadvantages of the prior art. More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a prayer rug that may be simpler, more ergonomic, and more efficient and robust to use.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a prayer rug configured to determine a progression in prayer of a user, the prayer rug comprising a sensor configured to detect a change in a physical property.

[0008] The prayer rug may comprise a plurality of sensors.

[0009] The plurality of sensors may comprise a first group of sensors.

[0010] The plurality of sensors may comprise a second group of sensors.

[0011] None of the plurality of sensors in the first group of sensors may be identical to any of the plurality of sensors in the second group of sensors.

[0012] A ratio of a minimum change detectable by a sensor in the first group of sensors to a minimum change detectable by a sensor in the second group of sensors may be between 0.001 and 1, preferably between 0.002 and 0.75, further preferably between 0.004 and 0.5.

[0013] A ratio of a maximum change detectable by a sensor in the first group of sensors to a maximum change detectable by a sensor in the second group of sensors may be between 0.05 and 1, preferably between 0.075 and 0.75, further preferably between 0.1 and 0.5.

[0014] At least one of the plurality of sensors in the first group of sensors may be significantly identical to at least one of the plurality of sensors in the second group of sensors.

[0015] A minimum distance between any of the plurality of sensors in the first group and any of the plurality of sensors in the second group may be between 10 and 100 cm, preferably between 15 and 75 cm, further preferably between 20 and 60 cm.

[0016] A maximum distance between any of the plurality of sensors in the first group and any of the plurality of sensors in the second group may be between 80 and 230 cm, preferably between 90 and 190 cm, further preferably between 100 and 150 cm.

[0017] An extension of the prayer rug in a first dimension, that may be called a length, may be between 40 and 250 cm, preferably between 60 and 210 cm, further preferably between 80 and 170 cm.

[0018] An extension of the prayer rug in a second dimension, that may be called a width, may be between 5 and 200 cm, preferably between 10 and 175 cm, further preferably between 15 and 150 cm.

[0019] The second dimension may be substantially orthogonal to the first dimension.

[0020] An extension of the prayer rug in a first dimension, that may be called a thickness, may be between 0.05 and 20 cm, preferably between 0.075 and 17 cm, further preferably between 0.1 and 15 cm.

[0021] The third dimension may be substantially orthogonal to the first dimension.

[0022] The prayer rug may comprise a plurality of sections along the first dimension.

[0023] The plurality of sections may comprise a first section and a second section.

[0024] The first section may be configured to support the forehead of the user.

[0025] The second section may be configured to support the knees of the user.

[0026] The first section may comprise the first group of sensors.

[0027] The second section may comprise the second group of sensors.

[0028] The first group of sensors and the second group of sensors may be displaced with respect to each other along the first dimension.

[0029] At least one of the plurality of sensors in the first group of sensors may be configured to be activated by an upper half of a user's body. Activation of a sensor may be defined as a change in property greater than the minimum change in property detectable by the sensor.

[0030] At least one of the plurality of sensors in the second group of sensors may be configured to be activated by a lower half of a user's body.

[0031] The plurality of sensors in the second group may comprise a plurality of sub-groups of sensors.

[0032] The plurality of sub-groups may comprise a first sub-group and a second sub-group.

[0033] The first sub-group of sensors and the second sub-group of sensors may be displaced with respect to each other along the second dimension.

[0034] A minimum distance between any of the sensors in the first sub-group and any of the sensors in the second sub-group may be between 2 and 60 cm, preferably between 4 and 50 cm, further preferably between 5 and 40 cm.

[0035] A maximum distance between any of the sensors in the first sub-group and any of the sensors in the second sub-group may be between 10 and 90 cm, preferably between 15 and 75 cm, further preferably between 20 and 60 cm.

[0036] The sensor may be configured to send data to a data processing unit.

[0037] Each of the plurality of sensors may be configured to send data to a data processing unit.

[0038] The data sent by the sensor may be representative of the change in the physical property detected by the sensor.

[0039] The prayer rug may comprise a communication unit configured to receive data from the sensor.

[0040] The communication unit may be configured to receive data from each of the plurality of sensors.

[0041] The communication unit may be configured to send the data received from the sensor to the data processing unit.

[0042] The prayer rug may comprise the data processing unit.

[0043] The data processing unit may be external to the prayer rug.

[0044] The communication unit may be configured to receive data from the data processing unit.

[0045] The data processing unit may be configured to determine a number of times the detected change in the physical property exceeds a first threshold.

[0046] The data processing unit may be configured to determine a number of times the change in the physical property detected by a sensor in the first group exceeds a first threshold.

[0047] The data processing unit may be configured to determine a time elapsed since the detected change in the physical property last exceeded the first threshold.

[0048] The data processing unit may be configured to determine the number of times the detected change in the physical property exceeds the first threshold by incrementing a counter up from a default value.

[0049] The data processing unit is configured, in response to the time elapsed exceeding a first temporal threshold, to set the counter to the default value.

[0050] The data processing unit may be configured to determine if the change in the physical property detected by a sensor in the second group exceeds a second threshold.

[0051] The data processing unit may be configured to determine a time elapsed since the change in the physical property detected by a sensor in the second group last exceeded the second threshold.

[0052] The data processing unit may be configured, in response to the time elapsed exceeding a second temporal threshold, to set the counter to the default value.

[0053] The data processing unit may be configured to determine a number of times the change in the physical property detected by a sensor in the first group exceeds the first threshold at significantly the same time as the change in the physical property detected by a sensor in the second group exceeds the second threshold. At significantly the same time may be understood to comprise at exactly the same time, or that the absolute difference of times when the change in the physical property detected by a sensor in the first group exceeds the first threshold and the change in the physical property detected by a sensor in the second group exceeds the second threshold is less than 15 seconds, preferably less than 10 seconds, further preferably less than 5 seconds.

[0054] The data processing unit may be configured to send the number of times the change in the physical property detected by a sensor in the first group exceeds the first threshold at significantly the same time as the change in the physical property detected by a sensor in the second group exceeds the second threshold. The data may be sent to a display unit and/or a speaker of the prayer rug, or to an external device.

[0055] A ratio between the first threshold and the second threshold may be between 0.001 and 1, preferably between 0.002 and 0.75, further preferably between 0.004 and 0.5.

[0056] The first temporal threshold may be greater than 20 minutes, preferably greater than 40 minutes, further preferably greater than 60 minutes, yet further preferably greater than 100 minutes.

[0057] The second temporal threshold may be greater than 30 minutes, preferably greater than 60 minutes, further preferably greater than 90 minutes.

[0058] The prayer rug may comprise a speaker configured to play an audio.

[0059] The audio may correspond to the number of times the detected change in the physical property has exceeded the first threshold.

[0060] The audio may correspond to a difference between a current value and the default value of the counter.

[0061] The prayer rug may comprise a memory unit. The memory unit may be configured to communicate with the data processing unit as described above.

[0062] The memory unit may be configured to store an audio file.

[0063] The speaker may be configured to play the audio file stored in the memory unit.

[0064] The prayer rug may comprise a card reader configured to read data stored on a memory card.

[0065] The data stored on the memory card may correspond to an audio file, and wherein the speaker may be configured to play the audio file.

[0066] The prayer rug may comprise a source of energy.

[0067] The source of energy may comprise a battery.

[0068] The source of energy may be rechargeable.

[0069] The prayer rug may comprise a display unit.

[0070] The display unit may be configured to display the number of times the detected change in the physical property has exceeded the first threshold.

[0071] The display may be configured to display a difference between a current value and the default value of the counter.

[0072] The memory unit may be configured to store the text of a prayer, and wherein the display unit may be configured to display the text of the prayer.

[0073] The sensor may comprise a piezoelectric material.

[0074] The prayer rug may comprise a plurality of layers.

[0075] The plurality of layers may be stacked atop each other along a direction significantly parallel to the third dimension.

[0076] The plurality of layers may comprise 3 layers.

[0077] The plurality of layers may comprise a first layer configured to be in contact with a surface on which the prayer rug is laid.

[0078] The first layer may comprise a waterproof material.

[0079] The plurality of layers may comprise a second layer configured to be stacked on top of the first layer.

[0080] The second layer may comprise foam, preferably memory foam. This may be of particular advantage in protecting joints, particularly the knees, of a user through cushioning.

[0081] The plurality of layers may comprise a third layer configured to be stacked on top of the second layer.

[0082] The third layer may comprise a hypoallergenic material. Alternatively, or additionally, the third layer may comprise a rug-like material.

[0083] The third layer may be sewn together with the first layer.

[0084] The third layer and the first layer may be configured to be zipped together.

[0085] A size of the memory unit may be between 50 MB and 5 GB, preferably between 75 MB and 2 GB, further preferably between 100 MB and 1 GB, yet further preferably between 125 MB and 750 MB.

[0086] A capacity of the battery may be between 3000 and 40000 J, preferably between 3500 and 37500 J, further preferably between 4000 and 35000 J.

[0087] A maximum speed of the data processing unit may be between 100 and 2000 MHz, preferably between 200 and 1500 MHz, further preferably between 400 and 1000 MHz, yet further preferably between 450 and 750 MHz.

[0088] The prayer rug may be configured to be foldable.

[0089] The prayer rug may be further configured to be rolled up.

[0090] The prayer rug may comprise compressed foam between two of the plurality of sections.

[0091] The sensor may be arranged between the first layer and the second layer. The sensor may be embedded between the first and the second layer. The sensor may be glued to the first and/or the second layer, the sensor may be positioned between the first and the second layer through friction, and/or be held with magnets.

[0092] The plurality of sensors may be arranged between the first layer and the second layer. Any of the plurality of sensors may be arranged between the first layer and the second layer as described above.

[0093] The physical property for which the sensor detects a change may comprise any of pressure, temperature, electrical resistance, and capacitance.

[0094] The sensor may comprise a pressure sensor.

[0095] A minimum change in pressure detectable by the pressure sensor may be between 500 and 7500 Pa, preferably between 750 and 5000 Pa, further preferably between 1000 and 4000 Pa.

[0096] A maximum change in pressure detectable by the pressure sensor may be between 0.3 and 5 MPa, preferably between 0.5 and 4 MPa, further preferably between 0.6 and 3 MPa.

[0097] At least one of the plurality of sensors may comprise the pressure sensor.

[0098] At least one sensor in the first group of sensors may comprise the pressure sensor.

[0099] At least one sensor in the second group of sensors may comprise the pressure sensor.

[0100] The ratio of a minimum change in pressure detectable by the at least one pressure sensor in the first group of sensors to a minimum change in pressure detectable by the at least one pressure sensor in the second group of sensors may be between 0.001 and 1, preferably between 0.002 and 0.75, further preferably between 0.004 and 0.5.

[0101] The sensor may comprise a proximity sensor.

[0102] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for determining a progression in prayer of a user, the method comprising receiving, from a sensor configured to detect a change in a physical property, data representing a detected change in the physical property, and determining if the detected change exceeds a first threshold.

[0103] The method may comprise determining a number of times the detected change exceeds the first threshold.

[0104] The method may further comprise determining the number of times the detected change exceeds the first threshold by incrementing a counter up from a default value.

[0105] The method may further comprise determining a time elapsed since the detected change exceeded the first threshold.

[0106] The method comprises, in response to the time elapsed exceeding a first temporal threshold, setting the counter to the default value.

[0107] The method may comprise receiving, from a plurality of sensors, data representing a detected change applied to any of the plurality of sensors.

[0108] A plurality of sensors may comprise a first group of sensors.

[0109] A plurality of sensors may comprise a second group of sensors.

[0110] The method may comprise determining if a change detected by a sensor in the second group of sensors exceeds a second threshold.

[0111] The method may comprise, in response to the change detected by a sensor in the second group of sensors exceeding the second threshold, determining if the detected change by a sensor in the first group of sensors exceeds the first threshold.

[0112] The method may comprise determining the number of times the change detected by a sensor in the first group of sensors exceeds the first threshold.

[0113] The method may comprise using an artificial intelligence-based model to determine if the detected change exceeds the first threshold.

[0114] The sensor may comprise a pressure sensor configured to detect a change in pressure.

[0115] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a system for determining a progression in prayer of a user, the system configured for receiving, from a sensor configured to detect a change in a physical property, data representing a detected change in the physical property, and determining if the detected change exceeds a first threshold.

[0116] The system may comprise a prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments.

[0117] The system may comprise a data processing unit configured to communicate with the prayer rug.

[0118] The system may be configured to perform the method as described above.

[0119] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program product comprising instructions, when run on a data processing unit of a system according to any of the preceding system embodiments, to perform the method according as described above.

[0120] The present invention is also described by the following numbered embodiments.

[0121] Below rug embodiments will be discussed. These are abbreviated by the letter "R" followed by a number. Whenever reference is herein made to the rug embodiments, these embodiments are meant.

[0122] R1. A prayer rug configured to determine a progression in prayer of a user, wherein the prayer rug comprises a sensor configured to detect a change in a physical property.

[0123] R2. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the prayer rug comprises a plurality of sensors.

[0124] R3. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments and with the features of embodiment R2, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises a first group of sensors.

[0125] R4. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises a second group of sensors.

[0126] R5. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment, wherein none of the plurality of sensors in the first group of sensors is identical to any of the plurality of sensors in the second group of sensors.

[0127] R6. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments and with the features of embodiment R4, wherein a ratio of a minimum change detectable by a sensor in the first group of sensors to a minimum change detectable by a sensor in the second group of sensors is between 0.001 and 1, preferably between 0.002 and 0.75, further preferably between 0.004 and 0.5.

[0128] R6.1. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments and with the features of embodiment R5, wherein a ratio of a maximum change detectable by a sensor in the first group of sensors to a maximum change detectable by a sensor in the second group of sensors is between 0.05 and 1, preferably between 0.075 and 0.75, further preferably between 0.1 and 0.5.

[0129] R7. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments and with the features of embodiment R4, but without the features of embodiment R5, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors in the first group of sensors is significantly identical to at least one of the plurality of sensors in the second group of sensors.

[0130] R8. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments and with the features of embodiment R4, wherein a minimum distance between any of the plurality of sensors in the first group and any of the plurality of sensors in the second group is between 10 and 100 cm, preferably between 15 and 75 cm, further preferably between 20 and 60 cm.

[0131] R9. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments and with the features of embodiment R4, wherein a maximum distance between any of the plurality of sensors in the first group and any of the plurality of sensors in the second group is between 80 and 230 cm, preferably between 90 and 190 cm, further preferably between 100 and 150 cm.

[0132] R10. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments, wherein an extension of the prayer rug in a first dimension, that may be called a length, is between 40 and 250 cm, preferably between 60 and 210 cm, further preferably between 80 and 170 cm.

[0133] R11. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments, wherein an extension of the prayer rug in a second dimension, that may be called a width, is between 5 and 200 cm, preferably between 10 and 175 cm, further preferably between 15 and 150 cm.

[0134] R12. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment and with the features of the penultimate embodiment, wherein the second dimension is substantially orthogonal to the first dimension.

[0135] R13. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments, wherein an extension of the prayer rug in a first dimension, that may be called a thickness, is between 0.05 and 20 cm, preferably between 0.075 and 17 cm, further preferably between 0.1 and 15 cm.

[0136] R14. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment and with the features of embodiment R10, wherein the third dimension is substantially orthogonal to the first dimension.

[0137] R15. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments and with the features of embodiment R10, wherein the prayer rug comprises a plurality of sections along the first dimension.

[0138] R16. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the plurality of sections comprises a first section and a second section.

[0139] R17. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the first section is configured to support the forehead of the user.

[0140] R18. The prayer rug according to any of the 2 preceding embodiments, wherein the second section is configured to support the knees of the user.

[0141] R19. The prayer rug according to any of the 3 preceding embodiments and with the features of embodiment R3, wherein the first section comprises the first group of sensors.

[0142] R20. The prayer rug according to any of the 4 preceding embodiments and with the features of embodiment R4, wherein the second section comprises the second group of sensors.

[0143] R21. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments and with the features of embodiments R4, and R10, wherein the first group of sensors and the second group of sensors are displaced with respect to each other along the first dimension.

[0144] R22. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment and with the features of embodiment R19, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors in the first group of sensors is configured to be activated by an upper half of a user's body.

[0145] R23. The prayer rug according to any of the 2 preceding embodiments and with the features of embodiment R20, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors in the second group of sensors is configured to be activated by a lower half of a user's body.

[0146] R24. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments and with the features of embodiment R4, wherein the plurality of sensors in the second group comprises a plurality of sub-groups of sensors.

[0147] R25. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the plurality of sub-groups comprises a first sub-group and a second sub-group.

[0148] R26. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment and with the features of embodiment R11, wherein the first sub-group of sensors and the second sub-group of sensors are displaced with respect to each other along the second dimension.

[0149] R26.1. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment, wherein a minimum distance between any of the sensors in the first sub-group and any of the sensors in the second sub-group is between 2 and 60 cm, preferably between 4 and 50 cm, further preferably between 5 and 40 cm.

[0150] R26.2. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment, wherein a maximum distance between any of the sensors in the first sub-group and any of the sensors in the second sub-group is between 10 and 90 cm, preferably between 15 and 75 cm, further preferably between 20 and 60 cm.

[0151] R27. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments and with the features of embodiment R1, wherein the sensor is configured to send data to a data processing unit.

[0152] R28. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment and with the features of embodiment R2, wherein each of the plurality of sensors is configured to send data to a data processing unit.

[0153] R29. The prayer rug according to any of the 2 preceding embodiments, wherein the data sent by the sensor is representative of the change in the physical property detected by the sensor.

[0154] R30. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments and with the features of embodiment R1, wherein the prayer rug comprises a communication unit configured to receive data from the sensor.

[0155] R31. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment and with the features of embodiment R2, wherein the communication unit is configured to receive data from each of the plurality of sensors.

[0156] R32. The prayer rug according to any of the 2 preceding embodiments and with the features of embodiment R27, wherein the communication unit is configured to send the data received from the sensor to the data processing unit.

[0157] R33. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments and with the features of embodiment R27, wherein the prayer rug comprises the data processing unit.

[0158] R34. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments and with the features of embodiment R27, but without the features of the preceding embodiment, wherein the data processing unit is external to the prayer rug.

[0159] R35. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment and with the features of embodiment R30, wherein the communication unit is configured to receive data from the data processing unit.

[0160] R36. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding embodiments and with the features of embodiment R29, wherein the data processing unit is configured to determine a number of times the detected change in the physical property exceeds a first threshold.

[0161] R37. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment and with the features of embodiment R3, wherein the data processing unit is configured to determine a number of times the change in the physical property detected by a sensor in the first group exceeds a first threshold.

[0162] R38. The prayer rug according to any of the 2 preceding embodiments, wherein the data processing unit is configured to determine a time elapsed since the detected change in the physical property last exceeded the first threshold.

[0163] R39. The prayer rug according to any of the 3 preceding embodiments, wherein the data processing unit is configured to determine the number of times the detected change in the physical property exceeds the first threshold by incrementing a counter up from a default value.

[0164] R40. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment and with the features of the penultimate embodiment, wherein the data processing unit is configured, in response to the time elapsed exceeding a first temporal threshold, to set the counter to the default value.

[0165] R40.1. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments and with the features of embodiments R4, and R29, wherein the data processing unit is configured to determine if the change in the physical property detected by a sensor in the second group exceeds a second threshold.

[0166] R41. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the data processing unit is configured to determine a time elapsed since the change in the physical property detected by a sensor in the second group last exceeded the second threshold.

[0167] R42. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment and with the features of embodiment R39, wherein the data processing unit is configured, in response to the time elapsed exceeding a second temporal threshold, to set the counter to the default value.

[0168] R42.1. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments and with the features of embodiments R37, and R40.1, wherein the data processing unit is configured to determine a number of times the change in the physical property detected by a sensor in the first group exceeds the first threshold at significantly the same time as the change in the physical property detected by a sensor in the second group exceeds the second threshold.

[0169] R42.2. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the data processing unit is configured to send the number of times the change in the physical property detected by a sensor in the first group exceeds the first threshold at significantly the same time as the change in the physical property detected by a sensor in the second group exceeds the second threshold.

[0170] R43. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments and with the features of embodiment R41, wherein a ratio between the first threshold and the second threshold is between 0.001 and 1, preferably between 0.002 and 0.75, further preferably between 0.004 and 0.5.

[0171] R44. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments and with the features of embodiment R40, wherein the first temporal threshold is greater than 20 minutes, preferably greater than 40 minutes, further preferably greater than 60 minutes.

[0172] R45. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments and with the features of embodiment R42, wherein the second temporal threshold is greater than 30 minutes, preferably greater than 60 minutes, further preferably greater than 90 minutes.

[0173] R46. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments, wherein the prayer rug comprises a speaker configured to play an audio.

[0174] R47. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment and with the features of any of embodiments R36, and R37, wherein the audio corresponds to the number of times the detected change in the physical property has exceeded the first threshold.

[0175] R48. The prayer rug according to any of the 2 preceding embodiments and with the features of embodiment R39, wherein the audio corresponds to a difference between a current value and the default value of the counter.

[0176] R49. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments, wherein the prayer rug comprises a memory unit.

[0177] R50. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the memory unit is configured to store an audio file.

[0178] R51. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment and with the features of embodiment R46, wherein the speaker is configured to play the audio file stored in the memory unit.

[0179] R52. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments, wherein the prayer rug comprises a card reader configured to read data stored on a memory card.

[0180] R53. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment and with the features of embodiment R46, wherein the data stored on the memory card corresponds to an audio file, and wherein the speaker is configured to play the audio file.

[0181] R54. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments, wherein the prayer rug comprises a source of energy.

[0182] R55. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the source of energy comprises a battery.

[0183] R56. The prayer rug according to any of the 2 preceding embodiments, wherein the source of energy is rechargeable.

[0184] R57. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments, wherein the prayer rug comprises a display unit.

[0185] R58. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding embodiments and with the features of any of embodiments R36, R37, and R42.1, wherein the display unit is configured to display the number of times the detected change in the physical property exceeds the first threshold.

[0186] R58.1. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the display unit is configured to display the number of times the change in the physical property detected by a sensor in the first group exceeds the first threshold at significantly the same time as the change in the physical property detected by a sensor in the second group exceeds the second threshold.

[0187] R59. The prayer rug according to any of the 3 preceding embodiments and with the features of embodiment R39, wherein the display is configured to display a difference between a current value and the default value of the counter.

[0188] R60. The prayer rug according to any of the 4 preceding embodiments and with the features of embodiment R49, wherein the memory unit is configured to store the text of a prayer, and wherein the display unit is configured to display the text of the prayer.

[0189] R61. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments and with the features of embodiment R1, wherein the sensor comprises a piezoelectric material.

[0190] R62. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments, wherein the prayer rug comprises a plurality of layers.

[0191] R63. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment and with the features of embodiment R13, wherein the plurality of layers is stacked atop each other along a direction significantly parallel to the third dimension.

[0192] R64. The prayer rug according to any of the 2 preceding embodiments, wherein the plurality of layers comprises 3 layers.

[0193] R65. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the plurality of layers comprises a first layer configured to be in contact with a surface on which the prayer rug is laid.

[0194] R66. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the first layer comprises a waterproof material.

[0195] R67. The prayer rug according to any of the 2 preceding embodiments, wherein the plurality of layers comprises a second layer configured to be stacked on top of the first layer.

[0196] R68. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the second layer comprises foam, preferably memory foam.

[0197] R69. The prayer rug according to any of the 2 preceding embodiments, wherein the plurality of layers comprises a third layer configured to be stacked on top of the second layer.

[0198] R70. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the third layer comprises a hypoallergenic material.

[0199] R71. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the third layer is sewn together with the first layer.

[0200] R72. The prayer rug according to the penultimate embodiment, wherein the third layer and the first layer are configured to be zipped together.

[0201] R73. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments and with the features of embodiment R49, wherein a size of the memory unit is between 50 MB and 5 GB, preferably between 75 MB and 2 GB, further preferably between 100 MB and 1 GB, yet further preferably between 125 MB and 750 MB.

[0202] R74. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments and with the features of embodiment R55, wherein a capacity of the battery is between 3000 and 40000 J, preferably between 3500 and 37500 J, further preferably between 4000 and 35000 J.

[0203] R75. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments and with the features of embodiment R27, wherein a maximum speed of the data processing unit is between 100 and 2000 MHz, preferably between 200 and 1500 MHz, further preferably between 400 and 1000 MHz, yet further preferably between 450 and 750 MHz.

[0204] R76. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments, wherein the prayer rug is configured to be foldable.

[0205] R77. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment and with the features of embodiment R15, wherein the prayer rug comprises compressed foam between two of the plurality of sections.

[0206] R78. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments and with the features of embodiment R67, wherein the sensor is arranged between the first layer and the second layer.

[0207] R79. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment and with the features of embodiment R2, wherein the plurality of sensors is arranged between the first layer and the second layer.

[0208] R80. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments, wherein the physical property comprises any of pressure, temperature, electrical resistance, and capacitance.

[0209] R81. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments, wherein the sensor comprises a pressure sensor.

[0210] R82. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment, wherein a minimum change in pressure detectable by the pressure sensor is between 500 and 7500 Pa, preferably between 750 and 5000 Pa, further preferably between 1000 and 4000 Pa.

[0211] R83. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment, wherein a maximum change in pressure detectable by the pressure sensor is between 0.3 and 5 MPa, preferably between 0.5 and 4 MPa, further preferably between 0.6 and 3 MPa.

[0212] R84. The prayer rug according to any of the 3 preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors comprises the pressure sensor.

[0213] R85. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment and with the features of embodiment R3, wherein at least one sensor in the first group of sensors comprises the pressure sensor.

[0214] R86. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment and with the features of embodiment R4, wherein at least one sensor in the second group of sensors comprises the pressure sensor.

[0215] R87. The prayer rug according to the preceding embodiment and with the features of embodiment R5, wherein the ratio of a minimum change in pressure detectable by the at least one pressure sensor in the first group of sensors to a minimum change in pressure detectable by the at least one pressure sensor in the second group of sensors is between 0.001 and 1, preferably between 0.002 and 0.75, further preferably between 0.004 and 0.5.

[0216] R88. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments, wherein the sensor comprises a proximity sensor.

[0217] Below method embodiments will be discussed. These are abbreviated by the letter "M" followed by a number. Whenever reference is herein made to the method embodiments, these embodiments are meant.

[0218] M1. A method for determining a progression in prayer of a user comprising:

receiving, from a sensor configured to detect a change in a physical property, data representing a detected change in the physical property, and

determining if the detected change exceeds a first threshold.

[0219] M2. The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the method further comprises receiving a value for the first threshold.

[0220] M2.1. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the method comprises determining a number of times the detected change exceeds the first threshold.

[0221] M3. The method according to the preceding method embodiment, wherein the method further comprises determining the number of times the detected change exceeds the first threshold by incrementing a counter up from a default value.

[0222] M4. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the method further comprises determining a time elapsed since the detected change exceeded the first threshold.

[0223] M5. The method according to the preceding embodiment and with the features of the penultimate embodiment, wherein the method comprises, in response to the time elapsed exceeding a first temporal threshold, setting the counter to the default value.

[0224] M6. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the method comprises receiving, from a plurality of sensors, data representing a detected change applied to any of the plurality of sensors.

[0225] M7. The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein a plurality of sensors comprises a first group of sensors.

[0226] M8. The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein a plurality of sensors comprises a second group of sensors.

[0227] M9. The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the method comprises determining if a change detected by a sensor in the second group of sensors exceeds a second threshold.

[0228] M10. The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the method comprises, in response to the change detected by a sensor in the second group of sensors exceeding the second threshold, determining if the detected change by a sensor in the first group of sensors exceeds the first threshold.

[0229] M11. The method according to the preceding embodiment and with the features of embodiment M2.1, wherein the method comprises determining the number of times the change detected by a sensor in the first group of sensors exceeds the first threshold.

[0230] M12. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the method comprises using an artificial intelligence-based model to determine if the detected change exceeds the first threshold.

[0231] M13. The method according to the preceding embodiment and with the features of embodiment M2.1, the method comprises using an artificial intelligence-based model to determine the number of times the detected change exceeds the first threshold.

[0232] M14. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the sensor comprises a pressure sensor configured to detect a change in pressure.

[0233] Below system embodiments will be discussed. These are abbreviated by the letter "S" followed by a number. Whenever reference is herein made to the system embodiments, these embodiments are meant.

[0234] S1. A system for determining a progression in prayer of a user configured for:

receiving, from a sensor configured to detect a change in a physical property, data representing a detected change in the physical property, and

determining if the detected change exceeds a first threshold.

[0235] S2. The system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the system comprises a prayer rug according to any of the preceding rug embodiments.

[0236] S3. The system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the system comprises an external device comprising a data processing unit, the external device configured to communicate with the prayer rug.

[0237] S4. The system according to any of the preceding system embodiments, wherein the system is configured to perform the method according to any of the preceding method embodiments.

[0238] Below computer program product embodiments will be discussed. These are abbreviated by the letter "P" followed by a number. Whenever reference is herein made to the computer program product embodiments, these embodiments are meant.

[0239] P1. A computer program product comprising instructions, when run on a data processing unit of a system according to any of the preceding system embodiments, to perform the method according to any of the preceding method embodiments.

Brief Figure Description

[0240] 

Figure 1 depicts a schematic view of a prayer rug comprising sensors; and

Figure 2 depicts typical data that may be recorded by the sensor of the prayer rug.

Detailed Figure Description

[0241] Figure 1 depicts a system 1 configured for determining a progression in prayer of a user. The system 1 may comprise an external device 2 and a prayer rug 3. The external device 2 may comprise a smartphone, a laptop, a desktop computer, a tablet, or any other suitable data processing system. The external device 2 may also comprise a remote computer and/or a remote server.

[0242] Communication between the external device 2 and the prayer rug 3 may preferably be carried out wirelessly. However, in embodiments, the communication may also be carried out over a wire. The external device 2 may comprise, for example, a communication unit that may interface with a communication unit of the prayer rug 3, via an intermediate router, for example. Thus, generally, it may be understood that the prayer rug 3 may communicate with the external device 2.

[0243] The prayer rug 3 may generally comprise a significantly planar rug, such that an extension, that may be called a thickness, of the prayer rug 3 in one dimension may be significantly smaller than an extension, that may be called a width and a length, of the prayer rug 3 in any of the 2 other dimensions. Generally, the length of the prayer rug 3 may correspond to the longest side of the prayer rug 3, while the width may correspond to the second longest side of the prayer rug 3. The prayer rug 3 may be configured for determining and/or measuring a progression in prayer of a user.

[0244] A progression in prayer may be understood to comprise data indicating how far along in a prayer is the user. For example, a prayer may require the user to bow and stand up and repeat the steps of bowing and standing up 5 times. The prayer rug 3 may then be of advantage in determining, for example, how many times the user has already bowed.

[0245] The prayer rug 3 may comprise one or more sensors 421, 4421, 4441, that may be used to determine the progression in prayer. Each of the one or more sensors 421, 4421, 4441, may be configured to detect a change in a physical property. For example, any of the one or more sensors 421, 4421, 4441, may comprise a pressure sensor that may be configured to detect a change in pressure. Alternatively, or additionally, any of the one or more sensors 421, 4421, 4441, may, for example, comprise a proximity sensor that may detect reflected radiation corresponding to emitted electromagnetic radiation and that may be configured to detect a change in the reflected radiation. Further exemplarily, any of the one or more sensors 421, 4421, 4441, may comprise a temperature sensor configured to detect a change in temperature. Any other suitable sensor may be used.

[0246] Preferably, the prayer rug 3 comprises a plurality of sensors 421, 4421, 4441. As depicted in Figure 1, the plurality of sensors 421, 4421, 4441, may comprise a plurality of groups of sensors. The plurality of groups may comprise a first group of sensors 42, comprising at least one sensor 421, and a second group of sensors 44, comprising at least one sensor 4421/4441. The second group 44 may preferably comprise a plurality of sensors 4421, 4441. The plurality of sensors 4421, 4441 may comprise a plurality of sub-groups of sensors, such as two sub-groups. As depicted in Figure 1, the second group 44 may comprise a first sub-group 442 and a second sub-groups 444 of one or more sensors.

[0247] As further depicted in Figure 1, the first group 42 of sensors and the second group 44 of sensors may be displaced with respect to each other along a dimension significantly parallel to a length of the prayer rug 3. In this regard, the displacement of the groups/sub-groups may be defined as the displacement of centroids of each of the groups/sub-groups.

[0248] Further, in some embodiments, a third group 46 of sensors may also be used. The third group 46 of sensors may also be displaced with respect to the first group 42 and the second group 44 of sensors. The third group 46 of sensors may be of particular advantage in detecting a change in physical property caused by the feet of a user. The third group 46 may also comprise a plurality of, particularly two, sub-groups of sensors, displaced with respect to each other along a dimension significantly parallel to the width of the prayer rug 3.

[0249] The first sub-group 442 and the second sub-group 444 may be displaced with respect to each other along a dimension significantly parallel to a width of the prayer rug 3. In this regard, the displacement of the sub-groups may be defined as the displacement of centroids of each of the sub-groups.

[0250] The first group 42 of sensors may comprise a plurality of sensors 421. Each of the plurality of sensors 421 may, preferably, be significantly identical to any other of the plurality of sensors 421. However, any of the plurality of sensors 421 may also be different from any of the plurality of sensors 421. For example, a minimum change in physical property detectable by a sensor 421 that lies closer to a centroid of the first group 42 may be larger than a minimum change in physical property detectable by a sensor 421 that lies farther away from a centroid of the first group 42. This may be of advantage, for example, if the sensors 421 are expected to detect a higher change in the physical property compared to sensors 421 further away.

[0251] The first sub-group 442 of sensors may comprise a plurality of sensors 4421. Each of the plurality of sensors 4421 may, preferably, be significantly identical to any other of the plurality of sensors 4421. However, any of the plurality of sensors 4421 may also be different from any of the plurality of sensors 4421. For example, the sensors 4421 may be distributed based on an expected change in the physical property to be detected by the sensors 4421 as described above for the sensors 421.

[0252] The second sub-group 444 of sensors may comprise a plurality of sensors 4441. Each of the plurality of sensors 4441 may, preferably, be significantly identical to any other of the plurality of sensors 4441. However, any of the plurality of sensors 4441 may also be different from any of the plurality of sensors 4421. For example, the sensors 4441 may be distributed based on an expected change in the physical property to be detected by the sensors 4441 as described above for the sensors 421.

[0253] Any of the plurality of sensors 4421, or 4441, may, preferably, be different from any of the plurality of sensors 421. In other words, any of the plurality of sensors in the first group 42 may, preferably, be different from any of the plurality of sensors in the second group 44. In particular, a ratio of a minimum change in the physical property detectable by a sensor 421 in the first group 42 to a minimum change in the physical property detectable by a sensor 4421/4441 in the second group 44 may be between 0.001 and 1, preferably between 0.002 and 0.75, further preferably between 0.004 and 0.5. That is, generally, the sensors 421 in the first group 42 may be configured to detect smaller changes in the physical property than the sensors 4421/4441 in the second group 44. However, in some embodiments, any of the plurality of sensors in the first group 42 may be significantly identical to any of the plurality of sensors in the second group 44.

[0254] The prayer rug 3 may comprise a plurality of sections, such as 3 sections as depicted in Figure 1. A first section may correspond to a section that may receive a forehead of a user while praying. The first group of sensors 42 may be located in the first section. A second section may correspond to a section that may receive a lower half of the body of a user while praying. The second group of sensors 44 may be located in the second section.

[0255] Within a section, the distribution of the sensors may be uniform, or, preferably, nonuniform as depicted in Figure 1. For example, as depicted in Figure 1, along a dimension significantly parallel to the width, an areal density of sensors may be high in the center in the first section, and may be decreasing away from the center. The center may correspond significantly to a location that may receive a forehead of a user when praying.

[0256] For the second section, the areal density may be high at two locations displaced with respect to each other along a dimension significantly parallel to the width, with the areal density decreasing radially outward from the two locations, for example, as depicted in Figure 2. The two locations may correspond significantly to locations that may receive the feet and/or knees of a user when praying.

[0257] The prayer rug 3 may further comprise a display 10. The display 10 may be configured to display data relating to the progression in prayer of a user. Exemplary data that may be displayed will be described further below.

[0258] The prayer rug 3 may further comprise an electronics housing 20 that may comprise one or more electronic components. For example, the prayer rug 3 may comprise a data processing unit housed in the electronics housing 20. The data processing unit may be configured to receive data related to the detected change in physical property from any of the plurality of sensors 421, 4421, 4441.

[0259] The data processing unit may be further configured to process the data received from any of the plurality of sensors 421, 4421, 4441. Exemplary analyses are described below.

[0260] The data processing unit may be configured to send data to the display 10.

[0261] The prayer rug 3 may comprise a communication unit housed within the electronics housing 20. The communication unit may be configured to communicate with the external device 2. Further, the communication unit may be configured to communicate with the data processing unit.

[0262] The prayer rug 3 may comprise a speaker housed within the electronics housing 20. The speaker may be used to play audio that may correspond, for example, to a prayer or other religious recitations. Alternatively, or additionally, the speaker may play audio relating to the progression in prayer of a user. The speaker may be configured to receive playable and/or control data from the data processing unit.

[0263] The prayer rug 3 may comprise a memory unit housed within the electronics housing 20. The memory unit may be configured to communicate with the data processing unit. The memory unit may be configured to store, for example, a prayer that may be played by means of the speaker. In particular, the communication unit, the data processing unit, and the memory unit may be used together to download prayers and/or a prayer schedule (as described further below) from the external device 2 on to the prayer rug 3.

[0264] The prayer rug 3 may comprise a slot to receive a memory card, a USB stick, a data cable, or, generally, data from any suitable data storage device housed within the electronics housing 20. Exemplary data that may be received comprise a prayer, a sermon, an audio track, or any other suitable audio.

[0265] The prayer rug 3 may comprise a microphone housed within the electronics housing 20. The microphone may be configured to communicate with the data processing unit. The microphone may be of advantage for any of voice recognition, voice commands, and assessment of user recitations. The data processing unit may be configured appropriately for processing data captured by the microphone.

[0266] The prayer rug 3 may comprise a source of energy such as a battery housed within the electronics housing 20. The battery may comprise a rechargeable battery. The electronics housing 20 may be configured to allow connecting the battery to a power grid for recharging the battery. Alternatively, or additionally, the battery may be configured to be recharged by the movements of a user during prayer. This may be achieved, for example, by using piezoelectric sensors 421, 4421, 4441, and using the electrical energy generated by the change in pressure on the sensors 421, 4421, 4441 to charge a capacitor of the battery.

[0267] Figure 1 further depicts elements 32 and 34 that may be of advantage in folding the prayer rug 3. For example, any of the elements 32 and 34 may comprise compressed foam. Alternatively, or additionally, any of the elements 32 and 34 may comprise zipping sections allowing the different parts of the prayer rug 3 to be zipped together, when in use. Generally, it may be understood that any of the elements 32 and 34 may comprise significantly complementary sections that may be used to separate and join different parts of the prayer rug 3.

[0268] Figure 2a depicts typical data 100 recorded by any sensor 421 in the first group 42 when the prayer rug 3 is in operation. Figure 2b depicts typical data 110 recorded by any sensor 4421, 4441 in the second group 44 when the prayer rug 3 is in operation. The y-axis depicts the detected change in physical property, while the x-axis depicts time. In the following, the configuration of any one of the sensors 421 and any one of the sensors 4421, 4441 will be described. Thus, whenever reference is made to "the sensor" any one of the sensors 421, 4421, or 4441 is meant.

[0269] The sensor 421 may be configured to determine if the detected change in the physical property exceeds a first threshold 102. The sensor 4421, 4441 may be configured to determine if the detected change in the physical property exceeds a second threshold 112. Note that the first threshold 102, and the second threshold 112, may be greater than or at least equal to the minimum change in property detectable by the sensor 421, 4421, or 4441. Further, the first threshold 102 may, preferably, be lower than the second threshold 112. For example, a ratio of the first threshold 102 and the second threshold 112 may be between 0.001 and 1, preferably between 0.002 and 0.75, further preferably between 0.004 and 0.5.

[0270] The data processing unit may be configured to determine a number of times the detected change in the physical property detected by the sensor 421 exceeds the first threshold 102. For example, the data processing unit may increment a counter up from a default value, every time an up-crossing of the detected change, as depicted by the dashed line 101, is detected to carry out this determination.

[0271] An up-crossing 101/111, or a down-crossing 103/113, may be determined by comparing a current detected change in the physical property to a previous detected change in the physical property. If the current detected change is greater than the threshold 102/112, and the previous detected change was lesser than the threshold 102/112, an up-crossing may be detected. If the current detected change is lesser than the threshold 102/112, and the previous detected change was greater than the threshold 102/112, an up-crossing may be detected. The data processing unit may be appropriately configured to carry out these determinations. In particular, the data processing unit may be configured to at least store the value of the previous detected change in the physical property.

[0272] The data processing unit may be configured to send the value of the counter to the display 10. Alternatively, or additionally, the data processing unit may be configured to send the value of the counter to the speaker.

[0273] Further, the data processing unit may be configured to determine if the change in the physical property detected by the sensor 4421, 4441, or, generally, a sensor in the second group 44, exceeds the second threshold 112. This may be determined by comparing the detected value of the change in the physical property to the second threshold 112.

[0274] The data processing unit may be further configured to determine a number of times the detected change in the physical property detected by the sensor 421 exceeds the first threshold 102 at significantly the same time as the change in the physical property detected by the sensor 4421, 4441, or, generally, a sensor in the second group 44, exceeds the second threshold 112. This number may correspond to the forehead being placed on the prayer rug 3 at significantly the same time as the feet/knees are being placed on the prayer rug 3, allowing a prostrate position of a user to be detected. The progression in prayer may be indicated by the number of times the prostrate position is detected.

[0275] For example, the data processing unit may increment a counter up from a default value, every time an up-crossing of the detected change, as depicted by the dashed line 101, is detected at significantly the same time as the change in the physical property detected by the sensor 4421, 4441, or, generally, a sensor in the second group 44, exceeds the second threshold 112 to carry out this determination. The data processing unit may be configured to send the value of the counter to the display 10. Alternatively, or additionally, the data processing unit may be configured to send the value of the counter to the speaker.

[0276] The data processing unit may be further configured to determine a time elapsed since the detected change in the physical property last exceeded the first threshold 102 and the second threshold 112 respectively. Note that this may generally comprise determining a time elapsed since the last up-crossing of the detected change in physical property, as depicted by the lines 101 and 111, or determining a time elapsed since the last down-crossing of the detected change in physical property, as depicted by the lines 103 and 113. Preferably, however, only the time elapsed since the last down-crossing 103, 113 may be determined.

[0277] For example, a timer may be reset every time an up-crossing (101, 111) or a down-crossing (103, 113) is encountered and its value stored before the reset.

[0278] The data processing unit may be configured to set the counter to the default value when the time elapsed since the detected change in the physical property last exceeded the first threshold 102 exceeds a first temporal threshold.

[0279] Alternatively, or additionally, the data processing unit may be configured to set the counter to the default value when the time elapsed since the detected change in the physical property last exceeded the second threshold 112 exceeds a second temporal threshold.

[0280] The first temporal threshold may be greater than 40 minutes, preferably greater than 70 minutes, further preferably greater than 100 minutes. The second temporal threshold may be greater than 30 minutes, preferably greater than 60 minutes, further preferably greater than 90 minutes.

[0281] The data processing unit may be further configured to send to the external device data relating, at least in part, to the number of times the detected change in the physical property detected by the sensor 421 exceeded the first threshold 102 at significantly the same time as the change in the physical property detected by the sensor 4421, 4441, or, generally, a sensor in the second group 44, exceeded the second threshold 112. The data may be of advantage in tracking prayer sessions of a user, for example.

[0282] The external device may be further configured to determine a time elapsed since data was last received from the prayer rug 3. This may be of advantage in alerting a user about an upcoming prayer session based on a pre-defined schedule.

[0283] The external device may comprise a user interface that may allow a user to upload data relating, for example, to prayers and/or to the pre-defined prayer schedule, to the external device, that may then be transferred to the memory unit of the prayer rug 3. For example, the external device may comprise an app that may allow the user to upload the data.

[0284] Overall, embodiments of the present technology aim to provide a prayer rug, an external device, a system comprising the prayer rug and the external device, and a method for determining the progression in prayer of a user that may be more efficient and robust, and that may provide insights into the praying behavior of the user.

[0285] While in the above, a preferred embodiment has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the skilled person will understand that this embodiment was provided for illustrative purpose only and should by no means be construed to limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the claims.

[0286] Whenever a relative term, such as "about", "substantially" or "approximately" is used in this specification, such a term should also be construed to also include the exact term. That is, e.g., "substantially straight" should be construed to also include "(exactly) straight".

[0287] Whenever steps were recited in the above or also in the appended claims, it should be noted that the order in which the steps are recited in this text may be accidental. That is, unless otherwise specified or unless clear to the skilled person, the order in which steps are recited may be accidental. That is, when the present document states, e.g., that a method comprises steps (A) and (B), this does not necessarily mean that step (A) precedes step (B), but it is also possible that step (A) is performed (at least partly) simultaneously with step (B) or that step (B) precedes step (A). Furthermore, when a step (X) is said to precede another step (Z), this does not imply that there is no step between steps (X) and (Z). That is, step (X) preceding step (Z) encompasses the situation that step (X) is performed directly before step (Z), but also the situation that (X) is performed before one or more steps (Y1), ..., followed by step (Z). Corresponding considerations apply when terms like "after" or "before" are used.

Claims

1. A prayer rug configured to determine a progression in prayer of a user, wherein the prayer rug comprises a sensor configured to detect a change in a physical property, wherein the prayer rug comprises a plurality of sensors, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises a first group of sensors, and wherein the plurality of sensors comprises a second group of sensors.

2. The prayer rug according to the preceding claim, wherein a ratio of a minimum change detectable by a sensor in the first group of sensors to a minimum change detectable by a sensor in the second group of sensors is between 0.001 and 1, preferably between 0.002 and 0.75, further preferably between 0.004 and 0.5.

3. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a minimum distance between any of the plurality of sensors in the first group and any of the plurality of sensors in the second group is between 10 and 100 cm, preferably between 15 and 75 cm, further preferably between 20 and 60 cm.

4. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the prayer rug comprises a data processing unit, and wherein each of the plurality of sensors is configured to send data to the data processing unit, wherein the data sent by the sensor is representative of the change in the physical property detected by the sensor.

5. The prayer rug according to the preceding claim, wherein the data processing unit is configured to determine a number of times the change in the physical property detected by a sensor in the first group exceeds a first threshold.

6. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding claims and with the features of claim 4, wherein the data processing unit is configured to determine if the change in the physical property detected by a sensor in the second group exceeds a second threshold

7. The prayer rug according to the preceding claim and with the features of claim 5, wherein the data processing unit is configured to determine a number of times the change in the physical property detected by a sensor in the first group exceeds the first threshold at significantly the same time as the change in the physical property detected by a sensor in the second group exceeds the second threshold.

8. The prayer rug according to the preceding claim, wherein the data processing unit is configured to send the number of times the change in the physical property detected by a sensor in the first group exceeds the first threshold at significantly the same time as the change in the physical property detected by a sensor in the second group exceeds the second threshold.

9. The prayer rug according to the preceding claim, wherein the prayer rug comprises a display unit, wherein the display unit is configured to display the number of times the change in the physical property detected by a sensor in the first group exceeds the first threshold at significantly the same time as the change in the physical property detected by a sensor in the second group exceeds the second threshold.

10. The prayer rug according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor comprises a pressure sensor.

11. A method for determining a progression in prayer of a user comprising:

receiving, from a sensor configured to detect a change in a physical property, data representing a detected change in the physical property, and

determining if the detected change exceeds a first threshold.

12. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the method further comprises receiving a value for the first threshold, and wherein the method comprises determining a number of times the detected change exceeds the first threshold.

13. A system for determining a progression in prayer of a user configured for:

receiving, from a sensor configured to detect a change in a physical property, data representing a detected change in the physical property, and

determining if the detected change exceeds a first threshold.

14. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein the system comprises a prayer rug according to any of the claims 1 to 10.

15. A computer program product comprising instructions, when run on a data processing unit of a system according to any of the 2 preceding claims, to perform the method according to any of the claims 11 and 12.

Drawing