U.S. patent application number 12/938959 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-17 for location-based personal emergency response system.
This patent application is currently assigned to VOCARE, INC.. Invention is credited to Steven R. Peabody.
Application Number | 20110281550 12/938959 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43062616 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110281550 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Peabody; Steven R. |
November 17, 2011 |
Location-Based Personal Emergency Response System
Abstract
A safety system comprising a plurality of wearable transceiver
devices for operation in independent use with a plurality of a
landline-based phone and a cell phone to establish contact between
a user of a wearable transceiver device and a central monitoring
station. The wearable transceiver devices sense a crash or a fall
and notify a monitor by a landline-based phone or a cell phone of
this incident and the assisted GPS determined location of the
incident. The information is provided to the monitor a short
predetermined time following activation unless the device is
deactivated by pressing a communication button. When the device has
not been activated by a crash or fall, the user may press the
communication button to communicate with the monitor to obtain a
wide variety of services. A cell phone having reserve batteries,
accelerometers, and assisted GPS location capabilities is also
disclosed.
Inventors: |
Peabody; Steven R.;
(Zionsville, IN) |
Assignee: |
VOCARE, INC.
Indianapolis
IN
|
Family ID: |
43062616 |
Appl. No.: |
12/938959 |
Filed: |
November 3, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12387938 |
May 11, 2009 |
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12938959 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/404.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 11/04 20130101;
H04M 1/72424 20210101; G08B 25/016 20130101; H04W 4/90 20180201;
H04W 76/50 20180201; H04W 88/02 20130101; G08B 25/001 20130101;
H04M 1/72412 20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/404.2 |
International
Class: |
H04W 4/22 20090101
H04W004/22 |
Claims
1. An emergency communications system comprising: at least one cell
phone including a global positioning system (GPS) device configured
to provide geographical coordinates for the at least one cell
phone; at least one home-based phone; a central monitoring station
having at least one human monitor, the at least one central
monitoring station configured to receive telephone calls from the
at least one cell phone and the at least one home-based phone; and
at least one wearable transceiver device comprising an emergency
communications activation feature and configured to transmit an
emergency communications signal intended to cause the at least one
cell phone or the at least one home-based phone to establish
communications with the central monitoring station, wherein the at
least one wearable transceiver is configured to transmit the
emergency communications signal in response to triggering of the
emergency communications activation feature, and wherein the
geographical coordinates for the at least one cell phone are sent
to the central monitoring station after communications with the
central monitoring station are established.
2. The emergency communications system of claim 1 wherein the at
least one wireless transceiver device is configured to receive a
wireless signal transmitted from another wearable transceiver
device and re-transmit the received wireless signal.
3. The emergency communications system of claim 1 wherein the at
least one wearable transceiver device comprises a first wearable
transceiver device and a second wearable transceiver device, the
first wearable transceiver device having a first RFID signature
that and the second wearable transceiver device having a second
RFID signature that is different from the first RFID signature, and
wherein an indication of the wearable transceiver device that
transmitted the emergency communication signal is sent to the
central monitoring station after communication with the central
monitoring station is established based on detection the first RFID
signature or the second RFID signature.
4. The emergency communications system of claim 1 wherein the
emergency communications signal is intended to cause the at least
one home-based phone to establish communications with the central
monitoring station if the home-based phone is detected by the cell
phone or the at least one wearable transceiver device, and wherein
the emergency communications signal is intended to cause the at
least one cell phone to establish communications with the central
monitoring station if the home-based phone is not detected by the
cell phone or the at least one wearable transceiver device.
5. The emergency communications system of claim 1 wherein the
home-based phone is configured to dial a preprogrammed number in
order to establish communications with the central monitoring
station when the emergency communications signal is received by the
home-based phone.
6. The emergency communications system of claim 5 wherein the cell
phone is configured to dial the preprogrammed number in order to
establish communications with the central monitoring station when
the emergency communications signal is received by the cell phone
and the home-based phone is not detected by the cell phone or the
at least one wearable transceiver device.
7. The emergency communications system of claim 1 wherein the
home-based phone is a landline-based phone.
8. The emergency communications system of claim 1 wherein the at
least one wearable transceiver device includes a first sensor
configured to detect a perceived fall and a second sensor
configured to detect a perceived crash, and wherein the at least
one wearable transceiver device is configured to transmit the
emergency communication signal when a perceived fall or a perceived
crash is detected.
9. The emergency communications system of claim 8 wherein the first
sensor and the second sensor are provided by at least one
accelerometer, wherein the at least one accelerometer detects a
perceived fall at 1 G to 5 G and detects a perceived crash at 5 G
or more.
10. The emergency communications system of claim 8 wherein the at
least one wearable transceiver device is configured to provide an
audible warning before the emergency communication signal is
transmitted when a perceived fall or a perceived crash is
detected.
11. The emergency communications system of claim 1 wherein GPS
device is an assisted GPS chip.
12. The emergency communications system of claim 1 wherein the
emergency communications activation feature on the at least one
wearable transceiver device is a button with a raised ring around
the button.
13. The emergency communications system of claim 1 wherein the at
least one wearable transceiver device includes an audible alarm,
wherein the audible alarm is triggered when the at least one
transceiver device is moved a predetermined distance away from the
cell phone or the home-based phone.
14. The emergency communications system of claim 1 wherein the at
least one wearable transceiver device is further configured to
transmit the emergency communications signal when the at least one
transceiver device is moved a predetermined distance from the cell
phone or the home-based phone.
15. The emergency communications system of claim 1 wherein the at
least one wearable transceiver device is provided as a key fob, a
pendant, or a belt clip.
16. An emergency communications system comprising: at least one
cell phone; at least one home-based phone; a central monitoring
station having at least one human monitor, the at least one central
monitoring station configured to receive telephone calls from the
at least one cell phone and the at least one home-based phone; and
a plurality of wearable transceiver devices, each of the wearable
transceiver devices comprising an emergency communications
activation feature, each of the wearable transceiver devices
configured to transmit a signal intended to cause the at least one
cell phone or the at least one home-based phone to call the central
monitoring station in response to triggering of the emergency
communications activation feature, and each of the wearable
transceiver devices configured to receive a wireless signal
transmitted from other of the wearable transceiver devices and
re-transmit such received wireless signal.
17. The emergency communications system of claim 16 wherein the at
least one cell phone includes a global positioning system (GPS)
device configured to provide geographical coordinates for the cell
phone, wherein the geographical coordinates for the at least one
cell phone are sent to the central monitoring station in response
to triggering of the emergency communications activation
feature.
18. The emergency communications system of claim 16 wherein the
emergency communications activation feature is a button on the
wearable transceiver device.
19. The emergency communications system of claim 16 wherein the
emergency communications activation feature is configured to be
triggered upon detection of a perceived fall, a perceived crash, a
distance from the cell phone or a distance from the home-based
phone.
20. The emergency communications system of claim 16 wherein the
plurality of wearable transceiver devices include a first wearable
transceiver device and a second wearable transceiver device, the
first wearable transceiver device having a first RFID signature
that and the second wearable transceiver device having a second
RFID signature that is different from the first RFID signature, and
wherein an indication of the wearable transceiver device that
transmitted the emergency communication signal is sent to the
central monitoring station after communication with the central
monitoring station is established based on detection the first RFID
signature or the second RFID signature.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/387,938, filed May 11, 2009.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1) Field
[0003] The field of the system described herein is security and
safety systems for combining a plurality of wearable transceiver
devices with cell phones or land-line based phones to establish
contact with central monitoring systems.
[0004] 2) Description of the Related Art
[0005] According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety
Administration, the first 60 minutes of care after a multiple
trauma injury are crucial. Trauma experts often refer to this
crucial life or death time period as the "Golden Hour." Experts in
the field have determined that during the Golden Hour the
likelihood of death increases 1 percent for every minute lost
before emergency care arrives.
[0006] Falls are one of the most serious health risks among seniors
over the age of 65, affecting more people than stroke and heart
attacks combined. More than half of all falls by seniors take place
in the home. 50% of people who fall require assistance from someone
else to get up. Getting help quickly after a fall reduces risk of
hospitalization by 26% and death by over 80%. After a fall or other
emergency, 90% of people who get help within one hour will continue
independent living, but after 12 hours without help only 10% of
people will continue to live at home. (New England Journal of
Medicine)
[0007] Senior citizens age 70 and over have the greatest risk of
fire death. The fire death risk among seniors is more than double
the average population.
[0008] Senior citizens are also subject to Alzheimer's disease. One
feature of this condition is the patient may wander from home and
get lost. Another feature is that the patient may not be able to
give his or her name and address to strangers so that they may be
of assistance.
[0009] Older adults want to use technology to age safely in their
homes, but 80 percent of people 65-plus are not willing to pay more
than $50 a month for the technology, a new AARP study says. The
report found that people 65-plus want to try technology like home
security services, sensors to detect falls, and devices to regulate
temperature, lights and appliances, but are worried about
installation and maintenance costs and technical issues.
[0010] "Almost nine in ten older Americans want to be able to stay
in their own homes and they are willing to use technology that can
help them do that," says Eleanor Ginzler, AARP Sr. Vice President
for Livable Communities.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,115,224, granted to Kostusiak et al May 19,
1992, describes a personal security system wherein a portable
transmitter sends an emergency signal to several transceivers. One
of the transceivers produces an alarm signal and sends the alarm
signal to a central station.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,370, granted to Kearns et al Apr. 19,
1994, describes a personal security system having a portable
transmitter operable by the user, which transmitter can be operated
in an emergency. Activation of the transmitter causes a base unit
to operate a telephone line and dial 9-1-1. The telephone line also
opens a two-way speaker system to allow voice-to-voice contact
between the user and the emergency response monitor. The
transmitter contains an emergency activation button to initiate the
call and a cancel switch to end the calling process.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,742,233, granted to Huffman et al Apr. 21,
1998, describes a personal security and tracking system in which a
remote alarm switch may be carried by a user. When the user
activates the switch a portable signaling unit carried by the user
sends a transmission which includes geographical location to a
central dispatch station.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,044,257, granted to Boling et al Mar. 28,
2000, describes a cellular phone containing a large button which,
when pressed, establishes voice-to-voice contact with an emergency
response center. The cellular phone also carries a GPS system so
that the emergency response center becomes aware of the phone's
location.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 6,166,639, granted to Pierce et al Dec. 26,
2000, describes a personal emergency response system comprising a
sensor to be worn by the user. When the sensor is activated,
distress information is transmitted from the sensor to a central
monitoring station via a receiver, an auto-dialer, and a telephone
line and voice-to-voice communication between the user and the
station is established.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6,169,484, granted to Schuchman et al Jan. 2,
2001, describes a personal location system wherein users carry RF
transponders provided with digital electronic identification
numbers and emergency switches. There is a service center which
monitors the location of the users who should remain within
prescribed local areas.
[0017] US Published Application No. 2003/0027547 filed by Wade on
Jul. 16, 2001 describes an emergency communication system in which
the user carries a wireless transceiver which, when activated,
signals a base unit which in turn connects the user to a central
monitoring station.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 7,231,200, granted to Jenkins Jun. 12, 2007,
describes a personal emergency communication system wherein a
user-carried portable communications unit has a single button
which, when depressed by the user, wirelessly sends a call request
signal to a base unit. The base unit places a telephone call to an
emergency response center and puts an emergency operator in
voice-to-voice communication with the user.
[0019] Each of the above disclosures is incorporated herein by
reference.
SUMMARY
[0020] The present system addresses the issue of providing rapid
emergency response following a vehicle crash and the issue of
aiding the elderly to live in their own homes while assuring rapid
contact with assistance providers in the event such assistance is
needed.
[0021] The present system is concerned with security and safety
systems. The wearable transceiver devices of these systems refers
to devices which may be worn or carried by a plurality of users in
the same family or other group in or near their own dwelling areas
or while traveling. The wearable transceiver device may take the
form of key fobs, pendants, belt clips, and watches. When the user
is at a long distance from his or her dwelling area it is necessary
that the user also carry a cell phone allowing the person to be
directly connected with a central monitoring station, an emergency
response dispatcher, or a caregiver. Technically, a cell phone is a
wearable transceiver device. However, in the present description
and claims cell phones are expressly excluded from the grouping
described by this term. The cell phone contains an assisted GPS
chip to allow the determination of the geographical coordinates of
the cell phone. The cell phone has the ability to establish
voice-to-voice contact between the wearable transceivers and the
central monitoring station.
[0022] The wearable transceiver devices may be equipped with two
3-axis G-Force sensors, one programmed to be capable of detecting
the event of a crash and the other being programmed to be capable
of detecting the event of a perceived fall so that the device is
capable of sensing a crash or fall. In the event of a crash or
fall, the sensor activates a transmitter carried by the wearable
transceiver device. Unless the transmitter is deactivated by the
pressing of a communication button carried by the wearable
transceiver device within a predetermined time, the device will
remotely connect with either a cell phone or a land-line based
phone to automatically dial a number connecting the wearable
transceiver device with a central monitoring station. The cell
phone also sends the geographical coordinates of the device via
SMS.
[0023] The wearable transceiver devices may connect with the
central monitoring station through either a cell phone or land-line
based phone if the user presses the communication button. In
connecting to the central monitoring station, the cell phone sends
the geographical coordinates as well as the ability to begin
voice-to-voice communication. A plurality of persons in the same
family or other group may be protected by the same system
simultaneously.
[0024] In order to insure the existence of battery power the
wearable transceiver devices and the cell phone are equipped with
reserve batteries which can provide emergency power to the main
batteries in the event the main batteries lose their charge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 depicts a user wearing a pendant protected by both a
cellular phone and a landline-based phone.
[0026] FIG. 2 depicts a plurality of devices which would allow
users to talk to the central monitoring station by connection to
cell phone or a landline-based phone.
[0027] FIG. 3 depicts how a user outside the home would be
protected by the cooperative use of the pendant and a cell
phone.
[0028] FIG. 4 shows the pendant alarm in two safe zones. It is
capable of contacting the cell phone and also the landline-based
phone.
[0029] FIG. 5 shows two pendants, one being capable of connecting
with a cell phone due to the proximity of the pendant and cell
phone, and one being capable of connecting with a landline-based
phone due to the proximity of the pendant and phone. The outer
circle in each instance shows a geo-fence or outer range inside
which the pendant can connect with the phone. The inner circle in
each instance shows the range which will trigger an alarm should
the pendant go outside of that range.
[0030] FIG. 6 is an elevated perspective view of a cell phone
having conventional batteries and reserve batteries.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] With reference to FIGS. 1-5, at least one embodiment of a
safety and security system 2 is shown which is capable of
connecting users 4 to central monitoring stations 6. The system 2
is made up of wearable transceiver devices 8 which may take the
form of key fobs, pendants, belt clips, and watches; a home-based
stationary land-line based phone 10; a portable cell phone 12; cell
phone towers 14 having geographical coordinate determining
equipment; GPS-determining satellites 16; and a central monitoring
station 6 having human monitors 18.
[0032] The wearable transceiver device 8 has a water-tight casing
which permits the user 4 to carry it or wear it around the wrist or
neck while in the shower. The wearable transceiver device 8
contains a small radio signal transceiver which may be worn or
carried on the person. The wearable transceiver device 8 contains a
speaker allowing the device 8 to be a speaker phone. The wearable
transceiver device 8 has one accelerometer to determine the event
of a fall and a second accelerometer to determine the event of a
crash. The wearable transceiver device 8 has an audible timer which
alerts the user 4 that a crash or fall event message will be sent
to the central monitoring station 6 unless the transmitter is
inactivated within a given time. The wearable transceiver device 8
has a communication button 20 which may be used to prevent the
wearable transceiver device 8 from sending an unnecessary message
indicating a fall or crash. The communication button 20 can also be
pushed to put the user 4 in voice-to-voice communication with the
central monitoring station 6. The wearable transceiver device 8
communicates with the cell phone 12 or the home-based unit 10 via
the well-known Zigbee radio signal transmission.
[0033] In at least one embodiment, one of the features of the
wearable transceiver devices 8 is built-in crash or perceived fall
detection feature which is a 3-axis G-force sensor accelerometer
programmed to report a fall upon a 1-5 G activation and a 3-axis
G-force sensor accelerometer programmed to report a crash upon a 5
or more G activation. An example of such a feature is the BMA 150
device provided by Bosch. Another example is the triaxial
accelerometer combined with two-way transceiver made available by
Zigbee. When sensing a crash or perceived fall, data are calculated
in the delta velocity (Delta V), which is the most accurate
measurement. The knowledge of this data allows a monitor 18 to
determine the severity of a crash and to inform the rescue
personnel of what might be expected. Note that the sensor may be
activated to send a preprogrammed signal to the land-line based
phone 10 or the cell phone 12 by the user 4 falling or by the user
4 simply dropping the wearable transceiver device 8. The sensor
appreciates a sudden change in velocity but does not appreciate the
distinction between these two events and in this specification the
term "perceived fall" is used to describe both events. An
accelerometer may be programmed to be activated by a 1 G force
change which would indicate a fall and another accelerometer may be
programmed to be activated by a 5 G force change which would
indicate a crash.
[0034] In at least one embodiment, the cell phone 12 contains an
assisted GPS chip (AGPS). The AGPS operates as follows. From a cold
boot-up, a regular (non-assisted) GPS receiver requires a strong
signal in order to search and discover satellite 16 signals, decode
information relating to satellite 16 positioning, and then
calculate its position. This process can sometimes take up to
several minutes depending on initial signal strength. This startup
time is why GPS users don't like to turn off their GPS receivers.
However, an always-on connection is a major problem for battery
life in a cell phone 12. AGPS discovers its position with the help
of GPS equipment at cell phone towers 14, which maintain a constant
strong connection to GPS satellites 16. The cell phone towers 14
use approximate positioning of the cell phone 12 and send
pre-decoded ephemeris satellite positioning and clock information
to the cell phone 12. The result is that the cell phone will
provide its position quickly, and thus be more conducive to having
its GPS turned off and on to save the battery.
[0035] As noted above, the wearable transceiver devices 8 may have
accelerometer sensors which detect a perceived fall or a crash.
Upon being activated by a perceived fall or crash the appropriate
sensor activates a count-down timer in the transmitter. The timer
contains a warning means which audibly counts down from a preset
number of seconds (preferably 15) to zero. Prior to the time the
timer reaches zero, the user 4 may deactivate the transmitter by
pressing the below-described communication button 20. The warning
means serves to alert the user 4 that a call will be made unless
the timer is deactivated. If the timer is not deactivated within
the given period of time, the transmitter will send a signal to the
home-based landline-based phone 10 or cell phone 12 by the Zigbee
system. The transmitter communicates preferably with a
landline-based phone 10. In the event such a landline-based phone
10 cannot be detected, the notification system will search for a
cell phone 12. If data cannot be sent by one route, the device 8
will automatically select the next best route. Redundant routes
which communicate with each other insure high reliability. From any
given device 8 there are many different routes the data can take.
The dynamic process of polling the network to find the quickest,
most reliable, data path is a continual process. If any remote
sensor devices in the network are unable to store and forward the
data, then the network immediately analyzes and selects an
alternate route insuring that the communications gets through to
the cell phone 12 or landline-based phone 10. The signal received
by the cell phone 12 or landline-based phone 10 activates the phone
10 12 to dial the preprogrammed number of the central monitoring
station 6. The landline-based phone 10 makes a direct wire
connection with the central monitoring station 6. The cell phone 12
uses the Zigbee system to constantly self-adjust communication
routes to connect with and optimize the flow of information to the
central monitoring station 6. This "smart routing" means the
network is continually optimizing the pattern of communications to
ensure the quickest, most reliable, path to the monitor 18. Upon
being connected with the central monitoring station 6 the cell
phone 12 will transmit the AGPS-determined location cell phone 12
to the central monitoring station 6 via SMS and voice-to-voice
connection will be established between the user 4 and the human
monitor 18.
[0036] A communication button 20 is a prominent feature of the
wearable transceiver device 8. This button 20 may be the only
button on the wearable transceiver device 8 or it may be one of up
to three buttons. When there are other buttons on the device, this
button 20 is larger than the others and, when appropriate,
centrally located. This makes it easier for a visually handicapped
user 4 or a user 4 in a panic mode to find the button 20. To
minimize the possibility of false alarms, it is preferred that this
button 20 be located at a lower level than the plane of the surface
of the wearable transceiver device 8 and to maximize the ease with
which the button 20 may be found, it is preferred that there be a
raised ring around the button 20. This button 20 may be pushed
while the timer is announcing the time remaining before the
transmitter will contact the central monitoring station 6 in order
to inactivate the transmitter. This button 20 may also be pushed by
the user 4 under normal conditions to transmit a preprogrammed
signal to the cell phone 12 or landline-based phone 10 to access
the number of a central monitoring station 6 through a home-based
landline phone 10 or a cell phone 12 to send the geographical
coordinates of the cell phone 12 to the human monitor 18 via SMS
and put the user 4 in voice-to-voice contact with the human monitor
18 using the transmitter and receiver of the wearable transceiver
device 8.
[0037] The specification and claims will use the expression "human
monitor" 18 to cover someone who is employed by, or otherwise
associated with, the provider of the wearable transceiver devices 8
as well as private caregivers or public safety departments. It
should be understood that the landline-based phone 10 and the cell
phone 12 may be preprogrammed to contact any desired number. The
human monitor 18 at the central monitoring station 6 is available
at all times and may assist the user 4 in a variety of ways. The
human monitor 18 at the central monitoring station 6 is trained in
understanding the needs of at-risk individuals and emergency
response protocol so that the human monitor 18 is able to handle
each situation appropriately and efficiently. The human monitor 18
may dispatch proper help to the user's 4 location. Since the system
2 uses voice-to-voice technology, the human monitor 18 can
determine the needs of the user 4. Even if the user 4 cannot speak,
the monitor 18 has instant access to key details of the user's 4
health history, a listing of key contacts, a listing of current
medications, and a listing of allergies. The human monitor 18 is
thus capable of calling the most appropriate source of assistance.
This may be the local emergency response team and a neighbor who
has a key to the user's 4 dwelling place to allow the emergency
response team to enter the dwelling place of the user 4 without
having to break down a door. The human monitor 18 has a prioritized
list of caregivers who should be contacted in the event of an
incident requiring caregiver assistance. The human monitor 18 stays
connected to the user 4 until the proper source of assistance has
arrived.
[0038] A push of the communication button 20 connects the user 4
with a central monitoring station 6 when roadside assistance is
needed and the human monitor 18 can direct appropriate assistance
personnel to the vehicle. In the event of a widespread disaster, a
push of the communication button 20 connects the user 4 with a
human monitor 18 who can reestablish contact between the user 4 and
other users 4 in the family, help guide the user 4 out of danger,
and help to obtain water, food, etc.
[0039] The human monitor 18 may supply the user 4 with local
weather reports, local traffic reports, and current stock
quotes.
[0040] The human monitor 18 can keep track of the speed of a
vehicle and the location of a vehicle. The user 4 may be notified
when predetermined limits are exceeded. These services may be of
value to owners of a stolen vehicle or parents of teenage
drivers.
[0041] The geo-fence 24 will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 4
and 5. The user 4 may establish a geo-fence 24 in a conventional
manner. If a user 4 having a wearable transceiver device 8 moves
outside the range of the cell phone 12 or the landline-based phone
10 an alarm event will be triggered. If the user 4 having a
wearable transceiver device 8 but not having a cell phone 12 starts
to go from inside to outside the alarm boundary 26 which is set a
predetermined distance, e.g., 75 yards inside of the perimeter of
the geo-fence 24, the device 8 starts to beep for 15 seconds,
warning the user 4 that the user 4 will not be protected outside of
the geo-fence 24. If the user 4 having a wearable transceiver
device 8 but no cell phone 12 moves outside the geo-fence 24 the
human monitor 18 would automatically be notified. In this way a
user 4 with dementia can be alerted that he or she should not
continue to stray from a pre-defined area. Also, the GPS function
of the cell phone 12 can be used to locate the user 4 in the event
the user 4 carrying a cell phone 12 happens to get lost.
[0042] In at least one embodiment, a plurality of users 4 may carry
and operate a plurality of wearable transceiver devices 8
associated with the same home-based land-line phone 10 or cell
phone 12. The cell phone 12 and the land-line based phone 10 can
work either independently or in conjunction with each other;
however if an emergency event is triggered either phone 10 12 can
independently call the central monitoring station 6. Thus, if there
are two users 4 living together and they both require a wearable
transceiver device 8 they would both be protected by the same
home-based landline phone 10 or cell phone 12.
[0043] The wearable transceiver devices 8 contain small
transceivers which send and receive radio signals via the Zigbee
system. These devices 8 communicate directly with the home-based
landline phone 10 or cell phone 12. The home-based phone 10 and
cell phone 12 have RF receivers and transmitters which allow them
to use the Zigbee radio system to communicate with the wearable
transceiver device 8 and with cell phone towers 14 using radio
signals. The cell phone towers 14 can communicate with the
satellite 16 of the GPS system using radio signals and with the
cell phones 12 or home-based phones 10 using the Zigbee system
radio system. Each of the cell phone 12 and the landline-based
phone 10 contains a memory which allows it to store phone numbers
the user 4 might wish to contact, including that of the central
monitoring station 6.
[0044] A single user 4 or several users 4 may utilize the same
system 2 at any given time. Each user 4 can be identified because
the wearable transceiver device 8 has an RFID signature that allows
the central monitoring station 6 to know which wearable transceiver
device 8, and therefore which user 4, is making a call. For
instance, if several users 4 are in a retirement home they can all
be protected on the landline-based phone 10 and if for some reason
two users 4 send alarms to the central monitoring station 6 at the
same time, the central monitoring station 6 would search for the
cellular system 2 protecting more than one person 4 at the same
time. The RFID identifies a particular user 4 and the central
monitoring station 6 has medical information such as allergies,
medical history, present medical condition, and present medications
on file. Thus, in notifying an emergency response team, useful
information concerning the patient 4 may be known by the team
before they reach the patient 4, saving valuable time.
Example 1
[0045] Person One 4 leaves the house with his wearable transceiver
device 8 and cell phone 12 and goes outside the geo-fence 24 but
still within range of the wearable transceiver device 8 of Person
Two 4. Because of the cell phone 12, he is protected as long as the
cell phone 12 can contact the central monitoring station 6. Person
Two 4, who is at home, slips and falls while wearing a wearable
transceiver device 8 and person One 4 is unaware of this. However,
the fall sensor in the wearable transceiver device 8 detects a fall
and contacts the central monitoring station 6 via the
landline-based phone 10.
[0046] Even if the landline-based phone 10 became unavailable
because of cut or downed wires the cell phone 12 would still be
available to contact the central monitoring station 6.
Example 2
[0047] In at least one embodiment, one of the wearable transceiver
devices 8 is a key fob. One particular embodiment of a key fob is
set forth below.
[0048] Size: 2.50 inches by 1.96 inches by 0.78 of an inch
thick
[0049] LCD screen size is 1.02'' (L).times.0.92'' (W)
[0050] Cold/Warm/Hot start time; 42/38/1 second
[0051] Sensitivity -159 dBm tracking
[0052] Battery Solution: Lithium with AAA backup power from
Techtium BackuPower TEC103+TEC2020-
[0053] Optional Batteries--With reference to FIG. 6, the key fob
device uses lithium for the primary battery and can use a variety
of AAA batteries for backup charging the primary batteries up to
3-hour talk time in the same manner as provided for the cell phone
of FIG. 6. Nickel cadmium batteries (NI--NH) which allow the device
to keep 85% of its charge for over 3 years if the device is not
activated or alkaline batteries can give up to 10 year shelf life.
The battery will be fully charged prior to shipping the product.
This allows the device to be stored and used as needed without
losing any power.
[0054] Optional 4 MB flash memory for data logging and/or mapping
for different regions
[0055] Built-in high-performance speaker microphone (speaker
phone)
[0056] LED Flashlight
[0057] Ultra-low-power consumption Atmel AVR32UC3B processor
[0058] Stand by time 30 days
[0059] Mini USB port for charging and data exchanging
[0060] Induction charging plate that allows the user to simply
place the device on the charging plate for re-charge (no need for
charging cable)
[0061] GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (default tri-bands)
[0062] Polyphonic for ring tones
[0063] Vibration engine
[0064] Low-battery power alarm
[0065] Way-back feature
[0066] Firmware upgrade remotely (update phone book remotely)
[0067] Voice communication: GSM/GPRS simultaneously
[0068] SIM 10 code setting
[0069] SMS Protocol to reduce bandwidth
[0070] GPRS class 10, 10 cp/udp
[0071] Easy-to-read large white-on-black display
[0072] Emergency SOS Panic Button
[0073] Extra Loud +100 dB Ringer
[0074] Red LED to indicate out of range
[0075] A second button activates a 95-decibel panic alarm
[0076] 3-axis G-force sensor accelerometer from Bosch BMA150. Crash
data are calculated in the delta velocity (Delta V)
[0077] Certified to Military Standard 810 F for dust, shock,
vibration, temperature extremes, low pressure, and solar radiation.
It performs in extreme outdoor environments and stands up to dusty
environments, drops, exposure to vibration from heavy machinery
use, and hot/cold climates.
[0078] Certified to Military Standard 810 F for rain, humidity, and
salt fog. It is designed to withstand exposure to rain, sleet, and
snow. It has rubber casing, interior linings and connections
against water trusion.
[0079] Speaker: 50 mm, high-power 105 dB output powerful speaker
with 3-W output. It has crystal clear sound quality and DSP
noise-filtering flat-speaker technology (only 6 mm thin in speaker
area). Its full duplex speakers emit high-quality sound, plus it
has noise- and echo-cancellation technologies that let callers hear
the user better as well.
[0080] Microphone: With built-in noise canceller extension. To
operate the microphone the user has only to push on the microphone
shaft to pop it out. The user presses and releases the microphone
shaft and it protrudes 4 cm outside of the device, thus switching
it on. Conversely, the user switches it off as the user presses it
and pushes it inside. This makes switching on/off extremely easy
and comfortable. Moreover, in this way the distance between the
microphone and the loudspeaker is beneficially increased.
[0081] Text-to-Speech technology announces incoming caller's name
or Caller ID, device, call status and setup instructions.
[0082] Voice answer--answer calls with the user's voice command
[0083] Digital signal processor for noise and echo cancellation
[0084] Digital Volume Control
[0085] Supports voice dial activation, redial and call reject
[0086] Flashlight 1-W white LED, America LUMILED or Crees
high-power LED.
Example 3
[0087] The description of an embodiment of the pendant wearable
transceiver device 8 is set forth below.
[0088] Ultra-low-power consumption voice stream through the ZigBee
platform. It has a 5-year battery-life.
[0089] Voice-enabled single chip (MG2450 or 2455) made available by
Zigbee for voice-enabled applications such as transceiver
operations.
[0090] Speaker: 50 mm, high-power 105 dB output powerful speaker
with 3-W output. It has crystal clear sound quality and DSP
noise-filtering flat-speaker technology (only 6 mm thin in speaker
area). Its full duplex speakers emit high-quality sound, plus it
has noise- and echo-cancellation technologies that let callers hear
the user better as well.
[0091] Microphone: With built-in noise canceller extension. To
operate the microphone the user has only to push on the microphone
shaft to pop it out. The user presses and releases the microphone
shaft and it protrudes 4 cm outside of the device, thus switching
it on. Conversely, the user switches it off as the user presses it
and pushes it inside. This makes switching on/off extremely easy
and comfortable. Moreover, in this way the distance between the
microphone and the loudspeaker is beneficially increased.
[0092] Text-to-Speech technology announces incoming caller's name
or Caller ID, device, call status and setup instructions.
[0093] Voice answer--answer calls with the user's voice command
[0094] Digital signal processor for noise and echo cancellation
[0095] Digital Volume Control
[0096] Supports voice dial activation, redial and call reject
[0097] Flashlight 1-W white LED, America LUMILED or Crees
high-power LED.
[0098] Polyphonic ring tones
[0099] Vibration engine
[0100] Low-battery power alarm
[0101] Way-back feature
[0102] Firmware upgrade remotely (update phone book remotely)
[0103] Voice communication: GSM/GPRS simultaneously
[0104] SIM 10 code setting
[0105] Easy-to-read large white-on-black display
[0106] Emergency SOS panic button
[0107] Extra Loud +100 dB Ringer
[0108] Vibration alarm
[0109] 250 name and number phone book
[0110] Hearing Aid Compatible with integrated induction coil
(M3/T3-Rating)
[0111] Red LED to indicate out of range
[0112] A second button activates a 95-decibel panic alarm
[0113] Cell phones, such as cell phone 12 described above, are
expressly excluded from the definition of wearable transceiver
devices 8. However cell phone 12 may has some of the same features
found in these wearable transceiver devices 8 plus additional
features. As can be appreciated from Example 4, the cell phone 12
contains main batteries and reserve batteries. The cell phone 12
contains an assisted GPS chip which allows it to be geographically
located. The cell phone 12 has an accelerometer which allows it to
detect a crash.
[0114] The cell phone 12 has an audible countdown timer to alert
the user 4 that a crash has been detected and the existence of this
event will be sent directly to the central monitoring station 6
unless the timer is inactivated within a preset time.
[0115] The cellular phone 12 contains a communication button which,
when pressed, directly connects the phone 12 with the central
monitoring station 6. The cell phone 12 has the features of normal
cell phones in that its numeric display can be used to contact
other phones.
Example 4
[0116] A description of at least one embodiment of a cell phone 12
is set forth below:
Cold/Warm/Hot start time; 42/38/1 second Sensitivity -159 dBm
tracking
Battery Solution:
[0117] Lithium with AAA backup power from Techitium BackuPower TEC
103+TEC 2020 Standard battery: 1800 mAh Li-Ion High Capacity
battery for 60 days of standby time.
Optional Batteries
[0118] With reference to FIG. 6, the device uses lithium for the
primary battery and can use a variety of AAA batteries for backup
charging the primary batteries up to 3 hour talk time. Nickel
cadmium batteries (NI--NH) which allows the device to keep 85% of
its charge for over 3 years if the device is not activated or
Alkaline can give up to 10 year shelf life. The battery will be
fully charged prior to shipping the product. This allows the device
to be stored and used as needed, without losing any power.
Screen
[0119] The external display window measures 1.5 inches diagonally
(26.times.26 mm) 128.times.128 pixels, monochrome with orange
backlighting.
Memory
[0120] Optional 4 MB flash memory for data logging and/or mapping
for different regions.
Microphone
[0121] Built-in high performance speaker microphone.
Flashlight
LED Flashlight
Processor
[0122] Ultra low power consumption Atmel AVR32UC3B processor
Standby and Talk Time
[0123] Standby time of 40 days and talk time of 16 hours. This time
is less if GPS tracking is activated.
USB Port
[0124] Mini USB port for charging and data exchanging
Battery Charging
[0125] Optional induction charging plate that allows the user to
simply place the cell phone on the charging plate for re-charge (no
need for charging cable) www.convenientpower.com.
AGPS
[0126] Built-in AGPS (Navizon)/GPS/GSM/SMS modem can send the GPS
coordinates via SMS or binary code which allows the cell phone to
travel inside buildings and still be tracked.
Accelerometer
[0127] Crash detection is by a 3-axis G force sensor accelerometer
from BOSCH BMA 150. Crash data is measured in the delta
velocity.
Rugged Construction
[0128] The cell phone is certified to Military Standard 810 F for
dust, shock, vibration, temperature extremes, low pressure, and
solar radiation. It performs in extreme outdoor environments and
stands up to dusty environments, drops, exposure to vibration from
heavy machinery use, and hot/cold climates.
Rain Resistance
[0129] The cell phone is certified to Military Standard 810 F for
rain, humidity, and salt fog. It is designed to withstand exposure
to rain, sleet, and snow. It has rubber casing, interior linings
and connections against water intrusion.
Text-to-Speech
[0130] (TTS) Technology--announces incoming callers' name or Caller
ID, device, call status
GPS Chip:
[0131] GPRS to integrate the data to the server
Additional Features
[0132] Polyphonic ring tones, Vibration engine, Low battery power
alarm, Way back feature, Firmware upgrade remotely (update phone
book remotely), GSM/GPRS simultaneously, SIM 10 code setting, Easy
to read large white on black display, Emergency SOS Panic Button,
Extra Loud +100 dB Ringer, Large easy-to-read numbers, Vibration
Alarm, 250 name and number phone book, Hearing Aid Compatibility
with integrated Induction Coil (Rating: M3/T3), Red LED to indicate
out of range, ability to answer calls with the user's voice
command, digital signal processor for echo and noise cancellation,
digital volume control, support for voice dial, and an 80 lumen LED
flashlight.
[0133] The wearable transceiver devices 8 may be used in
conjunction with other safety devices such as smoke detectors or
similar safety devices. If a smoke detector is activated, the
wearable transceiver devices 8 will be activated. If not
deactivated within 15 seconds or some similar arbitrary
predetermined time, the activated wearable transceiver device 8
will call the landline-based phone 10 or cell phone 12 to be
connected to the central monitoring station 6, and, if connected to
the monitoring station 6 by the cell phone 12, sending the
AGPS-determined location via SMS and a signal informing the monitor
of alarm activation.
[0134] It will be recognized that the wearable transceiver devices
8 may contain features in addition to those described above.
[0135] The wearable transceiver device 8 preferably uses reserve or
backup battery power using AAA batteries as shown in FIG. 6 to
charge the main batteries. Thus, if the main batteries of the cell
wearable transceiver device 8 are dead and the user 4 pushes the
emergency button the reserve battery would charge the main
batteries. Therefore, if the user 4 happens to leave the wearable
transceiver device 8 in a drawer or glove box without using the
device 8 and it loses its charge it has a reserve battery that will
charge the primary battery in emergency situations extending the
dormant shelf life of the product for several years versus several
months.
[0136] The wearable transceiver device 8 may contain a second
button which is a GOOG 411 hot button for directory assistance.
[0137] The wearable transceiver device 8 may provide turn-by-turn
navigation through voice-guided directions or text providing
written directions.
[0138] The wearable transceiver device 8 may provide convenience
services regarding products, services, or retail establishments,
e.g., restaurants, ATMs, or hotels in the user's 4 area.
[0139] A lost cell phone 12 may be located by contacting a monitor
18 who can use AGPS technology to pinpoint the location of the cell
phone 12 and who will then advise the user 4 of the phone's 12
location.
[0140] The wearable transceiver device 8 may be programmed to
remind a user's 4 caregiver or pharmacy to provide scheduled
medication for the user 4.
[0141] The wearable transceiver device 8 may display a notification
of low battery life.
[0142] A virtual fence 24 may be placed around the device 8 and the
user 4 may be notified by email, SMS, or a phone call from the
monitor 18 if the fence 24 is breached.
[0143] The wearable transceiver device 8 may contain an additional
button, which controls the way-back feature. The additional button
may be pushed upon departing the vehicle. In the event the user 4
cannot find his or her vehicle in a parking lot, the way-back
button may be pushed and an arrow directs the user 4 to the vehicle
and the distance is displayed.
[0144] The wearable transceiver device 8 may have the feature of
induction charging allowing the battery of the device 8 to be
recharged simply by laying the device 8 on a recharging pad rather
than plugging the device 8 into an electrical outlet.
[0145] Although the invention has been described and illustrated in
detail, it is to be clearly understood that the same is by way of
illustration and example, and is not to be taken by way of
limitation. The spirit and scope of the present invention are to be
limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
* * * * *
References