GB2568073A

GB2568073A - Method and apparatus for monitoring the safety of a person

Info

Publication number: GB2568073A
Application number: GB1718240.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Smith Leo Scott
Original assignee: Tended Ltd
Current assignee: Tended Ltd
Priority date: 2017-11-03
Filing date: 2017-11-03
Publication date: 2019-05-08
Also published as: EP3704713A1; WO2019086849A1; GB201718240D0

Abstract

A system 10 for monitoring the safety of a person is provided comprising a wearable device (wrist band) 14 in communication with a mobile communications device (smartphone) 12. A predetermined interval is set on the mobile device and communicated to the wearable device. A predetermined time window is initiated on the wearable device. A check-in operation by a user of the wearable device within the predetermined time window causes a checked-in signal to be transmitted to the mobile device and the predetermined interval to be reset. In the absence of a check-in performed by a user of the wearable device within the predetermined time window, the mobile device transmits an emergency alarm signal. The wearable device may further comprise an accelerometer wherein a sensed acceleration greater than a predetermined amount (such as from a fall event) causes the wearable device to initiate a predetermined window. The mobile device may include a GPS receiver and the emergency signal may include a location. The emergency signal may be transmitted as an SMS message from the mobile device.

Description

Method and apparatus for monitoring the safety of a person

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for monitoring the safety of a person.

In Great Britain alone there are 6 million lone workers, 9 million outdoor sports people, 11.5 million over 65’s and over 11 million with limiting long term illness, impairment or disability. All of these people will at some point (and often on a daily basis) take part in a solitary activity in which they could potentially be at risk of accident or emergency. Lone workers and outdoor sports people are frequently injured when engaging in activities where they are alone. The injury can be exacerbated if the injured person cannot contact the appropriate emergency services. In these situations the delay incurred by the time taken for the injured person to be discovered by someone capable of helping or contacting the emergency services can have severe or fatal consequences.

It is an aim of the present invention to reduce or eliminate this delay, and to ensure that vulnerable individuals are promptly attended to in an emergency situation.

This aim is achieved by providing a wearable vibration means which communicates with a mobile communications device carried by the user. The vibration means provides a quick and simple way for the lone worker or outdoor sportsperson to “Check-In” at periodic intervals. The absence of a “Check-In” will cause further action to be taken by the mobile communications device. This failsafe operation ensures that emergency services can be contacted even where the user becomes incapacitated.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of monitoring the safety of a person, said person carrying a mobile communications device and a separate wearable vibration means in communication with the mobile communications device, the method comprising the steps of: (i) setting a predetermined interval on the mobile communications device and sending data indicative of the predetermined interval to the wearable vibration means, (ii) initiating a predetermined time window on the wearable vibration means, wherein a check-in operation, performed by the person on the wearable vibration means, within the predetermined time window, causes the wearable vibration means to transmit a checked-in signal to the mobile communications device and the predetermined interval is reset, and the absence of a check-in activity, performed by the person on the wearable vibration means, within the predetermined time window, causes the mobile communications device to transmit an emergency alarm signal.

The present invention provides a means of isolated and vulnerable individuals to check in with an emergency or personal contact when engaged in potentially dangerous activities or when they are on their own for extended period of time. The method according to the present invention not only alerts the user’s emergency contact the moment that something goes wrong but also to give the user the confidence and reassurance of knowing that there is always somebody ready to respond to any emergency where ever they may be.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a system comprising: a mobile communications device; and a separate wearable vibration means in communication with the mobile communications device, the wearable vibration means comprising attachment means to attach the vibration means to a body part of a person, wherein the mobile communications device is programmed with a predetermined interval, the mobile communications device being operable to send data indicative of the predetermined interval to the vibration means and, wherein the wearable vibration means is configured to initiate a predetermined time window on the expiry of said predetermined interval, wherein the wearable vibration means device is programmed to reset the predetermined interval upon detection of a check-in operation, performed by the person using the wearable vibration means, within the predetermined time window, and wherein the wearable vibration means is programmed to cause the mobile communications device to transmit an emergency alarm signal if a check-in activity, performed by the person using the wearable vibration means, is not detected within the predetermined time window.

Detailed description

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 schematically shows a system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 shows the wearable vibration means of Fig. 1 in a disassembled state;

Fig. 3 shows the wearable vibration means of Fig. 1 with the light illuminated; and

Fig.4 shows a circuit diagram of the system of Fig. 1

Fig. 1 shows a system 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The system 10 comprises a mobile communications device 12 (e.g. a smartphone) and a wearable vibration means 14 (e.g. a wrist band).

The wearable vibration means 14 is in communication with the mobile communications device 12. This is preferably effected via wireless communication modules in the wearable vibration means 14 and the mobile communications device 12, e.g. using the Bluetooth (RTM) protocol. However, communication could additionally or alternatively take place over a wired connection or further wireless protocols such as ANT+.

The wearable vibration means 14 comprises an attachment means 16 to attach the vibration means to a body part of a person. Typically, the attachment means 16 comprises a wristband to attach the wearable vibration means 14 to a wrist of a person. However, any suitable attachment means could be used in practice. For example, the attachment means 16 could comprise a ring to attach the wearable vibration means 14 to a finger or thumb of a person, a strap or belt to attach the wearable vibration means 14 to an arm or leg of a person (e.g. around the thigh or ankle), or a headband to attach the wearable vibration means 14 to the head of a person.

The mobile communications device 12 comprises a processor, as is well known in the art. The processor is programmed with software operable to carry out the following functions, preferably via an app on the mobile communications device 12.

Check-in

The user (i.e. the person being monitored using the system) first sets a predetermined interval called a “check-in period” on the app using the mobile communications device

12. The user also has the option to input the activity in which they are participating and any particular dangers involved within this activity. The user’s previous activities and saved activities will be stored to allow a quick set up for activities which are performed frequently.

The mobile communications device 12 will then transmit data indicative of the predetermined interval and activity to the wearable vibration means 14. The wearable vibration means 14 uses the predetermined interval to set a check-in period which can be initiated by the user pressing the button or touch sensitive pad 14k or by moving the wearable vibration means 14 in a certain manner to cause the accelerometer or gyroscope 14h to recognise a predetermined gesture. Once the predetermined interval has expired, the wearable vibration means 14 initiates a predetermined window for the user to check-in. The wearable vibration means 14 is caused to vibrate at the start of the predetermined window either continuously until the user presses the button or touch sensitive pad 14k or moves the vibration means 14 in a certain manner to cause the accelerometer or gyroscope 14h to recognise a predetermined gesture or periodically until the user performs one of the aforementioned actions. In embodiments where a light (e.g. an LED 14n) is present on the wearable vibration means 14, the light 14n on the wearable vibration means 14 may also illuminate during the predetermined window, if the user has selected this option in the settings of the app.

The user must perform a check-in activity to check in. As discussed above, the checkin activity may be pressing a button 14k, performing a certain action using a touch sensitive pad or performing a gesture. Alternatively, the check-in action could be voice controlled or any other action performed by the user to check-in. Once the check-in activity has been completed, the check-in period is reset and the predetermined interval starts again.

If the user does not check-in within a predetermined time window, initiated at the expiry of the check-in period (for example, 30 seconds - this value can be set by the user in the settings of the app), the wearable vibration means 14 causes the vibration to become stronger and more noticeable. Optionally, the wearable vibration means 14 may cause the mobile communications device 12 to also start vibrating and sound an alarm. This will continue for the duration of a further predetermined time window (for example 60 seconds - again this value can be set by the user in the settings of the app) until the user performs the check-in activity using the wearable vibration means 14.

If there is still no response after the further predetermined time window, the wearable vibration means 14 causes the mobile communications device 12 to send an emergency alarm signal out to either:

• Emergency contacts (i.e. a subset of the list of contacts stored on the mobile communications device 12 which have been designated as emergency contacts); or • A dedicated emergency call centre.

The emergency alarm signal can be sent in a number of different forms chosen by the user. It is not limited to one form. Examples of forms that the emergency alarm signal can take include:

• An automatic phone call from the mobile communications device 12 to one or more emergency contact(s) - this can allow the emergency contact(s) to hear what is going on in the vicinity of the user, for example if the mobile communications device 12 is automatically placed on loudspeaker mode. The app running on the mobile communications device 12 can also play a pre-recorded message to inform the emergency contact(s) that the user has not checked-in.

• A notification containing the current GPS coordinates of the user, derived from a GPS location detection means of the mobile communications device 12 - preferably via messaging system based in the same app as that installed on the user’s mobile communications device 12.

• An SMS text message containing the current GPS coordinates of the user, derived from a GPS location detection means of the mobile communications device 12 - for example, if the emergency contact does not have the same app as that installed on the user’s mobile communications device 12.

The notification or SMS message contains a link to a website where the GPS coordinates of the user’s mobile communications device 12 can be viewed on a map.

It will be appreciated that notifications or SMS messages sent from the mobile communications device 12 to the emergency contact(s) are not required to transmit GPS co-ordinates but may simply inform the emergency contact that the user has not checked-in.

The emergency alarm signal may require the emergency contact to confirm they have received the alert. Some information (e.g. GPS coordinates) may not be transmitted until the emergency contact has confirmed receipt of the alert. An example includes the emergency contact being prompted to access a website. Upon clicking the link to the website on the emergency contact’s device, or perhaps clicking a further link on the website, the emergency contact can confirm receipt of the alert and be sent further information relating to the individual’s location and/or identity.

The emergency contact I dedicated emergency call centre can then assess the situation and alert the emergency services if required. The emergency contact I dedicated emergency call centre may be provided with information about the activity the user was engaged in at the time of the transmission of the emergency alarm signal, along with, for example, medical information of the user, allergies of the user and I or the user’s blood type. This information may have been entered by the user and stored on a storage means of the mobile communications device 12 for retrieval by emergency contact I dedicated emergency call centre in the case of an emergency.

Alert

In embodiments where the wearable vibration means 14 comprises a touch sensitive input sensor 14k (e.g. a physical button, or haptic sensor), the user may perform a predetermined touch pattern on the touch sensitive input sensor 14k (e.g. hold down the button for a predetermined number of seconds I perform multiple taps in quick succession), and the mobile communications device 12 can be configured to enter an emergency mode upon detection of said predetermined touch pattern. In this mode, the mobile communications device 12 sends out an emergency signal to the emergency contacts and I or emergency services along with the user’s location, medical history, etc. which has been stored on a storage means of the mobile communications device

12. Optionally, the mobile communications device 12 may connect a live telephone call between the user and the emergency services. The predetermined touch pattern can be set by a user as desired, and the feature can be turned on or off via a setting menu within the app.

As discussed above, where the wearable vibration means 14 comprises an accelerometer or gyroscope 14h, the user may perform a predetermined gesture, e.g. tapping the user’s hand on a surface or body part several times, to check-in.

Fake call

In embodiments where the wearable vibration means 14 comprises a touch sensitive input sensor 14k (e.g. a physical button, or haptic sensor), the user may perform a predetermined touch pattern on the touch sensitive input sensor (e.g. hold down the button for a predetermined number of seconds I perform multiple taps in quick succession), and the mobile communications device 12 can be configured to simulate a received call on the mobile communications device 12. The predetermined touch pattern can be set by a user as desired, and the feature can be turned on or off via a setting menu within the app. The same can be achieved by the user performing a predetermined gesture when the wearable vibration means comprises an accelerometer or gyroscope 14h.

Find my phone

In embodiments where the wearable vibration means 14 comprises a touch sensitive input sensor 14k (e.g. a physical button, or haptic sensor), the user may perform a predetermined touch pattern on the touch sensitive input sensor 14k (e.g. hold down the button for a predetermined number of seconds I perform multiple taps in quick succession), and the mobile communications device 12 can be configured to activate an alarm on the mobile communications device 12 to assist the user in locating the mobile communications device 12 if it has become lost. The predetermined touch pattern can be set by a user as desired, and the feature can be turned on or off via a setting menu within the app. The same can be achieved by the user performing a predetermined gesture when the wearable vibration means comprises an accelerometer or gyroscope 14h.

Alert me

Through user settings, the mobile communications device 12 can be configured to send an activation signal to the wearable vibration means 14 upon receipt of a phone call, text message or email by the mobile communications device 12 to alert the user. In embodiments where the wearable vibration means 14 comprises a light, this can be configured to illuminate or flash as a further method of alerting the user (also selectable via user setting).

Selective caller

In the above, a subset of the contacts on the mobile communications device 12 can be selected as designated contacts for which the “Alert me” vibration and / or illumination alerts are activated. Specific contacts can be added or removed from the designated contacts list via a user settings menu within the app.

SOS function

The SOS function may be activated in a user setting menu within the app. A number of predetermined touch patterns to activate the SOS mode are pre-set in the app. Examples of predetermined touch patterns for activation include five clicks of the touch sensitive input sensor in quick succession, or a five second hold sustained touch on the touch sensitive input sensor or by way of a pre-determined gesture.

If a predetermined touch pattern or gesture for activation is detected the wearable vibration means 14 sends a signal to the mobile communications device 12 and an emergency mode is activated. Once the emergency mode is activated the mobile communications device 12 will vibrate until the emergency mode is deactivated (this feature is optional, and an option to turn off is available in a user settings menu within the app).

The option to deactivate the emergency mode using the wearable vibration means 14 is available by inputting a further predetermined touch pattern to the touch sensitive input sensor or by performing a further predetermined gesture. The emergency mode stays active until it is deactivated, either through the wearable vibration means 14 or the app.

Notifications

A notifications function is enabled in a user setting menu within the app. The user may set which alerts they want to be notified of and for what period of time (i.e. only calls from “Boss” or “Mum” for the next two hours I only emails from “work account” for the next 30 minutes). When enabled, all other alerts will be “silenced”, i.e. they will not cause a notification to appear on the mobile communications device 12.

If any of the set notifications I alerts are set off in that given time period the wearable vibration means 14 will vibrate at the same time as the mobile communication device’s normal alert function (e.g. ringing, vibrating, etc.). If any “silenced” alerts are received neither the wearable vibration means 14 nor the mobile communications device 12 will respond.

Activity / movement detector

The accelerometer means in the mobile communications device 12 can be used to detect whether the user is moving. If the user is detected to have stopped moving for a certain period of time when they have indicated (from within the app) that they should be moving, the emergency procedure stated in “Check-In” is put into place. The feature can be turned off via the settings menu so that the “Check-In” procedure is not erroneously activated while the user is performing an activity where a lack of movement is required.

Construction

Fig. 2 shows the wearable vibration means 14 of Fig. 1 in a disassembled state. From this view it can be seen that the wearable vibration means 14 comprises a vibration module 18 comprising two or more vibration motors 14m, which is inserted into a correspondingly shaped recess 20 in the rear of the attachment means 16. The attachment means 16 is formed of a resiliently deformable material, such as a flexible plastic (e.g. silicone, TPU, TPSIV or similar) using injection moulding. The edges of the recess 20 form a shape slightly smaller than the profile of the vibration module 18. The edges of the recess 18 are deflected outwardly upon insertion of the vibration module 16 into the recess 20. Once the vibration module 18 is fully inserted, the edges of the recess 20 return to their non-deflected positions to retain the vibration module 18 within the recess 20. The user can simply manually deflect the edges of the recess 20 outwardly to remove the vibration module 18.

The vibration module 18 is contained within a solid plastic (ABS, HDPE, etc.) housing which is fitted into the attachment means as described above. An upper surface of the housing is open which will allow the button 14k and LED’s 14n to be used I seen through a translucent layer of flexible plastic in the upper surface of the attachment means 14.

Fig. 3 shows the wearable vibration means of Fig. 1. Although not shown in the previous Figures, an upper surface of the vibration module 18 bears a light which can be switched between an illuminated and non-illuminated state. Fig. 3 shows the vibration means 14 with the light in its illuminated state. It can be seen that the upper surface of the attachment means 16 comprises a translucent portion, which allows light to pass through and be visible to the user.

The combination of two or more linear vibration motors and a large battery is what differentiates the vibration module 18 from prior art vibration modules, as this combination achieves a particularly effective combination of maximum alert to the user whilst still giving the device a long battery life.

The wearable vibration means 14 comprises an electrical circuit 14a, as illustrated in Fig. 4. The electrical circuit 14a is based around a 2.4GHz mobile communications chip 14b with Bluetooth ® Low Energy (BLE) and Near Field Communication (NFC) functionality. BLE and NFC signals are received and sent from the mobile communications chip 14b through a BLE antenna 14c and NFC antenna 14d respectively. The circuit is powered by a rechargeable battery 14e that is operatively connected to all electrical components by way of a power circuit 14f. The battery 14e is chargeable by way of either a wired or wireless battery charger 14g as is conventional in the art.

Further components of the wearable vibration means 14 include an accelerometer or gyroscope 14h, high frequency crystal 14i, low frequency crystal 14j, button or touch sensitive pad 14k, flash memory 141, vibration motors 14m and LEDs 14n, as will be discussed further below. Each component is operatively connected to the mobile communications chip 14b.

The above-described embodiments are exemplary only, and other possibilities and alternatives within the scope of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A method of monitoring the safety of a person, said person carrying a mobile communications device and a separate wearable vibration means in communication with the mobile communications device, the method comprising the steps of: (i) setting a predetermined interval on the mobile communications device and sending data indicative of the predetermined interval to the wearable vibration means, (ii) initiating a predetermined time window on the wearable vibration means, wherein a check-in operation, performed by the person on the wearable vibration means, within the predetermined time window, causes the wearable vibration means to transmit a checked-in signal to the mobile communications device and the predetermined interval is reset, and the absence of a check-in activity, performed by the person on the wearable vibration means, within the predetermined time window, causes the mobile communications device to transmit an emergency alarm signal.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the wearable vibration means comprises an accelerometer configured to sense acceleration, wherein a sensed acceleration greater than a predetermined amount causes the wearable vibration means to initiate a predetermined time window, wherein a check-in operation, performed by the person using the wearable vibration means, within the predetermined time window, causes the wearable vibration means to reset the accelerometer, and the absence of a check-in activity, performed by the person using the wearable vibration means, within the predetermined time window, causes the mobile communications device to transmit an emergency alarm signal.

3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the wearable vibration means further comprises a touch sensitive input sensor, and the check-in operation comprises a touch operation on the touch sensitive input sensor.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the mobile communications device is configured to enter an emergency mode upon detection of a predetermined touch pattern on the touch sensitive input sensor of the wearable vibration means.

5. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the mobile communications device comprises a GPS location detection means, and the emergency alarm signal comprises the GPS coordinates at the time of transmission of the emergency alarm signal.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the mobile communications device comprises a storage means containing a list of contacts, wherein a subset of the list of contacts is designated as emergency contacts, and wherein the emergency alarm signal is transmitted to the subset of the list of contacts designated as emergency contacts.

7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the mobile communications device comprises a microphone and loudspeaker, and wherein the emergency contact may activate the microphone and loudspeaker by responding to the emergency alarm signal.

8. A method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the storage means contains medical information about the person, and wherein the emergency contact may access the medical information by responding to the emergency alarm signal.

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the medical information comprises at least one of: one or more medical condition of the person, one or more allergy of the person, and the blood type of the person.

10. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the emergency alarm signal is transmitted via an SMS message from the mobile communications device.

11. A system comprising:

a mobile communications device; and a separate wearable vibration means in communication with the mobile communications device, the wearable vibration means comprising attachment means to attach the vibration means to a body part of a person, wherein the mobile communications device is programmed with a predetermined interval, the mobile communications device being operable to send data indicative of the predetermined interval to the vibration means , wherein the wearable vibration means is configured to initiate a predetermined time window on the expiry of said predetermined interval, wherein the wearable vibration means is programmed to reset the predetermined interval upon detection of a check-in operation, performed by the person using the wearable vibration means, within the predetermined time window, and wherein the wearable vibration means is programmed to cause the mobile communications device to transmit an emergency alarm signal if a check-in activity, performed by the person using the wearable vibration means, is not detected within the predetermined time window.

12. A system according to claim 11, wherein the wearable vibration means comprises an accelerometer configured to sense acceleration, wherein a sensed acceleration greater than a predetermined amount causes the wearable vibration means to initiate a predetermined time window, wherein the wearable vibration means is programmed to reset the accelerometer upon detection of a check-in operation, performed by the person using the wearable vibration means, within the predetermined time window, and wherein the wearable vibration means is programmed to transmit an emergency alarm signal if a check-in activity, performed by the person using the wearable vibration means, is not detected within the predetermined time window.

13. A system according to any of claims 11 or 12, wherein the wearable vibration means further comprises a touch sensitive input sensor, and the check-in operation comprises a touch operation on the touch sensitive input sensor.

14. A system according to claim 13, wherein the mobile communications device is configured to enter an emergency mode upon detection of a predetermined touch pattern on the touch sensitive input sensor of the wearable vibration means.

15. A system according to any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the mobile communications device comprises a GPS location detection means, and the emergency alarm signal comprises the GPS coordinates at the time of transmission of the emergency alarm signal.

16. A system according to claim 15, wherein the mobile communications device comprises a storage means containing a list of contacts, wherein a subset of the list of contacts is designated as emergency contacts, and wherein the emergency alarm signal is transmitted to the subset of the list of contacts designated as emergency contacts.

17. A system according to claim 16, wherein the mobile communications device comprises a microphone and loudspeaker, and wherein the emergency contact may activate the microphone and loudspeaker by responding to the emergency alarm signal.

18. A system according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the storage means contains medical information about the person, and wherein the emergency contact may access the medical information by responding to the emergency alarm signal.

19. A system according to claim 18, wherein the medical information comprises at least one of: one or more medical condition of the person, one or more allergy of the person, and the blood type of the person.

20. A system according to any of claims 11 to 19, wherein the emergency alarm signal is transmitted via an SMS message from the mobile communications device.