EP0875875A2 - Method and device for alerting auxiliary or surveillance organs - Google Patents

Abstract

The assistance alarm call method uses a portable alarm call device, with a memory holding an emergency call code and/or an identification code, activated in an emergency situation for calling for assistance from the emergency services. The portable device incorporates a global positioning satellite reception circuit, for providing the actual position coordinates, transmitted to the alarm call centre together with the alarm call.

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a Device for alarming auxiliary or Monitoring bodies.

Many people, especially parents, women, the elderly People, athletes and people in management positions as well People who work at night have today as a result increased crime rate a stronger one Security need. In many cases, people in one Emergency situation when nobody is in the immediate vicinity stops, don't get help yourself, be it because there is none The phone is nearby or either because they are injured. This can be life-threatening in certain cases Lead situations.

Even if cell phones are widespread today, they are Mobile phone owners are still a minority. But also Mobile phone owners don't always carry their phones on yourself. Even if a mobile phone is available, the in emergency still dial the emergency number and, if the position called is filled, describe the emergency and tell the whereabouts. People who are in a foreign and remote area and possibly are still in shock, are often unable to the organs that bring help all the necessary information that are necessary for a quick assistance.

A category of people who need special protection are children. The use of cell phones by children however, there are age-related and financial limits.

The above also applies to children in need Considerations to a greater extent. In particular, are children able to do much less than adults in one To act correctly or the current emergency situation Being able to correctly describe your whereabouts.

The same problem arises in a different way Criminal prisoners, if they are in the free access (short vacation) are located. These cannot be monitored or can only be monitored with difficulty and their location are determined. This means that mostly no control over yours during the clearance current whereabouts or their movements is possible.

They are location location systems, so-called GPS systems (Global Positioning System), which the satellite-based determination of the current Allow whereabouts. These systems can for example, be installed in vehicles. This on the Systems available on the market can be used in conjunction with a map or city map stored on CD-ROM serve to navigate the vehicle. Another application of the GPS concerns an immobilizer for vehicles. This Immobilizer is automatically activated, for example, when the vehicle has a certain, predetermined leaves geographical space. But the GPS can also do it all simply serve to locate a vehicle.

The GPS used in the vehicles are fixed in the vehicle arranged and therefore not suitable for locating people. Only the location of the vehicle is possible. In the event of kidnapping is not an effective aid guaranteed.

The object of the present invention is a method and to provide a device with which in need can help called persons or the The location of lost people is quickly determined can be. The new method and device should enable rapid deployment of the auxiliary organs.

This is achieved by a method according to the invention in which beforehand at least one specific message, such as an emergency call code, and / or a (personal) identification code, and optionally the location coordinates of locations (ystem Global Positioning S) to the GPS signals are not can be received, stored in a memory of a portable device that the person carries on them, that the device is activated in an emergency situation, that the device then automatically determines the current location in the form of location coordinates and at least by means of a GPS reception system forwards these location coordinates together with the stored identification and / or the stored message to at least one control center of a fixed radio network. In principle, it is conceivable to only forward the location data and the personal identification code to a recipient, in which case the identification code is treated as the emergency call signal in accordance with a prior agreement.

In the event that no GPS signals are received can, the device conveniently directs the Identification code and / or the message together with in a memory of the device previously fixed stored location coordinates that reflect the current location specify the person to at least one head office fixed data radio network. Location coordinates can for those places where the person is most often and where GPS signals are not received can be saved. The location coordinates can last received GPS values or one selectable set of previously saved Correspond to location coordinates.

What is essential about the alarming method according to the invention is that the location coordinates along with the Identification code and possibly one situation-specific message (emergency code) using the portable device to at least one center to get redirected. The location coordinates of the to be monitored or in need Possibility with the help of a clock, for example built-in location system (GPS reception system) determined. Such a device is preferably in the form of a Clock implemented as a so-called emergency watch. If below is simply spoken of a clock, so it is the aforementioned, specially prepared emergency watch is meant. The report submitted can be an accident, a robbery, a Vehicle breakdown or any other situation that doesn't absolutely must be a dangerous situation, describe. Based on the message received, it is the Central possible to find the right auxiliary bodies on site order or they can try to get in touch with the person to kick. Through the personal identification code the control center the personal details of the emergency call trigger determine. This can cause the person causing the emergency call later the cost will be charged. Is the device for determining the location and sending the emergency call in one Built-in clock, this has the great advantage that People who wear such a watch in any situation Send an emergency call unnoticed by pressing a button on the watch can. A GPS or DGPS (= Differential GPS) enables the location of the Person within a radius of 500 km with an accuracy of up to approximately 1m.

Although fundamentally the location coordinates are permanently assigned to the Headquarters can be sent, the same preferably sent at intervals. This allows the Battery are protected. The determined location coordinates are each stored in a memory and so long the radio network sent until updated values of Local coordinates are available. A plurality can be used beforehand of different emergency calls, the different (danger) Describe situations in a memory of the portable Device can be saved. If there is one certain situation, the person in need may be the Situation-appropriate code, which is sent to the head office to be sent. Likewise, the person if GPS signals cannot be received, beforehand Select saved location coordinates. Messages and Location coordinates can also be linked. This means that the watch can be used practically anywhere fulfill. It is also conceivable that with another, in code previously stored in a memory Message can be canceled. This can make unnecessary Use of auxiliary organs can be avoided.

The crown of the watch advantageously serves as a trigger for the Emergency call. Pressing the crown can go unnoticed when the hand is angled upwards. At the Pressing the crown automatically becomes the integrated DGPS reception system and the transmitter started, and the calculated Location coordinates are forwarded to the headquarters. The The control center can now operate via the satellites, a reference station and a correction signal (RTCM SC-104/2) (= differential GPS) the location of the threatened person within a radius of 500 km determine to within 1 m. The transmitter integrated in the watch reports the type of emergency call to the headquarters via the data radio network (Emergency call and identification code).

The head office can now agree with the person Take steps (the actions to be taken are in advance with the providers of a GPS and a Radio network contractually agreed). The head office can now follow the agreed steps and the police, or a private protection organization at the investigated Order location. If the emergency call is in the mountains or in The central office can trigger poorly accessible areas forward the mission to the air rescue service.

Another advantageous method variant is if after the triggering of the emergency call continues the emergency call device works so that the person is kidnapped or a change of location can be located further. Local This person's shifts are on one at headquarters Grid map visible and can be recorded. This allows the current location of the person to be sent to the Auxiliary organs are forwarded. The head office can do that Save shifts and these records can too a later date by the participant, Hilsforgane or police can be seen.

The method according to the invention also enables one in Emergency or sick person at the push of a button through a saved message and the saved Identification code for example a clear as an accident Illness, robbery or vehicle breakdown defined emergency call trigger and the necessary ones via at least one control center To call auxiliary bodies. The head office sees, for example due to the personal identification code and the in data stored in a database whether the person is at suffering from a certain illness and / or a certain one Drug required and special in hospitals if necessary Take precautions or other agreed steps must be done. But it is also conceivable that Information about the type of help needed in the form of previously stored radio emergency message to the To send headquarters.

According to another process variant, the portable one Device additionally physiological parameters like that Body temperature and / or the pulse and / or the Skin resistance of the person using the device carries itself. The measured values can be compared with reference values, which are stored in a memory of the device, be compared. When there is an abnormal signal an emergency call can then be triggered automatically. In the event of of children, the device according to the invention in the form can wear an emergency watch, for example, the watch strap additionally with heart rate monitor, skin resistance sensor and / or Sweat change meter be equipped. These sensors can be used individually or in combination with each other in seconds any change of these parameters to a microprocessor pass on. So the microprocessor registers data which provides information about the child's physical condition give. Based on the measured values and / or the Speed of changing these values can for example between normal physical exertion and a state of shock or stress. By appropriate evaluation of the data, e.g. by Comparison with reference values or curves, can between normal condition and use of violence against the child, be distinguished. If the limit is exceeded Limit values or if the sum of the deviations from Reference curve course during a certain time window exceeds a certain value, for example an emergency call is triggered automatically.

According to another variant, the spatial movement of the person recorded by the central office and if necessary saved. In case of using the watch for control and surveillance of prisoners in prison Watch a suitable safety device that will discard the watch either prevented or when trying to watch file, forwards a message to the head office. in the the latter case can be, for example, an electronic one Lock can be provided that only by entering a Security codes can be opened. With manipulations on Security lock (e.g. sensor that cuts through of the watch band) or incorrect security code silent alarm is automatically triggered and on corresponding code sent to the head office. This recognizes based on the code sent the unauthorized manipulation and orders the designated organs to the last submitted location.

According to the method described, the can be monitored Person for example a residence area as motion-free zone. Once the person does that leaves the prescribed area of residence, is in the Central automatically triggered alarm. The headquarters determines now the precise location of the person and orders the necessary organs there. This allows free passers in Prison, mental hospital patients, or the elderly People whose sense of direction is impaired be located and found. In these cases the Wearers of the watch do not determine their area of movement themselves and don't open the wristband to get rid of the watch. The watch strap can only be or mental hospital by the authorized personnel by entering the correct code and if necessary additional message to the headquarters can be opened. At improper procedure when opening the watch strap a silent alarm is automatically triggered and in the control center, the location of the person is shown on a raster map. The The central office informs the responsible organs of the incident and the last location of the person with, which makes the operational area of the task force is determined. Furthermore, during of the access in the head office any relocation of the Carrier of a device set for monitoring be recorded continuously. In this case it is Device expediently larger than a clock dimensioned because of a larger battery capacity for the Continuous operation is necessary. The whereabouts and the distance covered by the free walker during the free walk can be recorded chronologically. These records give the responsible organs the opportunity Recognize habits of the freelancer or afterwards determine if the freezer is at a crime scene has stopped.

To cancel an emergency call that has already been sent, you must expediently a certain code to the head office be sent. This can e.g. the security code for Open the watch strap. After the watch strap is correct has been opened, remains in the event of further manipulations the clock switched off the DGPS and only the transmitter for the Radio network is in operation. Now can with another Notification of cancellation of the emergency call will be confirmed. The The cancellation notification can be triggered by entering a certain codes, e.g. by means of push buttons.

The present invention also relates to a Device according to the preamble of claim 8, characterized by at least one stored in the memory Emergency call and / or identification code, one in the memory stored program, which is based on the received GPS signals calculated the location coordinates and to the Sender forwards, and if necessary a trigger and / or Selection device for starting the device at Existence of a specific event. As an option, in a further memory of permanently stored sets of Location coordinates, the possible locations of the person define at which no GPS signals are received can be saved. If a plurality of messages or location coordinates are provided, so expediently a selection device is provided for Select the message to be sent and, if necessary, the to sending location coordinates.

The triggering device can either be a manual one actuatable push button, e.g. Crown of the watch, a sensor, which physiological parameter measures, or a receiver to serve. For example, a known one can be used as the receiver Serve pager. If the pager receives a certain signal, see above he activates the microprocessor according to the invention Device and the location of the same can be determined by the Central can be determined. The latter device has the advantage that the person can be located at any time Third party can be initiated. In combination with one The device can be paged or a similar receiver also used to locate stolen vehicles will.

The device expediently has one Time switch that determines the transmitter in each case Intervals. Through the timer the receiver and the sender can do interval intervals be operated so that the possible operating time is extended.

An additional amplifier unit is advantageously separated provided by the device which the of the clock sent signals amplified and sent to the control center forwards. Through the amplifier unit is an insert the device also on electromagnetic shielded Locations, e.g. inside buildings or underground car parks, possible where otherwise the transmission power of the device would not be enough.

The alarm device in one is advantageous Integrated watch. The transmitter antenna can be used for wireless sending of the messages to the radio data network as well the reception antenna for the DGPS is integrated in the watch band be. Basically can also be used as a transmitting / receiving antenna serve a single antenna. In one particularly advantageous embodiment has the watch strap Security lock, which either mechanically with a Keys or a combination of numbers or electronically with a certain security code can be opened. Of the Security code for opening the watch strap and the personal identification codes are expedient at each watch is different and are only made for security reasons entered when purchasing the watch and using the radio data transmission network - Central coordinated. If the watch with Security lock should also be operational when this must not be worn on the arm after being put down the watch the watch band can be closed again so that all Systems are switched back to the standby position.

Fig. 1

schematisch eine erste Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung in Form einer Armbanduhr im stand-by modus;

Fig. 2

die Uhr von Fig. 1 im aktivierten Zustand, d.h. im Empfangs-/Sendemodus;

Fig. 3

schematisch eine zweite Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung mit zusätzlichen Sensoren im stand-by modus;

Fig. 4

die zweite Ausführungsform von Fig. 3 im aktivierten Zustand;

Fig. 5

schematisch die Uhr von Fig. 3, jedoch mit einem Uhrenband mit Schloss;

Fig. 6

schematisch eine weitere Ausführungsform einer Uhr mit zwei Stromquellen;

Fig. 7

schematisch ein Notrufsystem mit einem Global Postitioning System (GPS), einer erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung und einer Funkzentrale

Fig. 8

schematisch ein Notrufsystem mit einer zusätzlichen Verstärkereinheit.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the figures. It shows:

Fig. 1

schematically a first embodiment of an inventive device in the form of a wristwatch in stand-by mode;

Fig. 2

the clock of Figure 1 in the activated state, ie in the receive / transmit mode.

Fig. 3

schematically shows a second embodiment of a device according to the invention with additional sensors in stand-by mode;

Fig. 4

the second embodiment of Figure 3 in the activated state.

Fig. 5

schematically the clock of Figure 3, but with a watch strap with a lock.

Fig. 6

schematically another embodiment of a clock with two power sources;

Fig. 7

schematically an emergency call system with a Global Postitioning System (GPS), an inventive device and a radio center

Fig. 8

schematically an emergency call system with an additional amplifier unit.

The devices 11 shown in Figures 1 to 6 for Alerting of auxiliary or monitoring bodies have as essential components a receiver 13 for receiving GPS signals, a microprocessor 15, a memory 17 and a transmitter 19 for the wireless transmission of signals a center 21 (Fig. 7 and 8). Receiver 13 and transmitter 19 are each with an antenna 23 respectively. 25 in connection with With the help of which GPS signals received or. Radio signals can be sent. The aforementioned components 13 to 25 can be integrated in a wristwatch. In Figures 1 to 8 is a watch case with the reference number 27 and with the Reference number 29 denotes the watch strap.

The receiver 13, the transmitter 19 and the memory 17 are available with the microprocessor 15 in connection. The microprocessor 15 controls the receiver 13 via a switch 31 and the Transmitter 19 via a switch 33. When the microprocessor Receives command to send the location coordinates, i.e. when a If an emergency call is to be sent, he closes switches 31, 33 (Fig. 2,4 and 6) and sends the due to the received Satellite signals calculated location coordinates using the Transmitter 19 to the control center 21 (FIGS. 7 and 8). Essential The device according to the invention is that not only the location coordinates but other important ones Information is sent to the control center 21. To this Purpose are in memory 17 in addition to the sequence program Control of the device also an identification and expediently a further message, for example a specific emergency message, saved. It is the specialist aware that due to a convention of personal Identification code can also serve as an emergency code, so in this case the storage of a specific further notification can be dispensed with. The selection of the too sending message and the commissioning of the device happens with the switch 35,37,39, which with the Microprocessor 15 are connected. Switch 35 can for example a message regarding an accident, switch 37 a message regarding an attack and switch 39 trigger a message regarding a car breakdown. Will one the switch 35,37,39 is actuated, the closes Microprocessor simultaneously or in succession Switch 31, 33 so that GPS signals are received and the calculated location coordinates forwarded to the headquarters can be (Fig. 2 and 4). Also to the headquarters the above-mentioned are forwarded Identification and at least one (emergency) message. As Switch can serve the crown of the watch or push button. By repeatedly pressing one or at the same time Actuation of more than one of the switches 35, 37, 39 can cause one certain message from a large number of messages to be chosen.

The power supply of the individual electronic components serves a battery 41 (in the figures, the individual Connections not shown). The battery 41 is said Function of the device 11 during a certain Ensure duration. Usually a period of time is enough from 20 to 60 minutes to even under unfavorable reception / transmission conditions ensure that the emergency call from the Central is received. For example, in the mountains received GPS signals may not be strong enough the emergency call message can also be sent without local coordinates, so that auxiliary organs can be alerted.

The embodiment 11 'according to FIGS. 3 and 4 differs from that shown in Figures 1 and 2 in that a pulse sensor 43, a sensor for measuring the Sweat secretion 45 and a sensor for measuring the Skin resistance 47 are provided. These sensors 43,45,47 are connected to the microprocessor and can individually or in different combinations in one Device 11 may be provided. The sensors 43, 45, 47 can be arranged in the case bottom or in the watch band 29. The Sensors 43, 45, 47 serve to provide information about the determine the physical condition of the watch wearer who in the event of an emergency, also to headquarters 21 can be forwarded.

However, the sensors 43, 45, 47 can also be used for the Device 11 automatically when certain Switch on limit values. In the latter case, the Switch 35,37,39 are dispensed with. Such a device which turns on automatically when certain values exceeded, is suitable for example for the Monitoring children or sick people.

The embodiment 11 "according to FIG. 5 differs differs from that shown in Figures 1 and 2 in that the Watch strap 29 with a security lock Has safety switch 49, which the filing of the clock prevent or at least indicate. To display one Manipulation stands the safety switch 49 with the Microprocessor 15 in connection. Is the safety switch 49 is interrupted, the GPS receiving unit 13 is immediately switched on, the location coordinates determined and this together with the identification code and a corresponding one Message sent by the transmitter 27 to the control center 21. This embodiment is suitable for the control and Monitoring free passers or sick people. Is this Watch band closed, so is the surveillance circuit closed (broken line). The safety switch 49 can also in the embodiment according to FIGS. 3 and 4 be provided.

The embodiment 11 "'according to FIG. 6 corresponds in essential of the variant according to Figures 1 and 2, however with the difference that the watch strap 29 also has a Has safety switch 49. Otherwise there are two Batteries 41 provided that the operating time of the Extend the device accordingly.

An alarm system according to the present invention is used a known GPS or DGPS (Differential GPS), a Device according to one of the described Embodiments and a known data radio network (Fig. 7). As a radio data transmission network one of the network offered to private or public providers be used.

So that the emergency call system also in buildings where GPS signals are not can be received, works, at least one additional amplifier unit 51 may be provided (FIG. 8). In a memory 53 which is preferably stationary Amplifier unit 51 are preferably the location coordinates (Location) of the amplifier unit saved. With one too sending emergency call, the transmitter 19 sends the identification code the device 11 ", the situation-specific message and, if selected, the permanently saved location coordinates the amplifier 51. The amplifier 51 receives via the Antenna 55 receives the signals, amplifies them in receiver part 57 and sends it, if necessary together with the selected, permanently stored, the location of the Amplifier unit 51 defining location coordinates, via the Transmitter part 59 and the antenna 61 to the control center 21. The Amplifier 51 has a microprocessor 63 and two independent feeds, namely a mains connection 65 and a battery or accumulator 67. The center 21 can now based on the received messages and the location coordinates again determine the location of the person. It can be a or multiple amplifier units 51 at locations e.g. in Underground car parks, in which GPS signals are generally not can be received. Because in the Amplifier unit 51 only their location coordinates can be stored, each amplifier unit with each any emergency watch interact, whose signals they can receive. The headquarters knows because of personal Identification code always who triggered the emergency call. Because of the stored in the amplifier unit Location coordinates of the person's whereabouts can be set to one specific building can be located. A simultaneous This can address multiple amplifier units can be excluded by just adding them to electromagnetic shielded locations. Will also stored location coordinates that determine the location define the person in the building in more detail when making an emergency call sent, the head office can determine the whereabouts of the Identify person more precisely.

The device according to the invention works as follows: In the memory of the device previously the personal identification code, preferably one or several specific messages and optionally Location coordinates of locations where the carrier of the Device stops frequently and no GPS signals received, saved. Presses in an emergency Person of those of the emergency push buttons 35, 37 or 39 who the message that corresponds to the specific situation, retrieves. At the same time, the GPS reception system switched on and the calculated location coordinates to the Central 21 sent. Should also be saved Local coordinates are also sent, so are the corresponding location coordinates selected (e.g. by repeated closure of the switches 35,37,39). Based on the received data, the control center 21 can Auxiliary or surveillance bodies advise and go to the site order. The device can also be operated by an external Transmitter (radio signal) or activated by a sensor.

Claims (20)

Method for alarming auxiliary or monitoring bodies, at least the information about the current location of the person being forwarded to at least one control center,
characterized, that at least one specific message, for example an emergency call code, and / or an identification code are previously stored in a memory (17) of a portable device (11) that the person carries on them, that the device (11) is activated in a certain situation, for example an emergency situation, that the device (11) then automatically determines the current location in the form of location coordinates by means of a GPS reception system and forwards at least these location coordinates together with the identification code and the message to at least one center (21) of a data radio network. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the event that GPS signals at a specific location the location coordinates cannot be received of this location are previously saved, and that the identification code and the message together with the respective permanently stored location coordinates that the State the person's current location, at least a center (21) of a data radio network is forwarded will. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized characterized in that previously a plurality of different emergency calls, the different Denote dangerous situations in a memory (17) the portable device (11) are stored and that in the event of a particular situation the person in need of the situation selects the corresponding code, which is then sent to the Head office (21) is sent. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized characterized that with another, in one Memory (17) stored a code beforehand sent message can be canceled. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized characterized in that the portable device (11) physiological parameters such as body temperature and / or the pulse and / or skin resistance of those Person carrying the device (11) on himself, that measures the measured values with reference values that stored in a memory (17) of the device (11) are compared, and if there is one abnormal signal an emergency call is triggered. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized characterized in that the device (11) by means of a Radio signal is activated, after which the location determined and forwarded to the headquarters. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized characterized that the spatial movement of the person captured by the control center (21) and, if necessary is stored and the device (11) an alarm triggers when the person has a previously assigned leaves geographical area. Portable device for alarming auxiliary or monitoring organs with a receiver (13) for receiving GPS signals, a microprocessor (15) for calculating the location data, at least one memory (17) in which at least one identification code is stored, a transmitter (19) for sending the location data to at least one center (21) of a radio network, an energy source (41) for feeding the device, marked by possibly sets of location coordinates permanently stored in the memory (17), which define possible locations of the person at which no GPS signals can be received, a program stored in the memory (17), which calculates the location coordinates on the basis of the GPS signals received and forwards them to the transmitter (19), and at least one triggering and / or selection device (35, 37, 39) for starting up the device and optionally for selecting the message or messages to be sent when a certain event occurs. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one other message, e.g. a Emergency call code in which memory (17) is stored. Apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized characterized that a plurality of emergency codes or Messages are saved, the one to be sent Message using the selection device (35,37,39) is selected. Device according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized characterized in that a display device for display the selected message is intended. Device according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized characterized in that a timer is provided, which the transmitter in each case in certain time intervals Operation continues. Device according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized characterized in that the trigger device is a sensor (43,45,47) is what certain bodily functions or Body values such as body temperature, skin resistance, Sweating or the like detected and with the Microprocessor communicates. Device according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterized characterized that the trigger device Receiver, e.g. is a pager, which with the Microprocessor communicates. Device according to one of claims 8 to 14, characterized characterized in that an amplifier unit (51) is provided which is the one sent by the watch Signals amplified and forwarded to the control center (21). Wristwatch with a device according to one of claims 8 to 15, characterized in that the device is housed in a watch case. Wristwatch according to claim 16, characterized in that at least one antenna (23, 25) in the watch case (27) or integrated in the watch band (29) and with the Sender / receiver is connected. Wristwatch according to claim 16 or 17, characterized characterized that the watch band (29) of the wristwatch has a security lock (49), which only by means of an electronic code or a key can be opened. Emergency call system with location possibility with a device (21) according to one of claims 8 to 14 or a wristwatch according to one of claims 15 to 17 a GPS or DGPS and a radio data network to receive the transmitted data. Emergency call system according to claim 19 further characterized by a unit or center (21) for evaluating the data received via radio data transmission network and Location determination using a raster map or the like.

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