WO2007107984A2

WO2007107984A2 - System and method for real time monitoring of a subject and verification of an emergency situation

Info

Publication number: WO2007107984A2
Application number: PCT/IL2007/000349
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ianiv Seror
Original assignee: Ianiv Seror
Priority date: 2006-03-22
Filing date: 2007-03-18
Publication date: 2007-09-27
Also published as: WO2007107984A3

Abstract

The present invention is a system and a method for real time monitoring of a subject and for verification of an emergency situation (ES) related to the subject. The system and method enable detection and identification of a suspected emergency situation (SES) related to the subject through sensors monitoring of the subject's physical and environmental conditions. The said system and method enable verification of an ES through a verification module that transmits sensory stimulation to the subject and checks for the subject's response to the stimulation before deciding upon an emergency situation (ES).

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REAL TIME MONITORING OF A

SUBJECT AND VERIFICATION OF AN EMERGENCY SITUATION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of emergency situation detection and more specifically, the present invention relates to the field of emergency situation detection and verification via sensors, stimulation devices and signal processing.

BACKGROUNG OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Detection of emergency situations is well known in the related art, as well as the use of sensors for detection of a digressive physical or environmental condition of a subject. Sensors for reading of physical conditions such as pulsometers, body thermometer, etc. or sensors for reading environmental conditions such as smoke detectors are commonly used by the population. [0003] Most detection systems such as stress buttons are connected to an operator that enables services such as emergency services and human assistance. Some of the sensors may detect a false alarming digressive physical or environmental condition and may accordingly make false calls to the operator. For example, a smoke detector may detect a fire alarm when a subject is smoking a cigarette; an inertial sensor may detect a fall of a subject because of the subject's sudden non-alarming movement, etc.

[0004] There have been many systems and methods in the related arts that disclose means and methods for detection of stressful or emergency situations, through the use of sensors. For example, optical and thermal sensors for monitoring of a driver's alertness while driving, as taught by James Russell patent No. US5689241. Russell tries to reduce the probability for a false alarm by requiring both sensors to identify a digressive condition for the identification of an emergency situation. In Russell's device, for example, only the detected combination of both non movement and a decrease in breath temperature will trigger another set of sensing techniques and eventually trigger an alarm to wake the driver up. Russell's patent does not electronically and automatically contact an operator or a service center, in case of an emergency situation, and does not carry out any additional verification that involves a volitional response from the driver himself. [0005] A patent by Gozlan Eli No. US5595488 discloses a stimulation apparatus for issuing stimuli to a subject and a response apparatus for enabling the subject to reply to the stimuli. Gozlan's stimulation and response apparatuses improve a subject (such as a driver) alertness by making the subject respond to the stimuli every predetermined period of time, while the subject is engaged in a primary activity such as driving. While Gozlan enables response from a subject, Gozlan does not monitor the subject's physical or environmental conditions through sensors. Therefore, Gozlan's patent is not very useful in cases where the subject is a wounded soldier, an old person, a child, or any other human being that is in a stressful situation and cannot respond to the stimulation. [0006] Dewing Wende L. discloses in a patent No. WO04062496A1 an automated monitoring and response system of an actor and an actor's environment in order to identify an existence of an emergency situation relating to the actor or the environment. Wene's system and method include automatic messaging of an emergency situation alert to at least one designated responder. Wende's patent does not include any system or method that enables verification of the emergency situation as a true emergency situation and therefore does not deal with the problem of false alarms that may be caused by one or more sensors misreading. [0007] None of the related arts resolves both the detection of an emergency situation as well as the reduction of false alarms, while detection and verification is electronic and automatic. Furthermore, none of the related arts discusses a method or a system in which an emergency situation is identified and verified through detection by sensors and a stimulation of a subject for verification of an emergency situation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is a system and a method for real time monitoring of at least one subject and verification of an emergency situation (ES). Monitoring of the subject's environmental and physical conditions is carried out through at least one sensor, and verification of an ES is carried out through sensory stimulation of the subject via at least one stimulation device. The subject may be for example: a person with physical limitations such as an old, a sick or a handicapped person, a soldier, a child, a driver etc. [0009] To reduce false alarms of emergency situations (ES), the present invention enables verification of the subject's condition through stimulating of the subject and a response mechanism. Stimulation may be carried out through at least one stimulation device. The response mechanism enables the subject to respond to the stimulation for preventing a false alarm situation. [0010] Monitoring of a subject and verification of an ES is enabled through a processing unit. The processing unit enables processing of data received from the sensors and stimulation devices for identifying an ES, wherein at least part of the data received from the sensors and stimulation devices, is transmitted to a remote service center. [0011] The present invention further enables communication with a service center. The service center may be a center that provides services such as: a service person that enables online assistance to the subject through communication applications, summoning of and communicating with emergency services such as ambulance services, police, etc. The service center may also be at least one of the subject's chosen people such as a family related person or a friend, where the chosen person is predefined by the system and the subject. BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The subject matter regarded as the invention will become more clearly understood in light of the ensuing description of embodiments herein, given by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the present invention only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system for real time monitoring and verification of a suspected emergency situation, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of a method for real time monitoring and verification of a suspected emergency situation, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of a succession of modules execution of the system, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a portable integrated detection and verification device, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Drawings together with the description make apparent to those skilled in the art how the invention may be embodied in practice.

[0013] No attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention. [0014] An embodiment is an example or implementation of the inventions. The various appearances of "one embodiment," "an embodiment" or "some embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE

INVENTION

[0015] The present invention is a system and a method for real time monitoring of a subject 200 and for verification of a suspected emergency situation (SES). The said system and method enable detecting and identification of a SES related to subject 200 through monitoring of subject's 200 physical and environmental conditions. The said system and method enable verification of a SES through a verification module 13 that transmits sensory stimulation to subject 200 and checks for subject's 200 response to the stimulation before deciding upon an emergency situation (ES). [0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, monitoring, processing and verifications are carried out electronically and automatically through a processing unit 100. Processing unit 100 may be a computer or a reduced computed such as at least one Digital Signal Processor (DSP). [0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, once a SES is verified to be identified as an emergency situation (ES), the said method and system enable communication with a service center. The service center provides services such as guiding subject 200 into resolving his problem, summoning appropriate emergency services such as an ambulance, police, fire and rescue services etc. or guiding subject 200 while simultaneously summoning emergency services. The service center may be supported by, human, communication applications and computerized assistance.

[0018] While the description below contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of the preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other possible variations that are within its scope. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiment illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

[0019] Reference in the specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "some embodiments" or "other embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least one embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the inventions. It is understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is not to be construed as limiting and are for descriptive purpose only. [0020] The principles and uses of the teachings of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description, figures and examples. It is to be understood that the details set forth herein do not construe a limitation to an application of the invention. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention can be carried out or practiced in various ways and that the invention can be implemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in the description below.

[0021] It is to be understood that the terms "including", "comprising", "consisting" and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers. The phrase "consisting essentially of, and grammatical variants thereof, when used herein is not to be construed as excluding additional components, steps, features, integers or groups thereof but rather that the additional features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, device or method. [0022] If the specification or claims refer to "an additional" element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element. It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to "a" or "an" element, such reference is not be construed that there is only one of that element. It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic "may", "might", "can" or "could" be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.

[0023] Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or both may be used to describe embodiments, the invention is not limited to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described. [0024] Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing or completing manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selected steps or tasks. The term "method" refers to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the invention belongs. The descriptions, examples, methods and materials presented in the claims and the specification are not to be construed as limiting but rather as illustrative only.

[0025] Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs, unless otherwise identified. The present invention can be implemented in the testing or practice with methods and materials equivalent or similar to those described herein. [0026] Any publications, including patents, patent applications and articles, referenced or mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in the description of some embodiments of the invention shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

[0027] Reference is now made to Fig. 1, which schematically illustrates a system for real time monitoring of subject 200 and for verification of a SES, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The system comprises:

- a processing unit 100 that enables communication with sensors, service center and stimulation devices 26, processing unit 100 also enables processing of signals received from sensors and stimulation devices 26. Processing unit 100 further enables activation of verification module 13. Processing unit 100 further enables storage and transmission of data such as sensors readings, subject 200 personal details, subject's 200 medical history, etc., wherein said data may be transmitted to service center via communication and computer applications.

- a detection module 11 that enables detection of a SES, wherein detection is carried out through at least one sensor. Said sensor may be

(i) a body portable sensor (BPS) 22, which is carried or adorned by subject 200 or inserted to subject's 200 body, or (ii) an external sensor (ExS) 23, which is not carried or adorned by subject 200. - a verification module 13 that activates at least one stimulation device 26 that physically stimulates subject 200 and verifies response from subject 200,

- a service center module 15 that enables communication with a service center, wherein said service center enables an online aid for subject

200 as well as sending an emergency service to subject 200.

[0028] BPS 22 may measure subject 200 physical parameters such as pulse, blood pressure, subject 200 body positioning — as in inertial sensors that consist of a gyroscope and enable measurement of body positioning as well as detection of sudden movements. ExS 23 may measure environmental parameters, such as gasses - a smoke detector, or temperature - a thermometer, etc. The sensors BPS 22 and ExS 23 are connected to processing unit 100 via wired or wireless communication and signaling. [0029] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sensors BPS 22 and ExS 23 may transmit a signal to processing unit 100, wherein said signal may be a parameter - such as pulse or temperature, or an alarming signal - such as a smoke alarm signal. Processing unit 100 may compare a sensor parameter with preset ranges of corresponding parameters. For example, BPS 22 for pulse transmits a measured pulse parameter of subject 200 to processing unit 100. Processing unit 100 receives said pulse parameter and checks it against a predetermined range of pulses that are considered normal or healthy. If the pulse parameter is not within of the said range, the system- through sensors and processing unit 100 -identifies "sensor alert". In alarming sensors, such as smoke detectors or inertial sensors, processing unit 100 may receive an alarm and immediately identify a "sensor alert". [0030] According to embodiments of the present invention, the system may identify a situation as a SES if at least one of the sensors has detected a sensor alert. [0031] In other embodiments of the present invention the system may identify a SES only if more than one sensor has detected sensor alerts. For example, Processor unit 100 may receive a sensor alert from BPS 22 that is an inertial sensor. Inertial sensors may sand a sensor alert if they sense a fall. A fall may be detected by common inertial sensors if subject 200 makes a sudden movement such as clapping his hands, while inertial sensor is carried on subject 200 hand. To avoid false alarms whenever subject 200 claps his hands, the system may require a second sensor alarm from another sensor in order to identify the situation as a SES, for example a second reading of a BPS 22 that is a pulsometer. Only if both pulsometer and inertial sensor send sensor alarms, the processing unit 100 identifies a SES. hi another example, the second sensor may be yet another inertial sensor located at a different position as portable or non-portable. In case of subject 200 hands clapping, the first inertial sensor may detect a sensor alert but the second inertial sensor may not. In this case the system will prevent defining the situation as a SES.

[0032] According to some embodiments of the present invention, in a SES the system activates verification module 13 to further avoid false alarms. Verification module 13 activates at least one stimulation device 26 that physically stimulates subject 200. Processing unit 100 transmits signals to stimulation device 26; stimulation device 26 activates a sensory stimulation. Verification module 13 checks for subject's 200 response to the stimulation. If subject 200 does not respond to the stimulation the system via processing unit 100 identifies the situation as an ES. [0033] According to embodiments of the present invention, sensory stimulation may be vocal, visual, tactile or any other stimulation that enables detection by subject 200. For example, stimulation may be activated via a vibrant device, via a flashing device or via a device that produces sound. Stimulation device 26 may be designed to fit subject 200 limitations or condition. For example if subject 200 is blind or has a difficulty in sensing vibrations, a vocal stimulation may be applied. If the SES is a false alarm, subject 200 may turn off stimulation device 26. If stimulation device 26 is turned off by subject 200, the system may ignore SES and save sensors data. [0034] According to some embodiments of the present invention, verification module 13 may be activated through a predetermined time interval, in which stimulation device 26 may be activated intermittently. If the time interval is ended and subject 200 has not turned off the stimulation device 26, the system identifies the situation as an ES and processing unit 100 automatically operates service center module 15. For example, verification module 13 is set to be activated in a SES to a predetermined time interval of ten minutes. Within those ten minutes, stimulation device 26 is intermittently activated for periods of twenty seconds with breaks often seconds; meaning that stimulation device is turned on for twenty seconds and off for ten seconds, while this process continues for ten minutes. If subject 200 has not responded to stimulation, by turning stimulation device 26 off, within those ten minutes, ES is verified and communication with the service center is executed.

[0035] According to embodiments of the present invention and according to embodiments of verification module 13, verification of a SES may enable amplification of stimulation device 26 during the time interval, increasing the number of activated stimulation devices 26 during the time interval, or increasing the number of stimulation devices 26 while enabling amplification of stimulation from at least one activated stimulation device 26. Subject 200 may respond to at least one of the activated stimulations to refute a SES. Stimulation devices 26 may be located at different places to allow subject 200 to respond to at least one stimulation device 26, where at least some of the stimulation devices 26 may be of the same device-type located at different places. Locating stimulation devices 26 at several locations enables further prevention of false alarms; if, for example, one body portable stimulation device 26 is removed by the subject 200 - another body portable or external stimulation device 26 may be activated, so that if there is no ES - subject 200 may still be enabled to respond to stimulation. [0036] Processing unit 100 may store subject 200 related data. According to embodiments of the present invention, processing unit 100 may store subject 200 related data such as sensors reading, subject 200 personal details etc. Some of the said storage of data may be limited to predetermined periods of time. Processing unit 200 may erase said data in case there has been no SES, to allow restoring of new updated data. For example, processing unit 100 may store subject's 200 personal details such as home address, age, etc, in a permanent storage, and sensors reading in a time-limited storage. Processing unit 100 may erase sensors readings that have been stored every hour, providing that there has been no SES in that particular hour. As another example, processing unit 100 may enable saving of sensors data of the latest several hours and erasing of the said data every hour, where the erased data is the first hour that has been saved.

[0037] According to some embodiments of the present invention, service center module 15 allows communication with a service center. The service center module 15 includes a service center, at least one telecommunication system, a speaker, a microphone and may also include a stress button, a screen, and a global positioning system (GPS). Subject 200 may communicate with the service center via a communication system, a speaker and a microphone. Processing unit 100 may automatically send the service center the stored data when a SES occurs. Transmission of said data from processing unit 100 to the service center may be carried out via communication applications that are known in the art, such as full duplex or half duplex radio communication applications.

[0038] According to embodiments of the present invention, the service center may be any designated source defined by the system, wherein said source enables communication with subject 200. For example, the service center may be a member of subject's 200 family of a friend, a clime, a service center designated for assisting subscribed subjects 200, etc.

[0039] According to embodiments of the present invention, the service center may be able to operate at least one of stimulation devices 26 that are defined by the system. Operation of stimulation devices 26 may be carried out by a human member of the service center or by an automated mechanism. Stimulation device 26 that may be used by the service center, may be defined by the system only to be operated by the remote service center. In case of an ES, when the service center is called, the service center may operate a more intense stimulation upon subject 200, in order to enable subject 200 to respond. [0040] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the system may further include a learning module, in which the processing unit 100 may learn patterns of subject 200 movements and habits. The learning module may help further reduction of false alarms. For example, inertial sensors are sensitive to sudden movements and therefore may signal a sensor alarm when subject 200 claps his hands. To avoid a false alarm due to a clapping of hands, learning module may enable recording and learning of movement patterns that are related to clapping and avoid identification of the said clapping as a sensor alert. According of embodiments of the learning module, learning process may be carried out in processing unit 100 or in sensors, providing that the said sensors enable processing. [0041] Communication between processing unit 100, monitoring and verification applications, as well as communication between processing unit 100, subject 200 and a service center may be wireless, wired, optical, or any electronic communication that is known in the art. Said communication may also be a combination of several communication techniques. For example, processing unit 100 may enable transmitting and receiving wireless signals from and to the sensors and also enable communication with the service center through voice over internet protocol (VOIP).

[0042] Reference is now made to Fig. 2, which schematically illustrates a method for real time monitoring of subject 200 and for verification of a SES, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The method comprises the following steps:

- Detect a sensor alert 40; processing unit 100 receives at least one sensor alert from at least one of the sensors.

Processing unit 100 verifies upon a SES 41 according to preset conditions. - Detect SES 42; once a SES is verified by processing unit 100.

- Activate stimulation 43: processing unit 100 sends a signal to at least one stimulation device 26 to activate stimulation upon subject 200.

- Respond to stimulation condition 44: if subject 200 has responded to stimulation - for example, if stimulation device 26 has been turned off volitionally by subject 200, processing unit 100 ends session 60 and saves sensors data of SES. If subject 200 has not responded to stimulation - for example, if stimulation device 26 has not been turned off volitionally by subject 200, processing unit 100 activates the step of - verify ES condition 45: a predetermined ES verification process, carried out by processing unit 100, in which stimulation device 26 may be turned off and on automatically by processing unit 100 within a predetermined time interval, to allow subject 200 to volitionally respond to stimulation in order to avoid a false alarm. Processing unit 100 decides upon an ES only if subject 200 has not responded to stimulations within the predetermined time interval.

- Transmit ES signal and data 47: processing unit 100 transmits an ES signal to the service center and may also transmit saved data such as sensors readings, subject's 200 personal details, GPS data etc. processing unit may automatically call the service center and enable communication of said service center with subject 200.

Achieve communication with subject 200 condition 48: the service center may try to communicate with subject 200 through various communication applications that are predefined in the system. If communication with subject 200 has been achieved the service center may assist 50 subject 200. - Assist 50 subject 200 by talking to subject 200 and direct subject 200 into solving his situation. The service center verifies if subject 200 needs help to be sent to him through a

- send help condition 51, service center decides whether or not to call for the appropriate emergency services and sends help 49. If the service center does not succeed in achieving communication with subject 200 as indicated in step 48, the service center may automatically

. . decide upon sending help 49 and send an emergency service such as an ambulance, rescue services etc. The service center may decide upon the appropriate emergency service according to the saved data that has been transmitted by processing unit. Said data may relate to subject 200 sensors readings, GPS readings, subject's 200 medical history and personal details etc.

[0043] In the above illustration subject 200 response to stimulation has been embodied into turning stimulation device 200 off. According to embodiments of the present invention, subject 200 may respond to stimulation in various ways that are predefined by the system.

[0044] According to embodiments of the present invention, the processing unit may enable amplification of stimulation during the predetermined time period. Processing unit 100 may set up a time period in which the stimulation is activated every few seconds for a predetermined number of times, while with each iteration the stimulation may be amplified.

[0045] According to some embodiments of the present invention processing unit 100 may allow additional system definitions for ES. For example, subject 200 may press a stress button and directly reach the service center, even when the sensors did not detect any sensor alert. In this example, processing unit 100 may hold an additional definition for an ES in which pressing of a stress button is identified as an ES.

[0046] According to embodiments of the present invention, stimulation devices 26 may be body portable or non body portable. Portable sensors such as BPS 22 or stimulation devices 26 may be designed according to the known art. Body-portable stimulation devices 26 may be, for example, a wristwatch, an ear clip, a tag etc. Non-body-portable stimulation devices 26 may be, for example, light-based devices, voice-based devices etc. [0047] According to further embodiments of the present invention, the system and method may further include a pre-verification module 17, as illustrated in Fig. 3. Pre- verification module 17 may further facilitate in false alarms prevention. Pre- verification module 17 may enable an additional verification process prior to verification module 13, wherein at least one sensor alert may be avoided before verification module 13 is executed. The system may enable recognizing subject's 200 behavioral, physical and environmental patterns, calculated and estimated through a mathematical module 19, where the said patterns lead to false alarms. For example, a body portable inertial sensor 22 may translate some repeated physical activity that includes sudden movements (such as jumping or clapping of hands) as a fall. The sensor may repeatedly send alerts or out of range parameters to processing unit 100 within a short time interval. Processing unit 100 may be designed to identify such repeated or patterned sensor data as a false alarm and prevent executing verification module 13. [0048] Reference is now made to Fig. 3, which schematically illustrates the succession of modules execution through a time axis 900, of the system for real time monitoring and verification, wherein said system includes a pre-verification module 17, according to some embodiments of the present invention. At least one sensor alert is transmitted from one of the sensors; pre-verification module 17 is executed to verify the sensor alert; pre-verification module 17 operates through mathematical module 19, wherein said mathematical module executes statistical and graphical mathematical calculations to decide whether the sensor alert is a patterned behavior of subject 200 that is a false alarm or not; when pre-verification module signals a SES verification module 13 is executed; when verification module 13 signals an ES service center module 15 is executed. [0049] Mathematical calculations of mathematical module 19 may be executed and saved through at least one processing unit 100, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] Reference is now made to Fig. 4, which schematically illustrates a sensory and stimulation portable device, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Processing unit 100, BPS 22 and stimulation device 26 may all be integrated within the same portable device 300, where ExS 23, for example a smoke detector, enables wireless communication with the portable device 300. Portable device 300 includes a wrist strap 66, a DSP as processing unit 100, BPSs 22, stimulation device 26, a stress button 88 that enables communication with the service center, an end button 77 to enable subject 200 volitional response to the stimulation, a speaker 86 and a microphone 87 to enable communication with the service center.

[0051] According to some embodiments of the present invention, portable device 300 may also include a GPS. Portable device 300 may also include at least one screen to enable indication of BPS 22 parameters and to enable sending and receiving of messages via short messages service (SMS) and multimedia messaging service (MMS).

[0052] According to some embodiments of the present invention, ExSs 23, BPS 22, processing unit 100 and stimulation devices 26 may be connected to or integrated in a telephonic device such as a cellular mobile phone, for example. [0053] According to embodiments of the present invention, stimulation devices 26, BPSs 22, ExSs 23 and stress buttons 88 may be integrated or installed in multiple portable and non-portable devices. For example, at least one BPS 22, at least one stimulation device 26 and at least one stress button 88 that are integrated into one portable device 300 such as a wristwatch, where at least one more stimulation device 26 is integrated into a different portable device 300 such as an ear-clip. [0054] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the sensors may be selectively operable by the service center. For example, ExS 23 that is a video camera that may be affixed in subject 200 environment. The camera may be selectively operated by the service center in case subject 200 does not respond to stimulation and in case the service center cannot achieve communication with subject 200, or in case subject 200 presses the stress button. The camera may support the service center decision regarding the appropriate emergency service that should be sent to subject 200. [0055] According to some embodiments of the present invention, sensors BPS 22 and ExS 23 may include a processor such as at least one chip or any processors that are known in the art. Said processors may additionally enable transmission of signals, processing of data, and a learning mechanism to enable learning subject 200 patterns of movement. [0056] According to embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the BPS 22 may be embedded within subject's 200 cloths. The embedded BPS 22 may be designed to be embedded within the cloth-fabric.

[0057] According to embodiments of the present invention, the sensors may be designed to sense through "periodic sensing" or through "successive sensing". Periodic sensing is when the sensor periodically samples a parameter or activates sensing. Successive sensing is when the sensor successively samples or senses subject's 200 conditions.

[0058] Sensors, stimulation devices 26 and processing unit 100 may be chosen and located according to the subject's 200 convenience, the sensors and devices specifications and according to the purpose of the system.

[0059] According to embodiments of the present invention, the system may further include a calibration module, where the sensors, stimulation devices 26 and time- intervals may be calibrated according to subject's 200 personal needs, health condition and requirements. The calibration module may be executed prior to all other modules. The system may be re-calibrated through the calibration module, according to subject's 200 requirements, health condition, aging etc. [0060] For example, subject 200 that has a low tactile sensitivity may require an intensive tactile stimulation that repeats in small time intervals. Subject's 200 sensitivity may change along the period of time the he uses the system. Therefore resetting the time intervals and the tactile stimulation intensity may be enabled through the calibration module.

[0061] According to embodiments of the present invention, the system may be designed to reset its definitions of a SES, according to subject's 200 behavior. For example, if a SES was identified for several time by the same sensors' detection pattern and within all these successive SES's subject 200 responded to the stimulation and abolished the SES - the system may "learn" from this recorded experience and reset itself to identify this pattern of sensor detection as a false alarm.

[0062] According to embodiments of the present invention, processing unit 100 may be preset to allocate the specific stimulation device 26 that corresponds to the specific sensors. For example, the system comprises an inertial BPS 22 and a smoke detector ExS 23, a tactile body portable stimulation device 26 and a sound alarm as a voice stimulation device 26. Processing unit 100 may be preset to associate sensor alerts from the smoke detector to the sound stimulation, and the inertial sensor alerts with the tactile stimulation.

[0063] According to embodiments of the present invention, the sensors data transmitted by the system to the service center may include messaging relating to the type of emergency services required, according to the type of sensors that sensed the ES. For example, if the ES originates in a smoke detector the system may transmit a text message, for example, that requests a fire-services aid.

[0064] According to embodiments of the present invention, the system may be preset to identify a pre-sensor alert situation, in which the sensor's parameters have not yet reached the normal range, but processing unit 100 identifies an orientation persistency, for example, an increase or a decrease toward on the limits of the normal range. In this case the system may define the situation as a "pre-alert" situation and automatically operate at least one stimulation device 26 that may notify subject 200 regarding a suspected forthcoming sensor alert. [0065] While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of some of the preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other possible variations, modifications, and applications that are also within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be limited by what has thus far been described, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system for real time monitoring of at least one subject and verification of a suspected emergency situation (SES), said system comprises:

- a detection module that includes at least one sensor that enables detection of the subject's physical and environmental conditions;

- a verification module that enables verification of a suspected emergency situation (SES), wherein said verification module includes at least one stimulation device that enables a sensory stimulation of the subject, wherein said verification module verifies the subject's response to the said stimulation;

- a processing unit that enables processing of data received from the sensors and stimulation devices for identifying an emergency situation ES, wherein at least part of the data received from the sensors and stimulation devices is transmitted to a remote service center.

2. The system of claim 1 further including a service center module that enables online communication of the subject with a service center, wherein said service center provides online assistance to the subject and enables communication with and summoning of emergency aid.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the processing unit is operatively associated with detection module, verification module and service center module.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein verification module is selectively operated by the processing unit when at least one of the sensors has detected a sensor alert.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the sensor alert is identified when at least one of the sensors has detected a condition that digresses from pre-specified normal conditions.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the verification module includes selective operation of the stimulation device, for a predetermined time period, to allow the subject to respond to stimulation before the processing unit verifies and identifies an ES.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the processing unit enables receiving and transmission of signals, wherein said signals may be sent and received via communication network applications.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the communication network is a wired communication network.

9. The system of claim. 7, wherein the communication network is a wireless communication network.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the communication network is a combination of both a wireless and a wired communication network.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein processing of data received from the sensors further enables receiving and transmission of said data through network communication and processing applications.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the service center module enables the subject's online communication with the service center further includes at least one microphone, at least one speaker and at least one stress button.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the stress button includes communication applications to enable transmission of signals to the processing unit and to the service center.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the stress button further enables the subject's communication with the service center.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the online communication further enables electronic and automatic transmission of sensors data and signals and transmission of subject related information to the service center.

16. The system of claim 1 further including a pre-verifϊcation module, wherein said pre- verification module enables further prevention of false alarms through sensors and processing unit learning of patterns of the subjects physical and environmental behavior.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the pre-verification module enables avoiding sensor alerts that have a repeating pattern, wherein said repeating pattern is predefined by the system and occurs within a predetermined time interval.

18. The system of claim 1 further comprises a global positioning system (GPS)₅ wherein said GPS enables tracking of the subject's location.

19. The system of claim 1 further includes a calibration module, wherein the sensors, the stimulation devices and time intervals are set according to the subject's personal health condition, needs and requirements.

20. The system of claim 1 further enables resetting of its definitions of a SES, according to the subject's history of responses to the system.

21. The system of claim 1, wherein the processing unit further enables associating of stimulation devices with the sensors types, presetting the system to associate the operation of a stimulation device that is associated with the sensor.

22. A method for real time monitoring of at least one subject and verification of an emergency situation (ES) related to the said subject, said method comprises the steps of:

- identify a suspected emergency situation (SES), by receiving at least one sensor alert from at least one sensor;

- operate stimulation, wherein said stimulation is activated through at least one stimulation device, and wherein said stimulation device enables sensory stimulation of a subject;

- verify ES, wherein said verification enables the subject to respond to the stimulation within a predetermined time period, in order to check whether the SES is an ES or a false alarm;

- transmit ES alert and data to a service center, wherein a processing unit transmits an ES alert, subject's personal details and sensors data to the service center.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the service center enables communication with the subject, wherein the service center tries to communicate with the subject in order to assist the subject in resolving the ES and in order to receive information from the subject;

24. The method of claim 22, wherein the service center enables contacting and sending of at least one emergency service to the subject.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein said sensor alert is defined when at least one of the sensors has detected a condition that digresses from pre-specified normal conditions.

26. The method of claim 22, wherein at least one sensor alert is received by the processing unit, wherein said sensor enables reading and sensing of a subject's physical and environmental conditions.

27. The method of claim 22, wherein said verification enables the subject to respond to the stimulation within a predetermined time period further includes re-activation of stimulation and amplification of the said stimulation.

28. The method of claim 22, wherein said verification further enables activation of an increasing number of stimulation devices, to allow the subject to respond at least one of the stimulations.

29. the method of claim 22, wherein the processing unit transmits ES alert and data to a service center includes electronic transmission of the subject's personal details and stored data that has been detected by the sensors at the time of the ES.

30. The method of claim 22 further includes pre- verification step, wherein said step includes verifying at least one sensor alert that has a repeating pattern, wherein said pattern is predefined by the processing unit.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the pre- verification step prevents the verification step from been executed if the repeating pattern has been verified, in order to avoid a false alarm.

32. The method of claim 22 further includes a calibration step, wherein the sensors, the stimulation devices and the time intervals are set according to the subject's personal health condition, needs and demands.

33. The method of claim 22, wherein the transmission of an ES alert and the sensors data to the service center includes transmission of an alert message that is associated with the sensor's ES.

34. The system of claim 1 further enables identification of a pre-sensor-alert situation, where the processing unit identifies an orientation persistency of the parameters, detected by the sensor for a predefined time interval.

35. The system of claim 34 wherein upon identifying a pre-sensor-alert situation, the processing unit stimulates the subject, through at least one stimulation device.