CA1191642A - Personal alarm apparatus - Google Patents
Personal alarm apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA1191642A CA1191642A CA000422886A CA422886A CA1191642A CA 1191642 A CA1191642 A CA 1191642A CA 000422886 A CA000422886 A CA 000422886A CA 422886 A CA422886 A CA 422886A CA 1191642 A CA1191642 A CA 1191642A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- line
- tone
- dial
- sensor
- alarm
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M11/00—Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems
- H04M11/04—Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems with alarm systems, e.g. fire, police or burglar alarm systems
- H04M11/045—Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems with alarm systems, e.g. fire, police or burglar alarm systems using recorded signals, e.g. speech
Abstract
PERSONAL ALARM APPARATUS
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A personal alarm apparatus comprises a write moun-ed R.F. transmitter including a push button trigger and a relay station connected to the telephone line. The re-lay station on receipt of the transmitted alarm signal dials the first of up to four stored telephone numbers and repeats a digitized vocal message. The relay station includes a telephone line interface having a touchtone sensor, a dial tone sensor, a ring tone sensor, a line fault sensor and a sensor for detecting an off hook extension phone on the line. The touchtone sensor can be used for sensing a touchtone on the like to cease the message and the ring tone sensor can be used for counting rings in a call-back before intercepting the call and further re-peating the message.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A personal alarm apparatus comprises a write moun-ed R.F. transmitter including a push button trigger and a relay station connected to the telephone line. The re-lay station on receipt of the transmitted alarm signal dials the first of up to four stored telephone numbers and repeats a digitized vocal message. The relay station includes a telephone line interface having a touchtone sensor, a dial tone sensor, a ring tone sensor, a line fault sensor and a sensor for detecting an off hook extension phone on the line. The touchtone sensor can be used for sensing a touchtone on the like to cease the message and the ring tone sensor can be used for counting rings in a call-back before intercepting the call and further re-peating the message.
Description
PERSONAL ALARM APPARATUS
BACKGROUND OF TllE INVENTION
This invention relates to personal alarm appa-ratus and particularly to the type which can be carried on the person by an infirm or elderly patient for calling assistance in an emergency.
Elderly and infirm people often prefer to live independent lives in their own homes rather than to live in a controlled environment available in various in-stitutions. Such an arrangement is satisfactory for all concerned, but there is the danger that the elderly or in-firm person can become incapacitated by an accident or sudden illness attack leaving them unable to summon as-sistance. The person can therefore remain in a serious state for some time until visited by a friend or relation.
This can sometimes have disastrous consequences.
Various noise alarms have been available for many years but these are necessarily limited in range and hence cannot be used to summon trained assistance or the particularly caring assistance of a close friend or rela-tive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is one object of the invention therefore to .. ~ .
, ..
BACKGROUND OF TllE INVENTION
This invention relates to personal alarm appa-ratus and particularly to the type which can be carried on the person by an infirm or elderly patient for calling assistance in an emergency.
Elderly and infirm people often prefer to live independent lives in their own homes rather than to live in a controlled environment available in various in-stitutions. Such an arrangement is satisfactory for all concerned, but there is the danger that the elderly or in-firm person can become incapacitated by an accident or sudden illness attack leaving them unable to summon as-sistance. The person can therefore remain in a serious state for some time until visited by a friend or relation.
This can sometimes have disastrous consequences.
Various noise alarms have been available for many years but these are necessarily limited in range and hence cannot be used to summon trained assistance or the particularly caring assistance of a close friend or rela-tive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is one object of the invention therefore to .. ~ .
, ..
- 2 -provide a personal alarm apparatus which is readily portable and yet can be used to summon assistance from a remote loca-tion.
~ ccordingly the invention provides a personal alarm comprising an alarm signalling device having a casing and strap adapted for ready transport on the wrist of the per-son, a mamlal.ly operable switch mounted on the casing and a transmitter responsive to operation of the switch for trans-mitting a radio frequency alarm signal, and a relay station mounted within a single housing and comprising means res-ponsive to the alarm signal, interface means for connection to a telephone line, means for opening said line and dial-ling telephone numbers on said line, a memory, means for storing in said memory a plurality of telephone numbers with an order of priority whereby said dialling means can dial each of said numbers in turn, means for transmitti.ng a re-peated message on said line and means responsive to a signal on the line for ceasing said message, said interface means comprising; means responsive to a dial tone on said line and arranged such that on detection of said dial tone said numbers are dialled and on failure to detect said dial tone said line is hung up and on three failures to so detect said dial tone said numbers are dialled, means to detect an ex-tension phone on said line off hook and arranged to actuate said transmitting means in response thereto, means respon-sive to a ring tone on said line and arranged on receipt of a ring tone at any time subsequent to an alarm signal to actuate said transmitting means, and means for counting ring tone up to a predetermined number before actuating said transmitting means, and means for repeatedly checking :Eor a line fault and for indicating a fault when detected.
It is one advantage of the invention therefore that the signalling device is readily portable and can comprise a wrist borne device similar to a wrist watch and yet can communicate via the telephone lines to any remote location.
It is an important feature of the invention that the relay station stores a plurality of telephone num-bers which can be dialled in order of priority to call various individuals rather than a central impersonal station.
Furthermore, the relay station can include a system of playing a recorded message to the chosen reci-pient which message can be repeated several times and the repetition can be stopped by a tone signal issued by the recipient to save time. The relay station can also in-clude a system for confirming the accuracy of the alarm signal by repeating the message when called back by the recipient. The relay station can be programmed to await a certain number of rings of the telephone from the call~
back in order to give time for the person making the alarm to personally answer the telephone, if physically able to do so.
With the foregoing in view, and other advan-tages as will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates as this specifica-tion proceeds, the invention is herein described by re-ference to the accompanying drawings forming a part here-of, which includes a description of the best mode known to the applicants and of the preferred typical embodi-ment of the principles of the present invention, in which:
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a plan view of a wrist-borne alarm signalling device.
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the alarm signalling clevice of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is an isometric view of the exterior of the relay station for use with the alarm signalling device of Figures 1 and 2.
Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of the compo-nents of the relay station of Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a block diagram of the relay station.
In the drawings like characters of reference indi-cate corresponding parts in the different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Generally, the apparatus comprises an alarm sig-nalling device shown in Figures 1, 2 and ~ and a relay station shown in Figures 3 and 5 connected to a telephone line also connected to a standard handset as shown also in Figure 3.
Turning firstly to the alarm signalling device, this is mounted in a small plastic casing which is suitably formed to be carried on the wrist of the elderly or infirm patient and including a wrist band 10 connected in a con-ventional manner to a casing base 11 both of which may be of plastic material so as to avoid draining some of the .~
~9~
power of the transmitter. The casing also includes a cover 12 which can be slid away from t'ne base along the junc-tion line 13 to expose the electronic components mounted within the casing and shown schematically at 14. The cover 12 is of a translucent "smoked" plastic material which provides a pleasing appearance while effectively hiding the electronic components and yet allowing light from a light emitting diode 15 to be visible through the cover when illuminated. The cover 12 and casing 11 slide into snap fitting engagement thus providing a complete, simply manufactured plastic casing which is pleasing in appearance and resistant to damage.
Around the bottom of the casing 11 is mounted an antenna 16 for transmitting a radio frequency signal developed by the components as will be explained herein-after. In addition, the housing 11 mounts a pair of buttons 17 which can be depressed to trigger the components to transmit the signal. Finally, the casing mounts a bat-tery test button underneath the casing in a recess so that it is not normally visible to view, but can be operated to determine if the batteries are satisfactory.
Turning now to Figure ~, the internal elec-tronic components are shown schematically and comprise a trigger source 20 operated by simultaneous depression 6~
of the buttons 17 so triggering operation of the device.
The trigger source communicates with a latch 21 which acts to latch the trigger regardless of the period of time for which the buttons 17 are depressed so that they can be released and still maintain the transmitter triggered. A
timer 22 acts to control the latch so that the triggering of the transmitter can be released after a predetermined time to avoid interfering witn local equipment by the R.F.
signal transmitted.
The latch circuit 21 acts to initiate the trans-mission of a digitally modulated code signal from a digi-tal modulator 23. The digital modulator 23 is coded with a particular code indicative of the transmitter concerned and can provide 16,000 different codes so that each of 16,000 different transmitters has its own unique code so that the possibility of the same code being transmitted by a transmitter within the vicinity is very small. The modu-lated signal is passed to an R.F. transmitter 24 ~hich transmits the signal through the antenna 16 in the casing 11 .
The trigger source 20, digital modulator 23 and transmitter 24 are all powered from a battery 25 of con-ventional type suitable for mounting in a wrist-born de-vice of the type concerned. A circuit for testing the battery to ensure that it is in satisfactory condition is provided at 26 and includes the LED indicator 15 and also the test button 18 from Figure 1. The battery test cir-cuit acts to apply a load to the battery similar to the transmitter circuit and to pass the current through the LED 15 so that it is illuminated to indicate a satisfac-tory condition of the battery. To prevent the battery from being drained, the battery test circuit acts to apply the load only instantaneously to flash the LED 15 regardless of the period of ti~e of depression of the test button 18.
The relay station shown in Figures 3 and 5 com-prises an outside casing 30 providing a flat platform 31 for receiving a conventional telephone handset 32. An inclined front face 33 of the outer casing includes an indicator panel 3~ having four LED indicator lights 35 and a touch button 36 behind a "dead face" black panel.
The indicators as shown in Figure 5 and explained in more detail hereinafter include the legends "run", "power fai-lure", "line fault" and "confirmed".
The touch button 36 includes the legend "re-set/abort".
At the bottom of the casing 30 adjacent the rear is provided the inlet leads to the base station com-q~
prising a power line 37, a telephone line 38 includinga plug for connection to the telephone line running into the building in which the base station is located and a receptacle 39 for receiving the telephone line from the handset 32. In addition, there is provided a battery switch 40 for connecting into the power supply circuit a battery housed in a battery housing 41.
The casing 30 also supports an antenna shown în Figures 3 and 5 at 42, mounted on the rear of the casing.
The components shown in Figure 5 are housed in the casing 30 and comprise a microprocessor 43 connec-ted variously to a receiver 45 which receives the signal from the transmitter connected by the antenna 42. The microprocessor is also connected to a memory 46 comprising three EPROMs, to a delta modulator 47 and to a telephone interface 48 connected to the telephone line at 38 and to the telephone handset at 39. The telephone interface in-cludes a sensor 49 responsive to the touch-tone 9, a sensor 50 responsive to the ring-tone, a sensor 51 responsive to the dial-tone and a sensor 52 responsive to a line faultg as will be explained hereinafter.
The microprocessor is also connected to the in-dicators 35 and to the reset/abort button 36.
Turning now to the operation of the device, it will be appreciated that the components shown in Figures 4 and 5 are indicated only schematically but their con-struction will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description of the operation.
The alarm signal device operates in the VHF or UHF frequency band at a particular frequency to which both the transmitter and the receiver are tuned. When the trigger buttons 17 of the device are operated by the wearer of the wrist band device in an emergency situation, the transmitter acts to transmit a particular digitally modu-lated code signal at t'ne UHF frequency for the period of time for which the buttons are depressed or for a time period (preferably four seconds) set by the latch 21, with the latch being reset for a further period if the buttons remain depressed for longer than the latch period.
The loop antenna 16 has propogation character-istics that are omnidirectional to the maximum extent practical so as to minimize nulls and to ensure that as far as possible, the antenna 42 receives the signal wi~h-in a radius of the order of 200 feet from the trans-mitter. Thus, at any location within the home of the patient or closely outside the home, on the occurrence of an emergency caused by a fall or relapse in the medical condition, the patient can signal to the relay station from the device merely by pressing the buttons 17.
Provided therefore the device is carried at all times, the patient will, in almost all circumstan-ces, be able to summon assistance.
The relay station is preferably located under the telephone or can, in some circumstances, be wall mounted adjacent to the telephone in the home of the patient.
On receipt of a signal at the frequency to which the receiver 45 is tuned, the receiver acts to de-modulate the radio frequency signal to obtain the digital signal originating from the digital modulator in the alarm signal device. The receiver also acts to extract a timing synchronization pulse. Both the received digi-tal signal and the timing pulse are then applied by the receiver to the microprocessor 43 where it is compared with a stored code, the same as that held by the digital modulator 23 As explained previously, up to 16,000 different codes can be available in the digital modulator 23 and the microprocessor 43 so that the pro-cessor 43 can ensure that it is the corresponding trans-mitter which is being operated. Any false signals or sig-nals from a different transmitter are therefore ignored.
However, a match of the codes causes the microprocessor 43 to commence the alarm signal procedure.
The rnemory 46 comprises three EPROMs one of which can be programmed to store up to four different telephone numbers, each of up tc fourteen digits, of per-sons or agencies the patient wishes to contact in the event of the emergency. The programming of the EPROM can only be carried out by the manufacturer or distributor using microprocessor equipment. A signal indicative of a voice message which the patient wishes to have communica-ted to the party concerned in the event of the emergency is stored in the memory 46 generally in the second EPROM.
Again, the voice message can only be stored in 'he EPROM
by the manufacturer or distributor and can be changed when circumstances change such as when the patient moves to a different location either temporarily or permanently.
The third EPROM stores the software necessary tor the microprocessor and is generally unchanged.
Upon a match of the received and stored codes, the microprocessor 43 reads the first EPROM to obtain the first telephone number listed in an order of priority.
The microprocessor firstly instructs the tele-phone interface 48 to open the telephone line 38. The line fault sensor 52 is responsive to voltages and current on the line which, as is well known, vary from the battery supply voltage from the exchange when the line is connec-ted to an extension handset. The sensor 52 is therefore responsive to the connection of the telephone line to an extension and in this condition the microprocessor 43 acts to transfer the signal in the second EPROM through the delta modulator 47 to re-constitute the vocal message for transmission to the extension and to the telephone line through the telephone interface 48. Thus, any one on an extension is immediately înstructed of the emergency.
If they are not in a position to assist, they need only to clear the line to allow the relay station to call the chosen recipient.
The sensor 51 is responsive to the commence-ment of the dial-tone on the line to instruct the micro-processor to supply signals to the line dialling the tele-phone number concerned. In the absence of a sensed dial-tone, the in,erface 48 hangs up the telephone for a se-cond and third attempt. On a third failure, the micro-processor 43 over-rules the dial-tone sensor and acts to dial the telephone number after a delay period.
A~ter dialling is completed, the microprocessor 43 acts to transfer the signal in the second EPROM through the delta modulator 47 to re-constitute the vocal message for transmission on the telephone line through the tele-phone interface 48. The microprocessor is programmed to repeat the message continuously for a specific time con-trolled by the program in the third EPP~OM.
The recipient of the telephone call can ter-minate the repetitions by providing a touch-tone. 9 signal either by pressing the touch tone button 9 of the telephone handset or by a touch-tone 9 generator supplied to the recipient, which tone is sensed by the sensor 49 to in-struct the microprocessor to cease the repetition. It will be appreciated that considerable time can be saved by cessation of the repetition to ensure that help is issued as quickly as possible. The microprocessor 43 looks for the touch-tone 9 signal during pauses in the vocal message and at the end of the message when the re-petition is ceased by receipt of the touch-tone 9, the telephone interface is instructed to hang up the line and await a call-back from the recipient of the telephone call.
The recipient is instructed that he must check the validity of the alarm call by phoning back to the re-lay station. The call-back is sensed by the ring-tone sensor 50 with the microprocessor 43 programmed to count a predetermined number of rings and then to instruct the telephone interface 48 to connect to the line 38 (lift the line off the hook). Immediately, the microprocessor acts to repeat the voice message once on the telephone line to confirm that this particular base station has the alarm condition and then hangs up. It will be appreciated that in the event of a false alarm or an alarm which is of a reduced emergency nature~ the patient could inter-cept the call-back to inform the call recipient of the circumstances. In the event that the call-back goes to the wrong number in error, this will be appreciated even if there is no reply by the fact that the message is not repeated. Signlficant time is saved by the fact that the call recipient can cancel the repetition of the message by issuing the touch-tone 9 and then can rapidly confirm the validity of the alarm signal by calling back and re-ceiving the repeated message. In this way, a reasonable check is made to avoid false alarms wnile avoiding sub-stantial delay before the help is issued.
The use of the dial-tone sensor 51 to confirm the commencement of dialling signals, avoids the necessity for waiting Eor a period of time sufficient to guarantee the commencement of the dial-tone. However, the dif-ficulty of sensing different dial-tones and the possibility of component failure means that it is desirable to over-rule the dial-tone sensor after a third attempt.
In the event that a third party is telephoning in on the telephone line 38 at the time that the inter-Eace requires the line for the emergency call or in the event that a third party calls in on the line while the interface is waiting after hanging up, the microprocessor ~3 is programmed, after sensing the ring-tone from the sensor 50, to transmit the voice message once thus inform-ing the third party and expecting the third party to hang up the line in view of the emergency situation. Further-more, if a third party intervenes before the chosen first recipient can make the call-back, the message is repeated firstly to the third party and then by virtue o- the above provision, to the chosen recipient when he finally makes his connection.
Following completion of a call and call-back cycle to the first telephone number, further telephone numbers can be called up to a total of four such numbers in the order of priority selected by the storage in the first EPRO~. In the event that the first number does not respond to the message by issuing the touch-tone 9 and making the necessary call-back, the microprocessor pro-ceeds to the second number in the priority. The micro-processor repeats the sequence of the first followed by ~ 16 the second number 3 three times and then moves to the third and fourth priority numbers which are contacted once be-fore reverting to the firs. number.
In the event that the second number responds by supplying the touch-tone 9 signal, the microprocessor drops this number from the sequence and continues to re-peat three attempts of the first number followed by one attempt of the third and fourth number. The micropro-cessor does not wait for a call-back from the second priority number or frcm the third and fourth priority numbers.
In the event that the first priority number responds, the microprocessor will only make an attempt once at the third and fourth numbers, with the repeating sequence only being instituted if the first number fails to respond.
In the event that the first priority recipient fails to make the call-back due to error or improper in-struction, the microprocessor is arranged to wait for a period of time controlled by the software programme and then to repeat the sequence to the number concerned.
While the base station is waiting for the sig-nal from the transmitter, the microprocessor acts to re-gularly check, through the interEace 48, the proper work-ing of the telephone line 38. This can be done by either ~ ~3 taking the line off the hook and detecting the dial-tone by the sensor 51, or by the sensor 52 reacting to the presence of the exchange battery voltage on the line, or alternatively, the proper voltage and current of the con-nection of the line to an extension phone. The latter can be effected without taking the line off the hook. In the event that a fault is detected, the warning light "line fault" is illuminated to warn the patient and a mild alarm sound is issued to summon the patient's attention.
Similary, the power source from the 115-volt power supply on the line 37 is continually monitored and upon detection of its failure, a substitute supply from the battery indicated at 401 is connected. A warning light "power failure" is illuminated and the warning sound issued to inform the patient.
During normal standby operation of the base station, the "run" light is pulsed to confirm that the device is operating properly. On receipt of valid alarm signal from the transmitter, the "run" light is illumina-ted continuously indicating that the microprocessor is operating tc carry out the calling sequences stated above.
On completion of the calling sequences, the "confirmed" light is illuminated to inform the patient that the first chosen recipient has been properly informed and
~ ccordingly the invention provides a personal alarm comprising an alarm signalling device having a casing and strap adapted for ready transport on the wrist of the per-son, a mamlal.ly operable switch mounted on the casing and a transmitter responsive to operation of the switch for trans-mitting a radio frequency alarm signal, and a relay station mounted within a single housing and comprising means res-ponsive to the alarm signal, interface means for connection to a telephone line, means for opening said line and dial-ling telephone numbers on said line, a memory, means for storing in said memory a plurality of telephone numbers with an order of priority whereby said dialling means can dial each of said numbers in turn, means for transmitti.ng a re-peated message on said line and means responsive to a signal on the line for ceasing said message, said interface means comprising; means responsive to a dial tone on said line and arranged such that on detection of said dial tone said numbers are dialled and on failure to detect said dial tone said line is hung up and on three failures to so detect said dial tone said numbers are dialled, means to detect an ex-tension phone on said line off hook and arranged to actuate said transmitting means in response thereto, means respon-sive to a ring tone on said line and arranged on receipt of a ring tone at any time subsequent to an alarm signal to actuate said transmitting means, and means for counting ring tone up to a predetermined number before actuating said transmitting means, and means for repeatedly checking :Eor a line fault and for indicating a fault when detected.
It is one advantage of the invention therefore that the signalling device is readily portable and can comprise a wrist borne device similar to a wrist watch and yet can communicate via the telephone lines to any remote location.
It is an important feature of the invention that the relay station stores a plurality of telephone num-bers which can be dialled in order of priority to call various individuals rather than a central impersonal station.
Furthermore, the relay station can include a system of playing a recorded message to the chosen reci-pient which message can be repeated several times and the repetition can be stopped by a tone signal issued by the recipient to save time. The relay station can also in-clude a system for confirming the accuracy of the alarm signal by repeating the message when called back by the recipient. The relay station can be programmed to await a certain number of rings of the telephone from the call~
back in order to give time for the person making the alarm to personally answer the telephone, if physically able to do so.
With the foregoing in view, and other advan-tages as will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates as this specifica-tion proceeds, the invention is herein described by re-ference to the accompanying drawings forming a part here-of, which includes a description of the best mode known to the applicants and of the preferred typical embodi-ment of the principles of the present invention, in which:
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a plan view of a wrist-borne alarm signalling device.
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the alarm signalling clevice of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is an isometric view of the exterior of the relay station for use with the alarm signalling device of Figures 1 and 2.
Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of the compo-nents of the relay station of Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a block diagram of the relay station.
In the drawings like characters of reference indi-cate corresponding parts in the different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Generally, the apparatus comprises an alarm sig-nalling device shown in Figures 1, 2 and ~ and a relay station shown in Figures 3 and 5 connected to a telephone line also connected to a standard handset as shown also in Figure 3.
Turning firstly to the alarm signalling device, this is mounted in a small plastic casing which is suitably formed to be carried on the wrist of the elderly or infirm patient and including a wrist band 10 connected in a con-ventional manner to a casing base 11 both of which may be of plastic material so as to avoid draining some of the .~
~9~
power of the transmitter. The casing also includes a cover 12 which can be slid away from t'ne base along the junc-tion line 13 to expose the electronic components mounted within the casing and shown schematically at 14. The cover 12 is of a translucent "smoked" plastic material which provides a pleasing appearance while effectively hiding the electronic components and yet allowing light from a light emitting diode 15 to be visible through the cover when illuminated. The cover 12 and casing 11 slide into snap fitting engagement thus providing a complete, simply manufactured plastic casing which is pleasing in appearance and resistant to damage.
Around the bottom of the casing 11 is mounted an antenna 16 for transmitting a radio frequency signal developed by the components as will be explained herein-after. In addition, the housing 11 mounts a pair of buttons 17 which can be depressed to trigger the components to transmit the signal. Finally, the casing mounts a bat-tery test button underneath the casing in a recess so that it is not normally visible to view, but can be operated to determine if the batteries are satisfactory.
Turning now to Figure ~, the internal elec-tronic components are shown schematically and comprise a trigger source 20 operated by simultaneous depression 6~
of the buttons 17 so triggering operation of the device.
The trigger source communicates with a latch 21 which acts to latch the trigger regardless of the period of time for which the buttons 17 are depressed so that they can be released and still maintain the transmitter triggered. A
timer 22 acts to control the latch so that the triggering of the transmitter can be released after a predetermined time to avoid interfering witn local equipment by the R.F.
signal transmitted.
The latch circuit 21 acts to initiate the trans-mission of a digitally modulated code signal from a digi-tal modulator 23. The digital modulator 23 is coded with a particular code indicative of the transmitter concerned and can provide 16,000 different codes so that each of 16,000 different transmitters has its own unique code so that the possibility of the same code being transmitted by a transmitter within the vicinity is very small. The modu-lated signal is passed to an R.F. transmitter 24 ~hich transmits the signal through the antenna 16 in the casing 11 .
The trigger source 20, digital modulator 23 and transmitter 24 are all powered from a battery 25 of con-ventional type suitable for mounting in a wrist-born de-vice of the type concerned. A circuit for testing the battery to ensure that it is in satisfactory condition is provided at 26 and includes the LED indicator 15 and also the test button 18 from Figure 1. The battery test cir-cuit acts to apply a load to the battery similar to the transmitter circuit and to pass the current through the LED 15 so that it is illuminated to indicate a satisfac-tory condition of the battery. To prevent the battery from being drained, the battery test circuit acts to apply the load only instantaneously to flash the LED 15 regardless of the period of ti~e of depression of the test button 18.
The relay station shown in Figures 3 and 5 com-prises an outside casing 30 providing a flat platform 31 for receiving a conventional telephone handset 32. An inclined front face 33 of the outer casing includes an indicator panel 3~ having four LED indicator lights 35 and a touch button 36 behind a "dead face" black panel.
The indicators as shown in Figure 5 and explained in more detail hereinafter include the legends "run", "power fai-lure", "line fault" and "confirmed".
The touch button 36 includes the legend "re-set/abort".
At the bottom of the casing 30 adjacent the rear is provided the inlet leads to the base station com-q~
prising a power line 37, a telephone line 38 includinga plug for connection to the telephone line running into the building in which the base station is located and a receptacle 39 for receiving the telephone line from the handset 32. In addition, there is provided a battery switch 40 for connecting into the power supply circuit a battery housed in a battery housing 41.
The casing 30 also supports an antenna shown în Figures 3 and 5 at 42, mounted on the rear of the casing.
The components shown in Figure 5 are housed in the casing 30 and comprise a microprocessor 43 connec-ted variously to a receiver 45 which receives the signal from the transmitter connected by the antenna 42. The microprocessor is also connected to a memory 46 comprising three EPROMs, to a delta modulator 47 and to a telephone interface 48 connected to the telephone line at 38 and to the telephone handset at 39. The telephone interface in-cludes a sensor 49 responsive to the touch-tone 9, a sensor 50 responsive to the ring-tone, a sensor 51 responsive to the dial-tone and a sensor 52 responsive to a line faultg as will be explained hereinafter.
The microprocessor is also connected to the in-dicators 35 and to the reset/abort button 36.
Turning now to the operation of the device, it will be appreciated that the components shown in Figures 4 and 5 are indicated only schematically but their con-struction will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description of the operation.
The alarm signal device operates in the VHF or UHF frequency band at a particular frequency to which both the transmitter and the receiver are tuned. When the trigger buttons 17 of the device are operated by the wearer of the wrist band device in an emergency situation, the transmitter acts to transmit a particular digitally modu-lated code signal at t'ne UHF frequency for the period of time for which the buttons are depressed or for a time period (preferably four seconds) set by the latch 21, with the latch being reset for a further period if the buttons remain depressed for longer than the latch period.
The loop antenna 16 has propogation character-istics that are omnidirectional to the maximum extent practical so as to minimize nulls and to ensure that as far as possible, the antenna 42 receives the signal wi~h-in a radius of the order of 200 feet from the trans-mitter. Thus, at any location within the home of the patient or closely outside the home, on the occurrence of an emergency caused by a fall or relapse in the medical condition, the patient can signal to the relay station from the device merely by pressing the buttons 17.
Provided therefore the device is carried at all times, the patient will, in almost all circumstan-ces, be able to summon assistance.
The relay station is preferably located under the telephone or can, in some circumstances, be wall mounted adjacent to the telephone in the home of the patient.
On receipt of a signal at the frequency to which the receiver 45 is tuned, the receiver acts to de-modulate the radio frequency signal to obtain the digital signal originating from the digital modulator in the alarm signal device. The receiver also acts to extract a timing synchronization pulse. Both the received digi-tal signal and the timing pulse are then applied by the receiver to the microprocessor 43 where it is compared with a stored code, the same as that held by the digital modulator 23 As explained previously, up to 16,000 different codes can be available in the digital modulator 23 and the microprocessor 43 so that the pro-cessor 43 can ensure that it is the corresponding trans-mitter which is being operated. Any false signals or sig-nals from a different transmitter are therefore ignored.
However, a match of the codes causes the microprocessor 43 to commence the alarm signal procedure.
The rnemory 46 comprises three EPROMs one of which can be programmed to store up to four different telephone numbers, each of up tc fourteen digits, of per-sons or agencies the patient wishes to contact in the event of the emergency. The programming of the EPROM can only be carried out by the manufacturer or distributor using microprocessor equipment. A signal indicative of a voice message which the patient wishes to have communica-ted to the party concerned in the event of the emergency is stored in the memory 46 generally in the second EPROM.
Again, the voice message can only be stored in 'he EPROM
by the manufacturer or distributor and can be changed when circumstances change such as when the patient moves to a different location either temporarily or permanently.
The third EPROM stores the software necessary tor the microprocessor and is generally unchanged.
Upon a match of the received and stored codes, the microprocessor 43 reads the first EPROM to obtain the first telephone number listed in an order of priority.
The microprocessor firstly instructs the tele-phone interface 48 to open the telephone line 38. The line fault sensor 52 is responsive to voltages and current on the line which, as is well known, vary from the battery supply voltage from the exchange when the line is connec-ted to an extension handset. The sensor 52 is therefore responsive to the connection of the telephone line to an extension and in this condition the microprocessor 43 acts to transfer the signal in the second EPROM through the delta modulator 47 to re-constitute the vocal message for transmission to the extension and to the telephone line through the telephone interface 48. Thus, any one on an extension is immediately înstructed of the emergency.
If they are not in a position to assist, they need only to clear the line to allow the relay station to call the chosen recipient.
The sensor 51 is responsive to the commence-ment of the dial-tone on the line to instruct the micro-processor to supply signals to the line dialling the tele-phone number concerned. In the absence of a sensed dial-tone, the in,erface 48 hangs up the telephone for a se-cond and third attempt. On a third failure, the micro-processor 43 over-rules the dial-tone sensor and acts to dial the telephone number after a delay period.
A~ter dialling is completed, the microprocessor 43 acts to transfer the signal in the second EPROM through the delta modulator 47 to re-constitute the vocal message for transmission on the telephone line through the tele-phone interface 48. The microprocessor is programmed to repeat the message continuously for a specific time con-trolled by the program in the third EPP~OM.
The recipient of the telephone call can ter-minate the repetitions by providing a touch-tone. 9 signal either by pressing the touch tone button 9 of the telephone handset or by a touch-tone 9 generator supplied to the recipient, which tone is sensed by the sensor 49 to in-struct the microprocessor to cease the repetition. It will be appreciated that considerable time can be saved by cessation of the repetition to ensure that help is issued as quickly as possible. The microprocessor 43 looks for the touch-tone 9 signal during pauses in the vocal message and at the end of the message when the re-petition is ceased by receipt of the touch-tone 9, the telephone interface is instructed to hang up the line and await a call-back from the recipient of the telephone call.
The recipient is instructed that he must check the validity of the alarm call by phoning back to the re-lay station. The call-back is sensed by the ring-tone sensor 50 with the microprocessor 43 programmed to count a predetermined number of rings and then to instruct the telephone interface 48 to connect to the line 38 (lift the line off the hook). Immediately, the microprocessor acts to repeat the voice message once on the telephone line to confirm that this particular base station has the alarm condition and then hangs up. It will be appreciated that in the event of a false alarm or an alarm which is of a reduced emergency nature~ the patient could inter-cept the call-back to inform the call recipient of the circumstances. In the event that the call-back goes to the wrong number in error, this will be appreciated even if there is no reply by the fact that the message is not repeated. Signlficant time is saved by the fact that the call recipient can cancel the repetition of the message by issuing the touch-tone 9 and then can rapidly confirm the validity of the alarm signal by calling back and re-ceiving the repeated message. In this way, a reasonable check is made to avoid false alarms wnile avoiding sub-stantial delay before the help is issued.
The use of the dial-tone sensor 51 to confirm the commencement of dialling signals, avoids the necessity for waiting Eor a period of time sufficient to guarantee the commencement of the dial-tone. However, the dif-ficulty of sensing different dial-tones and the possibility of component failure means that it is desirable to over-rule the dial-tone sensor after a third attempt.
In the event that a third party is telephoning in on the telephone line 38 at the time that the inter-Eace requires the line for the emergency call or in the event that a third party calls in on the line while the interface is waiting after hanging up, the microprocessor ~3 is programmed, after sensing the ring-tone from the sensor 50, to transmit the voice message once thus inform-ing the third party and expecting the third party to hang up the line in view of the emergency situation. Further-more, if a third party intervenes before the chosen first recipient can make the call-back, the message is repeated firstly to the third party and then by virtue o- the above provision, to the chosen recipient when he finally makes his connection.
Following completion of a call and call-back cycle to the first telephone number, further telephone numbers can be called up to a total of four such numbers in the order of priority selected by the storage in the first EPRO~. In the event that the first number does not respond to the message by issuing the touch-tone 9 and making the necessary call-back, the microprocessor pro-ceeds to the second number in the priority. The micro-processor repeats the sequence of the first followed by ~ 16 the second number 3 three times and then moves to the third and fourth priority numbers which are contacted once be-fore reverting to the firs. number.
In the event that the second number responds by supplying the touch-tone 9 signal, the microprocessor drops this number from the sequence and continues to re-peat three attempts of the first number followed by one attempt of the third and fourth number. The micropro-cessor does not wait for a call-back from the second priority number or frcm the third and fourth priority numbers.
In the event that the first priority number responds, the microprocessor will only make an attempt once at the third and fourth numbers, with the repeating sequence only being instituted if the first number fails to respond.
In the event that the first priority recipient fails to make the call-back due to error or improper in-struction, the microprocessor is arranged to wait for a period of time controlled by the software programme and then to repeat the sequence to the number concerned.
While the base station is waiting for the sig-nal from the transmitter, the microprocessor acts to re-gularly check, through the interEace 48, the proper work-ing of the telephone line 38. This can be done by either ~ ~3 taking the line off the hook and detecting the dial-tone by the sensor 51, or by the sensor 52 reacting to the presence of the exchange battery voltage on the line, or alternatively, the proper voltage and current of the con-nection of the line to an extension phone. The latter can be effected without taking the line off the hook. In the event that a fault is detected, the warning light "line fault" is illuminated to warn the patient and a mild alarm sound is issued to summon the patient's attention.
Similary, the power source from the 115-volt power supply on the line 37 is continually monitored and upon detection of its failure, a substitute supply from the battery indicated at 401 is connected. A warning light "power failure" is illuminated and the warning sound issued to inform the patient.
During normal standby operation of the base station, the "run" light is pulsed to confirm that the device is operating properly. On receipt of valid alarm signal from the transmitter, the "run" light is illumina-ted continuously indicating that the microprocessor is operating tc carry out the calling sequences stated above.
On completion of the calling sequences, the "confirmed" light is illuminated to inform the patient that the first chosen recipient has been properly informed and
3~
calls have been made to the other recipients.
In the event of the patient operating the transmitter inadvertently, the calling sequence initiated by the microprocessor can be cancelled by pressing the ~Ireset/abort~ button 36. Thus, resetting the micropro-cessor in its initial condition awaiting a signal from the transmitter.
lt will be appreciated therefore that the transmitter and relay station together with the telephone line provides a self-sufficient apparatus for signalling an alarm condition to any chosen recipient. The trans-mitter is readily portable by the patient and hence can be available at all times. There is no requirement for the alarm signal to pass through a central stat on or through a third party and hence it is directly and accu-rately communicated to the chosen recipient without the possibility for an error or delay through the third party.
Furthermore, the accuracy of the alarm signal can be readily and quickly checked by a call-back to the alarm station and the repeat of the alarm message.
Since various modifications can be made in our invention as hereinabove described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of the same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without departing from such _ 19 spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall ~e interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense~
calls have been made to the other recipients.
In the event of the patient operating the transmitter inadvertently, the calling sequence initiated by the microprocessor can be cancelled by pressing the ~Ireset/abort~ button 36. Thus, resetting the micropro-cessor in its initial condition awaiting a signal from the transmitter.
lt will be appreciated therefore that the transmitter and relay station together with the telephone line provides a self-sufficient apparatus for signalling an alarm condition to any chosen recipient. The trans-mitter is readily portable by the patient and hence can be available at all times. There is no requirement for the alarm signal to pass through a central stat on or through a third party and hence it is directly and accu-rately communicated to the chosen recipient without the possibility for an error or delay through the third party.
Furthermore, the accuracy of the alarm signal can be readily and quickly checked by a call-back to the alarm station and the repeat of the alarm message.
Since various modifications can be made in our invention as hereinabove described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of the same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without departing from such _ 19 spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall ~e interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense~
Claims
CLAIMS:
(1) A personal alarm comprising an alarm signalling device having a casing and strap adapted for ready transport on the wrist of the person, a manually operable switch mount-ed on the casing and a transmitter responsive to operation of the switch for transmitting a radio frequency alarm sig-nal, and a relay station mounted within a single housing and comprising means responsive to the alarm signal, interface means for connection to a telephone line, means for opening said line and dialling telephone numbers on said line, a me-mory, means for storing in said memory a plurality of tele-phone numbers with an order of priority whereby said dialling means can dial each of said numbers in turn, means for trans-mitting a repeated message on said line and means responsive to a signal on the line for ceasing said message, said in-terface means comprising;
means responsive to a dial tone on said line and ar-ranged such that on detection of said dial tone said numbers are dialled and on failure to detect said dial tone said line is hung up and on three failures to so detect said dial tone said numbers are dialled, means to detect an extension phone on said line off hook and arranged to actuate said transmitting means in res-ponse thereto, means responsive to a ring tone on said line and ar-ranged on receipt of a ring tone at any time subsequent to an alarm signal to actuate said transmitting means, and means for counting ring tone up to a predetermined number before actuating said transmitting means, and means for repeatedly checking for a line fault and for indicating a fault when detected.
(2) Apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein said means responsive to said signal on the line is responsive to a tone generated on the line by a tone button of a conven-tional telephone handset.
(3) Apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the switch can be operated and released, including latch means respon-sive to operation of said switch to latch the transmitter for a period of time independent of release of said switch.
(4) Apparatus according to Claim 1 including means for developing a digital modulated code signal for trans-mission by said transmitter as said alarm signal.
(5) Apparatus according to Claim 4 wherein said relay station includes means responsive to said digital code.
(6) Apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein said dial-ling means is arranged to dial each of said numbers in se-quence, to move on to the next number on failure to obtain a response and to revert to the highest priority number re-peatedly after dialling each number in sequence.
(1) A personal alarm comprising an alarm signalling device having a casing and strap adapted for ready transport on the wrist of the person, a manually operable switch mount-ed on the casing and a transmitter responsive to operation of the switch for transmitting a radio frequency alarm sig-nal, and a relay station mounted within a single housing and comprising means responsive to the alarm signal, interface means for connection to a telephone line, means for opening said line and dialling telephone numbers on said line, a me-mory, means for storing in said memory a plurality of tele-phone numbers with an order of priority whereby said dialling means can dial each of said numbers in turn, means for trans-mitting a repeated message on said line and means responsive to a signal on the line for ceasing said message, said in-terface means comprising;
means responsive to a dial tone on said line and ar-ranged such that on detection of said dial tone said numbers are dialled and on failure to detect said dial tone said line is hung up and on three failures to so detect said dial tone said numbers are dialled, means to detect an extension phone on said line off hook and arranged to actuate said transmitting means in res-ponse thereto, means responsive to a ring tone on said line and ar-ranged on receipt of a ring tone at any time subsequent to an alarm signal to actuate said transmitting means, and means for counting ring tone up to a predetermined number before actuating said transmitting means, and means for repeatedly checking for a line fault and for indicating a fault when detected.
(2) Apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein said means responsive to said signal on the line is responsive to a tone generated on the line by a tone button of a conven-tional telephone handset.
(3) Apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the switch can be operated and released, including latch means respon-sive to operation of said switch to latch the transmitter for a period of time independent of release of said switch.
(4) Apparatus according to Claim 1 including means for developing a digital modulated code signal for trans-mission by said transmitter as said alarm signal.
(5) Apparatus according to Claim 4 wherein said relay station includes means responsive to said digital code.
(6) Apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein said dial-ling means is arranged to dial each of said numbers in se-quence, to move on to the next number on failure to obtain a response and to revert to the highest priority number re-peatedly after dialling each number in sequence.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8207192 | 1982-03-11 | ||
| GB8207192 | 1982-03-11 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1191642A true CA1191642A (en) | 1985-08-06 |
Family
ID=10528951
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000422886A Expired CA1191642A (en) | 1982-03-11 | 1983-03-04 | Personal alarm apparatus |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4510350A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1191642A (en) |
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| US4716582A (en) * | 1983-04-27 | 1987-12-29 | Phonetics, Inc. | Digital and synthesized speech alarm system |
| US4686697A (en) * | 1983-11-21 | 1987-08-11 | Lifeline Systems, Inc. | Telephone care system with telephone line-checking |
| US4748654A (en) * | 1986-04-21 | 1988-05-31 | William Gray | Remote supervisory monitoring and control system |
| US4996703A (en) * | 1986-04-21 | 1991-02-26 | Gray William F | Remote supervisory monitoring and control apparatus connected to monitored equipment |
| US5200987A (en) * | 1986-04-21 | 1993-04-06 | Gray William F | Remote supervisory monitoring and control apparatus connected to monitored equipment |
| US4791658A (en) * | 1986-07-09 | 1988-12-13 | Theodore Simon | Integrated alarm and touch tone telephone system |
| DE3730739A1 (en) * | 1987-09-12 | 1989-04-06 | Wolfgang G Prenosil | Housing consisting of a housing upper part and a housing lower part |
| US5136281A (en) * | 1989-01-10 | 1992-08-04 | Electronic Data Systems Corporation | Monitor for remote alarm transmission |
| US4993059A (en) * | 1989-02-08 | 1991-02-12 | Cableguard, Inc. | Alarm system utilizing wireless communication path |
| US4998271A (en) * | 1989-08-28 | 1991-03-05 | Venture Technologies, Inc. | Telephone accessory |
| US5521582A (en) * | 1990-04-21 | 1996-05-28 | Kingston; John E. | Alarm system |
| US5128979A (en) * | 1991-02-06 | 1992-07-07 | Lifeline Systems Inc. | Monitored personal emergency response system |
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| US20040192276A1 (en) * | 1997-09-09 | 2004-09-30 | Wesby Philip Bernard | Emergency mobile radio telephone with reduced key set |
| US6201856B1 (en) * | 1998-12-15 | 2001-03-13 | Ameritech Corporation | Emergency telephone call notification service system and method |
| US7092501B2 (en) | 1999-10-12 | 2006-08-15 | Sbc Properties, L.P. | Method and apparatus for providing prepaid local telephone services |
| US6765991B1 (en) | 2000-06-23 | 2004-07-20 | Michael Hanuschak | Emergency telecommunication device |
| US6765992B2 (en) * | 2001-04-04 | 2004-07-20 | Brian Dawson | Emergency call system and method with attendant and resident pendant actuation |
| AU2003258988A1 (en) * | 2002-07-09 | 2004-01-23 | Fossil, Inc. | Wearable phone and wristwatch having a detachable phone module and a separate phone carriage |
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| US8380158B2 (en) * | 2004-12-06 | 2013-02-19 | Edward A. McCulloch | System and method for vital communications connectivity |
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| US8217795B2 (en) * | 2006-12-05 | 2012-07-10 | John Carlton-Foss | Method and system for fall detection |
| US8837683B2 (en) | 2010-10-10 | 2014-09-16 | Medsign International Corporation | Critical health information profile and emergency communication system |
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| US3598919A (en) * | 1968-11-01 | 1971-08-10 | Thomas M Lott | Pre-recorded alarm-reporting system and control element therefor |
| US3842208A (en) * | 1970-01-26 | 1974-10-15 | Paraskevakos Elect & Comm | Sensor monitoring device |
| US3786501A (en) * | 1971-07-14 | 1974-01-15 | C Marnerakis | Current monitoring system and method |
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| US4049916A (en) * | 1975-06-20 | 1977-09-20 | Gte Automatic Electric Laboratories Incorporated | Ring detector circuit for centrally located answering and recording equipment |
| US4051327A (en) * | 1976-04-30 | 1977-09-27 | Pan-X Corporation | Telephone alarm system |
| GB2051520B (en) * | 1979-05-24 | 1983-04-27 | Tunstall Byers & Co Ltd | Remote control of autodiallers |
| NL178633C (en) * | 1979-06-27 | 1986-04-16 | Siemens Nederland | COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR MONITORING A NUMBER OF SUB-ITEMS FROM A MAIN POST AND THROUGH A TRANSMISSION CHANNEL. |
| US4371751A (en) * | 1980-04-07 | 1983-02-01 | Newart Electronic Sciences, Inc. | Automatic telephonic user emergency message transmitting apparatus |
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-
1983
- 1983-03-04 CA CA000422886A patent/CA1191642A/en not_active Expired
- 1983-03-07 US US06/472,759 patent/US4510350A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4510350A (en) | 1985-04-09 |
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