GB2507178A

GB2507178A - Monitoring system for stairlift

Info

Publication number: GB2507178A
Application number: GB1316224.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ross Jacob Atkin
Original assignee: Stannah Stairlifts Ltd
Current assignee: Stannah Stairlifts Ltd
Priority date: 2012-09-12
Filing date: 2013-09-12
Publication date: 2014-04-23
Also published as: WO2014041351A1; GB201316224D0; EP2895415A1; GB201216283D0; EP2895415B1

Abstract

A method and system of monitoring a stairlift user including monitoring, from a remote location, the activity of a stairlift used by the user. The method may apply to a stairlift comprising a stairlift carriage mounted on a rail. The method may include monitoring the position of the carriage 10 on the rail 11. The method may further include generating a signal if the position of the carriage 10 changes and/or generating a signal of the position of the carriage 10 at regular time intervals. The signals may be transmitted wirelessly. The method may include distributing data to authenticated devices over the internet using Hypertext Transfer Protocol. A facility may be provided to monitor ambient conditions around the stairlift and/or to monitor physiological parameters of the user. The signals may be sent to a remote location. A media service may be used to relay data to an authenticated receiver. The signals may be transmitted using GSM, GPRS, 3G, 4G, WiFi or the like.

Description

I

iMPROVEMENTS JR OR RELATING TO STAIRLKFTS

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to stairlifts and has been devised, in particular, to provide a monitoring method and apparatus associated with a stairlift.

Background to the Invention

Stairlifts arc, in many instances, installed in residcntial properties for use by people having a physical impairment, but who wish to remain living independently. However, inevitably a user's desire for independence is countered by concern on thc part of family, friends and/or care-providers that the user is safe and well, and not in need of external assistance.

It is an object of the invention to pievide a method of; and/or apparatus for, addressing the desires and concerns expressed above; or which will at least offer a novel and useful choice.

Summary of the Invention

In one aspect the invention provides a method of monitoring a stairlift user, said method being characterized in that it includes monitoring from a remote location the activity of a stairlift used by said user.

Preferably said method is applied to a stairlift comprising a stairlift carriage mounted on a stairlift rail, said method including monitoring the position of said carriage on said rail.

I

Preferably said method includes generating a signal for reception at a remote location in the event of a change in the position of said carriage on said rail.

Preferably said method includes generating a signal for reception at a remote location as to the position of said carriage on said rail at regular time intervals.

Preferably said signals are transmitted to said remote location, at least in part, wirclcssly.

Said method may comprise transmitting data associated with said signal(s) to authenticated devices over the internet using Hypertext Transfer Protocol or other suitable data transfer protocols.

Preferably a facility is provided to monitor ambient conditions in the proximity of the stairlift and/or to monitor one or more physiological parameters of a user while using said stairlift, said method comprising generating one or more signals representative of said ambient conditions and/or said physiological parameters and transmitting said signals to a remote location.

In a second aspect the invention provides a system for monitoring a stairlift user said system being characterized in that includes a facility for monitoring the activity of a stairlift used by said user and a facility for transmitting to a remote location signals representative of said activity.

Preferably said system is configured to monitor the position of a stairlift carriage on a stairl ill rail and to generate an alert for reception at a remote location of a change in the position of said caniage on said rail.

Preferably said system is configured to generate a signal for reception at a remote location of the location of said carriage on said rail at regular time intervals.

Preferably a facility is provided to monitor ambient conditions in the vicinity of said stairlift andior physiological parameters of said user whilst using said stairlift, said system being further operable to transmit to a remote location, at least one signal representative of said ambient conditions and/or said physiological parameters.

Preferably said signals are transmitted to a remote data service using GSM, GPRS, 3G, 4G, WiFi and/or other functional wired and/or wircless communication facility.

Preferably said remote data service is operable to receive and interpret one or more of said signals idcntif'ing tim position of said carriagc on said rail and to pass on to idetitified recipients messages derived from said one or more signals.

Preferably said remote data service is configured to distribute data over the internet using Hypertext Transfer Protocol or other functioning data exchange protocol.

In another variation said data may be sent as one or more SMS or e-mail messages.

Said system may use a media service to relay data to an authenticated receiver.

By way of cxamplc only, the mcdia service may be Twittcr, Facebook and/or Google -i-.

Many variations in the way the present invention can be performed will present themselves to those skilled in the art. The description which follows is intended as an illustration only of one means of performing the invention and the lack of description of variants or equivalents should not be regarded as limiting. Wherever possible, a description of a specific element should be deemed to include any and all equivalents thereof whether in existence now or in the future.

Brie/Description oft/ic Drawings

Thc various aspccts of thc invcntion will now described with reference to thc accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1: shows a typical stairlift to which the invention may be applied; Figure 2: shows a schematic of the components of a system according to the invention; and Figure 3: shows a logic diagram of the system in operation.

in Description of Working Embodiment

The present invention relates to a system for monitoring a stairlift user by monitoring the activity of a stairlift used by that user.

Stairlifts arc commonly installcd in rcsidcnccs occupicd by pcrsons having a degree of infirmity. The stairlift enhances the mobility of the user and enables is the user to address a number of the consequences of their infirmity. Once installed, the stairlifi quickly bccomcs a part of thc user's life with thc stairlift's movements reflecting the rhythms of the user's activity.

In a significant number of situations, a stairlift is installed to enable a user to continue living independently in their own homc. Whilst this is of benefit to the stairlift user, family, friends and/or care-providers inevitably want assurance that the user is safe and able to function effectively when on their own.

The present invention provides a method and system to not only endorse a stairlift user's desire for independence, but also to address the concerns of family, fricnds and/or care-providcrs.

Referring to Figure 1 a typical stairlift comprises a carriage 10 mounted on a rail 11 for movement along the rail between an upper end 12 and a lower end 13. To this end the carriage includes a motor/gearbox unit 14 having a pinion 15 on the output thereof. The pinion engages a rack 16 extending along the underside of the rail. Mounted at each end of the rail 11 are limit switches 17.

When engaged by the carriage as it reaches an end of the rail, the switches 17 cut power to the motor/gearbox 14.

In the conventional manner a chair 20 is mounted on the carriage 10 to accommodate a stairlift user. The chair 20 includes a chair base 2U a chair back 22, two spaced armrcsts 23 and a footrest 24. A hand control 25 is mounted on one of the armrests to allow the user to control movement of the carriage up and down the rail.

The various stairlifi frmnctions are typically placed under the control of an electronic control unit (ECU) 26 within the carriage.

According to the present invention a monitoring system is applied to the stairlift to report information based on the position of the carriage lOon the rail 11 and/or the activity of the carriage 10. For example, the system can generate an alert every time the carriage changes position and comes to rest.

Alternatively, or in addition, the system can generate an alert reporting the position of the carriage at regular time intervals or at one or more prescribed times. Alternatively or in addition, the system might report the number of carriage movements in a prescribed time or the fact that there have been no movements for a prescribed time period.

Alternatively, but preferably in addition, the system may report information relating to the ambient surroundings of the stairlift and/or the health of user.

For example the system might be configured to generate data in a form so as to report a number of ambient conditions such as temperature, light level, carbon monoxide level, methane level, smoke presence, movement andlor a io number of user parameters such as weight, temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate and/or galvanic response.

The position of the carriage on the rail can be determined in any known manner including by the use of switches mounted on the rail 11 that are triggered when engaged by the carriage 10. Switches 17 could be used to determine the presence of the carriage at either end of the rail. Other position sensing technologies could include (but not be limited to) reed switches, mechanically actuated switches, ultrasound proximity sensors, optical-based sensors and near field identification systems. Position could also be determined by monitoring the rotation of the pinion 15 in a manner described in our European Patent No. 0 738 232.

To determine stairlift activity a clock 27 may be incorporated in or associated with the ECU 26 to measure the time elapsing between stairlift movements and/or to record the number of carriage movements occurring within a prescribed period. However, and more simply, the system is preferably configured to generate an alert in the event that the carriage changes position on the rail and/or after a prescribed period of time, say every five minutes, whether or not the carriage has moved. Other variations are within the scope of the invention including generating alerts of the position of the rail at one or more prescribed times during the day, and generating an alert in the event that the number of carriage movements in a prescribed period are less than a prescribed number.

The system may include sensors 28 of any known form to collect data on the ambient conditions and to generate data representative of those conditions.

Similarly, the chair 20 may include sensors 29 in the chair base, backrest and/or arnnests to capture user physiological data and to generate signals representative of that data.

Signals from the ECU 26, clock 27 and the position sensors are preferably collected in a micro controller 30 located in, or within the near vicinity of the stairlift. As can be seen from Figure 2, the micro controller 30 may also collect data from the ambient sunoundings sensors 28 and from the user physiological data sensors 29. Data from all sensors is configured by the micro controller 30 for delivery to central data service 31.

A possible operation of the microcontroller 30 is shown in Figure 3. As can be seen the microcontroller 30 monitors both caniage position and a time threshold. If there is a change of carriage position a position signal is generated and sent via a data link to a data service. The data service, in turn, issues messages or alerts to authenticated devices as will be described in greater detail below. If a period of time has elapsed and that period of time exceeds a threshold defined in the microcontroller then, once again, a position signal is generated and sent via a data link to data service.

The micro controller 30 may communicate with a remote central data service 31 in a number of alternative ways including by direct SMS or other mobile data link such as GSM, GPRS, 3G, 4G or via a wireless data or wired data link to a router 32 and thence via a broadband data link. The communication to the data service 31 could also be a combination of fixed-line using telephone lines or other cable-based networks, and wireless technologies.

In the preferred embodiment, the micro-controller communicates wirclessly with a domestic broadband facility.

The system might also employ a local receiver (not shown) to which data is communicated using Ethernet, BlueTooth, Zigbee, WiFi or other communication technology with the local receiver then passing on the data to io the remote data service 31 using any suitable, compatible communication technology.

The remote data service 31 is preferably a bespoke intemet based application configured to receive data from the micro controller 30 in a number of suitable ways including GPRS/3G, 4G Wi-Fl and wired link via a Router. The data service 31 might also receive SMS messages converted as with other incoming data to HTTP format.

The system according to the invention provides for the central data service 31 to relay information contained in the signals incoming from the ECU 26 or micro controller 30 to one or more subscribers via authenticated data receiving devices having installed thereon client' applications to enable interaction with the data service. Examples of such devices include mobile telephones, tablet computers, personal computers, television sets and/or any other device or technology capable or imparting information to a human. The devices can be authenticated using Challenge-Handshake Authentication Protocol or other suitable authentication protocol.

In order to exchange data with the data service, subscribers would have to be pre-authorized and log into the system using, for example, a user name and password.

The precise configuration of the data service 31 is not essential to the invention. At its most simple the data service 31 would simply receive from the ECU 26 or micro controllcr 30, and pass on to subscribers, messages concerning stairlift activity. More sophisticated versions of the data service may be configured to discriminate between subscribers, passing certain types of information to some subscribers but not to others. The data service might also be configured to interpret more technical data into a form more easily understood by subscribers and even undertake analysis on data coming from the ECU or micro controller and decide whether or not (and in what form) such data should be passed on.

By way of example, the micro-controller may be configured to pass on a signal indicating carriage position every 5 minutes. If the data service does not receive a signal after a period of 5 minutes the data service may be configured to interpret this as a technical fault and to generate an appropriate alert to a specified subscriber. Assuming there is a constant flow of position information at 5 minute intervals, the data service may be configured not to pass this position information every 5 minutes but at longer periods, say every hour.

It is also envisaged that the data service 30 would include a facility to communicate with media services such as (but not necessarily limited to) Twitter, Facebook andlor Google -I-to enable the distribution of data regarding stairlift activity via such media. SMS and e-mail are further options.

Example I

A system according to the invention is configured to generate an alert or signal each time the carriage stops at the top or bottom of the rail. As the carriage 10 engages a switch 17 at the top or bottom of the rail a signal is sent to micro controller 30. The micro controller 30 includes a facility to connect to domestic wireless router and, through that, to an Internet data service.

The incoming signals flt,m the micro controller 30 are associated by the data service with the stairlift account and, once authorised, the signals are formatted appropriately and transmitted to native applications on phones and tablet computers or web applications accessible by browsers on computers, phones, tablets or other devices belonging to subscribers to the account.

Followers or subscribers are limited to persons who elect to follow the stairlift and who are granted permission to do so by the account administrator. In this way subscribers, who may be relatives, friends or care-providers, can receive regular messages updating the position of the stairlift on its rail. The format of such updates may comprise, for example, 17.42 Went upstairs' or 18.12 Wcnt downstairs'.

The micro controller may also send a signal, say every 5 minutes, indicating stairlift position, which is interpreted by the data service and transmitted as a message to authenticated recipients in a form such as for example 9.05 Upstairs', at a longer time interval.

Example 2

In the stairlift shown in Figure!, teleconununications functionality is built into the ECU 26. The ECU is, in turn, configured in any known way to determine the position of the carriage 10 along the rail 11. This may be achieved by the use of switches along the rail feeding signals back to the ECU or may be achieved by electronically mapping' the rail using the technique described in our European Patent no. 0738232.

Telecommunications messages representing carriage posilion, time of movement, environmental conditions and/or user health are then sent using the facility in the ECU.

Messages are sent to a central data service 31 via the internet by any suitable communications technology/protocol. The central data service 31 includes or comprises a bespoke application to receive and process messages from the 1° stairlift and to generate and distribute ongoing messages to subscribers in the form of family, Mends and/or care-providers. Associated with the data service 31 are client' applications for smartphone, tablets, computers and the like; as well as a web application viewable in a browser.

Access by subscribers or followers would be by pre-authorized login.

is In its simplest form this cxamplc could still provide for alerts to bc generated via media services such as Twitter, but other forms of message could be generated including, but not limited to, SMS and e-mail messages.

The data service 31y be configured to undertake some interpretation and/or discrimination, passing on some messages to some subscribers or followers, but not to others.

It will thus be appreciated that the invention described herein provides an effective means of monitoring the behaviour of a stairlift user and, thereby, enhances the independence of that use.

Claims

Claims 1. A method of monitoring a stairlift user, said method being characterized in that it includes monitoring from a remote location the activity of a stairlift used by said user.
2 A method as claimed in claim I when applied to a stairlifi comprising stairlift carriage mounted on a stairlifi rail, said method including monitoring the position of said carriage on said rail.
3. A method as claimed in claim I or claim 2 including generating a signal for reception at a remote location in the event of a change in the io position of said carriage on said rail.
4. A method as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 further comprising generating a signal for reception at a remote location as to the position of said carriage on said rail at regular time intervals.
5. A method as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein said signal(s) arc transmitted to said remote location, at least in part, wirclcssly.
6. A method as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5 comprising distributing data reprsenting said signal(s) to authenticated devices over the internet using Hypertext Transfer Protocol or other suitable data transfer protocols.
7. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a facility is provided to monitor ambient conditions in the proximity of the stairlift and/or to monitor one of more physiological parameters of a user while using said stairlift, said method comprising generating one or more signals representative of said ambient conditions and/or said physiological parameters and transmitting said signals to a remote location.
8. A system for monitoring a stairlift user said system being characterized in that includes a facility for monitoring the activity of a stairlift used by said user and a transmit facility for transmitting to a remote location onc or more signals rcprcscntativc of said activity.
9. A system as claimed in claim 8 when configured to monitor the position of a stairlift carriage on a stairlift rail and to generate a signal for reception at a remote location of a change in the position of said carriage on said rail.
10. A system as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9 when configured to generate a signal for reception at a remote location of the position of said carriage on said rail at regular time intervals.is
II. A system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 including a facility to monitor ambicnt conditions in the vicinity of said stairlifi and/or physiological parameters of said user whilst using said stairlit said system being further operable to transmit to a remote location, at least one signal representative of said ambient conditions and/or said physiological parameters.
12. A system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11 wherein said signals are transmitted to a remote data service using OSM, GPRS, 30,40, WiFi and/or other fbnctional wired and/or wireless communication facility.
13. A system as claimed in claim 12 wherein said remote data service is operable to receive and interpret one or more of said signals identi1'ing the position of said carriage on said rail and to pass on to identified recipients messages derived from said one or more signals.
14. A system as claimed in claim 13 wherein said remote data scrvicc is configured to distribute data derived from said signals over the internet using Hypertext Transfer Protocol or other functioning dab exchange protocol.
15. Asystemasclaimedinclaiml3orclaiml4usingamediaserviccto io relay data to an authenticated receiver.
16. A system as claimed in claim 15 wherein said media service is Twitter, Facebook and/or Google +.