GB2535649A

GB2535649A - Human sensing toilet occupancy detection alarm

Info

Publication number: GB2535649A
Application number: GB1602823.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Dines Michael
Original assignee: Medpage Ltd T/a Easylink Uk
Current assignee: Medpage Ltd T/a Easylink Uk
Priority date: 2015-02-18
Filing date: 2016-02-17
Publication date: 2016-08-24
Also published as: GB201502696D0; GB201602823D0

Abstract

Alarm apparatus for monitoring the use of an enclosed facility, such as a washroom/toilet, in which vulnerable persons may be at risk from falls/becoming incapacitated, comprises a primary sensor arrangement such as a magnetic proximity sensor, passive infrared (PIR), ultrasonic or photocell detector means mounted to detect a user entering/leaving the facility, a secondary sensor unit which may comprise an ultrasonic emitter 9 and receiver 10, or passive infrared (PIR) or photocell detector means mounted to detect the user specifically when the user is using the facility for its intended purpose, such as sitting/standing to use the toilet, and a remote alarm indicator for example in the form of a visual light (LED), audible buzzer, speaker or electronic sound device, or a pager in the possession of a carer. The primary sensor arrangement activates the secondary sensor unit on entry detection. When the user is no longer detected using the facility by the secondary sensor unit, and a pre-set time has expired for e.g. hygiene, but the primary sensor arrangement has not registered the users departure from the facility, an alarm signal is sent to the remote alarm indicator.

Description

HUMAN SENSING TOILET OCCUPANCY DETECTION ALARM

The present invention relates to apparatus for monitoring the safety of a person entering and using a washroom facility or the like. The invention is of particular benefit to alert a carer or other person having concern for a disabled or elderly person who might be at risk from falling before, after or while using the lavatory. More particularly but not exclusively, it relates to apparatus to detect a person entering the washroom facility and to detect their physical presence adjacent to the lavatory, having the ability to collect, store, and electronically transmit usage data and alarm generating signals to remote alarm generating devices.

It is well-known for various types of sensors, including Passive Infrared (PR), ultrasonic and the like to he used for the detection of human presence. Some complex systems use a combination of such sensors combined with controlling electronic circuitry to detect a person moving freely into the detection area of such sensors in order to generate an alarm such as in a security system, or to produce an alarm in response to non-detection of a person for a predetermined period. It is also known for Passive Infrared or ultrasonic sensors to he used in automatic urinal flushing devices to control water flow after a person walks away from the device; such devices arc predominantly employed to detect the presence of a standing male and arc not practical for a seated person. However, PR and ultrasonic sensors and the like are typically employed to detect human movement, that is they are employed to detect when a person moves into a detection area, or does not move into a detection area, during a period of time.

Where such existing sensors are employed for the purpose of controlling devices, the method of control would not be of benefit to the present invention as they generate no external alarm warning and rely on mains derived power sources. Additionally, existing devices typically have no means of validating a true alarm condition or means of reducing false triggers. For example, a Passive Infrared sensor may be controlled with computer software to detect the initial presence of a person then programmed to wait for a period of time before generating an alarm signal if no further movement is detected after the expiry of such time period. It cannot accurately determine if the person has fallen to the floor and is motionless, nor can a single sensor provide any confirmation of activity, such as entering a room, or of confirming (he action of sitting down or approaching a specific area of the room.

It is hence an object of the present invention to provide apparatus capable of overcoming some or all of the above disadvantages of existing systems and so providing enhanced safety monitoring of vulnerable persons in facilities in which they might be at risk, without requiring tagging or a carer accompanying them in person.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided alarm apparatus adapted to monitor use of an enclosed facility in which a user may fall and become incapacitated, comprising primary sensor means, secondary sensor means, and remote alarm indicator means, wherein the primary sensor means is arranged to detect entry into or departure from the enclosed facility by a user and to cause activation of the secondary sensor means when said entry is detected, wherein the secondary sensor means is arranged to detect the presence of the user when using the facility for its intended purpose, and wherein the apparatus is so adapted that a signal is transmitted to activate the remote alarm indicator means in the event that the secondary sensor means ceases to detect the user when the primary sensor means has not detected the departure of the user from the facility.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention there is provided apparatus arranged to detect a person entering a washroom or other room where a person may be at risk from falling with a primary sensor means for detecting a door opening and/or detection of a moving person; with a means of electronically or mechanically setting a secondary sensor means to a ready state in which it may to detect a person in close proximity to it; with an alarm generating means activatable in response to the person vacating an area in close proximity to the secondary sensor means; and apparatus arranged to send alarm warnings electronically or mechanically to a warning alarm generating means at a location external to the washroom etc, comprising: primary sensor means capable of detecting a door opening or the presence of a human body and provided with a means of setting secondary sensor means to a ready state, the secondary sensor means having means of processing and relaying alarm generating signals for transmission electronically or mechanically to a remote alarm warning apparatus adapted to produce an audible alarm using a speaker, mechanical buzzer or electronic sound generating device and/or a visual alarm such as a flashing light or electronic device capable of emitting light and/or a vibration generating device or other suitable means to attract the attention of a person nearby regarding an active alarm condition.

The primary sensor means would preferably be a magnetically operated proximity sensor affixed to the frame of a door with a magnet affixed to the door in close proximity to the sensor to create a magnetic switch actuated by the door opening.

Advantageously, the primary sensor means may include a Passive Infrared sensor or similar photoelectric sensor capable of detecting a person.

Preferably, the primary sensor means comprises an operating power source containing a self-contained power cell such as an electrical battery.

Advantageously, the primary sensor means includes a radio signal transmitter and/or a mechanical switch to peen it attachment of an interconnecting switch wire extending to the secondary sensor means.

The secondary sensor means may contain a sensor with visual, object, or heat recognition characteristics, optionally an ultrasonic sensor and/or a Passive Infrared sensor.

Preferably, the secondary sensor means operates electrically from a self-contained power cell, such as an electrical battery, and optionally may also to derive operating power from an external source of electricity.

Additionally, the secondary sensor means may have means to establish secure fixing to a wall or ceiling using security bolts or screws or other suitable permanent method of fixing to prevent tampering or unauthorised removal.

Advantageously, the secondary sensor means contains a radio signal transmitter for wireless broadcast of an alarm activating signal to activate the remote alarm warning apparatus.

Advantageously, the secondary sensor means is adapted to operate independently of the primary sensor means as a stand-alone alarm generating apparatus.

The secondary sensor means may contain a means of accepting and storing electronic operating instructions for the initiation and electronic control of the sensing apparatus and associated elements and may be provided with a storage means and input port means to accept computer programming code or suchlike.

In a preferred embodiment, the secondary sensor means would contain a radio frequency transmitter or transceiver to enable wireless transmission and reception of alarm generating signals and coded electronic data to a remote alarm warning apparatus containing a radio signal receiver suitable for reception and interpretation of coded electronic data and alarm generating signals.

Advantageously, the secondary sensor means is provided with adjustment devices to set a predetermined detection range from the secondary sensor means to a person.

It may also have a means (electronically or otherwise) to provide timed alarm generating signals for electronic broadcast, which may include electronically coded data for transmission to the remote alarm warning apparatus.

Preferably, the secondary sensor means, alarm generating means, alarm transmission means, and power cell would be housed in a container providing protection from dirt and water ingress.

Furthermore, the primary and secondary sensing means may be used to collect store or transmit electronically or otherwise data including but not exclusively daily usage of the toilet facility to the alarm receiver that may be used by maintenance personnel to organize cleaning or infection control regimes, or the like.

The remote alarm warning apparatus may comrpise a radio pager or other such portable device capable of receiving wireless alarm generating signals.

A further element may he a static alarm signal receiving device connected electronically or mechanically to the secondary sensor unit.

Advantageously, said further element may be a radio-signal receiving device capable of receiving electronically coded data and may interpret such signals to provide visual integrity status notifications of all apparatus connected electronically or mechanically and may include time and date reporting of activated alarms or usage of the facility, battery condition of all apparatus, the location of all active apparatus when multiple systems may be in use and any other interpreted notifications.

Conveniently, said further element may provide an additional alarm condition output that may be connected electronically or mechanically to further alarm indicating devices including nurse call systems, automatic telephone emergency diallers, internet devices, or professional care monitoring devices.

An embodiment of the present invention will now he more particularly described by way of example and with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 is a frontal elevation of a secondary sensor unit of alarm apparatus embodying the present intention; Figure 2 is a rear elevation of the secondary sensor unit of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a frontal elevation of an interior of the secondary sensor unit of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a frontal elevation of a radio pager unit forming an element of the alarm apparatus embodying the present invention and; Figure 5 is a schematic elevation of a primary sensor unit of the alarm apparatus embodying the present invention, mounted to a door and doorframe.

Referring now to the Figures, and to Figure 5 in particular, a human sensing toilet occupancy detection alarm system embodying the present invention comprises, as its primary sensing unit, a magnetic proximity sensor (17) which is conveniently secured to a doorframe of a door to the toilet. A proximity sensor magnet (18) is conveniently secured to the door of the toilet in a position that, with the door closed, is in close proximity to the magnetic proximity sensor (17). Figures 1 to 3 show a secondary sensor unit(1) of the alarm system, which is conveniently secured to a wall immediately above a lavatory or to a ceiling immediately above the lavatory. Figure 4 shows a portable radio paging receiver (16) forming part of the alarm system, which is provided with a transducer emitting an audible tone and with a means of generating vibrations.

The particular alarm system shown is capable of detecting a person entering a washroom and using a lavatory, and of raising an alarm should the person fall or otherwise be incapacitated. The alarm system does this by transmitting a radio signal alarm warning to a carer or other person at another location via a portable (16) or static alarm receiving device.

The magnetic proximity sensor (17) and its associated magnet (18) are for use in the alarm system, as described, as the primary sensor unit. This resembles a security door switch containing a radio transmitter and is affixed to the entrance door and door frame of the washroom as described above. The primary sensory unit can also be a Passive Infrared detector, a photoelectric motion detector or an ultrasonic sensor.

The secondary sensor unit (I) has a front cover which is removable by releasing a central fixing screw (7) (see Figure 1) to reveal an interior containing electronic apparatus and access to two fixing apertures (6) (most clearly shown in Figure 2). Using the (through hole) fixing apertures (6), positions can be conveniently marked on a wall or ceiling for drilling and insertion to the wall/ceiling of suitable wall fixings. With a rear panel (5) of the enclosure securely fixed, batteries (for this example 2 x 1.5 Volt cells are shown, but any suitable power cell may be used) are inserted into a battery container (15). A mechanical or electronic power on/off switch may be concealed within the enclosure to switch power on or off, thus preventing tampering or accidental deactivation by a cleaner or other unauthorised person. A potentiometer (11) is provided to calibrate and adjust the range of a detection sensor. The potentiometer (11) can be adjusted without opening the secondary sensor unit (1) by insertion of a screwdriver through an adjustment aperture (4) in the front cover (sec Figure 1). For this example, ultrasonic sensors are described but any sensor capable of human detection can be substituted. In Figure 3, (9) is an ultrasonic transmitter and (1()) is an ultrasonic receiver. In Figure 1, sensor apertures (2) are shown to allow ultrasound to pass through the front cover. The ultrasonic transmitter (9) emits a beam of ultra-high frequency sound which reflects off a solid body, with this reflected sound being detected by the ultrasonic receiver (10) and producing an electrical current, which is amplified by electronic circuits (13). After setting a suitable detection range, conveniently approximately 1 metre, confirmed by illumination of a status indicator light-emitting diode LED (3), the front cover of the secondary sensor unit (1) is now replaced in position over the interior (8) of the secondary sensor unit (1) and secured with the fixing screw (7).

The secondary sensor unit (1) preferably contains a radio signal transceiver (14), one function of which is to receive radio signal transmission command instructions from the primary sensor unit (17/18) for the purpose of setting secondary detection sensors to a ready state or confirming operation of the primary sensor unit.

The secondary sensor unit's (1) light-emitting diode (LED) (3) will slowly flash green, 1 second on and 5 seconds off, to indicate and confirm that its batteries are of a sufficient voltage to enable correct operation of the associated electrical elements of the sensor unit (1). Should the power from the batteries (15) fall below a usable output, the LED (3) will change colour to red and will flash 1 second on and 5 seconds off. Additionally, a radio signal may he transmitted to an alarm receiving device to warn remotely of a low battery condition.

Additionally, the primary sensor (17/18) may transmit a low battery warning directly to an alarm warning device (16), in this example a radio pager, or to a static alarm device. The primary sensor (17/18) may also transmit a low battery warning to the secondary sensor unit (1) for broadcast to a warning device via its transceiver module (14) to raise an alert to possible system failure.

In a typical installation as described above, a person opening the door, then entering the washroom to use the lavatory, would cause the primary sensor (17/18) to transmit a radio signal to the secondary sensor unit (1) which in turn sets its detection circuits to a ready state. If the washroom door is not closed within a pre-programmable period of time (set via the control circuitry (13)) and there is no subsequent human detection by the secondary sensor unit (1), the alarm ready state of the secondary sensor unit (1) would he set electronically back to standby condition. If however, a person entering the washroom then stands or sits in front of the ultrasonic sensing apparatus (9/10), the resulting electrical signal is amplified and processed to initiate a pre-alarm condition controlled by an electronic timer forming part of the control circuitry (13) and may optionally generate a recording of the date and time of detection, which may be transmitted to an alarm device. When the person has used the facility and is no longer detected by the secondary sensor unit (1), a selectable feature may include instant alarm transmission by radio signal to an alarm device equipped to receive suchlike signals, or actuation of an electronic timer foil ling part of the control circuitry (13) to commence a time countdown sequence allowing the person sufficient time to attend to personal hygiene. If the person fails to open the door by the expiration of the time countdown sequence, the control circuitry (13) generates an alarm condition and causes the transceiver (14) to transmit a radio signal to the warning device (16), which on receipt of the alarm signal produces an audible tone and/or causes operation of its internal vibration mechanism. If the washroom door is opened before completion of the time countdown sequence, the primary sensor (17/18) transmits a radio signal to the secondary sensor unit (1), causing cancellation of the alarm condition and a return to standby condition.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this product is dual function: (i) to detect a person entering a washroom and using the lavatory, either in their home, a public facility, or a place of professional care; and (ii) in response to a potential fall or other incapacitating incident to produce an alarm to a carer or other concerned person in a location external to the washroom. The apparatus can also send data electronically that may contain time, date, frequency of use, and other data that may he used for maintenance or infection control regimes.

The apparatus may be integrated with existing monitoring arrangements including nurse call systems, computer based maintenance systems, social or community alarm systems where information is transmitted to a monitoring organization such as those operated by local government departments in the United Kingdom.

The apparatus offers an alternative to conventional pull cord type alarms commonly used in disabled toilet facilities, which offer no reliable method of operation should the person fall out of reach of the pull cord.

The secondary sensing unit (1) can also be used as an independent device for the purpose of detecting a person in close proximity to the human sensing detection devices (1), for the purpose of providing a portable system in conjunction with one of the aforementioned alarm devices. A person with a disability or elderly person can be monitored by a carer or family member when visiting establishments that may not have suitable distress alarms for example.

The secondary sensing unit (1) of the apparatus may he equipped to electronically or mechanically receive control signals from a remotely located device for the purpose of cancelling or resetting any generated alarm conditions or retrieving and storing data. This feature may he particularly useful when cleaning or maintenance is in progress within the monitored facility.

Any elements of the apparatus that contain radio signalling equipment should use a suitable type that requires no licensing fees or enrolment costs; most countries have reserved regions of the radio bandwidth for such purposes.

The static alarm receiver may be mains powered via a transformed power source such as a power adaptor and may contain rechargeable power cells to provide a power source backup in the event of a mains power failure.

The static alarm receiver may he provided with a transceiver device to enable connection to mobile telephone networks or internet based systems to allow transmission and receipt of data or control signals.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Alarm apparatus adapted to monitor use of an enclosed facility in which a user may fall and become incapacitated, comprising primary sensor means, secondary sensor means, and remote alarm indicator means, wherein the primary sensor means is arranged to detect entry into or departure from the enclosed facility by a user and to cause activation of the secondary sensor means when said entry is detected, wherein the secondary sensor means is arranged to detect the presence of the user when using the facility for its intended purpose, and wherein the apparatus is so adapted that an alarm signal is transmitted to activate the remote alarm indicator means in the event that the secondary sensor means ceases to detect the user when the primary sensor means has not detected the departure of the user from the facility.
2. Alarm apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the primary sensor means is adapted to detect opening and closing of door means of the enclosed facility.
3. Alarm apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the primary sensor means comprises magnetic proximity detector means arranged between door leaf means and door frame means of said door means.
4. Alarm apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the primary sensor means is adapted to monitor an entry zone through which the user enters into and departs from the enclosed facility.
5. Alarm apparatus as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the primary sensor means comprises passive infra-red (PIR), ultrasonic and/or photocell detector means.
6. Alarm apparatus as claimed in any one of the above claims, wherein the secondary sensor means is mounted or mountable to a supporting surface, such as a wall, ceiling or partition, so as to detect the presence of the user within a predetermined zone of activity within the enclosed facility.
7. Alarm apparatus as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the secondary sensor means comprises ultrasonic detector means.
8. Alarm apparatus as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the secondary sensor means comprises passive infra-red (PIR) or photocell detector means.
9. Alarm means as claimed in any one of Claims 6 to 8, wherein adjustment means is provided to steer a zone of detection of the secondary sensor means to coincide with said predetermined zone of activity.
10. Alarm apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary sensor means and/or the secondary sensor means is powered by electrical storage cell means, optionally rechargeable battery means.
11. Alarm apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary sensor means and the secondary sensor means are each provided with wireless communication means.
12. Alarm apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, comprising a plurality of associated pairs of said primary and secondary sensor means, each said pair being adapted to monitor one of a corresponding plurality of enclosed facilities, and each being adapted to transmit said alarm signal to a single remote alarm indicator means.
13. Alarm apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the remote alarm indicator means comprises a portable unit.
14. Alarm apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the remote alarm indicator means comprises a fixed unit.
15. Alarm apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the remote alarm indicator means is provided with visual and/or audible alerting means.
16. Alarm apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the alarm signal contains data in addition to a simple alarm and the remote alarm indicator means is provided with means to interpret and to display said data for a carer.
17. Alarm apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the enclosed facility is a toilet facility or washroom and the secondary sensor means is arranged to detect the user when the user is sitting or standing to use the toilet facility.
18. Alarm apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said signal is transmitted only when a pre-set time period expires, after the secondary sensor means ceases to detect the user, without the primary sensor means having detected the departure of the user.
19. Alarm apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the Figures of the accompanying drawings.
20. A method of monitoring the safety of a user of an enclosed facility in which incapacitating falls may occur, comprising the steps of providing alarm apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, mounting primary sensor means of the alarm apparatus to the facility so that it may detect entry into or exit from the enclosed facility, mounting secondary sensor means of the alarm apparatus to the facility so that it may detect the user when the user is using the facility for its intended purpose, and so controlling the apparatus that detection of the user by the primary sensor means leads to activation of the secondary sensor means, and cessation of detection of the user by the secondary sensor means leads to generation of an alarm signal and its transmission to the remote alarm indicator means of the apparatus, in the event that the user has not been detected departing from the facility by the primary sensor means.
21. A method of monitoring the safety of a user of an enclosed facility in which incapacitating falls may occur, substantially as described herein and with reference to the Figures of the accompanying drawings.