WO2023183350A1

WO2023183350A1 - Emergency alert box

Info

Publication number: WO2023183350A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/015844
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas FENNESY
Original assignee: Beacon Boxx Incorporated
Priority date: 2022-03-24
Filing date: 2023-03-22
Publication date: 2023-09-28

Abstract

An apparatus includes a housing and an illuminable sign coupled to the housing. The illuminable sign includes an on configuration in which the illuminable sign is illuminated and an off configuration in which the illuminable sign is not illuminated. The apparatus further includes a self-contained lockbox contained within the housing including a secured access door and an annular compartment. The lockbox includes an on configuration in which the access door may be unlocked to access the compartment via receipt of an access code and an off configuration in which the access door may not be unlocked. The apparatus further includes a wireless receiver coupled to the housing configured to receive a signal from a remote device to cause the illuminable sign to change from its off configuration to its on configuration and to cause the lockbox to change from its off configuration to its on configuration.

Description

EMERGENCY ALERT BOX

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/323,491, filed March 24, 2022 and titled “Systems and Methods for Monitoring Health Conditions, Providing Emergency Alerts, and Providing Access to First Responders” by Thomas M. Fennesy.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In the United States, emergency medical services (“EMS”) respond to an average of 35,000 medical calls per day. Many of those calls involve a person helpless and unable to call for help themselves, the EMS only receiving the call after a friend or family member finds the victim after a delay of precious time. This issue is not limited to a specific demographic such as the elderly, rather, statistics point to a fairly equal distribution across the age range 35-80. Also, the evidence suggests that “lonely death” cases, when EMS are never called or called too late, are increasing among younger people. Additionally, since the COVID- 19 pandemic, EMS has found that 30% more of their responses are related to cardiac events in the Gen X and Millennial generations, an increasingly isolated group of adults that choose to live alone not only in the United States, but around the world.

SUMMARY

[0003] An apparatus includes a housing and an illuminable sign coupled to the housing. The illuminable sign includes an on configuration in which the illuminable sign is illuminated and an off configuration in which the illuminable sign is not illuminated. The apparatus further includes a self-contained lockbox contained within the housing including a secured access door and an annular compartment. The lockbox includes an on configuration in which the access door may be unlocked to access the compartment via receipt of an access code and an off configuration in which the access door may not be unlocked. The apparatus further includes a wireless receiver coupled to the housing configured to receive a signal from a remote device to cause the illuminable sign to change from its off configuration to its on configuration and to cause the lockbox to change from its off configuration to its on configuration. [0004] A system includes a health wearable device configured to monitor various health conditions of a user. The system further includes a downloadable software application in communication with the health wearable device configured to receive from the health wearable device data related to health conditions of the user. The system further includes an alert box including an illuminable sign, audio device, doorbell button, embedded camera, and a self- contained lockbox. The alert box is in communication with the downloadable software application through a medium via home Wi-Fi network and cloud based server, and configured to illuminate the illuminable sign based on data received from the downloadable software application. The lockbox includes an access door and a compartment. The compartment is configured to store a key to a lock, and the lockbox is configured to receive a code to unlock the access door to grant access to the compartment.

[0005] A method includes receiving a signal from a remote device triggered by health wearable device data indicating a user is experiencing an emergency and unable to communicate for help. The method further includes illuminating an illuminable sign and activating an audio device based on the signal. The method further includes activating a lockbox, including an access door and compartment, to accept a code based on the signal. The method further includes receiving the code and unlocking the access door based on the code to grant access the compartment. The health wearable device includes heart rate, blood oxygen level, heart rate variability, fall detection, blood pressure, skin temperature, blood glucose, irregular heart rhythm, and atrial fibrillation detection. The health wearable device data is cross referenced with reliability checks including battery charging status, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (wireless) connection status, pedometer data, accelerometer data, time of day, and altitude any one of which prevents the signal from the remote device triggering the illuminable sign and lockbox.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Accordingly, apparatuses, systems, and methods for emergency alert boxes are disclosed herein. In the drawings:

[0007] Figure l is a perspective view of an illustrative emergency alert box;

[0008] Figure 2 is perspective cutaway view of an illustrative emergency alert box;

[0009] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an illustrative emergency alert box system; [0010] Figure 4 is a set of user interface views of an illustrative emergency alert box downloadable software application; and

[0011] Figures 5 is a flow diagram of an illustrative method using an emergency alert box.

[0012] It should be understood, however, that the specific embodiments given in the drawings and detailed description thereto do not limit the disclosure. On the contrary, they provide the foundation for one of ordinary skill to discern the alternative forms, equivalents, and modifications that are encompassed together with one or more of the given embodiments in the scope of the appended claims.

NOTATION AND NOMENCLATURE

[0013] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular system components and configurations. As one of ordinary skill will appreciate, companies may refer to a component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . ”.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The present disclosure generally pertains to assisting those in need of emergency health care, and more particularly to apparatuses, systems, and methods for monitoring a person’s health conditions, providing emergency alerts to third parties concerning a person’s need for emergency health care, and providing access for third parties, such as emergency contacts or first responders, to a building in which the person in need of emergency health care is located. Those living alone may be particularly helped in avoiding fatal outcomes from sudden illness or injury such as heart attacks, strokes, aneurysms, diabetic episodes, epileptic episodes, sleep apnea, sudden adult death syndrome, anaphylactic episodes, asthma attacks, sudden falls, drug overdoses, alcohol overdoses, violent in-home crimes, carbon monoxide poisonings, smoke inhalation due to fires, tachycardia/a-fib, brain hemorrhages from sudden impacts, chokings, and any number of other causes that can affect people of any age or other demographic. Specifically, an apparatus variously called an alert box, a Beacon Boxx, an emergency box, an EMS box, and the like may be used, by itself or as part of a system or method, to prevent death, disability, chronic injury, and long-term complications from the above by alerting emergency contacts and first responders even if the victim is unable to call for help.

[0015] Figure l is a perspective view of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 is a perspective cutaway view of the embodiment. The apparatus 100 includes a housing 102 and an illuminable sign 104 coupled to the housing. The sign 104 may be a touch screen such as those found on mobile devices in at least one embodiment in order to display varied information. In another embodiment, the sign 104 is static. The sign 104 includes an on configuration in which the sign 104 is illuminated or flashing and an off configuration in which the sign 104 is not illuminated. When illuminated, the sign 104 allows first responders or emergency contacts to quickly identify emergency locations upon arrival to the area. This saves precious time that can be spent administering care. As described below, further time can be saved by displaying critical information about the victim (sometimes called the “user” of the apparatus 100), such as symptoms, on the sign 104 for emergency medical technicians (“EMTs” or “first responders”).

[0016] The apparatus 100 further includes a self-contained lockbox 106 contained within the housing 102 including an annular compartment 108 and a secured access door 110. The lockbox 106 includes an on configuration in which the access door 110 may be unlocked to access the compartment 108 via receipt of an access code and an off configuration in which the access door 110 may not be unlocked. The access code may be provided to emergency contacts and first responders to access a key or other credentials in the compartment 108 to allow access to the user, and the access code may be set by the user during initial setup. For example, during setup a user may place a copy of their house key in the compartment 108 and create a password to unlock the compartment 108. In an emergency, the password may be automatically given to EMTs without the user’s input. The EMTs may use the sign 104 to locate the user’s house, may use the password to open the lockbox 106 containing the key, and may enter the user’s house to administer care without needing to break into the user’s home by using the key. The precious time saved at each step increases the likelihood that care will be administered in time.

[0017] The apparatus 100 may further include an audio device 113 including an on configuration in which the audio device emits alerts to notify first responders and emergency contacts of the emergency and an off configuration in which the audio device 113 does not emit alerts. Such a device 113 may work separately or in conjunction with the sign 104 to serve the same purpose: quickly identifying the user’s location.

[0018] The apparatus 100 may further include a camera 114 coupled to the housing 102, the camera 114 including an on configuration in which a lens of the camera 114 is active and an off configuration in which the lens is not active. The receipt of the access code may cause the camera 114 to change from its off configuration to its on configuration. For example, when the EMT supplies the access code, a picture or video of the EMT may be recorded for security purposes.

[0019] The apparatus 100 further includes a wireless receiver 112 coupled to the housing 102 configured to receive a signal from a remote device or server to cause each component to enter its on configuration. For example, the signal causes the illuminable sign 104, the lockbox 106, the audio device 113, and the camera 114 to change from their off configuration to their on configuration. Wireless technology protocols such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, LoRa, NBIoT, Wi-Fi, Thread, and the like may be used in various embodiments. Additionally, the wireless receiver may be substituted with a wireless transceiver for general two-way communication with other components.

[0020] The signal from the remote device may be triggered by health wearable device data indicating a user is experiencing an emergency and unable to communicate for help. The health wearable device data may include heart rate, blood oxygen level, heart rate variability, fall detection, blood pressure, skin temperature, blood glucose, irregular heart rhythm (ECG), atrial fibrillation detection, and the like. For example, if a user’s heart rate drops below a set threshold, the signal from the remote device may be sent to cause activation of the components of the apparatus 100. Next, if heart rate variability drops below a set threshold, the signal may be sent. Additionally, if oxygen saturation levels drop below a set threshold, the signal may be sent. Similarly, if blood pressure levels exceed a threshold, the signal may be sent. If a-fib is detected, the signal may be sent. Finally, if a fall is detected, the signal may be sent. Generally, all these scenarios, and more, are described herein as exceeding thresholds. In this way, no communication from the user is needed to call for EMS during an emergency, nor is user input needed to allow EMS access to the user’s location, as described in detail below. [0021] In at least one embodiment, if such an emergency potentially exists, other data may be referenced such as battery charging status, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (wireless) connection status, pedometer data, accelerometer data, time of day, altitude, and the like prior to the signal from the remote device being sent. This data may act as a reliability check that prevents the signal from the remote device triggering the sign 104, lockbox 106, audio device 113, camera 114, and the like. As such, false alarm events are reduced and reliability is increased. For example, battery status data may prevent the signal from being sent because a lack of power to the wearable or device containing the software may falsely be interpreted as a heart rate of 0. Similarly, if the wearable is being charged, the battery status data may indicate the wearable is not being worn. Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (wireless) connection status data may prevent the signal from being sent for the same reason. Similarly, altitude data may indicate that a fall has not in fact occurred, accelerometer data and pedometer data may account for a spike in heart rate due to normal exercise, and the time of day may account for a sleeping heart rate. In this way, reliability check data may be used separately or in combination to confirm the user is not experiencing an emergency and to prevent the signal being sent to activate the apparatus 100.

[0022] A battery box 116 may include batteries and a battery step-down converter for powering the apparatus 100. Additionally, the housing 102 may include waterproof rubber fitting around edges of the housing 102 and hardware for mounting on a front door or door frame. For example, the housing 102 may be configured to be installed outside a user’s residence to identify the user’s residence to first responders.

[0023] Figure 3 is a block diagram of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The combination of health wearables 302, a downloadable software application 304, and an alert box 100 creates a single homogeneous ecosystem 300 enabling users to feel safe to be at home alone. Specifically, the system 300 includes a health wearable device 302, such as a smart watch, configured to monitor various health conditions of a user. The system 300 further includes a downloadable software application 304 in communication with the health wearable device 302 configured to receive from the health wearable device 302 data related to health conditions of the user. The system 300 further includes an alert box 100 including an illuminable sign, audio device, embedded camera, and a self-contained lockbox as described above. The apparatus 100 may also include a doorbell button. The doorbell button, when pressed, may cause activation of connected wireless doorbell systems 306, smart locks 307, and the like. The alert box 100 is in communication with the downloadable software application 304 via Wi-Fi networks 305, 312, cloud based servers (310), and/or the like, and configured to activate its components based on data received from the downloadable software application 304. In this way, the software 304 may monitor device data, determine if the user is experiencing an emergency via reliability checks once the data passes certain thresholds, and send a signal to the alert box 100 to trigger the illuminable sign, audio device, lockbox, camera, access code, and the like.

[0024] For example, once the application 304 is downloaded and installed on the user’s mobile device, such as the user’s phone, the application 304 will pair with the wearable 302 and alert box 100. Next, the wearable 302 supplies the application 304 with health data in real time or near real time. Next, the application 304 monitors the data against the range of thresholds stored by the application 304. In the event the health data thresholds are exceeded, the application 304 performs reliability checks against the data. If the checks indicate a false positive, the application 304 continues monitoring the health data. If the checks do not indicate a false positive, the application 304 sends a signal to activate the alert box 100, alert emergency contacts and first responders 308, and provides the emergency contacts and first responders 308 with access codes to access the alert box 100 and the user’s location. To further prevent false positives, the health wearable device 302 and downloadable software application 304 may be configured to allow the user to manually activate, confirm, dismiss, or delay the signal that triggers activation of the alert box 100 or alert of emergency contacts and first responders 308.

[0025] Figure 4 is a set of user interface views of at least one embodiment of a downloadable software application. First, using a specific embodiment of the application, a user may log into the application through a login screen 402 for the first time using a valid email address, phone number, or existing third-party accounts. Next, once in the application, the user may establish a profile 404. Next, the user may set up their preferred emergency contacts and first responders 406. Next, the user may establish health monitoring thresholds manually for various health data 408.

[0026] Next, the user may enter any information for providing directions to first responders including: (a) basic address details; (b) gate codes; (c) apartment number/name; (d) any relevant medical conditions; (e) detailed location directions, and/or the like in the user’s profile 410. The user may then select the device they will be using for health monitoring. The user may then enable notification settings for the wearable and specify how the application should process notifications as well 412. For example, the user may change any notification or battery settings that are required to enable real-time or near real-time feeds from wearable devices. As an example, every 15 seconds, the application may receive a data refresh from the wearable. If no data is available for a 15 second period, the application may alert the user to check the wearable device and reestablish connection. If data is available, the data is populated into tables that compare the data against norms or ranges. If no thresholds are exceeded, then the application repeats the process for the next 15 seconds of data. If any thresholds are exceeded, the application performs reliability checks. If the reliability checks indicate no false positives, then the application initiates the alert process.

[0027] Figures 5 is a flow diagram of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. A method 500 may include any step, function, action, or communication described in this disclosure. In at least one embodiment, the method 500 includes receiving 502 the signal from the remote device triggered by health wearable device data indicating the user is experiencing an emergency and unable to communicate for help. The health wearable device may include heart rate, blood oxygen level, heart rate variability, fall detection, blood pressure, skin temperature, blood glucose, irregular heart rhythm, atrial fibrillation detection, and the like as described above. The health wearable device data may be cross referenced with reliability checks including battery charging status, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (wireless) connection status, pedometer data, accelerometer data, time of day, and altitude any one of which prevents the signal from the remote device triggering the illuminable sign and lockbox as described above. Next, the illuminable sign is illuminated 504 and the audio device is activated 506 based on the signal. Next, the lockbox is activated 508 to accept a code based on the signal. Next, the code is received 508 and the access door is unlocked 512 based on the code to grant access the compartment.

[0028] As an example, the method 500 may be implemented in the following way once an alert has been generated. At time = 0, the sign may be activated to illuminate or flash, the remote device may be set to ring and vibrate at a 50% of maximum level, and the wearable may be set to vibrate. If the user does not disable the alert system, at time = 15 seconds, the data and reliability check may be performed again. If both continue to indicate an emergency is in progress, and the user has not disabled the alert system, at time = 30 seconds, an alert and codes may be sent to emergency contacts and the ring and vibration may be set to 70%. For example, the alert may state: "30-seconds ago, the Beacon Boxx Emergency App has detected a sudden fall in [User’s] heart rate. An emergency may exist. Please check on [User] at [User’s Address] using lockbox entry code: [Access Code]."

[0029] If the data continues to indicate an emergency, and the user or emergency contact has not disabled the alert system, at time = 45 seconds, the processes may continue. If the data continues to indicate an emergency, and the user or emergency contact has not disabled the alert system, at time = 1 minute, an alert and codes may be sent to first responders and the ring and vibration may be set to 90%. The message to first responders may be similar to the message sent to emergency contacts or may contain more health information.

[0030] If the data continues to indicate an emergency, and the user, emergency contact, or first responder has not disabled the alert system, at time = 1 minute and 15 seconds, the processes may continue. If the data continues to indicate an emergency, and the user, emergency contact, or first responder has not disabled the alert system, at time = 1 minute and 30 seconds, another alert and codes may be sent to emergency contacts and first responders and the ring and vibration may be set to 100%. If the data continues to indicate an emergency, and the user, emergency contact, or first responder has not disabled the alert system, at time = 1 minute and 45 seconds, the process may continue. If the data continues to indicate an emergency, and the user, emergency contact, or first responder has not disabled the alert system, at time = 2 minutes, another alert and codes may be sent to emergency contacts and first responders and the audio device may be activated until the alert system is disabled.

[0031] The alert system may disabled in a number of ways. For example, the user may press a button on the wearable or remote devices, the user may use a virtual assistant or doorbell system to disable the alert using voice commands, and the like. Similarly, the emergency contacts or first responders may do the same. Such disabling notifications may bypass, e.g., phone settings and immediately display even if the phone is locked or in do not disturb mode.

[0032] It should be appreciated that the operations described herein may be performed by one or more computers. Such computers may be mobile devices, thin clients, stand-alone computers, networked computers, and/or computers in a client-server relationship. To execute software, a computer receives and installs a copy of the software (via download or other distribution). Once installed, the software enables some or all functions, including the functions described herein. The processor of such a computer may be configured to execute instructions stored by non-transitory computer readable storage. The processor may be, for example, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, a microcontroller, etc. In operation, the processor executes instructions, codes, computer programs, scripts which it accesses from hard disk, floppy disk, optical disk (these various disk based systems may all be considered secondary storage), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), network interface, or input devices. While instructions may be discussed as executed by a processor, the instructions may be executed simultaneously, serially, or otherwise executed by one or multiple processors.

[0033] A network interface may couple to the processor to enable the processor to communicate with network devices. In different embodiments, the network interface may take the form of modems, modem banks, Ethernet cards, universal serial bus (USB) interface cards, serial interfaces, token ring cards, fiber distributed data interface (FDDI) cards, wireless local area network (WLAN) cards, radio transceiver cards such as code division multiple access (CDMA), global system for mobile communications (GSM), long-term evolution (LTE), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), and/or other air interface protocol radio transceiver cards, and other network devices. The network interface may enable the processor to communicate with the Internet or one or more intranets.

[0034] I/O devices may include printers, video monitors, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), touch screen displays, keyboards, keypads, switches, dials, mice, track balls, voice recognizers, card readers, paper tape readers, or other input devices.

[0035] In some aspects, apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided according to one or more of the following examples:

[0036] Example 1 : An apparatus includes a housing and an illuminable sign coupled to the housing. The illuminable sign includes an on configuration in which the illuminable sign is illuminated and an off configuration in which the illuminable sign is not illuminated. The apparatus further includes a self-contained lockbox contained within the housing including a secured access door and an annular compartment. The lockbox includes an on configuration in which the access door may be unlocked to access the compartment via receipt of an access code and an off configuration in which the access door may not be unlocked. The apparatus further includes a wireless receiver coupled to the housing configured to receive a signal from a remote device to cause the illuminable sign to change from its off configuration to its on configuration and to cause the lockbox to change from its off configuration to its on configuration. [0037] Example 2: A system includes a health wearable device configured to monitor various health conditions of a user. The system further includes a downloadable software application in communication with the health wearable device configured to receive from the health wearable device data related to health conditions of the user. The system further includes an alert box including an illuminable sign, audio device, doorbell button, embedded camera, and a self-contained lockbox. The alert box is in communication with the downloadable software application and configured to illuminate the illuminable sign based on data received from the downloadable software application. The lockbox includes an access door and a compartment. The compartment is configured to store a key to a lock, and the lockbox is configured to receive a code to unlock the access door to grant access to the compartment.

[0038] Example 3: A method includes receiving a signal from a remote device triggered by health wearable device data indicating a user is experiencing an emergency and unable to communicate for help. The method further includes illuminating an illuminable sign and activating an audio device based on the signal. The method further includes activating a lockbox, including an access door and compartment, to accept a code based on the signal. The method further includes receiving the code and unlocking the access door based on the code to grant access the compartment. The health wearable device includes heart rate, blood oxygen level, heart rate variability, fall detection, blood pressure, skin temperature, blood glucose, irregular heart rhythm, and atrial fibrillation detection. The health wearable device data is cross referenced with reliability checks including battery charging status, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (wireless) connection status, pedometer data, accelerometer data, time of day, and altitude any one of which prevents the signal from the remote device triggering the illuminable sign and lockbox.

[0039] The following features may be incorporated into the various embodiments described above, such features incorporated either individually in or conjunction with one or more of the other features: The apparatus may further include an audio device including an on configuration in which the audio device emits alerts to notify passersby and an off configuration in which the audio device does not emit alerts. The signal from the remote devices may cause the audio device to change from its off configuration to its on configuration. The apparatus may further include a camera coupled to the housing, the camera including an on configuration in which a lens of the camera is active and an off configuration in which the lens is not active. The receipt of the access code may cause the camera to change from its off configuration to its on configuration. The signal from the remote device may be triggered by health wearable device data indicating a user is experiencing an emergency and unable to communicate for help. The health wearable device data may include heart rate, blood oxygen level, heart rate variability, fall detection, blood pressure, skin temperature, blood glucose, irregular heart rhythm (ECG), and atrial fibrillation detection. The health wearable device data may be cross referenced with reliability checks including battery charging status, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (wireless) connection status, pedometer data, accelerometer data, time of day, and altitude any one of which prevents the signal from the remote device triggering the illuminable sign and lockbox. The access code may be provided to emergency contacts of a user and emergency first responders to access a key in the compartment to aid the user. The housing maybe configured to be installed outside a user’s residence to identify the user’s residence to first responders. The doorbell button, when pressed, may cause activation of connected wireless doorbell systems. Health wearable device data indicating the user is experiencing an emergency and unable to communicate for help may trigger the data received from the downloadable software application, which triggers the illuminable sign, audio device, and lockbox. The health conditions of the user may include heart rate, blood oxygen level, heart rate variability, fall detection, blood pressure, skin temperature, blood glucose, irregular heart rhythm, and atrial fibrillation detection. The code may be given to emergency contacts and emergency first responders to access the key to aid the user. The camera may be activated upon opening of the lockbox to record at least one image of a person accessing the lockbox. The health conditions of the user may be cross referenced with reliability checks including battery charging status, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (wireless) connection status, pedometer data, accelerometer data, time of day, and altitude. A positive battery charging status may prevent data received from the downloadable software application from triggering the illuminable sign, auditory device, messaging process, and lockbox. A negative Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi (wireless) connection status may prevent data received from the downloadable software application from triggering the illuminable sign, auditory device, messaging process, and lockbox. The alert box may be configured to be installed outside the user’ s residence to identify the user’ s residence to first responders. The health wearable device and downloadable software application may be configured to allow the user to manually activate, dismiss, or delay triggering of the illuminable sign, auditory device, and lockbox.

[0040] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments in this disclosure have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein. Numerous other modifications, equivalents, and alternatives, will become apparent once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such modifications, equivalents, and alternatives where applicable.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An apparatus comprising: a housing; an illuminable sign coupled to the housing comprising an on configuration in which the illuminable sign is illuminated and an off configuration in which the illuminable sign is not illuminated; a self-contained lockbox contained within the housing comprising a secured access door and a annular compartment, the lockbox comprising an on configuration in which the access door may be unlocked to access the compartment via receipt of an access code and an off configuration in which the access door may not be unlocked; and a wireless receiver coupled to the housing configured to receive a signal from a remote device to cause the illuminable sign to change from its off configuration to its on configuration and to cause the lockbox to change from its off configuration to its on configuration.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an audio device comprising an on configuration in which the audio device emits alerts to notify passersby and an off configuration in which the audio device does not emit alerts, wherein the signal from the remote devices causes the audio device to change from its off configuration to its on configuration.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a camera coupled to the housing, the camera comprising an on configuration in which a lens of the camera is active and an off configuration in which the lens is not active, wherein receipt of the access code causes the camera to change from its off configuration to its on configuration.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the signal from the remote device is triggered by health wearable device data indicating a user is experiencing an emergency and unable to communicate for help.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the health wearable device data comprises heart rate, blood oxygen level, heart rate variability, fall detection, blood pressure, skin temperature, blood glucose, irregular heart rhythm (ecg), and atrial fibrillation detection.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the health wearable device data is cross referenced with reliability checks comprising battery charging status, wireless connection status, pedometer data, accelerometer data, time of day, and altitude any one of which prevents the signal from the remote device triggering the illuminable sign and lockbox.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the access code is provided to emergency contacts of a user and emergency first responders to access a key in the compartment to aid the user.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing is configured to be installed outside a user’s residence to identify the user’s residence to first responders.

9. A system comprising: a health wearable device configured to monitor various health conditions of a user; a downloadable software application in communication with the health wearable device configured to receive from the health wearable device data related to health conditions of the user; and an alert box comprising an illuminable sign, audio device, doorbell button, embedded camera, and a self-contained lockbox, the alert box in communication with the downloadable software application and configured to illuminate the illuminable sign based on data received from the downloadable software application, the lockbox comprising an access door and a compartment, the compartment configured to store a key to a lock, the lockbox configured to receive a code to unlock the access door to grant access to the compartment.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the doorbell button, when pressed, causes activation of connected wireless doorbell systems.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein health wearable device data indicating the user is experiencing an emergency and unable to communicate for help triggers the data received from the downloadable software application, which triggers the illuminable sign, audio device, and lockbox.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the health conditions of the user comprise heart rate, blood oxygen level, heart rate variability, fall detection, blood pressure, skin temperature, blood glucose, irregular heart rhythm, and atrial fibrillation detection.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the code is given to emergency contacts and emergency first responders to access the key to aid the user.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein the camera is activated upon opening of the lockbox to record at least one image of a person accessing the lockbox.

15. The system of claim 9, wherein the health conditions of the user are cross referenced with reliability checks comprising battery charging status, wireless connection status, pedometer data, accelerometer data, time of day, and altitude.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein a positive battery charging status prevents data received from the downloadable software application from triggering the illuminable sign, auditory device, messaging process, and lockbox.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein a negative wireless connection status prevents data received from the downloadable software application from triggering the illuminable sign, auditory device, messaging process, and lockbox.

18. The system of claim 9, wherein the alert box is configured to be installed outside the user’s residence to identify the user’s residence to first responders.

19. The system of claim 9, wherein the health wearable device and downloadable software application are configured to allow the user to manually activate, dismiss, or delay triggering of the illuminable sign, auditory device, and lockbox.

20. A method comprising: receiving a signal from a remote device triggered by health wearable device data indicating a user is experiencing an emergency and unable to communicate for help; illuminating an illuminable sign and activating an audio device based on the signal; activating a lockbox, comprising an access door and compartment, to accept a code based on the signal; receiving the code; and unlocking the access door based on the code to grant access the compartment; wherein the health wearable device data comprises heart rate, blood oxygen level, heart rate variability, fall detection, blood pressure, skin temperature, blood glucose, irregular heart rhythm, and atrial fibrillation detection; and wherein the health wearable device data is cross referenced with reliability checks comprising battery charging status, wireless connection status, pedometer data, accelerometer data, time of day, and altitude any one of which prevents the signal from the remote device triggering the illuminable sign and lockbox.