AT14598U1 - A portable transmitter device for signaling a state of a user - Google Patents

Abstract

According to one embodiment, there is disclosed a portable transmitter device (102) comprising: a sensor configured to provide a sensor signal (114); and a signaling unit (112) arranged to determine, using the sensor signal, whether a predetermined condition (eg, an emergency condition, crash) of a user of the transmitter apparatus (102) is present; wherein the signaling unit (112) is further adapted to transmit a status message (116) (e.g., an emergency message) to a predetermined recipient device (104) upon the presence of the predetermined condition.

Description

description

PORTABLE TRANSMITTER FOR SIGNALING A CONDITION OF A USER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of devices for making contact with a target person,

BACKGROUND

In practice, telephones are known which are switchable in a speed dial mode, so that a keystroke on any key of the telephone selects a predetermined number to allow it in this way children quickly connected to a desired, predefined conversation partner to become.

SUMMARY

However, the known solution has the disadvantage that always a user interaction in the form of a keystroke is required for establishing a connection with the predefined call partner. If the predefined conversation partner is not reachable, another number must be manually dialed.

[0004] In view of the situation described above, there is a need for a technique that allows a given recipient to be informed of a person's condition during one or more of the above problems substantially avoided or at least reduced.

This need is taken into account by the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

According to an embodiment of a first aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein, there is provided a method of operating a portable transmitter device, the method comprising: receiving a sensor signal from a sensor of the portable transmitter device; Determining, using the sensor signal of the portable transmitter device, whether a predetermined state of a user of the transmitter device is present; and transmitting a status message to a predetermined receiver device if the user has passed the tuned state.

According to an embodiment of a second aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein, there is provided a computer program element for processing a sensor signal of a sensor of a portable transmitter device, wherein the computer program element, when executed on a processor device, performs a method according to one or more of Embodiments of the disclosed herein causes.

According to an embodiment of a third aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein, there is provided a portable transmitter device, the portable transmitter device comprising: a sensor configured to provide a sensor signal; a signaling unit configured to determine, using the sensor signal, whether a predetermined state of a user of the transmitter device exists; wherein the signaling unit is further configured to transmit a status message to a predetermined receiver device when the predetermined state is present. According to an embodiment, the signaling unit is formed by a computer program running on a processor device of the portable transmitter device.

[0010] According to one embodiment of a fourth aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein, a receiver device for a status message is provided, the receiver device comprising: a communication unit which is adapted to receive a status message from a portable transmitter device and to send a status message is set up to a communication device of a helper. According to one embodiment, the receiver device for a status message may be a server, i. a computer that receives the status message and sends the status message. According to one embodiment, the communication unit may be formed by a computer program which runs on a processor device of the receiver device.

According to another embodiment, a predetermined receiver device to which the status message is sent may be a communication device of a helper.

Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein are based on the idea that at least one suitable sensor of a portable transmitter device recognizes a predetermined state of a user and by sending a status message to a predetermined receiver device if the predetermined state of the user prevails, the predetermined recipient device is automatically informed, without the intervention of the user, that the predetermined state of the user exists.

In one embodiment, the predetermined state is an emergency state of the user and the state message indicates that the user is in distress. By sending the state message to the predetermined recipient device, the user can be helped quickly without the user intervening manually What he often will not be able to do, depending on the emergency situation. The predetermined receiver device can be, for example, a predetermined receiver device of a service organization, a receiver device of a rescue control center (which can be reachable via a location-independent number (for example 112)), a predetermined receiver device of a helper or a predetermined receiver device (eg a server), which informs a helper. According to one embodiment, the status message is automatically sent to the predetermined receiver upon determining that the predetermined condition exists.

According to a further embodiment, the predetermined state may include both a health and a sick state of the user, so that the Zu'standsnachricht is sent, regardless of whether the user is healthy or sick. In this way, embodiments of the herein disclosed items are used for monitoring the user, which does not end even if the sensor signal indicates that the user is not in a sick state, but the Sen¬sorwerte signal a normal state of the user.

According to another embodiment, the predetermined state of the user environment is related, i. H. the predetermined state indicates a state of the user's environment having an immediate influence on the user. For example, a predicted environmental condition of a user may be immersion or immersion of the user in water. In this way, for example, an impending drowning user can be detected (detected). Another example of a predetermined environmental condition of the user is a gas content (eg, carbon dioxide content or a carbon monoxide level) of the user's ambient air that exceeds a certain value. In this way, a threatening suffocation of the user can be determined.

According to one embodiment, the predetermined state can be adjusted by the user. For example, the portable transmitter device may include controls (eg, touch panels on a touch-sensitive screen) that allow the tuned state to be selected as "emergency state", "monitor", etc. According to one embodiment, each predetermined state is assigned a predetermined format for the status message. The predetermined format of the status message can, for example, define which sensor signals (or their values or variables derived therefrom) are contained in the status message.

In one embodiment, the method further includes determining an absolute spatial position (e.g., GPS coordinates) of the portable transmitter device; wherein the state message includes position information indicating the spatial position (e.g., the GPS coordinates) of the portable transmitter device. For example, the portable transmitter device may further include a position sensor configured to determine an absolute spatial position of the portable transmitter device; wherein the status message contains position information indicating the absolute spatial position of the portable transmitter device.

Position sensors for determining a spatial position of the portable transmitter device are known, for example in the form of sensors for a satellite-supported position determination (eg GPS (Global Positioning System) sensors). Furthermore, it is known to determine a position of a mobile phone in a cellular network, such as a Mobilfunk¬ network. Furthermore, it is known to determine the position of a radio device which is located in a reception area of at least one WLAN network. Among other things, all of these known methods for determining a spatial position are suitable for determining the spatial position of the portable transmitter device as disclosed herein, and to that extent the term "position sensor " Apparatus for carrying out such methods.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the method further includes sending a status message to the predetermined recipient device, wherein the sending of the status message takes place with a time interval after the status message has been sent. By way of example, the signaling unit may be set up to transmit a status message to the predetermined recipient device at a time interval after the status message has been sent. The status message can be generated, for example, using user-related sensor signals. User-related sensor signals may, for example, be sensor signals which characterize the state of the user of the portable transmitter device, such as skin temperature, pulse, welding temperature, welding flux, etc. In this way, the status message allows monitoring of the user, for example in an emergency situation even before arrival a helper to the user. The status message can be sent, for example, at certain intervals or on an event (z, B.Sensor signal).

If two or more predetermined states are selectively selectable in the portable transmitter device (stored, for example, in a memory device of the portable transmitter device), each predetermined state may be assigned a predetermined status message configuration which defines, for example, if and where appropriate How many status messages should be sent and / or at what interval or on which events the status message (s) should be sent.

According to one embodiment, each predetermined state, optionally with the associated predetermined format for the state message and / or the associated status message configuration, defines an operating mode of the signaling unit.

According to one embodiment, the sending of the status message takes place only a predetermined period of time after the determination of the predetermined state. For example, according to one embodiment, the signaling unit is configured to send the status message (eg in the form of an emergency message) to the predetermined receiver device only a predetermined period of time after determining the predetermined state (emergency state). By this delayed sending of the status message, the user can prevent the sending of the status message to the predetermined receiver device if necessary. This may be useful, for example, in the case of a fall of the user, but in which the user does not injure himself. According to further one embodiment, the portable transmitter device may comprise an input element whose actuation during the predetermined

Period of time after determining the predetermined state prevents the sending of the status message to the predetermined receiver device. The input element can be, for example, a hardware switch or a software switch (soft key), e.g. A switch displayed on a touch-sensitive screen of the portable transmitter device.

In a further embodiment, in the presence of the predetermined condition, a buzzer of the portable transmitter device is actuated thereby generating a signal perceivable by the user. For example, the portable transmitter device comprises a signal transmitter and the signaling unit is configured to actuate the signal transmitter in the presence of the predetermined state, thereby generating a signal perceivable by the user. The signal generator can be a haptic signal generator, for example a vibration generator, as is often the case with mobile telephones (vibrato alarm). Furthermore, the signal generator may be an acoustic signal generator, such as a loudspeaker. In yet another embodiment, the signal transmitter may be an optical signal transmitter, such as a screen of the portable transmitter device. For example, in the presence of the predetermined state, the portable transmitter may deliver at least one of a haptic, an audible, and an optical signal to the user signal that the portable Senderervor¬richtung has detected a predetermined state. Together with the delayed sending of the status message described above, which gives the user the possibility of preventing the transmission of the status message, a false alarm can be effectively avoided in this way. According to one embodiment, the signaling unit is configured to actuate at least one signal generator (eg as described above) and to cancel the status message a predetermined period of time after the activation of the signal generator.

According to one embodiment, the status message is sent via a packet-switched radio connection and / or the status message is sent as SMS. For example, the signaling unit can be set up to transmit the status message via a packet-switched radio connection (eg of a mobile radio network) and / or the signaling unit For example, in jurisdictions in which the automatic sending of an SMS is prohibited, the signaling unit of the portable transmitter device may be configured to transmit the status message to a server (e.g., an emergency server) over a packet switched radio link send, which then sends a status message to a kommunikati¬onsvorrichtung a helper. The sending of the status message here can be done automatically or, according to another embodiment, under the interaction of service personnel. For example, provision may be made for the service personnel, in response to the status message, to attempt to contact the user of the portable transmitter device in order to ensure that the status message is not a false alarm.

According to one embodiment, the sensor of the portable transmitter device may be a sensor of the following group of sensors: accelerometer, pulse sensor, welding sensor, altimeter, temperature sensor (for example for a skin temperature or an ambient temperature), oxygen saturation sensor, gyroscope, sanctity sensor, motion sensor, lintel sensor , Fall sensor, depth gauge, environmental sensor, UV radiation sensor, air composition sensor for sensing components of ambient air (gas, CO 2 content (or too high C02 content), particulate matter, ...), magnetic field sensor (eg for the earth magnetic field, eg for orientation without GPS); Odor sensor (e.g., QTC E-nose " sensors for detecting diseases and chemicals), water sensor for determining water quality.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the portable transmitter device may comprise at least one further sensor, which, for example, is likewise selected from the indicated group of sensors. Thus, in accordance with a general embodiment, the portable transmitter device includes at least one sensor configured to provide a sensor signal which is used by the signaling unit to determine the predetermined condition. According to another embodiment, the portable transmitter device includes at least two sensors (or at least three sensors) which are arranged to respectively supply a sensor signal which is used by the signaling unit to determine the predetermined state. In other words, at least one sensor signal from at least one sensor is generally used (by the signaling unit) for determining the predetermined state. According to another embodiment, at least two (or at least three) sensor signals from at least two (or at least three) sensors (for example sensors of different types) are used to determine the predetermined state. It should be understood here that the portable transmitter device can also have two or more sensors of the same type, for example three acceleration sensors, of which each acceleration sensor detects the acceleration of the portable transmitter device in one of the three spatial directions. For example, by using sensor signals from two or more sensors of different types, the accuracy of determining the user's predetermined condition can be increased. For example, according to one embodiment, from sensor signals of a first type of sensor (eg acceleration sensors) of the portable transmitter device that indicate a user's fall, an emergency state is only detected by the signaling unit, if the emergency status is determined by at least one further sensor signal of another sensor type (eg, a pulse sensor) is confirmed (eg, in a sense that the other sensor signal of another sensor type indicates the emergency state).

The at least one sensor of the transmitter device may be used to implement one or more of the embodiments described herein. For example, a pulse sensor may be used to determine if a predetermined condition of the user exists while the pulse sensor (or its sensor signal) is subsequently also used to generate the status message and / or the status message. The at least one sensor as described herein may be a dedicated sensor dedicated solely to the functionalities described herein, while according to another embodiment, the at least one sensor is a sensor already present in the portable transmitter device, such as an acceleration sensor or sensors GPS sensor, as provided in many mobile phones. In such a case, the portable transmitter device can be realized exclusively by providing a computer program on a commercially available mobile telephone (usually referred to as "app"). According to one embodiment, the portable transmitter device is a hand-held transmitter device (e.g., a mobile phone) or, in another embodiment, a body-worn transmitter device (e.g., a bracelet or wristwatch). For example, a body worn transmitter device may also be a transmitter device integrated into a garment. For example, it can be provided that the portable transmitter device is integrated into the garment (jacket, pants, shoes, etc.) or, according to another embodiment, that a receptacle (eg a bag, a compartment, etc .) is provided, in which the portable transmitter device is positionable.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the determination as to whether a predetermined state of the user of the transmitter device is present is made by using a sensor signal from at least one sensor of the portable transmitter device. According to one embodiment, the sensor signal is monitored for exceeding or falling below a threshold value. According to another embodiment, a sensor waveform is evaluated by at least one sensor of the portable transmitter device to determine if the predetermined condition exists. For example, a fall of the user may be characterized by a movement that initially follows gravity and then stops abruptly. Such a course of motion is easily detectable with suitable sensors (for example acceleration sensors, gyroscopes, etc.) and can thus be evaluated by the signaling unit. In general, determining whether a predetermined state of the user is present may thus include evaluating a motion history of the portable transmitter device. In this case, the evaluation of the course of the movement can be carried out, for example, by evaluating individual values of the course of the movement (that is, of individual positions of the portable transmitter device)

Evaluation of the waveform of the movement history, etc. take place. For example, the evaluation of the course of the movement can take place by determining relative changes in the direction of movement and the speed of movement of the portable transmitter device. Further, evaluating the motion history may include, for example, pattern recognition and comparing a currently existing motion pattern with stored motion patterns. For example, a signal flow which is characteristic for a predetermined state (for example, a fall) of a user of the portable transmitter device may be stored in a memory of the portable device. For determining whether a predetermined state (eg in the form of a fall) is present, it can then be provided that a sensor signal curve currently received by the sensor is compared continuously or at specific time intervals with the stored signal profile and is decided upon a match, That the predetermined state (eg, a fall) of the user exists, the comparison of stored waveform and currently received Sensorsignalver¬lauf and deciding that the predetermined state of the user exists is carried out according to an embodiment by the signaling unit. More generally, according to one embodiment, determining whether a predetermined state of the user of the transmitter device is present is made by comparing a stored sensor signal pattern with a sensor signal pattern determined by at least one sensor of the portable transmitter device.

According to one embodiment, activation of a potential helper (i.e., setting / storing a potential helper or his communication device as a helper) is accomplished by sending a request message to the potential helper or his communication device. For example, in one embodiment, the portable transmitter device includes an activation unit configured to send a request message to the potential helper, the request message containing a request to the potential helper to confirm that the potential helper is for the user the portable transmitter device is available as a helper. According to a further embodiment, it is provided that upon receiving a confirmation from the potential helper, the activation unit stores the potential helper (or an identifier of its communication device) as helper of the user. The activation unit may be part of the signaling unit according to an embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the status message comprises a helper identifier identifying a helper's communication device. This is particularly advantageous if the predetermined recipient device is not the helper's communication device, for example, in the case that the predetermined recipient device is an emergency server sending a state message to the helper's communication device.

In one embodiment, the portable transmitter device is arranged to provide the functionality of one or more of the embodiments herein and / or to provide the functionality required for one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein.

As used herein, reference to a computer program element is considered equivalent to reference to a computer program and / or a computer readable medium containing such a computer program. A computer program in this sense includes instructions for controlling or programming a processor device, such as a computer system, to effect and / or coordinate the execution of a method in accordance with embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein.

The computer program may be implemented as a computer readable instruction code using any suitable programming language, such as JAVA, C ++, etc., and may be readable on a computer readable medium (removable disk, volatile or nonvolatile memory, embedded memory). Processor, etc.). The computer program can be available in a network, for example the World Wide Web, from which it can be downloaded, for example. For example, the computer program may take the form of a so-called "App. which may, for example, be executable on a processor device of a mobile phone. The computer program may be created and run on any suitable operating system, such as Windows Phone, Android, iOS.

The objects disclosed herein may be implemented by software program. However, the objects disclosed herein may also be implemented by one or more specific electronic circuits, or hardware. Further, the articles disclosed herein may also be used in hybrid form, i. H. in a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

The scope of the objects disclosed herein is determined by the claims. Exemplary embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein will now be described, with reference being made, for example, to a method of operating a portable transmitter device, a corresponding computer program element, a portable transmitter device, and a receiver device for a status message. It should be emphasized that of course any combination of features of different aspects, embodiments and examples is possible. In particular, some embodiments and examples will be described with reference to a method, while other embodiments and examples will be described with reference to a device. Other embodiments and examples will be described with reference to a portable transmitter device, while other embodiments and examples will be described with reference to a state device receiver device. However, those skilled in the art will understand from the foregoing and following description, claims and drawings that features of various aspects, embodiments, and examples of the objects defined in the claims may be combined unless otherwise specified, and combinations of features other than those Application disclosed are to be seen. For example, even a feature related to a method can be combined with a feature related to a device, and vice versa.

Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following exemplary description of presently preferred embodiments, to which the invention, however, is not limited. The individual figures of the drawings of this application are merely schematic and not to scale.

Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 shows a signaling system in accordance with embodiments of the subject-matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 shows a signaling system according to embodiments of the objects disclosed herein.

3 shows a portable transmitter device with a screen displaying screen content in accordance with embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 shows an expanded input screen content of the portable transmitter device according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 5 shows another screen content of the portable transmitter device according to FIG

Embodiments of the articles disclosed herein.

FIG. 6 shows another screen content of the portable transmitter device according to FIG

Embodiments of the articles disclosed herein.

Fig. 7 shows a portable transmitter device and a communication device of a helper according to embodiments of the articles disclosed herein.

Fig. 8 shows a portable transmitter device according to embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein.

9a shows a portable transmitter device in the form of a wristband according to embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein an inner surface of the wristband, which is intended for contact with an arm of a user, is turned outwards. [0046] FIG ,

Fig. 9b shows the portable transmitter device of Fig. 9a with the inner surface of the bracelet turned inwards.

Fig. 10 shows a portable transmitter device in the form of a wristwatch according to

Embodiments of the articles disclosed herein, wherein the wristwatch is in a stretched condition.

Fig. 11a shows the portable transmitter device of Fig. 10 in a closed state

The state in which the portable transmitter device is annularly closed, wherein an inner surface of the wristwatch provided for contact with an arm of a user is turned inward.

11b shows the portable transmitter device from FIG. 10a, wherein the inner surface of the wristwatch is turned outwards.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is noted that in different figures, similar or identical elements or components are provided with the same reference numerals, or with reference numerals that differ only in the first digit or an appended letter. Such features or components that are the same or at least functionally identical with the corresponding features or components in another figure are described in detail only in their first occurrence in the following text and the description will be at subsequent occurrence of these features and components (or the corresponding Bezugszah¬len) not repeated.

FIG. 1 shows a signaling system 100 according to embodiments of the objects disclosed herein.

The signaling system 100 includes a portable transmitter device 102, a receiver device 104, and a helper communication device 106. The portable transmitter device 102, the receiver device 104, and the communication device 106 are configured in accordance with embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein. Accordingly, the portable transmitter device 102 includes a sensor 108 and a processor device 110 on which a computer program according to embodiments of the subject-matter disclosed herein is executable for forming a signaling unit 112 according to embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein. In other words, according to one embodiment, the signaling unit 112 is formed by a pure software component that is executed on the processor device 110.

The signaling unit 112 has access to a sensor signal provided by the sensor 108, which is schematically represented by an arrow 114 in FIG. According to one embodiment, the signaling unit 112 is provided in the form of an app for a mobile telephone.

According to one embodiment, the signaling unit 112 is configured to determine, using the sensor signal 114, whether a predetermined state of a user of the transmitter device 102 is present (user not shown). Furthermore, the signaling unit is set up to automatically send a status message 116 to the recipient device 104 when the predetermined status is present. In this case, the receiver device 104 is a predetermined receiver device, of which an identifier is stored in a memory device 118 of the portable transmitter device 102. According to one embodiment, the status message 116 includes the sensor signal 114 or a derived quantity thereof.

The receiver device 104 has, according to one embodiment, a communication unit 120 for receiving the status message 116 from the portable transmitter device 102 and for sending a status message 124 to the communication device 106 of a helper.

In one embodiment, the status message 116 also includes an identifier of the helper's communication device 106 (eg, a mobile number of the communication device 106). The identifier of the communication device 106 (also referred to herein as a helper identifier) allows the recipient device 104 to send the status message to the communication device 106. Alternatively, the identifier of the communication device 106 may also be stored in a memory device 126 of the receiver device 104 and associated with the portable transmitter device 102 so that the receiver device 104 is able to assign the communication device 106 to the state message 116 received from the portable transmitter device 102 the status message 124 can be sent to the recipient device 106.

According to one embodiment, the communication unit 120 as well as further functionality of the receiver device 104 as described herein are provided by a single computer program executed on a processor device 128 of the receiver device 104, as shown in FIG 1 is shown.

According to one embodiment, the sending of the status message 116 is via a packet-switched connection, for example a mobile data connection (eg 2G, 3G, LTE). According to another embodiment, which is also implemented in FIG. 1, the status message 124 is sent to the communication device 106 as SMS. According to other embodiments, the status message 124 may be an e-mail, a voice message, or any other suitable message form.

FIG. 2 shows a signaling system 200 in accordance with embodiments of the subject-matter disclosed herein.

The signaling system 200 includes a portable transmitter device 102 having a signaling unit 112. In contrast to the signaling unit 112 of FIG. 1, the signaling unit 112 of FIG. 2 is arranged to send the status message 116 directly to a communication device 106 of a helper. In other words, the predetermined receiver device in this embodiment is formed by the communication device 106 of the helper.

According to one embodiment, this sending of the status message 116 takes place as SMS. However, according to another embodiment, the status message 116 may have any other suitable message form, for example, the status message 116 may be a voice message or an e-mail.

Incidentally, the portable transmitter device 102 as well as the communication device 106 may be formed similarly to the corresponding devices as described with reference to FIG. 1. The further description of these devices 102, 106 will therefore not be repeated here.

According to one embodiment, the status message 116 (see, eg, Fig. 1 or Fig. 2) includes position information indicating an absolute spatial position of the portable transmitter device 102. For example, state message 124 received from communication device 106 (in the case of FIG. 1) or state message 116 (in the case of FIG. 2) may include a link to a map service. According to one embodiment, a map showing the location of the portable transmitter device 102 on the map is displayed on the helper's communication device 106 if it follows the link to the map service. This facilitates finding the user by the helper.

According to one embodiment, the signaling unit 112 is set up to send a status message 117 to the predetermined recipient device, here the communication device 106 of the helper, at a time interval after the status message 116 has been sent. In one embodiment, the status message 117 includes information (eg, about movements or a pulse of the user) that has been determined by at least one sensor of the portable transmitter device 102. For example, the status message contains a sensor signal of the sensor 108 or a quantity derived from the sensor signal.

3 shows a portable transmitter device 102 having a screen 131 that displays a screen content 129 in accordance with embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein. For example, in one embodiment, the portable transmitter device 102 is a mobile telephone on which a corresponding computer program is executed to provide the functionality according to embodiments of the objects disclosed herein, in particular the functions of the signaling unit disclosed herein, for example the signaling unit 112 as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. However, the embodiments discussed with respect to a mobile phone may also be implemented with any other suitable form of portable transmitter device.

According to one embodiment, the portable transmitter device 102, if necessary, for example, after starting the computer program that implements the signaling unit 112, provides a control element 130 (eg, a switch) with which the (repeated) determination can be made whether the predetermined State of the user of the portable transmitter device is present, can be activated by the signaling unit 112. A state of the portable transmitter device 102, in which the signaling unit repeatedly determines whether the predetermined state of the user of the portable transmitter device is present, is hereinafter also referred to as the activated state of the signaling unit or the signaling unit is designated as activated. The transfer of the signaling unit into the activated state is also referred to below as activation of the signaling unit.

According to one embodiment, at least one operating element 132 is provided by the signaling unit 112, with which a schedule for the activation of the signaling unit 112 can be set, for example with regard to a specific one-week day and / or a specific period of time. For example, the control element 132 may allow a switch from a continuous mode to a scheduled mode. Upon activation of the scheduled mode, an extended input screen content is provided in accordance with one embodiment. 4 shows such an extended input screen content 134 of the portable transmitter device 102 according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. The extended input screen content 134 has two additional input fields 136 and 138 into which, for example, a start time (input field 136) or an end time (input field 138) for the activation of the signaling unit 112 can be input.

According to embodiments, the portable transmitter device comprises an operating element for adjusting an activity of the user. An exemplary example is shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows another screen content 140 of the portable transmitter device 102 in accordance with embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein. With the screen content 140, an activity of the user is adjustable, e.g. Winter sports, summer sports or, according to another embodiment, walking, cycling, skier, jogging, mountaineering, Nordic walking, ball games, etc. According to one embodiment, the activity is selectable from a list 142 which is displayable on the screen 131.

FIG. 6 shows another screen content 144 of the portable transmitter device 102 in accordance with embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, an identifier of a helper's communication device (also referred to herein as a helper identifier or helper identifier) may be typed on the screen 144, the helper identifier uniquely identifying the helper's communication device and allowing transmission of the state message or status message based thereon to the helper's communication device. For this purpose, the further screen content 144 can have an input field 146 into which the helper identifier can be entered. To confirm the input of the helper identifier in the input field 146, for example, a confirmation element 148 may be provided, upon the actuation of which the signaling unit stores the entered helper identifier in a memory device, e.g. B. the portable transmitter device stores. Alternatively or additionally, the further screen content 144 may comprise a control element 150 with which contacts stored on the portable transmitter device may be opened to select a contact as helper, whereupon the signaling unit stores the corresponding helper identifier in the memory device.

Fig. 7 shows a portable transmitter device 102 and a communication device 106 of a helper according to embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein.

According to one embodiment, upon input of the helper identifier, or confirmation of that entry, or selection of a contact as helper, the helper's communication device identified by the helper identifier is referred to by the signaling unit 112 of the portable transmitter device 102 sends an acknowledgment message 152 to the helper's communication device 106. In the confirmation message 152, the helper is asked to confirm his willingness to potentially assist the user as a helper. For example, a corresponding acknowledgment message 154 may be sent manually (e.g., in the form of an SMS) by the helper via the communication device 106. Upon receipt of an acknowledgment message 154, the signaling unit 112 is ready for activation.

FIG. 8 shows a portable transmitter device 102 according to embodiments of the subject-matter disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the portable transmitter device 102 includes an optical signal transmitter z. B. in the form of the screen 131, which is also used for the Be¬dienung the signaling unit (see Fig. 3 to Fig. 6). Further, the portable transmitter device 102 according to one embodiment includes an acoustic signal transmitter 156 (eg, a speaker) and a haptic transducer 158 (eg, a vibration device). According to one embodiment, the sending of the status message takes place a predetermined period of time after the determination of the predetermined state of the user by the signaling unit 112. According to one embodiment, the signaling unit 112 is set up to at least one signal generator, for example the optical signal generator 131, at least during this predetermined period of time. activate the acoustic signal generator 156 and the haptic signal generator 158 and thus to inform the user that the signaling unit 112 has determined the presence of a predetermined state. According to one embodiment, the screen 131 displays for this purpose a screen 160 having an operating element 162 whose operation the sending of the state message 116 to the predetermined receiver device 104, 106 is prevented. For example, in one embodiment, the signaling unit 112 is configured not to send the status message 116 to the predetermined recipient device 104, 106 upon actuation of the control element 162 during the predetermined time period.

Fig. 9a shows a portable transmitter device 202 according to embodiments of the subject-matter disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, the portable transmitter device 202 includes a plurality of sensors, for example, an altimeter 164, a pulse sensor 165, a temperature sensor 166 for measuring a skin temperature, an oxygen saturation sensor 167 (which measures oxygen saturation of the skin), a gyroscope 168, a brightness sensor 169, a motion sensor 170, an acceleration sensor 171, a fall sensor 172, a fall sensor 173, a depth gauge 174 (which senses a depth below a water surface or under a snow surface, for example), a position sensor 175 (eg, a GPS Sensor), an environmental sensor 176 (which senses, for example, an environment of the sensor, for example optically, ultrasonically, etc.), a weld flow sensor 177 (which determines the user's weld flow), a radiation sensor 195, such as an ultraviolet (UV) radiation sensor (US Pat. eg for detecting the suns irradiation), a temperature sensor 196 for an ambient temperature, an air composition sensor and / or a gas sensor 197, for example for sensing components of an ambient air (eg. Sensing a gas such as natural gas, city gas, carbon monoxide (CO) or carbon dioxide (CO 2)), a magnetic field sensor 198, e.g. for sensing the earth's magnetic field (this may allow positioning without GPS, similar to bees and other animals), an aerosol sensor 199 (for example for sensing liquid or solid aerosol, components of ambient air such as particulate matter, etc.) and a water quality sensor 179 for determining a water quality (for example, the water sensor may have a sensor surface onto which a drop of the water to be tested can be applied).

According to one embodiment, at least one of the sensors gas sensor, aerosol sensor and air composition sensor may be formed by an odor sensor, e.g. a so-called electronic nose (such as a QTC E-Nose sensor). By one or more of these sensors (or by the electronic nose), for example, illnesses of the user and chemicals in the environment of the user can be detected.

For example, not only a predetermined state (eg, an emergency state) of a user can be recognized by the various sensors, but also a monitoring of the user or his state is possible. According to one embodiment, the portable transmitter device 202 comprises a control element 180 with which the signaling unit 112 can be switched to a monitoring mode in which the predetermined state is always present, for example by the predetermined state comprising both a healthy state and a sick state of the user , In other words, in the monitoring mode, the predetermined state always exists regardless of the current state of the user. According to one embodiment, the signaling unit 112 determines in the monitoring mode at predetermined time intervals a skin temperature of the user using the temperature sensor 166 and sends a status message containing the determined skin temperature to the predetermined receiver device. In this way, for example, the body temperature (skin temperature) of a sick child can be monitored by the helper (for example, the parent).

According to one embodiment, the signaling unit 112 can be set up so that those sensors whose sensor values are included in the status message can be specified by a user. For example, the signaling unit 112 can be set up to display on the screen 131 a corresponding screen content on which the user can select the desired sensors from a list.

According to one embodiment, the signaling unit can be set into a sleep monitoring mode, for example by actuating a corresponding control element. According to one embodiment, the signaling unit is designed to receive sensor signals from suitable sensors, for example the pulse sensor, the temperature sensor, the oxygen saturation sensor and the motion sensor, in the sleep monitoring mode and to transmit a corresponding status message to the predetermined receiver device when a predetermined state is present.

According to one embodiment, the portable transmitter device 202 further includes an optical signal transmitter 178 having, for example, one or more LEDs. According to one embodiment, the predetermined state is a wake-up state (ie, a state in which the user transitions from a sleep phase to a wake-up phase) and the signaling unit 112 may be configured to operate the optical signal transmitter 178 and, if appropriate, an existing haptic signal transmitter and / or acoustic signal generator, if the predetermined state is present. In this way, waking the user gently can be supported without interfering with the natural sleep rhythm.

According to one embodiment, the portable transmitter device 202 may be in the form of an annularly closed band or band (e.g., in the form of a bracelet), as shown in Fig. 9a, shown on the arm of the User can be worn. For example, the band may be made of a polymer that elastically closes around the arm. A typical width of the band may be between 2 cm and 4 cm, for example 3 cm.

Fig. 9a shows the portable transmitter device 202 in the form of a bracelet, wherein an inner surface 182 of the bracelet, which is intended for contact with an arm of a Benut¬zers, is turned outwards.

Fig. 9b shows the portable transmitter device of Fig. 9a with the inner surface 182 of the bracelet turned inward. At the relevant surface of the bracelet visible sensors / elements are drawn in solid lines, whereas on the relevant surface non-visible sensors / elements are shown in dashed lines. It should be understood, however, that the arrangement of the sensors is not limited thereto and any other suitable arrangement of the sensors is possible (depending on the nature and requirements of the sensor).

According to one embodiment, the optical signal transmitter 178 is arranged on an axial end face 189 of a band.

According to one embodiment, the predetermined state is a predetermined movement sequence. For example, in a portable transmitter device in the form of the band can thus be prepared by a predetermined hand movement of the predetermined state, whereupon the signaling unit sends the status message to the predetermined Empfängerervorrich¬ tung. In one embodiment, the portable transmitter device 202 includes a control element 187 with which the signaling unit 112 is switchable to a learning mode in which the predetermined movement is detected via one or more of the sensors and stored in a storage device of the portable transmitter device to allow the signaling unit to be later to determine whether the vorbe¬ vote condition exists.

Such an embodiment may be helpful, for example, in the case of a hijacking in which the user can send the status message (for example an emergency message) to the predetermined recipient by a predetermined hand movement.

According to a further embodiment, the signaling unit 112 is set up to transmit a status message to the predetermined receiver device at a time interval after the status message has been sent. According to one embodiment, the signaling unit 112 is arranged to transmit a status message with a position signal whenever the portable transmitter device moves following the dispatch of the status message and is then at rest. In this way, for example, in the event of a kidnapping, the location where the user is being held is sent to the predetermined recipient device.

According to another embodiment, the predetermined operating state is a likelihood accident in which the user is carried away by an avalanche. According to one embodiment, the signaling unit 112 is set up in this case to send sensor signals from a predetermined selection of the available sensors (for example a sensor, several sensors or all sensors) with the status message to the predetermined receiver device. For example, in this case, the sensor signal of the oxygen saturation sensor 167, the pulse sensor 165 of the depth gauge 174, the position sensor 175 and the environmental sensor 176 may be included in the status message.

According to one embodiment, it can be provided that the status message is repeated at predetermined time intervals until receiving a deactivation signal, which is transmitted to the signaling unit 112, for example, by actuating a corresponding operating element 188 of the portable transmitter device 202.

FIG. 10 shows a portable transmitter device 302 according to embodiments of the subject-matter disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the portable transmitter device 302 is a wristwatch, as shown in FIG. FIG. 10 shows the portable transmitter device 302 in a stretched condition taken by the wristwatch when lying flat on a table, for example.

Fig. 11a shows the portable transmitter device 302 of Fig. 10 in a closed condition in which the portable transmitter device 302 is annularly closed, with an inner surface 182 of the wristwatch being intended for contact with an arm of a user. turned inside out.

Fig. 11b shows the portable transmitter device of Fig. 10a with the inner surface of the wristwatch turned outward.

According to one embodiment, the portable transmitter device 302 includes a screen 131 which is operable by the signaling unit according to embodiments of the objects disclosed herein, for example as described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6. According to one embodiment, the screen 131 is composed of organic light-emitting diodes (OLED display).

According to one embodiment, the signaling unit is designed to operate the screen 131 when the watch is in the stretched state over an extension 192 (FIG. 10) that is larger than an extent 193. via which the screen 131 is operated in the closed state of the wristwatch (Figs. 11a, 11b) (extent in the circumferential direction (longitudinal direction) of the watch is measured). According to one embodiment, the screen 131 extends over 30-70% of the total length of the wristwatch.

In one embodiment, the portable transmitter device screen 131 displays a screen content 194 indicative of the signaling unit according to embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the screen content 194 is at least partially controlled by the signaling unit 112.

According to one embodiment, the portable transmitter device in the form of a wristwatch comprises a loudspeaker device 190 and, at a distance from it, a microphone device 191. According to one embodiment, the loudspeaker device 190 and the microphone device 191 are arranged on an axial end face 189 of the wristwatch.

In one embodiment, the portable transmitter device includes one or more sensors in accordance with embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein, such as a temperature sensor 166, an oxygen saturation sensor 167, and a pulse sensor 165. Also, the portable transmitter device 302 may include an optical signal transmitter 178, such as, for example with reference to Figs. 9a and 9b.

A portable transmitter device (such as the transmitter device 202, 302 in Figs. 9a to 11b) carried by a user directly on the body (e.g., the wrist or arm) may have a higher height, particularly with respect to the movement of the user detected by the sensors Accuracy deliver, as a portable Senderervorrich¬tung, which is for example carried in a bag or held loosely in the user's hand. However, it should be understood that the accuracy also depends on the quality and number of sensors used.

It is understood that portable transmitter devices disclosed herein may also have more or fewer sensors in other embodiments.

According to corresponding embodiments, the method is configured or the signaling unit is set up in such a way that it is automatically determined, using the at least one sensor signal (for example by the signaling unit), whether there is an accident.

According to corresponding embodiments, the method is configured or the signaling unit is set up in such a way that the status message (for example in the form of an emergency alarm) is automatically transmitted (for example by the signaling unit) using the at least one sensor signal.

According to corresponding embodiments, the method is configured in such a way or the signaling unit is set up in such a way that the at least one sensor signal is recorded (eg by the signaling unit). The recording of the at least one sensor signal may, for example, include storing the at least one sensor signal in a memory device, e.g. a storage device of the portable transmitter device, include or consist of. According to another embodiment, all relevant data is recorded during an accident.

According to corresponding embodiments, the method is configured or the signaling unit is set up in such a way that it is automatically determined, using the at least one sensor signal (for example by the signaling unit), whether there is a hijacking case. The at least one sensor signal may, for example, be at least one predetermined sensor signal, for example a predetermined sensor signal combination or a predetermined single sensor signal. For example, the predetermined sensor signal may be generated by an acceleration sensor by a predetermined gesture performed with the portable transmitter device. According to one embodiment, the vorbe¬stimmte gestures in the learning mode described above be definable.

According to corresponding embodiments, the method is configured or the signaling unit is set up such that in a monitoring mode the user is monitored continuously (continuously or at certain time intervals).

According to corresponding embodiments, the method is configured or the signaling unit is set up in such a way that, using the at least one sensor signal (eg by the signaling unit), it is automatically determined whether a predicted state (for example a pathological (ie disease-related ) State) of the user.

According to corresponding embodiments, the method is configured or the signaling unit is set up in such a way that an SEM monitoring is performed using the at least one sensor signal (for example by the signaling unit). monitoring (monitoring) in a REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep phase of the user. For this purpose, the portable transmitter device can be coupled to a sleep hood, so that a sensor of the transmitter device can receive signals from the sleep hood and supply a corresponding sensor signal for further processing according to embodiments of the objects disclosed herein.

According to respective embodiments, the method is configured such that the signaling unit is set up such that a sleep management of the user is automatically carried out using the at least one sensor signal (eg by the signaling unit). For example, an environmentally-dynamic sleep management may be performed, particularly with the assistance of a sleep laboratory, which according to one embodiment may set thresholds for engagement of the portable transmitter device with the sleep of the user.

According to respective embodiments, the method is configured such that the signaling unit is configured such that, using the at least one sensor signal (eg by the signaling unit), a signal generator is automatically actuated to prompt the user to move. For example, it can be provided that when a sensor signal (for example from acceleration sensors of the portable transmitter device) indicates a movement activity of the user below a certain threshold value, the user is prompted to move by the signal transmitter.

According to corresponding embodiments, the method is configured or the signaling unit is set up such that, using the at least one

Sensor signal (eg by the signaling unit) is automatically determined calorie needs of a user. According to one embodiment, the signaling unit can be designed to provide the user with nutritional recommendations, depending on the determined calorie requirement. Furthermore, it can be provided that the method is configured or the signaling unit is set up in such a way that the user is asked to input nutritional data (eg what and how much was eaten by the user), and the signaling unit determines and calculates a corresponding calorie value from the nutritional data Depending on the at least one sensor signal (which preferably indicates a movement activity of the user) prompts the user to move.

According to corresponding embodiments, the method is configured or the signaling unit is set up in such a way that it is automatically determined, using the at least one sensor signal (eg by the signaling unit), whether a preselected state of the user exists or is imminent. The predetermined state of the user can be, for example, a microsleep, a sleep apnea, a heart attack, a depression, a sudden infant death, etc. According to one embodiment, the imminently predetermined condition is prevented or avoided by suitable signaling (for example by means of a signal generator (for example a signal transmitter as described herein)).

According to corresponding embodiments, the method is configured or the signaling unit is set up to provide danger functions, fitness functions, health functions, vitality functions, lifestyle functions and / or safety functions. Driving functions include, for example, one or more of the following functions: automatic emergency signaling, kidnapping alarm, microsleep alarm, detection of sleep apnea, congestion in sports or training, localization. Fitness functions include, for example, one or more of the following functions: pedometer, heart rate monitor, calorie counter, speedometer, odometer, altimeter, personal goal achievement. Health functions and vitality functions include, for example, the determination of one or more of the following: electrocardiogram (ECG), heart rate fluctuations, blood flow rate, blood oxygen saturation, skin temperature, stress level, skin oxygen saturation, sleep monitoring and sleep management, 24/7 monitoring. Lifestyle features and security features include, for example, one or more of the following functions: time and date, "smart" alert, networking social media, barcode scanning, QR code scanning, wireless synchronization, security authentication, gesture control, contactless Paying, contactless unlocking, contactless locking.

By way of example, some applications of a portable transmitter device implementing selected embodiments of the articles disclosed herein will be described in more detail. It is understood that the portable transmitter device and in particular the Sig¬nalisierungsvorrichtung or their operating method is adapted or eingeich¬tet accordingly to perform the mentioned actions. Each of the following features corresponds to a corresponding embodiment, even if this is not explicitly stated, whereby several embodiments are implemented according to the exemplary application cases.

ACCIDENTS: The signaling device recognizes these, determines what has happened (e.g., flip over, at what speed, how often, ...). When the accident is over, the signaling device checks the user's condition) and only when the user is truly injured does the signaling device automatically send the status message (eg, SMS, MMS, or mail) to predetermined recipients (e.g., the 10 people and 10 in advance defined by the user) institutions). On the basis of the sensor signals from inertial measurement units (IMU), the signaling device recognizes speed, rotations, falls and associated conditions. Further, the signaling device uses appropriate sensors (such as those described herein) to determine the user's condition, including, for example, ECG and temperature. More generally, the signaling device checks the user after the accident and, if it is injured, the signaling device sends the status message.

OVERLOADING: According to embodiments, the signaling device monitors not only the fitness of the user but also whether the user has a fever, is sick or goes beyond his capacity range. The signaling device warns the user when he is ill, has a fever, or is overloaded, so that the training has no effect. In this way we can avoid further consequences such as a heart muscle inflammation. The signaling device recognizes with a temperature sensor and optionally other sensors when a user is ill, fever or has another limitation. In this way, the death of the user may possibly be prevented.

SECONDARY SLEEP: The signaling device notices when the body becomes tired and there is a risk of microsleep (e.g., the user may be discernible about the sensors of the portable transmitter device). The portable transmitter device illuminates and vibrates in such a case. This will often be enough to prevent the user from sleeping in the middle or to wake the user. According to another embodiment, the signaling device increases the volume of the car radio, z. For example, to a fixed value, or, for example, until the user wakes up. According to one embodiment, the signaling device is designed to establish a connection to the car radio for this purpose (eg via Bluetooth).

[00116] HEART FUNCTIONS; Rhythm, frequency, quality of the heartbeat. According to corresponding embodiments, an ultrasound sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a pulse sensor, a light sensor (for example, for measuring the blood flow) may be provided and provide corresponding sensor signals to the signaling unit.

Further, it should be noted that a signaling unit or a corresponding computer program as described herein is not limited to the dedicated entities as described in some embodiments. Rather, the objects disclosed herein may be implemented in numerous ways, for example with different numbers of modules, while still providing the disclosed specific functionality.

According to embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein, any suitable entity (e.g., components, elements, devices, and devices) may be at least partially provided in the form of a corresponding computer program (in software) that enables a processor device to provide the functionality of the corresponding entity deliver as described herein. According to other embodiments, any suitable entity as described herein may be provided in hardware. According to other hybrid embodiments, some entities may be provided in software while other entities are provided in hardware. It goes without saying that operating elements which are displayed as part of a screen content according to one embodiment can also be realized in hardware according to another embodiment, and vice versa. In particular, controls provided as screen content by the signaling unit may also be implemented as hardware controls that are operatively connected to the signaling unit to provide the functionality described with respect to the control.

It should be understood that each entity disclosed herein (eg, components, elements, devices, and devices) is not limited to a dedicated entity, as described in some embodiments. Rather, the articles described herein may be provided in various ways with different granularity at the device level or at the software module level while still providing the specified functionality. It should also be noted that according to one embodiment, a separate entity (eg, a software module, a hardware module, or a hybrid module) may be provided for each of the functions disclosed herein. According to other embodiments, an entity (eg, a software module, in hardware module, or a hybrid module) may be configured to provide two or more functions as described herein.

In yet other embodiments, two or more entities (eg, components, elements, devices, and devices) may be configured to together provide a function as described herein.

In one embodiment, the portable transmitter device includes a processor device having at least one processor for exporting at least one computer program corresponding, for example, to a corresponding software module.

It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely a limited selection of possible embodiments of the invention. It is thus possible to suitably combine the features of individual embodiments with one another, so that a multitude of different embodiments are to be regarded as disclosed to the person skilled in the art with the variants of embodiment which are explicit here. It should also be noted that terms such as "a " or "one " a majority not exclude. Term such as "containing " or "having " do not exclude further features or process steps. For example, embodiments which refer to a sensor or a sensor signal are always to be interpreted as meaning that, in addition to the one sensor explicitly described, one or more further sensors can be provided which supply one or more further sensor signals, which then come from the signaling device according to embodiments herein disclosed objects are used.

Further, it should be noted that while the exemplary portable transmitter unit, the exemplary receiver apparatus, and the exemplary communication apparatus in the drawings show a particular combination of several embodiments of the items disclosed herein, any other combination of embodiments is defined in the claims Objects are also possible and to be disclosed with this application.

In summary, it should be noted: In one embodiment, a portable transmitter device 102 is disclosed, including: a sensor configured to provide a sensor signal 114; and a signaling unit 112 configured to determine, using the sensor signal, whether a predetermined condition exists, for example, an emergency condition of a user of the transmitter apparatus 102; wherein the signaling unit 112 is further configured, in the presence of the predetermined state, to send a status message 116, for example an emergency message, to a predetermined recipient device 104, 106. REFERENCE LIST 100 Signaling system 102 Portable transmitter device 104 Receiver device 106 Communication device 108 Sensor 110 Processor device 112 Signaling unit 114 Sensor signal 116 Status message 117 Status message 118 Storage device 120 Communication unit 124 Status message 122 Storage device 129 Screen content 130 Control element 131 Screen 132 Control element 134 Expanded screen 136 Input box 138 Entry field 140 Screen content 142 List of activities 144 Screen contents 146 Entry field 148 Confirmation element 150 Control element 152 Confirmation message 154 Acknowledgment message 156 Acoustic signal transmitter 158 Haptic signal transmitter 160 Screen content 162 Operating element 164 Altimeter 165 Pulse sensor 166 Skin temperature sensor 167 Oxygen sensor 168 Gyroscope 169 Brightness sensor 170 Motion sensor 171 Acceleration sensor 172 Loss sensor 173 Fall sensor 174 Depth sensor 175 Position sensor 176 Ambient se nsor 177 weld sensor 178 optical switch 179 water quality sensor 180 control element 182 inner surface 187 control element 188 control element 189 axial end surface 190 speaker device 191 microphone device 192 extension of the operating surface of the screen in the stretched state 193 expansion of the operating surface of the screen in closed state 194 screen content 195 ultraviolet sensor 196 ambient temperature sensor 197 Gas sensor 198 magnetic field sensor 199 odor sensor / aerosol sensor (e-nose) 200 signaling system 202 portable transmitter device 302 portable transmitter device

Claims (10)

Claims 1. A method of operating a portable transmitter device (102), the method comprising: receiving a sensor signal (114) from a sensor (108, 164-177) of the portable transmitter device (102); Determining, using the sensor signal (114) of the portable transmitter device (102), whether there is a predetermined state of a user of the transmitter device (102); sending a state message (116) to a predetermined receiver device (104, 106) if the predetermined state of the user is present , The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining an absolute spatial position of the portable transmitter device (102); wherein the state message (116) includes position information indicative of the absolute spatial position of the portable transmitter device (102). 3. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the sending of the status message (116) takes place only a predetermined period of time after the determination of the predetermined state and / or in the presence of the vorbe¬stimmten state a signal transmitter of the portable transmitter device (102) is actuated and thereby a signal perceivable by the user is generated. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sending of the status message (116) takes place via a packet-switched radio connection and / or the status message (116) is sent as an SMS. A portable transmitter device (102) comprising: a sensor (108, 164-177) arranged to provide a sensor signal (114), and a signaling unit (112) arranged to use the sensor signal (114) to determine whether a predetermined state of a user of the transmitter device (102) is present; wherein the signaling unit (112) is further adapted to transmit a status message (116) to a predetermined receiver device (104, 106) in the presence of the predetermined state. The portable transmitter device (102) of claim 5, further comprising an optical signal transmitter (178), wherein the signaling unit (112) is further configured to actuate the optical encoder (178) if the predetermined condition exists. A portable transmitter device (102) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the sensor (108) is a sensor of the following group of sensors: acceleration sensor (171), pulse sensor (165), weld flow sensor (177), altimeter (164) , Temperature sensor (166, 196), oxygen saturation sensor (167), gyroscope (168), brightness sensor (169), motion sensor (170), lintel sensor (172), case sensor (173), depth gauge (174), environment sensor (176 ), Radiation sensor (195), gas sensor (197), aerosol sensor (199), magnetic field sensor (198), water quality sensor (179), an odor sensor (197, 199); and wherein the portable transmitter device (102) optionally includes at least one further sensor (108, 164-177) selected from the group of sensors. The portable transmitter device (102) of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the portable transmitter device (102) is an annularly closed band or belt. 9. Computer program element for carrying out a method according to one of Ansprü¬che 1 to 4. A receiver device (104) for a status message (116), the receiver device (104) comprising: a communication unit (120) for receiving a state message (116) sent from a portable transmitter according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 4 and sending a status message (124) to a helper communication device (106). For this 5 sheets of drawings