AU2018100352A4

AU2018100352A4 - Personal distress beacon

Info

Publication number: AU2018100352A4
Application number: AU2018100352A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Suzana Stipanovic
Original assignee: Stipanovic Suzana Mrs
Current assignee: Stipanovic Suzana Mrs
Priority date: 2016-12-12
Filing date: 2018-03-22
Publication date: 2018-04-26
Anticipated expiration: 2025-12-11

Abstract

-16 There is a transmitter 1 for a personal distress beacon which is adapted for casual or permanent attachment to part of a user's body such as the ear 2 in a manner to monitor, for possible activation of said transmitter: - one or more vital signs associated with said body, or - one or more stress hormones associated with said body, or - one or more vital signs and one or more stress hormones associated with said body The transmitter upon activation emits said distress beacon to alert and disclose the location of said user to at least one selected recipient. V6a

Description

PERSONAL DISTRESS BEACON FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to personal protection devices. More particularly, although not exclusively, it discloses a transmitter for a personal protection distress beacon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

While personal alarms and monitoring devices are well known they generally have the disadvantage of being only fitted casually to the user for a few hours or less. Typically they may be hung loosely around the neck or carried in a pocket or purse. Therefore, as they are not continuously worn they are often forgotten or dispensed with during strenuous activities or at other inopportune times.

Further, prior art personal safety alarms are normally limited to an audio signal which has limited effect on a determined assailant and moreover does not disclose the location of the user when in distress.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of this invention to ameliorate the aforementioned disadvantages and accordingly a transmitter for a personal distress beacon is disclosed which is adapted for casual or permanent attachment to a user's body in a manner to monitor, for possible activation of said transmitter:- one or more vital signs associated with said body, or - one or more stress hormones associated with said body, or - one or more vital signs and one or more stress hormones associated with said body wherein said transmitter upon activation emits said distress beacon to alert and disclose the location of said user to at least one selected recipient.

Preferably said transmitter is adapted for unobtrusive sustained or permanent attachment to a part of the user's body at or adjacent an area that can be used to monitor vital signs and/or stress hormones - such as on the outer ear or around the neck, arm, finger or wrist etc.

It is further preferred that said attachment is by means of orbital piercing or other medical or surgical procedures.

It is further preferred that the transmitter uses known microtechnology and employs a button actuator readily able to be pressed in haste by the user if necessary.

It is further preferred that said button is adapted such that a single press for more than about two seconds initiates the beacon and a subsequent press deactivates it.

It is further preferred that the transmitter is adapted (e.g. by colour, shape and/or material of construction) to absorb heat and light for at least part of its energy requirements.

It is further preferred that the transmitter encapsulates a SIM which may be serviced via a mobile phone account.

It is further preferred that the transmitter roams freely and is not required to be within close proximity to the mobile phone which it is serviced by.

It is further preferred that the transmitter is at least partially powered by light and movement such as (but not limited to) an ECO Drive or the like which features light capturing cells.

It is further preferred that the transmitter include a hands-free speaker and microphone so that the user may verbally communicate to an emergency response team.

It is further preferred that the transmitter housing be heat and water resistant, watertight or waterproof to ensure that it cannot be damaged by moisture, heat or liquid.

It is further preferred that the transmitter housing be constructed from either a rigid or flexible polymer such as polyester, ABS, polycarbonate or other forms of moulded polymers. Polymers of biocompatibility are also preferred. Preferably all components would have antifouling properties to render the overall devices and any subcomponents biocompatible for extensive wearing or implanting.

In accordance with currently preferred embodiments of the invention known semiconductor based or organic semiconductor based circuitry may be used that would process the signals I/O. Components would also be capable of storing the needed information either internal to the device or incorporate expandable digital storage facility such as SD cards etc. The transmitter may also have interfacing control components for user to interact with the device. Such may include touch-sensors or other forms of interfacing such as projection or holograms etc.

Any form of known electromagnetic (EM) based communication components such as Bluetooth, WiFi and other types of components such as antennas capable of emitting an EM signal (IEEE 802.llx, 2.4GHz and other types of radio and microwaves) may be used in accordance with the invention.

Ultra low or low power sources may include known energy harvesting components such as piezoelectric, thermoelectric or photovoltaic. Such power sources would then be able to sustain release power needed for the device to function.

Known sensors that detects surrounding such as accelerometer GPS, Wi-Fi, EM wave detection may be used. Furthermore, device components that would be used to monitor the user's wellbeing and conditions may includes IR sensors, ultrasonics, and other components designed to monitor vital signs and /stress hormones of the wearer. Processing of signals may include known algorithms that would self-improve on accuracy of detection of signals over a period of time. Vital signs and /stress hormones that are monitored may include one or more of blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and hormone levels (including cortisol and adrenaline). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Currently preferred examples of attachment modes of the beacon transmitter housing to a user's body will now be described with reference to the attached schematic drawings in which:-

Figure 1 shows the transmitter housing shaped for sustained attachment to the helix of a user's outer ear,

Figures 1A and IB show the transmitter incorporated into a clip for attachment to a user's outer ear,

Figure 2 shows the transmitter shaped for attachment to the user's wrist,

Figure 3 shows the transmitter attached to the user's upper arm, and

Figure 4 shows the transmitter attached to the user's finger.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring first to figure 1 the transmitter may include a curved housing 1 which is shaped and sized to closely follow the contours of part of the user's outer ear or helix 2. In accordance with the invention the transmitter housing would be adapted for attachment using studs (orbital piercing) or other medical/surgical procedures.

With an alternative method of attaching the transmitter, as shown in figures 1A and IB, there is a U shaped spring clip 2A of biocompatible plastic with end capsules 2B which encase the hardware for the transmitter as well as the sensors. This clip engages over the outer edge or helix 2 of the user's ear to hold the transmitter in place.

As shown in figure 2 the transmitter housing may alternatively be shaped as a disc 3 which is secured to the user's wrist 4 by a strap or band 5.

As shown in figure 3 a similarly shaped transmitter housing 6 may be secured to the user's upper arm 7 also by a band or strap 8.

As shown in figure 4 shows a miniaturised disc shaped version of the transmitter 9 attached to the user's forefinger 10 (or any other finger) using a strap or band 11.

Potential uses and advantages of a personal distress beacon transmitter according to the invention may include, but are not limited to, the following:- It is adapted to be worn by vulnerable individuals who have received threats of harm, abduction or have received death threats. - It can be issued to victims of domestic violence, key witnesses in court cases or vulnerable children. - It can be modified and used as a tracking device for convicted child sex offenders as a more effective alternative to ankle bracelets. - If it is used for the purpose of a tracking device it can be mandated by the Court to be worn by dangerous perpetrators such as those who have been issued with apprehended violence orders, convicted sex offenders or by those who have made a significant threat to a particular person or group of people. In this case an offender's transmitter would preferably set off a warning signal when an offender comes into close proximity to a victim/vulnerable person also wearing a transmitter. - It could be used by patients; out-patients; elderly individuals; individuals living with medical conditions; children and individuals with disabilities to assist in seeking emergency service response in the event that they are experiencing a life-threatening event by also informing/notifying emergency responders if/when needed. - It could be used by recreational enthusiasts; children; or any individual to assist in seeking emergency service response in the event that they are experiencing a life-threatening event by also informing/notifying emergency responders if/when needed. - It could be used by employees working in isolation and or rural/remote areas or any other individual to assist in seeking emergency service response in the event that they are experiencing a life-threatening event by also informing/notifying emergency responders if/when needed. - It could be used by Defence Services Personnel or any other individual to assist in seeking emergency service response in the event that they are - experiencing a life-threatening event by also informing/notifying emergency responders if/when needed. - It could be used by individuals concerned for the wellbeing of others including but not limited to carers; parents of children; adults of elderly loved ones; friends of vulnerable individuals in monitoring the wellbeing and whereabouts of their loved ones and seeking emergency responses for them if or when needed by also informing/notifying emergency responders if/when needed. - It could be used by case workers including but not limited to child protection case workers; domestic violence caseworkers to monitor the wellbeing and whereabouts of their chargers and by also informing/notifying emergency responders if/when needed. Such case workers could also use data collated for the users to make appropriate living/security recommendations for their chargers. - It could be used by carers; parents; coaches; and or educators including but not limited to early childhood educators; school/college/TAFE/university/home, paid or unpaid carers/employees; tutors, to assist in monitoring the wellbeing and whereabouts of their chargers and by also informing/notifying emergency responders if/when needed. - It could be used by individuals to monitor the whereabouts and wellbeing of other individuals at risk of but not limited to self-harm/suicide/accidental suicide/death/homicide/abuse/neglect/assault/sexual assault, by also informing/notifying emergency responders if/when needed. Such individuals could also use data collated for the users to make appropriate living/security recommendations for their chargers. - It could be used by Public and or Private security services personnel to monitor information including but not limited to the physiological and geographical status; activities; whereabouts of: convicted, high risk and or suspect terrorists; rapists; murders; abusers; violent offenders by also informing/notifying emergency responders if/when needed. - It could be used by public or private search parties in, but not limited to assisting in planning, monitoring and or the managing of search, rescue and or recovery activities and by also monitoring the physiological wellbeing and geographic location of the search personnel. - It is also envisaged that the transmitter could be adapted to monitor distress hormone levels (i.e. cortisol and adrenaline) of a user which would automatically send out a distress signal to emergency services indicating that the user perceives that their life is being threatened or is perceiving a life threatening event is about to happen. The transmitter would preferably also be adapted to activate where signs of life in the user cannot be detected such as if the transmitter is forcibly removed or the user became deceased. - The transmitter may also be further adapted for use by emergency services personnel, and psychiatrists treating suicidal or homicidal patients by detecting hormone levels indicating that the user is distressed and sending out signals notifying selected recipient(s) of the user's state of mind and location. - Transmitter mother bases may also be developed which could be installed near schools or parks to detect and notify authorities when a convicted sex offender approaches such exclusion zones. - It is also envisaged that the transmitter could be adapted to assist in monitoring the wellbeing and or whereabouts of emergency services - personnel including but not limited to paramedics; police; fire fighters; State Emergency Services (SES) to seek back up/assistance/treatment accordingly by those it may concern.

It will thus be appreciated that this invention at least in the form of the embodiment disclosed provides a novel and improved form of personal protection device. Clearly however the transmitter described is only the currently preferred form of the invention and a wide range of modifications may be made which would be apparent to a person skilled in the art. For example the shape and configuration of transmitter housing may change according to design preference and/or the intended location on the user where it is to be fitted. Also the microtechnology used for the transmitter as well as its power supply may be modified without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

The claims:-

1. A transmitter for a personal distress beacon, said transmitter being adapted for casual or permanent attachment to a user's body in a manner to monitor, for possible activation of said transmitter:- one or more vital signs associated with said body, or - one or more stress hormones associated with said body, or - one or more vital signs and one or more stress hormones associated with said body said transmitter upon activation emitting said distress beacon to alert and disclose the location of said user to at least one selected recipient wherein said transmitter includes electromagnetic (EM) based communication components including Bluetooth or WiFi capable of emitting an EM signal.
2. The transmitter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the transmitter includes a housing and said housing is waterproof, heat resistant and is constructed from a biocompatible polymer.
3. The transmitter as claimed in claim 2 wherein the housing is shaped and sized to closely follow the contours of part of the user's outer ear.
4. The transmitter as claimed in claim 3 wherein the housing for the transmitter comprises capsules which are formed at the ends of a U shaped spring clip to engage over said outer ear.
5. The transmitter as claimed in claim 2 wherein said housing is disc shaped and is permanently securable to a user's wrist, upper arm or finger.