AU2018102252A4 - Emergency Communication System - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for issuing an alert comprising a server with a storage means, a user device associated with an application. The application adapted to be in communication with the server. A user profile associated with the application, in which the user profile is displayable on the user device. The user profile comprising at least one verification means; for verifying the user profile to determine if a user is allowed access to a location. Such that, when the user is allowed access to a location, the user profile displays an alert feature on the user device which the user can interact with to issue an alert. 1/3 COC C/) a0 m m <, 00 Xm 01 CD go

Description

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EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an emergency communication and notification system. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system for notifying persons at a location of an emergency or important notification.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Emergency notification systems are an important component for businesses, workplaces, and high risk areas. They allow for communication to people local to the emergency notification system that there is a potential hazard, emergency or other notification of importance. These systems typically employ an alarm, such as a light and/or siren, for the notification. However, these alarms and/or sirens may only issue a basic notification to a person and may not be suitable for correctly informing persons of a situation, but merely there is a situation of importance. Further, these systems are often ignored as being only for drill purposes.

[0003] Further notification systems are known for specific industries, such as nurse call buttons which alert a specific staff member, or a person with the capacity, to respond to a call. However, these calls may require the responding person to leave a location to activate an emergency button or emergency system. This can be dangerous for a person injured or in distress.

[0004] Often, persons in distress will contact emergency services such as police, fire and/or ambulance. However, the response times may be significant and a suitable response person may not be immediately notified of the situation. Further, the response times may be significant for contacting emergency services and may further be extended waiting for emergency services to arrive.

[0005] A known system is disclosed in European Patent Application No. EP 2899893, in which a physical button is provided on a rear surface of a smart phone, which when depressed contacts an emergency service and records a voice of a criminal. This device has the inherent problem that the button may be depressed without knowledge and may also add a user to a queue for waiting to talk with an emergency service person. Essentially, this device acts as a shortcut for calling emergency services.

[0006] An emergency call button may also be commonly located in elevators, which may place a call to distress signal to the elevator company or elevator monitoring company. An example of such a button is disclosed in PCT Publication No. WO 2015/034191. In this event, a technician may be sent out to a location, however if there are no persons present to answer the distress signal and/or call, no assistance will be provided. However, local persons are not notified of the entrapment or emergency in the elevator.

[0007] Known systems typically have a problem associated with a person in need requiring to locate a suitable person, such as a healthcare professional, or locate a suitable emergency asset location, such as a fire extinguisher or an emergency button. These inherent problems may jeopardise life, or exacerbate injury and risks when an emergency situation arises.

[0008] Other systems, such as elevator call buttons may also allow for communication between a person trapped or experiencing an emergency in an elevator, and an operator. However, a person in the elevator may have difficulty contacting an operator depending on the time of day, type of elevator and the jurisdiction. Further, persons may be confused regarding how to communicate with a service operator of the elevator.

[0009] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

SUMMARY

[0010] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED

[0011] It may be advantageous to provide for a system which improves safety at a location.

[0012] It may be advantageous to provide a portable safety or emergency system.

[0013] It may be advantageous to provide a portable identification system with personal credentials.

[0014] It may be advantageous to provide a system for assisting an injured person or person in an emergency situation.

[0015] It may be advantageous to provide for a system which can direct a user to a location-of interest in an emergency.

[0016] It may be advantageous to provide for a system which allows a user to remain in a single location when alerting local persons of a hazard and/or emergency.

[0017] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

[0018] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0019] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for issuing an alert. The system comprising a server with a storage means and a user device associated with an application. The application adapted to be in communication with the server. A user profile associated with the application, in which the user profile is displayable on the user device. The user profile comprising at least one verification means for verifying the user profile to determine if a user is allowed access to a location; and wherein, when the user is allowed access to a location, the user profile displays an alert feature on the user device which the user can interact with to issue an alert.

[0020] In an embodiment, the alert feature preferably has a confirmation feature, which the user interacts with to confirm issuing an alert. Preferably, the interaction with the confirmation feature may be a different interaction relative to the interaction required to activate the alert feature. Preferably, when a user profile verification means is being verified the user profile may be recorded and stored in a log. Preferably, an image of the user may be displayed on the user profile.

[0021] In the context of the present invention, the words "comprise", "comprising" and the like are to be construed in their inclusive, as opposed to their exclusive, sense, that is in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

[0022] The invention is to be interpreted with reference to the at least one of the technical problems described or affiliated with the background art. The present aims to solve or ameliorate at least one of the technical problems and this may result in one or more advantageous effects as defined by this specification and described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0023] Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the schematic of the system of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of a home page of the application of the system displayed on a user device; and

[0025] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of a floor plan of a location with an emergency route displayable on a user device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and non-limiting examples.

[0027] In one embodiment, the system 1 of the present disclosure may provide for an improvement over conventional known methods employed by industry currently. Known alert or warning systems may be difficult to locate, confusing for an individual who presses the button, and there may be a substantial delay in response from a responder, further, these systems may require a person to leave an injured person to locate or activate the alert or warning system. In the event of emergency evacuation, alarms sounding may be ignored as a likely drill or may not be taken with the intended severity. The system 1 of the present disclosure may be used to supplement and improve the safety of users of the system 1 at a location.

[0028] In yet another embodiment, the system 1 of the may relate to a personal communication safety application. The system 1 may be of particular use for construction industries, mining industries, high risk industries and the health care sector. It will be appreciated that other environments may also be advantaged by the system 1 of the present disclosure. The system 1 may improve safety, and/or response times for emergencies by connecting a high percentage of users onsite via the system 1. In this way, persons connected to the system 1 may be provided with detailed event information and/or safety information, and/or any desired notification. In this way, response times may be reduced and more effective evacuation procedures may be effected. An application 10 of the system 1 may be installed or associated with a personal device of the user, such as a smart phone. If a user does not have a personal device (user device 110) with the capacity to install or utilise the application 10, a site device 110A may be issued to a person which can be used to disclose the same, or similar information as the application 10 installed or associated with a personal user device 110. It will be appreciated that a person issued with a device 1I1A may also be referred to as a "user". This is of significant advantage in respect of high activity and/or dangerous environments.

[0029] For example, the system 1 may be used to navigate the user to the safest and/or the closest evacuation point. The system 1 may be adapted to direct users using the system 1 to a muster point, or notify others of their location. The system 1 may assist in finding users if they are injured, unaccounted for or in a location which they need assistance, for example if the user is trapped by a fire.

[0030] An embodiment of the system 1 is illustrated in Figure 1. The system 1 comprises a server 5 in communication with at least one user device 110. The user device 110 preferably has an application 10 installed which allows for communication with the server 5. The server 5 preferably has a storage means in which data can be stored. Alternatively, the user device 110 may communicate with the server 5 of the system 1 through a web application or a website via the Internet. While the user device may be directly in communication with a server 5 a computer of the system (not shown) the user device 110 may first be required to communicate with a beacon 55 and/or a terminal 50 of the system 1. Preferably, the user device 110 comprises a display screen 112.

[0031] The terminal 50 may allow for a user to sign in, via a scanning device (not shown). The scanning device may be adapted to scan and register a user verification means 152. This then registers the user profile, and therefore the user, as being present at a location. A user profile may be registered by methods including at least one of; wireless communication, a proximity to a terminal, scanning of a verification identification 152, or any other desired communication means. After a user is registered at a location, the user may be provided with access to at least one location specific dataset. The dataset may be at least one of; an active user list of persons registered at a location, a contact number, a location map, a plan, a schematic, a virtual guide, an authorisation pass, or any other predetermined dataset which may be specific to the location.

[0032] The location may have a plurality of beacons 55 which can be used to assist with communication with the server 5 of the system. Beacons 55 may also be placed at known positions at locations such that they can be used to triangulate a person at the location to more accurately locate a user if they require assistance or if the user is to be tracked while at a location. It will be appreciated that not all locations will comprise beacons 55 and/or terminals 50, and the user may remotely communicate with the server 5, or a computer (not shown) associated with the server 5.

[0033] A further user device 11OA may be issued by the managers of a location, such that the data on the further user device is restricted in functionality. The further user device 11OA may be issued when entering a location, and may be advantageous with respect to visitors entering a location. The further user device may be issued with preloaded credentials or authorised credentials and/or identification.

[0034] A manager portal 60 may be associated with a location which can view data about users within the location, such as user names, user tasks, user access permissions, or the like; provided the manager portal 60 has sufficient authority. The manager portal 60 may be used to issue messages to selected users, groups of users, or individual users. Via the manager portal 60 maps, schematics, floor plans, survey plans or any other desired data may be uploaded, modified or amended. The manager portal 60 may also deny or allow advertisements 154 on the homepage 20 of the application.

[0035] A company portal 70 may be in communication with the server 5. The company portal 70 may allow for monitoring of users who are their employees and may send and receive messages to at least users who are their employees. The system 1 may also allow for the company portal to communicate with the manager portal 60 of the location. Optionally, employee user data may be viewed, downloaded or stored by at least one of the company portal 70 and the manager portal 60. It will be appreciated that a company portal 70 may also be the manager portal 60, or be adapted to also function as a manager portal 60.

[0036] Referring to Figure 2, there is illustrated an embodiment of the homepage 20 of the application 10 of the system 1. The homepage 20 may include at least one identifier (verification means 152) of the user when the user is logged into the application 10 and is registered as being on at a location. As shown, the homepage 20 may include an image of the user 150, and a computer readable verification means 152.

[0037] The image of the user 150 may be an image which appears on a further form of photo-identification such as a driver licence or is an image which is verified by an administrator of the system, or is issued on a per location basis. For example, when a new user arrives at a location, an authorised person may capture an image of the user for that specific location and upload the captured image to the user profile. In this way, an initial location visit may also allow for a check of identification before being allowed access to said location. In this way the user may have multiple images associated with their profile with at least one image per location. Optionally, a user image may be captured at a location before entry.

[0038] Optionally, the system 1 may record expiry date of qualifications and may remind the user of upcoming expiry of qualifications. In one embodiment, the system 1 may provide the user with local training centres or locations in which the user can renew their qualifications. Qualification training may appear to the user as an advertisement 154, for example. At least one hyperlink may be provided to the user based on qualifications uploaded to the user profile, or qualifications which may supplement the already earned qualifications.

[0039] A profile summary feature 156 may be provided on the homepage 20. The profile summary feature 156 may allow for access to view the user profile and optionally make amendments to said user profile, logging in options, logging out options, uploading of data, or changing of data associated with the user profile.

[0040] A plurality of features are preferably displayed on the homepage 20. The features as illustrated are a start or login feature 160, an access to location specific data 162, an alert/message file 164 and an emergency alert feature 166.

[0041] Figure 3 depicts an example of a floor plan 200 of a portion of a location which may be viewable by a user of the system 1. Multiple maps, schematics or floor plans can be selectable by the user for display, or may be displayed based on the relative position of the user within a location. The floor plan 200 illustrated shows a user position 210 within the location. Emergency or important features 220 may be highlighted to a user on the floor plan 200. Important features 220 may include, for example; first aid stations, fire extinguishers, authority locations, or any other desired point of interest.

[0042] In the event of an emergency, an emergency route 225 may be highlighted to a user which may be taken to exit the location 230. The route 225 may avoid known hazard locations and take a user via a longer route to avoid a potential hazard if possible.

[0043] As the system 1 is adapted to be used on a user device 110, there is a potential for the device 110 to have no charge or power, and therefore cannot function. If the user device is of low power the device 110 may issue a warning to the user to charge the device 110, or retrieve a replacement device 110A. If the user device 110 is non-active at the time of arrival at a site or location, the user may be allowed to retrieve a third party device 11OA or location device 11OA to sign in or be associated with.

[0044] The system 1 may have utility with regards to high risk environments and workplaces. Further, the system 1 may be at a relatively reduced risk and therefore, less time may be lost due to inaction and may assist with reducing insurance premiums due to risk aversion.

[0045] In one embodiment of the system 1, if a first user activates an alert feature 166, at least one further user in relatively close proximity may be notified of the alert. An alert feature 166 may also be referred to herein as a distress feature and/or an emergency feature, and may be any feature which notifies the system or others of a potential hazard, emergency, alert, warning or any other instance of interest. In addition, a site management system may also be notified of the alert being issued. This may allow for multiple responses to be achieved to address the situation. Optionally, the activation of the alert feature 166 may prompt a further user of the system to tend to the first user who issued to the alert feature 166, or may direct the further user to a first aid, or medical location, or fire extinguisher or any other important feature 220 location to assist with the subject or situation. As the system 1 is usable on a portable device 110, the system 1 may allow the further user (second user) to remain with the user (first user) during an emergency situation. It will be appreciated that the first user activating the alert feature 166 may not be a user in need of assistance, but a user finding a user in need of assistance or detecting a hazard and/or emergency.

[0046] Activating an alert feature 166 may be specific to a general emergency, such as injury or fire, for example. However, the first user activating the alert 166 feature may enter additional information select a predefined feature or relay additional information to a further location, manager portal 60, or company portal 70, such as a head office, or a site office. The additional information may be relayed via voice message, text message and/or picture message. The system may also allow for a direct communication with fire, ambulance and/or police services, which can also be logged by the system 1 for future training and/or evidence purposes.

[0047] Once a alert feature 166 is activated, the site alarms or notification system may simultaneously be activated to alert all users. It will be appreciated that the existing safety systems, such as a PA system, may be in communication with the system 1. Activating the alert feature 166 may also allow for a delayed activation of the site alarms, or a secondary activation feature may be required to be activated to activate the site alarm system to reduce false alarms or accidental triggering of the alert feature 166.

[0048] Optionally, the system 1 may allow for capture of a wound or situation. If a person has a wound, a user may capture an image of the wound. The imaged captured may use dot mapping, or 3D image capture such that the depth of the wound and the type of injury may more easily be identified and appropriate care and an appropriate response may be issued.

[0049] In yet another embodiment, the system 1 may allow for a safety system to be within reach of each user at a location. This may greatly assist with emergency situations and save a significant amount of time which may be critical to saving an injured person, or greatly reducing the potential for greater injury. As such, response times for attending to an emergency situation may be improved by the use of the system 1. Optionally, the system may be a pseudo-buddy for a buddy system which can assist with alerting nearby users and/or showing at least one user the location of medical facilities.

[0050] The system 1 may be adapted to record and store at least one of; one or more location accesses, one or more location security keys, one or more photos, one or more video recordings, one or more site inductions, one or more qualifications, and one or more active work sites. In this way persons may be able to gain access to a site location and provide up to date credentials to a manager of a site relatively more quickly.

[0051] The system 1 may also function as a security means, or a means of identification on a restricted site. A scanning terminal or verification terminal may be located at an entrance to a location, such as a work site, or a restricted area. A user may be provided with a status which indicates whether the user is present at a location, or not, after being scanned or recorded at a location. The system may provide a verification means, such as at least one of; a QR code, a cryptographic key, a barcode, a verification code, or any other means for uniquely identifying a person or company. The system may be adapted to display via-a device display screen 112 an identification profile date set of a user, such as a photo identification, and optionally at least one further data set which may include at least one of; a serial number, a personal identification number, an employment number, a site number, an authorisation number, an address, a date of birth, a nationality, a qualification, or any other predetermined data. Optionally, medical details, such as allergies, relevant medical history, emergency contact details, or physical conditions may also be recorded by the system and users may be given tasks or placed in positions which may reduce the potential for exposure to conditions which may exacerbate exiting or previous medical conditions.

[0052] Optionally, a log and status of all persons entering a location may be retained and viewed by persons with sufficient administrator access. In this way safety monitoring and accountability of users can be improved.

[0053] To enter a location, a user may be required to show or scan identification and/or a verification means. A list of applicable locations may be selectable by the user for submission, scanning and/or viewing. However, it will be appreciated that the system may be adapted to communicate with the scanning terminal 50 or verification terminal and automatically select the correct credentials, if present, on the user profile. If the user does not have the correct credentials or is not authorised to enter a location, the verification terminal 50 may issue an error or prevent access until the user is manually authorised or the correct credentials are associated with the user. This is of particular use if a location requires an induction or other special training before allowing access to a person.

[0054] A log of users may also be recorded upon scanning, whether the user is allowed entry or is denied, such that an accurate log of active location persons can be retained and cross referenced in the case of an emergency. This may assist with accounting for all persons if there is an evacuation procedure. If an evacuation procedure is enacted, a meeting point or a "muster point" may be fitted with a further scanner, or terminal 50 which can confirm user identification upon arrival which may accelerate accounting for persons and organising a search for any persons missing from the log.

[0055] If there are no scanning terminals 50 or verification terminals 50 at a location, the system may allow for a user to remotely sign-in before entering a site such that user locations can be recorded and incremental contact may optionally be conducted to ensure user safety. Users at remote locations who manually login may be associated with a relative position provided by GPS. In addition, the sign-out system can be remotely activated and when the user leaves a location.

[0056] Alerts and updates may be provided to a user of the system when viewing the application 10. Alerts may be issued regardless of whether a user is looking at the system application 10. An alert issued may be a sound notification and/or tactile notification, such as a vibration. Alerts may be adapted to bypass device local settings such that the alert can always be issued. For example, if the user has a device set to silent and/or no vibration, the application can issue an alert which is at least one of a sound notification and/or a tactile notification. In this way the user can still receive alerts for emergency situations. It will be appreciated that not all alerts may have a significance to bypass local user preference settings. Some users may wish to receive notifications across multiple locations or sites. For example, if a user is an engineer working across multiple locations, notifications may be issued for the engineer to track progress and/or receive notifications, images or any other predetermined data sets.

[0057] Updates may relate to scheduled location meetings, scheduled events or news which may be of importance to a user. The system may also allow for safety documents to be issued, read and signed by a user, which can save time while at a location and improve productivity. All documents agreed to and/or signed by a user may be recorded by the system and logged with a user profile.

[0058] The details of the user recorded with the database may include the induction number for a relevant site or location, a user name, a company the user is affiliated with, a qualification, a permission identification, an industry specific number (for example a "white card"). The database may be stored on a server 5, or be in communication with a server 5. The database data is preferably encrypted such that confidential information cannot be accessed without authorisation.

[0059] In the event of an evacuation or emergency notice an emergency alert can be sent to users at a location. The emergency alert may optionally be used in combination with local alert systems, such as a public address (PA) system, warning lights and other warning systems. An evacuation route may be plotted for the user to find the closest and/or safest route from a location to an exit, a safe area or predetermined area. Optionally, the system may allow for a pin or marker to be dropped on a map, plan or schematic which can direct users of the system for a meeting location. This may also be advantageous for organising meetings to ensure that all users are aware of the correct meeting location which can reduce wasted time. Messages may also be issued to users with updates or alerts. Individual users or users with a predetermined qualification may also receive updates and/or alerts. For example, if a building site manager is required for a task, they may be notified individually. In another example, if there is an incident which requires medical aid, first aid officers may be notified of the incident to respond.

[0060] Optionally, the system is fitted with a confirmation of first response such that resources are not diverted if not necessary. For example, if there are five first aid officers local to an incident, all officers may be notified, but the first officer respond may issue an update to the alert or notification indicating to the other first aid officers that they are attending to the incident. In this way the officers which have not indicated that they are attending the incident may resume regular duties.

[0061] Preferably, the system has a press and hold function in relation to the alert feature 166, or emergency feature, to avoid or reduce accidental activation of the alert function of the application. A user may be required to hold the alert activation feature for a predetermined period of time before the alert is active. Preferably, the press and hold time is a period of more than 0.1 seconds, more preferably the hold time is equal to or greater than two (2) seconds, even more preferably the hold time is equal to or greater than three (3) seconds. In one embodiment, the press and hold period of time is three seconds. Optionally, a further confirmation feature may be required to be selected to confirm that the alert activation was not in error. The confirmation feature may require a different tactile interaction, such as a swipe, shake or double tap, for example. It will be appreciated that any predetermined tactile interaction may be used with the present invention.

[0062] Activating an alert feature 166 or emergency feature of the may initiate a direct line to an alert officer or the feature may have an option to bypass the first aid officer and contact emergency services if there is a need. An alert officer may be at least one of; a first aid officer, a site manager, a foreman, a security officer, or any other predetermined person. If the user elects to proceed with talking to a default first aid officer, the nearest first aid officers or relevant persons may all hear the message or conversation between the user and the first aid officer. The application may be configured to activate the loudspeaker or 'hands-free' function of the device, by default, such that the user does not need to hold the device when talking.

[0063]

[0064] In one embodiment, the homepage 20 of the application 10 after the user logs in may display the user name, an assigned location and optionally a relevant identification. The assigned location may be a workplace for the user, or may be a location which the user may have requested access to, for example a journalist requesting access to parliament house, or a student entering a lecture.

[0065] Optionally, advertising may be displayed to a user on the homepage 20, and may be related to an occupation of the user. For example, if the user is a tradesperson an advertisement for work clothing may be displayed. It will be appreciated that any predetermined advertising may be displayed to the user.

[0066] Buttons and other interactive features may be displayed on the homepage 20 of the application 10. Features may include at least one of; logging into a location, notification inbox, active location permissions, and a report emergency feature. It will be appreciated that any predetermined features may be located on the homepage 20 or other windows/pages of the application 10.

[0067] Once selecting to log into a location, the default display window of the application 10 when viewing the application may be a personal user profile summary. The profile summary may include a current location, task or reason for being at the location, a photograph of the user, a name of the user, an affiliated company or affiliated association, and preferably a verification code. It will be appreciated that verification codes may be scanned by remote devices to confirm details displayed on the user device 110, 10A. Preferably, the verification means is a barcode or a QR code or the like.

[0068] A summary of daily events may also be displayable to a user on a further window. The further window may be accessed by interacting with the default display homepage 20. An interaction may be, for example, a tactile interaction, such as a swipe, or a gesture, such as eye movement. The summary may include a link to messages which were issued on the day, or within the same shift (if a user has not logged out between dates changing), inactive locations, previous locations, a time of entry into locations, a time of departure from a location, messages related to non-active locations.

[0069] Optionally, a user may receive messages in relation to a location which they are not present. These messages from a first location may be viewable by the user when they are at a second location, or not at the first location. However, the same messages may be stored and displayed to a user when they return to or arrive at the first location.

[0070] A user profile may be assigned an occupation or authorisation, such that messages may be issued to users who have a desired occupation or authorisation. Filtering messages based on occupation and/or appropriate authorisation may encourage users to view messages when they receive them rather than ignoring messages if they believe the message is not likely to be directed towards them. An employer of a user may update or issue messages to predetermined users for one or more locations to expedite issuing messages to employees.

[0071] The server 5 of the system 1 may have a manager portal 60 with manager login, which may allow for hierarchal control over a location, and may also allow for messages to be issued to users. For example, a company may wish to notify an employee of a non scheduled delivery ahead of time such that the employee may make arrangements to accept the delivery. Users at a location may also be able to issue messages to other users at a location, or may be able to view the location of a further user if they have permission.

[0072] A user profile may further include information in relation to at least one of; a contractor number, a government issued number (such as a white card number), a long service number, superannuation membership details, qualifications, licenses, trading numbers, or any other predetermined data set.

[0073] When an alert feature is triggered, the default homepage 20 of all relevant users may be a message and/or sound in relation to the alert. The message may have instructions and/or a map to get to a predetermined area or instructions on how to proceed.

[0074] A user of the system 1 is preferably associated with a user profile. The user profile may include information such as a user name, a birth date, confidential information, employment association, a photograph, a cryptographic identification verification means, a permission for a location and/or event, personal contact details, emergency contact details, email address, a residence address, or any other predetermined data. The user profile may allow a user to sign into the system regardless of the user device being used at the time. If the user is already signed into a first device 110 when attempting to sign into another device 110A, the system may record the multiple login to determine whether a particular login is fraudulent or unauthorised.

[0075] Optionally, the system 1 may be adapted to capture and record at least one photograph and/or video of the user when they activate the alert feature 166 or emergency feature. A photograph and/or video of the user may also be captured when a multiple login attempt is made. Facial recognition software may be employed to deny a user access to logging in if the system believes the person is not authorised to login. For example, a dot matrix or other objection detection method may be used.

[0076] When a user leaves a location, or is a predetermined distance from the location, the system may prompt a user to sign-out, if they have not already. A notification to sign-out may be issued to the user, which can be a message, vibration, and/or sound. This may ensure that the user has left a location which may avoid searching for a user in the event of an emergency if they have already left a location. Optionally, authorisation to a location may be timed, such that an expiry time and/or date can be associated with the user profile.

[0077] Preferably, the user device comprises a positioning means, such as a global positioning system (GPS) or the like. The positioning means may allow the system to determine the relative location of the user. A beacon system (plurality of beacons 55 as shown in Figure 3) can be used for multi-storey locations such that a level of the user can be identified in the event of an emergency. A beacon 55 may be positioned on each storey of a location, or beacons 55 may be spaced and allow for triangulation or other positioning methods to determine the location of a user within a building.

[0078] When a user logs into a location, any relevant safety information, message and/or terms and conditions may be displayed to a user to ensure that they agree to any risks or receive any desired information. For example, if the first aid locations (important feature 220) have been moved or if there is maintenance to a utility or facility which may be required by the user, such as a toilet or power outlet. Initial messages when logging into the application 10 may be advantageous as this may avoid wasted time having meetings or work site talks before commencing work. This is of particular advantage with respect to persons entering a site or location at a later time than is typical, and can ensure that the person entering the location 10 is also exposed to the information.

[0079] A translation feature may also be provided to convert text or voice messages from a first language to a second language. This may allow for persons entering a location to be aware of important information regardless of their preferred or native language.

[0080] When leaving a site or location, the user will be prompted to sign off or log out of the application to indicate that they are no longer at a location, which can assist with ensuring all persons are accounted for in the event of an emergency or task required. The system may be adapted to only allow a user to log out of the application when their relative location is outside or proximal a verification terminal 50 to ensure that the user does not accidentally log out of the system 1. This may also be advantageous if the user device 110 power source is depleted and the user device turns to an inactive state. The system 1 may be adapted to assign the user as being still on location, but requires a replacement system device 11OA. Other users proximal to the user with the depleted device 110 may be issued with a message or notification to inform the user with the depleted device 110 to retrieve a new system device 11OA or charge their current device 110. If a user replaces the system device due to a depleted power source, the system may log out the user from the first device when the user replaces their device 110, 11OA for a device with power.

[0081] Optionally, the application of the system may be adapted to allow a user to remotely log out of the location. This may be of benefit if the user leaves a location without logging out or if their user device power supply is depleted.

[0082] A history of the locations of the user may be recorded, and may be viewable by the user or a manager of the user and may assist with recording a log of work sites and times spent on site. This may be of benefit when users are employed on an hourly basis and may assist with recording accurate times. The history of the user may include details such as time, location, work site address, location address, location name, tasks carried out on the day or any other predetermined information. Preferably, the history is stored by the system such that if there is a historical location for multiple users across multiple companies, a message can simultaneously be issued to all persons who were present at a location at a predetermined time. For example, if a drill is left at a worksite (location) a message to users who were working can be issued based on historical presence, whether or not they are still logged into the location.

[0083] A user may download the application onto a personal device 110A, such as a smartphone, watch, ID wrist device, notebook, computing device or the like. A user registration is required to generate a user profile which is specific to a user. Each user profile will comprise at least one unique identification data set. The registration process may prompt a user to enter at least one of; a current name, a username, a password, an email address, an association the user is affiliated with, a company the user is affiliated with, and/or contact details.

[0084] Once the fields are filled in and the information has been accepted, the user will have access to the application 10 and may login. Optionally, for a user to affiliate with an association and/or a company, the association or company may be required to verify or approve an affiliation before said affiliation is present on a user device to prevent fraudulent affiliations.

[0085] After logging into the application 10, the user may be prompted to enter additional personal information. All personal information is preferably kept confidential by the system, until required for an emergency. Worksite medical history issues may be added to the user profile, and may assist with providing adequate tasks to the user. For example, if a user has a history of knee pain, tasks which involve frequent bending of knees or applying undue burden on knees may be avoided or minimised. Allergies, blood type and/or religious medical requirements may also be associated with the user profile in the event of an emergency.

[0086] The primary function of the system 1 is to improve safety at a location. This may be achieved by monitoring users of the system 1 while at a location, and/or allowing users to report situations which may be adverse to safety or require attention.

[0087] Maps of a location may be uploaded to the system 1 for larger locations which may include exit routes, locations of interest and meeting points. The system may be adapted to redirect users to a safe location based on reported hazards or emergencies. For example, if a room has a fire and an exit location is located near to the room, the system 1 may be adapted to redirect the user to a further exit (not near the room) to avoid potential injury. The system 1 may guide the user via a virtually marked map displayable on the user device.

[0088] In yet another embodiment, the system may provide for a real time, peer to peer communications mobile application. In this embodiment, the user devices may be adapted to allow for communication with each other. This may allow for instructions or files to be left with relevant persons, which may remove the need for carrying excess physical files to a location. An instant messaging system may be used to issue notifications and/or images to other users of the location. Optionally, all messages, notifications or files may be retained by the system for a predetermined period of time, such that a backup can be created.

[0089] In yet another embodiment, the system 1 may be used for a sign-in or registration purpose to track the location of persons within a building or structure. The user device 110 may have a positioning means, which communicates with beacons 55 at the location to accurately determine the user location. The device 110 may also comprise a display screen 112 such that user entry details can be displayed. The user entry details may include at least one of; a name, time entered, visit expiry time, authorisation access, verification means or any other predetermined data set.

[0090] The present teachings may be practiced with other system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, networked computers, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The present teachings may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0091] The embodiments described herein above may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote devices. These logical connections can be achieved using a communication device that is coupled to or be a part of the computer; the present teachings are not limited to a particular type of communications device. The remote device may be a computer, a microprocessor, a server, a router, a network PC, a client, a peer device or other common network node, and typically includes at least one of the hardware elements described above. The logical connections include a local-area network (LAN) and a wide-area network (WAN). Such networking environments are commonplace in office networks, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet, which are all types of networks.

[0092] When used in a LAN-networking environment, the computer is connected to the local network through a network interface or adapter, which is one type of communications device.

[0093] When used in a WAN-networking environment, the computer typically includes a modem, a type of communications device, or any other type of communications device for establishing communications over the wide area network, such as the Internet.

[0094] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms, in keeping with the broad principles and the spirit of the invention described herein.

[0095] The present invention and the described preferred embodiments specifically include at least one feature that is industrial applicable.

Claims (1)

1. A system for issuing an alert, the system comprising;

a server with a storage means;

a user device associated with an application, the application adapted to be in

communication with the server,

a user profile associated with the application, in which the user profile is

displayable on the user device;

the user profile comprising at least one verification means for verifying the user

profile to determine if a user is allowed access to a location; and

wherein, when the user is allowed access to a location, the user profile displays an

alert feature on the user device which the user can interact with to issue an alert.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the alert feature has a confirmation

feature, which the user interacts with to confirm issuing an alert.

3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the interaction with the confirmation

feature is a different interaction relative to the interaction required to activate the alert

feature.

4. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein when a user

profile verification means is being verified the user profile is recorded and stored in a log.

5. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein an image of

the user is displayed on the user profile.

8107 des 97

110A

110

1 2018236751 2018102252

ISSUED USER USER DEVICE

DEVICE

FIGURE 1 50 TERMINAL

BEACON

55

MANAGER COMPANY

PORTAL SERVER PORTAL

60

70