AU2021290391A1 - A safety activation means - Google Patents

Abstract

A safety activation means mimicking real items for discreet activation over short range communication in emergency situations to activate operation of app on digital device for long range emergency messaging according to predetermined activation code. 1I/10 111/ 45 21 41 25 22 FIGURE 1

Description

1I/10

111/

45

21

41

25

22

FIGURE 1

A SAFETY ACTIVATION MEANS

Field of the Invention

[001]The present invention relates to safety activation means and in particular to a discreet safety activation means for activating remote alarm.

[002]The invention has been developed primarily for use in/with an emergency request communication to the police and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background of the Invention

[003] The safety of people is a difficult problem. People wish to feel safe while travelling, walking or otherwise progressing through and among a city metropolis. At the same time, they wish to enjoy individual freedom to move around without undue restrictions of needing to go by safer means such as taxis rather than trains and walking or to undertake safety precautions such as travelling in groups or with an escort. Women, children and the elderly are more particularly at risk as they appear to be a less defended prey for those who have ill intents.

[004]In cycling, car travel or first respondents attending incidents, there is often the use of cameras mounted on the person's helmet, vehicle or clothing. However, this is more of a recordal system to keep a record of the event or incident and the camera either needs to be turned on and remain on or is activated by sensing sharp movement. This recording by the recordal system can be useful for analysis and legal usage after the event. In particular, it is useful for evidence in an insurance claim or for gathering historical information at a location relevant to a crime or incident.

[005] However, safety is a paramount and an in the moment need.

[006]Immediate deterrents have been devised such as personal canisters of irritant sprays that affect the attacker but is not long lasting harmful. Clearly this is a better alternative to physical harmful deterrents such as firearms, or assault

[007]The use of deterrents in a clumsy or ineffective or threatening manner is often a catalyst for increasing the severity of the incident by enraging the attacker and providing an impetus to be more physical in the attack.

[008]It is therefore necessary for the person to have non-counter-attacking mechanisms. This can include personal alarms, but these only have a local effect. Your location might not result in any local assistance. Further the attacker can therefore more urgently attack the person to disarm or destroy the

[009]It would therefore be better to have long range communications seeking help. To facilitate these long-range communications can be your communication devices such as your mobile phone or your watch acting as a mobile phone. However, attackers seeing you approaching your watch or your mobile phone will immediately recognize the increased threat and again be a catalyst for increasing the severity of the incident.

[0010] It can be seen that known prior art safety approaches have the problems of:

a) Being physical counter attacking techniques and thereby being a catalyst for increasing the severity of the incident and likely ineffective if the victim is not competent in the physical counter attacking techniques;

b) Being obvious and thereby being a catalyst for increasing the severity of the incident;

c) Using known threatening articles and thereby encouraging physical attack on the victim to remove or destroy the threatening articles.

[0011] The present invention seeks to provide safety activation means, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[0012] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, safety activation means is provided by a safety activation means for discreet activation in emergency situations comprising a carrier body, an input activator on the carrier body for creating an input signal; at least one communication channel forming a user particular communication channel from the safety activation means; at least one processor for allowing processing of the input signal from the input activator and enacting the output to the at least one communication channel; at least one transmitter for transmitting an output message via the at least one communication channel; wherein the plurality of user particular inputs defines an emergency communication.

[0014] The safety activation means preferably has the carrier body with a shape which mimicks real items for discreet activation in emergency situations.

[0015] In one form the safety activation means carrier body is of the size and shape of a credit or debit card and can have looks wherein the carrier body appears to be a credit or debit card.

[0016] In another form the safety activation means carrier body is of a wearable adornment and can have looks wherein the carrier body is of the size and shape of a piece of jewellery. In particular the carrier body can appear to be a ring wearable on the user's finger.

[0017] The predefined input activator on the carrier body for creating an input signal preferably includes one or more selected from:

a) Button

b) Touch detector

,0 c) Sequence detector

d) Pressure sensor

e) Deformation sensor

f) Motion sensor

g) Gyroscopic sensor;

[0018] The communication channel between the safety activation means and thev digital device is a short-range wireless connectivity. This short-range wireless connectivity can be one or more of the type of:

• Near field communication

• Bluetooth

* WiFi

[0019] In this way the safety activation means with the near communication channel is communicable to a nearby digital device. The digital device can thereby act as an intermediate or relay communication means running a mobile application.

[0020] The digital device in one form can be of the type of a smart phone. Preferably the smart phone is configured to be operable upon receipt of the near field communication regardless of whether the smart phone is switched on.

[0021] The digital device can be one or more of the type of:

• A smart tablet

• A portable computer

[0022] The input activator on the carrier body includes a decoder for receipt of a coding before creating an input signal. The coding is by input activator on access control card requiring code of 3 clicks before creating an input signal. This coding is by input activator on access control card requiring check in with timer to identify and record timing details.

[0023] The coding is by input activator on access control card requiring next person to the house to be auto checked in and checked out by geofence. The coding can be by input activator on access control card requiring review assessment by person of access such as safety and accessibility etc

[0024] The card structure can be updated by software that provides the added working features without any hardware.

[0025] The invention also in one form provides a method of providing safety activation means for discreet activation in emergency situations including the steps of:

a) Providing a safety activation means with an input for discreet activation in emergency situations

b) Providing a predetermined coding for decoder for receipt before creating an input signal;

c) Receiving an input and determining if coding has been fulfilled;

d) If coding fulfilled sending forming an output message along a predefined channel;

e) wherein the plurality of user particular inputs defines an emergency communication.

[0026] The method uses the safety activation means mimicking real items so as to allow for discreet activation in emergency situations.

[0027] The step of creating an input signal by the input activator on the carrier body can include a decoder for receipt of a coding.

[0028] The coding is preferably an access control card by 3 click.

[0029] The coding can check in with timer to identify and record timing details

[0030] The coding can include next person to the house is auto checked in and checked out by geofence

[0031] The coding can include review assessment by person of access such as safety and accessibility etc

[0032] Preferably the coding is pop up of the previous review of location.

[0033] The card structure is therefore being updated by software that provides the added working features without any hardware.

[0034] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0035] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: ..0 [0036] Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of an operative arrangement of a safety system for discreet operation using short range wireless transmission 25 to a relay or long-range wireless transmitter 45 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is diagrammatic view of a safety activation means in the form of a safety card for use in the safety system of Fig. 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 and 4 are perspective and cross-sectional diagrammatic views of a safety activation means in the form of a safety ring for use in the safety system of Fig. 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig 5 is a diagrammatic view of the operation of the digital device to enact a long range communication using a safety activation means such as in Fig 2, 3 or 4 in a safety system of Fig 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figs 6, 7 and 8 are diagrammatic views of operation of the digital device by discreet activation of the safety card embodiment of Fig 2; Figs 9 to 12 are the app automatic actions on receipt from short range transmission by the discreet selective activation of the safety activation means Fig 13 is a diagrammatic view of a particular internarnal long range transmission from the digital device on discreet activation by activation means of the invention over a short-range wireless transmission; and Fig. 14 is a diagrammatic block diagram of a method of instigating a safety system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0037] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[0038] Referring to Figs 1 to 3, the safety activation means 11 of one embodiment of the invention for discreet activation in emergency situations comprises a safety activation means 20 that provides short range wireless transmission 25 to a relay or long-range wireless transmitter 45.

[0039] Two particularly preferred embodiments of the safety activation means is a safety card 22 and a safety ring 21.

[0040] The preference for a safety card 22 is that credit cards, business cards, building access cards are all of a similar size. They have a variety of markings and everyone will have some. Having one in your pocket or in your hand or nearby would not be considered an unusual occurrence. If a safety card could mimick one of these cards it would not alert a nearby watcher that any action is being undertaken by the user.

[0041] However, the safety card needs to retain its physical nature of being thin and rectangular and even edges. Therefore, it cannot be a full transmission system. Instead, it uses short range wireless transmission such as near field communication, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to undertake initial short transmission to a bulkier digital device such as a mobile phone or laptop or tablet that could be in the user's pocket, purse, bag or pouch.

[0042] Further the safety card must be activatable by some means which is also discreet effective but within the limitations of the usual card size and look. Therefore the activation means must fulfill these requirements.

[0043] Similarly the preference for a safety ring 21 is that rings, jewellery are all of different looks and sizes but are overtly shown on the user's body. Jewellery is often fiddled with, adjusted, touched, stroked etc. They have a variety of shapings and looks and everyone will have some. Having one on your hand or nearby would not be considered an unusual occurrence. If a safety ring could mimick one of these decorative rings it would not alert a nearby watcher that any action is being undertaken by the user.

[0044] However the safety ring also needs to retain its physical nature of being delicate and an adornment and with decorative design. It cannot be a full transmission system. Instead, it uses short range wireless transmission such as near field communication, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to undertake initial short transmission to a more bulky digital device such as a mobile phone or laptop or tablet that could be in the user's pocket, purse, bag or pouch.

[0045] Further the safety ring must be activatable by some means which is also discreet, effective but within the limitations of the usual ring size and look. Therefore the activation means must fulfill these requirements.

[0046] The safety activation means 11 has a carrier body 30 that has an input activator on the carrier body for creating an input signal. This input activator is at an activation point 31 that is discreet.

[0047] The safety activation means 11 further has at least one short range wireless communication channel 25 forming a user particular communication channel from the safety activation means 21, 22 and at least one processor for allowing processing of the input signal from the input activator and enacting the output to the at least one communication channel 45. The at least one transmitter is for transmitting an output message via the at least one communication channel 45 wherein the plurality of user particular inputs defines an emergency communication.

[0048] Referring to Fig 2 there is shown a safety card 22 having a carrier body 30 which sandwiches the operative parts therein. However the outer appearance seems to include a marking 31like any other credit card or similar card. However that marking 31 can discreetly form the activation point. This activation point can be a tactile sensor or include a pressure sensor within the body to detect pressure tap at the activation point and distinguish between a single tap, double tap or triple tap. These taps can relate to predetermined activation codes where single tap forms first activation code 32 of checking in. The double tap can form the second activation code of sending an alert to your team. The triple tap can form the third activation code of sending emergency signal to your team and/ or professional security such as the police. An indication of which code has been activated can be shown by colour of the activation signal so that the user is able to check the right code was sent. Clearly if an emergency\y three tap code was required then excess of taps will still be activating emergency. Therefore, checking only needs to occur to ensure you have not extended too far and quickly counter any error activations.

[0049] Referring to Fig 3 there is shown a safety ring 21 having a carrier body 30 in the form of a toroid so it fits on the user's finger, and which sandwiches the operative parts therein. However the outer appearance could include any decorative markings or be solid single dark colour like other ring jewellery On the inside of the ring and therefore away from view but activatable can be a contact 31 which can discreetly form the activation point. This activation point can be a tactile sensor or include a pressure sensor within the body to detect pressure tap at the activation point and distinguish between a single tap, double tap or triple tap. These taps can relate to predetermined activation codes where single trrapo forms first activation code 32 of checking in. The double tap can form the second activation code of sending an alert to your team. The triple tap can form the third activation code of sending emergency signal to your team and/ or professional security such as the police. An indication of which code has been activated can be shown by colour of the activation signal so that the user is able to check the right code was sent. Clearly if an emergency\y three tap code was required then excess of taps will still be activating emergency. Therefore checking only needs to occur to ensure you have not extended too far and quickly counter any error activations.

[0050] Referring to Fig 4 is the resending of the output message from the digital device 41 to the team 50 or security or the police 55 outside the range of the short distanced communication of the activation means 11. Therefore the digital or smart phone can act as a relay and discreetly be activated without the user taking the phone out or appearing to be operating the phone and thereby warning the attacker of their safety tactics.

[0051] As shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7 a single tap, double tap or triple tap will activate different actions on the mobile phone by interacting by short distance wireless communication to the mobile phone without touching the phone.

[0052] Smart Check In

[0053] No more making phone calls or texting to check in on your team. Smart Check In lets you check-in to a location, set a timer, and checkout, all automatically, and all without touching your phone.

[0054] Tap the check in button to check into a location, which also automatically sets a safety timer. If users enable automatic check in, any locations nominated by your organisation will automatically check the user in as soon as they arrive.

[0055] When leaving, users tap Check Out to signal they have safely left the location which also cancels their safety timer. If users enable automatic check out, they will automatically be checked out as soon as they leave.

[0056] Location Info

[0057] Your team can now leave a note for the next person regarding the safety of a location and highlight any safety issues which are automatically made available to the team manager.

[0058] After a user checks out of a location, they can be asked how safe was the location. They simply tap good ( ), or not good ( ). If they say , we ask them to leave a quick note. It takes a second, can be done form the lock screen, and it creates an unprecedented level of safety for the whole organisation.

[0059] The next time a user visits that location, they automatically receive the safety status as soon as they enter. This not only gives them an indication of what to expect, contributes to the safety score of that location. The more issues the location has reported, the lower the score, giving the individual, the team, and the whole organisation a real time safety status of all locations they visit.

[0060] Team Alerts

[0061] If you need assistance, tap "Team Alert". This sends a request for assistance to your nominated contacts, which can be your team managers, or your entire team, or both. The alert includes your location, and receivers can respond if they are are able to assist.

[0062] If you ever need assistance, but do not require emergency services, tap "Alert Team". This will send out a notification to your nominated people, who will let you know if they can assist. If you no longer need assistance, simply tap cancel to let them know you no longer need assistance.

[0063] Occasionally your team mates may need assistance, and you will be notified in real time and can let them know if you can help. If you say you can assist, you will receive their live location, with the options to call them or get directions.

[0064] Emergency

[0065] In an emergency, and you are unable to call 000, activate Emergency. Your phone will begin streaming live video, audio and location data directly to the The Operations Centre, who are available 24/7 and will monitor the video and audio and will escalate to emergency services if required.

[0066] Based on the live video and audio, The Operators will triage the activation and either request Emergency Services or call you to confirm you are safe.

[0067] In an emergency, the 24/7 The Operators will begin monitoring, verification and escalation to emergency services where required. In addition, the nominated people at your organisation receive real time status updates of the emergency, including the live video and location, and also what escalation the Operators are performing.

[0068] Are you OK?

[0069] Are you OK? let's you periodically check in with your team to check if they are OK. If they don't respond, an alert is sent to the nominated people at your organisation.

[0070] You can schedule Are you OK? to launch at the days and times you choose. For example, you may choose to ask everyone if they are OK every morning and every evening, or periodically during the day.

[0071] You can even create an Are you OK to launch in real time, allowing you to check the safety of a team member you are unable to reach. If a team member does not respond to an Are you OK?, an alert including their location is sent through to the nominated people.

[0072] As with the rest of the App, Are you Ok respects the team members privacy, and so if they respond with "I'm OK", no location information is sent to the organisation.

[0073] Are you Ok is just another set and forget feature that keeps your team safe whilst respecting their privacy.

[0074] App The present invention is to a The Security Phone/Watch/MDT Device App. When the device is activated it will live/record video, use GPS current location and send all information to a Al accredited centre that is able to request police to the location of person in need. The device may also send live video and location to police tablets or mobile phones. The device is activated by sliding across a slider button and can also be activated by removing earphones, holding down the screen and shaking the phone. All emergency content is stored in the cloud that can be recalled on request. The device also has a loud siren to deter criminals or can be put in stealth mode. The device may also be triggered by a G force sensor.

[0075] In particular the system allows the safety activation means to control the app without touching your phone.

[0076] In this regard the mobile phone 41 of the user can be in rest mode and have the app running in the background. The ring 21 and card 22 connect to the phone via Bluetooth LE, and connect our app which is running in the background of the device. When our app receives the signal, it activates emergency functionality, which includes sending location and/or video and audio through to our server, which passes it through to emergency contacts and/or our 24/7 Operations centre.

[0077] As per Figs 1 and 4 the safety ring 21 or safety card 22 undertakes the short distance transmission 25 to the user's mobile phone 41. The app in the phone initiates the longer distance transmission 45 to the team 50 or security or police 55 dependent on the operation of the safety ring 21 or safety card 22 according to the one click 32, two click 33 or three click 34 that is indicated by the colour of the LED 35.

o [0078] Safety Card

[0079] Referring to Fig. 2 the safety card 22 is a Bluetooth card which has a button 31 within the card body 30 that is mimicking a standard credit/debit card or business card. Therefore the button 31 can be concealed by the logo.

[0080] The safety card 22 connects to other devices such as mobile phone 41 through short range wireless transmission 25 to keep the user safe. The card has button 31 activates the Bluetooth 38 for short distance transmission to an app in the user's mobile phone 41 according to a predetermined activation code by single press 32, double press 33 or triple press 34 that is then colour indicated on the LED 35.

[0081] The card can:

• Declare an emergency

• Send an alert to nominated people

• Check in to a location, check out of a location

• Set a safety time, and extend or cancel the timer

• Safety card can connect to a phone to perform the above, or;

• Safety card can connect to a wireless network, such as Lorawan or Wi-Fi. This allows it to be used without a phone and can send alerts through the wireless network.

• Safety card has a rechargeable wireless battery, led indicator lights and Bluetooth connectivity.

[0082] The Safety ring

[0083] Referring to Figs 3 and 4, the Safety ring 21 is a Bluetooth ring connects to other devices to keep the user safe. The safety ring 21 has a body 30 which houses a button 31 and LED 32 that activates the Bluetooth 38 for short distance transmission to an app in the user's mobile phone 41 according to a predetermined activation code by single press 32, double press 33 or triple press 34 that is then colour indicated on the LED 35. The ring further includes battery 37 and charging port 36. Therefore the ring 21 provides a discreet activation means for the phone which could be in the user's pocket or bag etc. The ring mimics normal ring jewellery and the action button 31 is discreet so there is no obvious indicator for concern to an attacker.

[0084] The safety ring can:

• Declare an emergency

• Sent an alert to nominated people

• Check in to a location, check out of a location

• Set a safety time, and extend or cancel the timer

• Safety ring can connect to a phone to perform the above, or;

• Safety ring can connect to a wireless network, such as Lorawan or Wi-Fi. This allows it to be used without a phone and can send alerts through the wireless network.

• Safety ring has a rechargeable wireless battery, led indicator lights and Bluetooth connectivity.

[0085] Small Size. Big Impact.

[0086] Safety card 22 and safety ring 21 are two embodiments of a breakthrough safety device that adapts to the safety profile or your organisation and keeps your team safe wherever you are. Together with the App and the 24/7 Monitoring, Safety card creates an entirely new way for your staff to stay safe in real time. And it can help your whole organisation with everyday safety requirements - without sacrificing user privacy all with just a click.

[0087] Operation

[0088] Referring to Figs 6, 7 and 8, the operation is As Easy as 1,2,3.

[0089] The purposefully designed Safety device 22 mimicking card real items for discreet activation in emergency situations is simple, discreet, and quick to activate, with incredible safety features that defy its size. Safety card 22 allows you to click once to check in, twice to send an alert, and three times to declare an emergency. Simple. and at the size of a credit card, it can be taken anywhere. Similar operation occurs with the safety ring 21 mimicking card real items for discreet activation in emergency situations.

[0090] Single click

[0091] In Fig 6, Click Safety card once to check in and check out as per Figs 9 and 10. Safety card 22 is built to bring safety to a whole new level for your team, by merging the check-in process with automatic timers and advanced location markers. Check-in by single click of button on your safety card 22 to activate the app in your mobile to send check in status 51 which pings your team's location to your safety portal, and notifies you once they have checked out safely.

[0092] Check in can even set an automatic timer such as shown in Fig 9 for an appointment and ask the user their safety status if they have been there too long. If they don't respond, your nominated team mangers receive an alert with the users' details, including their location.

[0093] Double click

[0094] In Fig 7, a helping hand is just 2 clicks away. Click button on card 22 twice twice to activate the app in your mobile to send an internal alert 52 to your team. As shown in Fig 11 communication via the app to members in your team means that in seconds, your team and nominated people will receive a notification with the users'details and exact location, updated every 5 seconds. An indicator light on Safety card and a discreet notification on the user's phone will show the alert has been sent, and they can cancel the request at anytime with 24/7 Australia-wide Monitoring.

[0095] Triple click

[0096] Click three times to connect to Operators. Safety card is great at the things that keep your staff safe, before, during and after work. For times when team managers or internal people may be unavailable.

[0097] Safety card makes it easy to notify the Operations centre, our 24/7 Al graded, Australia-wide monitoring and escalation centre. When activated, safety card will send notifications to your nominated people, and connect to Operators within seconds. Video, audio and location data is streamed live, allowing Operators to triage the situation and escalate to emergency services if required. If they determine the user is safe, they will conduct a safety call to confirm, and notify your nominated people that the user is safe.

[0098] Safety card Indoor

[0099] Referring to Fig 13, safety card not only gives you the most discreet and fastest way to alert your team or activate an emergency with the App, it also allows you to pinpoint your teams locations when inside.

[00100] Using Lorawan technology, Safety card 22 allows you get location accuracy within metres, including information such as room and level number.

[00101] Setting up Safety card Indoor is simple, and utilises 3 components:

[00102] Gateway

[00103] The Gateway 70 creates a large bubble 71 around your building. For large buildings you may need a few Gateways to ensure they cover the whole area. Gateways plug into power, and also connect to the internet.

[00104] Beacon

[00105] Beacons 71 are small, wireless Bluetooth devices, have a built in 5 year battery, and can be stuck to any service. You can put a beacon in every location you want to know information about. You may put one in reception, one in the leading dock, one in the consulting room etc.

[00106] Safety card

[00107] Safety card 22 is the Bluetooth card which powers the App.and provides the short distance transmission within the beacon range 73. If you activate Safety card 22 while inside, instead of connecting to your phone, it will connect to the Beacon 72 and

Gateway 70 to raise the alert with pinpoint accuracy.

[00108] Safety card Indoor can be up and running in an hour and is a fraction of the cost of other indoor systems, with no installation cost, and with much better accuracy.

Interpretation Embodiments:

[00109] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[00110] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[00111] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

[00112] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details

[00113] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

[00114] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprising and Including

[00115] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[00116] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

[00117] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[00118] 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.

Industrial Applicability

[00119] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the personal safety and travel industries.

Claims (30)

Claims The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A safety activation means for discreet activation in emergency situations comprising

a. A carrier body

b. An input activator on the carrier body for creating an input signal;

c. At least one communication channel forming a user particular communication channel from the safety activation means;

d. At least one processor for allowing processing of the input signal from the input activator and enacting the output to the at least one communication channel;

e. At least one transmitter for transmitting an output message via the at least one communication channel;

wherein the plurality of user particular inputs defines an emergency communication.

2. A safety activation means according to claim 1 wherein the carrier body has a shape mimicking real items for discreet activation in emergency situations.

3. A safety activation means according to claim 2 wherein the carrier body is of the size and shape of a credit or debit card.

4. A safety activation means according to claim 3 wherein the carrier body appears to be a credit or debit card.

5. A safety activation means according to claim 2 wherein the carrier body is of a wearable adornment.

6. A safety activation means according to claim 5 wherein the carrier body is of the size and shape of a piece of jewellery.

7. A safety activation means according to claim 6 wherein the carrier body appears to be a ring wearable on the user's finger.

8. A safety activation means according to claim 1 wherein the predefined input activator on the carrier body for creating an input signal includes one or more selected from: a. Button b. Touch detector c. Sequence detector d. Pressure sensor e. Deformation sensor f. Motion sensor g. Gyroscopic sensor;

9. A safety activation means according to claim 1 wherein the communication channel is a short-range wireless connectivity.

10.A safety activation means according to claim 1 wherein the short-range wireless connectivity is one or more of the type of:

a. Near field communication

b. Bluetooth

c. WiFi

1 1.A safety activation means according to claim 1 wherein the near communication channel is communicable to a nearby digital device.

12.A safety activation means according to claim 1 wherein the digital device acts as an intermediate or relay communication means running a mobile application.

13.A safety activation means according to claim 1 wherein the digital device is of the type of a smart phone.

14.A safety activation means according to claim 1 wherein the smart phone is configured to be operable upon receipt of the near field communication regardless of whether the smart phone is switched on.

15.A safety activation means according to claim 1 wherein the digital device is one or more of the type of:

a. A smart tablet

b. A portable computer

16.A safety activation means according to claim 1 wherein the input activator on the carrier body includes a decoder for receipt of a coding before creating an input signal.

17.A safety activation means according to claim 1 wherein the coding is by input activator on access control card requiring code of 3 clicks before creating an input signal.

18.A safety activation means according to claim 1 wherein the coding is by input activator on access control card requiring check in with timer to identify and record timing details.

19.A safety activation means according to claim 1 wherein the coding is by input activator on access control card requiring next person to the house to be auto checked in and checked out by geofence

20.A safety activation means according to claim 1 wherein the coding is by input activator on access control card requiring review assessment by person of access such as safety and accessibility etc

21.A safety activation means according to claim 1 wherein the card structure is therefore being updated by software that provides the added working features without any hardware.

22.A method of providing safety activation means for discreet activation in emergency situations including the steps of:

a. Providing a safety activation means with an input for discreet activation in emergency situations

b. Providing a predetermined coding for decoder for receipt before creating an input signal;

c. Receiving an input and determining if coding has been fulfilled;

d. If coding fulfilled sending forming an output message along a predefined channel;

wherein the plurality of user particular inputs defines an emergency communication.

23.A method of safety activation means according to claim 22 wherein the safety activation means mimicks real items for discreet activation in emergency situations.

24.A method of safety activation means according to claim 22 wherein the step of creating an input signal by the input activator on the carrier body includes a decoder for receipt of a coding.

25.A method of safety activation means according to claim 24 wherein the coding is access control card by 3 click

26.A method of safety activation means according to claim 24 wherein the coding is check in with timer to identify and record timing details

27.A method of safety activation means according to claim 24 wherein the coding is next person to the house is auto checked in and checked out by geofence

28.A method of safety activation means according to claim 24 wherein the coding is review assessment by person of access such as safety and accessibility etc

29.A method of safety activation means according to claim 24 wherein the coding is pop up of the previous review of location.

30.A method of safety activation means according to any one of claims 22 to 29 wherein the card structure is therefore being updated by software that provides the added working features without any hardware.