BE1028047A1 - EMERGENCY DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an emergency system comprising one or more mobile emergency devices and home stations, wherein the emergency devices have a plurality of emergency buttons to which pre-programmed contacts are coupled, which are contacted upon activation of the emergency buttons, and where the location on activation is communicated to the contacts provided.

Description

EMERGENCY DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is situated in the field of personal security services, more particularly in the field of emergency monitoring systems and communication with emergency services and contacts. In particular, the invention relates to a mobile device that allows fast, accurate and efficient communication with the appropriate emergency service at all times,

BACKGROUND Personal security and emergency monitoring is a growing concern, especially given the many hazards in the world. The rapid growth and proliferation of electronic systems in everyday life, combined with often inadequate understanding and maintenance, increases hazards such as fire hazards (faulty wiring, charging problems , heating of internal components). Apart from that, the increasing longevity of people means that a non-negligible part of the population experiences health problems and yet demands a high degree of autonomy (many seniors live alone or with their - including older - partners, or have assisted living where carers regularly support the person coming to check}, which can create situations where emergency services are not contacted due to lack of supervision, Finally and unfortunately crime figures have to be taken into account, increasing the need for security services such as police or private security companies, who are usually contacted quickly, easily and discreetly In case of an emergency, such as an attack, robbery, kidnapping, medical trauma, fire, etc. It is important to contact the appropriate rescuer and/or other contacts to warn them of the occurrence of the emergency. Nowadays, mobile phones (smartphones and other portable devices) for most people easy contact with emergency services, However, this has some drawbacks such as coverage, simple and efficient operation (in case of emergency it is difficult to provide the necessary additional information even if you dial the correct number chosen}, etc. In addition, during certain emergency situations, it is very difficult to call the official emergency number (911 in the United States, 112 International), even when their cell phone is within easy reach, such as when being attacked, threatened or in In the event of an acute medical emergency, In many cases, very limited actions are only possible from a user who is in shock, distress or otherwise prevented from taking further actions, such as calling emergency services and providing full details.

In fact, in some emergency situations it is impossible to communicate by voice, be it because of language difficulties, too loud background or others, In addition, location information cannot be shared with sufficient certainty, depending on the type of phone or other device, because the hardware that allows accurate determination of location is not an essential part thereof. In most cases, this can only provide a general area where the victim can be found for emergency services, costing valuable time in emergency situations.

Finally, in certain contexts, especially for the elderly, family and friends are difficult to warn because seniors have less affinity for technological communication tools, making phone calls, text messages or social media communication a much greater obstacle than for others. In emergencies, it is often critical to contact this group as they can help in situations where otherwise emergency services are not qualified (or would simply be too much, such as a fall or panic attack with no physical consequences). in acute emergencies it is often still desirable that these contacts be warned. However, for emergency professionals this is usually a challenge and time consuming, and preferably solved by other means. The invention aims to solve the above problems and provide an easy-to-use, universal and efficient emergency monitoring system,

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention and embodiments thereof serve to provide a solution to one or more of the above drawbacks. To this end, the present invention relates to an emergency monitoring system according to claim 1.

Preferred embodiments of the device are set forth in any one of claims 2 to 17,

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The following description of the figures of specific embodiments of the invention is exemplary in nature only and is not intended to limit the present teachings, their application or applications. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate like or like parts and features. Figure 2 shows a schematic overview of a monitoring system according to an Embodiment of the invention, wherein additional (modular) components are present, together with a home automation system and a server, Figure 2 shows an embodiment of emergency according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 shows a schematic overview of a house provided with a number of sensors, home automation systems and a number of emergency devices, master and slave, according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. guidelines, definitions of terms are included to better appreciate the teachings of the present invention. As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

"A", "a", and "the" as used herein refer to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "gene compartment" refers to one or more compartments.

"About" as used herein, referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a length of time, and the like, is intended to include variations of +/-20% or less, preferably +/-10% or less, with more preferably +/-5% or less, even more preferably +/-1% or less, and even more preferably +/-0.1% or less of and from the specified value, to the extent that such variations are appropriate to to be carried out in the disclosed invention. It should be understood, however, that the value to which the modifier "about" refers is itself specifically disclosed, "Include", "comprising", and "comprising" and "composed of" as used herein are synonymous with "include", " inclusive", "include" or "contain", "contain", "contains" and are inclusive or open-ended terms specifying the presence of what follows, e.g., component, and the presence of additional, non-recited components, features do not exclude or exclude elements, members, steps known in the art or disclosed therein. Further, the terms first, second, third and the like are used in the specification and in the claims to distinguish between similar elements and not necessarily for describing in a sequential or chronological order, unless specified, It should be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the h Embodiments of the invention described herein may operate in sequences other than those described or illustrated herein. percent by weight”, “Sewt” or “2% by weight”, here and throughout the specification, unless otherwise defined, refers to the relative weight of the particular ingredient based on the total weight of the formulation,

While the terms "one or more" or "at least one", such as one or more or at least one member(s) of a group of members, are self-evident by way of further examples, the term includes reference to to one of the gencemde 5 members, or to two or more of said members, such as for example 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27 etc, of said members, and to all said members.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By way of further guidance, definitions for the Terms used in the specification are included to better appreciate the teachings of the present invention, The terms or definitions used herein are provided solely to aid understanding of the invention,

Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or feature described in connection with the embodiment is incorporated into at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Thus, appearances of the terms "in one embodiment" or "in one embodiment" in different places in this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but may. Further, the specific features, structures or features may be combined in any suitable manner. As would be apparent to one skilled in the art from this specification, In one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features incorporated in other embodiments, combinations of features of various embodiments are intended within the scope of the invention and form various embodiments, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments may be used in any combination. situations in a building or building complex with an electrical network, Examples of such locations may be a {civil} house or houses, a retirement home, an office, a hospital or others, In what follows, a building will be referred to for brevity, although not is intended to exclude building complexes or other, In particular, the invention relates to personal safety,

particularly for persons with disabilities of any kind, whether due to age, mental and/or physical inadequacies, etc., which may result in a reduced ability to handle emergencies such as the need for assistance, to To solve problems, the invention comprises one or more portable, mobile emergency devices, provided with an (internal) power source, such as a battery. Preferably, the invention comprises one or more home stations, which are (or at least can be) electrically connected to the electrical network, The emergency devices can be removably coupled to the home stations for charging {inductive or direct}. It should be understood that the emergency devices will include at least one memory element, a processing unit and one or more communication elements adapted for wireless communication with external electronic devices (remote servers, other emergency devices, smartphones, wearables, satellites, etc.) directly or indirectly, Preferably the home station is supplied with power from the electrical network via a UTP cable, which has the added advantage of guaranteeing an internet connection, The emergency device comprises a number of separate emergency buttons, Said buttons can be physical buttons (with or without additional physical elements, such as braillie marks representing the associated entity}, or may be virtually operable {via touchscreen or other means}, Each button is associated with a particular, separate entity for the device, The entities within it include pre-programmed contacts (one or more people or groups} . At least e and of the entitles is an emergency service, such as the fire brigade, the hospital service, the police (or security firm). At least one of the entities is a pre-programmed group of private emergency contacts, which depends on the user of the emergency device.

These private emergency contacts are usually family, friends and/or colleagues of the user. In a preferred embodiment, these private emergency contacts can be modified by the user, for example by logging into an account on a platform for the system, where the account is linked to the emergency device.

Upon activation of an emergency button, the emergency device will automatically provide location information about its position to the contacted entity. In some embodiments, live location information will be provided for at least a predetermined period of time, allowing emergency services to detect the emergency device (and its user} even when they are not in their original position when contacted.

Note that activating a button does not necessarily prohibit activating a button simultaneously or immediately following - although it can be programmed to prevent such actions from accidentally 'double' prohibiting dials,

In what is described in this document, the term "power source" can be a battery, super capacitor or extractor capacitor or others.

In a preferred embodiment, the system is adapted to control at least a portion of the building's electrical network upon activation of an emergency button.

It should be understood that controlling the electrical network does not preclude another input from coming into effect.

For example, users will generally still be allowed to operate the electrical network, although some functionalities may be limited (such as elevators in case of fire}, The system may or may not use executive control, and optionally only partially, via the electrical network, where its control cannot be replaced by others.

In some variations, only predefined persons are authorized to replace the system's control over the electrical network. Most preferably, the system controls accessibility functions of the building or building complex, upon activation of an emergency button, Accessibility functions include the operation of one or more entrances, in particular doors, Alternatively or additionally, the system may authorize contact entities to manage such functions, This allows emergency services and access to the building in an emergency without the assistance of a user with access (as it could potentially be the applicant for emergency assistance). In the current circumstances, in which home automation is a rapidly growing field, it can be expected that in the future more and more functionalities of a building can be controlled electronically.

By giving the emergency system access to the controls, in the event of a determined and confirmed emergency, i.e. when an emergency button is activated, automatic and specific actions can be taken to increase safety.

Depending on the situation, this may include: shutting off electricity in certain parts of the building (or everywhere), closing and/or opening doors {and/or locking/unlocking*, windows and/or other entrances, activating/deactivating emergency broadcasts, activating/deactivating emergency lighting, activating/deactivating ventilation, activating/deactivating sprinklers, The choice of which action and where can depend on which emergency button is activated, and can also optionally be based on location information from the emergency device ( only works around the location where the device is activated, for example). It should be noted that more in-depth automated responses can be pre-programmed into the system, which depend on additional parameters taking place such as fire, gas, explosion detection, certain biometric triggers {heart rate of a user whose blometric monitor is connected to an emergency device) , detection of a predefined sequence and/or rhythm of activated emergency buttons (or other buttons on the emergency device},

voice command recognition, etc.

In this way, very specific reactions can be generated to counter fire, dangerous gases, possible violent situations and others. Preferably, the emergency device controls the components of the home automation directly {wirelessly}, via one or more of the home stations, or via a (external) server, which is connected to an operating system of the components of the home automation.

In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of emergency devices and a plurality of home stations, with at least one of the emergency devices designated as a master device and the other emergency devices as slave devices. The master device is configured to allow activation of an emergency button of a slave. device to be processed at least partially, By including a master-slave chain between the devices, parental (or other authoritative) control is possible and can determine whether activation of an emergency button is correct/allowed.

For example, in certain embodiments, this may allow a predetermined Interval in which the master device can revoke an activation of an emergency button of a slave device. After the expiry of the specified period or approval of the master device, the associated entity is then notified.

This version is particularly suitable for avoiding false positives when contacting emergency services.

Not only does this strain their ability to respond to actual issues, it can also lead to a relaxation in future notifications from a particular user, who may become known for 'howling wolf', leading to a looser response and being taken less seriously when contacted. record with certain entities.

It is well known that even within professional security services, certain predispositions can arise against certain users who are known to

(too) quick warnings, resulting in a longer response time and a lowered response level. In a further embodiment, the master designation can be 'activated' (and deactivated) on each emergency device. By activating the master designation on one device, the master designation can be automatically removed from the previous master device or multiple master devices can be be made, Activation (and deactivation} can be done remotely (via an account in an app} and/or directly on the device, e.g. by flipping a switch, inserting a key, optionally protected by one or more measures , such as fingerprint identification, password, etc. This allows more flexible use of the devices, as a device can be used as the emergency device instead of having to search for the ruling master device. In a preferred embodiment, the emergency device is configured to connect wirelessly to one or more sensors in the building or building complex Preferably, said sensors comprise one or more of the following, but are not limited to: smoke sensor, heat sensor, motion sensor, light sensor, gas sensor (e.g., CO detector), Further sensors may include user biometric sensors, which can detect falls, heart events or other medical trauma, The sensors can provide autonomous devices and/or can be integrated into the home station.

In an alternative or further embodiment, the emergency device itself may comprise one or more of the above-mentioned sensors. The emergency device receives alerts from said sensors and is configured to provide an audible and/or visual alert (e.g. flashing red light} based on the alert to a user, Note that in one embodiment, the system can be configured to forward alerts from certain sensors to the emergency device if the device is in range or operational, In addition or alternatively, certain alerts and/or sensors can be ignored based on the location information of the emergency device. This applies, for example, to motion sensors in zones where the emergency device itself is located.

In certain embodiments, the emergency device may comprise a plurality of different lights (e.g. LED), preferably provided with some sort of icon on said light or near said light. Also, different light colors assigned to types of sensors may be used.

In this way, when receiving an alert from a certain type of sensor, the device can display it by illuminating the light on the device that corresponds to that type of sensor,

Alternatively or additionally, a specific sound signal may be assigned to warnings from each type of sensor (or at least some of them), and be issued upon receipt of a warning from said type of sensor.

In some embodiments where the emergency device includes a display, this may further show what type of sensor is transmitting the alert, and in some cases may even show the location of the sensor. Some or all of the above may be forwarded to the contacted entities after confirmation on the emergency device by a user.

In a further preferred embodiment, the system comprises a number of the emergency devices and a number of the home stations, one of the emergency devices being designated as a master device, and the other emergency devices as siave devices; wherein the main device is adapted to receive the alerts from the connected sensors; where upon confirmation of the alert on the main device, the alert is forwarded to the siave devices where an audible and/or visual alert (e.g. flashing red light) is then communicated to a user, Note that other types of alerts may be implemented or complement the above, such as vibration, heat/cold and/or electric shock, This allows the master device to receive all warnings from sensors centrally, to reduce the load on the slave devices and their users and also to centrally control the slave enable devices.

In cases such as a retirement home, a caregiver assigned to a building may have the main device that allows them to provide directions to the siave devices of the retirees, who may suffer from certain ailments that prevent them from properly addressing alerts (or just the person with the emergency in case of cardiac arrest). In a preferred embodiment, the emergency device is provided with at least one loudspeaker, the system being configured to receive incoming voice messages from the entities, and wherein the loudspeaker is adapted to play the incoming voice messages.

In a preferred embodiment, the emergency device is provided with at least one microphone, the microphone being adapted to include an audio signal in an outgoing voice message upon activation of an emergency button and wherein the system is configured to send said outgoing voice messages to the entities that are linked to the activated emergency button.

Most preferably, the emergency device comprises both at least one loudspeaker and at least one microphone according to the above. Preferably, the microphone and/or loudspeaker can be turned off by a user on the emergency device. Preferably, and possibly in addition to the above, the remote microphone and/or loudspeaker are turned off by the emergency service and/or by another emergency device, typically the master device.

Allowing simple and efficient communication loops between a user and a contacted emergency service can help support both a user and emergency services, this way false alarms can be signaled, additional information can be sent related to the context of the emergency, Situation updates can be sent as the situation develops, as well as monitoring of potentially dangerous situations (theft) by the Emergency Services, The channels used for communication can vary, with even redundancy channels built in to ensure good reception, In addition a buffer may be included in the emergency device to temporarily store messages in case of bad/no reception.

Most preferably, the above should be understood as the — emergency devices that allow direct (directly to the emergency response or possibly via a server) contact with the entity, This may be via VoIP, satellite communication and/or other, In a further preferred embodiment Is the emergency device configured to communicate outgoing messages to the server and receive incoming messages from the server, and send the outgoing messages from the server to the entities' user devices, and send the incoming messages from the entities' user devices to receive the server,

Preferably, multiple servers are set up independently of each other in a mirrored configuration to prevent data loss. In addition, the data can be stored fragmented across different servers to prevent full access from being granted to an unauthorized person who (illegitimately) accesses one of the servers, In a preferred embodiment, the emergency device is magnetically coupleable to the home station, and wherein the magnetic coupling allows magnetic charging of the emergency device power source, preferably via induction, This allows easy docking, aids charging and even creates a situation in which the emergency devices can be used as stationary sensor devices, useful in case the building is left unattended. In this case, an emergency device with built-in camera and motion sensor can activate itself when detecting motion, for example a burglar, alert the master device, which is located on the person of another user, who can use the information of the stationary device to see what and, if necessary, acknowledge the warning and/or forward it to an emergency service, In a preferred embodiment, the system is connected to a home automation system of the building or building complex, said home automation system comprising one or more cameras, and where at least at least one of the emergency devices is provided with a display on which images from said or more cameras can be displayed, preferably at least one master device. Note that the emergency device with a display may also be able to receive images from other emergency devices with an active camera, The emergency device with a display could also potentially be adapted to activate cameras in other emergency devices and/or from the home automation system, This way the main device effectively view alerts, check the status of other devices, and the like before forwarding an alert to an emergency service. In a preferred embodiment, the system is connected to a home automation system of the building or building complex, and the emergency device is configured to control the home automation system upon activation of an emergency button, preferably wherein the entity associated with the activated emergency button reinforces. control at least part of the home automation system.

In a preferred embodiment, the emergency device comprises a memory element, and wherein the emergency device is adapted to store outgoing messages and/or communication in the memory element when communication to receiving devices is impossible, and adapted to forward the stored messages and/or communication to the receiving devices when communication is restored. In a preferred embodiment, the emergency device includes a modular backup power source that can be operably attached to and removed from the emergency device. These can store batteries while the device is mobile by disassembling the modular backup power source for refilling. Once charged, the backup power source can be reconnected, and will preferably be used as a primary power source when connected. In some embodiments, the battery or power source of the emergency device will recharge itself from the modular backup power source to ensure its self-sufficiency in the event of disconnection.

Preferably, the power source is easy to connect, e.g. adapted to snap into the emergency device and at the same time establish an electrical connection. In a preferred embodiment, the emergency device comprises a processing unit adapted to autonomously activate one or more emergency buttons based on from information received from said sensors and based on predefined parameters related to said information received from said sensors. With access to inputs from a wide variety of sensors and possibly other devices, such as cameras, inputs from other emergency devices, inputs from the internet (weather conditions, etc}, the processing unit can process the inputs received to estimate if a need to contact the service, and which service to contact, For example, the predefined parameters can describe temperature conditions that can reflect a problem {fire}, — motion conditions (to avoid unnecessary alarms), atmospheric conditions (detection of certain gases above a threshold }, etc, can be made dynamically (e.g. depending on other circumstances, depending on time, date, presence/proximity of emergency devices in the complex and/or others).

In a preferred embodiment, the emergency device communicates additional information to at least one of the entities when the associated emergency button is activated, said additional information preferably being preprogrammed, said additional information comprising the number of users registered with said building or building complex and optionally further information relating to said users, Such additional information may be static, in the sense that it has previously been entered into the general system of the invention (such as names of the occupants/users of emergency equipment and their static' information, medical records, etc.). ) and/or may be dynamic/live, in the sense that it includes live data related to the users and/or the emergency tools, such as location, temperature, recent voice and/or video messages, recent movements, biometric data, etc, This information can give the rescuer a better view to the situation and to the needs of the user, including, for example, the appropriate equipment for dealing with certain emergency situations (detection of cardiac trauma versus detection of a fall},

In a preferred embodiment, activation of one or more predefined emergency button to which the preprogrammed group of contacts is not associated also automatically activates the activation of the emergency button associated with the preprogrammed group of contacts,

In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve stations are placed at a height of at least 100 cm above floor level in a room, preferably at least 120 cm or even 130 cm, to prevent accidental damage or tampering with small children,

In a preferred embodiment, the emergency device, or a remote server in the system, is adapted to automatically contact an entity based on available input, even when no emergency button is activated.

Preferably an Artificial Intelligence processes the Input to arrive at the 'correct' entity to be contacted. In a preferred embodiment, the system overturns modular add-on devices that can be physically connected to the emergency device, preferably (direct and/or wireless) data communication between add-on device and emergency device, Preferably, the extension device is powered from the emergency device, although the extension device may include its own power source, In some embodiments, the extension device is not powered by the emergency device, or is only powered by the emergency device if the internal power source is empty.

Such add-on device can be screens, extra buttons, range extenders {for wifi and the like}, specific sensors {smoke}, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the emergency device communicates with other devices (other emergency devices and/or remote servers and/or other electronic devices of the entities and/or components of a home automation/home automation system and/or a cloud opsiag/server) through one or more of the following {but not limited to}: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, SIM, 3G , 4G, SG, ZigBee, satellite and others, In a preferred embodiment, the emergency devices can be connected to wearables, such as smartwatches, biometric sensors, etc., which can further assist in tracking the user's location, physical status and other aspects In a preferred embodiment, the emergency devices comprise at least one camera, but preferably looking in the same direction as the emergency buttons. The emergency device can be configured to activate the camera only n after activation of certain emergency buttons (or for leathers). The images from said camera can be forwarded to an (external) server, to a master emergency device with a display, to the contacted entities, etc. If forwarded to a server, the system can be modified to allow the contacted entities to access the footage. In a preferred embodiment, the emergency devices include a second camera, preferably on the back of the device, facing away from the buttons (i.e., opposite the camera of the above paragraph). The second camera can be activated as described above and discussed further in the application, by a user and/or by a remote entity. The second camera may be placed at the back of the device, or may be fitted into the cover, at the rear thereof, allowing use only when the cover is opened.

In a further preferred embodiment, the emergency device is provided with a cover adapted to removably cover the camera. This can be done via a sliding cover, a flip-up/folding cover, an extendable/retractable camera that uses the emergency device itself as a cover, etc. can be configured to make the camera operational upon just uncovering the camera. This can be limited to 'automated' disclosures, ie resulting from the activation of an emergency button, but can be alternated or extended with 'manual. disclosures, where a user manually reveals the camera. This allows the device to serve as a way to create video footage without necessarily alerting an entity, where the footage can be stored in the device itself and/or on a remote server. In certain embodiments, contacted entities can control certain or complete aspects of the camera's operation (rotation, movement, activation, focus, etc).

In a preferred embodiment, the system can be configured by a user via one or more of a mobile application and/or a web application and/or a pre-installed software application (client program)}. Through said application(s) a number of parameters can be defined, such as the entities themselves and their information (contact number, names, address}, which Information can be shared with which entity, who can access the camera under what circumstances, pre-set conditions including immediate contact with certain entities, setting for master and siave devices ("wait" period before the alert is forwarded, etc.) Each system can have one or more master accounts that give access to all emergency facilities, causing certain devices to be set up differently from others (for example, one for a senior can be tuned to an additional biometric sensor and react to certain situations, such as a fall, compared to a device attached to a child). accounts can be given more limited access, for example only to (certain) settings for the associated slave device t.

Preferably, the accounts (or at least some} give a user access to stored images from the cameras, recorded audio messages to and from an entity, recorded data related to activation (time, location, entity contacted, etc}.

In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises one or more accessories, preferably wristbands, preferably at least one, more preferably one, for each emergency device. The accessories are coupled to an emergency device, preferably whereby a bijective connection is made between the accessories and the accessories.

These accessories may receive emergency alerts from the emergency device (and/or from a central server}, via tactile, visual, and/or auditory feedback (and/or others, such as a light electrical pulse,

heat/cold, etc}, such as vibrations, flashing lights, a siren, In a specific embodiment, a master emergency button may be provided on at least one of the emergency devices, preferably on the master device, where activation of the master emergency button automatically triggers a warning on the other emergency devices activates and preferably contacts one or more of the entities associated with the other emergency buttons, The alert can be preprogrammed (for example, a message with instructions to view the building, get help, a general emergency alert, all doors and windows) or can be simply visual, In addition, the other emergency devices can be provided with the location information of the master emergency device.

Note that in the case of no master emergency device, the embodiment can easily be applied to function in a more general sense, where each device can give a general warning,

In a preferred embodiment, the system further comprises one or more designated receiver devices for use by one or more of the entities, specifically associated with said entities (hardware or e.g. through an account). The recipients may be desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones or other smart devices with embedded software or mobile applications to run the system described in this document. The entities are contacted through said designated recipients when the corresponding button is activated on a emergency device, After activation, the recipients receive, directly and/or via an intermediate server, the location information and any additional information from the emergency device,

In some cases, the entities use a call center with multiple responders, some of which have one of the designated recipients.

The information regarding the distribution of the recipients is stored in the server, allowing a correct connection.

In the case of multiple recipients for a single entity, the server can determine which

(one or more} recipients the alert is forwarded. This may be based on which emergency device created the alert, historical data, additional information about the emergency device, and/or other factors, and/or simply based on availability, authorization, experience, and /or others, In some embodiments, the emergency devices are adapted so that the user can 'choose' which responder will receive the alert. Alternatively, the receiver devices may comprise a master-receiver device and a plurality of slave-receiver devices, which are subservient to the master-receiver device Incoming alerts to the entity are first received by the master, which may then forward the alert to a selected slave. The invention is further described by the following non-limiting examples which further illustrate the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of nor should they limit the invention were interpreted,

EXAMPLES AND DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES Example 1: Retirement complex with multiple buildings In the example, a number of seniors live in a retirement complex where a number of caretakers are present day and night. In the embodiment, the seniors or seniors are provided with an emergency device that acts as a slave as discussed previously , The caretakers have one or more master emergency devices associated with said slaves, Due to the simple design and operation of the device, it is well suited for such an environment, as the elderly are often afraid of new technology, By limiting the number of options, to increase the visual cues and work intuitively, the threshold is very low. The defined entities, at least for the slave devices, are the fire brigade, the police, the hospital (each preferably represented by an icon on or near the button} and a contact group associated with caretakers and/or employees of the pension complex. Note that In some cases certain options can be locked {for example In the case of retirees with case of severe dementia, the police can be blocked or diverted). In the event of a perceived emergency, the retirees can activate the appropriate button on the emergency device. The associated entity can be contacted directly from the emergency device, even enable voice communication and other forms; or the activation can be forwarded to one or more of the master devices, which can approve, deactivate (or postpone) the emergency. This can give them the opportunity to cancel unintended alerts, check the alert before taking any further actions or contact the entities immediately, The master device can then optionally take over communication to the contacted entity or allow it to the slave device biiif the button has: activated, Note that conditions on each slave device can be applied differently to pass through a master device or not, depending on the user, In case of absence of a 'decision' of a master device, the entity can be contacted after a predefined period of time, In the event that certain entities are contacted in connection with specific emergencies, such as fire, all associated emergency resources are alerted about this, If a master device needs to verify , the paired devices will be notified after confirmation. The specific emergencies can be preset and may depend on one or more factors, such as which entity is contacted, the response of other devices (such as different alerts from other devices within a certain time frame), environmental conditions picked up by one or more more sensors, etc. Alarming of other devices can be done through a number of options, for example visual (lights, flashing lights, messages}, audio (siren, ringtone, ...) and / or others.

When you contact the hospital or similar emergency service, location information of the emergency device that triggered the button is shared with the contacted entity, to ensure prompt arrival and the most efficient choice of the respondent. In addition, the specific location information allows the respondent to go directly to the emergency, instead of contacting a central desk where a particular person is located.

Additional information may be provided, in some cases depending on the entity being contacted (the hospital needs different information than the fire service). For example, when the hospital is contacted, the user's medical data associated with the emergency device can be shared directly with the hospital. In a specific embodiment, the respondent will be able to access this shared information directly via a portable device when logged in {tablet}, to prepare for the emergency while! he is on his way.

Otherwise, when the fire service is contacted, information can be shared that is more relevant, such as map, number of occupants, mobility of occupants, etc.

By linking this additional information to an emergency device (although some info will be universal, such as the map), the correct information will automatically reach the entities.

This link between device and additional information can be made at the server level and/or directly on the devices so that the additional information can be stored on one or both.

Example 2: Family with children In the example a family {e.g. two adults and two children {between Sen 15 years old), The adults will be given a master device, while the children will hold slave devices, As with the seniors, children will receive this understand and use the device easily because the threshold is very low.

Again, the contacts may vary by device, while each device may have additional information depending on the user. This can range from Appearance Information for identification purposes, to medical records, important locations (their own bedrooms, etc}. a fire detected by one of the children, he or she can activate the fire brigade button, Depending on the settings, they can contact the fire brigade directly or go through a master device first for confirmation and then forward to the fire Department, Upon contact with the fire department, an alarm is also sent to each emergency device, stating the emergency situation, and preferably details (location, identity of the issuer, timestamp, type of emergency, advice on the next step such as 'EVACUATE NOW') By forwarding the user's location upon activation, he or she can leave the location and building, while while the computerization is correct DIJK.

Note that Figure 3 shows a similar implementation to this example, while Figure 1 shows a general diagram of the Interaction between different components.

LEGEND FOR NUMBERS: 0 - emergency device: 0a - main device; Ob - slave device 1 - cover (movable in this case) 2 home station

3 - home station cover 4 - camera 5 - loudspeakers and/or microphone & first button (for example: fire brigade with associated pictogram)

7 - second button (example: hospital/ambulance with associated icon} 8 - third button (example: police with associated icon} S - fourth button (example: private emergency contacts with associated icon} 10 - external, removable power source 11 - Built-in lighting device e.g. LED

12 - home automation: 123 - smoke detector; 12b - portable; 12c - camera; 12d-12n - other systems 13a-13n: expansion modules removable connectable to emergency device 14a-14n - server 15a-15n - mobile device of contact entities

16a-16N - Designated Receivers It is believed that the present invention is not limited to any form of realization previously described and that some modifications may be added to the presented example of manufacture without revaluation of the appended claims.

For example, the present invention has been described with reference to certain emergency services and preferred contacts, but it is clear that the invention can also be applied to other applications, for example in a company's administration, where certain 'emergency' groups exist, such as IT support , household, etc,

Claims (17)

CONCLUSIONS A system for monitoring emergency situations in a building or building complex, wherein the building or building complex comprises an electrical network; the system comprising at least one stationary home station, preferably a number of them, and at least one, preferably a plurality of portable, mobile emergency devices provided with a power source, the home station being electrically connected to the electrical network of the building or building complex wherein the emergency device is adapted for removable coupling to the home station, wherein the power source of the emergency device is charged via the electrical network, directly and/or via inductively, when coupled to the home station; the emergency device comprising a plurality of separate emergency buttons, physical and/or virtual, each for alerting different entities, said entities comprising preprogrammed contacts and/or contact groups, the entities comprising at least one emergency service and a preprogrammed group of one or more private emergency contacts, where the emergency device is adapted to contact an entity upon activation of the associated emergency button, and where the emergency device provides location information of the emergency device to the contacted entity upon activation of the associated emergency button, and where upon contact with the pre-programmed group of one or more private emergency contacts a push notification is sent to user devices, preferably smartphones, of the pre-programmed group; preferably wherein the system is adapted to control at least part of the electrical network of the building or building complex upon activation of an emergency button, preferably wherein the system controls the accessibility functions of the building or building complex, wherein the accessibility functions control include one or more doors, upon activation of an emergency button. An emergency monitoring system according to the preceding claim 1, wherein the emergency device is configured to wirelessly connect to one or more sensors in the building or building complex, said sensors comprising one or more of the following: smoke sensor, heat sensor, motion sensor, light sensor, gas sensor; and wherein at least one of the emergency devices receives notifications from the connected sensors, and is arranged to communicate with a user an audible and/or visual warning based on the received notification. An emergency monitoring system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 or 2, wherein the emergency device comprises one or more sensors comprising one or more of the following: smoke sensor, heat sensor, motion sensor, light sensor, gas sensor; wherein the emergency device receives alerts from said sensors, and is configured to communicate an audible and/or visual alert based on the alert to a user. An emergency monitoring system according to any one of the preceding claims 2 or 3, wherein the system comprises a plurality of the emergency devices and a plurality of the home stations, wherein one of the emergency devices is designated as a master device, and the other emergency devices as slave devices; wherein the master device is adapted to receive the alerts from the connected sensors; 28 where upon confirmation of the alert on the master device, the alert is forwarded to the slave devices where an audible and/or visual alert is then communicated to a user, An emergency monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the emergency device comprises a loudspeaker and a microphone; the system being configured to receive incoming voice messages from the entities, the loudspeaker being adapted to play the incoming voice messages; wherein the microphone is adapted to include an audio signal in an outgoing voice message upon activation of an emergency button and wherein the system is configured to send recorded outgoing voice messages to the entities associated with the activated emergency button. An emergency monitoring system according to the preceding claim 5, falling over one or more servers, wherein the emergency device is configured to communicate outgoing messages to the server and receive incoming messages from the server, and wherein the outgoing messages are sent to the user devices sent from the entities of said server, and wherein the incoming messages from the user devices of the entities are received in the server. An emergency monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the emergency device comprises a movable cover adapted to cover and expose the emergency buttons. An emergency monitoring system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the emergency device is magnetically coupleable to the home station, and wherein the magnetic coupling allows magnetic charging of the power source of the emergency device, preferably via induction. An emergency monitoring system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein the emergency device comprises a camera, preferably in the same direction as the emergency buttons, the camera being activated upon activation of an emergency button, and wherein the entity associated with the activated emergency button accesses images from said camera. An emergency monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the system is connected to a home automation system of the building or building complex, said home automation system comprising one or more cameras; wherein at least one of the emergency devices is provided with a display on which both of said one or more cameras can be displayed. il. An emergency monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the system is connected to a home automation system of the building or building complex, and wherein the emergency device is configured to control the home automation system upon activation of an emergency button preferably wherein the entity associated with the activated emergency button gains control over at least part of the home automation system. An emergency monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the emergency device comprises a memory element, and wherein the emergency device is adapted to store outgoing messages and/or communication in said memory element when communicating with receiving devices impossible and modified to forward the stored messages and/or communication to the receiving devices when communication is restored. An emergency monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the emergency device comprises a modular backup power source operably attachable to and removable from the emergency device. An emergency monitoring system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 13, and according to claims 2 or 3, wherein the emergency device comprises a processing unit adapted to autonomously activate one or more emergency buttons based on information received from said sensors and based on predefined parameters related to said information received from said sensors, An emergency monitoring system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 14, wherein the emergency device communicates additional information to at least one of the entities when the associated emergency button is activated, said additional information preferably being preprogrammed, said additional information including the number of users registered with said building or building complex and optionally further information associated with said users. An emergency monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, and according to claims 7 and 9, wherein the cover is configured to obscure the line of sight of the camera when the cover is in a closed position , An emergency monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein activation of one or more predefined emergency buttons to which the preprogrammed group of contacts is not associated also automatically triggers the activation of the emergency button in connection with the pre-programmed group of contacts.