CA2941580A1 - Telephone reassurance, activity monitoring and reminder system - Google Patents
Telephone reassurance, activity monitoring and reminder system Download PDFInfo
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Abstract
A communication apparatus and method to provide timed monitoring and reminder function using a telephone switch to make calls to a subscriber with the option to repeat each call one or more times to allow the subscriber to answer any one of the calls to signal activity. If the subscriber is not responding to any one of the calls, the apparatus will communicate to someone related to the subscriber such as a friend or a member of the family to report the subscriber's inactivity. Alternatively, the subscriber can signal activity before the call occurs to avoid the call. Allowing a subscriber multiple opportunities to respond to a call and to take action proactively is an improvement over existing methods to provide telephone reassurance. With switches and motion sensors connecting to a phone device to initiate and to respond to phone calls, the apparatus can be used effectively as an alert system where motion or movement of an object serves as a trigger to report or to suppress the reporting of an event that is of concern to the subscriber and others who share the subscriber's interests.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
1. Field of Invention This invention relates to senior services, specifically using telephone reassurance, activity monitoring and reminder to address safety issues to maintain health and wellbeing.
1. Field of Invention This invention relates to senior services, specifically using telephone reassurance, activity monitoring and reminder to address safety issues to maintain health and wellbeing.
2. Background For many years, outreach telephone calls have been used to provide reassurance.
Community organizations have been using such a service to care for their seniors living an independent lifestyle. Computer systems are currently being used to assist with the call functions, such as using a phone system to make calls to a list of numbers according to a schedule, using a pre-recorded message for introduction. It detects whether each call is answered and uses the call status to provide information for follow-ups. In certain existing call center arrangements, manned positions will make calls to those who are not responding to a first call, and refer safety concerns to the appropriate agency to escalate. With such manned positions, it is difficult, if not impractical, to make multiple calls to the same subscriber. Thus, one missed call can result in needless alerts.
An alternative is to bypass the call center and convey the call status directly to friends and family to alert them of possible emergency. Automating the communication, leveraging friends and family for support of the seniors would allow the service to deploy to a larger scale. This mode of operation is impersonal and hence unobtrusive to the subscribers and people who have an interest in their wellbeing. Even with such systems, the subscriber is still required to stay close to the phone device at the time of the call to respond to the call. Most subscribers feel the need to be in close proximity to the phone to be certain they do not miss the call.
This requirement could be a cause for rejection of the system and even induce anxiety in the subscriber over time.
This invention incorporates solutions to address the psychological burden that limits the use of such systems, including but not limited to: 1) methods to schedule reassurance calls, 2) methods to cancel scheduled calls and 3) methods to confirm a subscriber's state of being. Following is a summary of the methods and apparatus and how they are utilized in a telephone reassurance embodiment and other related embodiments.
Reassurance-Call-Request Program Reassurance calls are requested using a reassurance-call-request (RCR). RCR is a computer program (program) which, when executed on a target processor (microprocessor), sends a request to the system to call a subscriber at a predetermined future time. If the call is not answered by the subscriber, the computer program will process a file and action according to the instructions in the file.
Off-Hook Signal A call is answered when an off-hook signal (OHS) is received by the call supervision function of a telephone switch within a reasonable time (e.g. 5 seconds). This is to be interpreted as someone picking up the handset of a phone device. In a telephone reassurance embodiment (e.g. daily call to a person to offer reassurance), an OHS
signifies subscriber activity in response to a reassurance call.
Job Scheduler Program A RCR can be scheduled to run at some predetermined future time using a job scheduler program (JSP). JSP also allows reassurance calls to be repeated (e.g. daily) over a period of time or indefinitely until they are removed from the job schedule.
Service-Request-Nunnber A service-request-number (SRN) is a telephone number whereby a subscriber can call this number to schedule a reassurance call. More than one SRN, each registered to a different phone service provider, will answer calls from a phone device registered to the same service provider. Thus, the system can accommodate a subscriber population served by a number of service providers utilizing different technology to provide their phone service.
Time Code When a subscriber device calls a SRN, the system will prompt the subscriber for a time code (time-code), which translates to a lead time (lead-time) to wait before the next reassurance call. Lead-time provides a time buffer for the subscriber to get ready for the next reassurance call, and to cancel the scheduled RCR prior to the occurrence of the next reassurance call if so desired.
Autodialer Autodialer is a device used to automatically dial a SRN. In this operation, the time-code used is a function of the SRN.
Analog Telephone Adapter An analog telephone adaptor (ATA) is a microprocessor-based phone device whereby an analog telephone connected to an ATA can communicate to a telephone switch using an Internet connection. Some ATA has an autodialer function and could be used in place of a standalone autodialer.
Cancel a Scheduled Call A subscriber can call a SRN and enter a command to cancel all reassurance call(s) scheduled for the subscriber device. As such, a subscriber can call in early to signal activity without having to wait for the reassurance call to occur to respond.
When a confirmation is needed, a subscriber can choose to schedule another reassurance call in the near future. By default, the system will clear all previously scheduled calls. When the next reassurance call occurs, the subscriber is assured that there are no more pending requests for reassurance call in the system.
Further, the time during which a subscriber can call in early to cancel or to reschedule a reassurance call can be individually defined for each subscriber.
Call-Request-Switch A call-request switch (CRS) is a switch used to activate the autodial function from an autodialer to request a reassurance call. When the set up is used for monitoring activity, the presence of activity, causing the switch to operate, will result in a call for attention.
A CRS can also be used to activate the autodial function from an autodialer to cancel a scheduled reassurance call. When the set up is used for monitoring inactivity where the absence of activity over a time period will result in a call for attention, the presence of activity, in this case, will cancel the scheduled call.
Call-Answer-Switch A call-answer-switch (CAS) is used to answer a call when the switch is in the closed position. The device can be used to respond to a phone call to signal activity. For example, a switch built into a pill box whereby opening the pill box sends an OHS in response to a reassurance call.
SNOOZE
When a reassurance call is answered, the subscriber can choose to enter a command to request the reassurance call to repeat at some future time (SNOOZE.) Using SNOOZE is easier then scheduling a new call, when on-going monitoring over a period of time is required.
Auto-SNOOZE
If the reassurance call is not answered the first time, the system automatically repeats the call (Auto-SNOOZE) for a predetermined number of future times, separated by a lead-time. Auto-SNOOZE can be defined specifically for each subscriber. The Auto-SNOOZE feature is intended to allow additional opportunities for the subscriber to answer the call, in case the last call was missed for some trivial reason, to reduce the chance of a false alarm.
Seniors will find this feature useful when they are away from the phone device at the time when the reassurance call occurs. They will feel more relaxed when they know they will have another chance to answer the call later so there will be no need for them to hurry or wait by the phone to avoid needless alerts being sent to their friends or family. Yet, they are assured that when all the repeating check-in calls are missed their friends or family members will still be notified.
When Auto-SNOOZE is used with a pill box reminder call, the initial reassurance call(s) serves only as a reminder. The subscriber can take his or her time to reach for the pill box knowing that not responding to the initial reminder calls will not result in a false alarm.
The Auto-SNOOZE setup reduces the chance of needless alerts. People with minor hearing loss could find Auto-SNOOZE an invaluable addition to a telephone reassurance system.
Check-in Call The invention and its embodiments can be used in whole or in part in a telephone reassurance service.
The following mechanized functions are performed by the service. Daily call to check in on the seniors according to a schedule of their choosing If the reassurance call goes unanswered, friends and family members supporting them will get the call notifications or email communications In one embodiment, reassurance calls are scheduled as daily calls.
In another embodiment, a subscriber calls early to cancel a scheduled reassurance call. A subscriber may not want to wait to answer the reassurance call. In a way, this method gives them the option to announce their presence (check-in) in advance of the call.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a means for subscribers to self-monitor themselves, by using their phone device to schedule reassurance calls and use SNOOZE to repeat the call until it is no longer needed.
When a caregiver has to be away from their client, they can rely on SNOOZE to provide relief, knowing that they will be notified if their client is not answering the phone.
This utility is not limited to the care of seniors living alone, but also has many other applications including providing reassurance to individuals while alone and feeling vulnerable at times. With this utility, they know they can rely on their friends and family to look out for them. By calling a SRN and entering a time-code covering the vulnerable period, they will find peace of mind knowing their friends and family will get a message about their state of being if anything unexpected happens to them.
Later, they simply call the SRN again to end the call request when they no longer need the monitoring for reassurance.
Adjunct Security System In another embodiment, the RCR is used to generate phone calls to report an intrusion based on motion detection, and to trigger an alarm when used in conjunction with a home security system equipped with an alarm A CRS operates a contact when motion is detected by a motion sensor. The contact triggers a request for reassurance call from a subscriber device. When the reassurance call is not answered, the activity is communicated to the subscriber and other people involved.
Some sensors used for security system are sensitive to the voltage change caused by the phone call signals. The siren of a security alarm can be activated using a phone line wired to one such sensor.
Since the alarm goes off only when no one is around to answer the reassurance call, false alarms can be avoided by answering the call to void the call to the alarm.
Pill Box Reminder As a growing number of people rely on medication and supplements to maintain their physical health, there is an increased need for a reminder service to help people to adhere to a regimen. The idea is an assistive technology to alert someone to take action only when they forget. Assuming one has to be reminded to take medicine from a pill box according to a schedule, opening the pill box during certain day and time of the day will cancel a scheduled call timed for the reminder.
Thus, the reminder call occurs only when it is necessary. This method is unobtrusive and does not burden the subscriber with the need to learn the operation of yet another piece of equipment.
When the subscriber is not responsive to the reminder call, the system will call members of the family or friends to alert them of the concern. When family members do not receive calls from the system, they can be assured that the subscriber remembers his or her medication requirements.
Inactivity Minder The pill box concept can be extended to other forms of activity monitoring that are important to one's wellbeing, where activity not sensed during a time window could be a cause for concern. In place of the pill box, a motion detector is set up to monitor movements that are essential to one's health condition. This application could apply to behavior modification using the phone call to remind someone to adhere to an important routine and to involve others to remind them when they forget.
Similar to the pill box reminder, a switch mechanism to answer the call or to cause the cancellation of a reminder call triggered by a motion sensor helps reinforce the behavior without imposing unnecessary hardship on the subscriber.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings which form a part of the specifications and are to be read in conjunction therewith and in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in the various views:
FIG. 1 is a flow chart of the checkback program;
FIG. 2 is a flow chart of the checkback.exp program;
FIG. 3a is a flow chart of the dial plan to schedule execution of the checkback program for a phone device registered to the PBX switch, using a time-code provided by the subscriber;
FIG. 3b is a flow chart of the dial plan to schedule execution of the checkback program for a phone device registered to the PBX switch, using a time-code derived from the SRN;
FIG. 3c is a flow chart of the dial plan to schedule execution of the checkback program for a phone device not registered to the PBX switch, using a time-code provided by the subscriber;
FIG. 3d is a flow chart of the dial plan to schedule execution of the checkback program for a phone device not registered to the PBX, using a time-code derived from the SRN;
FIG. 4 shows flow charts of dial plans to play different messages to target channels;
FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a dial plan routine to determine lead-time from time-code;
FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a process to request reassurance calls for self-monitoring purposes;
FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a process to use a time-based job scheduler program (JSP) to set up daily reassurance calls;
FIG. 8a is a functional block diagram of a configuration where a single infrared motion sensor is used with a relay to trigger calls from an ATA;
FIG. 8b is a functional block diagram of a configuration where multiple infrared motion sensors are used with a wireless remote switch to trigger calls from an ATA;
FIG. 9 is a static structure of the reassurance-call-request program (RCR) and its relationship with other functional components used for the telephone reassurance application and other monitoring and reminder functions;
FIG. 9a is a static structure showing the use of an analog telephone adapter (ATA) to provide analog phone connection and autodialer function for a CRS/CAS switch;
FIG. 9b is a static structure showing a pill box controlling a CRS/CAS switch in place of the motion sensor in FIG. 9a;
FIG. 10a is a static structure showing specific dial plans for processing incoming SRN
calls;
FIG. 10b is a static structure showing specific dial plans for processing out-going calls;
FIG. 11a Checkbackist--an example of the call-control file;
FIG. 11b Checkbacklog.log--an example of the job ID log file;
FIG. 11c Lastcall--3017.1og--an example of the call status log file;
FIG. 11d Checkback.log--an example of the master log file.
DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS
CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATION AND SCOPE OF INVENTION
Thus, the reader can see how a reassurance-call-request program (RCR), when used in conjunction with one or more job scheduler program (JSP) and a telephone switch, is capable of providing telephone reassurance for phone devices registered to disparate phone networks. The term phone device applies to analog telephone as well as to any device that supports telephone functions, including analog phone, digital phone, cell phone and smart phone. When a subscriber is using a phone device to schedule the RCR, with the intention of alerting someone to come to their attention, the call back from the program can serve as a confirmation indicating the alert is about to occur. A
remote button controlling a call-request-switch (CRS) extends the subscriber's reach for the phone.
Many devices which use a button to call for attention associate the press of the button with a light emitting element or a ringer to provide feedback to the user. For telephone reassurance, I believe the use of a custom ring tone or a pre-recorded message from a phone device as feedback is an improvement over other methods.
Provision to trigger calls to subscribers based on motion and specific movements of an object such as opening of a pill box or a container further expands the application.
Ramifications include activity or inactivity monitoring functions and reminders involving the use of a variety of sensors and switches. While the detailed descriptions contain many specifications, including program codes, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, the variable names, the values used for variables in the program codes and command lines represent only one of many choices. The implementation is based on Linux and Asterisk PBX as the telephone switch, and microprocessors supporting these program products. Yet the methods are not tied to any one of them since the concept of job scheduler and dial plans used by a telephone switch to process calls have existed for some time. The use of Shell scripts can be replaced with other programming languages such as the C language to make the program more portable. Using a different telephone switch other than the Asterisk PBX simply means rewriting the dial plans in its native language and adopting the application interface specific to the chosen telephone switch. The checkback.exp program hides the details specific to the Asterisk PBX, thus making the porting of the codes even easier. It should be obvious that the processing of the call-control file could result in the execution of a program which can be used as a means to communicate to other devices, instead of just communicating to some recipient using a phone device or email. Accordingly, the scope of this invention should be determined not by the embodiment(s) illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalent.
Community organizations have been using such a service to care for their seniors living an independent lifestyle. Computer systems are currently being used to assist with the call functions, such as using a phone system to make calls to a list of numbers according to a schedule, using a pre-recorded message for introduction. It detects whether each call is answered and uses the call status to provide information for follow-ups. In certain existing call center arrangements, manned positions will make calls to those who are not responding to a first call, and refer safety concerns to the appropriate agency to escalate. With such manned positions, it is difficult, if not impractical, to make multiple calls to the same subscriber. Thus, one missed call can result in needless alerts.
An alternative is to bypass the call center and convey the call status directly to friends and family to alert them of possible emergency. Automating the communication, leveraging friends and family for support of the seniors would allow the service to deploy to a larger scale. This mode of operation is impersonal and hence unobtrusive to the subscribers and people who have an interest in their wellbeing. Even with such systems, the subscriber is still required to stay close to the phone device at the time of the call to respond to the call. Most subscribers feel the need to be in close proximity to the phone to be certain they do not miss the call.
This requirement could be a cause for rejection of the system and even induce anxiety in the subscriber over time.
This invention incorporates solutions to address the psychological burden that limits the use of such systems, including but not limited to: 1) methods to schedule reassurance calls, 2) methods to cancel scheduled calls and 3) methods to confirm a subscriber's state of being. Following is a summary of the methods and apparatus and how they are utilized in a telephone reassurance embodiment and other related embodiments.
Reassurance-Call-Request Program Reassurance calls are requested using a reassurance-call-request (RCR). RCR is a computer program (program) which, when executed on a target processor (microprocessor), sends a request to the system to call a subscriber at a predetermined future time. If the call is not answered by the subscriber, the computer program will process a file and action according to the instructions in the file.
Off-Hook Signal A call is answered when an off-hook signal (OHS) is received by the call supervision function of a telephone switch within a reasonable time (e.g. 5 seconds). This is to be interpreted as someone picking up the handset of a phone device. In a telephone reassurance embodiment (e.g. daily call to a person to offer reassurance), an OHS
signifies subscriber activity in response to a reassurance call.
Job Scheduler Program A RCR can be scheduled to run at some predetermined future time using a job scheduler program (JSP). JSP also allows reassurance calls to be repeated (e.g. daily) over a period of time or indefinitely until they are removed from the job schedule.
Service-Request-Nunnber A service-request-number (SRN) is a telephone number whereby a subscriber can call this number to schedule a reassurance call. More than one SRN, each registered to a different phone service provider, will answer calls from a phone device registered to the same service provider. Thus, the system can accommodate a subscriber population served by a number of service providers utilizing different technology to provide their phone service.
Time Code When a subscriber device calls a SRN, the system will prompt the subscriber for a time code (time-code), which translates to a lead time (lead-time) to wait before the next reassurance call. Lead-time provides a time buffer for the subscriber to get ready for the next reassurance call, and to cancel the scheduled RCR prior to the occurrence of the next reassurance call if so desired.
Autodialer Autodialer is a device used to automatically dial a SRN. In this operation, the time-code used is a function of the SRN.
Analog Telephone Adapter An analog telephone adaptor (ATA) is a microprocessor-based phone device whereby an analog telephone connected to an ATA can communicate to a telephone switch using an Internet connection. Some ATA has an autodialer function and could be used in place of a standalone autodialer.
Cancel a Scheduled Call A subscriber can call a SRN and enter a command to cancel all reassurance call(s) scheduled for the subscriber device. As such, a subscriber can call in early to signal activity without having to wait for the reassurance call to occur to respond.
When a confirmation is needed, a subscriber can choose to schedule another reassurance call in the near future. By default, the system will clear all previously scheduled calls. When the next reassurance call occurs, the subscriber is assured that there are no more pending requests for reassurance call in the system.
Further, the time during which a subscriber can call in early to cancel or to reschedule a reassurance call can be individually defined for each subscriber.
Call-Request-Switch A call-request switch (CRS) is a switch used to activate the autodial function from an autodialer to request a reassurance call. When the set up is used for monitoring activity, the presence of activity, causing the switch to operate, will result in a call for attention.
A CRS can also be used to activate the autodial function from an autodialer to cancel a scheduled reassurance call. When the set up is used for monitoring inactivity where the absence of activity over a time period will result in a call for attention, the presence of activity, in this case, will cancel the scheduled call.
Call-Answer-Switch A call-answer-switch (CAS) is used to answer a call when the switch is in the closed position. The device can be used to respond to a phone call to signal activity. For example, a switch built into a pill box whereby opening the pill box sends an OHS in response to a reassurance call.
SNOOZE
When a reassurance call is answered, the subscriber can choose to enter a command to request the reassurance call to repeat at some future time (SNOOZE.) Using SNOOZE is easier then scheduling a new call, when on-going monitoring over a period of time is required.
Auto-SNOOZE
If the reassurance call is not answered the first time, the system automatically repeats the call (Auto-SNOOZE) for a predetermined number of future times, separated by a lead-time. Auto-SNOOZE can be defined specifically for each subscriber. The Auto-SNOOZE feature is intended to allow additional opportunities for the subscriber to answer the call, in case the last call was missed for some trivial reason, to reduce the chance of a false alarm.
Seniors will find this feature useful when they are away from the phone device at the time when the reassurance call occurs. They will feel more relaxed when they know they will have another chance to answer the call later so there will be no need for them to hurry or wait by the phone to avoid needless alerts being sent to their friends or family. Yet, they are assured that when all the repeating check-in calls are missed their friends or family members will still be notified.
When Auto-SNOOZE is used with a pill box reminder call, the initial reassurance call(s) serves only as a reminder. The subscriber can take his or her time to reach for the pill box knowing that not responding to the initial reminder calls will not result in a false alarm.
The Auto-SNOOZE setup reduces the chance of needless alerts. People with minor hearing loss could find Auto-SNOOZE an invaluable addition to a telephone reassurance system.
Check-in Call The invention and its embodiments can be used in whole or in part in a telephone reassurance service.
The following mechanized functions are performed by the service. Daily call to check in on the seniors according to a schedule of their choosing If the reassurance call goes unanswered, friends and family members supporting them will get the call notifications or email communications In one embodiment, reassurance calls are scheduled as daily calls.
In another embodiment, a subscriber calls early to cancel a scheduled reassurance call. A subscriber may not want to wait to answer the reassurance call. In a way, this method gives them the option to announce their presence (check-in) in advance of the call.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a means for subscribers to self-monitor themselves, by using their phone device to schedule reassurance calls and use SNOOZE to repeat the call until it is no longer needed.
When a caregiver has to be away from their client, they can rely on SNOOZE to provide relief, knowing that they will be notified if their client is not answering the phone.
This utility is not limited to the care of seniors living alone, but also has many other applications including providing reassurance to individuals while alone and feeling vulnerable at times. With this utility, they know they can rely on their friends and family to look out for them. By calling a SRN and entering a time-code covering the vulnerable period, they will find peace of mind knowing their friends and family will get a message about their state of being if anything unexpected happens to them.
Later, they simply call the SRN again to end the call request when they no longer need the monitoring for reassurance.
Adjunct Security System In another embodiment, the RCR is used to generate phone calls to report an intrusion based on motion detection, and to trigger an alarm when used in conjunction with a home security system equipped with an alarm A CRS operates a contact when motion is detected by a motion sensor. The contact triggers a request for reassurance call from a subscriber device. When the reassurance call is not answered, the activity is communicated to the subscriber and other people involved.
Some sensors used for security system are sensitive to the voltage change caused by the phone call signals. The siren of a security alarm can be activated using a phone line wired to one such sensor.
Since the alarm goes off only when no one is around to answer the reassurance call, false alarms can be avoided by answering the call to void the call to the alarm.
Pill Box Reminder As a growing number of people rely on medication and supplements to maintain their physical health, there is an increased need for a reminder service to help people to adhere to a regimen. The idea is an assistive technology to alert someone to take action only when they forget. Assuming one has to be reminded to take medicine from a pill box according to a schedule, opening the pill box during certain day and time of the day will cancel a scheduled call timed for the reminder.
Thus, the reminder call occurs only when it is necessary. This method is unobtrusive and does not burden the subscriber with the need to learn the operation of yet another piece of equipment.
When the subscriber is not responsive to the reminder call, the system will call members of the family or friends to alert them of the concern. When family members do not receive calls from the system, they can be assured that the subscriber remembers his or her medication requirements.
Inactivity Minder The pill box concept can be extended to other forms of activity monitoring that are important to one's wellbeing, where activity not sensed during a time window could be a cause for concern. In place of the pill box, a motion detector is set up to monitor movements that are essential to one's health condition. This application could apply to behavior modification using the phone call to remind someone to adhere to an important routine and to involve others to remind them when they forget.
Similar to the pill box reminder, a switch mechanism to answer the call or to cause the cancellation of a reminder call triggered by a motion sensor helps reinforce the behavior without imposing unnecessary hardship on the subscriber.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings which form a part of the specifications and are to be read in conjunction therewith and in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in the various views:
FIG. 1 is a flow chart of the checkback program;
FIG. 2 is a flow chart of the checkback.exp program;
FIG. 3a is a flow chart of the dial plan to schedule execution of the checkback program for a phone device registered to the PBX switch, using a time-code provided by the subscriber;
FIG. 3b is a flow chart of the dial plan to schedule execution of the checkback program for a phone device registered to the PBX switch, using a time-code derived from the SRN;
FIG. 3c is a flow chart of the dial plan to schedule execution of the checkback program for a phone device not registered to the PBX switch, using a time-code provided by the subscriber;
FIG. 3d is a flow chart of the dial plan to schedule execution of the checkback program for a phone device not registered to the PBX, using a time-code derived from the SRN;
FIG. 4 shows flow charts of dial plans to play different messages to target channels;
FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a dial plan routine to determine lead-time from time-code;
FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a process to request reassurance calls for self-monitoring purposes;
FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a process to use a time-based job scheduler program (JSP) to set up daily reassurance calls;
FIG. 8a is a functional block diagram of a configuration where a single infrared motion sensor is used with a relay to trigger calls from an ATA;
FIG. 8b is a functional block diagram of a configuration where multiple infrared motion sensors are used with a wireless remote switch to trigger calls from an ATA;
FIG. 9 is a static structure of the reassurance-call-request program (RCR) and its relationship with other functional components used for the telephone reassurance application and other monitoring and reminder functions;
FIG. 9a is a static structure showing the use of an analog telephone adapter (ATA) to provide analog phone connection and autodialer function for a CRS/CAS switch;
FIG. 9b is a static structure showing a pill box controlling a CRS/CAS switch in place of the motion sensor in FIG. 9a;
FIG. 10a is a static structure showing specific dial plans for processing incoming SRN
calls;
FIG. 10b is a static structure showing specific dial plans for processing out-going calls;
FIG. 11a Checkbackist--an example of the call-control file;
FIG. 11b Checkbacklog.log--an example of the job ID log file;
FIG. 11c Lastcall--3017.1og--an example of the call status log file;
FIG. 11d Checkback.log--an example of the master log file.
DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS
CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATION AND SCOPE OF INVENTION
Thus, the reader can see how a reassurance-call-request program (RCR), when used in conjunction with one or more job scheduler program (JSP) and a telephone switch, is capable of providing telephone reassurance for phone devices registered to disparate phone networks. The term phone device applies to analog telephone as well as to any device that supports telephone functions, including analog phone, digital phone, cell phone and smart phone. When a subscriber is using a phone device to schedule the RCR, with the intention of alerting someone to come to their attention, the call back from the program can serve as a confirmation indicating the alert is about to occur. A
remote button controlling a call-request-switch (CRS) extends the subscriber's reach for the phone.
Many devices which use a button to call for attention associate the press of the button with a light emitting element or a ringer to provide feedback to the user. For telephone reassurance, I believe the use of a custom ring tone or a pre-recorded message from a phone device as feedback is an improvement over other methods.
Provision to trigger calls to subscribers based on motion and specific movements of an object such as opening of a pill box or a container further expands the application.
Ramifications include activity or inactivity monitoring functions and reminders involving the use of a variety of sensors and switches. While the detailed descriptions contain many specifications, including program codes, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, the variable names, the values used for variables in the program codes and command lines represent only one of many choices. The implementation is based on Linux and Asterisk PBX as the telephone switch, and microprocessors supporting these program products. Yet the methods are not tied to any one of them since the concept of job scheduler and dial plans used by a telephone switch to process calls have existed for some time. The use of Shell scripts can be replaced with other programming languages such as the C language to make the program more portable. Using a different telephone switch other than the Asterisk PBX simply means rewriting the dial plans in its native language and adopting the application interface specific to the chosen telephone switch. The checkback.exp program hides the details specific to the Asterisk PBX, thus making the porting of the codes even easier. It should be obvious that the processing of the call-control file could result in the execution of a program which can be used as a means to communicate to other devices, instead of just communicating to some recipient using a phone device or email. Accordingly, the scope of this invention should be determined not by the embodiment(s) illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalent.
Claims (16)
1. A communication apparatus to facilitate telephone reassurance, activity monitoring and reminder, comprising: a first memory device, for storing a program having codes, when executed by a microprocessor, to automate calls to a plurality of registered devices; a telephone switch for receiving a first service-request-number (SRN) call from at least one of said plurality of registered devices subscribed for said telephone reassurance with said telephone switch, causing said program to initiate one or more calls directed back to said at least one registered device at a future time in response to said first SRN call, and communicating a status of said call to one or more predetermined registered devices when any one said call is not answered;
a second memory device, for storing a scheduler module having codes, when executed by said microprocessor, to cause said calls to be changed from said scheduler module if said at least one registered device initiates a second SRN call with a provision of a time-code of a plurality of time-codes corresponding to a plurality of dial plans to said telephone switch prior to said future time.
a second memory device, for storing a scheduler module having codes, when executed by said microprocessor, to cause said calls to be changed from said scheduler module if said at least one registered device initiates a second SRN call with a provision of a time-code of a plurality of time-codes corresponding to a plurality of dial plans to said telephone switch prior to said future time.
2. Apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein said program repeats said one or more calls to said at least one registered device when a special command (SNOOZE) is entered in response to said call.
3. Apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein an accelerating scale is used by said plurality of dial plans to compute said future time from a time-code of said plurality of time-codes.
4. Apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein said first SRN call with a provision of time-code of said plurality of time-codes from said at least one registered device is initiated by a call-request-switch (CRS) activating an autodialer associated with said at least one registered device having a call-answer-switch (CAS) to answer one or more said calls resulting from said first SRN call.
5. Apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein said first SRN call with a provision of time-code of said plurality of time-codes from said at least one registered device is initiated by a CRS activating an autodialer associated with said at least one registered device using said CRS activating said autodialer to initiate a second SRN call prior to said future time to change said call resulting from said first SRN call.
6. Apparatus set forth in claim 5, wherein said CRS activates an autodialer in response to movement of a subject.
7. Apparatus set forth in claim 6, wherein a delay timer is set to disable said CRS from initiating said second SRN call prior to said future time.
8. Apparatus set forth in claim 1, further including a third memory device, for storing a scheduler module having codes, when executed by said microprocessor, to initiate one or more said first SRN calls with said provision of time-code of said plurality of time-codes from said at least one registered device one or more times according to a schedule.
9. Apparatus set forth in claim 8, wherein said call is answered by said at least one registered device with a CAS.
10. Apparatus set forth in claim 8, wherein a CRS activates an autodialer associated with said at least one registered device prior to said future time to change said call.
11. Apparatus set forth in claim 10, wherein said CRS operates with a motion detector responding to movement of a subject.
12. Apparatus set forth in claim 11, wherein a delay timer is set to disable said CRS
from initiating said second SRN call prior to said future time.
from initiating said second SRN call prior to said future time.
13. Apparatus set forth in claim 1, further including a third memory device, storing one auto-SNOOZE instruction for each auto-SNOOZE call of said call to be initiated by said program responding to said first SRN call.
14. Apparatus set forth in claim 13, wherein said program further having codes, when executed on said microprocessor, selects one or more email addresses from said third memory device in place of at least one of said plurality of registered devices to communicate said status.
15. Apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein said predetermined registered device triggers an alarm in a security system connecting to said predetermined registered device to report said status.
16. Apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein the Internet provides connection for said telephone switch with at least one of said plurality of registered devices having an analog telephone adaptor (ATA).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US201513999612A | 2015-09-01 | 2015-09-01 | |
| US13/999,612 | 2015-09-01 |
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| CA2941580A1 true CA2941580A1 (en) | 2017-03-01 |
| CA2941580C CA2941580C (en) | 2020-07-21 |
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| CA2941580A Active CA2941580C (en) | 2015-09-01 | 2016-08-31 | Telephone reassurance, activity monitoring and reminder system |
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| CA (1) | CA2941580C (en) |
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