DE19601196C2 - Communication and monitoring system and method for monitoring a selected group of people - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a communication and monitoring system for monitoring a selected person circle, especially for sick, old and / or disabled people te people, the multiple mobile transmitting and receiving unit ten, each an individual, information about the current location and a device identifier Send identification signal, and with a central computer, the with a position detection device for determination the current location of the respective broadcast and Receiver unit is connected. Furthermore concerns the Invention a method for monitoring a selected Group of people, especially sick, old and / or disabled people.

Such a system or method is known from DE 44 41 907 A1.

It is known from many applications, one of them chose group of people via a communication network to connect each other and also the respective up determine the location of individual or all persons. For example, taxis are within a defined Area with a control center via a radio system bound. As a rule, radio is then used in periodic Distances the location of the be from the control center served taxis queried or transmitted automatically.  

It is also known to people with special channels allow the location of this Per to be able to identify people. For example, we are lucky climbers or skiers in avalanche accidents can be found by having such a transmitter lead and then by means of appropriate direction finders can be found.

There are still emergency facilities at certain locations permanently installed. When operating this emergency call device at the same time, the location of each one is also determined Emergency call transmitted to the recipient. For the rest is however, the telephone is the central element of known auxiliary services.

A disadvantage in connection with these auxiliary services is however, that often sick, elderly or handicapped other people, especially in emergency situations are able to operate or reach a telephone chen. You must then trust that third parties in are close and help in these critical situations to fetch.

A fully automated emergency response system that does this Seeking to remedy a defect is in DE 44 41 907 A1 wrote. This emergency response system includes a sen sensor device, the predetermined bodily functions of a Patients, such as his heart or breathability, all the time detected and which is connected to a transmitter which in In the event of life-threatening disorders, an ent communicating signal to a medical center telt. At the same time as the emergency signal, about one Global Positioning System (GPS), the current location of the patient and, if necessary, more Information, such as the patient’s medical history,  transfer. From the emergency center you can then use it steps are taken to help the patient fe to come.

Such an emergency response system is unquestionably suitable severely damaged and constantly monitored poor patients with whom a acute emergency situation can occur, a minimum To enable mobility. A disadvantage, however, is that With such fully automatic systems, false alarms can easily occur men can be triggered. So it can be in surveillance less severe cases in which an acute life-threatening situation does not have to be expected immediately, easily to a disproportionately high stake in Per personnel and equipment come. It is also unsatisfactory that acute disease states from the sensor device not affect body functions, no alarm trigger. The previously known emergency response system is there especially not for old and frail people suitable.

The invention has for its object a method as well as a communication and monitoring system fen, without a third party and at least in emergency situations even without the active help of those to be monitored People get along to suitable auxiliary staff shortly time to call. Overall, the novel should Process and system a higher ease of use and Security standard than previous corresponding services offer services. In addition, the risk of failure is said alarms are reduced to a minimum and an ac Ensure active control by the person to be monitored be steady.  

This task is solved with a surveillance system according to the preamble of claim 1, that several mobile computing units, each one in dividuelles, information about the current status location and an identification signal containing a device identifier send, with the central computer and the transmit and Receiving units in direct or indirect data exchange and that the sending and receiving units each with a control element for issuing an acknowledgment signals to answer a test signal to the Zen tralrechner provided and with a, preferably for Suitable for voice transmission, communication device are connectable.

The people to be monitored are each with a mo bile transmitter and receiver unit equipped. The station wagon nation with additional sensor devices for monitoring medical and physical parameters possible. The central computer usually transmits in a test signal at regular intervals to the transmit and Receiving units. Given the equipment of the broadcast and receiving units with a control element for delivery an acknowledgment signal can be checked in this way whether the person to be monitored actively answers the test signal tet. This ensures constant monitoring of the wearer of the transmitting and receiving units possible without this be significantly annoyed or impaired.

The current position is always on the central computer tion of the mobile computing devices as well as the and receiving units available. In addition, too the mobile computing units with a position report device for determining the location of each  assigned transmitter and receiver unit be. So the people to be monitored taking the sending and receiving units inside of a surveillance area move freely. In an emergency or If necessary, you can from the central computer and / or the Computer devices can be located. The central rake In such a case, an operating operator can In addition, the operating personnel of a mobile system are targeted Inform the computer device that is currently in the In the vicinity of the person in need of help. So is everyone possible without the involvement of third parties or supervisors the person who is quickly helping himself or another person to direct them to a special supervised person. The effectiveness and reliability of this system is known known similar institutions.

This makes the operator's work much easier tert that the entire surveillance area as digital map is saved. This allows the Evaluation of the identification received from the central computer nale are executed on the central computer itself, that current location information for each monitored device mation is present. The work is similar of the operating personnel of the mobile computing devices easier because it is also within the computer equipment Abge at least a section of the surveillance area stores.

The location information transmitted with the identification signal is generated in that the identification signal of the computer equipment lines as well as the sending and receiving units of each because a global bottom connected to these devices sitioning system (GPS) antenna is transmitted.

In an advantageous development of the system, the Central computer and the computer equipment one each Display device on. By means of this display device  can the operator and / or the operating personnel monitoring at any time area in the form of a map with the current Po sitions of the computer equipment and / or the transmission and view receiving units. Through this overview representation is the operator and / or the operating personnel able to move quickly in an emergency or when needed to provide an overview of the situation and if necessary quickly with the one to be monitored Contact person.

In an equally advantageous development, the Computer device a program module that enables that the display device in addition quickly most and / or shortest path from the computer device determined to a selectable transmitting and receiving unit and displays. In the event of an emergency or need, the Operator usually the operator of a mobile Computer facility to monitor at the moment of closest to the person. As a result, this tries Operating personnel with the person to be monitored personally Lich contact. This is made easier by that the display device next to the computer device the location information about the broadcast and Receiving unit the shortest or fastest Displays way to this sending and receiving unit.

The fact that conventionally as mobile computing devices communica can use laptops tion and monitoring system partly under further processing using existing facilities. There In addition, the communication and monitoring system will be gradually expanded.

In a further embodiment, the send and receive units each with an emergency call facility.  

This ensures that in the event that an emergency or need between two test signals occurs, the carrier of the sending and receiving unit can actively trigger an alarm on the central computer. This additional function means that the Communication and monitoring system achievable Security increased so that not in every case waited until the test signal was not answered is waited until appropriate assistance is received is leading.

According to claim 8, in the event of failure to answer the Acknowledgment signals automatically at the central computer Alarm message triggered. This ensures that people who are no longer able to be active Get help to be found in no time.

The time it takes for the carrier of a broadcast and find the receiving unit that is in an emergency situation can be significantly shortened be that the transmitting and receiving unit an additional emits position signal, which is in a around respective transmitter and receiver unit lying around range can be received. The operating staff of the This means that mobile computing devices only need to be installed in these Get close range and then quickly through that too additional position signal to the person concerned directs.

The object on which the invention is based is also achieved by a method for monitoring a selected group of people, in particular sick, old and / or disabled people, in which a communication and monitoring system with a central computer, several mobile computer devices and several mobile transmitters and Receiving units that are in data exchange with one another are used in such a way

• - That the central computer the current stay location of the assigned transmitting and receiving units each by means of a position detection device determined,
• - That the central computer in definable time Sends a test signal at intervals,
• - That the central computer then either one from the monitored person by means of the transmission and Receiving unit actively triggered acknowledgment signal receives or triggers an alarm message,
• - That the central computer in the event of an alarm message the operating personnel of the mobile computer equipment gen informed,
• - and that subsequently by means of a position report solution device of the computer device on contains the send and receive items in question determined and possibly their users is visited.

This process also ensures that the monitoring persons in the event of an emergency or need without their help or the involvement of third parties reliably and be found quickly.

The quality of the over made possible by this procedure watch is increased by the fact that by means of the mobile Rech nereinrichtung the carrier of the sending and receiving units can be found particularly quickly. This succeeds by the operating personnel of the computer devices the fastest and / or in the event of an emergency or need shortest route to the respective send and receive is displayed.

For the quality of the claimed process is the Speed with which the people to be monitored a crucial quality feature can be found. It is therefore of great advantage that according to claim 12 in a first search step only one at a time Sending and receiving unit of nearby Nahbe must be found rich and then for one second search step within this close range using one from the sending and receiving unit in question radiated additional position signal a fine search can be carried out. The total search needed total time in the event of an emergency or need drastically shortened.

The invention is based on a Darge in the drawing presented embodiment explained in more detail. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication and monitoring system,

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a mobile computing device,

Fig. 3 is a circuit diagram of the components of the device,

Fig. 4 is a circuit diagram for the construction of an assembly according to Fig. 3 and

Fig. 5 is a screen display of the mobile Rechenein direction or a central computer and

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a mobile transmitting and receiving unit.

Fig. 1 shows the individual to a communication and monitoring system 1 combined devices. In an individual, the communication and monitoring system 1 comprises a central computer 2 , a mobile computer unit 3 and transmitting and receiving units 4 to be carried by the persons to be monitored. All devices of the communication and monitoring system 1 are in signal connection with one another. The connections between the individual devices 2 , 3 and 4 can be made by a radio network, as the embodiment shows example. The communication and monitoring system 1 can also be operated with ultra-short wave (VHS), the existing telephone network, the existing mobile radio networks, such as D1, D2 or E networks, or other wireless networks.

The central computer 2 is a conventional computer with sufficient storage space and a multi-tasking processor. The central computer 2 is operated via a touch screen screen 5 , a mouse 6 and / or a keyboard 7 . The central computer is equipped with a radio modem, not shown. Further interfaces for serial data transmission, for the telephone connection and for satellite communication are available. A printer can also be connected to the central computer 2 . There is also a headset and headset connected to the central computer 2 . An additional freely configurable interface can be used, for example, to connect to database-oriented information systems.

A digitized map of a surveillance area is stored within the central computer 2 . This digitized map can be visualized, for example, in window technology on the screen 5 . Individual sections of this map can be shown enlarged. In addition, the central computer 2 has interfaces, not shown in the drawing, for receiving and transmitting signals, data and / or information from the associated other devices 3 , 4 of the communication and monitoring system 1 . In particular, the central computer 2 is provided with a position detection device in the form of a program module which identifies the respective device on the basis of the identification signals emitted by the devices and determines its location. The current whereabouts of all the devices 3 , 4 assigned to the central computer 2 can be displayed on the screen 5 in an overview.

In the central computer 2 , all personal data of the monitored persons are additionally stored and can be called up.

The central computer 2 is operated by an operator who can contact the operating personnel of the mobile computing devices 3 or the monitored persons at any time via native and / or external communication devices. For this purpose, the computing devices 3 and the transmitting and receiving units 4 are connected to an additional communication device 10 , 10 'suitable for voice transmission, which is designed in the manner of a mobile telephone. The operator, operating personnel and supervised person can establish voice communication via these devices.

The mobile computing device 3 according to FIG. 2 is carried in an ambulance for example. The computer device 3 can be temporarily or permanently installed in a vehicle for this purpose. It can be operated for several hours independently of the mains and also has a low-voltage charge socket. This device is also equipped with interfaces for radio, satellite communication, telephone, serial data transmission, printer connection and PCMCIA. A radio modem is also available. The computing device 3 is a notebook 11 , which is accommodated in a stable, portable case 12 and is equipped with a global positioning system (GPS) antenna 13 for transmitting an identification signal. The identification signal contains location information and an individual device identifier. The Global Positioning System is a satellite-based navigation system.

The notebook 11 is provided with a multicolored LCD display 14 and a keypad 15 as an input element. The keypad 15 can be protected from dust by a transparent support film. To facilitate operation and improved menu navigation, the keypad 15 is provided with a number of specially assigned and labeled function keys.

The case 12 is provided with a circumferential dust seal 16 made of foam, which also fulfills shock absorption functions. In a box 17 , which is arranged in the direction of view behind the notebook 11 in the case 12 , an interface 30 and two batteries 31 are accommodated. To operate the notebook 11 , a rollerball 20 and further function keys 21 are arranged on an operating console 22 in the viewing direction next to the note book 11 . On the control panel 22 , a rotary switch 23 for the channel selection of the communication device 10 is also arranged. A loudspeaker 24 is located in the direction of view towards the rotary switch 23 .

On the lid 25 of the case 12 , the GPS antenna 13 is closed. In addition, a digita ler compass 28 is attached to the lid 25 , which is removable but connected to the notebook 11 via cable. The pluggable GPS antenna 13 is connected to a receiving part 27 of the satellite navigation system (GPS). An accessory pocket 26 is also arranged inside the cover 25 .

The described parts of the mobile computing device 3 are interconnected according to FIG. 3. The GPS antenna 13 is connected via the receiver 27 to an interface adapter 30 , to which the digital compass 28 is also connected. An interruption-free power supply of the notebook 11 is secured by the batteries 31 , which are connected to a supply control 32 . The interface adapter 30 and the supply control 32 are connected to the computer unit 33 of the notebook 11 . In addition, the rollerball 20 is connected to the computer unit 33 . For communication with the operator, the microphone-headphone combinations 34 and 35 and the radio devices 36 and 37 are provided, which work either by means of HF or VHF radio. The radios 36 and 37 are each connected via a terminal node controller 41 , 42 to an on-board distributor 43 which is connected directly to the loudspeaker 24 .

A precise circuit diagram of a terminal node controller (TNC) 40 or 41 is shown in FIG. 4. The TNC 40 , 41 are each connected to the interface adapter 30 of the computing unit 33 . A radio 36 or 37 is connected to the TNC 40 , 41 . In addition, the TNC 40 , 41 with a microphone 43 one of the ver in the microphone-headphone combinations 34 or 35 connected. Furthermore, the loudspeaker 24 and a push-to-talk (PTT) key switch 44 are each connected to the TNC 40 , 41 . The TNC 40 , 41 each further includes a microprocessor 45 for recognizing voice and data signals, a selector switch 46 and an interruption switch 47 , a low-frequency (NF) amplifier 50 , a modem 51 , a microcontroller 52 , a memory 53 and a serial input / output module (SIO) 54 . The modem 51 is connected via a bi-directional bus 55 to the microcontroller 52 , the memory 53 , which can be an EPROM, for example, and via the SIO module 54 to the interface adapter 30 , which is in the form of a serial RS-232 standard or a V-24 interface can be implemented. An output of the radio 36 , 37 is on the one hand directly connected to the modem 52 and via a limiter amplifier module 56 to the microprocessor 45 . In addition, it is connected on the other hand via the interruption switch 47 to the AF amplifier 50 and the speaker 24 . An input of the radio device 36 or 37 can be connected via the selector switch 46 either to the modem 51 or to the microphone 43 . In addition, the PTT key switch 44 is connected to the microprocessor 45 , an output of the microprocessor 45 leading to a further input of the radio 36 or 37 . The selector switch 46 and the interruption switch 47 are each connected to the microprocessor 45 via a control line 57 and 60, respectively. The terminal node controller 40 or 41 can be operated as follows:

For sending voice, a user presses the PTT button switch of the device 44 to a control signal to the microprocessor 45 output, which indicates to the micropro cessor 45 that speech should be transmitted. This outputs a switching signal from data transmission to voice transmission to the selector switch 46 via the first control line 57 so that it switches the microphone 43 to the first input of the radio 36 or 37 . In addition, a second input of the radio 36 or 37 is given a control signal by the microprocessor 45 to turn on the voice transmitter of the radio 36 or 37 . As long as the PTT switch 44 is pressed, the microphone 43 remains connected to the radio 36 , 37 via the switch 46 and voice signals can be transmitted by the microphone 43 . As soon as the user of the device releases the key switch 44 , the selector switch 46 , controlled by the microprocessor 45 , returns to the position shown in FIG. 4 and thus interrupts the connection from the microphone 43 to the radio 36 , 37 , so that no more speech signals can be transferred.

Sending data is always possible when no voice signals are to be transmitted. This is the case when the PTT switch 44 is not pressed and the microprocessor 45 does not output a changeover signal to the selector switch 46 via the control line 57 . In this case, the modem 51 is connected to the first input of the radio device 36 , 37 and the transmitter of the radio device 36 , 37 is set to transmit data signals.

In the memory 53 , an HDLC transmission protocol or another suitable control method for data transmission is stored, which ensures data security, that is, the completeness and correctness of the data of the information to be transmitted. The micro-controller 52 controls the transfer of information from the computer unit 33 via the interface adapter 30 and the SIO device 54 advises 36 to the modem 51 and the Funkge, 37 and from the transceiver 36, 37 via the modem 51, the SIO device 54 and the interface 30 to the computing unit 33 . A CRC code enables secure data transmission even with noisy radio channels, which is guaranteed by multiple transmission of the data packets until acknowledgment by the remote station. However, other test methods can also be used to check the registered information.

The data to be sent are modulated in the modem 51 in such a way that they can be transmitted via the NF channel of the radio 36 , 37 . To reproduce the logic states "1" and "0" for the individual bits, a switch is made between two frequencies, for example 1200 Hz for "0" and 2200 Hz for "1". The data streams or data packets thus modulated can be output to the radio 36 , 37 until the user of the device interrupts the data transmission via the PTT key switch 44 and the selector switch 46 is switched over in order to transmit voice signals.

When receiving voice signals or data signals, the TNC 40 or 41 must first recognize which type of signal it is. For this purpose, the received signal is fed via the limiter amplifier module 56 to the microprocessor 45 , which analyzes the received signal.

If it is a voice signal, this can be recognized by an irregular sequence of different signal frequencies. In this case, the micropro are sor 45 via the second control line 60 a control signal to the interrupt switch 47, so that the switch 47 is closed and a connection rule Zvi made the output of the radio apparatus and the loudspeaker cher 24 via the AF amplifier 50 is. The received speech can then be reproduced via the loudspeaker 24 .

If, on the other hand, the radio 36 or 37 receives a signal and forwards it to the microprocessor 45 , which for a certain period has only the defined frequencies for logic "0" or for logic "1" or a regularly changing sequence of these two frequencies, the microprocessor recognizes that a data signal has been received and outputs a blanking control signal via the second control line 60 to the interruption switch 47 to open this switch and to interrupt the connection between the radio 36 or 37 and the loudspeaker 24 . The output of the radio 36 or 37 is then connected directly to the modem 51 for receiving data signals.

The interruption of the connection between radio 36 or 37 and loudspeaker 24 is particularly useful when receiving data signals because the received data frequencies for "0" and "1" are identical in their loudness amplitude with voice signals. Otherwise the amplification and output of these signals via the loudspeaker 24 could be very uncomfortable for the user of the device. Therefore, the TNC 40 or 41 , as described, was designed so that the disturbing tones of the data radio are automatically blanked out on the receiver side. Special algorithms monitor the regularity of the successive frequencies, so that speech syllables in this frequency range are not blanked out.

Since at a data rate of 1200 bits / sec. and a lower modulation frequency of, for example, 1200 Hz for certain data packets, only one signal period is available for the evaluation of one bit of the data packet at a time, the sound evaluation for such cases cannot be carried out with conventionally simple means, but instead takes place with the aid of a microprocessor 45 . Has the microprocessor 45 at a certain number of consecutive periods recognized that only the frequencies corresponding to the data signals are received, then the frequencies are blanked out, that is, the sound signals are not output through the speaker 24 , but transmitted to the modem 51 . The modem 51 demodulates the received frequencies and passes the received information on the bidirectional bus 55 to the microcontroller 52 for evaluation and further transmission via the interface 30 to the computer unit 33 .

Because the radio always has priority over the transmission of data must be according to those described above Criteria using special algorithms posed that receiving and sending data via the radio is only possible if the radio channel is not is occupied by voice signals.

The mobile computing device 3 described in the above description and the drawings essentially corresponds to a portable electronic device for orientation and communication according to the European patent application EP 0 613 092. This document is hereby expressly included in the disclosure content of the present description.

In addition, the computer device 3 is equipped with software similar to the central computer 2 , which allows a stored digitized map to be displayed on a screen 5 ′ of the computer device 3 . The required software is described in detail in the article "a convincing concept" by S. Birkeneder, W. Hedwig and KH Wiemer in the magazine "Wehrtech nik", Issue 8, 1993, pages 1 to 7. FIG. 5 shows a screen display as it appears both on the screen 5 of the computer 2 and on the screen 5 'of the mobile computing device 3 in the event of an emergency or need. The screen display 5 'comprises the representation of a digital map 61 and several toolbars 62 . A blinking or arrow symbol 63 is used to indicate the location and any necessary measures or other information in the event of an emergency or need. The computer device 3 works with a program module for detecting and evaluating the identification signals transmitted by the transmitting and receiving units 4 , which also each contain an individual device identifier and location information. Based on this software, the location of the transmitting and receiving unit 4 to be monitored can be determined and evaluated on the screen 5 '.

By means of a further program module, the shortest or fastest route from the computer device 3 to a specific selectable transmitting and receiving unit 4 is additionally displayed on the screen 5 '. With the aid of an additional receiving device of the computer device 3 , an additional position signal of the transmitting and receiving units 4 can be received, which the transmitting and receiving unit 4 emits with a range of a few hundred meters. This additional position signal makes it easier to find a person under surveillance within the said close range around the respective transmitting and receiving unit 4 . The first position signal is therefore used for a "rough search" in order to get into this close range. A "fine search" is then carried out within the near range with the aiming of the additional position signal. The overall search is facilitated by the electronic compass 28 of the device 3 .

The transmitting and receiving units 4 , as shown in Fig. 6, each consist essentially of a communication device 10 ', which is equipped with some special controls and some hard-wired functions. The communication device 10 'is also connected to a portable device 70 , which also has a pluggable GPS antenna 13 '. The data received by the GPS antenna 13 'are processed as in the computing device 3 . The portable device 70 is seen with a hands-free device 71 , an emergency call button 72 and a signal reproducing device 73 .

The function of the mobile transmitting and receiving unit 4 is described below.

Periodically, a characteristic signal is automatically sent out, which contains a device identifier individualizing the respective transmitting and receiving unit 4 and location information about the respective location of this transmitting and receiving unit 4 . In addition, each transmitting and receiving unit 4 receives a test signal from the central computer 2 at periodic intervals, which can be perceived acoustically or optically by the person being monitored. For example, the signal reproduction device 73 can emit a beep signal. This signal must be answered with an acknowledgment signal within a defined period of time if an alarm message is not to be sent to the central computer 2 . The acknowledgment signal is triggered by pressing a button on the communication device 10 'and transmitted to the central computer 2 .

If the predefinable time limit for issuing the acknowledgment signal is exceeded, an alarm message is triggered in central computer 2 . The operator subsequently informs the ambulance crew, who then uses the computer device 3 to visit the transmitting and receiving unit 4 responsible for the alarm.

If there is no acknowledgment signal, contact can be made directly with the person being monitored via the communication device 10 '. The person being monitored can also answer via the hands-free device 71 . In the event that this contact also fails, the ambulance crew will be informed as described above.

The transmitting and receiving unit 4 is provided with a microphone amplifier for amplifying the transmission of an additional position signal. If necessary, the monitored person can additionally be provided with a body sensor which also continuously transmits measured values to the central computer 2 . As soon as a permissible range for the measurement parameters monitored by the body sensor is left, an alarm is also triggered at the central computer 2 , which is then treated by the operator analogously to an unacknowledged test signal.

The position and monitoring system 1 described can be used immediately within the framework of existing support services and at the same time significantly improve the medical monitoring of affected persons. Above all, the described communication and monitoring system 1 works without any restriction of the mobility of the monitored persons. Rather, the monitored persons can move independently and without fear of remaining undetected in an emergency situation within the area monitored by the communication and monitoring system 1 without any restrictions. The monitored persons only have to carry one transmitting and receiving unit 4 with them.

Reference list

1

Communication and monitoring system

2nd

Central computer

3rd

Computer equipment

4

Sending and receiving unit

5

,

5

'Screen

6

mouse

7

keyboard

8th

-

9

-

10th

Communication device

11

Notebook

12th

suitcase

13

CPS antenna

14

LCD display

15

Keypad

16

Dust seal

17th

box

18th

-

19th

-

20th

Rollerball

21

further function keys

22

Control panel

23

Rotary switch

24th

speaker

25th

cover

26

Accessory button

27

Receiving part

28

digital compass

29

-

30th

Interface adapter

31

Accumulators

32

Supply control

33

Computing unit

34

Microphone-headphone combination

35

Microphone-headphone combination

36

HF radio

37

VHF radio

38

-

39

-

40

,

41

Terminal node controller

42

On-board telephone distributor

43

microphone

44

PTT switch

45

Microprocessors

46

Selector switch

47

Circuit breaker

48

-

49

-

50

LF amplifier

51

modem

52

Microcontroller

53

Storage

54

SIO block

55

bidirectional bus

56

Limiter-distributor module

57

first control line

58

-

59

-

60

second control line

61

Map display

62

Toolbar

63

Flashing icon

64

-

65

-

66

-

67

-

68

-

69

-

70

portable device

71

Speakerphone

72

Emergency button

73

Signal playback device

Claims (12)

1. Communication and monitoring system for monitoring a selected group of people, in particular for sick, old and / or disabled people, with several mobile transmitting and receiving units ( 4 ), each with an individual, information about the current location and a device identifier send out the identification signal, and with a central computer, which is connected to a position detection device for determining the current location of the respective transmitting and receiving unit ( 4 ), characterized in that a plurality of mobile computer units ( 3 ), each having an individual, information about ort the current state and a device identifier containing identification signal from send communicate with the central computer (2) and the transmitting and receiving units (4) in direct or indirect data exchange and in that the transmitting and Empfangsein units (4) each with an operating element for dispensing an acknowledgment signal to answer a Provide the test signal to the central computer and can be connected to a communication device which is suitable for voice transmission. 2. Communication and monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that within the central computer ( 2 ) a digitized map of a determinable surveillance area and within the computer devices ( 3 ) each at least a section of this map is stored abge. 3. Communication and monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the computing devices ( 3 ) and transmitting and receiving units ( 4 ) for emitting the identification signal with a global positioning system (GPS) antenna ( 13 ) are provided. 4. Communication and monitoring system according to claim 3, characterized in that the central computer ( 2 ) and / or the computer devices ( 3 ) each with a display device ( 5 , 5 ') for the digitized country map and / or the current position of the Computer equipment ( 3 ) and / or transmitting and receiving units ( 4 ) is and / or are. 5. Communication and monitoring system according to claim 4, characterized in that the computer device ( 3 ) determines the fastest and / or shortest path from the computer device ( 3 ) to a selectable transmitting and receiving unit ( 4 ) and displays it. 6. Communication and monitoring system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that as mobile computing devices ( 3 ) notebooks ( 11 ) are provided. 7. Communication and monitoring system according to claim 3, characterized in that the transmitting and receiving unit ( 4 ) is provided with an emergency call device ( 72 ), the actuation of the emergency call device activating the transmission of an additional position signal. 8. Communication and monitoring system according to claim 7, characterized in that the emergency call device ( 72 ) is connected to a time monitor such that when a predetermined time is exceeded or missed to deliver the acknowledgment signal to the central computer ( 2 ) an alarm message is triggered. 9. Communication and monitoring system according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the transmitting and receiving unit ( 4 ) is equipped with a microphone amplifier for amplifying the additional position signal, which is in a close range around the respective transmitting and receiving unit ( 4 ) can be received around. 10. A method for monitoring a selected group of people, in particular sick, old and / or disabled people, in which a communication and monitoring system ( 1 ) with a central computer ( 2 ), several mobile computer devices ( 3 ) and several mobile transmitters and receiving units ( 4 ) which are in data exchange with one another are used in such a way

• - That the central computer ( 2 ) determines the current location of the assigned transmitting and receiving units ( 4 ) by means of a position detection device,
• - That the central computer ( 2 ) sends a test signal at definable time intervals,
• - That the central computer ( 2 ) then either receives an acknowledgment signal actively triggered by the monitored person by means of the transmitting and receiving unit ( 4 ) or triggers an alarm message,
• - That the central computer ( 2 ) in the event of an alarm message informs the operating personnel of the mobile computer equipment ( 3 ),
• - And that then by means of a position detection device of the computer device ( 3 ) the location of the transmitting and receiving unit in question ( 4 ) is determined and, if necessary, the user thereof is sought out.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that in the event of an alarm, the computer device ( 3 ) displays the fastest and / or shortest path to the respective location of the transmitting and receiving unit causing the alarm message ( 4 ). 12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that by means of a first position signal emitted by the transmitting and receiving unit ( 4 ), a near area around which the alarming transmitting and receiving unit ( 4 ) is located is found and then by means of one of the relevant transmitting and receiving unit (4) is additionally radiated from the position signal transmitter and Empfangsein unit (4) is found within that neighborhood.