EP1676430A1 - Dispositif a fonctions multiples pour personnes agees ou malades vivant seules, utile comme dispositif de sauvetage, antivol et de surveillance de soins - Google Patents

Dispositif a fonctions multiples pour personnes agees ou malades vivant seules, utile comme dispositif de sauvetage, antivol et de surveillance de soins

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Publication number
EP1676430A1
EP1676430A1 EP04769428A EP04769428A EP1676430A1 EP 1676430 A1 EP1676430 A1 EP 1676430A1 EP 04769428 A EP04769428 A EP 04769428A EP 04769428 A EP04769428 A EP 04769428A EP 1676430 A1 EP1676430 A1 EP 1676430A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
subject
sensor
module
conditions
sensors
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP04769428A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Sauro Bianchelli
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from ITAN20030048 external-priority patent/ITAN20030048A1/it
Priority claimed from ITAN20030049 external-priority patent/ITAN20030049A1/it
Priority claimed from ITAN20040001 external-priority patent/ITAN20040001A1/it
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1676430A1 publication Critical patent/EP1676430A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M11/00—Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems
    • H04M11/04—Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems with alarm systems, e.g. fire, police or burglar alarm systems
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/0002—Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/103—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/11—Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor, mobility of a limb
    • A61B5/1116—Determining posture transitions
    • A61B5/1117—Fall detection
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6887—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient mounted on external non-worn devices, e.g. non-medical devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72403—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
    • H04M1/72418—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality for supporting emergency services
    • H04M1/72421—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality for supporting emergency services with automatic activation of emergency service functions, e.g. upon sensing an alarm
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72403—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
    • H04M1/72418—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality for supporting emergency services
    • H04M1/72424—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality for supporting emergency services with manual activation of emergency-service functions
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2250/00—Details of telephonic subscriber devices
    • H04M2250/12—Details of telephonic subscriber devices including a sensor for measuring a physical value, e.g. temperature or motion

Definitions

  • the device of the present invention aims at: - periodically and automatically controlling the health and the mental and physical conditions of elderly and/or ill subjects living alone at their home (either permanently or for a few hours a day) or on other premises (such as, for example, offices, centres for the elderly, warehouses, night guards, etc.), automatically requiring the sending of any help in the case of actual need; - automatically controlling the safety and liveability of the place of living of such subjects, also comprising anti- theft/anti-intrusion checks; controlling the correct behaviour of any assistant and/or carer living, either permanently or for a few hours a day, with the monitored subject.
  • the various devices currently available on the market are completely unable to achieve the multiple results obtained by the device of the present invention; for example, they are completely unable to periodically control, in an automatic mode and with different modes, the mental and physical condi- tions of the subject to be kept under surveillance and the level of safety and liveability of the place of living of such subjects (home or else) .
  • the main and innovative philosophy of operation of the present device is the following: when the (elderly or ill) subject to be surveilled is alone (for a few hours a day or permanently) at home (or in another surveilled location) and is not in bed, the device will operate as a «multi-function life-saving device», whereas when he or she is out of their home or in bed and with noone else at home (during night-time hours and, if provided, in the afternoon, too) the device will operate as an «anti-intrusion/anti-theft device», automatically switching from operation as a «life-saving device» to that as an «anti-theft device» and viceversa with no man- ual intervention by said subject (when he or she is at home) .
  • the device will be capable of verifying also the correct behaviour of said individuals (during working hours thereof of or during the time they are required to provide assistance to said elderly or ill subject) .
  • the device When the device operates as a «life-saving device» it adopts the following operation mode: - in the case that a subject feels unwell, he or she will have to do nothing (also because they would probably be unable to do anything) , whereas when they are in good health, they will have to prove it (during daytime hours) by following the indications provided by the device on each occasion; if they are unable to perform some extremely simple opera- tions, it means that they are unable to live on their own at home, for their safety and for that of the whole neighbourhood.
  • fig. 1 shows a general diagram of the apparatus according to the invention, consisting of all of the modules A, B, C, D, E which process and transmit information
  • fig- 2 shows the diagram of module A of the apparatus according to the invention
  • fig. 3 shows the diagram of the central module B of the apparatus according to the invention
  • fig. 4 shows the diagram of the module C of the apparatus according to the invention
  • fig. 5 shows the diagram of the module D of the apparatus according to the invention fig.
  • the device of the present invention consists of a central data processing module (module B - fig- ure 3 -) and of four other peripheric modules, generally connected thereto by means of radio controls (radio-frequency signals) or, at least partly, by means of cable connections: - module A: worn on the wrist of the subject to be surveilled or placed on a piece of home furniture (figure 2) ; - module B: preferably installed near the home telephone in order to use both the telephone socket and power from the power supply network (figure 3) ; - module C: partly installed on the home front door (figure 4) and partly in other areas of the home (for example in the corridor) ; - module D : installed in the bedroom of the subject to be surveilled (figure 5) , in particular in the mattress or underneath the bedside rug;
  • modules communicate with each other by means of multi-channel radio controls, for example in the European frequency of 433,92 MHz (or any other allowed one) and will be powered by internal batteries (preferably rechargeable, long-life lithium, or else mini-batteries) ; module B will in any case be always connected to the power supply network, which will allow permanent operation thereof (i.e. it will always be on and provided with buffer batteries, which will provide for the device to be powered also in case of power cuts of the supply network, with suitable battery life) . It will be possible to connect also modules C, D and E, by means of suitable extension cables and a transformer, to the near- est socket of the power supply network.
  • modules C, D and E by means of suitable extension cables and a transformer, to the near- est socket of the power supply network.
  • Module A instead, requiring to be worn on the subject, can be equipped with standard long-life or rechargeable batteries (in that case they will be plugged in the power supply network, for recharge, during the time when module A is not worn on the wrist) .
  • Mod- ule E will make use of the power of module B in the case that it is connected thereto by cable.
  • the invention hence relates to a universal device, easily installable and normally devoid of special connections between the various modules, therefore usable in any type of home (or other location) . Subjects will also be able to use the device who, although not elderly, need to be surveilled and assisted in case of difficulty (both at home and in other predetermined locations) .
  • the device will perform peri- odic, automatic daily checks on the mental and physical health conditions of the subject and/or the place to be surveilled: only in this way will the extremely severe problems be managed and reduced which, every year, increase ever more the number of people «died in solitude».
  • the device When the device, due to obvious and natural reasons, is no longer used to surveille elderly and/or ill subjects, instead of being discarded, it can be converted for the following uses : - as a normal anti-theft/anti-intrusion alarm (for the home, the office, etc.) ; - to verify the presence in the home of teen-age children and/or domestic help, without the need of phoning repeatedly to be sure thereof (and with the hope of finding the home telephone line not deliberately engaged) ; - to verify the presence of employees on the work premises, without the need of phoning repeatedly to be sure thereof .
  • module A (figure 2) The part of the device indicated as “module A” will nor- mally be incorporated in a wristband worn on the wrist of the elderly and/or ill subject to be surveilled (only when the subject leaves the home or is in the shower, or sleeps, or similar, will module A be provisionally placed on a piece of furniture or on a table) and will be used to detect the fol- lowing information (to be sent later, via radiofrequency signals, to central processing module B) : - abnormal values of blood pressure and/or pulse frequency, abnormal values of body temperature, very low physical activity, responsiveness and mental/physical skills, pos- sible falls, excessive or abnormal conditions of inactivity/inertia (i.e.
  • Module A consists of the elements indicated in the points from a) to i) here below: a) Controller of module A: with the task of controlling and managing any transmission of radio signals (to be sent to module B, for example on 7 channels) , corresponding to the data from the various control sensors and apparatuses whereto it is connected, as better described in the following. Should an apparatus, corresponding to a precise transmission channel, become alarmed, the controller will send to the transmitter module the "send signal" command, which will be received by module B as better detailed in the following) .
  • Multi-channel transmitter there will be radio transmission of one or more coded signals (for example in the frequency of 433,92 MHz), in the corresponding transmission channel, only when one or more sensors (of module A) have alarmed the control- ler.
  • the meaning of the signals transmitted in the various channels is the following: - signal transmission over channel no. 1: it corresponds to the circumstance of «buzzer still on after a preset wait- ing time» (see point c) here below) ; - transmission of signals over channel no. 2: it corresponds to the circumstance of «abnormal blood pressure values and/or heartbeat of the monitored subject» (too low or too high values - see point d) here below) ; - transmission of signals over channel no.
  • the transmitted signals will then be received by the receiver module, for example a 16-channel one, associated with central module B (for example near the home telephone) , which will then manage them in ways specified here below.
  • the receiver module for example a 16-channel one, associated with central module B (for example near the home telephone) , which will then manage them in ways specified here below.
  • the range of the transmitted signals will be deliberately limited to the home range only, in order to better distinguish the case where the subject left the home with the wristband of module A still on the wrist (due to forgetfulness - hence, com- pletely in order, the subject is well) ; as a matter of fact, in the case where module A is at a distance from the home, module B will be unable to receive the signals transmitted by module A, which module B will hence consider the situation in order, thereby avoiding possible false alarms.
  • This buzzer operates according to l the following operation mechanism: upon activation of a (blinking and/or beeping) buzzer, the monitored subject is required to "respond” by pushing a stopping "button" within a certain time frame; if that does not occur, the elderly subject may be feeling unwell and an alarm must therefore be triggered.
  • the buzzer (with an intermittent or J itonal sound) is activated by the controller of module A following a command received from the controller of module B (refer to signalling of abnormal conditions at points from e) to i) , or at preset intervals (for example every hour, every 2 hours or as else programmed by the user) and will remain switched on (uninterruptedly or with alternating on/off phases, also preset by the user), up until manual switch-off thereof.
  • Switch-off is effected through a simple button, whicli must be pushed by the monitored subject (or possibly by their carer); conversely, it will turn off automatically.
  • Module for «blood pressure detection» a module known per se incorporated in an anatomic wristband worn on the wrist will be used for the detection of the pulse frequency and of the blood pressure (systole and diastole) .
  • the controller of module A will be alarmed, which will send a corresponding signal over channel no. 2 to the receiver of module B.
  • the controller of module B after any other controls verifying blood pressure, will launch at once "control" phone calls, reducing the time of a possible rescue of the elderly and/or ill subject, i.e.
  • Receiver for example a single-channel one: it is capable of receiving, from the transmitter of module B, a coded signal only when the controller of module B wants to activate the sound buzzer in module A, to carry out the "periodic" check of the health conditions of the subject to monitor (as described in relation to the oper-ation of module B) .
  • Module for the «detection of the tension values of the power battery» the controller of module A will also manage the conditions of its power battery so as to send to module B signals over channel no. 5, if the battery begins to dis- charge (for example when the tension at the ends thereof is for example 20-30% of its highest charge value) .
  • the device will be able not only to monitor the battery conditions (which is an essential factor for the correct functioning of the entire device) but, by launching an "informa- tion" phone call to relatives, neighbours or carers, it will be able also to solicit their intervention in replacing the battery, will provide the opportunity for a "visit" to the elderly subject and to verify in subject their health conditions .
  • g) «Impact/fall» sensor it has the function of detecting any falls of the monitored subject, both in case of accidental fall and in case of fainting. It is based on the use of an impact sensor inserted in the wristband worn on the wrist: such a sensor may consist of a small piezo-electric disc (or capsule) , which is capable of emitting sounds when an acoustic frequency is applied to the ends thereof, or, conversely, if it is made to vibrate (due to a fall) , it will be possible to detect a low-frequency signal at the ends thereof.
  • the electric signal, generated by im.pa.ct vibrations, detected at the ends of the disc, will then be suitably amplified, processed and later sent to the controller of module A, for the relative processing as a "fall alarrm” .
  • Such detection of an «impact/fall» can occur only if module A is correctly worn on the wrist (hence with the indica- tion of a pressure value other tlxan zero and no sending of signals over channel no. 3) .
  • the transmitter inserted in module A will send a signal to module B over channel no.
  • “Inertia/inactivity” sensors They have the function of occasionally or cyclically detecting a possible condition of inertia, of excessive inactivity of the subject (i.e. lack or near lack of body movements) , verifying their arm movements, both horizontally and vertically.
  • a suitable sensor may be for example a mercury switch or rocker switch incorpo- rated in the band of module A worn on the wrist. Such switch must be capable of opening or closing an electric contact at any noticeable arm movement; the "continuous" opening and closing of such electric contact will indicate to the device that the monitored subject has at least a minimal physical activity (at least in the arm) .
  • the controller of module B will send to module A the signal to activate the sound buzzer (or voice call) : if the monitored subject does not push the stopping button within very few minutes (for example 1 or 2 minutes, or even less) , thereby showing a certain responsiveness, the controller of module B will at once impart the order to launch various phone calls asking to check and for help.
  • Detection sensor of body temperature it has the function of detecting, occasionally and/or cyclically, the body temperature of the monitored subject. A sensor of the infrared type will be used which will detect the temperature upon mere contact or brushing of the skin of the wrist onto which the wristband of module A is worn.
  • the temperature will be calculated on the basis of the detection thereof on the wrist; once the "skin" temperature has been detected, it will be then necessary to introduce a suitable correction to ob- tain the "body” temperature (based on the features of the sensor and/of the subject's wrist) .
  • Trie part of the device that is preferably installed near the home telephone (to use the connection thereof to the telephone network, as well as to the power supply network) will be used as a central data processing unit, as well as for the following objects: - communicating with the various modules of the device (through reception and transmission of radiofrequency and/or cable signals) , detecting abnormal values of room temperature, the presence/movement of subjects in the home, the dangerous presence of gas, smoke and/or carbon monoxide, the use of various buttons, the automatic launching of phone calls asking for help, the activation of a siren, and more.
  • Module B will consist of the following elements: a) Receiver module, for example a 16-channel one: it will receive, from the transmitters of the other modules A, C, D, and E (refer to their description in trie following) , the signal sequences over the channels 1 to 16.
  • This receiver module will preferably receive radiofrequency signals which are «coded» (to avoid possible interference with any other radio controls present in the same building) ; the working frequency will be for example 433,92 MHz and the transmission power not very great.
  • the signals received over the channels 1 to 16, and then intended for processing for later decisions, will have the following meanings: - receipt by module A of signals over channel no. 1: in case of buzzer still on after a preset waiting time.
  • the corresponding buzzer-stopping button has not been pushed, the monitored subject may be unwell. Therefrom must derive the triggering of an alarm with the forwarding of phone calls asking for help.
  • the activation (in module A) of the buzzer (and hence the corresponding signal to be received by module B) can occur both at preset times and at any time, if the controller of module B receives information, over the other channels, such to give rise to «concern/alarm» .
  • the preset time to switch on the buzzer will be programmed (on the timer/clock of module B) during the initial installation, on the basis of the habits and requirements of the monitored subject: for example, the buzzer may be switched on at 8 am, at 12 am, at 2 PM, at 5 PM, and at 8.30 PM, also considering a possible interval during which the buzzer is switched off in order not to disturb the afternoon nap.
  • - receipt by module A of signals over channel no. 2 in the case of detection of «abnormal» values of blood, pressure and/or pulse frequency of the monitored subject. There must follow the triggering of an alarm with the forwarding of phone calls asking to "check" and/or for help; - receipt by module A of signals over channel no.
  • This signal detecting the movement of subjects in certain conditions will be put in correlation with the "open front door” signal, as better detailed in the following; - receipt by module C of signals over channel no. 10, in the case of other activated sensor for the detection of «presences».
  • This sensor is intended for the detection of movement of subjects in the home, but not near the front door; - receipt by module D of signals over channel no. 11, in the case of detection of at least one activated weight sensor (of the on/off type) of those located under the mattress and pillow of the bed of the monitored subject, and under the bedside rug, with such a "sequence" as to indicate that the subject has got up from bed; - receipt by module D of signals over channel no.
  • 16-channel Transmitter Module with working frequency preferably different from the 16-channel receiver (for example 868,3 MHz) ; it will be used to send to module A the command to switch on the sound buzzer, to send to module E the various "medication taking" commands at a certain preset time (also selecting the corresponding medication to be taken, for example up to a maximum of 15 tablets or similar) , and others .
  • Controller module complete with Real Time Clock (capable of managing all the days of the year, minutes and seconds and of generating periodical interruptions; it will be very useful to determine the various activation times of the sound buzzers, the beginning of checks and the waiting times before making decisions) .
  • the controller will manage the various signal sequences over channels 1 to 16 coming (through the receiver module) from the transmitters of modules A (usually on the subject's wrist), C (on the front door), D (in the bedroom) and E (in the kitchen or directly connected to module B) .
  • the controller of module B will decide whether to launch «warning», or «check», or «help», or «emergency» phone calls, to a certain preset number of phone users, through the dial connected thereto .
  • «warning» or «check», or «help» or «emergency» phone calls to a certain preset number of phone users, through the dial connected thereto .
  • the controller of module B will be able to verify such condition when it no longer receives signals over channel no. 3. Should the controller of module B verify that between a periodic activation of the sound buzzer and the other the four (or more) presence and in-home movement detection sensors have been "often alarmed” - hence demonstrating a certain physical activity of the monitored subject -, it can also decide not to send to module A the command to activate the sound buzzer which must be subsequently silenced in order to ascertain the subject's responsiveness (because certainly superfluous) .
  • Room temperature detection module having the function of detecting the room temperature of the home and, in case of abnormalities (for example a temperature below 16°C or above 30°C) , the controller of module B will impart the order to immediately launch «check» phone calls with «abnormal room temperature alarm» only after having verified, on the one hand, that such abnormality lasts for at least a certain pe- riod of time (for example 30 minutes) and only after having warned, on the other hand, the monitored subject to push the corresponding response button (for example green button located in module B) if he or she wants to cancel the pre-alarm condition.
  • Detecting a high room temperature in the home may be use- ful also to detect, together with a suitable smoke detection sensor, any fires.
  • a suitable type of phone call will be launched to report this circumstance: - it will be a «warning» phone call if the elderly subject did not go and stop the buzzer (i.e. they did not move) in.
  • module B (for example near the telephone) but has nevertheless stopped the buzzer in module A (usually worn on the wrist) ; - or an «alarm» phone call if the elderly subject, within a certain (preset) period of time has not stopped the buzzer in module B nor the buzzer in module A ; - or no phone call, if the elderly subject did not go and stop the buzzer in module B (near the telephone) but stopped the buzzer in module A which is not worn on the wrist (situa- tion reported over channel 'no. 3) since that means that they have in some way moved (they went to silence the buzzer in module A not worn on the wrist) .
  • module B will keep sending daily warning phone calls to children and/or relatives wherein they are (cotnpulsprily) invited (if they want such phone calls to cease) to pay a visit to the subject (and on such occasion they can deactivate the yellow button) .
  • Module for pre-recorded voice messages + loudspeaker to warn the elderly subject about what the device is about to do and to achieve improved interaction and communication between the two (elderly subject and device; for example, it will warn to push the button within a certain number of minutes, or to take the medication, etc.) . Moreover, the subject, knowing that they are being monitored, will feel safer and at peace.
  • «voice» module will further be used to also warn the elderly or ill subject (as well as relatives, neighbours and/or carers, through a phone call) that the battery of the device may be running low.
  • the various interactions or communications (voice messages) between the device and the subject for example «...push the button, otherwise alarm ....
  • Siren inside module B and self-powered: it will acti- vate itself, upon controller command, in case of impossibility to launch phone calls (for example due to malfunctioning of the telephone line, or an incorrectly positioned telephone handset, or engaged line) , or in the (rare) case that nobody has answered the telephone, or in the case of a gas leak or fire (in this way it will be possible to alert neighbours also), or in the case of strangers' intrusion in the home (operation in the anti-theft mode) .
  • Sensors for the detection of the presence in the air of methane gas or Ipg and/or carbon monoxide some sensors will be connected to module B through cables (or radio control) , but installed at a certain height (towards the ceiling) , also to detect the presence in the room of methane gas (or lpg) and/or carbon monoxide (also to avoid possible explosions) ; in case of alarmed sensors, the controller of module B will immediately cut the power supply to the whole home (to ward off any explosions in gas-filled rooms) , through a forced short-circuit (achieved, for example, by closing a relay or a normally open circuit, by forced closure of electric contacts, etc.), and will activate an emergency light (to give some light) inserted in the outer cover thereof and the siren to alert neighbours, too.
  • module B can be reactivated, for example by a relative (i.e. removing the short-circuit) through a small lever to be depressed (or a button to be pushed, for example the green control one, or another) .
  • n) Sensor for the detection of smoke or fire it will be connected to module B through a cable (or radio control) , but installed at a certain height (towards the ceiling) ; in case of detection of smoke and also of an excessively high room temperature (possible fire) , the controller of module B will instruct by voice the elderly subject to leave the home and/or to open the windows, it will activate the siren (to alert the building, too) and will immediately launch the «emergency» and «help» phone calls.
  • the controller - in addition to instructing by voice the subject (to open the windows, etc.) and activating the siren - will first launch the «check» phone calls and then, in case of no reply or rise of the room temperature or unpushed green control button, the «emergency» and «help» phone calls.
  • module B can be reactivated (and hence the alarm of the smoke detection sensor can be deactivated) by- pushing the usual green control button (usual voice message to aid the operation) .
  • Sensor for the detection of «presence» in the vicinity of module B it will be, for example, of the dual technology type, i.e.
  • This type of sensor (there are at least four thereof in the home) is very important for three reasons: the first one because in this way a certain "physical activity" by the monitored subject or of any guests will be detected; in any case the presence of other people in the home will fully reassure from the point of view of the «check» of the subject's health conditions; therefore, if there is movement in the home, it means that everything is in order and in this case the controller of module B (according to the time and to how many movement alarms have occurred between one buzzer activation and the other) may also decide not to activate, because superfluous, the sound buzzer in module A, increasing even further the automatic mechanism of the whole device and reducing to a minimum the number of «manual activities* requested to the monitored subject.
  • Numeric keypad and multi-line display they will be used to enter initial installation data, such as the subject's habitual resting times (at night-time and/or in the afternoon) , the various waiting times, the number, the quantity, the taking times and the end date of any medication course, the secret code for the deactivation of the anti- theft function, and more.
  • Anti-theft radio control of the «dynamic» type (i.e. it changes the secret code at each radio control activation) ; when it receives the "deactivation" signal of the «anti- theft» function, the device will necessarily return to operate in the «life-saving» mode.
  • Module C (figure ) Such module of the device will be used for the following objects: - to detect the open and/or closed condition of the home front door, the presence of people near such door and/or in other areas of the home, any power supply batteries of the module running low.
  • Module C consists of the following components: a) Pair of contacts (magnetic or otherwise) : to be connected in the home front door to detect opening of the same ; they will become alarmed, being no longer in contact with each other, whenever the door is opened (closure of the door will cancel such alarm, since the two magnetic contacts will again be near or in contact with each other and therefore the signal sequences over- channel no. 8 will no longer be transmitted) .
  • This type of «presence/movement* sensor will be very important for two reasons : - the first one because in this way a certain physical activity by the monitored subject or by any guests will be detected (this situation will be better controlled by checking the front door opening) ; in any case the presence of other people in the home will fully reassure from the point of view of the «check» of the subject's health conditions; therefore, if in the home there is movement, Lt means that «everything is in order* and in this case module B (according to the time and to the number of alarms or movements occurred between one activation of the «buzzer» and the other) may also decide not to activate, because superfluous, t e sound buzzer in module A, increasing even further the automatic mechanism of the entire device and reducing to a miniir m the number of «manual activities* requested to the monitored subject.
  • the corresponding coded signal will be sent to module B over channel no. 8 only when the two magnetic contacts have become alarmed, i.e.
  • - module B will update, for example in a suitable archive (in an EPROM and/or ram memory) , a speci ic field called, for example, «alarmed door* with a "1" (corresponding to a «yes») or with a "0" (corresponding to a «no») according to the num- ber of times of the opened front door being «odd» or «even»; i.e.
  • module B will update the archive with a "0" to indicate that the door alarm has been «deactivated» . Summing up, when module B receives from module C the first open door signal (over channel no.
  • module B When the usual buzzer (in module A) is activated (at the established time) , should said buzzer not be silenced within the expected period of time, the controller of module B will immediately launch, through the telephone dial, various «check» and/or «help» phone calls: in this case it will be inferred in fact that the monitored subject is certainly at home, despite the recent opening of the door, but has problems - due to a health condition or else (for example theft or burglary) - to push the buzzer-stopping button; - module A not on the wrist of the monitored subject (blood pressure zero) : module B will check this condition together with that of activated open-door alarm (receipt of signals over channels no. 3 and no.
  • module B will begin to "think" that the monitored subject is not at home, but has left, hence the situation should be in order. However, it will equally activate the buzzer (at the established time or immediately after having received the signals over channels no. 3 and no.
  • module B will launch various «check» phone calls to relatives, neighbours and/or any carers ( «help» ones, in this case, will be launched only if nobody has answered the previous phone calls) . It can be provided, during the initial installation, also a case of in- termediate telephone control (only to relatives and/or neighbours) , i.e.
  • Module for the detection of the battery tension values the controller of module C will manage and check also the tension values of the supply battery thereof so as to send signals to module B over channel no. 5, should the battery be running low. By doing so the device will be able to monitor also the condition of the battery of the modules thereof (highly important feature) .
  • module B will be able to easily calculate "how long” (hours or even days) the monitored subject "has not left home”; this check can take place thanks to the pres- ence of the magnetic contacts on the front door and of the various presence sensors located in the home.
  • "warning" phone calls to relatives can be provided to be launched (by module B) and also an increase of the "periodic checks” through the usual buzzer to be silenced.
  • module D (figure 5) Such module of the device will be used for the following objects : - to detect whether the subject is in bed or has got up, and has left his or her room (useful information both for the «life-saving» and for the «anti-the t» mode) .
  • Module D will consist of the following components: a) presence/movement detection sensor installed outside the bedroom: like the other already described sensors, it will be a sensor of the dual technology type (infrared + microwaves) with a wide control and detection range; it will be used to detect whether the monitored subject is entering or leaving the bedroom.
  • bedside rug with weight/pressure sensor (of the on/off type) : it will be used, in combination with the weight sen- sors underneath the mattress and underneath the pillow (see the following point c) ) to detect whether the subject is going to bed or has just got up therefrom.
  • weight/pressure sensors (of the on/off type) located underneath the bed mattress and pillow; these are at least two sensors, for a better check, and will be used to detect whether the subject is «certainly in bed* or not.
  • the sensor under the pillow will be useful also in those not rare cases in which a subject sleeps in a slightly offset, lateral position, which might not continuously activate the weight sensor underneath the mattress; in this case the sensor under the pillow ( «on») and the sensor underneath the bedside rug ( «off» for some time) will show that the subject is still in bed (despite the sensor under the mattress possibly being off) .
  • the following conditions must be verified sequentially: l.a) the presence sensor installed outside the bedroom has become alarmed (on) and has then been deactivated (off) ; 2. a) the weight/pressure sensor placed under the bedside rug has become alarmed (on) and has then been deactivated (off) ; 3.
  • the weight/pressure sensors located under mattress and pillow have become alarmed (on) and have then remained in such condition (on) , at least the pillow; 4. a) no other presence sensor installed in the home from this moment onwards and for at least 10 minutes will have become alarmed (they will hence all have to be off) , since that means at least that there are other people (not strangers) in the home; after said 10 minutes, before automatically activating the «anti-theft* mode (see further on) the device will ask, through a voice message, any non-strangers possibly present in the home, to push (within a few seconds) the green control button placed in module B to avoid activating the anti-theft system; if such button should not be pushed it will mean that in the home there is nobody else (other than the monitored subject, who is, however, already in bed) and the anti-theft device will hence automatically be activated across the entire home (excluding the bedroom) thanks to the four (or more) dual-technology sensors (infrared + microwaves) and to the magnetic
  • weight/pressure sensors under mattress and pillow after having been «on» for a while, they will now deactivate themselves (off) ; 2. a) weight/pressure sensor under bedside rug: after having been «off» for a while, it will activate itself (on) for a few seconds, to then deactivate itself (off) again; 3. a) presence sensor outside the bedroom: if it activates itself (on) it means that the subject has left the room also; 4. a) presence sensors in the home: if they activate themselves (one or more) it means that the subject is «walking about the home* .
  • the device will first verify whether the various «presence/movement» detection sensors scattered around the home have repeatedly become alarmed (thereby at least showing a certain «mobility» of the subject) ; then, in any case, it will activate the usual sound buzzer to be silenced within a few minutes (the buzzer will be activated in advance if the various presence sensors have not become alarmed very often) ; should the buzzer not be switched off and should the sensors under bed and pillow still be off, various check phone calls will instead be launched to children, relatives, etc.
  • a certain time for example 15-20 min- utes
  • Microcontroller which will have to coordinate and manage little information: acquiring the signals (on/off) coming from the presence sensor located outside the bedroom and from multiple weight/pressure sensors (from bed and rug) and ordering the launch, through the transmitter module, of some radiofrequency signals (to the receiver of module B) to signal the occurrence of some events (such as: presence near the bedroom, subject gone to bed or got up from bed and/or having left the room) .
  • module E (figures 6 and 7) Such module of the device will be used for the following objects : - to daily aid, remind, check, the correct taking of any medication.
  • Module E (figure 6) will consist of the following co po- nents: a) a special medication container (for example made of clear material, such as Plexiglas) , divided into various differently-sized and differently-coloured compartments (such as diagram atically shown in figure 7) , to contain any medica- tion to be taken: such container will have installed, for example at the bottom thereof and for each different compartment, both a weight/pressure sensor (a very sensitive one which will activate itself in the presence of weights even of a few grams and which will detect the presence in the com- partment of the corresponding medication, previously placed there) and a luminous indicator (see in fig.
  • a weight/pressure sensor a very sensitive one which will activate itself in the presence of weights even of a few grams and which will detect the presence in the com- partment of the corresponding medication,
  • module B When the time has arrived to take a specific medication, module B will send to module E (by cable or radio) the order to light up intermittently the corresponding compartment (a small sound buzzer will also be activated) in order to better point out to the monitored subject, which medication is to be taken within a few minutes .
  • Each compartment will be associated with a progressive number (1, 2, 3, ...) ; therefore the first medication to be taken will be associated with compartment no. 1 (for example a green-coloured one) , the second medication (different from the first one) with compartment no.
  • the third medication (different from the first and from the second one) will be associated with compartment no. 3 (for example a yellow-coloured one) and so on.
  • compartment no. 3 for example a yellow-coloured one
  • a same medication can be taken repeatedly over the course of the day and in such case (at the established and programmed times) always the same compartment will light up.
  • the compartment will remain lit up until the medication just taken is put back (check performed through the weight/pressure sensor underneath the compartment) , so that it may be ready for a subsequent intake .
  • the possible mistake of putting the medication just taken into a different compartment perhaps an empty one) (signal sent over channel no. 14) or the intake of an incorrect medication (signal over channel no.
  • module E will be connected to module B possibly by ca- ble or through a radiofrequency receiver-transmitter module, in order to "send" to module B signals over channels no.
  • a signal (by cable or in radiofrequency) will be sent (from module B to module E) for example over channel no. 4, which will instruct to light up intermittently compartment no. 4 of the medication container.
  • the compartment will remain lit up until the medication is taken and then put correctly back into the correct compartment; when the weight/pressure sensor of the lit up compartment changes from an initial «on» condition (medication in the compartment) , to an «off» condition (medication taken from the compartment) and then to «on» again (medication put back in its place) , the various LEDs corresponding to such compartment will turn off and the device will set the next medication intake at the programmed time.
  • Microcontroller which will have to coordinate and manage the following information: acquiring the signals coming from module B concerning the "number" of compartment to light up and check, acquiring the signals coming from the weight/pressure sensors present in each compartment, lighting up or turning off various LEDs present in the various compartments, checking the weight variations (on/off) of all the compartments to verify any mistakes and send (to module B) the corresponding alarm signals, in case of incorrect medication intake.
  • - incorrect medication intake the mistake will be detected thanks to the sudden absence of weight of an incorrect (not lit up) compartment where up until a short time before a certain weight was present (detected by its own weight/pressure sensor now in an «off» condition) .
  • module E will send to module B the signal over channel no. 15: module B will immediately warn, through a loudspeaker, not to take the incorrect medication and to take in- stead the medication in the lit up compartment; should this not occur (check whether the weight sensor of the lit up compartment is still «on») , the automatic launch of the usual warning phone calls to relatives and/or carers, etc. will follow.
  • - missed medication intake at an established time the mistake will be detected thanks to the lack of weight absence (persisting even after several minutes) in the correct lit up compartment (condition detected by the always «on» weight/pressure sensor) .
  • module E will send to module B the signal over channel no.
  • module B will immediately instruct by voice message to take at once the medication corresponding to the lit up compartment; should this not occur (check whether the weight sensor of the lit up compartment is still «on») , the automatic launch of the usual warn- ing phone calls to relatives and/or carers, etc. will follow.
  • - mistake in putting back a medication taken the mistake will be detected thanks to the continued absence of weight (still after several minutes from taking the medication from its compartment - check based on the still «off» weight/pressure sensor) in the lit up compartment and, perhaps, even on the presence of weight in a compartment (without associated medication) «empty» up until then.
  • module E will send to module B the signal over channel no.
  • module B will immediately instruct by vocal message to put back the medication in the lit up compartment and not somewhere else; should this not occur after a few minutes (check whether the weight sensor underneath the lit up compartment is still «off») , the automatic launch of the usual warning phone calls to relatives and/or carers will follow.
  • each medication to be taken may be equipped (initially by a relative, carer or similar) with an "adhesive label" (issued with the device) of the "same colour as the compartment" where the medication will be placed. It must be stressed that the correct intake of any medication, i.e.
  • Module C which is always on, will be powered, if possible, by the power supply network or by long-life mini- batteries; the same will occur for the various components of modules D and E.
  • Module A which is always on, will be powered only by long-life or rechargeable mini-batteries, with a «maximum power consumption* only during the (user-programmed) time intervals in which it will have to be active (i.e. when it has to be activated, and then manually turned off, the sound buzzer will have to be activated and checks will have to be carried out on whether module A is worn on the wrist of the monitored subject, and on the measurements of blood pressure and body temperature) .
  • module A will be in a condition of «minimum power consumption* (standby) .
  • the device in its entirety, once installed, will never be switched off but for force majoeure (for example prolonged absence from the home of the monitored subject) ; the "off" switch of the «main» device B will be positioned in a hidden location which is difficult to use (for example underneath the container) .
  • the "off" switch of the «main» device B will be positioned in a hidden location which is difficult to use (for example underneath the container) .
  • module B there will also be a self-diagnosis module (inserted in module B) which will warn by phone (or through a siren in case of a broken-down telephone line) customer care (as well as relatives and/or carers) of any technical troubles.
  • a self-diagnosis module inserted in module B
  • the device in its essential functions, will be fully automatic, i.e. the monitored subject will not have to do anything of their own device to ask for help.
  • the device will activate one or more sound buzzers to be silenced «manually» or when the device has become alarmed or pre-alarmed, and/or at preset time intervals, initially programmed by the user according to the habits and requirements of the monitored subject; for example, they can be activated, according to requirements, within the intervals ranging for example from 7 AM to 2 PM and, if an afternoon nap is taken, from 4 PM to 9 PM; the buzzers will hence not be activated at night-time (i.e. from 9 PM until 7 AM), unless the subject has got up from bed and has returned thereto after a certain period of time, and during the possible afternoon rest (i.e. from 2 PM to 4 PM) .
  • Module A will also and mainly operate at night-time.
  • Module E used for monitoring the correct intake of any medication, will operate in the time intervals which will be pro- grammed on each occasion.
  • Module A usually worn on the wrist of the monitored subject, in order to aid the use of said module contains three important components for verifying the subject's mental/physical conditions: the sound (and light) buzzer with corresponding stopping button (to be pushed within a set period of time in order not to alarm the device) , the blood pressure detection module (with maximum and minimum values, and pulse rate) and the module to detect body temperature, to check in advance the health conditions of the monitored subject.
  • the buzzer in module A will activate it- self, through a radiofrequency activation signal coming from module B, at well-established times, for example at 8 AM, 11 AM, 2 PM, 4.30 PM, 7 PM and 9 PM, and will have a preset duration (for example 10-15 minutes or longer, according to which other alarms will be active) , or will be immediately activated, at any time, as soon as the device should become pre-alarmed about the subject's health conditions.
  • a radiofrequency activation signal coming from module B, at well-established times, for example at 8 AM, 11 AM, 2 PM, 4.30 PM, 7 PM and 9 PM, and will have a preset duration (for example 10-15 minutes or longer, according to which other alarms will be active) , or will be immediately activated, at any time, as soon as the device should become pre-alarmed about the subject's health conditions.
  • the buzzer will be activated frequently (for example every hour or less) in case of advanced age and/or health conditions which are less than reassuring, or occasionally (for example after 3-4 hours) in case of an able and self-su ficient subject.
  • the buzzer (according to what has been decided during the initial installation step) will sound at impulses until the corresponding stopping button is pushed (which will also light up for improved visibility) or it will sound for a certain period of time (for example 10-15 minutes or more) , after which it will cease to ring.
  • the controller of module B upon receiving such signals and information from modules A, C, and D, will order the launch of «warning» phone calls (to relatives, neighbours and/or carers), and in case of a negative response (i.e.
  • the controller of module B will count the number of alarms coming from the presence sensors installed in modules C and D and/or from that installed directly in module B) between two successive buzzer activation occurrences (in module A and/or in module B) , the controller of module B will not activate (because superfluous) the buzzer of module A (i.e. it will not send any buzzer activation signal, even though expected at such time, to the receiver of module A) . In this way the automatic checks of the device will increase even further, without disturbing (not even minimally) the monitored subject.
  • the device for increased safety and control, even though it detected various and continuous movements in the home, at least once/twice a day (for example: once in the morning and once in the afternoon) , will in any case require the subject to turn off (through the suitable button) the buzzer (in module A or in module B) .
  • the buzzer in module A or in module B
  • the main cases of «alarm» will now be listed which may occur on a daily basis.
  • the sound buzzer in module A and/or B is not silenced within a certain preset period of time, in addition to anatomic wristband «not» worn on the wrist, as well as normal room temperature, as well as deactivated open-door alarm: there follows an immediate launch of «check» phone calls (to relatives, neighbours, carers) with identification data and reason; then, if nobody has answered the calls, launch of phone calls to «rescue» services.
  • the sound buzzer in module A and/or B is not silenced within a certain preset period of time, in addition to anatomic wristband worn on the wrist, as well as «abnormal» blood pressure and/or body temperature, as well as normal room temperature, as well as indifferent position (activated or deactivated) of the open-door alarm: there follows an immediate and anticipated launch (over cases a) and b) ) of «help» phone calls with identification data, reason and seriousness of the conditions originating the phone call.
  • the sound buzzer in module A and/or B is not silenced within a certain preset period of time, in addition to anatomic wristband «not» worn on the wrist, as well as «abnormal» room temperature, as well as deactivated open-door alarm: there follows the immediate launch of «check» phone calls (to relatives, neighbours, carers) with identification data, reason and seriousness of the conditions originating the phone call; then, if nobody has answered the phone calls, launch of phone calls to «rescue» services.
  • the sound buzzer in module A and/or B is not silenced within a certain preset period of time, in addition to anatomic wristband worn on the wrist, as well as abnormal room temperature, as well as indifferent position of the open-door alarm: there follows the immediate and anticipated launch (over cases a), b) , d) ) of «check» phone calls (to relatives, neighbours, carers) with identification data, reason and seriousness of the conditions originating the phone call; then, if nobody has answered the phone calls, launch of phone calls to «rescue» services .
  • the sound buzzer in module A and/or B is not silenced within a certain preset period of time, in addition to anatomic wristband worn on the wrist, as well as abnormal blood pressure and/or body temperature, as well as abnormal room temperature, as well as indifferent position of the open-door alarm: there follows that it is a very serious case and hence immediate and anticipated launch (over the other cases) of «help» phone calls with identification data, reason and seriousness of the conditions originating the phone call.
  • the sound buzzer in module A and/or B is not silenced within a certain preset period of time, in addition to anat- omic wristband worn on the wrist, as well as alarmed «im- pact/fall» sensor, as well as indifferent position of the open-door alarm: there follows an immediate and anticipated launch of «rescue» phone calls with identification data, rea- son and seriousness of the conditions originating the phone call .
  • the sound buzzer in module A and/or B is not silenced within a certain preset period of time, in addition to anatomic wristband worn on the wrist, as well as alarmed «iner- tia/inactivity» sensor, as well as indifferent position of the open-door alarm: there follows the immediate and anticipated launch of «help» phone calls with identification data, reason and seriousness of the conditions originating the phone call .
  • the sound buzzer (in module B) is not silenced within a certain preset period of time, in addition to anatomic wristband worn or not on the wrist, as well as alarm due to gas leak, as well as indifferent position of the open-door alarm, as well as indifferent position of the room temperature alarm: there follows a forced short-circuit action to cut the power from the home power supply network with activation of the emergency light (in module B) and successive immediate and anticipated launch of «help» and «emergency» phone calls to the relevant services with identification data, reason and seriousness of the conditions originating the phone call .
  • the sound buzzer (in module B) is not silenced within a certain preset period of time, in addition to anatomic wristband worn or not on the wrist, as well as alarm due to presence of carbon monoxide, as well as indifferent position of the open-door alarm, as well as indifferent position of the room temperature alarm: there follows the immediate and anticipated launch of «help» and «emergency» phone calls to the relevant services, with identification data, reason and seriousness of the conditions originating the phone call and "siren" activation.
  • the sound buzzer (in module B) is not silenced within a certain preset period of time, in addition to anatomic wristband worn or not on the wrist, as well as alarm due to presence of smoke (fire) , as well as indifferent position of the open-door alarm, as well as normal room temperature: there follows the immediate launch of «help» and «emergency» phone calls to the relevant services with identification data, reason and seriousness of the conditions originating the phone call and "siren" activation.
  • the sound buzzer (in module B) is not silenced within a certain preset period of time, in addition to anatomic wristband worn or not on the wrist, as well as alarm due to presence of smoke (fire) , as well as indifferent position of the open-door alarm, as well as abnormal room temperature: there follows a forced short-circuit action to cut the power from the home power supply network with activation of an emergency light (in module B) , siren activation and immediate and anticipated launch of «emergency» and «help» phone calls with identification data, reason and seriousness of the conditions originating the phone call.
  • the sound buzzer in module A and/or B is not silenced within a certain preset period of time, in addition to anatomic wristband worn on the wrist, as well as normal blood pressure and body temperature, as well as normal room tem- perature, as well as activated open-door alarm: there follows the immediate launch of «check» phone calls (to relatives, neighbours and/or carers) with identification data, reason and seriousness of the conditions originating the phone call (explained on the basis of which sensors and components are alarmed) ; then, if nobody has answered the calls, launch of «help» phone calls to the relevant services.
  • the sound buzzer in module A and/or B is not silenced for example by 9 PM, in addition to anatomic wristband not worn on the wrist, as well as normal room temperature, as well as activated open-door alarm: there follows the launch, only after 9 PM, of «check» phone calls (to relatives, neighbours and/or carers with identification data, reason and seriousness of the conditions originating the phone call (explained on the basis of which sensors and components are alarmed) ; then, if nobody has answered the calls, launch of «help» phone calls to the relevant services.
  • the sound buzzer in module A and/or B is not silenced within a certain preset period of time, in addition to anatomic wristband not worn on the wrist, as well as deactivated open-door alarm, as well as subject «not returned to bed* after a certain period of time at night-time: there follows the immediate launch of «check» phone calls (to relatives, neighbours and/or carers) with identification data, reason and seriousness of the conditions originating the phone call (ex- plained on the basis of which sensors and components are alarmed) ; then, if nobody has answered the calls, launch of «help» phone calls to the relevant services.
  • the device will "automatically" deactivate the anti-theft function, in order to allow them to walk about the home undisturbed (and it will simultaneously activate the «life-saving» function) , in order to then reactivate the anti-theft mode (again automatically) once they have returned to bed.
  • the central processing unit of the device (module B) will automatically activate the "anti-theft" function when it receives the following information: a) the subject has left the home and there is nobody else in the home . a.l)
  • Module C will send (to module B) the «opened front door* signals (i.e.
  • module B will check if for a few minutes (for example 5) , there is somebody else in the home, through the data coming from the presence/movement sensors (dual technology, infrared + microwaves) belonging to modules B, C, and D; such sensors, of course, will never have to become alarmed during this check period.
  • the device will further check (for improved safety) whether module A is worn on the subject's wrist (detected values of pulse frequency and/or skin temperature) ; in the affirmative (the range of the signals transmitted from A to B and viceversa being extremely limited) , it will not activate the anti-theft function (because the subject is certainly at home and wearing module A on the wrist) .
  • the device will check whether the subject has gone to bed (at a not abnormal time because, conversely, instead of activating the anti-theft mode, the device will immediately activate the "life-saving" function by triggering the sound buzzer to be silenced within a short time and, in case of alarm, also by launching various help phone calls) , through the detection of data coming from the presence sensor located outside the bedroom (which must certainly have become alarmed previously) , from the weight/pressure sensor located underneath the bedside rug (off, then on and then off again) , and finally from the weight/pressure sensors located underneath mattress and pillow (which will remain on for a long time, at least as long as the pillow sensor) .
  • module B will activate the "anti-theft/anti-intrusion” function; in the following manner: c.l) it will detect any alarm signals coming from the magnetic contacts opening the front door and from the various presence sensors scattered around the home; should even only one of these components become alarmed, it will mean that an intrusion by strangers is occurring.
  • the device will activate the siren issued therewith and will immediately launch various check phone calls to relatives and, in the case that nobody has answered, also to the police.
  • the "deactivation" thereof will occur in one of the following two manners : a) when the subject "re-enters the home”: he or she can deactivate the anti-theft device by pushing the button of a small radio control, usually integrated (for increased con- spicuousness and ease of use) in the bunch of house keys; this small manual activity will be compulsory since it represents the only way to distinguish the entrance in the home of an «authorised» subject from that of a stranger (prowler, thief, burglar, etc.) .
  • the device will indicate to deactivate the anti-theft device also by digiting, on the numeric keypad of module B, a secret deactivation code (for example a 4-digit one) ( various voice es- sages will be provided to make the operation easier) .
  • a secret deactivation code for example a 4-digit one
  • various voice es- sages will be provided to make the operation easier
  • the device will then immediately and automatically deactivate the anti-theft function and from then on the various presence sensors, upon becoming alarmed, will no longer de- tect the presence of strangers (thieves) but only the «walk- ing about the home* of the monitored subject (and/or of other non-strangers) . From that moment the «life-saving» function will be active until the time when (especially at night-time) the subject returns to bed (check of the data coming from the presence sensor outside the bedroom, from the weight/pressure sensor underneath the bedside rug, and from the weight/pressure sensors underneath bed and pillow) : at this point, after having checked that there is nobody else in the home, the device will activate again the «anti-theft/anti- intrusion* function.
  • the usual check routine will be activated to check their health conditions (buzzer to be silenced within a short time, otherwise launch of various phone calls, etc.) .
  • CARER MONITORING mode In the case in which, carers should live permanently or for a few hours a day together with the monitored subject, the device will be able to «automatically» check their behaviour towards the subject needing care.
  • the «carer monitoring* function will be entered through the keyboard (in module B) , by a subject's relative, also defining the time interval to check.
  • module A (during the day and when the subject is at home) will always have to be worn on the wrist of the monitored subject (biometric parameters hence always detected) ; 2) it must never occur that there is a missed or incorrect intake of any prescribed medication (hence no alarm signals ever coming from module E) ; 3) when the subject has gone to bed, the anti-theft alarm must never activate itself automatically, because that would mean that also the carer has gone to bed at once (or even before anybody else) , hence without switching off the usual sound buzzer to "deactivate" the anti-theft device (since there are at least two subjects in the home, sleeping in different rooms) , which will activate itself about 5-10 minutes after the detection of «subject in bed*; 4) during the day, the various «presence» detection sensors must activate themselves often (even two or more thereof simultaneously) , thereby indicating a certain movement about the home on the part of the carer (who should hence not - as is
  • the device In the "life-saving mode” the device will perform checks and "periodic" evaluations and/or “verifications” both on the (elderly and/or ill) subject's mental/physical conditions, and on the degree of safety, protection and liveability of the home (or other location) , and on the correct operation and on the correct use of the device itself. If the subject shows, at least for a few days, to be in "good health” (i.e. mental/physical ableness, responsiveness, mobility, normal pressure and temperature values) , the device will operate in a fully automatic mode (i.e.
  • the device will automatically activate the launch of various types (warning, check, help, emergency) of "phone calls” on the basis of the quantity and seriousness of the negative checks carried out.
  • the device will further automatically understand when to activate the "anti-theft/anti-intrusion” operation mode and when to return to the (main) "life-saving” function. Finally, both during the operation as life-saving device and during that as anti-theft device, it will monitor the correct behav- iour of any carers (if provided and present) .
  • any subject is to be understood who may at any time and/or sud- denly display a critical health condition, due to their age and/or illness and/or disability, or who may, even only temporarily, become unable to check their health and/or look after themselves, and/or to solve any local emergencies, and/or to monitor the behaviour of any carers .
  • environment used in the following claims, the place is to be understood where the subject lives, even temporarily, i.e. their home and/or place of work and/or hospital and/or resort .

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Physiology (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Alarm Systems (AREA)
  • Emergency Alarm Devices (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une méthode et un dispositif de réponse à des conditions d'urgence associées à l'état de santé mentale ou physique d'une personne et/ou aux conditions de l'environnement où vit cette personne, afin de prévenir des mises en danger de la personne ou de la communauté liées à ces conditions. La méthode comprend les étapes suivantes : a) des informations fournies par des capteurs et/ou des appareils qui détectent et règlent les conditions de « l'état de santé mentale ou physique » de la personne et toutes « conditions environnementales critiques » de l'emplacement où vit la personne, ainsi que « le comportement correct de toutes personnes aidant la personne en question » sont recueillies ; b) toutes conditions critiques possibles détectées par ces capteurs et/ou appareils de régulation concernant l'état de santé mentale ou physique de la personne et/ou son environnement sont confirmées ou annulées au moyen d'un dispositif manuel d'actionnement ; c) lorsque les conditions critiques détectées sont confirmées, les informations sont automatiquement transmises à une unité centrale de traitement électronique de données afin de générer un signal codé d'avertissement ; d) la retransmission du signal codé par le réseau téléphonique vers des destinations sélectionnées sur la base du codage du signal est approuvée.
EP04769428A 2003-09-18 2004-09-16 Dispositif a fonctions multiples pour personnes agees ou malades vivant seules, utile comme dispositif de sauvetage, antivol et de surveillance de soins Withdrawn EP1676430A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITAN20030048 ITAN20030048A1 (it) 2003-09-18 2003-09-18 Dispositivo salvavita multifunzione per persone anziane o malate che rimangono da sole in casa
ITAN20030049 ITAN20030049A1 (it) 2003-09-23 2003-09-23 Dispositivo salvavita multifunzione per persone anziane o malate che rimangono sole in casa
ITAN20040001 ITAN20040001A1 (it) 2004-01-08 2004-01-08 Dispositivo multifunzione per persone anziane e/o malate che vivono da sole, con funzionamento in modalita' salvavita, antifurto e controllo badanti
PCT/IB2004/003060 WO2005027488A1 (fr) 2003-09-18 2004-09-16 Dispositif a fonctions multiples pour personnes agees ou malades vivant seules, utile comme dispositif de sauvetage, antivol et de surveillance de soins

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1676430A1 true EP1676430A1 (fr) 2006-07-05

Family

ID=34317147

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04769428A Withdrawn EP1676430A1 (fr) 2003-09-18 2004-09-16 Dispositif a fonctions multiples pour personnes agees ou malades vivant seules, utile comme dispositif de sauvetage, antivol et de surveillance de soins

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1676430A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2005027488A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2918801B1 (fr) * 2007-07-11 2016-02-12 Radiotelephone Sfr Procede et dispositif portable d'alerte autonome en situation de mobilite evolutifs
BRPI0912961B1 (pt) 2008-08-28 2019-11-26 Koninl Philips Electronics Nv sistema de detecção e/ou prevenção de queda, e método de treinamento de uma detecção de queda e/ou algoritmo de prevenção
EP2926326B1 (fr) * 2012-12-03 2018-11-07 Menumat OY Dispositif et procédé pour services de nutrition et de soins
CN105204390B (zh) * 2015-10-15 2018-01-02 成都九十度工业产品设计有限公司 一种用于老人居家的智能控制系统及其方法

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE9318679U1 (de) * 1993-12-07 1994-02-17 Kommunikationstechnik Grottke Notrufsystem
DE4441907A1 (de) * 1993-12-16 1995-06-22 Hewlett Packard Co Patienten-Notfallreaktionssystem
FI2607U1 (fi) * 1996-06-17 1996-09-27 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd Lisäyksikkö, joka on tarkoitettu kytkettäväksi digitaaliseen langattomaan puhelimeen
DE19639492A1 (de) * 1996-09-26 1997-05-15 Sendler Bernd Dipl Wirtschafts Automatisches Hilfe-Aktivierungs-System
DE10009882A1 (de) * 2000-03-01 2001-10-11 Dietmar W Klaudtky Mobiles Telekommunikations-Endgerät, insbesondere Mobiltelefon

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2005027488A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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