EP3198575A1

EP3198575A1 - A self-defence system

Info

Publication number: EP3198575A1
Application number: EP15779002.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Massimiliano PAPARCONE
Original assignee: B810 A Responsabilita' Limitata Soc
Current assignee: B810 A Responsabilita' Limitata Soc
Priority date: 2014-09-22
Filing date: 2015-09-17
Publication date: 2017-08-02
Also published as: WO2016046614A1

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention discloses a self-defence system (100) comprising: an object (105) wearable by a user, a local device (120) incorporated in the wearable object (105), the local device (120) comprising at least a movement sensor (125) configured such as to generate a signal indicating a movement of the object in which the local device is incorporated, and an electronic processing unit (130, 140) configured such as to receive the signal generated by the movement sensor (125) and to send an alarm signal to a remote device (115), if the signal received by the movement sensor (125) is indicative of a movement of the object (105) which coincides with a predetermined activating movement.

Description

A SELF-DEFENCE SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a self-defence system, in particular a system for enabling a person, who has been subject to an aggressive act, who is experiencing an aggressive act or who is in danger of being subjected to an aggressive act, to call for aid quickly so as to obtain help.

PRIOR ART As is known, the victim of an aggression or a threat of aggression, for example a mugging, a sexual attack or any other reason, can react to the aggressor using self-defence or by sending a request for help, for example a request to the police.

In the field of self-defence various devices are available, such as for example pepper sprays or portable tasers, which can be used by the victim against the assailant in a case of risk of danger. If used correctly, these tools can enable blocking and possibly scaring the aggressor away.

However self-defence devices are normally very expensive and, in some cases, require special licences such as for example gun licences, or are prohibited by law, such as for example in the case of tasers. The use of self- defence tools further implies the risk of increasing the violence of the aggressor, sometimes increasing the gravity of the victim's predicament.

For these reasons it is often preferable to respond to aggressions or threats of aggression with a prompt and effective call for aid to the police or any other public or private rapid-response organisation.

The most widely used and most rapid system presently available is use of a mobile telephone, which today almost everybody is equipped with, and thanks to which the victim of an aggression can make a call or send and alarm signal. Mobile telephones are however often kept in bags or pockets and consequently are not readily handy for the victim in a case of sudden aggression. The user not only has to fetch the mobile telephone from her or his pocket or from the bag it is kept in, but must also key in the number of the help service and make the call, or send the message. Consequently a request for help made using this system generally requires a relatively long time and a freedom of action that is often not afforded to a victim of attack. Further, the use of a mobile telephone by the aggressor is extremely obvious to the aggressor who might intervene to prevent it. In the light of these considerations, an aim of the present invention is to obviate the above-mentioned drawbacks in the prior art, providing a system which enables the victim of an attack to send a request for help simply, rapidly and without the aggressor noticing. A further aim is to attain the above objective with a solution that is simple, rational and as economic as possible. These and other aims are attained by the characteristics of the invention as reported in the independent claim. The dependent claims delineate preferred and/or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention relates to a self-defence system comprising: - an object wearable by a user,

a local device incorporated in the wearable object, the local device comprising at least a movement sensor configured such as to generate a signal indicating a movement of the object in which the local device is incorporated, and

- an electronic processing unit configured such as to receive the signal generated by the movement sensor and to send an alarm signal to a remote device, if the signal received by the movement sensor is indicative of a movement of the object which coincides with a predetermined activating movement. In this way, during an attack, the user wearing the object in which the local device is incorporated, i.e. the potential victim of the attack, only has to move the object in the predetermined way to send the alarm signal and rapidly and effectively alert whoever is in possession of the remote device, for example the police or other public or private aid services, which can therefore intervene more promptly and rapidly.

With this system, the alarm signal is sent very rapidly and automatically, with only a few and simple operations, without the victim having to grip and activate any device or dial telephone numbers or other actions. Further, since the object in which the local device is incorporated, like the activating movement leading to the sending of the alarm signal, are unknown to the aggressor, the latter will not be in a position to notice anything and therefore the victim will not be impeded from sending the request for help. This peculiarity thus makes the present self-defence system particularly suitable for activating even in a case where an attack has already begun.

In greater detail, in an aspect of the invention the movement sensor comprises at least an accelerometer.

With this solution, the movement sensor can effectively recognise and measure the movements of the object worn by the user, while remaining in the sector of a very simple local device with a modest cost. In this way, the movement sensor can further be realized having very modest dimensions, making it suitable for easy incorporation in numerous wearable objects, without being visible and without compromising the functionality and/or aesthetic appeal of the objects.

In an embodiment of the invention, the electronic processing unit is integrated in the local device incorporated in the wearable object.

This solution has the advantage of enabling the local device to perform both the function of detecting and the movement-signal processing function so as to generate the alarm signal. In an aspect of this embodiment, the local device is in direct communication with the remote device via wireless communication means.

In this way, the local device becomes effectively a stand-alone device able to carry out all the functions of the self-defence system, comprising the function of sending the alarm signal to the remote device, without requiring the use of any other external tool.

In an aspect of the invention, the wireless communication means can be radio means, for example of the Bluetooth Low Energy type, or a low-frequency type (e.g. 169 MHz). These radio system have the advantage of requiring a transmission infrastructure and/or receiving structure having a low energy consumption and easily miniaturisable, which are therefore perfectly compatible with the spaces available in a wearable object. In some cases the radio infrastructures are further autonomously (i.e. without the aid of a GPS) able to geographically localize the emitting device integrated in the local device, i.e. the place where the attack is taking place.

Alternatively, in a different aspect of the invention, the local device is in communication with the remote device via a portable device, distinct and separate from the wearable object, which can be carried by the user and comprises a respective electronic processing device configured such as to receive the alarm signal generated by the electronic processing means of the local device and re-transmit the alarm signal to the remote device.

In this way, all the main functions of the self-defence system continue to be carried out by the local device incorporated in the wearable object, but the portable electronic device is effectively used as a sort of repeater which, possible following an appropriate recoding, re-transmits the alarm signal to the remote device.

In a different embodiment of the invention, rather than being integrated in the local device, the electronic processing unit that processes the movement signal might be integrated in a portable electronic device, which is distinct and separate from the wearable object but can also be worn by the user.

In this way, it is advantageously possible to sub-divide the main functions of the self-defence system between the local device incorporated in the wearable object, which will essentially be tasked with detecting the movement signal and is therefore very simple, and the portable electronic device, which will instead be tasked with processing the signal so as to recognize the activating movement and send the alarm signal.

Both in a case where it is used as a simple repeater and in a case where it performs an active function as previously suggested, the portable device can comprise wireless communication means with the local device.

In this way, the portable device and the local device are maintained in communication without the aid of wires or cables and the self-defence system is therefore of a more modest size, is hidden and is easier to use. In an aspect of the invention, the wireless communication means can be of the type selected from a group constituted by: bluetooth, wi-fi, radio sub-GHz, NFC (Near Field Communication) and infrared.

These wireless communication systems have the advantage of being reliable, efficient and using transmission and reception apparatus that are relatively less expensive and rather easily miniaturisable.

In a further aspect of the invention, the portable device can also comprise wireless communication means with the remote device. In particular these further communication means can be of the telephone type, for example GSM, GPRS, UMTS or others besides. In this way, the portable device and the remote device, which can for example be a simple telephone, an electronic device provided with a telephone SIM card, or any other telephonic device, can communicate with one another even at great distances by means of a simple and economical system, possibly exploiting the internet network.

In a particular aspect of the invention, the portable device can for example be a smartphone.

With this solution, the self-defence system can be advantageously implemented via a widely-used portable device carried by almost everybody every day, and which device is already equipped with an electronic unit and with all the means necessary for communicating with the local device and with the remote device.

In an aspect of the invention, the alarm signal (sent to the remote device) can be codified in a text message (for example an SMS text message or another type) or in a vocal and/or sound message.

In this way, the alarm signal can easily and rapidly be interpreted and comprised by whoever is in possession of a remote device.

In an aspect of the invention, the electronic unit can be configured such that the alarm signal is programmable.

In this way, the user can choose and personalize the alarm signal to be sent to the remote device on the basis of her or his own needs or preferences.

In a further aspect of the invention, the electronic unit can be configured such that the activating unit setting off the alarm signal is programmable. In this way, the user can thus choose and/or freely modify also the movement that will enable her or him to activate the self-defence system to alert the police and/or the other aid services. In a further aspect of the invention, the wearable object in which the local device is incorporated can be selected from a group constituted by: a shoe, a garment, a bag, a watch, a bracelet, a necklace or a hat.

In this way, the local device is associated to a simple object, wearable by the user and therefore constantly available to her or him. A further embodiment of the invention provides a self-defence kit comprising: an object wearable by a user,

a local device incorporated in the wearable object, the local device comprising at least a movement sensor configured such as to generate a signal indicating the movement of the object in which the local device is incorporated, and an electronic processing unit configured such as to receive the signal generated by the movement sensor and send an alarm signal to a remote device, if the signal received by the movement sensor is indicative of a movement of the object which coincides with a predetermined activating movement, and

a software program comprising a computer data code which, when run by an electronic processing unit of a portable device, causes the electronic processing unit to perform steps of receiving the alarm signal generated by the electronic processing unit of the local device and re- transmit the alarm signal to the remote device.

Alternatively, the self-defence kit might comprise: an object wearable by a user,

a local device incorporated in the wearable object, the local device comprising at least a movement sensor configured so as to generate a signal indicating a movement of the object in which the local device is incorporated, and

a software program comprising a computer data code which, when run by an electronic processing device of a portable device, causes the electronic processing unit to carry out steps of receiving the signal generated by the movement sensor and sending an alarm signal to a remote device, if the signal received by the movement sensor is indicative of a movement of the object which coincides with a predetermined activating movement.

These embodiments of the invention enable implementing the self-defence system described in the foregoing, respectively in a case in which the local device comprises only the movement sensor and in a case in which it also comprises the electronic processing unit of the signal, via any portable device, for example a smartphone or another device provided with an electronic processing unit, with which the user is already equipped.

In this way it is therefore possible to realise the self-defence system without 5 having to provide the user with any other device, but simply providing the user with a software application which, when installed and run, causes the portable device to carry out the above-described operations. Naturally all the aspects of the invention which have previously been described with reference to the self-defence system are also applicable to these kits. o A further embodiment of the invention makes available a functioning method of a self-defence system, wherein the system comprises:

- an object wearable by a user,

a local device incorporated in the wearable object and comprising at least a movement sensor, and

5 - an electronic processing unit,

wherein in the functioning method of the system: the movement sensor generates a signal indicating the movement of the object in which the local device is incorporated,

the electronic unit receives the signal generated by the movement o sensor and sends an alarm signal to a remote device, if the signal received by the movement sensor is indicative of a movement of the object which coincides with a predetermined activating movement. This embodiment of the invention obtains the same effects as described previously for the apparatus and for the self-defence kits, in particular the effect 5 of enabling sending a request for help rapidly, safely and substantially without the assailant being aware of it.

All the aspects of the invention described in the foregoing with reference to the self-defence system are however applicable to this method too. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from a reading of the description that follows, provided by way of non-limiting example, with the aid of the figures of the accompanying tables.

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a self-defence system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a self-defence system according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a self-defence system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

BEST WAY OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to figure 1 , a self-defence system is denoted by reference numeral 100, which comprises an object 105 wearable by a user, a portable device 1 10 and a remote device 1 15. The wearable object 105 can be for example a garment, a bag, a watch, a bracelet, a necklace, a hat or another object besides. The wearable object 105 is preferably a shoe. A local device is incorporated internally of the object 105, denoted in its entirety by reference numeral 120. The local device 120 comprises a movement sensor 125, an electronic processing unit 130 connected to the movement sensor 125 and possible a memory unit 135.

The movement sensor 125 is able to generate a signal, for example an electric signal, which represents movements made by the object 105 in which the local device 120 is incorporated. In other words, the movement sensor 125 can generate a signal the data content of which, possibly appropriately processed by the electronic unit 130, provides a unique indication of the movement performed by the object 105.

For example, the movement sensor 125 can comprise one or more accelerometers arranged and configured such that the electrical signals generated thereby, for example on the basis of their wave-form, amplitude, period and/or frequency, enable detecting and measuring the movement of the object 105.

The movement sensor 125, the electronic processing unit 130 and the memory unit 135 are preferably of small dimensions, so that the local device 120 can be housed and constrained in a special compartment fashioned in the object 105, for example in the sole of the shoe or in the pendant of a necklace, so as to be hidden and not to change the aesthetic appeal of the object.

The portable device 110 is a suitable device for being carried by the user who wears the object 105, for example in a pocket or internally of a bag, but which is itself distinct and separate from the object 105.

The portable device 1 10 is preferably a smartphone, but it could also be a palm-held computer, a laptop, a computer tablet or any other device equipped with an electronic processing unit 140, for example a processor or microprocessor, and possible a memory unit 145.

The portable device 1 10 comprises wireless communication means, schematically denoted by reference numeral 150, which are connected to the electronic unit 140 and are able to place the portable device 1 10 in connection with corresponding communicating means, denoted in their entirety by 155, which are incorporated in the object 105 and connected to the local device 120. In this way, the wireless communication means 150 and 155 together realize a communication system between the local device 120 and the portable device 1 10, which enables exchange of signals and/or data between the relative electronic processing units 130 and 140. The wireless communication means 150 and 155 can be bluetooth, wi-fi, radio sub-GHz, NFC, infrared or the any other technology suitable for the purpose.

The portable device 1 10 also comprises further wireless communication means, denoted schematically by reference number 160, which are connected to the electronic unit 140 and are able to place it in connection with corresponding communication means, denoted in their entirety by 165, of the remote device 1 15. In this way, the further wireless communication means 160 and 165 together realize a communication system between the portable device 1 10 and the remote device 1 15, which enables transmission of signals and/or data appropriately encoded by the electronic unit 140 towards the remote device 1 15. The further communication means 160 and 165 are preferably of the telephonic type, for example GSM, GPRS, UMTS or any other system enabling the above communication, directly or possibly via data connections based on telephonic systems, for example the internet. The remote device 1 15 can therefore be a telephone, a mobile telephone, another smartphone, an electrical and/or electronic device (for example a computer, a lap-top etc.) provided with a telephone SIM card (being a hardware component) or any other device that can receive signals and/or data from the portable device 1 10 via a telephone line, and which can make the data content of the signals and/or data from a user explicit via suitable interface means or signaling means, for example loudspeakers, monitors or other systems.

In general, the remote device 1 15 is any device distinct and separate both from the object 105 and the portable device 1 10, which can be already provided or can possibly be specially supplied to the police or other public or private aid organisations. For example, the remote device 1 15 can be located in an operating centre of the above-mentioned organisation.

By using the hardware architecture described above, the electronic unit 130 of the local device 120 can be configured such as to receive the signal generated by the movement sensor 125 and to send, via the first wireless communication means 150 and 155, an alarm signal to the portable device 1 10, only in a case where the signal received from the movement sensor 125 indicates a movement of the object 05 which coincides with a predetermined activating movement. In particular, the electronic unit 130 can be configured such as to receive the signal generated by the movement sensor 125, process the signal so as to recognize the movement performed by the object 105 and compare it to the predetermined activating movement. If the movement of the object 105 coincides with the activating movement, the electronic movement 130 activates the communication means 155 to send an alarm signal to the portable device 1 10.

Alternatively the electronic unit 130 can be configured so as to receive the signal generated by the movement sensor 125 and to compare the signal directly with a sample signal representing the activating movement. If the signal received coincides with the sample signal, the electronic unit 130 activates the communication means 155 to send an alarm signal to the portable device 1 10.

In any case, the electronic processing unit 140 of the portable device 1 10 is in turn configured so as to receive, via the first communication means 150 and 155, the alarm signal generated by the local device 120 and re-transmit it, via the second communication means 160 and 165, to the remote device 1 15. In practice, the portable device 110 functions as a simple repeater which, possibly after a suitable recoding, re-transmits the alarm signal generated by the local device 120 to the remote device 1 5. In a case where the object 105 is a shoe, the activating movement can be for example a double-pulse (a "tap-tap" movement) obtained by tapping twice, with a defined intermediate time interval, with the internal side of the shoe against the other shoe, or tapping the heel on the ground, or tapping the toe on the ground, always following the pattern of a predetermined double-pulse. By pulse is meant a generating of an impact of the shoe in the designated direction above a certain threshold.

Where the object is a pendant of a necklace, the activating movement can again be a double-pulse ("tap-tap") performed with a finger on the pendant according to predetermined times and directions, such as for example, gripping the pendant and tapping with the index finger laterally on the pendant, i.e. pulling the pendant twice consecutively so that it tugs on the necklace when the necklace is orientated by an angle of between 30° and 60° with respect to the vertical.

In any case, the activating movement can be suitably codified in the form of a data code and be stored in the memory unit 135 or 145. The activating movement can be preset and not modifiable, or can be programmable and modifiable by the user. For example, the electronic processing unit 130 of the local device 120, or alternatively the electronically processing unit 140 of the portable device 1 10, can be configured so as to enable the user, via the appropriate interface means (for example the interface means of the portable device 1 10), to activate a programming procedure of the activating movement. This procedure can include for example the electronic unit 130 detecting, via the signal generated by the movement sensor 125, the movement which is performed by the object 105 in a predetermined time lapse, and memorizing the movement in the memory unit 135 or 145, setting this movement as the activating movement. During the above-described time lapse, the user can therefore move the object 105 completely at his or her discretion, with the consequence that this movement will become the activating movement of the alarm signal which will be transmitted to the portable device 10 and from there to the remote device 1 15.

In this respect, the alarm signal which is sent from the portable device 1 10 to the remote device 1 15 can be a text message, for example encoded in the form of an SMS text message, an email or any other messaging system. Alternatively the alarm signal can be a recorded audio message, which is sent to the remote device 1 5 in the form of a telephone call or any other system. This alarm signal too can be preset and not modifiable, or can be programmable and modifiable by the user. For example, the electronic processing unit 130 of the local device 120, or alternatively the electronic unit 140 of the portable device 1 10, can be configured so as to enable the user, via appropriate interface means (for example the interface means of the portable device 1 10), to activate a programming procedure of the alarm signal. This procedure can include for example the electronic unit 130 or 140 detecting, for example via a keyboard of the portable device 1 10, a text written by the user, or recording, for example by means of a microphone of the portable device 1 10, a vocal message, and then memorizing the message in the memory unit 135 or 145 in the form of a corresponding data code. The alarm signal can comprise, beyond the request for help, also additional information such as for example the geographical coordinates of the portable device 1 10, which can be supplied automatically by a geo-localising device, for example GPS, which can be associated to the local device 120 or the portable device 1 10. Note that all the operations performed by the electronic unit 140 of the portable device 1 10 can be implemented by an appropriate management software program, for example a dedicated App, which is installed in a memory unit 145 of the portable device 1 10 and which is run, possibly following activation by the user, by the electronic processing unit 140. The management software program can be supplied together with the object 105 in which the movement sensor 125 is incorporated, or can be downloaded from the internet from a dedicated platform.

In the functioning of the above-described self-defence system 100 the user wears the object 05, taking with him or her the portable device 1 0 on which the management program has previously been installed. By launching the management program the user can program the activating movement and the alarm signal as previously-described, after which she or he can use the object 105 and the portable device 1 10 in a normal way. By doing this, the electronic unit 130 of the local device 120 constantly detects and monitors the movement of the object 105 during the normal activities of the user.

In a case of aggression or risk of aggression, the user will move the object 105 by causing it to make an identical movement to the predetermined activating movement. For example, should the movement sensor 125 be incorporated in a shoe, the user can tap her or his foot on the ground a certain number of times. Or, should the movement sensor 125 be incorporated in a pendant of a necklace, the user can agitate the pendant a determined number of times. The electronic unit 130 of the local device 120 thus receives the signal generated by the movement sensor 125 and, having checked that the signal corresponds to the activating movement, sends the alarm signal to the portable device 110, which in turn re-transmits the signal immediately to the remote device 1 5.

In this way the emergency signal rapidly reaches the police or aid services who are alerted when the aggression or the situation of danger are still being enacted.

Figure 2 illustrates a variant of the self-defence system 100, which differs from the preceding only in that the local device 120 only comprises the movement sensor 125 connected to the communication means 155, and in that all the main logical functions of the self-defence system are carried out by the electronic processing unit 140 of the portable device 110, which does not therefore function only as a repeater but also performs a more active role. In practice, the electronic unit 140 of the portable device 110 can be configured to directly receive, via the first wireless communication means 150 and 155, the signal generated by the movement sensor 125, in order to process it as explained previously and in order to send, via the second communication means 160 and 165, an alarm message to the remote device 115, only in a case in which the signal received by the movement sensor 125 is indicative of a movement of the object 105 which coincides with the predetermined activating movement.

Naturally all the aspects relating to the type of activating movement and signal sent to the remote device 115, as well as all the aspects relating to the programmability thereof and relative procedures, which have been described in the foregoing with reference to the first embodiment of the invention, are understood to be equally applicable also to the second embodiment of the self- defence system now described.

Further, as in the preceding case, in this embodiment too all the operations performed by the electronic unit 140 of the portable device 1 10 can be implemented with an appropriate management software program, for example a dedicated App, which is installed in a memory unit 145 of the portable device 1 10 and which is run, possibly following activation by the user, by the electronic processing unit 140.

The functioning of this variant of the self-defence system is very similar to the functioning of the preceding system, with the user wearing the object 105, taking the portable device 1 10 with him or her on which the management program has been first installed. By launching the management program, the user can if desired program the activating movement and the alarm message, after which the user can use the object 05 and the portable device 1 10 in a conventional way. By doing this, the electronic unit 140 of the portable device 1 10 detects the signal coming from the movement sensor 125 and constantly monitors the movement of the object 105 during the normal activities of the user. In a case of aggression or risk of aggression, the user will move the object 105 by performing a movement identical to the predetermined activating movement, so that the electronic unit 140 of the portable device 1 10, on receiving the signal generated by the movement sensor 125 and checking that the signal corresponds to the activating movement, sends the alarm message to the remote deice 1 15, so as to alert the police or other aid services.

Figure 3 illustrates a third embodiment of the self-defence system 100, which differs from the first embodiment described in figure 1 only in that the portable device 1 10 is not present and it includes a direct communication between the local device 120 and the remote device 1 5. In practice, as well as the movement sensor 125, the electronic processing unit 130 configured as described for the first embodiment and possibly the memory unit 135, the local device 120 incorporated in the object 05 also comprises wireless communication means, denoted schematically by 170, which are connected to the electronic unit 130 and are able to place the electronic unit 130 in wireless communication with corresponding communication means, denoted in their entirety by 175, which are directly associated to the remote device 1 15. In this way, the wireless communication means 170 and 175 together realize a direct communication system between the local device 120 and the remote device 1 15, which enables exchange of signals and/or data with no need to use an intermediate portable device.

This direct communication system can be a radio system, which avails of a pre-existing radio infrastructure for example of the Bluetooth Beacon or Sub- GHz radio network type. Beacon Bluetooth systems create a proximity radio infrastructure (a range of a few metres) while a Radio Sub-Ghz network such as a Semtech Lo-Ra is a low-power radio infrastructure (therefore energetically compatible with a wearable device or a device that is incorporable in a wearable object) which enables transmission of signals even to distances of kilometers. These types of radio infrastructure also have the advantage of enabling, in some configurations, geographical localization of the radio emitter device 170, without any need to use an additional GPS system.

The functioning of this third variant of the self-defence system 100 simply involves the user wearing the object 105, possibly after having activated the local device 120. With this, the electronic unit 130 of the local device 120 detects and constantly monitors the movement of the object 105 during the normal activities of the user. In a case of aggression or risk of aggression, the user will move the object 105, causing it to carry out an identical movement to the predetermined activating movement. The electronic unit 130 of the local device 120 thus receives the signal generated by the movement sensor 125 whereupon, establishing that the signal corresponds to the activating movement, sends the alarm signal directly to the remote device 5.

Naturally all the aspects relating to the type of activating and signalling movement sent to the remote device 1 15, as well as all the aspects relating to the programmability thereof and the relative procedures, which have been described in the foregoing with reference to the first embodiment of the invention, are understood to be applicable also to the second variant of the self-defence system 100.

The invention as it is conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variants, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept. Further, all the details can be replaced by other technically-equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, can be any according to requirements, without forsaking the scope of protection of the following claims.

Claims

1. A self-defence system (100) comprising: an object (105) wearable by a user,

a local device ( 20) incorporated in the wearable object (105), the local device (120) comprising at least a movement sensor (125) configured such as to generate a signal indicating a movement of the object in which the local device is incorporated, and

an electronic processing unit (130, 140) configured such as to receive the signal generated by the movement sensor (125) and to send an alarm signal to a remote device (1 15), if the signal received by the movement sensor (125) is indicative of a movement of the object (105) which coincides with a predetermined activating movement.

2. The system (100) of claim 1 , wherein the movement sensor (125) comprises at least an accelerometer.

3. The system (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the electronic processing unit (130, 140) is integrated in the local device (120) incorporated in the wearable object (105).

4. The system (100) of claim 3, wherein the local device (120) is in direct communication with the remote device (1 15) via wireless communication means (170, 175).

5. The system (100) of claim 4, wherein the wireless communication means ( 70, 175) are radio means.

6. The system (100) of claim 3, wherein the local device (120) is in communication with the remote device (1 15) via a portable device (1 10), distinct and separate from the wearable object (105), which can be carried by the user and comprises a respective electronic processing device (140) configured such as to receive the alarm signal generated by the electronic processing means (130) of the local device (120) and re-transmit the alarm signal to the remote device (1 15).

7. The system (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the electronic processing unit (140) is integrated in a portable device (1 10), which is distinct and separate from the wearable object (105) but can also be worn by the user.

8. The system (100) of claim 6 or 7, wherein the portable device ( 10) comprises wireless communication means (150) with the local device (120) integrated in the wearable object (105) and wireless communication means (160) with the remote device (1 15).

9. The system (100) of any one of claims from 6 to 8, wherein the wearable device (1 10) is a smartphone.

10. The system (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic unit (130, 140) is configured such that the activating unit setting off the alarm signal is programmable.

11. The system (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wearable object (105) in which the local device (120) is incorporated is selected from a group constituted by: a shoe, a garment, a bag, a watch, a bracelet, a necklace and a hat.

12. A self-defence kit, comprising: an object (105) wearable by a user,

- a local device (120) incorporated in the wearable object (105), the local device (120) comprising at least a movement sensor (125) configured such as to generate a signal indicating the movement of the object (105) in which the local device (120) is incorporated, and an electronic processing unit (130) configured such as to receive the signal generated by the movement sensor (125) and send an alarm signal to a remote device (1 15), if the signal received by the movement sensor (125) is indicative of a movement of the object (105) which coincides with a predetermined activating movement, and a software program comprising a computer data code which, when run by an electronic processing unit (140) of a portable device (1 10), causes the electronic processing unit (140) to perform steps of receiving the alarm signal generated by the electronic processing unit (130) of the local device (120) and re-transmit the alarm signal to the remote device

(1 15).

13. A self-defence kit, comprising:

an object (105) wearable by a user,

- a local device (120) incorporated in the wearable object (105), the local device comprising at least a movement sensor (125) configured so as to generate a signal indicating a movement of the object (105) in which the local device (120) is incorporated, and

a software program comprising a computer data code which, when run by an electronic processing device (140) of a portable device (1 10), causes the electronic processing unit (140) to carry out steps of receiving the signal generated by the movement sensor (125) and sending an alarm signal to a remote device (1 15), if the signal received by the movement sensor is indicative of a movement of the object (105) which coincides with a predetermined activating movement.

14. A functioning method of a self-defence system (100), wherein the system comprises:

- an object (105) wearable by a user,

- a local device (120) incorporated in the wearable object (105) and comprising at least a movement sensor (125), and

an electronic processing unit (130, 140),

wherein in the functioning method of the system: the movement sensor (125) generates a signal indicating the movement of the object (105) in which the local device (120) is incorporated, the electronic unit (130, 140) receives the signal generated by the movement sensor (125) and sends an alarm signal to a remote device (1 15), if the signal received by the movement sensor (125) is indicative of a movement of the object (105) which coincides with a predetermined activating movement.