FR2656180A1 - Method and device for an interactive habitat - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to the equipment of a dwelling place (1). An electronic transmitter (5) is linked to the remotely-controlled lock (11). The user (2) carries a remote control (4). It is linked to the general-purpose telephone network (8) and to a central observation post (10). Application: achievement of an interactive habitat, especially for dependent elderly persons.

Description

 The present invention relates to a method and a device intended for -a making available to the inhabitants of an agglomeration a new habitat technology. More particularly, although not exclusively, the invention relates to housing for the elderly.

 We know that in the population of cities, the percentage of elderly people is constantly increasing. In particular, when it comes to dependent elderly people, the problem of their housing is often poorly resolved. Until now, we have sought to accommodate these people in residences for the elderly, retirement homes, or specialized centers.

 The present invention aims to ensure the residence of elderly people, and in particular dependent elderly people, by using a technology which makes it possible to keep them at their home. This solution has various advantages, in particular - it makes up for the lack of accommodation; - this limits health expenditure, because the "old age" sector represents a significant share in the social charges of the community; - this finally gives satisfaction to the people considered, who generally prefer to stay at home.

 Experience shows that the main point is constituted by the need to fight against the isolation of elderly people kept at home. Isolation must indeed be considered as a factor of insecurity which often gives rise to a multiplication of locks on the entrance doors.

 The present invention aims to achieve an interactive habitat based on normal relationships of everyday life in order to meet the well-known needs of current lifestyles. In particular, the method according to the invention aims to create new services or to improve existing services, through the use of new communication technologies, with a view to combating isolation and improving the quality of life. daily. More particularly, but not exclusively, this process and the corresponding facilities concern dependent elderly people, to enable them to live comfortably in their current home by providing them with the services they need. In other words, this aims to enable these elderly people not to be grouped in specialized dwellings or residences, a possibility that most of them fear.

 Gerontological studies show for example that a trauma due to discomfort or aggression is better supported by an elderly person as the emotional environment is more present. It is the surroundings that create the feeling of security. The invention aims to use this observation, even if family and social relationships, particularly with close relatives, are more or less relaxed and intermittent.

 The method according to the invention is based on the creation of new services or on the improvement of existing services by using new communication technologies with a view to combating isolation in order to improve the quality of daily life, in particular that of the elderly.

 The method according to the invention takes account of the fact that the fight against isolation can only be effective if the system 'inscribed in family, neighborhood or convivial relationships, and leaves the elderly free to choose themselves. even the way to overcome a difficult situation. There is therefore no question, as is already known, of connecting the beneficiary of the home alert to a central unit responsible for determining the necessary interventions. The invention aims to allow the user to alert at his choice, his family, his neighbors or his doctor.

 An installation according to the invention for connecting the apartment of a user to one or more external correspondents capable of triggering an intervention, is characterized in that it comprises at least the following elements - an electronic teletransmitter, or "domestic central unit" connected to the apartment concerned; - an opening line connecting the domestic central unit to at least one lock of the apartment to allow control of the opening; - a remote control, the trigger of which is worn permanently by the elderly or concerned person, to enable him to operate the remote transmitter from a distance; - a secure line connecting the domestic teletransmitter to the general switched telephone network of the city or locality; - a normal telephone line for images and remote control, connecting the teletransmitter to a central urban observation post, which is automatically informed as soon as one of the users uses its teletransmitter as an alert system.

 According to another characteristic of the invention, the device also comprises at least one video camera arranged in the apartment to be monitored, and connected to the teletransmitter which can operate it and to which it can send images, then transmitted to the urban center of observation.

The method according to the invention, for the use of a monitoring device of the aforementioned kind, is characterized in that it allows the user to use his remote control remotely to trigger the teletransmitter which allows him to communicate remotely with a correspondent (in which case the urban observation center can verify that a response is given by the correspondent to the user) or bind'em * tre 'n distress signal (in which case the urban observation center is able not only to be informed, but also to intervene;
According to another characteristic of the invention, the video surveillance camera makes it possible to inform the urban observation center which is then able to verify the identity of third parties who come to intervene with the user, in order to avoid the intrusion of dishonest people.

The appended drawing given by way of nonlimiting example will allow a better understanding of the invention and the advantages thereof.
ges; that it is likely to provide.

 Figure 1 is a flow diagram schematizing the different services or interventions that the invention makes available to each user.

 Figure 2 shows schematically one of the possible alternative embodiments for an installation according to the invention.

 The installation illustrated in FIG. 2 is intended to equip the apartment 1 of a user 2. The latter To be a can be a elderly person, in particular a dependent elderly person.

 The user 2 carries with him at all times, or else keeps within reach of his hand, a trigger 3, constantly in relation to a remote control 4. The latter is connected to a teletransmitter 5 or domestic centras. A secure line 6 connects this remote transmitter 5 to a receiver 7 of the switched telephone network of the city or town in question. This telephone network is connected: on the one hand to the various normal telephone lines of the network, enabling communication with the receiving station 9 of each of the selected correspondents; - on the other hand to a central urban observation station 10, which is automatically informed as soon as one of the users 2 operates its remote transmitter 5 in alert system. In other words - on the one hand user 2 can get in communication with the receivers 9 of various correspondents of his choice, with whom he converses as usual, without the central station 10 having to intervene; - On the other hand to launch an alert signal, in which case it usually comes into contact with the corresponding set 9 selected, but then the central urban station 10 is automatically informed of this call.

 In the second event, the urban observation post 10 ensures that the correspondent of the post 9 does indeed give the user 2 the result that the latter has been waiting for. Furthermore, thus informed, the central station 10 has the possibility of intervening on its initiative, if it deems it necessary.

 To complete the installation, the apartment 1 is preferably equipped on its front door, with a lock 11 with remote-controlled opening, capable of being actuated by the central observation post 10. In addition, a video camera 12 monitors the front door 13, so that the central station 10 can ensure that anyone 14 entering apartment 1 is well qualified to do so. In particular, this avoids the intrusion of dishonest people.

 Thanks to the installation which has just been described, the method according to the invention makes it possible to place the user 1 (shown diagrammatically on the diagram in FIG. 1 by the central circle 1, 5) with one or the other. of the following services - running of shopping and household shopping 15; - a health and medical assistance service 16; - i7 administrative assistance; - à la carte menu service 18 for everyday meals; - a security intervention system 19 for the possibility of an assault or a burglary; - finally 20 messaging for leisure and entertainment.

Claims (5)

 1- Installation device for connecting the apartment (1) of a user (2) to one or more external correspondents (9) capable of triggering an intervention, characterized in that it comprises at least the following elements - an electronic teletransmitter (5) or "domestic center" connected to the apartment (1) concerned; - an opening line connecting the domestic central unit (5) to at least one lock (11) of the apartment (1) to allow the opening to be controlled; - a remote control (4) whose trigger (3) is permanently worn by the elderly or concerned person (2) to enable him to actuate the teletransmitter (5) from a distance; - a secure line (6) connecting the home teletransmitter (5) to the general switched telephone network (8) of the city or locality; - a normal telephone line for images and remote control, connecting the teletransmitter (5) to a central urban observation post (10) which is automatically informed as soon as one of the users (2) activates the teletransmitter (5) 'alert.  2- Installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises at least one video camera (12) arranged in the apartment (1) to be monitored, and connected to the teletransmitter (5) which can activate it and to which it can send images, which are then transmitted to the urban observation center (10).  3- A method for implementing a device according to claim 1, characterized in that the user (2) can actuate his remote control at a distance (3) to trigger the teletransmitter (5) which allows him to communicate remotely with a correspondent (9) (in which case the urban observation center (B) can verify that an answer is indeed given by the correspondent (9) to the user (2)), or else to send a signal distress (in which case the urban observation center (10) is able not only to be informed, but also to intervene  4- Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the surveillance video camera (12) allows to inform the urban observation center (10) which is then able to verify the identity of third parties (14) coming to intervene with the user (2) to avoid the intrusion of dishonest people.  5- Method according to any one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that it allows to connect the teletransmitter (5) of the user (2) to various services, among which - a service (15) for shopping housewives; - a medical and health service (16); - administrative assistance (17); - a la carte menu service (18); - a security intervention service (19); - a messaging service for leisure and entertainment (20).