FR2991093A1 - Assistance system for elderly people at time of e.g. aggression, in residence, has CPU with communication interface for sending and receiving of short text messages, and watch with accelerometer for detection of abnormal immobility - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has a CPU (10), and a vibrating watch (20) that is arranged in a water-tight manner with an optical display and a set of sensors e.g. temperature sensor. The CPU comprises a housing (13) that is intended to receive the watch. The temperature sensor detects an abnormally low or abnormally raised temperature. The CPU comprises a mobile communication interface for sending and receiving of short text messages. The watch comprises an accelerometer for detection of a possible abnormal immobility.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of electronic devices. The present invention relates more particularly to a home help and assistance system. The system according to the present includes elements of high technology for the comfort within the habitat, and for the safety of the goods and the natural persons. The system according to the present invention is intended for persons with disabilities, for example hearing loss, to people in situations of dependency (for example for the home care of the elderly, or in hot weather, malaise, fall, aggression, etc.), but also to the general public.

STATE OF THE ART The prior art knows, by the international patent application No. WO 02/47045 (Raymond BELLONE and Alexia BELLONE), a multi-triggered alarm system by transmitters and portable receiver-vibrator. This invention of the prior art relates more particularly to a transceiver-vibrator device allowing, if necessary, emergency or danger, to discreetly alert and remotely one or more people; comprising a central transmitter box, a presence detector transmitter box, a telephone jack transmitter box, an input gate transmitter box and a portable receiver-vibrator box, characterized in terms of the central transmitter box by an "alarm" push button for manually triggering the coded signal transmitted by the central transmitter to the receiver that activates the vibrating motor located in the portable receiver-vibrator box, one or three LEDs, the LED on the central transmitter indicating that the coded command from the pushbutton "alarm" was correctly transmitted by the central transmitter and actually recorded by the receiver located in the portable vibrator; a housing allowing the portable receiver-vibrator box to connect and disconnect by two gold contacts with the central transmitter box in order to charge the battery located the portable vibrator receiver, a push button to enable or disable remotely the presence detection system with, to signal its activation, its red LED, a lamp actuated by the presence detector as soon as a presence is detected, a transmitter activating the presence detector. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates, in its most general sense, to a system comprising a central unit, a vibrating, waterproof watch with optical display and sensors, characterized in that said central unit comprises a housing for receiving said watch. , in that each of said sensors is equipped with a temperature detector for detecting an abnormally low or abnormally high temperature, in that the central unit comprises a mobile communication interface for sending and receiving short text messages ( SMS), and in that said watch comprises an accelerometer for detecting a possible abnormal immobility.

According to one embodiment, said central unit comprises a screen, a keyboard, navigation buttons, and a button for the manual alarm. According to one embodiment, said watch comprises a housing, a color screen, a bracelet and buttons (24, 25, 26).

Preferably, said system comprises a sound sensor used for monitoring babies.

Advantageously, said system comprises a sound sensor used for an entrance door chime. Advantageously, said system comprises a sound sensor used for an intercom. According to one embodiment, said system comprises a telephone pulse sensor.

Preferably, said system comprises an intrusion sensor equipped with an infrared ray radar. Advantageously, said system comprises means for sending a short text message (SMS) in the event of detection of an intrusion by said intrusion sensor. According to a variant, said system comprises a smoke sensor. Preferably, said system comprises a carbon monoxide sensor. Advantageously, said system comprises a flood sensor. According to one embodiment, said system comprises a sensor for swimming pool. Advantageously, said system comprises a home automation sensor. According to one embodiment, said system comprises means for, when the supply of one of the sensors is too weak, send a message to the watch via the central unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be better understood by means of the following description, given for purely explanatory purposes, of one embodiment of the invention, with reference to the figures in which: FIG. the system according to the present invention in one embodiment; - Figure 2 shows a view from the rear of the CPU; Figure 3 is a view on the left side of the CPU; - Figure 4 shows the watch; - Figure 5 illustrates a sound sensor; Figure 6 shows a telephone pulse sensor; Figure 7 illustrates an intrusion sensor; - Figure 8 shows a smoke sensor; Figure 9 illustrates a carbon monoxide sensor; - Figure 10 shows a flood sensor; - Figure 11 illustrates a sensor for swimming pool; and - Figure 12 shows a home automation sensor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION The system 100 according to the present invention constitutes a high-tech technical aid based on electronics, computer science, radio, GSM and / or wired telephony (SMS), mechanical and on a vibration system accompanied by an optical signaling by pictograms specific to each function displayed on the screen (LCD) of the watch (20). In one embodiment, the system 100 according to the present invention consists of seventeen features (silent alerts), including the possibility of sending and receiving SMS: 1 - Sending SMS in case of distress: malaise, aggression, fall, hyperthermia - period of heat wave, hypothermia. 2 - Sending and receiving personal SMS. All the functionalities of the system 100 according to the present invention converge on a single detector - transceiver - portable vibrator day and night (watch). This system brings a real comfort, a total security and serenity to the user as well as a real tranquility for those around him. The system 100 according to the present invention, illustrated in FIG. 1, comprises: - a central unit 10; a vibrating watch 20 with an optical display (pictograms); and sensors 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 38, 39 and 40. On the central unit 10 are a screen 11, a keyboard 12, a location 13 for charging the watch battery. 20, navigation buttons 14, 15, 16, 17, and a button 18 for the manual alarm.

Screen 11 makes it possible to activate: - The activated functions: services, intrusion alarm in local or remote mode, absence of movements, detection of ambient temperature. - The hour, the day, the month and the year. - The function-specific pictograms: morning alarm clock, door and intercom chime, babies, telephone / fax, intruder alarm, manual alarm, Thermo Assistant (SMS), distress SMS sending, SMS reception. - The menu and its various functions: Activate or deactivate the sensors, setting the alarm clock, the hour, month and year, setting the temperature (Thermo Assistant (SMS), the function abnormal immobility (maximum duration), intrusion detection setting in local or remote mode, reading of the various events stored in the memory of the control panel, reception and sending of personal SMS, display of the user's name, telephone numbers In one embodiment, the keyboard 12 has eight keys, which allow: - To turn on and off the central unit 10 - To enter the menu - To navigate in the menu to activate / deactivate the functions - To validate the different functions and settings - To read the incoming SMS - To write and send the personal SMS - To send the message of the manual alarm (red key, for example) This manual alarm function (red key) is especially used to call the wearer of the watch. For example: a bedridden or disabled patient who can not move (children, spouse, elderly) and has certain urgent needs, such as taking medication, wanting to drink or eat, need the pool, in case of discomfort, etc. The central unit 10 also has a location 13 for charging the battery of the watch 20. In one embodiment, this location 13 is a ramp located to the left of the keyboard 12. Figure 1 shows the watch 20 in the position of loading of its battery on the central unit 10. In the rear of the central unit 10, illustrated in Figure 2, are: - An output 41 for the connection of the GSM antenna (sending and receiving SMS). - A connector 42 for connecting the external keyboard (computer) for writing personal SMS. - A slot 43 to house a SIM card for sending and receiving SMS. - A connector RS232 type 44 to control the device in case of electronic failure. On one of the ribs of the CPU 10, for example on the left side, shown in Figure 3, is a power supply connector 45.

The central unit 10 receives all the information from the different sensors, then sends them to the watch. The latter vibrates and displays on its screen the pictogram corresponding to the function. For example, a pictogram representing a doorbell (entrance door and / or intercom), a telephone / fax, an alarm clock, a baby, a different thermometer depending on whether the ambient temperature of the home is too high (heat wave = hyperthermia) or too low (hypothermia), a gun (intrusion alarm), a finger pointing forward (call from the manual alarm), the three letters SMS for the arrival of a personal SMS. This optical representation specific to each function displayed on the screen of the watch allows the user to quickly identify the nature of the call and its provenance and to act accordingly in the shortest possible time. The central unit 10 also receives the alert messages (distress) from the watch (malaise, aggression, Thermo Assistant - Hyperthermia, hypothermia - abnormally prolonged immobility - fall), then automatically triggers the sending of corresponding SMS to the persons whose telephone numbers (mobile or fixed) have been pre-registered in the memory of the central: relatives, friends, neighbors, remote assistance who may, depending on the message received (malaise or aggression), intervene directly or notify a suitable emergency center Situation: EMS, fire brigade or police.

From the central unit 10, the users have the possibility of receiving and sending personal SMS. To compose a personal message, the user must enter the menu of the central unit 10 to the SMS function. The user can also, thanks to the plug RS232 type 44, compose his messages from a computer keyboard that can be connected to the central unit 10.

In one embodiment, the frequency is 868 MHz and the transmit power is 10 mW. From the habitat, the range of the radio wave between the central unit 10, the watch 20 and the sensors 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 is about one hundred meters. The watch 20, illustrated in FIG. 4, and portable day and night, consists of a waterproof case 21, a color screen 22 and a bracelet 23. In one embodiment, it is also equipped with a motion detector (accelerometer), a transmitter receiver, a vibrator, an LCD color display (display of color symbols specific to each function).

The display on the screen 22 of the watch 20 indicates the same pictograms as those displayed on the central unit 10: morning alarm clock, baby, front door, intercom, telephone / fax, intrusion, manual alarm, abnormal immobility, Thermo Assistant (SMS), arrival of personal SMS. The screen 22 of the watch 20 also makes it possible to display the time, the level 20 of the charge of the battery, the activated functions (services, alarms, movements), as well as the power of reception and emission of the waves. radio. On the right side of the case 21 of the watch 20 (hand side, watch in position on the wrist) are three buttons: 25 - A first button 24 located at the top of the case (outer side of the wrist) allows: a) D ' illuminate the screen. b) Enter the menu. c) Navigate to the top of the menu. - A second button 25 located in the center of the watch case 20 allows: a) To turn on the watch 20 (support from two to three seconds). b) To illuminate the screen when it is desired to see the time, the level of the battery charge, the activated functions as well as the transmission and reception power of the radio waves. c) To validate, with a simple short press, the various functions when they appear on the screen of the watch 20 and, simultaneously, to stop the vibration and turn off the screen of the watch 20. d ) Send the aggression message by a long press (three to four seconds) until watch 20 vibrates twice. - A third button 26 located at the bottom of the watch case 20 (inner side of the wrist) allows: a) To illuminate the screen of the watch 20 by a simple short press. b) Navigate down the watch menu 20. c) Send the discomfort message by a long press (three to four seconds) until the watch 20 vibrates twice.

The user has the possibility, via the central unit 10 (GSM module), to send from the watch 20 a prerecorded distress SMS to one or more people of his choice (relatives, friends, neighbors, remote assistance center , ...). Depending on the nature of the message, the people contacted will be able to intervene directly or call in specialized help (in case of discomfort: EMS, firefighters and in case of aggression: police, gendarmerie). In one embodiment, the messages sent are as follows: a) An SMS in case of aggression by simply pressing the center of the watch button for two to three seconds (See Figure 4 - button 25) b) An SMS in case of discomfort with a simple press of 2 to 3 seconds on the bottom button of the watch 20 (See Figure 4 - button 26) As soon as the SMS is gone (malaise, aggression), the watch 20 vibrates twice . It is only from this moment that the user must release the button (button 25 or 26 depending on the message - see Figure 4). The essential feature of the function "detection of abnormal immobility" (by the motion sensor accelerometer located in the watch 20) may follow a fall, is to automatically send the distress alert message; that is to say without the intervention of the user since the latter is unable to act in the dramatic situation that falls under this function (fall with loss of consciousness: syncope, coma, heart problem, rupture of aneurysm, etc.). To avoid discharging the battery of the watch 20 too quickly, its screen 22 is not permanently lit. However, thanks to the accelerometer integrated in the watch 20, it is possible to illuminate its screen 22 by a simple rotation of the wrist from the outside to the inside or, of course, to press one of the buttons of the watch.

In one embodiment, the radio frequency between the central unit 10, the sensors 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, and 40, and the watch 20 is 868 MHz, and the power of emission is 10 mW. From a home, the range is around one hundred meters around the central unit 10. This range can be increased by changing the power of the antennas and / or the establishment of relay antennas. The system 100 according to the present invention also includes sensors 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, and some of said sensors being equipped with a temperature detector.

According to one embodiment, the sensors are fixed by velcro, and are powered by two 1.5 V batteries. According to one embodiment, the frequency is 868 MHz and the transmission power of 10 mW. The range is about one hundred meters. When the supply of one of the sensors is too weak, the latter sends a message to the watch 20 via the central unit 10 (the watch vibrates, displays the pictogram corresponding to the type of sensor, a pictogram in the form of a battery is included in the display). The sensors 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, and 40 are as follows: - Sensor 31: sound sensor, illustrated in FIG. 5, used for monitoring babies (including a microphone and a potentiometer for the sensitivity setting). - Sensor 32/33: sound sensor, shown in Figure 5, used for the chime of the entrance door and the intercom. This sensor 32/33 signals the arrival of any visitor. It includes a microphone and a potentiometer for adjusting the sensitivity. - Sensor 34: telephone pulse sensor, shown in Figure 6. This sensor 34 signals telephone calls and fax arrivals. - Sensor 35: Intrusion sensor, illustrated in Figure 7, equipped with an infrared ray radar. This sensor 35 signals any malicious intrusion - burglary that can lead to serious physical attacks on people and especially the most vulnerable and vulnerable: deaf, hard of hearing, elderly often with presbycusis, women and children. - Sensor 36: smoke sensor, shown in Figure 8. - Sensor 37: carbon monoxide sensor, shown in Figure 9. - Sensor 38: flood sensor, shown in Figure 10. - Sensor 39: pool sensor, shown in Figure 11 This sensor 39 for swimming pool detects the rise of the water level in a swimming pool and sends the information on the watch 20. This sensor 39 is intended to be fixed on the edge of a swimming pool, and detects any abnormal movement of the pool (wave, fall in the pool, etc.). - Sensor 40: home automation sensor (oven, ...), shown in Figure 12. Thanks to the intrusion alarm detector, in remote mode, an SMS is automatically sent to the laptop of the user who is away from home and whose home would be the object of a burglary. This SMS can also be sent to mobile phones and / or landlines of people whose phone numbers have been pre-registered in the central (parents, neighbors, friends, remote assistance center, ...). Likewise, thanks to smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, flood detectors, and thanks to the pool sensor, an SMS is automatically sent to the laptop of the user who is out of his home if a problem occurs. .

This intrusion alert function allows the user who is away from home (holidays, trips, weekends, ...) to be able to monitor his home from a distance and, if necessary, to warn the help of his sector (police , gendarmerie).

When the user is at home (setting on the central unit 10 in local mode), all the information of the various sensors are sent to the watch 20, including the alerts detected by the intrusion sensor, the smoke detector , carbon monoxide, flood or by the detector related to the pool. The system 100 according to the present invention is also equipped with a Thermo Assistant (Thermo SMS) to capture the temperature of the habitat in order to avoid in the elderly accidents due to hyperthermia (heat wave period, such as for example during the summer of 2003) or hypothermia (a period of extreme cold in some regions). The Thermo Assistant works like this: 1 - Hyperthermia alert (high heat period = heat wave: dehydration, malaise, coma, ...): When the ambient temperature exceeds the temperature programmed in the control unit (for example: 28 °, maximum temperature considered to be the limit before the discomfort or the beginning of dehydration in frail people - elderly, babies, sick, ...), the watch vibrates and the pictogram specific to the function appears on the screen of the shows (in the case of hyperthermia, it will be a thermometer representing an excessive temperature). Upon receipt of the message on the watch (vibration and pictogram specific to this function = thermometer), the person wearing the watch must validate the information by simply pressing briefly on the central button of the watch (button 25 - See Figure 4 ). Knowing that the elderly have a less sensitive thermoregulation, this alert function allows them to become fully aware of the hyperthermia situation of the habitat and to implement all the necessary measures to avoid an accident due to excessive temperature. ending with a drama. The arrangements are as follows: drink regularly, ventilate, cool off, close shutters, put on lighter clothes, etc.

If the temperature does not fall below the limit set in the control panel, every hour (time adjustable from the central unit 10) the watch will vibrate again and display not a thermometer but a glass of water. This display makes it possible to challenge the elderly person to inform him that it is necessary to drink (hydrate) regularly. The duration of this function (for example from 9:00 to 20:00) is programmable from the central unit 10. The Thermo Assistant system also includes a Thermo Assistant / SMS functionality. The principle of detection of the ambient temperature is the same (temperature detectors located in the central unit and in each sensor). 20 However, if the person does not validate within two minutes the information (vibration and display of the pictogram - thermometer on the screen of the watch) by a short press on the button of the center of the watch, an SMS distress specific to this function will automatically be sent (without the intervention of the user) to persons whose mobile phone numbers and / or landline numbers will be prerecorded in the memory of the central (parents, friends, neighbors, center of assistance, ...). Indeed, if the person does not validate the information, it is considered that he is unable to do so and, because of this, that he is in great danger (brutal malaise has not allowed him to press the "discomfort" button on the bottom of the watch case - see Figure 4). 2 - Hypothermia alert (winter period - very cold in some areas): The alert principle is the same as that defined for hyperthermia. To do this, simply set the temperature in the plant's memory (Temperature function) below which it is considered that there is danger (for example: 16 °). In this case the pictogram will be different than the one used for hyperthermia. As a safety measure, the control panel and each sensor are equipped with a home temperature detector. The system 100 according to the present invention is also equipped with an immobility detector of abnormal duration (fall).

When a person falls (malaise, syncope, coma, ...) and is totally immobilized for more than a certain time (duration to be determined and programmed in the central), the watch vibrates twice to a few seconds intervals. If the person is unable to trigger the distress alarm (button at the bottom of the watch - see Figure 4) and does not validate the information received by simply pressing the button in the center of the watch in the two minutes after the vibrations, a distress SMS is automatically sent to people whose phone numbers are pre-registered in the central (parents, friends, neighbors, remote assistance, ...).

The abnormal immobility detector (accelerometer) is integrated into the watch. It is activated and deactivated from the central unit 10 as needed.

The system 100 according to the present invention also comprises a transceiver (GSM module) integrated in the central unit 10. It allows to receive and send SMS (distress and personal).

This function allows the user (people with hearing loss, or even other forms of disability, the elderly, the general public) to remain in constant contact with their immediate environment and the outside world.

It allows, possibly, to the authorities in charge of the safety of goods and people (Ministries of Health, Interior, ..., Prefecture, firefighters, etc.) to prevent in case of imminent natural disasters (alert: storm, flood, fire, heat wave, earthquake, etc.), in real time and by a simple impulse, all the people equipped with this device and in particular the fragile people with deafness, so very vulnerable and very difficult, even impossible to contact simultaneously and within very short deadlines.

When the central unit 10 sends an information (event) to the watch 20, the watch 20 vibrates, its screen lights up and the type of event is signaled on the screen of the watch 20 and the central unit 10 by a pictogram specific to the function.

The system according to the present invention applies more particularly to the deaf, hearing impaired, persons with reduced mobility and the elderly. The invention is described in the foregoing by way of example. It is understood that the skilled person is able to realize different variants of the invention without departing from the scope of the patent.

Claims (15)

REVENDICATIONS1. System (100) comprising a central unit (10), a vibrating watch (20), sealed with optical display and sensors (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40), characterized in said central unit (10) has a housing (13) for receiving said watch (20), in that some of said sensors (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40) are equipped with a temperature detector for detecting an abnormally low or abnormally high temperature, in that the central unit (10) has a mobile communication interface for sending and receiving short text messages (SMS), and said watch (20) comprises an accelerometer for detecting abnormal immobility. 2. System (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that said central unit (10) comprises a screen (11), a keyboard (12), navigation buttons (14, 15, 16, 17), and a button (18) for manual alarm. 3. System (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said watch (20) comprises a housing (21), a color screen (22), a bracelet (23) and buttons (24, 25, 26 ). 4. System (100) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises a sensor (31) of sound used for monitoring babies. 5. System (100) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises a sound sensor (32) used for an entrance door chime. 6. System (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a sensor (33) of sound used for an intercom. 7. System (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a sensor (34) of telephone impulse. 8. System (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an intrusion sensor (35) equipped with an infrared ray radar. 9. System (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises means for sending a short text message (SMS) in case of detection of an intrusion by said sensor (35) of intrusion. 10. System (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a sensor (36) of smoke. 11. System (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a sensor (37) of carbon monoxide. 12. System (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a sensor (38) flood. 13. System (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a sensor (39) for swimming pool. 14. System (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a sensor (40) home automation. 15. System (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for, when the supply of one of the sensors (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 , 38, 39, 40) is too weak, send a message to the watch (20) via the central unit (10).