GB2290194A

GB2290194A - Emergency communications system

Info

Publication number: GB2290194A
Application number: GB9411216A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Jones; Geoff Jonathan Harris
Original assignee: Tunstall Telecom Ltd
Current assignee: Tunstall Telecom Ltd
Priority date: 1994-06-04
Filing date: 1994-06-04
Publication date: 1995-12-13
Anticipated expiration: 2014-06-04
Also published as: GB2290194B; GB9411216D0; WO1995034160A1; AU2674495A

Abstract

The system comprises a plurality of patient-operated modules 2 capable of two-way speech communication with a master unit 6 via a cable network 1, a base unit 4 and an RF link. When a patient module is used to initiate a call, an identity code unique to that module is transmitted to the master unit enabling identification of the initiating module. <IMAGE>

Description

COMMUNICATION SYSTEM This invention relates to communication systems and more particularly to an emergency call and activity monitoring and logging system.

Emergency call systems for elderly or infirm people have become widespread, particularly in sheltered housing schemes. Such systems permit an emergency call, from equipment in a resident's dwelling, to be transmitted to the office of a warden or guardian by way of a private telecommunication network.

Some sheltered housing schemes include separate bungalow-type dwellings for each resident, or pair of residents, and other schemes include multi-storey blocks in which each resident, or resident pair occupies their own flat in the block. One type of emergency call system that is in use in sheltered housing schemes comprises a speech module (commonly in the form of a wall-mounted alarm panel) in each separate dwelling, all the speech modules being connected in parallel by a cable network or system cable to a central control unit, which comprises a cabinet containing control electronics. A warden supervising the sheltered housing scheme is provided with a pocket-size master unit which may be plugged into the system cable by way of a socket provided on each speech module for this purpose.The warden's office is also provided with a speech module, and the master unit can similarly be plugged into that module when the warden is in the office.

When an emergency call is initiated from any dwelling, the central control unit will cause a tone to be sounded by the master unit if this is plugged into a speech module. Each speech module has a numerical identity code which is transmitted to the central control unit when a call is raised by the resident initiating a call on that module. The number of the calling speech module is transmitted from the control unit to the master unit which emits a calling tone and displays the number of the calling speech module. If more than one call is being handled by the system at any one time, then the numbers of the calling speech modules may be displayed in sequence on the master unit.

On hearing the tone from the master unit the warden notes the identity code of the calling speech module and answers the call by entering codes and pressing dedicated function keys on a key pad of-the master unit. The warden may then hold a two-way conversation with:the calling resident by way of loud speaking equipment in the calling speech module and in the speech module into which the master unit is plugged. Half-duplex speech communication is usually used, with the speech direction and call clearing being controlled from the master unit by the warden at all times.

In addition to answering calls from residents, the warden may initiate a call to a (non-calling) selected resident by entering the identity code of the respective speech module on the plugged-in master unit. The central control unit routes the call to the selected speech module, and the warden may then control a two-way conversation with the resident answering the called speech module.

It is now common for a group call system to be equipped with apparatus whereby emergency calls may be transmitted from the system via the public telephone network to a central emergency control centre, for example, serving all of the group call systems of a particular Local Authority. Such central handling of calls may be referred to as "off-site" supervision, as distinct from supervision by an "on-site" warden. A given system may have the facility to be switched between on-site and off-site supervision, the switching being that of the whole system.

Examples of such emergency call systems are described in UK Patent Nos. 2206017B, 2206264B, 2207578B and 2205716B, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

A disadvantage of existing group call systems is that, in order for the warden to conduct a two-way conversation with the resident it is necessary for the warden's master unit to be plugged into a speech module.

This can lead to delay in answering calls and is generally inconvenient since if the warden is not in his or her office, it is necessary to look for the nearest speech module, which could be some distance away.

In accordance with the present invention, this problem is obviated by providing the master unit with a radio communication link to a base station connected to the cable network or system cable.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a communication system comprising at least one base station for transmitting and receiving digital radio signals; a cable system connected to the base station; a plurality of speech modules each capable of handling two-way speech communication, the speech modules being connected to the base station by the cable system; each speech module having an associated call initiator and means for transmitting a unique identity code from that speech module to the base station when a call is initiated from that speech module;; a master unit comprising digital radio frequency transmitter and receiver means whereby the master unit can transmit and receive digital radio signals to and from the base station and whereby the master unit can be placed in two way speech communication via the base station with the speech module from which the call has been initiated.

Preferably the communication system comprises a central control unit comprising control electronics, for example, for routing calls around the system. The central control unit may also receive and transmit textual information and have a memory for storing such information, for example medical records and contact numbers.

The communication system may also be provided with an interface unit connected, for example between the central control unit and a line of the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Either the central control unit or the warden master unit may have means for dialling one or more telephone numbers which can, for example, be stored within a memory.

Preferably the communication system of the invention uses CT2 digital radio technology, although it could also use DECT or any other suitable digital technology.

The digital radio transmission and receiving technology, and particularly the CT2 system, used in the present invention has a number of advantages over the analogue technology hitherto used in short-range communication systems. These are as follows: 1. Speech quality is maintained up to the edge of the range of the transmitter.

2. Signalling and text transmission is maintained up to the edge of the range of the transmitter.

3. Information is more accurately transmitted - this is very important for an emergency call system.

4. There is substantially less problem with interference between adjacent high volume users.

Although CT2 digital radio technology is preferred, it may be possible to use CT1 technology in certain circumstances. CT1 is not usually, however, the technology of choice because: 1. Although CTl is adequate for speech transmission, there is no suitable standard equipment available for textual or data transmission.

2. CTl handsets are much larger than CT2, and have no text display screen, so that there is no way of sending textual information or data to a master unit handset from a base station.

3. CT2 transmitter and receivers have been allocated 40 radio channels by international agreement. This facilitates "channel hopping" as will be explained hereinafter. No such facility is available for CT1.

4. With CTl systems only one base station can be used.

CT2 technology permits the possibility of using a number of base stations connected to the system cable in parallel to increase the overall range of the communication system.

5. With CTl systems only master unit can be used in practice because of the very limited number of radio frequency channels available.

Preferably the base station is provided with means for polling a master unit to enquire if it is within transmission range. Preferably means are provided that, if the master unit is out of range, the base station automatically calls elsewhere if there is an emergency, for example it can establish a telephone link to a remotely situated central emergency control centre.

Preferably the protocol of the base station and master unit permits "channel hopping" that is to say, the protocol hunts to find the quietest channel for transmission.

The number of base stations connected to the system cable will depend upon the range of communication desired. For large sheltered housing complexes, several base stations may be required.

The cable system may comprises, for example, a parallel wired cable network, but this is by no means essential, and, for example, a suitable star-wired or hybrid network could also be used.

In a typical system, each resident of a sheltered housing complex may be provided with a speech module capable of handling two-way speech communication which is contained within an enclosure which can, for example, be mounted on a wall at a convenient height. The enclosure can also display a number of function buttons, indicating options available to the resident. For example, the enclosure will normally have an alarm button, which may also be connected to an alarm cord hanging from the enclosure. An "away function" button may also be present which allows the resident to indicate that he or she has left the premises. This is particularly useful if the premises are provided with, for example, pressure mats or PIR sensors to register activity in the premises.By pressing the away function button the resident can tell the control unit not to bother to record activity until the resident has returned. The button can be illuminated, for example when depressed, so that the resident can easily see whether the away function is activated or not. The away function button could also act as a switch, for example, any sensors on the premises could indicate either (i) resident activity, or (ii) intrusion, depending on whether the resident is present or not.

The wall-mounted enclosure for the speech module may also comprise, for example, means responsive to various radio triggers, such as radio smoke detectors, radio PIR sensors, and personal radio alarm triggers, for example as described in UK Patent No. 2200517, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The wall-mounted enclosure may also comprise logging means responsive to a terminal carried by a service provider, as described in international patent application W094/07323, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. According, in a further aspect, the invention comprises a remote activity monitoring system which comprises:: (a) a central control unit; (b) a cable system connected to the central control unit; (c) a plurality of speech modules each capable of handling two-way speech communication, the speech modules being connected to the central control unit by the cable system; each speech module having an associated call initiator and means for transmitting a unique identity code from that speech module to the central control unit when a call is initiated from that speech module; (d) an input device by which a plurality of unique identification codes can be entered into the speech module; the central control unit including means for receiving data transmitted from the speech module in response to input of an identification code into the speech module using the input device, and a memory for data corresponding to the said plurality of identification codes.

In this system for monitoring the provision of services to residents, a service provider, for example a provider of cleaning services, carries a terminal having a tone pad and a PIN number. In operation, the service provider presses a service provider option button on the wall-mounted enclosure and then holds the tone pad up to the microphone to communicate the PIN number to the system. The system can thereby log the provision of the service and, if necessary, the identity of the individual/service provider organisation, the type of service, the time of delivery and duration.

It will be apparent that a similar wall-mounted enclosure could be provided as part of a remote-activated door entry system for a sheltered housing complex in which residents or tradesmen who need to enter a building carry a radio trigger to activate the door entry system.

Alternatively the wall-mounted enclosure can enable a resident to communicate via the speech module with a main door panel on a door entry system, and them to control the door lock for entry into the building, for example by use of a door entry option button.

For convenience of installation, in a further feature of the invention, the option buttons for the wall-mounted enclosure are installable after the enclosure has been mounted on the wall. This enables the enclosure to be mounted in any convenient orientation, whilst ensuring that any icons carried on the faces of the buttons are always the right way up. The option buttons can, for example, be a press fit onto mountings contained in sockets on the enclosure.

The master unit preferably comprises a handset which can, for example, be hand carried by the warden or clipped to a belt or clothing. Preferably the handset has a key pad and a display screen upon which textual information can be displayed, for example the personal details of a resident from whom a call has been received, and the type of call, for example, personal alarm, smoke alarm, or intruder alarm. Personal details which could be displayed on the master unit screen include, for example, name, address, medical condition and contact telephone numbers. This information could be stored, for example, in the central control unit and/or base station memory and transmitted to the master unit.

By the use of a handset the system provides greater privacy than systems used hitherto in that the warden can, for example, walk out of earshot of other residents if necessary, and speech communication is no longer necessary via a wall-mounted speaker enclosure.

Preferably the handset is provided with a voice operated switch rather than a press-to-talk button as on master units known hitherto. In normal operation the handset preferably acts as a receiver, but when the warden speaks the switch is operated, overriding the receiver, so that the handset then acts as a transmitter.

The communication system may be provided with one or more master units, up to about, for example, fifteen.

Where the system has a plurality of master units, preferably the protocol provides the possibility of master unit to master unit communication when an appropriate number is selected on the master unit key pad.

Preferably the master unit can also be used for normal telephone calls over the public service telephone network, using the key pad provided.

The master unit can also have other control functions, for example it could act as a remote control device to arm or disarm an intruder alarm from outside the building, or it could be used to turn on a TV, video or other equipment. As a further possibility, a service provider could carry a master unit instead of the terminal previously described, which master unit could transmit the service provider number and service to the wall mounted enclosure and thence to the central control unit or base station.

To avoid interference, the master unit is preferably matched to the base station with which it is to operate, and in most cases this means that the local warden need only use a master unit matched to the local base station.

A supervisor, who may need to visit several warden areas, is however preferably provided with a master unit matched to each of the several base stations.

Preferably the master unit is provided with means for polling the base station so that a warden can be alerted if he or she has moved out of range of the base station transmitter. Unlike existing systems, this can provide the warden with immediate notification that he or she is no longer in touch with the transmitter.

The master unit is preferably provided with a long range paging receiver so that the warden can be informed that a call has been received, even when the warden is out of range of the base station. This long range paging receiver can conveniently plug into the top of the handset to provide an integrated unit.

If desired, where the communication system is provided with a plurality of base stations the master unit can also be provided with means for locating the unit even if the warden does not respond to a paging call. Lost residents or hospital patients could also be located in this way. In practice, the master unit would transmit a signal enabling the nearest base station to the master unit to be identified and the area within which the master unit is located to be established.

Preferably the master unit is provided with augmented ringing, that is to say, if an alarm call is not answered the ringing tone gets louder over a period of time.

Where the system is provided with a link to a remotely located control centre, means are preferably provided to enable the control centre to establish speech communication with the master unit. Preferably the control centre can also send text or other information to the display screen on the master unit.

Preferably the central control unit is provided with a telephone interface card (TIC) which can ring at least two, and preferably up to six or more numbers. The warden can choose which telephone number is called first by pressing the appropriate numbers on the master unit key pad. This is useful if there is no central control unit linked to the system. In dialling an emergency number, the TIC can also send details of the type of location from which the call has been received, for example, from a switch located in a bathroom or bedroom.

An embodiment of a communications system according to the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying Drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a communication system in accordance with the invention; and Figure 2 shows a wall-mounted enclosure for a speech module for use in the communication system of the invention.

Referring first to Figure 1, the communications system illustrated generally at 1 comprises a plurality of communication speech modules 2 which are connected via a system cable 3. Also connected to the system cable 3 are base stations 4 comprising digital transmitting and receiving means, and a central control unit 5 comprising suitable electronics for routing traffic around the system. A master unit 6, comprising a handset equipped with digital transmitting and receiving means is within the range of base station 4', as shown by the broken line in the diagram.

Each of the speech modules can be contained within a wall-mounted enclosure in a residence of a sheltered housing complex. As exemplified, the complex extends over lkm, and several base stations are necessary to ensure complete coverage of the warden's area of responsibility. When a call or an alarm signal is received from one of the speech modules this is transmitted via the control centre and the nearest base station to the master unit handset 6. The display screen on the handset will also indicate the location of the residence from which the call has been initiated. By depressing a "select" button on the key pad of the handset, the warden can communicate via the base station with the resident, giving immediate reassurance and initiating any emergency procedures that may be required.

The operation of such emergency call systems is described in detail in our prior patent specifications referred to herein.

In Figure 2 there is illustrated diagrammatically a wall-mounted enclosure for a speech module which can be included in each residence of the sheltered housing complex. The enclosure, illustrated generally at 10, has a cover 11 including a loud speaker and microphone grill 12. The enclosure is also provided with an alarm button 13 and alarm pull and cord 14, which also operate the button mechanism. A series of option buttons 15, 16, 17 and 18 are also provided.

Option button 17 enables the resident to disconnect the speech module from the door entry system microphone to avoid unwelcome calls. This disconnection is controlled by a timer and will be re-connected after, for example, two minutes.

Option button 16 controls the door entry lock and enables the resident to release the lock when the button is depressed.

Option button 15 opens speech communication between the resident and a visitor at the door. By pressing the button the resident can talk to the visitor via the door entry speech module, and when the button is released the resident can hear the visitor's reply.

Option button 18 is an "away" button which enables the resident to indicate to the control centre that he or she is leaving the premises. This button is illuminated when pressed to provide a visual indication to the resident as to whether or not the away button has been activated.

The red alarm button 13 is preferably also illuminated. This is useful to show the resident the position of the alarm button in the dark or in poor light. It also provides feedback to the resident that power is being supplied to the unit.

In addition, it is desirably to provide additional feedback to the resident that an alarm call has been made and is being processed by the system. This can be achieved by sounding "reassurance" tones at the speech module as the call is being processed and/or flashing a "call progress light". Such a call progress light 19 is provided in the centre of the red alarm button 13.

If the resident wishes to have total privacy, the privacy button 20 can be pressed. This disconnects the microphone of the speech module in the enclosure from the central control unit and/or base station. The privacy button 20 is overridden after an alarm call by the resident.

The wall-mounted enclosure can be installed vertically as shown, or horizontally. In the latter case an alternative outlet for the pull cord is provided. The option buttons are a press fit into their respective sockets after the enclosure has been installed, and thus it can be ensured that the icons on the faces of the buttons have the appropriate orientation.

By the use of digital radio technology the communication system of the invention provides improved speech communication for the users together with greater flexibility in the provision of care and services.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps or any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Claims

1. A communications system comprising: a base station for transmitting and receiving digital radio signals; a cable system connected to the base station; a plurality of speech modules each capable of handling two-way speech communication, the speech modules being connected to the base station by the cable system; each speech module having an associated call initiator and means for transmitting a unique identity code from that speech module to the base station when a call is initiated from that speech module; a master unit comprising digital radio frequency transmitter and receiver means whereby the master unit can transmit and receive digital radio signals to and from the base station and whereby the master unit can be placed in two-way speech communication via the base station with the speech module from which the call has been initiated.

2. A communications system according to Claim 1, which is provided with a central control unit.

3. A communications system according to Claim 2, in which the central control unit comprises means for receiving and transmitting textual information and memory means for storing such information.

4. A communications system according to any of the preceding claims, which is provided with an interface unit connected to a line of the public service telephone network.

5. A communications system according to any of the preceding claims, which uses CT2 digital radio technology.

6. A communications system according to any of the preceding claims, in which the base station is provided with means for polling a master unit to inquire if it is within transmission range.

7. A communication system according to Claim 6, in which the base station is provided with means for automatically calling elsewhere if there is an emergency and the master unit is out of range.

8. A communications system according to any of the preceding claims, in which the protocol of the base station and master unit permits "channel hopping".

9. A communications system according to any of the preceding claims, which is provided with a plurality of base stations.

10. A communications system according to any of the preceding claims, in which each speech module is contained within a wall-mounted enclosure which is provided with alarm means and option functions.

11. A communications system according to Claim 10, in which an option function comprises an "away function" button which allows the resident to indicate that he or she has left the premises.

12. A communications system according to Claim 10 or 11, in which an option function comprises a button for a remote-activated door entry system.

13. A communications system according to any of Claims 10 to 12, in which the option functions are initiated by buttons which are installable after the enclosure has been mounted on the wall.

14. A communications system according to any of the preceding claims, in which the master unit comprises a handset provided with a key pad and a display screen.

A A communications system according to any of the preceding claims, in which half-duplex-speech communication is used, with the speech direction and call clearing being controlled from the master unit.

16. A communications system according to any of the preceding claims, in which the master unit is provided with other control functions.

17. A communications system according to any of the preceding claims, in which the master unit is provided with means for polling the base station so that a warden can be alerted if he or she has moved out of range of the base station transmitter.

18. A communications system according to any of the preceding claims, in which the master unit is provided with a long range paging receiver which can be operated when a call is initiated from a speech module.

19. A communications system according to any of Claims 2 to 18, in which the central control unit is provided with a telephone interface card, which can ring a plurality of telephone numbers, and means for selecting which of those telephone numbers is called first.

20. A communications system according to any of the preceding claims substantially as described and illustrated in the accompanying Drawings.

21. A communications system substantially as hereinbefore described.

22. A remote activity monitoring system which comprises: (a) a central control unit; (b) a cable system connected to the central control unit; (c) a plurality of speech modules each capable of handling two-way speech communication, the speech modules being connected to the central control unit by the cable system; each speech module having an associated call initiator and means for transmitting a unique identity code from that speech module to the central control unit when a call is initiated from that speech module; (d) an input device by which a plurality of unique identification codes can be entered into the speech module; ; the central control unit including means for receiving data transmitted from the speech module in response to input of an identification code into the speech module using the input device, and a memory for data corresponding to the said plurality of identification codes.

23. A remote activity monitoring system according to Claim 22, in which the input device comprises a terminal having a tone pad and a PIN number.

24. A remote activity monitoring system substantially as hereinbefore described.