GB2291236A - Access system for the disabled - Google Patents

Abstract

Disabled people are each provided with a portable transmitter (1) for transmitting a coded signal (2) and buildings (3) or other locations operating the system are provided with a receiver (4) for detecting the coded signal and a sign (4) for indicating to users that the system is operated. All the transmitters (1) and receivers (4) operate on a common code so when any user operates their transmitter (1) within the vicinity of any receiver (4), the receiver (4) is activated to provide an acknowledgement signal and to activate some form of assistance or call for assistance. <IMAGE>

Description

ACCESS SYSTEM FOR THE DISABLED This invention relates to an access system for the disabled and to a kit of components for providing the system.

Access is the cornerstone of equality and although access within the built environment is being improved for disabled people by the provision of wider doors, slopes for wheelchairs etc, situations remain where disabled people confront difficulties in gaining access. In many cases, it is not possible to alter a building to overcome all potential difficulties, due to physical or technical problems, planning requirements or, in many cases, the cost involved.

There thus remains a need to improve access for the disabled in a wide variety of locations.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an access system for the disabled in which disabled people are each provided with a portable transmitter for transmitting a coded signal and buildings or other locations operating the system are each provided with a receiver for detecting the coded signal and a sign for indicating to users that the system is operated, all the transmitters and all the receivers operating on a common code such that when any user operates their transmitter within the vicinity of any receiver, the receiver is activated to provide an acknowledgement signal and to activate assistance means.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of components for providing an access system as described above.

Other features of the invention will be apparent from the folrolvinÓ description and from the subsidiary claims of the specification.

The inventior. will now be further described. merely by ujy of examr e.

vith reference to the accompanying drawings. i. whi..: Figure 1 illustrates use of a system according to one aspect of the invention; Figure 2 is a diagram showing the main components of a system according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the function of a call detector which forms part of the system shown in Figure 2; and Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the function of a door controller which forms part of the system shown in Figure 2.

As shown in Figure 1, the system comprises a hand held, pocket size, radio transmitter 1 which may be operated to emit coded radio signals 2. If operated within the vicinity of a building 3 operating the access system, the signals will be detected by a receiver unit 4 mounted on the building 3. The receiver unit is then activated to issue an acknowledgement signal, eg by flashing and/or providing an audible signal. Furthermore, the receiver unit activates assistance means which, as will be described further below, may comprise a communication system for indicating to a person within the building that someone is requesting assistance and/or may comprise an activating device, eg for unlocking andfor opening a door 5 to the building 3.

The system is designed so that all transmitters 1 and receiver units 4 operate on a common code .E buildings which operate the access system are provided with a receiver unit and all disabled people wishing to use the system are provided with a transmitter 1. all operating on the same code. Any person having a transmitter 1 may thus use the transmitter 1 to help them gain access te any building having a receiver unit 4.

The components of the system T now be further described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 iflustrates a pl raiito cf identca.

battery powered. key-fob type radio transmitters '. Such Wrânsn.irters are well known and are used, for example, for remote activation of car alarms, garage door opening devices, etc. However, an important feature of the transmitters used in the present system is that they all operate on the same code. This is the exact reverse of the conventional use of such transmitters where they are used to provide security so each transmitter operates on a different code.

A typical radio transmitter of this type is arranged to continuously generate a code pattern sequence which is passed to a low power radio transmitter (eg 418 MHz) circuit and then to a printed circuit aerial which transmits the coded signal.

The range of the transmitter depends on the technology used and the local conditions but in the present application a range of 10-30 metres, and preferably around 20 metres should be sufficient (although in some circumstances a shorter range might be appropriate as will be described further below).

The transmitter 1 is preferably designed so as to be easy to operate, eg by having a large button to press, and preferably a button which can, if necessary, be operated with the ball of the hand. Some versions may require two or more buttons as described below.

As mentioned above, each building operating the access system is provided with a receiver unit 4. This is preferably prominently mounted on the exterior of the building so that it is clearly visible to potentiai users cf the system and within easy access of the radio signals emitted by a transmitter 1 operated within the immediate vicinity of the building. As it is designed for outdoor use, the receiver unit is preferably provided within a weatherproof housing. In some circumstances it may be appropriate for the receiver unit 4 to be mounted within the building rather than on the exterior.

In a preferred arrangement, the receiver unit is marked with a Wlistirl.rtiae and clearly visible sign such as a distinctive name and/or logo. to provide an immediately recognisable indizon on to a user that the building is provided with the access system. Alternatively, the distinctive sign may be located separately from the receiver unit if it is desired for the sign and the receiver unit to be located in different positions. The same distinctive sign is preferably used wherever the system is operated, ie at all locations in the country or even internationally.

As Figure 2 indicates, the receiver unit 4 comprises a power supply 6, a radio receiver 7 (which includes an aerial) and a demodulator and comparison device 8 for comparing the code received from a transmitter 1 with a code stored therein (to prevent activation of the device by unauthorised radio transmitters). The receiver unit also comprises a light switch circuit 9 and an alarm switch circuit 10 for activating a lamp 11 and an electronic sounder 12, respectively, when the receiver unit 4 detects a signal emitted by a transmitter 1. The lamp 11 may, for instance, flash and the sounder 12 bleep to confirm to the user that the receiver unit 4 has received their request for assistance.The receiver unit then activates some form of assistance means, which may comprise a remotely located bell 13 and/or electronic sounder 14 to indicate to staff within the building that someone is requesting assistance.

.tlternativel;, the receiver unit 4 may activate a telephone dialler and message generator 15 which sends a telephone call over the internal telephone exchange 16 of the 5 uilding (or the public telephone nerlvorki to one or more designated telephones 17 and provide a recored announcement that assstance has been requested when someone answers the telephone 17. The lamp 11 may be normally lit when the system is operational to indicate to a potential user that assistance is available. when no assistance is available, eg because no staff are at hand. the lamp 11 may Toe turned off. The same lamp 11 may be used to provide the acknowledgement signal by being turned off for a few seconds on the dêtêcvi2=. of a signal from a transmitter or being turned off repeatedly so as to cause the lamp 11 to flash.

The receiver unit may, if desired, be provided with more than one lamp. A long-life fluorescent lamp may, for example, be used to illuminate the distinctive sign to indicate that the access system is operational. This lamp may be controlled by a simple on/off switch or via a remote controller operated by staff within the building. The same lamp or one or more other lamps may then be provided to acknowledge detection of a signal from a transmitter and/or to indicate that assistance is on the way.

The receiver unit may also be arranged to actuate some other form of communication means, eg a radio telephone system, either via an existing network or directly by its own transmitter.

The transmitter 1 may not only be used to summon assistance via a receiver unit 4 in the form of a call detector and communication means as described above, but may also be used to activate other devices, eg to unlock and/or open a door, to allow the disabled person access to a building or some other area within the building, eg a disabled toilet cubicle.

As shown in Figure 2, a door controller may comprise a radio receiver 18, a demodulator and code comparison device 19, an indicator light 20 to indicate both that the controller 5 operational ar,d to indicate when the door controller has detected a signal from a transmitter, a door control switch 21 and an automatic door unloc+; nD and/or opening mechanism 22. A power supply 23 is also provided with an opticnal battery back-up 24.The radio receiver 1E anc demodulator and comparison device 19, together with light 20 and switch 21 may be conveniently accommodated in a small housing, e the size of a conventional light switch (approx 85 mm x 85 mm x > ~ mm). If the door controller is positioned outside it should. of course. be contained thin a weatherproof housing.

The functions of the call detecror and door controller described above wifl now be further described with reference to Figures S and respectively.

As shown in Figure 3, the system is either switched on or off depending on whether anyone is available to provide assistance. If someone is available, the lamp 11 is illuminated to indicate that the access system is operational. When a user operates their transmitter 1, the receiver unit picks up the radio signal and demodulates this as appropriate. The demodulated signal is then compared to the system's authorisation code and if it does not match no further action is taken.

If an authorised code is detected, the lamp 11 is turned off (or flashed) and the sounder 12 bleeps whilst a signal from the transmitter is detected. At the same time the system rings a remote bell 13 or sounder 14 to summon assistance and/or activates a telephone communication system by automatically dialling one or more selected extension numbers and playing a recorded message to indicate to anyone answering the telephone that someone has requested assistance.

If the building is provided with more than one receiver unit 4, the message preferably indicates the location at which assistance is required, eg the front door, side door or other location. The telephone communication system may also be arranged to ring other extension numbers in sequence if no-one answers the telephone within a given time until such time as the call is answered.

The system may be arranged so that the bell 13 and/or electronic sounder 14 continuously or repeatedly sound until someone in the building activates a cancel button. The bell 13 and/or sounder may commence with short, slow sounds and if no response is received, the ringing frequency, loudness, tone or pitch may be altered to indicate that urgent attention is required.

The system may also be arranged so that when someone receives a call for assistance he or she may cause the lamp 11 or some other signalling means to indicate to the user that assistance is on the way.

This function may be activated by the cancel button described above.

As shown in Figure 4, the door controller system may also be switched on or off; the status of the system preferably being indicated by the indicator lamp 20 which may be an LED (light emitting diode). When the system is operational and a signal from a transmitter 1 is detected, the signal is demodulated and compared with the authorisation code. If no match is found, no further action is taken. If an authorised code is detected, the indicator lamp 20 is turned off for a predetermined period, eg 15 seconds, (or turned off repeatedly so that it flashes) - to confirm that the door controller has been activated and the door lock and/or door opening device are activated for a predetermined period to provide access for the user. The period for which the lamp 20 is turned off (or flashed) preferably coincides with the period during which the door is unlocked.

As a door controller need only be activated from a relatively close range, eg within 5 metres, the range of the signal transmitted by the transmitter 1 may be limited and/or the sensitivity of the radio receiver 18 limited to avoid inadvertent activation of other door controllers within the vicinity. Alternatively, one receiver unit 18 may be used in relation to several doors (eg of toilet cubicles), and the system arranged such that only the door of the next available cubicle is unlocked and/or opened.

As indicated above, the coded signal used to activate the call detector is preferably the same as that used to activate the door controller.

Alternatively, two separate signals may be used, eg one press or two presses of the button on the transmitter 1 or the transmitter 1 may be provided with two buttons, one for activating call detectors and one for activating door controllers and other devices. The radio codes transmitted by the two buttons may differ but, nevertheless, all transmitters 1 are arranged to transmit the same two codes. The door controller preferably also prominently displays the same distinctive sign as the call detector described above to indicate to potential users that their transmitters can be used to actuate the device.

The door controller is preferably arranged so that when the door is locked and/or closed, a signal received from a transmitter 1 unlocks and/or opens the door and when the door is unlocked and/or open a signal received from a transmitter 1 locks and/or closes the door.

Alternatively, or additionally, the transmitter may be arranged to provide two forms of signal to activate the door controller, one form to unlock and/or open the door and a second form to lock and/or dose the door.

An important feature to users of the system is that the call detector, door controller or other device which can be actuated by the transmitter 1 provides an indication as to whether the access system is in operation. This may be provided by simply illuminating the distinctive sign or providing other lighting to indicate the system is switched on. However, other indicating means may be used, eg a retractable or removable sign. Furthermore, the call detector, door controller or other device is arranged to provide an acknowledgement signal to the user to provide them with the reassurance that their request has been detected. This may be provided by visual and/or audio means, eg by flashing a light, illuminating an additional light, sounding a buzzer, etc.

It will be appreciated that other forms of transmitter and receiver may be used, eg using infra-red signals, rather than radio signals. The transmitter and/or the receiver unit may also be provided with a microprocessor if more sophisticated functions are required.

The access system described above provides a system which is easy and relatively inexpensive to install in a wide range of locations and which. is easy to operate and easy to maintain. The user is provded with. a single transmitter which can be used to request assistance in many different locations and to actuate door controllers and other devices. The transmitter is small and easily portable so the user only nas to press their ole own easily accessible button when they are within range cf the appropriate receiver or device.

Many other uses for the can be envisaged including (but not limited to) the follolving: requesting assistance to obtain access to a hu.i.ng, i-equest.n oss.stonce at retro stations. unlocking and/or opening external and internal doors c-f a building. obtaining access te disabled facilities (eg toilets etc), operating barriers etc in car parks, operating road crossing devices (eg the request button at a Pelican crossing), and operating hands-free telephones. Many other applications can be envisaged, particularly the operation of devices which are normally operated by one or more push buttons or switches.

The system may be operated in a wide range of buildings and other locations including: public buildings, hotels, airports, railway stations, shops, hospitals, theatres, schools, banks etc. Ideally, the access system would be operational nationwide, or even internationally, and so give the disabled user greater access to many different locations.

Claims (1)

1 An access system for the disabled in which disabled people are each provided with a portable transmitter for transmitting a coded signal and buildings or other locations operating the system are each provided with a receiver for detecting the coded signal and a sign for indicating to users that the system is operated, all the transmitters and all the receivers operating on a common code such that when any user operates their transmitter within the vicinity of any receiver, the receiver is activated to provide an acknowledgement signal and to activate assistance means.

2 An access system as claimed in claim I in which the sign comprises a distinctive name and/or logo.

3 An access system as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the sign is provided with indicating means for indicating when the system is operational.

4 An access system as claimed in claim 3 in which the vindicating means comprises illumination means for illuminating the sign.

5 An access system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the receiver and the sign are prominently located so as to be visible and accessible from outside a building or other location, and is preferably mounted on the outside of the building or other location.

5 An access system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the acknowledgement signal comprises the iilumination. the switching off and/or the flashing of a light.

7 An access system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the acknowledgement signal comprises an audible signal.

8 An access system as claimed ir. any preceding claim in zçr. ch he assistance means comprises removely located hight and/or sounder 9 An access system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the assistance means comprises communication means for communicating via a telephone system with a person available to provide assistance.

10 An access system as claimed in claim 9 in which the communication means automatically dials a sequence of telephone extensions until the call is answered.

11 An access system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the assistance means comprises a device for unlocking and/or opening a door.

12 An access system as claimed in claim 11 in which the assistance means comprises means for locking and/or closing a door.

13 An access system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the assistance means comprises means for operating devices normally operated by one or more push buttons or switches.

14 An access system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the transmitter comprises a radio transmitter.

15 An access system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the transmitter is pocket size, preferably a key-fob type transmitter.

16 An access system for the disabled substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

17 A kit of components for providing an access system as claimed in any preceding claim.

18 A kit of components as claimed in claim 17 comprising a plurality of portable transmitters for transmitting a coded signal and a plurality of receivers for detecting the coded signal, all the transmitters and all the receivers being arranged to operate on a common code.

19 A kit of components substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.