GB2461920A

GB2461920A - Wirelessly transmitting a location signal upon actuation of alert apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2461920A
Application number: GB0813233A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Birch; Steven Birch
Original assignee: SECURITY AND FACILITIES MAN SE
Current assignee: SECURITY AND FACILITIES MAN SE
Priority date: 2008-07-18
Filing date: 2008-07-18
Publication date: 2010-01-20
Also published as: GB0813233D0

Abstract

An alert apparatus 100 is configured to be fixed in a specific geographic location (e.g. in a public area, school, hospital, prison, etc.) and configured to provide a user input signal in response to a user input to an actuator 110 (e.g. push button) to indicate that a person is injured and/or in danger. The alert apparatus 100 provides an alert location signal wirelessly to a remote apparatus in response to receipt of a user input signal, the alert location signal indicative of the specific geographic location of the actuator 110. The actuator 110 may be fixed to a lamppost or street furniture (figure 5). The alert apparatus 100 may be further configured to provide an energy signal wirelessly to a remote apparatus indicative of the energy level of a battery 140 supplying power to the alert apparatus 100.

Description

Alert apparatus

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of alert apparatus, associated methods, control apparatus, networks and computer programs. Certain embodiments of the invention relate to fixed alert apparatus for wireless communication. In some embodiments such alert apparatus are configured to be fixed in public areas, for example, shopping centre areas (e.g. pedestrian areas, retail parks, town centre areas, etc.), countryside areas (e.g. country/national park areas), school areas, hospital areas (such as hospital public communal areas, including corridors, health centre areas, etc.), building site areas, prison areas (e.g. prison recreational areas), etc.

Background

When a person is injured and/or in danger, it can be important that they seek assistance.

In some instances, the ability to locate that person-in-need quickly and efficiently can allow for assistance to be provided quickly and efficiently.

In some instances, there is little time (or no time) to use convention methods of seeking assistance, such as locating a telephone and relevant contact number(s) (e.g. when a person is being attacked). In other instances, conventional methods of seeking assistance are unavailable/not provided (e.g. in areas where there are no cellular base stations as a result of their high cost/low potential usage in that area -areas of the Scottish Highlands, for example).

The listing or discussion of a prior-published document or any background in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document or background is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge. One or more aspects/embodiments of the present invention may or may not address one or

more of the background issues.

Summary -----

In a first aspect, there is provided an alert apparatus, the alert apparatus comprising an actuator configured to be fixed in a specific geographic location and configured to provide a user input signal in response to a user input to the actuator, the alert apparatus configured to provide an alert location signal wirelessly to a remote apparatus in response to receipt of a user input signal, the alert location signal indicative of the specific geographic location of the actuator.

The alert apparatus may be further configured to provide an energy signal indicative of the energy level of a battery supplying power to the alert apparatus. For example, the energy signal may indicate the voltage/current level of a battery.

The energy signal may be configured to be communicated to a remote apparatus (e.g. by wired/wireless communication).

The energy signal may be communicated to a remote apparatus from time to time (e.g. hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, etc.). The energy signal may be communicated to a remote apparatus constantly. The energy signal may be communicated in response to a user input at the actuator.

The alert apparatus may be further configured to receive, by wired communication, an alert location signal from a wired alert apparatus and configured to relay/provide wirelessly the alert location signal to a remote apparatus.

The alert location signal may be relayed/provided in response to a user input at the wired alert apparatus and may be indicative of the location of the wired alert apparatus.

The alert location signal received by wired communication may be a user input signal, or the like, of the wired alert apparatus (e.g. the receiving alert apparatus may be configured to provide an alert location signal relating to the specific geographic location of the wired apparatus, such as by knowing that an alert location signal received by wired communication through a particular connector/port relates to a particular wired alert apparatus).

The alert location signal received by wired communication may be an alert location signal comprising specific location data, or the like, of the wired alert apparatus (e.g. the receiving alert apparatus maybe configured to r&ay the received alert location signa.

The actuator may be configured to provide a user input signal in response to a single user input. The actuator may comprise a depressible button (e.g. a single depressible button). The actuator/alert apparatus may comprise a cover. The cover may be configured to hinder accidental actuation of the actuator (e.g. hinder accidental actuation of a depressible button, or the like).

The alert apparatus may comprise more than one actuator, configured to provide a user input signal. The, or each, actuator may be configured to extend along a portion of a perimeter of a public area. The, or each, actuator may comprise one or more push bars.

The one or more push bars may be configured to be positioned on at least one wall of a room of a public area. Each actuator may be provided with a unique identify. The user input signal may comprise the unique identify to as to allow for the specific geographic location of a particular actuator to be identified.

The remote apparatus may be a control apparatus, configured to provide the location of the alert apparatus when in receipt of an alert location signal.

The remote apparatus may be a further alert apparatus. The further alert apparatus may be configured to relay/provide wirelessly the alert location signal to one of: a control apparatus, or a further alert apparatus for wirelessly relaying/providing the alert location signal to a control apparatus, the control apparatus configured to provide the location of the initiating alert apparatus when in receipt of an alert location signal.

The alert apparatus may comprise a communicator for communication of the alert location signal. The communicator may be configured to communicate/relay wirelessly the alert location signal using one or more of: GSM; GPRS; UMTS; WiFi; ZigBee; WiLAN; Satellite uplink.

The alert apparatus may be further configured to receive a positioning signal so as to provide for the alert location signal. The positioning signal may be indicative of the specific geographic location of the alert apparatus and being derived from one or more of: a global positioning system signal(s) (e.g. GPS, Galileo, etc.); a pseudolite signal(s).

The alert apparatus may further comprise a posifloning signal receiver, the positionhig signal receiver configured to receive one or more of the global positioning signal(s)/pseudolite signals and to provide a positioning signal indicative of the specific geographic location of the alert apparatus.

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The alert apparatus may further comprise a housing. The actuator may be configured to be fixed in a specific geographic location by fixing the housing at a public area (e.g. fixed to a wall/ground/lamppost, etc.).

The housing may be provided with portable fixings. The portable fixings may be configured to allow the alert apparatus to be movably fixed at a public area. The housing may comprise an indicia region, configured to receive an indicia (e.g. regions configured to receive, or have placed upon, operating instructions, warnings for use without cause, advertisements).

The alert apparatus/housing may be configured as street furniture (e.g. configured to blend in, or contribute, to the public surroundings.

The alert apparatus may be for (e.g. configured for) a public area. The public area may be one of: shopping centre areas (e.g. pedestrian areas, including pedestrian walkways; retail parks; town centre areas; etc.), countryside areas (e.g. country/national park areas), school areas, hospital areas (such as hospital public communal areas, including corridors, health centre areas, etc.), building site areas, prison areas (e.g. prison recreational areas), etc. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a control apparatus for providing a specific geographic location of an alert apparatus according to any of the features of the first aspect, the control apparatus configured to receive wirelessly at least one alert location signal from an alert apparatus, and configured to provide the specific geographic location of a particular alert apparatus when in receipt of a corresponding alert location signal.

The control apparatus may be configured to provide an audio and/or visual output indication of the specific geographic location of a particular alert apparatus when in receipt of a corresponding alert location signal.

---The control apparatus may be configured for use in a control room. The control apparatus may be provided with at least one output device for providing visual and/or audio indication of a specific geographic location (e.g. LCD, Plasma displays, etc.).

According to a third aspect there is provided a network comprising a plurality of alert apparatus according to any of the features of the first aspect, each alert apparatus configured to communicate wirelessly respective alert location signals to a control apparatus and/or to a further alert apparatus in the network for wireless relay/provision to a control apparatus. The or each alert apparatus may be configured to communicate an energy signal to the control apparatus. The or each energy signal may be indicative of the particular level of energy of a battery(s) providing power to the or each alert apparatus (e.g. the energy signal communicated continuously, or from time to time, such as periodically, aperiodically) The network may further comprise one or more wired alert apparatus. The or each wired alert apparatus may be configured to communicate, by wired communication, an alert location signal to one or more of the alert apparatus for wireless relay/provision of that alert location signal to a control device in response to a user input at the wired alert apparatus.

The wired alert apparatus may be further configured to communicate, by wired communication, an energy signal to one or more of the alert apparatus for wireless relay/provision of that energy signal to a control device (e.g. communicate continuously, or from time to time). The energy signal may be indicative of the energy level of a battery supplying power to the wired alert apparatus (e.g. voltage/current).

The or each wired alert apparatus may be configured to be located in wireless sensitive areas, and configured to communicate alert location signals (which may be provided by user input signals), by wired communication, to alert apparatus in wireless non-sensitive areas for relay/provision to a control apparatus/further alert apparatus.

The wireless sensitive area may be a cardiac region of a hospital, for example. The wireless non-sensitive areas are areas outside cardiac regions.

The network may comprise a control apparatus according to any of the features of the second aspect.

According to a fourth aspect there is a method of pro'Adingan alert hCaOn signal fà wireless communication to a control apparatus, the method comprising: receiving a user input signal as a result of a user input at an actuator configured to be fixed in a specific geographic location; providing an alert location signal in response to the user input signal, the alert location signal indicative of the specific geographic location of the actuator.

The providing may comprises configuring the alert location signal for wireless communication using one or more of: GSM; GPRS; UMTS; WiFi; ZigBee; WiLAN; Satellite uplink.

The method may further comprise providing an energy signal (e.g. continuously, or from time to time) for wireless communication to a control apparatus.

According to a fifth aspect there is a method of relaying/providing an alert location signal for wireless communication to a control apparatus, the method comprising: receiving, by wired communication, an alert location signal as a result of a user input at an actuator configured to be fixed in a specific geographic location; providing/relaying the alert location signal for wireless communication to a control apparatus.

The relaying may comprises configuring the alert location signal for wireless communication using one or more of: GSM; GPRS; UMTS; WiFi; ZigBee; WiLAN; Satellite uplink.

The method may further comprise providing an energy signal by wired communication (e.g. continuously, or from time to time) for wireless communication to a control apparatus.

According to a sixth aspect there is a method of providing for the specific geographic location of an alert apparatus from which an alert location signal has been communicated by actuation of an actuator of the alert apparatus, comprising: wirelessly receiving at least one alert location signal, the alert location signal being indicative of the specific geographic location of an actuator of the alert apparatus; providing the location of the actuator based on the particular alert location signal received.

According to a seventh aspect there is provided a computer program configured to --provide the method of any of the features of the fourth, firth, or sixth aspects.

According to an eighth aspect there is provided a method of alerting of a person's particular location in a public area, comprising: providing an apparatus comprising an actuator configured to be fixed in a specific geographic location at that public area, the actuator configured to provide a user input signal in response to a user input; upon activation of the actuator, communicating wirelessly an alert location signal in response to the user input signal, the alert location signal indicative of the specific geographic location of the actuator; receiving wirelessly the alert location signal so as to alerting of a person's particular location in a public area.

According to a ninth aspect there is provided a method of providing an alert network comprising providing at least one alert apparatus according to any of the features of the first aspect and/or at least one control apparatus according to any of the features of the second aspect.

The method may comprise fixing the alert apparatus in particular specific geographic location(s).

The method may further comprise configuring the or each alert apparatus to provide a particular alert location signal based on its specific geographic location.

According to a tenth aspect there is a method of maintaining an alert network, the network comprising at least one alert apparatus according to any of the features of the first aspect and/or at least one control apparatus according to any of the features of the second aspect, the method comprising: receiving energy signal(s) indicative of the energy level of battery(s) supplying power to the or each alert apparatus.

replacing the battery(s) of the alert apparatus after the energy signal(s) indicate(s) that the energy level is below a particular threshold.

The present invention includes one or more corresponding aspects, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolaUon. Corresponding means far performing one or more of the discussed functions are also within the present disclosure.

The above summary is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting.

B

Brief Description of the Figures

A description is now given, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 shows an alert apparatus; Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of an alert apparatus; Figure 3 shows the alert apparatus of Figure 2 with a remote/control apparatus; Figure 4 shows the alert apparatus of Figure 2 with a further remote/control apparatus; Figure 5 shows an alert apparatus configured as street furniture; Figure 6 shows an alert apparatus comprising a plurality of actuators; Figure 7 shows a network comprising a plurality of alert apparatus for wireless communication with a control apparatus; Figure 8 shows a network comprising a plurality of alert apparatus for wireless communication with a further alert apparatus/control apparatus; Figure 9 shows a network comprising a plurality of alert apparatus for wired/wireless communication with a further alert apparatus/control apparatus; Figure 10 shows an alert apparatus for relay of wired alert location signals; and Figure 11 shows an alert apparatus comprising a positioning signal receiver, for providing positioning signals for the alert apparatus.

Description of Specific Embodiments

Figure 1 shows an alert apparatus 100, comprising an actuator 110 and processing circuitry 120. The processing circuitry 120 comprises a processor 122 and memory 124,

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configured in a known manner (e.g. the processing circuitry 120 may be provided by an application specific integrated circuit, microcontroller, etc.). The actuator 110 is in communication with the processing circuitry 120. The actuator 110 is configured to provide a user input signal to the processing circuitry 120 in response to a user input at the actuator 110.

The present embodiment, the actuator 110 is provided by an electro/mechanical switch, or the like (e.g. a push button, rocker switch, toggle, etc.). The actuator 110 is configured to be fixed in a particular geographic location (e.g. fixed to a wall, fixed to a ground area, such as fixed so as to be freestanding in an area, fixed to a lamppost, provided/fixed in a particular area as street furniture, etc.).

Upon receipt of a user input signal (i.e. indicating that the actuator 110 has been used/activated), the processing circuitry 120 is configured to provided an alert location signal configured for wireless communication. That is, the alert location signal is configured such that it has a particular structure/protocol (e.g. transport coding) allowing the signal to be communicated wirelessly. The processing circuitry 120 is configured to provide an alert location signal that is indicative of the specific geographic location of the actuator 110.

Figure 2 shows the alert apparatus 100 comprised with a communicator 130, a battery (e.g. 12/24 V lead acid, lithium ion battery(s), etc.), and a housing 150. The communicator 130 is in communication with the processing circuitry 120, and is configured to communicate wirelessly an alert location signal received from the processing circuitry 120. Here, the communicator 130 is provided by a GSM/GPRS (Global System for Mobiles/General Packet Radio Service) wireless communication antenna/processor. The processing circuitry 120/communicator 130 are configured to communicate wirelessly the alert location signal using GSM/GPRS.

In alternative embodiments, the communicator 130/processing circuitry may be configured to communicate using any number of alternative protocols (e.g. Universal Mobile Telecommunications System, satellite communications, wireless IEEE 802 family members, such asWPAN, WiFi, WiMax, etc.) The battery 140 is configured to provide electrical power to the alert apparatus 100 (e.g. provide power to the processing circuitry 120, and/or actuator 110, and/or communicator 130) so as to allow the alert apparatus 100 to communicate wirelessly an alert location signal.

In the present embodiment, the housing 150 at least partially encases (e.g. completely encases) the processing circuitry 120, communicator 130 and battery 140. The actuator is provided such that it can be operated from the exterior of the housing 150. The housing 150 is configured so as to allow the alert apparatus 100 / actuator 110 to be fixed in a particular geographic location. For example, the housing 150 may be provided with wall mounting, or floor fixings, etc. The housing 150 may be provided with fixings to allow the alert apparatus 100/actuator 110 to be fixed to ground/land formation, etc. The housing 150 is configured such that it is tough, e.g. the housing comprises steel, such as stainless steel, poly carbonate, carbon fibre, or the like.

Figure 3 shows additionally a control apparatus 200, comprising a user output 210, control processing circuitry 220 (comprising a processor 222 and memory 224, configured in a similar manner to that described in relation to the processing circuitry of the alert apparatus 100 above), and an alert receiver 230. Here, the alert receiver 230 is configured to receive wirelessly an alert location signal communicated from an alert apparatus 100. The user output 210 here is a display screen (e.g. LCD, TFT, Plasma, etc.). In some embodiments, the user output 210 additionally/alternatively comprises an audio output (e.g. speakers for providing an alert alarm).

In this embodiment, the alert receiver 230 is configured to receive GSM/GPRS communications from the communicator 130 (e.g. the alert receiver is configured as a GSM/GPRS antenna/processor). It will readily be appreciated however, that in alternative embodiments the receiver 230 may be configured to communicate using other wireless communications (i.e. depending upon the configuration of the alert location signal).

The receiver 230 is configured to provide to the control processing circuitry 220 a received alert location signal. The control processing circuitry 220 is configured to process the received alert location signal and to provide data to the user output 210, the data being usable by the user output 210 so as to provide the location of a particular alert -apparatus 100.

In use, the actuator 110/ alert apparatus 100 is fixed in a particular geographic location (for example in a public area, such as provided as street furniture in a shopping centre, provided as a button actuator fixed on a particular wall of a school, such as a corridor wall, provided in corridors/wards of a hospital, etc.). The alert memory 124 is configured with location data relating to the particular location of the actuator 110/alert apparatus. In some embodiments, the location data is provided as data relating to the specific geographic location of the actuator 110/alert apparatus 100.

For example, the location data may indicate that the actuator 110 is located at the corner of Market Street and Long Row, or may be provided by a specific address (e.g. address number and post code). In some embodiments, this location data is hard wired to the apparatus (e.g. provided in Read Only Memory), while in alternative embodiments the location data is read/writeable (e.g. provided in Random Access Memory, Flash, etc.) In alternative embodiments, the location data is provided by a location identifier (e.g. a unique location identifier), which can subsequently be used to derive the location of the actuator 110/ alert apparatus 100. For example, the location identifier may be a unique code (e.g. Alert_App_14, 12:Y5:45:T6;3E (MAClIP address), etc.) which can be used to cross reference with a location identifier database either at the control apparatus, or accessible by the control apparatus, so as to provide for the specific geographic location of the actuator 110/alert apparatus 100.

When a person (i.e. a member of the public) is in need of assistance, they (or others) may activate the actuator 110. This in turn provides a user input signal which is detected by the alert apparatus processing circuitry 120. The alert apparatus processing circuitry then provides an alert location signal, comprising the location data (i.e. location identifier, or specific location, etc.), to the communicator 130 for wireless communication to the control apparatus 200.

Upon receipt of the alert location signal at the alert receiver 230 of the control apparatus 200, the control processing circuitry 220 is configured to provide an output to the user output 210, indicative of the specific location of the actuator 110/ alert apparatus 100. In some embodiments (i.e. when using a unique identifier) the control processing circuitry 220 is configured to use the alert location signal to derive the specific geographic location of the actuator 110/alert apparatus 100 (e.g. using the unique identifier to find a -corresponding location stored ona location database on the control memory 224). In other embodiments, the control processing circury 220 processes the alert Iocaon signal so as to provide the specific geographic location of the actuator 110/alert apparatus 100 to the user output 210.

For example, in some embodiments the control processing circuitry 220 uses the (derived) location of the actuator 110/alert apparatus 100 to provide data to allow a map of the area comprising the actuator 110/alert apparatus 100 to be displayed on the user output 210, indicating the specific geographic location of the actuator 110/alert apparatus 100). In some embodiments, the control processing circuitry 220 may be configured to provide further data to the user output 210, including: directions as to how best to reach the actuator 110; indications as to the nearest assistance (e.g. police/security vehicle in the area), etc. A party may then monitor the user output 210 and arrange for assistance to be provided at the specific geographic location of the actuator 110/alert apparatus 100 soon after an alert location signal has been generated/received.

It will readily be appreciated that in some embodiments the receiver 230 of the control apparatus 200 may be configured to receive alert location signals via an indirect wired/wireless connection (e.g. from a LAN, the Internet, etc.). Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of a control apparatus 300, comprising control processing circuitry 220 and a user output 210 as before. Here, a receiver 330 is configured to receive from a network 270 the alert location signal. It will be appreciated that the network 270 may be wired, wireless, or combination of both. Here, the receiver 330 is in communication, via the network 270, with a remote wireless receiver 280 (e.g. a GSM/GPRS base station). In use, an alert location signal may be communicated to the remote wireless receiver 280, and subsequently communicated to the control apparatus 300 to allow for providing of the specific geographic location of the actuator 110/alert apparatus 100, in a similar manner to that described above.

It will readily be appreciated that in some embodiments the control apparatus 200, 300 may not be provided with a user output 210. In certain embodiments, the control apparatus 200, 300 may be configured to provide data to an existing user output (e.g. an existing display screen at a control centre) so as to provide for a visual display/audio output of the specific geographic location of a particular actuator 110/alert apparatus 100 (e.g. retro fitting the control apparatus 200, 300 to use existing monitors). A skilled reader wHI reathly be able to implement such embodiments.

In further embodiments, the control apparatus 200, 300 may be configured to provide other functions in response to receipt of an alert location signal. For example, the control apparatus 200, 300 may be configured to control closed circuit monitoring cameras in the

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vicinity of the particular specific geographic location, such as control to switch on, control to move so that cameras are facing in a particular direction (i.e. towards the actuator 110/alert apparatus 100). In some embodiments, the alert apparatus may be configured to control closed circuit monitoring cameras (e.g. wirelessly communicating a control signal/alert location signal to proximal camera(s), such that the camera(s) activates/begins recording/turns to a particular direction, such as a predetermined direction) While in the above embodiment, the alert apparatus 100 is configured to communicate using GSM/GPRS, in some embodiments the alert apparatus 100 may be deployed in areas in which GSM/GRPS is not suitable, for example, remote countryside areas. A skilled reader will appreciate that in such environments, the alert apparatus 100 may be configured to communicate an alert location signal using a satellite communication (e.g. that used by satellite telecommunications).

In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 120 of the alert apparatus 100 is further configured to monitor the energy level of the battery 140 (e.g. the voltage of the battery 140). In such arrangements, the alert apparatus 100 is configured to communicate, from time to time, an energy signal to the control apparatus 200, 300. When received, the energy signal allows a user to evaluate the energy level of the battery 140. In some embodiments, the control apparatus 200, 300 is configured to provide a visual/audio alarm when the energy level (e.g. voltage) of a particular alert apparatus 100 is below a particular threshold. To allow the battery 140 of a particular alert apparatus 100 to be maintained/charged/changed, etc., the energy signal may be communicated to the control apparatus 200, 300 along with data identifying the specific geographic location of the alert apparatus (e.g. its unique identifier, its specific location, etc.).

The energy signal may be communicated periodically, such as daily, weekly, monthly, etc. The energy signal may be communicated only when the alert apparatus 100 has identified that the energy is below a particular threshold (e.g. communicate an energy signal only when the battery voltage is deemed to be below 6 volts). A skilled reader would readily be able to implement such various embodiments.

In some embodiments, the energy signal may be communicated continuous Such arrangements may allow for the control apparatus (or user thereof) to identify that a particular alert apparatus is functioning (i.e. the received energy signal is indicative that the alert apparatus is still communicating with the control apparatus).

Figure 5 shows the alert apparatus 100 configured as an embodiment of street furniture (i.e. configured such that it can be (movably) fixed in a public area, such as a pedestrian shopping area, dinning area, construction site, working area (such as offices), etc.).

Here, the housing comprising fixing points 170 (i.e. portable fixings) configured to allow the alert apparatus 100 to be movably fixed to a pavement or the like (e.g. the alert apparatus may be considered to be semi-permanent). The alert apparatus 100 further comprises an actuator cover 180. The actuator cover 180 is configured around a portion of the actuator 110. The cover 180 is arranged such that accidental actuation of the actuator 110 is inhibited. Here, the cover 180 is provided by a hinged/removable guard (e.g. a hinged/removable plastic/transparent guard). In use, a user must open/remove the guard to allow actuation of the actuator 110.

The housing 150 of the alert apparatus 100 further comprises an indicia region 190, on which an indicia may be positioned. Here, the indicia region 190 is provided by a recess.

Exemplary indicia may include operating instructions, warnings for inappropriate use of the alert apparatus 100, advertising, etc. It will readily be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the fixings points 170 may be provided such that the alert apparatus 100 may be fixed (e.g. movably fixed) to walls, such as walls of a building (e.g. internal corridor walls), etc. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the alert apparatus 100 is provided such that a single actuation of the actuator 110 provides an alert location signal. The alert apparatus 100 may be considered as a dummy apparatus (i.e. there is no user output, such as a display, etc.). In alternative embodiments, the alert apparatus 100 may be provided with an indictor (e.g. an LED, speaker, or the like) to indicate that the actuator has been activated.

Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of an alert apparatus 400, comprising processing circuitry 120, battery 140, and communicator 130, in a similar manner to that described in relation to Figure 2. In this exemplary embodiment however, an actuator 410 is -configured as two actuators 410a, 410b, each in communication with the processing circuitry 120. In the present embodiment, each actuator 410a, 410b is configured as a --push bar 410a, 410b, each configured to extend along a wall 450a, 450b of a room.

When depressed, each push bar 410a, 410b is able to provide a user input signal to the processing circuitry 120 so as to provide an alert location signal in a similar manner to that described above.

It will readily be appreciated that in some embodiments, any number of actuators/push bars 410a, 410b may be provided (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50 or any number therebetween). Each actuator 410a, 410b may be configured to extend along one or more walls 450a, 450b of a room. In some embodiments, some or all of the walls 410a, 410b defining a perimeter of a room may comprise push bars 410a, 410b. In alternative embodiments, each actuator 410a, 410b may be provided as switches/depressible buttons (e.g. switches fixably mountable on wall(s)). It will readily be appreciated that such arrangements may be provided in areas in which easy access to the alert apparatus 400 is desired, such as emergency (casualty) rooms in hospitals, or the like.

In some embodiments, each distinct actuator 410a, 410b (push bar/button/switch, or the like) may be associated with a particular, distinct, specific geographic location. In such arrangements, the a'ert apparatus 400 may be configured to identify from which actuator 410a, 410b the particular user input signal is coming (e.g. by receiving a unique identifier with the user input signal). The alert apparatus may then be configured to provide an alert location signal corresponding to that particular actuator 410a, 410b accordingly.

Figure 7 shows a network 700 comprising a control apparatus 200,300 and four alert apparatus lOOa-d, 400a-d. Here, wireless communication paths 600a-600d are shown as dashed lines between each of the respective alert apparatus 1 OOa-d, 400a-d and the control apparatus 200, 300. In use, each alert apparatus lOOa-d, 400a-d is fixed in a public area (e.g. shopping centre, in the corridors of a school, hospital, etc.) and is configured to communicate wirelessly with the control apparatus 200, 300 so as to provide for the an location specific alert, should a user actuate a particular actuator. In addition, each alert apparatus lOOa-d, 400a-d, is configured to communicate wirelessly an energy signal, indicative of the voltage level of the battery at that alert apparatus lOOa-d, 400a-d, Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of a network 710 comprising a control apparatus 200,300 and four alert apparatus lOOa-d, 400a-d. Here, the first three alert apparatus lOOa-c, 400a-c are configured for wireless communication between each of the respective three alert apparatus lOOa-c, 400a-c and the control apparatus 200, 300 (shown by dashed communication paths 610a-610c). However, in this embodiment the fourth alert apparatus lOOd, 400d is configured to communicate wirelessly with the third alert apparatus lOOc, 400c along communication path 610d. Here, the third alert apparatus lOOc, 400c is configured to relay an alert location signal originating from the fourth alert apparatus lOOd, 400d to control apparatus 200, 300.

In alternative embodiments, the third alert apparatus lOOc, 400c is configured to provide an alert location signal in response to receiving from the fourth alert apparatus lOOd, 400d an indication that the four alert apparatus actuator has been activated (e.g. a user input signal from the fourth alert apparatus lOOd, 400d being communicated to the third apparatus). In such embodiments, the signal from the fourth alert apparatus lOUd, 400d to the third alert apparatus lOOc, 400c may additionally comprise location data (such as unique identifier, address, etc.) so as to allow the third alert apparatus lOOc, 400c to provide an appropriate alert location signal for wireless communication.

It will readily be appreciated that in some embodiments, the relaying alert apparatus lOOc, 400c is configured to receive and transmit alert location signals. In addition, the relaying/providing alert apparatus 1 OOc, 400c may be configured to receive and transmit energy signals (e.g. energy signals from the fourth alert apparatus lOUd, 400d).

It will readily be appreciated that an alert location signal may be relayed through more than one other alert apparatus, such as 2, 3, 5, 10, 50 alert apparatus, or any number therebetween. Such an arrangement may find specific application where the communication path 610a-d length of a particular alert apparatus is not sufficiently long so as to allow for direct communication with a control apparatus 200, 300 (e.g. when providing a relay of alert apparatus 1 OOa-d, 400a-d over a large area of countryside).

Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of a network 720 comprising a control apparatus 200,300 and four alert apparatus lOOa-d, 400a-d. Here, the first three alert apparatus' lOOa-c, 400a-c are configured for wireless communication between each of the respective three alert apparatus lOOa-c, 400a-c and the control apparatus 200, 300 (shown by dashed communication paths 620a-620c). However, in this embodiment the fourth alert apparatus 1 OOd, 400d is configured to communicate by wired communication with the third alert apparatus lOOc, 400c along wired communication path 630. Here, the third alert apparatus lOOc, 400c is configured to relay/provide an alert location signal in --response to a wired signal from the fourth aiH apparatus 1 OOd, 400d (received by wired -communication, and transmitted by wireless communication) to the control apparatus 200, 300. Again, an energy signal may also be relayed/provided.

Figure 10 shows an embodiment of an alert apparatus 800 configured to relay/provide an alert location signal (and in some embodiments an energy signal) from a wired alert apparatus to a control apparatus 200, 300. Here, the alert apparatus 800 comprises a connector 810 (e.g. 100/10 LAN connection, universal serial bus connection, etc.) configured to connected to a wire for wired communication with a further alert apparatus (e.g. a further alert apparatus without wireless communication capability).

It will readily be appreciated that in certain environments wireless communication is not desirable (e.g. in areas that are sensitive to wireless communication, such as cardiac areas at hospitals, or the like). In use, a wired alert apparatus may be deployed in that wireless sensitive area, such that a wired path (e.g. wired path 630) connects the wired alert apparatus with a further wireless alert apparatus 800 for relaying/providing of an alert location signal/energy signal to a control apparatus 200, 300.

While in the above embodiment, the alert location signal has been described as being provided using location data stored at the respective alert apparatus, or provided by using an identifier (e.g. a unique identifier) of a particular alert apparatus, in other embodiments that need not be the case. An alternative embodiment is shown in Figure 11 in which an alert apparatus 900 comprises a positioning signal receiver 910. Here, the positioning signal receiver 910 is configured to receive one or more of the global positioning signal(s)/pseudolite signals, etc. The positioning signal receiver 910 is configured to provide a positioning signal indicative of the specific geographic location of the alert apparatus 900 so as to provide for an alert location signal. It will readily be appreciated that such an arrangement allows for the easy deployment of alert apparatus 900 (e.g. without being required to programming particular geographic locations).

Additionally, it will be appreciated that the positioning signal receiver 910 may, in some embodiments, be additionally/alternatively configured to triangulate location based on location of proximal cellular base stations, cellular timing advance signals, etc. It will be appreciated that the while in the above embodiments, the alert apparatus 100, 400 has be described as being configured to use battery power, that in alternative embodiments that need not be the case. One, some, or au of the described embodiments may be configured to use another form of power supply (e.g. mains, fuel cell, renewable, such as solar, etc.). In some embodiments the alert apparatus may use a combined power source, such as a solar panel/chargeable battery arrangement. In some embodiments, the actuator may be configured to provide at least some of the power for

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processing/communicating an alert location signal (e.g. the actuator having a generator effect).

It will be readily appreciated that the foregoing embodiments allow for alert apparatus 100, 400 to be easily located/deployed in, for example, public areas. For example, an installer may easily fix such alert apparatus in specific geographic locations, such as specific locations in a shopping centre, or specific corridor/rooms in a school/hospital/prisons, etc. There is no requirement to install a wired network in that area. In addition, one some or all of the alert apparatus 100, 400 may be readily moved such that they can be deployed in different areas, should that be required (e.g. moving the alert apparatus such that they are in areas where people have recently been attacked, such as in public parks, etc.).

It will be appreciated that in the above embodiments, some or all of the components of the alert/control apparatus are described as distinct/discrete, but in alternative embodiments that need not be the case. In alternative embodiments, a number of components (e.g. the communicator 130 and the processing circuitry 120) may be provided by the same apparatus, such as an application specific integrated circuit or the like. A skilled reader would readily be able to implement such an alternative arrangements.

It will also be appreciated by the skilled reader that the alert/control apparatus and/or other features of particular apparatus may be provided by apparatus arranged such that they become configured to carry out the desired operations only when enabled, e.g. switched on, or the like. In such cases, they may not necessarily have the appropriate software loaded into the active memory in the non-enabled (e.g. switched off state) and only load the appropriate software in the enabled (e.g. on state). The apparatus may comprise hardware circuitry and/or firmware. The apparatus may comprise software loaded onto memory.

It will be appreciated that the aforementioned circuitry/apparatus may have other functions in addition to the mentioned functions, and that these functions may be performed by the same circuitry/apparatus.

The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the present invention may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices and methods described may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Furthermore, in the claims means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.

Claims

Claims 1. An alert apparatus, the alert apparatus comprising an actuator configured to be fixed in a specific geographic location and configured to provide a user input signal in response to a user input to the actuator, the alert apparatus configured to provide an alert location signal wirelessly to a remote apparatus in response to receipt of a user input signal, the alert location signal indicative of the specific geographic location of the actuator.
2. An alert apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the alert apparatus is further configured to provide an energy signal, the energy signal configured to be communicated wirelessly to a remote apparatus, the energy signal being indicative of the energy level of a battery supplying power to the alert apparatus.
3. An alert apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the alert apparatus is further configured to receive, by wired communication, an alert location signal from a wired alert apparatus and configured to relay/provide wirelessly the alert location signal to a remote apparatus, the alert location signal being relayed/provided in response to a user input at the wired alert apparatus and being indicative of the location of the wired alert apparatus.
4. An alert apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuator is configured to provide a user input signal in response to a single user input.
5. An alert apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the actuator comprises a depressible button.
6. An alert apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the actuator comprises a cover, configured to hinder accidental actuation of the button.
7. An alert apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the actuator is configured to extend along a portion of a perimeter of a public area.
8. An alert apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the actuator cornpnses one or more push bars, the one or more push bars configured to be positioned on at least one wall of a room of a public area.
9. An alert apparatus according to any proceeding claim, wherein the remote apparatus is a control apparatus, configured to provide the location of the alert apparatus when in receipt of an alert location signal.
10. An alert apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the remote apparatus is a further alert apparatus, the further alert apparatus configured to relaylprovide wirelessly the alert location signal to one of: a control apparatus, or a further alert apparatus for wirelessly relaying/providing the alert location signal to a control apparatus, the control apparatus configured to provide the location of the initiating alert apparatus when in receipt of an alert location signal.
11. An alert apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising a communicator for communication of the alert location signal, the communicator configured to communicate/relay wirelessly the alert location signal using one or more of: GSM; GPRS; UMTS; WiFi; ZigBee; WiLAN; Satellite uplink.
12. An alert apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the alert apparatus is further configured to receive a positioning signal so as to provide for the alert location signal, the positioning signal being indicative of the specific geographic location of the alert apparatus and being derived from one or more of: a global positioning system signal(s); a pseudolite signal(s).
13. An alert apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a positioning signal receiver, the positioning signal receiver configured to receive one or more of the global positioning signal(s)/pseudolite signals and to provide a positioning signal indicative of the specific geographic location of the alert apparatus.
14. An alert apparatus according to any proceeding claim further comprising a housing.
15. An alert apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the actuator is configured to be fixed in a specific geographic location by fixing the housing at a public area.
16. An alert apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the housing is provided with portable fixings, the portable fixings configured to allow the alert apparatus to be movably fixed at a public area.S
17. An alert apparatus according to any of the claims 14 to 16, wherein the housing comprises an indicia region, configured to receive an indicia.
18. An alert apparatus according to any of the claims 14 to 17, wherein the housing is configured as street furniture.
19. An alert apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is for a public area, the public area being one of: shopping centre areas, pedestrian areas, pedestrian walkways, retail parks, town centre areas, countryside areas, country/national park areas, school areas, hospital areas, hospital public communal areas, corridors, health centre areas, building site areas, prison areas, prison recreational areas,
20. A control apparatus for providing a specific geographic location of an alert apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 19, the control apparatus configured to receive wirelessly at least one alert location signal from an alert apparatus, and configured to provide the specific geographic location of a particular alert apparatus when in receipt of a corresponding alert location signal.
21. A control apparatus according to claim 20 configured to provided an audio and/or visual output indication of the specific geographic location of a particular alert apparatus when in receipt of a corresponding alert location signal.
22. A control apparatus according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the control apparatus is configured for use in a control room, the control apparatus provided with at least one output device for providing visual and/or audio indication of a specific geographic location.
23. A network comprising a plurality of alert apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 19, each alert apparatus configured to communicate wirelessly respective alert location signals to a control apparatus and/or to a further alert apparatus in the network for wireless relay/provision to a control apparatus.-24. A network according to clm 23, further comprising one or more wired alert apparatus, the or each wired alert apparatus configured to communicate, by wired communication, an alert location signal to one or more of the alert apparatus for wireless relay/provision of that alert location signal to a control device in response to a user input at the wired alert apparatus.25. A network according to claim 24 wherein the wired alert apparatus is further configured to communicate, by wired communication, an energy signal to one or more of the alert apparatus for wireless relay/provision of that energy signal to a control device, the energy signal being indicative of the energy level of a battery supplying power to the wired alert apparatus.26. A network according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the or each wired alert apparatus is configured to be located in wireless sensitive areas, and configured to communicate alert location signals, by wired communication, to alert apparatus in wireless non-sensitive areas for relay/provision to a control apparatus/further alert apparatus.27. A network according to claim 26 wherein the wireless sensitive area is a cardiac region of a hospital, and the wireless non-sensitive areas are areas outside cardiac regions.28. A network according to any of the claims 22 to 27, further comprising a control apparatus according to any of the claims 20 to 22.29. A method of providing an alert location signal for wireless communication to a control apparatus, the method comprising: receiving a user input signal as a result of a user input at an actuator configured to be fixed in a specific geographic location; providing an alert location signal in response to the user input signal, the alert location signal indicative of the specific geographic location of the actuator.30. A method according to claim 29, wherein the providing comprises configuring the alert location signal for wireless communication using one or more of: GSM; GPRS; UMTS; WiFi; ZigBee; WiLAN; Satellite uplink.31. A method of relaying/providing an alert location signal for wireless communication to a control apparatus, the method comprising: receiving, by wired communication, an alert location signal as a result of a user input at an actuator configured to be fixed in a specific geograpc location; providing/relaying the alert location signal for wireless communication to a control apparatus.32. A method according to claim 31, wherein the relaying comprises configuring the alert location signal for wireless communication using one or more of: GSM; GPRS; UMTS; WiFi; ZigBee; WiLAN; Satellite uplink.33. A method of providing for the specific geographic location of an alert apparatus from which an alert location signal has been communicated by actuation of an actuator of the alert apparatus, comprising: wirelessly receiving at least one alert location signal, the alert location signal being indicative of the specific geographic location of an actuator of the alert apparatus; providing the location of the actuator based on the particular alert location signal received.34. A computer program configured to provide the method of any of the claims 29 to 33.35. A method of alerting of a person's particular location in a public area, comprising: providing an apparatus comprising an actuator configured to be fixed in a specific geographic location at that public area, the actuator configured to provide a user input signal in response to a user input; upon activation of the actuator, communicating wirelessly an alert location signal in response to the user input signal, the alert location signal indicative of the specific geographic location of the actuator; receiving wirelessly the alert location signal so as to alerting of a person's particular location in a public area.36. A method of providing an alert network comprising providing at least one alert apparatus according to claim 1 to 19 and/or at least one control apparatus according to claims 20 to 22.37. A method according to claim 36 further comprising fixing the alert apparatus in particular specific geographic location(s).--38. A method according to claim 36 or 37 further comprising configuring the or each alert apparatus to provide a parcular alert location signal based on its specffic geographic location.S39. A method of maintaining an alert network, the network comprising at least one alert apparatus according to claim I to 19 and/or at least one control apparatus according to claims 20 to 22, the method comprising: receiving energy signal(s) indicative of the energy level of battery(s) supplying power to the or each alert apparatus.replacing the battery(s) of the alert apparatus after the energy signal(s) indicate(s) that the energy level is below a particular threshold.40. An alert apparatus substantially as described in the specification and/or shown in the figures.41. A control apparatus substantially as described in the specification and/or shown in the figures.42. A network substantially as described in the specification and/or shown in the figures.