GB2516701A

GB2516701A - An alert system for a caller

Info

Publication number: GB2516701A
Application number: GB1314451.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jonathan Gray; Ross Blunden; Daniel Power
Original assignee: Concept Solutions UK Ltd
Current assignee: Concept Solutions UK Ltd
Priority date: 2013-07-29
Filing date: 2013-07-29
Publication date: 2015-02-04
Also published as: WO2015015174A1; GB2532673A; GB201603485D0; GB201314451D0

Abstract

An alert system for a caller, such as a door bell, comprises a module for self-registration of the caller, 3, comprising a button, 30, and a feedback notice portion, 31, a portable intermediate unit, 2, enabled with wireless connectivity and a module response control, 21, for activating the notice portion, 31, and a user alert device, 1, comprising a loudspeaker and an audio generator. The feedback notice portion, 31, may comprise a notice and lighting arrangement and may be equipped with wireless ability. The portable unit, 2, may be designed to be secured to the user by a wrist strap or lanyard when in use and may include a vibration mechanism to alert the user. The portable unit may also be docked into the alert user device for charging purposes.

Description

AN ALERT SYSTEM FOR A CALLER

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an alert system for a caller, more particularly but not exclusively an alert system for a caller at an exterior door.

Background

When visiting a person at home or work the caller may use a door entry system such as a door bell to alert a person of their presence. Typically the door bell is activated by the caller; the person they are visiting, the user, then hears the doorbell and therefore goes to open the door.

However in some situations this system may not be viable. For example if a user is hard of hearing or deaf they may not hear the alert and therefore another form of alertmay need to be employed.

In some situations that is, the alert may be noted by the user but time to respond allowed by the caller may be insufficient, for example due to reduced mobility of the user, distance to travel and/or other engagement, such as the user being on the telephone.

Delay in the user reaching the dOor may mean that the caller thinks that no one is there and leaves, unanswered. For example therefore as a result of not meeting the caller the user may miss goods deliveries, tradesmen calling, utilities such as water, gas or electric meters, a hea[thcare caller or an opportunity to socialise.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, inoluding the following: Granted United States patent US 7 336 158 (LOMBARDO) discloses a status indicating door bell allowing a user to display a selected status proximate the exterior * of a door on a house, wherein said status indicating doorbell utilizes an activation circuit installed between a prior art button and a prior art chime unit w!thin said * house, comprising a. a display panel, located proximate said exterior side of said door, including i. a button, U. at least one status indicator; b. a controller, located on the interior of said house remote from, said display panel; a user interface means allowing said user to select a desired status for said at least one status indicator; and d. electronic communication means allowing said controller to set said desired status of said at least one status indicator on sad display panel by sending a signal over said activation circuit.

United States patent application US 5 148 468 (MARRICK et al) discloses a door answering system which enables the occupant of a structure to provide a pre-recorded message to a visitor who has approached the entrance df said structure; wherein said system comprises: (a) first speaker means accessible at said entrance; (b) first switch means accessible at said entrance; (c) recorder means located interiorly of said structure; said recorder means including said pre-recorded message; wherein actuation of said first switch means by said visitor activates said recorder means for transmitting said pre-recorded message through said first speaker means wherein said first speaker means is operatively connected to said recorder means by means of a radio transmitter.

United Kingdom patent application GB 2 135 156 (HUGHES) discloses a tactile alerting or paging system for deaf persons comprises a transmitter which transmits a radio frequency signal when a door-bell push switch is depressed, to a radio receiver * carried by the deaf person e.g. in the manner of a wrist-watch. The receiver output may cause a warning signal in the form of a slight electric shock as Figure 1 embodiment or a tactile warning from an electro-mechanical vibrator as in Figure 2.

The transmitter of radio signals and an audible door bell may be combined in a single unit operable by the same push-switch. <IMAGE>

* Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an ale'system for a caller * comprising a module for self-registration of the caller, in which the system, comprises * * 35 a button and a feedback notice portion; an intermediate unit; and a user alert device * comprising a loudspeaker and audio generator; wherein said intermediate unit is portable and enabled with wireless connectivity, and comprises a module response control for activating the notice portion.

Therefore in use a user, in a home or other interior setting, is enabled to hear the alert by means of a centrally locatable device, which device may function and be wired in a similar manner to as known in the art; but said user is enabled by the unit to respond to the alert without answering the door.

In this way, as the unit is portable the user is enabled to respond to the module in some embodiments directly, wherever they are in the home, or other interior or e*terior setting. This in turn allows less physically able users to respond to callers even when they are remote from the door.

In some embodiments the module may comprise audio-visual apparatus, wherein said apparatus is accessible from the unit, or the unit is capable of interface therewith.

In preferred embodiments the module is at an exterior door the unit is mobile and the alert device is interiorly Located.

in preferred embodiments the module comprises a notice and lighting arrangement at the portion, wherein the notice is lit upon interaction from the unit. Said notice in preferred embodiments is liable to avert the caller to a time delay in answering the module, and/or door.

The module or at minimum the button is mcunted typically at or adjacent an exterior door, as common to doorbells in the art. in some embodiments the button may be * separate or independent from other parts of the module, for example wherein the button is exterior, and remainder of the module interior, for example either side of a door frame. Or for example wherein the notice portion is separate such as mounted for high.viibility on the door. Embodimerts of the module such as these ideally comprise wireless connectivity.

Typically the caller alert system may thereby comprise an entry module provided at? door, capable of transmitting a wired or wireless signal to a d&iice located the other side of said door, wherein-receipt of the signal activates an alert on the device to -3 advise of a caller at the door; an intermediate unit with a means of acknowledging the alert and thereby presence of the caller, said unit portable and arranged in a manner suitable for carrying by the user, for example with a lanyard or strap, wherein activation of or at the unit's control transnits wirelessly to the module to trigger a S notice to advise the caller that their presence is noted andlor that they need to wait.

In some embodiments the device includes wireless connectivity, whereas in other embodiments the module is equipped with wireless connectivity and in yet further embodiments both the module and device comprise wireless connectivity. In preferred embodiments the module is equipped with wireless ability arid the device is standard as known in the art, such embodiments requiring solely replacement of the exterior doorbell.

In this way the system enables the user t9 immediateLy acknowledge the caller even if they are unable to immediately come and open the door. For example if the user is elderly or injured resulting in slower mobility the caller may be acknowledged immediately and the user can then slowly make their way to open the door Accordingly the unit in preferred embodiments is provided in a simple anyway up format with an enlarged response control.

In preferred embodiments the unit includes a vibration mechanism to ensure alert of the user, particularly users of impaired hearing such as th! elderly.

In preferred embodiments the system comprises three new parts, the module, the device and the unit.

In use the system operates by means ala multi stepped process: 1) The module is activated by the caller 2) Activation of the module sends an alert signal to the device and/or the unit 3) The device andlor unit poduce an alert to advise the user of the caller at the door 4) The user acknowledges by activating the unit 5) Activation of the unit cancels the alerts and initiates transmission of a notice signal from the unit to the module either directly or via the device, wherein for example the device provides amplification, or the wireless connectivity 6) The module produces the notipe to advise the caller that their presence has been acknowledged In such embodiments the device produces a repetitive alert after activation, which requires silencing.

In preferred embodiments the system comprises two new parts, namely a module and unit.

In some preferred embodiñients each part operates wirelessly and is capable of communicating with one or more of the other parts. In further embodiments for example the module and device may be hardwired, for example wherein existing wiring may be utilised for simplicity of installation, and reliability.

Typically the parts operate in pairs: 1) The module and the device (one way) 2) The module and the unit (two way) 3) The unit and the device (one way) In some embodiments the signals may be relayed, for example relayed from the module to the device and viceversa, and then to the unit, rather than the module transmitting signals to both the device and unit simultaneously.

In some embodiments activation of the notice portion, or more particularly the unit's module response cpntrol, silences the alert.

In other embodiments the unit and module operate independent from the alert.

Typically the wireless signals may be transmitted by radio frequency (RF) or Bluetooth (RIM). Ideally each part of the system may transmit a different sjgnal or signature, or on a different wavelength, for example a signal of a different frequency transmission so as to distinguish between signals sent to or from one part to another.

Preferably the transmitter/receiver pair operates at a frequency to prevent inference S with or from other devices or the other parts.

Ideally a transmitter/receiver pair such as: the module and device, the module and unit, the unit and device or the notification are adapted to use a: single channel of communication as known in the art such ti-at other RF communications from nearby equipment do not interfere with sending of signals.

In embodiments with mare than one transmitter/receiver pair, each may operate at a -separate carrier frequency. In preferred enbodiments the RF transmissions may be in digitally coded form, allowing separate signals to be sent on a common carrier frequency as known in the art.

It may be envisaged that transmitter/receiver pairs may operate on a different coded channel.

Preferably the system comprises means to prevent collision' of signals on the same channel, In preferred embodiments the module is provided with a mounting allowing it to be located on a surface adjacent the door, for example on the door or on surfaces such as walls nearby. In this way the module is readily identified by a caller. Typically the module includes or is supplied with a bracket mounting for semi-permanent attachment to the surface.

Preferably the module comprises a button arranged on a casing wherein the casing houses a transmitter and a receiver so as to send and receive signals. Ideally the module is powered by means of at least one battery or existing wiring. Where battery powered the module can be installed at any location. Ideally all components are linked and controlled by means of a printed circuit board (PCB).

Typically the button is pressed by the caller so as to activate the transmitter and send a signal to the device and/or unit located the other side of the door or remotely.

In preferred embodiments the casing of the module includes a window that includes transparent material over a notice, which notice is lit by at least one light. In some embodiments the window may be sha$d for example as a ring that lights up when activated. In preferred embodiments the window comprises a backlit panel and displaceable transparent Ud, which lid is displaced for insertion of a translucent notice. In this manner the user can personalise the notice according to preference.

In other embodiments the notice portion is a lightable series of letters, for example spelling Please Wait' or I'm Coming'.

In some further embodiments the notice or window may comprise electronic apparatus, *for example wherein the notice comprises a screen displaying a programmable or user definable seriesof ciaracters or images.

Preferably the moduleis a watertight part so aé to protect components from ingress of water, for example if mounted on an exterior door that is exposed to the elements, wherein for example the lid is top hinged.

In preferred eHnbodiments the device is located inside of the door as is known in the art of doorbells, capable of alerting the user of presence of a caller.

Typically the device comprises a casing houses a transmitter, a receiver, an audio and/or visual alert mechanism, a PCB and optionally a battery.

In pteferred embodiments the device is hard-wired to an electrical system, wherein the battery is a backup.

In preferred embodiments the device includes an electrical connection section, for example a plug for accepting into a socket1 or viceversa.

Ideally the device is secured in use on a surface such as a wall.

Preferably the unit includes the corresponding electrical connection section, for example the plug for accepting into the socket, or viceversa. In this way the device is fixed to the surface and can be powered from a mains supply and does not equire a battery as a power source.

In some embodiments the device may include a battery for operation if the power source is not available for example during a power cut. Advantaeously the device does hot then run the risk of running out of power and therefore not being operational.

In other embodiments the device may be powered by battery only.

In preferred embodiments the device produces an audible alert such as a bell, alarm or a tune, wherein the device includes at least one loudspeaker to transmit sound.

In this way the user can be alerted of the caller even if not in the same vicinity as the device.

In some further embodiments the alert provided by the device may be visible such as a light so asto alert the user that is hard of hearing or deaf. For example the device may project a light, or a lit imageltext or may flash. In this way the alert may be easily visible to a user even if the device is fixed below eye level. Furthermore the light may be coloured by a bulb or lens so as to enhance visibility over ambient light.

Typically the alert is programmed to be active for a predetermined period of time, therefore preventing a continuous alert if not acknowledged. It may be envisaged that the user may be able to define the time period for which the alert is active, as well as style, frequency and repetition value of alerts.

In some embodiments the user may be enables to interact with the alert from the unit, for example during its sounding, wherein the unit may alter or amend the alert to acknowledge the caller, or in further embodiments wherein the unit provides a remote control of the device.

In yet further embodiments the module provides the alert and the unit acts to amend the module's alert, for example with a user-recordable message.

In some embodiments the device may employ more than one type of alert for example audible and visible alerts that may be triggered together or that the user may select.

In preferred embodiments the unit is desgned to be secured to the user in use, wherein for example the unit may be mcunted on a wrist strap or attached to a lanyard. In this way the unit can be readily secured and carried by the user so that it can be easily activated without requirement for the user to move to a particular location. This can be beneficial for those who are incapacitated or have educed mobility. For example the unit includes at least one clip so as to be attached to the wrist strap or lanyard.

In preferred embodiments the unit may be substantially disc shaped so as to be readily fitted about the wrist or neck of the user, having no sharp edges that may dig in. 1h9 button may be located on a face or edge of the unit.

Typically the Unit includes a transmitter, a receiver, at least one alert, a PCB, an acknowledgment switch and a power source. Ideally all components are housed within a watertight casing so as to protect the unit becoming damaged if accidentally exposed to water, being splashproof or waterproof.

In preferred embodiments the casing includes a rechargeable battery, for example * integral, wherein the unit requires charging as a whole. In further embodiments the battery may be displaceable for charging or replacement.

It may be envisaged that in some embodiments the unit is provided with a dedicated charger such as a docking station, or proVded with a cable through which the device can be charged so that the unit can be recharged when not in use.

In some embodiments the unit may be docked into the device for charging purposes, said docking formed or facilitated by the electñcal connection. In further embodiments said electrical connection may enable transfer of digital data, for example updates of firmware, software, nbtices, alerts or other data. The electricaF *connection may comprise a universal serial bus (USB) connection.

In some embodiments the unit may also ôe capable of providing a local alert: Said alert may be in response to a signal received from the device or may be triggered directly from the module. En this way even if the user is away from the device they can still be alerted. -It may be envisaged therefore that the unit may in some embodiments be equipped with an alert mechanism including a combination of audible, visual and/or vibrating alerts.

Therefore when a signal is received the user is alerted immediately and may quickly respond by activating the unit at the modue response control. Typically the control when activated activates the unit to produce a signal that is transmitted to the module. Ideally the control must be pressed and held for at least one second, In this way erroneous triggering of the unit for less than one sebond will not send an unauthorized signal to the module.

It may be envisaged that the notice may only be provided at the module for a predetermined period of time so as to alert the caller but then to turn off so as not to drain the batteryUes).

In preferred embodiments the casings for all parts is formed from a. lightweight, durable material such as a synthetic, for example a polycarbonate or thermoplastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ASS).

Preferably all parts may be produced in the same material and with a similar appearance for example similar shaped pads so as to appear to be pads of the same system.

Brief Description of Figures

Figures 1 show isometric views of constituent parts of an embodiment of the system according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a top view of the unit part of the system as shown in Figure 1; Figures 3 show views of the unit part of the system as shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the device part of the system as shown in Figure 1; and.

Figures 5 show views of the module part of the system as shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures, the unit 2 comprises a notice response control 21, a rear activation or warning light emitting diode or light 23, and a universal serial bus connection 20, the module 3 a button 30, and a notice portion comprising a notice 31 and a sequence of light emitting diodes 32. Said sequence may flash intermittently or repeatedly after activation of the notice portion, for example playing a repeated sequence until deactivation, for example at the unit. The notice may be lit or unlit.

The device 1 is to be plugged in to mains electrical suppfles with standard electrical connection 10 and wireless connectivity. The device 1 includes a loudspeaker 11.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.