GB2530279A

GB2530279A - Emergency beacon device

Info

Publication number: GB2530279A
Application number: GB1416379.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ryan Wilson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-09-16
Filing date: 2014-09-16
Publication date: 2016-03-23
Also published as: GB201416379D0

Abstract

A compact and portable emergency beacon device 100 comprising a unitary waterproof body 7, one or more broadcast means, one or more activation means 6, and a universal attachment mechanism allowing attachment of a plurality of attachment mounts for multiple items or surfaces. The universal attachment mechanism comprises a screw thread socket (10, fig 5) and facilitates the incorporation of threaded magnetic mount 3, clamp 4 or lanyard 5 onto the device. A method of locating the emergency device and a software application for connecting and activating the emergency device is also included.

Description

EMERGENCY BEACON DEVICE

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an emergency beacon device, more particularly a compact and portable emergency beacon device; more particularly but not exclusively an emergency beacon device capable of sequentially providing global and local location information.

Background

Emergency services often struggle to find dwellings or the precise locality of callers.

Increasing numbers of persons or users are also becoming involved in outdoor activities as apparatus, opportunity and encouragement improve. Such users face dangers related to both the activities and locations these activities are practised in.

For example where the user is injured or equipment they are using is fatally damaged leading to stranding. This can happen in areas or locations where emergency services may be contactable by cellphone and alerted to a general location, but where such services are liable to have difficulty locating the user locally.

Typically therefore the services will act upon triangulation of cellphone signals which typically takes time for computers to triangulate. In addition or the alternative this method will only provide accuracy of within 60m, which in some locations common to outdoor activities can cover a wide spread of terrain.

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: United States patent application US 6 471 373 (PHILLIPS) discloses an emergency strobe light system, for providing a visual indicator to emergency personnel approaching a dwelling that an emergency call has been placed from the dwelling, said dwelling having one or more telephones and a front window, comprising: a telephone interface, having a telephone jack for connecting to one of the telephones, a DTMF decoder for determining that an emergency telephone number has been dialed on said telephone connected to the telephone jack, and an RF transmitter, for generating an RF signal upon the determination that an emergency telephone number has been dialed; and a main housing, physically distinct from the telephone interface, the main housing having a front panel, suction cups located on the front panel for attaching to the front window of the dwelling, a strobe light located at the front panel, an RF receiver for detecting the RF signal, and a latch which is enabled upon the detection of the RF signal by the latch, wherein the strobe light is activated when the latch is enabled.

Summary

According to at least one aspect there is provided a compact and portable emergency beacon device comprising a unitary waterproof body and at least one local broadcast means, at least one activation means, and a universal attachment mechanism allowing attachment of a plurality of attachment mounts for plural items orsurfaces.

In one or more embodiments, the device comprises a plurality of activation means in order to ensure that a user is enabled to activate the device effectively in a plurality of situations, wherein the light source is able to draw local attention for rescue of the user.

In one or more embodiments the device further comprises wireless connectivity, in order that the device may cooperate with other devices or electronic apparatus, on common or known frequencies.

Attachment mechanism interfaces with mounting mechanisms common to known outdoor equipment, such as provided by GoPro (RIM).

In other embodiments the wireless connectivity may comprise infrared or other radio wave or RF signal emitters, receivers and/or transceivers.

For example in some embodiments the device comprises intermachine operability such as Bluetooth (RTM) so as to allow the device to be paired with a cellphone or similar. Advantageously therefore the device is capable of operating or synchronising with standard, commonly carried apparatus, and may therefore utilise functions of said apparatus, for example cellular telephone connections, global positioning software and hardware or timing or timekeeping function.

The activation means may comprise a manual activation means in order that a user may enable activation of the light source manually in an emergency, for example wherein the device comprises an emergency button. Such button ideally is prevented from accidental activation, for example having a displaceable cover or dual stage activation.

In some embodiments automatic activation is included on the device. Automatic activation means may comprise activation from a paired or connected apparatus. In this way the paired apparatus sends a signal to the device so as to activate the emergency beacon under predefined conditions. In this way the device may be advantageously free of unnecessary controls so as to provide a minimal and simple user interface and increase robustness cost-effectively and is simple to operate.

Typically the apparatus is carried about the person of the user, wherein most users are envisaged to have a cellphone, smartphone, GF'S mapping apparatus or music player about their person. The device can then be installed on outdoor equipment such as a dirt bike or other form of vehicle.

In some embodiments the signal is generated from the apparatus in recognition of a user dialling an emergency number, for example 911 in the US or 999 in the UK. In this way the apparatus activates the device and ensures that the light source is available for later recognition of the user's location even when the user has perhaps become or is incapable of signalling their position. In addition or the alternative where the device is installed on a vehicle such as this or other equipment such as a backpack and has manual activation the user has two opportunities to activate the light source and double the chance, however the accident leaves the scenario.

In some embodiments an accelerometer may be included in the device wherein the accelerometer equips the device for activation after a rapid stop in movement of the device or recognition of sudden direction changes, such as are consistent with accidents.

In some embodiments the broadcast means may comprise strobe lighting from an appropriate light source. Typically the light source comprises a plurality of leds (light emitting diodes) which advantageously provide low energy light at high frequency.

Ideally the light source comprises a high intensity strobe light. Advantageously this allows visibility from a great distance so that emergency services are effectively guided to the locality of the user after an accident.

In some embodiments the device may also include an audible alert, for example in some embodiments wherein the alert is broadcast on frequencies, such as ultrasonic frequencies, so as to aid rescue dogs in identifying a location of a user or electronic rescue apparatus even when the light source is not visible. Such alert may be activated automatically, or manually so as to reserve battery power.

Yet further embodiments may include wireless alarm means using for example shortwave radio transmissions.

In such embodiments the user may be enabled to amend which form or combination of alert or alarm is in use according to preference or likely prevailing conditions.

Such conditions may be defined or ascertained by the paired apparatus.

In some embodiments in order to maintain battery power the device may have a time delay before broadcast and allow emergency services to approximate sufficiently.

Such time delay may for example be overcome by depression of the control button and/or at the apparatus.

In some embodiments the light source is configured on the device to project light multidirectionally, so that the device is visible from a plurality of directions and in a plurality of different accident scenarios. The device thereby comprises a translucent or transparent portion which allows direction or exit of light rays from the light source towards a plurality of directions.

In some further embodiments the device additionally or alternatively includes a directional section, for example a mirror or moveable screen. Said section may combine with a mirror portion so as to focus as well as direct the light source.

In yet further embodiments the device, portion or section includes a lens, so as to focus the light source advantageously.

For example emergency service personnel are thereby enabled to effectively survey banks of rivers or other homogenous areas, and easily identify the user in danger by virtue of an intermittent flash from the light source and consequently easily and immediately locate the disabled user from distance In some embodiments the light source comprises red and white light sources -the white light source being of a high enough intensity to see in daylight. Ideally the red and light sources are combined in a single bulb or light source and in some embodiments the source has sequential red and white Outdoors users may be dressed for surroundings and difficult to make out, bright white pulsing strobe light liable to draw attention effectively even in full sunlight, and particularly with reference to undergrowth.

In addition the inclusion of a red light source is applicable to nighttime conditions wherein the red illumination bandwidth is liable to illuminate further.

In some embodiments the light sources are varied sequentially so as to prove appropriate for prevailing conditions at all times of the day and in all conditions.

The device is envisaged to contain a printed circuit board configured with further circuitry to allow control of the light sources, and/or the device includes further hardware for such purpose.

For example in some embodiments the device may include a light sensor configured to activate the red light source upon recognition of low ambient light conditions.

In some embodiments the device may include a pressure sensor, arranged to activation a secondary alert upon identification of pressure on the device indicating potential covering of the light source compromising effectiveness of the light source.

In some embodiments the device may include a timer and/or calendar so as to identify when red light sources are more appropriate or white light sources.

In one or more embodiments, the device is shock proof, and is configured to sustain pressure without breakage or compromise as well as allowing the device to fall from height without compromise.

For example in some embodiments the device may comprise a reinforced body, such as an internal steel skeleton.

In some embodiments the device is dust proof.

Typically the device is equipped with variable or displaceable attachment mechanisms, wherein the user is enabled to carry the device at all relevant times.

For example in some embodiments the device includes a lanyard attachment point, so as to allow attachment to a keyring or a plurality of rings about the user's person and/or equipment.

In some further embodiments the device and/or attachment mechanism comprises at least one magnetic attachment portion, arranged for example for attachment to a vehicle bottom or other piece of ferromagnetic equipment common to outdoor pursuits.

In some further embodiments the device and/or attachment mechanism comprises a attachment clamp, which clamp may be used for example to clamp over a cycle handlebars.

The device typically includes a displaceable or rechargeable energy source, for example battery or batteries, and ideally a low battery level warning so that the user can monitor and ensure that the energy source has not been depleted. In embodiments cooperating with a smartphone or other electronic apparatus ideally the software application installed on the apparatus is configured to monitor battery levels.

In some further embodiments the device provides energy harvesting capabilities -for example including a capacitor for harvesting kinetic energy or similar, or a solar cell for trickle charging the battery or an auxiliary battery.

Some embodiments of the device include a global positioning system and/or radio wave broadcast beacon.

In some embodiments the body comprises retroreflective material, so as to further draw attention to the device in use.

According to a second aspect there is provided a method of locating an emergency device as described herein, utilising and cooperating with independent electronic apparatus having cellular network capability wherein the apparatus is paired to provide a trigger signal to the device; comprising a method of locating the device both globally and locally.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure la shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device with a magnetic mount; Figure lb shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device with a clamp mount, Figure ic shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device with a lanyard mount; Figures 2 show side views of the embodiment shown in Figure la; Figures 3 show side views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 b; Figures 4 show side views of the embodiment shown in Figure ic; Figure 5 shows a reverse isometric view of the device with mount detached; Figures 6 show isometric views of the embodiment with mounts detached; and Figure 7 shows a flow diagram of a system using the device.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth, such as particular embodiments, procedures, techniques, etc. in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details.

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words "right," "left," "top," and "bottom" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "a" and "one," as used in the claims and in the corresponding portions of the specification, are defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise. This terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. The phrase "at least one" followed by a list of two or more items, such as "A, B, or C," means any individual one of A, B or C as well as any combination thereof.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments, which are presently preferred. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

Reference will now be made to the drawings in which the various elements of embodiments will be given numerical designations and in which embodiments will be discussed so as to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention.

Specific reference to components, process steps, and other elements are not intended to be limiting. Further, itis understood that like parts bear the same reference numerals, when referring to alternate figures. It will be further noted that the figures are schematic and provided for guidance to the skilled reader and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Rather, the various drawing scales, aspect ratios, and numbers of components shown in the figures may be purposely distorted to make certain features or relationships easier to understand.

With reference to the figures there is shown an emergency beacon device 100 comprising a body 1 with three different detachable attachment options for attachment to an independent structure, wherein the device is rendered portable and available, for example both at home and outdoors.

The body comprises an opaque plastics material with two panels 8 providing transparent covers for the light source in use. In this way the light source is focussed and allowed to shine in two opposing directions, so as to maximise visibility. The body also includes a manual activation, time-delay or deactivation button 6. The body has curved side edges 9 so as to minimise snag hazards and effect greater effective portability by making the device more comfortable to carry and less likely to become damaged.

The options comprise a screwthread 2 on the body 7 and threaded magnetic mount 3, clamp 4 and lanyard 5 portions. Further embodiments may include sprung clips, telephone landline cable sockets, plugs and/or sockets such as USB or micro-USB, or other temporary interface with an independent structure.

The magnetic mount 3 comprises a spacer 31, screwthread barrel 33 and magnetic inset 32. The clamp 4 comprises two parts 42,43 joined by hex head bolts 41, and attached to the body in use by a threaded barrel 44. The lanyard 5 comprises a base 52, lanyard 51 and threaded barrel 53.

The body has a screwthreaded socket 10 to allow connection of mount options.

Such threading is compatible with GoPro (RTM) or other comparable known mount options.

The body further comprises a visual alert screen, which screen comprises a translucent or transparent section of the body. The section is located over the light source, wherein the light source is directable in plural directions so as to ensure that maximal visibility is provided to the user who has activated the device.

The light source comprises strobe light emitting diodes (leds), capable of flashing in red and white.

It may be envisaged that substantial visibility feet is capable for the light source over a long range, and the wireless connection between device and cellphone is active over 100 meters.

Preferred forms for the wireless connection comprise Bluetooth (RIM) low energy technology using a strong 24 bit CRC on all packets ensuring the maximum robustness against interference.

The device connects wirelessly to the user's cellphone and activates the light source when an emergency number call is placed; so as to aid the emergency services when locally identifying the user in distress.

The device may also be linked to a software application on the cellphone that can also activate the light source.

The device remotely connects to a cellphone using a low energy technology such as Blue-tooth Low Energy 4.0.

The device is battery operated, allowing the light source to be active for 8 hours wherein the battery is replaceable or rechargeable.

In some embodiments in order to maintain battery power the device may have a time delay before broadcast. Such time delay may for example be overcome by depression of the control button and/or at the apparatus.

The device is for use in various environments and locations wherein the body is advantageously waterproof and the device is intuitive to use, with a simple/minimal user interface, namely a single button.

As pictured in Figure 7 the present technology further comprises a method for enabling the device to be located within a wireless communication network generally and physically specifically, comprising: pairing the device within OSM enabled apparatus, initiating call data from the paired apparatus identified as within a first range of call datum, generating position data from which a position estimate for the device and apparatus can be determined, initiating an activation signal from the apparatus to the device in relation to the call data, displaying said signal locally on the device.

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. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, 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, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the ad, 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.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be understood that many modifications can be made to the embodiments, and features can be interchanged between embodiments, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A compact and portable emergency beacon device comprising a unitary waterproof body and at least one local broadcast means, at least one activation means, and a universal attachment mechanism allowing attachment of a plurality of attachment mounts for plural items or surfaces.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the broadcast means comprises at least one light source.
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the device comprises a plurality of activation means.
4. A device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 comprising wireless connectivity.
5. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the activation means comprises a manual activation means.
6. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the activation means comprises activation from a paired or connected apparatus.
7. A device according to claim 6 wherein an activation signal is generated from the apparatus in recognition of a user dialling an emergency number.
8. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising an accelerometer.
9. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising broadcast means may comprise strobe lighting from an appropriate light source
10. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes.
11. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising an audible alert.
12. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising wireless alarm means
13. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising a time delay mechanism before broadcast
14. A device according to any of the preceding claims device comprising a translucent or transparent portion which allows direction or exit of light rays from at least one light source towards a plurality of directions.
15. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising a broadcast directional section such as a mirror.
16. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising a broadcast directional section such as a lens.
17. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising red and white colour light sources for broadcast.
18. A device according to claim 17 wherein the colours are varied sequentially
19. A device according to any of the preceding claims 117 or 18 comprising a light sensor configured to activate the red light source upon recognition of low ambient light conditions
20. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising a timer and/or calendar.
21. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising a global positioning system.
22. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising retroreflective material.
23. A device according to any of the preceding claims equipped with variable or displaceable attachment mechanisms.
24. A device according to any of the preceding claims a light source is configured on the device to project light multidirectionally
25. A device according to any of the preceding claims substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.
26. A software application for connecting and activating any device according to any of the preceding claims from independently provided electronic apparatus so as to operate the device after the electronic apparatus is used to call emergency services on a telephone network.
27. A method of locally and globally positioning a user utilising a device according to any of the preceding claims ito 25.
28. A method of locating an emergency device as described herein, utilising and cooperating with independent electronic apparatus having cellular network capability wherein the apparatus is paired to provide a trigger signal to the device; comprising a method of locating the device both globally and locally.