GB2534919A

GB2534919A - Safety monitoring system for patients

Info

Publication number: GB2534919A
Application number: GB1501948.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Rogers Jeremy
Original assignee: VISION ON LIVE Ltd
Current assignee: VISION ON LIVE Ltd
Priority date: 2015-02-05
Filing date: 2015-02-05
Publication date: 2016-08-10
Anticipated expiration: 2035-02-05
Also published as: GB201501948D0; GB2534919B

Abstract

A safety monitoring system for installation in a home including a wearable alarm 5 with a radio frequency ( RF) transmitter and actuator 7 to activate the transmitter. The system also includes a camera 1, a controller 2 and antenna 3 to receive a signal transmitted by the wearable alarm. Upon receipt of the signal the camera, which may be a webcam, captures an image and sends it to a predetermined recipient via the Internet, possibly by email. The wearable device may be of a watch or pendant style and the actuator may be a toggle switch or a button. The system may include more than one camera, which may also be operated remotely via the internet, and also a carbon monoxide or smoke alarm. The device is primarily for monitoring elderly people or patients in their home.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GII1501948.2 RTM Date:3 June 2015 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Bluetooth Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk /ipo

SAFETY MONITORING SYSTEM FOR PATIENTS

Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns safety monitoring systems comprising cameras for installation in a home. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns safety monitoring systems for elderly patients.

Background of the Invention

Patients, particularly elderly patients, may wish to live at home. In many cases, patients are able to live independently at home for much of the time, but require occasional support in the event of an incident. For example, an elderly patient may be sufficiently independent to live at home, but may suffer a fall and require assistance. It is known to provide systems for monitoring the safety of such patients wherein the system comprises a pendant that is worn by the patient and comprises a button. When the button is pressed, the pendant triggers an alarm telephone call to a control centre and a control centre operative can talk to the patient or dispatch someone to investigate the incident. Such systems have the disadvantage however that the patient must communicate with the Control Centre and the patient may be unsettled by having to speak to someone who they do not know.

Home security systems are known in which the system 30 comprises one or more cameras and there are alarm devices which trigger the cameras to take pictures e.g. as a result of an intruder alert system being activated. The pictures may then be forwarded to a central control system and/or relayed to an interested party, such as the home owner. For example, GB1489385 discloses a security system for a bank wherein a wearable pressure actuated switch triggers an alarm system that sends an alarm signal. In addition to sending the alarm signal, a camera may be activated to visually survey an area and record images. W02005/036487 also discloses a security system comprising a wearable personal security module and a mobile telephone. On actuation, the wearable personal security module sends an alarm signal to the mobile telephone resulting in the mobile telephone entering an emergency mode. In the emergency mode, the camera and/or microphone of the mobile telephone is activated to record images and sounds from the area around the user and a signal is sent to an emergency monitoring centre. The mobile telephone is carried by the user of the personal security system, e.g. in a pocket or bag, and the camera is unlikely to be pointing at the user.

W02003/009631 discloses another security system. In this system, a safety item device sends an unlimited numoer of FM radio signals when enabled. The signals are detectable by cellular telephones, landline telephones and Internet connections with attached security signal transformation devices which then transform the FM signals directly into direct emergency telephone call or emergency electronic mail alerts or emergency text messages.

None of the prior art systems fully address the problem 30 of providing a safety monitoring system for patients, particularly elderly patients, which they can use with confidence and which provides relevant information in the event of an incident.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides, according to a first aspect, a safety monitoring system for installation in a home, the system comprising: a wearable alarm, the alarm comprising a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and an actuator to activate the RF transmitter; a camera; and a controller, the controller being configured to receive an RF signal from the alarm and to cause the camera to capture an image, especially a series of images, and to send the image, or series of images, by the Internet to a predetermined recipient on receipt of the RF signal. In a second aspect the invention provides a method of monitoring the safety of a person, comprising the steps of installing the system of the first aspect of the invention in the home of the person.

By providing a system comprising a wearable alarm with an RF transmitter and a controller that receives signals from the wearable alarm and activates a camera on receipt of the signals, a system is provided that is simple to install and operate, but which provides relevant information to a predetermined recipient in the event of activation of the alarm. In contrast to known systems, e.g. those that provide an audio link between the wearer of an alarm and a remote person, following activation of an alarm the recipient of the image is able to assess the situation following activation of the alarm and receipt of an image rather than the wearer of an alarm being called upon to provide further information. Furthermore, the transmission of images by the Internet as a rapid response to an actuator on a wearable alarm being activated by the present system enables a recipient to assess the situation immediately and take appropriate action as soon as possible. Such a system has been found to be particularly useful as a safety system for elderly or infirm patients, enabling detailed and relevant information to be provided to one or more recipients in response to an actuator on a wearable alarm being activated thereby enabling an immediate appropriate response.

The system can take advantage of the flexibility of Internet communications to transmit images to any predetermined recipient, rather than being hard wired to a control centre. That may be particularly advantageous in that the images can be sent to a relative or friend of the patient and the patient may therefore be more comfortable about pressing the pendant since they know that it is alerting someone with whom they are familiar. The camera may, for example, be a webcam. The images may, for example, be transmitted by email. Sending the images by the Internet, for example by email, has the advantage that the recipient does not need any specialist equipment, but can simply receive the message through any web-access device, such as a computer or mobile telephone.

The provision of an RF transmitter in the alarm and a 30 controller that receives that RF transmission and operates the camera in response may be advantageous in that RF transmitters are low powered devices and the power consumption of the alarm may therefore be low. Preferably the RF transmitter is configured to send signals intermittently. Advantageously, the RF transmitter is configured to only send signals in response to a trigger event. The activation of the actuator is a trigger event. Other trigger events may include the receipt of a signal from the controller, for example, a signal sent to the wearable alarm requesting a status report, e.g. battery status or an identification request when the controller is placed in a learn mode during set up. Preferably, the trigger event is initiated by a stimulus from a source external to the wearable device. For example, the RF transmitter on the wearable alarm is advantageously configured only to transmit an RF signal on-demand in response to an external stimulus, such as the activation of the actuator or a signal being sent to the wearable alarm by the controller. The RF transmitter is advantageously configured not to transmit signals continuously. The RF transmitter may, for example, be dormant in the absence of a trigger event and only become active when a trigger event occurs. The intermittent and non-continuous transmission of RF signals by the RF transmitter included in the wearable alarm advantageously results in a low power consumption, for example preserving battery life. The battery may be rechargeable. The alarm may incorporate means for charging the battery such as a motion-powered generator or a solar cell, i.e. the alarm may be self-powered. A low powered alarm with a long battery life or which may be self-powered may be particularly advantageous in a system for monitoring a patient as it is desirable that the alarm be worn at all times and therefore it would be inconvenient to keep needing to recharge batteries in the alarm.

The system is suitable for installing in a home. For the avoidance of doubt, the term "home" as used herein is to be understood as the dwelling space of a person using the system and the system may, for example, be installed in the person's house or in the person's living space, e.g. room or apartment, of an accommodation complex. The camera is a component of a separate device from the wearable alarm. Whereas the wearable alarm is portable and configured to be carried around by the wearer, the other components of the system are typically installed in the home in a fixed location. In particular, the camera is for installation in a fixed location. An advantage of the system being installed in a home is that the cameras are permanently ready to capture images. In comparison with, for example, the system described in W02005/036487 that relies on the user positioning in the camera in a suitable place to record appropriate images, the cameras of the present system are fixed in a location where they can capture relevant images. Furthermore, there is less likelihood that the cameras will be misplaced, misaligned or not correctly set up if they are installed in a fixed location. Preferably, at least one camera is for installation in a fixed location. The system may additionally comprise movable cameras, for example cameras that can be moved to a variety of locations. The camera, for example a camera installed in a fixed location, optionally comprises a mount and the camera lens may be moveable relative to the mount. In that way, the mount can be installed in the home and the recipient, on receipt of an image, may log into the system and control the position of the camera lens so as to view an area of particular interest, for example, the area where the patient is located. Being able to view images from the location, rather than just being able to talk over the telephone may be advantageous in that it may better allow the recipient to gauge the seriousness of the incident and to respond appropriately.

The wearable alarm is advantageously portable and light, for example weighing no more than 500 g, especially 250 g or less. The wearable alarm is preferably a pendant. The pendant may for example comprise a lanyard such that it can be worn around the neck, or the pendant may comprise a strap such that it can be worn around the wrist. Alternatively, the wearable alarm may be configured to be pinned or clipped to the clothing of the wearer.

The actuator is preferably a button or switch, such as a toggle switch and may comprise a single button or switch, which activates the RF transmitter when pressed. The actuator is preferably a button, especially a single button. It will be appreciated that a simple alarm with a single button may be advantageous in that it is easy to operate in the event of an emergency. The actuator of the wearable alarm may alternatively be a motion sensor. The motion sensor may for example, be configured to be actuated in response to a movement pattern that indicates an adverse event, such as a fall has occurred. The wearable alarm may comprise more than on actuator, for example, a button or switch for operation by the wearer and a motion sensor.

Optionally, the system comprises one or more further alarms in addition to the wearable alarm. Preferably the further alarms each include an RF transmitter. Preferably, the further alarms each comprise an actuator to activate the RF transmitter of the further alarm. The actuator may be a button or a switch to be operated by a user or may be a sensor, such as a temperature sensor, light sensor, movement sensor, smoke sensor, pressure sensor, carbon monoxide sensor, moisture sensor or the like. The system may comprise a smoke alarm. The smoke alarm may comprise an RF transmitter and a controller configured to activate the RF transmitter if the smoke alarm detects smoke. The system may comprise a carbon monoxide alarm, the carbon monoxide alarm comprising an RF transmitter configured to activate if carbon monoxide is detected. The further alarms may comprise movement sensors, for example infra-red sensors, configured to activate an RF transmitter within the alarm in the event of movement being detected. It will be appreciated that providing further alarms in addition to the wearable alarm, each with their own RF transmitter included, may permit the system to activate the camera and transmit an image or a series of images, to the predetermined recipient in the event of alarm situations other than the patient actuating their wearable alarm. Such a system may be advantageous in that the recipient is alerted to situations even if the user is in the situation which renders them unable to activate the actuator on the wearable alarm. Advantageously, the controller is configured to receive RF transmissions from any of the wearable alarm or further alarms. Advantageously, the controller is configured to activate the camera in response to any such signals. In a particularly advantageous system, the controller is configured to control the camera to send the series of images in a format which specifies which of the alarms has triggered the controller.

Preferably a system captures a series of images in response to the wearable alarm or optional further alarm being activated. For example, the system takes six pictures. The system is optionally configured to send, e.g. email, the pictures to multiple pre-determined recipients. For example, the system may be configured to send, e.g. email, the pictures to three pre-determined recipients, or to six or fewer pre-determined recipients. That may be advantageous in that the system can alert a qualified carer and also friends or family of a user of the system.

The system is optionally configured such that the total time from activation of the wearable alarm to sending of the pictures is less than thirty seconds, especially less than 10 seconds, preferably less than 2 seconds. By sending images very soon after the activation of the actuator, the system is advantageously able to provide up to date information to the recipient enabling appropriate action to be taken as an immediate response.

The camera is preferably a webcam capable of capturing digital images and transmitting them via the Internet. The system may comprise a plurality of cameras. Each camera may comprise a separate controller. Advantageously, the controller comprises a controller module, or plurality of controller modules, associated with a, or a plurality of, camera(s). Advantageously, the module is capable of causing the camera with which it is associated to capture an image, for example in response to the controller receiving an RF signal from the wearable alarm or an optical further alarm. Each controller module is optionally able to receive an RF signal from the wearable alarm and/or optional further alarm. On receipt of an RF signal, the controller module may cause the camera with which it is associated to capture an image. On receipt of an RF signal by a controller module, the controller may process the signal and cause a camera (which may not be the same camera as that which the controller module which received the signal is associated with) to capture an image. The controller module may itself send an image captured by the camera with which it is associated to the recipient or relay the image to another part of the controller which sends the image to the recipient. The controller may comprise a master unit which is connected to the Internet, for example, by a wireless connection and which is configured to communicate with controller modules, e.g. via wireless Internet or Bluetooth. The master unit is advantageously configured to receive images from the controller modules. The master unit is advantageously configured to send images via the Internet to the predetermined recipient. Activating the wearable alarm, or an optional further alarm, may transmit an RF signal that can be received by a controller module on one or more of the plurality of cameras. Having a plurality of cameras may be advantageous in that the cameras can be installed at various key locations within the home. For example, one camera may be installed facing a favourite chair or other place where the user spends a lot of time. A further camera may be installed in, for example, a bathroom. A further camera may be installed in, for example, the kitchen. By providing a system where a controller or controller module is associated with each camera, the system can easily be extended to multiple cameras. The provision of multiple controllers or controller modules associated with multiple cameras has been found to enable at least one controller, or controller module, to be within range of the RF transmitter of the alarm being activated. RF transmitters may be particularly advantageous for a system with multiple cameras.

Advantageously, the safety monitoring system is self-contained and does not include any remote elements, e.g. elements that are configured to be located in a remote location to that in which the system is installed, such as in a separate building. Preferably, all parts of the controller are local to the cameras, for example, are installed within the same building as the cameras.

Preferably, the controller does not include any remote elements that are external to the building in which the system is installed, and/or the controller does not require the operation of any remote elements in order to respond to an RF signal from the alarm, cause the camera to capture an image and send the image by the Internet to a predetermined recipient. Advantageously, the system is configured such that only the captured image is required to leave the building in which the system is installed in order for the system to operate to respond to an RF signal from the alarm, cause the camera to capture an image and send the image by the Internet to a predetermined recipient. The system is advantageously configured such that no commands or signals need to be received from any remote locations external to the building in which the system is installed in order for the system to respond to an RF signal from the alarm, cause the camera to capture an image and send the image by the Internet to a predetermined recipient. For example the system does not require any human input (other than the wearer actuating the wearable alarm) or other external intervention in order to automatically cause the camera to capture an image and send the image by the Internet to a predetermined recipient in response to receiving an RF signal from the alarm. Preferably, the RF signal is not relayed to the controller through an intermediary relay that is not within the same building as the cameras.

Advantageously, the controller is configured to receive RF signals directly from the alarm and, for example, the RF signal is not relayed to the controller by a relay device which is not a component of the controller, such as the master unit or a controller module.

Preferably, the system is configured also to respond to commands sent to the system via the Internet. As a consequence, on receipt of an image sent by the safety monitoring system, the recipient is able to send commands to the system. The system is advantageously configured to capture and transmit images in response to commands received via the Internet. In particular, the controller is advantageously configured to receive commands sent by the Internet from a remote source and, on receipt of a command, cause the camera to capture an image and send the image by the Internet to a predetermined recipient. When the system comprises a plurality of cameras, the controller is advantageously configured to cause a selected camera to capture an image and send the image by the Internet to a predetermined recipient, in response to the receipt of a command sent via the Internet from a remote source to select that particular camera. Thus, on receipt of an image sent by the safety monitoring system, the recipient is able to request that the system captures further images and receive those images. When the camera comprises a mount and the camera lens is moveable relative to the mount, the system is advantageously configured to move the camera relative to the mount in response to the receipt of a command sent via the Internet from a remote source to move the camera relative to the mount. As such the recipient of an image may control the position of the camera lens remotely so as to view an area of particular interest, for example, the area where the patient is located.

Preferably, the system is configured to enable communication between the receipt of an image sent by the safety monitoring system and the wearer of the wearable alarm. Advantageously, one or more speakers and/or microphones are included in the system. Advantageously, the system is configured such that a microphone is activated in response to a command sent to the system via the Internet. As such a recipient may receive sound data as well as images from them system. Advantageously, the system is configured to receive sound data from a remote location and emit sound from a speaker. The sound data is preferably transmitted by the Internet, although it may be transmitted through another means such as via telephone signals. As such the recipient may talk to the wearer of the wearable alarm, for example, following activation of the alarm by the wearer and receipt of an image by the recipient.

The radio frequency (RF) transmitter transits signals in the radio frequency range, e.g. in the range of from 3 kHz to 300 GHz, typically in the 1 to 400 MHz range, especially in the VHF range of from 30 MHz, for example, to 300 MHz. The RF transmitter may transmit an FM radio signal in the 88.0 to 108.0 MHz range or transmit in the 174 MHz to 220 MHz range. It will be appreciated that the controller that receives the RF signal and activates the camera may be an important part of the invention. The controller optionally comprises a narrow band wireless receiver to receive the RF transmissions. Optionally the controller comprises a plurality of relays, e.g. to control a plurality of cameras in a plurality of zones. Optionally a first relay corresponds to all zones. The first relay may operate on a master code. The master code may, for example, be transmitted by the wearable alarm and/or one or more of the further alarms, such as a smoke or fire alarm, or an intruder alarm. On receipt of the master code, the controller may activate the first relay to cause each of the plurality of cameras to capture an image in each zone.

Optionally the controller comprises further relays, corresponding to further zones. Advantageously, the further relays, e.g. a second relay and a third relay, only correspond to a limited number of, for example one, zone(s). Additional codes, i.e. codes in addition to the master code may be transmitted by the wearable alarm and/or by the further alarms. On receipt of an additional code, the controller may activate one of the further relays. As such, the controller may cause cameras in a limited number of, e.g. one, zone(s) to capture an image on receiving an additional code. Additional codes may be transmitted from specific alarm devices only. For example, a smoke alarm in a kitchen may transmit a code which causes the controller to activate a relay that causes a camera in the kitchen zone to capture an image. Advantageously, on receipt of an additional code from a portable alarm, such as the wearable alarm, the controller determines which zone or zones the code has been transmitted from. On determining the zone or zones the code has been transmitted from, the controller may, optionally, activate the further relay, e.g. the second or third relay that causes cameras in the determined zone or zones to capture an image.

The controller may, for example, operate from an external 12 volt DC supply. The controller optionally comprises six clean contact alarm outputs plus two additional clean contact outputs for tamper and low battery. Optionally up to eight devices may be programmed onto each zone. Optionally the outputs may be momentary, latched or toggled outputs and may be programmed via jumper links. Optionally the controller comprises an integral antenna, such as a helical stubber antenna, for receiving the RF transmissions. In some systems an HG1 or HG2 remote antennae may be provided. It will be appreciated that such an antenna, for example suitable for mounting at roof top height, may provide a greater range. The system may, for example, operate at a frequency of 173.225 mega hertz with a band width of 12.5 kilo hertz. Optionally the controller has a sensitivity of -107 decibel metres. Optionally the transmitter in the alarm has a range of at least 200 metres. Optionally the transmitter in, for example, an infra-red movement sensor or a smoke detector, has a range of at least 100 metres. It may be that an alarm system is provided that has a range of at least 500 metres.

Optionally the controller is configured to operate in one of several modes. In a first example mode, the controller may operate the relays to provide a momentary, for example, three second, signal to cause cameras to capture a single image. In a second example mode, the controller may operate the relays for a prolonged period, for example, two minutes to cause the cameras to capture a series of images. In a third example mode, the controller may operate the relays as latched outputs. It will be understood that in latched mode, the relay is reset by applying a momentary negative voltage to a reset terminal. In a fourth example mode, the relays may operate in a toggle mode. It will be understood that in toggle mode, the relay changes state with each transmission. Optionally the controller comprises a tamper relay. The tamper relay may operate if a tamper transmission code is received from one of the alarms and may be restored when the tamper is cleared. Optionally the controller comprises a low battery relay. The low battery relay operates when a low battery transmission code is received from an alarm and restores when the low battery is cleared. Optionally, the controller comprises an LED to indicate when the tamper relay is operated and/or an LED to indicate when the low battery relay is operated.

Optionally the controller is configured to distinguish between RF signals transmitted from a plurality of alarms. Advantageously each alarm transmits a distinct code.

Advantageously the controller is configured to respond differently depending on the code received. The system may include more than one wearable alarm. In the event that the system includes more than one wearable alarm, the system is advantageously able to distinguish which wearable alarm transmitted an RF signal. Advantageously, the controller is configured to send the image to a different recipient depending on which of the wearable alarms transmitted the signal. As such the system may be particularly suitable for use in multiple occupancy dwellings, such as care homes, enabling the friend or relative of individual patients to receive an image when that particular patient activates their wearable alarm.

Optionally each alarm, for example each wearable alarm or the other alarm, is configured to transmit a plurality of distinct codes. For example, the RF transmitters may be configured to transmit an alarm code when the alarm, actuator is activated and a low battery signal if the alarm battery is low, e.g. in response to receiving a battery status request from the controller.

Optionally the controller is configured to learn transmissions from the alarms. For example, the controller may be configured such that, when placed in learn mode, and sent a learn transmission from an alarm, the controller learns the alarm transmission and associates it with a zone.

The ability to learn different alarm transmissions and associate them with zones may allow a single controller to handle multiple alarms and cameras.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a method of monitoring the safety of a person, comprising the steps of providing the system of the first aspect of the invention in the dwelling place of the person. The method of the second aspect of the invention advantageously comprising the steps of operating an actuator on the wearable alarm, activating the RF transmitter in response to the actuator being operated to send a signal to the controller, causing the camera to capture an image in response to the controller receiving the RF signal sent by the RF transmitter on the wearable alarm, relaying the image captured by the camera to the controller, sending the image relayed to the controller to a predetermined recipient by the Internet. The method of the second aspect of the invention advantageously comprising the further steps of the recipient sending commands to the controller by the Internet, the controller responding to the commands by causing the or another camera to capture a further image, relaying the further image to the controller, and sending the further image to the predetermined recipient by the Internet.

Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be 30 described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which: Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an alarm system for monitoring a patient according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a controller for use in the embodiment of Figure 1; and Figure 3 shows an alternative pendant for use in the embodiment of Figure 1.

Detailed Description

In Figure 1 a webcam 1 comprises a controller 2. The Controller 2 is mounted on the webcam 1. The controller 2 comprises an antennae 3 configured to receive RF transmissions. The camera 1 is mounted on a mount for and is moveable relative to the mount 4. A wearable alarm 5 comprises a wrist strap 6 and an actuator in the form of a button 7. The button 7 is mounted on a body 8 of the wearable alarm 5. The body 8 comprises an RF transmitter (not shown) which omits an RF signal upon activation of the button 7. The system further comprises an infra-red movement sensor 9 comprising an RF transmitter (not shown). The RF transmitter is configured to emit an RF signal when the infra-red movement sensor 9 detects movement. The system further comprises a smoke alarm 10. The smoke alarm 10 comprises an RF transmitter (not shown) configured to emit an RF signal when the smoke alarm 10 detects smoke. The system further comprises a carbon monoxide alarm 11. The carbon monoxide alarm 11 comprises an RF transmitter (not shown) configured to emit an RF signal when the carbon monoxide alarm 11 detects carbon monoxide.

Turning to Figure 2, the controller 2 comprises an antennae 3. The controller 2 further comprises relays 12 a, b, c, d, e, f with associated outputs 14. Each of the relays 12 b, c, d, e, f, is associated with a zone. Relay 12a is associated with all zones. Each zone that is in use includes a camera 1, 30. Whilst two cameras 1, 30 are illustrated in Figure 1, the system may include a single camera or more than two cameras. When the controller 2 detects an RF signal code indicating that an alarm 5, 9, 10, 11, 26 in a particular zone has activated, the relay 12b to 12f associated with that zone is triggered and thus cameras connected to the relay via the outputs 14 are triggered. When the controller 2 detects an RF signal master code the relay 12a associated with all zones is activated thus all cameras 1, 30 are triggered. The controller 2 further comprises a tamper relay 15 and a low battery relay 16 with associated outputs 17. The tamper relay 15 and low battery relay 16 are configured to output on receipt of an 3F signal code indicating that an alarm 5, 9, 10, 11, 26 has been tampered with or has a low battery respectively. The controller 2 further comprises ports 18 for receiving a 10.5 -15 volt DC supply and a port 19 for supplying a reset voltage. The controller 2 further comprises a display 20 and control buttons 21 and 22. The controller 2 also comprises jumpers 23 for programming different modes of operation of the relays 12 a, b, c, d, e and f. A further jumper 24 is provided for the purpose of activating deletion of data. Finally, the controller 2 comprises LEDs 25 for indicating functionalities of the controller.

Turning to Figure 3, a wearable alarm pendant 26 comprises a body 27 on which is mounted an actuator in the form of a button 28. The pendant 26 further comprises a lanyard 29 attached to one end of the body 27. The lanyard 29 is sized so as to be worn around the neck so that the pendant 26 hangs conveniently where it can be pressed if needed.

In use, activation of the button 7 on the wearable alarm pendant 5 or button 28 on the wearable alarm pendant 26 or detection of movement by the actuator (not shown) of movement sensor 9 or detection of smoke by the actuator (not shown) of the smoke alarm 10 or detection of carbon monoxide by the actuator (not shown) of the carbon monoxide alarm 11 triggers the respective RF transmitter within the relevant device to send an RF signal code. That RF signal code is unique to the triggered device and is recognised by the controller 2, which receives the signal on the antennae 3. The controller 2 identifies which device has sent the signal code and activates the appropriate relay 12 a, b, c, d, e or f, which in turn triggers any devices linked to the output 14 from the triggered relay. The camera 1, which is in communication to the output 14 of an appropriate relay 12 a, b, c, d, e, f for the zone in which the camera 1 is located is triggered by activation of the relay 12 a, b, c, d, e, f to capture a series of six images. The six images are relayed to the controller 1 and attached to an email which is sent by the controller 2 to one or more predetermined recipients via the Internet. On receipt of the email, the recipients may log into the controller 2 via the Internet.

The recipients may control the movement of the camera 1 relative to the mount 4 and cause the camera to capture further images. Thus the recipient can, if the six images attached to the email are not sufficient, obtain further images at different camera angles in order to assess the situation.

The system may comprise a further camera 30 mounted on a further mount 31 (Figure 1). The further camera 30 comprises a controller module (not shown) which is in communication with the controller 2. The control module of the further camera 30 may be linked to a different output 14 from a different one of the relays 12 a, b, c, d, e or f from that of the first camera 1. Thus, the further camera 30 may be activated by a different zone than the camera 1.

The image captured by further camera 30 is relayed by the control module (not shown) to the controller 2 and thence sent by the controller 2 to the one or more predetermined recipients via the Internet. In that way, if an alarm 5, 9, 10, 11, 26 is activated in a zone which is not visible to the camera 1, the camera 30 can instead be activated by the controller 2 and the control module to take a series of images and send them to the predetermined recipients. It will be appreciated that sufficient cameras can be provided in sufficient zones to provide adequate coverage of the key areas of the home.

Claims

Claims 1. A safety monitoring system for installation in a home, comprising: a wearable alarm, the alarm comprising a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and an actuator to activate the RF transmitter; a camera; and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to receive an RF signal from the alarm and, on receipt of the RF signal, cause the camera to capture an image and send the image by the Internet to a predetermined recipient.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the camera is a webcam.
3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the image is sent via email.
4. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the wearable alarm is a pendant.
5. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the actuator is a button or toggle switch.
6. The system according to any preceding claim in which the controller does not include any remote elements that are external to the building in which the system is installed.
7. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to receive commands sent by the Internet from a remote source and, on receipt of a command, cause the camera to capture an image and send the image by the Internet to the predetermined recipient.
8. The system of any preceding claim, comprising a 5 plurality of cameras.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to cause a different camera to capture an image depending on a characteristic of the RF signal.
10. The system of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to receive commands sent by the Internet from a remote source and, on receipt of a command to transmit an image from a selected camera, cause the selected camera to capture an image and send the image by the Internet to the predetermined recipient in response to the receipt of a command.
11. The system of any preceding claim wherein the RF 20 transmitter of the wearable alarm is configured to transmit an RF signal only in response to a trigger event.
12. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the controller comprises a controller module associated with the 25 camera, the module being capable of causing the camera with which it is associated to capture an image.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the controller comprises a master unit configured to communicate with the 30 controller module.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the master unit is configured to receive an image relayed by the controller module and send the image to a predetermined recipient via the Internet.
15. The system of any preceding claim, comprising one or more further alarms in addition to the wearable alarm, each further alarm comprising an RF transmitter.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the controller is configured to identify the further alarm from which an RF transmission is sent.
17. A method of monitoring the safety of a person, 15 comprising the steps of installing the system of any preceding claim in the home of the person.
18. The method of claim 17 comprising the steps of activating the RF transmitter in response to the actuator being operated to send a signal to the controller, causing the camera to capture an image in response to the controller receiving the RF signal sent by the RF transmitter on the wearable alarm, relaying the image captured by the camera to the controller, sending the image relayed to the controller to a predetermined recipient by the Internet.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the steps of the recipient sending commands to the controller by the Internet, the controller responding to the commands by causing the or another camera to capture a further image, relaying the further image to the controller, and sending the further image to the predetermined recipient by the Internet.