GB2578755A

GB2578755A - A telephony device and associated system

Info

Publication number: GB2578755A
Application number: GB1818123.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Ghosh Indrajit
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-11-07
Filing date: 2018-11-07
Publication date: 2020-05-27
Also published as: GB201818123D0

Abstract

A direct communication means 10 with an audio channel and a visual channel. An indirect communication means 20 comprising an automated means, which when actuated, causes a user defined signal to be transmitted to a remote location. The indirect communication means may include at least one sensor which when actuated transmits a short message service SMS or dials a predefined number. The at least one sensor may include an accelerometer which may be actuated by an event such as a user falling or dropping the device. The at least one sensor may include an audio sensor which may be actuated by a first user defined period of silence occurring between user defined start and end times. Sensors may communicate with a local hub using a wireless communications protocol such as a Bluetooth. A means may be provided for separating calls into audio calls and audio-visual calls. Switches may be included for diverting calls from video calls to audio calls, alternatively switches may divert calls from audio calls to video calls.

Description

A TELEPHONY DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a telephony device and associated systems, in particular a video camera enabled telephony device; more particularly but not exclusively being well-suited to elderly or vulnerable users.

Background

Increasing numbers of people in many modern societies may expect both long-life and independence.

This can be problematic as safety for elderly and vulnerable users who are alone can be difficult to ensure.

If the user becomes unable to call for help due to a fall or similar, if there is no 20 physical presence visiting the user it can be difficult to know there is an issue.

Prior Art

WO 2015 145 401 (NUR et al) discloses a system offering simplified bi-directional video communication between a user and a device of a pre-configured one or more persons of interest includes a touch display with a pictorial representation of each of the one or more persons of interest. The touch display is configured to establish the bi-directional video communication with a selected one of said persons of interest in response to a single touch of the pictorial representation of the selected one of the persons of interest. In one implementation, the system includes a monitoring device positioned to monitor one or more biometric parameters of the user and saving the biometric data on a server for processing.

CN 202 475 586 (JINHAI et al) discloses a multifunctional watching telephone device which comprises a host machine, a plurality of detection cameras and a plurality of alarm buttons, wherein the detection cameras and the alarm buttons are respectively connected with the host machine; the host machine comprises a video telephone, a video storage device and a control circuit; and each detection camera consists of a movable detection inductor and a micro camera. The multifunctional watching telephone device has a simple structure and is convenient to operate, a user can conveniently and quickly keep in contact with elderly people living alone (or a child alone at home) and monitor the states of the elderly people (or the child) so as to timely treat and cure the elderly people when accidents occur, and therefore, the health and the safety of the elderly people can be guaranteed.

EP 1 385 325 (OYAGI) discloses a cradle comprising a telephone supporting section supporting a mobile telephone; a connecting section electrically connecting to the mobile telephone; a sensor communications section receiving a report from a sensor sensing a state of a monitored area; and a transmission instructing section providing an instruction signal to the mobile telephone via the connecting section to cause the mobile telephone to transmit a content of the report from the sensor to a management centre.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing 20 devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a telephony device comprising a direct user communication mechanism and one or more indirect user communication means, wherein the direct communication mechanism comprises an audio and a visual communication component, and the indirect communication means comprises an automated means.

The visual component may be envisaged to comprise a videocamera.

The indirect user communications means may thereby enable the device of the present invention to communicate with third parties without the user's direct interaction with communication.

For example said automated means may comprise a sensor or sensor dependent means in some embodiments.

One or more sensors may be installed in a user's premises or with reference to the 5 user or their clothing or possessions.

In this way the device of the present invention may be envisaged to comprise of a unit and one or more local or remote sensors. The sensors and unit may be arranged to correspond via wireless connectivity, such as infra-red, shortwave radio, 10 Wi-Fi (RTM) or intermachine operability such as Bluetooth (RIM).

In other embodiments in addition or the alternative to the sensor or sensors the unit may include a timer and/or data processing means, wherein for example said automated means may comprise a timer-reliant means.

In this way for example the sensor or sensors may be enabled to register a state of being of an object or a local user, with reference to time periods or deadlines, and may in consequence allow a remote user to monitor behaviour or lack of behaviour in the local user.

For example in some embodiments the sensors may comprise a sensor arranged to trigger a communication from the user when a reading is not within predefined parameters. In this way even if the user is unavailable or incapacitated the communication means enables communication.

Some embodiments of sensors may be incorporated into other items For example in some embodiments the sensor may be incorporated into a plug or socket, or other item including an electrical supply.

Such sensor or reading may be envisaged to be arranged to monitor conditions which relate to the local user's behaviour or behavioural habits. For example if the local user does not attend a lavatory within a predefined period the communication may be opened, wherein a sensor may be provided on a lavatory door lock or jamb or similar.

The unit may have a data or call processing means arranged to coordinate, provide preferred outcomes according to sensor readings and/or communicate sensor readings; so as to allow for easy readability, reliability and monitoring over time. Further data control or management layers may be envisaged with the processing means. For example each movement registered or not registered by a sensor may be activated or registered with reference to a time-period, for example one minute so as to not corrupt information results, such that opening and closing a fridge door will only count as one action.

The call processing means of the device may be pre-programmed or pre-programmable to divert calls from to or to different destinations from use of the camera or not. This may be according to predefined settings such as screening list, manual operation such as push-button operation, timing and/or sensor readings.

The device of the present invention may provide an automatic and additional manual choice of use of the camera and microphone to provide a videophone or non-videophone at any point in the call e.g. manual ability to switch video to audio only and vice versa.

For example where the user rejects a video call but selects a non-video or audio only call, the prompt 'video not possible' is visible on the caller's screen, and the call defaults to a non-video call.

If the incoming call to the device is a video call, the screen enables video function 25 after a set number of calls if the phone is not answered. (if the caller is in contacts list.) Some embodiments of the device may be envisaged to be incorporated within a telephony, software and digital system. This system may link the device to an independently provided smartphone so as to enable the device to give a carer or family member constant data to allow them to see what's happening with the user daily.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example 35 only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a control unit for a device 5 according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, Figures 5 show isometric views of an embodiment of a sensor for the device 15 according to the present invention; Figure 6 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figures 5; Figure 7 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in 20 Figures 5; Figure 8 shows a block diagram of operation of an embodiment of the communication system according to the present invention; and Figure 9 shows block diagram of operation of an embodiment of the audio and visual call system according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of the device 10,20 generally comprising a telephony device comprising a unit 10 with direct user communication mechanism and one or more indirect user communication means 20, wherein the direct communication mechanism comprises an audio and a visual component, and the indirect communication means comprises an automated means operated by a sensor 20.

The pictured embodiment of the device thereby in particular comprises a sensor-based movement monitoring device comprising more than one sensor 20 and a central communication unit 10 that can both be installed anywhere in the home.

When movement is detected by a sensor or sensors the device sends a notification by wireless connectivity such as a Wi-Fi (RTM) connection to the unit, which in turn provides a communication to alert carers remotely if set-up to, as well as storing data locally and remotely.

This enables the device to provide reliable data on what an elderly person is doing day to day.

The embodiment of the unit pictured includes the following parts: White plastic (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) ABS casing 3,5 with pivoting stand 6 Handset 1 with standard alphanumeric buttons 7 Four button control 4 Internal PCB (printed circuit board) that includes the following features: Bluetooth (RTM) Module Tilt switch Timer LED (light emitting diodes) Battery The embodiment of the sensor comprises a battery 22, which is an AA battery, capable of easy replacement or recharging and a PCB 21 with a light sensor and wireless transceiver. It may be envisaged that sensors may be provided in the following rooms by way of example only: Kitchen; Bedroom; Medicine Box; Bathroom.

The sensors can be placed in different places around the home to monitor how many times an elderly person is using the bathroom, eating, getting in or out of bed or taking medication.

The sensors link back to the unit to gather information and store for the carer to look at. For example when a sensor is activated, it may trigger a signal that sends to the unit.

In this way when a call is received, the call defaults automatically to video-call from or to predefined destinations or people and non-video call from or to others, whereby the video or non-video status of the call is visible to the receiver.

The unit of the pictured embodiment provides a touch screen interface, along with 10 large buttons 4 to accommodate for both older and younger users.

Simplified text with clear instructions gives an intuitive interface to help elderly users, potentially comprising buttons labelled in use: Who has called? Whom have I called? Contacts Menu Today's Activity Log Weekly Breakdown A display screen may provide information such as: Used at 11AM Used at 8PM Etc.

Each sensor can be logged with time frames to give carers an indication of when movement is made.

Logging an activity is stored and can be viewed week by week and clicking on for more information may allow it to be made available regarding the information picked up by the sensors 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 as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

Claims 1 A communication device comprises: a direct user communication means and one or more indirect user communication means, wherein the direct communication means has an audio channel and a video channel, and the indirect communication means comprises an automated means which when actuated causes a user defined signal to be transmitted to a remote location.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the indirect communication means includes at least one sensor which is actuated by an event and when actuated is operative to transmit a short message service (SMS) or dial a predefined number.
3. A device according to claim 2 wherein at least one sensor includes an accelerometer which is actuated by an event, such as a user falling or dropping the device.
4. A device according to claim 2 wherein at least one sensor includes an audio sensor which is actuated by an event, such as a first user defined period of silence occurring between user defined start and end times.
5. A device according to any of claims 2 to 4 wherein the at least one sensor communicates with a local hub using a wireless communication protocol, such as Bluetooth.
6. A device according to any of claims 2 to 5 wherein a means is provided for separating calls into audio calls and audio-visual calls.
7. A device according to claim 6 includes switches for diverting calls from video calls to audio calls.
8. A device according to claim 6 or 7 comprises switches which divert calls from audio calls to video calls.