GB2613133A

GB2613133A - Algorithmic data-enhanced strap or belt system

Info

Publication number: GB2613133A
Application number: GB2110004.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Bryan Jonathan
Original assignee: CAREWHERE Ltd
Current assignee: CAREWHERE Ltd
Priority date: 2021-07-12
Filing date: 2021-07-12
Publication date: 2023-05-31
Also published as: GB202110004D0

Abstract

A strap or belt for at risk people has a first housing 1 and second housing 2 connected by straps 4 forming a loop for securing around the waist of a wearer. The first housing may contain electronic boards and components such as 4G/5G modem, GPS, GNSS, GSM antennas, wi-fi, Bluetooth, accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, hall effect switch, LEDs, vibration motor. The second housing may contain a battery and speaker. Algorithms may use component sensor data to determine the belt wearer’s location or activity, e.g. standing, sitting, immobility, walking down stairs, with a stick or crutches, running, limping, shuffling, falling, shaking, movement direction. Belt functions may be automated and programmed remotely. An audible alert can be sounded on identification of specific movement. Alerts may be sent to a monitoring centre or third party and voice channel opened. Time within a proximity distance from other devices may be monitored for social distancing.

Description

Algorithmic data-enhanced strap or belt system. Description This invention relates to a multi-functional, fully-automated, wearable, algorithmically enhanced data technology belt system to be worn around the waist by people at risk, in need, such that they can be monitored, protected or medically assessed for various reasons that might include, but is not limited to; lone-workers, remote workers at risk, vulnerable elderly people, other people of all ages with learning difficulties, people at risk of disease infection, medical operation rehabilitation patients, hikers, climbers, sports people and others who's detailed movements may need to be assessed or monitored in dangerous or vulnerable situations or for medical reasons.

Currently the ability to locate, communicate and measure certain types of activity currently exists extensively through mobile phones, Global Navigation Satellite System technology (GNSS -for example GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, etc), activity monitors (Fitbit, Gamin, etc) and using other sensors which are available in portable tracking devices, mobile phones, watches, and other wrist worn bands, neck worn lanyards and other emergency alert devices.

CO This invention addresses the inherent inaccuracy and incompleteness of existing data measurement by integrating the measuring sensors into a belt worn on the specific part of the CO body where the most accurate measurements can be attained for very particular needs. The o benefits of such a system when compared to currently available systems are: CO * Positive confirmation that the device is being worn, and when it is removed. The device sends confirmation to a server that the user has put the belt on and when they remove the belt. This triggers an audit trail of daily events and ensures the belt is always with the wearer and cannot be accidentally left behind or forgotten.

* Accurate movement analysis because of how and where it is being worn -the technology is specifically located around the waist to ensure that movement and fall monitoring is optimized and more accurate than systems that are hand held or wrist worn.

* Fully automated system -the belt can be set to act autonomously so that it can report location, detect movement and different types of fall events of concern, automatically call an emergency number and/or automatically answer any incoming call if required. This ensures that if the wearer is incapacitated in any way that the device can open a voice channel to call for help and provide location data at the same time, providing significant safety benefits to the most seriously injured people.

* Pre-alert functionality to eliminate false alerts -if the belt detects any 'events of concern' such as a fall or lack of movement, it can be set to issue an audible alert to the wearer that it is about to go into an alert state and inform a third party of the event. The user has a pre-determined period to cancel the alert if they deem it unnecessary or false, before such an alert is activated. This ensures that false alerts can be eliminated.

* Panic button -it is possible for the wearer to press the panic button to manually force the belt into an alert state. The belt will then follow a pre-determined process to alert a third party that the wearer needs help. Automated systems will then generate incoming/outgoing calls as required, and report location and other data.

* Amber alert functionality enables a user to automatically advise a monitoring centre or manager when they are about to enter a specific 'at risk' scenario, and to generate automatic alerts if the user does not cancel the Amber alert within a defined period.

* Silent mode -the belt can be set to operate silently so that if the wearer feels threatened and wants to trigger an alert without alerting an aggressor, the wearer can discreetly press the panic button and the device will alert a third party, open voice channels and report location in such a way that the aggressor will not be antagonized any further and evidence can be gained, and assistance sent, during the alert period.

* Indoor tracking capability -the belt can use GNSS/GPS to locate itself whilst outdoors and it can also use an indoor tracking system to accurately locate itself within a building. This is achieved by using short range radio beacons and other systems (e.g. Bluetooth and 868mHz Rf beacons). It can also supplement this data with other indoor location systems such as Wi-Fi. Accuracy of up to 1 meter is possible with this system whilst in any building.

* Siren -the belt can be set to sound a loud high-pitched siren during the alert process CO to enable third parties to locate people in difficult environments such as indoors or in the dark or dusty environments.

CO * Proximity monitoring -the belt can detect and record proximity data to other belt wearers and other stand-alone tags, so that analysis can be made. This is useful in many scenarios including social distancing.

O Cr) * Multiple live event analysis -the device constantly monitors for certain types of events including different types of falls, movement or lack of movement, gait etc. It can be pre-set to trigger an alert for any or all of these events.

* Multiple automatic audio messages to advise the wearer of the status of the belt and any events being detected.

* Ruggedised' and waterproof to minimum IP67, making it suitable for most professions and applications.

* Adjustable for all sizes * Full audit trail and data logging of all events for post event analysis and evaluation.

* The belt contains the following technology -4G modem for normal cell phone communication, GNSS/GPS system for location, Bluetooth and wi-fl for indoor tracking and communication, a gyroscope, accelerometer and magnetometer for the detection of movement and numerous types of fall events, a hall switch to detect when the belt is being worn and removed, LED's and vibration motor to give the wearer feedback on the status of the belt, a speaker and microphone to enable voice calls via the modem, wi-fl or Bluetooth, a rechargeable battery, a waterproof and dust proof housing (IP67), a multi-function test button and a panic alert button.

As an example, an electrician working alone in a building after normal office hours might have an electric shock which renders him unconscious and unable to summon help in any way. Existing devices might indicate a fall of some kind, but they will also do so if the monitoring device such as a mobile phone is dropped, or if there is a sharp downward movement of the arm with a wrist worn device. The limitations of existing solutions do not apply to a waist worn belt which is at a physically stable and typically vertical part of the body.

In terms of data accuracy, there are also occasions when very specific movement data needs to be measured, communicated and analysed for which existing devices do not meet the need.

Examples might be to detect if someone is standing up, sitting down, walking up or down stairs, walking with crutches, with a walking stick, limping or shuffling.

There are also occasions when the existing devices are not carried or physically worn on a place on the body that will provide enough accurate movement data for what is required from the activities listed above and others, that can be provided by this present invention.

As an example, wrist worn activity and tracking monitors are designed to use movement and CO location sensors to measure the number of steps made by the wearer. When walking the device registers the movement of the arm and interprets that as walking activity. However CO similar "walking" data can be registered if the wearer is repeatedly lifting a glass to his mouth o for a drink or swinging his arm while resting in a chair. It is for these reasons that inaccurate data can be recorded by "gaming" the technology when absolute accuracy is required. This is CO not true with a belt worn at the physical core of the body.

With the outbreak of COVID 19, there has been an urgent need to find technology solutions to identify and manage the contact risks of meeting other people. Focus has been on the creation of mobile phone applications that either require the phone owner to download the app, or to up-date the phone operating system to embed the contact tracing technology onto the phone. These methods are supported by state and government level monitoring and analysis which many people find intrusive with no guarantee of adoption. The device described here will have the capability to deliver contact tracing functionality at a closed system, business, or operating level. For example, all workers on a construction site or patients and carers in a care home could wear a monitoring belt. It would record any relevant contacts identified as those within a set distance and for a set time and these would be logged for review if someone subsequently fell ill. This system would enable contact tracing in a closed environment.

There is therefore a need for a highly accurate, multi-functional, waist-worn wearable system that addresses the severe limitations of existing systems and adds significant innovative functionality in the form of new communication processes and unique data analysis algorithms that interrogate the movement sensors worn at the core centre of the body for very specific data analysis, contact tracing and activity identification purposes.

According to the present invention (shown in Figure One) there is provided a wearable belt system comprising: A main housing (1) containing electronic boards, communication components, sensors, a microphone (6), test button (7), LED indicators (8) and alert button (9).

A secondary housing (2) containing a power source (rechargeable battery) connected to the main housing and a speaker (10).

A link strap (3) from the main housing to the secondary housing with a power cable or flex circuit embedded within.

Loop straps (4) from the main housing and another from the secondary housing that will form a loop to be connected, thereby forming the securing mechanism for the wearable strap/belt.

A connecting male clip (5) and female housing (11) to connect the two straps (4) forming the loop. The female housing (11) also contains the re-charging port.

The present invention therefore appears in the form of a wearable belt with two housings containing the operating technology and a closing connecting strap to secure the invention to the body as shown in Figure one.

Figure one shows a diagram of a belt as described, with a main housing, a secondary housing CO and a strap connecting clip to secure around the waist.

C

C 0 The invention housings may contain all or some of the components and features to deliver the following capabilities: CO -4G/5G and newer generation modems including multi-function GNSS, processor and memory for location data and communication - Radio Frequency, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for alternative communication means.

- Accelerometer, Gyroscope and Magnetometer for movement and activity.

- Memory board to capture recorded data.

- Temperature sensor to measure ambient temperature.

- Tamper circuit to detect if the belt is opened A clock to track and measure time.

- Hall effect switch to confirm when the belt is active (on/latched) or inactive (off/unlatched).

- Charging circuit to recharge the power source running from the secondary housing to the main housing embedded into the connecting strap.

- Sim card holder to retain the Sim card.

- Barometric Pressure and Humidity sensors for respective measurements.

- Vibration motor to provide sensory notifications Multi system GNSS and GSM antennas on flying leads to receive and send data.

- Microphone and speaker to provide two-way voice communication and audible alerts - Self-diagnostic buttons and multi-coloured LED lights to show operating status.

- Connecting straps made with hypo-allergenic medical grade silicon or other flexible material for protection and comfort for the wearer.

- A connecting mechanism that secures the loop of the invention and creates an electronic circuit - Multiple machine learning algorithms to identify and interpret very specific movement data.

- Computer processing capability for use when analyzing data on the device.

- Connectivity between the device and a cloud-based server.

The invention is designed to be secured around the waist and operates with some, or all the following features, depending on application. Data

The device receives raw location data from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) as well as telecommunication system triangulation data and such elements are well known in many technologies including mobile phones and other tracking devices.

The raw location data can be processed within the device into data that can be represented in a viewable form on mapping systems on computers, tablets, phones, or other mobile devices CO in the form of interactive or information only applications CO The location data can also be received and sent in raw data form for processing on a cloud- ° based system CO The device can also communicate the raw location data if programmed to do so to a computer management system that will analyse and map the data.

The device can be programmed to communicate the data at specific time intervals when actively recording data.

The device can be programmed to communicate the stored data at specific times during the day The device can be programmed to wake up at specific times to collect data The device can collect, store and communicate several different data points using the sensor and GNSS technologies including but not limited to, time, speed, location, direction of movement, ambient temperature, vertical and horizontal planes, etc. Activation When the device is not worn it is in Idle mode.

When the device is latched and worn it changes from Idle mode to Default mode (the equivalent of ON) The device can monitor its movement to activate or deactivate some or all activity functions of the invention.

On activation the device can use the accelerometer, gyroscope and other sensors to determine what type of activity is taking place and the position of the body.

The device has access to a series of unique algorithms that can identify different movement types, for example, but not limited to walking, falling, shaking, running, limping, shuffling, walking with crutches etc. The device can differentiate between activity types.

The device can be programmed to record data only if a certain type of activity is identified The device uses the unique algorithms to measure, record and communicate the various identifiable activities.

The device can be programmed to switch operating functions depending on the identification CO of the activity type.

CO The device can be programmed to switch operating functions in specific sequential ways.

Proximity.

CO Using Bluetooth components, or other RE systems, the device can identify other Bluetooth/RF enabled devices and calculate the distance between the two It can also measure the length of time the connection is live and record the data This data can be communicated to a server or a cloud server as described in the section above.

This functionality can be used for contact tracing to know which other belt wearers have been near each other within a particular working environment.

Operating modes The device may have a series of operating modes that can be managed and changed by a control panel or other method of instruction such as text messaging.

The modes will reflect the operating needs of the device and might be as follows-Off-no activity on the device and no monitoring taking place.

Idle -all functions are off except the monitoring of movement.

Default -movement, location and other functions are being recorded and transmitted.

Amber Warning -a heightened state of alert Pre-Alert -device has detected a relevant event and is giving the user the opportunity to cancel the alert Alert -an emergency alert has been activated via an event, via pre-alert or via the panic button. The device is high power mode with voice, location, movement etc. all active.

Communication The device can communicate through a two-way voice channel using the telecom GSM network as if it were a mobile phone.

The device can communicate the data using the telecom GPRS data network.

The device contains a Sim card or equivalent component chip to enable connectivity to the telecom GSM and GPRS data networks.

The device can communicate using radio frequency communication systems. The device can communicate using Wi-Fi.

The device can communicate using LTE-N.4 or other data networks.

CO

The device can communicate using Bluetooth.

CO The device can communicate to an installed receiver "hub" within the home, work, hospital, care-home, prison, police station, rail station, public and commercial buildings or other CO buildings and fixed locations.

The device can communicate data to an installed hub on cars, buses, trains, police cars, ambulances, lorries or other vehicles or mobile equipment.

The device can be programmed to use any one of the communication options exclusively, sequentially, one or two selectively, or to search in a priority order to find the most appropriate communication system depending on the environment.

The device can record and retain data if it is in a place where no communication means exist, i.e., if there are no GPRS data connection, RE, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi connections.

The device can register its presence to short range receivers, for example in a building where there is no GNSS location data using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth In doing the above, the device can provide tracking and location data within buildings using non-satellite means where the relevant receiver system has been installed and mapped.

The device can be programmed remotely through any of the communication systems for all its operational functionality.

CO C

CO CO

The device can recognise, identify, and communicate with other belts within its network if programmed to do so.

Latch Detection.

The device can monitor the latch to see if the belt has been latched (worn) or unlatched (removed). Notification of each event can be sent to the server. Power

The device can monitor its level of power available and provide an audible or sensory (vibration) communication or alert if it falls below a certain programmable threshold.

The device contains a rechargeable power source.

The device can be recharged by connecting it to an electricity supply via a cable and shows an LED light during the charging process.

The device can provide an audible, sensory (vibration) or LED (green) light notification when fully charged.

Buttons The device may have a self-diagnostic test button that when pressed assesses the operational status of the power level, location status and connectivity status with three LED lights indicating the following: Red Amber Green Battery / Power No power. Partly charged or Charging. Fully charged.

Location / GPS No location. Poor signal. Good location.

Connectivity / GSM No connection. Poor signal. Good signal.

The LED lights may also flash intermittently to indicate other activity, e.g., when activated, latched together, and switch on, or deactivated, unlatched and switched off, and system status.

The LED lights may also be used in various patterns to indicate notifications and responses from a control panel.

The device may also contain a panic alert button that when pressed sends an alert to the control panel or to any other phones, tablets or devices that have been programmed to accept the alert.

The alert will contain the location of the wearer.

The alert may open the two-way voice channel function provided by the microphone and speaker if programmed to do so.

The device uses audible alerts to confirm to the wearer that a panic message has been received.

The device may be contacted by the control panel monitors using the two-way voice channel function if there is a need to do so Fall detection The device can use the accelerometer and gyroscope to detect if someone has fallen arid provide an alert to that effect.

The device can use the accelerometer and gyroscope to detect if the wearer has not moved for a specific programmable period, e.g., 2 minutes, 5 minutes etc The device can use the accelerometer and gyroscope to detect a series of sequential events such as a fall to a horizontal aspect, no movement and then a return to the vertical.

CO

The device can provide an alert to a third party by any means of its communication CO technologies This alert can be to a phone, tablet or via the cloud to a monitoring sewer or o other management application CO The device can provide an audible or vibrating alert to acknowledge the emergency fall or other alert messages have been received The device can enable the wearer to cancel the alert message in the event of a false alarm by pressing a button in response.

The panic alarm process can be further enhanced using the two-way voice communication capability.

Movement Algorithms The device has a unique data analysis algorithm that can identify different types of falling (sudden impact, gentle collapse, lying horizontally, shaking etc.) The device has a unique data analysis algorithm that can identify the movement of standing up and sitting down.

The device has a unique data analysis algorithm that can identify the movement of walking up and downstairs.

The device has a unique data analysis algorithm that can identify a wearer limping.

The device has a unique data analysis algorithm that can identify a wearer walking or running.

The device has a unique data analysis algorithm that can identify a wearer shuffling when walking.

The device has a unique data analysis algorithm that can identify a wearer walking with a walking stick.

The device has a unique data analysis algorithm can identify short range directional movements when the wearer is walking, for example turning left, right etc.

CO C

CO CO

Claims

Claims 1 A multi-functional wearable, algorithmic data enhanced technology strap or belt system comprising of: a. a main and secondary housing b. straps to create a single loop c. and a means for connecting or securing the loop with a clip, buckle or locking m echani sm 2. A device according to claim 1 wherein all functionalities can be fully automated requiring no interaction with the wearer.3. A device that can positively confirm to a service that the user is wearing the device and therefore protected.4. A device according to claims 1, 2 and 3 wherein all functionalities can be programmed remotely.A device according to claims 1-4 wherein the system has unique data analysis algorithms that can identify if the wearer falls, has moved or not moved, is shaking, leaning or other actions that are considered events of concern 6. A device according to claims 1-4 wherein the system has a unique data analysis algorithm that can identify the movement of standing up and sitting down 7 A device according to claims 1-4 wherein the system has a unique data analysis algorithm that can identify if the wearer fails to move for a period after falling.8 A device according to claims 1-4 wherein the system has a unique data analysis algorithm that can identify if the wearer fails to move for a period after falling and then recovers to a vertical position.9. A device according to claims 1-4 wherein the system unique data analysis algorithm that can identify the movement of walking up and down stairs 10. A device according to claims 1-4 wherein the system has a unique data analysis algorithm that can identify a wearer limping 11. A device according to claims 1-4 wherein the system has a unique data analysis algorithm that can identify a wearer shuffling when walking.12. A device according to claims 1-4 wherein the system has a unique data analysis algorithm that can identify a wearer walking with a walking stick.13. A device according to claims 1-4 wherein the system has a unique data analysis algorithm can identify short range directional movements when the wearer is walking, for example turning left, right etc. 14. A device according to claims 1-4 wherein the system has a combination of all or some of the unique data analysis algorithms listed in Claims 4-12.15. A device according to the claims 1-14 wherein the system has a set of configurable operating modes.16. A device according to claims 1-15 wherein the system has a set of configurable communication means.17. A device according to claims 1-16 wherein an automated alert can be sent in the event of the identification of specific movement.18 A device according to the above claims that can be programmed to access the GNSS Satellite Navigation data if required.19 A device according to the above claims that can record, store and communicate additional GNSS data points that include, time, speed, direction of movement, ambient temperature, vertical and horizontal planes.20. A device according to the above claims that identifies the distance and time it has been in contact with other devices it is programmed to recognise.21. A device according to the above claims that is worn around the waist.