GB2623517A

GB2623517A - Resident location monitoring device and method

Info

Publication number: GB2623517A
Application number: GB2215309.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Harley Codd Michael
Original assignee: HARVEST HEALTHCARE Ltd
Current assignee: HARVEST HEALTHCARE Ltd
Priority date: 2022-10-17
Filing date: 2022-10-17
Publication date: 2024-04-24
Also published as: GB202215309D0

Abstract

A control device 100 is paired with one or more sensors 200-1…200-n of a user location system. The one or more sensors may include a PIR sensor or a pressure sensor mat which may detect whether a patient or resident has moved away from a safe / expected location. The control device, in response to being powered up 202 is arranged to output: a countdown indicator (204 and 306,fig.3) indicative of an initialisation period during which a signal from each of the one or more location sensors is awaited; a communication link indicator (204 and 304-1 to 304-6, fig.3) for each location sensor indicating whether the signal for each location sensor has been received; in response to receiving the signal 210 from a location sensor within the initialisation period, updating the corresponding communication link indicator to indicate such 206; and in response to receiving no beacon signal before completion of the initialisation period from a location sensor, outputting an error indicator to indicate such 208.

Description

RESIDENT LOCATION MONITORING DEVICE AND METHOD

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a control device for monitoring systems such as those used in resident/patient (user) location systems. In particular, the present disclosure relates to determining an operational state of a control device. Aspects relate to a control device for such user location systems, user locations systems, methods and computer software.

BACKGROUND

Within a patient care environment (e.g. a nursing home, hospice or the like) location systems can be used to monitor the location status of the residents / patients (who may be referred to as "users" throughout this document). This may be for a number of reasons. For example, a user may be physically impaired and be prone to falling from an item of furniture (e.g. a bed, a chair). As another example, a user may be prone to confusion and be prone to moving away from a safe area, such as leaving their bed to walk around, or leave, a care home or hospital ward. A user location system may be used indicate whether a user has moved away from an expected location through the use of central alarm systems and one or more location sensors distributed around the patient care environment. For example, a pressure sensitive mat may be used with a person's bed, chair, or entrance to their room, to detect where they are through determining if a pressure is being sensed on the mat.

A problem with current user location systems is that once they are switched on, there can be a significant time delay before any problem with the system/location sensors is indicated anywhere. Typically, location sensors transmit a periodic beaconing signal to a central unit to indicate that transmission is operational. These sensors can also transmit an instant signal on detecting a user event, for example that a pressure sensor has been stood on by a resident; that the resident has moved off a pressure sensor when they should be on it; or the resident has moved within a proximity of a motion sensor such as a passive infra-red (PIR) sensor. However, if there is a problem with the system, such as an error in communication or a flat battery within a sensor, this is not indicated anywhere until the length of time of the periodic beaconing signal has passed (which may be five or 10 minutes for example), in which time a resident could have moved away from a safe place and wandered off, which may, result in alarm, injury or even death.

It is an aim of the present disclosure to address one or more of the disadvantages associated

with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an aspect there is provided a control device for a user location system, the control device paired with one or more location sensors of the user location system, the control device configured to: in response to the control device being powered up, output: a countdown indicator indicative of an initialisation period in progress during which a beacon signal from each of the one or more location sensors is awaited, wherein each of the beacon signals is indicative of an operative communication link from a respective location sensor of the one or more location sensors to the control device; and a communication link indicator for each of the one or more location sensors, the communication link indicator being indicative of whether the beacon signal for each of the one or more location sensors has been received; in response to receiving the beacon signal from a location sensor of the one or more location sensors within the initialisation period, update the corresponding communication link indicator to indicate the beacon signal has been received for that location sensor; and in response to receiving no beacon signal before completion of the initialisation period from a location sensor of the one or more location sensors, output an error indicator to indicate that the control device did not receive the beacon signal for that location sensor. 20 Advantageously, the device outputs a current operative state of the user location system, such that a user can easily determine whether the system will perform as expected to ensure alarms are raised, when required.

The control device may be configured to: in response to receiving the beacon signal for each of the one or more location sensors within the initialisation period, output an initialisation completion indicator indicative of receipt, by the control device, of the beacon signal for each of the one or more location sensors.

The control device may be configured to: in response to receiving a cancellation input from a user, terminate the initialisation period; and output a cancellation indicator indicative of user termination of the initialisation period.

The one or more location sensors may comprise one or more of: a location mat configured to receive a pressure to determine a user interaction with the location mat; and a passive infra-red, PIR, sensor configured to receive infra-red light to determine a user interaction in a field of view of the PIR sensor.

The control device may comprise a trigger mode selector configured to, in response to receiving a trigger mode selection input, set a trigger mode of the control device, wherein the trigger mode is indicative of a trigger type of the one or more location mats.

In response to receipt of a trigger mode selection input indicative of a closed trigger mode, the control device may be configured to: in response to receiving a user interaction signal from a location mat of the one or more location mats, the user interaction signal indicative of a user interaction with that location mat causing a mat switch to close, output an alert indicator indicative of the user interacting with that location mat.

In response to receipt of a trigger mode selection input indicative of an open trigger mode, the control device may be configured to: in response to receiving the user interaction signal from a location mat of the one or more location mats, the user interaction signal indicative of a user interaction with that location mats causing a mat switch to close, output an in-use indicator indicative that the user is located on that location mat; when receiving a user interaction release signal from that location mat, the user interaction release signal indicative of the termination of the user interaction with that location mat causing the mat switch to open, output an alert indicator indicative of the user no longer interacting with that location mat.

The control device may be operatively connected to a central alert device of the user location system, and the control device may be configured to: in response to outputting the alert indicator, transmit an alert signal to the central alert device for central output the alert signal comprising information that the control device has output the alert indicator.

The control device may be configured to: transmit the alert indicator to the central alert device after a predetermined time delay in response to outputting the alert indicator.

The beacon signal for each of the one or more location sensors may comprise location sensor information indicative of a state of that location sensor; and in response to receiving the beacon signal from a location sensor from the one or more location sensors, the control device may be configured to update the corresponding communication link indicator to indicate that the beacon signal has been received for that location sensor and indicate the location sensor information for that location sensor.

The location sensor information may comprise one or more of a battery state of the location sensor; and a signal strength of a signal transmitter of the location sensor.

The location sensor information may comprise the battery state the location sensor, and wherein, in response to the battery state being less than a predetermined battery threshold, the control device may be configured to output a low battery indication for that location sensor.

The location sensor information may comprise the signal strength of the signal transmitter of the location sensor, and wherein, in response to the signal strength being less than a predetermined signal threshold, the control device may be configured to output a low signal strength indication for that location sensor.

The control device may be operatively connected to a central alert device of the user location system; and the control device may be configured to: in response to receiving no beacon signal before completion of the initialisation period from a location sensor of the one or more location sensors, transmit an error signal comprising information that the control device did not receive the beacon signal for that location sensor to the central alert device for central output.

The control device may be configured to: in response to receiving no beacon signal before completion of the initialisation period from a location sensor of the one or more location sensors, transmit the error signal to one or more external devices, external to the user location system, for output.

In an aspect there is provided a user location system, comprising: one or more location sensors; and any control device disclosed herein, paired with each of the one or more location sensors.

The user location system may further comprise: a central alert device communicatively coupled to any control device disclosed herein; the central alert device configured to receive an indicator signalling from the control device and provide output in dependence on the indicator signalling.

The central alert device may be comprised in a nurse call system, and wherein the indicator signalling may be indicative of one or more of: an alert that a location sensor has failed to connect to the control device within the initialisation period; a location sensor battery being below a predetermined battery threshold; and a location sensor signal transmitter providing signalling of a strength below a predetermined signal strength threshold.

In an aspect there is provided a method for a control device for a user location system, the control device paired with one or more location sensors of the user location system, the method comprising: in response to the control device being powered up, outputting: a countdown indicator indicative of an initialisation period in progress during which a beacon signal from each of the one or more location sensors is awaited, wherein each of the beacon signals is indicative of an operative communication link from a respective location sensor of the one or more location sensors to the control device; and a communication link indicator for each of the one or more location sensors, the communication link indicator being indicative of whether the beacon signal for each of the one or more location sensors has been received; in response to receiving the beacon signal from a location sensor of the one or more location sensors within the initialisation period, updating the corresponding communication link indicator to indicate the beacon signal has been received for that location sensor; and in response to receiving no beacon signal before completion of the initialisation period from a location sensor of the one or more location sensors, outputting an error indicator to indicate that the control device did not receive a beacon signal for that location sensor.

In an aspect there is provided computer software which, when executed on a processor of any control device as disclosed herein, is arranged to perform any method disclosed herein.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more examples will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a control device for a user location system according to examples disclosed herein; Figure 2 shows operation of a control device for a user location system according to examples disclosed herein; Figure 3 shows an example visual output provided on a display screen of a control device according to examples disclosed herein; Figure 4 shows an example beacon signal according to examples disclosed herein; Figure 5 shows operation of a control device for a user location system according to examples disclosed herein; Figure 6 shows an example user location system according to examples disclosed herein; and Figure 7 shows an example method according to examples disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows a control device 100 for a user location system. The control device 100 may be installed in a care environment such as a resident's home, hospital ward, or hospice. In some examples, the control device 100 may be a portable electronic device. A user location system according to examples disclosed herein is discussed in more detail with reference to Figure Sand Figure 6. The control device 100 comprises processing means 110 and memory means 120. The processing means 110 may be one or more electronic processing devices 110 which operably execute computer-readable instructions. The memory means 120 may be one or more memory devices 120. The memory means 120 is electrically coupled to the processing means 110. The memory means 120 is configured to store instructions, and the processing means 110 is configured to access the memory means 120 and execute the instructions stored thereon.

The control device 100 may comprise one or more of power-up means 130, output means 140, receiver means 150, and transmitter means 160. The power-up means 130 may comprise a power switch 130 of the control device 100. The power-up means 130 may be arranged to receive a power-up input from a user, which, when received, may cause the control device 100 to transition from a powered-down state, to a powered-up state (e.g. transitioning from off to on, transitioning from a "sleep" state to an "on" state or the like) via the supply of required power from a power source (not illustrated) of the control device 100.

The output means 140 may comprise an output device 140 configured to output one or more of visual, audio, and haptic indications. It may comprise, for example, a display screen (e.g. an LCD screen), a touch-sensitive display screen, a speaker, and/or a haptic output device such as a vibrator. An example is shown in Figure 3. The receiver means 150 may comprise a receiver 150 configured to receive a wired and/or a wireless signal. For example, the receiver means 150 may be configured to receive a radio signal from one or more devices (e.g. a location sensor). The transmitter means 160 may comprise a transmitter 160 configured to transmit a wired and/or wireless signal. The transmitter means 160 may comprise an electrical output of the control device 100 that is operatively connected to a central alert device within the user location system. The transmitter means 160 may comprise a wireless signal transmitter configured to transmit signals to a central alert device within the user location system.

Figure 2 shows the operation of a control device 100 for a user location system according to examples disclosed herein. The control device 100 is paired with one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n. For example, in a previous usage, the user location system may have undergone a pairing sequence between the control device 100 and the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n. "Pairing" may refer to the process whereby a device and one or more other devices (e.g. the control device 100 and the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n) have a predetermined bond and will automatically establish a communication link, whenever requirements permit, due to a sharing of device addresses, device names, device profiles, and/or device private keys. In some examples, each location sensor 200-1, 200-n may be paired with the control device 100 over a radio connection or the like.

At step 202, the control device 100 is powered up, for example by the user of the control device 100 interacting via the power-up means 130 (for example, an "on" button on the control device 100 is pressed). In response to the control device 100 being powered up, the control device 100 in this example is configured to output a countdown indicator and a communication link indicator for each of the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n, at step 204. The control device 100 may be configured to output the counting indicator and the communication link indicator simultaneously, or in sequence.

The countdown indicator is indicative of an initialisation period T being in progress. The initialisation period T is a period during which a beacon signal 210 from each of the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n is awaited. The total length of time for the countdown may be the maximum amount of time it may take for a beacon signal to be transmitted from a location sensor 200-1, 200-n and received by the control device 100. In some examples, the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n may be configured to periodically transmit their respective beacon signals 210 at predetermined intervals (e.g. 5 minutes, 10 minutes etc). For example, if each location sensor 200-1, 200-n is configured to transmit a beacon signal 210 once every 10 minutes, then on powering up the control device 100, a beacon signal 210 is expected from each location sensor 200-1, 200-n within a maximum period of 10 minutes (if the control device 100 is powered on at some point during the beacon signal period T of 10 minutes rather than right at the start of the beacon signal period T, then a beaconing signal may be received from the location sensor 200-1, 200-n within less than 10 minutes).

The control device 100 may be configured to output the countdown indicator using the output means 140. As such, the control device 100 may be configured to output the countdown indicator as one or more of a visual, audio, and/or haptic indication. An example is shown in Figure 3. Each of the beacon signals 210 is indicative of an operative communication link from a respective location sensor 200-1 from the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n to the control device 100. Each of the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n may be configured to transmit their own beacon signal 210 to a paired control device 100 to indicate that that location sensor is functioning. That is, until the beacon signal 210 for each of the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n is received, the control device 100 is not able to determine the operative state of that location sensor of the user location system.

The communication link indicator for each of the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n is indicative of whether the beacon signal 210 for each of the one or more location sensors 2001, 200-n has been received. As such, for each of the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n, the control device 100 may output a respective communication link indicator. The control device 100 may be configured to output the communication link indicator using the output means 140, as shown in the example of Figure 3. As such, the control device 100 may be configured to output the communication link indicator as one or more of a visual, audio, and/or haptic indication. The control device 100 may be configured to output the communication link indicator for each of the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n as a visual indication that is unique to each location sensor. In this way, the control device 100 may be configured to provide the respective communication link indicators for each of the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n simultaneously.

Advantageously, by outputting the countdown indicator and the communication link indicator for each of the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n, the control device 100 as disclosed herein is able to determine and report an operating state of the user location system (e.g. that an initialisation period T is in progress and that the user location system is not operating correctly). Another advantage of these features is that a care environment for a patient/end user may be safer because a care provider/user of the control device 100 may not erroneously assume that the user location system is working correctly on powering-up the control device when a location sensor may not yet (and possible not at all) be operating correctly.

At step 206, in response to receiving the beacon signal 210 from a location sensor 200-1 of the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n within the initialisation period T, the control device 100 is configured to update the corresponding communication link indicator to indicate that the beacon signal 210 has been received for that location sensor 200-1. For example, the control device 100 may change the communication link indicator for a location sensor 200-1, for which the beacon signal 210 has been received, from a beacon signal pending state to a beacon signal received state. As an example, when the communication link indicator is indicated as a visual indication, the beacon signal pending state may be a flashing indicator, while the beacon signal received state may be a solid, non-flashing indicator.

At step 208, in response to receiving no beacon signal 210 before completion of the initialisation period T from a location sensor 200-n of the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n, the control device 100 is configured to output an error indicator to indicate that the control device 100 did not receive the beacon signal 210 for that location sensor 200-n. There may be a number of reasons why the control device 100 does not receive the beacon signal 210 from a location sensor 200-1, 200-n. For example, the control device 100 may not receive a beacon signal 210 when one or more of the following scenarios occur: location sensor battery failure/expiry, the location sensor being in a powered down state (e.g. turned off); the control device 100 being out of range of a beacon signal 210; the location sensor 200-1, 200-n being damaged and/or faulty; and the location sensor 200-1, 200-n has been unpaired from the control device 100. The control device 100 may be configured to output the error indicator using the output means 140. As such, the control device 100 may be configured to output the error indicator as one or more of a visual, audio, and/or haptic indication. The control device 100 may be configured to output the error indicator for each of the one or more location sensors 200-1 for which the beacon signal 210 has not been received, 200-n as a visual indication that is unique to those location sensors. In some examples, when the control device has not received the beacon signal 210 for more than one location sensors 200-1,200-n, the control device 100 may be configured to output respective error indicators, simultaneously, or in sequence.

Advantageously, the control device 100 may provide an improved control device 100 for a user location system that determines and indicates the operating state of the user location such that a user can easily determine whether the system will perform as expected to ensure alarms are raised, when required.

In the illustration of Figure 2, it is shown that the control device 100 is paired with two location sensors 200-1, 200-n, although in other examples the control device 100 may be paired with one, or more than two, location sensors. Similarly, while Figure 2 illustrates the control device 100 receiving the beacon signal 210 from location sensor 200-1 within the initialisation period T and not receiving the beacon signal 210 from location sensor 200-n, there may be other examples in which the location sensor 200-n, or any other location sensor of the paired one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n, may also transmit a beacon signal 210.

In some examples, the control device 100 may be configured to, in response to receiving the beacon signal 210 for each of the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n within the initialisation period, output an initialisation completion indicator. The control device 100 may be configured to output the initialisation completion indicator using the output means 140. The control device 100 may be configured to output the initialisation completion indicator as one or more of a visual, audio, and/or haptic indication. The initialisation completion indicator may be indicative of receipt, by the control device 100, of the beacon signal 210 for each of the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n. That is, once all of the beacon signals 210 for the paired one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n, the initialisation completion indicator may be output and the initialisation period T may be terminated. In response to outputting the initialisation completion indicator, the control device 100 may be configured to no longer output the countdown indicator. Advantageously, it is clear when there is no error to be aware of after initialisation. Further, if all the sensors are in communication with the control device 100 as expected before the end of the initialisation period, there is no need to wait until the end of the initialisation period T before being confident all the sensors are working as expected.

In some examples, the control device 100 may be configured to continue outputting the communication link indicator after the control device 100 receives all expected beacon signals 210, outputs the initialisation completion indicator, and terminates the initialisation period T. Advantageously, information that is important to be made aware of, namely that the operating state of the location sensors is as expected and functional, is readily obtainable. Further, a user of the control device 100 is informed that not only has the communication initialisation takes place as desired and communication is possible from each location sensor to the control device, but also that communication is ongoing and there is not, for example, a subsequent problem with an error in communication (for example if a location sensor subsequently breaks, the battery runs out, or is otherwise detached from the overall system, for example).

In some examples, the control device 100 may be configured to receive a cancellation input from a user. The control device 100 may be configured to receive the cancellation input from the user through an input means of the control device 100. The input means may comprise an input device configured to receive one or more of visual, audio, and touch inputs. For example the input device may be an image device. In another example, the input device may be a button (physical or touchscreen). The control device 100 may be configured to, in response to receiving the cancellation input from the user, terminate the initialisation period. In this case, the control device 100 may be configured to output a cancellation indicator. The cancellation indicator may be indicative of user termination of the initialisation period T. The control device 100 may be configured to output the cancellation indicator using the output means 140. As such, the control device 100 may be configured to output the cancellation indicator as one or more of a visual, audio, and/or haptic indication. Further, in response to receiving the cancellation input, the control device 100 may be configured to no longer output the counting indicator. Advantageously, a user can manually cancel the initialisation period, for example if the user wants to override the initialisation outputs. For example, a component (e.g. the control device 100) of the user location system may be accidentally disconnected, or may be unplugged so that a power socket is freed up for something else to be plugged in. As such, if the control device 100 was operational prior to disconnection/unplugging, the re-performing of the initialisation process (e.g. providing the initialisation outputs) is not required and thus may be skipped.

In some examples, the control device 100 may be operatively connected to a central alert device (indicated in Figure 6 by reference numeral 600). The central alert device 600 may be configured to be operatively connected to one or more different control devices 100. For example, within a care environment (e.g. a nursing home, hospital ward etc) there may be a central alert device 600 operatively connected to each of the control devices 100 in the care environment. In some examples, the control device 100 (e.g. a control device operatively connected to the central alert device 600) may be configured to, in response to receiving no beacon signal 210 before completion of the initialisation period T from a location sensor of the one or more location sensor 200-1, 200-n, transmit an error signal to the central alert device 600. The error signal may comprise information that the control device 100 did not receive the beacon signal 210 for that location sensor. Once the central alert device 600 receives the error signal, the central alert device 600 may be configured to centrally output the error signal. For example, the central alert device 600 may comprise output means, such as an output device configured to output one or more of visual, audio, and haptic indications. Advantageously, the central alert device 600 may then output a central error indicator which is indicative of the information comprised within the error signal, in response to receiving the error signal. The central alert device 600 may be a nurse call system located in a central nurse station, and the central error indicator may provide an alert in the nurse station to alert a nurse that a location sensor has failed to connect to the control device 100 within the initialisation period.

In some examples, the control device 100 and/or the central alert device 600 may be operatively connected to one or more external devices. For example, the one or more external devices may be external to the user location system (e.g. a resident's family member's personal electronic device such as a smartphone, a nurse's personal device such as a pager or smartphone, etc). The control device 100 may be configured to, in response to receiving no beacon signal 210 before completion of the initialisation period T from a location sensor of the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n, transmit the error signal to the one or more external devices for output. Advantageously, by alerting multiple devices, including those within and external to the user location system, the control device 100 may improve effectiveness of the user location system by increasing the number of devices informed of an error in the system, and therefore increased safety for the patient/resident user.

As discussed, the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n are configured to transmit a beacon signal 210 to the control device 100. Further, the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n, when operating correctly, may be configured to determine a user's location. For example, the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n may be distributed around a care environment such that each of the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n corresponds to a location (e.g. a doorway, a chair, a bed, an entranceway to a specific room etc). Therefore, based on determining that the user has interacted with at least one of the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n, the user's location may be determined.

The one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n may comprise a pressure sensitive location mat. The one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n may comprise a passive infra-red (PIR) sensor.

The location mat may be configured to receive an applied pressure to determine a user interaction with the location mat. For example, the location mat may comprise a mat switch. The mat switch may be biased to be open when not in use (i.e. when there is no user interaction with / pressure applied onto the location mat). If the location mat receives a pressure (e.g. a user steps on the mat or is sitting on the mat), the pressure on the location mat may cause the mat switch to transition from being open to being closed. By determining the mat switch closure has occurred, the location mat may determine a user interaction with the location mat. If the received pressure is removed from the location mat (e.g. the user steps off of the mat or the user stands up/falls from the chair), the lack of pressure on the mat may cause the mat switch to transition from being closed to being open. By determining the mat switch opening after being closed, the location mat may determine occurrence of a removal of the user interaction with the location mat. The location mat may be arranged to have a low profile in a dimension (e.g. height). The location mat may be formed of a flexible material. As such, the location mat may be placed in a care environment unintrusively. For example, the location mat may be placed under the cushion of a chair without detrimentally affecting the function (e.g. comfort) of the cushion. As another example, the location mat may be placed on the floor and/or in a doorway without introducing a step/trip hazard for a user to overcome. As another example, the location mat may be placed under a specialist mattress, designed for reducing health issues (e.g. pressure sores) for a bed-bound user and/or a user that spends a lot of time in a bed, such that the special function of the mattress is not affected but the pressure sensitivity of the mat is retained.

A PIR sensor, which may form a part of a location sensor, may comprise an infra-red light detector. The PIR may be configured to determine a user interaction in a field of view of the PIR sensor. For example, the FIR sensor may be placed/installed in and/or targeting a doorway. Therefore, when a resident passes through the doorway, the infra-red light emitted from the resident (as the human body is an infra-red emitting source) is received by the PIR sensor. In some examples, the PIR sensor may be arranged to be as discrete as possible (for example, to blend in with the decor and fittings of the room). In this way, the PIR sensor may be placed in the care environment without having an intrusive appearance in the environment.

When any of the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n determine that a user interaction has occurred, the location sensor that received the user interaction may be configured to transmit a user interaction signal to the control device 100. Then, when a location sensor determines that a user interaction is terminated (i.e. the user interaction stops occurring), the location sensor may be configured to transmit a user interaction release signal to the control device 100. That is, the user interaction release signal may be indicative of the termination of the user interaction with that location sensor. For example, when referring to a location sensor being a location mat, the location mat may be configured to transmit the user interaction signal to the control device 100 when the user interacts with the location mat (i.e. the mat switch closes). Further, the location mat may be configured to transmit the user interaction release signal to the control device 100 when the user stops interacting with the location mat (i.e. the mat switch opens from a closed state). The location sensor may be configured to transmit the user interaction signal and the user interaction release signal, at their respective detection times, to the control device 100 by one or more of a wired and/or wireless transmitter of the location sensor. In this way the location of the user may be detected and a corresponding signal transmitted to the control device 100.

As discussed above, each of the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n may be distributed about the care environment. The exact location and designated use of each of the one or more location mats may lead to a different user interaction with the one or more location mats. For example, there may be a difference in which signal (the user interaction signal or the user interaction release signal) causes the control device 100 to output an alert that there may be a problem relating to a user. This may be referred to as a "trigger type" of the one or more location sensor 200-1, 200-n. As such, the control device 100 may comprise a trigger mode selector (not illustrated). The control device 100 may be configured to receive a trigger mode selection input from the user through the trigger mode selector. In some examples the trigger mode selector may be the input means of the control device 100, as discussed earlier, and the trigger mode selection input may be made therewith (e.g. by selecting a displayed option using a soft key or hard key, or selection through a touch sensitive display screen). In other examples, the trigger mode selector may comprise an input device separate to the input means, and may be configured to receive one or more of visual, audio, and touch inputs.

Advantageously, the control device 100 may be configurable and compatible with different types of location mats and different location mat locations/uses.

In response to receiving a trigger mode selection input, the trigger mode selector may be configured to set a trigger mode of a corresponding location sensor at the control device 100.

The trigger mode may be indicative of a trigger type of the corresponding location mat of the one or more location mats 200-1, 200-n. In this way, for example, the type of location sensor can be configured in the control device and more than one type of location sensor may be used together with the control device.

There may be a first trigger mode. The first trigger mode may be referred to as a "closed" trigger mode, or "normally closed" trigger mode. In response to receipt of a trigger mode selection input indicative of a closed trigger mode, the control device 100 may be configured to, in response to receiving a user interaction signal from a location mat of the one or more location mats 200-1, 200-n, output an alert indicator. As above, the user interaction signal may be indicative of a user interaction with that location mat causing a mat switch to close. That is, in the closed trigger mode, the control device 100 may be configured to generate an alert as soon as the control device 100 receives the user interaction signal from a location mat from the one or more location mats 200-1, 200-n. For example, a location mat of the one or more location mats may be placed in a doorway and therefore the control device 100 may promptly alert that the user has moved out of the room, which may be a "safe" room for the user.

There may be a second trigger mode. The second trigger mode may be referred to as an "open" trigger mode, or "normally open" trigger mode. In response to receipt of a trigger mode selection input indicative of an open trigger mode, the control device 100 may be configured to, in response to receiving the user interaction signal from a location mat of the one or more location mats 200-1, 200-n, output an in-use indicator. The in-use indicator may be indicative that the user is located on/currently interacting with that location mat. Then, when receiving a user interaction release signal from that location mat, the control device 100 may be configured to output the alert indicator for that location mat. As above, the user interaction release signal may be indicative of the termination of the user interaction with that location mat causing the mat switch to open. For example, a location mat of the one or more location mats 200-1, 200-n may be placed under the seat of a chair or under a mattress of a bed and therefore, while the user is sat in the chair or laid in the bed, the control device 100 may be configured to receive the user interaction signal and output the in-use indicator. However, when the user stands up, or falls off of the chair, or gets out of bed, the control device 100 may be configured to receive the user interaction release signal and output the alert indicator to indicate that the user has moved from their position (e.g. fallen from a bed/chair, left their safe place).

The control device 100 may be configured to output the in-use indicator using the output means 140. As such, the control device 100 may be configured to output the in-use indicator as one or more of a visual, audio, and/or haptic indication. Similarly, the control device 100 may be configured to output the alert indicator using the output means 140. The control device may be configured to output the alert indicator as one or more of a visual, audio, and/or haptic indication. The control device 100 may be configured to output the alert indicator in a way to catch the attention of a staff member of the care environment.

As such, the control device 100 may be triggered to output the alert indicator, based on the "normally open" and/or "normally closed" interactions, discussed above, with the user location system. The selection of the trigger mode/type, determined on the basis of the trigger mode selection input received by the control device 100, may determine when the control device 100 outputs the alert indicator.

As discussed above, the control device 100 may be operatively connected to a central alert device 600. In some examples, in response to outputting the alert indicator, the control device 100 may be configured to transmit an alert signal to the central alert device 600. The alert signal may comprise information that the control device 100 has output the alert indicator. As with the error signal, once the central alert device 600 receives the alert signal, the central alert device 600 may be configured to centrally output the alert signal. Advantageously, the central alert device 600 may then output a central alert indicator which is indicative of the information comprised within the alert signal, in response to receiving the alert signal. The central alert device 600 may be a nurse call system located in a central nurse station, and the central alert indicator may be an alert provided in the nurse station to alert a nurse that a user has interacted with a location sensor, causing an alert indicator to be output by the control device 100. For example, the central alert indicator, as with the alert indicator, may indicate that a user or other users may be in danger and at risk of harm.

In further examples, the control device 100 and/or the central alert device 600 may be operatively connected to one or more external devices. For example, the one or more external devices may be external to the user location system (e.g. a resident's family member's personal electronic device, a nurse's personal electronic device etc). The control device 100 may be configured to, in response to outputting the alert indicator, transmit the alert signal to the one or more external devices for output. Advantageously, by alerting multiple devices, including those within and external to the user location system, the control device 100 may improve effectiveness of the user location system by increasing the number of devices informed of an error in the system, and therefore increased safety for the patient/resident user.

In some examples, the control device 100 may be configured to transmit the alert indicator to the central alert device 600 after a predetermined time delay in response to outputting the alert indicator. The time delay may be configurable to be a predetermined time period in accordance with a user input, which may be received by the control device 100. Advantageously, the control device 100 may be configured to alert the central alert device only when a user has not attended to the trigger/alert location and control device 100 within the time delay.

Figure 3 shows a schematic example of a control device 100 having a display screen 302. This control device 100 is configured to be communicatively connected with six location sensors 304-1 to 304-6. In this example, a countdown indicator 306 is illustrated which shows the time remaining to the end of the initialization period (in this example 8 minutes and 42 seconds). By indicating the countdown 306 in this way, a user of the control device 100 can readily see how long remains until all of the beaconing signals from the location sensors 304-1 to 304-6 should have been received if they are in operation as expected communicating with the control device 100.

Also in this example, for those location sensors 304-1 and 304-3 which have successfully transmitted a beaconing signal to the control device 100, indicating that those location sensors 304-1 and 304-3 are in communicative connection with the control device 100 and are functioning as expected, a visual indication is shown, in this example a solid double border and a thumbs up symbol. Of course any suitable visual indication may be used. In this example, for those location sensors 304-2, 304 4, 304-5 and 304-6 for which a beaconing signal has not yet been received by the control device 100, a visual indication is also provided to show that the beaconing signal from those location sensors has not yet been successfully received, in this example a dotted border with an exclamation mark. Of course any suitable visual indication may be used. By indicating whether each respective location sensor is successfully connected to the control device 100 or not, are user of the control device can readily see which location sensors are operating as expected, and which are yet to be determined to be successfully operating as expected. During the countdown, it may not be an issue that one or more location sensors is not yet successfully connected, because the beaconing signal from that location sensor may not yet have been transmitted to the control device. However, at the end of the countdown, if one or more location sensors are indicated as not being successfully connected to the control device 100, then the user is clearly made aware that there may be an issue with that location sensor, and can go to investigate what the problem is.

By providing the countdown indicator 306 and the communication link indicators 304-1 to 304- 6, a user of the control device 100 can readily see which location sensors are operating as expected, which location sensors may operate as expected but are yet to be determined as successfully operating because a beaconing signal has not yet been received for them (although it may still yet be received within the expected initialization), and which location sensors are determined not to be operating as expected because no beaconing signal has been received from them within the initialization as expected.

In this example, the countdown indicator is output as a visual output in the form of a numerical display 306. As another example, the control device 100 may be configured to output the countdown indicator as an audio output, e.g. in the form of a synthetic speech output (e.g. text-to-speech output), or in the form of periodic beeps or tones (e.g. every 1, 5, or 10 seconds) in combination with an indication of countdown time remaining, or as a hapfic output, e.g. in the form of a brief vibration every 5 or 10 seconds, for in combination with an indication of time remaining, for example.

Figure 4 illustrates a beacon signal 210 which may be provided by each of the one or more functioning location sensors 200-1, 200-n. In some examples, the beacon signal 210 for each of the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n may comprise location sensor information. The location sensor information may be indicative of a state of that location sensor. In some examples, the location sensor information may comprise one or more of a battery state 210-2 of the location sensor 200-1, 200-n; and a signal strength 210-4 of a connection between the location sensor and the control device 100.

In response to receiving the beacon signal 210 from a location sensor from the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n, the control device 100 may be configured to update the corresponding communication link indicator, discussed above. In some examples, the corresponding communication link indicator may be updated to indicate that the beacon signal 210 has been received for that location sensor. Further, the corresponding communication link indicator may be updated to indicate the location sensor information for that location sensor. As above, the control device 100 may be configured to output the communication link indicator using the output means 140. Advantageously, the control device 100 may provide up-to-date information via the communication link indicator, regarding the current operative state of the location sensors 200-1, 200-n.

In some examples, when the location sensor information comprises the battery state 210-2 of a location sensor 200-1, 200-n, the control device 100 may be configured to output the battery state 210-2 of the location sensor 200-1, 200-n via the corresponding communication link indicator one or more of numerically (e.g. as a percentage) and/or graphically (e.g. as a graphic of the battery level). In such examples, the control device 100 may be configured to compare the battery state 210-2 to a predetermined battery threshold. In some examples, the control device 100 may be configured to output a low battery indication for that location sensor (e.g. the transmitting location sensor), in response to the battery state 210-2 being less than the predetermined battery threshold. The low battery indication may be output via output means 140.

In some examples, when the location sensor information comprises the signal strength 210-4 of a location sensor 200-1, 200-n, the control device 100 may be configured to output the signal strength 210-4 of the location sensor 200-1, 200-n via the corresponding communication link indicator one or more of numerically (e.g. as a percentage) and/or graphically (e.g. as a graphic of a signal strength). In such examples, the control device 100 may be configured to compare the signal strength 210-4 to a predetermined signal threshold. In some examples, the control device 100 may be configured to output a low signal strength indication for that location sensor (e.g. the transmitting location sensor), in response to the signal strength 210-4 being less than the predetermined signal threshold. The low signal indication may be output via output means 140.

Advantageously, the control device 100 may be configured to provide an alert when the operable state of the user location system can be improved (e.g. replace/charge batteries and/or relocate transmitter placements, etc).

Figure 5 shows a user location system 500 comprising one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n; and a control device 100 as disclosed herein. The control device 100 is paired with each of the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n.

Figure 6 shows a user location system 500 comprising a control device 100, one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n, and a central alert device 600. The central alert device 600 may be communicatively coupled to the control device 100. The central alert device 600 may be configured to receive signalling from the control device 100. The central alert device 600 may be configured to provide an output in dependence on the received signalling (received indicator signalling). For example, the indicator signalling may be indicative of one or more of: an alert that a location sensor has failed to connect to the control device 100 within the initialisation period T; a location sensor battery being below a predetermined battery threshold; a location sensor signal transmitter providing signalling of a strength below a predetermined signal strength threshold; and an alert that the control device 100 has determined that a user has interacted with one of the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n. That is, the control device 100 may transmit to the central alert device 600 one or more of the error indicator/signal; the user interaction signal; the user interaction release signal; the in-use indicator; the alert indicator/signal; the low battery indication; and the low signal indication.

Figure 7 shows an example method 700 of operation of control device 100 in a user control system, such as the user control system described in relation to Figure 5 or Figure 6. The control device 100 is paired with one or more location sensors 200-1,200-n of the user location system. The method 700 comprises: in response to the control device 100 being powered up, outputting 702: a countdown indicator indicative of an initialisation period T in progress during which a beacon signal 210 from each of the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n is awaited, wherein each of the beacon signals 210 is indicative of an operative communication link from a respective location sensor of the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n to the control device 100; and a communication link indicator for each of the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n, the communication link indicator being indicative of whether the beacon signal 210 for each of the one or more location sensors has been received; in response to receiving the beacon signal 210 from a location sensor of the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n within the initialisation period, updating 704 the corresponding communication link indicator to indicate the beacon signal 210 has been received for that location sensor; and in response to receiving no beacon signal 210 before completion of the initialisation period T from a location sensor of the one or more location sensors 200-1, 200-n, outputting 706 an error indicator to indicate that the control device 100 did not receive a beacon signal 210 for that location sensor.

The method 700 may be performed by the control device 100 illustrated in Figure 1. In particular, the memory 120 may comprise computer-readable instructions (e.g. computer software) which, when executed by the processor 110 of a control device 100 disclosed herein, perform a method 700 as disclosed herein. Also disclosed herein is a computer software which, when executed by one or more electronic processors of a control device 100 as disclosed herein, is arranged to perform a method 700 as disclosed herein.

The blocks illustrated in Figure 7 may represent steps in a method 700 and/or sections of code in a computer program configured to control the control system as described above to perform the method steps. The illustration of a particular order to the blocks does not necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks and the order and arrangement of the block may be varied. Furthermore, it may be possible for some steps to be omitted or added

in other examples.

As used here, 'connected' means either 'mechanically connected' or 'electrically connected' either directly or indirectly. Connection does not have to be galvanic. Where the control system is concerned, connected means operably coupled to the extent that messages are transmitted and received via the appropriate communication means. The term "control system" may be understood to cover a controller, control module, or control element and need not necessary be a multi-element or distributed system (although it may be in some examples).

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present disclosed examples without departing from the scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A control device for a user location system, the control device paired with one or more location sensors of the user location system, the control device configured to: in response to the control device being powered up, output: a countdown indicator indicative of an initialisation period in progress during which a beacon signal from each of the one or more location sensors is awaited, wherein each of the beacon signals is indicative of an operative communication link from a respective location sensor of the one or more location sensors to the control device; and a communication link indicator for each of the one or more location sensors, the communication link indicator being indicative of whether the beacon signal for each of the one or more location sensors has been received; in response to receiving the beacon signal from a location sensor of the one or more location sensors within the initialisation period, update the corresponding communication link indicator to indicate the beacon signal has been received for that location sensor; and in response to receiving no beacon signal before completion of the initialisation period from a location sensor of the one or more location sensors, output an error indicator to indicate that the control device did not receive the beacon signal for that location sensor.
2. The control device of any preceding claim, wherein the control device is configured to: in response to receiving the beacon signal for each of the one or more location sensors within the initialisation period, output an initialisation completion indicator indicative of receipt, by the control device, of the beacon signal for each of the one or more location 25 sensors.
3. The control device of any preceding claim, wherein the control device is configured to: in response to receiving a cancellation input from a user, terminate the initialisation period; and output a cancellation indicator indicative of user termination of the initialisation period.
4. The control device of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more location sensors comprise one or more of: a location mat configured to receive a pressure to determine a user interaction with the location mat; and a passive infra-red, PIR, sensor configured to receive infra-red light to determine a user interaction in a field of view of the FIR sensor.
5. The control device of claim 4, wherein the control device comprises a trigger mode selector configured to, in response to receiving a trigger mode selection input, set a trigger mode of the control device, wherein the trigger mode is indicative of a trigger type of the one or more location mats.
6. The control device of claim 5, wherein, in response to receipt of a trigger mode selection input indicative of a closed trigger mode, the control device is configured to: in response to receiving a user interaction signal from a location mat of the one or more location mats, the user interaction signal indicative of a user interaction with that location mat causing a mat switch to close, output an alert indicator indicative of the user interacting with that location mat.
7. The control device of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein, in response to receipt of a trigger mode selection input indicative of an open trigger mode, the control device is configured to: in response to receiving the user interaction signal from a location mat of the one or more location mats, the user interaction signal indicative of a user interaction with that location mats causing a mat switch to close, output an in-use indicator indicative that the user is located on that location mat; when receiving a user interaction release signal from that location mat, the user interaction release signal indicative of the termination of the user interaction with that location mat causing the mat switch to open, output an alert indicator indicative of the user no longer interacting with that location mat.
8. The control device of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the control device is operatively connected to a central alert device of the user location system, and the control device is configured to: in response to outputting the alert indicator, transmit an alert signal to the central alert device for central output the alert signal comprising information that the control device has output the alert indicator.
9. The control device of claim 8, wherein the control device is configured to: transmit the alert indicator to the central alert device after a predetermined time delay in response to outputting the alert indicator.
10. The control device of any preceding claim, wherein the beacon signal for each of the one or more location sensors comprises location sensor information indicative of a state of that location sensor; and in response to receiving the beacon signal from a location sensor from the one or more location sensors, the control device is configured to update the corresponding communication link indicator to indicate that the beacon signal has been received for that location sensor and indicate the location sensor information for that location sensor.
11. The control device of claim 10, wherein the location sensor information comprises one or more of: a battery state of the location sensor; and a signal strength of a signal transmitter of the location sensor.
12. The control device of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the location sensor information comprises the battery state the location sensor, and wherein, in response to the battery state being less than a predetermined battery threshold, the control device is configured to output a low battery indication for that location sensor.
13. The control device of any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the location sensor information comprises the signal strength of the signal transmitter of the location sensor, and wherein, in response to the signal strength being less than a predetermined signal threshold, the control device is configured to output a low signal strength indication for that location sensor.
14. The control device of claim any preceding claim, wherein the control device is operatively connected to a central alert device of the user location system; and the control device is configured to: in response to receiving no beacon signal before completion of the initialisation period from a location sensor of the one or more location sensors, transmit an error signal comprising information that the control device did not receive the beacon signal for that location sensor to the central alert device for central output.
15. The control device of claim 14, wherein, the control device is configured to: in response to receiving no beacon signal before completion of the initialisation period from a location sensor of the one or more location sensors, transmit the error signal to one or more external devices, external to the user location system, for output.
16. A user location system, comprising: one or more location sensors; and the control device of any of claim 1 to 15, paired with each of the one or more location sensors
17. The user location system of claim 16, further comprising: a central alert device communicatively coupled to the control device of any of claims 1 to 15; the central alert device configured to receive an indicator signalling from the control device and provide output in dependence on the indicator signalling.
18. The user location system of claim 17, wherein the central alert device is comprised in a nurse call system, and wherein the indicator signalling is indicative of one or more of: an alert that a location sensor has failed to connect to the control device within the initialisation period; a location sensor battery being below a predetermined battery threshold; and a location sensor signal transmitter providing signalling of a strength below a predetermined signal strength threshold.
19. A method for a control device for a user location system, the control device paired with one or more location sensors of the user location system, the method comprising: in response to the control device being powered up, outputting: a countdown indicator indicative of an initialisation period in progress during which a beacon signal from each of the one or more location sensors is awaited, wherein each of the beacon signals is indicative of an operative communication link from a respective location sensor of the one or more location sensors to the control device; and a communication link indicator for each of the one or more location sensors, the communication link indicator being indicative of whether the beacon signal for each of the one or more location sensors has been received; in response to receiving the beacon signal from a location sensor of the one or more location sensors within the initialisation period, updating the corresponding communication link indicator to indicate the beacon signal has been received for that location sensor; and in response to receiving no beacon signal before completion of the initialisation period from a location sensor of the one or more location sensors, outputting an error indicator to indicate that the control device did not receive a beacon signal for that location sensor.
20. Computer software which, when executed on a processor of a control device according to any of claim 1 to 15, is arranged to perform the method according to claim 19.