IT202100007958A1 - SEPARATION MONITORING SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD - Google Patents

Description

SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT AND METHOD OF MONITORING A SEPARATION

Field of invention

The invention relates to a method, a system and an apparatus for indicating an excess of separation between two devices (such as a first and a second device, which could be considered respectively a monitored device and a supervisor device) with respect to a surveillance zone around to a third device. In particular, the method and the system emit an alarm if, under certain conditions, one or both of the first and second devices leave the surveillance zone around the third device.

The invention can be used in various situations, including sounding an alarm in the event of a child being inadvertently left in a vehicle.

Context of the invention

Losing sight of a child who should be supervised ? an alarming event, which can sometimes lead the child to get hurt. The loss or theft of an object of value can? also cause emotional and financial distress. The technology can be used to help prevent such incidents.

Numerous examples of parent-child separation alarms have been proposed. In some examples, a first device ? associated with a parent or guardian and a second device with a child. If the distance between the first and second device exceeds a certain threshold, an alarm sounds or another notification is sent. See, for example, US Patent Publication Nos. US 2016/193960, US 2016/307426, US 2005/040956, US 6,714,132, US 2015/274036, US 2004/160320, US 5,661,460, US 5,289,163. In some systems (such as US Patent Publication No. US 2016/200248), the second device ? a pressure sensor built into a child seat so that it can detect a child in the seat. In other examples (such as US Patent Publication No. US 2011/030607, US 7,408,445), the devices can be used to establish the perimeter of a safety zone, so that if a child wearing another device leaves the safety zone then an alarm is triggered.

Other systems have been proposed to track particular valuables. These systems can work by tracking the device via a beacon connected to a telecommunications network, for example.

Many of the proposed systems require a user to initiate monitoring. Human error can do s? that a system is not activated, and therefore notifications of separation or loss are not generated and received. Also, many systems cannot account for safe and permissible situations in which an entity being monitored (be it a child or a valuable item) could leave a safety zone - for example when ? accompanied by a caretaker. This results in incorrect alerts being sent which are either ignored or annoying to the user. Such events reduce the will? user to use and activate security or monitoring systems, and to rely on any notices received.

Consequently, there the need? of an improved separation monitoring system, which addresses the disadvantages of the prior art.

Summary of the invention

In a first aspect ? disclosed a method for indicating excessive separation between a first wireless device and a second wireless device, the method comprising: monitoring the separation between the first wireless device and the second wireless device and a third wireless device;

determine whether a series of conditions ? satisfied, the set of conditions ? that the first wireless device ? within a first defined zone with respect to a third wireless device, and that the second wireless device is outside a second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device; And

if the set of conditions ? satisfied, then:

initiate an alert.

The method means excessive separation between a first wireless device and a second wireless device in the context of a first and second zone or region defined around or with respect to a third device (or a plurality of third devices). The first and second zones can represent the same area and have the same boundaries, or they can be different areas, with different zone boundaries. The first and second zones will typically be at least partially overlapping. The first zone will include? the third wireless device in or on its boundary, so that the first zone extends contiguously from or around the third wireless device. The second area will include the third wireless device within or on its boundary, such that the second zone extends contiguously from or around the third wireless device. The limit or perimeter of each of the first or second zone is not? necessarily equidistant from the third wireless device at all boundary points. However, the boundary or perimeter of each of the first or second zone around the third wireless device can be equidistant, so that the third wireless device is a central point in its zone. The first and second zones are not far from the third wireless device.

In some contexts, the first device can? be a monitored device, which may be associated with an entity? monitored as a child or valuables. The second device can? be a supervisory device, which could be associated with a supervisor or custodian of the entity? supervised, such as a parent or guardian. The third device can? be a surveillance zone device, which can? be associated with, or pu? defining a first zone in which surveillance of the monitored device takes place, and a second zone in which surveillance of the supervisor device takes place. Surveillance zones could be considered a "safe space" or a "bubble" within which the monitored device and the supervisory device can move freely, provided that both the monitored device and the supervisory device remain inside of the respective zones (which may be the same area or zone). The first and second zones (or surveillance zones) may be defined as areas each having a perimeter or boundary at a fixed distance around the third device, or may be defined with respect to the third device in some other way. Pi? of a third device could be used to define a given surveillance zone and its boundary or perimeter. As noted above, the first zone defined with respect to the third device and related to the first wireless device can? be the same or different from the second zone defined with respect to the third device and relative to the second device. In other words, the first device and the second device may be subject to surveillance zones of different areas and with different boundaries. The first and second surveillance zones can be completely different, they can overlap or they can be the same. In an example, the first surveillance zone (first zone) ? an area more of the second surveillance zone (second zone), the first zone being entirely within the second zone.

The method controls the distance or separation between the first device and the third device, and between the second device and the third device. Monitoring describes receiving or obtaining any indicators of the relative position of the data devices. The indicator can? simply be the reception (or lack of reception) of a wireless transmission between two devices. Alternatively, the indicator could be a measure of the distance between devices, or a measure of a parameter that is related to the distance between devices in a predictable way (signal strength, for example).

The method determines whether the supervisory device and the monitored device are both within their respective defined surveillance zone with respect to the surveillance zone device. In particular, the method determines whether the monitored device is inside the first surveillance zone, while the supervisory device is? outside the second surveillance zone. There? could indicate, for example, that the entity? monitored associated with the monitored device may not be monitored. Determining the presence or absence of the monitored device and/or supervisory device within their surveillance zones can be done in several ways, as discussed below. In one example, the presence or absence of the monitored device and/or supervisory device within their respective surveillance zones can be indicated by the fact that a wireless connection (via a specific wireless technology) can? be carried out between the first device (monitored device) and the third device (surveillance zone device) and/or between the second device (supervisory device) and the third device (surveillance zone device). In an alternative example, the presence or absence of the monitored device and/or the supervisory device within the respective surveillance zone can be indicated by obtaining a measure or an indication of the separation between the first device (monitored device) and the third device (surveillance zone device) and between the second device (supervisory device) and the third device (surveillance zone device ).

The first, second and third devices are all wireless devices. Wireless devices are devices that can communicate, at least with each other, via wireless means. Wireless devices may be connected to a telecommunications network through a telecommunications infrastructure, or may communicate with each other directly via wireless technologies including WiFiRTM, BluetoothRTM, or ultrabroadband. The devices may be mobile devices, such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet, or may be any other portable or wearable device, including but not limited to a smart watch or wireless communications beacon attached to a necklace or bracelet. bracelet. The devices may be built into or incorporated into another object, including a car seat, child seat, car navigation system, or article of clothing.

The alarm can be any type of alarm or notification. For example, the alarm pu? be the sound of an alarm on the first, second or third device, or on another device associated with one or more? devices. Alternatively, the alarm could be a notification message sent to one or more of the first, second or third device, or to another device associated with one of the devices. The alarm could be a voice call or an automatic acoustic message sent to one or more? of the first, second or third device, or to another device associated with one of the devices. Other actions can be initiated together with the alarm, including unlocking a vehicle associated with the third device (surveillance zone device) or activating climate control in a vehicle associated with the third device (surveillance zone device).

The method can be used in various scenarios. Example scenarios are provided here, but are not intended to be limiting. In a first example, the monitored device ? associated with an entity? as a child (for example, as part of a wearable worn by the child). The supervision device ? associated with a parent or guardian of the child (for example, the smartphone belonging to the parent or guardian). The surveillance zone device ? associated with a monitored area, such as the interior of a vehicle (for example, being part of the vehicle's anti-theft system or navigation system). In this example, the method can? be used to prevent forgotten baby syndrome, such that an alert is sent (perhaps to the supervisory device) in case the monitored device (associated with the baby) remains within a first surveillance zone (within inside the passenger compartment of the car) while the supervision device (associated with the parent or guardian) ? determined to have left a second watch zone (being the same as the first watch zone, or being a zone that has a slightly larger zone and having its border a short distance (i.e. 1 metre) from inside the car).

In yet another example, the first and second surveillance zones could be defined around a third device that is? attached by a user to a fixed point (such as an umbrella on a beach). The guarded device can be associated with, or attached to, an object of value such as a wallet. The supervisor device can be associated with the owner of the monitored device (for example, being the smartphone of the owner of the monitored entity).

Preferably, prior to the monitoring step, the method also comprises: detecting that the first wireless device is within the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device and that the second wireless device is within the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device; And

if the first wireless device ? detected within the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device, and the second wireless device ? detected within the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device, then the start of separation surveillance of each of the first wireless device and the second wireless device to the third wireless device. There? allows automatic start of the method when both the first device (monitored device) and the second device (supervisor device) enter their respective surveillance zones defined around the third device (surveillance zone device). For example, the start of monitoring the distance of each device can? be initiating a periodic determination of the distance between each device, or the periodic determination of a wireless connection between the devices. Beneficially, this increases the convenience of the system for the user. the method does not require specific activation by the user.

Preferably, the set of conditions ? a first set of conditions, the method further comprises:

determine whether a second set of conditions ? satisfied, the second set of conditions ? that the first wireless device ? out of the first defined zone with respect to a third wireless device, and that the second wireless device is outside the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device; And

if the second set of conditions ? satisfied, then ceasing to monitor the separation of each of the first wireless device and the second wireless device to the third wireless device. In other words, the method cease? automatically when both the first device (monitored device) and the second device (the supervisor device) leave their respective zone associated with the third device (surveillance zone device). This can be useful if the method is to be employed in a specific context and in a discrete region, for example in or related to the interior of a vehicle.

Optionally, the set of conditions can be a first set of conditions, and the method pu? further understand:

determine whether a further set of conditions ? satisfied, the further set of conditions ? that the first wireless device ? out of the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device, and that the second wireless device is? within the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device; And

if the further set of conditions ? satisfied, then cease monitoring the separation of each of the first wireless device and the second wireless device to the third wireless device. In this case, the first device (monitored device) can? have left the first surveillance zone, but the second device (supervisor device) remains within the second surveillance zone, and then the method ends. This could be useful when the method is used in certain contexts, where the first and second surveillance zones are the same or overlap, and can be assume that the first device (monitored device) is removed from the first surveillance zone only under authorized circumstances. For example, this can be useful when the first surveillance zone ? the interior of a vehicle and the first device ? associated with a child. In this scenario, it could be assumed that the child leaves the car only in the presence of another guardian (which could be a guardian not associated with the surveillance device).

Preferably, wherein if the conditions for starting an alarm are met, then before starting the alarm, the method further comprises:

after a predetermined time interval, determine again whether the set of conditions for triggering the alarm ? satisfied;

where if the set of conditions ? still satisfied, then

start the alarm. In other words, when it is first identified that a set of conditions to initiate an alarm are met, the system continues to monitor the conditions for a short, predetermined amount of time (for example, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 45 seconds, or up to one minute). If the conditions for the alarm are maintained after this time interval, the alarm is triggered. The use of this "pre-alarm" time interval reduces the number of false alarms issued, for example erroneous alarms when contact with one of the devices can only be lost for a short time. The "pre-alarm" period can? be considered an interval during which the system ? waiting to issue an alarm.

Preferably, the set of conditions ? a first set of conditions, and the method further comprises:

determine whether a third set of conditions ? satisfied, the third set of conditions ? that the first wireless device ? out of the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device and that the second wireless device is within the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device;

determining whether a fourth set of conditions ? satisfied, the fourth set of conditions ? that the first wireless device ? out of the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device, and that the second wireless device is? out of the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device, and that the first wireless device is? outside a defined third zone with respect to the second wireless device;

where if the third or fourth set of conditions are satisfied, then

start the alarm. In the third set of conditions, the alarm is triggered if the first device (monitored device) is? outside the first surveillance zone associated with the third device (surveillance zone device), while the second device (supervisor device) is? still within the second surveillance zone associated with the third device (surveillance zone device). For example, this could indicate that the entity? monitored (which could be a child, or a valuable object such as a wallet) has left the respective surveillance zone without being accompanied by the caretaker or guardian associated with the supervisory device.

In the fourth set of conditions, the alarm is triggered if both the first device (monitored device) and the second device (supervisor device) have left their respective surveillance zones, and furthermore, the separation between the first device (monitored device) and the second device (supervisor device) suggests that the first and second device have not left their respective surveillance zones together.

Is the separation between the first wireless device (monitored device) and the second wireless device (supervisor device) ? considered in relation to a third defined zone with respect to the second wireless device. The third zone extends contiguously from the second wireless device, so the second wireless device is within or on the border of the third zone. The third area is not? away from the second wireless device. The border or the perimeter of the third zone is not ? necessarily equidistant from the second wireless device at all points of the border. However, the border or perimeter of the third zone around the second wireless device can be equidistant, so that the second wireless device is a central point in the third zone.

Preferably, the method also comprises:

determine whether a fifth set of conditions ? satisfied, the fifth set of conditions ? that the first wireless device ? out of the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device, and that the second wireless device is? out of the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device, and that the first wireless device is? within the third defined zone with respect to the second wireless device;

where if the fifth set of conditions ? satisfied, thereby ceasing to control the separation of each of the first wireless device and the second wireless device to the third wireless device. Under the fifth set of circumstances, both the first device (monitored device) and the second device (supervisory device) have left their respective surveillance zones associated with the third device (supervisory zone device). However, the first device (monitored device) and second device (supervisor device) are determined to be close enough to each other that it can be assumed that they have left their respective surveillance zones together. For this reason, isn't it? need no alarm, and instead the method may have ceased or put in a mode? inactive.

Whether a set of conditions has been met depends on the separation between the first, second and/or third device. Any measure indicative of the degree of separation could be used. In one example, the degree of separation might be indicated by whether a wireless connection has been established between two devices (in other words, whether the devices are within each other's wireless range). In another example, a distance (or an indication of distance, such as signal strength) is used as a measure or indication of the separation between two devices, and this is then compared to a threshold to determine whether the device is within its zone and thus the prescribed conditions are met.

Preferably, the first wireless device which is within the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device comprises the first wireless device and the third wireless device which are connected wirelessly;

the second wireless device which is within the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device includes the second wireless device and the third wireless device which are connected wirelessly; And

the first wireless device which is within the third defined zone with respect to the second wireless device includes the first wireless device and the second wireless device which are connected wirelessly. If not there? connection, the device in question ? considered outside its area. In this example, being connected wirelessly means that you are connected via a wireless communication technology, such as via WiFi, Bluetooth or ultra-broadband. A connection can indicate the capacity? to exchange information or communicate between two devices.

Preferably, determine whether a set of conditions ? satisfied includes determining if the first wireless device and third wireless device are connected wirelessly, and/or determining if the second wireless device and third wireless device are connected wirelessly, and/or determining if the first wireless device and second wireless device are connected wirelessly. In other words, before determining whether a set of conditions is ? satisfied, the method pu? determine if two of the first, second or third devices are connected wirelessly.

Preferably, wireless connection? a connection via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ultra-wideband technologies, or any other type of wireless communication technology or wireless telecommunication mechanism. Optionally, wireless communication technology has a reception range, defining an area in which the wireless link can be done around the device.

Preferably, the first wireless device which is within the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device comprises the first wireless device and the third wireless device which are maximally spaced from a first separation threshold; the second wireless device is located within the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device comprises the second wireless device and the third wireless device which are spaced at most by a second separation threshold; And

the first wireless device which is within the third defined zone with respect to the second wireless device comprises the first wireless device and the second wireless device which are spaced at most by a third threshold separation. In other words, the conditions are satisfied by comparing a measurement of the separation of two of the first, second or third devices with a respective threshold value. Threshold values can indicate or define the extension of the surveillance zone (the first, second or third zone) and its boundary. Each of the first, second and third thresholds can? have the same value, or they can have a different value.

The separation can be any indication of the degree of separation, including a measure of the distance between two devices, or another indicator relating to distance (such as the strength of a signal passed between two devices). The threshold of separation will be? a threshold associated with the type of indication of the entity? of the separation that is determined.

Preferably, the method pu? also include:

determining a first separation, based on which the first wireless device and the third wireless device are spaced apart, and then comparing the first separation with a first separation threshold; and/or

determining a second separation, based on which the second wireless device and the third wireless device are spaced apart, and then comparing the second separation with a second separation threshold; and/or

determining a third separation, whereby the first wireless device and the second wireless device are spaced apart, and then comparing the third separation to a third threshold separation.

Preferably, the first wireless device, the second wireless device and/or the third wireless device are connected to a telecommunications network, and determine whether a set of conditions ? met includes the telecommunications network comparing location data for the first wireless device, second wireless device, and/or third wireless device. In one example, the devices are connected to a telecommunications network, and the separation can be determined by the telecommunications network which identifies the location of each device and thus determines the distance between the devices. The determination of the separation can? take place in an entity? or a controller within the network, or a group of entities? within the network, and then transmitted or sent to one of the first, second or third devices, or a controller associated and/or local to the first, second or third devices. Could the step of determining whether the conditions are met take place at the entity? of the network in the telecommunications network, or at the controller associated and/or local to the first, second or third device.

Preferably, one of the first wireless device, the second wireless device and/or the third wireless device ? connected to a telecommunications network, and initiating the alarm comprises sending an alarm message via the telecommunications network to at least one of the first wireless device, second wireless device, and/or third wireless device. The alarm can be an SMS or IMS message, or other notification sent over the telecommunications network. In another example, triggering an alarm can also include sending an alarm message over the telecommunications network to another device that is not? the first, second or third wireless device.

Preferably, at least one of the first wireless device, second wireless device and/or third wireless device comprises a transceiver, and initiating the alarm comprises one of the first, second or third wireless devices sending an alarm message to at least one other than the first, second or third wireless device. In one example, the alarm message could be made directly via a wireless communication technology such as WiFi, Bluetooth or ultra-broadband.

Preferably, initiating an alarm includes activating an alarm or sending a notification. The alarm can be played to one or more? of the first, second or third wireless device. The alarm can be played to another entity? directly connected to one or more? of the first, second or third wireless device, or connected via a telecommunications network. The activation of an alarm can include sending a message or notification to any of the first, second or third wireless devices, or to any other device. Starting an alarm pu? also include other actions, including activating the air conditioning within a surveillance zone associated with the third device (such as the first or second zone), unlocking access doors to allow access to a surveillance zone (for example, where the method is used to prevent forgotten baby syndrome), or locking access doors to prevent access to an area (for example, where the method is used to prevent the theft of an unattended valuable item ).

Preferably, each of the first, second and third devices comprises a transceiver. Each of the first, second or third device can? be a mobile device, wireless communication beacon, tablet, or other wireless device.

Preferably, the second wireless device comprises a plurality of of seconds wireless devices, and where the step to determine whether a number of conditions ? satisfied includes determining whether the set of conditions ? satisfied for each of the plurality? of second wireless devices; And

where if the set of conditions ? satisfied for every second wireless device of the plurality? of seconds wireless devices, then the alarm starts. In other words, can there be two or more? second devices (supervisory devices). If at least one of the second devices remains within the second surveillance zone together with the first device (monitored device) which remains in the first surveillance zone, then no alarm is triggered. However, if all the second devices (supervisory devices) move outside their surveillance zone while the first device (monitored device) stays inside its zone, then an alarm is triggered. In some scenarios, this set of conditions could indicate that the monitored device is been left unattended in its surveillance zone by all custodians associated with a supervisory device.

Preferably, the first wireless device comprises a plurality of of early wireless devices, and where the step of determining whether a number of conditions ? satisfied includes determining whether the set of conditions ? satisfied for each of the plurality? of early wireless devices; And

where if the set of conditions ? satisfied for any first wireless device of the plurality? of first wireless devices, then starting the alarm. In other words, there can? be more of a first device (monitored device). For example, can there be two or more? monitored devices, each monitored device associated with a different entity? monitored (as a different child). In this case, if any of the first devices (monitored devices) leaves the first surveillance zone while the second device (supervisor device) remains inside the second surveillance zone, then it can? an alarm be issued. In another example, an alarm can be issued if any of the first devices (monitored devices) ? outside the first surveillance zone while ? also separated from any of the second devices (supervisory devices) by more? of a separation threshold.

Optionally, can a plurality be used? of first wireless devices and a plurality? of second wireless devices.

Optionally, the first surveillance zone ? equals or overlaps with the second surveillance zone. Optionally, the first surveillance zone ? entirely within (or concentric with) the second surveillance zone. Optionally, at least the third device is located within the first and second surveillance zones.

The features characteristics discussed above with respect to method will also apply to any corresponding characteristics discussed below with respect to a controller or system.

In a second aspect c'? a controller or control apparatus for controlling a system to indicate excessive separation between a first wireless device and a second wireless device, the controller communicating with the first wireless device, the second wireless device and a third wireless device, where the controller or the control apparatus? configured for:

monitor a separation between the first wireless device and the second wireless device and the third wireless device;

determine whether a series of conditions ? satisfied, the set of conditions ? that the first wireless device ? within a first zone defined with respect to the third wireless device, and that the second wireless device is? outside a second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device; And

if the set of conditions ? satisfied, then:

initiate an alert.

In some examples, the first wireless device ? a monitored device, associated with an entity? monitored. The second wireless device can? be a supervisory device, associated with a supervisor or guardian of the monitored device. The third wireless device can? be a device of the surveillance area, that ? associated with first and second surveillance zones. Surveillance zones can be areas or regions defined with respect to the third wireless device. The first zone defined for the first device can? be different in size (and/or shape) from the second zone defined for the second device. Zones can be defined by a threshold distance, or can be determined by the presence or absence of a wireless connection between data devices. Can an alarm be started if the monitored device ? within its surveillance zone, while the supervisor device is? outside its surveillance zone.

Preferably, the control apparatus ? configured for:

detect that the first wireless device ? within the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device and that the second wireless device is within the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device; And

if the first wireless device ? detected within the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device and the second wireless device ? detected within the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device, then starts monitoring the separation of each of the first wireless device and the second wireless device to the third wireless device. In other words, monitoring is started if both the first device (monitored device) and the second device (supervisor device) enter or are detected within their respective first and second surveillance zones associated with the third device (supervisor device). ). Advantageously, monitoring can be started automatically without specific activation by a user.

Preferably, the set of conditions ? a first set of conditions, and the control apparatus ? further configured for:

determine whether a second set of conditions ? satisfied, the second set of conditions ? that the first wireless device ? out of the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device, and that the second wireless device is? outside the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device; And

if the second set of conditions ? satisfied, then the separation monitoring of each of the first wireless device and the second wireless device to the third wireless device ceases. In some examples, the tracking will be? terminated, or the system moved to an idle state, when both the first device (monitored device) and second device (supervisor device) are determined to have exited their respective surveillance zones. Conveniently, this allows the system to be moved into an idle state automatically, without input from a user.

Preferably, the set of conditions ? a first set of conditions, and the control apparatus ? further configured for:

determine whether a third set of conditions ? satisfied, the third set of conditions ? that the first wireless device ? outside the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device, and that the second wireless device is? within the second zone defined by the third wireless device;

determine whether a fourth set of conditions ? satisfied, the fourth set of conditions ? that the first wireless device ? out of the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device are, and that the second wireless device ? out of the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device, and that the first wireless device is? outside a defined third zone with respect to the second wireless device;

where if any of the conditions of the first, third or fourth series ? satisfied then

start the alarm. In other words, an alarm can be started if the first device (monitored device) ? determined to be outside the first surveillance zone, while the second device (supervisory device) is determined to be within the second surveillance zone. Furthermore, an alarm can be started if both the first device (monitored device) and the second device (supervisory device) are out of their respective surveillance zones, and also the first wireless device (monitored device) ? outside a further (third) zone defined with respect to the second device (supervisory device) or around it.

Preferably, the control apparatus ? further configured to: determine whether a fifth set of conditions ? satisfied, the fifth set of conditions ? that the first wireless device ? out of the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device, and that the second wireless device is? out of the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device, and that the first wireless device is? within the defined zone with respect to the second wireless device;

where if any of the conditions of the first, third or fourth set ? satisfied, then the alarm starts; or

if the fifth set of conditions ? satisfied, then the separation monitoring of each of the first wireless device and the second wireless device to the third wireless device ceases. In other words, under a fifth set of conditions, monitoring can be terminated (or placed in an inactive mode) if both the first device (monitored device) and second device (supervisor device) are determined to be out of their respective surveillance zones, but the first device (monitored device) ? also within a third defined zone with respect to, or around, the second device (supervisor device).

Various measurements could be used to determine if the first wireless device ? within a first defined zone with respect to a third wireless device, if the second wireless device is within a second defined zone to a third wireless device, or if the first wireless device is within a defined third zone with respect to a second wireless device. In some examples, this might be indicated by the presence or absence of a wireless link between given pairs of devices, where zones refer to wireless reception or coverage regions. In other examples, the regulator pu? obtain an indication of the separation between the given devices (which could be a measure of distance, or some other relative indicator that is proportional to distance) and then compare this to a threshold value associated with the separation. In this example, a threshold defines the boundary of a given surveillance zone.

Preferably, the first wireless device which is within the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device comprises the first wireless device and the third wireless device which are connected wirelessly;

the second wireless device which is within the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device includes the second wireless device and the third wireless device which are connected wirelessly; And

the first wireless device which is within the third defined zone with respect to the second wireless device includes the first wireless device and the second wireless device which are connected wirelessly. For example, the first device ? determined to be within a first defined zone with respect to the third device if a wireless link ? made between the first device and the third device. If no connection is made, the first device is determined to be outside the first defined zone with respect to the third device. In this example, being connected wireless means that a link ? done via a wireless communication technology, for example via WiFi, Bluetooth or ultra-broadband. A connection can indicate the capacity? to exchange information or communicate between two devices.

Preferably, the control apparatus that ? configured to determine if a set of conditions ? satisfied includes the control apparatus that ? configured to determine if the first wireless device and third wireless device are connected wirelessly, and/or the controller that is? configured to determine if the second wireless device and third wireless device are connected wirelessly, and/or the controller that is? configured to determine if the first wireless device and the second wireless device are connected wirelessly.

Preferably, wireless connection? a connection via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ultra-wideband technologies or any other wireless communication technology. Optionally, the wireless communication technology in a given device will have a range of reception, which in turn will define? the respective area.

Preferably, the first wireless device which is within the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device comprises the first wireless device and the third wireless device which are maximally spaced from a first separation threshold; the second wireless device is located within the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device comprises the second wireless device and the third wireless device which are spaced at most by a second separation threshold; And

the first wireless device is within the third defined zone with respect to the second wireless device which includes the first wireless device and the second wireless device which are spaced at most by a third separation threshold. In other words, a separation between two devices ? determined and compared with a relevant threshold. The separation can be any indication of the degree of separation, including a measure of distance, or other indicator of the distance between pairs of devices. The first, second or third threshold can be different or the same.

Preferably, the method ? further configured for:

determining a first separation, according to which the first wireless device and the third wireless device are spaced apart and comparing the first separation with the first threshold separation; and/or

determining a second separation, according to which the second wireless device and the third wireless device are spaced apart and comparing the second separation with the second threshold separation; and/or

determining a third separation, from which the first wireless device and the second wireless device are spaced apart, and comparing the third separation to the third threshold separation.

Preferably, the first wireless device, the second wireless device and/or the third wireless device are connected to a telecommunications network and the control apparatus which is configured to determine if a set of conditions ? satisfied comprises the telecommunications network comparing the position data for the first wireless device, the second wireless device and/or the third wireless device and receiving the results of this comparison to the control apparatus.

Preferably, one of the first wireless device, the second wireless device and/or the third wireless device ? connected to a telecommunications network, and the control apparatus that ? configured to initiate the alarm comprises the control apparatus which causes the transmission of an alarm message over the telecommunications network to at least one of the first wireless device, the second wireless device and/or the third wireless device.

Preferably, at least one of the first wireless device, the second wireless device and/or the third wireless device comprises a transceiver, and the control apparatus which is configured to initiate the alarm comprises the control apparatus which causes the transmission of an alarm message to at least one other of the first, second or third wireless device.

Preferably, the second wireless device comprises a plurality of of second wireless devices, and where the control apparatus? configured to determine if a set of conditions ? satisfied does it include the control apparatus ? configured to determine if the set of conditions ? satisfied for each of the plurality? of second wireless devices; And

where if the set of conditions ? satisfied for every second wireless device of the plurality? of second wireless devices, then the control apparatus ? configured to start the alarm. In other words, are there two or more? second devices (supervisory devices), and an alarm is generated if each of the second devices (supervisory devices) ? determined to be outside the second defined zone with respect to the third device, while the first device (monitored device) remains within the first zone.

Preferably, the first wireless device comprises a plurality of of early wireless devices, and where the step of determining whether a number of conditions ? satisfied includes determining whether the set of conditions ? satisfied for each of the plurality? of early wireless devices; And

where if the set of conditions ? satisfied for any first wireless device of the plurality? of first wireless devices, then starting the alarm. In other words, are there two or more? first devices (monitored devices), and an alarm ? raised if any of the first devices (monitored devices) ? determined to be outside the first defined zone with respect to the third device, while the second device (monitored devices) is? determined to be within the second zone.

How will it be? understood by the skilled person, any number of prime devices and supervisory devices could be utilized.

Optionally, the control apparatus ? configured to start the alarm, does it include the control apparatus that ? configured to trigger an alarm or send a notification. The control apparatus pu? activate or start an alarm on one or more? of the first, second or third device, or on another device.

Optionally, the control apparatus ? integral part of one of the first devices (monitored device), second device (supervisor device) or third device (surveillance zone device), or ? an entity? independent. Could the controlling apparatus be located in an entity? telecommunications network and connected to the first, second and third devices via a telecommunications network. The control apparatus pu? be a single entity? network or a group of entities? networks that perform the described functions of the control apparatus.

In a third aspect c'? a system for indicating excessive separation between a first wireless device and a second wireless device, comprising:

the first wireless device;

the second wireless device;

a third wireless device; And

the control apparatus as described above. The first wireless device can be a monitored device, associated with an entity? monitored. The second device can? be a supervisory device, associated with a supervisor, custodian or guardian of the entity? monitored. The third device can? be a device with respect to which at least a first and a second surveillance zone are defined, the first and second surveillance zone being areas in which the presence of the monitored device and the supervisor device ? controlled.

Preferably, the control apparatus ? integrated into one of the first, second or third wireless devices, or ? an entity? independent.

Preferably, the first, second or third wireless devices each comprise any of: a wireless device for mobile telecommunications, a wireless wearable device, a wireless device embedded in another object, a beacon for wireless communications.

The first, second and third wireless devices may comprise a transceiver, with means for communication using wireless technologies. The first wireless device, second wireless device, and third wireless device can be any type of device that allows wireless communication, at least with the devices within a certain distance of each other. Optionally, the first, second, and third wireless devices (which can be the monitored, supervisor, and surveillance zone device, respectively) are each any of: a mobile device, a wearable device, a device embedded in a other entity. For example, the first, second or third wireless device could be incorporated into a vehicle's navigation or anti-theft system, or incorporated into a child seat.

In a fourth aspect c'? a computer readable medium that carries a computer program which includes program instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to execute the method as described above. For example, the computer program, once run on a mobile device, can include an application to perform the described method.

Brief description of the drawings

Will disclosure be now practiced in a number of ways, and the preferred embodiments will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 ? a schematic diagram of an early example of a system, where a controller or control apparatus ? integrated into a surveillance zone device;

FIGURE 2 ? a flowchart showing a first example of a method taking place in the system of FIGURE 1 ;

FIGURE 3 ? a flowchart showing a second example of a method taking place in the system of FIGURE 1 ;

FIGURE 4 ? a schematic diagram of different usage scenarios of the system of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 ? a schematic diagram of a second example of a system, in which the controller or control apparatus ? integrated in a supervision device;

FIGURE 6 ? a flowchart showing a method taking place in the system of FIGURE 5 ;

FIGURE 7 ? a schematic diagram of different usage scenarios of the system of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 8 ? a schematic diagram of various further usage scenarios of the described systems; And

FIGURE 9 ? a schematic diagram of the usage scenarios of a third system example.

In the drawings, like parts are indicated by like reference numerals. Drawings are not to scale.

Detailed description of favorite examples

FIGURE 1 shows a system comprising a first wireless device 30, a second wireless device 20, a third wireless device 10 and a controller (or control apparatus) 40. At least the first 30 and the third 10, and the second 20 and the third 10 wireless devices are capable of wireless communication with each other. Regulator 40? communicating with all first 30, second 20 and third 10 wireless devices. In some examples, the first wireless device 30 can be considered or denoted a monitored device (M), associated with an entity? monitored, the second wireless device 20 pu? be considered or denoted a supervisor device (S), associated with a custodian or guardian of the entity? monitored, and the third wireless device 10 pu? be considered or denoted a surveillance zone device (Z) to define a surveillance zone. This denomination? used in describing the illustrative examples of the invention, as described below.

In the system of FIGURE 1, the controller 40 ? integrated or incorporated in the surveillance zone device 10. Both the supervisory device 20 and the monitored device 30 are in communication with the controller 40 in the surveillance zone device 10.

Each of the monitored devices 30, the supervisory device 20 and the surveillance zone device 10 are wireless devices and include a transceiver. The devices can be a mobile device (such as a smartphone or tablet), or they can be a wearable device with a wireless beacon (such as a smart watch, smart bracelet, or smart dongle). The devices (particularly the monitoring device 30) can be incorporated into an item of clothing, or into another object (such as a child seat). The device (especially the surveillance zone 10 device) may be incorporated into another piece of hardware (such as a vehicle navigation system, vehicle alarm system, or other element within a vehicle monitoring system). vehicle). The devices may communicate with each other using any suitable wireless telecommunications technology, or a mix of wireless telecommunications technologies, including but not limited to BluetoothTM, ultra-wide-broad and Wi-fiTM,

The supervision device 20 ? intended to be carried by a guardian or keeper of an entity? monitored. The supervision device 20 ? configured to transmit or receive an identification signal which, after evaluation by the device of the surveillance area 10, will allow? the controller to determine or obtain information on the presence or absence of the supervisory device in a supervisory zone, to provide information on the proximity of the supervisory device to the supervisory zone device 10 and/or to the monitored device 30. The supervisory device 20 can? be a standalone device (such as a wireless communication beacon, such as a Bluetooth or ultra-broadband beacon) or can it? be a function performed by the guardian's or keeper's smartphone or mobile device (used as a wireless communication beacon, for example a Wi-fiTM, Bluetooth or ultra-wideband beacon controlled by a specific application on the mobile device).

The monitored device 30 ? configured to be carried by or associated with the entity? monitored, such as an individual (or object) requiring supervision. The monitored device 30 ? configured to transmit an identification signal which, after evaluation by the device of the surveillance area 10 (and/or, in other examples, by the supervision device 20), will allow? the controller to obtain a notification or information on the presence of the monitored device within a surveillance zone and/or determine its proximity to other devices. The monitored device can be a wireless communication beacon, for example a WifiRTM, BluetoothRTM or ultra-wideband beacon.

The surveillance zone device 10 can? be placed in a position or area where ? required monitoring (for example, in a vehicle) in order to establish one or more? surveillance zones or "safety bubbles" for the monitored devices 30 and supervisor 20. The surveillance zone device 10 ? configured to determine the virtual perimeter of the surveillance zones. The surveillance zone device 10 can? be a standalone device (for example, a wireless communication beacon, such as a Bluetooth, Wi-fiTM or ultra-broadband beacon) or could be integrated with other hardware (such as a vehicle alarm or telematics box in the illustrative example) .

The controller 40 includes a processor, configured to acquire, obtain or determine information about the proximity of each of the supervisory devices 20, the monitored device 30 and the supervisory zone device 10. receive information on the presence or absence of a wireless connection between any of the two monitored devices 30, the supervisory device 20 and the supervisory zone device 10. Furthermore, the controller 40 can? calculate the separations based on the parameters provided by each device or pu? receive the relevant values directly from the devices. Controller 40 can? receive a parameter other than a location or distance measurement to determine an extent of the separation, for example a measurement that has a known relationship to distance (such as signal strength), to determine the separation between devices. Controller 40 ? also configured to process the information obtained or determined, in order to determine if certain conditions are met. If certain conditions are met, the controller can? generate an alarm (for example, sound an alarm or send a notification to your cell phone) and/or pu? initiate another action (for example, unlock the doors or activate the temperature controls in the surveillance area).

The methods according to the flow charts shown in FIGURES 2 and 3 can be implemented in the system of FIGURE 1 . In an illustrative example which is not meant to be limiting, the methods of FIGURES 2 and 3 can be used to monitor whether a supervisory device 20 (associated with a guardian or caretaker, such as a parent) leaves a surveillance zone, while a monitored device 30 (associated with a monitored subject, such as a child) remains within the surveillance zone. The example method described can? be particularly useful for preventing forgotten baby syndrome – where a baby or toddler is inadvertently left in a vehicle by a caretaker or guardian.

Referring to the method of FIGURE 2, initially the system ? inactive 210. The device of the surveillance zone 10 can? make a wireless connection 212 (and subsequently lose a connection 214) only with the supervisor device 20, and still remain in wireless mode? inactive 210.

In the method according to FIGURE 2, a wireless connection can be considered established if a wireless connection of a particular type (for example, including but not limited to Bluetooth, WiFi, and ultra-wideband) is established that is capable of being used for communication or information exchange. Sar? including that for a given wireless technology and device, there will be a signal range within which the connection can? be made to the device, but outside of which a connection to the device will not be done. As such, creating a connection can provide an indication of the proximity between two devices. As an example, if a wireless connection ? determined to have been made between the supervisor device 20 and the surveillance zone device 10, then the supervisor device 20 ? considered to be within its defined surveillance zone with respect to the surveillance zone device 10, but if a wireless link is not made between these two devices, therefore the supervisor device 20 ? considered to be outside its surveillance zone. Thus, whether or not a wireless connection is established provides a binary indication (in/out) of whether a device (in this example, the supervisory device 20) is in its defined surveillance zone with respect to the zone device surveillance 10.

If the zone supervisory device 10 establishes a wireless connection (according to the description above) with both the supervisory device 20 and the monitored device 30 simultaneously 216, then the system switches to a mode? monitoring device 220. For example, when the monitored device 30 and the supervisory device 20 each move within the signal range of the supervisory zone device 10, then a wireless connection is made. In the illustrative example where the surveillance zone (both for the monitored device 30 and for the supervisor device 20) is? inside a vehicle, then this indicates that the parent or guardian associated with a supervisory device 20 and a child associated with a monitored device 30 have entered the vehicle. Then tracking should start.

The system continues in monitoring state 220 as long as? or unless other conditions are met. The system remains in the monitoring state 220 while both the supervisory device 20 and the monitored device 10 are within their surveillance zones, and thus a wireless connection is maintained between each of these devices and the surveillance zone device. In the monitoring state 220, the system periodically confirms that the surveillance zone device 10 and the supervisory device 20, and the surveillance zone device 10 and the monitored device 30, are connected wirelessly. Even if the periodic determination of these parameters pu? even take place in the 210 idle mode, the time period between each determination in the 210 idle mode will be? less than in the 220 monitor mode (so that much more frequent determinations are made in the 220 monitor mode). If, in monitoring mode 220, a wireless connection between the monitored device 30 and the surveillance zone device 10 ? lost 218, or if the connection between the supervisory zone device 10 and both the monitored device 30 and the supervisory device 20 is lost 218, then the system returns to the idle state 210. For example in the illustrative example where the zone of surveillance ? inside a vehicle, these conditions assume that the monitored device 30 (associated with a child) or the supervisory device 20 and the monitored device 30 (associated with the guardian and the child, respectively) have exited the vehicle. Therefore, the safety related to the child left in the vehicle is not? more worrying and therefore the monitoring is not ? more necessary.

However, in the event that the surveillance zone device 10 loses the wireless connection with the supervisory device 20 (while maintaining the connection with the monitored device 30) 226, the system switches to a pre-alarm state 230.

According to the illustrative example, in this case, could the supervisory device 20 (for example, associated with the parent or guardian) have moved out of the surveillance zone while leaving the monitored device 30 (for example, associated with the child)? still within the surveillance zone. As such, this set of conditions could indicate that a parent or guardian has left the child in the vehicle unattended.

The pre-alarm state 230 ? a state that was activated in the system before an alarm was sent. The activation of a pre-alarm state 230 starts a short predefined time interval t. During the pre-alarm state 230, the system continues to monitor the separation of the supervisor device 20 and the monitored device 30 from the surveillance zone device 10, determining whether a wireless connection ? performed between the surveillance zone device 10 and each of the monitored devices 30 and supervisor 20. During the predefined time interval, t, the presence or absence of a connection can be determined more? frequently than during monitoring state 220, or as frequently (or simply at the beginning and end of the predefined time interval, t, only).

The use of the 230 pre-alarm state avoids excessive false alarms, since allows to determine whether the supervisory device 20 has left its supervisory zone for an extended period of time. The predefined time interval t must therefore be chosen appropriately, so as to minimize false alarms, but without leaving the monitored device 30 (and the associated child or other entity) alone in its surveillance zone for a period too long. In some examples, the default time interval t can? be 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 45 seconds, 60 seconds, 120 seconds, or 300 seconds.

If the conditions for the alarm are maintained after the predefined time interval, t, 232, then an alarm is initiated. A 240 alarm that is triggered can? take various forms. In this example, alarm 240 ? a notification (such as an on-screen notification or a text message via IMS or SMS) to the supervisory device 20. In alternative examples, the alarm could be a phone call, an on-screen notification or a text message to a smartphone or other designated mobile device (and which is not necessarily the same as the supervisory device 20). In other examples, the system could instead or additionally trigger an alarm on the surveillance zone 10 device (which could be linked to a vehicle alarm, for example). The alarm could also trigger other actions, for example unlocking access to a surveillance area (i.e. unlocking a vehicle) or activating the air conditioning or temperature controls in a surveillance area.

Finally, if the system in the idle state 210 makes a wireless connection with the monitored device 30 and the zone supervisory device 10 (without also making a wireless connection between the supervisory device 20 and the zone supervisory device 10) 222 then the system is moved directly to the pre-alarm state 230. For example, according to the illustrative example this could indicate that a child associated with the monitored device 30 ? been placed in the vehicle by a person not associated with the supervision device 20, so the child appears to be left unattended.

A second example of a method that pu? be implemented in the system of FIGURE 1 ? shown in FIGURE 3. Referring to the method of FIGURE 3, initially the system ? inactive 210. The device of the surveillance zone 10 can? make a connection 242 (and subsequently lose a connection 244) only with the supervisor device 20, but remain in the mode? inactive 210. In this second example of the method, a connection ? considered accomplished if the extension of the separation (shown in FIGURE 3 as d(SZ)) between the supervisory device 20 and the supervisory zone device 10 ? determined by the controller to be less than or equal to a first threshold T1. For example, according to the previous illustrative example, there? indicates that a guardian associated with the supervision device 20 ? entered a surveillance zone located inside a vehicle and defined with respect to the surveillance zone device 10.

In this example, the separation ? measured or determined as distance and the first threshold T1 ? a first threshold distance. However, the separation could be any measure indicative of the distance between the supervisory device 20 and the surveillance zone device 10 (such as a measure of signal strength, which is related to distance). The measure of the separation pu? be determined by parameters obtainable via any wireless communication technology, for example Bluetooth, ultra-broadband or WiFi.

If the zone supervisory device 10 connects to both the supervisory device 20 and the monitored device 30, then the system switches to a mode? of monitoring 220. In this second example of the method, ci? does it mean that the mode? is started 246 when the separation between the supervisory device 20 and the supervisory zone device 10 (shown in FIGURE 3 as d(SZ)) ? determined by the controller to be less than or equal to a first threshold T1, cos? such as the separation between the monitored device 30 and the surveillance zone device 10 (shown in FIGURE 3 as d(MZ)) ? determined by the controller to be less than or equal to a second threshold T2. Again, the separations d(SZ) and d(MZ) are distances obtainable via wireless technologies (although other indications for the amount of separation could be used), and the first threshold T1 and second threshold T2 are distances of theshold. The first threshold T1 and the second threshold T2 can be the same or different. In the above illustrative example, this set of conditions could be satisfied if a parent (wearing the supervisory device 20) and a child (wearing, wearing or associated with the monitored device 30) enter a supervision zone defined in interior of a vehicle with respect to the surveillance zone device. What, surveillance state 220 is? initialized.

The system continues in monitoring state 220 as long as? no other conditions are met. In particular, if the connection with the monitored device 30 is lost 248, or if the connections with the monitored device 30 and with the supervisory device 20 are lost 248, then the system returns to the idle state 210. In practice, the loss of connection with a device is measured on the basis of the distance between the supervisory device 20 or the monitored device 30 and the surveillance zone device 10 and the comparison with a respective threshold distance. Pi? precisely, the system returns to the modality? inactive 210 from the mode? zone 220 when the separation between the monitored device 30 and the surveillance zone device 10 (indicated in FIGURE 3 as d(MZ)) ? determined by the controller to be less than or equal to a second threshold T2, or that the separation between the monitored device 20 and the surveillance zone device 10 (shown in FIGURE 3 as d(MZ)) ? determined to the controller to be less than or equal to a second threshold T2, cos? such as the separation between the supervisory device 20 and the supervisory zone device 10 (shown in FIGURE 3 as d(SZ))? determined by the controller to be less than or equal to a first threshold T1. Also in this example, the separation d(MZ) and d(SZ) are distances and the first threshold T1 and the second threshold T2 are threshold distances.

Thus, the system remains in the monitoring state 220 while both the supervisory device 20 and the monitored device 10 are within their respective surveillance zones. In the monitoring state 220, the system periodically determines the separation between the surveillance zone device 10 and the supervisory device 20, and between the surveillance zone device 10 and the monitored device 30. Although the periodic determination of these parameters can ? even take place in idle mode 210, the time period between separation measurements will be? less in monitoring mode 220 (so that much more frequent determinations are made in monitoring mode 220 than inactive mode 210).

In the event that the zone surveillance device 10 loses the connection 254 with the supervision device 20 (while maintaining the connection with the monitored device 30), the system switches to the pre-alarm state 230 (as described in detail above) . In practice, the supervisory zone device 10 is considered to lose connection 254 with the supervisory device 20 when it is determined that the separation between the supervisory device 20 and the supervisory zone device 10 is greater than the first threshold T1. As before, the degree of separation in this case ? a measure of the distance d(SZ) between the supervisory device 20 and the supervisory zone device 10, and the first threshold T1 ? a first threshold distance. According to the illustrative example, this set of conditions would align with the supervisory device 20 (for example, associated with a guardian) leaving the surveillance zone (for example, the interior of a vehicle) while the monitored device 30 (for example, associated with a child) ? still within the surveillance zone. Therefore this set of conditions could indicate that a parent or guardian has left the child in the vehicle unattended.

In the prealarm state 230, at the end of the predefined time interval t 258, the separation width d(SZ) between the supervisory device 20 and the supervisory zone device 10 is determined again, and the separation width d(MZ) between the monitored device 30 and the surveillance zone device 10. If the degree of separation d(SZ) between the supervision device 20 and the surveillance device 10 ? still higher than the first threshold T1, and also the degree of separation d(MZ) between the monitored device 30 and the monitoring device 10 ? still lower than or equal to the second threshold T2, an alarm 240 is triggered. In the illustrative example, this could indicate that the child associated with the monitored device 30 ? been left in the surveillance area (ie inside a vehicle), while the parent or guardian associated with the supervision device 20 has left the surveillance area (in other words, has left the vehicle). As previously described, the 240 alarm that is triggered can? take various forms. In this example, alarm 240 ? a notification (such as an on-screen notification or a text message via IMS or SMS) to the supervisory device 20.

It should be noted that if during or at the end of the pre-alarm phase 230 the degree of separation of the supervisory device 20 and the supervisory zone device 10 ? determined to have returned to less than or equal to the first threshold T1, then the prealarm state 230 ? deactivated 256, and the system returns to a monitoring state 220. For example, in the illustrative example this could occur if the parent or guardian carrying the supervisory device 20 ? returned in a vehicle that includes the defined surveillance zone with respect to surveillance zone device 10.

Furthermore, if during or at the end of the pre-alarm phase 230 the degree of separation d(MZ) of the monitored device 30 and the device of the surveillance zone 10 ? determined to exceed the second threshold T2, then the system is returned 252 to the inactive state 210. For example, in the illustrative example this could indicate that the child associated with the monitored device 30 ? been removed from the vehicle during the predefined time interval t associated with the pre-alarm phase 230.

Finally, if the system in the idle state? 210 identifies that the degree of separation d(MZ) of the monitored device 30 and the surveillance zone device 10 ? lower than or equal to the second threshold T2 (while the degree of separation d(SZ) of the supervisory device 20 and the supervisory zone device 10 is also higher than the first threshold T1) then the system is moved directly to the pre-alarm state 230.

According to the illustrative example, this could occur if a child associated with the monitoring device 30 is been placed in the vehicle by a person not associated with the supervision device 20, so the child appears to be left unattended.

As discussed above, the system and method considered in relation to FIGURES 1, 2 and 3 could be implemented as a safety system to avoid leaving a child unattended in a vehicle. In this scenario, the surveillance zone 10 device can? be installed on the dashboard of the vehicle, and in some circumstances can? be incorporated into the vehicle software itself. FIGURE 4 shows two configurations in which the system is used to enhance the safety of a child being transported in a vehicle.

In FIG. 4(a), the separation (distance d(SZ)) between the supervisory device 20 and the supervisory zone device 10 is less than or equal to a first threshold, T1. Also the separation (distance d(MZ)) between the monitored device 30 and the surveillance zone device 10 ? less than or equal to a second threshold, T2. In other words, both the parent and the child have entered and are inside a vehicle 50 which houses most of their respective surveillance zones, defined with respect to the surveillance zone 10. In view of this, the system ? been automatically moved to a surveillance state 220, even if it wasn't? a pre-alarm state has been activated 230.

In FIGURE 4(b), the separation (distance d(SZ)) between the supervisory device 20 and the supervisory zone device 10 is greater than the first threshold, T1. However, the separation (distance d(MZ)) between the monitored device 30 and the surveillance zone device 10 remains less than or equal to the second threshold, T2. Under these conditions, the system passes to the pre-alarm state 230 when it is determined for the first time that the distance d(SZ) between the supervisory device 20 and the supervisory zone device 10 ? above the first threshold, T1. If these conditions continue after a predefined time interval t, then an alarm 240 is issued. These conditions could align with the parent or guardian associated with the supervisory device 20 who is? exited its surveillance zone associated with the vehicle 50, leaving the child (associated with the monitored device 30) inside.

FIGURE 5 shows an alternate example of an excessive separation monitoring system between a second and a third device. FIGURE 5 shows a system comprising a first wireless device 30, a second wireless device 20, a third wireless device 10, and a controller (or control apparatus) 40. Again, in some examples, the first wireless device 30 may ? be considered or denoted as a monitored device, M, associated with an entity? monitored. The second wireless device 20 can? be considered or denoted as a supervisory device, S, associated with the custodian or guardian of the entity? monitored. The third wireless device 10 can? be considered or denoted as a surveillance zone device, Z, around which ? defined a surveillance zone. Again, this denotation ? used in the description of the system and method that follows.

In the system of FIGURE 5 the controller 40 ? configured to control the described system (and to execute the described method) and ? integrated in the supervisory device 20. For example, the supervisory device 20 could be a smartphone, which runs an application on the unit? smartphone control. The supervisory device 20 and the monitored device 30 are each in wireless communication with the supervisory zone device 10, and furthermore they are in wireless communication with each other. Wireless communication can occur via any wireless technology, or via different wireless technologies between pairs of devices.

In an illustrative example, the system can? be used to improve the safety of a child in a vehicle, in particular for the prevention of forgotten baby syndrome. For example, just as in the illustrative example discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 to 4 , the surveillance zone device 10 could be mounted inside the vehicle or be part of the car's alarm monitoring system, the unit? The supervisory device 20 could be incorporated into a mobile device (such as a smartphone or tablet) carried by a parent or guardian, and the monitored device 30 could be a wearable tag worn by or associated with the child. Alternatively, the system could be used in any other application where a supervisor or guardian wishes to define a surveillance zone and monitor their separation from an entity. monitored (such as a child or valuables) within the surveillance zone. For the sake of clarity in the system and method description of FIGS. 5 , 6 and 7 , the system and method will be discussed with reference to an illustrative example of application where the surveillance zone device 10 ? connected to an umbrella, to set up a surveillance zone for the monitored device 30 (and the supervisory device 20) around the umbrella. In the illustrative example the supervisor device 20 ? associated with a parent or guardian who wishes to supervise or monitor a child (mainly in the surveillance zone) associated with the monitored device 30. However, the system and method are not intended to be limited to this illustrative example.

FIGURE 6 shows a process diagram for an example method performed at the controller 40 of the system shown in FIGURE 5 , wherein the controller 40 is integrated in the supervision device 20. The monitored device 30 or the surveillance zone device 10 ? capable of determining a separation measurement between the monitored device 30 and the supervisory zone device 10, and then providing or transmitting this separation measurement to be received by the controller 40 at the supervisory device 20. It should be noted that, although the method of FIGURE 6 is shown how a separation measure is considered a threshold for determining whether a device ? inside or outside its surveillance zone, a binary consideration of whether a wireless connection has been established (as discussed above regarding the method of FIGURE 2) could instead be used to determine whether a device ? inside or outside its surveillance zone.

Does the system start in a mode? idle 210. In an idle 210 mode, controller 40 can? periodically transmitting and receiving signals from the supervisory zone device 10 and the monitored device 30, to obtain or determine separation information between each of the supervisory zone device 10, the supervisory device 20 and the monitored device 30.

In the event that the controller 40 to the supervisor device 20 obtains a determination that the separation (distance d(SZ)) between the supervisor device 20 and the supervisory zone device 10 ? less than or equal to a first threshold T1, cos? how to receive a determination that the separation (distance d(MZ)) between the monitored device 30 and the surveillance zone device 10 ? lower than or equal to a second threshold T2, the system moves 266 to a monitoring state 220. In the illustrative application, these conditions indicate that the supervisory device 20 (associated with the parent or guardian) and the monitored device 30 (associated with the child) have moved into their surveillance zone around the surveillance zone device 10 (defined as an area around the surveillance device attached to a parasol), and then separation monitoring should begin.

Sar? understood that this step 266 of moving to the monitoring state 220 (and the idle state 210) ? optional, since? the system could be activated directly into the monitoring state 220 by a user via the controller 40. For example, a parent or guardian could activate the monitoring state 220 via an application running on the supervisory device 20.

Once in a monitoring state 220, controller 40 will transmit? and will receive periodically signals from the surveillance zone device 10 and from a monitored device 30. Transmission and reception can occur more frequently in the monitoring state 220 than in the idle state 210. The system continues in the monitoring state 220 as long as? the same conditions persist (in other words, as long as the extent of the separation (distance d(SZ)) between the supervisory device 20 and the supervisory zone device 10 is less than or equal to a first threshold T1, the extension of the separation (distance d(MZ)) between the monitored device 30 and the surveillance zone device 10 is less than or equal to a second threshold T2, then the monitoring state 220 continues). In the illustrative example of the system, the monitoring state 220 would continue while the parent and guardian associated supervisory device 20 and the child associated monitored device 30 are within the perimeter of their defined surveillance zone around the parasol at Which ? connected the surveillance zone device 10.

However, if the controller 40 obtains a determination that one or both of the supervised 20 and monitored 30 devices are leaving their supervised zone, then the system leaves the monitoring state 220. For example, under a particular set of conditions 272, the controller 40 obtains a determination that the separation (distance d(SZ)) between a supervisory device 20 and the supervisory zone device 10 has exceeded a first threshold T1. The controller also obtains a determination that the separation (distance d(MZ)) between a monitored device 30 and the surveillance zone device 10 ? less than or equal to a second threshold T2. In this way, according to the illustrative example, the system determines that the parent or companion associated with the surveillance device 20 has left the child associated with the monitored device 30 alone in his surveillance zone. As a result, the system goes into a pre-alarm state 230.

Alternatively, under another set of conditions 270, the controller 40 obtains a determination that the separation (distance d(SZ)) between a supervisory device 20 and the supervisory zone device 10 is? lower than or equal to a first threshold T1. Controller 40 also obtains a determination that the separation (distance d(MZ)) between a monitored device 30 and the surveillance zone device 10 has exceeded a second threshold T2. In this way, according to the illustrative example, the system determines that the child associated with the monitored device 30 has left its surveillance zone, even if the parent or guardian associated with the supervision device 20 remains within its zone of surveillance. As a result, the system goes into a pre-alarm state 230.

In a further set of conditions 276, the controller 40 obtains a determination that the separation (distance d(SZ)) between a supervisory device 20 and the supervisory zone device 10 ? greater than a first threshold T1. Controller 40 also obtains a determination that the separation (distance d(MZ)) between a monitored device 30 and the surveillance zone device 10 is greater than a second threshold T2. According to the illustrative example, this indicates that both the parent or guardian associated with the supervisory device 20 and the child associated with the monitored device 30 have left their supervisory zone. In this third condition, the system then proceeds to obtain a determination of the separation (distance d(SM)) between the supervisory device 20 and the monitored device 30. If this separation (distance d(SM)) ? greater than a third threshold T3, then the system passes from the monitoring state 220 to the pre-alarm state 230. According to the illustrative example, these conditions indicate that both the parent or guardian associated with the supervision device 20 and the associated child to the monitored device 30 have left their surveillance zone and they don't seem to have done so together.

Conversely, if, in a further series of conditions 264, the controller 40 obtains the determination that the separation (distance d(SZ)) between a supervisory device 20 and the supervisory zone device 10 ? greater than a first threshold T1, and that the separation (distance d(MZ)) between a monitored device 30 and the surveillance zone device 10 has exceeded a second threshold T2, while also that the separation (distance d(SM)) between the supervision device 20 and the monitored device 30 ? lower than or equal to a third threshold T3, then the system passes from the monitoring state 220 to the inactive state 210. According to the illustrative example, this set of conditions indicates that, although it is the parent or guardian associated with the supervisory device 20 who the child associated with the monitored device 30 have left their surveillance zone, they have done so together (and therefore it can be assumed that the child is still under surveillance).

When in the pre-alarm state 230, the system lets a predefined time t pass. During this time, the controller can continue to get the separation determination between each of the devices. If, after the predefined time interval t has elapsed, the controller determines that the separation between each of the devices of the surveillance zone 10, the supervisory device 20 and the monitored device 30 still falls within one of the series of conditions described above for the entry into the pre-alarm state 230, then the system will proceed? this time to start a 240 alarm. The 240 alarm can? be an alarm sounded to supervisory device 20, for example. Alternatively, the alarm can? be a telephone call or text notification to a designated device (such as supervisory device 20).

On the contrary, if, while the system ? in the pre-alarm phase 220, during or at the end of the time interval t, the controller 40 obtains a determination 274 that the separation (distance d(SZ)) between the supervisory device 20 and the supervisory zone device 10 ? less than or equal to a first threshold T1, cos? how does it receive a determination that the separation (distance d(MZ)) between the monitored device 30 and the surveillance zone device 10 is? lower than or equal to a second threshold T2, the system returns to a monitoring state 220. In the illustrative example, this would be the case if both the parent or guardian associated with the supervisory device 20 and the child associated with the monitored device 30 move back within their surveillance zone, and therefore not ? no alarm required.

Another possibility? ? that, while the system ? in the pre-alarm phase 230, the controller 40 obtains a determination 268 that although the separation (distance d(SZ)) between a supervisory device 20 and the supervisory zone device 10 is greater than a first threshold T1, and the separation (distance d(MZ)) between a monitored device 30 and the device of the surveillance zone 10 is greater than a second threshold T2, also the separation (distance d(SM)) between the supervisory device 20 and the monitored device 30 ? less than or equal to a third threshold T3. In this case, the system goes from a pre-alarm 230 state to an inactive state? 210. According to the illustrative example, this could indicate that both the parent or guardian associated with the supervisory device 20 and the child associated with the monitored device 30 have left their supervisory zone, but are still in close proximity. of each other.

FIGURE 7 illustrates various scenarios for the system and method of FIGURE 5 and 6, respectively. In FIGURE 7(a), the system ? in a monitoring state 220. In particular, the separation (distance d(SZ)) of the monitoring device 20 from the monitoring zone device 10 ? lower than or equal to a first threshold T1, and the separation (distance d(MZ)) of the monitored device 30 from the surveillance zone device 10 ? less than or equal to a second threshold T2. In this case, the second threshold T2 represents a distance lower than the first threshold T1, and therefore the surveillance area for the parent or guardian associated with the supervision device 20 ? an area more greater than the surveillance zone for the child associated with the monitored device 30. However, since? both the supervisory device 20 and the monitored device 30 are within the assigned supervisory zones (concentric), are they not? no alarm is required and the system remains in the monitoring state 220 (and does not go into the pre-alarm state 230).

FIGURE 7(b) illustrates the scenario where a set of conditions to enter the pre-alarm state, as described above, ? satisfied. In particular, the separation (distance d(SZ)) between the supervisory device 20 and the supervisory zone device 10 ? greater than a first threshold T1, while the separation (distance d(MZ)) between the monitored device 30 and the surveillance zone device 10 ? lower than or equal to the second threshold T2. As such, the parent or guardian associated with the supervisory device 20 appears to have left the assigned surveillance zone, but leaving the child associated with the monitored device 30 within its surveillance zone. Therefore, the 230 pre-alarm state is initiated. If conditions remain unchanged, then a 240 alarm will be triggered. started after the elapse of a predetermined time interval t.

FIGURE 7(c) illustrates the scenario where another of the set of conditions for entering the pre-alarm state, as described above, is satisfied. In particular, the separation (distance d(SZ)) between the supervisory device 20 and the supervisory zone device 10 ? lower than or equal to a first threshold T1, while the separation (distance d(MZ)) between the monitored device 30 and the surveillance zone device 10 ? higher than the second threshold T2. As such, the child associated with the monitored device 30 appears to have left its assigned surveillance zone, but leaving the parent or guardian associated with the supervisory device 20 within their assigned surveillance zone. Therefore, the pre-alarm state 230 is initiated. If the conditions remain unchanged after the expiry of a predetermined time interval t, then an alarm 240 is initiated.

FIGURE 7(d) illustrates the scenario where ? met another set of conditions to enter the pre-alarm state, as described above. In particular, the separation (distance d(SZ)) between the supervisory device 20 and the supervisory zone device 10 ? greater than a first threshold T1, while the separation (distance d(MZ)) between the monitored device 30 and the surveillance zone device 10 ? greater than the second threshold T2. Furthermore, the separation (distance d(SM)) between the supervisory device 20 and the monitored device 30 also exceeds a third threshold T3. As such, the parent or guardian associated with the supervisory device 20 and the child associated with the monitored device 30 appear to have left their assigned surveillance zones, but not together. Therefore, the pre-alarm state 230 is initiated. If the conditions remain unchanged after the expiry of a predetermined time interval t, then an alarm 240 is initiated.

FIGURE 7(e) illustrates a further scenario where a number of the above conditions are met. In particular, the separation (distance d(SZ)) between the supervisory device 20 and the supervisory zone device 10 ? greater than a first threshold T1, while the separation (distance d(MZ)) between the monitored device 30 and the surveillance zone device 10 ? even greater than the second threshold T2. However, the separation (distance d(SM)) between the supervisory device 20 and the monitored device 30 ? less than or equal to a third threshold T3. As such, the parent or guardian associated with the supervisory device 20 and the child associated with the monitored device 30 appear to have left their assigned surveillance zones together, and are not? necessary to start the pre-alarm state 230. In fact, the system can? return to inactive state 210, for example to save energy.

FIGURE 8 illustrates some scenarios where pi? of a supervisory device 20 or more? of a monitored device 30. As an illustrative example, first and second supervisory devices 20 could be used, each associated with a different parent or guardian. Alternatively, could a plurality be used? of 30 monitored devices, each associated with a group of children.

FIGURE 8(a) illustrates a scenario where there are a first surveillance device 20a and a second surveillance device 20b, and a single monitored device 30. Here, the separation (distance d(MZ)) between the monitored device 30 and the surveillance zone device 10 ? lower than or equal to the second threshold T2. The separation (distance d(SaZ)) between the first supervisory device 20a and the supervisory zone device 10 ? lower than or equal to the first threshold T1. However, the separation (distance d(SbZ)) of the second supervisory device 20b from the supervisory zone device 10 ? greater than the first threshold T1. In this case, the system remains in a 220 monitoring state (rather than going into a 230 pre-alarm state), why? at least one of the supervisory devices 20a, 20b meets the requirements to be within the supervisory zone together with the monitored device 30.

FIGURE 8(b) shows the same devices in an alternative configuration. Here the separation (distance d(MZ)) between the monitored device 30 and the surveillance zone device 10 ? lower than or equal to the second threshold T2. However, the separation (distances d(SaZ), d(SbZ)) of both the first monitoring device 20a and the second monitoring device 20b ? greater than the first threshold T1. Under these conditions, the system is moved into a mode? of pre-alarm 230, and would initiate an alarm 240 if the same conditions are met after the elapse of a predefined period of time t. In particular, these conditions indicate that the entity? monitored 30 ? within the surveillance zone, but all the supervisory devices 20a, 20b have left the surveillance zone, apparently leaving the entity unattended. associated with the monitored device 30.

FIGURE 8(c) shows a further scenario in which three supervisory devices 30a, 30b, 30c and a single supervisory device 20 are used. Here, the separation (distance d(SZ)) of the supervisory device 20 from the device of the surveillance zone 10 ? lower than or equal to a first threshold T1 (and therefore the supervisory device 20 is considered to be within the supervisory zone assigned to it). Two of the monitoring devices 30a, 30b are separated from the monitoring zone device by a distance d(MaZ), d(MbZ) less than or equal to the second threshold T2. However, the separation (distance d(McZ)) between the third monitored device 30c and the surveillance zone device 10 exceeds the second threshold T2. because at least one of the monitored devices 30a, 30b, 30c satisfies the conditions for entering a prealarm state 230, the system passes from the monitoring state 220 to the prealarm state 230. An alarm 240 will be? issued if the same conditions persist after a predefined period of time t.

FIGURE 9 shows another example of the described system. In this embodiment, only a zone surveillance device 10 and a monitored device 30 are used. be integrated into the surveillance zone device 10 in order to be able to carry out the method. This example of the system pu? control separation to issue an alarm if a monitored device 30 enters a surveillance zone. For example, this system could be used for social distancing purposes, where the surveillance zone device associated with a user, and the device being monitored is? associated with another person from whom the user must maintain at least a particular distance.

In the example of FIGURE 9(a), the system ? in the surveillance state 220. A surveillance zone is established with a perimeter at a distance from the surveillance zone device 10 equal to a first threshold T1. A monitored device 30 ? separated from the surveillance zone device 10 by a separation (distance d(MZ)) greater than the first threshold T1, and therefore no action is taken. The system remains in monitoring state 220.

If the system determines that a monitored device 30 ? separated from the surveillance zone device 10 by a distance d(MZ) less than or equal to the first threshold T1 (as shown in FIGURE 9(b)), then the system can? switch to a pre-alarm state 230. If, after the elapse of a predefined period of time t, the separation (distance d(MZ)) of the monitored device 30 from the device of the surveillance zone 10 ? still lower than or equal to the first threshold T1, then pu? a 240 alarm can be triggered. This 240 alarm can? be an alarm sounded at watch zone device 10, for example.

Typically, this example of the described system could be obtained through an application for mobile devices. For example, both the monitored device 30 and the surveillance zone device 10 could be a smartphone running a dedicated application. Any mobile device can serve as a surveillance zone device 10 or a monitored device 30, or a standalone signaller could be used as a monitored device 30. The mobile device can? provide the controller or the unit? control, what? such as wireless technology functions and audible warning means such as an alarm.

For this example of the system described, the difficulties? they can be caused by some wireless technologies (such as Wi-fiTM, BluetoothRTM and ultra-broadband) that generate false alarms when two devices are close to each other but separated by a screen or wall. These issues can be overcome by making use of custom ultrasonic sensing technology to determine the degree of separation between devices. Ultrasound detection? functional to measure separation with less accuracy than some alternative means, but is stopped or blocked by screens.

A number of combinations of the various embodiments disclosed could be envisioned by the skilled person. All of the features described herein may be combined in any combination, except in a combination where at least some of these features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. In particular, the preferred features of the invention are applicable to all aspects of the invention and can be used in any combination. Likewise, features described in non-essential combinations may be used separately (not in combination).

Even though the above systems are described with the controller integrated in the surveillance zone 10 device or unit? of supervision 20, sar? understood that the controller could be integrated into any of the devices, including the monitored device 30. Each of the devices could be provided as simple, self-contained wireless beacons, provided that the functionality? is available in all devices to determine the separation between the required devices (or if a wireless connection is made), and to transmit the determined separations to the controller.

Even if the above systems are described in the light of illustrative embodiments in which the supervisory device is associated with a parent or guardian, and monitoring devices ? associated with a child, sar? including that the monitored device can? be associated with an object or property? of value, under the supervision of a custodian associated with the supervisory device. A favorite application of the systems described ? inside a vehicle (where the surveillance zone is housed inside the vehicle) in order to provide a fail-safe system for alerting in the event of forgotten baby syndrome. However, the system could be used in any application where ? is the supervision of an entity required? monitored within a surveillance zone.

Even though the above systems only consider one watch zone device (third wireless device) to define a watch zone, it will be? understood that a plurality? of surveillance zone devices (plurality of third party devices) could be used, which together could define the boundary of a surveillance zone. For example, an alarm could be triggered if a monitored device is connected wirelessly to at least one of the devices in the surveillance area, but the supervisor device is not? in wireless connection with any of the devices in the surveillance area.

Claims (17)

A method of indicating excessive separation between a first wireless device and a second wireless device, the method comprising: monitoring a separation of each between the first wireless device and the second wireless device with respect to a third wireless device; determine whether a set of conditions is met, the set of conditions being that the first wireless device ? within a first defined zone with respect to a third wireless device, and that the second wireless device is outside a second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device; And if the set of conditions ? satisfied, then: trigger an alert. The method of claim 1, wherein prior to the monitoring step, the method further comprises: detecting that the first wireless device is within the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device and that the second wireless device is within the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device; And if the first wireless device ? detected within the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device, and the second wireless device ? detected within the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device, then start monitoring the separation of each of the first wireless device and the second wireless device with respect to the third wireless device. 3. The method of claim 1 or of claim 2, wherein the set of conditions ? a first set of conditions, the method also includes: determine whether a second set of conditions ? satisfied, the second set of conditions being that the first wireless device is out of the first defined zone with respect to a third wireless device, and that the second wireless device is outside the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device; And if the second set of conditions ? satisfied, then cease monitoring the separation of each of the first wireless device and the second wireless device from the third wireless device. 4. The method of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the set of conditions ? a first set of conditions, and the method further comprises: determine whether a third set of conditions ? satisfied, the third set of conditions being that the first wireless device ? out of the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device and that the second wireless device is within the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device; determine whether a fourth set of conditions ? satisfied, the fourth set of conditions being that the first wireless device ? out of the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device, and that the second wireless device is? out of the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device, and that the first wireless device is? outside a defined third zone with respect to the second wireless device; where if the third or fourth set of conditions are satisfied, then activate the alarm. The method of claim 4, further comprising: determine whether a fifth set of conditions ? satisfied, the fifth set of conditions being that the first wireless device is out of the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device, and that the second wireless device is? out of the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device, and that the first wireless device is? within the third defined zone with respect to the second wireless device; in which if the fifth set of conditions ? satisfied, then monitoring of the separation of each of the first wireless device and the second wireless device from the third wireless device is ceased. 6. The method of any preceding claim, wherein: the first wireless device that is within the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device includes the first wireless device and the third wireless device that are wirelessly connected. wireless; And the second wireless device that is within the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device includes the second wireless device and the third wireless device that are wirelessly connected. wireless. The method of claim 6, when dependent on claim 4 or claim 5, wherein: the first wireless device that is within the third defined zone with respect to the second wireless device includes the first wireless device and the second wireless device that are wirelessly connected. wireless. 8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: the first wireless device which is within the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device comprises the first wireless device and the third wireless device which are maximally spaced by a first separation threshold; And the second wireless device which is within the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device comprises the second wireless device and the third wireless device which are spaced at the maximum by a second separation threshold. The method of claim 8, when dependent on claim 4 or claim 5, wherein: the first wireless device which is within the third defined zone with respect to the second wireless device comprises the first wireless device and the second wireless device which are spaced apart by a maximum of a third separation threshold. 10. A control apparatus for controlling a system for indicating excessive separation between a first wireless device and a second wireless device, the controller communicating with the first wireless device, the second wireless device and a third wireless device, wherein the control apparatus? configured for: monitoring a separation of each of the first wireless device and the second wireless device from the third wireless device; determine whether a series of conditions ? satisfied, the set of conditions being that the first wireless device ? within a first zone defined with respect to the third wireless device, and that the second wireless device is? outside a second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device; And if the set of conditions ? satisfied, then: trigger an alert. The control apparatus according to claim 10, further configured for: detecting that the first wireless device is within the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device and that the second wireless device is within the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device; And if the first wireless device ? detected within the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device and the second wireless device ? detected within the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device, then start monitoring the separation of each of the first wireless device and the second wireless device from the third wireless device. 12. Control apparatus according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the set of conditions ? a first set of conditions, and the control apparatus ? further configured for: determine whether a second set of conditions ? satisfied, the second set of conditions being that the first wireless device is out of the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device, and that the second wireless device is out of the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device; And if the second set of conditions ? satisfied, then finish monitoring the separation of each of the first wireless device and the second wireless device from the third wireless device. 13. Control apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the set of conditions ? a first set of conditions, and the control apparatus ? further configured for: determine whether a third set of conditions ? satisfied, the third set of conditions being that the first wireless device is outside the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device, and that the second wireless device is inside the second zone defined by the third wireless device; determine whether a fourth set of conditions ? satisfied, the fourth set of conditions being that the first wireless device is outside the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device, and that the second wireless device is outside the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device, and that the first wireless device is outside the third defined zone with respect to the second wireless device; where if the third or fourth set of conditions are satisfied, then: activate the alarm. The control apparatus according to claim 13, further configured for: determine whether a fifth set of conditions ? satisfied, the fifth set of conditions being that the first wireless device is outside the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device, and that the second wireless device is outside the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device, and that the first wireless device is within the third defined zone with respect to the second wireless device; in which if the fifth set of conditions ? satisfied, then finish monitoring the separation of each of the first wireless device and the second wireless device from the third wireless device. The control apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein: the first wireless device which is within the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device comprises the first wireless device and the third wireless device which are connected in mode? wireless; And the second wireless device that is within the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device includes the second wireless device and the third wireless device that are wirelessly connected. wireless. 16. Control apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein: the first wireless device which is within the first defined zone with respect to the third wireless device comprises the first wireless device and the third wireless device which are maximally spaced by a first separation threshold; and the second wireless device which is located within the second defined zone with respect to the third wireless device comprises the second wireless device and the third wireless device which are spaced maximum from the second separation threshold. 17. A system for indicating excessive separation between a first wireless device and a second wireless device, comprising: the first wireless device; the second wireless device; a third wireless device; And the control apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 16.