WO2015015174A1

WO2015015174A1 - An alert system for a caller

Info

Publication number: WO2015015174A1
Application number: PCT/GB2014/052300
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonathan Gray; Ross Blunden; Daniel Power
Original assignee: Concept Solutions Limited
Priority date: 2013-07-29
Filing date: 2014-07-28
Publication date: 2015-02-05
Also published as: GB2532673A; GB201603485D0; GB201314451D0; GB2516701A

Abstract

According to the present invention there is provided a door entry system comprising: a status indicating door bell; and a portable controller. The status indicating door bell comprises: a user input interface adapted to receive a calling input from a calling user;a communication interface adapted to transmit a notification signal to a remotely located controller in response to the user input interface receiving the calling input, and to receive a notification response signal from the remotely located controller; and a status display unit adapted to display a plurality of status indicators. The status display unit is adapted to modify a displayed status indicator in response to the communication unit receiving a notification response signal.

Description

AN ALERT SYSTEM FOR A CALLER

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an alert system for a caller, more particularly but not exclusively an alert system for a caller at an exterior door.

Background When visiting a person at home or work the caller may use a door entry system such as a door bell to alert a person of their presence. Typically the door bell is activated by the caller; the person they are visiting, the user, then hears the doorbell and therefore goes to open the door. However, in some situations, this system may not be viable. For example if a user is hard of hearing or deaf they may not hear the alert and therefore another form of alert may need to be employed.

In some situations that is, the alert may be noted by the user but time to respond allowed by the caller may be insufficient, for example due to reduced mobility of the user, distance to travel and/or other engagement, such as the user being on the telephone.

Delay in the user reaching the door may mean that the caller thinks that no one is there and leaves, unanswered. For example therefore as a result of not meeting the caller the user may miss goods deliveries, tradesmen calling, utilities such as water, gas or electric meters, a healthcare caller or an opportunity to socialise.

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following:

Granted United States patent US 7 336 158 (LOMBARDO) discloses a status indicating door bell allowing a user to display a selected status proximate the exterior of a door on a house, wherein said status indicating doorbell utilizes an activation circuit installed between a prior art button and a prior art chime unit within said house, comprising a. a display panel, located proximate said exterior side of said door, including i. a button, ii. at least one status indicator; b. a controller, located on the interior of said house remote from said display panel; c. user interface means allowing said user to select a desired status for said at least one status indicator; and d. electronic communication means allowing said controller to set said desired status of said at least one status indicator on said display panel by sending a signal over said activation circuit. United States patent application US 5 148 468 (MARRICK et al) discloses a door answering system which enables the occupant of a structure to provide a

rerecorded message to a visitor who has approached the entrance of said structure; wherein said system comprises: (a) first speaker means accessible at said entrance; (b) first switch means accessible at said entrance; (c) recorder means located interiorly of said structure; said recorder means including said pre-recorded message; wherein actuation of said first switch means by said visitor activates said recorder means for transmitting said pre-recorded message through said first speaker means, wherein said first speaker means is operatively connected to said recorder means by means of a radio transmitter.

United Kingdom patent application GB 2 135 156 (HUGHES) discloses a tactile alerting or paging system for deaf persons comprises a transmitter which transmits a radio frequency signal when a door-bell push switch is depressed, to a radio receiver carried by the deaf person e.g. in the manner of a wrist-watch. The receiver output may cause a warning signal in the form of a slight electric shock as Figure 1 embodiment or a tactile warning from an electro-mechanical vibrator as in Figure 2. The transmitter of radio signals and an audible door bell may be combined in a single unit operable by the same push-switch. Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a status indicating door bell comprising: a user input interface adapted to receive a calling input from a calling user; a communication interface adapted to transmit a notification signal to a remotely located controller in response to the user input interface receiving the calling input, and to receive a notification response signal from the remotely located controller; and a status display unit adapted to display a plurality of status indicators, wherein the status display unit is adapted to modify a displayed status indicator in response to the communication unit receiving a notification response signal.

Thus, there is proposed a door bell which is capable of indicating the status of a called person in the building. The door bell may transmit a signal after a calling (or visiting) user uses the door bell to indicate their presence (by pressing a button of a user interface, example). The transmitted signal may be received by a portable control unit that is distanced from the door bell and near a called person inside the building, for example. The control unit may then be used to send a response signal back to the door bell. Such a response signal may contain information which: (a) acknowledges that the called person is aware of the calling users' presence at the door; and/or (b) indicates a status of the called person (such as 'busy', 'please wait', 'on my way', 'unavailable', 'please come back at later time', etc. for example). The calling user may therefore receive a message or signal from a called person within the building without the called person getting to the door. Less physically able called users may therefore to respond to a calling user even when they are remotely located from the door.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a portable controller for a door entry system having a status indicating door bell remotely located from the controller, the controller comprising: a user input interface adapted to receive a call response input from a called user; and a communication interface adapted to receive a notification signal from the status indicating door bell, and to transmit a notification response signal to the status indicating door bell in response to the user input interface receiving the call response input Thus, there is proposed a portable control unit that may receive a signal from a remotely located door bell and, under the control of a user, transmit a response back to the door bell. The transmitted response may be used to alter a status indicated by the door bell, thereby conveying information to a calling user present at the remotely located door bell. The portable controller may employ a wireless communication protocol, thereby enabling the controller to communicate with a status indicating door bell via a wireless communication link. Further, the portable controller may be adapted to carried by a called user, by being mounted on a wrist strap or attached to a lanyard for example.

In an embodiment, the portable controller may also have an alert system for alerting the called user to the presence of a calling user. Such an alert system may be adapted to activate in response to the portable controller receiving a notification signal from a remotely located door bell.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a door entry system comprising: a status indicating door bell according to an embodiment; and a portable controller according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the door entry system may also include an alert unit adapted to receive a notification signal from the status indicating door bell and to alert the called user to the presence of a calling user in response to receiving the notification signal. Embodiments may provide an alert system for a caller comprising a module for self- registration of the caller, in which the system comprises a button and a feedback notice portion; an intermediate unit; and a user alert device comprising a

loudspeaker and audio generator; wherein said intermediate unit is portable and enabled with wireless connectivity, and comprises a module response control for activating the notice portion.

Therefore in use a user, in a home or other interior setting, may be enabled to hear/see the alert by means of a device located remotely from the caller. In this way, as the device is portable, the user is enabled to respond in some embodiments directly, wherever they are in the home, or other interior or exterior setting. This in turn allows less physically able users to respond to callers even when they are remote from the door. In some embodiments, the module may comprise audio-visual apparatus, wherein said apparatus is accessible from the unit, or the unit is capable of interface therewith. In preferred embodiments, the module is at an exterior door, the intermediate unit is mobile and the alert device is interiorly located.

In preferred embodiment, the module comprises a notice and lighting arrangement at the portion, wherein the notice is lit upon interaction from the unit. Said notice in preferred embodiments is liable to avert the caller to a time delay in answering the module, and/or door.

The module or at minimum the button is mounted typically at or adjacent an exterior door, as common to doorbells in the art. In some embodiments the button may be separate or independent from other parts of the module, for example wherein the button is exterior, and remainder of the module interior, for example either side of a door frame. Or for example wherein the notice portion is separate such as mounted for high visibility on the door. Embodiments of the module such as these ideally comprise wireless connectivity.

Typically the caller alert system may thereby comprise an entry module provided at a door, capable of transmitting a wired or wireless signal to a device located the other side of said door, wherein receipt of the signal activates an alert on the device to advise of a caller at the door; an intermediate unit with a means of acknowledging the alert and thereby presence of the caller, said unit portable and arranged in a manner suitable for carrying by the user, for example with a lanyard or strap, wherein activation of or at the unit's control transmits wirelessly to the module to trigger a notice to advise the caller that their presence is noted and/or that they need to wait. In some embodiments the device includes wireless connectivity, whereas in other embodiments the module is equipped with wireless connectivity and in yet further embodiments both the module and device comprise wireless connectivity. In preferred embodiments the module is equipped with wireless ability and the device is standard as known in the art, such embodiments requiring solely replacement of the exterior doorbell.

In this way the system enables the user to immediately acknowledge the caller even if they are unable to immediately come and open the door. For example if the user is elderly or injured resulting in slower mobility the caller may be acknowledged immediately and the user can then slowly make their way to open the door.

Accordingly the unit in preferred embodiments is provided in a simple anyway up format with an enlarged response control.

In preferred embodiments the unit includes a vibration mechanism to ensure alert of the user, particularly users of impaired hearing such as the elderly. In preferred embodiments the system comprises three new parts, the module, the device and the unit.

In use the system operates by means of a multi stepped process: 1 ) The module is activated by the caller

2) Activation of the module sends an alert signal to the device and/or the unit

3) The device and/or unit produce an alert to advise the user of the caller at the door

4) The user acknowledges by activating the unit

5) Activation of the unit cancels the alerts and initiates transmission of a notice signal from the unit to the module either directly or via the device, wherein for example the device provides amplification, or the wireless connectivity

6) The module produces the notice to advise the caller that their presence has been acknowledged

In such embodiments the device produces a repetitive alert after activation, which requires silencing. In preferred embodiments the system comprises two new parts, namely a module and unit.

In some preferred embodiments each part operates wirelessly and is capable of communicating with one or more of the other parts. In further embodiments for example the module and device may be hardwired, for example wherein existing wiring may be utilised for simplicity of installation, and reliability.

Typically the parts operate in pairs:

1 ) The module and the device (one way)

2) The module and the unit (two way)

3) The unit and the device (one way) In some embodiments the signals may be relayed, for example relayed from the module to the device and viceversa, and then to the unit, rather than the module transmitting signals to both the device and unit simultaneously.

In some embodiments activation of the notice portion, or more particularly the unit's module response control, silences the alert.

In other embodiments the unit and module operate independent from the alert.

Typically the wireless signals may be transmitted by radio frequency (RF) or Bluetooth (RTM). Ideally each part of the system may transmit a different signal or signature, or on a different wavelength, for example a signal of a different frequency transmission, so as to distinguish between signals sent to or from one part to another. Preferably the transmitter/receiver pair operates at a frequency to prevent inference with or from other devices or the other parts.

Ideally a transmitter/receiver pair such as; the module and device, the module and unit, the unit and device or the notification are adapted to use a single channel of communication as known in the art such that other RF communications from nearby equipment do not interfere with sending of signals.

In embodiments with more than one transmitter/receiver pair, each may operate at a separate carrier frequency. In preferred embodiments the RF transmissions may be in digitally coded form, allowing separate signals to be sent on a common carrier frequency as known in the art.

It may be envisaged that transmitter/receiver pairs may operate on a different coded channel.

Preferably the system comprises means to prevent 'collision' of signals on the same channel. In preferred embodiments the module is provided with a mounting allowing it to be located on a surface adjacent the door, for example on the door or on surfaces such as walls nearby. In this way the module is readily identified by a caller. Typically the module includes or is supplied with a bracket mounting for semi-permanent attachment to the surface.

Preferably the module comprises a button arranged on a casing wherein the casing houses a transmitter and a receiver so as to send and receive signals. Ideally the module is powered by means of at least one battery or existing wiring. Where battery powered the module can be installed at any location. Ideally all components are linked and controlled by means of a printed circuit board (PCB).

Typically the button is pressed by the caller so as to activate the transmitter and send a signal to the device and/or unit located the other side of the door or remotely. In preferred embodiments the casing of the module includes a window that includes transparent material over a notice, which notice is lit by at least one light. In some embodiments the window may be shaped for example as a ring that lights up when activated. In preferred embodiments the window comprises a backlit panel and displaceable transparent lid, which lid is displaced for insertion of a translucent notice. In this manner the user can personalise the notice according to preference. In other embodiments the notice portion is a lightable series of letters, for example spelling 'Please Wait' or 'I'm Coming'.

In some further embodiments the notice or window may comprise electronic apparatus, for example wherein the notice comprises a screen displaying a programmable or user definable series of characters or images.

Preferably the module is a watertight part so as to protect components from ingress of water, for example if mounted on an exterior door that is exposed to the elements, wherein for example the lid is top hinged.

In preferred embodiments the device is located inside of the door as is known in the art of doorbells, capable of alerting the user of presence of a caller. Typically the device comprises a casing houses a transmitter, a receiver, an audio and/or visual alert mechanism, a PCB and optionally a battery.

In preferred embodiments the device is hard-wired to an electrical system, wherein the battery is a backup.

In preferred embodiments the device includes an electrical connection section, for example a plug for accepting into a socket, or viceversa.

Ideally the device is secured in use on a surface such as a wall.

Preferably the unit includes the corresponding electrical connection section, for example the plug for accepting into the socket, or viceversa. In this way the device is fixed to the surface and can be powered from a mains supply and does not require a battery as a power source.

In some embodiments the device may include a battery for operation if the power source is not available for example during a power cut. Advantageously the device does not then run the risk of running out of power and therefore not being

operational. In other embodiments the device may be powered by battery only.

In preferred embodiments the device produces an audible alert such as a bell, alarm or a tune, wherein the device includes at least one loudspeaker to transmit sound.

In this way the user can be alerted of the caller even if not in the same vicinity as the device. In some further embodiments the alert provided by the device may be visible such as a light so as to alert the user that is hard of hearing or deaf. For example the device may project a light, or a lit image/text or may flash. In this way the alert may be easily visible to a user even if the device is fixed below eye level. Furthermore the light may be coloured by a bulb or lens so as to enhance visibility over ambient light.

Typically the alert is programmed to be active for a predetermined period of time, therefore preventing a continuous alert if not acknowledged. It may be envisaged that the user may be able to define the time period for which the alert is active, as well as style, frequency and repetition value of alerts.

In some embodiments the user may be enabled to interact with the alert from the unit, for example during its sounding, wherein the unit may alter or amend the alert to acknowledge the caller, or in further embodiments wherein the unit provides a remote control of the device.

In yet further embodiments the module provides the alert and the unit acts to amend the module's alert, for example with a user-recordable message.

In some embodiments the device may employ more than one type of alert for example audible and visible alerts that may be triggered together or that the user may select.

In preferred embodiments the unit is designed to be secured to the user in use, wherein for example the unit may be mounted on a wrist strap or attached to a lanyard. In this way the unit can be readily secured and carried by the user so that it can be easily activated without requirement for the user to move to a particular location. This can be beneficial for those who are incapacitated or have reduced mobility. For example the unit includes at least one clip so as to be attached to the wrist strap or lanyard.

In preferred embodiments the unit may be substantially disc shaped so as to be readily fitted about the wrist or neck of the user, having no sharp edges that may dig in. The button may be located on a face or edge of the unit.

Typically the unit includes a transmitter, a receiver, at least one alert, a PCB, an acknowledgment switch and a power source. Ideally all components are housed within a watertight casing so as to protect the unit becoming damaged if accidentally exposed to water, being splashproof or waterproof.

In preferred embodiments the casing includes a rechargeable battery, for example integral, wherein the unit requires charging as a whole. In further embodiments the battery may be displaceable for charging or replacement. It may be envisaged that in some embodiments the unit is provided with a dedicated charger such as a docking station, or provided with a cable through which the device can be charged so that the unit can be recharged when not in use.

In some embodiments the unit may be docked into the device for charging purposes, said docking formed or facilitated by the electrical connection. In further

embodiments said electrical connection may enable transfer of digital data, for example updates of firmware, software, notices, alerts or other data. The electrical connection may comprise a universal serial bus (USB) connection. In some embodiments the unit may also be capable of providing a local alert. Said alert may be in response to a signal received from the device or may be triggered directly from the module. In this way even if the user is away from the device they can still be alerted. It may be envisaged therefore that the unit may in some embodiments be equipped with an alert mechanism including a combination of audible, visual and/or vibrating alerts. Therefore when a signal is received the user is alerted immediately and may quickly respond by activating the unit at the module response control. Typically the control when activated activates the unit to produce a signal that is transmitted to the module. Ideally the control must be pressed and held for at least one second. In this way erroneous triggering of the unit for less than one second will not send an unauthorized signal to the module.

It may be envisaged that the notice may only be provided at the module for a predetermined period of time so as to alert the caller but then to turn off so as not to drain the battery(ies).

In preferred embodiments the casings for all parts is formed from a lightweight, durable material such as a synthetic, for example a polycarbonate or thermoplastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Preferably all parts may be produced in the same material and with a similar appearance for example similar shaped parts so as to appear to be parts of the same system.

Brief Description of Figures

Figures 1 show isometric views of constituent parts of an embodiment of the system according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a top view of the unit part of the system as shown in Figure 1 ;

Figures 3 show views of the unit part of the system as shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the device part of the system as shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 5 show views of the module part of the system as shown in Figure 1 ; and

Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram of a door entry system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to Figures 1 -5, the unit 2 comprises a notice response control 21 , a rear activation or warning light emitting diode or light 23, and a universal serial bus connection 20, the module 3 a button 30, and a notice portion comprising a notice 31 and a sequence of light emitting diodes 32. Said sequence may flash intermittently or repeatedly after activation of the notice portion, for example playing a repeated 10 sequence until deactivation, for example at the unit. The notice may be lit or unlit.

The device 1 is to be plugged in to mains electrical supplies with standard electrical connection 10 and wireless connectivity. The device 1 includes a loudspeaker 1 1.

Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown a schematic block diagram of a door entry system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The door entry system 100 comprises: a status indicating door bell 1 10; a portable controller 120; and two alert units 130.

The status indicating door bell 1 10 comprises a user input interface 140 (such as a button or touch-sensitive screen, for example) adapted to receive a calling input from a calling user. The calling input indicates the presence of a calling user at the vicinity of the door belli 10. The door bell 1 10 also comprises a status display unit 150 adapted to display a plurality of status indicators. Here, the status display unit 150 comprises a display screen 150 that is adapted to display at least one of a plurality of status indicators. The door bell 1 10 also has a communication interface 160 which is adapted to transmit and receive signals. More specifically, in this embodiment, the communication interface 160 is adapted to transmit (via a wireless communication link 165) a notification signal to portable controller 120 in response to the user input interface 140 receiving the calling input. The communication interface 160 is also adapted to receive (via the wireless communication link 165) a notification response signal from the portable controller 120. Thus, the communication interface 160 is adapted to provide for two-way communication with the portable controller 120. In response to the communication unit 160 receiving a notification response signal from the portable controller 120, the status display unit 150 is adapted to modify the displayed status indicator.

The portable controller 120 comprises a user input interface 170 (such as a plurality of buttons) adapted to receive a call response input from a called user. The portable controller 120 also comprises a communication interface 180 which is adapted receive and transmit signals.

More specifically, in this embodiment, the communication interface 180 is adapted to receive a notification signal from the door bell 1 10 (via wireless communication link 165). The communication interface 180 is also adapted to transmit (via wireless communication link 165) a notification response signal to the door bell 1 10. Here, the notification response signal is transmitted in response to the user input interface 170 receiving a call response input from the user (e.g. called user) of the portable controller 120.

The portable controller 120 also comprises a visual and audible alert system 190 for alerting user (e.g. the called user) to the reception of a notification signal from the door bell 1 10 (e.g. an indication of the presence of a calling user). The alert system 190 activates in response to the communication interface 180 receiving a notification signal from the door bell 1 10. Thus, it will be appreciated that the notification signal (transmitted from the door bell 1 10) can indicate the presence of a calling user at the door bell 1 10). Also, the notification response signal (transmitted back to the door bell 1 10 from the portable controller 120) can indicate an acknowledgement (from the called user) of the calling user's presence and can also indicate a message to the calling user (via the status display unit 150).

In this embodiment, the portable controller is adapted to be secured to (or carried by) a user situated within (or around) the building having the door bell 1 10. For example, the portable controller 120 may be adapted to be mounted on a wrist or attached to a lanyard for example.

In addition to the alert system 190 of the portable controller 120, the door entry system 100 also comprises first 200 and second 210 alert units that are adapted to receive a notification signal from the door bell 1 10 and to alert the called user to the presence of a calling user in response to receiving the notification signal. For the purpose of alerting a user, each of the first 200 and second 210 alert units comprises a loud speaker 220 and a light 230 which are activated to produce a visual and audible alert when a notification signal is received from the door bell 1 10. No reply need be sent back to the door bell 1 10 from the first 200 and second 210 alert units. Accordingly, the first 200 and second 210 alert units are adapted to receive a notification signal via a one-way communication link 240.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1 . A status indicating door bell comprising:

a user input interface adapted to receive a calling input from a calling user; a communication interface adapted to transmit a notification signal to a remotely located controller in response to the user input interface receiving the calling input, and to receive a notification response signal from the remotely located controller; and

a status display unit adapted to display a plurality of status indicators, wherein the status display unit is adapted to modify a displayed status indicator in response to the communication unit receiving a notification response signal.

2. The status indicating door bell of claim 1 , wherein the notification signal is adapted to indicate the presence of a calling user, and wherein the notification response signal is adapted to indicate an acknowledgement of the calling user's presence and to indicate a message to the calling user.

3. The status indicating door bell of claim 1 or 2, wherein the status display unit is adapted to be activated when the user interface receives the calling input.

4. The status indicating door bell of any preceding claim, wherein the

communication interface employs a wireless communication protocol.

5. A portable controller for a door entry system having a status indicating door bell remotely located from the controller, the controller comprising:

a user input interface adapted to receive a call response input from a called user; and

a communication interface adapted to receive a notification signal from the status indicating door bell, and to transmit a notification response signal to the status indicating door bell in response to the user input interface receiving the call response input

6. The portable controller of claim 5, wherein the notification signal is adapted to indicate the presence of a calling user, and wherein the notification response signal is adapted to indicate an acknowledgement of the calling user's presence and to indicate a message to the calling user.

7. The portable controller of claim 5 or 6, wherein the communication interface employs a wireless communication protocol.

8. The portable controller of claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein, in use, the portable controller is adapted to be secured to the called user.

9. The portable controller of claim 8, further adapted to be mounted on a wrist strap or attached to a lanyard.

10. The portable controller of any of claims 5 to 9, further comprising an alert system for alerting the called user to the presence of a calling user, wherein the alert system is adapted to activate in response to the communication interface receiving a notification signal.

1 1 . The portable controller of any of claims 5 to 10, further comprising a rechargeable power supply.

12. A door entry system comprising:

a status indicating door bell according to any of claims 1 to 4; and

a portable controller according to any of claims 5 to 1 1 .

13. The door entry system of claim 12, further comprising:

an alert unit adapted to receive a notification signal from the status indicating door bell and to alert the called user to the presence of a calling user in response to receiving the notification signal.