WO2015100503A1

WO2015100503A1 - Wearable locating device

Info

Publication number: WO2015100503A1
Application number: PCT/CH2014/000181
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gianfranco SALVATO; Marco SAVINI; Mario Weiss; Steve HENSELER
Original assignee: Attrackting Ag
Priority date: 2013-12-30
Filing date: 2014-12-24
Publication date: 2015-07-09
Also published as: CH709060A2; CH709060A8

Abstract

The invention relates to a locating device (1) wearable as a collar or wrist band comprising: a position-determining unit (2) for determining position information in accordance with a position of the locating device (1), a communication unit (3) for wirelessly transmitting at least the position information, an energy supply unit (4) having an energy store (41) for supplying electrical energy at least to the position-determining unit (2) and the communication unit (3), and a band (5) for fastening the locating device (1), wherein in particular the band (5) can be used as a collar or wrist band. According to the invention, at least the position-determining unit (2) or the communication unit (3) is arranged in a first housing part (11), and the energy supply unit (4) is arranged in a second housing part (11), which is different from the first housing part (11) and can be separated from the first housing part (11) by means of a connection (6) that can be released.

Description

PORTABLE LOCALIZER

The invention relates to the field of geographical location of persons or animals. It relates to a portable localization device according to the preamble of claim 1. US 2012/252486 shows an oval collar with a microprocessor, communication device. Microphone, speakers, LCD display, light sources and indicator LEDs. A plug-in connection can be used to charge a battery of the device and to communicate with a processor of the device. US 2013/01 13621 discloses an oval collar with a GPS receiver and a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting a position of a wearer to a receiving device. A brightness sensor is arranged to detect ambient light to detect if the wearer is outdoors or in hiding. Optical and acoustic indicators are provided to facilitate locating the wearer.

Similar collars, usually also with GPS modules and partly with means for wireless communication, are described in GB 2445981, US 6970090, US 2007/204804, US 6720879 and US 8438999. The known localization systems are battery powered. There is a need to allow easy recharging a battery or the replacement of a battery or a battery.

Known neck bracelets or bracelets may have closures that open when a certain tensile force is exceeded. Nevertheless, there is a risk that a shutter will not open if the tape gets stuck somewhere. There is a need for a closure that allows a better opening in other load cases than pure traction.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a portable localization device of the type mentioned, which remedies at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages. One task is to simplify the recharging of a battery or the replacement of a battery or a rechargeable battery. Another object is to improve the opening in other Belastungsf all than pure traction.

At least one of the objects is achieved by at least one of the following aspects of the invention. According to a first aspect of the invention is a portable localization device with the following properties: it is formed in Eorm a Llals- or bracelet. It is used for remote localization, with

A position determination unit for determining position information corresponding to a position of the localization device, a communication unit for the wireless transmission of at least the position information,

A power supply unit with an energy store (typically a battery or a rechargeable battery or a capacitor) for the electrical power supply of at least the position determination unit and the communication unit: • a band for fixing the Lokalisierungsgerätes, in particular, the band is usable as a neck or bracelet.

There are

At least the position determination unit or the communication unit is arranged in a first housing part (in a main unit), and is

• The power supply unit arranged in a second housing part, which is different from the first housing part and is separable from the first housing part by a detachable connection. The second housing part is therefore not formed in the first housing part or as part of the first housing part, but is connectable with this respectively separable from this. The second housing part forms, for example, when it is connected to the first housing part, a continuation of the first housing part along the band (neck or bracelet respectively).

This makes it possible to separate the power supply unit from the other units without having to open the tape. The power supply unit can be replaced in a simple manner while the tape remains on the carrier. A first power supply unit can be connected to a charger, while a second power supply unit is used in the localization device.

The band is adapted to be worn by a pet or pet (also called a wearer) as a collar, or as a bracelet by a human.

The releasable connection may be a plug connection. The detachable connection can establish a galvanic connection between the power supply unit and the first housing part, so as to supply the units in the first housing part with electrical energy. In one embodiment, the band is fixedly connected to the first housing part at a first end and can be fastened to a first fastening element on the first housing part or to the band in the region of the first housing part in the region of a second end of the band, forming a (closed) loop , The band is further releasably fastened to a second fastening element on the second housing part. This makes it possible to additionally secure the second housing part and to secure against removal from the first housing part. Furthermore, it can be prevented that the second housing part protrudes from the tape. Since the second housing part does not protrude from the belt but lie flush against it, there is no gap between the two at which objects can catch.

In one embodiment, the first housing part and the band (of which at least a first band portion of the band to a desired opening point) have an integrated shape, in particular by being formed from a single piece of material or a co-molded composite material.

In one embodiment, the band has a desired opening point, which opens when a holding force is exceeded. This can be prevented that the carrier is injured when hanging the tape on an object.

According to a second aspect of the invention is tape or collar with a target opening position which opens when a holding force is exceeded, the target opening point is adapted to open at a buckling of the tape (and not only in a tensile load). Conventional closures that open when subjected to tensile load can jam or twist themselves when exposed to a load in the area of the closure without opening. Such loads have a substantial or exclusive force component in a plane perpendicular to the direction of travel of the belt. They can lead to a kinking of the band. According to the second aspect, the band opens even under such loads. A band according to the second aspect can therefore be realized completely independently of whether a localization device is present or not. In one embodiment, the desired opening point has a snap-in ball joint connection. For example, this is realized with a first connecting part with a spherical portion and a second connecting part with a spherical socket, wherein the socket is elastically deformable realized.

In one embodiment, the belt has a sensor for detecting an opening state of the target opening point. This can be used to determine if the tape is closed or open. When the target port is open, it can be assumed that the locator is no longer on the carrier.

In one embodiment, the localization device for wireless transmission of the opening state is set up by means of the communication unit. This allows a person to be informed and / or alerted.

In one embodiment, the localization device has a first brightness sensor for detecting first brightness values and is configured to wirelessly transmit information in accordance with the first brightness values by means of the communication unit. This can be detected and transmitted, whether the carrier is in a dark environment.

In one embodiment, the localization device has at least one second brightness sensor for detecting second brightness values and is configured to transmit information in accordance with the second brightness values wirelessly by means of the communication unit, wherein the second brightness sensor along the circumference of the band from the first brightness sensor is spaced. This ensures that if a single sensor is obscured, for example, by a body part of the wearer, this will not be interpreted as if the wearer were in a dark environment.

In one embodiment, the distance between the two brightness sensors along the circumference of the band is at least 45 °, preferably at least 60 ° and in particular at least 90 °. The greater the distance, the greater the likelihood that both brightness sensors will not be covered by the same object or body part. Conversely, the brightness sensors should not be too far apart to keep the design simple, especially by having both brightness sensors mounted on the same flexible circuit board. In one embodiment, therefore, the two brightness sensors are mounted on the same flexible circuit board. For a simple and inexpensive production is possible.

In one embodiment, the localization device has means for an acoustic display and / or an optical display on the localization device. In one embodiment, the localization device is configured to wirelessly receive a location command and to trigger an acoustic and / or an optical signal in accordance with the location command. This makes it possible to support a search for the carrier.

In one embodiment, the connector is a USB electrical connector. The connector may be in particular a mini USB or micro USB connection. Further preferred embodiments emerge from the dependent claims.

In the following the subject invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment, which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Figure 1 to 5 different views of a localization device;

Figure 6 schematically shows an arrangement of elements in the interior of the

Location apparatus; and

Figure 7 to 9 different views of a target opening point.

Basically, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

FIGS. 1 to 5 show various views of a localization device 1. In FIG. 2, a power supply unit 4 is in a disconnected state, in the other figures the power supply unit 4 is connected to the remaining elements.

The localization device 1 has a first housing part 1 1, which is attached to the band 5 or formed integrally with the band 5 or shaped, for example, of plastic or a composite material. In the first housing part 1 1, a position determining unit 2 and a communication unit 3 are arranged. The position determination unit 2 is designed to determine a geographical position of the localization device 1, for example by means of a GPS unit. The communication unit 3 is designed for the wireless transmission of data, mono-directional or bidirectional, for example by means of a GSM unit. The localization device 1 has a second housing part 12 which is detachably connectable to the first housing part 1 1. In the second housing part 12, a power supply unit 4 is arranged. The first housing part 1 1 and the second housing part 12 are mechanically and electrically connected to each other by means of a plug connection 6, in particular by a galvanic connection. The connector 6 has a socket 61 and a plug 62. in the figures, the sleeve 61 is arranged on the second housing part 12 and the plug 62 on the first housing part 1 1; but the assignment can also be reversed. The localization device 1 has a first brightness sensor 71 and a second brightness sensor 72. These are arranged at various locations along the circumference of the localization device 1 and the band 5, so that the probability is high that regardless of the attitude of the carrier of the localization device 1 at least one of the two brightness sensors is not covered. The distance between the two brightness sensors can be viewed as an angle in a circle corresponding to the circular shape formed by the band 5 and the two housing parts 11, 12. In the embodiment shown, the angle between the two brightness sensors on this circle is about 90 °.

/ to close the band 5, this can be attached to at least a first fastener 91 on the first housing part 1 1. Furthermore, it can be fastened to a second fastening element 92 on the second housing part 12. Thus, the second housing part 12 is held at least on the one hand by the connector 6 and on the other hand by the second fastening element 92. The second fastening element 92 prevents the second housing part 12 from being pulled away from the first housing part 11 in the insertion direction of the plug connection 6. The second fastening element 92 may be arranged at the end or in the region of the end of the second housing part 12, which is remote from the connector 6. This is a good attachment of the second Housing part 12 is reached, and is the band 5 flush with the second housing part 12 at. As shown, the two fastening elements can be mushroom-shaped projecting elements, which are formed on the first housing part 11 and on the second housing part 12 and snap into correspondingly shaped fastening openings 9 on the band 5. Conversely, on the band 5 protruding elements may be formed, which snap on openings in the first housing part 1 1 and / or in the second housing part 12.

The band 5 may have a desired opening point 8. This is arranged between a first band section 51 and a second band section 52. It is designed to open when exceeding a certain load in order to avoid injury to the wearer and / or damage to the localization device 1.

Figure 6 shows schematically an arrangement of elements which are arranged in the interior of the first housing part 1 1 and the second housing part 12. In the illustration, these elements are shown displaced parallel to their position in the localization device 1. The elements are:

• Socket 61 and plug 62 of the connector 6.

• In the second housing part 12: the power supply unit 4 with an energy storage 41. This can be, for example, a rechargeable or a disposable battery. The energy storage 41 resp. The battery may consist of several individual cells to adapt to a curved shape of the second housing part 12.

• In the first housing part 1 1, for example, arranged and mounted on a single flexible circuit board 75: the first brightness sensor 71 and the second brightness sensor 72, a visual display 73 and / or an acoustic display 74, a SIM card 76, a GSM antenna 77 and a processing unit 78. The processing unit 78 may also have a GSM unit for communication via the GSM antenna 77 and / or a GPS unit with a GPS antenna 79 connected thereto for locating the device, or a GSM and / or GPS unit can be arranged as a separate unit on the flexible printed circuit board 75. It is understood that instead of a GSM unit and a unit for communication according to another communication standard can be present.

Figures 7 to 9 show different views of the target opening point 8 in the band 5. The target opening point 8 has at the first band portion 51, a first connecting part 81 and the second band portion 52, a second connecting part 82. The two connecting parts 81, 82 snap into each other one. They separate again when the connection is subjected to a certain amount of tension. But they also dissolve when the connecting parts 81, 82 and the two band sections 51, 52 are tilted against each other. This can be done when a radial force acts on the band 5 in the region of the target opening point 8 or exactly at the desired opening point 8, or a force which runs parallel to an axis of the band 5 with respect to rotational symmetry, or a force corresponding to a sum the first two forces. In other words, such forces or force components in which the target opening point 8 also opens, lie in a plane normal to the direction of the belt fifth

The first connecting part 81 has, for example, a spherical shape, and the second connecting part 82 a corresponding ball socket or socket. In another embodiment, the spherical shape is formed on the second connection part 82 and the joint socket on the first connection part 81. The two parts are snapped into each other, for example, by the joint socket is elastic. For this purpose, it may have cuts to favor opening of the socket when snapping or pulling the ball. The socket and ball form a ball joint. However, under normal loading the ball joint is not mobile. Only when a load occurs that does not exactly equal to a tensile force in the tangential direction of the belt 5, then the parts of the Rotate ball joint against each other and simultaneously solve each other. An overlapping band portion 53 is formed on the second band portion 52, for example, but may be formed on the first band portion 51. The overlapping band portion 53 overlaps along the circumference and, for example, on an inner side of the band, the first band portion 51. Thus, the target opening point 8 is protected from too easy opening. Furthermore, it is prevented that during a movement of the target opening point 8 abutting surfaces of the two band sections 51, 52 may pinch skin or hair of the wearer.

In operation, the locator 1 may function as follows:

At regular time intervals, for example between every minute and every 15 minutes, the position determining unit 2 detects the position of the device, and the communication unit 3 transmits it wirelessly to a receiver.

• The second housing part 12 can be deducted from the first housing part 1 1 and connected by means of the socket 61 to a charging cable or a charger (or, in another embodiment, by means of a plug). The first housing part 1 1 can be connected by means of the plug 62 to a computer (or, in another embodiment, by means of a socket). Stored sensor data and / or position data can be transmitted to the computer via the resulting galvanic interface, and / or software that is provided for execution in the processing unit 78 can be updated.

• The two brightness sensors 71, 72 can be used to determine whether the carrier is in a dark environment. If both brightness sensors 71, 72 signal darkness, then it is assumed that the carrier is in a dark environment and a corresponding state "carrier in a dark environment" is registered, If only one brightness sensor 71, 72 indicates darkness, it is assumed that that he is locally obscured by a body part or object and the wearer not located in a dark environment. In all cases, the state detected in this way can be stored, for example together with associated time information and / or position information. The state can be transmitted by means of the communication unit 3, for example at regular time intervals and / or on request, after receiving a request signal for the transmission of the state.

The localization device 1 may comprise further sensors for measuring activities and parameters of the wearer (movement pattern, blood pressure, body temperature, etc.) and / or environmental parameters, e.g. Temperature, ozone content of the air, C Oi content of the air, etc. Measurements with such sensors can be stored and / or transmitted. With multiple distributed and mobile sensors, a map of parameter values over space and time can be created.

Claims

u -

Portable localization device (1) in the form of a neck or bracelet, for remote localization, with

«A position determination unit (2) for determining position information corresponding to a position of the location device (1),

A communication unit (3) for the wireless transmission of at least the position information,

A power supply unit (4) having an energy store (41) for the electrical power supply of at least the position determination unit (2) and the communication unit (3);

A band (5) for fixing the locating device (1), wherein in particular the band (5) can be used as a neck or bracelet;

characterized in that

at least the position-determining unit (2) or the communication unit (3) are arranged in a first housing part (11).

• The power supply unit (4) in a second housing part (12) is arranged, which is different from the first housing part (1 1) and by a detachable connection (6) from the first housing part (1 1) is separable.

Portable localization device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the band (5) is fixedly connected to the first housing part (11) at a first end and removably attached to a first attachment element (91st) in the region of a second end of the band ) on the first housing part (1 1) or on the band in the region of the first housing part (1 1) can be fastened;

and the tape (5) releasably attachable to a second fastener (92) on the second housing part (12). Portable localization device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the second attachment element (92) is arranged at the end or in the region of one end of the second housing part (12) which is remote from the plug connection (6).

Portable localization device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first housing part (1 1) and the band (5) have an integrated shape, in particular by being formed from a single piece of material or a jointly shaped composite material.

Portable localization device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the band (5) has a desired opening point (8) which opens when a holding force is exceeded

Portable localization device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the desired opening point (8) is adapted to open at a buckling of the band (5).

Portable localization device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the desired opening point (8) has a snap-in ball joint connection.

Portable localization device (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the band (5) has a sensor (83) for detecting an opening state of the target opening point (8)

Portable localization device (1) according to one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the localization device (1) is set up for the wireless transmission of the open state by means of the communication unit (3). Portable localization device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the localization device (1) has a first brightness sensor (71) for detecting first brightness values and is adapted to wirelessly transmit information according to the first brightness values by means of the communication unit (3).

Portable localization device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the localization device (1) has at least one second brightness sensor (72) for detecting second brightness values and is adapted to wirelessly transmit information according to the second brightness values by means of the communication unit (3), wherein the second brightness sensor (72) is spaced along the circumference of the tape from the first brightness sensor (71).

Portable localization device (1) according to claim 1 1, wherein the distance between the two brightness sensors (71, 72) along the circumference of the band (5) is at least 45 °, preferably at least 60 ° and in particular at least 90 °.

Portable localization device (1) according to one of claims 1 1 to 12, wherein

the two brightness sensors (71, 72) are mounted on the same flexible printed circuit board.