ZA200906016B

ZA200906016B - Emergency management method

Info

Publication number: ZA200906016B
Application number: ZA200906016A
Authority: ZA
Inventors: Vries Alana Arlyn De
Original assignee: Smartmobi Trading Cc
Priority date: 2008-09-18
Filing date: 2009-08-31
Publication date: 2010-05-26

Description

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EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an emergency management method for managing an emergency alert transmitted by a subscriber to an emergency response provider via a mobile device associated with the subscriber, such as a mobile or cellular telephone.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

With escalating crime levels people are more often exposed to emergency conditions -such as snatch and grab, burglaries and hijackings. Consequently, many South Africans today have a security system installed on their premises for protection. Typically, such a system includes a panel which is used to activate, monitor movement and send a panic alarm signal via either landline or radio pad directly to a security company’s system.

This prompts a control recom of the security company to immediately phone a pre- entered number, registered in its system and belonging to the customer or owner of the premises from which the panic alarm signal is received, to confirm if the alarm is genuine or a false alarm.

Where an alarm signal is detected and the security company cannot get hold of the customer or owner, of the premises from which the signal is received, telephonically, the control room has to dispatch an armed vehicle to assess the situation on the premises.

Often, alarm signals received are false, therefore resulting in wasted time and money for both the customer and the security company. Thus, it would be preferable to have an integrated communication system which allows effective communication between a customer and the security company and/or a nearby response unit. :

Devices incorporating panic buttons for use in emergency conditions are also known, but these have the drawback that they continuously need to be in reach or close proximity to the customer, otherwise, customers in imminent danger may not be in a position to reach and activate the panic button in time. For example, when a customer is hijacked in his or her driveway or the perpetrator either is in the process of breaking into the customer's premises or has already gained access to the premises, time is of the essence and the customer can either not get to the panic button in time or when the security company phones, give his or her whereabouts inside the house or driveway as he or she has to talk. Frequently one finds that by the time the phone call is answered the perpetrators are already face to face with the customer, with the customer in a predicament since no security alert can reach the security company in time. Therefore, conventional communication systems and methods are inadequate to meet emergency needs.

Most of the customers, referred to above, have access to cellular or other types of wireless or mobile communications devices which could be used in accordance with the method of this invention to better manage emergencies by enhanced communication between customer and the security company.

In this specification a selection of terms, commonly known in the art to which the invention relates, are used. The terms are named and have the meaning described in the table below.

USSD Unstructured Text messages containing menus sent via a

Supplementary Service | Mobile Network Operator (MNO) by a Wireless

Data Application Service Provider (WASP via the MNO ae Protocol internet applications to suit mobile devices web and mobile phones 2

Operator

Service Provider via the MNO for the other companies

Center through the MNO SMS centre

Mobile communications

GPS Global Positioning A global satellite navigation system that uses

EE determine their current location and time

Service mobile device

Locator

Protocol internet across WANs and LANs across networks parties

Protocol/Internet connection over the internet link

Protocol

Module use over the GSM network

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide an emergency management method, which addresses, at least in part, the abovementioned shortcomings and achieves, at least in part, the advantages set out.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention there is provided an emergency management method for managing an emergency alert transmitted by a subscriber to an emergency response provider via a mobile device associated with the subscriber, said method comprising the steps of: receiving the emergency alert, corresponding to an emergency affecting the subscriber; transmitting a prompt response message comprising a plurality of pre-programmed emergency conditions to the subscriber's mobile device; receiving a subscriber-selected one of the pre-programmed emergency conditions; and sending a tracking activation request to the subscriber which, upon opening on the subscriber's mobile device, allows coordinates of the mobile device to be monitored by the emergency response provider so that a response team nearest to the mobile device can respond to the subscriber's emergency alert.

In an example embodiment, the emergency response provider is an application service provider (ASP) or wireless application service provider (WASP) which can communicate in real time with a control centre of the response team nearest to the mobile device of the subscriber and with the mobile device of the subscriber.

In an example embodiment, communication between the ASP or WASP and subscriber, or between the ASP and WASP and control centre is systematically automated and voiceless.

In an example embodiment, the emergency alert is actuated by the subscriber, before being received by the emergency response provider, by actuating an actuating device : associated with the subscriber's mobile device.

In an example embodiment, the actuating device is a dedicated push button, an array of push buttons, which when pressed in succession forms a dialing code, or a speed dial button associated with a speed dial code pre-stored in a phonebook of the mobile device.

There is also provided for the code to be an unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) string which can be transmitted over global system for mobile (GSM) signaling channels to a base station which in turn is capable of routing the string to the WASP.

In an example embodiment, the prompt response message, in reply to receipt of the emergency alert affecting the subscriber, comprises a transparent session-based short message bearer being a menu based application delivering information to the mobile device so that the subscriber can select and reply upon the information in real-time, thereby confirming that the situation is a genuine panic situation and not a false alert.

In an example embodiment, the WASP initiates a request via HTTP, Diginet, ISDN,

ADSL or a X25 line to a control centre system of the response team with the customer's mobile number, GPS coordinates, vehicle registration or chassis number, physical address of GPS coordinates and the subscriber-selected one of the pre-programmed emergency conditions. Alternatively the WASP may also route acceptance of the emergency and affirmation of imminent assistance by a control centre of the response team nearest to the mobile device of the subscriber.

In an example embodiment, the tracking activation request is an URL tracking activation request, contained in a short message service (SMS), activated via an wireless application protocol (WAP); alternatively, the tracking activation request is an ’

application, contained in a short message service (SMS), activated via JAVA or WIG; further alternatively the tracking activation request is a location based services (LBS) application.

In an example embodiment, the plurality of pre-programmed emergency conditions includes a residential break in, driveway robbery, remote hijacking or generally unsafe condition. In particular, the generally unsafe condition may include a hostage situation or abduction or a miscellaneous condition wherein the subscriber experiences a sense danger.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS :

The invention is now described by way of example with reference to the accompanying non-limiting diagrammatic drawings. In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a simplified diagram of an emergency management method in accordance the invention; and

Figure 2 shows a detailed diagram of the method of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like numerals generally indicate like components, unless otherwise indicated. Unless inconsistent with the context, an expression which denotes any gender includes the other gender.

In Figures 1 and 2, reference numeral 10 generally refers to an emergency management method in accordance with the invention. Method 10 is used for managing an emergency alert 12 transmitted by a subscriber 14 to an emergency response provider 16 via a mobile device 18 associated with the subscriber 14. In order to make use of the method, the subscriber 14 will typically be a monthly or pre-paid subscriber to services of the emergency response provider 16.

Steps MS1 to MS6, illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings, constitute main steps of the emergency management method in accordance with the invention. Figure 2 elaborates : on the main steps shown in Figure 1 and also shows intermediate steps between the main steps MS1 to MS6. In other words, Figure 2 shows detailed steps DS1 to DS17 of the emergency management method. Moreover, MS1 is represented by DS1- DS3,

MS2 by DS4-DS6, MS3 by DS7-DS9, MS4 by DS10-DS12, MS5 by DS13-DS15 and

MS6 by DS16-DS18.

The emergency alert 12, as shown in Figure 1, comprises wireless one-way communication from the subscriber 14 to the emergency response provider 16. In this embodiment of the invention the alert 12, corresponding to an emergency situation in which the subscriber finds him or herself, is actuated or activated by the subscriber 14.

Typically, the subscriber uses an actuating device associated with the mobile device 18 of the subscriber 14. Preferably, such an actuating device is a speed dial button associated with a speed dial code pre-stored in a phonebook of the mobile device 18.

The activation of the speed dial code thus functions to notify the emergency response provider 16 of the emergency that the subscriber 14 is experiencing, as shown by step

MS1. In example embodiments, the mobile device 18 is a handset, mobile phone or cell phone intended to be held by the subscriber 14. Moreover, the handset comprises all user equipment and software needed for communication with a wireless telephone network. Alternatively the emergency alert 12 may also be communicated to the emergency response provider 16 by pushing a dedicated push button, provided on the mobile device 18 and especially adapted to function in cooperation with the method of the invention.

When the subscriber 14 is in a predicament, the code or alert, activated by him, is typically an unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) string which is an application which can be transmitted over global system for mobile (GSM) signaling channels to a base station 20 which routes the string to a mobile network operator (MNO) 22. The MNO 22, in turn, is capable of routing the string to the emergency response provider 16 which in this embodiment of the invention is a wireless application service provider (WASP) 24. It would be appreciated that in other embodiments of the invention the emergency response provider 16 may be an emergency response unit such as, for example, armed response services, the police force, medical response teams and/or combinations thereof. The emergency response provider 16 may also be a combination of an emergency response unit, as described above, with the WASP 24.

Typically, the WASP 24 runs the application and checks the number from which the application originated to ascertain whether the subscriber 14 is registered for the emergency service provided by the WASP 24 or with a security company, and, if so, the

WASP 24 sends a selection menu application 26 to the MNO 22 who forwards the menu application 26 to the base station 20 which in turn routes it back to the cell phone 18 from which the alert 12 originated. Thus, the WASP 24 receives the emergency alert 12, : corresponding to an emergency affecting the subscriber 14 and acts by transmitting a prompt response message comprising a plurality of pre-programmed emergency conditions 28 incorporated into a menu based application 26 to the subscriber's cellphone 18 as shown at step MS2. The prompt response message, in reply to receipt of the emergency alert 12, is a transparent session-based short message bearer being a menu based application 26 capable of delivering information to the cell phone 18 so that the subscriber 14 can select and reply upon the information on the application 26 in real- time.

Once the subscriber 14 receives the selection menu application 26, with the plurality of pre-programmed emergency conditions 28, he selects the appropriate option after opening the selection menu application 26, as depicted on a viewing pane 30 of his cell phone 18. The exploded view, illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings, shows typical selection options. The selection options preferably include a i) residential break in, ii) driveway robbery, iii) remote hijacking or iv) generally unsafe condition. The generally unsafe condition may be a hostage situation, abduction, or any other condition wherein the subscriber experiences a sense of danger such as a medical emergency or vehicle break down.

Thus, upon receipt of the selection menu application 26, the subscriber 12 answers to the WASP 24 by selecting either i}, ii}, iii), or iv) from the selection menu application 26.

The answer is immediately routed back via the base station 20 and MNO 22 to the

WASP 24 as shown at step MS3. By selecting an appropriate option the subscriber 14 confirms the type of emergency condition to which he is exposed so that the WASP 24 can act thereupon.

The WASP 24, depending on the option selected from the selection menu application 26 by the subscriber 14, may immediately initiate communication with a control centre 36 of a response team 34; or may send a tracking activation request 32 as shown at step

MS4, to the subscriber 14 which, upon opening on the viewing pane 30 of the subscriber's cell phone 18, allows coordinates of the cell phone 18 to be monitored by the emergency response provider 16 so that the response team 34 nearest to the cellphone 18 can respond to the subscriber's emergency alert 12. Typical initiating communication from the WASP 24 to the control centre 36 may include information saved about the subscriber 14 in a database (not shown). Such information may ~ comprise a subscriber's mobile number, vehicle registration or chassis number, physical address and the subscriber-selected one of the pre-programmed emergency conditions.

The WASP 24 may communicate with the control centre 36 of the response team 34 via

HTTP, Diginet, ISDN, ADSL or a X25 line.

However, if a tracking activation request 32 has been transmitted to the subscriber 14, opening of the request 32, has the effect that GPS coordinates of the location of the cellphone 18 is transmitted via the base station 20 and MNO 22 to the WASP 24. The tracking activation request 32, typically, is an URL tracking activation request, contained in a short message service (SMS), activated via a wireless application protocol (WAP).

Alternatively, the tracking activation request is an application, contained in a short message service (SMS), activated via JAVA or WIG. Further alternatively the tracking activation request is a location based services (LBS) application. It is also envisaged that LBS (location based services) triangulation may be used for tracking. In such a . case, no communication will be sent hack to the subscriber's cell phone 18; instead, the

WASP 24 then automatically tracks the coordinates of the cell phone 18. This allows the invention to have a wider application range as not all phones can handle applications such as java. It will also be appreciated that not only USSD medium can be used, SMS and WAP can be used and stored in the cell phone 18 as a contact.

According to one embodiment of the invention, as described herein, the subscriber 14 opens the SMS and open the WAP, URL or the JAVA application to start the GPRS,

GSM connection and tracking which in turn will send GPS coordinates to the base station 20 as shown at step MS5. The WASP 24 after receiving the GPS coordinates transmits location data, as shown at step MS6, to the control centre 36 who will plot the co-ordinates to a physical address. If the cell phone 18 is on the move, the GPS co- ordinates will be polled every 10 to 30 seconds, depending on the situation. The WASP 24 will send the GPS coordinates and the physical address of the cellphone 18 to the security company’s and/or the police force's or medical response units’ systems, which will use the subscriber coordinates to check for example response teams’ GPS coordinates in a particular area so that the team 34 stationed closest to location of the cellphone 18 is automatically informed of the alert and the details of the subscriber.

Thus, the response team 34 nearest to the cellphone 18 can respond to the subscriber's emergency alert 12.

The WASP 24 will also check the database for all other mobile phone numbers registered as relatives to the subscriber's account and send an alert SMS to all such relatives warning them of the situation as well as the subscriber informing them that their alert has been responded to. Furthermore the WASP will initiate a SMS to a crime line : number for immediately alerting the police force, if not already alerted.

The WASP 24 may also route acceptance of the emergency and confirmation of imminent assistance by the response team 34 nearest to the cellphone 18 of the subscriber 14 to the cellphone of the subscriber.

It is to be appreciated that all communication between the WASP and the subscriber 14 or control centre 16 is completely noiseless, voiceless and automated. Thus, allowing a subscriber 14 who senses danger to call for help in a quick, efficient and silent way.

Claims

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1. An emergency management method for managing an emergency alert transmitted by a subscriber to an emergency response provider via a mobile device associated with the subscriber, said method comprising the steps of: receiving the emergency alert, corresponding to an emergency affecting the subscriber; transmitting a prompt response message comprising a plurality of pre- programmed emergency conditions to the subscriber's mobile device; receiving a subscriber-selected one of the pre-programmed emergency conditions; sending a tracking activation request to the subscriber which, upon opening on the subscriber's mobile device, allows coordinates of the mobile device to be monitored by the emergency response provider so that a response team nearest to the mobile device can respond to the subscriber's emergency alert.

2. The emergency management method of claim 1, in which the emergency alert is actuated by the subscriber, before being received by the emergency response provider, by actuating an actuating device associated with the subscriber's mobile device. C

3 The emergency management method of claim 2, in which the actuating device is a dedicated push button; or an array of push buttons, which when pressed in succession forms a dialing code; or a speed dial button associated with a speed : dial code pre-stored in a phonebook of the mobile device.

4, The emergency management method of claim 3, in which the code or speed dial code is an unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) string adapted to be transmitted over global system for mobile (GSM) signaling channels to a base station which in turn is capable of routing the string to the emergency response provider.

5. The emergency management method of any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the prompt response message, in reply to receipt of the emergency alert affecting the subscriber, is a transparent session-based short message bearer.

6. The emergency management method of claim 5, in which the short message bearer is a menu based application delivering information to the mobile device so that the subscriber can select and reply upon the information, in real-time, thereby confirming that the situation is a genuine panic situation and not a false alert.

7. The emergency management method of any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the emergency response provider is an application service provider (ASP) or wireless application service provider (WASP) which can communicate in real time with a control centre of the response team nearest to the mobile device of the subscriber, and with the mobile device of the subscriber.

8. The emergency management method of claim 7, in which communication between the WASP or ASP and the subscriber, or between the WASP or ASP and control centre is automated and voiceless. :

9. The emergency management method of claim 7 or 8, in which the WASP initiates a request via HTTP, Diginet, ISDN, ADSL or a X25 line to the control centre system of the response team with the customer's mobile number, GPS coordinates, vehicle registration or chassis number, physical address of GPS coordinates and the subscriber-selected one of the pre-programmed emergency conditions.

10. The emergency management method of any one of claims 7 to 9, in which the WASP routes acceptance of the emergency and affirmation of imminent assistance by the response team nearest to the mobile device of the subscriber.

14 : E200 9/060 16

11. The emergency management method of any one of claims 1 to 10, in which the tracking activation request is an URL tracking activation request, contained in a short message service (SMS), activated via an wireless application protocol (WAP).

12. The emergency management method of any one of claims 1 to 10, in which the tracking activation request is an application, contained in a short message service (SMS), activated via JAVA or WIG.

13. The emergency management method of any one of claims 1 to 10, in which the tracking activation request is a location based services (LBS) application.

14. The emergency management method of any one of claims 1 to 13, in which the plurality of pre-programmed emergency conditions include a residential break in, driveway robbery, remote hijacking or generally unsafe condition.

15. The emergency management method of claim 14, in which the generally unsafe condition is a hostage situation, abduction, or a miscellaneous condition wherein the subscriber experiences a sense of danger.

16. An emergency management method, substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in Figure 1 and 2 of the accompanying diagrammatic drawings. DATED THIS 31°" DAY OF AUGUST 2009 BOWMAN GILFILLAN INC. (JOHN & KERNICK) FOR THE APPLICANT