Personal alarm system for obtaining assistance from remote recipients

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/387,121 filed Mar. 11, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,486,194, naming as inventors Sydney Devlin Stanners and Kam Fung, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/363,280 filed Mar. 12, 2002.

[0002] The present invention relates to alarm systems for individuals. In particular, the invention provides a system which sends an alarm to a remote location responsive to pre-programmed parameters with respect to alarm conditions being met or failing to be met, delivery address and method of delivery and alarm message content, pre-programming being done by the user at the interface of the system, which is preferably at a hand-held remote unit provided with an interface module.

[0003] In recent years, employers, employees, trade unions, and others have become increasingly concerned about the problem of violence to staff working in direct contact with the public. Employees who work alone in this capacity are considered to be in high-risk occupations. Violence in the workplace has been an escalating problem in both the private and public sectors.

[0004] In a July 1998 report on workplace violence published by the International Labor Organization, Canada ranked 4^th worldwide for workplace violence that victimizes women and 5^th for men. The US Center for Disease Control announced as early as 1998 that workplace violence had reached epidemic proportions as reported in the Houston Business Review Mar. 15, 2002 print edition. Workers involved in violent confrontations often suffer severe psychological and physical trauma. Some of these attacks result in hospitalization of the worker and in some cases deaths have occurred. Women are statistically at considerably more risk than their male co-workers. Women working alone often additionally become victims of sexual assault.

[0005] Systems disclosed in the prior art have provided various forms of personal alarms designed to ward off and deter attackers or potential attackers. Such systems may have an audible alarm meant to draw attention to the victim or the potential victim. However, such systems are unsuitable or unusable for a large variety of different work environments as these systems are audible and therefore detectable by the perpetrator. Further, such systems are of limited benefit to workers and other users who may need a personal alarm which notifies remote parties.

[0006] Related prior art systems enable users to contact the 911 emergency number by pushing a single button on a cell phone or radio. These systems pre-suppose that the aggressor will allow the threatened user to complete the call and may escalate the degree of violence or hasten a hands-on attack if the alarm is used in plain view of the aggressor.

[0007] Other prior art systems, such as the alarm system taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,921, contact a monitoring center through a receiver/caller unit. However, such receiver/caller units are stationary units designed to be used exclusively with a telephone line which limits the system's application for mobile individuals.

[0008] Still other prior art systems, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,712,619 and 5,838,237, teach personal alarms which are capable of transmitting GPS information to law enforcement or other emergency personnel along with an emergency signal. Neither of these prior art systems control or use existing communication devices such as cell phones and therefore introduce additional costs by requiring cellular or radio transmitting means.

[0009] There is an unfulfilled need to provide a mobile personal alarm system which is suitable for a large variety of work environments and capable of contacting authorities or other resources, possibly silently, and either with a one-way signal or by two-way communications, where the authorities or other resources may be remote.

[0010] In response to the threat of workplace violence, which is not addressed in the prior art, the present personal alarm system has been conceived. The present system provides a “lifeline” which has the potential to greatly improve the personal safety of workers in a variety of different occupations. Public nurses, home care workers, real estate agents and others who are required to meet with clients or strangers in their homes or other similar (secluded or remote) locations will benefit from the protection provided by the present system. In addition, anyone needing a system which contacts a monitoring center or the authorities in case of an emergency will also benefit from the present system.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, a personal alarm system includes a communication device for transmitting a signal to a recipient such as a signal monitoring center or the authorities and an interface module which has a user-programmable memory and a user interface for controlling the communication device. The system further includes a triggering key for transmitting a triggering signal to the interface module which will then in turn cause the communication device to transmit a signal to the recipient.

[0012] In another more specific embodiment of the invention, a personal alarm system includes a cell phone for transmitting a signal to at least one recipient and an interface module operatively connected to the cell phone for controlling the cell phone. The interface module again includes a user-programmable memory and a user interface, used for programming and storing the recipient's contact information and situational information. Further, the system includes at least one triggering key for transmitting a triggering signal to the interface module which will then in turn cause the communication device to transmit a signal to the recipient.

[0016] Exemplary embodiments of a personal alarm system 100 will be described with reference to the figures. System 100 includes a triggering key 10, an interface module 20 and a communication device 40 as more particularly described below. Interface module 20 may be either integral with or otherwise operatively connected to communication device 40. Further, triggering key 10 may be integral with or otherwise operatively connected to interface module 20.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the user records a message or data in the system in a message or data mailbox or via the user interface 21 provided by interface module 20, for example to identify the user's location and circumstances. For example, in the case of a social worker visiting a client, such message or data may include the client's name, address, telephone number and the time as well as any other pertinent information such as the client's history of drug abuse or mental disorder and the user's medical history, any or all of which might be by way of pre-arranged code or symbol. The user then programs the system via the interface module 20 with specific information, including a rule or rules which determine the system's invocation of a transmission, the address or desired destination of the transmission, and the content of the transmission, whether it is a distress call with address and other data intended for receipt by a signal monitoring center (for example), or it is “man down” information with inferred location data, for transmission to appropriate rescue or other authorities; and such information is stored in user-programmable memory 28 of the system as best shown in FIG. 2.

[0018] If rules for invocation of the transmission are met, for example if the user becomes involved in a predicted circumstance like a violent incident (such as an attack or threatened attack by the client in the case of the social worker) then the user may initiate a rescue by triggering the invocation of the transmission of the data, either with or without the knowledge of the client by activating triggering key 10.

[0019] Upon activation, triggering key 10 transmits or sends a triggering signal to interface module 20 which causes communication device 40 to send a pre-determined signal to the pre-programmed recipient, whether signal monitoring center or police, ambulance or other authorities who may provide assistance. If the signal is sent to a monitoring center, but not to authorities, then that monitoring center may also be instructed (whether pre-arranged or as part of the data signal transmitted) to relay a message or data to appropriate authorities who can then take steps to assist the user. The signal may include a message or data recorded by the user or may simply signal a monitoring center or other person or authority to access the message data mailbox or data store to retrieve the message or data recorded by the user.

[0020] In a more specific embodiment, presented here by way of illustrating one instance of the overall operation of the present system, the user stores an analog or digital message or data in a predetermined message or data mailbox or store which is known and accessible to the system, or to a signal monitoring center or the authorities in the event of an emergency. Interface module 20 may include a microphone 26, a digital or tape voice recorder 23 and associated circuitry (not shown) for recording a message or data to be sent to a monitoring center or the authorities in case of an emergency. Using the features of the interface module's user interface 21 and more particularly programming keys 25, the user programs at least one monitoring center's or authorities' contact information.

[0021] If one of the rules in the system for invocation of a transmission is met (that is, there is an attack or emergency situation), the user invokes a transmission for help by activating triggering key 10 by either turning on a switch 13 or pushing or squeezing a button 12. Triggering key 10 includes a power supply (not shown), a radio frequency transmitter (not shown) and an antenna 16 for radiating a short range radio frequency signal to interface module 20. Workers skilled in the art will recognize that other modes of transmitting a signal from triggering key 10 to signify that the user wishes to invoke a transmission. This signal is received by a receiver (not shown) included in interface module 20.

[0022] Upon receiving the signal from triggering key 10, interface module 20 activates communication device 40 which includes detecting the on/off status of communication device 40, turning on communication device 40 if it is in the off state and causing communication device 40 to transmit a signal to at least one pre-determined recipient (or recipient address) such as a monitoring center or rescue authority.

[0023] The signal comprises sufficient data such that the signal's recipient, for example personnel at the monitoring center or rescue authorities, knows that there is a situation of which the user desires that the recipient becomes aware, such as an emergency. The signal may contain information related to the situation, such as a pre-recorded voice message of the user, and/or date, the user's location, GPS data, or other data, or a pre-arranged signal or symbol with meaning to the recipient in the circumstance of receipt of the transmitted data, or in other instances, the recipient (such as a monitoring center or rescue authorities) may obtain useful information by accessing a pre-recorded message or data from a mailbox set up by the user at a location other than interface module 20 (for example, a web-page, telephone answering service or other remote mailbox). Once the signal is sent to the recipient (e.g. monitoring center or the rescue authorities), communication device 40 may either be deactivated, or left in an activated state for receiving incoming signals. The communication device 40 may also send a signal to other recipients as determined by the pre-determined programming of interface module 20.

[0024] Various embodiments of communication device 40, interface module 20 and triggering key 10 are available, making this personal alarm system very flexible and easily adapted for many work environments and other situations. Some further embodiments are described below.

Communication Device

[0025] Communication device 40 may be a car or mobile cell phone, a radio, a beacon, a personal data assistant with cellular capabilities, a SMS (Short Message Service) system, a Bluetooth™ or other RF device or any other device capable of being controlled by interface module 20 and transmitting a signal to a recipient, be it a monitoring center, rescue authority or other recipient.

[0026] In embodiments where communication device 40 is a cell phone or a personal digital assistant (PDA) with cellular or radio capabilities, interface module 20 connects to the cell phone's or PDA's interface connector, which may be by radio frequency, infrared, wireline or other facility, and which is a logical connector and not necessarily a physical connector (not shown) which allows control of the cell phone's or PDA's internal functions by interface module 20.

[0027] Alternatively, the cell phone or PDA may include all or part of the functionality of interface module 20 in which case the cell phone's or PDA's existing features and hardware would perform some of all of the necessary interface module 20 functions. For example, rather than having a separate microphone, interface module 20 could use the cell phone's or PDA's microphone and the cell phone's or PDA's number pad could be used for programming keys 25.

[0028] Communication device 40 and interface module 20 may be conveniently carried in a briefcase, purse, pocket, left in the hall closet in the worker's coat pocket or clipped to a belt and may, in any event, be conveniently left in plain view of the client.

Interface Module

[0029] The interface module's user interface 21 may include various keys or buttons 25 for programming information into interface module 20 which programmed information is then stored in user-programmed memory 28 such that when a transmission to a recipient is invoked, interface module 20 will cause communication device 40 to transmit the correct signal or content to a correct recipient or recipients. In one embodiment, interface module 20 includes a keyboard for entering information at pre-programmed prompts. In another embodiment, interface module 20 includes a voice-programmable user interface. In yet another embodiment, interface module 20 includes handwriting input and recognition. Interface module 20 may include a digital or tape voice or sound recorder 23 which conveniently includes microphone 26 and includes familiar function keys 22 such as play, rewind, pause and erase for storing a message or data. Recorder 23 may further include more robust programming features. For example, recorder 23 may be programmed to ensure that successively recorded messages or data delete previously recorded messages or data to ensure that the most current (and therefore correct) message or data is available or transmitted to the monitoring center or authorities.

[0030] Interface module 20, after causing communication device 40 to transmit the recorded signal or message or data to the recipient, for example a monitoring center, may be programmed to maintain communication between the recipient and communication device 40 to allow the monitoring center to communicate through speaker 24 with the user or other parties involved in the emergency situation, such as an assailant or on-scene rescuers or helpers.

[0031] Interface module 20 and triggering key 10 may include transceivers (not shown) for allowing a user to determine if triggering key 10 is within range to activate interface module 20. In this embodiment, triggering key 10 includes a test button 14. Upon activation of the test button 14, triggering key 10 sends a coded signal to the transceiver housed in interface module 20. If interface module 20 receives the coded signal indicating that triggering key 10 is within activation range then interface module 20 returns a signal to triggering key 10 which is received by the transceiver in triggering key 10. Receipt of a return signal by triggering key 10 may then cause triggering key 10 to vibrate or activate an alternate indicator such as a light 18 or a sound.

[0032] As is well known to those skilled in the art, there are many available technologies which may be used to wirelessly send a signal from triggering key 10 to interface module 20. For example, by not by limitation, interface module 20 and triggering key 10 may include Bluetooth™, radio frequency (RF), infrared or WiFi technology for wirelessly receiving and sending signals.

[0033] Interface module 20 may use power on-board communication device 40 as its power supply or may include an independent power supply (not shown). In embodiments where interface module 20 includes a power supply, interface module 20 will also include an on/off means 29. In either of these embodiments, interface module 20 may further include a backup power supply (not shown) for providing sufficient power to operate interface module 20 and for activating and controlling communication device 40 and could include backup power for the communication device in case that device had run out of battery power or was unpowered.

[0034] In addition to or instead of being remotely controlled, interface module 20 may include an activation button or switch 27 which, when activated, conveniently activates interface module 20 in the same way as if interface module 20 had received a signal from a triggering key 10. In a further embodiment, a push wire including an activation button (not shown) suitable for wearing beneath clothing may be attached to the activation button 27 for silently triggering interface module 20 to silently contact the pre-programmed recipient through communication device 40. This embodiment also allows the user to conceal the present system in a brief case or purse or other carried item and readily activate the present system by depressing the push wire's button which may be concealed by the brief case handle or the purse's carry strap.

[0035] In another embodiment, the system may use a global positioning system (GPS) to provide the user's exact location as a new and additional part of the pre-programmed message or data transmitted to the recipient. More specifically, interface module 20 or communication device 40 may include a GPS chip. When activated, interface module 20 or communication device 40 can receive latitude and longitude co-ordinates from the GPS and communication device 40 will then provide these coordinates along with the pre-determined signal to the pre-programmed recipient (call monitoring center or rescue authorities).

Triggering Key

[0036] In another embodiment, the personal alarm system is automatically activated at preprogrammed intervals unless triggering key 10 is activated. In this embodiment, a rule of the system for invocation of a transmission is met by the failure of a triggering key action within a preset time interval, so that interface module 20 is automatically triggered if the user fails to act by activating triggering key 10 within programmed time intervals. This embodiment is convenient for individuals who are in situations where they would have difficulty triggering an alarm in the event of an accident (such as a worker in a situation where the worker could be rendered unconscious or a senior citizen who may be unable to get to an alarm in an emergency). In this further embodiment, triggering key 10 includes a programmable timer (not shown) and may also include a reminder indicator 15 or a vibration mechanism (not shown) which may indicate to the user that the system will invoke a transmission unless triggering key 10 is activated by pressing button 12, or turning off switch 13. In this embodiment, triggering key 10 is preferably designed to be easily carried by or attached to the user.

[0037] Those skilled in the art will realize that many of the functions and embodiments available for interface module 20 may be included in triggering key 10 as interface module 20 and triggering key 10 may be combined and as interface module 20 and triggering key 10 can communicate. For example, triggering key 10 may include recorder 23, microphone 26 and user programmable memory 28 for recording a message or data which is subsequently transmitted to interface module 20 when triggering key 10 sends an activation signal to interface module 20.

[0038] Triggering key 10 may encode the signal sent to interface module 20 which is subsequently decoded by interface module 20 for ensuring secure transmissions between triggering key 10 and interface module 20.

[0039] Triggering key 10 may include a switch (not shown) which is activated when triggering key 10 reaches a predetermined angle. This enables triggering key 10 to be activated automatically when, for example, the user reaches a prone or semi prone position to provide a “man down” signaling event. In another embodiment, sensors for substances like H₂S and H₂O or other indicators of dangerous or unexpected environmental situations can be on board the system, and provide alternative triggering means, dependent upon pre-selected programming. When the switches' circuit is closed, triggering key 10 sends an activation signal to interface module 20.

[0040] Triggering key 10 may be conveniently worn beneath clothing or on the user's wrist as shown in FIG. 3, as part of the user's key chain or may be disguised as a commonly worn accessory such as jewelry for concealing triggering key 10 from a potential assailant. For further convenience, triggering key 10 may include two or more triggering keys which are readily available in different places to allow a user to conveniently activate interface module 20 in various circumstances without being restricted to one triggering key.