GB2455975A

GB2455975A - Social Alarm System with inductive loop amplifier to reduce level of a non priority audio signal received in a hearing aid in response to the alarm condition

Info

Publication number: GB2455975A
Application number: GB0724955A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kevin Avery; Stephen Sadler
Original assignee: Tunstall Group Ltd
Current assignee: Tunstall Group Ltd
Priority date: 2007-12-21
Filing date: 2007-12-21
Publication date: 2009-07-01
Also published as: GB0724955D0

Abstract

A social alarm system is not always heard when an inductive loop system is being used. A social alarm system which establishes communication between a client and an operator at a remote operating location comprising an inductive loop amplifier (210) is provided having several non-priority input ports (212) and a priority input port (214). The inductive loop amplifier (210) is arranged to reduce an output level of at least one audio signal received on at least one of the non-priority input ports in response to an alarm signal. In this way, interfering noise from the non-priority input ports (212) (from e.g. the TV or radio etc) can be eliminated in an emergency. Embodiments include a client unit comprising an alarm generating unit, a communication unit arranged to provide an audio communication path with a remote communication terminal when an alarm is generated and receive an audio signal from the remote communication terminal, and an output port arranged to output the audio signal received from the remote communication terminal to a remote device.

Description

Social Alarm System The invention relates in general to a socia] alarm system.

A social alarm system monitors the safety and well-being of a client in their home. Traditionally, the social alarm system comprises a client unit that is installed in the home arid a remote monitoring apparatus.

In an emergency situation, the client unit is arranged to initiate an alarm call to the remote monitoring apparatus.

In this way, an operator at the remote operating apparatus is able to communicate with the client via the client unit.

An example social alarm system is disclosed in published United Kingdom patent application GB2395392.

A problem arises where the client has impaired hearing. In this situation, the client may not be able to hear the client unit in an emergency situation. As a result, communication between the client and an operator at the remote operating apparatus s severely restricted or impossible.

It is an aim of the invention to provide a solution to the above problem.

According to the present invention there is provided a social alarm system, inductive loop amplifier and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will he apparent from the dependent. claims, and

the description which follows.

In one aspect of the invention there is provided a social alarm system comprising: a client unit arranged to generate an alarm condition and to establish audio communication with a remote operating apparatus in response to the alarm condition, the client unit having an audio output channel arranqod to relay an audio signal received from the remote operating apparatus to another device; an inductive loop amplifier having a priority input channel t.o which the output channel of the client unit is connected, at least one non-priority input channel to which other devices are connectable, and an output channel which is arranged to drive an inductive loop so that audio signals received on the input channels are transmittable to a hearing aid in use; wherein the inductive ioop amplifier is arranged to reduce an output level of an audio signal received on the at least one non-priority input channel in response to the alarm condition being generated by the client unit.

In this way, a client having impaired hearing is better able to hear the operator at the remote operating apparatus because the client unit suppresses all other audio signals being transmitted on the inductive loop. In other words, the audio signal output from the client unit is given priority.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided an inductive ioop amplifier comprising: a plurality of input channels including a priority input channel for receiving an audio signal from a priority source, and at least one other input channel for receiving at least one other audio signal from at least one other source; and an output channel arranged to drive an inductive loop in use so that audio signals received on the plurality of input channels are transmittable to a hearing aid; wherein the inductive loop amplifier is arranged to reduce an output level of the at east one other audio signal received on the at least one other input channel in response to an alarm signal being received.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a client unit for speech communication between a client and an operator, tie client unit comprising: an alarm generation unit arranged to generate an alarm when predetermined external conditions are met; a communication unit arranged to provide an audio communication path with a remote communication terminal when an alarm is generated and to receive an audio signal from the remote communication terminal, in use; and an output port arranged to output the audio signal received from the remote communication terminal to a remit device, in use.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of controlling a social alarm system, the method comprising the steps of: generating an alarm condition in a client unit and establishing audio communication with a remote operating apparatus in response to the alarm condition; relaying an audio signal received from the remote operating apparatus to a priority input channel of an inductive loop amplifier; and reducing an output level of at least one other audio signa] received on at least one input channel of the inductive loop amplifier other than the priority input channel in response to the alarm condition generated by the client unit.

Preferred features are detailed in the appended claims and the following description. The preferred features are applicable to all of the aspects of the invenLion described above where appropriate.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawing in which: Figure 1 is schematic plan view of a client dwelling having an exemplary social alarm system installed therein; Figure 2 is a schematic overview of a social alarm system according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic view of a social alarm system according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a schematic view of a social alarm system according to a third embodiment of the invention; and Figure 5 is a schematic overview of a social alarm system according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

The exemplary social alarm system dtscussed herein is primarily intended to be retro-fitted into an existing dwelling. Conveniently, a set of sensors are installed appropriate to the needs of the client living in the dwelling. The client is usually elderly or infirm but is able to remain in their home with appropriate care, monitoring and assistance, by installing the social alarm system. Of course, it is desirable to minimise disruption and intrusion caused by the social alarm system. Also, it is desirable to adapt the social alarm system as the needs of the client change over time. Further still, it is desirable to remove the social alarm system easily, such as if the client moves to more specialised care facilities. Hence, a social alarm system has many different needs and demands, particularly when compared to alarms for other pl.]rposes such as a fire alarm system or an intruder alarm system.

As a further constraint, it is often necessary to provide the social alarm system at a low capital cost and with low maintenance costs. Many clients who purchase such social alarm systems are elderly or infirm and thus cost is a key consideration. Even when the social alarm system is provided by a health agency or care agency, cost is still a key factor.

Referring to Figure 1, an example client dwelling 1 is shown for illustration having an exemplary social alarm system installed therein. Here, a variety of sensors 101- 106 are installed at various points around the client dwelling 1 such as in the living room, bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. The sensors are arranged to communicate with a client unit 20, which in this example is located in a hallway near a main entrance of the dwelling.

The sensors suitably include any one or more of a movement sensor 101, an occupancy sensor 102, a door sensor 103, an electrical appliance sensor 104, a communication sensor 105 and an instant activation sensor 106, amongst others.

The one or more movement sensors 101 are located to moniLor movement of a client in different areas of the dwelling and are conveniently passive infra-red (PIR) detectors.

The one or more occupancy sensors 102 measure occupancy of specific positions in Lhe dwelling or occupancy of specific items of furniture, includinq, for example, a bed sensor 102a and a chair sensor 102b.

The one or more door sensors 103 are provided to monitor movement of a door or drawer and are typically contact sensors, such as magnetic switches. In this particular example, a fridge door switch 103a and an exit door switch 103b are provided. As further examples, door sensors 103c and 103d are installed in the kitchen area to monitor movement of a cutlery drawer or the door of a food cupboard, or movement of a microwave oven door.

The one or more appliance sensors 104 are provided to monitor usage of electrical appliances in the dwelling and are suitably current sensors. In particular, the appliance sensors 104 monitor the use of interactive appliances such as a television, radio or other entertainment device. The appliance sensors 104 may also be employed to measure Lhe use of cooking appliances such as a kettle, a fridge, a washing machine, a microwave oven or an electric cooker.

The one or more communicaLion sensors 105 are arranged to monitor communication activity by the client. In the exemplary embodiment, a communication sensor 105 is integrated within the client unit 20. Here, a PSTN telephone line 31 carries telephone calls through the client unit 20, conveniently by connecting the client unit with a customer termination point from the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) 30 or similar wide area speech communication network. The communication sensor 105 is thus arranged to monitor activity of a voice telephone by monitoring activity of the PSTN telephone line 31.

rphe one or more instant activation sensors 106 may include an instant activation button on the client unit 20. Also, the instant activation sensors 106 may include an alarm pendant worn by the client, or alarm buttons or pull-cords mounted near to floor level for easy access by a client Who has fallen. The instant activation sensor 106 may include automatic sensors, such as an automatic fall detector.

In the exemplary embodiment, the client unit 20 is arranged to raise an alarm call dependent upon the sensor outputs received from the sensors 101-106. A primary responsibility of the client unit 20 is to actively monitor the outputs from the sensors 101-106 in real time according to a predetermined set of rules and then, when appropriate, raise an alarm call over the PSTN 30 to a remote communication terminal 32.

Figure 2 is a more detailed schematic view of a social alarm system 200 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The social alarm system comprises the client unit 20, an inductive loop amplifier 20, and an inductive loop antenna 240.

The client unit 20 is arranged to provide an audio signal to an input port of the inductive loop amplifier 210. The audio signal is provided to the inductive loop amplifier 210 when the client unit 20 generates an alarm, and is preferably derived directly from the PSTN connection to the remote communication apparatus 32. In alternative embodiments, the audio signal may he derived directly or indirectly from a connection via any other suitable communications network, such as GSM, VoIP etc. The inductive loop amplifier 210 is arranged to amplify the audio signal received from the client unit 20 and is arranged transmit the amplified signal over the inductive loop antenna 240. In this way, a hearing aid used by a client is able to pick up the audio signal from the client unit 20.

Additionally, at least one peripheral device 211 is also connected to an input port of the inductive loop amplifier 210 to provide at least one additional audio signal for amplification and transmission over the inductive loop antenna 240. In operation, the inductive loop amplifier 210 is arranged to suppress the audio signal originating from the at least one peripheral device in preference to the audio signal received from the client unit 20.

In this way, background noise generated by the at

least one peripheral device is eliminated or sufficiently reduced so that the audio signal transmitted by the client unit 20 becomes a priority signal, overriding the other signals.

In more detail, the inductive loop amplifier 210 has four input ports 212a, 212h, 212c, 214, an amplifying unit.

218 and an output port 216.

Three of the input ports are non-priority input ports 212a, 212h, 212c arid are arranged to be connected to audio outputs of peripheral devices 211 such as a television, microphone, audio player or doorbell (not shown) . The fourth input porL 214 is a priority input port and is connected to an audio output 22 of the client unit 20.

The inductive loop amplifier also has an amplifying unft 218 which is arranged to amplify the input signals present at the input ports 212a, 212b, 212c, 214.

The output port 216 is arranged to drive the inductive loop antenna 240, and optionally a seat loop antenna 250.

The inductive ioop antennas 240, 250 are arranged to transmit signals present at the output port 216 to a hearing aid (not shown) worn by the client. This process is well known in the art and is not discussed further.

In the exemplary embodiment, area coverage of 30 square metres or above is provided by the ioop to meet the requirements of 1EC60118-4. It is possible for the inductive ioop amplifier 210 and inductive loop antenna 240 arrangements to provide area coverage in excess of 30 square metres if the full performance of 1E060118-4 is not required by the user.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, the ioop resistance of the inductive ioop antenna 240 is 0.3 ohm to 1.0 ohm resistive or 1.5 ohm maximum reactive impedance at 1.6 KHZ. The inductive loop antennas 240, 250 are connected to the output port 216 by finger operated speaker-type connectors as is known in the art.

In the exemplary embodiment described, the amplifying unit 218 is arranged to switch between two states. In the first state, audio signals received at the non-priority input ports 212a, 212h, 212c are amplified arid are relayed to the outpuL port 216. The first state s referred to as thc' default state. In the second state, an audio signal received at the priority input port 21'i is amplified and relayed to the output port 216, and this is referred to as the priority state. In this embodiment, the non-priority input ports 212a, 212h, 212c and the priority input port 214 are not connected to the output port 216 at the same time. In other words, the non-priority input ports 212a, 212b, 212c are disconnected from the output port 216 in the priority state thereby completely eliminating any output signal associated with the input signals present at the non-priority ports 212.

The amplifying unit 218 is voice operated and is arranged to switch from the default state to the priority state when an audio signal is detected at the priority port 214. A threshold cfrcuit is included which allows calibration to adjust the sensitivity of the amplifying unit 218.

In the preferred embodiment, the output port 22 of the client unit 20 is connected internally to the PSTN connection 30 and therefore contains a DC component.

Advantageously, an adaptor or filter 230 is used to provide galvanic isolation for the input port 214 of the inductive ioop amplifier 210, and is preferably located between the client unit 20 and the inductive loop amplifier 210.

In use, when the client unit 20 raises an alarm arid connects to a remote terminal 32 via the PSTN connection 30, the corresponding signal appearing at the priority input port 214 causes the amplifying unit 218 to switch into the priority state. The sqnaL received from the client unit 20 is then output by the inductive loop amplifier 210 in preference to the signals received on the non-priority input ports 212. In this way, the system 200 operates to allow a client to hear vital messages received through the client unit 20 via the inductive loop amplifier 210.

In other words, when the social alarm system 200

raises an alarm, unwanted background noise from a

television or radio is eliminated by the inductive loop amplifier 210. This allows a hearing aid to relay only the essential audio information originating from the remote terminal 32.

A second embodiment is now described with reference to Figure 3. Like references signs apply and only the differences between the first embodiment and the second embodiment are described.

Figure 3 shows a modified client unit 20 in which an additional output port 22 is arranged to output an alarm control signal via a control line 24. The alarm control signal is generated when ari alarm is raised and indicates that the audio signal from the client unit 20 should be given priority.

A modified inductive loop amplifier 210 is provided which has an additional input port 213 arranged to receive the control signal over the control line 24, and which is arranged to relay the control signal to the amplifying unit 218.

In use, when the client unit 20 raises an alarm, the alarm control signal is sent to the inductive oop amplifier 210 over the control line 24. The amplifying unit 28 receives the alarm control signal and switches into the priority state, ensuring that any signals appearing at the priority input port 214 are output in preference to the signals appearing at the non-priority input ports 212.

A third embodiment is now described with reference to Figure 4. Similarly, like references signs apply and only the differences between the first embodiment and the third embodiment are described.

Figure 4 shows a modified client unit 20 which has a single connection to a modified inductive loop amplifier 210. The client unit 20 is arranged to output the alarm control signal over the single connection in addition to the audio signal. In this example, the alarm control signal is a short duration hi-frequency signal, but other control signals are envisaged which achieve the same object.

The modified inductive loop amplifier 210 has a control signal decoding unit 219 which is arranged to receive the control signal from the client unit 20 over the connection and which is arranged to determine the priority input port depending on which input port 212 receives the control signal. The control signal decoding unit 219 is arranged to relay information on the priority input port to the connecting unit 218 via the control line 220.

In use, when the client unit 20 raises an alarm, the alarm control signal is sent to the inductive loop amplifier 210 over the audio connection. The control signal decoding unit 219 identifies the alarm signal on a corresponding input port and passes this information to the amplifying unit 218. The amplifying unit 218 receives the priority input port information and switches into the priority state, ensuring that any signals appearing at the identified priority input port are output in preference to the signals appearing at the other non-priority input ports.

In this way, it is not crucial that the client unit 420 is connected to a particular pre-configured priority input port. Instead, the priority input port is not hard-wired and can he dynamically assigned to be the input port on which the client unit 420 is connected.

In the second and third embodiments, a DC filter or adaptor 230 is incorporated in either the client unit 20 or the inductive loop amplifier 210. In this way, the system is easier to install with fewer components and connections.

Figure 5 is a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 shows the social alarm system 200 when modified for use in sheltered accommodation, such as a care home.

In this embodiment, each client dweiflnq 1 is within a larger housing complex providing care services. A number of client dwellings 1 are arranged within close proximity of each another.

As explained above in relation to embodiments one to 0 three, each client dwelling comprises a client unit 20, and inductive loop amplifier 210 and an inductive loop 240. However, in this embodiment each client unit 20 is not connected directly to a PSTN but is instead connected to a central control unit 500 via a parallel bus 510.

The central controller 500 is connected to the remote communication terminal 32 over the PSTN 30. In this way, a single telephone line can be shared by a plurality of clients and client units 20.

In the embodiment described, there would typically be up to 30 to 40 client units 20 connected via the parallel bus 510 to the central control unit 500. In the event of an alarm, each client unit 20 is arranged to signal an alarm state to the central control unit 500. In turn, the central control unit 500 is arranged to initiate a communication link with the remote communication terminal 32 via the PSTN 30, and to link the arising PSTN connection to the client unit 20 generating the alarm condition.

The resulting audio communication channel created between the remote communication terminal 32 and the client unit 20, via the central control unit 500, is output by the inductive ioop amplifier 210 onto the inductive loop 240 in the manner already described herein in relation to embodiments one to three.

Although a few preferrod embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

For example, it will be appreciated that the inductive loop amplifier 10 can be configured to switch between the non-priority input ports 212, to enable one or more of the inputs to be received by a hearing aid of a client.

Also, it is envisaged that more than one ioop antenna 40, 50 may be driven by one or more output ports 216.

In another example, a timer or timers are provided so that the priority state lasts for at least a predetermined time.

It will he apparent to the skilled person that, in an embodiment not shown, the connecting unit is arranged to reduce the volume of the signals received at the non-priority input ports 212 when a signal is received at the priority input port 214, instead of disconnecting the signals received at the non-priority input ports 212.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may he combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification

(including any accompanying claims, abstract arid drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims 1. A social alarm system comprising: a client unit (20) arranged to generate an alarm condition and to establish audio communication with a remote operating apparatus (32) in response to the alarm condition, the client unit having an audio output channel arranged to relay an audio signal received from the remote operating apparatus to another device; an inductive loop amplifier (210) having a priority input channel (214) to which the output channel of the client unit (20) is connected, at least one non-priority input channel (212) to which other devices are connectable, and an output channel (216) which is arranged to drive an inductive loop (240) so that audio signals received on the input channels (212, 214) are transmittable to a hearing aid in use; wherein the inductive loop amplifier (210) is arranged to reduce an output level of an audio signal received on the at least one non-priority input channel (212) in response to the alarm condition being generated by the client unit (20)
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the client unit (20) is arranged to send an audio signal to the inductive loop amplifier (210) to indicate that an alarm condition has been generated.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the client unit (20) is arranged to send a control signal to the inductive loop amplifier (210) to indicate that an alarm condition has been generated.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the control signal is sent Lo the inductive loop amplifier (210) via a connection (24) which is. separate from the audio output channel of the client unit (20)
5. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the inductive loop amplifier (210) is arranged to completely suppress the audio signal received on the at least one non-priority input channel (212)
6. The system of any preceding claim, wherein there are a plurality of non-priority input channels and the inductive loop amplifier (210) is arranged to reduce an output level of all audio signals received on the plurality of non-priority input channels (212)
7. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the other devices are one or more of a television, a microphone, an audio player or a doorbell.
8. The system of any preceding claim, further comprising an amplifying unit (218) for selectively connecting the audio signal (212) received on the at least one non-priority input channel (212) to the output port (216)
9. The system of any preceding claim, further comprising a filter (230) arranged to remove a DC voltage from the audio signal output from the client unit (20)
10. An inductive loop amplifier (210) comprising: a plurality of input channels including a priority input channe] (214) for receiving an audio signal from a priority source, and at least one other input channel (212) for receiving at least one other audio signal from at least one other source; and an output channel (216) arranged to drive an inductive loop (240) in use so that audio signals received on the plurality of input channels are transmittabJe to a hearing aid; wherein the Inductive loop amplifier (210) is arranged to reduce an output level of the at least one other audio signal received on the at least one other input channel (212) in response to an alarm signal being received.
11. The amplifier of claim 10, wherein the alarm signal is an audio signal present on the priority input channel (214)
12. The amplifier of claim 10, wherein the alarm signal is separate from the audio signal on the priority input channel (214)
13. The amplifier of claim 11, wherein the alarm signal is received on a control input port separate from the priority input channel (214)
14. The amplifier of any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the inductive loop amplifier (210) is arranged to completely suppress the at least one other audio signal.
15. The amplifier of any of claims 10 to 14, wherein Lhe output level of all other audio signals is reduced.
16. The amplifier of any of claims 10 to 15, wherein the other input channels are arranged to receive audio signals from one or more of a television, a microphone, an audio player or a doorbell.
17. The amplifier of any of claims 10 to 16, further comprising an amplifying unit (218) for selectively connecting one or more of the other input channels (212) to the output port (216)
18. The amplifier of any of claims 10 to 17, further comprising a filter (230) arranged to remove a DC voltage from the priority input channel (214)
19. A client unit (20) for speech communication between a client and an operator, the client unit (20) comprising: an alarm generation unit arranged to generate an alarm when predetermined external conditions are met; a communication unit arranged to provide an audio communication path with a remote communication terminal when an alarm is generated and to receive an audio signal from the remote communication terminal, in use; and an output port arranged to output the audio signal received from the remote communication terminal to a remote device, in use.
20. A method of controlling a social alarm system, the method compr sing the steps of: generating an alarm condition in a client unit (20) and establishing audio communication with a remote operating apparatus (32) in response to the alarm con di t ion; relaying an audio signal received from the remote operating apparatus (32) to a priority input channel (214) of an inductive loop amplifier (210); reducing an output level of at least one other audio signal received on at least one input channel (212) of the inductive loop amplifier (210) other than the priority input channel (214) in response to the alarm condition generated by the client unit (20)
21. A system substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.
22. An amplifier substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.
23. A client unit substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.
24. A method substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.