GB2419773A

GB2419773A - Transmission of a previously stored emergency message from a mobile device

Info

Publication number: GB2419773A
Application number: GB0423788A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jose Cardoso
Original assignee: NEC Technologies UK Ltd
Current assignee: NEC Technologies UK Ltd
Priority date: 2004-10-26
Filing date: 2004-10-26
Publication date: 2006-05-03
Also published as: GB0423788D0

Abstract

The present invention provides for a mobile radio communications device (10) and related system (20), including means for storing an emergency message within the device, and means for initiating transmission of said stored emergency message, either by way of a manually activated switch or menu function, or by receipt of an activation signal from a remote device. Location and/or personal information can be sent with the emergency message to assist a person responding to the message. The message can automatically be sent upon detection of a car crash (for example).

Description

MOBILE RADIO COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE AND RELATED

COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a mobile communications device and related communication system, and arranged in particular for use in emergency Situations.

Mobile radio communication devices, such as cellular phones, have proved extremely popular and found extremely wide spread usage amongst the general public.

The radio coverage areas of cellular phone networks such as GSM/GPRS/UMTS allow mobile users to contact the Emergency Services from almost any location. There are, however, certain situations where such users may be unable to use the mobile phone for an emergency call, for example, if the user has become immobilised, or unable to speak due to the environment and/or situation they find themselves in; for example, when running and/or when in a particularly noisy environment. There may also be times where a user can neither specify their location exactly, nor specify any medical conditions from which they may suffer and that might serve to inhibit any later emergency treatment.

The present invention seeks to provide for a mobile communications device, and related system, in which an emergency message can be provided in emergency situations, and which device and related system have advantages over known such devices and systems.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile radio communications device including means for storing an emergency message, and means for initiating transmission of said stored emergency message.

The invention is advantageous in that it enables the transmission of an accurate and reliable emergency message. Simplification as compared with the prior art can be achieved through minimising the additional hardware and software required within said communications device, whilst eliminating the need for a large central store of emergency message information.

Preferably, said device is arranged to include means for transmitting location data along with said emergency message.

This is particularly advantageous in that it enables the recipient of said emergency message to locate the user of the mobile device, without the need for any further communication.

In one advantageous arrangement, the emergency message comprises personal data.

In particular, the personal data can comprise personal medical data.

This is particularly advantageous during an emergency situation, in that it gives the recipient of said emergency message access to critical and potentially life saving information concerning the person involved in the incident. This is particularly important if the user of the communications device is unable to verbajise crucial medical information when receiving medical treatment, for example, if they were unconscious.

Preferably, the device includes means for transmitting said emergency message to a cellular network associated with the device.

This arrangement is particularly advantageous in that it enables the device to send the emergency message to a remotely located recipient capable of receiving and processing the data. The recipient would typically be the Emergency Services.

Preferably, the device includes means for transmitting said emergency message to a local transceiver device.

This advantageous arrangement enables the device to send said emergency message to a local compatible device for processing or storage. A particular advantage of such an arrangement occurs when the communications device is disabled or destroyed during an emergency, as a copy of the emergency message can be temporarily stored in close proximity to the user.

Preferably, the device includes means for manually initiating said transmission.

In particular, the means for manually initiating the said transmission comprises switch means and/or a menu function.

The said means for initiating said emergency message transfer is particularly advantageous when the user is capable of operating said communications device, but unable to verbally communicate; for example, when running or in a noisy environment.

Preferably, said communication device includes means for initiating said transmission in response to an external signal received by the device.

This advantageous arrangement is particularly useful as it enables the device to integrate into a local system as discussed further below. Typically a wireless network standard such as Bluetooth would be used for the local transmission of the said emergency message.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communications system, comprising a radio communications device including means for initiating transmission of an emergency message stored therein in response to an external signal, and an activation device, arranged for providing said external signal.

Advantageously, said communications system is configured to automatically transmit the emergency message when said activation device is triggered. This system is particularly useful when the user of said communications device is unable to manually transmit the emergency message.

In one preferable arrangement, the system comprises a plurality of said communications devices.

This particularly advantageous arrangement enables multiple communications devices to respond to a single activation device. All compatible communications devices within a controlled range of the activation device can then transmit their emergency messages, thereby giving the receiver all relevant available data. An additional advantage is gained in this arrangement, as an estimation of the number of devices, and thus the number of people involved in an emergency situation can be ascertained.

Preferably, said activation device is responsive to the environment, in particular, responsive to impact detection.

Advantageously, the activation device could be arranged to detect emergencies in the surrounding area. This eliminates the need for user intervention, thus reducing the delay between an emergency occurring and transmission of said emergency message.

Preferably, said activation device is vehicle mounted.

The system could be connected to a vehicle, whereby an emergency involving said vehicle triggers the activation device. Said activation device would then automatically trigger the transmission of available emergency messages within said vehicle.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communications system, comprising a local transceiver device including storage means, and a communication device as described above, arranged to communicate with said local transceiver device.

Preferably, said system is arranged such that said emergency message can be transmitted from said communications device to said local transceiver device.

This communication system arrangement is advantageous, as a copy of the emergency message can be temporarily stored in said local transceiver device and forwarded if required.

In one preferable arrangement, said system includes a plurality of said communications devices.

A particular advantage of such a system is that multiple emergency messages can be stored together, containing the information from each communications device in the local area. This additionally allows an estimation of the number of people in the local area.

Preferably, said system is arranged such that said transmission can be achieved using a Wireless Personal Area Network standard.

Specifically, said Wireless Personal area Network is Bluetooth.

The aforementioned use of a Wireless Personal Area Network standard such as Bluetooth is advantageous, as many communication devices now include such communication circuitry as standard and so no additional communications hardware is required. As it is only desirable to collect emergency messages from communications devices in the personal area, a personal-range communications standard is sufficient.

In one advantageous arrangement of the system, said local transceiver device includes means for supplementing said emergency message, and transmitting the message to a cellular network associated with the system.

It is preferable that said local transceiver device is capable of adding relevant additional information to the collected emergency messages, which would enhance the detail of the data transmitted from said local transceiver device.

Preferably, said local transceiver device is an emergency notification device.

A particularly advantageous arrangement arises when the transceiver device is capable of detecting emergency situations. This enables the device to automatically forward the emergency messages, along with any other information collected by sensors associated with the device.

Preferably, said emergency notification device includes Global Positioning System (GPS) functionality.

Global positioning means, such as a GPS enabled device, enhances the communication system by providing more accurate location data than is possible using cellular network means. This can further improve the detail of the emergency data collected by the emergency notification device, which may then be transmitted to a designated recipient (typically the Emergency Services) in the event of an emergency.

The invention is described further hereafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a radio communications device arranged in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a basic vehicle emergency system, including a plurality of radio communications devices, arranged in accordance to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of an advanced vehicle emergency system, including a plurality of radio communications devices, arranged in accordance to yet another embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a typical scenario in which a vehicle emergency system embodying the present invention can be used.

Fig. I shows a mobile radio communications device 10, comprising an emergency message storage means 12, location data storage means 14, cellular communications radio circuitry 16, WLAN/WPAN communications circuitry 18, and an external aerial 19.

The emergency message 12 is created and maintained by the user, and can contain text and/or recorded voice detailing important personal medical information. For example, the message can include any medical conditions, allergies and medication that might serve to inhibit any emergency medical treatment if required. The location data 14 is collected through the location services provided by the cellular network via the aerial 19, and can be used to identify the geographic position of the user, as in known devices; an example is via GPS. This information can then be transmitted to a designated target on the cellular network using the cellular communications radio circuitry 16.

Typically this data would be transmitted to the Emergency Services.

Alternatively, the information can be transmitted to a compatible system/device locally, via the WLAN/WPAN communications circuitry 18. Typically this circuitry would use a local communications standard such as Bluetooth.

There are two means for initiating the transmission of data. The first is manual initiation, by means of either a hardware or software switch (not shown) on the communications device 10, which is activated by the user. This means of initiating transmission is most advantageous when talking is not possible/desirable, but the user wishes to notify the Emergency Services of an incident at their present location. The second and additional or alternative means of initiation occurs when the device receives an activation signal via the WLAN/WPAN communications circuitry 18 from a compatible device (not shown in Fig. 1), forming part of a system. This said additional or alternative means is particularly advantageous in the event of the user being unable to manually operate their communications device, for example when unconscious.

Fig. 2 shows a basic vehicle emergency system 20, comprising a vehicle 22 and emergency services 26. The vehicle 22 contains an activation device 24, arranged to transmit a signal to a plurality of radio communications devices 10, which, in turn, are each arranged to communicate externally with the Emergency Services 26.

The activation device 26 is connected to an emergency detection system within the vehicle (not shown), for example the CPU associated with an airbag system of the vehicle. When the vehicle system detects a potential emergency situation such as a collision affecting the vehicle, the connected activation device 26 broadcasts a triggering signal A within the vehicle 22, using a WLAN/WPAN standard such as Bluetooth. Compatible radio communication devices 10 within the vehicle 22 receive the triggering signal A, and in response transmit an emergency message 12 and location data 14 to the Emergency Services 26 via a cellular network B. As all compatible devices 10 within the vehicle 22 transmit data to the Emergency Services 26, it is possible to group received emergency messages 12 into related incidents using the location data 14. Therefore, advantageously, it is possible to estimate the severity and number of people involved in a particular incident within seconds of the incident occurring, as well as having an understanding of the important medical history of individuals involved, without the need for visual or verbal conformation.

Fig. 3 shows an advanced vehicle emergency system 28, comprising a vehicle and emergency services 26. Contained within the vehicle 30 are sensors 40 and a plurality of radio communications devices 10, arranged to communicate with an Automatic Collision Detection (ACD) system 32 containing a GPS device 38, GPS location data 34, collision data 36, and emergency message storage means 42. The ACD system 32 communicates externally with the Emergency Services 26 using an aerial 44.

In this illustrated example, as soon as the vehicle 30 is in motion, the ACD system 32 detects all compatible communications devices 10 located within the vehicle, via a WPAN standard such as a Bluetooth signal indicated by arrow C. The ACD system 32 then requests receipt of all available emergency messages 12 and stores them in a emergency message storage means 42. It is advantageous to store all available emergency messages 12 within the ACD system 32 pre-emergency detection, as it reduces the delay between emergency detection and message transmission D. A second advantage is that a situation may arise where communications devices are damaged or separated from their users during an emergency, in which case the emergency messages may not be accessible Post-emergency.

In the event of an emergency being detected by the ACD system 32, said ACD system collects GPS location data 34 form the GPS device 38 in the vehicle and collision data 36 from the vehicle sensors 40, and combines this with the stored emergency messages 42. The resulting data is then transmitted to the Emergency Services 26 via the aerial 44. The advantage of the system is that in an emergency, the Emergency Services 26 receive one message via network 0, containing all the important medical details of each passenger carrying a compatible communications device 10, an estimation of the number of people involved in the emergency, and specific incident details such as impact direction and vehicle orientation collected by the ACD system 32. The message also contains GPS location data 34 gathered from the GPS device 38, which is more precise than the cellular network location services.

If the vehicle 30 stops without the ACD system 32 detecting an emergency, then the stored emergency messages 42 can be erased.

Fig4 4 shows an illustration of a scenario in which a typical system configuration 46 embodying the present invention might be used. The system configuration comprises a cellular mobile phone 48, a car 50 and an SOS centre 52 capable of receiving emergency messages. The car 50 is equipped with an Automated Collision Notification (ACN) system (not shown), and which system is also arranged to read the emergency message information from the cellular phone 48 located within the car 50 via a Bluetooth connection E. The ACN system is arranged to search for, and interrogate, any such cellular phones 48 as soon as the car 50 starts moving. In the event of the car 50 being involved in a collision, for example with a tree as illustrated, the ACN system detects the occurrence of such a collision and, in accordance with its standard functionality, is arranged to transmit a signal to an SOS centre.

Advantageously, when the ACN system detects a collision, the emergency message information retrieved from the cellular phone 48 is also included within the signal to be transmitted to the SOS centre 52 via cellular network F. Of course, if a plurality of cellular phones 48 are present in the car 50, each belonging to a different passenger, the signal from the ACN system will not only include emergency message information from each passenger, but also an indication of at least the minimum number of passengers involved in the crash.

If no ACN system is present, the car 50 should be equipped with an activation device (not show) connected to the CPU associated with the car's airbag system (not shown). When the airbag is activated, for example during a collision with a tree as illustrated, the activation device broadcasts an activation signal via a Bluetooth connection E, which is received by the cellular phone 48. Said signal causes the cellular phone 48 to transmit the stored emergency message, along with location data, to an SOS centre 52 via cellular network F. If a plurality of cellular phones 48 are present in the car 50, each belonging to a different passenger, the activation signal will cause each cellular phone 48 to transmit the stored emergency message and location data to an SOS centre 52. Advantageously, the receiving SOS centre 52 may group received emergency messages using the location data, enabling an indication of at least the minimum number of passengers involved in the crash.

Claims

Claims 1. A mobile radio communications device including means for storing

an emergency message, and means for initiating transmission of said stored emergency message.
2. A device as claimed in Claim 1, and including means for transmitting location data along with said emergency message.
3. A device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein said emergency message comprises personal data.
4. A device as claimed in Claim 3, wherein said personal data comprises personal medical data.
5. A device as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, and including means for transmitting said emergency message to a cellular network associated with the device.
6. A device as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims, and including means for transmitting said emergency message to a local transceiver device.
7. A device as claimed in any one or more of the above preceding, and including means for manually initiating said transmission.
8. A device as claimed in Claim 7, wherein said means for manually initiating said transmission comprises switch means.
9. A device as claimed in Claim 8, wherein said switch means comprises a menu function.
10. A device as claimed in any one or more of the Claims 1 to 9 above, and including means for initiating said transmission in response to an external signal received by said communications device.
11. A communications system including a device as claimed in Claim 10 and an activation device, arranged for providing said external signal.
12. A system as claimed in Claim 11, including a plurality of said communications devices.
13. A system as claimed in Claim 11 or 12, wherein said activation device is responsive to the environment.
14. A system as claimed in Claim 13, wherein said activation device is responsive to impact detection.
15. A system as claimed in Claim 14, wherein said activation device is vehicle mounted.
16. A communications system comprising a local transceiver device including storage means, and a communications device as claimed in Claim 6, arranged to communicate with said local transceiver device.
17. A system as claimed in Claim 16, and arrange such that said emergency message can be transmitted from said communications device to said local transceiver device.
18. A system as claimed in Claim 17, including a plurality of said communications devices.
19. A system as claimed in Claim 17 or 18, and arranged such that said transmission can be achieved using a Wireless Personal Area Network standard.
20. A system as claimed in any one or more of the claims 16 to 20, wherein said local transceiver device includes means for supplementing said emergency message, and transmitting the message to a cellular network associated with the system.
21. A system as claimed in Claim 20, wherein said local transceiver device is an emergency notification device.
22. A system as claimed in Claim 21, wherein said emergency notification device includes global positioning means.
23. A method of sending an emergency message from a mobile radio communications device, including the steps of storing the said message within the device and subsequently initiating transmission of the said message from the device, responsive to a potential emergency situation arising.
24. A method as claimed in Claim 23, wherein the step of initiating transmission of the said message comprises a step of manual initiation.
25. A method as claimed in Claim 23, wherein the step of initiating transmission of the said message comprises initiation responsive to a signal received from a remote device.
26. A method as claimed in Claim 23, 24 or 25, wherein the message is sent via a cellular network within which the device is operating.

27. A method as claimed in Claim 23, 24 or 25, wherein the message is sent locally to a remote transceiver device 28. A mobile communications device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in, Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 of the accompanying drawings.

29. A communications system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 of the accompanying drawings.

30. A method of sending an emergency message from a mobile communications device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in, Fig. 2, Fig.3 and Fig. 4 of the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A mobile radio communications device including means for storing an emergency message, means for initiating transmission of said stored emergency message, means arranged for the input of personal medical data into said stored emergency message prior to an emergency event, and means arranged for transmitting said stored emergency message.

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1, and including means for transmitting location data along with said emergency message.

3. A device as claimed in any o ne o r more oft he p receding claims, a nd including means for transmitting said emergency message to a cellular network associated with the device.

4. A device as claimed in any one o r more oft he p receding claims, a nd including means for transmitting said emergency message to a local transceiver device. * ** * . * *1* S S...

.. 20 5. A device as claimed in any one or more of the above preceding, and including means for manually initiating said transmission. S....CLME: 6. A device as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said means for manually *S5 . : initiating said transmission comprises switch means. S*e 25

7. A device as claimed in Claim 6 wherein said switch means comprises a menu function.

8. A device as claimed in any one or more of the Claims 1 to 7 above, and including means for initiating said transmission in response to an external signal received by said communications device.

9. A communications system including a device as claimed in Claim 8 and an activation device, arranged for providing said external signal.

10. A system as claimed in Claim 9, including a plurality of said communications devices.

11. A system as claimed in Claim 9 or 10, wherein said activation device is responsive to the environment.

12. A system as claimed in Claim 11, wherein said activation device is responsive to impact detection.

13. A system as claimed in Claim 12, wherein said activation device is vehicle mounted.

14. A communications system comprising a local transceiver device including storage means, and a communications device as claimed in Claim 4, .: :* arranged to communicate with said local transceiver device. * I.. i

15. A system as claimed in Claim 14, and arrange such that said emergency message can be transmitted from said communications device to said local transceiver device. S..

16. A system as claimed in Claim 15, including a plurality of said communications devices.

17. A system as claimed in Claim 15 or 16, and arranged such that said transmission can be achieved using a Wireless Personal Area Network standard. * /8'

18. A system as claimed in any one or more of the claims 14 to 17, wherein said local transceiver device includes means for supplementing said emergency message, and transmitting the message to a cellular network associated with the system.

19. A system as claimed in Claim 18, wherein said local transceiver device is an emergency notification device.

20. A s ystem a s claimed i n C laim 19, wherein said emergency notification device includes global positioning means.

21. A method of initiating an emergency message at a mobile radio communications device, including the steps of storing the said message within the device, inputting personal medical data into said stored emergency message prior to an emergency event and subsequently initiating the transmission of the said message from the device, responsive to an emergency situation arising.

22. A method as claimed in Claim 21, wherein the step of initiating transmission of the said message comprises a step of manual initiation. *. . e

23. A method as claimed in Claim 22, wherein the step of initiating transmission of the said message comprises initiation responsive to a signal received from a remote device. S.

24. A method as claimed in Claim 21, 22 or 23, wherein the message is sent via a cellular network within which the device is operating.

25. A method as claimed in Claim 21, 22 or 23, wherein the message is sent locally to a remote transceiver device 26. A mobile communications device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in, Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 of the accompanying drawings.
27. A communications system substantially a s h ereinbefore d escribed with reference to, and as illustrated in, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 of the accompanying drawings.
28. A method of sending an emergency message from a mobile communications device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in, Fig. 2, Fig.3 and Fig. 4 of the accompanying drawings. * 4* I. * S.. a SSIs * I II.. * ,. * a IS. i

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