GB2581221A

GB2581221A - Monitoring system and method

Info

Publication number: GB2581221A
Application number: GB1908774.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: C Jacob Michael
Original assignee: Tig Tag Solutions Ltd
Current assignee: Tig Tag Solutions Ltd
Priority date: 2019-06-19
Filing date: 2019-06-19
Publication date: 2020-08-12
Anticipated expiration: 2039-06-19
Also published as: GB2581221B; GB201908774D0

Abstract

System 100 for determining a fall or unconsciousness or distress of an individual comprises central hub 105 and wearable unit 110. The wearable unit may include movement detectors 120. The central hub transmits a signal to the wearable unit and if it does not receive a response signal within a pre-determined time determines that a first status of the individual is met. If the wearable unit does not receive a signal from the central hub within a pre-determined time period it determines that the first status of the individual is met. If the wearable unit receives the signal it may determine whether the first status is met based on the sensor data and i) transmit the response signal if the first status is not met, or ii) suppress transmission of the response signal if the first status is met. The wearable unit may not receive a signal if it exceeds a pre-determined distance and is out of communication range of the central hub. The suppression system may enable the wearable unit to conserve power.

Description

MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for monitoring an individual.

BACKGROUND

Ageing populations can increase the number of vulnerable people needing access to health and social care systems. According to a 2016 overview of the UK population (Office of National Statistics), over 11.8 million people in the UK were aged over 65, and over 1.5 million people were aged over 85. Old Age Dependency Ratio (OADR), the ratio of people aged 65+ to people of working age, is also increasing, with the 2016 figures indicating an OADR of 285:1000.

The implications and effects of an ageing population are wide-ranging. One effect is an increased number of ambulance callouts and emergency admissions to hospitals for vulnerable elderly patients. Another is the number of patients who are homebound and require home visits from health and social care workers. These issues can increase pressure on health and social care systems by increasing cost, and decreasing the number of available hospital beds.

Some hospital admissions are 'false alarms' and are therefore avoidable. However, a 'false alarm' is generally only discovered alter ambulance callout and emergency admission. In contrast, sonic hospital admissions only occur once the patient is in a serious condition that could have been avoided by better monitoring of the patient initially. if patients are monitored better initially, such admissions could potentially be avoided, or the length of the hospital stay could be significantly reduced. In either case, both cost to health and social care systems and hospital bed occupancy is reduced.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, there is provided a system for determining a status of an individual. The system may comprise a central hub, and may also comprise a wearable unit. The central hub and the wearable may be configured to wirelessly communicate with each other. The central hub may be configured to transmit a signal to the wearable unit. The wearable unit may be configured to transmit a response signal to the central hub. The central hub may be configured to determine that a first status of the individual or the wearable unit is met if the central hub does not receive a response signal from the wearable unit within a first pre-determined time period. The wearable unit may be configured to determine that a first status of the individual or the central hub is met if the wearable unit does not receive a signal from the central hub within a second pre-determined time period.

The first status of the individual or the wearable unit may be at least one of a medical or physiological parameter and a non-medical or non-physiological parameter of the individual (for example, a distance from a pre-determined location), or a working status of the wearable unit, or a risk to the individual. If the first status of the individual is not determined, a second status of t he individual may be assumed or inferred.

The first pre-determined time period may be substantially equal to the second pre-determined time period.

The wearable unit may be configured to transmit a response signal if the wearable unit receives a signal from the central hub.

If the wearable unit receives a signal from the central hub, the wearable unit may be further configured to determine if the first status is met based on one or more parameters of the individual or the wearable unit. The wearable unit may be configured to transmit a response signal to the central hub if the wearable unit determines that the first status is not met based on one or more parameters of the individual or the wearable unit. The wearable unit may be configured to not transmit a response signal to the central hub if the wearable unit determines that the first status is met based on one or more parameters of the individual or the wearable unit.

Each of the wearable unit and the central hub may comprise a transceiver to send and receive signals, and a processor to manage operation of the respective transceivers (and any other components which the wearable unit and the central hub may respectively comprise).

The communication protocol used to determine whether or not the first status of the monitored individual is met may be referred to as a 'suppression' method of operation. Using a suppression' method, rather than requiring receipt of a signal or data indicating that the first status of the monitored individual is met in order to escalate an alert status, the system is instead primed to escalate an alert status if it does not receive a signal or data indicating that the first status of the monitored individual is not met within a first pre-determined time period.

The 'suppression' approach may have several advantages. One such advantage may be that the system may not require successful transmission of a signal or data indicating that the first status of the monitored individual is met in order to escalate an alert status. Another advantage may be that an alert status may be escalated locally on both the wearable unit and the central hub without requiring successful transmission of a signal or data indicating that the first status of the monitored individual is met. The 'suppression' approach may also mean that the wearable unit may not be required to constantly transmit signals to relay information indicating that the first status of the monitored individual is not met. Rather, the wearable unit may only transmit a signal in response to receiving a signal from the central hub. This may enable the wearable unit to conserve power and have a long battery life (for example, up to I year). In turn, a longer battery life may increase user-friendliness for individuals wearing the wearable unit, as it may remove the need for the monitored individual or a carer or responsible person to frequently remove the wearable unit to recharge the batten'.

Additionally, the 'suppression' approach may reduce the number of false alarms raised by the system. This is because rather than transmitting a signal instantly or shortly after the first status of the monitored individual is transiently determined to be met, the system waits for a first pre-determined time period for i) the wearable unit to not send a response signal, and ii) the central hub to not receive a response signal. In the first pre-determined time period, the first status of the monitored individual may return to being not met, and so unnecessary escalation of an alert status that may have been raised if not using the 'suppression' approach may be avoided.

The communication protocol underlying the 'suppression' method of operation means that the system may have a built-in failsafe mechanism. This is because if the wearable unit malfunctions and cannot receive signals from the central hub and/or send response signals to the central, the individual is automatically determined to be at risk. In this way, the monitored individual may not be left reliant on correct working of the technology.

The wearable unit may not receive a signal from the central hub nor send a response signal to the central hub if the wearable unit is further than a pre-determined distance from the central hub. The pre-determined distance may be variable between approximately 25 m and approximately 1000 m. The pre-determined distance may be variable by varying a transmission power of signals transmitted from one or both of the central hub and the wearable unit.

An advantage of the system utilising a pre-determined distance above which the central hub and the wearable unit cannot communicate is that the system may not rely on UPS for determining the monitored individual's location relative to the central hub. This may also avoid further unnecessary drain of battery power which could occur if the wearable unit comprised a GPS tracker to constantly track the monitored individual's location. Instead, a threshold distance may be used to determine whether or not the monitored individual is in a safe location (e.g., within a pre-determined distance from the central hub).

The wearable unit may further comprise or be in communication with one or more sensors configured to collect data on one or more physiological parameters of the individual. On receipt of a signal from the central hub, the wearable unit may be configured to determine if the first status of the individual is met based on data collected by the one or more sensors. The wearable unit may be configured not to transmit a response signal to the central hub if the wearable unit determines that the first status of the individual is met based on data collected by the one or more sensors. Operation of the wearable unit and the sensors in this manner may tic in with and complement the 'suppression' approach communication protocol described above.

The wearable unit may comprise a movement sensor. The wearable unit may be configured to determine if the individual is exhibiting normal movement, has suffered a fall, is unconscious, paralysed or otherwise immobile (e.g., dead), or has suffered a fit or convulsion based on data collected by the movement scnsor. The wearable unit may be configured not to transmit a response signal to the central hub if the wearable unit determines that the first status of the individual is met based on a determination that the individual has suffered a fall, is unconscious, paralysed or otherwise immobile (e.g., dead), or has suffered a fit or convulsion. The wearable unit may be configured to determine different types of movement based not only on specific movements or patterns of movement indicating an event (c.g., a fall, or a fit or convulsion), but may also detect typical patterns of movement or a lack of movement pre-event or post-event in order to more accurately determine the movement of the individual.

Operation of the wearable unit and the movement sensor in this manner may tie in with and complement the 'suppression' approach communication protocol described above.

The movement sensor may be or comprise one or more of a mono-axial or multi-axial accelerometer, a mono-axial or multi-axial gyroscope and a mono-axial or multi-axial magnetometer.

The wearable unit may comprise or be in communication with one or more other sensors configured to collect data on one or more other physiological parameters of the individual.

The one or more other sensors may be configured to collect data on physiological parameters including pulse rate, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and body temperature. Because the system doesn't rely on the successful transmission of signals and/or information to the central hub to indicate that the first status of the individual is met, the system can be used with multiple different sensor types monitoring different physiological parameters of the monitored individual without affecting the fundamental operating principle (e.g., the communication protocol of the 'suppression' approach) of the system. The communication protocol of the 'suppression' approach means that determination of the first status of the individual being met is not dependent on the cause of the first status. In this way, the systcm may be futurcproofed to cope with changes and/or advances in sensor technology.

The wearable unit may also comprise or be in communication with one or more other sensors configured to collect data on one or more environmental parameters. Thc environmental parameters may include temperature, light intensity, and the open or closed states of monitored doors or windows. On receipt of a signal from the central hub, the wearable unit may be configured to determine if the first status of the individual is met based on data collected by the one or more sensors collecting data on one or more environmental parameters. The wearable unit may be configured not to transmit a response to the central hub if the wearable unit determines that the first status of the individual is met based on data collected by the one or more sensors collecting data on one or more environmental parameters.

The one or more of the sensors may be configured to collect data according to a pre-determined data collection scheme. The pre-determined data collection scheme may comprise a third pre-determined time period in which the one or more of the sensors collect data, and a fourth pre-determined time period in which the one or more of the sensors enter a dormant state (e.g., do not collect data). The one or more of the sensors may be configured to collect data for a fifth pre-determined time period in response to the wearable unit or the one or more of the sensors receiving a signal front the central hub.

The central hub may be configured to locally escalate an alert status of the system at the central hub from a base status to a first escalated status if the central hub determines that the first status of the individual is met. The wearable unit is configured to locally escalate the alert status of the system at the wearable unit front the base status to the first escalated status if the wearable unit determines that the first status of the individual is met. Local escalation of the alert status of the system means raising the alert status of the system at the particular component (e.g., central hub or wearable unit) of the system only. However, because each component of the system may escalate an alert status of the system independently, using the 'suppression' approach, the alert status is escalated across the whole system without relying on successful transmission of a signal or data between the central hub and the wearable unit. This means that the monitored individual and the carer, responsible person or emergency services may all become aware of the escalation in alert status of the system.

The central hub and the wearable unit may respectively be configured to locally escalate the alert status of the system from the first escalated status to a second escalated status if the alert status at the central hub and the wearable unit respectively remains at the first escalated status for a third pre-determined time period.

The central hub and the wearable unit may be configured to locally de-escalate the alert status of the system from (he first escalated status to Ole base status if the central hub and the wearable unit respectively determine that the first status is no longer met during the third time period. A determination that the first statusis no longer met may be made because the system may continue to operate using the communication protocol described above whilst the system is at the first escalated status.

One or both of the central hub and the wearable unit may comprise one or more light sources.

The one or more light sources may be configured to emit light of a first colour when the system is at the first escalated status, and may be configured to emit light of a second colour when the system is at the second escalated status. The one or more light sources may be or comprise one or more of incandescent lights and LEDs.

One or both of the central hub and the wearable unit may comprise one or more tactile elements. The tactile elements may be configured to provide a first tactile feedback to the individual when the system is at the first escalated status and may be configured to provide a second tactile feedback when the system is at the second escalated status. The second tactile feedback may have at least one of a greater frequency, duration, and intensity than the first tactile feedback. The tactile elements may be vibrating elements.

The central hub may comprise a communications module. The communications module may be configured to send communications (e.g., text or SMS messages) to a pre-designated device (e.g., a mobile phone) of a carer or responsible person. The communications may inform the carer or responsible person of the alert status of the system. The communications module may be configured to send communications at more frequent intervals (e.g., less time between communications) whilst the system is at the second escalated status than whilst the system is at the first escalated status. Increasing a rate of communications sent (e.g., more frequent communications) to a pre-designated device of a carer or responsible person whilst the systcm is at the second escalated status may increase the likelihood of the carer or responsible person being able to provide or instruct rapid aid to the individual for whom the first status has been determined to be met and for whom the first status has remained met for at least the third pre-determined time period. In potentially moderate to severe cases of the first status of the individual being determined to be met, a faster response when the second escalated status may increase a survival probability and/or a rate of recovery of the monitored individual.

The wearable unit may comprise a speaker and a microphone. Two-way audio communication between the wearable unit and a remote communications device (e.g., a pre-designated device of a carer or responsible person) via the central hub may be enabled when the system is at the second escalated status. The two-way audio communication may be enabled via the central hub using the communications module of the central hub.

The central hub may also comprise a speaker and a microphone. Two-way audio communication between the wearable unit and the central hub may be enabled when the system is at the second escalated status. A direct audio link between a carer or responsible person and the monitored individual may enable the carer or responsible person to make an immediate or more rapid determination of whether or not care services or emergency services should be called to provide aid to the monitored individual. The determination may be irrespective of whether or not the monitored individual can respond vocally or not. If the monitored individual can respond vocally, the carer may be able to assess whether an emergency callout is required based on the vocal response. Equally, if the monitored individual cannot respond vocally, the carer need not waste time in determining that an emergency callout is required.

As shown by various features described above, in general the system may provide a multistage alert system, rather than a typical on/off alert system. The system may also provide different and/or additional functionality when the system is at the second escalated status than when the systcm is at the first escalated status. In addition, the system may also automatically de-escalate the alert status of the system if the first status is no longer determined (e.g., by the central hub and the wearable unit independently) to be met during the third pre-determined time period The multi-stage alert system, potential for automatic de-escalation from the first escalated status to the base status, and increased functionality of the system when the alert status of the system is at the second escalated status may mean that an appropriate level of response by the carer can be provided, without needlessly using or wasting time or resources prematurely. As a result, the system may be less likely to produce false alarms wrongly indicating that the first status of the monitored individual is met. The third pre-determined time period may be considered as an indicator in that if the alert status of the system is not automatically de-escalated prior to the expiry of the third pre-determined time period, it is highly probable that the individual may be at risk. By enabling the system to automatically de-escalate the alert status of the system during the third pre-determined time period (depending on whether or not the first status of the monitored individual is determined to be met), the system may offer greater freedom to the monitored individual and more effective management of care and emergency resources, without sacrificing any quality of care of the monitored individual.

One or more of the sensors may be configured to transmit collected data to the central hub. The central hub may be configured to train and/or update one or more machine learning algorithms using the transmitted collected data. The central hub may be configured to transmit the trained and/or updated machine leaning algorithms to the wearable unit. The wearable unit may be configured to use the trained and/or updated machine learning algorithms for determining if the first status of the individual is met based on further data collected by the onc or more of the sensors. An advantage of this is that the machine learning algorithms may 'learn' typical behaviour of the individual. The operation of the system may then be tailored to provide improved monitoring and care based on the behaviour of the individual.

The wearable unit may further comprise a GPS tracking system. The wearable unit may be configured to utilise the GPS tracking system only when the alert status of the system is at the second escalated status. An advantage of this is that battery power consumption due to use of the GPS tracking system may be removed or minimised whilst the alert status of the system is not at the second escalated status. This complements and provides appropriate utilisation of resources to manage care effectively, as described above.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for determining a status of an individual. The method may comprise transmitting a signal front a central hub to a wearable unit. The method may comprise transmitting a response signal from the wearable unit to the central hub. The central hub and the wearable unit may be configured to wirelessly communicate with each other. The method may also comprise, checking if a response signal is received at the central hub from the wearable unit. The method may also comprise determining that a first status of the individual or the wearable unit is met if the central hub docs not receive a response signal from (he wearable unit within a firs( pre-determined time period. The method may additionally comprise checking if the signal transmitted from the central hub is received by the wearable unit. The method may also comprise determining that the first status of the individual or the central hub is met if the wearable unit does not receive the signal front the central hub within the second pre-determined time period.

The first status of the individual or the wearable unit may be at least one of a medical or physiological parameter and a non-medical or non-physiological parameter of the individual (for example, a distance from a pre-determined location), or a working status of the wearable unit, or a risk to the individual. If the first status of the individual is not determined, a second status of the individual may be assumed or inferred.

The first pre-determined time period may be substantially equal to the second pre-deteriuined time period.

The method may further comprise transmitting a response signal from the wearable unit to the central hub if the wearable unit receives a signal from the central hub.

If the wearable unit receives a signal from the central hub, the method may further comprise determining if the first status is met based on one or more parameters of the individual or the wearable unit. The method may comprise transmitting a response signal from the wearable unit to the central if the wearable unit determines that the first status is not met based on one or more parameters of the individual or the wearable unit. The method may comprise not transmitting a response signal from the wearable unit to the central hub if the wearable unit determines that the first status is met based on one or more parameters of the individual or the wearable unit.

Advantages of the method according to the second aspect of the invention may substantially correspond to advantages of the system of the first aspect of the invention described above.

The method may also comprise setting a transmission power of signals transmitted from one of both of the central hub and the wearable unit corresponding to a pre-determined distance of signal travel. The wearable unit may not be able to receive a signal from the central hub, and/or may not be able to send a response signal to the central hub if the wearable unit is further than the pre-determined distance from the central hub. The pre-determined distance may be between approximately 25 in and approximately 1000 m.

An advantage of the system utilising a pre-determined distance above which the central hub and the wearable unit cannot communicate is that the system may not rely on UPS for determining the monitored individual's location relative to the central hub. This may also avoid further unnecessary drain of battery power which could occur if the wearable unit comprised a UPS tracker to constantly track the monitored individual's location. Instead, a threshold distance may be used to determine whether or not the monitored individual is in a safe location (e.g., within a pre-determined distance from the central hub). Operating the system in this manner may also tie in with and complement the 'suppression' approach described above.

The method may comprise collecting data on one or more physiological parameters of the individual using one or more sensors integral to or in communication with the wearable unit. The method may also comprise, on receipt of the signal from the central hub, determining if the first status of the individual is met based on data collected by one or more of the sensors using the wearable unit. The method may further comprise, if the wearable unit determines that the first status of the individual is met based on data collected by one or more of the sensors, not transmitting a response signal from the wearable unit to the central hub. Operation of the wearable unit and the sensors in this manner may tic in with and complement the 'suppression' approach communication protocol described above.

The method may comprise collecting data on movement of the individual using a movement sensor. The method may also comprise determining if the individual is exhibiting normal movement, has suffered a fall, is unconscious, paralysed or otherwise immobile (e.g., dead), or has suffered a fit or convulsion based on data collected by the movement sensors using the wearable unit. The method may comprise, if the wearable unit determines that the first status of the individual is met based on a determination that the individual has suffered a fall, is unconscious, paralysed or otherwise immobile (e.g., dead), or has suffered a fit or convulsion, not transmitting a response signal from the wearable unit to the central hub. The movement sensor may be or comprise one or more of a mono-axial or multi-axial accelerometer, a mono- axial or multi-axial gyroscope and a mono-axial or multi-axial magnetometer. The wearable unit may be configured to determine different types of movement based not only on specific movements or patterns of movement indicating an event (e.g., a fall, or a fit or convulsion), but may also detect typical patterns of movement or a lack of movement pre-event or post-event in order to more accurately determine the movement of the individual. Operation of the wearable unit and the movement sensor in this manner may also tie in with and complement the 'suppression' approach communication protocol described above.

The method may comprise locally escalating an alert status at the central hub from a base status to a first escalated status if the central hub determines that the first status is met. The method may also comprise locally escalating an alert status at the wearable unit from a base status to a first escalated status if the wearable unit determines that the first status is met.

The method may also comprise, at one or both of the central hub and the wearable unit respectively, locally escalating the alert status from the first escalated status to a second escalated status if the alert status at one or both of the central hub and the wearable unit remains at the first escalated status for a third pre-determined time period.

The method may further comprise, at one or both of the central hub and the wearable unit respectively, locally de-escalating the alert status from the first escalated status to the base status if one or both of the wearable unit and the central hub respectively determine that the first status is no longer met during the second pre-determined time period.

The method may comprise emitting light from one or both of the wearable unit and the central hub of a first colour or a second colour respectively when the alert status at the wearable unit and/or the central hub is at the first escalated status or the second escalated status. The method may also comprise providing a first tactile feedback or a second tactile feedback respectively on the wearable unit and/or the central hub when the alert status of the wearable unit and/or the central hub is at the first escalated status or the second escalated status. The second tactile feedback may have at least one of a greater frequency, duration, and intensity than the first tactile feedback. The tactile elements may be vibrating elements.

The method may comprise, using a communications module of the central hub, sending communications (e.g., text or SMS messages) to a pre-designated device (e.g., a mobile phone) of a carer or responsible person. The communications may inform the carer or responsible person of the alert status of the system. The method may comprise sending communications at more frequent intervals (e.g., less time between communications) whilst the system is at the second escalated status than whilst the system is at the first escalated status. Increasing a rate of communications sent (e.g., more frequent communications) to a pre-designated device of a carer or responsible person whilst the system is at the second escalated status may increase the likelihood of the carer or responsible person being able to provide or instruct rapid aid to the individual for whom the first status has been determined to be met and for whom the first status has remained met for at least the third pre-determined time period. In potentially moderate to severe cases of the first status of the individual being determined to be met, a faster response when the second escalated status may increase a survival probability and/or a rate of recovery of the monitored individual.

The method may additionally comprise, using a speaker and microphone on the wearable unit, enabling two-way audio communication between the wearable unit and remote communications device via the central hub when the alert status of the wearable unit and the central hub is at the second escalated status. The two-way audio communication may be enabled via the central hub using the communications module of the central hub. The method may also comprise, using a speaker and a microphone on each of the wearable unit and the central hub, enabling two-way audio communication between the wearable unit and the central hub when the alert status of the wearable unit and the central hub is at the second escalated status. A direct audio link between a carer or responsible person and the monitored individual may enable the carer or responsible person to make an immediate or more rapid determination of whether or not care services or emergency services should be called to provide aid to the monitored individual. The determination may be irrespective of whether or not the monitored individual can respond vocally or not. If the monitored individual can respond vocally, the carer may be able to assess whether an emergency callout is required based on the vocal response. Equally, if the monitored individual cannot respond vocally, the carer need not waste time in determining that an emergency callout is required.

In general the method may provide or comprise using a multi-stage alert process, rather than a typical on/off alert process. The method may also provide different and/or additional functionality when the alert status is at the second escalated status than when the system is at the first escalated status. In addition, the method may also automatically de-escalate the alert status if the first status is no longer determined (e.g., by the central hub and the wearable unit independently) to be met during the third pre-determined time period.

The multi-stage alert system, potential for automatic de-escalation from the first escalated status to the base status, and increased functionality when the alert status is at the second escalated status may mean that an appropriate level of response by the carer can bc provided, without needlessly using or wasting time or resources prematurely. As a result, the method may be less likely to produce false alarms wrongly indicating that the first status of the monitored individual is met. The third pre-determined time period may be considered as an indicator in that if the alert status is not automatically de-escalated prior to the expiry of the second pre-determined time period, it is highly probable that the individual may be at risk. By enabling automatic de-escalation of the alert status during the third pre-determined time period (depending on whether or not the first status is determined to be met), the method may offer a monitoring approach providing greater freedom to the monitored individual and more effective management of care and emergency resources, without sacrificing any quality of care of the monitored individual.

The method may comprise transmitting collected data from one or more of the sensors to the central hub. The method may comprise, using the central hub, (raining and/or updating one or more machine learning algorithms using the transmitted collected data. The method may also comprise, transmitting trained and updated machine learning algorithms from the central hub to the wearable unit. The method may additionally comprise, using the trained and/or updated machine learning algorithms, determining if the first status of the individual is met based on further data collected by the one or more of the sensors. An advantage of this is that the machine learning algorithms may learn' typical behaviour of the individual. The method may then be tailored to provide improved monitoring and care based on the behaviour of the individual.

The method may comprise monitoring a location of the individual using a UPS system. The method may comprise monitoring a location of the individual using the UPS system only when the alert status at the wearable unit and the central hub respectively is at the second escalated status. An advantage of this is that battery power consumption due to use of the UPS tracking system may be removed or minimised whilst the alert status is not at the second escalated status. This complements and provides appropriate utilisation of resources to manage care effectively, as described above.

The method may comprise collecting data using one or more of the sensors according to a predetermined data collection scheme. Collecting data according to the pre-determined data collection scheme may comprise collecting data during a fourth pre-determined time period and placing the one or more of the sensors in a dormant state during a fifth pre-determined time period. The method may comprise collecting data using one or more of the sensors for a sixth pre-determined time period in response to the wearable unit or the one or more of the sensors receiving a signal from the central hub.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of determining if an individual is out of range of a pre-determined location, The method may comprise transmitting a signal from a central hub to a wearable unit. The method may comprise transmitting a response signal from the wearable unit to the central hub. The central hub and the wearable unit may be configured to wirelessly communicate with each other. The central hub may represent the pre-determined location. The method may also comprise checking if a response signal is received at the central hub from the wearable unit. The method may comprise determining that an individual is out of range of the pre-determined location if the central hub does not receive a response signal from the wearable unit within a first pre-determined time period. The method may also comprise checking if the signal transmitted from the central hub is received by the wearable unit. The method may comprise determining that an individual is out of range of the pre-determined location if the wearable unit does not receive the signal from the central hub within a second pre-determined time period.

Out of range may be considered to be the individual being further than a pre-determined distance from the pre-determined location. The pre-determined distance may be between approximately 25 in to approximately 1000 in.

The method may comprise setting a transmission power of signals transmitted from one or both of the central hub and the wearable unit corresponding to a pre-determined distance of signal travel. Thc wearable unit may not receive the signal transmitted from the central hub, and may not send a response signal to the central hub, if the wearable unit is further than the pre-determined distance from the pre-determined location (for example, the central hub).

The method may further comprise locally escalating an alert status at the central hub from a base status to a first escalated status if the central hub determines that the individual is out of range of the pre-determined location. The method may also comprise locally escalating an alert status at the wearable unit from a base status to a first escalated status if the wearable unit determines that the individual is out of range of the pre-determined location.

The method may comprise, at one or both of the central hub and the wearable unit, locally escalating the alert status from the first escalated status to a second escalated status if the alert status at one or both of the central hub and the wearable unit respectively remains at the first escalated status for a second pre-determined time period.

The method may also comprise, at one or both of the central hub and the wearable unit, locally de-escalating the alert status from the first escalated status to the base status if one or both of the central hub and the wearable unit respectively determine that the individual is no longer out of range of the pre-determined location.

The optional features from any aspect of the invention may be combined with features of any other aspect of the invention, in any combination. For example, the method of any aspect may comprise a method that includes any of the features described with references to the system of any aspect. Furthermore, the system of any aspect may be configured to perform the method of any aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 shows a monitoring system for determining if an individual is at risk in accordance with the disclosure; FIG. 2 shows a schematic of a mode of operation of using the monitoring system of FIG 1; FIG. 3A shows another schematic of a mode of operation of using a monitoring system for determining if an individual is at risk in accordance with the disclosure FIG. 3B shows a monitoring system used with the mode of operation shown schematically in FIG. 3A; and FIG. 4 shows another schematic of a mode of operation of using a monitoring system for determining if an individual is at risk in accordance with the disclosure.

Features which are described in the context of separate aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used together and/or be interchangeable wherever possible. Similarly, where features are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, these may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Features described in connection with the system may have corresponding features definable with respect to the method, or vice versa, and these embodiments are specifically envisaged.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows a monitoring system 100 for determining a status of an individual. The system comprises a central hub 105 and a wearable unit 110 configured to be worn by an individual to be monitored. The central hub 105 is configured to be connected to and powered by a mains power supply. Alternatively, the central hub 105 may be battery powered. The central hub 105 may be configured to be portable and easy to transport to use in different locations (e.g., if an individual to be monitored moves home, or goes or is taken on holiday).

The wearable unit 110 may be configured as a pendant (e.g., to be worn around a neck of the individual), as a wristband or as a brooch (e.g., to be clipped onto clothing of the individual). The wearable unit 110 is powered by a battery 112.

The system 100 may be configured to utilise a multi-stage alert systcm which may have a plurality of alert statuses of varying severity or importance. For example, the system 100 may operate using a High-Moderate-Low severity system, for example a Red-Amber-Green (RAG) alert system, with Red indicating a high severity or importance alert status (e.g., a status that indicates the monitored individual is veiy likely to be in distress or at risk). Amber indicating a medium severity or importance alert status (e.g., a status that indicates the monitored individual may be, or may shortly be, in distress or at risk), and Green indicating a low severity or important alert status (e.g., a status that indicates the monitored individual is unlikely to be in distress or at risk). By contrast, typical prior art monitoring systems only operate using a High-Low severity alert system, which can increase the risk of both false negative (no callout when help, assistance or emergency services are required) and false positive (unnecessary callout of help, assistance or emergency services) determinations by the prior art monitoring system.

The system 100 may operate the multi-stage alert system using a 'suppression' method, rather than an 'activation' method which is typically employed by prior art monitoring devices.

In typical prior art devices employing an 'activation method, an alert is only raised when a monitoring device measures a parameter of an individual (e.g.; a distance from a set point, or a physiological parameter) which is deemed to be outside of a normal or acceptable range for that parameter. In essence, prior art systems wait to receive such data wait to be told that something is wrong') in order to trigger an alert. Until such a time as prior art systems receive such data, it appears to the systems that there are no problems or issues, and the monitored individual is considered to not be in distress or at risk. Such prior art systems rely on either or both of: constant monitoring of one or more parameters of an individual to detect abnormal or unacceptable data (requiring constant power usage); and successful transmission and receipt of such abnormal or unacceptable data as an alert system trigger (e.g., an electronic device which raises an alert; or a direct communication to a responsible person such as a carer).

In the system 100, the 'suppression' method of operating the alert system means that the system 100 works in a completely different manner. Using the 'suppression' approach, the system 100 periodically requests information and waits for a response indicating that 'everything is ok'. If the system 100 receives information indicating that the monitored individual is not in distress or at risk, then escalation of the alert system to a more severe status is 'suppressed' until the next request for information by the system 100. If, however, the system 100 either does not receive information indicating that the monitored individual is not in distress or at risk, or receives information that the monitored individual is in distress or at risk, 'suppression' of escalation of the alert system is stopped. In the system 100, the central hub 105 periodically or intermittently communicates with the wearable unit 110 to monitor the individual. If the wearable unit 110 either does not transmit information indicating the monitored individual is not in distress or at risk, or the wearable unit 110 transmits information that the monitored individual is in distress or at risk. the system 100 stops 'suppression' of the alert system. For example, the system 100 may initially escalate the alert status of the system from Green alert to Amber alert.

Wander Detection Figure 2 shows a schematic for a mode of operation 200 using the system 100 to determine whether or not the individual is within a pre-determined distance oilhe central hub 105. This mode of operation 200 is known as 'wander detection'. It should be noted that in the process 200 shown in Figure 2, lines accompanied by a 'Y' indicate a positive determination (i.e., y es'), and lines accompanied by an 'N' indicate a negative determination (i.e., no').

Al step 201, the system 100 (i.e., both the central hub 105 and the wearable unit 110) is turned on. Initially, the system 100 is on Green Alert. The central hub 105 comprises a transceiver 106 configured to receive and transmit signals. The signals may be radio frequency (RF) signals or any suitable type of wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth). The transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 transmits a signal to the wearable unit 110 at step 202 (as shown by the arrow travelling from the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 to the wearable unit 110 in Figure 1). The transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 may be configured to periodically or intermittently transmit a signal to the wearable unit 110. For example, the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 may be configured to transmit a signal at the beginning of each of a succession of first pre-determined time periods. Each of the first pre-determined time periods may be variable between from 10 seconds to 30 minutes.

The wearable unit 110 also comprises a transceiver 114 configured to receive and transmit signals. The transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110 is configured to receive the signal transmitted by the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 at step 203. The wearable unit 110 also comprises a processor 116. The processor 116 of the wearable unit 110 is configured to instruct the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110 to transmit a response signal to the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 (as shown by the arrow travelling between the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit and the central hub 105 in Figure I), in response to the signal transmitted by the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 being received by the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110. Once the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110 has transmitted a response signal at step 204, the processor 116 of the wearable unit 110 may be configured to place the wearable unit 110 into a dormant mode to conserve power.

If the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110 receives the signal transmitted by the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 at step 203, and the transceiver 106 of the central hub receives a response signal from the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110 at step 205, the system 100 may remain on Green alert. The central hub 105 may comprise a green-coloured light source which may be powered to emit green light when the system 100 is on Green alert. At step 206, the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 may not transmit any further signals to the wearable unit 110 until the current first pre-determined time period has expired. The process shown in mode of operation 200 may begin again from step 202 (if the system 100 remains powered) in the next time period, or from step 201 (if the system 100 is turned off or otherwise disconnected from power).

If the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 transmits a signal, but does not receive a response signal from the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110 at step 205 before the expiry of the current first pre-determined time period in which the signal was sent from the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105, this may indicate that the monitored individual is "out of range" (e.g., is further than the pre-determined distance from the central hub 105) of the central hub 105, and therefore potentially at risk. Likewise, if the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110 does not receive a signal from the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 at step 203 before the expiry of the current first pre-determined time period, this may also indicate that the monitored individual is out of range of the central hub 105, and therefore potentially at risk.

If the monitored individual is determined to be out of range of the central hub 105, the system 100 may escalate the alert status to Amber alert. The processor 116 of the wearable unit 110 may be configured to determine if the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110 does not receive a signal at step 203 within the current first pre-determined time period. The processor 116 may therefore be configured to escalate the alert status on the wearable unit 110 to Amber alert. The central hub 105 further comprises a processor 107 (shown in Figure 1) to determine if the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 does not receive a response signal at step 205 within the current first pre-determined time period. Independently monitoring signal transmission and reception using both the central hub 105 and the wearable unit 110 means that the alert status can be escalated locally on both the central hub 105 and the wearable unit without requiring communication between the central hub 105 and the wearable unit 110.

During Amber alert, amber-coloured light sources on both the central hub 105 and the wearable unit 110 may be powered to emit amber-coloured light on the central hub 105 and the wearable unit 110 independently. The wearable unit 110 also comprises tactile elements 118 (shown in Figure 1), c.g., vibration elements or pressure elements, which arc configured to provide a tactile stimulus (e.g., vibration or pressure) to the monitored individual to further inform the individual that the alert status has been escalated to Amber alert (for example, if the monitored individual is visually impaired and cannot see the anther-coloured light). The tactile elements 118 may be configured to regularly and repeatedly provide a tactile stimulus whilst the system 100 is on Amber alert. For example, the tactile elements 118 may provide a tactile stimulus between front once every minute to once every 5 minutes. The central hub 105 also comprises a communications module 108 (shown in Figure 1). Thc communications module 108 may comprise, for example, a prepaid mobile SIM card enabling access to mobile communications networks and mobile internet (e.g., 3G, 4G or 5G network communications). During Amber alert, the communications module 108 may be configured to regularly and repeatedly send communications (e.g., a text or SMS message) to a pre-designated device (e.g., mobile phone) of a carer or responsible person. The communications module 108 may be configured, for example, to send a communication between from once every three minutes to once every 30 minutes, and optionally or preferably front once every 5 minutes to once every 10 minutes. The communications from the communications module 108 to a pre-designated device may provide information about the system 100, for example, by informing the carer or responsible person that the system 100 is on Amber alert and the monitored individual may be at risk or "out of range" of the central hub 105. The central hub 105 also comprise vibration elements 109 (shown in Figure 1) to provide an audible vibration to additionally inform a person that the alert status has been escalated to Amber alert.

The system 100 may be or remain on Amber alert for a second pre-determined time period, for example, the system 100 may be on Amber alert for between from 10 minutes to 30 minutes. However, during Amber alert, no immediate call for professional care and/or medical intervention is raised. This allows the carer or responsible person being communicated with a window of time to assess if the monitored individual is, may be or may shortly be in distress or at risk without alerting (and incurring the time and monetary expense of) any emergency services. As a result, escalation of the level of alert and appropriate level of response can be staged and managed effectively.

The second pre-determined time period in which the system 100 may be on Amber alert also allows the monitored individual to return to within the pre-determined distance front the central hub 105 without alerting any emergency services. For example, the monitored individual may have inadvertently or accidently strayed too far from the central hub 105. The Amber alert mechanisms present on the wearable unit 110 (e.g., amber-coloured light, tactile stimulus) may alert the monitored individual to escalation of the alert status. Once aware, the monitored individual may be prompted to return to within the pre-determined distance from the central hub 105, helping to reduce false alarms, whilst encouraging awareness of the allowable range from the central hub 105 and compliance of the monitored individual with the allowable range from the central hub 105 The wearable unit 110 may also comprise a reset button. Once within the pre-determined distance from the central hub 105, the monitored individual may press the reset button on the wearable unit 110. The transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110 may then transmit a signal to the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 in response to the reset button of the wearable unit 110 being pressed. On receipt of the signal from the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110, the central hub 105 may de-escalate or "suppress" the alert status from Amber alert to Green alert. The communications module 108 of the central hub 105 niay also, on receipt of the signal due to the reset button of the wearable unit 110 being pressed, be configured to send a communication to a pre-designated device to inform a carer or responsible person that the monitored individual has pressed the reset button and is back within "range" of the central hub 105. The system 100 may also de-escalate the alert status in response to the central hub 105 receiving a communication from the pre-designated device. For example, after receiving a communication from the central hub 105 indicating that the system 100 is in Amber alert, a carer or responsible person may send a code via SIVIS to de-escalate the alert status from Amber alert to Green alert. On de-escalation of the alert status to Green alert, the communications module 108 may cease sending periodic communications, and the central hub 105 may cease emission of amber-coloured light from the amber-coloured light source and provision of audible vibrations from the vibration elements 109. The central hub 105 may return to powering the green-coloured light source to emit green light from the central hub 105. Similarly, the wearable unit 110 may de-escalate or "suppress" the alert status from Amber alert to Green alert. The wearable unit 110 may cease emission of amber-coloured light from the amber-coloured light source, and may cease provision of tactile stimuli from the tactile elements 118.

During Amber alert, the system 100 may also continue to operate the 'wander detection' mode of operation. if the monitored individual returns within the pre-determined distance of the central hub 105 during Amber alert (e.g., within the second pre-determined time period), the system 100 can de-escalate the alert status from Amber alert to Green alert. This is because if the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 transmits a signal as part of the 'wander detection' mode during Amber alert, that signal will be received by the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110 should the monitored individual have returned to within the pre-determined distance from the central hub 105. If the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110 transmits a response signal which is received by the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 within the first pre-determined time period whilst the system 100 is on Amber alert, this is indicative of the monitored individual having returned to within the pre-determined distance of the central hub 105. In this way, the alert status can be de-escalated automatically by the system 100 on the monitored individual returning to within the pre-determined distance of the central hub 105.

There is no reliance on the monitored individual to press the reset button on the wearable unit 110 to de-escalate the alert status, nor is there any need for a carer or responsible person to de-escalate the alert status manually within the Amber alert period to avoid an emergency services callout. On the central hub 105 de-escalating the alert status from Amber alert after receiving a response signal from the wearable unit 110, the communications module 108 of the central hub 105 may be configured to send a communication to a pre-designated device to inform a carer or responsible person that the alert status has been de-escalated, and the monitored individual is no longer at risk and may be back within "range" of the central hub 105.

By providing a multi-stage alert system in combination with a 'suppression' communication system, the system 100 minimizes the risk of both false positive determinations (e.g., resulting in unnecessary callouts by emergency services) and false negative determinations (e.g., resulting in no callout by emergency services when a callout is required), whilst still providing a high degree of protection and security to the monitored individual. A false positive determination may be, for example, because an alert has accidentally been triggered by a monitored individual or carer. A false negative determination may be, for example, that a monitoring device is sending data indicative of the monitoring individual being in distress or at risk, but an alert system is not responding to such data (for example, the monitoring device is out of range or malfunctioning). The risk of either situation is minimized using the suppression' method of the system 100.

The 'suppression' approach also aids in conserving battery life, since the wearable unit 110 is not required to constantly transmit signals to be detected by the central hub 105 (unlike many triangulation or geo-fencing location methodologies used to track and monitor individuals).

As a result, the battery 112 of the wearable unit 110, and therefore the wearable unit 110 itself may be significantly smaller in size in comparison to typical monitoring devices for individuals. The detectable range or pre-determined distance of the wearable unit 110 from the central hub 105 may therefore be upwards of 25 in, upwards of 50 rn, upwards of 75 m, upwards of 100 m, upwards of 250 in or upwards of 500 in (e.g., up to 1000 m or further).

Furthermore, the system 100 does not require peripheral, perimeter Of relay sensors (or triangulation or geo-fencing sensors) in addition to the central hub 105 and the wearable unit 110.

The detectable range or pre-determined distance of the wearable unit 110 front the central hub may be configurable depending on the monitored individual and the location the monitored individual is in. For example, for monitored individuals who require a greater level of monitoring, the pre-determined distance may be set at 50 m or less, for example 30 m or less. For monitored individuals who do not require such a strict level of monitoring, the predetermined distance may be set at 250 m or greater, for example 500 in of greater. This may be achieved by programming the processor 116 of the wearable unit 110 to instruct the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110 to transmit signals at an intensity which will enable the transmitted signals to propagate delectably for at least the pre-determined distance, but not substantially further than the pre-determined distance (a default value for the predetermined distance may be, for example, 75 m). The processor 116 of the wearable unit 110 may be programmed or configurable via a wired or wireless connection to the central hub 105, or from a remote location over the internct (for example, using the central hub 105 as a relay), or using, for example, an SD card insertable into the wearable unit 110. Varying the signal intensity (i.e., varying the power of the signal transmission) produced by the transceiver 114 of thc wearable unit 110 also allows the system to cope with local conditions such as thick building walls or other barriers to signal transmission. The transmission range of the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110 is large in comparison to typical prior art systems because the wearable unit 110 is not transmitting signals constantly, so more power can be used in each individual transmission without adversely impacting battery life.

A 'suppression' method of escalating or de-escalating an alert system also serves as a failsafc integrity detection method for monitoring proper working of the system 100. Malfunctioning of signal transmission and receipt between the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 and the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110 within the pre-determined distance from the central hub 105 would be perceived by the system 100 in the same manner as signals not transmitted or received correctly when the wearable unit 110 is further than a pre-determined distance from the central hub 105.

A separate integrity detection check of the system 100 may also take place The central hub 105 may comprise a backup battery unit in case of a power failure or the central hub 105 becoming inadvertently disconnected from the mains power supply. If the processor 107 of the central hub 105 determines that the backup battery unit is being utilised instead of a mains power supply, the central hub 105 may escalate the alert status to Anther alert. The transceiver 106 or the central hub 105 may transmit a signal to the transceiver 114 or the wearable unit 110 indicating an escalation of the alert status to Amber alert. On receipt of that signal by the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110, the processor 116 of the wearable unit 110 may be configured to place the wearable unit 110 on Amber alert too. In this way, both the monitored individual and a responsible carer (via communications sent by the communications module 108 of the central hub 105 during Amber alert) may become aware that the system 100 may not be operating properly, or may shortly lose access to power completely. The wearable unit 110 may also comprise an indicator (e.g., light source) or provide other feedback (e.g., tactile stimulus) to alert the user that the wearable unit has low battery power remaining. The processor 116 of the wearable unit 110 may be configured to transmit a signal to the central hub 105 instructing the communications module 108 to send a communication to a carer reporting that the battery on the wearable unit 110 needs changing.

A spare rechargeable battery may be located on the central hub 105 which may bc recharged whilst located on the central hub 105. Once the dead or nearly dead battery is removed from the wearable unit 110, it may be recharged whilst located on the central hub 105 ready for the next battery replacement.

Similarly, if the wearable unit 110 malfunctions (e.g., the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit is unable to transmit signals to the central hub 105), the processor 116 of the wearable unit 110 may bc configured to escalate the alert status to Amber alert on the wearable unit 110. The central hub 105 will automatically be placed on Amber alert if the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 does not receive a signal from the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit for a pre-determined period of time (discussed above with respect to 'wander detection').

Motion Detection Figure 3A shows a schematic of another mode of operation 300 of the system 100 to detect movement of the monitored individual. This mode of operation 300 is known as 'motion detection'. The mode of operation 300 of the system 100 may be used in conjunction with and/or simultaneously with the mode of operation 200 of the system 100. TI should be noted that in the process 300 shown in Figure 3, lines accompanied by a 'Y' indicate a positive determination (i.e., yes'), and lines accompanied by an 'N' indicate a negative determination (i.e., no').

The wearable unit 110 may further comprise a movement detector 120 (as shown in Figure 3B) to detect movement of the monitored individual in three dimensions. The movement detector 120 may be or comprise one or more mono-axial or multi-axial accelerometers. For example, the movement detector 120 may be or comprise a tri-axial accelerometer, in other embodiments, a six-axis or nine-axis movement sensor may be utilised, which in addition or alternatively to a tri-axial accelerometer may comprise a tri-axial gyroscope and/or a tri-axial magnetometer (for example, L SM9DS1 sensor manufactured by STMicroelectronics).

Turning to process 300, at step 301 the system 100 is turned on. The signal transmitted by the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 to the wearable unit 110 (step 302) may be one and the same for both 'wander detection' and 'motion detection', such that the wearable unit 110 performs both modes of operation simultaneously. The processor 116 of the wearable unit 110 may instruct the movement detector 120 to monitor and measure movement of the monitored individual irrespective of receipt of a signal from the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105. For example, the movement detector 120 may be operating on its own dormant/active cycle controlled by the processor 116. The processor 116 may alternatively instruct the movement detector 120 to enter an active state to monitor for normal movement of the individual on receipt of a signal from the central hub 105.

Whether monitoring movement on a separate dormant/active cycle or on receipt of a signal from the central hub 105, the movement detector 120 may monitor movement for a third pre-determined time period (for example, up to 20 minutes). If normal movement (e.g., three or more instances of normal movement) of the individual is detected within the third predetermined time period, the processor 116 may instruct the movement detector 120 to cease detecting movement and enter a dormant state for a fourth pre-determined time period (for example, up to 10 minutes), or until a signal is received from the central hub 105. Once the fourth pre-determined time period has expired, the processor 116 may instruct the movement detector 120 to monitor for normal movement of the individual again for the third predetermined time period. The dormant state allows for regular, consistent monitoring of the monitored individual whilst making efficient use of the battery 112. Thus, the movement detector 120 may collect data according to a pre-determined data collection cycle or regime.

Continuous monitoring (i.e., continuous collection and transmission of data) is not required with the 'suppression' communication approach of the system 100.

The wearable unit 110 may comprise a memory configured to store information relating to movement of the monitored individual measured by the movement detector 120. In this way, the memory may be configured to act as a local buffer or storage area for information relating to movement of the monitored individual. Movement data may be stored permanently on the memory of the wearable unit 110 or may be deleted from the memory after a pre-determined number of active/dormant cycles (e.g., 1 cycle, 3 cycles, 5 cycles and above).

One or more algorithms for analysing the measured movement data (step 303) to detect normal ('Y' in response to step 303) or abnormal ('N' in response to step 303, e.g., a fall, or fitting) movement may also be stored on the memory of the wearable unit. A lack of detectable movement for an extended period of time (e.g., some or all of the third predetermined time period) may be indicative that the individual has suffered a fall or become unconscious. The algorithms may also be used to identify portions of the movement data which indicate large and/or rapid accelerations typically associated with fitting or convulsion. Otherwise, normal movement of the individual is determined to have been detected. The algorithms may be configured to detect not only abnormal movement in itself, but also to detect typical patterns of movement or lack of movement that may be exhibited, for example, pre and/or post fall or convulsion. For example, a typical period of lack of substantial movement (e.g., movement that is detectable over movement due to breathing) following a fall is between six and eight minutes, and a typical lack of movement during sleep is between 12 and 15 minutes. The third pre-determined period of time being, for example, up to 20 minutes may therefore cover these typical ranges, although it may be altered to accommodate individual behaviour. The escalation of the alert status to Amber alert if these typical periods of lack of movement are significantly exceeded means that the tactile elements 118 may prompt the monitored individual into moving normally. In this way, the profile of movement or lack of movement leading up to, during, and after a fall or convulsion may be obtained and analysed to provide a more accurate analysis of the movement data. Such analysis may also be provided to the system 100 in order to provide a warning that a fall, fit or convulsion is likely to Occur in the near future.

An advantage of analysing movement data not only for abnormal movement in itself (e.g., a fall or convulsion) but also, for example, for the lack of movement that typically follows a fall or convulsion is that an alert may not be raised prematurely based on instantaneous data. For example, if the movement data shows that the monitored individual has suffered a fall and then remained substantially motionless for a period of time (e.g., a pre-determined period of time such as 5 minutes or more, or for the remainder of the third pre-determined period of time), then the movement data may confirm that the monitored individual has suffered a serious fall and is at risk. Conversely, if the movement data shows that the monitored individual has suffered a fall and then regains substantially-normal movement quickly (e.g., within a pre-determined period of time such as 5 minutes, or within the remained of the third pre-determined period of time), then the movement data may confirm that the monitored individual has suffered a fall but is not determined to be at risk, thereby not escalating an alert status of the system 100 to Amber alert. Rather than monitoring for specific isolated abnormal movement events such as a fall or convulsion, the movement detector 120 in conjunction with one or more algorithms may analyse the data over substantially a whole of the third pre-determined time period in order to assess whether or not the monitored individual is at risk. This may help to reduce the number of 'false alarms' typically associated with prior art monitoring devices and systems.

The algorithms may also compare the measured movement data to movement data stored in a bank of movement data (e.g., stored on the memory of the wearable unit 110). The bank of movement data may contain movement data which shows typical movements for people who are moving normally, and people who are experiencing fitting or convulsion. If the wearable unit 110 determines that the movement data of the monitored individual is similar enough to typical movement data indicative of fitting or convulsion, the alert status of the system 100 is escalated to Amber alert. The wearable unit 110 may also compare the measured movement data to previously collected movement data of the monitored individual (which may be stored on the memory of the wearable unit 110).

If abnormal movement (e.g., a fall, unconsciousness, fitting or convulsion) of the individual is detected based on movement data collected during the third pre-determined time period, the processor 116 of the wearable unit 110 determines that the individual may be al risk. If a single signal transmitted by the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 is used to instruct thc wearable unit 110 to perform both 'wander detection' and assess the results of the latest motion detection' operation (i.e., generally assess whether an individual is at risk or not), a two-stage decision process may be required. For example, without a two-stage decision process, if the wearable unit 110 is within range of the central hub 105, the wearable unit 110 will receive the signal and transmit a response signal to the central hub irrespective of whether abnormal movement of the individual may have been detected. The system may therefore determine that the individual is not at risk even though abnormal movement of the individual may have been detected. To address this, a two-stage decision process may be used. On receiving the signal transmitted by the central hub 105, the processor 116 of the wearable unit 110 makes a first decision that it has received the signal from the central hub within the first pre-determined time period (indicating that the wearable unit 110 is within range of the central hub 105). Before transmitting a response signal, the processor 116 of the wearable unit makes a second decision to determine whether or not the results of the 'motion detection' indicate the individual is at risk. If the individual is determined to be at risk, the wearable unit 110 does not transmit a response signal to the central hub 105 and the alert status may be locally escalated to Amber alert on the wearable unit 110 ('N' at step 303), even though the wearable unit 110 is in range. This is not a problem, as the system 100 does not differentiate between the reasons why the alert status may have been escalated. The alert status is also locally escalated at the central hub as a result of not receiving a response signal from the wearable unit 110 within the first pre-determined time period. If the individual is determined not to be at risk based on the results of the 'motion detection' operation ('Y' at step 303), the wearable unit 110 transmits a response signal (step 304) to the central hub 105 and escalation of the alert status is suppressed.

The alert status is escalated not only as a function of a determination of abnormal movement of the monitored individual, but also as a function of the communication protocol between the central hub 105 and the wearable unit 110. The system has to make a determination based on movement data collected over a period of time (e.g., the third pre-determined time period) rather than a single movement event, and also has to fail to communicate with the central hub.

The non-instantaneous movement analysis in conjunction with the communication protocol underlying the 'suppression' approach means the chances of false alarms are greatly decreased.

In some alternative embodiments, if the wearable unit 110 determines that the individual is at risk based on the results of the 'motion detection' operation, the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110 may transmit a signal to the central hub 105 instructing the central hub 105 to immediately raise the alert status to Amber alert. On transmitting the signal, the wearable unit 110 may also locally escalate the alert status to Amber alert.

An advantage of the system 100 is that that the escalation of the alert status is automatic whether the individual has moved out of range of the central hub 105, or whether the individual is displaying signs of abnormal movement. The system 100 does not require any action by the monitored individual if, for example, he or she becomes unconscious, paralysed or immobile (perhaps as a result of a fall), or is fitting or convulsing. There is no need for the monitored individual to decide whether or not to indicate that they may be in distress, or to call for help. This is particularly advantageous for individuals such as dementia sufferers or those who are injured following a fall or convulsion. Additionally, the incidence of 'false alarms' due to incorrectly detecting a fall may be reduced by instead detecting the period of a lack of movement which typically follows a fall. False alarms currently account for between 6% and 40% of emergency responses for individuals using monitoring systems -a proportion high enough to reduce confidence of both a monitored individual and a carer in the monitoring system.

Additionally, the multi-stage alert escalation allows the monitored individual to remove the wearable unit 110 for the pre-determined period of time (e.g., to shower) before any emergency response (e.g., due to lack of delectable movement whilst the wearable unit 110 is not being worn). The Amber alert of the multi-stage alert system allows a pause in the escalation, rather than escalating the alert system immediately to Red alert and potentially contacting emergency services when that may not be necessary. The 'suppression' method in conjunction with the multi-stage alert system also encourages the monitored individual to continue wearing the wearable unit 110 and keep the system 100 on Green alert. By the monitored individual not wearing the wearable unit 110 and using the system 100 as intended, a carer or responsible person will be notified regularly that the system 100 is on Amber alert and there may be a risk of false alarms and false callouts for emergency,' services due to 'ghost falls' (lack of movement of the monitored individual due to non-wearing of the wearable unit 110, rather than lack of movement due to a fall). The monitored individual's freedom and independence is improved if the system 100 is utilised correctly. As with the 'wander detection' mode of operation, the monitored individual may de-escalate the alert status from Amber alert to Green alert by pressing the reset button on the wearable unit 110. Automatic escalation of the alert status to Amber alert by the system 100 as a result of the monitored individual removing the wearable unit 110 reduces incidence of the monitored individual not re-attaching the wearable unit 110 to themselves, and aids in increasing 'compliance' of monitored individuals using the system 100 correctly. The provision of different types of wearable unit 110 (e.g., pendant, fob, brooch) may also aid in improving 'compliance' by providing an appropriate wearable unit 110 for each individual.

As described above with respect to wander detection', the 'motion detection' operation may also continue to be operated by the wearable unit 110 during Amber alert. This may allow the system 100 to de-escalate the alert status automatically in response to the processor 116 of the wearable unit 110 determining that the individual is not at risk based on the collected movement data. If the signal transmitted by the central hub 105 is received by the wearable unit 110, and the processor 116 of the wearable unit 110 determines that the individual is not at risk based on the most recent collected movement data, the wearable unit 110 can locally de-escalate the alert status to Green alert, and transmit a response signal to the central hub 105 (allowing the central hub 105 to also locally dc-escalate the alert status). Also similar to the 'wander detection' mode of operation, the monitored individual may press the reset button on the wearable unit 110 to de-escalate the alert status of the system 100 to Green alert. The central hub 105 may log that the reset button of the wearable unit 110 has been pressed on receipt of the signal from the wearable unit 110. Thc communications module 108 of the central hub 105 may be configured to send communications to a pre-designated device of a carer or responsible person to confirm that the reset button of the wearable unit 110 has been pressed.

The system 100 is also lutureproofed' or sensitive to advances in sensor technology, because the principles governing operation of the system 100 do not rely on currently available sensor technology. The system 100 manages escalation of the alert system via signal transmission (or lack of signal transmission) between the wearable unit 110 and/or the sensors and the central hub 105 to determine whether an individual is or may be at risk. Data collection is performed by sensors which may be integrated into the wearable unit 110, or remote from the wearable unit 110 but in communication with the central hub 105 (e.g., directly, or via the wearable unit 110 acting as a relay) or the wearable unit 110. However, the type of sensor used (and the type of data collected) does not alter the alert status management of the system 100. In addition to movement detector 120, sensors may be used to collect physiological information relating to the monitored individual (e.g., pulse rate, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, body temperature) or environmental information (e.g., temperature, light intensity, open/closed state of doors and windows). Sensors may operate on their own dormant/active cycle (as described above in respect of movement detector 120), or may only enter an active state for a pre-determined time period in response to the sensors receiving a signal transmitted by the central hub 105 or the wearable unit 110 (for sensors integrated with the wearable unit 110, the sensors may enter an active state on receipt by the wearable unit 110 of a signal transmitted by the central hub 105). Algorithms specific to certain types of data (e.g., blood pressure, pulse rate) may be used to analyse data from certain sensor types. In this way, the system 100 may act as a home care hub, as well as enhancing medical, health and social care provis io n.

The central hub 105 may transmit different signals (e.g., differentiated by sigma length, signal amplitude, signal waveform, signal frequency) for different purposes or when operating in different modes of operation. For example, a signal transmitted by the central hub 105 to the wearable unit 110 for the 'wander detection' operation (i.e., to check whether the monitored individual is within range of the central hub 105) may be different to a signal transmitted to the wearable unit 110 for the 'motion detection' mode of operation (i.e., to check whether the monitored individual is exhibiting normal or abnormal movement). The processor 116 may be configured to determine which mode of operation is required by differentiating between signals transmitted by the central hub 105. The transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110 may be configured to transmit different response signals to the central hub 105. For example, the wearable unit 110 may transmit one response signal for 'wander detection' (which may be the same as the signal transmitted by the central hub 105 for 'wander detection'), and may transmit a different response signal for 'motion detection' (which may be the same as the signal transmitted by the central hub 105 for 'motion detection'). The processor 107 of the central hub 105 may be configured to determine which response signal front the wearable unit 110 corresponds with which mode of operation (e.g., 'wander detection' or 'motion detection'). Likewise, the central hub 105 may transmit different signals to interrogate other sensors integrated into the wearable unit 110 or in communication with the wearable unit 110 or the central hub 105 (e.g., to request a determined risk status, or request collected sensor data be transmitted to the wearable unit 110 or the central hub 105). Each sensor in the system 100 may be configured to transmit a different signal to the wearable unit 110 or the central hub 105 in order to identify which sensor the signal was transmitted from.

The processor 107 of the central hub 105 may comprise a memory and utilise a machine learning algorithm which may be stored in the memory of the central hub 105 to analyse the movement data of the monitored individual. Machine learning or artificial intelligence (Al) algorithms, are commonly used to identify patterns in a wide variety of data types from a wide variety of data sources. The algorithm may be configured to identify and model or 'learn' typical movement patterns (e.g., activity levels) associated with the monitored individual. The algorithm can also be trained and updated with each additional set of movement data collected for the monitored individual. The updated algorithm may be transmitted to the memory of the t't wearable unit 110 (replacing a previous iteration of the algorithm) so that improved local analysis may be provided when operating 'motion detection'. For example, if a monitored individual with Parkinson's disease suffers severely from tremors, such movements may initially be interpreted by the processor 107 analysing the movement data as indicative of fitting or convulsion. However, over time, the algorithm will 'learn' that such movements arc typical for that particular monitored individual, and will begin to be considered as 'normal' or typical movement patterns for that monitored individual. Any movement data that is indicative of 'abnormal' movement of the monitored individual may still be interpreted as indicative of fitting or convulsion, allowing the system 100 to escalate the alert status to Amber alert if necessary. The algorithm may also be configured or configurable to detect different sensitivities of movement. For example, the algorithm may be configured to only determine that movement has been detected when the measured movement is over a certain threshold (e.g., magnitude of acceleration measured by the one or more accelerometers). That threshold may be configurable to different sensitivities, for example, a high sensitivity setting could be used to detect breathing of the monitored individual, whilst a low sensitivity setting could used to filter out less intense movements to easily identify abnormal movement (e.g., fitting or convulsion) of the monitored individual.

If movement data indicative of fitting or convulsion is determined by the processor 107 (thus causing the alert status to escalate to Amber alert), the processor 107 may use the algorithm to analyse the movement data pre-convulsion, para-convulsion (during convulsion) and post-convulsion. In this way, the algorithm may 'learn' to identify movement of the monitored individual which is indicative that a fit or convulsion is likely to happen in the near future (and as a result may pre-emptively escalate the alert status to Amber alert on identifying such indicative movement). The algorithm may also 'learn' what post-convulsion movement is typical for the monitored individual. In this way, the length and/or severity of a fit or convulsion may be determined from the movement data. Similarly, the algorithm may also be utilised to monitor movement data collected for the monitored individual to identify movements which may be indicative that a fall is likely to occur in the near future, and/or what movements are typical for the monitored individual post-fall. In this way, the length and/or severity of a fall may be determined from the movement data.

The algorithm may also, in modelling typical movement patterns of the monitored individual, account for the time of day at which the movement data of the monitored individual is measured. In this way, the algorithm may establish, for example, that the monitored individual is more active at certain times of day, and so movements that may otherwise be considered 'abnormal' at that time can be identified by the algorithm as 'normal' movements as the algorithm gathers more information about the movement of the monitored individual. For example, the processor 107, utilising the algorithm, may be able to determine that a monitored individual with Parkinson's disease suffers more severely with tremors at particular times of day.

Over time (i.e., by analysing sets of movement data collected at different points in time), the processor 107 may also be able to determine changes in 'typical' movement of the monitored individual. For example, the processor 107 may identify or determine deterioration (e.g., increased tremors) in monitored individuals with Parkinson's disease over lime. In this way, the system 100 may be sensitive to changes in the level of care and monitoring required for a monitored individual.

Analysing movement data using a machine learning or AT algorithm that 'learns' and adapts to typical movements of monitored individuals also aids in encouraging compliance of using the system 100 correctly. This is because over time, an alert system will be developed which is specific and tailored for the monitored individual. For example, the machine learning algorithm may learn that some individuals require more frequent monitoring than others (e.g., individuals who tend to wander further than the pre-determined distance from the central hub 105 more frequently than others, or individuals who are susceptible to more frequent filling). In those cases, the pre-determined time periods used in operation of the system 100 may be altered (e.g., lengthened or shortened) accordingly to enable more or less frequent monitoring, depending on the individual. Other data collected by different sensors (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, light sensors etc.) may also be analysed using machine learning or Al algorithms stored on the memory of the central hub 105.

Transmission of data, from sensors both integrated with the wearable unit 110 (e.g., movement detector 120) and located remotely from the wearable unit 110, to the memory of the central hub 105 allows the system 100 to both i) update ale machine learning algorithm(s) to provide improved, specialised care to the monitored individual, and ii) be used as a research tool or data mine in order to improve care standards generally. The data may be stored on the memory of the central hub 105, allowing for remote access of the data via an internct connection. Alternatively, the data may be stored on a cloud storage platform, also allowing for remote access. The data may also be stored on a removable memory device (e.g., SD card) located on or within the central hub 105. The data mine may be stored in an open source facility (subject to agreement from monitored individuals and/or carers or responsible persons), allowing secondary and tertiary carers, researchers etc. to analyse the data and potentially make improvements to the care and support of individuals. For example, the collected data may enable retrospective and/or longitudinal studies to take place, and the data may be used (e.g., sold as a commercial package) to enable testing and analysis using the data. The data stored in the memory of the central hub 105 may bc anonymised, encrypted or otherwise made secure before sharing with any persons other than a carer or responsible person.

Additionally, the wearable unit 110 may be provided with a button which, if pressed by the monitored individual, automatically and immediately escalates the alert status of the system to Amber alert. The processor 116 of the wearable unit 110 may also be configured to determine, using the algorithm, if a specific movement indicating that thc monitored individual is requesting aid is detected a prc-detcrmincd number of limes within a predetermined time period. For example, the processor 107 may be configured to determine if the monitored individual taps the wearable unit 110, or waves, or makes a swiping movement with their arm, between three and 10 times in a short period of time, e.g., between one minute and three minutes.

Further Escalation Figure 4 shows a schematic of a mode of operation 400 of the system 100 for determining whether thc system 100 should escalate the alert status from Amber alert to Red alert. It should be noted that in the process 400 shown in Figure 4, lines accompanied by a indicate a positive determination (i.e., yes'), and lines accompanied by an 'N' indicate a negative determination (i.e., 'no').

Al stcp 401, the system 100 (i.c., both the central hub 105 and the wearable unit 110) is turned on. At step 402, the alert status of the system 100 is at Green alert. At step 403, the alert status of the system 100 is escalated to Amber alert in at least one of the manners described above. At step 404, the processor 107 of the central hub 105 and the processor 116 of the wearable unit 110 determine whether or not the pre-determined period for thc system 100 to be or remain on Amber alert has been exceeded.

if, at step 404, the processor 107 of the central hub 105 and the processor 116 of the wearable unit 110 determine that the pre-determined period of time for the system 100 to bc on Amber alert has not been exceeded (e.g., the reset button on the wearable unit 110 has been pressed, or the monitored individual has returned to within a pre-determined distance of the central hub 105 or exhibited normal movement), the processor 107 of the central hub 105 and the processor 116 of the wearable unit 110 may de-escalate the alert status of the system 100 (i.e., both the central hub 105 and the wearable unit 110) to Green alert.

if, at step 404, the processor 107 of the central hub 105 instead determines that the pre-determined period of time for the system 100 to remain on Amber alert has been exceeded, the alert status of the system 100 may be escalated from Amber alert to Red alert on the central hub 105 at step 405. Likewise, if the processor 116 of the wearable unit 110 determines that the pre-determined period of time for the system 100 to remain on Amber alert has been exceeded, the alert status of the system 100 may be escalated from Amber alert to Red alert on the wearable unit 110 at step 405. In this way, the alert status may be escalated locally on both the central hub 105 and the wearable unit 110 without need for communication between the two.

When the system 100 is on Red alert, red-coloured light sources on both the central hub 105 and the wearable unit 110 may be powered to constantly emit red-coloured light on the central hub 105 and the wearable unit 110 independently. The tactile elements 118 of the wearable unit 110 may be configured to provide a tactile stimulus to the monitored individual to inform the monitored individual that the alert status has been escalated to Red alert. The tactile stimulus provided by the tactile elements 118 of the wearable unit 110 during Red alert may be different to the tactile stimulus provided by the tactile elements 118 during Amber alert.

For example, the tactile stimulus provided by the tactile elements 118 during Red alert may be at least one of more or less powerful, more or less frequent, and shorter or longer than the tactile stimulus provided by the tactile elements 118 during Amber alert. The tactile elements 118 may be configured to provide tactile stimuli for bursts of up to 5 seconds every minute for five minutes.

Similarly, the processor 116 of the wearable unit 110 may be configured to instruct the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110 to transmit signals to the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 whilst the system 100 is on Red alert. For example, the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit may transmit a signal once a minute for five minutes while the system 100 is on Red alert. After the five minute Red alert notification cycle has finished, the wearable unit 110 may be configured to go 'quiet' for a period (e.g., up to 10 minutes), in which no signals are transmitted from the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110 to the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105, and the tactile elements 118 do not provide any tactile stimuli. Once the period of up to 10 minutes has expired after the Red alert notification cycle, the Red alert notification cycle may be repeated on the wearable unit 110.

The communications module 108 of the central hub 105 may be configured to send communications (e.g., text or SMS messages) regularly and repeatedly to a pre-designated device of a carer or responsible person. The communications module 108 may be configured, for example, to send a communication between from once every three minutes to once every 10 minutes whilst the system 100 is on Rcd alert. The communications module 108 may be configured to send communications at more frequent intervals (e.g., less time between communications) whilst the system 100 is on Red alert than whilst the system 100 is on Amber alert. The communications module 108 of the central hub 105 may be primed to receive incoming calls from, for example, the pre-designated device of a carer or responsible person, or emergency services (i.e., any of police, fire or ambulance services) whilst on Red alert. Furthermore, whilst on Red alert, the processor 107 of the central hub 105 may be configured to open a communication channel (e.g., a radio frequency communication channel) between the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 and the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110 when the communications module 108 of the central hub 105 is on Red alert in readiness for receiving an incoming call. The range of the communication channel may be 1500 in or greater, depending on local conditions. The communication channel may remain open, for example, for between from I minute to 10 minutes. In this way, the incoming call may bc transmitted to the wearable unit 110 using the central hub 105 (e.g., the communications module 108 of the central hub) as a relay. The wearable unit 110 may further comprise a speaker and/or a microphone. The speaker of the wearable unit 110 may be configured to audibly emit the incoming phone call to the monitored individual. The microphone of the wearable unit 110 may be configured to receive any vocal response the monitored individual produces to the incoming call. The monitored individual's vocal response may be transmitted to the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 by the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110.

If the monitored individual is conscious, the monitored individual may be reassured and comforted by having a direct line of communication with a carer or emergency services operative. The direct audio communication link available between the central hub 105 and the wearable unit 110 when the system 100 is on Red alert also allows a carer, responsible person or emergency services operative to make an immediate determination of whether an emergency callout is required, independent of the monitored individual's capacity to respond. For example, if the monitored individual is conscious and able to communicate vocally, the carer or operative may be more easily able to make a determination on whether an emergency callout is required for the monitored individual. Conversely, if the monitored individual is unable to give a response to communication, the carer or operative need not waste any lime in determining if an emergency callout is required. As such, false positive and false negative determinations of whether or not an emergency callout is required for the monitored individual are reduced.

The wearable unit 110 may further comprise a display screen to display incoming video calls received by the communications module 108 of the central hub 105. Again, the incoming video call may be transmitted by the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 to the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110. In some embodiments, the wearable unit 110 may comprise a global position system (GPS). The GPS system may be powered or active constantly whilst the wearable unit 110 is being worn by the individual. Alternatively, the GPS system may only be powered or active when the system is on Red alert. This may aid in quickly and accurately locating the monitored individual when the system is on Red alert (in order to respond to any emergency situations as quickly as possible), without draining power from the battery 112 of the wearable unit 110 by constantly monitoring location of the individual when the system is not on Red alert. Using the GPS system of the wearable unit 110, geo-feneing, perimeter/boundary settings and/or triangulation may be employed to monitor the exact location of the monitored individual. The GPS system of the wearable unit 110 may interact with external locating devices or systems, installed in the location in which the individual is being monitored. The external locating devices may also be in communication with the central hub 105 (directly or via the wearable unit 110).

A communication channel between the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 and the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110 may be set tip remotely by a carer or responsible person. The communications module 108 of the central hub 105 may be configured to receive a communication (e.g.. SMS) containing a security code. On receipt of the correct security code by the communications module 108, the processor 107 of the central hub 105 is configured to open the communication channel. Similarly, the or a different security codc can be used to de-escalate the alert status of the system 100 from Red alert to Green alert. The central hub 105 may further comprise a reset button to locally de-escalate the alert status of the system 100 from Red alert to Green alert. On the reset button of the central hub 105 being depressed, the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 may be configured to transmit a signal to the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110 to instruct the wearable unit 110 to dc-escalate the alert status from Red alert to Green alert. The communications module 108 may be configured to send a communication (e.g.. SMS) to a pre-designated device of a carer or responsible person that the alert status of the system 100 has been de-escalated. Once the alert status of the system 100 has been de-escalated front Red alert, the process returns to step 402.

The central hub 105 may further comprise a speaker. When the central hub 105 acts as a relay by transmitting an incoming call received by the communications module 108 of the central hub 105 to the wearable unit 110, the audio of the incoming call may be audibly emitted by the speaker of the central hub 105.

The central hub 105 may further comprise a display screen. The display screen may further function as a touch-screen for inputting information, or a separate user input device (e.g., keyboard, buttons) may be provided on the central hub 105. Using the display screen and/or the user input device, the monitored individual, a carer or a responsible person can program settings for the system 100. For example, the desired pre-determined distance of the wearable unit 110 from the central hub 105 for the 'wander detection' mode of operation may be input to the central hub 105 and stored in the memory of the central hub 105 (this setting may be used to vary the transmission power of the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 and the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110). Similarly, the time period between signals transmitted by the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 in either the 'wander detection' or 'motion detection' modes of operation may be altered via the display screen or user input device of the central hub 105, and that setting stored in the memory of the central hub 105.

The system 100 may be 'reset', e.g., de-escalation of the alert status of the system 100, or reversion to factory settings stored in the memory of the central hub 105, via the display screen or user input device. The display screen may also be configured to display a current status of the system 100 (e.g., the current alert status, the tinier indicating the time since the last detected movement of the monitored individual in motion detection' mode of operation).

The display screen may also be configured to display a fault log of previous and current faults or issues with the system 100, and may display a notification if the system 100 is currently experiencing a fault. Each of the different types of information displayable by the display screen may be displayed simultaneously in different parts of the display screen. Alternatively, each type of information may be displayable separately, and the display screen may be navigable by a user to display each type of information.

The display screen or user input device may also be used to input (e.g., add new, and/or delete or edit existing) contact details (e.g., mobile phone numbers) of carers or responsible persons to the memory of the central hub 105. As such, the system 100 may be reconfigurable after initial use by a first monitored individual, and before subsequent use by a second monitored individual. The contact details of carers or responsible persons may be different between Amber alert and Red alert of the system 100. For example, a select small number of contacts may be notified by the communications module 108 of the central hub 105 whilst the system 100 is on Amber alert, whilst a greater number of contacts may be notified by the communications module 108 of the central hub 105 whilst the system 100 is on Red alert.

The central hub 105 may further comprise a microphone. A user may use the display screen or user input device to instruct the central hub 105 to record an audio voice message of the monitored individual using the microphone. The recorded voice message may be stored in the memory of the central hub 105. The recorded voice message may be automatically distributed by the communications module 108 of the central hub 105 to pre-designated contacts whilst the system 100 is on either Amber alert or Red alert.

The central hub 105 may be configured to log and store all activity of the system 100, for example including but not limited to: recording times of escalation and de-escalation of alert status of the system 100, for all causes of escalation and de-escalation of the alert status; recording times of the reset button of the wearable unit 110 being pressed; recording times and content of communications sent by the communications module 108 of the central hub 105. recording times of all signals sent to the wearable unit 110 or received from the wearable unit 110 by the central hub 105.

The central hub 105 may comprise a variety of connectivity mechanisms. In addition to, e.g., 3G, 4G or 5G network communications using the SIM card of the communications module 108, the central hub 105 may comprise intcrnet Wi-Fi or wired connection) connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, and/or wired connectivity using physical cables. The central hub 105 and the wearable unit 110 may each comprise a connection port operable to receive a cable connecting the two components, to allow for data transmission between the central hub 105 and the wearable unit 110 (for, e.g., updating settings such as the signal transmission intensity by the wearable unit 110 for detecting if the monitored individual is within the pre-determined distance from the central hub 110). The connection port of the central hub 105 may also allow software on the central hub 105 to be altered or updated via connection to an external computing device. The central hub 105 may comprise a docking station to enable external computing devices such as mobile devices or tablets to be connected to the central hub 105. Alternatively, software on the central hub 105 may be updated or altered by downloading software from a remote location via an internet connection. Software and/or firmware on the wearable unit 110 may also be updated directly from the central hub via signal transmission, or from a remote location using the central hub 105 as a relay.

For proper operation, the system 100 only requires a mains power supply for the central hub 105, and access to a mobile communications network (e.g., 30, 40 or 50) for the communications module 108 of the central hub 105. All other aspects of the system 100 may be self-contained. No installation of accessory components (c.g., relay sensors or peripheral devices for location tracking) or cabling (e.g., landline cable) is necessary for the system 100 to operate. The system 100 is therefore very flexible with respect to location. The central hub may be placed in any room of a building with access to mains power, and can still safely, effectively and efficiently monitor an individual. In this way, the system 100 may be portable, and is not required to be permanently installed in one dwelling or location (e.g., the system 100 could be taken on holiday, or moved if the monitored individual changes address). As a result, there is no restriction on a location of the monitored individual using the system 100 (other than remaining within the pre-determined distance from the central hub 105).

The central hub 105 is also operable to interact, communicate with and control external devices as part of a technology enabled care approach to caring for the monitored individual.

For example, the central hub 105 may be configured to interact with household components such as controllable windows, curtains, blinds, lights or doors. An algorithm on the processor 107 of the central hub 105 may learn' typical timings and types of movement or behaviour of the monitored individual over time. Based on the typical timings and types of movement or behaviour of the monitored individual, the central hub 105 may control (via a signal transmitted by the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105, via the communications module 108 of the central hub 105, or via another connectivity type such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) components such as windows, curtains or blinds to automatically open or close those components in response to, e.g., the monitored individual waking up or going to bed/falling asleep. Alternatively, the display screen or user input device of the central hub 105 may be used to input set times to the memory of the central hub 105 for controlling other components (e.g., curtains, windows, blinds, lights, doors) using the central hub 105. The same principle may bc used to enable the central hub 105 to control other technology enabled care such as automatic and controllable delivery/administration of medication to the monitored individual (when the monitored individual is, e.g., connected to an IV drip).

The processor 116 of the wearable unit 110 may be configured to monitor and determine a remaining charge or level of power in the battery 112 of the wearable unit 110. If the processor 116 of the wearable unit determines the remaining charge in the battery 112 is below a pre-determined threshold level, the processor 116 may instruct the transceiver 114 of the wearable unit 110 to transmit a signal to the transceiver 106 of the central hub 105 indicating a low level of remaining charge in the bakery 112. The central hub 105 may be configured to display the low charge level of the battery 112 of the wearable unit 110 on the display screen of the central hub 105. Alternatively, the central hub 105 may be configured to power an indicator light on the central hub 105 to alert a carer or responsible person that the battery 112 of the wearable unit 110 has a low level of remaining charge. The battery life of the battery 112 of the wearable unit 110 may be up to one year.

The wearable unit 110 may comprise a waterproof material or mechanism which prevents fluid ingress into an interior of the wearable unit 110. The waterproof material or mechanism may be a sealable opening which allows access to an interior of the wearable unit 110, for example to replace components of the wearable unit 110 such as the battery 112.

Alternatively, the wearable unit 110 may comprise a resin coating which prevents fluid ingress into the wearable unit 110. The waterproof material or mechanism of the wearable unit 110 means that the monitored individual can utilise the wearable unit 110 both indoors and outdoors (c.g., in a garden) and in both dry and wet conditions (e.g., washing hands or showering). The waterproof material or resin coating may be non-allergenic and may aid in infection control.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art of monitoring systems, and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features already described herein.

Although the appended claims are directed to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.

For the sake of completeness, it is also staled that the term 'comprising' does not exclude other elements or steps, the term 'a' or 'an does not exclude a plurality, a single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several means recited in the claims and any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system for determining a status of an individual, the system comprising: a central hub; and a wearable unit configured to wirelessly communicate with the central hub; wherein the central hub is configured to transmit a signal to the wearable unit and the wearable unit is configured to transmit a response signal to the central hub; and wherein: (i) the central hub is configured to determine that a first status of the individual or the wearable unit is met if the central hub does not receive a response signal from the wearable unit within a first pre-determined time period: and/or (ii) the wearable unit is configured to determine that the first status of the individual or the central hub is met if the wearable unit does not receive a signal from the central hub within a second pre-determined lime period.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first pre-determined time period is substantially equal to the second pre-determined time period.
3 The system of claim 1 or of claim 2, wherein the wearable unit is configured to transmit a response signal to the central hub if the wearable unit receives a signal from the central hub.
4 The system of claim 1 or of claim 2, wherein if the wearabte unit receives a signal from the central hub, the wearable unit is further configured to: determine if the first status is met based on one or more parameters of the individual or ate wearable unit; and transmit a response signal to the central hub if the wearable unit determines that the first status is not met based on one or more parameters of the individual or the wearable unit; or not transmit a response signal to the central hub if the wearable unit determines that the first status is met based on one or more parameters of the individual or the wearable unit.
5. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the wearable unit cannot receive a signal from the central hub nor send a response signal to the central hub if the wearable unit is further than a pre-determined distance front the central hub, and optionally wherein the pre-determined distance is variable between approximately 25 m and approximately; 1000 m.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the pre-determined distance is variable by varying a transmission power of signals transmitted from one or both of the central hub and the wearable unit.
7. The system of any claim dependent directly or indirectly from claim 4, the wearable unit further comprising or in communication with one or more sensors configured to collect data on one or more physiological parameters of the individual; wherein, on receipt of the signal from the central hub, the wearable unit is configured to determine if the first status of the individual is met based on data collected by the one or more sensors; and wherein the wearable unit is configured to not transmit a response signal to the central hub if the wearable unit determines that the first status of the individual is met based on data collected by the one or more sensors, and optionally wherein: the wearable unit comprises a movement sensor; the wearable unit is configured to determine if the individual is exhibiting normal movement, has suffered a fall, is unconscious, paralysed or otherwise immobile, or has suffered a fit or convulsion based on data collected by the movement sensor: and the wearable unit is configured to not transmit a response signal to the central hub if the wearable unit determines that the first status of the individual is met based on a determination that the individual has suffered a fall, is unconscious, paralysed or otherwise immobile, or has suffered a fit or convulsion.
The system of any preceding claim, wherein: the central hub is configured to locally escalate an alert status of the system at the central hub front a base status to a first escalated status if the central hub determines that the first status is met; and the wearable unit is configured to locally escalate the alert status of the system at the wearable unit from the base status to the first escalated status if the wearable unit determines that the first status is met.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the central hub and the wearable unit are respectively configured to locally escalate the alert status of the system from the first escalated status to a second escalated status if the alert status at the central hub and the wearable unit respectively remains at the first escalated status for a third pre-determined time period.
10, The sy stern of claim 8 or of claim 9, wherein: the central hub and the wearable unit are configured to locally de-escalate the alert status of the system from the first escalated status to the base status if the central hub and the wearable unit respectively determine that the first status is no longer met during the third predetermined time period.
11. The system of claim 8 or of claim 9. 9 herein one or both of the central hub and the *) wearable unit comprise: one or more light sources configured to emit light of a first colour when the system is at the first escalated status and configured to emit light of a second colour when the system is at the second escalated status; and/or one or more tactile elements configured to provide a first tactile feedback to the individual when the system is at the first escalated status and configured to provide a second tactile feedback when the system is at the second escalated status; and/or wherein the wearable unit comprises a speaker and a microphone; and Iwo-way audio communication is enabled between the wearable unit and a remote communications device via the central hub when the alert status of the system is at the second escalated status; or wherein the wearable unit and the central hub each comprise a speaker and a microphone; and two-way audio communication is enabled between the wearable unit and the central hub when the alert status of the system is at the second escalated status.
12. The system of any preceding claim dependent directly or idirectly from claim 7 wherein: one or more of the sensors is configured to transmit collected data to the central hub; the central hub is configured to train and update one or more machine learning algorithms using the transmitted collected data; and the central hub configured to transmit trained and updated machine learning algorithms to the wearable unit; and the wearable unit is configured to use the trained and updated machine learning algorithms for determining if the first status of the individual is met based on further data collected by the one or more of the sensors.
13. The system of any preceding claim, the wearable unit further comprising a GPS systein 14. The system of claim 13 as it depends directly or indirectly from claim 9, wherein the wearable unit is configured to utilise the GPS system only when the system is al the second escalated status.15. The system of any preceding claim dependent directly or indirectly from claim 7, wherein one or more of the sensors are configured to collect data according to a predetermined data collection scheme, and optionally wherein the pre-determined data collection scheme comprises: a fourth pre-determined time period in which the one or more of the sensors collect data, and a fifth pre-determined time period in which the one or more of the sensors enter a dormant state.18. The system of any preceding claim dependent directly or indirectly from claim 7, wherein one or more of the sensors are configured to collect data for a sixth pre-determined time period in response to the wearable unit or the one or more of the sensors receiving a signal from the central hub.19. A method for determining a status of an individual, the method comprising: transmitting a signal from a central hub to a wearable unit configured to wirelessly communicate with the central hub: checking if a response signal is received at the central hub from the wearable unit, and determining that a first status of the individual or the wearable unit is met if the central hub does not receive a response signal from the wearable unit within a first pre-determined time period; and checking if the signal transmitted from the central hub is received by the wearable unit, and determining that the first status of the individual or the wearable unit is met if the wearable unit does not receive the signal from the central hub within a second pre-determined time period.20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first pre-determined time period is substantially equal to the second pre-determined time period.21. The method of claim 19 or of claim 20, further comprising transmitting a response signal from the wearable unit to the central hub if the wearable unit receives a signal from the central hub.22. The method of claim 19 or of claim 20, wherein if the wearable unit receives a signal from the central hub, the method further comprises: 3:5 determining if the first status is met based on one or more parameters of the individual or the wearable unit; and transmitting a response signal from the wearable unit to the central hub if the wearable unit determines that the first status is not met based on one or more parameters of the individual or the wearable unit; or not transmitting a response signal from the wearable unit to the central hub if the wearable unit determines that the first status is met based on one or more parameters of the individual or the wearable unit.23. The method of any of claims 19 to 22, further comprising: setting a transmission power of signals transmitted from one or both of the central hub and the wearable unit corresponding to a pre-determined distance of signal travel, wherein the wearable unit cannot receive a signal from the central hub nor send a response signal to the central hub if the wearable unit is further than the pre-determined distance from the central hub, and optionally wherein the pre-determined distance is between from approximately 25 m to approximately 1000 m.24. The method of claim 22 or claim 23, further comprising: collecting data on one or more physiological parameters of the dual using one or more sensors integral to or in communication with the wearable unit; determining if the first status of the individual is met based on data collected by one or more of the sensors using the wearable unit; and if the wearable unit determines that the first status of the individual is met based on data collected by one or more of the scnsors, not transmitting a response signal from the wearable unit to the central hub, and optionally further comprising: collecting data on movement of the individual using a movement sensor; determining if the individual is exhibiting normal movement, has suffered a fall, is unconscious, paralysed or otherwise immobile, or has suffered a fit or convulsion based on data collected by the movement sensor using the wearable unit; and if the wearable unit determines that the first status of the individual is met based on a determination that the individual has suffered a fall, is unconscious, paralysed or otherwise immobile, or has suffered a fit or convulsion, not transmitting a response signal from the wearable unit to the central hub.25. The method of any preceding method claim, further comprising: locally escalating an alert status at the central hub from a base status to a first escalated status if the central hub determines that the first status is met; and locally escalating an alert status at the wearable unit from a base status to a first escalated status if the wearable unit determines that the first status is met.26. The method of claim 125, further comprising: at the central hub and the wearable unit respectively, locally escalating the alert status from the first escalated status to a second escalated status if the alert status at the central hub and the wearable unit remains at the first escalated status for a third pre-determined time period.27. The method of claim 25 or of claim 26. further comprising: at the central hub and the wearable unit respectively, locally de-escalating the alert status from the first escalated status to the base status if the wearable unit and the central hub respectively determine that the first status is no longer met during the third pre-determined (hue period.28. The method of claim 26 or of claim 27, further comprising: emitting light from the wearable unit and the central hub of a first colour or a second colour respectively when the alert status at the wearable unit and the central hub is at the first escalated status or the second escalated status; and/or providing a first tactile feedback or a second tactile feedback respectively on the wearable unit and the central hub when the alert status of the wearable unit and the central hub is at the first escalated status or the second escalated status: and/or using a speaker and a microphone on the wearable unit, enabling two-way audio communication between the wearable unit and a remote communications device via the central hub when the alert status of the wearable unit and the central hub is at the second escalated status; or using a speaker and a microphone on each of the wearable unit and the central hub, enabling two way audio communication between the wearable unit and the central hub when the alert status of the wearable unit and the central hub is at the second escalated status.29. The method of any preceding method claim dependent directly or indirectly from claim 24, further comprising: transmitting collected data from one or more of the sensors to the central hub; using the central hub, training and updating one or more machine learning algorithms using the transmitted collected data; transmitting trained and updated machine learning algorithms from the central hub to the wearable unit; and using the trained and updated machine learning algorithms at the wearable unit, determining if the first status of the individual is met based on further data collected by the one or more of the sensors.30. The method of any preceding method claim, further comprising monitoring a location of the individual using a GPS system; and optionally using the GPS system only when the alert status at the wearable unit and the central hub respectively is at the second escalated status.31. The method of any preceding method claim dependent directly or ectly front claim 24, further comprising: collecting data using one or more of the sensors according to a pre-determined data collection scheme, and optionally collecting data using one or more of the sensors during a fourth pre-determined time period and placing the one or more of the sensors in a dormant state during a fifth-pre determined time period.32. The method of any preceding method claim dependent directly or indirectly from claim 24, further co mprising: collecting data using one or more of the sensors for a sixth pre-determined time period in response to the wearable unit or the one or more of the sensors receiving a signal from the central hub.