HK1168186A - Emergency call device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an emergency call device which can be used to automatically detect and report criminal incidents. Said device comprises a digital camera (2) and/or a microphone (5) having electronics interacting therewith for optically and/or acoustically recording events, an antenna (7) having electronics interacting therewith for capturing dedicated geographic coordinates and for establishing a radio connection to a remotely located station and for automatically transmitting information thereto, and an optical and/or acoustic signal device (3, 6), which optically and/or acoustically highlights the function of the emergency call device at the site of the emergency call device, wherein all said means can be started by a simple push of a button. The emergency call device is part of a band to be worn on the body of a human. It comprises an outer housing part (21) and an inner housing part (11) that can be telescoped therefrom. The functions that are provided for acute cases can only be started if the inner housing part (11) has a more telescoped position relative to the outer housing part (21).

Description

Emergency call device

The present invention relates to an emergency call device.

A series of devices and methods and organisational modes associated therewith are proposed in the patent literature as an aid to those who are confronted with violent events or are injured therein or are witnesses who have not participated in the criminal process.

For this purpose, people carry a small, easily operated, hand-held device which can record information about the location of the event in the form of images and/or sound and/or video, and which transmits the information, along with identification information about the user of the device, and information about the location of the event by radio to a remotely located site. The site will organize the assistance forces such as police and medical treatment if necessary and securely store within the site those resulting data that are useful for legal rehabilitation.

Representative examples of such installations and deployment recommendations are described in publications US 4884132A, EP 1277333B1, DE 2910016a1, EP 617869B1, DE 10128728C2, DE19726357a1, DE 19836118a1, DE 29819117U1, EP 875875a2 and DE102006001179a 1.

The individual proposals are distinguished from one another according to the type, content and format of the data to be transmitted, according to the recommended transmission network and according to what is specifically implemented after the data transmission.

Most of these proposals operate in such a way that help can be provided quickly in an emergency situation-not only in a sudden attack or the like, but also in a medical emergency situation-and sufficient evidential information can be guaranteed. However, no device and the associated organization information can be implemented in a wide range. The essential drawback of all the proposals described so far is that they lead only to a good follow-up for criminal events, and can hardly or even not at all avoid crimes.

The publications US 2003/0137422a1, US 2007/0200716a1, US 6876302B1, US 2008/0001764a1, DE 102006016924a1, US 2006/0201964a1, DE10123341a1, DE 20307641U1 and EP 1953721a1 show emergency call devices of the type mentioned above which additionally have a signaling device acting at the location of the incident. When an alarm is triggered, the alarm is triggered and a message is transmitted by the emergency call device present, thereby audibly and/or visually signaling the place of issue. In addition to automatically detecting and reporting criminal events (and other emergencies), the device also avoids criminal events, particularly to a large extent.

Based on this object of the invention, an emergency device should be produced which fulfills all the essential functions according to the background art already described. Furthermore, it should be relatively comfortable to carry around, visually appealing, and highly safe for unwanted triggering, although having the necessary easy and safe tactile properties for alarm situations.

To accomplish this task, the emergency call device is implemented as follows: it is capable of implementing all the functions disclosed in the background and additionally:

the emergency call device is part of a belt worn by a human body,

the emergency call device has an outer housing part and an inner housing part, wherein the inner housing part is surrounded by the outer housing part and is movable relative to the outer housing part between a more surrounded position and a less surrounded position, and

the emergency call device can be switched on for emergency situations only when the inner housing part is in a less enclosed position relative to the outer housing part.

It can also be provided that, in addition to the known data acquisition and data transmission functions, the emergency call device is provided with a signaling function by means of which it can be recognized that the emergency call device is well activated and by means of which it can be recognized that the data recording and data transmission is thus enabled.

Most of the potential criminals avoid or interrupt an intentional or ongoing criminal act when it is known that their act is well detected and that the guard has access to this information.

The invention will be further elucidated with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing.

FIG. 1: a first exemplary emergency call device is shown in oblique view.

FIG. 2: a second exemplary emergency call device is shown in front elevation.

The housing 1 of the exemplary emergency call device according to the invention in fig. 1 has the shape of a flat prism, the short edges of which are rounded. Its two larger faces may be slightly larger than the area of the credit card, for example 8 by 5 cm. The dimension of the shell perpendicular to these faces-that is to say its depth-is typically 1 cm, and perhaps also below 1 cm. In addition to the flat prismatic shape shown, other shapes are of course possible. The advantages of the shape shown are: this shape allows for a better fit into a garment or pouch than most other shapes, with the same volume.

All the important parts or functions of the emergency call device according to the invention, except for the housing 1, are as follows:

the digital camera 2 is used for collecting pictures, continuous pictures and/or films. The camera can be constructed as a conventional digital camera. Importantly, the camera is automatically focused. Advantageously, the camera also has a large depth of fieldNot absolutely important, for example, is the colorfastness (Farbechtheit) of the visual information acquired.

And an illumination device 3 for providing the required illumination for the acquisition by the camera. For photographs, the illumination is a flash or a series of flashes, which for film capture is a continuous light. An additional function that is advantageous for the lighting device is to give an optical signal that is emitted at the venue, i.e. when there is an emergency and/or the device is activated and the current event is captured and transmitted. By means of the described example, a key 3.1, which is mounted in the vicinity of the lighting device 3, can switch on the illuminated signaling function.

An optical sensor 4 by means of which optical sensor 4 distance information relative to an object is captured for the purpose of controlling the camera focusing device and ambient brightness is captured for proper control of the illumination device.

A microphone 5, whose function is to collect ambient noise.

The loudspeaker 6, in any case, functions to emit an acoustic signal at the point of origin, i.e. when there is an emergency and/or the device is activated, and to capture and transmit the current event. The signal function can be continuously connected by pressing the key 6.1.

An antenna 7 through which the required radio connection is established. On the one hand, the connection to a remotely located station, which is preferably made via an existing wireless mobile communication network, is confirmed; on the other hand, a radio connection to a reference point, such as a typical GPS service satellite, is required, by means of which the geographical coordinates of the location of the emergency call device are determined.

The activation key 8, by pressing the activation key 8, can activate functions provided for the application (Einsatzfall) which include data capture, connection to a remotely located site and transmission of data, i.e. optical and/or acoustic signals acting immediately, to the remotely located site.

In order to prevent the trigger button 8 from being pressed unintentionally, it is advisable, like a shotgun, to provide a safety device which is first set in the "open safety" state before the trigger button 8 can be pressed. In the example described, the securing device is a slider (Schieber)8.1 which is mounted on the trigger key 8 in the housing 1 or on the movement path of the trigger key 8 and which is slidable to and fro between a position in which it locks the mobility of the trigger key and a position in which it releases the mobility of the trigger key. A mechanical fuse whose principle and function can be directly recognized simply and clearly is better than an electronically implemented fuse whose principle and mode of operation can only be indirectly recognized.

Not shown in the figures are the necessary electronics contained in the emergency call device, with the aid of which the above-mentioned functions as well as the functions listed below can be implemented in a manner known to the expert.

The remaining essential, partially selectively complementary functions/components of the emergency call device according to the invention, which are not marked by visual features in fig. 1, are:

a battery, preferably rechargeable, which is mounted inside the device. The battery can be supplemented by a second, non-rechargeable battery which is nevertheless particularly durable and particularly stable (e.g. insensitive to low temperatures). In any case, an indicator of the charge state of the battery and an alarm device are provided, which only gives a warning when the charge state approaches the end.

-a socket connection for connecting the rechargeable battery to an external power source.

A socket connection for transmitting data to an external computer, with the aid of which the settings of the emergency call device can be edited using a suitable program.

An example of an emergency call device shown in fig. 2 is a portion of a wristband worn on the wrist. Which comprises an outer shell 21 and an inner shell 11 that can be folded out or rotated out of it. The housing can be designed as an aesthetically pleasing jewelry part and it can also have an electronic time display 10 that contains all the other functions of a common wristwatch. The basic parts or functions described above as functions of an emergency call device can also be provided on the inner housing 11.

When the emergency call device is worn on the palm side of the forearm as shown in fig. 2, the inner case 11 protrudes from the outer case 21 mounted at the wrist range to the palm, and the trigger key is mounted at the palm-side end of the case 11 so that the trigger key 18 can be triggered by the fingertips of the hand wearing the emergency call device.

The function of the trigger key 18 should advantageously be controlled in that it is only active when the inner housing 11 is extended from the outer housing 21. The sliding out or folding out of the inner housing 11 from the outer housing 12 can be triggered by means of the key 18.1, which key 18.1 therefore also has a safety function against false triggering.

In addition to the functions already described above for the embodiment of fig. 1, the emergency call device in fig. 2 also has a focusing support 9. After the trigger key is pressed, light is emitted in parallel in the picture center direction of the picture picked up by the camera 2. The focusing support 9 can in practice be realized, for example, by a laser diode having a small optical power in the visible spectrum. The center of the image of the picture acquired by the camera 2 is marked by the impact point of the light in the environment. It is expected that personnel carrying emergency call devices on demand may be very stressful in application situations, and this functionality may be very valuable.

In order to accurately organize events in emergency situations, the literature in the background art has mentioned a number of useful suggestions and variation possibilities. Due to the multiplicity of organization possibilities, it is advantageous for the emergency call device to be connectable to an external computer, so that it can easily be selected between different possible settings in the external computer and also (einsipieln) personal data can be loaded, so that the emergency call device does not need to have a large number of buttons and function menus.

Without any requirement for integrity, for example as subject of such basic settings/personal data:

who is the owner of the device (name, gender, date of birth, address, identity information of the medical insurance)

Through which communication network a remotely located site can be reached; what address (telephone number) the site has?

-upon failure to reach the remote site in front, if there is one/more backup site/backup network/backup address?

Connection data of the backup site.

Is it possible to notify other addressees, e.g. parents, by the device itself, except at a remotely located site?

What is sent to additional recipients? (short message, location information, all reception points..)

What can be done by remotely located, reachable sites?

Selecting:

with what information to notify who (prepared text, received data delivered)?

Which teams performing the assault task may be announced (which police offices, which emergency stations)?

What is checked before triggering an alarm in case of performing an assault task? Selecting:

do nothing. Immediate triggering of an alarm

-evaluate the transmitted data?

-call personnel immediately and give an alarm when no explicit disarm alarm is obtained?

-triggering an alarm when the disarm is not obtained within a determined, pre-set time limit.

How are they considered as disarmed? Selecting:

-sending the password by short message

-sending out a password by short message from a certain place

How does the emergency call device work locally in an emergency? Selecting:

-an option of the mode of operation of the immediately active signaling device:

-directly after pressing the trigger key turn on the signalling device?

When establishing a connection to a remote site and transmitting a first data packet, first turn on the signaling device?

The signaling device is automatically activated and can be switched off by means of the additional keys 3.1, 6.1

The signaling device itself is not operating and can be switched on by means of the additional keys 3.1, 6.1.

What form of signal is given? Selecting:

visual (different lights, which, for example, in teams performing assault tasks, reminds, for example, of rescues, police, fire-fighting teams)

-auditory

Different sirens

-different text output

-interpreted by said text output in different languages, the situation is detected and registered and kept to warn dispatch teams.

Supplementary requirements or reminders to stay cool

Loud call for help

In an advantageous form of organization, the owner of the emergency device is called from a remotely located site as a first step after arrival of an emergency message sent by the emergency device. When it is clear in a telephone conversation that a person alone can cope with the situation, no further alarm is triggered which may be a dispatch team or a reliable person, or else a further alarm is triggered.

Details pertaining to this organizational process-which telephone number to dial immediately, which assistance organization/person is to be notified/preferably somehow will be implied as "dangerous, no matter what i say yet needs help (standing in front of aiming the pistol)" or "clear disarm" with the implication of "programmed into the emergency call device via the computer connected to the emergency call device.

Alternatively, it is of course also possible to store the settings of the respective clearly identifiable emergency call device in a remotely located site for the purpose of storing the settings in the emergency call device. As a data transmission means to the station, the set announcement should be undertaken by the relevant emergency call device itself, rather than, for example, by a computer or the internet, since this advantageously avoids operations by third parties.

In the case where the owner, who is set as an emergency call device, should be immediately called by the remotely located site (before further alarms are triggered), the telephone dialing of that person should be automatically completed immediately at the remotely located site so that the dialing can be done in time and without danger of dialing a wrong telephone number.

It is advantageous to install an additional button on the emergency call device, by means of which button-which is recognizable to the remotely located site-can be saved from a test call. This offers the possibility of testing the technical functionality of all components and of organically talking to remotely located sites without the risk of costly false alarms (durchprecohen).

The emergency call device according to the invention, despite having a large number and multiplicity of settable functions triggered by it, can itself be constructed very simply and easily. This is of decisive importance since emergency situations may occur months or years after the purchase and initial set-up of the emergency call device, at which time the owner's accurate knowledge of the equipment has been diminished. It is also conceivable that the owner may be extremely nervous in an emergency situation, and may not be able to trigger the correct key precisely on a complex device.

By means of signals from the origin, which are transmitted by the emergency device, dangerous situations can be alleviated or avoided.

Claims (4)

1. An emergency call device that can be used to automatically detect and report criminal events, the emergency call device having:

a. a digital camera and/or microphone with co-acting electronics for receiving and storing visual and/or audible information,

b. as well as an antenna and electronics cooperating therewith to enable identification of the location of the antenna when cooperating with a satellite-based navigation system,

c. and an antenna and electronics cooperating therewith, so that a radio connection can be established to a remotely located site and the automatically recorded information and the information about the respective geographical coordinates can be transmitted to the site,

d. wherein the device can be turned on by simply pressing a key at the trigger key,

e. wherein the emergency call device further has a visual and/or audible signaling device by means of which the function of the emergency call device is provided in a visible and/or audible location of the emergency call device,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

f. the emergency call device is a part of a band worn on a human body,

g. the emergency call device has an outer housing part (21) and an inner housing part (11), wherein the inner housing part (11) can be enclosed by the outer housing part and is movable relative to the outer housing part between a more enclosed position and a less enclosed position, and,

h. wherein the emergency call device function for emergency can be activated only when the inner housing part (11) is in a less enclosed position relative to the outer housing part (21).

2. Emergency call device according to claim 1, characterized in that a time display (10) is mounted on the outer housing part (21), the time display (10) being visible when the inner housing is in a position surrounded by a large area.

3. Emergency call device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is mounted at the wrist range, worn on a wrist strap (12) of a person's forearm.

4. Emergency call device according to claim 3, characterized in that in the movement of the extension from the outer casing (21) to the less enclosed position a part of the inner casing (11) is moved out of the plane of the wrist strap (12) and the triggering key (18) is mounted on said part of the inner casing (11) which in the less enclosed position of the inner casing is located furthest away from the plane of the wrist strap (12).