WO2011094854A1

WO2011094854A1 - Portable personal safety device and method

Info

Publication number: WO2011094854A1
Application number: PCT/CA2011/000137
Authority: WO
Inventors: Scott Johnson; David Brooks
Original assignee: Treq Innovations Inc.
Priority date: 2010-02-04
Filing date: 2011-02-04
Publication date: 2011-08-11

Abstract

An electronic device for automatic distress signaling comprising one or more logical functions including alert functions, communications, navigation, telemetric, biometrics, safety information and entertainment functions; one or more user activity profiles corresponding to one or more types of outdoor activities, the activity profile configured to contain information from the one or more of the device logical functions; and an intelligent alert module for detecting when a user may be in danger by processing information from one or more of the device logical functions and a current activity profile and for triggering the alert upon detecting the user being in danger, the alert type being determined by the current activity profile.

Description

PORTABLE PERSONAL SAFETY DEVICE AND METHOD

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from US Provisional application No. 61/301 ,414, filed February 4, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for a portable electronic signaling device and more particularly to devices adapted to provide a signal alerting others to the user's distress or need for assistance.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Each year, millions of people worldwide take to the outdoors to enjoy a broad range of recreational activities. And each year, nearly 4.5 million will find themselves having to deal with unforeseen emergencies requiring help. Sadly, most individuals do not carry the means to alert others to their situation. While two-way radios, locator beacons and GPS alert systems do offer the ability to call for help, the vast majority of individuals engaging in recreational activities do not utilize these solutions as they are often costly, subscription-reliant, require independent licensing, are ill-suited for their specific needs or conflict with the users desire to carry other fun-based electronic devices with them outdoors.

[0004] Many activities require that a user carry a device that is capable of producing a distress signal in case the user unexpectedly is placed in a dangerous position. For example, deep sea fishermen commonly wear devices which can emanate a distress signal in case of a shipwreck or being tossed overboard.

[0005] Similarly, backcountry skiers are often required to wear a distress beacon in case they are unexpectedly caught in an avalanche in a remote area. However if the person is alone and he is unconscious or so injured that he may be unable to activate his distress beacon. Accordingly there is a need for a system that will alert emergency authorities in this situation.

[0006] In other situations for example if the person suffered medical condition due to overexerting themselves and was as a result unconscious they may not be able to provide the necessary information to emergency authorities to help obtain the proper assitance. Still further children and elderly people, can lack the necessary dexterity to deploy the device, especially in a panic situation Therefore, there is a need for a personal security device that is light, reliable, effective and adaptable to many different activities and circumstances and capable of being automatically deployed.

SUMMARY

[0007] The present invention seeks to overcome the deficiencies in the prior art by providing a method and apparatus for a portable electronic device adapted to provide a distress signal and other safety features.

In accordance with an aspect of the preen invention there is provided an electronic device for automatic distress signaling comprising:

one or more logical functions including alert functions, communications, navigation, telemetric, biometrics, safety information and entertainment functions; one or more user activity profiles corresponding to one or more types of outdoor activities, the activity profile configured to contain information from the one or more of the device logical functions; and

an intelligent alert module for detecting when a user may be in danger by processing information from one or more of the device logical functions and a current activity profile and for triggering the alert upon detecting the user being in danger, the alert type being determined by the current activity profile.

In accordance with a further aspect there is provided a method for providing an intelligent alert system comprising:

detecting from sensors a change in expected parameters;

retrieving an activity profile;

comparing said change in expected parameters to parameters in said activity profile;

triggering an alert based on said comparison. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present invention is best understood with reference to the drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a portable electronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG's. 2a and 2b are respective front and rear views of the device according to an embodiment of the present matter;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing logical entities within the portable electronic device; and

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an intelligent alert system according to an embodiment of the present matter; and

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following acronyms and abbreviations are used in the description:

ANT, ANT+ An emerging industry standard for Personal Area Network (PAN) devices

CSA Canadian Standards Association

dB decibels

FRS Family Radio Service

GMRS General Mobile Radio Service

GPS Global Positioning system

GUI Graphical User Interface

Hz Hertz cycles per second

IAS Intelligent Alert System

LCD Liquid Crystal Display

MP3 Mpeg-1 , Audio Layer 3. A common file format used to store and play audio.

PAN Personal Area Network

PLB Personal Locator Beacon

SAR Search and Rescue

SAR Synthetic Aperture Radar

SD Secure Digital. A type if Flash Memory card.

SNR Signal to Noise Ratio

SPL Sound Pressure Level

THD Total Harmonic Distortion

UCAP User Configurable Activity Profile

UL Underwriters Labs. An American safety testing agency

USB Universal Serial Bus

[0009] The present invention provides a portable electronic device for distress signaling that can be used by any individual participating in a wide variety of activities that require particular attention to the individual's safety, such type of activities including hiking, skiing, cycling, mountain biking, kayaking, boating and such like, and the ability to automatically or manually trigger an alert or summon assistance if the individual is in a situation threatening their safety. [0010] Moreover, in accordance with one aspect of the invention the automatically initiating or triggering an alert is in a manner consistent with the particular activity.

[0011] The present invention seeks to further provide an intelligent alert system which is able to determine when a user is potentially in danger and automatically turn on an appropriate alert signal. Accordingly there is provided an electronic device for automatic distress signaling comprising: one or more logical functions including alert functions, communications, navigation, teiemetric, biometrics, safety information and entertainment functions; one or more user activity profiles corresponding to one or more types of outdoor activities, the activity profile configured to contain information from the one or more of the device logical functions; and an intelligent alert module for detecting when a user may be in danger by processing information from one or more of the device logical functions and a current activity profile and for triggering the alert upon detecting the user being in danger, the alert type being determined by the current activity profile.

[0012] There is further provided that the user activity profiles are user configurable.

[0013] There is still further provided that the device includes outdoor recreation resources including navigation aids, communication aids, teiemetric data sensing & logging and biometric data sensing & logging.

[0014] There is still further provided that the device includes entertainment functions which include an MP3 or audio player and camera and text messaging.

[0015] There is still further provided that the logical functions on the device include the following: the alert functions include various alerting including visible, audible, radio, positional and proximity alerting; the communications includes VOX-based two-way FRS/GMRS Radio, ANT and ANT+; the navigation includes position, speed, bearing and compass; the telemetries include acceleration, elevation, temperature, water immersion; the biometrics include heart rate, cycling cadence, body temperature; the safety information includes first-aid information, outdoors survival information and such like; and the entertainment includes MP3 player, still and video cameras.

[0016] Referring now to FIG. 1 there is shown a block diagram illustrating a portable electronic 100 according to an embodiment of the present matter. Device 100 preferably includes a microprocessor 102 which controls the overall operation of the device.

Communication functions, including RF and possibly date and voice communications, are performed through communication subsystem 104. Microprocessor 102 also interacts with further device subsystems such as the display 122, flash memory 124, random access memory (RAM) 126, auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystems 128, beacon 130 and associated driver 131 , one or more button inputs, keyboards or keypads 132, speaker 134 associated driver 135, microphone 136, media player 140, camera 142, sensor subsystem 144 for interfacing with sensors carried by the device including an accelerometer 150, GPS 152, biometric sensors 154 for obtaining biometric data using the ANT+ system, the latter of which is known in the art, water or moisture sensor 156, altitude sensor 158, temperature sensor 160 daylight sensor 162, gyro 164 and proximity sensor 166. In addition microprocessor 102 interacts with other communication subsystem 168 such as a short-range communications subsystem and any other device subsystems generally designated as 170. Auxiliary I/O 128 could include a USB port or other port known to those in the art.

[0017] Operating system software, such as the Android or similar open source operating system software used by the microprocessor 102 is preferably stored in a persistent store such as the flash memory 124, which may instead be a read-only memory (ROM) or similar storage element (not shown). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that specific device applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into a volatile memory such as RAM 126. Received communication signals and sensor data may also be stored in RAM 126.

[0018] As shown, flash memory 124 can be used to store various programs 182 and program and user data such as biometric data 184, activity profiles 186, outdoor resources 188, and a database 190. Microprocessor 102 preferably enables execution of software applications on the device. A predetermined set of applications that control basic operations will normally be installed on the device 100. Other applications could be installed subsequently by a user.

[0019] Where device 100 is capable of two-way communication, the communication subsystem may include both a receiver 172 and a transmitter 174, as well as associated components such as one or more, antenna elements 176, local oscillators (LOs) 173, and a processing module such as a digital signal processor (DSP) 178. As will be apparent to those skilled in the field of communications, the particular design of the communication subsystem 104 will be dependent upon the communication network in which the device is intended to operate. The communication subsystem also includes cellular network communications capabilities for communicating on various cellular networks such as CDMA/GSM/gprs/3G and up.

[0020] The device 100 is powered by a battery and includes a charging subsystem for charging the battery from an external source, such as a USB plug. Power adapter, or via an internal mechanical hand powered generator. The latter being used for emergency backup situations only. The battery can take any form as will be readily appreciated by the skilled person. The beacon 130 may further includes a strobe light or in one embodiment communicate with the communications subsystem 104 to provide an RF beacon signal.

[0021] The speaker driver 135 is adapted to drive the speaker 134 to produce audible warning and alert tones at sufficient pressure levels in accordance with a particular activity, typically greater than 10OdB at 1.0 meters. The audi alert may be dynamically tailored as will be described later to a particular activity,

[0022] Referring to Fig.'s 2a and 2 b there is shown respective front 200 and back 202 views of the device 100 according to an embodiment of the present matter. The portable electronic device 100 comprises a housing case made of for example; an engineered polycarbonate blend (to be highly reflective) with rubberized over molding fastened to a molded aluminum central frame or other high impact resistant material that can take any number of shapes that will be readily appreciated by the skilled person. The case typically has dimensions of 6.7 in width x 19.6 in height x 4.2 cm in depth. The housing is waterproof and encloses the various sensor and electronic circuitry of the device. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear surface of the case includes multifaceted or surfaced reflective mirror 204 on the rear 202 which is generally made of scratch resistant material and which can be used for signaling. The signal mirror can be used as an emergency signaling device to reflect sunlight during daylight hours that does not require electrical power.

[0023] A mounting point or clip ring 206 is formed on the lower portion of the case 200 that can be attached to a lanyard, carabiner, bungee chord, among other arrangements. The case may also include a belt clip. The clip ring may also be formed to provide a convenient beer bottle cap opener.

[0024] The front face of the case 200 includes an impact resistant display screen 208 for graphic display of a compass and various menu and other items such as altitude, barometric pressure maps, location beacon and such like. In at least one embodiment the graphic display is a square shaped LCD screen, however other shapes and formats are also contemplated. In at least one embodiment, graphic display has a resolution of 100 pixels by 100 pixels, however other arrangements, such as 160 pixels by 120 pixels and 100 pixels by 160 pixels, are also contemplated. In at least one embodiment, graphic display utilizes 8 bit colour. In at least one embodiment, graphic display is greater than 25mm and less than 40 mm when measured diagonally. In an embodiment the screen may be a touch screen.

[0025] The keyboard 132 of the device may be implemented as a group of multifunction buttons 210, which may include different user operable input keys such as a track ball or toggle 212, input buttons 214 in proximity to a portion of the display screen 208. The multi functional buttons and the track ball may be a four direction, centre push, mini joystick, which is used to navigate graphic interface. Depending on a particular input mode, different functions maybe assigned to these input keys 212, 214.

[0026] A set of multi-alert dedicated input buttons 216, for initiating one or more alerts is provided. These buttons enable and disable the audio alert feature.

[0027] The microphone 135 I conveniently located on the device and may be used in voice communications and or voice commands such as for initiating an alert.

[0028] A dedicated button 220 for operating the call/talk radio and two way

communications is located at one side of the case and an alert button 222 for triggering the instant audio alert is located on the other side of the case.

[0029] A power switch 218 is provided. As discussed above, portable electronic device is operated from an internal battery. In at least one embodiment, battery is rechargeable, removable and conforms to the appropriate electrical standards. In at least one embodiment, battery provides a suitable number of hours of operating time with the following features active: an audio alert function operating at 10% duty cycle, a FRS (Family Radio System) Radio Tx operating at a 10% duty cycle, FRS Radio Rx operating at a 90% duty cycle and a PLB (Personal Location Beacon) transponder activated.

[0030] In at least one embodiment, portable electronic device includes a mechanical charging system. Mechanical charging system is configured to be operated with one hand or alternatively with the feet. In the illustrated embodiment the mechanical charging system includes a lever or hand crank 224 located at the lower side portion of the case which can be depressed to spin an internal dynamo which creates DC power which can then be used to recharge battery. A series of internal gears are employed to multiply rotational speed of the dynamo, resulting in a more efficient and effective mechanical charging system. Other arrangements for mechanical charging system are contemplated and will be readily apparent to the skilled person in the art.

[0031] As discussed above, antenna is used to communicate with various wireless networks. The electronic device preferably has two antennas for communication in addition to the GPS antenna, one antenna dedicated for a Family Radio System (FRS) subsystem and a second antenna dedicated for a PLB (Personal Location Beacon) radio subsystem. In the illustrated embodiment, the FRS and PLB subsystems will be routed through a single antenna located in an upper portion 226 of the case. The GPS antenna may also be located in this portion.

[0032] A beacon or strobe light 228 may be located at the top of the antenna portion 226 to provide the visual alert feature. The visual alert makes the position of portable electronic device easily visible during periods of low light or complete darkness. In at least one embodiment visual alert feature has 360 degree visibility, is visible up to 2 miles, and has a flash rate of once per second (i.e.: on for 0.1 seconds, off for 0.9 seconds). In at least one embodiment, the user can manually enable the visual alert feature. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, activity profiles can automatically enable visual alert feature. The visual alert feature can be operated in a low intensity "flashlight" mode and is comprised of a white LED, however any suitable light source of any colour could be used as will be readily understood by the skilled person.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the audio alert is implemented by a speaker 230 located behind a grill of the front face of the housing. The audio alert is dynamically optimized for the different activities as will be described later. The speaker is capable of generating an SPL (sound pressure level) of greater than 100 dB at a distance of 1 meter, a frequency range of 200Hz to 8 hz +/- 3 dB, less than .001% THD (total harmonic distortion) at 90 dB SPL and greater than 90 dB SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) . The speaker can be used to attract attention to the user in the fashion of an electronic air horn. Audio alert feature can also be used to discourage wild animals from approaching. It is contemplated that audio alert feature can consist of a number of different profiles which can be selectively used depending on a particular activity profile. For example, audio alert feature can consist of a distress signaling tone for instances where the user is lost, and a wildlife deterrence tone in instances where the user is confronted by a wild animal. The audio alert can be manually activated by depressing the button 222.

[0034] As mentioned earlier activity profiles can be preset by the user such that a particular activity profile can be selected and customized based on the requirements of a particular activity. For example, a backcountry skier could set a backcountry skiing profile to send out an alert after a certain amount of time has passed since the unit was turned on. Another activity profile could be a low power profile which does not allow access to non-essential features when the portable electronic device is set to this setting. The devices audio alert feature serves two purposes. It can be used to attract attention to the user in the event of a personal distress situation, e.g. An electronic air- horn or it can be used to scare away dangerous or predatory animals. Specific audio profiles can also be assigned to specific activity profiles. Kayak profile tones shall be tailored to the marine environment to ensure they can be heard during high seas (high wind, large swells) Alpine profile tones shall be tailored to suit snowy environments to ensure they can be heard in areas of large, fresh snow falls. Hiking profile tones shall be tailored for Animal Deterrence. Tones that are known to discourage bears, cougars, rinos (etc.) shall be available to the user. The user shall be able to manually enable the audio alert. User profiles shall also be able to enable the audio alert.

[0035] The device can automatically increase the sound level of audio alert feature from 0 dB SPL to full power over a 10 second interval. This allows the user to initiate audio alert feature with enough time to hold portable electronic device away from the user's body and/or ears in order to avoid any damage to the user's hearing. In at least one embodiment, portable electronic device can provide audio alert feature at full power immediately after the user has manually activate audio alert feature

[0036] The device can operate reliably over a temperature range of -20°C to +55°C and over a humidity range of 5% to 100% relative humidity. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment portable electronic device can be safely stored at temperatures ranging from -40°C to +100°C. In at least one embodiment, portable electronic device will be able to float and is fully operable when immersed in water. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, when portable electronic device is floating in water it orients itself upright such that antenna and strobe light protrude above the surface of the water. In at least one embodiment, portable electronic device conforms to the IP67 standard for ingress protection for electronic equipment.

[0037] The communications alert feature can provide the user with the means of transmitting on and monitoring common, unlicensed, radio emergency channels. For example, North American versions of portable electronic device can include a FRS (family radio service) radio for a communications alert, while European versions may support the PMR446 (Private Mobile Radio, 446 MHz) specification. The device preferably conforms to FCC CFR, part 95.191 -95.194 and Industry Canada RSS-210 (annex 6) and can support all 14 defined FRS channels. In at least one embodiment portable electronic device is limited to a transmitting power of 500 mW (as per FRS specifications). Furthermore, it is contemplated that portable electronic device could be compatible with licensed (i.e.: GMRS or General Mobile Radio Service) and non- licensed (i.e.: FRS) radio systems.

[0038] The user can manually enable the communications alert feature by depressing one of the buttons 216. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment activity profiles can automatically enable the communications alert feature as will be discussed later.

[0039] The device man include a positional alert feature. Positional alert feature can utilize satellites (including but not limited to the Cospas Sarsat system) to determine the position of portable electronic device. In at least one embodiment positional alert feature meets the "Specification for COSPAS-SARSAT 406 MHz Distress Beacons" C/S T.001. GPS positioning system can also provide third party access such that third parties can determine the location of portable electronic device from a remote location.

[0040] In at least one embodiment, the user can manually enable the positional alert feature. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, activity profiles can automatically enable the positional alert feature.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment the device includes a digital music player such as an MP3 player that supports all MP3 file formats, supports a 44.1 Khz sample rate, supports MP3 bit rates from 32 to 256 kbit s, has play, pause and stop transport control, and can shuffle playback mode, can downloaded Mp3 files via PC. The device may include memory card, so that the music player may play music files directly from the memory card.

[0042] In at least one embodiment, activity profiles can include a power management mode can disable the entertainment features when battery power falls below a certain level. It is also contemplated that activity profiles can include emergency profiles which can disable the entertainment features player.

[0043] In at least one embodiment, portable electronic device can include a clock. In at least one embodiment clock keeps track of the hour, date and year. In at least one embodiment, clock can continue to keep accurate time in when portable electronic device is turned off. In at least one embodiment, portable electronic device can also include a digital camera or a video camera.

[0044] In at least one embodiment, interface of portable electronic device provides PC data transfer means. PC data transfer means allows a user to edit and customize activity profiles on a PC and import the activity profiles into portable electronic device. PC data transfer means allows the user to set a standard activity profile amongst a series of portable electronic devices (such as preprogramming a common FRS channel). Furthermore, PC data transfer means can allow the user to download and manage MP3 files, download software applications, edit portable electronic device settings and recharge portable electronic device.

[0045] A PC data transfer means includes: a USB 2.0 connection, access to portable electronic device memory, support for MS Windows XP®, Vista® and Win 7®, support by Mac® operating systems. The device can include a number of ports including but not limited to: an 1/8 inch jack, a 1/8 mini stereo jack and a USB device port. These ports are adapted to prevent water from penetrating into the interior of portable electronic device. In an embodiment, the device includes data storage. Data storage is nonvolatile memory and can be any size or format, such as, for example a 512 MB of internal Flash® memory, or a 16 MB Micro SD® card, among other arrangements.

[0046] In at least one embodiment, portable electronic device includes enhanced telemetric features. Enhanced telemetric features can include means for determining altitude, distance, time, temperature, among other physical environmental

characteristics.

[0047] The portable electronic device can be incorporated into a communication network. The communication network can provide increased functionality such as data pushing. Data pushing would allow network operators (such as national park services) to push data to all portable electronic devices connected to the network. This data could include safety alerts, weather forecasts, general information and any other information that could be useful to individuals connected to the network. The communication network may include an online network that allows third party access to information that is sent by portable electronic device. For example, if a distress signal was sent by portable electronic device, third party observes with access to the internet could monitor the status of portable electronic device and determine if a distress signal has been sent. It is also contemplated that portable electronic device could be packaged with a video safety manual that provided instructions how to operate the portable electronic device, first aid advice and general survival tips.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 3 there is shown logical blocks of the intelligent alert system 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The intelligent alert is configured as a software module 149 (FIG. 1 ) to be implemented by the processor 102. To accomplish this, a combination of one or more of the sensor subsystems, manual input by the user or voice command of the device, , as well as the active profile are used to determine whether or not the alert system should be activated. The logical blocks include the user configurable activity profiles 310, Resources for outdoor recreation 312, entertainment functions 314, alert functions 316, communications 318, navigation 320, telemetries 322, biometrics 324 safety information 326 and multimedia entertainment 328. As described earlier these logical blocks are comprised of various data and inputs from various sensors. Data obtained from these sensors may be compared to expected values stored which may then be used to initiate or provide a trigger for the IAS. These logical blocks may be combined and used by the intelligent alert system to implemented the automatic alert as will be described below.

[0049] The user configurable activity profiles (UCAP) 310 is defined as: the binding of specific features settings and functionality to a particular outdoor activity. For example, for kayaking, a visual Alert (e.g. a running light) can enabled by darkness (low light) conditions, audible alert tones are tailored for the marine environment so that they can be heard over water at long distances, and during high seas. In this profile, the alerts can be enabled if the device detects that is has been immersed in water. A second example is skiing (Alpine). The audible alert sounds are tailored to ensure that they can be heard over snow covered ground at long distances ( > 1 Km), the Audio System can also generate animal deterrence tones (eg. scare away bears) and biometric logging can detect changes in heart rate and body temperature that can be symptoms of distress to the user such as hypothermia, heat stroke and such like. If this is detected, the alert mode can automatically be enabled. The user can fully edit existing profiles, or add more profiles (or delete profiles) to suit their individual tastes and needs.

[0050] The following table Table I defines the default settings of the different device functions for each of the four preset profiles. In all cases, the user can modify and save (store) the edits made to the profile settings.

TABLE 1 Profile

Alpine | Cycling | Hiking | Kayaking

Alert Features:

Visual Enabled in Distress Cycling running light Enabled in Distress Enabled in Distress +

Kayak Running light

Audible Enabled in Distress

Alpine Alarm Tone Enabled in Distress + Kayak Alarm Tone

+ Animal

Enabled in Distress Traffic alert (horn!) Enabled in Distress

Deterrence

FRS Emergency FRS Emergency

Comms FRS Emergency Channel FRS Emergency Channel

Channel Channel

Communications Features:

FRS -Radio Walky-Talkie Walky-Talkie Walky-Talkie Walky-Talkie

Ant -Radio Tx GPS data Gather some Gather Biometrics Tx Gather Biometrics Tx GPS data Gather some biometrics GPS data Tx GPS data biometrics

Navigation Features:

Basic Bearing &

Compass Normally off Navigation direction/bearing Orienteering

GPS Location Location Location & Location & Bearing

Geocaching Navigation Hazzards

Accelerometer Normally off Inertial navigation Inertial navigation Normally off

Barometer Elevation Normally off Elevation Normally off

Telemetries Features:

Check for

Accelerometer Check for falls/crashes Check for falls Check for capsizing falls/crashes

Barometer Weather alert Normally off Weather alert Weather alert

Temperature Check for extreme cold Check for extreme Check for extreme Check for cold heat hot & cold

Water Immersion Normally off Normally off Normally off Yes - to enable alert

Daylight Sensing Yes - to select alert Yes - to select alert Yes - to select Yes - to select alert

(day/night) (day/night) alert (day/night) (day/night)

Biometrics Features:

Check and display Check and display

Heart rate Normally off Check and display rate rate rate

Cycling Cadence Normally off Display & Log Normally off Normally off

Pedometer Normally off Normally off Display & Log Normally off

Body Temperature Check for hypothermia Check for hyper and Check for hyper Check for hypothermia hypothermia and hypothermia

Content Features:

General outdoors

Survival Guide General outdoors

Alpine & Nordic survival Marine Survival survival survival

First Aid Standard first aid + treaing Standard first aid Standard first aid Standard first aid + treaing hypothermia hypothermia

Other Flora & Fauna

Avalanche Avoidance Basic Bike Repairs Local Tide Tables

Guide

Entertainment Features:

MP3

Enabled and used as desired by the user. Default is to be disabled during Alert conditions to conserve Still Camera

battery power

Video Camera

[0051] The IAS is accomplished by the sensor subsystems of the device, as well as the active profile being evaluated to determine whether or not an alert should be activated.

FIG. 4 shows a flow chart of how the lAs is activated. For example a user is hiking along the side of a canyon set to a Hiking Profile. Along the trail, the device detects the

following: The unit detects high light levels (sensed via the built in daylight sensor); The accelerometer detects a sudden lack of acceleration along the z axis for about 1 second The device detects that it is in free fall

The accelerometer detects a short burst of > 1 g acceleration along the z axis.

The device that it has fallen from a height and landed on something solid.

At this point there are two possibilities : (1) that the device has been dropped, or (2) the hiker carrying the device has fallen down a cliff. The IAS is activated and begins a 10 second count down, and prompts the user (via sound and the GUI) whether or not the alert should be activated. If after 10 seconds, the user has not replied to the prompts, the Alert system will be activated. If not disabled by the user, the following Alerts will be activated

Audible Alert (with sounds optimized for hiking)

Radio distress Alert (on FRS/GMRS emergency channel)

Broadcast GPS location via Ant+ and FRS/GMRS

Note that in this case, the Visual alert has not been activated because of the high light levels.

[0052] In another example a user is kayaking amongst an archipelago and set to an appropriate profile. Along the way between islands, the device detects the following:

The unit detects low light levels (sensed via the built in daylight sensor)

The unit has been detecting a relatively rapid drop in atmospheric pressure (via the built in barometer) over the last hour

The unit has detected that is has been turned upside down (via the built in accelerometer)

The unit detects that is has been immersed in water (sensed via the built in immersion sensor)

The users heart rate increases dramatically (detected via Ant+ sensor)

The users body temperature is changing significantly (detected via Ant+ sensor) At this point, there are two possibilities : (1) that the device has been dropped in the water, and the user has become agitated at loosing his piece of gear, or (2) A storm has come up and that the kayak has rolled over in high seas. The user with her device is now struggling to stay afloat and is generally in danger. The IAS is activated:

The IAS begins a 10 second count down,

The IAS prompts the user (via sound and the GUI) whether or not the Alert system should be activated If after 0 seconds, the user has not replied to the prompts from the device, the Alert system shall be activated.

If not disabled by the user, the following Alerts will be activated

Audible Alert (with sounds optimized for marine environment)

Radio distress Alert (on FRS/GMRS emergency channel)

Broadcast GPS location via Ant+ and FRS/GMRS

Visual Alert (optimized for marine environment)

[0053] As mentioned above the device is able to produce sounds at select frequencies for specific environments or operations. For example, sound propagates differently over water than snow. Appropriate sounds are digitally stored in the device to be generated depending on the situation and environment. Furthermore, the type of sound is also tailored to standard tones for specific applications, e.g. 3 short blasts for outdoors SAR. Animal deterrence sounds can also be generated.

[0054] Furthermore, as mentioned above biometric data may be obtained from Ant/Ant+ wireless sensors. There are several important capabilities provided by this feature. The device can collect biometric data from various third party sensors, eg. Heart rate monitors, cycle cadence monitors, body temperature sensors, etc. It lets the device display information on various third party devices, eg. Ant+ enabled goggles, and Ant+ enabled smart phones. It lets the device share a variety of information with other devices, eg. GPS position, biometrics, telemetries, etc. It also provides a simple, wireless means to dump logged data from the device to a PC (and download data, eg profiles, from a PC to the device). This assumes the PC has an Ant+ interface (eg. an Ant+ USB stick).

[0055] A 3-axis, +/-1.5G accelerometer can be used as follows: Detect a fall or a crash. Detect a sudden change in the up/down orientation of the unit, e.g. when a kayak rolls over Basic Inertial Navigation to augment data gathered from the GPS, Altimeter, and compass.

[0056] The above-described embodiments of the present invention are meant to be illustrative of preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications, which would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. The only limitations to the scope of the present invention are set out in the following appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An electronic device for automatic distress signaling comprising:

one or more logical functions including alert functions, communications, navigation, telemetric, biometrics, safety information and entertainment functions;

one or more user activity profiles corresponding to one or more types of outdoor activities, the activity profile configured to contain information from the one or more of the device logical functions; and

2. A method for providing an intelligent alert system comprising:

detecting from sensors a change in expected parameters;

retrieving an activity profile;

comparing said change in expected parameters to parameters in said activity profile; and

triggering an alert based on said comparison.

3. The method as defined in claim 2 wherein a prompt is initially provided to a user prior to triggering said alert.

4. The method as defined in 3, wherein failing a response from said user an alert is triggered.

5. The method as defined in claim 2, wherein the alert is an audio alert.

6. The method as defined in claim 2, wherein the audio alert is dynamically optimized for the current activity.