Management system for managing a person who lives alone and operation method thereof

Abstract

A method of operation of a management system for managing a person living alone comprises the steps of: a server storing a set time and a reference number of missed calls in a data storage device accessible by the server; the server receiving the mobile phone number and a first password of the first user from the first user's first communication terminal and storing them in the data storage device; the server receiving a missed call record including the total number of missed calls during the set time, the mobile phone number, and a second password from the second user's second communication terminal; the server comparing the first password and the second password when the reference number of missed calls and the total number of missed calls stored in the data storage device match; and when the first password and the second password match, the server generating control signals to forcibly activate control targets included in the first communication terminal and transmitting them to the first communication terminal.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a management system for managing a person living alone and a method of operation thereof, and more particularly to a management system and a method of operation thereof capable of responding to an emergency or critical situation of said person living alone through authentication of a password for which prior consent has been obtained from said person living alone. Background Technology

[0002] "Senior citizen who lives alone" is a term referring to an elderly person living by themselves. Senior citizens who live alone do not live with family members or caregivers and carry out their daily lives by themselves.

[0003] A one-person household (or single-person household) is a term referring to an individual living alone. A one-person household refers to a case where a person lives alone without family members or cohabitants. This includes cases where a person lives alone for various reasons, such as being unmarried, divorced or widowed, or not living with family members.

[0004] People living alone (e.g., elderly people living alone or single-person households, etc.) may face various difficulties in daily life, such as critical or emergency situations where it is difficult to ask others for help by shouting or by operating a mobile phone (or smartphone).

[0005] In the past, there was a system for elderly people living alone that installed sensor equipment in their homes and automatically reported the emergency to the fire department when an emergency occurred to the elderly person living alone. Prior art literature

[0006] Published Patent Application: Publication No. 10-2023-0087162 (Published June 16, 2023) Published Patent Application: Publication No. 10-2016-0124483 (Published October 28, 2016) Published Patent Application: Publication No. 10-2014-0134109 (Published November 21, 2014) Published Patent Application: Publication No. 10-2006-0060267 (Published June 5, 2006) The problem to be solved

[0007] The technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a management system and a method of operation thereof, wherein, after registering the mobile phone number and password of a person living alone in a management system in advance, when the person living alone fails to answer a call a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period, the management system verifies or authenticates the password transmitted from the guardian's communication terminal along with the mobile phone number and missed call records, thereby enabling the management system to remotely and forcibly activate the control targets of the person living alone's communication terminal. means of solving the problem

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of operation of a management system for managing a person living alone comprises: (a) a step in which a server stores a set time and a reference number of missed calls in a data storage device accessible by the server; (b) a step in which the server receives the mobile phone number and a first password of the first user from the first user's first communication terminal and stores them in the data storage device; (c) a step in which the server receives a missed call record including the total number of missed calls during the set time, the mobile phone number, and a second password from the second communication terminal of the second user who attempted to make a call connection to the first communication terminal; (d) a step in which the server compares the reference number of missed calls stored in the data storage device with the total number of missed calls; (e) a step in which, when the reference number of missed calls and the total number of missed calls match, the server compares the first password and the second password; and when the first password and the second password match, the server generates control signals to forcibly activate control targets included in the first communication terminal. It includes step (f) of transmitting to the first communication terminal.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of operation of a management system for managing a person living alone comprises: (a) a server receiving a first user’s mobile phone number and a first password from a first user’s first communication terminal and storing them in a data storage device accessible by the server; (b) a server receiving a missed call record including the total number of missed calls during a set time, the mobile phone number, and a second password from a second user’s second communication terminal who attempted to make a phone connection to the first communication terminal; (c) a server comparing the first password and the second password; and (d) when the first password and the second password match, the server generating control signals to forcibly activate control targets included in the first communication terminal and transmitting them to the first communication terminal. Effects of the invention

[0010] The management system and the method of operation according to an embodiment of the present invention have the effect of quickly identifying the critical or emergency situation of the person living alone by registering the mobile phone number and password of the person living alone in advance in the management system, and then verifying or authenticating the password transmitted from the guardian's communication terminal along with the mobile phone number and missed call records when the person living alone does not answer the phone for a predetermined number of times during a predetermined period, thereby allowing the management system to remotely and forcibly activate the control targets of the person living alone's communication terminal.

[0011] In addition, the management system and method according to the embodiment of the present invention have the effect of being able to quickly respond to critical or emergency situations that occur to a person living alone. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0012] Detailed descriptions of each drawing are provided to help to more fully understand the drawings cited in the detailed description of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a management system for managing a person living alone according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an example of a graphical user interface of a first mobile app running on a first communication terminal shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3a is an example of a data flow describing the operation of a management system for managing a person living alone, as illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3b is another embodiment of a data flow describing the operation of a management system for managing a person living alone, as illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the process of generating a missed call record as illustrated in FIG. 3a, FIG. 3b, FIG. 7a, and FIG. 7b. FIG. 5 is an example of a graphical user interface of a second mobile app running on a second communication terminal shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is an example of a graphical user interface of a first mobile app running on a first communication terminal shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7a is another embodiment of a data flow describing the operation of a management system for managing a person living alone, as illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 7b is another embodiment of a data flow describing the operation of a management system for managing a person living alone, as illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a management system for managing people living alone, illustrating a method to estimate the location of a first user without a first communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a management system for managing a person living alone according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a management (or protection) system (100) for managing (or protecting) a person living alone includes a first communication terminal (200) used (or possessed) by a first user (201), a server (300), and a second communication terminal (400) used (or possessed) by a second user (401), and may further include an emergency center server (600). Additionally, the server (300) may be connected to a data storage device (330) installed inside or outside of it.

[0014] A management system (100) for managing people living alone may mean a management system for elderly people living alone, a management system for dementia patients, or a management system for single-person households, etc.

[0015] When the first user (201) is an elderly person living alone, the second user (401) is a caregiver for the elderly person living alone or a family member or guardian of the elderly person living alone; when the first user (201) is a member of a single-person household, the second user (401) is a family member or guardian of the household member; and when the first user (201) is a person under protection (e.g., a minor), the second user (401) may be a guardian (e.g., a parent) of the person under protection.

[0016] Each communication terminal (200 and 400) capable of exchanging various signals or information through the server (300) may be a mobile phone or a smartphone.

[0017] As illustrated in FIGS. 3a, 3b, 7a, and 7b, the server (300) can automatically generate an Emergency Alert Signal (EAS) and transmit it to an Emergency Center Server (600, e.g., an emergency medical center, a police station, and / or a fire station) when an emergency situation (e.g., heart attack, fainting, inability to speak, inability to move fingers, a fall, or becoming the target of a crime) occurs to the first user (201). Upon receiving the Emergency Alert Signal (EAS), the Emergency Center Server (600) can urgently dispatch medical personnel, police officers, and / or firefighters to the address of the first user (201).

[0018] FIG. 2 is an example of a graphical user interface of a first mobile app running on a first communication terminal shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3a is an example of a data flow describing the operation of a management system for managing a person living alone shown in FIG. 1.

[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3a, the processor (310) of the server (300) can store a set time (ST) and a missed call reference number (RCNT) set by an administrator (or programmer) in a data storage device (330) accessible by the processor (310) (S105).

[0020] Access includes the operation of storing (or writing) the setting time (ST) and the missed call reference count (RCNT) to the data storage device (330), and the operation of retrieving (or reading) the setting time (ST) and the missed call reference count (RCNT) from the data storage device (330). The data storage device (330) may refer to a memory device or a database.

[0021] A first user (201), who is a person living alone (e.g., an elderly person living alone or a single-person household), enters their mobile phone number (NUM1) and password (PW1) into a graphic user interface (GUI, 221) displayed on a display device (230) by a first mobile app (220) executed by a processor (210) of a first communication terminal (200), and clicks a registration button (222) (S110). The first mobile app (220) is stored in a recording medium, for example, a memory device (290), and executed by the processor (210).

[0022] When the second user (401) inputs the password (PW1) provided by the first user (201) into the second mobile app (420) executed by the processor (410) of the second communication terminal (400), the second mobile app (420) stores the password (PW1) in the memory device (490) (S115a). The second mobile app (420), for example, a phone app, is stored in a recording medium, for example, a memory device (490), and executed by the processor (410).

[0023] Mobile app (220 and 420) is an abbreviation for mobile application downloaded through the app market of a smartphone (200 and 400).

[0024] When the registration button (222) is clicked by the first user (201), the processor (210) transmits the mobile phone number (NUM1) and password (PW1) to the communication device (320) of the server (300) via the communication device (240) (S120). Each communication device (240 and 320) can communicate via a mobile communication network or a wireless internet network (e.g., a Wi-Fi network).

[0025] The processor (310) of the server (300) receives a mobile phone number (NUM1) and a password (PW1) through a communication device (320), and matches (or maps) the mobile phone number (NUM1) and the password (PW1) to first user information (USER1, including, for example, the name and / or current address of the first user (201)) and stores (or registers) them in a data storage device (330) (S125). For example, the first user information (USER1) may be information entered by the first user (201) when subscribing to a management service provided by the server (300).

[0026] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the process of generating a missed call record as illustrated in FIG. 3a, FIG. 3b, FIG. 7a, and FIG. 7b. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the setting time (ST, e.g., 2 hours) and the reference number of missed calls (RCNT, e.g., 5) are set as default in the second mobile app (420).

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3a and FIG. 4, the second user (401) attempts a primary phone connection (e.g., manual phone connection) to the mobile phone number (NUM1) of the first user (201) using a second mobile app (420) executed by the processor (410) (S130_1).

[0028] When a call to a mobile phone number (NUM1) is not connected at the first time point (T1) (this is referred to as a 'missed call'), the second mobile app (420) increases the count value (CNT) from 0 (zero) to 1 using a software counter included therein, and since the count value (CNT=1) is less than the reference number of missed calls (RCNT=5), the clock (or timer) included in the second mobile app (420) starts a set time measurement operation to measure the set time (ST).

[0029] After that, the second user (401) attempts to make a second phone connection (e.g., manual phone connection or automatic phone connection) to the first user (201)'s mobile phone number (NUM1) using the second mobile app (420) (S130_2).

[0030] Manual phone connection means that the second user (401) directly enters the mobile phone number (NUM1) into the second mobile app (420) and clicks the call button, and automatic phone connection means that the second mobile app (420) automatically calls the mobile phone number (NUM1) at each phone connection time interval (PER) calculated according to Equation 1.

[0031] Manual phone connection is irregular because the second user (401) must set the time himself and make a call every time, and in the worst case, he may not be able to make a call as many times as the standard number of missed calls (RCNT) during the set time (ST), but automatic phone connection is regular because the second mobile app (420) makes a call automatically or programmatically at the phone connection time interval (PER), and can make a call as many times as the standard number of missed calls (RCNT) during the set time (ST).

[0032] When a missed call occurs for a mobile phone number (NUM1) at the second time point (T2), the second mobile app (420) changes the count value (CNT1) to 2 using a software counter included therein, and since the count value (CNT=2) is less than the reference count (RCNT=5), the clock (or timer) included in the second mobile app (420) continues the operation of measuring the set time.

[0033] After that, the second user (401) attempts a third phone connection (e.g., manual phone connection or automatic phone connection) to the first user (201)'s mobile phone number (NUM1) using the second mobile app (420). When a missed call occurs for the mobile phone number (NUM1) at the third time point (T3), the second mobile app (420) changes the count value (CNT) to 3 using a software counter included therein, and since the count value (CNT=3) is less than the reference count (RCNT=5), it continues the set time measurement operation using a clock included in the second mobile app (420).

[0034] In the same manner as described above, the second user (401) attempts to make an n-th phone connection (e.g., manual phone connection or automatic phone connection) to the mobile phone number (NUM1) of the first user (201) using the second mobile app (420) (S130_n, n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2, and 5 in this embodiment). When a missed call occurs for the mobile phone number (NUM1) at the n-th time point (Tn, n=5), the second mobile app (420) changes the count value (CNT) to n (n=5) using a software counter included therein, and stops the set time measurement operation when the count value (CNT=5) is equal to the reference number of missed calls (RCNT=5).

[0035] If a missed call is recorded by the second mobile app (420) for n (n=5) consecutive attempts to connect a call during a set time (ST) defined from the first time point (T1) to the last time point (TE, TE>Tn), as shown in FIG. 4, the second mobile app (420) generates a missed call record (CLOG) including each time point (T1~Tn, e.g., each time point is year, month, day, hour, minute, second), a count value (CNT=1~CNT=5) at each time point (T1~Tn), and a call connection status (e.g., missed call), and stores the missed call record (CLOG) in a memory device (490) (S135).

[0036] However, if the first user (201) answers the phone at least once during the phone connection attempt within the set time (ST), the second mobile app (420) resets the count value (CNT) up to that point to 0 (zero).

[0037] When the count value (CNT=n) representing the total number of missed calls within the set time (ST) becomes equal to the reference number of missed calls (RCNT), the second mobile app (420) automatically generates a missed call record (CLOG) and transmits the mobile phone number (NUM1), password (PW1), and the missed call record (CLOG) to the communication device (320) of the server (300) via the communication device (440) (S140).

[0038] The processor (310) of the server (300) receives a mobile phone number (NUM1), a password (PW1), and a missed call log (CLOG) through the communication device (320), and verifies the missed call log (CLOG) (S145). This verification (S145) is intended to prevent the server (300) from forcibly activating (or remotely controlling) the control targets of the first communication terminal (200) by a third party who has maliciously or illegally obtained the second user (401) or the password (PW1).

[0039] According to an embodiment, when steps (S110, S120, and S125) are performed, the mobile phone number of the second user (401) (e.g., input by the first user (201)) can be stored in a data storage device (330) along with the mobile phone number (NUM1) and password (PW1).

[0040] In this case, the processor (310) of the server (300) receives the mobile phone number of the second user (401), the mobile phone number (NUM1) of the first user (201), the password (PW1), and the missed call record (CLOG), searches the data storage device (330) to check whether the mobile phone number of the second user (401) is a registered phone number, and can verify the missed call record (CLOG) only when the mobile phone number of the second user (401) is a registered phone number (S145).

[0041] The processor (310) compares the reference number of missed calls (RCNT=5) and the total number of missed calls (e.g., CNT=5) stored in the data storage device (330), and when the reference number of missed calls (RCNT=5) and the total number of missed calls (e.g., CNT=5) match (S145), the processor (310) compares the password (PW1, also referred to as the 'first password') stored in the data storage device (330) with the password (PW1, also referred to as the 'second password') received in step (S140) (S150).

[0042] When the first password (PW1) and the second password (PW1) match (S150), the processor (310) generates control signals (PCTL) to forcibly activate control targets included in the first communication terminal (200) and transmits them to the first communication terminal (200) through the communication device (320) (S155). For example, each of the control signals (PCTL) includes a command that can remotely control each of the control targets.

[0043] The first mobile app (220) receives control signals (PCTL) through a communication device (240) and forcibly controls (or remotely controls) control targets according to the control signals (PCTL) (S160). As illustrated in FIG. 1, the control targets may be a camera (250) capable of generating video signals, a speaker (260), a microphone (270), a GPS receiver (280), and a Bluetooth (BT) communication device (295), and the control targets are forcibly activated (or remotely controlled) by the first mobile app (220) (S160). According to an embodiment, the control targets may further include a flash for night lighting.

[0044] If at least one of the control targets is already activated, the processor (310) can remotely control at least one control target that is already activated using the first mobile app (220).

[0045] The processor (310) of the server (300) can forcibly connect the server (300) to the first communication terminal (200) through an authentication procedure (S150) for a password (PW1) to remotely control the control targets (at least one of 250, 260, 270, 280, and 295) to obtain or identify real-time information about the first user (201) or sounds, images, and / or places, etc. around the first user (201) (S165).

[0046] When the control target that is forcibly activated (or remotely controlled) is the camera (250) (S160), the camera (250) can capture the first user (201) or the space where the first user (201) is present in real time according to the control of the first mobile app (220) (or remote control of the processor (310)) and transmit the captured video in real time to the communication device (320) of the server (300) through the communication device (240) (S165).

[0047] The processor (310) can analyze the image received through the communication device (320) (e.g., image analysis using an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm (e.g., machine learning algorithm or deep learning algorithm), etc.) and perform at least one of the following operations.

[0048] 1. An operation to store the above video and / or analysis results (e.g., whether the first user (201) has collapsed and cannot move, or whether he is moving normally but continues not to answer the phone, etc.) in a database (330),

[0049] 2. An operation (S170) to generate an emergency alarm signal (EAS) based on the above analysis results and transmit it to the emergency center server (600),

[0050] 3. An operation (S167) of transmitting at least one of the above video, the above analysis result, and whether an emergency alarm signal (EAS) has occurred to the second mobile app (420) via communication devices (320 and 440).

[0051] When the forcibly activated (or remotely controlled) control targets are a camera (250), a speaker (260), and a microphone (270) (S160), the second user (401) may attempt to make a video call and / or conversation with the first user (201) through the devices (450, 460, and 470) of the second communication terminal (400) and the control targets (250, 260, and 270) of the first communication terminal (200) (S165 and S167).

[0052] Additionally, the administrator of the server (300) can also attempt a video call and / or conversation with the first user (201) by remotely controlling the camera (250), speaker (260), and microphone (270).

[0053] When the control target that is forcibly activated (or remotely controlled) is the GPS receiver (280), the GPS receiver (280) generates location information of the first communication terminal (200) according to the control of the first mobile app (220) and transmits it to the communication device (320) of the server (300) through the communication device (240) (S165).

[0054] The processor (310) analyzes location information transmitted from the communication device (320) and performs at least one of the following operations based on the analysis result.

[0055] 1. An operation to store the above location information and / or analysis results in a database (330),

[0056] 2. An operation (S170) to generate an emergency alarm signal (EAS) based on the above analysis results and transmit it to the emergency center server (600),

[0057] 3. An operation to transmit at least one of the above location information, the above analysis result, and whether an emergency alarm signal (EAS) has occurred to the second mobile app (420) via communication devices (320 and 440).

[0058] When a control target that is forcibly activated (or remotely controlled) is a Bluetooth communication device (295) and Bluetooth communication devices (295 and 503) are Bluetooth paired, the first mobile app (220) transmits an alarm (or alert) signal to the Bluetooth communication device (295), so that the alarm device (502) of the Bluetooth device (500) operates in response to the alarm signal. The alarm device (502) may be a buzzer or a speaker.

[0059] According to an embodiment, when the first communication terminal (200) and the Bluetooth device (500) are Bluetooth paired, the first mobile app (220) receives unique identification information of the Bluetooth device (500) (e.g., ID (Identification), TAGID of FIG. 8) from the Bluetooth device (500) and transmits it to the communication device (320) of the server (300) via the communication device (240). Accordingly, the processor (310) of the server (300) receives the unique identification information of the Bluetooth device (500) (e.g., ID, TAGID of FIG. 8) from the communication device (320), matches or maps it with the first user information (USER1), and stores it in the data storage device (330).

[0060] When an emergency occurs to the first user (201), if the first user (201) presses the emergency button (501) of the Bluetooth device (500), the emergency signal generated from the Bluetooth device (500) is transmitted to the first mobile app (220) through the Bluetooth communication devices (295 and 503), and the first mobile app (220) transmits the emergency signal to the communication device (320) of the server (300) through the communication device (240) (S165).

[0061] Accordingly, the processor (310) receives an emergency signal through the communication device (320) (S165), generates an emergency alarm signal (EAS) corresponding to the emergency signal and transmits it to the emergency center server (600) through the communication device (320) (S170), and / or transmits the emergency signal to the communication device (440) of the second communication terminal (400) (S167).

[0062] FIG. 3b is another embodiment of a data flow describing the operation of a management system for managing a person living alone as illustrated in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is an embodiment of a graphical user interface of a second mobile app running on a second communication terminal as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 3b, and FIG. 5, when a second user (401) inputs a password (PW1), a reference number of missed calls (RCNT), a set time (ST), and a phone connection method (A / M) into the GUI (421) of a second mobile app (420) executed by the processor (410) and clicks the registration button (422), the second mobile app (420) stores the password (PW1), the reference number of missed calls (RCNT), the set time (ST), and the phone connection method (A / M) in a memory device (490) (S115b).

[0064] According to an embodiment, when the second mobile app (420) transmits the missed call reference count (RCNT) and the set time (ST) to the processor (310) through the communication devices (440 and 320), the processor (310) can store the missed call reference count (RCNT) and the set time (ST) in the data storage device (330).

[0065] According to another embodiment, when a second mobile app (420) transmits a missed call reference count (RCNT) and a set time (ST) to a processor (310) through communication devices (440 and 320), the processor (310) determines whether the missed call reference count (RCNT) set by the second user (401) is equal to or greater than the default missed call reference count set by the manager (or programmer), and determines whether the set time (ST) set by the second user (401) is equal to or greater than the default set time set by the manager (or programmer). Only when the missed call reference count (RCNT) is equal to or greater than the default missed call reference count and the set time (ST) is equal to or greater than the default set time, the processor (310) can store these (ST and RCNT) in a data storage device (330) and transmit the fact of storage regarding these (ST and RCNT) to the second mobile app (420) through communication devices (440 and 320).

[0066] This is to prevent the missed call threshold (RCNT) and setting time (ST) set by the second user (401) from being set too short.

[0067] For the sake of convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the Recognized Call to the Nation (RCNT) is 5, the Set Time (ST) is 3 hours, and the Call Connection Method (A / M) is set to 'Automatic'.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 3b and FIG. 4, the second user (401) attempts a first phone connection (e.g., manual phone connection) to the first user (201)'s mobile phone number (NUM1) using the second mobile app (420) (S130_1).

[0069] When a call connection to the mobile phone number (NUM1) is not made at the first time point (T1), the second mobile app (420) increases the count value (CNT) from zero to 1 using a software counter included therein, and since the count value (CNT=1) is less than the number of missed calls (RCNT=5), it starts a setting time measurement operation to measure the setting time (ST) set by the second user (4010).

[0070] After the first phone connection is not established, that is, after the first missed call is recorded, the second mobile app (420) determines whether the phone connection method (A / M) is automatic or manual, and only when the phone connection method (A / M) is set automatically by the second user (401) does the phone app (420) calculate the phone connection time interval (PER) according to Equation 1 using the setting time (ST) and the reference number of missed calls (RCNT).

[0071] According to an embodiment, when the phone connection method (A / M) is manual, the phone app (420) can notify the second user (401) through the display device (430) and / or speaker (460) of the phone connection time interval (PER) calculated according to Equation 1, i.e., at what time and minute the call will be made.

[0072] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0073]

[0074] Since the standard number of missed calls (RCNT) is 5 and the set time (ST) is 3 hours, the second mobile app (420) attempts to automatically connect to the 2nd to 5th mobile phone number (NUM1) every 45 minutes according to mathematical formula 1 (S130_2~130_n).

[0075] When the first user (201) does not answer 5 consecutive calls during a set time (ST, 3 hours) (i.e., when the number of missed calls is 5), the second mobile app (420) automatically generates a missed call log (CLOG) including each time point (T1~T5), a count value (CNT=1~CNT=5) at each time point (T1~T5), and a call connection status (e.g., missed call), and stores the missed call log (CLOG) in a memory device (490) (S135).

[0076] When the count value (CNT=5) is equal to the reference number of missed calls (RCNT=5), the second mobile app (420) transmits the mobile phone number (NUM1), password (PW1), and missed call record (CLOG) to the communication device (320) of the server (300) via the communication device (440) (S140).

[0077] Unlike in FIG. 3a, the server (300) in FIG. 3b does not have the set time (ST) and the missed call reference count (RCNT) pre-registered, so when the second mobile app (420) transmits the mobile phone number (NUM1), password (PW1), and missed call record (CLOG) to the server (300), it may also transmit the set time (ST) and the missed call reference count (RCNT) set by the second user (401) together.

[0078] According to embodiments, the setting time (ST) and the missed call reference number (RCNT) set by the second user (401) may be transmitted to the processor (310) via the communication devices (440 and 320) prior to step (S140).

[0079] At this time, the processor (310) of the server (300) can verify the missed call record (CLOG) using the setting time (ST) set by the second user (401), the reference number of missed calls (RCNT), and the missed call record (CLOG) (S145).

[0080] That is, when the time defined by the first time point (T1) and the last time point (T5) is equal to or less than the set time (ST), and the reference number of missed calls (RCNT=5) and the total number of missed calls (CNT=5) match, the processor (310) completes verification of the missed call record (CLOG) (S145), and compares the password (PW1, also referred to as the 'first password') stored in the data storage device (330) with the password (PW1, also referred to as the 'second password') received in step (S140) (S150).

[0081] The steps shown in FIG. 3b (S110, S120, S125, S155, S160, S165, S167, and S170) are identical to the steps shown in FIG. 3a (S110, S120, S125, S155, S160, S165, S167, and S170), so a detailed description of these is omitted.

[0082] FIG. 6 is an example of a graphical user interface of a first mobile app running on a first communication terminal shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 7a is another example of a data flow describing the operation of a management system for managing a person living alone shown in FIG. 1.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 1, 6, and 7a, a first user (201) enters their mobile phone number (NUM1), password (PW1), and at least one control target (TDI) into a GUI (223) displayed on a display device (230) by a first mobile app (220) executed by a processor (210) of a second communication terminal (200), and clicks a registration button (224) (S110_1). As illustrated in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the first user (201) has selected at least one control target (TDI) as a camera (250), a speaker (260), a microphone (270), and a Bluetooth communication device (295).

[0084] When the second user (401) inputs the password (PW1) provided by the first user (2010) into the second mobile app (420) executed by the processor (410), the second mobile app (420) stores the password (PW1) in the memory device (490) (S115a).

[0085] When the registration button (224) is clicked by the first user (201) (S110_1), the processor (210) transmits the mobile phone number (NUM1), password (PW1), and at least one control target (TDI) to the communication device (320) of the server (300) via the communication device (240) (S120_1).

[0086] The processor (310) of the server (300) receives a mobile phone number (NUM1), a password (PW1), and at least one control target (TDI) through a communication device (320), and matches (or maps) these (NUM1, PW1, and TDI) to first user information (USER1, for example, including the name and current address of the first user (201)) and stores them in a data storage device (330)) (S125_1).

[0087] When the verification of the password (PW1) is completed by the processor (310) of the server (300) (S150), the processor (310) checks the control targets (TDI) stored in the data storage device (330) and generates control signals (PCTL) to forcibly control only the control targets (TDI) selected by the first user (201) (S155). The control signals (PCTL) are transmitted to the first mobile app (220) through the communication devices (320 and 240) (S155).

[0088] The first mobile app (220) receives control signals (PCTL) and, according to the control signals (PCTL), forcibly controls only the control targets (250, 260, 270, and 295) set by the first user (201) (S160). At this time, the first mobile app (220) can set the volume of the speaker (260) to maximum using any one of the control signals (PCTL).

[0089] Each of the steps illustrated in FIG. 7a (S105, S130_1~S130_n, S135, S140, S145, S165, S167, and S170) is identical to each of the steps illustrated in FIG. 3a (S105, S130_1~S130_n, S135, S140, S145, S165, S167, and S170), so a detailed description of these is omitted.

[0090] FIG. 7b is another embodiment of a data flow describing the operation of a management system for managing a person living alone, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0091] The steps (S110_1, S120_1, S125_1, and S160) shown in FIG. 7b are identical to the steps (S110_1, S120_1, S125_1, and S160) shown in FIG. 7a, and the steps (S130_1~S130_n, S135, S140, S145, S155, S165, S167, and S170) shown in FIG. 7b are identical to the steps (S130_1~S130_n, S135, S140, S145, S155, S165, S167, and S170) shown in FIG. 3b, so a detailed description of these is omitted.

[0092] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a management system for managing people living alone, illustrating a method to estimate the location of a first user without a first communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 8, a management system (100_1) for managing a person living alone includes a Bluetooth device (500) carried by a first user (201), a third communication terminal (700) carried by a third user, and a server (300). FIG. 8 is a block diagram or conceptual diagram for explaining a method of predicting the current location of a first user (201) using the Bluetooth device (500) and the third communication terminal (700) when the first user (201) goes out without carrying the first communication terminal (200) or when the Bluetooth device (500) is out of the communication range of the first communication terminal (200).

[0094] It is assumed that the structure of the third communication terminal (700) is identical or similar to the structure of the first communication terminal (200), and that the processor (710) of the third communication terminal (700) has a mobile app (220) identical to the first mobile app (220) installed on it. It is assumed that each component (710–795) having the same name in each communication terminal (200 and 700), even though the drawing numbers in FIG. 1 and FIG. 8 are different, performs the same function.

[0095] The management system (100_1) for managing people living alone in Fig. 8 is based on crowd GPS technology, which is also called collaborative GPS.

[0096] When the Bluetooth device (500) possessed by the first user (201) moves out of the Bluetooth communication range of the first communication terminal (200), the Bluetooth pairing between the first communication terminal (200) and the Bluetooth device (500) is disconnected, and the Bluetooth device (500) broadcasts a Bluetooth signal including its own ID (TAGID).

[0097] A processor (710) of a third communication terminal (700) that receives a Bluetooth signal including an ID (TAGID) of a Bluetooth device (500) generates a value (RSSIV) of a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) based on the Bluetooth signal, generates GPS location information (GPSI) using its own GPS receiver (780), and transmits the GPS location information (GPSI), ID (TAGID), and the value of the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSIV) to a communication device (320) of a server (300) through a communication device (740).

[0098] The processor (310) of the server (300) receives GPS location information (GPSI), ID (TAGID), and a value of the received signal strength (RSSIV) through the communication device (320), identifies the first user (201) based on the received ID (TAGID) and the ID (TAGID) stored in the data storage device (330), and can estimate, calculate, or roughly determine how far the first user (201) carrying the Bluetooth device (500) is from the third communication terminal (700) using the value of the received signal strength (RSSIV) and the GPS location information (GPSI).

[0099] For example, the processor (310) of the server (300) can calculate the location (or coordinates) of the third communication terminal (700) using GPS location information (GPSI), and can calculate the approximate distance between the Bluetooth device (500) and the third communication terminal (700) using the received signal strength value (RSSIV). For example, the processor (310) can perform distance ranging and localization using the received signal strength value (RSSIV).

[0100] Accordingly, the processor (310) can calculate the approximate location (or coordinates) of the first user (201) carrying the Bluetooth device (500) using the ID (TAGID), the value of the received signal strength (RSSIV), and the GPS location information (GPSI), and transmit the approximate location (or coordinates) to the second communication terminal (400) and / or the emergency center server (600).

[0101] The present invention has been described with reference to embodiments illustrated in the drawings, but this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0102] 100, 100_1: Management (or protection) system for managing (or protecting) people living alone 200: First communication terminal 220: The first mobile app 400: Second communication terminal 420: Second mobile app, phone app 500: Bluetooth device 501: Emergency button 502: Alarm device 600: Emergency Center Server 700: Third communication terminal ST: Setting time RCNT: Standard number of missed calls CLOG: Missed Call Log

Claims

Claim 1 A method of operation of a management system for managing people living alone, comprising: (a) a step in which a server stores a set time and a reference number of missed calls in a data storage device accessible by the server; (b) a step in which the server receives a first user’s mobile phone number and a first password from the first user’s first communication terminal and stores them in the data storage device; (c) a step in which the server receives a missed call record including the total number of missed calls during the set time, the mobile phone number, and a second password from the second communication terminal of a second user who attempted to make a phone connection to the first communication terminal; (d) a step in which the server compares the reference number of missed calls stored in the data storage device with the total number of missed calls; and (e) a step in which, when the reference number of missed calls and the total number of missed calls match, the server compares the first password with the second password. A method of operation of a management system for managing a person living alone, comprising the step (f) of generating control signals to forcibly activate control targets included in the first communication terminal and transmitting them to the first communication terminal when the first password and the second password match. Claim 2 In claim 1, the step (b) further comprises the step of the server receiving the control targets selected by the first user to be forcibly activated from the first communication terminal and storing them in the data storage device, wherein the control targets are at least two of a camera, a speaker, a microphone, a GPS receiver, a flash, and a Bluetooth communication device, in a method of operation of a management system for managing a person living alone. Claim 3 In claim 1, the step (c) comprises: a step in which a phone app with a set time and a reference number of missed calls is executed on the second communication terminal; a step in which, when the first phone connection to the mobile phone number using the phone app is determined to be the first missed call, the phone app generates a count value and starts measuring the set time; a step in which, after the measurement of the set time has started, the phone app changes the count value whenever each of the phone connections to the mobile phone number using the phone app is determined to be a missed call; and a step in which, when the count value changed during the set time matches the reference number of missed calls, the phone app transmits the missed call record, the mobile phone number, and the second password to the server. Claim 4 A method of operation of a management system for managing a person living alone, comprising: a step of the server receiving and analyzing a signal generated by each of the control targets that are forcibly activated from the first communication terminal to generate an analysis result; and a step of the server transmitting at least one of the signal and the analysis result to at least one of the second communication terminal and the emergency center server. Claim 5 A method of operation of a management system for managing a person living alone, further comprising: a step in which, when any one of the control targets is a first Bluetooth communication device, the first Bluetooth communication device transmits an alarm signal to a second Bluetooth communication device of a Bluetooth device held by the first user in response to any one of the control signals; and a step in which the alarm device of the Bluetooth device operates in response to the alarm signal. Claim 6 A method of operation of a management system for managing a person living alone, wherein, in claim 1, when any one of the control targets is a first Bluetooth communication device, the first Bluetooth communication device receives an emergency signal from a second Bluetooth communication device of a Bluetooth device possessed by the first user; and the first communication terminal transmits the emergency signal to the server. Claim 7 A method of operation of a management system for managing a person living alone, comprising: a step in which a Bluetooth device possessed by a first user detects that the Bluetooth pairing between the Bluetooth device and the first communication terminal is disconnected, and broadcasts a Bluetooth signal including the ID of the Bluetooth device; a step in which a third communication terminal that receives the Bluetooth signal including the ID generates a value of a received signal strength based on the Bluetooth signal; a step in which the third communication terminal generates GPS location information; a step in which the third communication terminal transmits the GPS location information, the ID, and the value of the received signal strength to the server; a step in which the server identifies the first user based on the ID and the ID stored in the data storage device; a step in which the server calculates the coordinates of the third communication terminal using the GPS location information; and a step in which the server estimates the distance between the Bluetooth device and the third communication terminal using the value of the received signal strength. Claim 8 A method of operation of a management system for managing a person living alone, comprising: (a) a step in which a server receives a first user’s mobile phone number and a first password from a first user’s first communication terminal and stores them in a data storage device accessible by the server; (b) a step in which the server receives a missed call record including the total number of missed calls during a set time, the mobile phone number, and a second password from a second user’s second communication terminal who attempted to make a phone connection to the first communication terminal; (c) a step in which the server compares the first password and the second password; and (d) a step in which, when the first password and the second password match, the server generates control signals to forcibly activate control targets included in the first communication terminal and transmits them to the first communication terminal. Claim 9 In claim 8, the above step (b) comprises: a step in which a phone app is executed on the second communication terminal in which the above-mentioned set time, the number of missed calls, and the phone connection method are set; a step in which, when the first phone connection to the mobile phone number using the phone app is determined to be the first missed call, the phone app generates a count value and starts measuring the above-mentioned set time; a step in which, after the measurement of the above-mentioned set time has started, the phone app determines whether the phone connection method is automatic; a step in which, when the phone connection method is automatic, the phone app calculates a phone connection time interval using the above-mentioned set time and the number of missed calls; a step in which the phone app attempts to make a phone connection to the mobile phone number at each phone connection time interval and changes the count value whenever the phone connection is determined to be a missed call; and a step in which, when the count value changed during the above-mentioned set time matches the number of missed calls, the phone app transmits the missed call record, the mobile phone number, and the second password to the server. Claim 10 In paragraph 9, the above phone app calculates the above phone connection time interval (PER) according to the following mathematical formula, [mathematical formula] A method of operation for a management system for managing a person living alone, where ST is the above-mentioned set time and RCNT is the above-mentioned missed call standard number. Claim 11 A method of operation of a management system for managing a person living alone, further comprising: a step of the server receiving and analyzing a signal generated by each of the control targets that are forcibly activated from the first communication terminal to generate an analysis result; and a step of the server transmitting at least one of the signal and the analysis result to the second communication terminal. Claim 12 A method of operation of a management system for managing a person living alone, further comprising: a step in which a Bluetooth device possessed by the first user detects that the Bluetooth pairing between the Bluetooth device and the first communication terminal is disconnected, and broadcasts a Bluetooth signal including the ID of the Bluetooth device; a step in which a third communication terminal that receives the Bluetooth signal including the ID generates a value of a received signal strength based on the Bluetooth signal; a step in which the third communication terminal generates GPS location information; a step in which the third communication terminal transmits the GPS location information, the ID, and the value of the received signal strength to the server; a step in which the server identifies the first user based on the ID and the ID stored in the data storage device; a step in which the server calculates the coordinates of the third communication terminal using the GPS location information; and a step in which the server estimates the distance between the Bluetooth device and the third communication terminal using the value of the received signal strength.

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