Personal emergency response system and method of operation

Abstract

An operation method is presented for personal emergency response systems (PERS) combining a mobile device, e.g., a smartphone, and a personal device that is easy to carry for the user, e.g., a bracelet or pendant with genuine text, phone and mobile internet capability, both whether or not sensors are wirelessly connected to these devices. A method may improve and automate PERS by consistently supervising the users in case of an emergency by using mainly mobile Internet communication means and devices with immediate display of first responders and a possibility to coordinate ambulance and other official emergency response means, thus omitting the need for geo-fencing, unless desired by the users. A method may facilitate the rescue of a person via PERS by displaying a line of two or more previous and potentially later GPS coordinates and may conserve energy while intermittently receiving GPS coordinates for rescue purposes.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims priority of German Utility Model DE 20 2014 008 763.6 filed on Nov. 6, 2014 which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]The use of smart phones in personal emergency response systems (PERS) has been first described in 2005 in patent EP 1679672 and has become a widely accepted method. With the development of better sensor technologies, in particular sensors that are very easy to carry and light and can be connected wirelessly, in particular through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology and lately low-energy Bluetooth, to the device, which can use the data transmitted either for deciding if to trigger the alarm or as a data collection point for health information to be transmitted or both, and the coming of so-called “smart bracelets” or “smart watches”, which are devices worn constantly by the user, new potential for PER systems has evolved.[0003]The development of battery power has not been in sync wi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent provides a way to use a mobile phone and a small wearable device to trigger an alarm in case of an emergency. The wearable device can send an alarm signal even if the phone is forgotten or out of range. The system combines mobile internet communication with GPS technology to quickly locate potential first responders and improve rescue efforts. The line display on the device helps first responders better understand where the person is located and conserves energy by triggering GPS chips at specific intervals. Overall, this solution provides a cost-effective and efficient way to protect users in crisis.

Problems solved by technology

Our research has shown, that a problem ensues once GPS coordinates are searched in areas with high building structures and while standing under a sunroof or similar roofs, such as the roofs typically found on petrol stations.

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