Accident information handling

Abstract

A method for accident information handling in a network is provided. The accident information is associated with an emergency response accident. The method is performed by a base station of a network. The base station is configured to route communications between a wireless device of a network and a breathing apparatus. The method comprises receiving (110) accident information from a first wireless device via a first connection. The method also includes releasing (112) the first connection in response to determining the error of the first connection, and identifying (114) a second wireless device of the network configured to receive the accident information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to incident information processing, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for processing incident information associated with emergency response events. Background Art

[0002] Emergency services, such as fire services, are organizations dedicated to ensuring public safety, security, and health by addressing and resolving a variety of emergency situations. Therefore, emergency services need to be as skilled as possible when handling emergency response incidents. This is particularly true as emergency services are called upon to respond to increasingly complex incidents. Emergency response incidents can involve numerous individuals, including both responders and members of the public, and responders are often equipped with specialized equipment that must be carefully monitored and maintained to ensure their safety. For example, fire departments often deal with toxic environments created by combustible materials, resulting in smoke, oxygen depletion, high temperatures, toxic atmospheres, and violent drafts. To address some of these risks, firefighters carry breathing apparatus (BA). Proper management of this specialized equipment can mean the difference between a successful incident outcome and a disaster.

[0003] Furthermore, emergency services must be prepared to adapt to a range of different environments (e.g., natural and man-made), which presents further challenges in organizing and effectively handling incidents. Consequently, ineffective management of such incidents can result in serious harm to the public and irreparable damage to infrastructure.

[0004] In the past, emergency services (such as fire services) relied on analog tools to monitor and control the handling of emergency response incidents. For example, an entry control operator (ECO) would typically use a physical board, such as an entry control board (ECB), to keep track of firefighters deployed to an incident (e.g., a building fire). In such scenarios, the ECO monitored the incident by physically organizing the board with the help of a "log sheet," which clearly displayed the name of the firefighter deployed to the incident and the time the firefighter entered the incident. Thus, a log sheet can be a physical element that is added to and removed from the board to allow the ECO to keep track of the personnel deployed to the incident. Adding a physical record to the board can serve as the incident registration for the corresponding firefighter. In addition to the physical board, the ECO typically uses a walkie-talkie to manually control the incident and receive updates on the status of the personnel.

[0005] In recent years, some emergency services have adopted telemetry technology, which provides enhanced communication between personnel deployed to an incident. Specifically, emergency service personnel may be provided with a device that enables (e.g., wireless) communication with other personnel and provides for the sharing of information describing the status of the device wearer, as well as the device itself. Thus, emergency service personnel may be provided with a device capable of transmitting critical information to the ECO in real time, giving the ECO more time to make tactical and potentially life-saving decisions. Therefore, technologies utilizing enhanced communication offer significant advantages to the overall safety of individuals involved in an incident and provide greater assurance to responders during deployment.

[0006] Similar to manual techniques that use physical boards to keep track of incidents, technologies utilizing enhanced communications also require an ECO to perform initial incident setup. Specifically, the ECO must register emergency personnel deployed at the incident site before being able to proactively monitor their status and the status of their equipment during the incident. However, current technologies for monitoring incidents present certain challenges. In particular, if the ECO's equipment malfunctions or loses connectivity with the equipment used by personnel deployed at the incident site, the incident loses the critical benefit of centralized control, and the incident data itself may be corrupted or lost. Such an event can be catastrophic for both the safety of individuals involved in the incident and the outcome of the incident. In other words, a loss of connectivity or failure can lead to a lack of tactical leadership, resulting in confusion and endangering lives. In such scenarios, the ECO may have to proactively troubleshoot the connectivity issue before being allowed to resume control of the incident. However, even a short period between loss and restoration of connectivity can be devastating for the safety of responders and the public. In some cases, even if connectivity can be restored to the ECO's equipment, incident information may be lost. In such cases, the ECO may require an unacceptable amount of time to reconfigure the incident, and the risk of incorrectly configuring the incident (eg, due to simple human error) may result in loss of life. Summary of the Invention

[0007] As described above, there are challenges associated with existing technologies for handling emergency response incidents that jeopardize the safety of emergency service personnel and members of the public involved in the incident. Therefore, it would be valuable to make improvements aimed at addressing these challenges.

[0008] Therefore, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method for processing incident information in a network is provided. The incident information is associated with an emergency response event. The method is performed by a base station of the network, and the base station is configured to route communications between a wireless device and a respiratory device of the network. The method includes receiving the incident information from the first wireless device via a first connection. The method also includes, in response to determining an error in the first connection, releasing the first connection, and identifying a second wireless device of the network configured to receive the incident information.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a base station comprising processing circuitry configured to operate according to the method described herein.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program product embodied on a non-transitory machine-readable medium, wherein the computer program product comprises instructions executable by a processing circuit to cause the processing circuit to perform the method described herein.

[0011] Thus, an improved technique for handling incident information in a network is provided. This technique is improved because wireless device users (e.g., incident commanders, such as ECOs) do not need to actively reconfigure active incidents on different wireless devices. This allows for faster recovery of incident information, reducing the amount of time an incident remains uncontrolled and, consequently, the risk of harm to individuals involved in the incident. Furthermore, this technique eliminates the need for users (e.g., incident commanders) to manually reconfigure incident sessions. As previously discussed, such reconfiguration can result in errors, which can be catastrophic for the safety of emergency responders. For example, even a minor error in entering a start time associated with a responder entering an incident could result in serious injury or even death to that responder. Furthermore, the technique described herein eliminates unnecessary disruption to the commander's role in the event of a device failure or loss of connectivity, thereby enabling the commander to focus more on successfully managing the incident. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Exemplary embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following schematic diagram, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a base station according to an embodiment;

[0014] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a method according to an embodiment;

[0015] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a system according to an embodiment; and

[0016] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a signaling diagram illustrating the exchange of signals in a network according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Some embodiments contemplated herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, other embodiments are included within the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein, and the disclosed subject matter should not be construed as being limited to only the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

[0018] As described above, this document provides a technology for processing incident information in a network. The incident information is associated with an emergency response event.

[0019] Herein, an emergency response incident may be any type of emergency response incident. More specifically, an emergency response incident may be any event involving the handling and / or resolution of an emergency situation. As referred to herein, an emergency situation may be an urgent, unexpected and / or dangerous situation that poses a direct risk to health, life, property and / or the environment. An emergency situation may require emergency intervention to prevent the situation from worsening. Examples of emergency response incidents referred to herein include, but are not limited to, accidents that are dangerous to life, dangerous to health and / or dangerous to the environment. For example, the emergency response incidents referred to herein may include fire-related accidents (e.g., building fires, forest fires, car fires, etc.). Alternatively or in addition, the emergency response incidents referred to herein may involve hazardous material operations (e.g., handling substances that are risky to health, safety, property and / or the environment).

[0020] The incident information described herein may be any type of incident information associated with an emergency response event as defined herein. For example, the incident information may include, but is not limited to, information indicating the status of the incident, the location of the incident, incident alert information, evacuation information, personnel information, and the like. The incident information may, for example, include information indicating one or more BAs and / or one or more corresponding wearers of one or more BAs. The incident information may also include information indicating the physical condition and / or health status of personnel deployed at the incident (e.g., one or more wearers of one or more BAs).

[0021] The methods described herein are performed by a base station of a network. A base station, as referred to herein, is configured to route communications between a wireless device and a BA. As used herein, a base station can be any entity in a network configured to act as a transceiver between a wireless device and a BA. Thus, in some examples, a base station, as referred to herein, can be configured to operate as a relay device between different entities of the network, as referred to herein. A base station, as referred to herein, can be configured to receive communications from a wireless device and / or a BA. A base station, as referred to herein, can be configured to initiate the transmission of information to a wireless device and / or a BA. As used herein, the term "initiate" can mean, for example, to cause or establish. Thus, any reference to an entity (e.g., a base station) "initiating a transmission" will be understood to mean that the entity (e.g., its processing circuitry) can be configured to transmit itself (e.g., via the entity's communication interface) or to cause another entity to transmit. A base station can be referred to herein as a "hub" (e.g., of a network).

[0022] The techniques described herein can be used with respect to any network, such as any communication or telecommunication network, for example, a cellular network. The network referred to herein can be a radio network. For example, the network referred to herein can be a 2.4 GHz radio network. In some examples, the network can include a Wi-Fi network (e.g., based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series of standards). Alternatively or in addition, the network can include a Bluetooth network (e.g., based on the IEEE 802.15.1 series of standards). Any one or more of the base stations referred to herein, the wireless devices referred to herein, and the base stations referred to herein can communicate (e.g., directly or indirectly) via the network described herein.

[0023] The technology described herein relates to a breathing apparatus (BA). The breathing apparatus referred to herein can be configured to initiate the transmission of information (e.g., a signal) and / or receive information. For example, the BA referred to herein can be configured to initiate the transmission of information to the base station referred to herein. The BA referred to herein can be any type of BA. More specifically, the BA referred to herein can be any type of device (e.g., an apparatus) worn by a wearer of the BA to provide the wearer with a supply of breathable gas (e.g., air). Therefore, the BA can be advantageously used in atmospheres that pose an immediate danger to life or health. In an example, the BA referred to herein can be a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and / or a compressed air breathing apparatus (CABA). The BA referred to herein can be a closed-circuit BA. Alternatively, the BA referred to herein can be an open-circuit BA.

[0024] The technology described herein also relates to wireless devices. A wireless device (e.g., a first wireless device and / or a second wireless device as referred to herein) can be any type of wireless device. More specifically, a wireless device as referred to herein can be any device configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more other entities (e.g., one or more other entities of a network as referred to herein, such as a base station). For example, a wireless device can be a user equipment (UE). Wireless devices as referred to herein can include, but are not limited to, smart devices such as smartphones or tablets. The wireless device can be configured to run an application (or "app") that, for example, enables the wireless device to communicate with a base station. The application can provide a user of the wireless device (e.g., an ECO) with the ability to manage and / or control incidents as described herein. The wireless device can be configured to enable the user to create, edit, and / or view incident information. For example, the wireless device can be configured to enable the user of the wireless device to view one or more battery-operated alerts (BAs) of a network (e.g., deployed at an incident). Alternatively or additionally, the wireless device can be configured to enable the user of the wireless device to (re)configure one or more BAs and / or one or more wearers of the one or more BAs into groups (e.g., teams). Reconfiguration can include, for example, assigning and / or removing a BA and / or its wearer to a group, respectively. The wireless device can be configured to initiate transmission of incident information (e.g., the configuration of one or more BAs) to a base station. Thus, incidents can be controlled and managed (e.g., centrally) using the wireless device.

[0025] Figure 1 The base station 100 according to an embodiment is shown. The base station 100 can be used to process accident information in the network.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, base station 100 includes processing circuitry (or logic) 102. Processing circuitry 102 controls the operation of base station 100 and may implement the methods described herein with respect to base station 100. Processing circuitry 102 may be configured or programmed to control base station 100 in the manner described herein.

[0027] Processing circuitry 102 may include one or more hardware components, such as one or more processors (e.g., one or more microprocessors, one or more multi-core processors, and / or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs)), one or more processing units, one or more processing modules, and / or one or more controllers (e.g., one or more microcontrollers). The one or more hardware components may be arranged on one or more printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) contained within one or more housing assemblies. The one or more hardware components may be configured or programmed (e.g., using software or computer program code) to perform the various functions described herein with respect to base station 100. In a specific implementation, each of the one or more hardware components may be configured to perform or be used to perform a single step or multiple steps of the methods described herein with respect to base station 100. Processing circuitry 102 may be configured to execute software to perform the methods described herein with respect to base station 100. Thus, processing circuitry 102 may be implemented in a variety of ways using software and / or hardware to perform the various functions described herein with respect to base station 100.

[0028] In short, the processing circuit 102 of the base station 100 is configured to receive accident information from a first wireless device via a first connection. The processing circuit 102 of the base station 100 is further configured to release the first connection in response to determining an error in the first connection, and identify a second wireless device of the network configured to receive the accident information.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, base station 100 may optionally include memory 104. Alternatively, memory 104 may be external to base station 100 (e.g., separate from or remote from the base station). Memory 104 may include any type of non-transitory machine-readable medium, such as at least one cache or system memory. Memory 104 may include volatile or non-volatile memory. Examples of memory 104 include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), and / or any other memory.

[0030] Processing circuitry 102 may be communicatively coupled (e.g., connected) to memory 104. Processing circuitry 102 may be configured to communicate with and / or connect to memory 104. Memory 104 may be used to store program code or instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry 102, cause base station 100 to operate in the manner described herein. For example, memory 104 may be configured to store program code or instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry 102, cause base station 100 to operate according to the methods described herein with respect to base station 100. Alternatively or additionally, memory 104 may be configured to store any information, data, messages, requests, responses, indications, notifications, signals, etc. described herein. Processing circuitry 102 may be configured to control memory 104 to store the information, data, messages, requests, responses, indications, notifications, signals, etc. described herein.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, base station 100 optionally includes a user interface 106. User interface 106 can be configured to present (or output, display, or provide) information required for or generated by the methods described herein. For example, user interface 106 can be configured to present (or output, display, or provide) any information, data, messages, requests, responses, instructions, notifications, signals, etc. described herein. Alternatively or in addition, user interface 106 can be configured to receive user input. For example, user interface 106 can allow a user to manually input information or instructions, interact with base station 100, and / or control the base station. Thus, user interface 106 can be a user interface that enables the presentation (or output, display, or provision) of information and / or enables a user to provide user input. For example, user interface 106 can be configured to display incident information indicating evacuation orders for personnel deployed at an incident location.

[0032] The user interface 106 may include one or more components for presenting information and / or one or more components for enabling a user to provide user input. The one or more components for presenting information may include one or more visual components (e.g., a display or screen, a graphical user interface (GUI) such as a touch screen, one or more lights such as one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), and / or any other visual components), one or more audio components (e.g., one or more speakers and / or any other audio components), and / or one or more tactile / haptic components (e.g., a vibration function or any other tactile / haptic feedback component) or any other user interface or combination of user interfaces. The one or more components for enabling a user to provide user input may include one or more visual components (e.g., one or more switches, one or more buttons, a keypad, a keyboard, a mouse, a graphical user interface (GUI) such as a touch screen, and / or any other visual components), and / or one or more audio components (e.g., one or more microphones and / or any other audio components), and / or one or more tactile / haptic components (e.g., a vibration function or any other tactile / haptic feedback component) or any other user interface or combination of user interfaces.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, base station 100 may optionally include a communication interface (or communication circuitry) 108. Communication interface 108 may be communicatively coupled (e.g., connected) to processing circuitry 102, memory 104, and / or user interface 106. Although communication interface 108 and user interface 106 are shown as separate interfaces, in other embodiments, communication interface 108 may be part of user interface 106. Processing circuitry 102 may be configured to communicate with and / or connect to communication interface 108. In some embodiments, processing circuitry 102 may be configured to control communication interface 108 to operate as described herein. Communication interface 108 may be used to enable base station 100 or components of base station 100 (e.g., processing circuitry 102, memory 104, user interface 106, and / or any other components of base station 100) to communicate and / or connect to each other and / or one or more other components.

[0034] For example, the communication interface 108 may be operable to allow the processing circuit 102 to communicate with and / or connect to the memory 104, and / or vice versa. Similarly, the communication interface 108 may be operable to allow the processing circuit 102 to communicate with and / or connect to the user interface 106, and / or vice versa. Similarly, the communication interface 108 may be operable to allow the processing circuit 102 to communicate with and / or connect to any one or more other entities mentioned herein (e.g., any one or more of the BA, the first wireless device, the second wireless device, or any other entity). The communication interface 108 may be configured to send and / or receive information, data, messages, requests, responses, instructions, notifications, signals, etc., as described herein. The processing circuit 102 may be configured to control the communication interface 108 to send and / or receive information, data, messages, requests, responses, instructions, notifications, signals, etc., as described herein.

[0035] The communication interface 108 may enable the base station 100 or components of the base station 100 to communicate and / or connect in any suitable manner. For example, the communication interface 108 may enable the base station 100 or components of the base station 100 to communicate and / or connect wirelessly via a wired connection or via any other communication (or data transmission) mechanism. In some wireless implementations, for example, the communication interface 108 may enable the base station 100 or components of the base station 100 to communicate and / or connect using radio frequency (RF), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or any other wireless communication technology. In some examples, the communication interface 108 may include a proprietary radio module.

[0036] Although the base station 100 is Figure 1 104, it should be understood that the base station 100 may include at least one memory (ie, a single memory or multiple memories) 104 that operates in the manner described herein. Similarly, although the base station 100 is shown in FIG. Figure 1 106, it should be understood that the base station 100 may include at least one user interface (ie, a single user interface or multiple user interfaces) 106 that operate in the manner described herein. Similarly, although the base station 100 is shown in FIG. Figure 1 108, it should be understood that the base station 100 may include at least one communication interface (ie, a single communication interface or multiple communication interfaces) 108 that operate in the manner described herein. It should also be understood that Figure 1 Only components required to illustrate an embodiment of the base station 100 are shown, and in actual implementations, the base station 100 may include components in addition to or in place of those shown.

[0037] Figure 2A method according to an embodiment is shown. The method is used to process accident information. Figure 1 The described base station 100 may be configured to operate according to the method. For example, the method may be performed by or under the control of the processing circuit 102 of the base station 100. The method described herein may be a computer-implemented method.

[0038] refer to Figure 2 At block 110 , incident information is received from a first wireless device via a first connection. More specifically, the base station 100 (e.g., the processing circuit 102 of the base station 100 ) receives the incident information from the first wireless device via the first connection (e.g., via the communication interface 108 of the base station 100 ). The incident information is associated with an emergency response event.

[0039] Incident information may include, for example, any one or more of the following: the start time of the incident, the location of the incident, an identifier associated with the first wireless apparatus, an identifier indicating the identity of the wearer of the battery-operated alert (BA), the status of the wearer of the BA, and measurement information associated with the BA. For example, the incident may include the name of the incident, the start date and / or time of the incident, the (e.g., geographic) location of the incident, and / or an identifier of the user of the first wireless apparatus (e.g., an ECO identity ID). As described herein, an incident may involve one or more individuals (e.g., one or more wearers of one or more corresponding BAs). The one or more individuals may include, for example, firefighters. The one or more individuals may be divided (e.g., assigned by the user of the first wireless apparatus) into one or more groups (or teams). Therefore, in some examples, incident information may include group (or team) information associated with the one or more individuals, such as a group identifier, radio channel information, and / or the (e.g., current) status of the group. The status of the wearer of the BA may indicate the group (or team) to which the wearer of the BA belongs. Alternatively or additionally, incident information may include information indicating which individuals are assigned to which group and / or the identity of the group leader. In some examples, the accident information may include one or more annotations about the accident (e.g., created by a user of the first wireless device (e.g., ECO)). The accident information may include various types of media. For example, the accident information may include one or more of text, images (e.g., photos), and voice annotations created during the accident (e.g., by a user of the first wireless device (e.g., ECO)).

[0040] In some examples, incident information may include information indicating which of the one or more personnel are deployed at the incident (e.g., actively participating in the incident) and / or information indicating which of the one or more personnel are on standby (e.g., ready (waiting) to be deployed to the incident). Incident information may also include information indicating the status of the wearer of the BA. For example, incident information may include information indicating an alarm (e.g., heat and / or motion) associated with the wearer of the BA and / or information indicating that the wearer of the BA has acknowledged the alarm (e.g., indicating a request to leave the incident). In some examples, incident information may include evacuation information, such as an evacuation signal indicating that some or all personnel deployed at the incident are requested to evacuate the incident. A request to evacuate the incident may be sent if the incident poses a significant risk to life and / or health. For example, an evacuation request may be sent if a building involved in the incident (e.g., a burning building) is likely to collapse. In some examples, incident information may include information indicating that connectivity to the BA has been lost. For example, incident information may include information indicating that the BA has left the range of base station 100. In such a scenario, the BA may be unable to communicate with base station 100 or the first wireless device (e.g., via base station 100). The accident information may include measurements associated with the BA. For example, the accident information may include information indicating a pressure measurement (e.g., of a gas) of the BA. The BA's pressure measurement may indicate the BA's remaining operating capacity. Information generated and / or obtained from the BA may be referred to herein as "telemetry information."

[0041] exist Figure 2 At block 112 of the present invention, in response to determining that an error has occurred with respect to the first connection, the first connection is released. More specifically, the base station 100 (e.g., the processing circuit 102 of the base station 100) releases the first connection in response to determining the error. Releasing the first connection may include terminating the first connection. For example, releasing the first connection may include terminating any connection that the base station 100 has (e.g., established) with the first wireless device. In some examples, releasing the first connection may include releasing a media access control (MAC) address associated with the first wireless device. The MAC address associated with the first wireless device may (e.g., previously) be assigned to the base station 100. The base station 100 may obtain the MAC address associated with the first wireless device (e.g., prior to receiving the accident information from the first wireless device). The methods described herein may include storing (e.g., via the memory 104 of the base station) the MAC address associated with the first wireless device.

[0042] In some examples, the method includes determining that an error has occurred in the first connection. More specifically, base station 100 (e.g., processing circuitry 102 of base station 100) may determine that the error has occurred. For example, if a first time period has elapsed during which no communication is received from the first wireless device, it may be determined that the error has occurred in the first connection. The first time period may be (pre-)configured by the first wireless device (e.g., by a user of the first wireless device). Alternatively or additionally, the first time period may be (pre-)configured on base station 100 (e.g., by storing a value for the first time period in memory 104 of base station 100). The first time period may be any suitable time period, such as 1 second, 2 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, etc. The error in the first connection may be any type of error that results in an error in the first connection. For example, the error in the first connection may include base station 100 losing connection with the first wireless device (e.g., by moving out of range of the first wireless device). In some examples, the error in the first connection may include a failure and / or malfunction of an application running on the first wireless device, as described herein. Alternatively or additionally, the error in the first connection may include the first wireless device itself experiencing a malfunction (e.g., hardware and / or software). For example, the first wireless apparatus may be damaged, and / or a power source (eg, a battery) of the first wireless apparatus may be depleted.

[0043] exist Figure 2 At block 114 , in response to determining that an error has occurred in the first connection, a second wireless device configured to receive the incident information is identified in the network. More specifically, base station 100 (e.g., processing circuitry within base station 100 ) performs this identification. In some examples, identifying the second wireless device may include checking for the presence of the second wireless device in the network.

[0044] In some examples, identifying the second wireless device may include receiving a request from the second wireless device for information indicating a status of the incident. The request may include, for example, an identifier of the second wireless device. The identifier may be a MAC address associated with the second wireless device.

[0045] In some examples, a second wireless device may be configured (e.g., only) to receive incident information if the second wireless device meets eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria may include, for example, that the second wireless device is configured to run the same application as the first wireless device, as described herein. Alternatively or additionally, the eligibility criteria may include a (e.g., cryptographic) key. In some examples, information indicating the eligibility criteria may be (e.g., previously) stored on base station 100 (e.g., via memory 104 of base station 100) and / or received by base station 100 from the second wireless device (e.g., via communication interface 106 of base station 100). Thus, in some examples, base station 100 may be aware of which wireless devices are configured to receive incident information (e.g., before the error in the first connection occurs). In some examples, the information indicating the eligibility criteria may be included in the request for information indicating the status of the incident.

[0046] although Figure 2 Although not shown, the method may include initiating transmission of the accident information to the second wireless device via the second connection. More specifically, base station 100 (e.g., processing circuitry 102 of base station 100) may be configured (e.g., via communication interface 106 of base station 100) to initiate transmission of the accident information to the second wireless device. As a result, the accident information is recovered. In this manner, the second wireless device can reconstruct the accident (e.g., the configuration of the accident) based on the accident information received from base station 100. Furthermore, the second wireless device can then take over management of the accident (e.g., including the configuration of one or more individuals involved in the accident). This reduces the delay between the occurrence of an error in the first connection and the resumption of management of the accident, thereby improving personal safety. Consequently, the safety of individuals involved in the accident and the public is ensured, preventing errors.

[0047] Base station 100 can be configured to connect to only one of the first and second wireless devices at any one time. For example, base station 100 can be configured to connect to only a single one of the first and second wireless devices at any one time. Thus, in some examples, base station 100 is configured to have a one-to-one connection with a wireless device used to control and / or manage an incident. This (e.g., one-to-one connection) configuration provides increased security and reliability. Advantageously, in this scenario, while the first connection to the first wireless device is established, another device (e.g., the second wireless device) cannot interfere with the operation of base station 100 and the management of the incident. Thus, in some examples, identification of the second wireless device as described herein can occur only after (e.g., in response to) the first connection being released (e.g., terminated).

[0048] The first wireless device and the second wireless device may be different. For example, the first wireless device may be a separate device from the second wireless device. In some examples, the first wireless device may be a user equipment (UE) including a display. Alternatively or additionally, the second wireless device may be a UE including a display. As described above, the network referred to herein may be a radio network (e.g., a Wi-Fi network). In some examples, the first connection and / or the second connection may include a Wi-Fi connection. In some examples, the BA, as referred to herein, may be an SCBA.

[0049] A system is also provided, which may include any one or more of the base station 100 described herein, the BA described herein, the first wireless device described herein, and / or the second wireless device described herein.

[0050] Figure 3 A system according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 3 The system shown includes a base station 100, multiple BAs 200, a first wireless device 202 ("wireless device #1"), and a second wireless device 204 ("wireless device #2"). Each of the base station 100, the multiple BAs 200, the first wireless device 202, and the second wireless device 204 belongs to a network. The network may be a radio network. The network may include one or more entities ( Figure 3 (not shown), such as a (e.g., cloud) server. Figure 3 In the system shown, the base station 100 is as previously described with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Perform the operation as described. Figure 3 The system shown may be referred to herein as a "telemetry system."

[0051] Figure 3 The system shown includes a plurality of BAs 200 , however it should be understood that this is merely an example and in other examples the system may include any number of BAs (eg, one or more).

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown in block 206 of FIG. 1 , an application may be executed on the first wireless device 202. The application may be a (eg, custom) software application. For example, the application may be used to manage and / or control incidents as described herein. Figure 3As shown by arrow 226, user 216 can utilize the application running on first wireless device 202 to make changes to the incident configuration, such as assigning and / or removing individuals (e.g., firefighters) from a team. In this manner, user 216 can configure one or more of the plurality of BAs 200 into groups (teams). In the example of an emergency response incident involving a fire, as part of the incident management process, the application can allow the user to view firefighters in the incident area, set information about the firefighters, and / or group the firefighters into teams.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown by arrow 222, the base station receives the accident information from the first wireless device 202 via the first connection. Figure 3 As shown by arrow 222, the base station 100 can communicate with the first wireless device 202 via the first connection, and vice versa. Figure 3 As shown in block 212 , the first connection may be a radio (eg, Wi-Fi) connection.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown by arrow 218, the base station 100 can receive communications from one or more BAs in the plurality of BAs 200. The base station 100 is configured to route communications between BAs (e.g., one or more BAs 200) and wireless devices (e.g., the first wireless device 202 and / or the second wireless device 204). Figure 3 In the illustrated example, the base station 100 can be configured to route communications from one or more of the BAs 200 to the first wireless device 202 and / or the second wireless device 204. In some examples, the base station 100 can be configured to parse information (e.g., data) received from the BA before sending the information to the wireless devices (e.g., the first wireless device 202 and / or the second wireless device 204). Thus, the base station 100 can send a parsed version of the information received from the BA 200 to the first wireless device 202 and / or the second wireless device 204. In some examples, the base station 100 can be configured to route (e.g., send) the information received from the BA in response to receiving a request from the wireless device (e.g., the first wireless device 202 and / or the second wireless device 204) for the information received from the BA.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown in block 210 of FIG. 1 , communications may be received by base station 100 via (e.g., telemetry) radio. Communications from the battery-operated (BA) may include information indicative of the BA and / or the wearer of the BA. For example, the information indicative of the BA may include (e.g., pressure) measurement information. The information indicative of the wearer of the BA may include, for example, the wearer's physical state (e.g., exercise state).

[0056] although Figure 3It is not explicitly shown, but an error in the first connection may occur (indicated by arrow 222). As described herein, in response to determining an error in the first connection, the first connection is released. Figure 3 As shown, a second wireless device configured to receive accident information is identified.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown in block 214 of FIG, the base station 100 may include a user interface 214 (“button”). Figure 3 As shown, the user interface may include buttons. Figure 3 As shown by arrow 230 , the base station 100 may obtain input (e.g., from user 216). User interface 214 may enable the user to manually release the first connection. In some examples, in response to receiving input (e.g., a button press from user 216) via user interface 214, base station 100 may be configured to release the first connection. Thus, user 216 of the telemetry system may, for example, forcibly release the first connection (e.g., release the MAC address associated with first wireless device 202) by pressing a button located on base station 100 (e.g., for a period of time). In this manner, base station 100 is configured with a means for user 216 to avoid having to wait (e.g., automatically) to determine that an error has occurred with the first connection (e.g., upon expiration of the first time period as defined herein).

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown in block 208 of FIG. 2 , in some examples, the second wireless apparatus 204 can be running the same (e.g., customized) application as the first wireless apparatus 208. In these examples, identifying the second wireless apparatus 204 can include determining that the second wireless apparatus 204 is configured to run the application. As defined herein, this determination can be based on information included in the request for information indicating the incident status. Thus, in some examples, the request can include information indicating that the second wireless apparatus 204 is configured to run and / or is running the application.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown by arrow 224, the base station 100 may initiate transmission of the accident information to the second wireless device via the second connection. Therefore, the second wireless device 204 may receive the accident information from the base station 100. Figure 3 As shown in block 212 of , the second connection may be a radio (eg, Wi-Fi) connection. Figure 3 As shown by arrow 228, the user can refer to Figure 3 The manner depicted by arrow 226 utilizes an application running on the second wireless device.

[0060] Figure 4 is a signaling diagram illustrating signal exchange in a system according to an embodiment. In more detail, Figure 4The signal exchange in a system for processing accident information is shown. Figure 4 The system shown includes a base station 100, a BA 200, and a first wireless device 202 ("wireless device #1"). Figure 4 As shown, the first wireless device 202 can be configured to run an application ("Application") as described herein.

[0061] exist Figure 4 In the system shown, the base station 100 is as previously mentioned Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 The base station described operates as follows. Figure 4 As shown in block 300 of FIG. 3 , the first wireless device 202 may initiate (eg, start running) an application. The first wireless device 202 may initiate the application, for example, in response to user input (eg, input via a touch screen display of the first wireless device 202). Figure 4 Not shown, but in some examples, the base station 100 may establish a first connection to the first wireless device 202 .

[0062] like Figure 4 As shown by arrow 302, the first wireless device 202 may initiate the transmission of a request message ("Request System Snapshot") to the base station 100. The base station 100 may thus receive the request message from the first wireless device 202. The request message may include a request for an accident status. Figure 4 As shown by arrow 304, base station 100 may initiate transmission of a response message ("No Active Incident") to first wireless apparatus 202. The response message may include information indicating that no (e.g., active) incident has been established. In some examples, base station 100 may determine that an incident has been established (e.g., started) in response to receiving a communication (e.g., a message and / or signal) from BA 200.

[0063] like Figure 4 As shown by arrow 306, BA 200 can send communications to base station 100 as described herein. Thus, base station 100 can receive communications from BA 200. Base station 100 is configured to route communications between BA 200 and first wireless device 202 as described herein. Figure 4 The steps of arrows 308, 316, 322, 328, 332 and 334 can each be as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As depicted by arrow 306 .

[0064] like Figure 4As shown by arrow 310, the first wireless device 202 may send a request for information about the accident to the base station. Thus, the base station 100 may receive the request for information from the first wireless device 202. Figure 4 As shown by arrow 312, the base station 100 may initiate the transmission of a response message to the first wireless device 202. The transmission of the response message may be in response to the reference Figure 4 The request message described by arrow 310 is executed. Figure 4 As depicted by arrows 306 , 308 , and 312 , the base station may route communications between the BA 200 and the first wireless device 202 (eg, from the BA 200 to the first wireless device 202 ).

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown in block 314 of , the first wireless device may configure the incident information. As described herein, the incident information may include information indicating the configuration of one or more personnel involved in the incident (e.g., the assignment of firefighters to teams). The first wireless device 202 may perform the configuration of the incident information in response to (e.g., user) input. In these examples, the user of the first wireless device 202 is able to configure (e.g., generate and / or modify) the incident information via the first wireless device 202. Figure 4 As shown by arrow 318 of , the first wireless device may send the accident information to the base station 100 via the first connection. As described herein, the base station 100 thus receives the accident information from the first wireless device 202 via the first connection. Figure 4 The sending and / or receiving of the incident information depicted by arrow 318 may be referred to herein as (eg, incident and / or incident information) synchronization. Figure 4 2 , but some or all of the accident information received by the base station 100 may be sent (e.g., forwarded) to the BA 200. In this manner, the base station 100 enables the first wireless device 202 to communicate with the BA 200 and, for example, provides the BA 200 with one or more of information, commands, alerts, notifications, etc.

[0066] Corresponding to Figure 4 The steps of arrows 320 and 324 can be referred to as Figure 4 310 and 312 are used to describe the above.

[0067] like Figure 4 As shown by arrow 326, the first wireless device 202 may configure the accident information (eg, to match the reference Figure 4 In a similar manner as described by arrow 314). For example, the accident information may include information indicating the status of the accident. The status of the accident may be, for example, an evacuation status (eg, indicating that the accident should be evacuated). Figure 4The steps of arrow 330 can be as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As described by arrow 318 .

[0068] like Figure 4 As shown in block 336 of , an error in the first connection may occur. Figure 4 As shown, in some examples, the error in the first connection may be caused by the first wireless device 202 becoming inoperable (eg, due to a power failure). Due to the error in the first connection, the first wireless device 202 is unable to communicate with the base station 100.

[0069] although Figure 4 Although not shown in FIG, in response to determining that an error in the first connection has occurred (eg, has occurred), the base station 100 releases the first connection. For example, the base station 100 may terminate the first connection. Figure 4 Also not shown, but in response to determining an error in the first connection, the base station may initiate a process for identifying a second wireless device configured to receive accident information. Figure 5 Some example steps of the method as performed with respect to a second wireless apparatus are described.

[0070] Figure 5 is a signaling diagram illustrating signal exchange in a system according to an embodiment. In more detail, Figure 5 The signal exchange in a system for processing accident information is shown. Figure 5 The system shown in can be Figure 4 The system described, except Figure 5 The system shown in FIG includes a second wireless device 204 ("wireless device #2") instead of Figure 4 The first wireless device 202 of the system is shown in FIG. Figure 5 The handshake shown can be found in the reference Figure 4 The handshake described occurs afterwards. Therefore, Figure 5 The signal exchange shown can be seen in the above reference Figure 4 occurs after the occurrence of the first connection error described in block 336. In some examples, Figure 5 The illustrated signal exchange may occur after a user switches wireless devices from the first wireless device 202 to the second wireless device 204 (eg, due to a malfunction).

[0071] like Figure 5 As shown in block 400, the second wireless device 204 may initiate (eg, start running) an application. The application may be associated with a reference Figure 4 The second wireless apparatus 204 may initiate the application, for example, in response to user input (eg, input via a touch screen display of the first wireless apparatus 202).

[0072] As described herein, in response to determining an error in the first connection, the base station 100 identifies the second wireless device 204. As described herein, the second wireless device 204 is configured to receive the accident information. The second wireless device 204 can be configured to receive the accident information by means of an application configured to run (e.g., as described in reference Figure 4 The second wireless device 204 (the application executed by the first wireless device 202 as described above) receives the accident information. Figure 5 As shown by arrow 402 , identifying the second wireless apparatus 204 may include receiving a request for information indicating an incident status (“Request System Snapshot”) from the second wireless apparatus 204 . Information indicating an incident status may be referred to herein as a “snapshot.”

[0073] like Figure 5 As shown by arrow 404, the base station 100 may initiate transmission of the accident information to the second wireless device 204 via the second connection (between the base station 100 and the second network device 204). Therefore, the accident information may be recovered on the second wireless device 204 in response to the occurrence of the error in the first connection. Figure 5 As shown by arrow 404, the Figure 5 The request described by arrow 402 initiates the sending of accident information.

[0074] like Figure 5 As shown in block 406 of the flowchart, the second wireless device 204 may output (e.g., on a display of the wireless device 204) the accident information received from the base station 100. Thus, the user of the second wireless device 204 may be notified of the accident information (e.g., the status of the accident and / or information indicating personnel deployed at the accident site). Consequently, the user of the second wireless device 204 may be able to quickly take control of the accident.

[0075] like Figure 5 As shown by arrow 408, BA 200 can send communications to base station 100 as described herein. Thus, base station 100 can receive communications from BA 200. Base station 100 is configured to route communications between BA 200 and second wireless device 204 as described herein. Figure 5 The steps of arrows 412, 418, 424, 430, 436 and 442 can each be as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As depicted by arrow 408 .

[0076] like Figure 5 As shown by arrow 410, the second wireless device 204 may send a request for information about the accident to the base station 100. Thus, the base station 100 may receive the request for information from the second wireless device 204. Figure 4 As shown by arrow 414, the base station 100 may initiate the transmission of a response message to the second wireless device 204. The transmission of the response message may be in response to the reference Figure 5 The request message described by arrow 410 is executed. Figure 5 As depicted by arrows 408 , 412 , and 414 , the base station may route communications between the BA 200 and the second wireless device 204 (eg, from the BA 200 to the second wireless device 204 ).

[0077] like Figure 5 As shown in block 416 of FIG. , the second wireless device 204 may configure the accident information. As described herein, the accident information may include information indicating the configuration of the accident (e.g., an identifier of the accident). The second wireless device 204 may perform the configuration of the accident information in response to (e.g., user) input. In these examples, the user of the second wireless device 204 is able to configure (e.g., generate and / or modify) the accident information via the second wireless device 204. Figure 5 As shown by arrow 420, the second wireless device 204 may send the accident information to the base station 100 via the second connection. The base station 100 may therefore receive the accident information from the second wireless device 204 via the second connection.

[0078] although Figure 5 2 , but some or all of the accident information received by the base station 100 may be sent (e.g., forwarded) to the BA 200. In this manner, the base station 100 enables the second wireless device 204 to communicate with the BA 200 and, for example, provide the BA 200 with one or more of information, commands, alerts, notifications, and the like.

[0079] Corresponding to Figure 5 The steps of arrows 422 and 434 can be as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As described by arrow 410. Figure 5 The steps of arrows 426 and 438 can be respectively as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As depicted by arrow 414 .

[0080] Corresponding to Figure 5 The steps of blocks 428 and 440 may be as described with reference to Figure 5 In addition to the type of incident information being configured, as described in block 416 of FIG. Figure 5 As shown in block 428 of the example, the configuration of the incident information may include adding a member of a personnel (e.g., firefighter) to a (e.g., existing) group (team). In some examples, as shown in block 440, the configuration of the incident information may include creating a new personnel group (team).

[0081] Corresponding to Figure 5The steps of arrows 432 and 444 can be as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As depicted by arrow 420 .

[0082] Also provided is a computer program embodied on a non-transitory machine-readable medium. The non-transitory machine-readable medium includes instructions. The instructions are executable so that, when executed by a suitable computer or processor, they cause the computer or processor to perform the methods described herein. The non-transitory machine-readable medium can be, for example, any entity or device capable of carrying a computer program product. For example, the non-transitory machine-readable medium can include a data storage device such as a ROM (such as a CD-ROM or semiconductor ROM) or a magnetic recording medium (such as a hard disk). Furthermore, the non-transitory machine-readable medium can be a transmissible carrier, such as an electrical or optical signal, which can be transmitted via an electrical or optical cable or by radio or other means. When the computer program product is embodied in such a signal, the non-transitory machine-readable medium can consist of such a cable or other device or means. Alternatively, the non-transitory machine-readable medium can be an integrated circuit in which the computer program product is embedded, the integrated circuit being suitable for performing or being used to perform the methods described herein.

[0083] The techniques described herein facilitate restoring incident-related information in the event that a wireless device (e.g., a wireless device used to control an incident) becomes unavailable. For example, in the event that a wireless device experiences a failure or becomes inoperable, the techniques enable the restoration of active incident session information (e.g., such as a team configuration) on a different wireless device. In this manner, the techniques described herein avoid the need to (e.g., manually) reconfigure active incidents on different wireless devices. Consequently, user distraction is reduced (e.g., allowing for more effective focus on controlling the incident), latency during the recovery process is reduced, and incidents can be controlled without significant disruption when errors (e.g., in the network) occur.

[0084] Variations of the disclosed embodiments may be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in practicing the principles and techniques described herein, by a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may perform the functions of several items recited in a claim. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. The computer program may be stored or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or solid-state medium provided with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A method for processing accident information in a network, wherein: The incident information is associated with an emergency response event, wherein the method is performed by a base station (100) of the network, and wherein the base station (100) is configured to route communications between a wireless device and a respiratory device (200) of the network, the method comprising: receiving (110) the accident information from a first wireless device (202) via a first connection; and In response to determining an error in the first connection: releasing (112) the first connection; and A second wireless device (204) of the network configured to receive the accident information is identified (114).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The method comprises: It is determined that the error of the first connection has occurred.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The error of the first connection is determined to have occurred if a first time period has elapsed in which no communications are received from the first wireless device (202).

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Releasing (112) the first connection comprises: A media access control address associated with the first wireless device (202) is released.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Identifying the second wireless device (204) includes: A request is received from the second wireless device (204) for information indicative of a status of the incident.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: Transmission of the accident information to the second wireless device (204) via a second connection is initiated.

7. A method according to claim 6 when appended to claim 5, wherein Initiating the transmission of the accident information to the second wireless device (204) includes: The transmission of the accident information is initiated in response to a request received from the second wireless device (204).

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The base station (100) is configured to connect to only one of the first wireless device (202) and the second wireless device (204) at any one point in time.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The accident information includes one or more of the following: the time when the incident began; the location of the incident; an identifier associated with the first wireless device (202); an identifier indicating the identity of a wearer of the respiratory device (200); a status of the wearer of the respiratory device (200); as well as Measurement information associated with the respiratory device (200).

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first wireless device (202) is different from the second wireless device (204).

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first wireless device (202) is a first user equipment including a display; and / or The second wireless device (204) is a second user equipment including a display.

12. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The network is a radio network.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The breathing apparatus (200) is a self-contained breathing apparatus.

14. A base station (100), comprising: Processing circuit (102) configured to operate according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A computer program product embodied on a non-transitory machine-readable medium, comprising instructions executable by a processing circuit to cause The processing circuit performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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