Emergency call system - remote access / silent emergency call

Abstract

System for transmitting emergency calls, in particular via remote emergency access, by third-party providers (TPSP) (13), as well as silent emergency calls to a competent control center (10), characterized by the following steps: a. Determining the position of the entity of the emergency caller (14a,b,c,d) using GPS, radio tracking, cell-based location data and / or a predefined value, whereby the determination of the position can be automated or manual, b. Forwarding of the position data and other relevant information (16) to the TPSP (13) and / or a server or server system (11), c. Creation and / or editing of a data set (16) by the TPSP (13) which includes at least position data and event-related information, d. Transfer or updating of this data set (16) to a server (11, 12), in particular an AML (12) or backend server (11), for storage and retrieval by the responsible control center (10), e. Retrieval of the data set (16) from the server (11, 12), in particular an AML (12) or backend server (11), by the control center for transfer to the dispatch system (10a).

Description

[0001] The present invention describes an improved system for making location-based mobile emergency calls, which in particular supports third-party service providers (TPSPs) in contacting the responsible control center and making so-called "silent emergency calls".

[0002] The term "location-based" encompasses all techniques for determining position, including GPS, Wi-Fi tracking, and cell-based location data, and means that the emergency call center responsible for the caller's current location is contacted. Position determination can be automated or through user interaction.

[0003] "Emergency call remote access" refers to the need for support and forwarding services when TPSPs are located outside the emergency call center's coverage area and a remote control center must therefore be contacted. This is achieved via the relevant local telephone number or mobile phone connectors assigned to the control center's coverage area.

[0004] The term "mobile communication connectors" refers to devices located within the area of ​​responsibility of a control center and possessing multiple communication options (e.g., mobile communication and SIP, mobile communication and mobile communication, SIP and SIP, and other combinations). The number of communication channels is not limited to two. An emergency call (e.g., 112) is dialed via a communication channel tied to the current location of the mobile communication connector (e.g., the mobile module via the connected cell tower), and the voice channel is then connected to a call previously received or dialed via another communication channel (e.g., via an audio bridge).This allows a control center to be reached via the prioritized emergency number, even if the person triggering the call is not in the control center's area and / or the call would not reach the responsible control center due to technical and / or organizational reasons.

[0005] Silent emergency calls are initiated by the person making the call when necessary for safety reasons or due to health limitations. A voice emergency call is initiated to transmit ambient sounds and enable communication if needed. A corresponding note in the transmitted data set, along with a signal / display at the emergency call center and / or an announcement, indicates a silent emergency call.

[0006] Additionally, the speaker of the terminal device can be muted to prevent third parties from being able to recognize an emergency call.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally, a silent emergency call can also be made entirely data-based (e.g. via text or app button).

[0008] For this purpose, a network of entities such as smartphones, telephones, trackers, PCs / Macs, servers, and / or communication devices is used. These are specifically designed to trigger an emergency call to the responsible control center in conjunction with a corresponding app and / or other software. The entities on the control center side—such as control center PCs and / or special hardware / software solutions—are designed to receive incoming emergency calls, process data, and / or communicate with the callers.

[0009] The term "server" refers to backend and / or switching servers, as well as the currently used AML servers, which temporarily store the emergency call-related information for retrieval by the control centers.

[0010] The system takes into account the upcoming NG112 (Next Generation 112) technology, which can also be used for police emergency calls.

[0011] Furthermore, the invention relates to a system and a corresponding computer program product. This includes all components required for the generation, transmission, processing, and display of emergency call data, including interfaces to external systems and backend systems of the control centers.

[0012] "Emergency call data" refers to all data required to process the emergency call, as well as optional supplementary data. BACKGROUND AND STATE OF THE ART

[0013] Currently, emergency calls are usually initiated by the person calling directly contacting the emergency services (fire department, ambulance service, police) via telephone or mobile device. However, there are cases in which individuals or organizations, for various reasons, are unable to make emergency calls themselves and / or require assistance during an emergency call.

[0014] Third-party service providers (TPSPs) are available for these situations, enabling the use of emergency services. Examples include sign language interpreters, the emergency call systems of numerous car manufacturers, home emergency call services, and security services.

[0015] These third-party providers, however, generally lack the capability to place standardized emergency calls if they are not located within the same dispatch center area as the person seeking help. This leads to delays or limitations in providing assistance and, in the worst-case scenario, can prevent help altogether. In particular, there is a lack of standardized interfaces for transmitting location-based and case-relevant data to remote dispatch centers.

[0016] In emergency situations involving health or other dangers, silent emergency calls represent a valuable alternative. However, their activation is currently problematic because calls made via mobile devices are not marked as "silent emergency calls" and the corresponding information is not transmitted. A consistent standard for the transmission and processing of silent emergency calls in emergency call centers is lacking. Furthermore, the integration of modern communication methods such as video or chat is still inadequate. TASK OF INVENTION

[0017] The aim of the invention is to overcome the existing disadvantages of the current state of the art. To this end, an emergency call system for TPSP (Traffic Police Service Personnel) is implemented that enables the assignment of emergency calls to the responsible control center, supports voice communication, and transmits information accompanying the emergency call.

[0018] For this purpose, the system integrates automatic position transmission, additional communication channels and standardized data sets for rapid processing by the control centers.

[0019] People with hearing or speech impairments can communicate with a control center using TPSP sign language interpreters and assistive technologies, or directly via visual interfaces.

[0020] The invention can also enable TPSPs for eCall systems, home emergency call services, the on-call medical service (116 117), security services and other emergency call or help centers to provide comprehensive assistance.

[0021] Individuals and institutions where communication is limited or impossible for safety reasons or due to health limitations can make a silent emergency call.

[0022] The invention explicitly includes all forms of communication channels, i.e., speech, text, video, images (including pictograms), avatars, holograms, and automated messages.

[0023] “Automated messages” include, for example, sensor-generated alarms or automatically triggered status messages. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The problem is solved by the features described in the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0025] The present invention enables the time-free transmission of emergency calls to the responsible control center by third-party service providers (TPSPs) as well as the processing of so-called silent emergency calls.

[0026] Silent emergency calls are aimed at individuals and institutions where, for safety reasons or due to health limitations, discreet or language-independent alerting is required. Particularly relevant target groups include people in hazardous professions or those with health or language impairments.

[0027] For these target groups, the silent emergency call system provides an additional layer of security and enables quick and, if necessary, discreet contact with rescue services in an emergency. The alert can be issued to land-based, water-based, or mountain-based rescue units.

[0028] Other target groups for emergency calls to the responsible control center by TPSP are in particular persons for whom support makes the emergency call easier or possible, or for whom additional information (e.g. medical information) from the TPSP is helpful for processing the emergency call.

[0029] The technical implementation is carried out via the circuit-switched emergency call system (E112) and via the NG112 technology (Next Generation 112), which enables communication with the control center via voice, data and video.

[0030] The invention is not limited to one transmission method. The selection depends on requirements; hybrid methods are also possible.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a system for remote emergency call access / silent emergency call, characterized in that the system comprises a network of entities such as smartphones, tablets, PCs / MACs, servers and / or communication devices. - wherein the entity seeking help (e.g. smartphone, tablet, PC / MAC, laptop, telephone, tracker) uses installed or running software (app / application / web application / operating system function) with a trigger button, a physical trigger device and / or a remote control for triggering a location-based emergency call, and preferably a communication module and / or a navigation module, - where user-specific information is stored in the entity's app and / or in the entity's data storage and / or on a server, - where the TPSP entity (e.g. PC / MAC, laptop, tablet) includes a communication device, web interface and / or application, - where, when using NG112 technology, the address and / or telephone number of the responsible control center is determined based on the position data, - where, when using NG112 technology, the emergency call data is created in NG112-compliant form by the server or by means of software and transmitted to the control center, - whereby the control centers preferably, but not exclusively, communicate and / or receive data via voice and / or video using TPSP.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a system for remote emergency call access / silent emergency call, - whereby, when a person seeking help calls, the location data and other required information are transmitted to the TPSP in a data record, - whereby the TPSP, preferably in dialogue with the person seeking help, creates and / or supplements a data record, - where, when an emergency call is triggered by TPSP, a data record containing the local telephone number / address of the TPSP, the location data of the person seeking help and other event-related information, as well as optionally a link to a web application (e.g. with video telephony), is created by the server and transmitted to a server, preferably the AML server, for retrieval by the control center, - whereby, when an emergency call is triggered by TPSP, a voice call is made and a data record containing the TPSP's phone number / address, the location data of the person seeking help, and other event-related information is sent to a server, - where the data set is retrieved from the server using a web browser or software of the control center, - whereby the control center retrieves the data record from the server using the TPSP's telephone number and transfers it to the dispatch system.

[0033] In a further preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a system for remote emergency call access / silent emergency call, - where communication partners of different languages ​​are optionally supported by automatic translations for speech and / or chat, as well as text-to-speech and / or speech-to-text, - where communication between a speech- or hearing-impaired person and the TPSP (sign language interpreter) takes place via video telephony, - alternatively, the TPSP (sign language interpreter) is represented and / or generated by a virtual avatar, or automated sign language is used.

[0034] In a further preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a system for remote emergency call access / silent emergency call, - whereby the connection of the speech- or hearing-impaired person is made by direct addressing via app and / or phone call to the control center, - where necessary data is stored in the entity's app and / or on one or more servers, - whereby, upon acceptance of the voice call, the data transmitted by the app and / or a server is retrieved from the server, preferably from the AML server, by the control center, - where the display of the data in the dispatch system and / or an announcement indicates that the person is "deaf" and / or "speech impaired" and / or has other limitations or special circumstances, - where communication is supplemented by visual support such as text, video, pictograms, avatar(s) and / or hologram(s), - whereby the dispatcher can call in support services, such as sign language interpreters, via (video) link, - whereby all forms of communication can be combined and / or dynamic switching between modes is possible.

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a system for remote emergency call access / silent emergency call, - wherein the user entity uses an emergency telephone with or without a display, installed or running software (app / application / web application / operating system function) with a trigger button, a physical trigger device and / or a remote control for triggering a location-based emergency call, and preferably a communication module and / or a navigation module, for silent emergency calls. - where remote controls are preferably connected to the entity via radio, such as Bluetooth, - wherein an emergency call-capable device / remote control has at least one emergency call button and, when an emergency call is activated, optionally vibrates and / or lights up and / or displays an indicator to confirm, - where the loudspeaker is switched to "quiet" or "muted" as required by a device or setting, - where the telephone function of an entity is adapted as necessary to optimally use a silent emergency call app and emergency calls are triggered via remote control, - where user-specific information is stored in the entity's app and / or in the entity's data storage and / or on a server, - where a data record containing the mobile phone number and data of the person seeking help is sent to the server, preferably the AML server, - where the emergency call is indicated as a silent emergency call by a display, a signal and / or a voice announcement at the control center, - the control center retrieves the data record from the server, preferably the AML server, using the mobile phone number and transfers it to the dispatch system, - whereby, when an emergency call is triggered, a voice call and a data record containing the phone number, the location data of the person seeking help and other event-related information are sent to a server, preferably the AML server.

[0036] In a further preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a system for remote emergency call access / silent emergency call, - whereby a web link is transmitted to the emergency services, enabling data exchange and communication via audio, video, text, pictograms, avatar(s) and / or hologram(s).

[0037] In a further preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a system for remote emergency call access / silent emergency call, - where the eCall system entity automatically or manually triggers a silent or normal emergency call and sends a data record containing the caller ID number to a server, - whereby the dispatcher recognizes an eCall based on a display, a signal and / or voice announcement and retrieves the data record from the server using the telephone number or part of the telephone number.

[0038] In a further preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a system for remote emergency call access / silent emergency call, - wherein an emergency call-capable device makes an emergency call directly to a rescue service, such as mountain rescue, transmits required data to one or more servers, and the data record is retrieved manually or automatically from this server(s) by mountain rescue or a responsible institution / person.

[0039] In a further preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a system for remote emergency call access / silent emergency call, - wherein an emergency call-capable device with automated location transmission transmits its position to a server that monitors a defined area and, in the event of time deviations and abnormal processes, sends a warning message to a system or person or group of persons set up for monitoring.

[0040] “Time deviations and abnormal processes” include, for example, time delays, sudden changes of location, or atypical usage patterns of the emergency call device.

[0041] In a further preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a system for remote emergency call access / silent emergency call, - where, when using NG112 technology, the emergency call data is created in NG112 compliance by the server or by means of software and transmitted to the responsible control center based on the position data of third parties, - whereby TPSP and / or entities that cannot or should not make an NG112-compliant call can make an NG112-compliant call to the appropriate emergency call center via this server (preferably a SIP server / PBX) or this software, to which the emergency call data is transmitted, - where the non-NG112-compliant call on the server (preferably a SIP server / PBX) and / or software is connected via an audio bridge or forwarding or interconnection with the NG112-compliant call initiated by the server (preferably a SIP server / PBX) and / or the software.

[0042] In a further preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a system for remote emergency call access / silent emergency call, - where cameras inside and outside of objects enable image and / or video transmission to the control center by integrating the transmission into the systems and / or the transmitted data set containing a link to a corresponding system, - which can also include private and company camera systems (e.g. surveillance cameras, dashcams), provided that technical interfaces are available.

[0043] In a further preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a system for remote emergency call access / silent emergency call, - where the network of entities also includes mobile connectors, - where mobile communication connectors (single-board PC with at least two communication channels, preferably at least one mobile communication module) are installed in the control center areas (112 and / or police) or urban and rural districts, - whereby the connection and communication between TPSP and control center is realized via the mobile communication connector.

[0044] To illustrate the inventive step, the invention includes, in particular, specific use scenarios in which discreet or silent emergency calls are crucial. For example, the invention offers victims of domestic violence a way to request help silently, without the aggressor noticing. Security services can report emergencies such as burglaries, robberies, or acute threats discreetly and without delay. Furthermore, the invention is particularly applicable in mountain or sea emergencies, as it enables the reliable transmission of position data to the responsible rescue services, such as mountain rescue or sea rescue services, and the supplementation of this data with situation-specific information, even if the originally used device cannot generate a direct AML- or NG112-compatible data set.

[0045] To clarify the inventive step, the innovative link between conventional emergency call methods and AML or NG112 technologies is particularly noteworthy. A key advantage is that entities or third-party providers (TPSPs) that cannot themselves perform AML- or NG112-compliant transmissions can nevertheless establish AML- or NG112-compliant data records and voice connections via a central server. The server initially receives only data and / or calls, automatically converts them into AML-specific or NG112-compliant information, and transmits the data record to the AML server or independently establishes a corresponding connection to the emergency call center.This allows even older devices or systems without AML or NG112 support to immediately benefit from modern emergency call technology, which offers significant advantages, especially in heterogeneous communication environments and with third-party providers such as security services, home emergency call systems or vehicle emergency call systems (eCall).

[0046] The average person skilled in the art recognizes that the technical features, definitions and advantages of the system described above, in particular of preferred embodiments of the system, also apply to the computer program product according to the invention and vice versa.

[0047] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to figures, without being limited to them. FIGURES Brief description of the illustrations Schematic representation of preferred embodiments of the system according to the invention Emergency call remote access / silent emergency call

[0048] Fig. Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the system for transmitting emergency calls from persons making emergency calls and from an emergency call-capable device with an emergency call button to control centers via circuit-switched emergency call systems according to the invention.

[0049] Control Center 10 is capable of receiving voice calls 15 and receiving and processing data 16. Furthermore, it, or rather its software, handles the structured integration of the transmitted data 16 into the dispatch system. Those seeking assistance 14a,b are able to contact Control Center 10 via voice 15 and video 17 and transmit data 16 to request support. Server system 11 receives a data record 16 from the person seeking assistance 14a,b and sends the data record 16, along with the mobile phone number of the person seeking assistance 14a,b, to AML server 12. After Control Center 10 receives the emergency call, the data record belonging to the emergency call is retrieved from AML server 12 using the mobile phone number and transferred to the dispatch system. The link transmitted in data set 16 enables the control center 10 to establish a video connection 17 to deaf people seeking help 14b, whereby the control center transmits visual information.

[0050] Help seekers 14a in objects 19 transmit images 17 from a camera 18 via the server system 11 to the control center.

[0051] Furthermore, individuals seeking assistance can alternatively report an emergency to TPSP 13 via 14a, b, and 14d. This is done either directly to TPSP 13 or via server system 11. TPSP 13 processes the data record 16 via the TPSP web interface or its corresponding application 13a and sends it to AML server 12 for retrieval by control center 10, or to server system 11, which then forwards the data record 16 to AML server 12. Communication with control center 10 is established via voice call 15, particularly using the local telephone number.

[0052] Fig. Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the system for transmitting emergency calls to control centers according to the invention, using NG112.

[0053] When using NG112, the data 20 from the server 11 or an app 14a,b or the operating system / software of the phone 14a,b is transmitted to the control center 10 in accordance with NG112.

[0054] Control Center 10 is capable of receiving and processing NG112 calls 15 with NG112 data 20. It also handles the structured integration of the transmitted data 20 into the dispatch system.

[0055] The persons seeking help 14a,b are able to transmit data 16 to the server system 11 and make a call 15 to the server system (in particular a SIP server) 11. The server system 11 initiates an NG112 call 15 with the NG112 data 20 generated from the data 16 (containing the geographic location data of the person seeking help) to the control center 10 and connects the call from the persons seeking help 14a,b to the NG112 call to the control center 10 by means of an audio bridge or forwarding / interconnection. The persons seeking help 14b,c,d are able to contact the TPSP 13 by voice 15 and / or video 17 and transmit data 16 to the TPSP 13 and / or to the server system 11 to request assistance.TPSP 13 processes the case via the TPSP web interface 13a and / or its own system, in particular connected to the server system via an interface, and if necessary triggers an emergency call, which is either executed by a TPSP-owned system as an NG112 call 15 including the NG112 data (with the geographical position data of the person making the emergency call) 20 to the control center 10, or is executed by transmitting the data 16 and a call 15 to the server system 11, which initiates an NG112 call 15 with the NG112 data (with the geographical position data of the person making the emergency call) 20 created from the data 16 to the control center 10. In this process, the server system (especially a SIP server) 11 connects the call of the persons seeking help 14a,b or of the TPSP 13 with the NG112 call to the control center 10 by means of an audio bridge or forwarding or interconnection.

[0056] People seeking help 14a in buildings 19 transmit speech 15, data 16 and / or video / images 17 to the server system 11. Video and / or images 17 are transmitted from a camera 18 to the server system 11 or retrieved by the server system 11. These videos / images 17 are made available for retrieval by the control center 10. REFERENCE MARK LIST 10 Control Center Area / Control Center 10a Control Center ELS / Web interface 11 Server system 12 AML servers 13 TPSP 13a TPSP Application / Web Interface 14a Person seeking help, emergency call device / tracker 14b Person seeking help with speech / hearing impairment 14c Person seeking help eCall, security service 14d person seeking help, home emergency call service 15 languages 16 data 17 videos, pictures 18 Camera 19 Object (building, facility, area, etc.) 20 NG112 data 21 Mobile Communications Connector

Claims

[1] System for transmitting emergency calls, in particular via remote emergency access, by third-party providers (TPSP) (13), as well as silent emergency calls to a competent control center (10), characterized by the following steps: a. Determining the position of the entity of the person making the emergency call (14a,b,c,d) using GPS, radio tracking, cell-based location data and / or a predefined value, whereby the determination of the position can be automated or manual, b. Forwarding of the position data and other relevant information (16) to the TPSP (13) and / or a server or server system (11), c. Creation and / or editing of a data set (16) by the TPSP (13) which includes at least position data and event-related information, d. Transfer or updating of this data set (16) to a server (11, 12), in particular an AML (12) or backend server (11), for storage and retrieval by the responsible control center (10), e. Retrieval of the data set (16) from the server (11, 12), in particular an AML (12) or backend server (11), by the control center for transfer to the dispatch system (10a). [2] System according to claim 1, characterized by that the emergency call is triggered by the person making the emergency call using software or an app that is installed, integrated and / or executed on an entity (14a,b,c,d), in particular a smartphone, tablet, PC / MAC or tracker, and enables a physical or virtual / digital emergency call triggering. [3] System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that an additional voice channel (15) is opened to transmit speech and / or ambient sounds to the control center (10), optionally deactivating the speaker function of the entity used (14a,b,c,d), in particular smartphone, tablet, PC / MAC or tracker. [4] System according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by, that silent emergency calls are explicitly marked in the data set (16) and displayed visually and / or audibly in the control center (10). [5] System according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that communication partners of different languages ​​are supported by means of automated translations, in particular text-to-speech and / or speech-to-text. [6] System according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that communication also includes visual elements such as video, text, pictograms, avatars or holograms, especially for persons with hearing or speech impairments (14b). [7] System according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by, that an entity (14a,b,c,d), in particular an eCall system, automatically or manually triggers an emergency call, wherein the data record (16) is retrieved by the control center (10) from the server (11) or AML server (12) using the telephone number or part of a telephone number. [8] System according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by , that mobile communication connectors (21) are used to forward emergency calls from outside a control center area to the responsible control center (10) by connecting at least two communication paths through an audio bridge or forwarding or interconnection, wherein at least one communication path is location-based or location-specific. [9] System for transmitting emergency calls, including event-related information, to a competent control center (10), characterized by , that a. when using NG112 technology, the emergency call data (16) is created in an NG112-compliant manner (20) by the server (11) or by means of software and transmitted to the responsible control center (10), b. TPSP (13) and / or entities (14a,b,c,d) that cannot or should not make an NG112-compliant call can make an NG112-compliant call (15,20) to the responsible control center via this server (11) (preferably a SIP server / PBX) or this software, to which the emergency call data (16) is transmitted. c. the non-NG112-compliant call (15) on the server (11) (preferably a SIP server / PBX) and / or software is connected by an audio bridge or forwarding or interconnection with the NG112-compliant call (15,20) initiated by the server (11) (preferably a SIP server / PBX) and / or the software. [10] System for transmitting emergency calls, including event-related information, to a competent control center (10), characterized by the following steps: a. An emergency call from an entity (14a,b,c,d) which does not send data to the AML server (12) is directed to the control center (10), b. the data set (16), which includes at least position data and event-related information, is sent to a server (11) or software, c. the data record (16), including the telephone number of the emergency calling entity (14a,b,c,d), is sent from the server (11) or the software to the AML server (12), d. the data record (16) is retrieved by the control center (10) from the server (11, 12) (preferably the AML server (12)). [11] System according to claim 10, characterized by , that assistance services, such as sign language interpreters or digital avatars, can be called in by the control center (10) to provide support via video (17). [12] System according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising: a. at least one entity (14a,b,c,d) (in particular smartphone, tablet, PC / MAC, tracker) with installed, integrated or running software for triggering an emergency call, b. at least one server (11) for storing and transmitting emergency call-related data (16), c. at least one communication interface to TPSP (13) and / or control centers (10), wherein TPSP (13) are able to create and / or supplement data records (16) and transmit them to a server (11) and / or an AML server (12) and / or the control center (10). [13] System according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by Integration of technical interfaces to private and / or company camera systems (18) to transmit image and video data (17) of the person making the emergency call or their surroundings to the control center (10). [14] Computer program product with program code means for realizing the system according to one or more of claims 1 to 13, when the program is executed on a suitable device, in particular a smartphone, tablet, PC / MAC or a communication device.

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