Universal modular electronic interaction, signaling and safety device

Abstract

(Main claim) Electronic interaction, signaling and safety device, comprising - a case with at least one interior space, - at least one electronic support structure arranged in the interior (5), - at least one energy unit (3), - at least one communication interface (4) for data and / or power transmission, - several functional modules (10, 11) that can be coupled to the electronic carrier structure (5), each of which comprises at least one of the following elements: • an input unit (1), • an output unit (2) and / or • a sensor unit, characterized by the fact that - the housing is designed by means of a sealing arrangement in such a way that at least protection class IP65 is achieved, and - at least one control device is arranged on the electronic support structure (5) which is equipped, • to evaluate identification information provided by the functional modules (10, 11) and • To activate interaction and / or signal logics depending on a detected module configuration. Subclaims 2-34

Description

[0001] This classification serves for technical purposes and is not restrictive for the scope of protection. 2. Description 2.1 Technical Area

[0002] The invention relates to an electronic interaction, signaling, and safety device that can acquire, process, output, or transmit signals and is operated in a weatherproof housing with a minimum protection rating of IP65. The device can be used in a portable and / or stationary manner and comprises an electronic support structure with modular functional modules, communication units, and power supply units. 2.2 State of the art

[0003] Various electronic systems are known from the state of the art, including: • Modular warning and alarm systems for security applications, • Interactive training and assistance systems for guiding resuscitation or first aid measures, • Mobile emergency call or single-purpose devices with push-button operation, • Stationary hazard detectors with acoustic and / or optical output units.

[0004] These known systems have the following limitations in particular: • Input, output and, if applicable, sensor elements are usually fixed in the device architecture and not modularly interchangeable. • A unified platform capable of accommodating different functional modules with input, output and / or sensor functions has not been disclosed. • Many devices are not housed in an enclosure with IP65 protection or higher. • Configuration detection of function modules with automatic adjustment of the interaction and signal logic is not provided. • Accessibility (e.g., multimodal output for people with visual, hearing, or motor impairments) is only partially or not at all taken into account. • Typically, either a portable standalone device or a stationary system is disclosed, but not a platform that supports both types of use in the same system architecture.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a weatherproof, modular communication and security device that can accommodate various functional modules and whose interaction and signaling logic automatically adapts to the modules present. 2.3 Object of the invention

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide an electronic interaction, signaling and safety device that can be used in a housing sealed to at least IP65 protection class and has an electronic carrier structure with several functional modules, wherein the functional modules are identifiable by a control unit and the interaction and / or signal logics can be automatically selected or configured depending on the detected module configuration.

[0007] The device is intended to be particularly • enable a modular design with functional modules featuring input, output and / or sensor functions, • Optionally supports both portable and stationary applications, • in at least one embodiment, automatically recognizes the configuration of the function modules and adapts the interaction and signal logic accordingly, • optionally provide barrier-free, multimodal signal output and • optionally open to future communication, sensor and energy technologies. 2.4 Solution to the task

[0008] The problem is solved by a device with the features of claim 1.

[0009] The core of the invention is a modular platform in which several functional modules (10, 11) can be coupled via at least one functional interface to an electronics carrier structure (5) arranged in the housing. Each functional module provides at least one of the elements input unit (1), output unit (2) and / or sensor technology.

[0010] The housing is designed by a sealing arrangement so that at least the protection class IP65 is achieved, so that the electronic support structure (5), the functional modules (10, 11) as well as a power unit (3) and a communication interface (4) are arranged in an interior protected against dust and splashing water.

[0011] A control unit arranged on the electronics carrier structure (5) is configured to evaluate module identifications provided by the function modules (10, 11) and to activate interaction and / or signal logics depending on the detected module configuration. This allows the user interface, signal strategy, and operating modes to automatically adapt to the connected function modules without requiring the housing to be opened or manual reconfiguration.

[0012] In preferred embodiments, the control device additionally includes a fail-safe signal logic in which, in the event of failure or shading of an output or sensing channel, at least one further channel automatically remains activated. 2.5 Advantages of the invention

[0013] The solution according to the invention offers in particular the following advantages: • High flexibility: The device forms a uniform, weatherproof platform on which different functional modules (10, 11) can be operated. The same basic unit can therefore be used for various operational scenarios, such as first aid assistance, panic and emergency alarms, water rescue, training and exercise scenarios, traffic or infrastructure security. • Automatic adaptation: Thanks to module identification and the corresponding control unit, the interaction and signal logic automatically adapts to the detected module configuration. This reduces configuration effort and the risk of operator error and simplifies the retrofitting or replacement of functional modules. • Weatherproof operation: The sealing arrangement, which achieves at least IP65 protection, allows use outdoors, in rescue operations, in disaster and civil protection, on bodies of water or in polluted environments. • Accessibility: Modularly designed input and output units and an optional accessibility module (11) allow signals to be provided haptically, with high visual contrast, and / or in frequency ranges suitable for hearing aids. The design as a multimodal system supports users with varying disabilities. • Failsafe signal logic: In some embodiments, a failsafe signal logic ensures that if one channel fails (e.g. acoustic), at least one other channel (optical and / or haptic) remains active, so that warning and safety functions are maintained even under fault conditions. • Sustainability and update capability: Data, configuration parameters and / or firmware can be updated via the communication interface (4), preferably without opening the housing. This makes the system open to future communication, sensor and energy technologies and allows it to be adapted to new requirements throughout the product's lifespan. 2.6 Embodiments of the invention 2.6.1 Housing and sealing arrangement

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a housing with a housing upper part (6) and a housing lower part (7) which together enclose an interior space.

[0015] A sealing groove (15) is formed between the upper housing part (6) and the lower housing part (7), in which a sealing element (8) – for example, an O-ring – is arranged. When the housing parts are joined, the sealing element is compressed in a compression zone (18), thus achieving at least IP65 protection. Alternatively, other sealing techniques can be used, such as profile gaskets, flat gaskets, potting or welding, membrane systems, or functionally equivalent solutions. A mounting device can be provided on at least one outer surface of the housing, with which the device can be attached to a support structure. 2.6.2 Functional modules

[0016] Functional interfaces (connection interfaces) for functional modules (10, 11) are arranged on the electronic carrier structure (5), to which several functional modules (10, 11) can be electrically and / or mechanically coupled.

[0017] A functional module (10) can, for example, include at least one input unit (1), one output unit (2), and / or sensors. A further functional module (11) can provide accessibility features, such as tactile or haptic outputs, high-contrast displays, or acoustic signals optimized for hearing aid users.

[0018] The functional modules (10, 11) are preferably detachably coupled to the electronic carrier structure (5), for example via plug or contact connections and / or wireless interfaces. Each functional module provides a module identification, which is stored in a memory element of the module and can be read by the control unit.

[0019] The control unit assigns stored function profiles to the recognized module identifications and automatically activates appropriate interaction and signal logics depending on the totality of the function modules used. This allows different device configurations, such as first aid assistance devices, panic alarm devices, water rescue devices, or stationary warning modules, to be implemented using the same hardware platform. 2.6.3 Energy unit and communication interface

[0020] An energy unit (3) supplies the control unit and the functional modules. It can be designed as a rechargeable energy storage device, a replaceable battery, or a unit connectable to external energy sources.

[0021] A communication interface (4) is used for the transmission of data and / or power. It can operate via cable and / or wirelessly and allows, in particular, the transmission of update data for software, firmware, configuration profiles, or signal patterns. 2.6.4 Accessibility and multimodal signal output

[0022] For barrier-free use, functional modules may be provided which • Provide haptic feedback (e.g., vibrations), • Output optical signals with increased contrast or color-independent encoding, • Generate acoustic signals in frequency ranges suitable for hearing aid users.

[0023] Depending on stored user profiles, detected function modules, and / or environmental parameters, the control unit can activate a multimodal, fail-safe signaling logic. In this logic, if one channel fails or is blocked (e.g., acoustic), at least one other channel (e.g., visual or haptic) remains active. This ensures that safety-relevant warning and assistance signals can be reliably perceived even under noise, visual, or vibration disturbances. 2.7 Brief description of the drawings • Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective external view of an embodiment of the device with an input unit (1), an output unit (2), a communication interface (4), a housing upper part (6) and a housing lower part (7). • Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-section through the housing according to Fig. 1 with housing upper part (6), housing lower part (7), a sealing groove (15), a sealing element (8) and a compression area (18). An electronic assembly is arranged on the electronics carrier structure (5) as an example. • Fig. Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a possible layer structure with an input unit (1), the housing top part (6), the sealing element (8), the electronics support structure (5), a functional module (10), an accessibility module (11), a power unit (3) and the housing bottom part (7). 2.8 Example of implementation and fields of application

[0024] In one embodiment, the device forms a portable emergency and assistance device. The input unit (1) is designed as a large push button, the output unit (2) as an acoustic and / or optical signaling unit. Configuration data and voice packets can be uploaded via the communication interface (4).

[0025] The function modules (10, 11) provide, among other things, first aid assistance, an alarm or panic function, water rescue functions, and accessible output options. Upon power-up, the control unit reads the module identifications provided by the currently connected function modules (10, 11) and automatically selects the appropriate interaction and signal logics, so that the device can be adapted to different application scenarios without additional configuration.

[0026] The device can be used in particular, but not limited to: • First aid assistance for laypersons and professionals, • Rescue service, fire brigade, disaster relief and civil protection, • Ski slope and mountain rescue, avalanche and slope monitoring, • Bathing and water safety, sea rescue and underwater applications, • Smart city infrastructure and traffic / tunnel / railway safety, • Child safety (e.g., routes to school, kindergartens, playgrounds), • stationary installations on buildings, facilities or critical infrastructure.

[0027] These application areas serve only for illustration and do not restrict the scope of protection.

[0028] All features can be implemented individually or in any combination. 2.9 Design: First aid assistance device

[0029] In a first specific embodiment, the device is designed as a portable first aid assistance device.

[0030] At least one functional module (10) comprises an input unit (1) in the form of one or more actuating elements and an output unit (2) for acoustic and / or optical output of step-by-step instructions.

[0031] The control unit is designed to initiate an interactive sequence after activation of the input unit (1), in which the user is asked questions sequentially and situation-dependent instructions are issued. Input can be via binary input elements (e.g., "yes / no" buttons), multi-stage button sequences, or alternative input technologies.

[0032] The first aid function module can simulate various scenarios, such as first aid measures for cardiac arrest, respiratory problems, bleeding, or falls. Depending on the inputs received and, if applicable, sensor data (e.g., environmental parameters, motion data), the control unit can automatically select appropriate courses of action.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment, the first aid function module can provide several profiles, for example for adults, children or special environments (e.g. water environment, traffic accident), with the selection being made via the input unit (1) or via configuration data transmitted via the communication interface (4).

[0034] Instructions can be given in a multimodal way, e.g. by combining speech, visual and haptic signals, so that even in the presence of noise or visual impairment, understandable guidance through the measures is provided. 2.10 Design: Panic and emergency alarm

[0035] In another embodiment, at least one functional module (10) is designed as a panic and emergency alarm module.

[0036] The input unit (1) is designed as an easily tactile actuating element, which enables triggering even under stressful or dark conditions.

[0037] The control unit is designed to start an alarm sequence when the input unit (1) is activated, within which local warning signals are generated via at least one output unit (2) and / or emergency call or alarm messages are transmitted to external systems via the communication interface (4).

[0038] In a preferred configuration, the panic and emergency alarm module can provide multiple alarm profiles, for example: • a local alarm mode with high-intensity audible and / or visual warning signals, • a discreet alarm mode with reduced local signals and preferably enhanced communication with external locations, • a combined mode with local warning and simultaneous transmission of an alarm message, optionally including position information.

[0039] The alarm profile can be selected via a predefined sequence of actions, a separate mode switch, or configuration data.

[0040] In conjunction with an accessibility module (11), the panic alarm can also output haptic signals, so that the user receives feedback on successful activation even if acoustic or visual channels are impaired. The failsafe signal logic is designed so that if one output or perception channel fails, at least one other channel remains activated. 2.11 Design: Water rescue

[0041] In another embodiment, the device has a water rescue mode in which warning, emergency call and / or orientation signals are generated and / or received for persons in or on a body of water.

[0042] For this purpose, at least one sensor can be provided that detects contact with water and / or at least one of the parameters immersion depth, change in position, or movement in the water. Depending on the detected sensor values, the control unit can automatically trigger warning or emergency signals.

[0043] The device can be coupled with a floating accessory or an accessory that can be attached to a buoyancy aid, so that the device is kept at or near the surface of the water and its signals can be emitted above water. Reference symbol list 1 Input unit / Control element 2 output units 3 energy units 4 Communication interface 5 Electronic carrier structure 6. Housing top 7 Lower housing part 8 Sealing element 10 Functional module 11 Accessibility Module 15 Sealing groove 18 compression area

Claims

[1] (Main claim) Electronic interaction, signaling and safety device, comprising - a case with at least one interior space, - at least one electronic support structure arranged in the interior (5), - at least one energy unit (3), - at least one communication interface (4) for data and / or power transmission, - several functional modules (10, 11) that can be coupled to the electronic carrier structure (5), each of which comprises at least one of the following elements: • an input unit (1), • an output unit (2) and / or • a sensor unit, characterized by , that - the housing is designed by means of a sealing arrangement in such a way that at least protection class IP65 is achieved, and - at least one control device is arranged on the electronic support structure (5) which is equipped, • to evaluate identification information provided by the functional modules (10, 11) and • To activate interaction and / or signal logics depending on a detected module configuration. Subclaims 2-34 [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the sealing arrangement comprises an elastic sealing element (8) which is arranged between two interacting housing areas in a compression area (18). [3] Device according to claim 2, characterized by , that a sealing groove (15) is provided in an edge area running between a housing upper part (6) and a housing lower part (7), in which the sealing element (8) is received. [4] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the upper part of the housing (6) and the lower part of the housing (7) are detachably connected to each other, so that the interior is accessible. [5] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the functional modules (10, 11) can be detachably connected to the electronic carrier structure (5) via mechanical, electrical and / or wireless coupling means. [6] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that each functional module (10, 11) provides a module identification that can be read by the control unit. [7] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the control unit is configured to automatically select one or more operating modes of the device from the totality of the recognized module identifications. [8] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one output unit (2) includes an acoustic signal output and at least one further output unit (2) includes an optical and / or haptic signal output, so that a multimodal signal output is possible. [9] Device according to claim 8, characterized bythat the control device is designed as a fail-safe signal logic and, in the event of a failure of one output or sensing channel, can automatically output the signals via at least one further output or sensing channel. [10] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a functional module (11) is designed as an accessibility module which provides at least one of the following functions: - haptic signals, - visually high-contrast signals, - Acoustic signals optimized for hearing aid users. [11] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the communication interface (4) is set up to receive data packets via an external terminal for updating control programs, configuration parameters, interaction logics and / or signal patterns. [12] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that at least one functional module (10, 11) is implemented exclusively through software or configuration entries. [13] Device according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized by , that the data packets received via the communication interface (4) include module-specific logic and / or configuration data for the function modules (10, 11), by means of which the control unit extends, modifies or deactivates the interaction and / or signal logics assigned to the function modules without the need to physically replace the function modules. [14] Device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized by , that the update takes place without having to open the case (6, 7). [15] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the energy unit (3) is designed as a rechargeable and / or replaceable energy source. [16] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a charge level of the energy unit (3) can be detected and, if a threshold value is undershot, a warning signal can be output via at least one output unit (2). [17] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an input unit (1) is designed as an actuating element for an alarm, emergency call and / or assistance mode. [18] Device according to claim 17, characterized by , that a misoperation or false alarm logic is provided, in which an alarm is only triggered after a predefined sequence or duration of operation. [19] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one outer surface of the housing (6, 7) is provided with a fastening device by which the device can be detachably attached to a support object. [20] Device according to claim 19, characterized by that the fastening device is designed to be removable or replaceable. [21] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the functional modules (10, 11) are designed in such a way that different functional configurations can be realized with the same basic device. [22] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device can be operated in a first operating mode as a portable device and in a second operating mode as a stationary device. [23] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that signals can be exchanged with external systems via the communication interface (4), in particular with control centers, vehicle, building or infrastructure systems. [24] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a functional module includes a positioning unit and the control unit is set up to issue location-related information or alarm messages. [25] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device has an assistance or training mode in which step-by-step instructions are issued via at least one output unit (2). [26] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the control unit is set up to control a first aid assistance mode in which, based on information captured via the at least one input unit (1), step-by-step, situation-dependent guidance is provided via the at least one output unit (2). [27] Device according to claim 26, characterized by , that in first aid assistance mode different workflows can be selected for different groups of people and / or types of emergencies, especially for children or adults and for different medical emergency scenarios. [28] Device according to claim 26 or 27, characterized by, that in first aid assistance mode location-specific information on external rescue equipment or aid facilities, in particular automated external defibrillators and rescue points, can be issued. [29] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a panic mode is provided in which, when an input unit designed as an emergency call button (1) is activated, an alarm sequence is automatically started with the output of safety, warning and / or communication signals. [30] Device according to claim 29, characterized by , that in panic mode at least two alarm strategies can be selected, comprising a loud alarm with acoustic and / or optical signals and a discreet alarm with priority transmission of an emergency call or location signal via the communication interface (4). [31] Device according to claim 29 or 30, characterized by, that in panic mode a false alarm safety logic is provided in which triggering an externally acting alarm requires a multi-stage operating sequence, in particular a double actuation of the same input unit (1) and / or confirmation via another input unit. [32] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a water rescue mode is provided in which warning, emergency call and / or orientation signals are generated and / or received for persons located in or on a body of water. [33] Device according to claim 32, characterized by , that for the water rescue mode at least one sensor is provided which detects contact with water and / or at least one of the parameters immersion depth, change of position or movement in the water and automatically triggers warning or emergency signals depending on this. [34] Device according to claim 32 or 33, characterized bythat the device can be coupled with a floating accessory or an accessory that can be attached to a buoyancy aid, so that the device can be kept at or near the surface of the water and its signals can be emitted above water.

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