Emergency call communication device for visual two-sense emergency call

Abstract

Emergency call communication device for visual two-sense emergency calls characterized in that an emergency call unit with an integrated two-sense emergency call device is combined in an "all in one" solution, specifically for people with hearing and speech impairments as well as vision loss, and in the event of an active shooter alarm or other emergency call, bidirectional communication is received from a continuously staffed emergency response center with appropriate recommendations for action without the assistance of third parties.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an emergency call communication device for visual two-sense emergency call State of the art

[0002] Emergency call points are communication devices known for quickly requesting help in emergencies. Solutions exist where emergency call system providers enable alarms to be triggered via technical means to predefined emergency call center numbers. German patent DE 20 2018 003 909 describes the procedure for IP-based rescue processes in emergency situations and refers to a procedure for direct reporting of emergency situations and dangers to emergency call centers.

[0003] The NGS (Emergency Hazard Response System) intercom unit with emergency call function, panic button, video display, and touchscreen is well-known and commercially available. The device was specifically designed for use in emergency situations. Pressing the panic button triggers an alarm, and pressing one of the configured destination buttons establishes a predefined call. The destination is clearly indicated on the display. Alarm and destination calls reach a predefined group of recipients who can initiate the necessary actions.

[0004] The emergency button is protected against accidental activation by a glass cover. To activate it, the glass cover must be actively broken. The label "Emergency" or "Police Emergency Call" is available as an option.

[0005] A device and a method for the automatic detection and classification of audible acoustic signals in a monitoring area is also known from EP 2 988 105 A2.

[0006] A disadvantage of the aforementioned state of the art is that there is no communication between the emergency call center and an emergency call system specifically designed for people with hearing and speech impairments as well as vision loss.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a device for communication between the emergency call center and a visual two-sense emergency call device.

[0008] The object of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. This object is achieved by the device specified in the claims.

[0009] The invention is based on the principle of immediately requesting assistance directly from the relevant emergency call centers via technical means in case of danger, and simultaneously transmitting all event-relevant data in an all-in-one solution combining a visual two-sense emergency call at the emergency call center. Advantages of the inventive two-sense emergency call system include an emergency call system specifically designed for people with hearing and speech impairments, as well as visual loss, or people with a migration background who are not proficient in the respective language, to ensure that everyone who cannot speak or hear can communicate effectively in an emergency.

[0010] The solution according to the invention enables hearing-impaired and visually-impaired persons to establish bidirectional communication with a constantly staffed assistance center in the event of an active shooter alarm or other emergency call, using state-of-the-art technology, and to process corresponding recommendations for action without the help of third parties.

[0011] According to the invention, the intentional triggering of the emergency call enables communication not only via acoustic signals but also via visual communication channels. The display integrated into the intercom unit is used to present corresponding action recommendations in the form of a text message in different languages ​​as a scrolling text or, alternatively, as a visual color signal with an image. Accessibility is further ensured by the integration of Braille.

[0012] The capacitive touchscreen display according to the invention, which is installed in the emergency call station and has a minimum size of 5 inches, can, according to the invention, be used to start different scenarios by touch, with viewing angle stability for a consistent and high-quality image from various viewing angles. For this purpose, the display has an ambient light-controlled day and night light function and can be switched off by a continuously staffed emergency call center if necessary.

[0013] Furthermore, according to the invention, the emergency call station is equipped and modularly constructed both as a police emergency call, for example with the color blue with the inscription "Police Emergency Call" or as a general emergency call with the color red with the inscription "Alarm" with and without RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) functionality, depending on the application or purpose.

[0014] The inventive networking via IP (Internet Protocol), as well as the power supply of the intercom station via PoE (Power over Ethernet switch), or alternatively via an external power supply, ensures constant accessibility to a continuously staffed emergency call center. With the optionally available mobile network connection, the emergency call station can also be operated independently of a structured network cabling system and thus be location-independent. Thanks to the geolocation (physical device position) functionality, the intercom station is assigned to a defined location.

[0015] According to the invention, the following scenarios are displayed using universally understandable pictograms: In a medical emergency, the emergency call center is notified and can begin preparing the necessary steps for alerting and rescuing the person. The location is determined via geolocation.

[0016] In cases of violence, this scenario applies to applications in public spaces. Upon activation, the continuously staffed control center initiates appropriate measures, such as contacting the police. The system's geolocation functionality allows emergency responders to be directed precisely to the location where the alarm was triggered.

[0017] In the event of an active shooter alarm, this scenario applies particularly to schools, public buildings, and general educational institutions. DIN VDE V 0827 is applicable in this alarm mode. The active shooter alarm, as a proactive measure, serves to immediately protect people inside a building. The information provided differs from that of a general emergency call. Appropriate instructions can be displayed on the screen.

[0018] In case of danger, this scenario serves to report an accident or other hazardous situation directly. Through direct communication in the form of voice or images, the emergency call center requests further information and initiates appropriate measures.

[0019] The update function allows the intercom station to be expanded for future applications or individually configured depending on the use case.

[0020] The device is equipped with vandal-resistant features according to the invention and has a protection class of at least IP54, up to IP65 depending on the application. The display has a high impact resistance of at least IK06. The built-in electret microphone with audio compander ensures a long speaking range and protection against tampering. The integrated loudspeaker guarantees high sound pressure. All electronics are encapsulated in a protective housing. The device, with or without a self-testing emergency call button, can be configured as a main intercom station or secondary station with varying numbers of softkeys, is pre-equipped for displaying video streams, and is equipped with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) 125 kHz / MIFARE (Mikron Far Collection System) – server-based or local transponder management is also possible in combination.

[0021] All security-relevant regulations, such as cybersecurity, encrypted network authentication according to IEEE 802.1X, HTTPS, and SIPS, are complied with. Its use in critical infrastructure (KRITIS) application environments is ensured due to the security parameters and the software required for setup and operation.

[0022] According to the invention, sufficiently large storage resources in the intercom unit allow for the storage of photographic images, video displays, or directional indicators to the nearest emergency exit or assembly points. These are then available depending on the alarm message and can be retrieved by the control center, as well as running automatically after an alarm is triggered. Optional open interfaces allow for the integration of external systems such as fire alarm systems. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2018 003 909

[0002] EP 2 988 105 A2

[0005]

Claims

[1] Emergency communication device for visual two-sense emergency call characterized by that an emergency call system with an integrated two-sense emergency call device is combined in an "all-in-one" solution, specifically for people with hearing and speech impairments as well as visual loss, and that in the event of an active shooter alarm or other emergency call, bidirectional communication is established with a continuously staffed emergency response center, providing appropriate recommendations for action without the need for third-party assistance. [2] Emergency call communication device according to claim 1, characterized by that acoustic signals are transmitted via the intercom station and action recommendations in the form of a text message in different languages, also as scrolling text and for accessibility in Braille or as visual color signaling of the respective scenario as well as image display via the integrated display [3] Emergency call communication device according to claim 1, characterized bythat networking via IP (Internet Protocol) and the supply of power to the intercom station via PoE (Power-over-Ethernet switch), alternatively via an external power supply, as well as constant accessibility to a continuously staffed emergency call center, is ensured, with optionally available mobile network connection, it is operated independently of a structured network cabling and is assigned to the defined location with the GEO-Location (physical device position) functionality. [4] Emergency call communication device according to claim 2, characterized by that the at least 5-inch capacitive touchscreen built into the emergency call station is equipped with viewing angle stability for a consistent and high-quality image from various viewing angles in all directions and with an ambient light-controlled day and night light function, and can be switched off in an emergency by a continuously staffed emergency call center if necessary. [5] Emergency call communication device according to claim 2, characterized by that the scenarios of medical emergency, violence, active shooter alert, accident, or, depending on the application, individually configurable, are displayed using generally understandable pictograms and appropriate measures are indicated. [6] Emergency call communication device according to claim 1, characterized byThe device is vandal-resistant, the display is highly shock-resistant, the built-in electret microphone with audio compander ensures a long speaking range and tamper protection, the integrated speaker guarantees high sound pressure, and all electronics are encapsulated in a protective housing. It is configurable as a main or secondary unit with varying numbers of softkeys, pre-equipped for displaying video streams, and equipped with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) 125kHz / MIFARE (Mikron Fare Collection System) server-based or local transponder management. [7] Function of the emergency call communication device characterized by that external systems can be integrated via open interfaces and that large storage resources are available in the intercom station for photo archives and video displays or indicator lights, depending on the type of message.