A device and method for emergency distress

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a device and a method for emergency distress. The method (300) includes activating distress signal transmitter (302). The method (300) also includes obtaining a current location information of the distress signal transmitter from a GPS (304). The method (300) also includes selecting a distress signal type and severity using one or more buttons (306). The method (300) also includes encoding the location information and distressing signal type into morse code (308). The method (300) further includes initiating transmission of the distress signal, including the encoded location information and distress signal type, using omnidirectional antenna (310). The method (300) also includes emitting visual distress signals with the laser pointer for facilitating identification by rescuers and drones (312).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of distress signal transmitter. More particularly the present disclosure relates to a device and method self-powered hand-held long-range emergency distress signal transmitter. BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] During any natural disaster or any emergency during camping or fishing at sea, it is essential to have a communication channel with the rescuers. But in most cases the communication methods such as mobile networks are destroyed, or inaccessible and satellite communication is either not available or unaffordable. And in most cases power sources are unavailable and batteries don't last long enough.

[0004] In recent years, natural disasters, extreme weather events, and unforeseen emergencies have posed significant challenges to rescue and relief operations, particularly in remote and inaccessible regions. During such crises, traditional communication networks may become disrupted or overloaded, rendering them ineffective for distressed individuals seeking help. Moreover, in certain remote areas, infrastructure limitations and cost constraints may make satellite communication unaffordable or impractical for most people.

[0005] Many existing distress signal transmitters rely on traditional communication methods like mobile networks or satellite communication. However, these methods have limited range and coverage, especially in remote or disaster-affected areas with poor network infrastructure. As a result, distressed individuals may find it challenging to establish communication with rescuers, delaying response times and potentially compromising their safety. Also, several conventional distress signal transmitters depend on battery power, which can be a significant drawback during extended emergencies or prolonged outdoor activities. Batteries may drain quickly, leaving the user without a functional distress signal transmitter when it is needed the most. Additionally, the need to carry spare batteries adds to the device's weight and logistics.

[0006] Many prior art distress signal transmitters lack features to enhance their visibility to rescuers and aerial surveillance devices like drones. In emergencies with limited visibility or challenging terrain, rescuers may have difficulty locating distressed individuals solely based on distress signals. This drawback can lead to delays in rescue operations and potential difficulties in locating those in distress. Also, some existing emergency distress signal transmitters are overly complex and challenging to operate, especially during high-stress emergency situations. Complicated user interfaces or unintuitive controls can result in user errors or delays in initiating distress signal transmission, impacting the overall effectiveness of the device in emergency scenarios.

[0007] Hence there is, therefore, a need of an improved device and method self-powered hand-held long-range emergency distress signal transmitter, to address the aforementioned issue(s).OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0008] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.

[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a device and method self-powered hand-held long-range emergency distress signal transmitter.

[00010] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a device which enables distress signal transmission over long distances using LORA technology and an omnidirectional antenna.

[00011] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a device which ensures self-sufficiency by utilizing a dynamo to generate electrical power from mechanical energy.

[00012] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a device which aims to transmit accurate GPS location information along with distress signals.

[00013] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a device which enables custom messaging features, allowing distressed individuals to send personalized distress messages in morse code using the device's dot and dash buttons.

[00014] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a device which decrease complexity and is cost effective.

[00015] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a device which is power efficient.

[00016] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a device which is simple and easy to use, thereby being more reliable. SUMMARY

[00017] This summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts of a device and method emergency distress. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining / limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[00018] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of distress signal transmitter. More particularly the present disclosure relates to a device and method self-powered hand-held long-range emergency distress signal transmitter.

[00019] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a device for emergency distress. The device includes a processor. The device also includes a memory comprising a set of instructions, which when executed by the processor cause the processor to: process distress signals and control a transmitter; transmit distress signals over long distances; and receive a current location information from a GPS module. The device also includes a laser pointer configured to beacon and identification of the transmitter. The device further includes one or more buttons configured to enable a user to choose a type and severity of the emergency. The device also includes at least two buttons configured to send custom messages in morse code, wherein the two buttons comprise of a dot and a dash. Further, the device includes an omnidirectional antenna configured to enhance a transmission range of distress signals.

[00020] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for emergency distress. The method includes activating distress signal transmitter. The method also includes obtaining a current location information of the distress signal transmitter from a GPS. The method also includes selecting a distress signal type and severity using one or more buttons. The method also includes encoding the location information and distressing signal type into morse code. The method further includes initiating transmission of the distress signal, including the encoded location information and distress signal type, using omnidirectional antenna. The method also includes emitting visual distress signals with the laser pointer for facilitating identification by rescuers and drones.

[00021] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like features.

[00022] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00023] In the figures, similar components and / or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[00024] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary representation of a block diagram of a device for emergency distress, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00025] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary representation of block diagram of a device for emergency distress of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00026] FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary representation of a device for emergency distress of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00027] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of the system or a server, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00028] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating a method for emergency distress, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00029] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary computer system to implement the proposed device in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00030] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[00031] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.

[00032] The present disclosure relates to the field of distress signal transmitter. More particularly the present disclosure relates to a device and method self-powered hand-held long-range emergency distress signal transmitter.

[00033] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary representation of a block diagram representing a device for emergency distress, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 100 includes a processor 102. The device 100 also includes a memory 104 comprising a set of instructions, which when executed by the processor cause the processor 102 to execute certain process via a plurality of modules.

[00034] The device 100 may include a processing module 106 which may be configured to process distress signals and control a transmitter. In one embodiment, the processing module may include a Raspberry Pi Pico to process distress signals and control a transmitter. In such embodiment, the Raspberry Pi Pico may be configured to encode GPS location data and custom messages into morse code for transmission. In such embodiment, the device 100 may include a secure encryption sub-system to ensure confidentiality and integrity of distress messages transmitted via morse code.

[00035] The device 100 may include a long range (LoRa) module 108 which may be configured to transmit distress signals over long distances. Further, the device 100 may include a GPS module 110 which may be configured to receive a current location information from a GPS module.

[00036] The device 100 may also include a laser pointer 112 which may be configured to beacon and identification of the transmitter. Further, the device 100 includes one or more buttons configured to enable a user to choose a type and severity of the emergency.

[00037] The device 100 may also include at least two buttons 114 configured to send custom messages in morse code, wherein the two buttons comprise of a dot and a dash. Further, the device 100 may include an omnidirectional antenna 116 configured to enhance a transmission range of distress signals.

[00038] In one exemplary embodiment, the device 100 may be enclosed in a rugged and waterproof housing to protect a plurality of internal components from environmental elements. In another embodiment, the device 100 may further include an interface with an LCD screen to display relevant information and status updates. In yet another embodiment, the device 100 may include a mechanism to toggle between automatic distress signal transmission mode and manual distress signal transmission mode. In yet another embodiment, the device may include a detachable lanyard or a strap to prevent accidental drops and facilitate carrying and handling of the transmitter during distress situations.

[00039] In one specific embodiment, the device may be equipped with a two-way communication feature, enabling rescuers to send acknowledgment signals or instructions back to the distressed user.

[00040] In one exemplary embodiment, the device 100 may have the following applications:a. Mountaineering / outdoor camping: the base camp can have the specific LORA module with a powerful receiving antenna which will increase the range of detection of the distress signals; The mountaineers if facing an emergency while climbing to a higher summit, can use device to indicate their emergency and location to the base station.b. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or the like: Every home can have the device and during a natural disaster, they can send distress signals and also indicate the severity of their emergency based on which the rescuers can prioritize their rescue missions. The rescuers can carry a powerful receiving antenna with the specific LORA module which will increase the range of detection of the distress signals.c. Small fishing boats: small time fishermen can use this low-cost device while going fishing near the shore when the mobile network isn't working. Can transmit signals to shore where in each fishing harbor has one powerful receiving antenna with the specific LORA module.d. Remote areas / Highways: Cars, trucks and other vehicles while travelling in remote locations and highways can use this device to transmit distress signals and anyone within the range with the specific lora module will receive the signal. For this, powerful receiving antennas with the specific LORA module should be installed in toll gates on highways.

[00041] In one exemplary embodiment, the device may have these advantages: the device doesn't require any external power source. It can generate unlimited power from the dynamo. The device can send GPS location over long distances. The device can send location details / custom messages using morse code during bad weather conditions. The device can indicate the severity of the emergency. The device can indicate the type of emergency. The device is easy to carry and use. The device has a laser pointer beacon for easy identification by rescuers and drones. The device consumes very little power and can transmit over very long distances. The device uses an omnidirectional antenna to send distress signal in all directions over long distances.

[00042] In operation, a user may turn the dynamo and charges the battery and upon reaching a threshold battery level, the LED indicator blinks thrice. Now the battery powers all the components. The user may press the GPS button which fetches the GPS location and upon successfully fetching the GPS location, the GPS led is turned on. If a GPS led doesn't turn on even after clicking the GPS button multiple times, it indicates that fetching the GPS location was not possible, which may be due to bad weather, or the like. Now the user can use the DOT and DASH buttons to send location landmarks or any custom message using morse code. The user can refer to the printed morse code on the device for reference. The user may then press the button corresponding to his emergency type (medical, stranded, safety). Then the user may press the button corresponding to the severity level of his emergency (very critical, critical, not critical). Then the user may click on the transmit button which transmits the above data continuously in loop. The user can keep turning the dynamo to keep charging the battery to keep transmitting. In order to stop transmission, the user may click Reset button. Once the distress signal has been received by the rescuers, the LED indicator blinks at a high rate indicating that rescuers are on their way. Further, once rescuers are in the vicinity, the user can press the laser pointer button and point the laser pointer into the sky to draw the attention of the rescuers / drone to the user's exact location.

[00043] Turning to Figures 1B and 1C, FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary representation of a device for emergency distress of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary representation of a device for emergency distress of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 100 includes transmit button, morse code reference, laser button, laser pointer, dynamo, DOT button, LED indicator, GPS LED, DASH button, GPS button, Safety emergency button, standard emergency button, medical emergency button, not critical button, critical button, very critical button, reset button, and an antenna as disclosed. The processor, memory, controller, or the like are housed inside the device 100. The mentioned elements functions as disclosed in the FIG. 1A.

[00044] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of the system or a server, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00045] As illustrated, a module diagram 200 for the system 100 can may comprise one or more processor(s) 202. It should be noted that the system 100 is substantially similar to the system 100 of FIG. 1A. The one or more processor(s) 202 can be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logic circuitries, and / or any devices that manipulate data based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the one or more processor(s) 202 are configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory 204 of the system 100. The memory 204 can store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines, which can be fetched and executed to create or share the data units over a network service. The memory 204 can comprise any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as RAM, or non-volatile memory such as EPROM, flash memory, and the like.

[00046] The system 100 can also comprise an interface(s) 206. The interface(s) 206 can comprise a variety of interfaces, for example, interfaces for data input and output devices, referred to as I / O devices, storage devices, and the like. The interface(s) 206 can facilitate communication of system 100. The interface(s) 206 can also provide a communication pathway for one or more components of the system 100. Examples of such components include, but are not limited to, processing engine(s) 208 and data receiving engine 210, analysis engine 212. It should be noted that the processing engine 208 is substantially similar to the processor 102 of FIG. 1.

[00047] The processing engine(s) 208 can be implemented as a combination of hardware and programming (for example, programmable instructions) to implement one or more functionalities of the processing engine(s) 208. In examples described herein, such combinations of hardware and programming can be implemented in several different ways. For example, the programming for the processing engine(s) 208 can be processor executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium and the hardware for the processing engine(s) 208 can comprise a processing resource (for example, one or more processors), to execute such instructions. In the present examples, the machine-readable storage medium can store instructions that, when executed by the processing resource, implement the processing engine(s) 208. In such examples, the system 100 can comprise the machine-readable storage medium storing the instructions and the processing resource to execute the instructions, or the machine-readable storage medium can be separate but accessible to system 100 and the processing resource. In other examples, the processing engine(s) 208 can be implemented by electronic circuitry.

[00048] The data receiving engine 210 can comprise data that is either stored or generated as a result of functionalities implemented by any of the components of the processing engine(s) 208 or the system 100.

[00049] In an embodiment, the system 100 can include a processing module 106 which may be configured to process distress signals and control a transmitter.

[00050] In another embodiment, the system 100 can include a long range (LoRa) module 108 which may be configured to transmit distress signals over long distances.

[00051] In another embodiment, the system 100 can include a GPS module 110 which may be configured to receive a current location information from a GPS module.

[00052] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating a method for emergency distress, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00053] As illustrated, in step 302, the method 300 includes activating distress signal transmitter.

[00054] As illustrated, in step 304, the method 300 includes obtaining a current location information of the distress signal transmitter from a GPS.

[00055] As illustrated, in step 306, the method 300 includes selecting a distress signal type and severity using one or more buttons.

[00056] As illustrated, in step 308, the method 300 includes encoding the location information and distressing signal type into morse code.

[00057] As illustrated, in step 310, the method 300 includes initiating transmission of the distress signal, including the encoded location information and distress signal type, using omnidirectional antenna.

[00058] As illustrated, in step 312, the method 300 includes emitting visual distress signals with the laser pointer for facilitating identification by rescuers and drones.

[00059] In one exemplary embodiment, the method 300 may further include activating a custom message transmission mode using one or more buttons; entering a custom distress message using morse code; encoding the custom distress message into morse code; and transmitting the custom distress message using omnidirectional antenna.

[00060] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary computer system to implement the proposed system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[00061] As illustrated in Fig. 4, a computer system 400 can include an external storage device 410, a bus 420, a main memory 430, a read only memory 440, a mass storage device 450, communication port 460, and a processor 470. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the computer system may include more than one processor and communication ports. Examples of processor 470 include, but are not limited to, an Intel Itanium or Itanium 2 processor(s), or AMD Opteron or Athlon MP processor(s), Motorola lines of processors, FortiSOC system on chip processors or other future processors. Processor 470 may include various modules associated with embodiments of the present invention. Communication port 460 can be any of an RS-232 port for use with a modem based dialup connection, a 10 / 100 Ethernet port, a Gigabit or 10 Gigabit port using copper or fiber, a serial port, a parallel port, or other existing or future ports. Communication port 460 may be chosen depending on a network, such a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), or any network to which computer system connects.

[00062] Memory 430 can be Random Access Memory (RAM), or any other dynamic storage device commonly known in the art. Read-only memory 440 can be any static storage device(s) e.g., but not limited to, a Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM) chips for storing static information e.g., start-up or BIOS instructions for processor 470. Mass storage 450 may be any current or future mass storage solution, which can be used to store information and / or instructions. Exemplary mass storage solutions include, but are not limited to, Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment (PATA) or Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) hard disk drives or solid-state drives (internal or external, e.g., having Universal Serial Bus (USB) and / or Firewire interfaces), e.g. those available from Seagate (e.g., the Seagate Barracuda 7102 family) or Hitachi (e.g., the Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000), one or more optical discs, Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) storage, e.g. an array of disks (e.g., SATA arrays), available from various vendors including Dot Hill Systems Corp., LaCie, Nexsan Technologies, Inc. and Enhance Technology, Inc.

[00063] Bus 420 communicatively couple processor(s) 470 with the other memory, storage and communication blocks. Bus 420 can be, e.g. a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) / PCI Extended (PCI-X) bus, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), USB or the like, for connecting expansion cards, drives and other subsystems as well as other buses, such a front side bus (FSB), which connects processor 470 to software system.

[00064] Optionally, operator and administrative interfaces, e.g. a display, keyboard, and a cursor control device, may also be coupled to bus 420 to support direct operator interaction with a computer system. Other operator and administrative interfaces can be provided through network connections connected through communication port 460. The external storage device 410 can be any kind of external hard-drives, floppy drives, IOMEGA Zip Drives, Compact Disc - Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), Compact Disc-Re-Writable (CD-RW), Digital Video Disk-Read Only Memory (DVD-ROM). Components described above are meant only to exemplify various possibilities. In no way should the aforementioned exemplary computer system limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[00065] Moreover, in interpreting the specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

[00066] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[00067] The proposed invention provides a system to device and method self-powered hand-held long-range emergency distress signal transmitter.

[00068] The proposed invention also provides a device which enables distress signal transmission over long distances using LORA technology and an omnidirectional antenna.

[00069] The proposed invention also provides a device which ensures self-sufficiency by utilizing a dynamo to generate electrical power from mechanical energy.

[00070] The proposed invention also provides a device which aims to transmit accurate GPS location information along with distress signals.

[00071] The proposed invention also provides a device which enables custom messaging features, allowing distressed individuals to send personalized distress messages in morse code using the device's dot and dash buttons.

[00072] The proposed invention also provides a device which decrease complexity and is cost effective.

[00073] The proposed invention also provides a device which is power efficient.

[00074] The proposed invention also provides a device which is simple and easy to use, thereby being more reliable.

Claims

1. A device for emergency distress (100), wherein the said device (100) comprises of: a processor (102); a memory (104) comprising a set of instructions, which when executed by the processor (102) cause the processor to: process distress signals and control a transmitter; transmit distress signals over long distances; and receive a current location information from a GPS module; a laser pointer configured to beacon and identification of the transmitter; one or more buttons configured to enable a user to choose a type and severity of the emergency; at least two buttons configured to send custom messages in morse code, wherein the two buttons comprise of a dot and a dash; and an omnidirectional antenna configured to enhance a transmission range of distress signals.

2. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein processing of the distress signals is done by a Raspberry Pi Pico processor, wherein the Raspberry Pi Pico is configured to encode GPS location data and custom messages into morse code for transmission.

3. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a rugged and waterproof housing to protect a plurality of internal components from environmental elements.

4. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a secure encryption sub-system to ensure confidentiality and integrity of distress messages transmitted via morse code.

5. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an interface with an LCD screen to display relevant information and status updates.

6. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a mechanism to toggle between automatic distress signal transmission mode and manual distress signal transmission mode.

7. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a detachable lanyard or a strap to prevent accidental drops and facilitate carrying and handling of the transmitter during distress situations.

8. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device is equipped with a two-way communication feature, enabling rescuers to send acknowledgment signals or instructions back to the distressed user.

9. A method (300) for emergency distress (100), wherein the said method (300) comprises of: activating distress signal transmitter; obtaining a current location information of the distress signal transmitter from a GPS; selecting a distress signal type and severity using one or more buttons; encoding the location information and distressing signal type into morse code; initiating transmission of the distress signal, including the encoded location information and distress signal type, using omnidirectional antenna; and emitting visual distress signals with the laser pointer for facilitating identification by rescuers and drones.

10. The method (300) as claimed in claim 9, comprising: activating a custom message transmission mode using one or more buttons; entering a custom distress message using morse code; encoding the custom distress message into morse code; and transmitting the custom distress message using omnidirectional antenna.